Chair and Vice Chair appointed for Heart of Ancient Ulster LPS

Following a series of consultation events across the Fermanagh and Omagh and Mid Ulster districts, the Heart of Ancient Ulster Landscape Partnership Scheme has appointed a Chair and Vice Chair.

The consultations took place at eight venues across the districts which enabled individuals to express their interest in becoming board members. Monica Coyle was appointed as Chair with Mid Ulster Councillor Sean Clarke taking on the Vice Chair role.

The Heart of Ancient Ulster Landscape Partnership Scheme was created with Heritage Lottery funding to conserve and protect the outstanding prehistoric landscape of the lower Sperrins and reconnect the local community to its unique natural, built and cultural heritage.

Speaking about the appointments Moira O’Rourke, Development Officer said;

“I am delighted to welcome on board Monica Coyle as Chair and Sean Clarke as Vice Chair. Local input and contribution is what makes a difference to the area. It is vital that decision making is made locally and by those who live and work within their community. These decisions will help shape the future instil civic pride deliver positive outcomes as well as improving opportunities for the next generation.

“I would encourage people to get involved and support the Board. There is an opportunity to learn about oral history, volunteering and protect the prehistoric landscape. Everyone brings something different to the table. Built, Natural and Cultural heritage is in safe hands with those who want to protect, enhance and preserve it. I would like to thank Michael Kelly Rural Development Council in facilitating training sessions for the newly appointed Board members.”

The next stage of the Development Phase is to assess Expression of Interest applications and submit a Landscape Character Action Plan Stage to the Heritage Lottery Fund. There’s still time to submit an Expression of Interest form before applications close on Friday 27th April 2018.

Over the last decade, HLF’s Landscape Partnership programme has provided £221million across the UK. The programme helps to forge new partnerships between public and community bodies, ensuring people are better equipped to understand and tackle the needs of their local landscapes.  Grants range from £100,000 to £3million.

The investment has been secured by the Heritage Lottery Fund. Thanks to National Lottery players, HLF invest money to help people across the UK explore, enjoy and protect the heritage they care about – from the archaeology under our feet to the historic parks and buildings we love, from precious memories and collections to rare wildlife. www.hlf.org.uk.  You can follow HLF on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram and use #HLFsupported or #NationalLottery.