A representative for a developer addressing a virtual meeting of Fermanagh and Omagh District Council’s Planning Committee, was stunned into silence as an expletive which he believed was directed at him, was picked up and broadcast to all in attendance, including those watching on live stream.

As coronavirus continues to pose a serious risk, society has to function as best it can, with decisions still having to be made and enacted.

That very much applies to local authorities and since the pandemic took hold, councils have been meeting virtually, with members and officials linking in. The meetings which public can attend are live streamed and retained on YouTube, and an audio recording is placed on council websites within a few days.

Technology has enabled business to continue, and while probably not ideal, virtual engagement is largely working. There are of course a few problems, the most common being system outages, wobbly internet connections, and members accidentally talking over each other.

But these paled in comparison to events at the December Planning Committee meeting, when background noise and some choice language was picked up on a participant’s microphone. The meeting was tense from the outset as the main topic was an application by Elm Grange Limited for permission to develop £15.5 million investment on the outskirts of Enniskillen.

Titled ‘Lakelands Retail Park’, the earmarked site is around one mile from the town centre, at the former Unipork factory which closed 20 years ago.

This would comprise of six retail units, a 54-bedroom hotel, cinema, bowling alley, petrol station, food outlet and over 750 parking spaces.

So far, The Range and Moviebowl have confirmed occupancy if permission is granted.

Opinion on the application is split and there were some sharp comments, particularly from those representing the developer, after Planning Officers recommended the application should be refused.

After both sides had aired their submissions – one slightly more robustly and critical than the other – the floor was opened for committee members to ask questions.

During the course of a response by the developer’s representative Eamon Loughrey, muffled interference began to surface.

He paused for a time enquiring: “Did someone speak?”

Committee Chair Councillor Robert Irvine replied: “There’s background noise. Don’t worry.”

Mr Loughrey resumed but only managed a few words before the background noise began to morph in speech. Two male voices were vaguely heard in conversation before one clearly stated: “That wee f***er”

Stunned, Mr Loughrey asked: “Did I hear that correctly?”

The Chair repeated there was background noise and while he couldn’t discern where it was coming from assured Mr Loughrey: “It’s not directed at you. It’s obviously feedback from somebody’s microphone. Carry on.”

Mr Loughrey however said: “I thought I heard an expletive toward me.”

While the Chair agreed with hearing an expletive, he again assured it was not directed to Mr Loughrey, who appeared somewhat sceptical but continued on. With live-streaming underway, and a higher than usual visual audience for a council meetings given the importance of the discussion, the scene was played out in full.

It remains unclear whose microphone picked up the interference, or indeed for whom it was intended.

The decision on the planning application was ultimately deferred.