A RURAL charity that provides support for farmers across the North is hosting a series of free workshops aimed at helping those involved with the agricultural industry deal with the mounting pressures they are facing. Veronica Morris, Rural Support chief executive, said, “The farming industry continues to face many stressful factors which are outside of their […]
Fermanagh farmers anger over inheritance tax charge
AS farmers continue to digest the inheritance tax announcement in last week’s budget, fears are growing for the entire future of the local industry. Indeed, many believe the introduction of a 20 per-cent tax on combined business and agricultural assets above £1million will spell the end of generational farming, particularly in rural parts of the North. Fermanagh and […]
‘You might as well be talking to a Martian’
TRYING to talk to Belfast-based officials about the health crisis here, or other issues impacting Fermanagh, is like talking to someone from another planet, according to those lobbying for the return of services to the county. Pauline Corrigan from Florencecourt is one of the many hard-working volunteers from the Save Our Acute Services campaign group, […]
Rural crime a ‘huge priority’ for police
RURAL thefts cost the local economy £2 million per year, according to the Justice Minister. Between June 2023 and June 2024, 399 rural crimes were reported in Fermanagh and Omagh district. Last week, police alongside partners from the Rural Crime Partnership (RCP) have launched Rural Crime Week NI 2024, hosting events across the North. The […]
Erskine vows to fight for better transport
A FERMANAGH politician has vowed to “push for more public transport links” in the county after she got a sneak look at a new multi-million pound hub in Belfast which will revitalise public transport. Fermanagh and South Tyrone MLA, Deborah Erskine, was present at the opening of the Grand Central Station in Belfast awhich is […]
Fly-tipping on the rise in Fermanagh
AS the warm weather appears, so does the rubbish. With many doing a spring clean and declutter, the rural countryside takes a hit. Many roadsides, beauty-spots and out-of-the-way areas are suffering visually and physically from the increasing blight of illegal dumping. Not only does the dumping damages the physical appeal of the rural areas effected, but […]
Fermanagh group gets £5,000 grant
A FERMANAGH non-profit organisation has said that a £5,000 grant is a ‘lifeline’ as they continue to provide a vital service to the people of the county. Fermanagh Rural Community Initiative, based on the Tempo Road in Enniskillen, is an accredited supplier of training courses and has been providing high quality training for over two decades. The […]
Rural Fermanagh folk happier and healthier
A major government report has revealed that despite all the challenges we’re still happier and healthier in Fermanagh than our urban neighbours.
Every GP practice at risk of collapsing
EVERY GP practice in Fermanagh is currently “vulnerable to a possible collapse”, with the dire situation facing local general practice only set to worsen in the months ahead. That is the stark message from Dr Paul Bradley, chairman of the South West GP Federation which represents doctors in the Fermanagh and Omagh area, who has warned urgent “action is needed now to […]
Double blow as vital rural services lost
Calls are growing for urgent action to be taken by the powers-that-be to help halt the haemorrhaging of services and protect rural communities.