Dromore businessman Derek Keys has received written correspondence from the Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA) which could have a “negative impact” on his proposed development plans for Necarne Estate.

In a letter to Fermanagh and Omagh District Council, Mr. Keys revealed he had arranged to meet NIEA officials on Tuesday this week and he wanted to find “a reasonable compromise.”

Gardrum Holdings, owned by Mr. Keys, was chosen by the Council last year as the preferred bidder to take over the lease of Necarne Estate which has been vacant for the past six years.

READ: Necarne Estate, Irvinestown: Tender process continues in face of call to halt

The company’s development proposals have not yet been made public.
In his letter to the Council, Mr. Keys explained that progress on his development plan and a public consultation has been delayed because of the issues raised by NIEA’s Historic Parks, Gardens and Demesnes and listed buildings divisions. He did not reveal what these issues are.

Mr. Keys said he has invested £30,000 to date on planning and consultancy fees and told the Council this demonstrates his “continued commitment to this process.”

He also invited Councillors to a meeting to view Gardrum Holding’s plans for Necarne and to speak to his “top team of professional advisors.”
Meanwhile, a local campaign group is opposed to Necarne being used for commercial gain and wants to see the restoration of the old Castle and not just the grounds of the estate.

‘Saving Necarne’ is calling for the Council to consider using Necarne for purposes which would “allow for the castle to be given the best chance of surviving.” They suggest, “a beautiful wedding venue, a social enterprise providing for community needs, a venue for sporting groups, or a regional centre for bringing people together through shared sporting and activity to help heal our deeply divided community.”