We must do all we can for our visitors

Editorial Department • Published 3 Sep 2010 09:00 0 Comments

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The tourists who are being told to ‘move on’

The sun is shining but some of our tourists are anything but happy and are turning their backs on the county -- and some for good.

The issue is one that has been simmering since Fermanagh District Council last year enforced no overnight parking of motorhomes at the Lakeland Forum, Rossigh Bay and at Bellanaleck.

Two County Down families are so upset by the cold shoulder they have received from the authorities here that the once seasoned Fermanagh motorhomers have either vowed never to return or are doubting whether they will come back again.

They argue that there are no ‘aires de service’ in the county town of Enniskillen. Other towns such as Broughshane or Carrickfergus provide free spaces with paid-for hooks up to electricity. They say they spend a considerable amount of time and money in the county and they feel the notes from the Council to move on that are left on their windscreen are pushing them out of the county.

These tourists have considerable spending power. They eat out a lot and use many of our local shops to stock up not only on provisions but bigger items like clothes and shoes.

Fermanagh District Council is in a difficult position. As the local authority, it has a role looking after tourists here and indeed runs an excellent tourist information centre in Enniskillen.

It must also look after the patrons of the Lakeland Forum and motorists who use the other sites at Rossigh and Bellanaleck. There is the issue too of safe dumping of grey water from the motorhomes and also safe disposal of litter. Parking in Enniskillen is also at a premium.

The Council has responded by putting in motion plans to provide units at Carrybridge and Rossigh where motorhomes could hook up to token-operated electricity. There would be facilities for expelling waste water and for taking on clean water.

It’s fantastic that the Council has started this course of action, but with the best will in the world, it won’t be until Summer 2011 that tourists will really get the benefit.

It’s also a huge shame that there is no aire de service in Enniskillen. The Forum may not be the perfect spot -- the motorhomers’ needs clash somewhat with the harassed motorist looking for a space -- but some other area must be looked for. It is understandable that tourists want to stay in the county town, even those who like to move around.

The Council has also moved slowly on this issue. It has been a live one for over a year and if these aires had been in situ before the overnight parking ban was enforced, it would have somewhat sweetened the pill for some of the tourists.

It is dreadful that Fermanagh has been seen not to be welcoming these people with open arms. The recession has hit us here -- shops have been closing in Enniskillen at the most frightening rate -- so those who support us should indeed by supported by us.

This article appeared in Impartial Reporter 02 Sep 10

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