In recent months, the Council had been in the process of seeking a suitable candidate for the lease of the Estate. 

Six expressions of interest were submitted and the Council decided to engage with Gardrum Holdings Ltd.

Members of the Saving Necarne Group have been protesting to ensure the estate remains a public asset. 

The estate is currently open to members of the public who wish to walk there, and the Council aims to retain this right to walk even if a lease is agreed.

Fermanagh and Omagh District Council recently confirmed “that currently, there are no public rights of way asserted in Necarne Estate, Irvinestown.”

“We would like to clarify that people are welcome to walk in the estate. Necarne Estate remains open to walkers.

When the estate was leased to the former Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (DARD) the Council ensured that the estate remained open to the public for the purpose of walking. Should new management arrangements emerge in the future the Council will ensure that the right for the public to walk in the park is retained.”

While Fermanagh and Omagh District Council have acknowledged the use of Necarne estate by walkers, the Saving Necarne group, who have been campaigning against the commercial lease, are sceptical. 

A spokesman said “The expression of interest terms stated – No commitment to any events. This could be a group of runners and many other needs in Necarne. In September 2016, the Council admit that the property is extensively used by walkers on a daily basis but that use will be up to what ever a bidder wants to implement.”