Former school site development urged by victims’ organisation

South East Fermanagh Foundation (SEFF) is one of three bodies hoping to share facilities at a new state-of-the-art complex – bringing together healthcare providers, victims of terrorism and an Irish language school.

The High School was closed by the Department of Education in 2013 despite strong opposition from within the local community.

Plans have been drawn up and – if the Stormont Executive gives them the green light – SEFF will be able to serve the needs of victims from a new suite of offices, therapy rooms, meeting space and a garden of reflection.

SEFF’s director of services Kenny Donaldson said: “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”.

Mr Donaldson added: “It is essential that government now works 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 NI Executive to ensure that necessary resources are directed toward the project to bring it across 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”.

Mr Donaldson added: “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”.

“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.”