The original proposal to declare Mantlin Playing Fields in Kesh surplus to requirements and to dispose of them was put forward by Sinn Féin councillors, a council chief executive has confirmed. The facility's future has been under review, and councillors have now agreed to seek a meeting with the Kesh Development Association (KDA).

In March, DUP councillor David Mahon urged the council to reverse the disposal decision. He stated the playing fields were a valuable community asset and that many residents lacked alternative outdoor space. His proposal was initially unsuccessful but the matter was subsequently deferred for further consideration after being called in.

Mahon later said that KDA minutes contained no record of discussions about the submission that led to the disposal decision. He questioned who had made the submission and whether the process had been properly conducted.

At a recent council meeting, Alliance councillor Eddie Roofe proposed that council officials contact KDA to arrange a meeting with elected members. He said the discussion could help identify a way forward and support community efforts to improve the site. SDLP councillor Adam Gannon seconded the proposal, noting renewed local enthusiasm.

During the same meeting, Sinn Féin councillor Sheamus Greene asked about the origins of the disposal decision. Chief Executive Alison McCullagh confirmed that the initial recommendation was proposed by Sinn Féin councillor Catherine Kelly and seconded by party colleague Pádraigín Kelly, receiving unanimous council approval. A later step to seek expressions of interest was proposed by Sinn Féin councillor Marty McColgan and seconded by Ulster Unionist John McClaughry, again unanimously. A further decision to begin talks with an interested community organisation was proposed by former Sinn Féin councillor Siobhan Currie and seconded by former UUP councillor Diana Armstrong.

The overturned disposal decision is scheduled to return before the council's Environmental Services Committee next month.