The South East Fermanagh Foundation (SEFF) is looking forward to plans for investment in the old Lisnaskea High School site.

The school closed its doors in 2013 and the large site has been earmarked for a number of different development plans including a new site for a Health Centre as well as the relocation of Irish Medium School - Bunscoil an Traonaigh.

SEFF say they look forward to its plans for a capital development which includes a suite of offices, therapy rooms, meeting areas, etc. and a garden of reflection to be progressed alongside the new Health Centre and Irish school.

SEFF’s Director of Services Kenny Donaldson stated: “We have worked hard for seven years building up this project, having to deal with substantive issues along the way.

“We have proven ourselves to be pragmatic, to be committed to the common good and to be able to justify the need for our proposed project as provided within our business plan, facilitated by Department for Communities and now with The Executive Office. SEFF’s case stacks up and is rooted in need, it must now be delivered upon.”

Looking ahead to the remaining negotiations needed between Government Departments and other stakeholders Mr. Donaldson continued.

“The outcome for the former Lisnaskea High School site must be a win-win-win for the three interests concerned, the community must have a strong presence at the site, as provided for by SEFF.”

Mr. Donaldson called on the Government to now work collaboratively to finalise the project and advance the three proposals in unison.

“Any failure to deliver at this stage would be deeply detrimental to confidence in the political process.

“We implore the N.I Executive to ensure that necessary resources are directed toward the project to bring it access the line. Lisnaskea and south Fermanagh sorely needs this level of investment, the area must become the focus of those in decision making policy roles”.

“If done right the Project offers the opportunity of providing a blueprint for the co-existence of diverse interests on common pieces of land/sites”.

“Government must make right on its obligations of cementing opportunities for a shared and integrated community - the school closure has had the impact of balkanising south Fermanagh, now proactive steps must be taken to redress this, and this should be the priority of all,” concluded Mr. Donaldson.