First Community Planning programme 'Fermanagh and Omagh 2030' launched by District Council

by Gráinne Connolly

Fermanagh and Omagh District Council reached a significant milestone yesterday by launching their first Community Plan for the area: 'Fermanagh and Omagh 2030'. 

(Launch of Fermanagh and Omagh Community Plan 2030)

It sets out to bring about long-term, shared vision and eight shared outcomes aimed at improving public services and a better quality of life for local people. 

The social, economic and environmental well-being of the area and people in the district is at the fore of the plan. 

It was developed through an extensive co-design process, including significant community engagement on the issues that matter to local citizens. 

Community Planning Partnership Chairman,Councillor Thomas O'Reilly said:

"Many of the changes will be generational in nature, although there will be short term gains, and will make a real, positive impact on people’s lives."

He added:

"Community planning brings shared responsibility to achieve outcomes with real-time monitoring of performance to determine the effectiveness of collective actions supported by a flexible, responsive approach.  Only by working together can we achieve these long-term outcomes, reduce duplication of services and create new and innovative ways of working to improve services for everyone who lives and works in the area". 

Local school children attended the event for their involvement in a community planning arts and creativity initiative ‘A Day in the Life of the Next Generation’, contributing artwork and poems.

(Aoife McGlinchey and Eoin McEvoy with Cllr O'Reilly)

Alongside the Community Plan, an innovative pilot health and wellbeing programme aimed at over 50s was also launched:

'Fire Fitness 50+', led by the NI Fire and Rescue Service. 

(Launch of Fire Fitness 50+)

The programme contributes towards the achievement of the plan's outcome one:

'Our people are healthy and well- physically, mentally and emotionally' 

and outcome two: 

'Older people lead more independent,engaged and socially connected lives'.

Mark Deeney, the Western Area Commander, NIFRS said:

"Firefighters are renowned for their high level of fitness and we want to share that expertise to encourage those over 50 who may not be involved in sport or exercise to give it a go".

Mr Deeney said the training programme is unique to any other fitness plan out there.

He hopes that by showing the participants how to look after their health and general well-being, the benefits will serve them well in life. 

The Fire Fitness 50+ programme will take place at Omagh Fire Station and starts on Wednesday 26th April at 10.30am. 

Spaces are limited (only 20 available) so to register you can go to http://www.fermanaghomagh.com/

or contact Ryan Hanna, Leisure, Recreation and Sports Officer on 0300 303 1777.