11/09/2026
❗️PLEASE READ - IMPORTANT ❗️
As I have been ignored for nearly 6 years, I feel the below is a fair request.
I am writing again because I believe you need to understand the very real consequences that the decisions and representations surrounding our business have had on my partner and me.
Alongside running our full-time business, we also operate our farming businesses. Over the past four weeks, we have had to sell approximately 90% of our flock of 330 breeding ewes in order to release emergency funds to support our business and meet the substantial costs associated with relocating our storage and operations.
We are currently being forced to cease trading from our premises following the actions of the Council and Planning Committee. What is particularly difficult for us to understand is the significant involvement and representations you made on behalf of the two objectors to our business.
What makes the situation even more baffling is that approximately 12 months previously, you had assisted us in obtaining grant support to help our business establish itself, grow and develop. Yet subsequently, in 2021/2022, you became involved in circumstances which, from our perspective, were contributing towards attempts to have that same business cease operating from its premises with immediate effect.
I have repeatedly asked you for an explanation as to how these two positions can be reconciled. Despite several messages to both yourself and your party leader, which have been read, I have received no meaningful response or clarification.
The consequences for us are not theoretical.
Our business provides employment and supports our livelihood. It has also become deeply involved in communities throughout Fermanagh and Tyrone through regular donations, sponsorship of charities, individuals, schools, clubs, community groups and fundraising events.
We have now been forced to find substantial emergency funding to facilitate the relocation of storage and approximately 80% of our business operations. The financial and logistical consequences are considerable.
Most painfully, we have had to sacrifice the majority of a breeding ewe flock that took years to establish in order to help finance these changes. That means another substantial part of farming activity has effectively been lost from our operation in Fermanagh.
I fully accept that, as an elected representative, you have a responsibility to listen to constituents who approach you with concerns, including those who objected to our business. However, surely that responsibility must also extend to listening to us, understanding the consequences for our livelihoods, and giving us a fair opportunity to have our questions answered.
You regularly speak about standing up for people and being a voice for everyone. I am therefore simply asking that the same principle be extended to us.
We are not asking for preferential treatment. We are asking for fairness, accountability and an explanation.
I would therefore appreciate a direct response explaining the basis of your involvement and representations in this matter, particularly given your previous support for the development of our business, and whether you were aware of the potential consequences your representations could have for our business and farming operations.
Repeatedly reading our correspondence without responding does nothing to address these concerns. Given the seriousness of what has happened to our livelihoods, I believe we are entitled to the courtesy of a substantive response.
Our business continues to thrive, even under the serious strains and extremely challenging circumstances we have been faced with. However, maintaining that success has come at a significant financial and personal cost, including the sale of the majority of our long-established breeding ewe flock to help fund the changes now required of us.
These are real jobs, real livelihoods, real farming activity and real consequences for a local family business.
All I am asking now is that you respond and explain your position.
Thanks,
Lee Martin (MA)
Stephen Nolan
