Council chairman reflects on a 'busy and rewarding' year in Christmas Message

AS the festive season arrives, it offers us a welcome moment to pause, reflect, and look ahead with hope. Christmas is a time for community, gratitude and togetherness - values that lie at the heart of life across Fermanagh and Omagh.

On behalf of Fermanagh and Omagh District Council, the chairman, Councillor Barry McElduff, shares his Christmas message and Season’s Greetings with residents, community groups, staff, and partners across the district.

“As we approach the end of the year, I want to reflect on what has been an incredibly busy and rewarding six months as Chair/Cathaoirleach of Fermanagh and Omagh District Council," he said.

"I have thoroughly enjoyed the year so far, not least spending time with my two chosen charities – Skyzdalimit Omagh and Fermanagh BrightStarz.

"Getting to know these groups better has been a privilege. The work they do is invaluable, bringing joy, confidence, and opportunities to the lives of those who are part of them. Their dedication reminds us of the power of community and social inclusion.

"Over the past months, we have also focused on key issues that matter deeply to our district.

"At the Housing Conference – Unlocking Housing, Removing Barriers, we brought together a panel of experts to tackle the pressing challenges around housing supply and need. The conference underscored the necessity for coordinated action across every sector to ensure a consistent supply of appropriate, private, social and affordable homes in urban andrural areas across Fermanagh and Omagh.

"The lack of safe, affordable housing deeply impacts those fleeing domestic abuse. I commend Women’s Aid for their life-saving support in these situations. This drives our commitment to the Ending Violence Against Women and Girls campaign - without secure homes, victims cannot rebuild their lives. We must work together to remove barriers and ensure access to safety and housing.

"Another standout moment was celebrating the impact of sports clubs in promoting health and wellbeing at our event in Dromore.

"Sports clubs make a real difference in our communities, they create a sense of belonging, inspire active lifestyles, and bring people together.

"We also celebrated the incredible work of clubs and voluntary organisations through various Chair’s Receptions. To all the volunteers who give their time so generously: you are the backbone of our community, and without you, these organisations simply could not thrive.

"We continue to lobby for progress on the A5 road project by meeting with the Minister and colleagues from other local authorities. The commencement of this project is vital for connectivity, safety, and economic growth.

"Alongside this, we as a council continue to advocate for our residents on a range of health priorities, including the reinstatement of Emergency General Surgery at the South West Acute Hospital Enniskillen and the delivery of Acute Mental Health Unit in Omagh. The council has recently published the research we commissioned on our vision as to how health infrastructure and related outcomes across our district can be improved. I would commend this report, undertaken by the International Centre for Local and Regional Development (ICLRD), to all who have an interest in this subject.

"Internationally, we have strengthened links with Huangshi in China, building partnerships in tourism, education, business, and culture. Our recent visit to China was a fantastic opportunity to showcase our district and explore new opportunities for collaboration.

"I have been privileged to attend a wide range of cultural and musical events, which highlight the rich and diverse heritage of our district. These occasions remind us of the creativity and talent that thrive in our communities and the importance of continuing to support and celebrate them e.g. Omagh music heritage festival.

"I have also hosted events promoting access and inclusion, one in association with Eyespeak Omagh for those affected by blindness and visual impairment. I also welcomed groups like 5STAR, Mulhern Close, and JUSTUS to the council offices.

"Working with colleagues across all parties, we remain committed to delivering on our Corporate Plan vision – making Fermanagh and Omagh a great council area to live, work, and visit. I look forward to continuing this work in the next six months, there is a lot done but more to achieve.

"As Christmas draws near, I want to acknowledge that this season can be difficult for those coping with loss. Please know that you are held in our thoughts. To everyone, I wish you peace and happiness this Christmas and a bright and hopeful New Year ahead.”