A decision is imminent on future of Fermanagh District Council, and the 25 other Councils across Northern Ireland.

A fresh announcement on plans to cut the number of Councils is expected at the end of this week. Environment Minister, Arlene Foster, whose Department has responsibility for the Review of Public Administration (RPA), is expected to outline plans for a streamlining local authorities, possibly during a Assembly meeting tomorrow.

Under Direct Rule, it was proposed that the number of Councils be slashed from the present number of 26 to seven. Such a move would see Fermanagh joined with Omagh, Dungannon and Cookstown as one large 'super Council'.

Fermanagh Councillors, apart from the Sinn Féin members - theirs was the only political party to back the seven-Council proposal - opted for 15 Councils since this would leave the Council intact and representing an entire county.

There is speculation Mrs Foster will announce she wishes to overturn the Northern Ireland's Office's Super Council plan, opting instead for either 11 or 15 Councils, a move which is likely to gain her the support of the SDLP, the UUP and the DUP.

The RPA also looks at giving back more powers to Councils, such as planning, roads etc.