Necarne Castle RMG12
WITH the deadline for expressions of interests for Irvinestown’s Necarne Estate now closed, local people are waiting to find out what will happen to the 228 acre estate.
The Ad Hoc Saving Necarne Group, has been set up aims to ensure that the public benefits from Necarne’s facilities. The group have called for the taxpayers money already invested in Necarne, to benefit the communities surrounding the estate and are holding a protest for this cause.
The Saving Necarne protest will be held tomorrow (Saturday, October 1st) and will consist of a horse ride, cycle or run for local needs at 2.30pm, starting from Hollyhill Car Park, Enniskillen.
Diane Little, co-ordinator of the Ad Hoc Saving Necarne Group, believes the council should put the community first when deciding the fate of Necarne.
“We are very concerned about the process of the tenders. At least £4 million of public funds has been spent for the maintenance of Necarne, and this money should not be used to support a private investment, who are hoping to make a profit. The council should be meeting the needs of the public, and spending public funds on the community. Necarne estate could offer equine therapy which would be a massive benefit for those with autism or any other special need sufferers in Fermanagh.
The group has recently set up a Facebook page called “Saving Necarne” and within the last few days the page has over 1,000 likes. The Group believes that Necarne should be used as a social enterprise or by a community trust.
“Necarne should be used for the community, incorporating equine, along with health and well being, not for a private investment. There are so many good things that could happen with Necarne, as the facilities could be used by the members of the public to walk and run,” added Ms Little.
Fermanagh and Omagh District Council has said that “Expressions of Interest for the lease of Necarne Estate closed at 12 noon, Friday September 16th. A report will be brought to the October meeting of the council’s policy and resources committee with a list of expressions of interest received for council members’ consideration. The outcome of the assessment process will be reported in due course once complete.”
Police are advising motorists that there will be some traffic disruption tomorrow afternoon from around 2.30pm until 4pm and to seek an alternative route.
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