Promising start for new Lisnaskea women’s group


THE ‘Erne East Empowering Women Group’ is a new initiative set-up to give women the opportunity to become “more involved and active” within their local communities.  Speaking to the Herald, group member Caroline Rice said, “We aim to provide informative talks with opportunities for discussions around social, health, mental health and any other concerns women […]

‘Lives will be lost because of faulty road markings’


FADED road markings and signs giving “false information” could easily result in deaths on our roads, according to a driving instructor who has called on the Department of Infrastructure (DoI) to take immediate action before “minor injuries become major fatalities.” But despite this warning and the Herald trying on a number of occasions to contact […]

New improved boardwalk is already under water


AS if weather conditions weren’t bad enough, Fermanagh folk may have to swap their umbrella’s for armbands, as the council’s new £180,000 Enniskillen boardwalk appears to be a sunk-cost in more ways than one! The refurbishment project was put in place to upgrade the existing timber boardwalk which spans beneath Inis Ceithleann and East Bridges. […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

County Buildings reopens as transformed ‘services hub’


THE County Buildings in Enniskillen’s East Bridge Street are to reopen with a customer focused hub designed to make it easier to access FODC (Fermanagh and Omagh District Council) services. The public building will open in Enniskillen, on Monday 24 February after a  lengthy period of refurbishment. The Enniskillen ‘Connect Centre’ and a number of […]