Tourism Minister Arlene Foster has congratulated Fermanagh Self-Catering Cottages in achieving four-star status under a Northern Ireland Tourist Board (NITB) accommodation grading scheme.

Owned and run by Mark and Caroline Johnston, the holiday units are located in Aghadrumsee. They comprise of four luxurious stone apartments, set in the stable block of a former rectory.

Speaking at the official opening of the facilities, Arlene Foster said: "The Johnstons are to be congratulated for the way in which they have designed, to a very high specification, four beautiful self-catering apartments. Fermanagh already has an excellent reputation for quality accommodation and I am confident these new apartments will help to strengthen our local portfolio of luxury places to stay.

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"Following on from the tremendously successful ni2012 campaign, 2013 promises to be another huge year for tourism here. The G8 summit in June presents an unprecedented opportunity to showcase Fermanagh and Northern Ireland – not only to world leaders but to the international media.

"It will put Fermanagh in the global spotlight as never before and we need to ensure that we take full advantage of the opportunities that it will create and grasp the chance to enhance our profile on the world stage."

Two of the self-catering properties are newly-built and were assessed under NITB's new Common Standards quality grading scheme. The development received £50,000 in funding from South West Action for Rural Development (SWARD) through the Rural Development Programme 2007-13, which provides support for diversification in rural areas.

The cottages, which incorporate renewable energy measures through a heat recovery system and renewable fuel source boiler, offer access to a wide range of activities and facilities on site, as well as to a host of scenic attractions and amenities nearby.

(CD)