Enniskillen’s night-time economy boosted by renewal of purple flag status  

Enniskillen has recently had its prestigious Purple Flag status renewed in recognition of its evening and night-time economy.

Like the Blue Flag for beaches, Purple Flag aims to raise the standard and broaden the appeal of town and city centres between the hours of 5pm – 5am.

The Purple Flag is awarded to areas in recognition for providing a vibrant and diverse mix of dining, entertainment and culture while promoting the safety and wellbeing of visitors and residents.

Speaking about the renewal of the Purple Flag status for Enniskillen, the Chair of Fermanagh and Omagh District Council, Cllr Errol Thompson, said:

“I am delighted that the evening and night-time offering in Enniskillen has once again been acknowledged with the renewal of Purple Flag status. With the recent relaxations of restrictions allowing pubs and restaurants to reopen to internal customers, recognition of the town’s exceptional hospitality and provision of a safe night out for locals and visitors alike has come at an opportune time.

Local businesses have worked particularly hard to ensure that customers can return to a safe and welcoming environment and have striven, even in these most challenging times, to continue to maintain this hallmark for how the night-time economy is operated. I would like to congratulate all the businesses and key partners who were involved in securing this nationally-accredited accolade.”

Only 6 towns and cities in Northern Ireland, have Purple Flag status, two of which, Enniskillen and Omagh, are in our district and that is something to be very proud of.

Fermanagh and Omagh District Council will continue to work with our partners to develop the experience and enjoyment of Enniskillen by visitors and locals alike.”

A number of local agencies and organisations including Fermanagh and Omagh District Council, the PSNI, Department for Infrastructure, Fermanagh and Omagh Policing and Community Safety Partnership (PCSP), Enniskillen BID and representatives from the community and voluntary sector work together to ensure that the town continues to provide great entertainment, exceptional hospitality and a safe night out for visitors.

The Purple Flag programme is managed by the Association of Town and City Management (ATCM).

Since 2007, the programme has awarded the Purple Flag status to over 70 towns and cities in the UK and Ireland.

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