Council Brings Together Key Stakeholders at Housing Conference

Fermanagh and Omagh District Council hosted a major housing conference on Friday 14th November at the Strule Arts Centre, Omagh. The ‘Future Housing Provision: Housing Conference 2025’ brought together key voices from government, housing, infrastructure and the community sectors to address the urgent issue of housing supply and need.

The conference heard from a range of speakers, including Professor Paddy Gray, Professor Emeritus, Ulster University, who presented on a vision for housing in the context of the rural nature of the Fermanagh and Omagh District, concluding that a vision for housing is about fostering sustainable, thriving communities where everyone can have a dignified, comfortable and secure home.

Paul McDermott, Lead Planner, Fermanagh and Omagh District Council outlined how the planning system can enable quality residential development.
Other speakers included David Polley, (Department for Communities) Communities, Sinead Collins (NI Housing Executive), Charles O’Neill (Co-Ownership) and Clára Robinson (NI Federation of Housing Associations).

Conference delegates had the opportunity to engage with the presenters throughout the day, with a formal question-and-answer session covering topics such as mixed tenure developments, accessible housing, and the importance of supporting rural dwellers.

The conference concluded with a panel discussion focusing on ‘Access, Delivery and Inclusion – Housing realities from Youth to Rural’. The panellists were Ruth Buchanan (Rural Housing Association), Rory McLernon (McLernon Estate Agents Omagh), Alex Burke and Stella Le Poidevin (both Shelter NI). Paul Clark (Broadcaster) was the Master of Ceremonies.

Speaking after the event, Fermanagh and Omagh District Council Chair, Cllr Barry McElduff said:

“I am delighted to have hosted this hugely important conference at the Strule Arts Centre, Omagh in my role as Council Chair. The issue of housing is hugely important for our people.
I want to extend a huge thank-you to our valued partners and to everyone who attended. There were many expert voices who contributed to a powerful and insightful discussion.
The key takeaway from the conference is the need for collaboration across all sectors to ensure a ready supply of appropriate private, social and affordable homes in both urban and rural areas within the Fermanagh and Omagh District.

We need to maintain our focus and translate ideas into action’’.