FERMANAGH and Omagh District Council’s letter to Prime Minister Theresa May outlining its concerns around Brexit was passed on to another department. 
Responding to the Council last week, a representative from the Department for Exiting the European Union thanked Chief Executive Brendan Hegarty for writing to the prime minister.
There is a strong commitment between the UK government, the Irish government and Northern Ireland Executive to see that “we do not return to the Borders of the past” said the representative.
“The Government wants to find a way that is going to work and deliver a practical solution for the whole of the UK. 
There has been no change to the rights and status of UK citizens in the EU, or indeed EU nationals in the UK, as a result of the referendum, the letter went on.
“During the negotiations, the Government wants to protect the status of EU nationals already living here. The only circumstances in which that would not be possible is if UK citizens’ rights in EU countries were not protected in return.
“The UK remains one of the most tolerant and welcoming places in the world. We will continue to encourage those with the skills, the drive and the expertise to make a positive contribution. The Government wants to make sure our regulatory environment helps, rather than hinders, business, workers and students.”
Reacting to the response at last week’s meeting of Fermanagh and Omagh District Council, Sinn Fein Councillor Barry Doherty said he was “disappointed.”
Sinn Fein’s John Feely said he was “not happy with the reply” and SDLP  Councillor Rosemarie Shields said: “It doesn’t actually tell us anything. We are way down on their list of priorities, we do not figure in their plans and we have no voice.”