Protesters at the Necarne Rally going past the Diamond in Enniskillen on Saturday bmcb26
HORSES took to the streets of Enniskillen during the weekend as part of a public protest over the future of the Necarne Estate near Irvinestown.
The horses and riders assembled at Holyhill carpark, and rode through the town in protest of the prospect of the estate being sold by the council to a private company.
The protest urged Fermanagh and Omagh District Council to consider the publics needs when deciding on the future use for the facility.
Diane Little, co-ordinator of the Ad Hoc Saving Necarne Group is urging the council to listen to the group and support community needs.
“It was excellent to see all the horses going through the town and all the shoppers coming out to see the horses at the protest. It is important that the council listens to our cause. This is a non- binding process so the council does not have to adopt any of the expressions of interest, so they have time to listen and do the right thing.”
The Necarne Equestrian Centre used to host Riding for the Disabled and was home to top class equine facilities. Today the centre is not in use and the indoor arena complex has been mothballed. The council has not yet decided on the fate of Necarne.
The Fermanagh and Omagh District Council has responded to the ‘Saving Necarne’ Facebook page by saying, “Necarne Estate is currently leased by the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) which has indicated it does not have a long-term need for the venue and is content for the council to seek alternative uses for the facility.
“In an effort to secure a long-term sustainable use for the facility, Fermanagh and Omagh District Council recently invited expressions of interest from interested parties regarding the lease of Necarne. This was a publicly advertised open process, whereby submissions were welcome from all sectors – public, private and the community and voluntary.
Expressions of interest submitted to the Council will be assessed through due process with a report presented to the council once complete. The council cannot consider any other options regarding the use of Necarne Estate while this process is ongoing.”
To read more.. Subscribe to current edition
Receive quality journalism wherever you are, on any device. Keep up to date from the comfort of your own home with a digital subscription.
Any time | Any place | Anywhere