The decision to cancel the Hallowe’en fireworks events scheduled for next Monday in Enniskillen and Omagh was taken by the Chief Executive of Fermanagh and Omagh District Council and without councillors having a chance to discuss the matter.

The Council announced the fireworks’ cancellation on Tuesday – less than a week before they were due to take place.

Alison McCullagh made the decision in her capacity as Chief Financial Officer for the Council, and in the context of following a meeting of the Policy and Resources Committee, in which it was agreed the Council seek “to focus on the delivery of core and statutory services”.

In email correspondence sent to councillors, and seen by The Impartial Reporter, Ms. McCullagh said the decision was taken following a “review and re-prioritisation of budgets”.

She also said that “unfortunately, there will be many more challenging decisions to be taken over the coming weeks and months”.

The cost of Hallowe’en events organised by the Council is £40,000, which included the costs of the fireworks. However, the Council confirmed there was no cancellation fee incurred with the company that provides the fireworks.

“The Council has been tracking and reporting the impact of these pressures on a monthly basis. The most recent report was considered at the October Policy and Resources Committee and the Special Council meeting,” a Council spokesperson said.

“Every effort was made to maintain the events, and we also explored the possibility of smaller-scale events, but were unable to make appropriate alternative arrangements.”

When asked what the immediate financial pressures the Council is facing are, the spokesperson said: “In common with other organisations and householders, the Council is facing immediate financial pressures from increased energy and utility costs and construction inflation.

“The Council is also in negotiation with trade unions regarding a variety of industrial relation matters and hope to be working towards a settlement with them in the coming weeks.

“Following a Special Council Meeting on October 17, officers are also considering additional unfunded initiatives to provide support for both individuals and families impacted by the increased cost of living, and importantly, the community and voluntary sector organisations that deliver essential services to the residents of the district.”

Some councillors have come out and said they were unaware of the decision to cancel the event and only found out about it when it was reported in the media.

In the wake of the decision, Fermanagh County Museum said on social media: “Our ‘Spooky Castle Look-Out’, due to take place from 5-8.30pm, Monday, October 31, will not now be happening.

“Anyone who has booked tickets for this will be refunded. Our other Hallowe’en activities, ‘Tales from the Vaults’, and ‘The Strangest Things Trail’ are still happening.”

When asked by this newspaper if the Council will be scaling back Christmas illuminations in Enniskillen this year or otherwise adjusting festive plans, a spokesperson responded: “Officers are continuing to review budgets. No decision has been made in relation to the Christmas Lights switch-on at this time.”