BY AILEEN MURPHY
Fermanagh Councillors have voiced their concerns at jobs being taken out of the county by public agencies, and at the reduction in the number of jobs in the construction industry.
Enniskillen member, Frank Britton reported that he was being increasingly approached by construction employees.
He commented: "In fairness, our county has had its success for the past 5-6 years, and that success has been built on the achievements of the construction sector, not only new build but also in supplying services throughout Ireland.
"But, now it seems we are moving backwards in the construction sector. A number of businesses are really, really feeling the pinch. I hope that all businesses survive, but I would be fearful that in some cases the present situation will be very detrimental to some".
He suggested that, for this reason, the formation of the Fermanagh Economic Development Organisation was very timely.
Mr Britton, who is a FEDO member, then referred to the, 'continuing loss of services and jobs' from the local offices of the NI Housing Executive.
"Fermanagh', he said, " seems to be expendable at the behest of other counties and other Councils. Omagh has gained consistently at our expense and I firmly believe we do need to take action and halt this haemorrhaging'.
Gerry McHugh said the Council had always done a good job in trying to retain jobs, and queried the reasoning behind the Housing Executive's decision to move 20 jobs out of Enniskillen: "There are absolutely no savings to be made, and when I asked why I didn't get an answer. The (existing) services will not be managed the way they were. At the very least, they will not be as good".
Mr Britton suggested there should be a special case made for Fermanagh in that, if the same jobs relocation were to take place in Belfast, it would only mean moving a few streets whereas, in Fermanagh, it could mean moving 30-40 miles. He said staff were not happy at the move.
Tom Elliott agreed with both speakers. He said there was a loss of jobs and services to the county, and the big thing was the loss of Housing Benefit personnel.
He proposed that the Council write to the Minister, pledging support for the staff of the NIHE and asking that Housing Benefit jobs be maintained in the Enniskillen office.
"It is only the start of a slippery slope" he claimed. "Does the Grants Office come next?".
In its response, the Social Development Minister, Margaret Ritchie explained that all government departments and public bodies were required to achieve a five per cent saving in running costs each year for three years, starting this year. That, she explained, would mean the loss of 450 posts.
"Initially, this has resulted in the termination of a number of temporary contracts, including four posts in the Enniskillen office. Back office services, such as the processing of Housing Benefit claims and management of rent accounts, will move from the local office to the Area Office at Omagh".
However, the Minister added, key services such as private sector grants, housing/homelessness, response maintenance, estate management, community development/partrnerships, will continue to be delivered from Riverview House.
She commented: "This will ensure that frontine housing services for the people of Fermanagh are maintained locally. And, customers will still be able to call at the District Office to discuss issues in relation to housing benefit and rent accounting".
Ms Ritchie said the proposed restructuring in Fermanagh should be completed by the end of August this year.
