Play_Park_Strategy_2021-2030

outside of the two main population centres (Enniskillen and Omagh). The area is intersected by Lough Erne giving rise to further issues in terms of travel times and distances across the district which also has a limited public transport network. The district has a low population density and high levels of isolation with 38 people per km² and with five of the most remote wards in Northern Ireland. Currently, approximately 16% of the population is aged 65 years or older. This is projected to increase to 22% by 2030. Conversely, the number of children (aged 15 years or younger) and the number of working age people (16-64 years) are projected to fall. The projected population of young people aged 0-14 years by 2030 being 21,680, a drop from an estimated 25,143 in 2019. 24 These demographic changes are not necessarily unique to Fermanagh and Omagh, but are a change from what has been experienced over the past 30 years. The urban/rural profile of the district is not showing any signs of significant change. The number of households has grown in the Council area, particularly in rural areas. The population of households classified as single person has also been increasing and currently sits above 25%. Socio-Economic profile of the Fermanagh and Omagh District Council area The Fermanagh and Omagh District is the largest geographically of all 11 Council districts in Northern Ireland, covering 3,000km². It also has the smallest population (116,289 in 2017), with over 65% of the population living Over four out of five households have access to a car or a van. This is in excess of the Northern Ireland average. Hypertension and obesity are the two most common health issues, with 141 out of every 1,000 patients and 124 out of every 1,000 patients respectively receiving treatment from their GP. In addition, childhood obesity is high, with 6% of Primary 1 age children classed as obese, rising to 8% of children in Year 8. Mental health is also a common health issue, albeit complex to measure. Current statistics show that 189 out of every 1,000 patients are prescribed treatment for mood or anxiety.