Council to mark 10-Year Anniversary with series of special recognition events.

Fermanagh and Omagh District Council is set to mark its 10-year anniversary with a series of special events to acknowledge the significant contributions of communities, partner organisations, Elected Members and Council staff in improving the wellbeing of its citizens and wider District over the past decade.

Established on 01 April 2015 as part of Local Government Reform, Fermanagh and Omagh District Council has worked in partnership with others to advocate for and improve the social, economic and environmental wellbeing of the District.

Reflecting on the significant milestone, Chair of Fermanagh and Omagh District Council, Councillor John McClaughry, said,
“Since 2015, Fermanagh and Omagh District Council has been the voice of the area, delivering high quality services, supporting communities and enabling multi million pound investment in infrastructure across the District to enhance the wellbeing of residents.

Our Council embraced its new powers and responsibilities, and were the first Council in Northern Ireland to publish its Local Development Plan, Plan Strategy. The Council has led the development of the first Community Plan for the District, working in collaboration with our community and business partners to deliver on the vision of a welcoming, shared and inclusive Fermanagh and Omagh District, where people and places are healthy, safe connected and prosperous, and where our outstanding natural, built and cultural heritage is cherished and sustainably managed.

The past decade has of course seen significant challenges – COVID-19, economic downturns, and fluctuating government funding – but our commitment to delivering high-quality services remains unwavering. With careful financial planning and partnership working, the Council has supported communities and in 2024 was the first Council in Northern Ireland to launch a 10-year anti-poverty strategy, providing targeted support for the most disadvantaged.

The Council has delivered public realm improvements in Enniskillen and Omagh, revitalisation programmes in villages across the District, transformed Gortin Glen Forest Park into a must visit destination and Enniskillen Workhouse into a business enterprise and heritage hub. We have prioritised tourism initiatives and product development and have proudly supported a whole variety of events right across the district.
Millions of pounds have been awarded to community groups across the District through the Council’s grants programmes and to upgrade playparks to Gold and Silver standard, increasing accessibility.

Over one thousand businesses have benefited from our business support programmes, hundreds of new jobs have been created and we have identified opportunities to develop new skills to meet market demands.

We’re also working to protect and enhance the environment, launching a 10 year climate change and sustainable development strategy in 2020; reducing carbon emissions from the Council fleet and estate and managing more than 160 hectares of land for biodiversity.
Looking ahead, the Council is focussed on continuing to support our residents and communities, promote shared prosperity across the District, meet the challenges of climate change and ensure the Council as an organisation is agile, effective and efficient.

Throughout the anniversary year, a series of events will celebrate “10 Years, One Voice” in Fermanagh and Omagh and the exceptional contributions of local communities, Elected Members and Council staff. These events will provide an opportunity to reflect on the progress made, recognise individual and collective achievements, and to look ahead,” concluded Councillor McClaughry.