Fermanagh and Omagh District Council established a working group on Irish unity. Unionist politicians from the Ulster Unionist Party and DUP did not attend the first meeting. Sinn Fein, Alliance and SDLP councillors participated, along with chief executive Alison McCullagh.

The meeting took place at Omagh Leisure Complex. Councillors appointed Sinn Fein’s Cllr Ruaídhrí Lyttle as chair. The group will run until the end of the council’s mandate in 2027.

Alison McCullagh stated the group’s terms of reference match those of similar groups in other councils. Discussions covered public information on constitutional change and ongoing research.

Councillors addressed the all-island economy, infrastructure, tourism projects, skills and economic profiling. They noted potential impacts of constitutional change on Fermanagh and Omagh District.

The council decided to invite all councillors to future events despite the boycott. It plans events sensitive to differing views on constitutional issues.

The council will commission research on local government’s role in a new Ireland. This includes analysis of local authority roles across the island and additional functions needed.

The research will assess opportunities and challenges for local government. Plans include a political panel discussion on preparing for Irish unity in autumn 2026, inviting parties from Stormont and Dail Eireann.