Minister Calleary turns the sod on AIM Centre in Sligo

Minister of State for Trade Promotion and Digital Transformation, Dara Calleary TD, turned the sod on the site of the new Advancing Innovation in Manufacturing (AIM) Centre in Sligo. The new facility will focus on developing capability in cutting-edge manufacturing technology in companies across the North-West region. This innovative project is driven by Atlantic Technological University (ATU), Sligo County Council and Leitrim County Council and is supported by the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment administered through Enterprise Ireland.

Welcoming the commencement of construction work, Cllr Michael Clarke, Cathaoirleach, Sligo County Council, said, “Today marks a huge step forward in bringing this very innovative and forwardlooking project to fruition. I want to acknowledge the huge effort, vision and collaboration of all the key players, including the Atlantic Technological University, Enterprise Ireland, Rhatigan Architects, the contractor, Joseph McMenamin & Sons Ltd, Julie Dowling, Director of the AIM project and of course, my colleagues and staff in Sligo County Council. This project has the potential to be a gamechanger for industry in Sligo and beyond, while also boosting local trade.”

The redevelopment of Stephen Street car park into a fully pedestrianised public space known as Queen Maeve Square, funded by Fáilte Ireland, the Urban Regeneration Development Fund and Sligo County Council, began in January. The development of Queen Maeve Square will greatly enhance the public realm, creating an area that will be suitable for a broad range of uses including outdoor concerts, cultural events, and farmers’ markets. It is here that visitors will gravitate to, upon arrival in the town, and where families can spend time enjoying a unique space overlooking the Garavogue River. It is expected that Queen Maeve Square will be completed in 2024.

Roscommon County Council, with the support of Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), is developing a project for the delivery of a Greenway that will link the towns of Athlone and Ballyleague/Lanesborough. At the southern end, it will tie into the proposed Galway to Athlone Cycleway at the newly constructed cycleway bridge in Athlone town. The Greenway will improve access to East Roscommon and the Lough Ree catchments and entice one to explore its many towns and villages, and unspoilt scenery, connecting them with this natural and historical environment.