A Fermanagh Councillor, Ruth Lynch has complained that the London Olympics of 2012, and the cost of staging the Games, will result in a reduction of funding from the Sports Lottery.

Speaking at a meeting of the Council's Environmental Services Committee, she suggested that the Sports Minister, Edwin Poots be lobbied to ensure sufficient funding for local events. It was agreed that a Report in to the funding provided by the Sports Lottery be tabled at last night's meeting of the Committee.

"While the Olympics are important", Ms Lynch stated, "there is no real benefit to us here, and we really need to be getting in there. Sport funding in Northern Ireland is estimated to lose £14.2m, yet we have increased rates of obesity, etc. All of these things need to be addressed".

It was agreed that a letter be sent to the Minister, making these points.

Later in the meeting, members came across a similar emergency, this time relating, firstly, to the £10,000 per annum reduction in the budget of the Arts Council of Northern Ireland for its Multi -Annual Programme.

Members were informed by letter, however, that due to the Arts Council having to hand over £4.5m to help fund the 2012 Olympics, it could no longer maintain the Multi Annual Programme.

It was decided write both to the Arts Council and, also, to the Department For Culture Arts and Leisure expressing concern.