Update on Council services following announcement of further Covid-19 restrictions by NI Executive  

16th October 2020

PLEASE NOTE: This article is over 1 year old and may not contain the most up-to-date information.

Following the announcement of a range of interventions by the Northern Ireland Executive on Wednesday 14 October to curb the spread of Covid-19, Fermanagh and Omagh District Council has implemented a number of changes to its leisure services and temporarily closed its cultural and heritage attractions, in line with the restrictions.

The Bawnacre Centre, Castle Park Leisure Centre, Fermanagh Lakeland Forum and Omagh Leisure Complex currently remain open, however with some changes to services in place.

From 6pm, Friday 16 October 2020 there will be:

  • No group fitness classes
  • No swimming lessons
  • No indoor sport of any-kind or organised contact sports involving household mixing other than at elite level

for a period of four weeks.

People or groups with bookings will be contacted directly by the relevant leisure centre.

The following facilities ​currently remain open and bookable for individual use only:

  • Swimming pools (lane swimming only) at Fermanagh Lakeland Forum and Omagh Leisure Complex
  • Fitness suites and gyms
  • Tennis courts at the Bawnacre Centre, Irvinestown

These activities must be booked in advance by visiting leisure.fermanaghomagh.com or by contacting the respective leisure centre directly.

Enniskillen Castle Museums and the Marble Arch Caves have been closed to the public for the four-week period, in accordance with the restrictions. Full refunds will be issued to those with a booking.

All other Council services are currently operating as before, however, this may be subject to change at short notice given the fast changing situation in relation to Covid-19.

Access to the Connect Centres in Enniskillen (County Buildings) and Omagh (Strule House) and to the Council Offices at the Grange in Omagh, remains strictly by appointment only.

Speaking about the introduction of additional measures to Council services, Chairman of Fermanagh and Omagh District Council, Councillor Chris Smyth, said:

“Throughout the ongoing global pandemic, the Council has been guided by advice from the Northern Ireland Executive and the Public Health Agency and is committed to ensuring that the safety of the general public and Council staff remains our priority.

“Once again, we, as a community, are facing significant challenges. Now more than ever we must all act together to protect ourselves, our family, our friends and our communities. Everyone must play their part in stopping the spread of this virus.

“Please follow the guidelines issued by the Northern Ireland Executive. Only travel when it is necessary ​and continue to wash and sanitise your hands, wear a face covering where required, keep a safe distance from others and keep your social contacts ​to a minimum.

“The Council remains committed to continuing to support communities and businesses throughout these challenging times by providing support, information and advice and financial assistance through our grants programme to help communities and businesses respond to the impacts of Covid-19.”

To keep up to date with Council services and access to facilities please follow the Council’s social media channels or visit the Council website. Alternatively telephone 0300 303 1777, Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm.

For up to date Covid-19 public health advice please visit the PHA website at www.publichealth.hscni.net.