FODC_Inform News_Winter 2022

It is perhaps natural as we come nearer to Christmas that we take the opportunity to reflect on the year which has passed. From a Council perspective, it has been a busy year, and this edition of in-FO provides a snapshot of some of our projects, business support initiatives and updates on the progress of our Local Development and Place Shaping Plans. The Council has placed a particular emphasis on sustainability and environmental protection, and in this context the launch of our Biodiversity Strategy earlier this year was an important milestone. Work continues on implementing environmental initiatives throughout the District, and I would like to thank the many community groups, schools and residents who work with us to protect our landscape and natural environment. This time of year also marks the formal commencement of the Council’s budget setting process. The Council is not immune to financial pressures and while these inevitably mean that we will have to do things differently, we are working to minimise impacts on our services and residents. Chief Executive’s Message This edition is the last of the current mandate of Fermanagh and Omagh District Council which comes to an end with the local government elections currently scheduled for May 2023. I would take this opportunity to thank and recognise the contribution of all Councillors who have served during this mandate, to remember the late Cllr Sean Donnelly who died last year, and to acknowledge those former Councillors who have moved to pastures new. Thanks to my Council colleagues for their support, commitment and dedication in what has been a very challenging year, and on behalf of all Council staff, I would like to wish everyone a peaceful Christmas and happy New Year. Alison McCullagh Chief Executive Welcome 3 www. fermanaghomagh .com I was privileged to become Chair / Cathaoirleach of the Council in June of this year. Since then I have thoroughly enjoyed visiting every part of the Council area and meeting residents, businesses, sporting clubs and community organisations. We have much to be proud of as a District. Just recently the Fermanagh and Omagh Council area was rated the happiest place regionally to live. We face many challenges also in these testing times on the economic front, in relation to our health service and rising energy, fuel and food costs. This edition provides an overview of some of the Council’s recent investment across the District and reiterates our commitment to revitalise our open spaces. It is a real priority for us to enhance facilities and to encourage people to enjoy the outdoors for improved health and wellbeing. My “Tea with the Chair” initiative has enabled me to invite a wide variety of people into the Grange and the Townhall to hear at first-hand what matters most to them, and how the Council might be able to provide some assistance. The cost-of-living crisis as well as the cost of doing business is having a huge impact on everyone, including families and households. I would encourage you to support local businesses when and where you can. The Council has recently allocated £250,000 to fund a series of supports from Community Advice to Heat Support and Foodbank schemes. We hope this will make a positive difference in our District, particularly to those most in need. As we approach the Christmas season, I would like to take this opportunity, on behalf of all our Councillors and Staff to wish to you a Happy Christmas / Nollaig Shona daoibh go léir and a Happy New Year. Councillor Barry McElduff Chair of Fermanagh and Omagh District Council Chair’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.