Fermanagh District Council voted to sell Mantlin Playing Fields in Kesh for development. Residents oppose the plan, calling it harmful to community access to green space.

The fields serve as a daily play area for children from the local nursery, a walking spot for elderly residents and families, and a dog-walking location. David Seaney, a lifelong Kesh resident, stated the site offers safe access near parking, unlike the distant North Valley park.

Seaney noted children learn to ride bikes there and called for the council to keep it as a communal area. He criticized councillors from outside the area for deciding behind closed doors without transparency or resident input.

Natasha Lindsay, who lives nearby with her five-year-old daughter Harper, said the development would remove play space for children and privacy for homes. She pointed out other buildable sites exist in Kesh and the next park is over half a mile away across a road.

Robert Seaney and Louie Seaney, David's parents, said the fields see heavy summer use and provide their view. They reported no council contact and plan to protest if the sale advances.

Mary Cassidy described using the fields to read and walk, warning loss would increase her loneliness. Sylvia Knox joined her concerns.

Councillor David Mahon opposes the sale. He stated it would leave Kesh without usable green space and shared door-to-door feedback showing clear resident rejection. Mahon pledged to continue fighting the decision.