Fermanagh and Omagh District Council has awarded £1 million to eight community and voluntary organisations across the District to enhance local infrastructure and facilities. This funding represents the first year of the Council’s five-year, £5 million Strategic Capital Projects Grant Programme, which aims to support community-led capital developments that deliver long-term, sustainable benefits for rural communities. The programme was launched to address identified needs for capital improvements and to recognise the crucial role that local organisations play in promoting health, wellbeing, inclusion, and social connection.
Projects supported in 2025–2026 include the Sustainability & Community Project at Omagh Lawn Tennis Club, which will feature a canopy over two courts, a covered Padel Court, a Pickleball court, solar panels, aesthetic improvements, and accessibility upgrades. Enniskillen Gaels will receive funding to build a new multi-purpose community space with training rooms, toilets, storage, and enhanced public realm areas. St Marys Maguiresbridge GFC will develop an accessible, multi-use community walkway with LED lighting to encourage active lifestyles across all age groups. St. Molaise GFC in Irvinestown will expand walking loops, create a community event space and Coffee Shaq, and add a multi-use games area (MUGA).
Other projects include a full-size indoor 4G multi-use pitch at Teemore Shamrocks to address rural access challenges, energy-efficient LED floodlights at Beragh Swifts Football Club to extend pitch usage, a floodlit all-weather MUGA at Tattyreagh GAA Club, and an eco-sustainable community hub at Éire Óg An Charraig Mhór in Carrickmore, featuring an accessible gym, sensory trail, and meeting facilities. All projects underwent a competitive application process requiring evidence of match funding and statutory approvals.
Councillor Barry McElduff, Chair of the Council, highlighted the importance of the grants in addressing the needs of rural communities. He emphasized that the projects will future-proof local facilities, reduce rural isolation, improve wellbeing, encourage physical activity, and create shared spaces for social interaction. The next round of the Strategic Capital Projects Grant Programme will open on 13 April 2026, with mandatory workshops for prospective applicants starting from 2 March 2026.
This Strategic Capital Grants Programme builds on the Council’s previous 2024–2026 Capital Grant Aid Programme, which awarded over £180,000 to 12 community and voluntary organisations. Those projects included the development of new walkways with lighting, upgrades to community kitchens, outdoor play areas, and the installation of a new Ball Wall for recreational use, supporting long-term community engagement and wellbeing.
