In-FO_Winter_2020

2020 has been a year like no other and the COVID-19 pandemic has presented challenges across all parts of our society, most particularly to those families across our district who have been personally impacted by the virus. I was honoured to take up post as Chief Executive of Fermanagh and Omagh District Council on 1 February but I did not anticipate then, that the focus of the Council’s efforts would move so quickly to planning for and working through the pandemic. The Council’s emergency arrangements, which UHPDLQ OLYH ZHUH RIĆFLDOO\ êVWRRG XSë RQ 0DUFK and at all times, our response has been governed by public health advice. Throughout this period, RXU VWDII WHDP KDV EHHQ SDUWLFXODUO\ ćH[LEOH ensuring that our essential services have been delivered with minimal disruption as well as working directly on our community response and business recovery initiatives. I would like to thank you for your unwavering support and for your messages Chief Executive’s Message of appreciation for Council staff, particularly those in frontline services, which were gratefully received. I hope this edition of in-FO gives \RX D ćDYRXU RI VRPH RI WKH &RXQFLOèV activities and how we have worked with partners in government departments, the voluntary and community sector and businesses, to do our best for the district in these most challenging of times. We truly are Stronger Together. Please continue to heed public health advice in relation to COVID-19 and please support our local businesses. I wish you all a happy and most especially safe and healthy Christmas and New Year. Alison McCullagh Chief Executive Welcome 3 www. fermanaghomagh .com Welcome to the Winter 2020 edition of in-FO. 7KH ZRUOG KDV XQGHUJRQH VLJQLĆFDQW FKDQJH VLQFH March of this year. The COVID-19 pandemic presented unprecedented challenges both locally and globally and these continue today. In rising to the challenges, I have been overwhelmed by the response from people across the district. The Council has worked in partnership with community, sporting and voluntary groups to provide support and assistance where it was needed, demonstrating clearly that we are stronger together and, moving forward, that same sense of togetherness and partnership will greatly help us as a district to recover. I would like to thank frontline staff across all sectors who played such a key role in the delivery of essential services ensuring little or no disruption to services. At this time, I would urge you to continue to stay local and support local to ensure that businesses which provide vital employment and contribute VLJQLĆFDQWO\ WR WKH ORFDO HFRQRP\ UHPDLQ YLDEOH Many of these businesses have VLJQHG XS WR WKH &RQĆGHQFH Mark by implementing new work practices to ensure that staff and customers feel safe to return. The Council is focussed on providing strong civic leadership by empowering and supporting local businesses and communities in the recovery of the district. Information on what the Council has done and is doing to support communities and businesses at this time, is included in this edition. In concluding, I would urge you to continue to follow the guidance regarding the restrictions in place to stop the spread of COVID-19 and above all, please stay safe. Councillor Chris Smyth Chairman Chairman’s Foreword This magazine is available in alternative formats on request. Requests can be made to the Marketing team. All information is correct at time of going to print, however, may be subject to change.