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INTRODUCTION 2020 will forever be remembered for the year of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Covid-19 and the Community Response effort: Sligo County Council as one of the essential service providers was very much involved in supporting the National effort to maintain resilience amongst population and to co-ordinate community support during the pandemic. On the weekend of the 27th March 2020, following the announcement by the then Taoiseach Leo Varadkar, Local Authorities were asked to lead and co-ordinate the Community Response effort to provide support for those most vulnerable in our communities. The Community Response Forum was established over the weekend and had its first meeting on Sunday 29th March 2020 at 4pm. A dedicated helpline/helpdesk was also established manned with Local Authority staff to respond to queries and requests for help and support. Made up of representatives from different community support agencies it continued in existence for the duration of 2020 and into 2021. The voluntary effort undertaken by a host of volunteers in support of those most in need in our communities was mobilised by a collaborative effort between SCC, SVC, PPN, SLPCo and a myriad of community groups and voluntary organisation throughout the length and breadth of the county was exemplary and demonstrated the strength and resilience of the community sector in Sligo While dealing with Covid did require a lot of attention during the first half of 2020 the latter half of 2020 did see a return to full functioning of all services being operated at maximum capacity levels, aided in no small way than with the increased utilisation of technology, remote working, virtual meetings etc.
Economic development: From an economic development perspective, the designation of Sligo as a centre for economic growth in the National Planning Framework has been the catalyst for a series of significant projects being developed in both the urban and rural areas. Schemes progressed under the Urban Regeneration and Development Fund (URDF), the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund (RRDF), Fáilte Ireland’s Platforms for Growth etc have been hugely instrumental in enhancing community, tourism and recreational facilities throughout the county. The procurement of Contractors for the construction of the Sligo Cultural Plaza at Stephen Street car park which will be a flagship attraction for Sligo, was concluded towards the end of 2020. It is just one of the many exciting projects that will transform the urban landscape in the town centre. The many attractions Sligo has to offer was also the backdrop to the launch of Sligo’s new brand and website. Under the three pillars of Live/Invest/Visit, this initiative presents an opportunity to promote a positive image and enable key stakeholders to showcase Sligo under one collective brand.
Dorothy Clarke Director of Planning, Community & Economic Development, Arts & Culture
SLIGO COUNTY COUNCIL ANNUAL REPORT 2020
