The future of Necarne Estate took a step closer to some certainty after a meeting of the Policy and Resources Committee at Fermanagh and Omagh District Council. At the meeting members approved Heads of Terms for a 99-year lease with Gardrum Holdings Limited with consideration of a multi sports complex also included.

The discussion on Necarne was held in committee and as such was closed to the press and public, but the Council did respond to questions from this newspaper regarding the issue, stating:

"At the Policy and Resources Committee meeting held on 13 March members considered and approved Heads of Terms for the Necarne Lease with Gardrum Holdings Limited. The final draft of the detailed lease will be presented for approval to the Council when developed. The lease term proposed within the Heads of Terms is 99 years. The Heads of Terms will allow for further consideration of a potential multi-sport complex on part of the Necarne site."

The Policy and Resources Committee meeting came on the back of a meeting between Gardrum and representatives of a number of sports within the county. This meeting was facilitated by the Council and it revealed that it was a "very positive engagement".

"As part of work to establish a long term economically sustainable use for the Necarne Estate, the Council can confirm that it was involved in facilitating a meeting between representatives of local sporting organisations and Gardrum Holdings Ltd. This meeting aimed to exchange information and to explore issues of mutual interest and overall it was a very positive engagement," the Council stated.

Sean Donnelly, who is a member of the multi sports group who met with Gardrum echoed that positivity:

"I certainly see a sea change in attitude and vision from all involved and we are very content with how things have gone. I think if everyone works in tandem to explore all the options then I think that we will have a positive outcome."

It is understood that the multi sports grouping will look to secure PEACE money which will be available from 2020 as a means to funding a large part of what would be a multimillion-pound development.