A £4.5 million investment aimed at creating jobs, supporting businesses and driving economic growth across Fermanagh and Omagh has been unveiled.
The Fermanagh and Omagh Local Economic Partnership (LEP) launched its Action Plan 2025 to 2028 at Enniskillen Castle on Wednesday, October 14, outlining how funding from the Department for the Economy’s Regional Balance Fund will be used to strengthen the local economy.
The plan aims to increase the number of good jobs, improve productivity, promote regional balance and support decarbonisation.
Welcoming the launch, Chair of Fermanagh and Omagh District Council, Councillor Debbie Coyle, said it marked an important step towards creating greater opportunities for people and businesses.
Read More
-
MLA questions DAERA progress on barriers facing women in agriculture
-
Donegal schools among 150 across Republic of Ireland to receive 'Hamas' bomb threats
-
Tributes paid to Ballyshannon GAA legend Josie Boyle at packed funeral mass
“Through this £4.5 million investment, we have an opportunity to support businesses to grow and innovate, attract new investment, create good jobs and develop the skills and infrastructure needed for a resilient economy,” she said.
She added that sustainability and decarbonisation would be important in shaping the district’s economic future.
Minister for the Economy Dr Caoimhe Archibald said the plan represented a “clear, locally led ambition for sustainable economic growth”.
She said bringing together local government, businesses, education providers and community partners would help ensure investment was directed towards the area’s particular strengths and needs.
“This collaborative approach will create new opportunities, strengthen enterprise and skills, and support a more resilient and prosperous local economy across Fermanagh and Omagh.”
The action plan includes a new business growth programme offering capital grants of up to £40,000 to micro and small businesses, alongside mentoring and masterclasses.
The funding will help businesses invest in equipment, digital technologies and automation to support expansion and improve productivity.
Tourism and hospitality businesses will also receive support to develop high-quality visitor experiences, while plans include a flagship event showcasing the district’s culture, heritage and natural assets.
These initiatives aim to attract visitors, extend the tourism season and create opportunities for local businesses.
Ethna McNamee, Invest NI’s Head of Regional Business for the Western region, said Fermanagh and Omagh had “a strong track record of entrepreneurship and business ambition”.
She said targeted support for business growth, innovation, technology adoption and investment attraction would help local businesses improve productivity and seize new opportunities.
"Tourism and hospitality businesses will be provided with capital investment to develop high-quality visitor experiences that enable visitors to connect with the place, people, culture and environment. These initiatives will help attract visitors, extend the tourism season and support local businesses."
The plan also includes a Tech Founder Programme to support early-stage and growing technology businesses, alongside initiatives to strengthen the creative and digital economy and retain talented graduates in the district.
Supporting a greener economy is another priority, with plans to help businesses and social enterprises reduce energy costs, lower emissions and improve sustainability.
The partnership brings together representatives from business, education and the public sector to develop initiatives aimed at creating a more resilient and prosperous economy across the district.
Share