BELCOO Enterprise Centre was officially opened by the President of Ireland, Mrs. Mary Robinson.

Accompanied by her husband, Nicholas, the President – dressed in a smart, deep pink-coloured suit – unveiled a plaque in the reception area of the attractive centre, which has been purpose-built with local labour and provides workspace for 12 businesses, six of which have already been taken up.

Funded by LEDU, the small business agency, the International Fund for Ireland, Fermanagh District Council and the people of Belcoo, the centre – located at the Garrison Road – has been described as “the result of the vision, hard work and determination of the Belcoo and District Development Group”.

The group was formed by local people primarily to tackle the chronic problem of mass emigration and rising unemployment in the area, and the immediate priority was to set up an Enterprise Centre which would provide workspaces suitable for small businesses.

Excited schoolchildren from St. Columban’s Primary School squealed in delight and local people clapped and cheered when the President arrived.

President Robinson said she was very impressed by the centre and spoke of the cross-Border and cross-community co-operation in its delivery.