THE SLICK new council logo and branding, which cost almost £5,000 has received a mixed response after its grand unveiling this week.
The new logo and branding for the Fermanagh and Omagh District Council was launched simultaneously in Enniskillen’s Ardhowen Theatre and Omagh’s Strule Arts Centre on Monday morning
The purple branding, which features the Irish and English language will become a familiar sight on local council, vehicles, buildings and publications and was designed by Marcus Isherwood and his team at Creative Media NI in Omagh.
The design for the new logo and branding from Creative Media NI cost £2,975, with roughly £2,000 on top of this going towards the video shown at the launch, which was produced by South West College.
According to Omagh SDLP councillor Joanne Donnelly Creative Media NI initially presented three designs to councillors and the designers later produced around 27 concepts for the logo before coming to an agreement after roughly two months. The councillor said the matter was debated three times before an agreement was secured.
Deputy presiding councillor Debbie Coyle explained how it all came about. “The development of a logo and brand for the new council was part of our preparations. A new corporate identity will enable the residents of the district, as well as other stakeholders, to identify with the new organisation. It will help to recognise and understand what the Council does and it will be used to identify Council facilities and services. The logo will now be seen on signage, marking the boundary of the new district as well as on Council-owned buildings and facilities. It will also be used on Council vehicles and on literature.”
Presiding councillor Thomas O’Reilly spoke of his delight at the final design agreed.
“We wanted a brand which would be distinctive and which would reflect what we consider is important for the new Council. We recognise the uniqueness of our heritage and natural environment, and value our community. The logo combines these elements to create a strong visual identity.
However, outgoing Fermanagh District Council chairman Bert Johnston was less than impressed with the new design.
“It wouldn’t switch me on now or get me excited about it. I mean when you take the (Fermanagh District Council logo) Lion it looks more prestigious, but then again that’s what they have decided.”
So far the logo has also received a mixed response on social media with one local person suggesting the new design is ‘like an old style carpet beater’, while another said it resembles the Olympics symbol. Green Party election candidate Tanya Jones commented: “Underwhelmed is the word, I think.”
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