Fermanagh and Omagh District Council recently received £81,288 funding from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund towards the improvement works at Killyfole Lough between Lisnaskea and Rosslea.

Killyfole Lough is a nature reserve, rich in biodiversity, with a freshwater lake and a 2.5km looped walk provides a beautiful and peaceful area where residents and visitors can connect with nature and the heritage of the area.

The UK Shared Prosperity Funding is a central pillar of the Levelling Up Funding, and a total of £13.8 million has been allocated to Northern Ireland to enhance green spaces.

The Killyfole Lough funding will contribute to improvement works, which commenced last October, and include the replacement of four bridges and boardwalks with low-maintenance materials and the replacement of some boundary fencing.

The funding will also support the development and installation of a suite of signage and nature trail interpretation panels, an outdoor classroom in the ‘Secret Garden’, and an educational programme that unveils the rich biodiversity around the lough.

Speaking about the Levelling Up Funding, the Chair of the Council, Councillor Barry McElduff, said: “I am delighted that the Council has secured this funding towards the enhancement works at Killyfole Lough.

“It recognises the importance of open spaces for health and wellbeing and for the environment.

“Killyfole Lough is a very popular outdoor space and these improvement works will deliver tangible benefits for the community using the space for years to come.

“The Council is committed to ensuring that our natural and built heritage is cherished, sustainably managed and accessible for as many people as possible.

“I am confident that these works will contribute to those ambitions and ensure that Killyfole Lough is enhanced and protected.”

The works support the Council’s Biodiversity Strategy 2022-2027 by ensuring that areas such as Killyfole Lough are protected, maintained, enhanced, restored and promoted.

Due to be completed in April, the works have also been supported by the Council and the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs’ Challenge Fund.

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