FERMANAGH District Council has had to cough up costs in the region of £13,000 in their failed attempt to date to sell/lease Necarne Estate.

The council is tendering once again for for expressions of interest for alternative uses for the estate after its attempt to sell or lease it failed to attract any desirable bids.

The historic estate and equestrian centre, which includes almost 230 acres of land, was put up for sale two years ago.

It had been leased by the Department of Agriculture and Rural Department (DARD) but in June 2012, the department said it had become “surplus” to requirements.

Lisney Estate Agents were procured by Land and Property Services (LPS) to manage the sale process.

“Necarne Estate was placed on the market in January 2013 with offers closing in August 2014,” a council spokeswoman told the Impartial Reporter, “The costs incurred in marketing and agents fees are in the region of £13,000.

“This is the first time that the Estate has been placed on the market.”