What consultation took place on the Fermanagh Lakeland Forum Redevelopment Project?
What consultation took place on the Fermanagh Lakeland Forum Redevelopment Project?
Extensive public engagement has taken place throughout the initiation and development of the redevelopment project over the past six years. This has included a combination of consultations, stakeholder engagement sessions, and communications through various channels.
The key stages of public and stakeholder engagement throughout the project are summarised below:
2019 Public Consultation
Fermanagh and Omagh District Council undertook initial consultation and engagement on the proposed redevelopment in 2019 through a survey.
This was through the Fermanagh Lakeland Forum focus of Fermanagh and Omagh District Council’s Active Together Strategy.
817 responses were received. The respondents came from across genders, geographic locations and a mixture of interests in the Forum – parents, members of a club that uses the Forum, members of the Forum and Casual users.
85% were regular users of the Forum with 6.5% self-reported as having a disability.
2022 Public Consultation (as part of the Planning Permission process)
In 2022, FODC undertook user group focus sessions and in-person drop-in sessions at which attendees previewed the proposed redevelopment plans prior to an application for Planning Permission.
A Public Information Event was held in Fermanagh Lakeland Forum on 29 November 2022, this was advertised via press advertisements, social media and a neighbour leaflet drop. There was also a dedicated website which allowed information to be viewed and feedback forms uploaded from 28 November 2022 to 19 December 2022.
At this time there was also engagement with statutory and non-statutory organisations, community and business stakeholders and business representative groups.
A total of 367 feedback forms (responses) were returned via the digital website platform prior to the 19 December 2022 deadline.
2022-2023 Strategic Integration and Further Engagement
The Redevelopment project was included in the consultation and development of the following strategic planning documents:
– Fermanagh & Omagh District Council Active Together Strategy
– Enniskillen Place Shaping Plan
– Visitor Experience Development Plan for Fermanagh Lakelands and Omagh and the Sperrins
2024–2025 Ongoing Communication and Feedback
As part of its commitment to user focus, FODC has continued to engage and consultant on the redevelopment. Measures have included:
– Project updates through local media and social media
– Dedicated webpage with FAQs and redevelopment information
– Regular stakeholder newsletters
– Customer information provided in situ at the Fermanagh Lakeland Forum including details and images of the proposed Redevelopment.
– Ongoing engagement with Fermanagh Lakeland Forum user groups and key stakeholder groups
– Leisure Facilities survey (2024/25)– 362 FLF specific responses received