Introduction from the Cathaoirleach

Tá sé de phribhléid agam an dara Plean Eacnamaíoch agus Pobail Áitiúil do Shligeach dar teideal ‘Sligo 2030 – One Voice One Vision’ a chur i láthair. Is straitéis chorraitheach é atá ceaptha chun cur leis na bunchlocha láidre a leagadh síos faoin gcéad Phlean Eacnamaíoch agus Pobail Áitiúil ó Shligeach don tréimhse 2016-2021. Leis an straitéis seo, réiteofar an bealach le haghaidh céim nua bhforbairt Shligigh, agus é ina chontae atá ar thairseach an bhunathraithe. A bhuí leis an bPlean Eacnamaíoch agus Pobail Áitiúil seo, cuirfear sinn riocht straitéiseach chun glacadh lena bhfuil ndán dúinn le muinín agus le treo suas go dtí an bhliain 2030.

Sligo 2030 One Voice One Vision’ (Sligo 2030) is first and foremost an integrated community and economic framework to guide the county over the next 7 years. But it is also an ambitious smar t and green plan with specific actions to target transformation and innovation in a forward-thinking smart and sustainable manner. The Plan represents the commitment of the Council and its key partners to provide leadership towards achieving the Sligo 2030 ambitious vision for the county:

It’s very important to have a clear vision statement on how our beautiful county should develop, capturing its unique selling points and directing resources towards economic and community development. This strategy positions Sligo as an economic driver for the Northwest and presents models to win and sustain investment and create jobs yet enshrines quality of life and an equitable and diverse society, while also safeguarding our natural and built environment.

The approval of this Plan by the Council represents the fulfilment of an impor tant function bestowed on local government and I want to acknowledge the input of all those who made contributions to the making of this plan especially my councillor colleagues and the staff of Sligo Co Council.

Cllr Michael Clarke, Cathaoirleach Sligo County Council

It has been a great honour for us both as elected members of Sligo County Council to be in the key positions of Chair of the Sligo Local Community Development Committee (LCDC), and Chair of the Strategic Policy Committee for Planning, Community & Economic Development, Arts & Culture (SPC), during this important milestone era for Sligo.

This smart and green LECP ‘Sligo 2030 One Voice One Vision’, represents the culmination of over eighteen months’ work involving extensive research, public consultation, workshops, surveys, analysis, and committee meetings. The members of both the LCDC and the SPC, have taken the responsibility bestowed on them by statute very seriously in developing this strategic and defining plan for Sligo. Under the initial lead of the Advisory Steering Group, they have reviewed and contributed to shaping the plans progression and ensuring that Consultants KPMG-FA delivered to the highest standard in meeting the needs and ambitions of our future Sligo.

The public input and the collaborative model have been key in the approach taken in setting our ambitious 2030 vision and the solutions to the future needs for Sligo. The two committees were heartened by the vibrant response from members of the public, business sector, public sector and community groups, to our invitation to participate in the process in workshops, surveys and webinars. This is a clear indication of the desire of the people of Sligo to seek the best for its community and influence the shaping of a smart and sustainable future for all.

It is our hope that this LECP will give focus to the tremendous enthusiasm and momentum in the county to deliver the implementation plan towards securing a better future for our community and our economy. While we have endured a world epidemic and supported Ukrainian refugees in the most difficult of circumstances, we also face a climate and energy crisis which will impact on all our lives. This plan with its smart and green lens will shine a light for us in setting a collaborative road map to deliver on the actions across the six identified high-level goals.

As Chairpersons of the LCDC and SPC we would like to sincerely thank all those who have participated in this process to date as we look forward to further working with all in achieving our vision of building our smart, sustainable, and inclusive Sligo to champion innovation and development.

Cllr. Dara Mulvey

Chair of Sligo Local Community Development Committee

Cllr. Rosaleen O’Grady

Chair of Sligo County Council’s Strategic Policy Committee for Planning, Community and Economic Development, Arts and Culture