Fermanagh Trust Hosts Meeting with Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Northern Ireland to Discuss Key Rural Issues

The Fermanagh Trust hosted Fleur Anderson MP, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, meeting with representatives from the community and voluntary sector to discuss issues facing people here. The event, at Fermanagh House, provided a platform for local leaders to share their experiences in relation to healthcare, transport and other pressing challenges.

The Minister listened to firsthand accounts from community representatives and had a constructive dialogue on how to address these issues and develop practical solutions that will support the sustainability and resilience of rural communities across Fermanagh.

In welcoming Fleur Anderson MP, Lauri McCusker the Director of Fermanagh Trust expressed the importance of ensuring rural voices are heard at both local and national levels.
“We were delighted to host Fleur Anderson MP and bring together those working in our rural communities. By sharing experiences and ideas, we can better understand the challenges people face in areas like healthcare and transport, and how we can work together to create practical, effective solutions. Collaboration is key to ensuring that rural communities continue to thrive and have access to the services they need.”

 

Back (L-R) Louise Leonard Melvin Recreational and Resource Complex, Fr Brian D'Arcy Fermanagh Trust Patron, Jim Ledwith Fermanagh Trust Trustee, Ernie Fisher Chairman Fermanagh Trust, Jason Donaghy Fermanagh Community Transport, Lee Hamilton Youth Action, Sonya Johnston Deputy Director Fermanagh Trust, Paul Kellagher Action For Children, Danny McNulty Fermanagh Young Leader, Marilyn Quinn Fermanagh House. Front (L-R) Lauri McCusker Director of Fermanagh Trust, Minister Fleur Anderson MP and Samantha Gallagher Rural Community Network.

 

The discussion covered a wide range of issues, from the limited availability of healthcare services here to the need for better transport links to connect rural communities with essential services and employment opportunities. The Minister also heard about the success of the Community Ownership Fund in Garrison and Ballinamallard, the need for stronger investment in rural infrastructure and more robust community support mechanisms.

The Fermanagh Trust remains committed to working with local communities, elected officials, and government representatives to advocate for meaningful change and ensure that rural communities receive the support they need.

Following the meeting, Fleur Anderson MP said “Rural communities form the backbone of Northern Ireland society. Thank you to Fermanagh Trust for an informative discussion in Enniskillen on some of the issues facing local residents and the area, including transport, Lough Erne, access to public services and healthcare. Thank you for sharing experiences of local people, and especially children, living in poverty, and the ways to tackle this and give all children equal opportunities.”