Fermanagh and Omagh Local Economic Partnership (LEP)
The Fermanagh & Omagh Local Economic Partnership (LEP) is a collaborative initiative, funded by the Department for the Economy’s (DfE) Regional Balance Fund.
The partnership brings together representatives from the business, education and statutory sectors to drive locally led sustainable economic growth across the district.
The Partnership, supported by the Council, has developed an Action Plan for the district, focusing on the Economy Minister’s four economic priorities: improving productivity, creating good jobs, improving regional balance and decarbonisation.
Fermanagh & Omagh District Council has been allocated c£4.5m as part of a £45m fund. The Fermanagh & Omagh LEP Action Plan will be delivered between until 31 March 2028, with the vision presented for a more productive, lower-carbon, better-connected Fermanagh & Omagh economy with stronger tradable sectors, higher-value jobs and a more resilient year-round visitor offer.
Fermanagh and Omagh Local Action Plan
The Fermanagh & Omagh LEP Action Plan 2026-28 seeks to:
Focus on enhancing the productivity of the area’s SMEs, treating digital and automation-related productivity as economy-wide priorities.
Build practical skills that are linked to productivity-enhancing capital adoption.
Treat Net Zero and decarbonisation as an economic opportunity (energy efficiency and local green supply chains).
Take steps to address a key infrastructural deficit – the lack of industrial land/workspace.
Directly address the local tourism sector’s specific growth constraints: seasonality and the night-time offer
Action Plan Initiatives
Decarbonisation Cluster Development
- Establish a district-wide decarbonisation cluster
- Support 5–10 businesses for energy and sustainability audits
Business Space Development Fund
- Support building or land development, redevelopment or enhancement to bring assets into economic use
- Redeveloped space will support tradable businesses access, enter or expand into markets outside of Northern Ireland
Visitor Experience Development Grants
- Capital investment ranging from £40,000 to £100,000
- Support tourism providers to develop or enhance authentic, immersive visitor experiences
Tech Founder Programme
- Recruitment of up to 6 Tech Founders to participate in up to 12 months programme
- Access to workspace, wrap around support
Growth Acceleration Programme
- Structured support for up to 45 micro and small enterprises including social enterprises
- 1-1 mentoring to develop Productivity Road map/Action Plan
- Grants of up to £40,000 for capital investment
Green Energy and Decarbonisation Capital Grants
- Structured support for up to 20 micro enterprises
- Access to individual energy audits
- Grants of up to £20,000 for investment in green energy
Graduate Accelerator Programme
- Recruitment of up to 4 Graduates to participate in up to 12 months programme
- Access to structured support including a placement bursary
Look out on our business support newsletters and social media channels for details of when these programmes will open.
Further information
