WHEN people think of Fermanagh’s beautiful landscape they usually conjure images of lakes and forests, or the caves and Cuilcagh. A turf bog wouldn’t normally be what first comes to mind. Thanks to the creative thinking of a Belleek family, however, scores of foreign tourists have been leaving the county with memories of not only […]
Minister defends rates as pressure mounts on businesses
IN a recent discussion over business rates, Finance Minister, Conor Murphy has defended the rates review, and stated his determination to bring about the fairest possible rates, ensuring that the Executive would “support people in business.” Despite this claim by Mr Murphy, business owners across the county may have their doubts given that the Land […]
Caught on camera… Fermanagh now gets its own TV ad
FERMANAGH is to get its own TV ad as part of a new spring tourism campaign. In the past Fermanagh has featured, very briefly, in other TV tourism advertisements, such as a campaign in recent years by Discover Northern Ireland in recent years. Now local tourist marketing body, Fermanagh Lakeland Tourism (FLT), is to produce […]
Motorists warned of ‘landslide’ threat at Carrybridge
CONCERNS for the safety of drivers travelling on the Inishmore Road near Carrybridge have been raised. A call for drivers to exercise caution come in the wake of relentless bad weather and a ‘landslide’ on the verge of the road which runs close to the River Erne waterside at Carrybridge. Local businessman Robbie McClean spoke […]
Local secondaries soar but no grammars make top 30
LOCAL secondary schools here continue perform well with eight schools appearing in the top 50 non-grammar school exam performance league tables. Grammar schools here, however, did not perform as well with not one Fermanagh school featuring in the North’s top 30 schools for A level results. Statistics from the Summary of Annual Examination Results, presented […]
Local busker is blown away by surprise on Nolan Show
IT was a night to remember for John Garrity, who not only appeared on the Nolan Show but was surprised on stage by music giant, Steve Garrigan from Irish band, Kodaline. The following morning, the Trillick singer-songwriter spoke to the Herald of his “disbelief” over the events that had taken place. “I just can’t believe […]
Major new Enniskillen retail complex plan forging ahead
PLANS to transform the shopping landscape with a new retail complex in Enniskillen appear to be progressing. A sign has been erected advertising a major retail and leisure park “commencing shortly” off the Cornagrade Road. A proposal for the development of ‘Lakelands retail and leisure park’ is currently out for consultation, with planning permission pending […]
New housing plans for Donagh welcomed as demand on rise
DONAGH could be in line for a boost to its residential housing, that is if planners give the go ahead for 10 new houses. A planning application has been submitted for the development of new houses on the Moorlough Road close to the village. The applicant, Newpark Homes Ltd propose the development of a mix […]
Trust fails to explain huge underspend on mental health
A CASE of “post-code lottery” could be the reason why accessing mental health counselling is “nearly impossible” for people across Fermanagh. Sara Boyce from the PPR (participation and practice of rights) confirmed that only 70% of GP practices offer in-house counselling within the Western Trust area, with the percentage for Fermanagh even lower. Speaking to […]
Last orders… are rural pubs in terminal decline?
COULD there be a slow death of rural pubs on the horizon? Figures released by ‘Hospitality Ulster’ would certainly suggest so. There are now around 40 fewer pubs in Fermanagh and Omagh than there was back in 2001, with around 450 jobs in pubs and bars across the area showing a 25.0% decrease since 2001 […]