Minister unveils Clones 'stone chairs'

The Clones Erne East Partnerships ‘Visual Imagery’ project has been officially unveiled today at Carn Rock in Fermanagh.

Rural Development Minister Michelle Gildernew unveiled one of a series of 27 individually hand-curved stone chairs to be placed throughout the towns and villages of the Clones Erne East area, part of the £450,500 ‘Laying the Foundations’ cross-border Project.

The Clones Erne East Partnership wants to develop an “Area Identity” and, through this initiative, hope to raise awareness of the area, create a positive identity and a sense of belonging and pride for the residents, and promote the area to tourists.

At the launch, the Minister said: “I am particularly proud to be here today in my own constituency as the Minister for Agriculture and Rural Development, to unveil this beautifully hand carved stone chair. I am well acquainted with the excellent work that Clones Erne East Partnership has been carrying out over past few years. I am aware of the real benefits that the “Laying the Foundations” project has had at grass roots level in this cross-border area.”

Speaking at the launch, Cllr Peter McAleer, Chairman of the Partnership, commented: “This launch represents the culmination of a lot of hard work over the past few years. Carnmore has provided the ideal location to launch this memorable initiative as the symbol of progression in this historic area.”

Treasurer of the Partnership, Cllr. Thomas O’Reilly, added: “This project is just one of 12 projects developed by the Partnership over the past two years. Through this unique signage project we have developed a strong brand image that will clearly identify the area for local residents and will also enhance the tourism potential of the area.”

(JM)