Omagh and Fermanagh Council

Hey Folks, hope you’re all well.

I emailed Omagh and Fermanagh council in relation to their ban on overnight parking at Muckross. I have received the following reply;

Good afternoon,

Thank you for your email regarding overnight parking at Muckross. I can confirm that overnight stays are currently not permitted on Council owned or controlled sites. I can advise that the Council has had to deal with issues regarding illegal parking and encampments on Council controlled and managed sites over the past number of years within the confines of our legislative base.

The Council also recognises the matter of short term stays and can advise that it is looking into the issue through the Tourism Task and Finish Working Group.

Regards

Stephen Forrest
Head of Parks Estates and Property

I have replied to this email and I will post any updates. I have also emailed Ards and North Down council re the ban on overnight parking at The Commons car park, but haven’t received a reply as yet.

Tee x

Do you think that's his real name

PS thanks for the good work

This was my reply to Stephen’s email…..

Good Evening Stephen,

Firstly, I would like to thank you for your reply.

I am a native of Tyrone, but have lived in Co. Down since 1987. My late Father had a boat and we spent a lot of time at Muckross. It is a place very dear to my heart. I purchased a motorhome a couple of years ago and my first outing was to Muckross.

I am member of a motorhome club and I have written glowing reviews about the beauty and tranquility of Muckross. I, like other motorhomers, spend money locally when I’m there. I frequently have meals in local restaurants, buy takeaway food from local establishments and buy groceries and supplies from local shops. I take all my rubbish away with me and quite often, I lift rubbish that other non-motorhomers have left in the carpark. Everyone in the motorhome club I belong to, abide by strict rules in relation to how we treat the spaces we stay in. I appreciate that not everyone treats our beautiful countryside in the same way, but it’s so disheartening to know that the local council has imposed a blanket ban on all overnight parking.

Unlike caravans, motorhomes don’t need to stay at campsites or caravan sites. They are self contained. That was the main reason we bought a motorhome. It gives us the opportunity to enjoy a quieter life, away from the madding crowd. I was therefore, very disappointed and upset to see the signs now displayed at Muckross, banning overnight parking. It was always my first stop-off point.

I am aware that my one little lonely voice in the wilderness is highly unlikely to change to minds of decision makers in the council, but I do want them to know that myself and other decent motorhomers are very disappointed at their decision. At a time when the world is in lockdown and Northern Ireland tourism is struggling, the decision by the council to ban home grown tourists from their facilities is mind boggling.

Kind Regards

Similar experience for us Norman, the visitors in cars and large groups with the jet skis etc. seem to create a lot of noise, rubbish and some anti-social behaviour. While I dont have a problem with motorised watersports my issues arose from them zooming in and donutting around the swimmers only area. But again its us who get the blame.

Is it a coincidence that the signs are new, a bit like the big new house that has been built!!