The View from Northern Ireland: Northern Ireland’s Agriculture and Rural Development Minister Michelle O’Neill has visited Trannish Island on Upper Lough Erne this week.

Highlighting potential for recreation in the area, the Minister visited an old derelict cottage (Bothy) on the island which has been restored to provide accommodation for canoeists using the Lough Erne Canoe Trail. The restoration project by Outdoor Recreation NI in partnership with the Share Centre received Rural Development Programme funding of £95,639 through the South West Action for Rural Development.

Speaking after her visit, the Minster said: “Through the rural programme I am keen that we continue to maximise the potential for recreation in our rural countryside, and projects such as this in rural Fermanagh are evidence of the continued growth of our tourism sector providing economic stability and assisting in sustaining our rural communities.

“Outdoor Recreation and its partners, the Share Centre, are to be applauded for identifying the need and developing the Trannish Island Bothy. This is an excellent facility which has certainly enhanced the Lough Erne Canoe Trail as a tourist activity destination.”

The Bothy provides basic shelter, accommodation, shower, toilet and camping facilities. It is very popular with canoeists, boat users, youth groups and families, and can accommodate approximately 12 people sleeping inside.