Community Planning Progressing at pace

The Community Planning Partnership for Fermanagh and Omagh has found that the 8 outcomes identified by the Partnership have been prioritized by the local community as follows:

• Priority 1: Our people are healthy and well – physically, mentally and emotionally
• Priority 2: Our district is a connected place – roads, transport, broadband and mobile coverage
• Priority 3: Our communities are inclusive, safe, resilient and empowered
• Priority 4: Our economy is thriving, expanding and outward looking
• Priority 5: Our people have the best start in life with lifelong opportunities to fulfil their potential
• Priority 6: Our outstanding natural environment and built and cultural heritage is sustainably managed and, where possible, enhanced
• Priority 7: Older people lead more independent, engaged and socially connected lives
• Priority 8: Our district is an attractive and accessible place.

This information was gained from a recent community engagement exercise to which 633 people responded and will be used by the Partnership to reaffirm the priorities set out in the Community Plan and to inform its ongoing work. The partners are continuing to work together on actions to improve quality of life in the Fermanagh and Omagh area based around the outcomes identified.

The Partnership’s newly elected Chairperson, Councillor Anne Marie Fitzgerald, and Vice-Chairperson, Allison Forbes, South West Age Partnership, have welcomed the engagement results and, in particular, the submissions received from 158 school children across the district illustrating, through artwork, their views on what would improve quality of life.

Speaking about the submissions, Councillor Fitzgerald said;

“I am really impressed by the thought which has gone into the submissions from the children and how well they have translated their ideas into their artwork. As a partnership we must continue to work together to ensure that we effectively address the issues identified and I am delighted to note that good progress is being made in delivery of the Fermanagh and Omagh Community Planning Action Plan with 74% of actions currently on track”

Three top prizes for artwork have been awarded to pupils from:

• Knocknagor Primary School, Trillick
• Cooley Primary School, Sixmilecross
• St Joseph’s Primary School, Drumquin

The Partnership, at its meeting, also received a presentation from the Western Health and Social Care Trust on the progress of Pathfinder and from the Health and Social Care Board on a Pharmacy Needs Assessment Project. It has also agreed to invite representatives from the Department for the Economy to attend its next meeting to brief members on progress to improve broadband provision across the district.

The Community Planning Partnership meet twice per year and a public statement of progress will be published in November 2019 which will highlight the work to date.

For further information, please contact Community Planning, Fermanagh and Omagh District Council, by telephone on 0300 303 1777 or by email at communityplanning@fermanaghomagh.com.