A £1.9 million riverside leisure trail through Enniskillen has been postponed due to a legal challenge.

The Castle Basin project was heralded as “a unique feature of Ireland’s only island town” when it was announced by Fermanagh District Council in August.

A contractor was supposed to be appointed for the project on September 5 but that was not possible because of a legal challenge. The Council refused to disclose the nature of the legal challenge, saying: “This matter is currently subject to a legal process and we are therefore unable to comment at this time.” A partnership between the Department for Social Development (DSD) and Fermanagh District Council, the department’s funding was set to regenerate the Castle Basin area of Enniskillen providing an extensive riverside walkway, an events area and a new Castle Promenade along the River Erne’s shoreline. This project was supposed to provide greater physical connectivity right across the island town, with the new trail meant to enable both residents and visitors to walk approximately three-quarters of the way around Enniskillen.

The new trail is planned to run from Enniskillen Castle (at Castle Street) along the River Erne, behind the Lakeland Forum, connecting with the Erneside Shopping Centre bridge area and finally proceeding under Wellington Road bridge on to the Queen Elizabeth Road Boulevard, which ceases at the Queen Street Roundabout.

The events space was planned as “a shared space for the local community to enjoy”.

Former Social Development Minister Nelson McCausland had stated: “The provision of an extensive riverside walkway and events area will significantly increase the attractiveness of Fermanagh for visitors and will accommodate more outdoor events that will help to diversify the town centre’s economy and sustain activity outside traditional business hours.” This week, a DSD spokeswoman told The Impartial Reporter: “The recent legal challenge to the work scheduled for the Castle Basin area of Enniskillen has resulted in a delay to the anticipated start date for this project. Whilst the delay is both regrettable and necessary whilst the issue of the legal challenge is dealt with by Fermanagh District Council, the Department for Social Development remains committed to playing its part in delivering this important project to assist with the economic regeneration of Enniskillen town centre and ensure that it remains vital and viable for the future.”