THE chairman of Fermanagh and Omagh District Council has vowed to continue ‘developing our niche in tourism’ as the county prepares for what could be a challenging 2025. Ulster Unionist Party councillor John McClaughry, who was elected chairman in June, said boosting tourism has been his main focus so far. “We have to keep developing […]
Fermanagh school continues ICT fundraising bid
ST Patrick’s Primary School in Derrygonnelly has expressed sincere gratitude to the local community after raising over £5,000 towards the development of a modern, fully-equipped ICT suite. The school’s ambitious fundraising drive aims to purchase 30 computers, chairs, and computer benches for its pupils, alongside upgrading lighting, heating systems, and covering installation, painting, and flooring costs. With […]
NHS pay rise proposals given tentative welcome
By Alan Rodgers STORMONT Health Minister Mike Nesbitt’s proposals on a fresh pay settlement for NHS workers have been given a guarded welcome locally. The UUP leader has offered health workers a rise in their pay which mirrors the value of increases in England. These will be implemented in two different tranches due to what Mr Nesbitt describes as ‘ongoing pressures’ […]
Green light for new £5 million school in Newtownbutler
PLANNING permission has been granted for a multi-million-pound state-of-the-art new school in Newtownbutler. After years of negotiations with the Department of Education and the CCMS, St Mary’s Primary School has secured approval for its new build, estimated to cost £5 million. Although planning permission has been approved by Fermanagh and Omagh District Council, the school […]
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 […]
Donna steps up for AWARE NI in December challenge
EVERY day this December, rain or shine, Enniskillen resident Donna McManus is lacing up her shoes and stepping out with purpose to support AWARE NI. Through her daily walks, Donna is not only promoting fitness but also raising vital awareness and funds for a cause close to her heart. “I’m doing this fundraiser because I […]
A third of households struggle in poverty
A THIRD of households in the Fermanagh and Omagh District are living in poverty, according to the latest figures from the Department for Communities. The extent of the issue was outlined at the launch of the local council’s Anti-Poverty Strategy, unveiled during a special event at the Strule Arts Centre last Thursday. The strategy aims […]
Parents still struggling as childcare costs soar
A FERMANAGH mother-of-one has said she “solely relies on our family” to provide childcare as the ongoing cost of the service worryingly soars throughout the North. An increasing number of local parents have been forced to give up work or take a break from employment as childcare costs continue to rise rapidly and have a major […]
Fermanagh families only ‘one bill away’ from poverty
By Niamh McGovern A LOCAL representative of St Vincent de Paul (SVP) has spoken of the pressures facing local families this Christmas, as demand for their services continue to rise. Martha Smyth, member of the Enniskillen Conference of SVP, shared how it can only take one bill to push a family into poverty. In the last year, […]
Enniskillen Running Club raises £8k for local charities
A LOCAL running group has fundraised an impressive total of £8,000 for local charities following two successful events. Enniskillen Running Club hosted both a 10k race earlier in the year, along with their family-favourite Spooktacular run at Halloween, gaining vital funds for charity organisations in the area. This year’s Enniskillen Spooktacular was a major success with […]