A charity for disadvantaged youths is progressing its plans for an angling hub at Garvary, Enniskillen. 
Based near Mullanaskea Primary School, the hub is the brainchild of Extern – the charity which intervenes with adults, vulnerable young people and their families to improve their lives. 
The proposed angling hub would see the young charity users managing, maintaining and operating the facility in a bid to “develop future potential employment skills as well as providing a service for the wider local community.” Extern also hopes that the hub will instil an appreciation of community and the local environment in the young users.
Extern is seeking the support of Fermanagh and Omagh District Council (FODC). ACouncil committee has recommended that the Council supports and assists the project and provides £50,000 towards the new angling hub.
A recent report to FODC’s Regeneration and Community Committee said that the angling hub will provide opportunities for people from areas of high social need, as well as the local community.
“It is planned that the facility would not only provide angling opportunities, but would also become a community outdoor recreation hub, it is initially planned to provide public walks and cycling opportunities on site,” the report states. “The facility also has the future potential to accommodate other activities such as archery, orienteering and canoeing. The facility would also be used to help promote and educate the community in relation to biodiversity. This would be achieved by working with schools and community groups through education, field visits, studies and native planting activities.”
Extern can secure the site via a 25 year lease. Extern initially proposes to set up a community angling club to provide angling opportunities for community groups, schools etc. The charity will then work with a number of community groups, local clubs, governing bodies of sport, as well as the Education Authority NI, the Council and DCAL to help develop the project and add future activity opportunities on site. 
Extern says that Sport NI, Angling NI and DCAL are supportive of the project and have confirmed that the proposal meets their strategic objectives. 
Because there are plans for the site to be used for public walking and cycling, Extern is seeking support from the Council to help develop the project. Extern is seeking a £50,000 contribution from the Council in return for providing public access for 25 years. The Council could potentially apply to use Landfill Communities Funding to support this proposal. 
Extern would initially “stock” the lake with fish as well as providing ongoing stocking of the facility. Extern is also proposing to provide funding to help develop the site, this would include assisting with toilet facilities, fishing stands.
Extern is currently establishing a Community Angling Club and is also training local angling coaches. 
The recommendation that the Council supports the project will be ratified at the June Council meeting.