Ederney Village Renewal Project

Context

The Fermanagh and Omagh Local Action Group (FOLAG) is the body responsible for the administration of Priority 6 (LEADER) of the Northern Ireland Rural Development Programme 2014-2020 in the Fermanagh and Omagh district. The Rural Development Programme is funded by the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) and the European Union. There are nine other LAGs also responsible for administering Priority 6 across Northern Ireland.

The FOLAG, which comprises of 11 elected representatives nominated by Fermanagh and Omagh District Council and 13 Social Partners, is responsible for administering a project budget allocation of £7.4 million to administer the strategic objectives set out in our approved Local Rural Development Strategy. This budget is being used to support a range of projects across a number of Schemes including Rural Business Investment, Rural Basic Services, Village Renewal and Cooperation.

The LAG is committed to building a strong, vibrant and resourceful rural economy through positive intervention and by supporting rural initiatives.

Today we showcase the success of Ederney Village Renewal Project.

Project Summary

Fermanagh and Omagh District Council is leading the Village Renewal Scheme included within the Fermanagh and Omagh Local Action Group Interim Strategy under the Northern Ireland Rural Development Programme 2014-2020.

This project was identified within the Council agreed Ederney and Lack Integrated Village Action Plan, which aims to improve the quality of life of the local population and contribute to the social, economic and environmental sustainability of the village.

Fermanagh and Omagh District Council sought funding under the Northern Ireland Rural Development Programme via the Village Renewal Scheme and an application was submitted to Fermanagh and Omagh Local Action Group in December 2017.

Background

Ederney is a small village along the Fermanagh-Tyrone border in North Fermanagh which has a strong economic and sporting links to West Tyrone. The community in Ederney are committed to promoting development and building cross-community cohesion through various initiatives and have a very strong sense of identity and community spirit throughout the population.

Following consultation with the local community, Fermanagh and Omagh District Council identified an overgrown site in the heart of Ederney village and as such a project was embarked upon to deliver site improvement works to create an area that was safe and accessible to all communities within the village.

Activities

Fermanagh and Omagh District Council was awarded £50,000.00 to develop 1km of walkway, construct an outdoor seating area, create a green wall of gabions, sow a wildflower meadow and insert a toposcope and signage.

Benefits

The Ederney Village Renewal Project has created a great sense of community pride within the village. All age groups are making use of the new development and are benefiting from the fantastic views on the walkway. The developments have had a positive impact on the health and wellbeing of those that live in the village. The new signage also encourages users to investigate further trails within the village.

In addition, the project has enabled a variety of ecological biodiversity and environmental programmes to be run in partnership with local schools and children’s groups encouraging young people to explore the outdoors which undoubtedly benefits their mental health and well-being.

Lessons

The delivery of the project has been a huge success throughout the village and that the community is amazed at the beauty of the landscape along the walkway and the peaceful atmosphere in the middle of a busy town. Now that the walkway is complete, local people and visitors alike can experience the nature and wildlife along with the boost to their health and well-being. The success of the project was due to the continuing efforts of the local community, their cooperation throughout the development of the project and their contribution and effort when the Council consulted with them.