Lisnaskea man says help is needed for mental health


THOSE in charge of mental health services must make sure they are really taking the time to listen to those who come forward seeking help, instead of “just ticking boxes.” That’s the vital message from a well-known local man who himself has experienced first-hand the powerful impact of “being heard” when going through his own struggles. Stephen Carters, a former Lisnaskea […]


SOAS seeks meeting with NI Health Minister Robin Swann


NEWLY re-appointed Health Minister Robin Swann has been urged to commit to restoring emergency general surgery (EGS) at the SWAH. Campaign group Save Our Acute Services has already written to Minister Swann requesting an urgent meeting on the situation. The decision by the Western Trust to withdraw the EGS service at the Enniskillen hospital was announced a […]


Work on new Lisnaskea health centre due to begin


TWO decades after first being proposed, work is finally due to begin on a new health centre for Lisnaskea this summer. However, with the estimated cost of the state-of-the-art building now almost twice originally anticipated, fresh approval will be needed before the project can begin. Having first being proposed in the early 2000s, and with plans progressing […]


Plans lodged for two housing developments in Fermanagh


PLANS are in progress for another two major housing developments in the county, one in Enniskillen and another in Letterbreen, which if planned will see hundreds of new homes coming onto the local market. However, while the latest proposals for much-needed new homes in the county will be generally welcomed, particularly by locals hoping to get on […]


Fermanagh farmers fears over new minister


THERE is a feeling of fear among Fermanagh farmers following Saturday’s appointment of Andrew Muir as the Minister at the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA). The Alliance MLA has no direct farming experience, and his party has already indicated it will be prioritising the environmental side of the departmental portfolio. While this should […]


Families clock up thousands of miles on road to Derry


FERMANAGH families are clocking up thousands of miles each, and are forking hundreds of pounds in the midst of a cost of living crisis, travelling to Derry with their loved ones who require treatment at Altnagelvin Hospital. For example, two local siblings told the Herald they have recently travelled well over 2,000 miles and have spent almost […]


Belcoo man settles age discrimination case


A BELCOO man has settled his age discrimination case against his former employer, after he challenged a decision to make him redundant. Seamus Gillespie, who was sales manager with bakery company WD Irwin and Sons Ltd, recently agreed to settle his case against the company for £75,000, with no admission of liability by the company. […]


Celebrating ancient crafts in honour of St Brigid


IT MAY not be a bank holiday on this side of the border, but communities across Fermanagh are preparing to mark St Brigid’s Day tomorrow (Thursday), a national feast with orgins long pre-dating even the Christian saint it celebrates. In schools and homes across the county and its surrounding areas this week, hands will be busy making the traditional crosses […]