Social Development Minister Nelson McCausland has visited Enniskillen to launch the newly completed Masterplan for the 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.

The Masterplan sets out a new vision for Enniskillen town centre, focusing on seven core regeneration objectives including:

•Promote and strengthen the strong independent retail offering;

•Maximise the town's tourism potential, making the most of its physical assets and geographical location;

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•Develop the town's leisure and cultural offering;

•Promote Enniskillen’s unique identity as an island town;

•Increase domestic and international tourist figures;

•Provide more the opportunities for living on the island;

•Reduce traffic congestion within the town centre.

Mr McCausland said: "This masterplan provides guidance on the future development of Enniskillen and will help build and secure continued investment in the town. It will create a realistic vision of how this historic market and tourist town can make best use of its assets and contribute to the long term viability and vitality of the town centre.

"The regeneration process set out in this new Masterplan is intended to direct public and private investment over the next 15 - 20 years to those areas that will most benefit local people and support local business. I want to encourage development and growth in our town centres, and the Masterplan is an essential starting point for that growth."

The Masterplan was prepared for the Department for Social Development in partnership with Fermanagh District Council and other stakeholders by a team of consultants from URS.

(CD/GK)