ENNISKILLEN Castle was illuminated green at the weekend, as part of a major campaign to raise awareness of a rare genetic disorder which affects one in every 10,000 children in the North, including a local boy. Fermanagh and Omagh District Council agreed to light up the popular building to mark PKU Day, an event which […]
Walkers raise health fears as dog fouling continues
DOG fouling is continuing to cause a stink across the county, with residents becoming increasingly fearful of the health dangers it poses. Areas such as the Loughshore Path at Bellanaleck, Killyfole Lake, the Broadmeadow, and athe Derrychara Playing Fields in Enniskillen have been identified by the local council as dog fouling ‘hot spots.’ Despite the […]
Pete the Puffling’s book launches at Stormont
A LOCAL children’s book with an important message has been launched at Stormont, aiming to raise awareness for a serious health condition. The book is the world’s first children’s book to help children and grandchildren gain an understanding of the effects of the terminal lung disease, pulmonary fibrosis. Through engaging storytelling and vibrant illustrations, ‘Pete […]
Missed appointments costing health service millions
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OVER 18,200 outpatient appointments were wasted in the Western Trust last year due to patients not turning up for their appointment, costing the local health service around £4 million. From April 1, 2024 to March 31, 2025 the total number of patients who did not attend their Consultant outpatient appointment, or failed to give staff sufficient […]
£17 million blow as Fermanagh visitor numbers decline
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BOOKINGS in B&Bs across Fermanagh are down by around 20 per-cent compared to last year, with rising costs and falling visitor numbers leaving many in the hospitality sector fearing for their future. According to the latest figures from the Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency (NISRA), there were 209,000 fewer overnight visitors to the county […]
Fermanagh film maker makes film on George Mitchell
ENNISKILLEN film director Trevor Birney has been lauded for his recent film celebrating one of the key architects of the Good Friday Agreement. The special 90-minute documentary explores and celebrates the life of respected and popular United States former diplomat and former Special Envoy for Northern Ireland, George Mitchell. A special celebration was held at the SSE Arena in Belfast when […]
More Fermanagh schools set for new 20mph zones
FOLLOWING successful implementions elsewhere, three more schools in Fermanagh have been announced as the next to receive 20mph speed limit zones. This initiative marks a significant step towards creating safer environments for students during school hours, addressing long-standing concerns about traffic and pedestrian safety around these schools. As part of the Department’s ongoing commitment to […]
Concern over £3m FODC Council underspend
THERE have been calls for Fermanagh and Omagh District Council to review its financial support for public services after it was revealed it spent almost £3 million less than it indented to. In the 2024/25 financial year, the total net operating expenditure for the Council was £41.4 million against a planned budget of £44.3 million. Local […]
Fermanagh mourns death of legendary songwriter
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THE Fermanagh community has been left deeply saddened following the passing of Mickey MacConnell who is recognised as one of Ireland’s finest singers and songwriters. Originally from Arney, but residing in Kerry in his later years, Mr MacConnell was a legendary figure in Irish folk music, rising to prominence when he wrote ‘Only Our Rivers […]
Consultation to permanently suspend EGS at SWAH
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A consultation to permanently remove general emergency surgery from SWAH is to launch this month. There was a unanimous decision by the Western Trust to proceed with a consultation on the permanent suspension of Emergency General Surgery at SWAH at a Western Trust meeting today. Diana Armstrong MLA has expressed her concern at today’s announcement. […]