Fermanagh and Omagh District Council are to write to broadband provider Fibrus and the Forest Service to ascertain why there is an apparent “stand-off” preventing some householders from having the facility installed.

The matter was raised at the recent full Council meeting by Sinn Fein’s Councillor Sheamus Greene, who said: “It has been brought to my attention there seems to be a stand-off between Fibrus and [the] Forest Service in relation to providing broadband to houses which have to be accessed through Forest Service property.”

He explained Fibrus claim they have been refused access by the Forest Service to install broadband to at least five houses.

Members heard Councillor Greene then spoke to the Forest Service, which advised it was “waiting on a way-leave agreement to be put in place, so I presume they are looking for money to actually allow Fibrus to put poles through Forest Service land”.

He proposed the Council write to both parties to seek clarity on the exact position, as: “There are a number of people in our district and the Mid Ulster area who have been told there will be no broadband service provided by Fibrus, even though they qualify for the scheme, due to [the] Forest Service blocking it.

“One government department is funding the provision of broadband, and another government department is blocking it. This seems to be a really strange situation.”

This was seconded by party colleague Councillor Chris McCaffrey, who told members: “It’s essential we make an intervention to try to get this issue resolved. We know how important it is to keep everyone connected in this ever-changing world and advancing technology.”

The proposal passed without dissent.