Omagh BID Proposal Discussed as Town Centre Regeneration Talks Continue

Discussions are continuing around the potential introduction of a Business Improvement District (BID) for Omagh as part of wider efforts to support the future development of the town centre.

Business representatives, council officials and members of the Omagh Chamber of Commerce have been exploring whether the BID model, already operating in towns including Enniskillen and Strabane, could help strengthen trade, increase footfall and support long-term regeneration within the town centre.

It is understood the proposed BID area would cover key commercial streets in Omagh, including High Street, Market Street, Bridge Street and Campsie.

Business Improvement Districts were first introduced in Canada during the 1960s and are designed to bring businesses and stakeholders together to invest in and improve town centres. There are currently eight BID schemes operating across Northern Ireland.

Speaking during recent discussions, Chair of Fermanagh and Omagh District Council, Barry McElduff, confirmed that conversations around a BID for Omagh remain ongoing.

Enniskillen BID Manager Noelle McAloon, who has met with those involved in the Omagh discussions, said the initiative focuses on encouraging businesses to work collectively while helping to strengthen community pride within town centres.

Ms McAloon said Enniskillen BID currently represents around 160 businesses across retail, hospitality and other sectors. She highlighted the success of the town's gift card initiative, which generated £300,000 in sales during 2025 and has now surpassed £1 million in total sales since its introduction.

Meanwhile, former Strabane Chamber of Commerce President Martin Gallen, who helped establish the Strabane BID in 2016, said the model continues to offer significant potential for town centres. However, he believes local traders must remain central to the process and acknowledges concerns about the financial levy required of businesses.

The discussions form part of wider efforts to examine the future of Omagh town centre, with ongoing work also taking place on a longer-term regeneration strategy aimed at addressing challenges including reduced footfall, vacant properties and changing consumer habits.