Another £200,000 is needed to restore the bandstand in a Co Fermanagh beauty spot after the local council spent the same amount on a recent development of the park.
Forthill Park in Enniskillen recently reopened after the six-figure refurbishment, which included work carried out on Cole’s Monument and surrounding stone steps.
Now the council says a further £200,000 will be needed to restore the Victorian era bandstand, which was erected in 1985.
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In a statement provided to MyFermanagh, Fermanagh and Omagh District Council provided an update on the work carried out as part of the recent development, and upcoming works in the park
£140,000 of the investment has been spent on works carried out to Cole’s Monument and stone steps in the park, while £60,000 was spent on path works, to include stabilisation, drainage, regrading and sub-structures of paths in Forthill.
Further works are due to be carried out on behalf of the council in coming months, with the restoration of the century old bandstand estimated to cost a further £200k.
“Fermanagh and Omagh District Council commissioned a full conservation survey of the Bandstand and a costed scope of works,” a council spokesperson said.
“Regrettably, ‘a lick of paint’ is neither a viable or value for money option.
“Over 100 years on, the bandstand will require a full conservation/restoration intervention by specialist contractors.
“Estimated costs for this are £200k. The Council is currently seeking additional funding to allow this to progress.
“The refurbishment of the bandstand will not require the closure of the park but will be temperature and weather dependent.”
Other works which have taken place in the park were funded through the Landfill Communities Fund and a ‘separate budget’.
“Benches will be recycled/refurbished from those replaced as part of the Enniskillen Public Realm scheme,” the statement added.
“Signage highlighting the history of the park and its biodiversity, along with a ‘tree trail’ also form part of the project. This has been grant aided through the Landfill Community Fund.
“Safety related tree works have also been undertaken in the park, funded through a separate budget. Spring planting is currently underway and will be completed by Easter - in time for the Picnic in the Park event planned for Monday, 18 April.”
SDLP councillor for Enniskillen Paul Blake welcomed the investment into the park but added that more clarity should be provided by the council on how the money for the refurbishment is spent.
"This is an area of natural beauty and any investment in it is to be welcomed," Cllr Blake said.
"It's just a beautiful area and it's only the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the investment needed.
"The council do need to provide more clarity on what the additional £200,000 is going towards."
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