FODC_in-FO winter 2024 22

Welcome Chair's Foreword Chief Executive's Message Since becoming Chair in June 2024, I have enjoyed the opportunity to attend a wide range of events throughout the District to meet local residents and businesses. There is a lot of great work taking place and I commend everyone for this. It is testament to the unique community spirit we are proud to have in our District. A great example of community spirit is the civic pride which is evident within our communities. We were delighted that Omagh was awarded the Best Kept Large Town and Enniskillen was named as Runner Up in the Best Kept Medium Town at the recent NI Amenity Council Best Kept Awards. I would like to pay tribute to the Council Staff and local communities who work hard to ensure our towns and villages are clean and welcoming. I am pleased that the Council continues to support our local communities through its Grant Aid and Bursary Programme. In the first round of grants and bursaries, over £300,000 has been allocated to a variety of voluntary clubs, societies, sporting organisations and individuals across the District to make a positive and lasting contribution in their area. As we approach the end of another year, it is an opportune time to reflect on the past year and look ahead to 2025. This year, the Council launched its Corporate Plan, ‘Our Council, Our Plan’, which sets out our strategic direction for 2024-2028 as we continue to work in the best interests of our people, communities, businesses and to protect our cherished environment. One of our priorities is Shared Prosperity. This reflects our commitment to building an inclusive economy and promoting prosperity across the District for the benefit of all. The recent signing of the Heads of Terms Agreement for the Mid South West (MSW) Growth Deal is a pivotal step in this journey. The Growth Deal represents an investment of approximately £100m in our District to drive economic development through a range of infrastructure, regeneration, tourism, innovation and digital projects to ensure our economy is thriving, expanding and outward looking. Innovation and continuous improvement in how we deliver our services to you is also a priority for us for the next four years with significant progress made in a number of areas. The Council’s Planning Service is just one example, as it continues to be one of only two NI councils to meet its statutory and local improvement plan targets. The Council was the first in NI to adopt its Local Development Plan Strategy which will help to guide the District’s growth. This exceptional work was recognised when the team was named NI Planning Authority of the Year at the Royal Town Planning Institute awards. 3 www. fermanaghomagh .com The Council also remains committed to supporting economic growth and the signing of the Heads of Terms Agreement recently for the Mid South West Growth Deal was a significant milestone for the District. These proposed projects will encourage innovation and enhance our infrastructure as well as create potential for future investment to boost our local economy and ensure it continues to thrive. The festive season is almost here and there are many events taking place across the Council area. The ever- popular Christmas Lights Switch On events will light up our towns and villages bringing some festive cheer and providing an opportunity to support our local businesses. I would like to take this opportunity to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Councillor John McClaughry Chair of Fermanagh and Omagh District Council As we move into 2025, your Council will remain steadfast in its commitment to delivering for our communities, local businesses and the environment as we work with you and our partners to build a brighter, more sustainable future for all. I would like to thank my Council colleagues for their support, commitment and dedication throughout what was another very busy year. On behalf of all Council Staff, I would like to wish everyone a peaceful Christmas and a happy New Year. Alison McCullagh Chief Executive