Tensions ran high at Fermanagh and Omagh District Council on Tuesday evening, as the chairman raised his voice and threatened sanctions while councillors voiced objections during the summing up of a motion on the proposed new Fermanagh Lakeland Forum.

Councillor Mark Ovens, who proposed the motion, acknowledged that the Lakeland Forum replacement may offer better value. However, he pointed out that, despite the £20 million allocation from the Levelling Up Fund, the project would still cost the council "tens of millions of pounds".

He claimed that this cost would be covered by depleting capital reserves and, primarily, through expensive 20-year borrowing from external markets.

The motion called for all decisions to be rescinded to allow scrutiny of the proposed expenditure, with Councillor Ovens stressing this was temporary and not to cancel the project however: “Ratepayers are being asked to pay for this and the least we can do is let them know how much it’s going to cost.”

Seconding party colleague Councillor Roy Crawford made it clear he isn’t opposed to a replacement building: “However there is a genuine concern among businesses and constituents, particularly regarding the financial implications.”

Chairman John McClaughry stressed the decision of the Planning Committee cannot be rescinded and there is a method for challenging it that hasn't taken place.

Sinn Fein’s Erne East Councillor Sheamus Greene said the motion appeared to call past and present members incompetent, noting many Ulster Unionists supported a new build from 2021.

He requested clarification as to whether rescinding decisions would mean the £20 million allocation would be lost.

Chief Executive Alison McCullagh replied: “There would be very considerable risk.”

Councillor Greene continued: “We would be rescinding the decision to apply for and accept that funding. The British Government has already cut the Mid-Southwest Growth Deal of £250 million, I can’t see why they are going to let us mess around by rescinding this, then still going to give it to us, just because Councillor Ovens doesn’t trust his own party members or anyone else.

The SDLP’s Councillor Adam Gannon stated: “The motion contradicts itself. This seems to be a nonsense attempt to grab a headline.”

Erne East Ulster Unionist Councillor Victor Warrington defended the motion, he added: “We want to see provision, but we don’t want to be going to constituents with a huge rates increase. They are entitled to know what this is going to cost. We are doing this because we care about our constituents.”

Councillor David Mahon, Democratic Unionist said the Forum is a very important fixture which needs to be replaced to a higher standard.

Tension flared when Councillor Ovens commenced his summing up as commotion broke out and the Chairman had to shout across the chamber.  He insisted there had not been proper engagement with rate-payers especially on costs when: “Those crazy bank loans have to start being repaid.”

As other councillors got louder, the chairman warned: “Everyone has had their opportunity to speak. This is summing up and then we’ll go to a vote. Councillor Ovens is allowed to sum up. That’s the rules of this chamber and if you can’t follow them, I will have to take sanctions.”

Disruption continued with Councillor Ovens remarking: “I’m not at all surprised by these comments and I really hope October 1, 2024 is not a date this Council comes to regret in coming years.”

The motion went to a vote which was defeated 30 to 5, with one abstention.