PEOPLE IN Irvinestown have voiced their fears about the future of the Necarne estate following news that a similar equestirian centre at Ecclesville, Fintona, is the subject of a consulation meeting.
A public meeting was held last autum to discuss the future for Necare but local people say there has been no further progress.
Members of the public are invited to attend the public consultation, which has been organised by Outdoor Recreation NI on behalf of Fermanagh and Omagh District Council to provide an indication of how Ecclesville Forest is currently being used and to seek their views to assist in the development of a strategy to plan the future use of the Forest and its role in the local community.
However, Jenny Irvine, of the Arc Healthy Living Centre in Irvinestown pointed out that there were were concerns about what might be happening to Necarne and the proposed plans for the future.
She said, “The meeting we had in October was a positive one when we viewed a presentation from a private concern, but we expected another consultation with the council at this point.”
Paul Cassidy, who is the treasurer of the Irvinestown Community Partnership, said that a vision of what Necarne could look like had been seen, but there was nothing over the line at this stage.
“Our main concern is that there would be no public access because we feel Necarne behind closed door would benefit no one.
He went on, “The proposal we saw included building lodges and having activities and outdoor pursuits and generally everyone was impressed, but I think we need to hear and have a presentation from the council.
Meanwhile, ORNI Development Officer, Gemma Lyttle, described the public consultation meeting in Fintona as a “great opportunity” for people to tell the organisation on how they use the green space and what their aspirations are for the forest in the future.
The meeting takes place on Thursday 1 February 2018 from 7pm – 9 pm.
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