The Courthouse Kesh, Limited – Rural Basic Services Scheme

Rural Basic Services Scheme

Address: 45 Main Street, Kesh, Enniskillen

Funding: £250,000.00

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 the Courthouse Kesh Limited.

Project Summary

The Courthouse Kesh Limited as community organisation aim to improve the quality of life of the local population by regenerating the area through the provision of social and physical services, infrastructural improvements, and opportunities for economic development. Their vision is to help all in the community by providing the best possible services in a loving and caring way.

Driven by this aim, the organisation sought funding under the Northern Ireland Rural Development Programme via the Rural Basic Services Scheme towards the redevelopment of the old courthouse site to become a basic services hub with a social inclusion focus. An application was submitted to their local LAG, Fermanagh and Omagh Local Action Group Limited in September 2018.

Background

The Courthouse, originally built in 1908 and closed in the mid 1970’s, had been at the centre of the community in Kesh since 2002 hosting Saturday morning coffee drop-in sessions and parish events. The facility was hired by several service providers including Alcoholics Anonymous, North Fermanagh Rangers and the Women’s Institute. However, with limited use and in deteriorating condition, The Courthouse Kesh Limited realised that the building had to close in 2014 as it was deemed unfit for continued use. Options were then considered for its replacement with a purpose-built new centre.

With the completed design, all approvals in place and a contractor appointed, the construction project commenced in October 2018 and completion was achieved in October 2019 with a total capital cost of £360,403.87.

Activities

The Courthouse Kesh Limited was awarded £250,000.00 to carry out the major capital rebuild with the centre providing four meetings rooms, an open area for social drop-in interaction, a coffee dock/tea bar outlet, an exhibition space, a tourist information point and a permanent base for the Share Ardess Food Bank which has been in operation since 2011.

Benefits

The official opening of the The Courthouse took place on 31st January 2020 revealing a state-of-the-art community facility that is a hub for activities and services for the local community.

The building was designed as a facility to address the needs of the local community in improving health, education and employability skills by providing help with addiction issues; acting as a base for a foodbank to support those in need; and provision of meeting space for workshops, networking events, training seminars and craft activities. Health and well-being, pharmacy awareness services and issues in lone working are particularly popular topics and the sessions are well attended.

This new centre undoubtedly enables The Courthouse Kesh Limited to expand the range of services provision to a wider audience and encourages further interaction aiding the sustainability of the services hub.

With the centre providing a base for Share Ardess, this community-based scheme provides essential services directly into the community including social drop-in, handyman services, a food bank, financial management advice and a wellbeing calling service