Dromore Village Renewal Project

Context

The Fermanagh and Omagh Local Action Group (FOLAG) is the body responsible for the administration of Priority 6 (LEADER) of the Northern Ireland Rural Development Programme 2014-2020 in the Fermanagh and Omagh district. The Rural Development Programme is funded by the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) and the European Union. There are nine other LAGs also responsible for administering Priority 6 across Northern Ireland.

The FOLAG, which comprises of 11 elected representatives nominated by Fermanagh and Omagh District Council and 13 Social Partners, is responsible for administering a project budget allocation of £7.4 million to administer the strategic objectives set out in our approved Local Rural Development Strategy. This budget is being used to support a range of projects across a number of Schemes including Rural Business Investment, Rural Basic Services, Village Renewal and Cooperation.

The LAG is committed to building a strong, vibrant and resourceful rural economy through positive intervention and by supporting rural initiatives.

Today we showcase the success of Dromore Village Renewal Project.

Project Summary

Fermanagh and Omagh District Council is leading the Village Renewal Scheme included within the Fermanagh and Omagh Local Action Group Interim Strategy under the Northern Ireland Rural Development Programme 2014-2020.

This project was identified within the Council agreed Dromore Town Centre Action Plan, which aims to improve the quality of life of the local population and contribute to the social, economic and environmental sustainability of the village.

Fermanagh and Omagh District Council sought funding under the Northern Ireland Rural Development Programme via the Village Renewal Scheme and an application was submitted to Fermanagh and Omagh Local Action Group in December 2018.

Background

Dromore is located approximately nine miles south-west of Omagh on the main A32 route linking Omagh with Enniskillen. It acts as a local residential, commercial and service centre and has developed a particularly strong community-related services infrastructure.

Dromore is home to a number of robust community-based groups and initiatives including Dromore 2000, the local community-based development company that has been active since 1989.  Throughout the last decade Dromore 2000 has been central to the regeneration of the town centre including securing funding for the construction of major sports facilities; significant roads realignments; public realm improvements; and a variety of community-based initiatives.

Following consultation with the local community, Fermanagh and Omagh District Council identified a derelict property in the town centre with potential to be renovated into a community facility.  The Council along with the community recognised that a community facility would provide a base for enterprise businesses, provide a hub for lone workers, provide a meeting space for small groups, and would also revitalise the Main Street of Dromore.

In addition, the consultation identified that there were no entrance features into Dromore and as a result there was no ‘sense of arrival’ into the village.

Activities

Fermanagh and Omagh District Council was awarded £106,680.00 to renovate a derelict building on the Main Street in Dromore into a community facility under the name The Village Table.  The state-of-the-art building provides two meeting rooms to accommodate meetings, workshops and lone working, a kitchen and a WC.

In addition, the funding provided the installation of four entrance features on all main access roads into the village.

Benefits

The Dromore Village Renewal Project has created a great sense of community pride within the village.  All age groups are making use of The Village Table and are benefiting from having a central space to meet.  The community facility has addressed the needs of the local community and provides a hub for activities and services for those living in Dromore and beyond.

The new centre undoubtedly enables the community of Dromore to expand the range of services provision to a wider audience and encourages further interaction aiding the sustainability of the services hub.

The entrance features have undoubtedly created a ‘sense of arrival’ to all visitors and have been embraced by the local community.

Lessons

Fermanagh and Omagh District Council confirmed that the delivery of the project has been a huge success throughout Dromore, providing fit-for-purpose community premises and four eye-catching entrance features which have been embraced by all the community.

The success of the project was due to the continuing efforts of the local community, their cooperation throughout the development of the project and their contribution and effort when the Council consulted with them.