Fermanagh Council spent nearly £4m less than planned


FERMANAGH and Omagh District Council has almost £4 million in reserve despite constant rate hikes and some underwhelming public services lately. During the recent monthly meeting of the Council’s Policy and Resources Committee, it was revealed that the total net operating expenditure was £39.4m against a planned budget of £43.3m for 2023-24. Councillor Mark Ovens said that […]

Staff shortages’ hit GP services in Fermanagh


FEARS have grown for GP services in Enniskillen after a voice message left residents worried that they will not be seen by doctors. The voice message on Lakeside Medical Practice at the Erne Health Centre in Enniskillen explained that ‘staff shortages’ would now affect ‘routine appointments’ there. “If you have a genuine medical emergency such as chest pain, stroke […]

Experiencing yoga inside the Marble Arch Caves


THE downward dog is extraordinary when it is performed in the oldest yoga studio in the world. I had the opportunity to take part in a physical, mental, and spiritual practice hidden beneath the mountains and woodlands of west Fermanagh in a magical world of caverns, sinkholes and underground rivers. The Marble Arch Caves let people explore these areas whilst […]

Fermanagh animal sanctuary ‘full to capacity’


A LEADING animal welfare group in Fermanagh has said they’re on the brink of a major crisis after they were ‘inundated with kittens’ being abandoned throughout the county. Bright Eyes Animal Sanctuary was called to Lisnaskea to provide life-saving care and attention to three kittens that were left abandoned behind a coal bunker in the town. A […]

Country music star Declan Nerney set for Enniskillen


THE Ardhowen Theatre in Enniskillen is expected to be a sell-out when the award-winning Country music star Declan Nerney rolls into town. The Fermanagh venue recently confirmed that 65-year-old Declan Nerney is set to headline a major concert and excitement is already building as ‘The Wee Man from Drumlish’ prepares to stop off in Enniskillen. […]

Fermanagh in a spin over roundabout maintenance


COUNCILLORS at the local council were left going around in circles during a discussion on who is responsible for the maintenance of roundabouts – the Department for Infrastructure (DfI), or the Council itself. The issue was raised by Ulster Unionist Councillor Mark Ovens, who said he noted the current state of roundabouts in the district […]

Fermanagh and Omagh Council reduces electricity costs


THE cost of electricity and heating at premises operated by Fermanagh and Omagh District Council fell by £1.1 million in the year to March 31st, 2024, according to the latest figures released by the local government organisation. Statistics produced as part of the Council’s management accounts show that the costs incurred in electricity were estimated […]

COLUMN: ‘Sorry for your loss’ isn’t enough


I HAVE a friend who is English and he often says that he does not understand what he considers Irish people’s obsession with wakes and funerals. He thinks that we overdo the whole death thing and he is much more in favour of the low-key, private way that the English deal with death. He may […]