Kinarla Lough Action Group which includes around 60 residents are completely against the new development and describes the area as ‘a beautiful hidden gem.’ The petition has 327 supporters, and one concerned resident told the Herald, 

“The lake has already been slowly disappearing, and it is now going to be surrounded by houses. We are worried that the waste, and construction in the area will further destroy the lake. I got involved because I grew up in this area, and I saw what it was compared to what it has become.”

The petition outlines a number of reasons why the Kinarla residents group is objecting to the development including destruction of wildlife and air pollution. 

“Kinarla Lough and its surrounding areas are home to a number of different animals and bird life. Neglect on Kinarla Lough has already seen a reduction in the number of swans in the area. 87 new homes bringing additional cars impact on the quality of our air. Fermanagh doesn’t have an air quality assessment so we have no way of knowing if our air is already of a good standard.”

The group are also concerned that the added number of houses, will increase traffic in an already congested part of town. “Adding more vehicles travelling into Enniskillen in this area without any planning or investment in adapting our roads to meet this additional pressure is not acceptable.”

Developers Ross Planning made the application to Fermanagh and Omagh District Council, and the residents group is waiting an outcome.