Funding still not secured for Gortin Glens scheme

by Gráinne Connolly

Back in February 2015, Fermanagh and Omagh District Council originally submitted their funding application for the Gortin scheme. 

However, over a year later the funding still hasn't been secured by DAERA, who are supposed to provide 50%. 

MLA Daniel McCrossan has expressed his bitter disappointment that funding hasn't been secured for the redevelopment of the Gortin Glens and says he will continue to pursue the issue as a matter of urgency.

"Obviously this is hugely disappointing not only for my party colleagues and I as local representatives, but also for the people of Gortin and the wider West Tyrone area and beyond. This project has the potential to rapidly transform the area in terms of local business and recreation yet very little action has been seen to date. 

It's my understanding that the council has put up half the money and it is DAERA who are holding the project up. Tough questions now need to be asked as to why there has been massive delays on the draw-down of funding from DAERA, who are to provide 50% of the funding for the redevelopment." 

He has also expressed concerns in regards to the current state of parts of the Forestry Park, in particular biking trails which have been deliberately cut off and not maintained.

Recently, Councillor McCrossan has walked the trails and spoke with a number of local people who have also raised issues with blockages in the trail. 

Some trees have been cut to deliberately black the routes, which forces bikers to use alternative parts of the forest. 

 
SDLP Councillor's Daniel McCrossan and Mary Garrity (Chair of Council) 

Trees purposely cut down to block the route 

He went on to state: 

"I want to see these issues tackled immediately, the response from the Forestry Service, whilst appreciating the need for investment, makes no commitment to unblock the current trails."

"Gortin Glens must receive full attention of Omagh District Council, DAERA and other stakeholders in the very immediate future."