Social Development Minister Nelson McCausland has announced the start of a six week public consultation on a draft Masterplan for Enniskillen town centre.

The purpose of the Masterplan, which was commissioned by the Department for Social Development and Fermanagh District Council, is to provide strategic guidance for the regeneration and development of Enniskillen town centre over the next 15-20 years.

Proposals focus on seven key targets:

•Maximise tourism potential

•Increase domestic and international tourist figures

•Strengthen the strong independent retail offering

-- Advertisement --

•Develop the leisure and cultural offering

•Promote Enniskillen’s unique identity as an island town

•Increase the opportunities for living on the island

•Reduce traffic congestion in the town centre.

Mr McCausland said: "The draft masterplan allows anyone with an interest in the future development of Enniskillen town centre to put forward their views and examine the proposals. The masterplan investigates the opportunities for the future remodelling and development of the town, promotes ways to attract more visitors in order to help build and secure continued investment and provides a realistic vision of how this historic market and tourist town can make best use of its assets and can contribute to the long term viability and prosperity of the town centre.

"A revitalised town centre will help underline Enniskillen's role as a tourist destination and market town. The proposals are important and I want the people of Enniskillen and its hinterland to have their say during the six week consultation period. This will ensure that the final documents represent the views of the people who will be directly affected by developments."

(CD/GK)