Council Chair recognises Young Achievers in the District

The Chair of Fermanagh and Omagh District Council, Councillor Errol Thompson, recently visited schools in each of the Council’s 7 District Electoral Areas to present a native tree whip to recognise the contribution that our young people make to the District.

Each year the Chair and Vice Chair of the Council host an event to recognise young people who have displayed significant achievement bringing recognition to themselves and their families, schools and clubs as well as to the Council area.  Due to Covid-19, the event could not take place in 2020 and 2021 so it was agreed that each school in the District would be given a native tree whip.

Speaking about the initiative, the Chair, Councillor Errol Thompson, stated “Despite the restrictions imposed by Covid-19, our young people excelled in many areas including sport, education, community service and fundraising and this is to be admired.  Our young people positively contribute to the social infrastructure and vibrancy of our District and they are our future, therefore, it is important that we encourage and support them to achieve their full potential so they can continue to make a positive difference.

I would also like to acknowledge my predecessors, Councillor Diana Armstrong and Councillor John Coyle who proposed this initiative for the 2021-2022 year as Chair and Vice Chair respectively.”

The supply of native trees to schools supports both the Council’s Draft Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan and its Climate Change and Sustainability Strategy whereby the Council has committed to take action to address the impact of climate change through carbon sequestration by increasing native tree cover across the District, also ensuring that our natural environment is cherished, sustainably managed and appropriately accessible.

It is hoped that the traditional format of the Young Achievers event will return this year in May 2022.