Fermanagh and Omagh joint top performing Council for local planning application processing

Fermanagh and Omagh District Council has been recognised as the joint top performing council in Northern Ireland (NI) for the processing of local planning applications, according to the latest Northern Ireland Planning Statistics Report for 2025/26.

Planning performance is measured against three statutory indicators across all 11 NI Councils and includes determining local planning applications within an average of 15 weeks.

Fermanagh and Omagh District Council achieved the joint fastest processing time for local planning applications in Northern Ireland during 2025/26, with applications determined in an average of just 7.6 weeks, significantly outperforming the statutory target of 15 weeks.

Chair of Fermanagh and Omagh District Council, Councillor Debbie Coyle, said:

“This result reflects the hard work, professionalism and dedication of our Planning Service team in delivering a high-quality service for residents, businesses and developers across the District.

Being recognised as the joint top performing council for local planning application processing demonstrates our commitment to providing an efficient service while ensuring development is managed in a sustainable and responsible way.

This success has been supported by the Council’s local Planning Improvement Programme, through which almost 50 improvement actions have been implemented or are being progressed, including the introduction of a more robust validation process and checklist; enhanced pre-application discussions; and the publication of guidance and advice notes for applicants, agents, Members and officers.”

Overall, the Council achieved an overall planning application approval rate of 96.9%.