Council Chair Hosts Special Reception to mark 30 Years of Omagh Independent Advice Services

Chair of Fermanagh and Omagh District, Cllr Barry McElduff hosted Omagh Independent Advice Services to the Grange Council Offices, Omagh on Wednesday 19 November 2025 in recognition of their 30th anniversary.

Speaking at the event Council Chair said,

‘As Chair of Fermanagh and Omagh District Council, it is a privilege to welcome you all here to the Grange, Omagh for this reception to mark the 30th anniversary of Omagh Independent Advice Services.

Established in June 1995, Omagh Independent Advice Services set out with a clear mission to provide the community with free, independent, generalist advice and representational service on Social Security Benefits, Debt and Money Advice, Employment Law, Housing, Consumer rights and a wide range of welfare issues.

Over the past three decades its mission has never faltered. In fact, the organisation has answered more than 275,000 enquiries, represented at 2,000 appeal tribunals, dealt with £70 million in debt, and helped secure £37 million in benefits through claims and tribunal representation.

At Fermanagh and Omagh District Council, we are committed to building safe, thriving, and resilient communities, a commitment that Omagh Independent Advice Services has shared wholeheartedly for the past three decades. Today, we celebrate your remarkable journey and outstanding achievements, a true reflection of resilience, dedication and commitment to serving the community. You have assisted thousands through some of life’s most challenging moments and that is something you should be immensely proud of.

On behalf of Fermanagh and Omagh District Council, and on my own behalf, I want to extend my commendations on this remarkable 30-year milestone. My sincere thanks go to everyone whose dedication and vision have shaped this success story, and I wish Omagh Independent Advice Services continued growth and prosperity for many years to come.’