A local community group has launched a project to repair an 18th-century waterwheel at Tully Mill and celebrate its rich industrial heritage.

Killesher Community Development Association has embarked on an ambitious restoration project to repair the waterwheel at Tully Mill and deliver community activities focused on the rich industrial heritage of milling and manufacturing in the Killesher and Florencecourt areas with thanks to an award of £98,600 from The National Lottery Heritage Fund.

Originally part of the Florence Court demesne, the 18th-century corn mill buildings were rescued from dereliction in 1998 by the group and converted into a restaurant. The restoration of the wooden wheel will include the installation of equipment to generate electricity.

Original millstones from the site will be incorporated into a heritage display to inform visitors about the rich industrial heritage of the mill complex and the wider area.

Dr Paul Mullan, Northern Ireland Director at The National Lottery Heritage Fund, said:  “Industrial heritage in Killesher and Florencecourt is significant locally, and in the wider region and through the Community Restoration of Tully Mill Waterwheel project, it will highlight and sustain an important history for the community.

"Thanks to money raised by National Lottery players, we are proud to support Killesher Community Development Association to deliver a project that will ensure a sustainable future for the waterwheel at Tully Mill and involve people of all ages, giving them the opportunity to interact with and record their local history.”

Speaking about the project, Chairman of Killesher Community Development Association, David Sheridan, said: “The restoration of the waterwheel and the planned community activities will showcase its potential to shape our local economic and community wellbeing and encourage visitors and residents alike to engage with our unique, vibrant and living heritage. K

KCDA has a proud track record of building on its industrial heritage assets by growing its community business around Tully Mill, the Larganess Centre, and five holiday cottages. This initiative will take this process a step further and provide further opportunities to generate greater awareness and enthusiasm about the local linen, scutch, flour and sawmills, which played an important role in the industrial legacy of southwest Fermanagh.”

The Community Restoration of Tully Mill Waterwheel project includes education activities with children from four local primary schools and volunteer activities. A series of community talks and celebratory events will be held throughout the year-long project.

Project coordinator Barney Devine, who has been contracted to oversee the delivery of the project, said: “The programme is designed to raise awareness of the working waterwheel and other advanced manufacturing practices undertaken at the Tully Mill complex over the last 250 years.

"During the wheel restoration phase, children and local people will be involved in education and arts activities with an intergenerational reminiscence programme involving senior citizens and schools from Killesher, Florencecourt and Kinawley areas. Oral history will also be recorded and made digitally accessible through the project.”