Gortin Lakes and Boorin National Nature Reserve
13th January 2021
Outdoor Recreation Northern Ireland has been appointed by Fermanagh and Omagh District Council to prepare a Development Plan for Gortin Lakes and Boorin National Nature Reserve (NNR).
Members of the public are invited to express their views on the future development of Gortin Lakes by taking part in a quick online survey.
Already offering short walks with superb views and lake access, Gortin Lakes and Boorin NNR has been identified as an area which could benefit from enhanced visitor facilities and recreation opportunities.
Speaking about the consultation, the Chair of Fermanagh and Omagh District Council, Councillor Diana Armstrong said,
“The Sperrins region is renowned for its unspoiled natural landscapes and ongoing investment by Fermanagh and Omagh District Council and the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs, particularly in the development of Gortin Glen Forest Park, is contributing to the development of the area as a destination for outdoor recreation for everyone, from local families to tourists and outdoor enthusiasts.
Fermanagh and Omagh District Council has long regarded the Gortin Lakes area as an important community resource and has potential for further sympathetic development. The forthcoming consultation process will provide the local community with an opportunity to help shape any future development of the area before options are developed and sources of funding identified and I would encourage local people to get involved and have their say.”
The consultation is being facilitated on behalf of the Council by Outdoor Recreation NI. Speaking about the consultation Outdoor Recreation NI’s, Sarah Steer, said:
“ORNI’s study of outdoor recreation in Northern Ireland during 2020 demonstrated how vital local outdoor amenities such as Gortin Lakes are to communities during Covid-19 lockdowns. As an organisation we believe passionately that any new developments should meet the needs of the local people as well attracting visitors from further afield. This is the time for people to share their opinions with us and so we would encourage members of the local community to complete the survey”.
Unfortunately, due to ongoing restrictions on public gatherings as a response to the Covid-19 pandemic, it is not possible to host a public consultation session to further explore ideas with the local community at this time. However, any group or individual who would be interested in participating in a virtual consultation session, should, in the first instance, contact Sarah Steer, Outdoor Recreation NI, by email at s.steer@out-scape.com to register their interest.