Mary Lou says planning for a united Ireland must begin


A public discussion on rural health and care took place last night at 7pm in the Westville Hotel, as part of Sinn Féin’s ongoing Commission on the Future of Ireland. Sinn Féin president Mary Lou McDonald addressed the meeting, emphasising the need for immediate preparation, stating: “The planning for a united Ireland must happen now.” […]

Concerns growing over VAT difference
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THE hospitality industry in Fermanagh fears that the “unique circumstances” of its make-up on the border could have a detrimental impact on its future. It was recently confirmed that Value Added Tax (VAT) in the Republic of Ireland will be at 13-per-cent for the coming year, with the same charge in the North at a […]

Enniskillen town centre ‘just coping’ as fears grow


BUSINESS owners are fearing “people won’t come” to the county as major concerns are raised over the future of tourism and the industry in Fermanagh and the town centre in Enniskillen. The county’s industry is on a knife-edge as fears grow over the future of Fermanagh Lakeland Tourism and the sharp rise in National Insurance […]

Fears over future of Castle Barracks grows


COUNCIL staff based at the Castle Barracks in Enniskillen are being relocated as fears grow over the future and sustainability of one of Fermanagh’s historic buildings, the ‘Herald can reveal. It’s understood employees with the Roads’ Service are set to move to the Killyhevlin Industrial Estate, while the ‘Blue Badge’ department will be relocated to […]

MLAs focus on infrastructure, healthcare, economy in 25


THE North’s MLAs are facing scrutiny after backing a motion that will see a ten per-cent increase in the running costs of the NI Assembly, along with a pay rise for themselves. The decision, which will raise the Assembly’s operational budget from £5.7 million to £64.2 million, is set to take effect from April 2025. […]

Pat Cullen slams austerity’s impact on local services


FERMANAGH and South Tyrone MP Pat Cullen has spoken out about the significant challenges facing local education and public services, following a recent visit to St Kevin’s College in Lisnaskea. Ms Cullen, who marked five months in her new role in Westminster, highlighted the ‘disgusting’ disparity in facilities, pointing out that the school, built to […]

Overtime costs threaten future of Fishing Classic


THE future of the Fermanagh Fishing Classic is under threat after the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) withdrew funding for staff overtime due to ongoing budget pressures. Fermanagh and Omagh District Council had been informed by DAERA’s Inland Fisheries section that it could no longer provide support for the event. Minister Andrew […]

Top award for Belle Isle Estate Hotel


CELEBRATIONS were high at the recently sold Belle Isle Estate Hotel after the Lisbellaw castle was named as the ‘Intimate Wedding Venue of the Year’ at the prestigious Irish Hotel Awards. The recognition comes after it was confirmed that Belle Isle Estate Hotel has been bought by the well-known Crawford family from Lisbellaw, which now owns […]

Tax reforms could threaten Fermanagh cab industry


FERMANAGH taxi drivers have been left fearing for the future and their livelihoods after proposed reforms to taxes and VAT threaten to deeply hamper the local and national cab industry. Many households and residents are concerned over what financial changes will be implemented when UK Chancellor, Rachel Reeves, sets out her next budget plans on […]