Fermanagh and Omagh District Council has received a planning application to convert the former Gortnagarn Primary School near Omagh into tourist accommodation.

The school at Glenpark Road closed on August 31, 2016, after pupil numbers declined. The Western Education and Library Board proposed the closure in 2015 at the request of the Council for Catholic Maintained Schools. Then-Education Minister John O’Dowd approved the proposal but delayed it by one year.

O’Dowd noted the school had delivered quality education to local children despite falling enrolments. He cited 251 unfilled places in five nearby maintained primary schools within four miles.

The current application includes converting the vacant buildings and adding four glamping pods to the site. A design statement with the application indicates the project would support area renewal.

Council planning officials will assess the application before issuing a decision.