Council raises over £200k from sale of local assets

FERMANAGH & Omagh District Council has disclosed that the sale of various land sites within the region has added up to an income exceeding £200,000 over the past three years.

A report to a meeting of the council’s environmental services committee last night (Wednesday) was told that a former egg store at Mountjoy outside Omagh, and a former play area at Rouskey were pivotal contributors, yielding nearly £200,000 in the financial year 2020/2021 alone.

Lands at Strathroy fetched an additional £73,500 in the fiscal year 2022/23.

A report to the meeting further stated that agreements for sales have been reached for lands at Gillygolley and the Carrickmore former civic amenity site.

Concurrently, efforts are progressing to finalise the sale of the Drumquin former public convenience.

A report to the meeting also stated that sales have been agreed and legal formalities are continuing in respect of lands at Gillygolley and the Carrickmore former civic amenity site, while the Drumquin former public convenience has been declared as ‘surplus’ and the efforts are underway to ensure that it is sold.

The council says that work is ongoing to identify further surplus land parcels for disposal.

properties

With an extensive property portfolio, the council currently oversees 138 properties and sites in Mid-Tyrone, 148 in Omagh Town, and 123 in West Tyrone. These include 50 play-parks, 68 bus shelters, ancient cemeteries, open spaces, and operational cemeteries.

However, the council has highlighted a pressing concern – the escalating incidents of vandalism on its assets. The report detailed a rise from 272 vandalism incidents in 2022-23 to 223 in just the initial seven months of 2023-24.

The report also covers anticipated desk-space requirements for council staff, taking account of present and projected staffing levels, operating costs, accessibility and the feedback of members.

After assessment, the council reaffirmed its commitment to maintain the Grange in Omagh and the Town Hall in Enniskillen, ensuring they continue to serve the community’s civic and ceremonial needs.