Development Management

The Planning section continues to manage development in accordance with the requirements of the Planning and Development Act 2000 (as amended) and associated Regulations.

A total of 457 planning applications were processed in 2020 which represents a fall of 13% compared to the corresponding number for 2019. This is largely attributable to the restrictions and concerns associated with the COVID-19 pandemic. Pre-planning consultation interest has remained strong however and 2021 may see a return to more normal levels of activity.

As part of government housing policy, and in compliance with requirements of the Urban Regeneration and Housing Act 2015, the process of establishing a vacant sites register commenced in 2017. Demands for the collection of 2019 vacant sites levies were issued in December 2020 and the register will be monitored and reviewed in 2021.

Development Planning Unit (DPU)

The Development Planning Unit is responsible for drafting planning and development policy for Sligo County and City, in consultation with the public, members, officials, prescribed bodies and other stakeholders. The Development Planning team also carries out research, advises on development proposals, facilitates plan implementation and participates in a range of initiatives, at both local and regional level.

Achievements in 2020

Urban Regeneration and Development Fund

Based on the Public Realm Plan for Sligo Town (completed in 2018), the Planning Section submitted two applications to the Department for funding under the Urban Regeneration and Development Fund announced in January 2020. One of the applications related to the implementation of the Public Realm Plan and the other one was for the ‘City Campus’ project. Following an announcement in March 2021, it was confirmed that both applications were successful with a total allocation of €48 million being awarded to Sligo County Council.

Public Realm Enhancement Project

As part of the implementation of the Public Realm Plan, a contract was awarded in June 2020 to consultants Building Design Partnership to design the public realm enhancement of a network of streets in Sligo including Stephen Street and Rockwood Parade. A Part 8 process for this project has been completed with further detailed design to be completed early in 2021.

Wayfinding Strategy

The Public Realm Plan recommended the preparation of a Wayfinding Strategy for the town of Sligo. A brief was prepared and published on e-tenders in the second quarter of 2020. The contract was awarded to consultants Whybrow Pedrola in September 2020. Work on the Strategy commenced in October 2020 and will be finalized in 2021.

URDF Projects – Public Realm Street Enhancements(left) and Centre Block Masterplan (right)

Centre Block Masterplan

Substantial progress was made in 2020 in the preparation of a new masterplan for the Centre Block area of Sligo (Wine Street Car Park and adjoining areas).

Rural Regeneration and Development Fund

The Planning Section secured a total of €202,000 from the Rural Regeneration Development Fund 2020. These resources will be utilised in 2021 to prepare public realm schemes for the tourist villages of Strandhill and Rosses Point. The procurement process for this project commenced in late 2020.

Development Plan Variation aligning Sligo CDP with the NPF and RSES

Throughout 2019, the DPU has worked in collaboration with the North and Western Regional Assembly on the preparation of the Draft Regional Spatial and Economic Strategy (RSES). The Strategy, which designates Sligo as a Regional Growth Centre, was adopted and became operational in January 2020.

In accordance with planning legislation, it was necessary to vary the Development Plan to bring it in line with the 2018 National Planning Framework and the 2020 RSES.

The Draft Variation no. 1 of Sligo CDP incorporates the main demographic and economic policy provisions of the NPF and RSES into the County Development Plan 2017-2023. Following public consultation between 27 July and 24 August 2020, the Variation was adopted by the elected members of Sligo County Council on 12 October 2020.

IRISH PLANNING INSTITUTE AWARDS 2019-2020

Sligo County Council has been awarded a ‘highly commended’ prize in the Design Category of the Irish Planning Institute awards 2019-2020 for its 2018 Public Realm Plan.

The ‘Design’ category rewards the best in design from urban design or public realm plans to individual projects which respond to their context in an urban or rural setting.

Minister Eoghan Murphy and IPI President Conor Norton presented the award at the ceremony in the Westin Hotel on the 27th February.

The theme of this year’s awards was ‘Celebrating Excellence and Innovation in Irish Planning’. Speaking at the awards, IPI President Dr Conor Norton said “the IPI Planning Awards celebrate success in planning and the 2020 awards saw an increase in both the quantity and quality of projects considered. “

Sligo County Council’s vision for Sligo city is that of a 'compact liveable city for people', with a self-contained vibrant core and safe, attractive streets. Essential to the achievement of a ‘vibrant core’ and a ‘city experience’ is a pleasant and engaging public realm where people want to spend time.

To realise this vision, in February 2018, Building Design Partnership (BDP) was commissioned to prepare a public realm plan for Sligo.

One aim of the Public Realm Plan was to promote a coordinated approach to any works within the town centre. The Plan also proposed improvements to Sligo’s public spaces, including streets and car parks in order to enhance the town as an attractive place in which to live, work and visit, encouraging people to explore, businesses to flourish and creating a vibrant street scene.

Preparing the Plan is the first step in the rejuvenation of Sligo and marks a new era of heightened awareness of the importance of good quality design in our public spaces and streets.

Implementation of the Plan is a priority for Sligo County Council and will take place incrementally (as resources permit) over the next few years.

Sketch of Market Street