Fermanagh and Omagh council consider spending £800,000 to make its headquarters warmer

Fermanagh and Omagh District Council will decide next month whether to spend £800,000 to make its headquarters building warmer.

More than 100 triple glazed windows, cavity wall insulation and other measures are planned for the premises at the Grange in Omagh, which was constructed in 1975.

The works are required, the council said, because of “significant challenges maintaining the required level of heat in the building.”

The council members are expected to consider the plans at a meeting in January, but regardless, 75 to 80 staff are to be moved to another location for the cold winter months.

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In a statement, the council said: “The civic offices at the Grange, Omagh, were built in 1975 with small extensions added in 1983 and 1996, with the majority of the windows and associated insulation installed in 1975. For some time, the council has experienced significant challenges in maintaining the required level of heat in the building due to the condition of the windows and associated insulation. As a result, the Council is concerned about its obligations under the Health and Safety at Work Order and the welfare of staff.

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“A business case, which confirmed the need to address the issues in relation to maintaining the required level of heat in the building and recommending the investment decision for remedial works, was presented to the council’s Regeneration and Community Committee in October 2023.  A decision on the business case was deferred by the committee pending the completion of a wider review into the council’s estates requirements.  This review is nearing completion and will be reported to the relevant Committee in January 2024.

“In accordance with our health and safety obligations, a decant of staff to other Council premises is required during the winter months.  This will commence in January 2024, irrespective of the Council’s decision as to whether or not to progress the window replacement and associated insulation and thermal improvement works.”

Grange is one of two headquarters at Fermanagh and Omagh District Council, along with the Townhall, Enniskillen.