A creamery, an environmentally friendly primary school, and caravan park in Belcoo were all on the agenda when the Agriculture and Rural Development Minister, Michelle Gildernew paid a visit to the county on Wednesday to officially open 'Ireland's hidden gem', Rushin House Caravan Park in Belcoo.
Since it unofficially opened last year, the park has proved a popular destination, attracting visitors from all over Ireland, Europe and further afield, including the USA, Australia and New Zealand.
Due to its location adjacent to the Border with Leitrim, Cavan and Donegal, Rushin House Caravan Park is the ideal base for touring the towns and countryside of the west of Ireland, allowing tourists to enjoy the wide range of activities, attractions and culture on offer in County Fermanagh.
Speaking at the opening, the Ms Gildernew said: "Fermanagh's tourism infrastructure continues to develop, and represents a tremendous opportunity for local businesses. This is a great example of rural development in action and an impressive farm diversification project that helps address the economic, social and tourist needs of the area," she continued.
"For over a decade', she added, "my Department has been promoting diversification as a means of increasing income to farm families. Rushin House Caravan Park certainly serves as an excellent example of what can be achieved when a local need is identified."
The Minister also discussed her commitment to revitalising rural areas.
"My Department", she reported, " is actively supporting a large number of rural projects and initiatives throughout the North. The new Rural Development Programme 2007-2013 will provide the opportunity for significant investment in rural areas as well as encouraging individuals and organisations to work together to enhance and improve the lives of all those living in rural communities."
Rushin House Caravan Park is owned by Cathal and Brenda O'Dolan.
Commenting on what the area has to offer, Brenda said: "The area has so much to offer in terms scenery, history and culture. Attractions include the Marble Arch Caves, Belleek Pottery and Cuilcagh Mountain Park, not to mention the 'Best Restaurant in Ireland', recently awarded to Neven Maguire's MacNean House in Blacklion.
"The best accolade, however, came from a visitor from Dublin who recently stayed at Rushin House Park and described the area as, "Ireland's hidden gem".
The Chairman of Fermanagh District Council, Alex Baird added: "This wonderful tourism facility is down to Cathal and Brenda O'Dolan who have worked extremely hard to put it in place.
"Tourism is extremely important to the economy of Fermanagh and only by providing excellent facilities such as this will the county reach its' full tourism potential," he stated.
During her visit, the Minister also visited Fivemiletown Creamery and launched a new renewable energy scheme for rural schools at the Moat Primary School in Lisnaskea.
