The ongoing use of public funds by Fermanagh and Omagh District Council to engage a Belfast-based PR firm to handle some of its communications has cost £9,300.

The Council has denied allegations that the firm, co-owned by a serving SDLP councillor, was hired to manage backlash over a controversial hot food policy despite being given multiple opportunities to confirm the nature of the relationship and the cost last week. 

It was first reported in last week’s Impartial Reporter that the Council had procured the services of MW Advocate since April, but it has taken more than a week to obtain the actual cost. 

Despite being pressed twice by this newspaper to comment on the relationship between the Council and the PR firm, which is co-owned by Belfast councillor Carl Whyte and his business associate Brendan Mulgrew, the Council initially provided limited information.

A spokeswoman at the time said: "Fermanagh and Omagh District Council engaged MW Advocate to support strategic communications and engagement on key projects. A procurement process was undertaken in line with Council procedures."

The full details about why the Council sought external PR assistance only emerged during Tuesday night’s meeting of Fermanagh and Omagh District Council.

Erne West Ulster Unionist Councillor Mark Ovens raised the issue, noting that the procurement had come as a surprise to many councillors. Referring to the Impartial Reporter’s coverage, he said: "It would be useful to know when exactly that company was procured, for what reason and at what cost. Is it a one-off cost? Is it ongoing? And if ongoing, what is the total cost?"

Councillor Ovens, a member of the Policy and Resources Committee, expressed frustration that he had not been informed about the procurement.

Responding to the questions, Council Chief Executive Alison McCullough told the chamber: "The emphasis is on 'story,' because that’s what it was." She added that the Council had identified a need for "supplementary support" during a review, particularly in communications. "The company referenced in the newspaper was procured in line with the Council's request for quotations."

Ms. McCullough noted that six companies had submitted tenders for the work.

She also clarified that the PR firm’s work was "primarily related to the Fermanagh Lakeland Forum project and other strategic projects," contrary to claims in the Impartial Reporter’s story, which the Council were made aware of before the publication of last week's article. However, the Council decided not to comment further.

Jill Cush, Director of Corporate Services and Governance, further explained: "There were six submissions for the process, and the procurement was fully in line with Council procedures." She confirmed that the £9,300 cost of the services fell below the threshold requiring approval from the Policy and Resources Committee.

Councillor Ovens requested further assurance, asking: "Can we be absolutely confident that this PR company is involved only in relation to the Lakeland Forum and is not providing any other advice to the Council?"

The Chief Executive reiterated: "As stated, the contract was for strategic communication support across a number of activities, primarily the Fermanagh Lakeland Forum project."