Tempo Maguires GAC said they are ready to work with Fermanagh and Omagh District Council (FODC) around the possible relocation of the village's playpark after it was flooded during Storm Bert last week.

The playpark was not accessible due to the nearby river breaking its banks and overflowing into the surrounding area.

A spokesperson for Tempo Maguires GAC said they, along with others, have been asking the Council since October 2018 to relocate the playpark.

"The club offered to provide the council with a small piece of land, free of charge, that would be better suited to meet the needs of the local community and would not be prone to flooding.

"The proposed location is in close proximity to two primary schools, has ample off-street parking and is adjacent to a well-maintained and lit tarmac path, heavily used by the whole community.

"This view was reinforced at a public consultation meeting in 2022, led by the Council, when no one objected to the relocation and people expressed the view that the current site was not appropriate due to access problems, anti-social behaviour and most importantly repeated flooding. Had this been a new development rather than a refurbishment, it would not have received planning permission to be developed there due to the risk of flooding."

The spokesperson continued: "Unfortunately, Fermanagh and Omagh District Council decided to proceed on with the replacement of equipment at the existing playpark location, at considerable expense, rather than listening to the wishes of the local community and recognising the scale of the problem.

"Less than five months after its re-opening, children in Tempo are once again left with poor access to play facilities and no access to a MUGA. We stand ready to work with the local council on resolving these issues and our offer remains on the table.”

Fermanagh and Omagh District Council were contacted in relation to the issues about the playpark.

A spokeswoman said: "Fermanagh and Omagh District Council completed significant upgrade works to Tempo play park earlier this year as part of its Play Park Strategy 2020-2030. The improvement works were designed to enhance play provision, extending choice, accessibility and inclusive play experiences for children and young people in a safe, central location in the village with easy access to off-street car parking, the public convenience and local shops.  

"The play park was flooded at the weekend as a result of Storm Bert; Council staff worked diligently to ensure the play park had reopened by Monday morning. 

"There are currently no plans to reconsider the location of Tempo play park."