FERMANAGH House’s £920,000 extension will attract more organisations to deliver their services in the county.


That was the promise at the launch of the top quality social hub in the heart of Fermanagh last Thursday.


Officially opened by First Minister Arlene Foster and Junior Minister Megan Fearon, the additional facilities, which has increased the facility’s floor space by 70 per cent, will provide much needed support to local groups and charities in the Fermanagh area, improving the lives of many local people.
The extension which is funded by The Executive Office through the Social Investment Fund Programme, was designed in conjunction with the local community.


Speaking at the launch, David Bolton, chairman of the Fermanagh Trust, said: “The objective of Fermanagh House has always been about making services more accessible for local people. Currently the building is home to 10 charities and hosts over 60 different user groups each month meeting the needs and demands of a wide range of interests. 


“The additional space will ensure we can meet the demand for appropriate office space, conference space and exhibition space in Enniskillen, attracting more organisations to deliver their services in Fermanagh. It really is an exciting development and we are grateful for the investment from the Executive Office.”


Fermanagh House, which includes a range of meeting rooms and office space, is owned by local grant-making charity the Fermanagh Trust. Income from the facilities helps the Trust reach even more local groups and charities with grant making.


 Fermanagh and Omagh District Council are assisting the development of the project by providing a long term lease on the land to facilitate the extension.


Mrs. Foster spoke of her delight in officially opening the extension “right in the heart of Enniskillen”.


“This extension, which involved £920,000 of funding from the Northern Ireland Executive and the Fermanagh Trust, will allow local organisations to provide services right across the county and will be a focal point for supporting shared education in rural communities,” she added.


“This project is a credit to all involved and I commend everyone who has stepped forward to play their part in making it a success.”


Junior Minister, Megan Fearon added: “The Fermanagh House extension is one of 69 projects benefitting from the Social Investment Fund. It has increased the floor space by over 70 per cent and will house a range of new services and facilities, including a dedicated community education resource and hot desks for regional groups and fledgling community initiatives and enterprises wanting a presence in Fermanagh.


“The £80 million Social Investment Fund, along with other Executive programmes, such as the Together Building a United Community strategy, is strategically designed to achieve real, long-lasting and sustainable social benefits for those who need it most. The Executive is committed to regenerate, develop infrastructure and bring economic benefit to all areas, both urban and rural, and this project is helping deliver that in Fermanagh.”
Ulster Unionist Member of Parliament for Fermanagh and South Tyrone, Tom Elliott, also attended the launch last week. 


“It is really apparent that the top quality conference rooms, office space and other areas will be of huge benefit to the community and voluntary groups, charities and other organisations which utilise Fermanagh House. It has the real potential to become a top quality social hub in the heart of Enniskillen, which will be able to reach out into the community. Fermanagh Trust have turned this project into a significant social enterprise, the wide range of skills within the board and the diversity of the tenants of the property demonstrates the positive nature of this community organisation,” he said.