THE new Fermanagh and Omagh District Council is to take control of the former Grosvenor Military Barracks (right) when it officially comes into power in April 2015.

New Social Development Minister Mervyn Storey told Ulster Unionist MLA Tom Elliott that his Department will transfer the relevant powers, budgets and physical assets of a number of lands in Fermanagh to the new council, including the former barracks in Enniskillen. The Department of Social Development had planned to build 200 new houses as part of an ambitious plan for an eco-village on the site. The scheme was announced in 2008 and again in 2010 by past Social Development Ministers and proposed to provide homes for some of the hundreds of people on the Housing Executive’s waiting list for rented accommodation and a boost for the beleaguered construction industry. It would appear that idea has been abandoned.

Other lands to be transferred to the new council, include the lay-by at Slater’s Cross, Belleek, the lay-by and amenity area Main Street, Belleek, a car park at Cliff Road, Old Customs Post, Tullyhommon, Tullyhommon landscaped area and a car park site at Main Street, Carrickmore.

“It is important to note that the transfer of the above lands maybe subject to further change as my Department will continue to progress regeneration activities up to the date that operational responsibility transfers to the new councils,” said Minister Storey.