A new £470,000 scheme to improve pedestrian areas of Enniskillen town centre has been approved and is expected to be completed by July of this year.
The Quay Lane Environmental Improvement scheme, announced by the Department for Communities along with Fermanagh and Omagh District Council, comes as the Public Realm Scheme for the town nears completion.
The works will regenerate key access routes from the Quay Lane North Car Park to create a safe and accessible pedestrian link to the town centre via Belmore Street.
There will also be an upgrade of the nearby Inis Ceithleann Island Park as a result of the funding boost.
The funding for the scheme was approved in January and is expected to be completed by July 2022.
According to the Department, the scheme has been designed to ‘meet both the needs of residents and visitors to the area and improve the environment and vitality of Enniskillen.’
Visiting Enniskillen, Communities Minister Deirdre Hargey said the scheme will improve the image of the area and improve accessibility in the Co Fermanagh town.
“This investment is about providing a safe and secure place for local residents and visitors alike,” Hargey said.
“The physical improvements not only improve the image of the area making it more welcoming and inviting but provide improved accessibility and connectivity to the town centre for all.
“My Department is committed to regenerating our towns and cities to make them more competitive.
The Quay Lane Environmental Improvement scheme will address key linkages to provide a safe and accessible town centre.
“These projects have the potential to improve the competitiveness of Enniskillen, support the tourism potential and have communities which are inclusive and safe.”
Commenting on recent incidents of anti social behaviour in the Quay Lane North area, council chair Errol Thompson said he was confident the works will reduce the potential for such acts.
"Fermanagh and Omagh District Council is committed to working in partnership to improve the quality of life for all the people of the district and this approach has delivered tangible benefits making the district an attractive place to live, work, visit and invest,” Cllr Thompson said.
“Unfortunately, there have been several incidents of anti-social behaviour in Quay Lane North which has had a particularly negative impact on those residents living in the vicinity.
“A proactive interagency approach resulted in a funding bid to the Department for Communities which has been successful and this will see a total investment of almost £500,000 in the area.
“I am confident that as well as reducing the potential for anti-social behaviour, this work will enhance the connectivity between New Street and Belmore Street and will greatly improve the aesthetics of the entire area."
