Pictured at the official opening of Fermanagh House.
L-R Drew Haire-Office of First Minister and Deputy First Minister, Dr Martin McAleese, Cllr Alex Baird-Chairman Fermanagh District Council, Mr Stephen Huggett-Rural Development Council, Anne Henderson-International Fund for Ireland, Joanna McVey-Chairperson Fermanagh Trust, President Mary McAleese and Lauri McCusker-Director, Fermanagh Trust
Situated in Broadmeadow, Enniskillen, Fermanagh House, which has been developed by Fermanagh Trust, is a base for the charity’s work and for other community based organisations with the aim of providing a central place to meet, interact and plan collaborative projects. Fermanagh House is a resource for the entire community. The building is home to nine charities and is utilised by many other groups and organisations.
The project has been funded by the International Fund for Ireland, the Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister, the Rural Development Council £151,000 from the EU Building Sustainable Prosperity Pro, Fermanagh Local Strategy Partnership, the Department of Foreign Affairs £33,000 and with support from Ulster Garden Villages. Fermanagh Trust itself put substantial resources into the project. Fermanagh District Council leased the site to the Fermanagh Trust.
Speaking at the event to mark the official opening of Fermanagh House, President McAleese, said: 'The twentieth anniversary of the outrageous Remembrance Sunday bombing of Enniskillen reminds us powerfully just how courageous and necessary is the reconciling work of the Fermanagh Trust as it builds a foundation for a shared and mutually respectful future where the talk is of one harmonious community and not two conflict ridden communities.' outlined President McAleese 'The opening of Fermanagh House, home of the Fermanagh Trust and home of so much that is and will be done to build up, to strengthen and help the community to flourish' emphasised the President.
Anne Henderson, Board member of the International Fund for Ireland, said that the project was a wonderful example of how a community development facility can make a difference to all the people who live in its surrounding area. “Although only open for business since April 2007, Fermanagh House has quickly established itself as a hub of community life in Fermanagh no matter what people’s age or religious background.”
“The Fund provides financial assistance to support its strategy which is focused on community relations and reconciliation. This project is a perfect example of that. From offering mentoring programmes, a range of networking initiatives, to providing a variety of training programmes, the centre has become a linchpin for capacity and confidence building between the communities it serves.”
If you are interested in finding out more about Fermanagh House and the facilities available please contact Marilyn at the Fermanagh Trust at tel no 028 66 320 210 or by e-mail: info@fermanaghtrust.org
