Irvinestown Integrated Village Action Plan

Contents

Contents Secton Content Page Number 1.0 Introducton 1 2.0 Socio-Economic Characteristcs 5 3.0 Key Issues & Findings 9 4.0 Recommended Actons 23 5.0 Conclusions and Recommendatons 31 6.0 Appendix 1 - Issue Maps / G.I.S Mapping 7.0 Appendix 2 - Socio-Economic Review 8.0 Appendix 3 - Strategic Policy Context 9.0 Appendix 4 - Village Boundaries

Introduction

1.0 Introducton and Background

Fermanagh District Council has commissioned Peter Quinn Consultancy SWARD Services to develop “12 Full Integrated Village Acton Plans for Rural Areas in Fermanagh District Council Area”. The funding for these acton plans comes SWARD (South West Acton for Rural Development) was established by from Measure 3.5 of the Northern Ireland Rural Development Programme the four District Councils of Cookstown, Dungannon and South Tyrone, 2007 – 2013, via the South West Area Rural Development Cluster (SWARD). Fermanagh and Magherafelt as the delivery mechanism for Axis 3 of the NI Rural Development Programme. Strategic Context for this Action Plan The programme is strategically delivered by a Joint Commitee representng Northern Ireland’s Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (DARD) all four Councils and is implemented by a Local Acton Group comprised of adopted a new Rural Development Programme (RDP) for the period 2007- local Councillors and Social Partner representatves. 13; this comprises a wide range of support programmes and schemes for rural enterprise and business development, farming, forestry and primary Measure 3.5 Village Renewal and Development processing sectors, diversifcaton and rural tourism. The programme has the overall aim of: This measure is designed to address needs identfed by the rural populaton through a botom-up approach, in order to support integrated village “improving the economic, social and environmental conditons in rural areas initatves which promote community development and regeneraton. Its throughout Northern Ireland.” objectves are:

The programme includes measures to support and encourage rural • To enable and encourage residents of villages and surrounding areas to communites to support themselves and delivers the LEADER initatve for create a vision and an integrated acton plan; local innovaton and sustainability in rural areas. • To support integrated village initatves which promote cross community development and regeneraton. Axis 3 of the Programme is dedicated to improving the quality of life in • The overarching purpose of the Measure is to support animaton and rural areas and diversifcaton of the rural economy. There are six measures capacity building within and between villages and their surrounding available under this axis. These are: rural areas.

• Measure 3.1 Diversifcaton into non-agricultural actvites; This is clearly demonstrated by the types of acton that could be supported • Measure 3.2 Business Creaton and Development; under this measure, including: • Measure 3.3 Encouragement of Tourism; • Measure 3.4 Basic Services; • Develop integrated village acton plans; • Measure 3.5 Village Renewal and Development; • Defne/support the role of the village in its surrounding area; • Measure 3.6 Conservaton and Upgrading of Heritage. • Increase the skills, knowledge and enthusiasm of local people;

Peter Quinn Consultancy Services Ltd Page No: 1 Introduction Introduction

• Strengthen relatonships and connectons inside and outside the village; • Develop a profle of the SWARD area and to identfy and profle rural • Restore or enhance the historic and architectural character of rural setlements located within the Cluster area setlements; and • Consult with each Council, within the Cluster area, to identfy their • Enable villages to achieve their full potental by supportng small-scale priorites, programmes, and potental support for village renewal actvity infrastructure projects to develop or enhance physical resources • Consult with LAG representatves, in order to present fndings and recommendatons Measure 3.5 Roll-Out • Through this, agree on appropriate selecton criteria for short-listng villages for inclusion on Phase II of the Measure DARD’s guidance on the delivery of Measure 3.5 advised a three-phase approach as follows: The consultatons and SWARD area profles recognised the need to balance competng priorites within the programme, due to the small amount of • Phase 1: Assessment of need – Analysis of village demographics, clarity funding available; they identfed the following: of focal areas for acton, SWOT Analysis of areas and locatons, and prioritsaton of villages for acton. • The need to balance prioritsing support for areas of low infrastructure, • Phase 2: Village Planning Process - Animaton of identfed villages by whilst ensuring the capacity to implement the plan; raising awareness of village concept, encouraging the formaton of • The need to take account of Council strategies and programmes, without village acton groups to aid the completon of development plans, and allowing the Measure to be Council-led; signpostng funding opportunites. • The need to defne a “Village” as a setlement with a critcal mass of • Phase 3: (Informed by Phases 1, 2 and outcome of thematc groups) service provision and community, which acts as a service centre for the Implementng Village Actons – Village Renewal wider rural community, with the need to recognise the importance of smaller setlements and communites, which have not benefted from Selecton of Villages major regeneraton funding in the past.

As part of its approved strategy, SWARD identfed targets for each measure. The programme should not be recognised only for the potental grant Under Measure 3.5 the target was for 20 villages where actons were to funding available, but there would have to be a genuine willingness from the take place. In order to identfy which villages were eligible for acton plans, communites, within the setlements selected, to apply for funding in order a Scoping Study was carried out for each of the four District Council Areas. for the programme to be a success.

That Scoping Study was carried out by the Northern Ireland Rural A number of potental optons were developed, in order to identfy target Development Council in September 2010. The purpose of the Scoping Study villages for support under the programme. It was agreed that the core was to: selecton criteria should be based on the assessment of deprivaton and need.

Peter Quinn Consultancy Services Ltd Page No: 2 The selecton criteria provided for support for the top 15 setlements with a The report has identfed a range of actons falling within the boundaries, populaton of more than 500 at the 2001 Census which were: or adjacent to the boundaries, of each Village as defned by the current Fermanagh Area Plan (see Appendix 4 for a map of the village boundaries). • Within the Top 25 setlements classifed by Multple deprivaton Measure (MDM); Brief Background to Irvinestown • Within the Top 25 setlements under Proximity to Services; • Within the Top 25 setlements classifed by the Outdoor Physical Irvinestown is the largest setlement area in North Fermanagh and the centre Environment sub-domain; of that area’s economic and social actvity. Located almost half-way between • Gap analysis – local government development priority setlements Omagh and Enniskillen, right on the border with Tyrone, it has succeeded based on the top 20 most deprived setlements based on the Multple in establishing its own independent status and has managed to advance its Deprivaton Measure; and, positon by operatng on a fully integrated, cross-community basis – in fact, • Gap analysis – selected priority villages ploted against the Top 20 that is one of the setlement’s most obvious strengths. super Output Areas under Proximity to Services to identfy “village like” setlements in gap areas. In the past, Irvinestown had more inward investment than it has at present. Through local initatves and securing funding from a variety of sources, it The setlements identfed using the above criteria within the Fermanagh has succeeded in creatng a viable and robust social-economy base, laced District Council area included Belcoo, Belleek, Brookeborough, Derrygonnelly, with private sector initatves, to form the bedrock of its economy. More Derrylin & Kinawley, Garrison, Irvinestown, Kesh, Lack & Ederney, Lisnaskea, than any other setlement in Fermanagh, it has managed to raise its profle Newtownbutler, Roslea. These setlements are eligible for support under and market itself as a vibrant, prosperous locaton, which is atractve to Phase 2 of the Measure – the development of an Integrated Village Plan. visitors, even though it has no single outstanding tourism facility.

Our Methodology Irvinestown’s greatest strength is its cross-communal cohesion. That has not happened by accident; many people have worked long and hard to create The methodology adopted by Peter Quinn Consultancy Services Ltd sought that sense of togetherness, which is clearly discernible in both its sportng to develop an Integrated Acton Plan for each area taking into account: facilites and its approach to marketng its economic assets. However, there are assets in this village, and on its outskirts, which need investment in order • The geographical disparity of the specifc areas involved; to improve both their appearance and their economic and social potental. • The diferences in the socio-economic backgrounds to these areas; • The need for religious and politcal balance to ensure buy-in and avoid This report has been compiled following a methodology involving a any form of exclusivity within the target communites; rigorous examinaton of the socio-economic profle of the village, a range • The difering levels of capacity within the various communites, in relaton of policy documents reviewed in relaton to the setlement and an inclusive to undertaking developments. community consultaton process.

Peter Quinn Consultancy Services Ltd Page No: 3 Introduction

Socio-Economic Characteristics

2.0 Socio-Economic Characteristcs

Appendix 2 provides a full socio-economic review of the village of Census was 37.2 years comparing to a NI average age of 35.8 years. Irvinestown, as delineated by the village planning boundaries, and compares its characteristcs with those of the wider Super-Output Area, Fermanagh Irvinestown has populaton is predominantly Roman Catholic (75%), though and Northern Ireland as a whole. not to the same extent as many other villages in North Fermanagh. The area had a signifcantly higher proporton of people from an ethnic group other Demographic Trends than white (1.4%) compared to 0.5% in Fermanagh and 0.8% in Northern Ireland. Again, this refects the area’s relatve urban complexion. Irvinestown is categorised as a large village with an estmated populaton of 1,801 in 2001; it is the populaton centre for the wider Erne North electoral Social Demography area. The populaton of the Irvinestown Super-Output Area (SOA) is 2,100, indicatng that the vast majority of the SOA’s populaton reside in the village The social demography of the area also exhibited some other interestng itself. aspects; as follows:

NISRA estmated that the SOA experienced a 6.9% increase in populaton • Of the 728 households at the 2001 Census, the average household size from 2001 to 2008, which compares to rates of 6.5% for Fermanagh and in Irvinestown was considerably lower than that for Northern Ireland as 6.8% for Northern Ireland as a whole. a whole (2.46 persons compared to 2.65);

Irvinestown has a marginally lower proporton (23.0%) of its populaton • The area had a higher proporton of households categorised as lone- aged under-16 and a signifcantly higher proporton aged over-65 than pensioner (18.9% compared to 13.4% in Fermanagh and 12.8% in comparator regions. The later diference is even more pronounced in the Northern Ireland); village itself with 20.7% in this category compared to 19.8% for the SOA, 17.6% for Fermanagh and 18.1% for Northern Ireland. • The village of Irvinestown also had a relatvely higher proporton of lone- parent households (10.3%) compared to fgures of 9.4% for the wider The demographics of the SOA show a decrease in the proporton of the Irvinestown SOA, 6.2% for Fermanagh and 8.0% for Northern Ireland. area’s populaton afer 18; the 15-19 age-group comprises 8.3% of the total populaton compared to the 20-24 age-group which is 6.7%. This refects • A very high proporton (39.7%) of people had a limitng long-term illness, the relatvely high rate of outward migraton following secondary school health problem or disability (compared to 19.2% for Fermanagh and educaton. 20.4% for Northern Ireland);

As a result of these characteristcs, the dependency rato in Irvinestown is higher than that for Fermanagh or Northern Ireland as a whole. Furthermore, the average age of people living in Irvinestown village at the tme of the last

Peter Quinn Consultancy Services Ltd Page No: 5 Socio-Economic Socio-Economic

Labour Force Statistics Economic Review

There has been an overall decrease in the numbers claiming unemployment The economic sectors of Mining, Quarrying & Constructon; Manufacturing beneft over the ten-year period since the 2001 Census – although it has and Agriculture, Forestry & Fishing Educaton are all disproportonately large risen relatvely since 2007. The current proxy unemployment rate for components of the local labour market. Irvinestown was estmated to be 10.2% in February 2011 (compared to the 2001 fgure of 11.9%). This would suggest that the area is an unemployment Only 17.0% of those currently employed were in self-employment (compared ‘black-spot’ despite the signifcant eforts of the local economic group ITEC, to 20.9% for Fermanagh and 14.8% for Northern Ireland as whole). which provides and manages over 55,000 f2 of workspace in the locality. With its higher overall level of unemployment, the proporton of long-term The proportons employed in Retail & Repair; Hotel & Catering; Public unemployed in Irvinestown is also slightly higher than either the Fermanagh Administraton and Health & Social Work were all relatvely low by comparison or Northern Ireland averages. This refects the overall sluggishness of the to the larger regions. local economy. Housing Tenure and Car Ownership Another signifcant feature of the labour market in Irvinestown is the fact that only 38.0% of the populaton are ‘economically-actve’ compared with Irvinestown has a slightly higher proporton of households who were owner percentages of 43.3% in Fermanagh and 43.9% in Northern Ireland as a occupiers (75.3%) than the review SOA, Fermanagh DCA or Northern Ireland whole. These statstcs would all indicate that demand in the local labour as a whole (the later standing at 69.6%). market is substantally below supply. The proporton of householders living in social housing (both public authority Average earnings in Fermanagh were considerably lower than those for and housing associaton) in Irvinestown SOA was lower than comparator Northern Ireland as a whole (approximately 75% of the Northern Ireland fgures for Fermanagh DCA or Northern Ireland as a whole. average) and the total numbers of hours worked was marginally lower (indicatng a higher rate of under-employment). While fgures at a lower A much higher proporton of households in Irvinestown had no car (38.6%) level of disaggregaton are unavailable, in the context of insufcient labour than in Fermanagh (20.4%) or Northern Ireland (26.3%) – again this refects market demand, it is reasonable to assume that Irvinestown would probably the relatvely urban society of the village. have even lower average wage levels than Fermanagh DCA.

Peter Quinn Consultancy Services Ltd Page No: 6 Education Summary

The proporton of the populaton in Irvinestown with ‘no qualifcatons’ was Irvinestown’s demographics are characterised by the large proportons of higher than comparators in the review SOA or Fermanagh or Northern Ireland older people living in the area. The village exhibits very high levels of limitng as a whole, refectng signifcant issues of educatonal disadvantage. The illnesses and high numbers of people providing full-tme care to relatves. proporton with a degree level educaton or higher (level 5) was considerably Quite clearly, there is a strong case for the retenton and, potentally, for the lower in the review SOA than comparator areas (3.6% compared to 4.0% for extension of services for those in the older age-groups. Fermanagh DCA and 4.9% for Northern Ireland). Like many other setlements in Fermanagh, the area also exhibits a Deprivation demographic contracton associated with the loss of young people afer completng secondary level educaton. Given the problems associated with The Irvinestown SOA is considered to be relatvely deprived (on average) underemployment, there is clearly a need for job opportunites that will under NISRA’s mult-deprivaton measure (MDM) being ranked 202 out of enable the village to retain a greater proporton of its young people afer 890 SOAs in Northern Ireland (i.e. just within the most deprived 23% of areas they leave school. in Northern Ireland). The area is partcularly heavily deprived in relaton to the ‘Income Domain ‘(17.5%), ‘Health & Disability Domain’ (19.3%), ‘Income The census statstcs indicate that the local labour market was characterised Domain Likely to Afect Children’ (21%) and ‘Income Domain Likely Afectng as ‘low-wage’, a fact also refected in the very poor ranking of the core area Older People’ (13%). of the village under the ‘income’ domain. The unemployment trends in the period 2007-10 which saw a 400% increase in the number of claimants would Deprivaton rankings for the Census Output area associated with the village reinforce the low-wage characteristc. The low proporton of economically- of Irvinestown (i.e. Output Areas) indicate that it is relatvely highly deprived actve people refects both the elderly demographics but also the high in overall terms (rankings from 625 to 815 of 5,022 census output areas – proporton of people with limitng illnesses. falling in the worst 13% of all census areas) generally. It ranks very poorly in regard to the domains relatng to ‘Income’ and ‘Crime & Disorder’. The employment statstcs indicate the relatve under-development of the tourism and services sector as a component of the overall labour market. The area exhibits stronger employment performances in manufacturing, mining, quarrying and a contnued reliance on agriculture.

There is a low overall level of business entrepreneurship with a low proporton of the populaton categorised as ‘self-employed’.

Peter Quinn Consultancy Services Ltd Page No: 7 Socio-Economic Key Issues & Findings Key Issues & Findings

3.0 Key Issues & Findings

This secton of the report provides a summary of the key issues which arose Key Issues in the course of the consultatve process. These consultatons were initated by an original informaton seminar, which was followed by a walkabout of the Over the last 50 to 60 years, Irvinestown has changed into a busy trading village, a series of one-to-one meetngs with local community representatves village/town, with relatvely litle residental accommodaton remaining in and with local business owners, an open discussion seminar and a visioning the village centre itself (Main Street). The majority of the village centre is session to achieve agreement on local priorites and inclusive ‘buy-in’. taken up by retail and commercial premises.

In additon to these consultatons The village has grown with the local community, a range signifcantly with the of statutory agencies and bodies development of a range were engaged on an ongoing basis of both public and (including various departments private housing estates within Fermanagh District Council, located on its periphery. DRD Roads Service and other key statutory agencies). The map (lef) indicates the main populaton A key component of the assessment centres in the area. of need involved an extensive GIS Legend mapping of the area, together with The reality is that fewer copious photography and a series Historical Development and fewer people are liv- of artstc impressions representng Patern ing in the built-up area some of the key actons in the area. 1st of Irvinestown and this The artstc impressions created in this afects the local commu- 2nd report are examples of what could nity’s afnity with the be achieved, as opposed to precise 3rd village centre, its atrac- representatons of the acton point 4th tveness and its commu- that will eventually be achieved. The 5th nity ownership. There use of artstc impressions are to ‘open is a need to ensure that 6th up the mind’ of the communites, as the centre of Irvines- to what can be achieved in otherwise 7th town becomes the heart visually unatractve aspects of their 8th of the community again. community. Source: White Ink Associates’ Presentaton to ITEC Peter Quinn Consultancy Services Ltd Page No: 9 Findings Findings

Streetscape/Environmental Improvements from one side of the street to the other. This would also help to open up the village centre, when it is used for public events/open air events and The following issues were deemed the most pertnent ones based on the market days etc. consultatons held in Irvinestown: 3. Pedestrianise part of the village: A detailed streetscape proposal exists There is a need for a new ‘Vision for Irvinestown’s Main Street’: The that would involve efectvely pedestrianising about one-third of the community of Irvinestown have already gone through a detailed village main street so that it could be used for open air festvals, market fairs etc. planning process in April 2009, regarding ideas and visions for the future of The local traders might not be too happy about this, as it would reduce the town. Many of those issues and recommendatons are stll valid and form parking availability signifcantly. However, in order for this to be achieved the baseline for the process to identfy actons in this plan. ITEC took the in Irvinestown, it would require the acquisiton of a derelict property to lead in this and obtained the advice and guidance of highly skilled architects provide direct access from the village (i.e. Main Street) to the A32 link (i.e. White Ink Associates & Keys & Monaghan Architects) on what could be road) and the redirecton of the current trafc movements around the achieved for the ultmate beneft of the village, from both a commercial and town. This vision would, therefore, require considerable discussions with non-commercial perspectve. The following recommendatons and issues Roads Service, before such a scheme could be implemented and may were raised in relaton to streetscape: just be unachievable in the short to medium term, as there are too many unknowns and building and land acquisitons issues at this stage. 1. Reclaim the town as an area for the people and reclaim its community identty: Irvinestown has a long history of being a fairs and markets 4. Promote of-street parking: This involves removing/ redesigning the village with its centre representng the main focal point for meetng central part of the main street (currently walls and bedding plants) and people and providing a sense of identty and security. The general opening up the entre street. Some parking would be retained, but vision was to “bring the town back to the people”. The community of people would be encouraged to park in of-street car parks (i.e. Brownhill Irvinestown believe that poor planning and design has led to the current Link Car Park). situaton in Irvinestown and something progressive needs to be done soon. The community believes that this overall vision will re-energise a sense of community ownership and pride in Irvinestown again; it is also felt that this 2. Removal of Separatng Walls: there was a general view that the current will inject a sense of security and that the town centre will again become bedding and the walls that support it give a very ‘dated’ feel to the place. the heart of the community. However, the cost of a scheme like this is also In additon, it was felt that a more aesthetcally pleasing streetscape considered substantal (and may be prohibitve in the short-term) and is approach needed to be taken, rather than the trafc management more likely to be a long-term objectve/aim for the community given current approach, to facilitate car parking, that was adopted. The general view budgetary constraints in the public sector. was that the bedding walls could be removed and a landscape approach taken to open up the entre town centre and facilitate easy crossing

Peter Quinn Consultancy Services Ltd Page No: 10 town. The biggest impediment in the town is the central area (which is currently walled) – see pictures atached below.

Walled Central Area Irvinestown Main Street This could be completely removed and parking diverted towards the pavement in a liner format, which would efectvely open up the entre street and make it more user friendly during market days, festvals, town concerts etc. This alternatve appears to be more achievable in the short-term, involves less statutory approvals and would cost considerably less.

Image Drawn By White Ink Associates’ However, despite the adjustments to the model, the cost of this scheme is stll likely to be outside any current funding Alternatve Vision mechanisms that may be available in the short term (i.e. Measure 3.5 – SWARD). However, the community is commited to changing the overall A recent alternatve proposal (aimed at achieving the same core objectve streetscape of Irvinestown, so that it becomes a more open and vibrant town as that considered above) suggested that the main street needs to be that benefts its inhabitants and business community equally. The overall completely re-planned without resortng to the acquisiton of propertes and objectve of addressing the current defciencies of the centre of Irvinestown securing approval for the alteraton of the entre trafc fow throughout the will contnually be pursued by ITEC and others.

Peter Quinn Consultancy Services Ltd Page No: 11 Findings Findings

‘Bring’ Recycling Facilites Need Relocatng Derelict/Severely Run-Down Premises

The existng ‘bring’ recycling facilites are located opposite the Brownhill Link It was consistently mentoned that there are a number of virtually derelict or Car Park on the access walkway to the main street. These facilites should severely run-down premises that would require substantal improvements. be relocated and this area converted to additonal dedicated Car Parking In additon, there is a gap site at the botom of the village (at the Pound space, together with an improved and landscaped pedestrian link from Street Juncton) that needs to be developed. The appearance of these the Brownhill Car Park. The community, however, indicated strongly that premises has a directly negatve impact on the town itself. There is a need the ‘bring facilites’ are heavily used and that they should be ‘relocated’ to to improve the appearances of these structures if Irvinestown is to improve facilitate this development rather than ‘removed’ by FDC. its aesthetc value for customers and visitors alike. There are some ideas locally that any boarded-up windows could be converted to provide Tourism Improved Visual Appearance of Business Premises Informaton Boards or a similar type of usage of run-down propertes (with approval from the property owner involved). The consultatons and site visit revealed that there are a number of business premises on the main street, whose appearance leaves a lot to be desired.

Northern Bank Building There was a general view that business people should be encouraged to invest in their propertes (i.e. washing of roofs and guters and paintng) to improve the overall aesthetc value of the townscape itself. Ulster Bank Building

Derelict Property and Gap Site Pound Street Roundabout

Peter Quinn Consultancy Services Ltd Page No: 12 Trafc Congeston on Main Street & Car Parking proposed link between the car-park and the main street BEFORE One of the main issues raised was the fact that Irvinestown can become can be made more visually virtually a car park during the day with a considerable level of congeston appealing with proper around the town centre due to the vast amount of on-street parking. landscaping, streetscaping and lightng, to ensure that Consultatons revealed that there is an existng public Car Park (located on a defned walkway is visible Brownhill A32 Link Road) that is rarely used and this needs to be brought (as opposed to basically a into more productve use; the community believes that the current car-park on the entrance under-utlised public car-park needs to be more “connected” to the main point). street and made atractve and reasonably accessible. AFTER Accordingly, there is a need to provide a convenient, The entrance could involve vibrant and more connected decoratve paving and ‘pedestrian link’ from this car designated car parking spaces, park to the town centre. An as opposed to the ad-hoc artstc impression of one nature in which parking occurs potental pedestrian linkage is at the entrance. This could form provided (right). a major streetscape scheme for Irvinestown and one which Discussions with ITEC revealed has been identfed by the that there are a number of community as their priority property owners associated project for which they intend to with this project (the DoE apply for SWARD support under and private owners) and that Measure 3.5. The existng ‘bring’ ownership or lease issues may recycling facilites would need need to be resolved to qualify to be removed and relocated by for support under SWARD. FDC to facilitate the landscaped project together with getng There is no doubt that some land-ownership issues the entrance point of the resolved.

Artstc Impression - Pedestrian Linkage from A32 Link Road to Main Street Peter Quinn Consultancy Services Ltd Page No: 13 Findings Findings

The Commons BEFORE This project is considered the community’s second priority in terms The Commons is an area of its applicaton to SWARD 3.5. The artst’s impression (before, lef, located in the north-east part and afer, below) provides an example of what would be possible for of the town which is just of this locaton, if developed. Forthill Park and overlooking the A35 (Kesh Road) and Bridge Street. The Fairs & Markets Trustees own an area AFTER that is efectvely on a plateau and overlooks a large part of the town (see pictures).

The plateau was originally developed as a sitng-out area (with a natural stone type paving for fnish and one wooden seat). However, the paving area is now extremely untdy and is covered in weeds, with the grass areas not being mowed frequently enough and the existng seatng leaving a lot to be desired. Essentally, it is rapidly becoming an eye sore and needs investment.

Efectvely, the Commons Area has been subject to considerable neglect but it represents a perfect locaton to be revamped in order to provide an important feature in the town for people to sit out or even to take a picnic. Given that this area is owned by the Fairs & Markets Trustees, it represents a specifc locaton that could be targeted for regeneraton/ renewal without any ‘state of readiness’ difcultes. Artstc Impression - The Commons Area with Improved Plantng and Seatng

Peter Quinn Consultancy Services Ltd Page No: 14 Make a Feature out of the Corner of Mahon’s Hotel The following map encapsulates the three main streetscape project proposals within Irvinestown. These include; The corner of Mahon’s Hotel is viewed as a potental development opportunity site, which could be converted to open and usable space, • The Pedestrian Access from A32 Link Road to Main Street especially for sitng out. The following artstc impression demonstrates • The Common’s at Fairgreen what is achievable (albeit that this specifc suggested use would involve and • Mahon’s Corner require private sector investment - from the Hotel owners). However, this area is in the ownership of Roads Service and any proposal to make it a Streetscape/Environmental Proposals feature, in the absence of the private sector, should be welcomed and its development does not necessarily need to involve the private Hotel owner.

Fairgreen Common’s

Pedestrain Access Point Link Road

Mahon’s Corner Legend Streetscape Proposals Artstc Impression of Mahon’s Corner By White Ink Associates’

Peter Quinn Consultancy Services Ltd Page No: 15 Findings Findings

The Town Clock Needs to be Visually Improved and Maintained Welcome Features on Entry Points to Irvinestown

The town has an imposing clock tower, which has a considerable commanding There are four main access/entry points to Irvinestown and there is a lack presence in the town. There is a view that this is an iconic structure that of features in a genre that would be linked to the history of Irvinestown could be visually improved with some minor investment. There was a strong (i.e. The Castle, The Clock Tower, Lady of the Lake etc.). This would assist in view that once “spruced- improving the aesthetc value of the town itself and provide a vibrant and up” the Clock Tower needs welcoming feature for tourists and visitors to the area. consistent maintenance. In additon, there was a ITEC and the community associaton should try and initate local engagement view locally that some through the schools, or another format, to scope out potental themed pedestrian access around designs and locatons for the entrance/welcome features. The artst’s the Clock Tower to Castle impression included demonstrates what could be possible on the main road Street was required. The approaching Irvinestown from Dromore rather than being prescriptve. main economic body (ITEC) and the community associaton are keen to scope out the feasibility of this. Irvinestown Town Clock

The Famine Graveyard Requires Some Investment

There is a small local tourist asset (the Famine Graveyard) that requires some investment to improve accessibility (especially for wheelchair users), and some low maintenance plantng and interpretve panels about the history of the graveyard.

There are some issues with regards to ownership and future liability. NIHE owns the property but is not keen on taking on the liability of any developed project. This project was atempted a number of years ago but fell through on issues of who would take the public liability risk. If the issues around ownership and liability can be negotated with NIHE and FDC, then this could form part of an applicaton to SWARD under its Tourism or Village Renewal Measures. Artstc Impression - Entrance Feature on A32 Dromore Road Entering Irvinestown

Peter Quinn Consultancy Services Ltd Page No: 16 Townhill Park Play-Park is Not Used With the one-hour parking restricton expected to the rolled out in Irvinestown in August 2011, there will certainly be a need for additonal of- It has been identfed that a number of play-parks in the town are severely street parking in close proximity to the town centre, over and above what under-utlised, due to their conditon. is available at the Brownhill Link car park. In additon, the Health Centre The Play-Park close to the Commons is expected to take in additonal staf, in the coming months, and this will (and in close proximity to Townhill further increase the need for extra parking spaces in the town. Park Estate) is in a very poor state of repair, with a visually unwelcoming Road Infrastructure access point. This Play-Park is relatvely convenient to the town but needs The main A32 from Irvinestown to Omagh is considered to be in a very poor considerable investment to be of an state of repair, extremely narrow in places with a lot of dangerous corners. acceptable standard. Townhill Park, Play-Park With the type of trafc that the road facilitates, there is a view that it is an accident waitng to happen on a major scale. There have already been Improved Maintenance on all Approach Roads numerous fatalites on this road and there is an immediate need to improve both the geometric realignment and the surface of the road over large parts It was felt generally that the maintenance of the grass verges and hedges on of the A32. all approach roads leaves a lot to be desired and a more consistent approach to the maintenance is required. Roads Service Improvements/Provision

The Access to Both Hudson Heights and Reihill Park Needs to Be Improved Discussions with Roads Service revealed that there are a number of works planned for Irvinestown when a budget becomes available; these include: Discussions with the local community indicated that the access to these estates is visually challenging and something needs to be done 1. Create road from Commons to Castle Street together with additonal car- parking; Traffic Management Issues 2. Footway Extension & Street Lightng close to Flax Valley Housing Development; Additonal Car-Parking Is Required 3. Environmental Improvements at the corner of Brownhill and Extend Footway adjacent to Nursery School; Discussions with Road Service revealed that it has a proposal listed for 4. Juncton Improvements at Juncton of Pound Street and the A32 Dromore Irvinestown, for the provision of additonal Car Parking at the Commons, Road; together with the clearance of the back yards of premises etc. to facilitate 5. Juncton Improvement/Creaton at the A32 Link Road and the A35 this, and the creaton of a one-way system road that links this area to Castle Enniskillen Road (Mill Street) – possible mini-roundabout. Street.

Peter Quinn Consultancy Services Ltd Page No: 17 Findings Findings

No tmeframe for the implementaton of these works has been scheduled, at Traffic Management Proposals this point, given the public sector budget constraints.

Pedestrian Crossing Required on Link Road New Road at Common’s to Castle Street Allied to the overall vision of the streetscape discussed earlier, there is a specifc requirement for a pedestrian crossing on the Brownhill Link Road. This requirement is built into the overall vision to “connect” the car park on the Link Road with the main street – this will be urgently required when Mini-Roundabout Roads Service enforces the one-hour parking restricton in August 2011; Car Parking Provision Pound Street that will almost certainly result in greater utlisaton of this car park. on New Road

Signage at Ballygawley for Irvinestown

A major issue mentoned by the business forum atendees was that Existng Of-Street Irvinestown is perceived as a “difcult” place to get to, primarily because all Car Parking the signage from the East and South divert all trafc to Enniskillen (which is extremely difcult to get through at certain tmes of the day). There is a general view that, for trafc from the Belfast directon, there is no need to enter Enniskillen to gain access to Irvinestown. Signposts should be erected at Ballygawley to direct trafc via Omagh, to gain access to Irvinestown and the Northern part of Fermanagh. This, it is believed, would cut at least 10 to 15 minutes of journey tmes and would make Irvinestown more accessible from a business and tourism perspectve. Apparently, this issue has been raised with Roads Service before, without any success in addressing local concerns; however, ITEC intends to raise this formally with its elected public Legend Car representatves. Parking New The following map highlights the aforementoned Trafc Management Road Proposals. Mini Mini-Roundabout Roundabout Enniskillen Road

Peter Quinn Consultancy Services Ltd Page No: 18 Community Development/Infrastructure part of the NIHE strategy to tackle the issue. The issue was compounded last winter, with the extreme freezing temperatures for approximately four Tourist Informaton Board & Signage weeks, and has now been supplemented by the substantal and unsustainable rise in oil prices. The Associaton is researching a project that help address Existng informaton boards are generally old, outdated and in need of this problem and it involves the establishment of a social enterprise model, complete updatng. The informaton needs to be customised to provide to use local resources as a cheap and alternatve source of fuel, together informaton on the tourism assets in Irvinestown, as opposed to the general with the retro-ftng of customised back-burner freplaces that can burn the tourism product of County Fermanagh. fuel more efciently that conventonal open fres. The model also involves a cooperatve style approach to the purchase of oil and other fossil fuels (in Ant-Social Behaviour the interim), so that heatng houses can become more afordable.

Discussions with representatves from the Community Partnership has The Bawnacre is a Fantastc Resource revealed that there are considerable ant-social behaviour issues in the Irvinestown area. A reference was made to gangs of youth (of between 14 The Bawnacre Recreatonal Centre is a Council managed and operated and 16 years predominantly) hanging out and partcipatng in ant-social facility (in conjuncton with WELB). The facility boasts a broad range of both behaviour and pety crime. Unfortunately, there is a limit to what the police indoor and outdoor provision, from a large mult-purpose indoor hall, to an can achieve, in the absence of a contnued proactve community response Internatonal sized synthetc surface externally. The centre is very impressive to the issue and this is on-going through the Community Partnership. It was and provides a wide range of facilites there, including, meetng rooms, the general view that, whilst the Bawnacre is a fabulous facility, it is only a theatre style conferencing, lounge/ drop-in for youth, large hall, minor hall, useful provision if one is interested in sports – even the youth club there is arts and crafs room internally. The Centre is extremely well atended by quite sport-orientated. There is basically no other outlet for the youth of the youth and adult populaton and, last year, the centre hosted in excess of the area to ‘channel’ their energies towards and their was a concern that, 220,000 users. One of the main issues identfed within community circles without planned and strategic interventon, a high proporton of these kids is that the level of demand on these facilites makes it difcult to gain access will inevitably end up partcipatng in more serious criminal actvity, as they (it is largely booked out). In additon, it was indicated, by some consultees, move into adulthood. that the cost of the facilites are preventng access for lower-income families.

Fuel Poverty Additonal Facilites and Services for the Elderly Are Required

Consultatons with representatves of the Sally’s Wood & Castle Street Whilst the Arc Centre is a tremendous facility for the local community (young Community Associaton (which has recently been reformed) revealed that and old), the elderly community has indicated that considerable need and one of the biggest issues facing the community (especially those on low demand exists for services such as chiropractce, chiropody, physiotherapy, incomes, social welfare and the elderly) is the ongoing issue of ‘Fuel Poverty’. occupatonal therapy etc. It was indicated that a facility that could ofer The issue of Fuel Poverty has been recognised at Government level and forms a one-day-a-week rolling clinic on these services would greatly contribute

Peter Quinn Consultancy Services Ltd Page No: 19 Findings Findings

to the needs of the elderly community in Irvinestown. In additon, the Current Planning Approach Has Been Reactve elderly community avails of a very good service called “Chit-Chat” (a daily telephone/informaton alert service). Each weekday, a call is made to A number of professional consultees have a frm belief that the area is badly enquire about the well-being of the individual, as well as providing useful in need of a “Town Masterplan” (in terms of planning policy, coordinaton informaton on local events and services. The service also responds to a “no and development). The main problem with Irvinestown (as they see it) is response” telephone call, by having a nominated friend or relatve check on that planning policy is reactve to whatever proposals that are submited, the well being of the client. The elderly community would like this service and developments are approved on a sporadic and ad-hoc manner – there is to be extended to cover weekends, as ofen this is a lonely tme for them. no forward thinking or strategic planning policies for the town.

Need to Safeguard St Mary’s Post-Primary School Necarne Castle

St Mary’s post-primary school is the only remaining post-primary school in This is probably one of the major issues that has been raised by almost every North Fermanagh. In 2010/11, its enrolment was 166 which fell considerably single person consulted in Irvinestown. There appears to be major antpathy below the guideline target for post-primary schools and would indicate that towards Fermanagh District Council for letng, what the community consider it is ‘at risk’ of closure. The consultatons highlighted unanimity that it was to be “Irvinestown’s greatest asset and the jewel in the Crown”, run into a critcal to retain the local post-primary in Irvinestown as it was considered poor state of repair, with no viable or sustainable strategy for its long-term that its loss would result in a considerable adverse impact to the social and utlisaton. ITEC has economic fabric of the local community. serious concerns about the future of the Castle Economic Issues itself and there is a view that the Castle needs Irvinestown is blessed with a very dynamic business and economic to be “stabilised” at development group called ITEC (Irvinestown Trustee Enterprise Company). the absolute minimum. The formaton of this entty in 1992 arose from the great vision demonstrated The community in 1908 when Irvinestown established the Fairs & Markets Trustees. Initally, believe that there are their main aims and objectves revolved around supportng the community a number of buildings and enhancing the general appearance of the town itself. Today it boasts on this site which a considerable level of experience in many areas of community, social, were constructed to economic and infrastructural development in Irvinestown and currently an extremely high manages over 55,000 f2 of commercial space within Irvinestown and standard but some of its environs, creatng in excess of 250 jobs in tenant businesses. A recent them have never been business forum held within Irvinestown revealed a number of critcal issues used at all. Necarne Castle and Grounds facing the area; these are summarised below:

Peter Quinn Consultancy Services Ltd Page No: 20 ITEC and the Trustees are aware that issues around the Castle and the An artstc impression is provided buildings are not straightorward; however, the community is completely BEFORE below, illustratng the potental for unaware of what is happening between the Department of Agriculture a new health centre on the site and the Council. Locals are very concerned about the rumours that the of the current health centre. A Department is close to “pulling-out” of Necarne. The community is also photograph depictng the current concerned about the possibility of this great resource may be sold with no health centre’s appearance is also beneft to the locality. shown, lef.

The Health Centre

Irvinestown Health Centre is located on Church street (just of Main Street). It is approximately 30 years old, is severely run down and needs replacement. There is stll a considerable demand for healthcare in Irvinestown but the facilites are considered to be virtually obsolete.

There is a strongly held view locally that a new health centre is urgently required and that it should be situated in a more convenient locaton, with access to proper and appropriate parking facilites. At present, this street is always heavily congested with service lorries and illegally parked cars (due to the health centre and the pharmacy located there). A new “health village” proposal had been advanced by ITEC in associaton with the Department, but due to budgetary constraints this proposal could not be advanced. AFTER

There is private land (behind the police barracks) with full planning Artstc Impression - New Irvinestown Health Centre permission for ten dwellings, in over an acre of ground, in close proximity to Church Street; this ground has proper access and egress points and would SWOT Analysis be an ideal locaton for the new Health Centre, which would ensure that health-related services are stll located almost in the same part of the town. These fndings have been condensed into a SWOT analysis of the village. With the economic recession (especially in the housing sector), the private This has been reviewed with local people in order to achieve widespread agreement on the current status of the village. The table overleaf provides owner may be open to selling the land, for a new health centre, although it a summary of the SWOT analysis. Its fndings have been used as the basis may be some tme before the Government is in a positon to invest in this for the recommendatons brought forward in the subsequent secton of the facility for Irvinestown. report.

Peter Quinn Consultancy Services Ltd Page No: 21 Findings Findings

SWOT ANALYSIS OF IRVINESTOWN Strengths Weaknesses • Very strong and commited community & social economy structures in • Lack of of-street parking area; • Town Centre design is outdated and not conducive to wider community • Very strong Community Economic Development structure; usage • ITEC owns & manages 55,000 f2 of workspace providing quality jobs; • Dependence on FAST for transport services; • Very actve Community Partnership working with community leaders in • Existence of derelict/vacant propertes; area to make Irvinestown a beter place to live and work; • Level of ant-social behaviour; • Arc Centre is an extremely important resource for the community; • Youth related drug and alcohol abuse; • Bawnacre is a tremendous resource for the community; • Necarne is not within the control of the local community - they cannot • Good range of local service businesses and accommodaton providers; determine its usage or its future; • Strong community identty and cross-community interacton; • Isolated from much of the rest of Fermanagh; • No serious intra or inter-communal hostlity or confict; • Poor signage; • Good community relatons with neighbouring villages; • Poor landscaping; • Strength and vibrancy of local cultural traditons; • High level of under-employment. • Actve and broad partcipaton by groups and individuals in the consultaton process, leading to community ownership of the process. • Lady of the Lake Festval is a major community event atractng large support. Opportunites Threats • Address the village’s physical defciencies, with support from SWARD and • General economic climate afectng trade in town; other funding sources; • Health Centre not ft-for-purpose • Convert Necarne Site into a community economic resource; • High rate of emigraton of young people especially graduates; • Market Irvinestown without having to travel through Enniskillen • Necarne – DARD pulling out and site and Castle and lands may be sold • Create a more atractve streetscape & layout for both local and visitors; to private sector, with uncertain impacts on local economy • Use landscape projects to create a vibrant image for the town; • One-hour parking restricton will adversely afect traders in the town if • Landscape the various links between car parks and commercial centre; no suitable and accessible of-street parking is provided; • Expand the Festval; • Difculty accessing funding to meet matched-funding requirements; • Erect more atractve signage; • Possible closure of local secondary - detrimental impact on community; • Use the Bawnacre to promote Irvinestown as a centre for Healthy Living; • Reducton in Tourism Ireland’s promotonal budget; • Use the Bawnacre to promote Irvinestown as a centre for actve sport; • Any form of deterioraton in inter-communal, or politcal, • Persuade accommodaton providers to invest in raising standards; developments. • Make beter use of locaton – half way between Enniskillen and Omagh.

Peter Quinn Consultancy Services Ltd Page No: 22 Findings Recommended Actions

4.0 Recommended Actons

The tables below provide a summary of the agreed actons to be taken forward under the Integrated Acton Plan for Irvinestown. IRVINESTOWN ACTION PLAN STREETSCAPE/ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT Initatve Responsible Driver Acton Priority Level Potental Funding Timeframe Source Pedestrian Access • ITEC & Irvinestown • Improve landscaping of the High • SWARD Measure 3.5 Short-Term to Main Street from Community access point – improve surface, Brownhill Link Car Park Associaton lightng, paintng, archway etc.

Complete Overhaul of • ITEC • Lobby Roads Service to make Medium • Roads Service (in the Long-Term Main Street Providing the town more invitng for the future) a New Vision for community and businesses. Irvinestown Removal of central walls and bedding • Open up the entre street (make it more useable for festvals, market days, open air events etc) • Divert parking away from the centre of the main street to more linear-type parking bays without impactng on current on-street parking.

Property Owners to • ITEC (in associaton • Encourage land owners to invest High • Property Owners Short to Tackle Derelicton/Poorly with property in their propertes: Medium Term Maintained Propertes owners) • Undertake paintng, roof on Main Street cleaning, guter cleaning of those propertes • Improve boarded-up premises by paintng them etc.

Peter Quinn Consultancy Services Ltd Page No: 23 Actions Actions

IRVINESTOWN ACTION PLAN STREETSCAPE/ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT Initatve Responsible Acton Priority Level Potental Funding Timeframe Driver Source Town Clock Tower • ITEC • Undertake Cleanup/Paintng of Clock High • SWARD Measure 3.5 Short Term Tower. • FDC

Pedestrian Access • ITEC • Assess the Feasibility of Providing Medium • Roads Service Medium Term Around the Clock Suitable and Agreed Pedestrian Access to • SWARD 3.5 (possible) Tower Castle Street around the Clock Tower

Make a Feature out • ITEC • Promote Streetscape/Village Renewal High • SWARD Measure 3.5 Short Term of the Corner at • Hotel Owner Scheme at the Corner of Mahon’s Hotel • Private Sector Mahon’s Hotel • Open up Space for Sitng out etc. • Roads Service

Entrance Features at • ITEC & • Identfy Suitable Locatons at Each Access High • SWARD Measure 3.5 Short-Term Access Points to the Irvinestown Road to the Village; Town Community • Erect Common Theme Welcome Features Associaton (Clock Tower, Necarne or Lady of the Lake)

Improve Commons • Fairs & Markets • Improve the Commons Plateau Area High • SWARD Measure 3.5 Short-Term Area into a Focal Trustees • Improved Walking Surface Point for Sitng out • Provide Low Density Tree Plantng and Low Maintenance Shrubbery • Provide Additonal Seats • Provide Additonal Parking Spaces

Peter Quinn Consultancy Services Ltd Page No: 24 IRVINESTOWN ACTION PLAN STREETSCAPE/ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT Initatve Responsible Acton Priority Level Potental Funding Timeframe Driver Source General Upkeep of • ITEC & & • Lobby Roads Service to Ensure All Hedges Medium • Roads Service & FDC Short Term & Hedges and Road Irvinestown and Grass Verges on Approach Roads Are On-going Verges on Approach Community Well Maintained Roads Associaton

Improve Access at • ITEC & • Cut and Maintain Grass verges to Medium • Roads Service Medium Term Hudson Heights and Irvinestown Improve Visibility Reihill Park Community Associaton

Relocaton/Removal • ITEC & FDC • Remove and Relocate the Bring Recycling High • FDC Short-Term of Bring Recycling Facilites on The Brownhill Link Road to Facility at Brownhill Provide Beter Landscaped Area. Link Road

Improve Access at • Irvinestown • Improve Access Path to Graveyard Medium-High • SWARD Measure 3.5 Medium Term Famine Graveyard Community (Especially for Disabled) • SWARD Measure 3.3 Associaton • Introduce Some Improved Landscaping (with FDC and Low Maintenance Plantng and Housing • Erect Improved Interpretve Panels Executve)

Peter Quinn Consultancy Services Ltd Page No: 25 Actions Actions

IRVINESTOWN ACTION PLAN RECREATIONAL PROVISION Initatve Responsible Acton Priority Level Potental Funding Timeframe Driver Source Improve Play Park • ITEC, FDC & • Improve Access and Parking at the Play Medium-High • SWARD/FDC Short to at Townhill Park/ Irvinestown Park Medium Term Commons Comm. Assoc. • Seek Investment to Modernise the Play Park and Make It Atractve to Users

Outdoor Fitness • FDC/Bawnacre • Provide Outdoor Fitness Facility Beside Medium • FDC Medium Term Facility the Existng Play Park at the Bawnacre

Tennis area at • FDC/ Bawnacre • Investgate the Cost of a Canopy over The Medium • FDC Short-Medium Bawnacre Needs Tennis Courts to Maximise Usage During • Sport NI (Awards for Term Covered Wet Weather & Winter Months Sport) • Make applicaton to Sport NI (Awards for Sport)

Additonal Wet • FDC/ Bawnacre • Extend Bawnacre to Provide Indoor Sof Medium • FDC Medium-Long Weather Actvites Play Area and Café Bar Are Needed

Peter Quinn Consultancy Services Ltd Page No: 26 IRVINESTOWN ACTION PLAN TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT/ROADS INFRASTRUCTURE Initatve Responsible Acton Priority Level Potental Funding Timeframe Driver Source Road from • ITEC Trustees & • Create a One-Way Road from Dead End High • Roads Service Medium to Commons/Fair Green Roads Service at Commons Through Disused Gardens Long-Term to Church St. and Exit at Church Street

Additonal Car • ITEC & Roads • Lobby Roads Service to Create Car Park at High • Roads Service Medium to Parking Is Required; Service New Commons Road and Back Gardens. • FDC Long-Term (Restricton on Main • Lobby Council to Honour Its Agreement Street Will Increase for Car Parking at Necarne Demand) A32 (Irvinestown • ITEC & Roads • Lobby Roads Service for: High • Roads Service Medium Term to Omagh) Service • Major Road Surface Improvement Improvement • Road Widening in Key Areas • General Geometric Realignment of Dangerous Corners

Improve Road • ITEC & Roads • Provide a Mini-Roundabout at A32 High • Roads Service Medium Term Junctons in Service (Irvinestown-Dromore Road) Irvinestown • Provide Mini-Roundabout at Brownhill Link Road with Enniskillen Road (A35)

Strategic Signage • ITEC • Lobby Roads Service for Adequate High • Roads Service Medium Term at Ballygawley Is Signage for North Fermanagh (via Omagh Needed and not Enniskillen) at Ballygawley

Peter Quinn Consultancy Services Ltd Page No: 27 Actions Actions

IRVINESTOWN ACTION PLAN COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT & INFRASTRUCTURE Initatve Responsible Acton Priority Potental Funding Source Timeframe Driver Level Improved Signage • Irvinestown • Erect Community Informaton Boards at High • SWARD Measure 3.5 Short-Term Community Key Locatons Associaton • Invest in Signage for Local Atractons • Invest in Improved Signage for Estates

Tackle Ant-Social • Arc Centre • (Intensively) Roll Out and Recruit for High • WELB Youth Service Short to Behaviour Involving • Bawnacre Existng Programmes • FDC Medium Term Alcohol and Drug • Promote Bawnacre as a Viable Outlet for Abuse Youth • Market/Promote Awareness of Bawnacre’s Facilites, Services and Achievements • Increase Number of Youth/Community Volunteers

Address Fuel Poverty • Local • Seek Funding for a Feasibility Study and High • SWARD 3.4 Short to (especially for Residents Prototype Development of a Fuel Poverty • RCN’s Rural Older People Medium Term elderly) Associaton Alleviaton Project (Skills for Soluton)

Provision of • Age Concern • Provide Dedicated Services to Elderly High • SWARD Short to Increased Access & Arc Centre Including Chiropractcs, Physiotherapy, • RCN’s Rural Older People Medium Term to Services for the Occupatonal Therapy etc. (Skills for Soluton) Elderly • Seek Funding to Roll Out Such Services as a One-Day Clinic in the Area

Chit-Chat Provision • Age Concern • Seek Assistance to Extend the Current Chit- High • SWARD Short-Term Extended & Arc Centre Chat Provisions to Include Weekends • CWAT

Peter Quinn Consultancy Services Ltd Page No: 28 IRVINESTOWN ACTION PLAN TOURISM/BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT Initatve Responsible Acton Priority Level Potental Funding Timeframe Driver Source Provision of Tourism • ITEC & • Replace Existng Tourism Boards High • SWARD Measure 3.5 Short-Term Informaton Boards/ Irvinestown with Appropriate Informaton about Panels Community Irvinestown (Not Fermanagh as a Whole) Associaton • Provide Digital Informaton Boards (externally and internally)

Make Necarne Castle • ITEC, • Apply for Funding to Ulster Architectural High • Ulster Architectural Short-Term for Safe Irvinestown Heritage Society to Protect the Structure Heritage Society Applicaton Community and Comply with Health and Safety • Medium Term for Associaton, FDC Regulatons. Works & Trustees • Secure Financial Assistance from Other Funding Sources • Undertake Protecton Works

Lobby Council on • ITEC & • Formally Approach FDC about Necarne High • None Required Short-Term Future of Necarne Irvinestown and Its Future Community • Seek Precise Clarifcaton on Council’s Associaton Strategy for Necarne, and Decide How the Community Can Protect This Facility

Peter Quinn Consultancy Services Ltd Page No: 29 Actions Actions

IRVINESTOWN ACTION PLAN PHYSICAL INFRASTRUCTURE Initatve Responsible Acton Priority Level Potental Funding Timeframe Driver Source Provision of New • ITEC & Health • Contnue to lobby Health Authorites for Medium • Western Health & Long-Term Custom Built Health Board New Health Centre Social Services Trust Centre Conclusions And A Town Masterplan • ITEC, FDC & • Secure funding to Prepare a Town High • SWARD Short-Term Is Required Planning Service Masterplan Which Will Formulate the Framework for The Physical Development of Irvinestown over the Next 10 Years. Recommendations

Peter Quinn Consultancy Services Ltd Page No: 30 Conclusions And Recommendations

5.0 Conclusions and Recommendatons

The preparaton of integrated village acton plans, for each of the twelve basis of equality and a variety of consultants have been used in identfying village setlements identfed as priorites within the RDC’s ‘Village Renewal and developing these proposals. & Development Scoping Study’, undertaken in October 2010 has led to holistc development processes in each of the villages concerned. This This report identfes a range of issues arising in Secton 3, for which a range has had a number of wider ramifcatons, in terms of local, community of actons have been presented, Secton 4. The issues have been assigned and economic development – bringing an overall focus to local priorites, low, medium or high priority, in refecton of the interest shown by local encouraging engagement between diferent players in the community groups or individuals in taking them forward; in short, they refect the ability development sector and promotng interacton between diferent sectors of the consultants to identfy a strong ‘driver’. In additon, the prioritsaton e.g. local businesses and community groups. assigned refects the strength of support for each of the actons identfed and the possibility of funding them. The actons have also been atributed The inclusion of actons falling under an array of headings, within an a short-, medium- or long-term tmeframe, depending on whether the integrated acton plan, was the result of the decision by Fermanagh District consultants consider that the expected tme involved would be less than a Council and refected a commitment above and beyond that identfed by the year, from one to three years, or more than three years. Rural Development Programme’s operatonal complement. It has resulted in efectve and inclusive community-development processes, some of which The consultants envisage that a number of the actons identfed will be taken have initated transformatonal actons, which will contnue independently, forward in an applicaton to Measure 3.5 ‘Village Renewal and Development’ with the support of the Council itself and other key statutory bodies including of the Rural Development Programme. Those actons which are considered Fermanagh Rural Community Network. to be amenable for that measure have been identfed in the Acton Plan and the relatve priority and tmeframe ofer some guidance as to which should The actons identfed in Secton 4 above refect a broad and inclusive proceed but in the fnal analysis it is lef to the local community groups consultaton with local community groups, service providers and businesses. consulted to bring forward applicatons on what they consider to be their The methodology adopted emphasised the primacy of local priorites and own priorites. atempted to be inclusive of proposals coming from across the range of key informants. The consultants have sought to refect these priorites in the It is hoped that these plans will enable local community development groups, Acton Plan, but have taken cognisance of conditoning and limitng factors economic development agencies and bodies, and Fermanagh District Council raised by key statutory agencies in secondary consultatons. to take forward an integrated strategy in relaton to each of the villages, for which these plans have been produced. The emphasis throughout has been to take forward actons identfed by the local community, as opposed to those identfed on ‘wish-lists’ presented In the case of Irvinestown, the consultants consider this village to have by representatves of statutory bodies. As such, the Acton Plans refect a strong base from which to proceed given the robust community and local priorites, as assessed by the consultants on the basis of the inclusive voluntary structures that exist there; there is huge capacity within this area consultaton processes. The emphasis has been to include proposals on the to ensure that the proposed actons contained in this village plan will be achieved within a reasonable period of tme.

Peter Quinn Consultancy Services Ltd Page No: 31 Conclusion