Victoria Johnston

A cross-border research pilot involving Northern Ireland's DAERA and Ireland's Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine has launched to help eradicate bovine tuberculosis in cattle and wildlife. The initiative follows the TB Partnership Steering Group's eradication blueprint and includes enhanced testing, improved access to herd data, movement controls, wildlife intervention consultations, alternative herd criteria and a planned on-farm biosecurity advice service.

DUP MLA Gareth Wilson has written to PSNI Chief Constable Jon Boutcher seeking a detailed account of the police service’s involvement in the Fivemiletown cattle cull. The operation, conducted by DAERA’s Humane Slaughter Team, resulted in 51 cattle being killed and has generated concern among farmers. Wilson is asking about firearms licensing, authorisation, storage, transport, training and oversight, as well as any PSNI presence, planning involvement, public-safety assessments, records, complaints or investigations connected with the operation.

A strong August 13 sale at Enniskillen Mart saw heavy bullocks sell for up to £2,650, including a 715kg Charolais at 369p/kg. Weanling steers and bulls reached £2,030, heifers £1,840, forward heifers 360p/kg and fat cows £3,280. Drop calves sold for up to £850, while a Limousin suckler cow with a Limousin bull calf at foot made £3,400.

Workers at Pilgrim’s Enniskillen plant will undertake further strike action from August 17 to 29 after talks at the Labour Relations Agency failed to resolve a dispute over pay and unequal paid breaks. Unite says employees are paid only slightly above the legal minimum while Pilgrim’s reported a 21% increase in 2024 profits to £128.4 million. The union is demanding higher wages and equal break payments and has urged the company to return to negotiations before the strike begins.

Farmers are expected to protest at Stormont over the culling of 51 cattle near Fivemiletown by DAERA’s Humane Slaughter Team. Political representatives have questioned the operation’s planning, public visibility, safety, animal-welfare safeguards and veterinary oversight, while acknowledging that DAERA acted under a court order. DAERA is conducting a review, and the Assembly’s agriculture committee is due to question the department. The matter has significantly damaged confidence among Northern Ireland’s farming community, with calls for transparency, independent scrutiny and accountability.

A fire at the Ulster American Folk Park in Omagh on Sunday was caused by a hand dryer in a visitor-centre bathroom. Fire crews from Omagh and Newtownstewart evacuated the museum, used extinguishers, breathing apparatus, thermal imaging and ventilation equipment, and brought the incident under control by 2:02 p.m. No injuries or damage had been reported, and the museum was temporarily closed.

Agriculture Minister Andrew Muir confirmed that DAERA is conducting a lessons-learned review after its court-ordered euthanasia of cattle near Fivemiletown was prolonged by public disruption and the unavailability of police assistance. The review includes discussions with the PSNI on procedures and support for future operations on private land near homes and public roads. Muir said the operation was legally required, staff faced significant physical and mental challenges, and no injuries were reported, while MLA Deborah Erskine is seeking further clarification on public-safety and animal-welfare safeguards.

Princess Anne, the Princess Royal, visited Castle Archdale Country Park in County Fermanagh to learn about the former RAF Castle Archdale flying boat base and its role in the Second World War and Battle of the Atlantic. She toured the museum, viewed displays about Women's Auxiliary Air Force personnel, met military, veterans’ and community representatives, and planted an Irish Yew tree as a lasting memorial. DAERA Minister Andrew Muir and museum warden Conaire McNeary highlighted efforts to preserve and interpret the site’s wartime history.

Princess Anne visited Brooke House Health and Wellbeing Centre in County Fermanagh to learn about its psychological, physical and social support for military and police veterans and their families. The visit coincided with the opening of Henry’s Hub, a drop-in space funded by Henry Brothers through the Armed Forces Covenant Trust. Brooke House has also received £1 million from the Office for Veterans’ Affairs under the UK VALOUR programme to expand its services across Northern Ireland. The centre supported 346 clients and delivered nearly 2,850 treatment and support sessions over the past year.

BBC presenter Barra Best will host the 2026 Impartial Reporter Community Champion Awards on September 3, an event celebrating individuals and groups contributing to community life across Fermanagh. Multiple award categories recognise achievements ranging from youth leadership to environmental contributions. A diverse judging panel representing education, business, charity, and community sectors has been appointed to oversee the selection of winners.