Necarne Estate will remain open to walkers

by Gráinne Connolly

Fermanagh and Omagh District Council are currently in the process of leasing Necarne Estate to a new bidder. 

It was most recently leased to the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs, which no longer has any use for it. 

Gardrum Holdings, Dromore is now the only bidder being considered for the new lease. 

The Council has announced that Necarne Castle is not included in the lease and remains their responsibility, however, the estate will remain open to walkers. 

A local campaign group called 'saving necarne' believes the castle should be included in the lease. 

They want the entire facility "benefitting real local needs, rather than private shareholders."

'Saving Necarne' are worried that the new lease being offered doesn't guarantee that the castle will be open to the public, therefore they've sent hundreds of rights of way forms to the council. 

This is to ensure that the public can access the grounds once the new lease is signed. 

At a recent council meeting, it was decided that the council would ensure that the right for the public to walk in the park/estate will be retained, if new management arrangements emerge. 

Reported in the Impartial Reporter, a spokeman from Gardrum Holdings commented "We have stated our commitment and willingness to work with the local community and their representatives if our proposal is successful."

Meanwhile, Fermanagh and Omagh district council officers have recommended the council seek £331,000 from the Department for Communities Historic Environment Division.

It's to cover the cost of remedial works at Necarne Castle because "the Council has not been able to identify a sustainable use for the castle and it remains in a ruinous state."