Special Report December 2017 by Sligo County Council

Running Title SPECIAL REPORT 2017

SLIGO COUNTY COUNCIL | SPECIAL REPORT | PAGE

Sligo County Council

Supporting Communities Promoting Enterprise

…Delivering for Sligo sligocountycouncil

sligococo

sligocountycouncil

Sligo County Council, County Hall, Riverside, Sligo

T +353 (0)71 911 1111

Comhairle Contae Shligigh, Áras Contae, Cois Abhainn, Sligeach

F +353 (0)71 914 1119

info@sligococo.ie

www.sligococo.ie

Introduction

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Significant connections will bring opportunities to region

Sligo – economic and cultural driver of the Northwest Sligo is looking to the future. As the major urban centre, it is the economic and cultural driver of the Northwest. It has ambition – in Tourism, Economic Development, Arts and Culture, Housing, Climate Change and Infrastructure.

t is embarking on the road to become a Smart City, a city that embraces the next generation digital economy that will provide us with the tools to promote and market Sligo and deal with the challenges ahead. How will we achieve it? Through vision, leadership and collaboration making Sligo an attractive location for tourists, start-ups, SME’s or the Foreign Direct Investment sector.

Creative thinking

With the appliance of creative thinking and initiative, we are already benefiting from greater collaboration both within the county and the region. We have opened a Trade Office in Providence, Rhode Island, taken a stake in Ireland West Airport Knock and formed a strategic alliance with Stewart Airport outside New York with a view to building trade and cultural alliances and boosting visitor numbers to the region. We will build on these strategic regional and international links. Tourism has been singled out for particular focus. Fáilte Ireland anticipates an additional 100,000 jobs in tourism over the next 10 years and Sligo is positioning itself to maximise the very real potential that exists in this sector. We are doing it by investing resources in Sligo Tourism, developing a Tourist Strategy that the entire county can buy into, supporting the development of the Hawk’s Well Theatre, facilitating and supporting festivals and continuing

the development of much valued walkways and other tourist infrastructure and projects. It is advancing ambitious projects adding value to the Wild Atlantic Way offering – itself a major marketing success – and working with existing attractions and facilities in a combined way to maximise the benefit for all.

Major capital investment

Sligo is on the cusp of major capital investment in Roads, Water Services and Housing. An anticipated spend of €150 - €200m is expected in the coming years, a level of investment not seen for a number of decades, but investment that will support the potential growth envisaged in the National Planning Framework where the major urban centre is anticipated to grow to 40,000 population by 2024. The Council has set out its’ ambitious vision, a vision that will not be achieved by the Council alone, but by collaboration with other institutions and agencies in the county such as Sligo IT, St. Angela’s, IDA and Enterprise Ireland, Fáilte Ireland, LEADER, Sligo BID and the myriad of other community and voluntary based organisations throughout the county. Sligo is looking to the future – and the future is bright. Ciarán Hayes Chief Executive

While the elected Members and staff are focused on the immediate objective of delivering a quality service across our wide range of activities, we also have a responsibility to consider broader, long term strategic issues – what kind of society do we want to build, how well is Sligo positioned to meet the challenges and capitalise on the opportunities, particularly in relation to the local economy?

ur core representational role involves dealing with immediate issues of concern to the community, but we also have wider remit to work alongside these communities to enable Sligo realise its true potential. Our system of Local Government devolves particular responsibilities to elected members in the arena of policy making, and some of these policies have a critical bearing on shaping our county’s future in a fundamental way.

Local and regional development

To give a recent example, Sligo County Council recently agreed a submission for the National Planning Framework, which will be the catalyst for effective regional development. We welcome the population growth target of 40% over the life-time of the Plan and are confident that it is achievable if the necessary investment is provided. We also have a hugely significant role in the area of development policy for Sligo County and City, and following extensive consultation, we adopted a new County Development plan 2017-2023. We are also working on an Urban Area Plan for Sligo Town and its Environs. These plans underpin the development of our county and enhancement of our communities.

Improvement in finances Our ambitions for the growth of Sligo and the Northwest are predicated on the return of this Council to financial sustainability, and in this context the significant improvement in our financial situation in recent years is critical. Major progress has been recorded by the Council in this area as it completes its’ third successive year with a Budget surplus, an achievement which provides the space to plan for our future with confidence and ambition.

Prime location

Sligo is the centre for economic growth in the northwest, it has so much to offer as a prime location for new enterprise and cultural tourism. These initiatives are indicative of our ambitions and the enormous potential of the strategic connections we have developed recently. Sligo has much to gain from the active and dynamic engagement between Sligo County Council and the communities we serve ,and this partnership augurs well for the future of our county. Councillor Seamus Kilgannon Cathaoirleach

Smart City

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Positioning Sligo as a ‘Smart City’ destination Cathaoirleach Councillor Seamus Kilgannon making a presentation to Civil Defence Officers Marion Davis and Seamus Egan

Civil Defence Volunteers honoured This is Sligo’s ambition and vision of the future Imagine arriving at a town/city where you are directed to the nearest available parking, using the least congested route, where traffic lights adjust to traffic volumes, and street lights brighten as you approach...

city where your mobile devices combined with city wifi, sensors, and beacons, provides location sensitive information, assists in navigation around town, guides you around areas of interest, A city where you are automatically informed of local retail or accommodation offers, and enhances your safety through analytically predicting and managing crowd movements, and where the buildings you enter adjust their energy use in relation to occupancy and even control the heating relative to your exact location.

Sligo County Council is working to position Sligo as a Smart City destination. It is designated as a Gateway City under the National Spatial Strategy (NSS) (2002- 2020), meaning its location and scale support the desired critical mass necessary to sustain strong levels of economic growth and prosperity in the Northwest.

first class amenities. Sligo County Council, in partnership with all stakeholders, is working to sustain investment into the county and to facilitate job creation. This can be achieved by creating a healthy and vibrant environment for entrepreneurship to flourish, building on County Sligo’s unique strengths and recognising the importance of developing Sligo City and county as a whole as the economic driver for the Northwest Region of Ireland. The aim is to position Sligo as an internationally recognised smart city destination where technology will be incorporated into the fabric of our city life to provide better information, improved services, more choice, more convenience and less waste for our citizens, businesses, communities and public services. We can foster economic development and citizen engagement, by developing Sligo as a Smart City destination, using technology and innovation to deliver service efficiency.

Sligo continues to redefine itself to meet the challenges and opportunities of the 21st century. As one of the main cities of the West of Ireland, it is host to a wide array of cultural facilities, historic sites, outstanding scenery and

By creating a coherent and sustainable smart city strategy, we can leverage technology and underused Council infrastructure to create performing assets utilising a collaborative model, where communications infrastructure

This is Sligo’s ambition and vision of the future

Sligo’s unique strengths

Strategy

is open and operator neutral. It is also intended to develop partnerships with other stakeholders in the public and private sector as well as academia with the goal of embedding smart capabilities into most major projects or service redesigns. The initial phase of this project will involve examining potential funding mechanisms and also the potential income from the infrastructure, and to design a governance model for the management and longer term development of the project.

Engaging with the Community In order to succeed a smart city strategy must engage and work with local communities and groups. Success will require a strategy that is inclusive with an emphasis on co-creation of services and on digital inclusion for residents and businesses. A network of partnerships will be required, with bodies both public and private, to drive innovation and transformation. We wish to develop new models of collaboration with academia and business and industry, to assist in embedding smart or digital approaches to a range of projects. A significant challenge will be to identifying successful pilot projects and develop them into full scale projects.

Sligo Civil Defence volunteers were honoured with a reception in County Hall hosted by Cathaoirleach Councillor Seamus Kilgannon.

he volunteers were presented with special commemorative Centenary medals and certificates by the Cathaoirleach. The ceremony was attended by Civil Defence Officers Marion Davis and Seamus Egan and volunteers from around the county. and was the first reception hosted for the organisation by the Council. In his address the Cathaoirleach said ‘Sligo’s year as ‘European Capital of Volunteering s coming to a close, and I can think of no finer organisation to celebrate our history of Volunteering than Sligo Civil Defence, and I welcome the opportunity to honour and applaud the dedicated people convened here this evening. Indeed I would go as far as to say if anyone sought to examine a template or model of outstanding voluntary endeavour, I would ask them to look no further than our Civil Defence organisations throughout the country.

Professionalism Over the course of my time in public life, as Councillor and currently as Cathaoirleach, I have seen at first hand the professionalism and attention to

detail which are the hall- marks of the Civil Defence Organisation. There is also an enormous sense of gratitude and appreciation among the general public for our front line emergency services and first-responders, people who give so generously of their time and expertise for the common good. Right across the full spectrum of local endeavour, whether for a sporting, civic, or community event, the first group people will call on are our Civil Defence teams, who are always ready to assist without fuss or fanfare.

Expertise Attend any major event in this region, and it is likely that Civil Defence will be involved. Their expertise and experience has been a re-assuring presence for event organisers, and the discreet and unassuming way they carry out their duties is widely admired. I would also encourage anyone seeking a fulfilling and exciting activity, to consider becoming a Civil Defence Volunteer, and in the process make a major contribution to your community.

Civil Defence Volunteers sign the Visitors’ Book in the Council Chamber

Roads Capital Schemes

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Developing our Transport network

We will be progressing schemes on the N4, N15, N16 and N59 in the year ahead

- Sligo National Roads Project Office Sligo Council’s National Roads Project Office is responsible for the delivery of all Major and Minor National Road improvement and realignment Schemes in County Sligo.

ccording to Director of Services Tom Kilfeather, 2018 is going to be an extremely busy year for the Council Project Office as a number of significant projects are progressed closer to construction with the support of Transport Infrastructure Ireland. “We will be progressing schemes on the N4, N15, N16 and N59 in the year ahead and in particular with regard to the N4 Upgrade from Collooney to Castlebaldwin Scheme and the next phase of the N4/N15 Sligo Improvement Scheme. We will also progress the next phase from North of Hughes Bridge and finishing North of the Rosses Point Junction we are confident that contracts to commence construction for both will be delivered in 2018” according to the Director.

N4 Collooney to Castlebaldwin Road Development Scheme

The Scheme is included as a ‘key investment priority’ project in the Government’s published Capital Investment Programme 2016-2022. Following An Bord Pleanala’s confirmation of the Environmental Impact Statement and Compulsory Purchase Order for this Scheme in July 2014, the Sligo PO has continued to progress the development of the Scheme.

Significant progress was made with land purchase in 2017 and this will continue in 2018 along with the progression of the outstanding Land Acquisition Agreements. Following completion of the Tender process, Consultants were appointed in May 2017 to prepare the Specimen Design and Contract Documents for the procurement of the Construction Works Contractor. The Tender process will commence in the current month and continue into 2018, with a view to Sligo County Council being in a position to award the Construction Contract in Quarter 4 2018.

N16 Sligo-Manorhamilton Road (Lugatober)

In 2017, the Sligo Project Office progressed the Route Selection process for the N16 and a Preferred Route was selected in June 2017. This enabled the commencement of the development of a Minor Scheme on the N16 at Lugatobber. The Preliminary Design and Statutory Document preparation for this 2.5km Scheme are ongoing and will continue into 2018. This involves procuring and managing a number of Environmental and Engineering Specialists to feed into Environment Reports and the Scheme

Design, all of which are prepared by the Sligo PO Design Team. Landowner Liaison will play a large part in this body of work. It is planned to publish the Statutory Documents in 2018.

N4/N15 Sligo Urban Improvement Scheme

Following on from the N4 Hughes Bridge Widening Scheme, the N4/N15 Sligo Urban Improvement Scheme is the next section being developed by the Sligo PO. This Section commences at the northern end of the Hughes Bridge Widening Scheme and finishes north of the Rosses Point junction. The Scheme will include upgrading the National Primary Road from the northern end of Hughes Bridge to north of the Rosses Point junction, along with the upgrade of the Rosses Point, Duck Street and Markievicz Road Junctions. The Copper River Bridge will be upgraded as part of the works also. A new Traffic Management System will be designed and upgraded to an Urban Traffic Control System. The Preliminary Design and Statutory Documents, including Natura Impact Statement (NIS) and Compulsory Purchase Order (CPO) were published in July 2017. It is expected that An Bord Pleanála’s (ABP) decision will be made by the end of 2017 or early 2018. The detailed design and contract documents are being prepared and will be complete in March 2018. If ABP confirms the Scheme, Sligo County Council will be in a position to Tender for Scheme Construction in April 2018.

N59 Corhownagh to Lugnadeffa Road Improvement Scheme

Feasibility and Constraint Studies are currently ongoing in relation to the development of a Realignment Scheme on the N59, between Corhownagh and Lugnadeffa. The Feasi-

Signing of Compulsory Purchase Order for the N4/N15 Sligo Urban Improvement Scheme. (Hughes Bridge to just north of the Rosses Point junction). Seated: Cathaoirleach Councillor Samus Kilgannon and Chief Executive Ciarán Hayes. Standing: Emer Concannon, Senior Engineer and Tom Brennan, Senior Engineer.

Archaeological Stage (iii) testing works at Castlebaldwin Td. on the N4 Collooney to Castlebaldwin Road Project

bility and Constraint Studies will be completed in early 2018 allowing the Route Selection process to commence.This will involve specialist environmental input along with public consultations. Following the selection of a Preferred Route, the Preliminary Design and Statutor y Document preparation will commence and will be ongoing throughout 2018. The Sligo Project Office is very well placed with the expertise and successful track record in developing major infrastructural schemes in-house.

Shooting Lodge Bridge – Lough Easkey Road – repaired and strengthened.

Water Services

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Town and Village Renewal Scheme

Major investment

The Town and Village Renewal Scheme 2017 was created to support the revitalisation of towns and villages in order to improve the living and working environment of their communities and increase their potential to support increased economic activity into the future.

in Sligo’s wastewater infrastructure Over €16 million is being invested in County Sligo’s Wastewater infrastructure in a partnership between Sligo County Council and Irish Water which will see the upgrading of four waste water treatment plants at Grange, Strandhill, Tubbercurry and Ballinafad.

athaoirleach Councillor Kilgannon said; ‘This major investment is very welcome news for this Council and the people in these communities . The upgrade of the four plants has been discussed many times in the Council Chamber. The works are expected to commence early next year, and in addition to bringing improved water quality, it will also enhance our environment and development potential. It will also impact on the water quality of nearby coastal areas.’ The Cathao-

irleach also commended Sligo County Council’s Director of Services Tom Kilfeather and his team for coordinating the projects to date and preparing the submission to Irish Water.

€6.8m invested in Sligo’s Sligo Water mains and Sewer network Sligo Water mains and Sewer Rehabilitation project is well progressed with all pipe- laying works on target

for completion by March 2018, two months ahead of schedule. The works represent a €6.8 million investment by Irish Water in Sligo and will ensure an improved supply to all customers by reducing leakage and bursts. The project will also deliver financial savings over the medium and long term through reduced maintenance costs associated with the upgraded pipeline, and will greatly enhance the capacity of the local watermain and sewer network.

Safeguarding the environment

Sligo County Council’s Anti Dumping Initiative

hen a funding scheme for ant-dumping initiatives was announced by the Government in March 2017, Sligo County Council identified specific black spot areas in the county and submitted two applications. Funding of €41,500 was granted to carry out a cleanup of these areas. Areas identified included Glencarrick Estate and the Holy Well Road in Sligo Town,Tullycusheen bog in Tubbercurry and Clooncoose bog in Ballymote. The total tonnage of waste collected from these areas was in excess of 70 tonnes. Signage and monitoring of all areas has been increased by the Litter Warden and Waste Enforcement. CCTV has also been deployed in various locations. The Waste Enforcement Office of Sligo County Council is planning to step up enforcement efforts to address the source of this problem in order to reduce the need to spend such funds on cleaning up domestic waste, which should ultimately have been managed correctly by householders.

Waste management bye-laws The Sligo County Council Waste Management Bye-Laws 2013 place an obligation on all householders to manage their domestic waste by complying with any of the following options: MM Registration with a permitted Waste Collector operating in your area, for the provision of kerbside waste collection. MM Transport your segregated domestic waste to a Transfer Station/Civic Amenity Site as required. You must maintain all receipts as proof that this is the option you have chosen. Please also ensure that the Operative has been informed of your household Eircode. MM Bin-Sharing. This is an option for two households to come together sharing the same bins and waste account. Financial maintenance of this account will be up to both households. To avail of this option, you must complete a Declaration Form which can be obtained by contacting Sligo County Council

on 071-9111111. In order to facilitate the process of trying to deal with illegal dumping, burning of waste and unauthorised waste management, Sligo County Council is asking Householders to ensure your permitted Waste Collector has been provided with your household Eircode. If Householders are transporting domestic waste to the Civic Amenity Site at Deep Water Quay, please ensure to provide your Eircode to the Operative on duty. Once your Eircode is accounted for, this will facilitate the Local Authority in targeting those households who remain non compliant with waste legislation. In line with data protection, the provision of your Eircode will only be used for the purpose of household accountability for waste management. For further information on how to correctly manage your domestic waste, please visit our website www.sligococo.ie/Environment. Interpretive sign at Drimina-Tullycusheen Bog highlighting the local Flora and Fauna as well as walking routes around the bog.

Sligo County Council has been successfully approved under the Town and Village Renewal Scheme 2017 for fourteen locations:

1 Achonry/ Lavagh 2 Ballisodare 3 Ballygawley 4 Ballymote 5 Banada 6 Bunnanadden 7 Carney

8 Carraroe 9 Coolaney 10 Easkey 11 Gurteen 12 Ransboro/Strandhill 13 Rosses Point 14 Tubbercurry

The allocated funding amounted to €1,063,000. Matching funding in the sum of €67,000 has been allocated towards this scheme from Sligo County Council, with a further €67,000 contribution from successful local communities.

Tourism Development Sligo County Council’s ongoing collaboration with Sligo Tourism Ltd. and the broad range of stakeholders engaged in the promotion and development of County Sligo as a premier tourism visitor destination continued in 2017. This targeted and collaborative approach will harness public and private resources to support Sligo’s aim to develop as a key tourism destination situated on the Wild Atlantic Way. The continuing investment in tourism infrastructure and the growth in visitor numbers acts as an economic driver to the region, while also reinforcing important social and cultural benefits locally. Sligo County Council and Sligo Tourism Ltd are working in collaboration to prepare a Strategic Plan for Tourism

in County Sligo. This plan will cover the period 2018 to 2023 and aims to be an inclusive and strategic roadmap that will guide the development and direction of the industry in the county. Part of the development of the plan is to engage in consultation with key stakeholders in the county to ascertain their views and input to the plan. It is proposed to have a Draft Strategic Plan developed by the end of this year with adoption by Sligo County Council and Sligo Tourism Ltd in early 2018.

Sligo European Volunteering Capital 2017

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Communities enriched by our volunteers – Sligo European Capital of Volunteering 2017 the passion and commitment of Sligo’s volunteers burns as brightly as it does for our European colleagues Gala / Launch event held in Knocknarea Arena in January 2017 (far right) The Cathaoirleach makes a presentation at the EVC Closing Ceremony to Hans Schou, representing Aarhus City Council At the ceremony in January 2017 to launch Sligo’s year as ‘European Capital of Volunteering (EVC), the Cathaoirleach of Sligo County Council said ‘While there may be disparity in scale between Sligo and previous EVC’s London, Lisbon and Barcelona, there is a most definite unity of purpose and ambition, and the passion and commitment of Sligo’s volunteers burns as brightly as it does for our European colleagues.’

here is a long and rich tradition of volunteerism in Sligo, and communities all over our county are energised and enhanced by the dedicated people who give so generously of their time for the common good, without any expectation of acknowledgement or reward. We celebrate the selfless individuals around our county who channel their civic duty through volunteerism devoted to a cause bigger than themselves.

evcsligo.eu website homepage and ‘volunteer clock’ page. Total Volunteering Hours have passed the half a million mark!

Driving our county’s progress Volunteers help drive our county’s progress and day in, day out make extraordinary sacrifices to expand the promise and possibilities of all of us and, in doing so, make our lives more fulfilled. Arguably one of the most important roles we have as a Local Authority is engaging with our local communities, working in a dynamic partnership to discuss, plan and deliver agreed goals. At a strategic level, links and awareness can be strengthened between the voluntary sector and the private and corporate sector. The establishment of the Public Participation Network - PPN - was a hugely significant development in embedding the partnership approach to our engagement with the community and voluntary sector, and this has had a lasting, positive impact on Sligo.

EVC closing ceremony in Sligo City Hall

Volunteers (above) during beach clean up and (below) at Nazareth House.

Library Services

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Brenda Cawley, Wayne O’Connor and Pauline Brennan with children from Cranmore Resource Centre Crèche

SLIGO LIBRARY’S ‘RIGHT TO READ’ PROGRAMME

Mobile Library out and about in Sligo

Sligo Library Service launched its ‘Right To Read’ Programme recently with a group of children and staff from Cranmore Resource House.

he children were invited to Sligo Central Library to enjoy some storytelling and to receive their very first library membership card, a card which has been specially designed to mark the initiative. A ‘Right to Read’ Programme has been activated in each local authority in the country. The initiative, which has come from the Department of Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government (DoHPCLG), in conjunction with Libraries Development in the Local Government Management Agency (LGMA) aims to deliver more systematic literacy support at local level. This will involve local authority library staff, in partnership with local agencies in the community working to support literacy and reading development. The Cathaoirleach Councillor Seamus Kilgannon said ‘This is an excellent

initiative which I expect will be of great benefit to children in all our communities. It places the focus on the importance of reading and having access to books from an early age. Library membership is free and you are never too young to join the library, it’s all about making reading a fun activity.’ Sligo Right To Read Co-ordinator and Senior Executive Librarian at Sligo Library Service, Ms. Pauline Brennan, is currently working in collaboration with a number of local agencies to arrange library visits for crèches, playgroups and pre-schools around the county. “This is a really exciting programme. All of the libraries in Sligo have a wide range of books suitable for young babies, toddlers, pre-schoolers and those children of a school going age and we want to encourage parents to join their children in the library from a young age so that

The following books have been recommended by the library staff as books that should appeal to the following age groups:

Fiction Age 2-4 MM

MM MM

Christmas Tree made from books in Ballymote Community Library

they have the opportunity to enjoy handling books and experiencing the wonderful world of pictures and illustrations.’ If you would like to arrange a visit for a group of children or indeed for your own children or would like more information on this initiative, please contact Pauline on 071-9111859.

Sligo County Council Parks Departments continue to prioritise the enhancement of the Town Centre during the Spring and Summer months. In 2017 there was again a huge effort to ensure Sligo Town was looking its best for the busy tourist season. Existing landscaped areas were enhanced and planter boxes were designed and hung from both sides of the pedestrian bridge at Rockwood Parade which gave anew vibrancy to this strategic pedestrian link across the Garvogue River. The Parks Department continue to bring the City Centre alive with colour for all seasons and this will continue into 2018. These initiatives, along with the hanging baskets initiative organised by Blooming Sligo and Sligo Tidy Towns

A Sailor Went To Sea, Sea, Sea: Favourite Rhymes from an Irish Childhood by Sarah Webb Socks For Mr. Wolf: A Woolly Adventure Around Ireland by Tatyana Feeney The Bubble Street Gang: The Clubhouse Mystery by Erika McGann Cillian Ag Comhaireamh le Siobhan Grogan

Fiction Age 9-11 MM

MM MM MM

ensure the town centre is awash with colour throughout the spring and summer months. The Parks Department will continue to work closely with Sligo Tidy Towns on appropriate projects throughout 2018 and the hard work and various improvement initiatives undertaken by Sligo Tidy Towns has yet again been rewarded by an increase in points received by Sligo in the tidy towns competition in 2017 and the award of a Bronze medal.

Young Adult MM MM

The Bookshop Girl by Sylvia Bishop Stand By Me by Judi Curtin Illegal by Eoin Colfer The Lotterys Plus One by Emma Donoghue Darkmouth: Hero Rising by Shane Hegarty Greim Na Vaimpíre le Orna Ní Choileáin

Knock Back by Pauline Burgess Skulduggery Pleasant: Resurrection by Derek Landy A Dangerous Crossing by Jane Mitchell Knights of the Borrowed Dark: The Forever Court by Dave Rudden Anansi Agus Scéalta an Domhain le Éamonn Ó Siochfhradha

The Barefoot Book of Children by Tessa Strickland and Kate De Palma Pairs! Underwater by Smriti Prasadam-Halls My Museum by Joanne Liu

Non-Fiction Age 5-8 MM

Here We Are by Oliver Jeffers This is How We Do It by Matt Lamothe The Variety of Life by Nicola Davies

Non-Fiction Age 9-11 MM

Beyond The Sky by Dara Ó’Briain Facts! One For Every Day of the Year by Tracey Turner Animals Behaving Badly by Nicola Davies Cool Coding by Rob Hansen

Non-Fiction Age 12-14 MM

Fiction Age 12-14 MM

Moonrise by Sarah Crossan The Hawthorn Crown by Helen Falconer Tangleweed and Brine by Deirdre Sullivan Star By Star by Sheena Wilkinson

Non-Fiction Age 2-4

Fiction Age 5-8

Town Centre Enhancement

The President’s Glasses by Peter Donnelly Yoga Babies by Fearne Cotton Picken: Mix and Match The Farm Animals by Mary Murphy Foclóiropedia: A Journey Through the Irish Language from Arán to Zú le Fatti and John Burke

Exploring Space: From Galileo to the Mars Rover and Beyond Women in Science: 50 Fearless Pioneers Who Saved the World by Rachel Ignotofsky Rebel Voices: The Rise of Votes for Women by Louise Kay Stewart The Big History Timeline Wallbook by Christopher Lloyd

Sligo Walks

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Explore our beautiful landscapes...

sligowalks.ie

SligoWalks.ie is a new website which was launched recently to promote the many and varied walks of Sligo. Developed in conjunction with Sligo County Council and other agencies, Sligo Walks provides both the visitor and the Sligo native with all of the information needed to access and enjoy the beautiful landscape on our doorstep.

rom the mountainous walks up Knocknarea and the Devil’s Chimney through to coastal walks along the Wild Atlantic Way, Sligo’s scenic walks form some of the most iconic elements of the county’s diverse countryside. Since launching in September there has been a notable upsurge in both the use of and interest in these waymarked walks. Allied to a strong promotional campaign, people are joining walking groups that have long trumpeted both the physical and mental health benefits of our walks, and recently new groups have also been established, encouraging individuals of all ages and levels of fitness to get involved. As always, safety should be to the fore when enjoying the Great Outdoors, and together with all of the stakeholders and the walking community in general,

Ben Bulben Forest Walk by Annie West

SligoWalks.ie acts as a first stop for those looking to access information on walking in Sligo, as well as promoting the activities of groups here. Visit sligowalks.ie for details, and check out our video via our social media channels or pick up a free illustrated pocket map at various tourism outlets throughout the county.

Killaspugbrone loop by Annie West

Sruth in Aghaidh an Aird

View from Knocknarea

Sligo Walks

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(Left to Right) Damien McGuinn, Coolaney Development Company, Martin Ruane Coillte, Cathaoirleach Cllr Seamus Kilgannon, Ray O’Grady Sligo County Council, Bryan Conlon North West Mountain Bike Club

World class facility at Coolaney will confirm County Sligo as Ireland’s Adventure Capital The recent funding announced for out-door recreation facilities in County Sligo included a grant of €840,285 for Coolaney National Mountain Biking Centre to be located on Coillte’s lands near Coolaney village The funding was announced by Michael Ring, T.D., Minister for Rural and Community Development, with over €11 million in funding being provided nationally for projects under the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme.

he proposed Coolaney National Mountain Bike Trail Centre will be a world-class facility consisting of 80km of cycling trail and related facilities. It will be a flagship recreational amenity attracting domestic and overseas visitors to the region. Located within the Coillte-owned Coolaney Forest in the Ox Mountains, and along the route of the Wild Atlantic Way (WAW ), this facility will be one of four national MTB trail centres on the island, aimed at setting Ireland as an international destination for mountain biking. It will be one of the largest, most exciting mountain trails on the island with the potential to cater for major international cycling events, as well as families and day visitors.

Panoramic Views

From its summit visitors will have scenic panoramic views of the Ox Mountain chain, the Connacht plains, Knocknarea, Benbulben, the Atlantic coastline, and Sligo City. A Fáilte Ireland-designated ‘Adventure Hub’ and a WAW ‘Urban Gateway’, Sligo City is a key regional transport centre and the administrative capital of the North West Region. County Sligo is increasingly referred to as Ireland’s Adventure Capital for outdoor activities as it possesses all the essential services, infrastructure and attractions required by visitors engaging in outdoor recreational pursuits. Welcoming the announcement of funding for the project, the Cathaoirleach of Sligo County Council, Councillor Seamus Kilgannon said ‘The primary objective of this regional project is to address the need for mountain biking/ cycling and outdoor recreation infrastructure throughout Ireland and in doing so to firmly establish this region as a destination for domestic and overseas visitors engaging in these activities’ Coillte’s Head of Recreation, Daithi de Forge said that “Coolaney MTB trail centre will be a key resource for mountain bikers in the north-west, but also a great platform for other businesses to partner with us to deliver outstanding visitor services at the site and in the locality. As Ireland’s leading provider of outdoor recreation, it greatly adds to the fantastic range of recreation sites and experiences across our forests. We are

delighted to partner with Sligo County Council to create this destination and want to thank the local MTB club and Coolaney community development group for their hard work raising the profile of this great project. The Dept of Rural and Community Development recognise the massive contribution to rural life and business that recreation developments can create and great credit goes to them for backing this project”.

Potential

Coolaney forest was previously identified by Coillte as a suitable location for a national mountain biking centre and the potential for developing a facility at this site was confirmed in a Feasibility Study and Corridor Evaluation sponsored by LEADER Sligo and carried out by internationally recognised trail designer Dafydd Davis. Chairman of NorthWest Mountain Bike Club Bryan Conlon said their members are delighted with the recent funding announcement and excited to be involved with such a progressive project. ‘Sligo already has a name in providing world class surf for all abilities and we hope to provide the same on the trails. Like surfing the benefits are far reaching, from strengthening Sligo as an adventure tourism destination to providing back to the local economy or improving the health and well being of our communities, it’s a fantastic project!”

Easy Access

Easily accessible from the N17 and N4 (both Galway and Dublin are approximately two hour’s drive time), Knock Airport (30 min) and the Sligo-Dublin train (Collooney station 5 min), the facility will enhance existing local amenities such as the re-aligned Sligo Way and the new Ballisodare-Collooney

greenway (funded recently through the REDZ scheme). It will also complement planned key strategic projects specifically the Sligo-Tubbercurry (via Coolaney) Greenway, the Sligo Leitrim and Northern Counties Greenway linking Enniskillen to Sligo City, and the EuroVelo 1 Atlantic Coast cycling route, all of which converge at or near Coolaney National Mountain Bike Centre. Within this context it is planned that the village of Coolaney will become a significant outdoor recreational hub providing a wide range of walking and cycling amenities.

The Sligo Experience

The proposed Centre will attract dedicated biking enthusiasts as well as families to Coolaney, but will also entice passing visitors off the main road and into more rural settings thereby enhancing and expanding their Sligo experience, and encouraging them to stay longer in the region to the benefit of the local economy. Well researched interpretive signage will inform visitors of the South Sligo region, Coolaney, the Ox Mountains and landscape of Sligo, its flora, fauna, people, and heritage. A steering group was established in 2013 including representation from all relevant stakeholders, Coillte, Fáilte Ireland, Sligo LEADER Partnership Company Ltd., Northwest MTB Club, Local Enterprise Office Sligo, Coolaney Development Company, and Sligo County Council. The Group continues to actively promote and progress the development of the project. Significant REDZ funding has also been secured to develop trailhead facilities such as parking, signage, site access, toilets, etc., and the planning for this aspect of the project is currently underway.

A business case study carried out by consultants Meehan Tully & Associates Ltd., for Coolaney Community Development Company, identified a number of potential benefits for the project:

Benefits

Building Ireland’s, and the Northwest’s profile as a European destination for mountain biking.

In excess of 50,000 visits annually, given the experience of other facilities on the island.

Attracting major national and international biking events to Ireland.

Additional gross €3.8 million per annum for the local economy, supporting up to 130 new jobs.

Enhancing Sligo’s image and reputation as an internationally recognised adventure capital.

Supporting further enterprise and employment in the tourism, sport, and recreation sectors. Deirdre Lavin of Sligo LEADER Partnership Company welcomed the announcement of capital funding for this project. ‘We were delighted to have been able to support the feasibility study and corridor evaluation for this project under the last LEADER/Rural Development Programme and we continue to offer ongoing support through the Rural Recreation Office’.

Sligo’s Natural Environment

The Draft Development Plan for County Sligo specifically calls for the ‘establishment of a National Mountain Biking Centre in Coolaney’. More generally, the plan notes the ‘County has a varied natural landscape with spectacular limestone mountains, such as Benbulben and Benwiskin, other interesting upland terrain (e.g. the Ox and Bricklieve Mountains)’. It acknowledges that ‘Sligo’s natural environment lends itself to a large variety of outdoor pursuits, including walking, hill-walking, mountaineering, and rock-climbing, cycling, mountain biking’ and that these ‘are all recognised

Acting as a catalyst for further community and rural development in the region. Promoting active lifestyles, health, and wellbeing. as growing leisure activities that can largely be facilitated with a minimum of supporting infrastructure.’ In its published off-road cycling strategy June 2012, Coillte identified the forest close to Coolaney as suitable for a national mountain bike centre. Coillte in partnership with Sligo County Council will continue to manage the project and pursue all funding opportunities to complete this world class recreational facility.

Linkages In addition to linking with existing/ planned local amenities, there is considerable potential for inter-territorial linkages with planned cycling amenities in Mayo at Wild Nephin. For this reason, Sligo and Mayo County Councils are working closely in exploring opportunities for joint development and marketing initiatives that will enhance recreational cycling amenities in the region. Fáilte Ireland fully support the project and have formed a strategic partnership with Coillte in relation to its delivery.

Climate Change

SLIGO COUNTY COUNCIL | SPECIAL REPORT | PAGE

Climate change: local actions for a global problem Climate change will impact at every level from the State to Corporate to the individual - that’s according to Sligo County Council’s Chief Executive, Ciarán Hayes.

part from the obvious clean-up after storms and severe weather events, there will be a demand at local level for river and coastal protection measures in order to limit erosion and flood damage. Along with these adaptation measures however, we will also have to limit our carbon emissions at an accelerated rate in order to meet demanding targets set internationally. While the requirements will challenge us they will undoubtedly impact positively on our environment. They will however require behavioural changes to long established customs and practices. The use of fossil fuels is to be phased out and the State has just introduced a ban on the sale of smoky coal nationwide. But changes won’t stop there. Energy will increasingly have to come from renewable sources like wind, solar, wave etc. That means more wind farms both on-shore and off-shore, solar energy and solar farms and research and development of wave energy.

These present economic development opportunities and there is much research underway to fulfil a vision of the roof and walls of buildings becoming the main power source, all controlled by a smart meter where the owner has full control over the energy use and cost. On the domestic side, the days of sitting around the open fire are also likely to change with the onset of passive houses powered by heat pumps, photo-voltaic and/or geo-thermal technology combined with greater insulation standards and the elimination of the open fire as per the Building Regulations. So too our means of travel will change radically. We are now witnessing an accelerated rate of conversion to electric vehicles by the motor trade. That will continue and it is predicted that the next car we buy will be the last car that will be fully fossil fuel powered. Such a radical change demands not only a response from national and local government, but will require leadership

24.7% Freight

4.1%

55.7% Private Car

Public Passenger

Navigation

8.5%

0.1%

Fuel Tourism

Domestic Aviation

1.1% Rail

3.8%

Unspecified

Transport CO2 emissions % by mode 2014 (SEAI 2015) and we will see that in the form of incentives to transition to electric vehicles (EV’s)and separately, investment in a nationwide charging infrastructure that can support the transition to EV’s. Ireland now has over 50% of its population living in urban areas, a percentage that’s going to increase so we can expect to see changes to the design of our residential areas in order to cater for increased housing densities. Urban design changes won’t end there however. More and more road space will be given over to walking, cycling and public transport, thus encouraging sustainable modes of transport to reduce the need to use the car. As a race, we come with an inherent reluctance to change. But change we must and the Local Government sector is taking a leadership role and positioning itself for the challenges presented by climate change. It is establishing four regional teams that will be staffed and trained to become centres of excellence in the field and will be deployed to advise, assist and train Local Authority staff in all aspects of Climate Change. Local Government is set to make a positive contribution to a global problem that can only be resolved by acting locally.

Enterprise Links

SLIGO COUNTY COUNCIL | SPECIAL REPORT | PAGE

Forging International links for enterprise Ireland West International Trade Centre Rhode Island The Ireland West International Trade Centre is a joint initiative by a number of Western Local Authorities aimed at providing a soft landing space for businesses in the USA; for the general promotion and development of this region’s enterprise and economy and for the forging of linkages where relevant opportunities present.

n agreement has been entered into with a company in Providence, Rhode Island whereby meetings are organised for our clients from this region with parties of potential interest in Rhode Island and farther afield. As part of the agreement, that company occupies an office of a building that is leased in Providence by the participating Councils for the purpose of promoting client product from this region. Very significant linkages have been forged with key political figures and economic development organisations in Rhode Island.

Progress Report

Rhode Island – the educational link

enior personnel from IT Sligo recently visited the International Trade Centre in and were facilitated in meeting with four third level educational establishments in Rhode Island with a collective student population of over 32,000 students. Opportunities have been identified for collaboration and there is a strong expectation that results will flow, across areas ranging from student exchanges, staff exchanges and interest in particu-

lar IT Sligo programmes including its online offerings. This is just the latest in a series of major initiatives being developed by IT Sligo; The College has also recently published its new Strategic Plan for the next five years (2017-2022). The Plan sets out a range of ambitious targets, including the projected increase in student numbers from 6,000 current figure to 10,000 by the end of 2022.

Increasing footfall in Sligo City Centre

Business is being conducted by a diverse range of small businesses from this region. Successes attributable to the programme vary from artists whose work has been exhibited in various galleries; export of bar and other furniture; a small whiskey distillery which now has a representative in Rhode Island using the Trade Centre as a base to grow their US market; a company travelling shortly to the USA to conclude a licensing agreement for modular buildings; a logistics company that is anticipating signing a very significant contract early in the new year; a business selling health and safety services and a business that is providing website development and other ICT services from this region to businesses in the USA. It should be noted that many of these businesses are using the Trade Centre as their business address or as their international business address.

Potential benefits for Sligo A tourism business uses the Centre as a base for meetings and as its American business address. Since becoming involved in the programme, their business from the American market has increased by over 25%. A microbrewery has recently signed a contract with a significant distribution firm in Rhode Island, complementing previous progress made under the programme with another distributor which has resulted in ongoing regular shipments of beer to the USA. A brand new product geared specifically towards a US firm with whom one of the participants on the programme has made significant contacts is expected to be launched from the Trade Centre in March. A local business has admitted a small number of American employees for training in a very specialised field. Their employer has also come to Sligo for discussions. Sale of training materials to the American business may follow and, hopefully, the establishment of a partnership or other mechanism that will enable it to sell its expertise to further businesses in the US. Contact details for Trade Centre: Ireland West International Trade Centre, 177 North Main Street, Providence, Rhode Island 02903, U.S.A. www.irelandwesttradecentre.com

Sligo Business Improvement District (BID)

Achievements of Sligo BID in the past year: MM

The Sligo Business Improvement District (BID) is an initiative designed to increase the footfall to Sligo city centre, to attract more businesses and to secure a long term sustainable model for the management of the town.

It represents businesses in the BID area. Membership of the Sligo BID is designed to benefit all the business people in Sligo and every member has a say in its democratic governance.

Sligo town was a finalist in this year’s Bank of Ireland National Enterprising Town Awards, a competition to find the country’s most enterprising town. As a first time entrant, Sligo won runner-up in the region and a cash prize of €2,000.

Upgrade of Sligo.ie mobile app that will be promoted in 900 bedrooms across 7 BID member hotels. Installation of the app at reception areas of BID members hotels (ongoing). Financial support to local organisations Upgrading of Bus Shelters and Coach Park in partnership with Sligo County Council Sligo - winner - First Designated Coach Friendly Town in Ireland (Feb 2017) Formation of new dedicated Business Tourism unit (with Sligo Tourism) under the direction of the Sales and Marketing personnel across the member hotels. New market research from both businesses and consumers completed with IT Sligo Retention of the Purple Flag Award Award from BOI Enterprising Towns – regional runner up. Installation of the BID Barn in partnership with Sligo County Council – expected visitors number to exceed 30,000

For further information visit www.sligo.ie

Strategic Partnerships

SLIGO COUNTY COUNCIL | SPECIAL REPORT | PAGE

Sligo delivers as EU names Ireland’s Northern and Western Region as European Entrepreneurial Region 2018 Ireland’s Northern and Western areas are to be designated the EU’s European Entrepreneurial Region, 2018. The award identifies and rewards EU regions and cities with outstanding, future-oriented entrepreneurial strategies.

he application was led by David Minton, the Director of the Northern and Western Regional Assembly (NWRA), with the involvement of the Heads of Enterprise of the Local Enterprise Offices and others in the region. It focused on developing policies to transform the area from adversity to “one of the most resilient and ambitious places in Europe”.

L-R Dorothy Clarke, Director of Services, Liam Kiely, Local Enterprise Office Sligo Aidan Doyle, Sligo Chamber of Commerce Andy Rogers, Sligo Business Network in London

Proposed Development of a

South Sligo Food Hub, Achonry Situated on the side of the N17 in Achonry, at present there are over 52,000 square feet of largely unused food-ready premises spread over five buildings of various sizes.

It will assist progressive business people and others to capitalise further on what the region has to offer. While more investment is needed, it will not cloud our collective vision, our ambition of harnessing the potential of the region. The European Entrepreneurial Region, 2018 award portrays the Northern and Western region as now being recognised as one of the most vibrant, responsive and entrepreneurial places in Europe. As Minister Michael Ring remarked shortly after the award was made last July that “Innovative and creative entrepreneurs across the region have led the way for young people, inspired a generation and now are operating at a global level; all from the West of Ireland”.

Sligo Global – our network of international friendships Sligo Town Twinning was established in 1980 with the objective of forging links with towns and cities broadly similar in size to Sligo. The former Sligo Borough Council established three formal twinning arrangements with Kempten, Germany, Crozon, France, and Tallahassee, Florida.

The Cathaoirleach welcomes the Spanish Ambassador to City Hall

Kempten

ligo County Council and its Local Enterprise Office are working in partnership with Aurivo and the local communities of Achonry and Tubbercurry. Together they are making every effort to develop the facility, over time, into a large “food hub” – essentially an establishment for the production and distribution of food and drink. The site has many advantages. It is largely food-ready. Aurivo actively uses another part of the site for distribution, meaning that readymade distribution channels are available to prospective tenants. The site is earmarked for development of broadband and, under the Government contracts in place with telcos, must be connected to high speed services by the end of next year. Independently, it is served by a dedicated broadband line meaning there are no contention issues. The facility has an array of coolers, freezers including a blast freezer, areas suitable for non-chilled foods, a food laboratory. It has many

dedicated entrances and exits which makes the space imminently suitable for sub-division among prospective tenants. There is a commitment from the Local Enterprise Office, the Sligo LEADER Partnership Company and other agencies to work with prospective tenants and to assist them insofar as possible. Making this facility work will incrementally add to jobs and the economy of South Sligo in particular. The competitive lease package envisaged together with the almost ready-made facilities that will require little investment by tenant businesses represents an enormous opportunity for start-up and existing food businesses, be they large or very small as well as for the further development of the South Sligo area in particular. A reopening of the facility and the prospect of jobs, growing over time, driven by profitable resilient businesses, serving local, regional national and global markets, is the ultimate aim of all involved in trying to bring this project to fruition.

The first contact between Kempten and Sligo involved a student exchange programme, and the networks and friendships established by that initiative provided the inspiration to develop other projects. One of the highlights of the association is the Erasmus Student exchange Programme, which has proven to be an excellent initiative in terms of broadening the students horizons, opening up new avenues in terms of study and research, and establishing an invaluable network of contacts to share and develop new ideas and concepts. In November 2017, a choir from Kempten participated in the Sligo International Choral Festival, and they were afforded a reception by the Cathaoirleach along with a group of business students from Kempten.

Crozon

Sligo’s association with Kempten was formalised with the signing of a Charter in Kempten in February 1990 and two months later in Sligo. The Charter expressed our shared ambition that ‘personal contacts be strengthened’

Kempten Choir perform in County Hall on a recent visit and focused on the important role to be played by young people in particular in fostering and nurturing this friendship. Many formal and informal links have been developed over the years with groups from Crozon. In September 2016 Sligo hosted a week-long series of events to celebrate the 35th Anniversary of our Twinning Association . 56 visitors travelled from Crozon and a delegation of 6 people visited from Kempten.

Other international contacts

In addition to maintaining links with our ‘Twin Cities’, Sligo County Council has developed a number of other international contacts. In recent months visitors to Sligo included the NYPD’s Emerald Society, the Bergen Master Mariners and Shipmasters Choir (Norway), and a group from Miranda do Duro in Portugal. In February 2017 a Sligo delegation travelled to the Portuguese town. It is NYPD Emerald Society visited Sligo, and met with the Cathaoirleach Councillor Kilgannon and Chief Superintendent Michael Clancy

expected that a group from Miranda will visit Sligo in Spring 2018.

Ambassador’s Visits

Sligo County Council regularly hosts meetings with visiting Ambassadors, in recent months we have welcomed Ambassadors from Austria, Spain and the Republic of Korea.

European Capital of Volunteering

Sligo’s status as ‘European Capital of Volunteering 2017’ has increased our international profile, particularly with European cities. In October Sligo County Council was represented at a ceremony in Vienna for the announcement of ‘European capital of Volunteering 2018’, and the EVC 2017 Closing Ceremony was held in Sligo City Hall on 1st December.

Sligo County Council’s Twinning Committee

Chairperson: Cllr Rosaleen O’Grady. Members: Cllr Marie Casserly, Cllr Thomas Healy, Cllr Hubert Keaney, Cllr Jerry Lundy.

Enterprise

SLIGO COUNTY COUNCIL | SPECIAL REPORT | PAGE

South Sligo Enterprise Centre This development has created a top quality space for start ups and small enterprises as well as a state of the art training facility

Minister Humphreys getting a tour of the new An Chroí South Sligo Enterprise Centre

As a consequence of the relocation of the Headquarters of the Aurivo Coop, the community had the opportunity to develop An Chroí - South Sligo Enterprise Centre by means of the Tubbercurry REDZ Programme.

his was an extremely welcome development and enabled the creation of c. 5,500 sq. feet of valuable enterprise / incubation / training space (much of it easily convertible for other uses as required). This development has created a top quality space for start ups and small enterprises as well as a state of the art training facility which has benefited from significant levels of use to date. An Chroí is home to 4 local businesses, has become a training centre to support people on long term unemployment through the delivery of the local Jobs Path scheme in addition to a range of valuable ETB Training Courses. The centre also serves as the headquarters

for a number of community development groups including Tubbercurry Chamber of Commerce, Tubbercurry Tidy Towns and Tubbercurry Development Company Ltd. In addition to the above An Chroí is providing community employment through its ongoing operations. Sligo County Council was recently recognised for its work with the An Chroi South Sligo Enterprise Centre being shortlisted in the 14th annual Chambers Ireland Excellence in Local Government Awards 2017. Sligo County Council has shown their commitment and dedication to our community and the ongoing work they do to improve the area. An

Public Participation Network (PPN)

Members of Sligo PPN Secretariat and Staff Sligo County Council with Minister of State Sean Kyne TD, Oct 2017

Chroi South Sligo Enterprise Centre have worked in collaboration with the council, community and local volunteers over recent years and are delighted to see their efforts rewarded. Sligo County Council has also been commended in the ‘Promoting Economic Development’ category for its work with An Chroi - South Sligo Enterprise Centre. These awards celebrate best practice in local government and recognise the skills, hard work and innovation within a local government. The event is sponsored by Vodafone and held in conjunction with the Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government.

ligo Public Participation Network has had a successful and active year through its Secretariat, Colleges and Linkage groups putting in place supports and structures to strengthen the capacity of the community and voluntary sector in Sligo to make a real contribution in decision and policy making. There are 445 groups registered with Sligo PPN. Sligo PPN supported by Sligo County Council staff hosted the first National PPN Conference in the Clayton Hotel on 19th October with over 200 delegates in attendance representing PPN’s, Local Authorities and a variety of groups from around the country. A new website for Sligo PPN is currently being developed and the PPN have a presence on Facebook and Twitter together. The monthly E-Bulletin is also being circulated.

Rural Economic Development Zones (REDZ)

he concept of the Rural Economic De velopment Zone evolved to encourage a more tailored approach to economic planning at local level and to increase the level of local input in relation to the planning and delivery of agreed economic development initiatives. In 2016 Sligo County Council was successful with applications for funding under the Rural Economic Development Zone (REDZ) and was approved an allocation of €800,000 from the Department of Arts, Heritage Regional Rural, Gaeltacht Affairs (now Dept. Rural and Community Development -DCRD).

Among the projects funded in the current year:

Flagship Project: MM

IWAK, Airport Knock €400,000 ( Partnership of seven Local Authorities))

Medium Project: MM

National Mountain Biking Centre, Coolaney €200,000

Local Projects: MM

Ballisodare –Collooney Recreational cycle linkage €100,000 Tobercurry: Enterprise Supports €100,000.

The Sligo Economic Forum The Sligo Economic Forum was established this year – membership consists of representation from Sligo County Council officials and members, LEO, Enterprise Ireland, IDA Ireland, Chamber of Commerce, IT Sligo, Fáilte Ireland, St. Angela’s College, and representatives from the Business and Farming sectors.

he Chair of the SEF was chosen as Mr. Aaron Forde from Aurivo Co-Op Society Ltd. The forum considered issues such as the Draft National Planning Framework, Residential property availability, Rates revaluations and

the Regional Enterprise Development Feasibility Study. It is intended that as part of the early work in 2018 it will focus on a number of key issues for Sligo which will be incorporated into an Action Plan.

Housing Programme

SLIGO COUNTY COUNCIL | SPECIAL REPORT | PAGE

Housing Capital Programme 2017 Main image and below: Fr O Flanagan Terrace

Sligo County Council is actively advancing a number of Schemes under its Social Housing programme; 2017 has seen progress in the planning, design and project management of a range of developments throughout the county under the Rebuilding Ireland Capital Investment Programme.

Housing at Collooney, Co Sligo: 15 Units

his is a mixed development of three - bed houses, two - bed houses, special needs apartment, and a five - bedroom Group Home. As with Rosses point Road this scheme was approved to progress by Sligo county Council at its meeting of 4th December.

Collooney Housing Site Plan Collooney Housing - dormer bungalows

Father O Flanagan Terrace: 22 houses

his social housing development represents a major housing construction site within Sligo and its environs. Phase 1 commenced in January this year following archaeological investigations in advance of construction. The overall development consists 22 dwelling, - 9 apartments, 2 one bed apartments, 5 two bed houses, 4 two bed town houses, and two 3 bed houses. Tenants will shortly move into Phase 1 which consists of eight dwellings. The scheme is constructed by Sammon Building Contractors. The council would like to acknowledge the support and patience of residents and businesses in the area during the construction phase of this project. The balance of 14 dwellings is programmed to be delivered in November 2018.

Rosses Point Road, Cartron: 14 Units

his development is on a prominent site overlooking the harbour and south facing open space. The development is a mix of six single - bedroom, together with eight

Collooney Housing – Street Elevation

two-bedroom apartments. Occupants will include persons with special needs. The Council granted planning approval to the scheme at its meeting on December 4th.

Sketch image of 14 unit apartment social housing development at Rosses Point Road Cartron

Connolly Park, Tubbercurry Regeneration/ Remedial Works Programme:

T Knappagh Road, Sligo: 28 houses

View of elevation of

his 28 dwelling development social housing development consists of a mix of single bedroom single bed apartments and sis 3 bed apartments, 3 bedroom townhouses, and two bedroom houses that include dwellings for duplex dwellings to persons with special needs. The initial design and planning process has been completed. A design team has been procured to take the development to tender and construction. Knappagh Road, Sligo

Part View of ground floor special needs townhouses, with 4 person two bed apartments above.

View of entrance.

he Council is currently working with Department to progress a Programme that, over a period, would see units in the estate being brought back to productive use, together with the carrying out of

Purchases Each year the Council purchases houses on the open market. This year we are aiming for 27 purchases. Nationally there is a scheme called “Buy and Renew”under which finance is available to Councils to buy and renew housing units in need of remediation, and make these units available for social housing use. The focus is on older stock, particularly as part of the response being made in tackling dereliction and improving streetscapes/supporting renewal. Similarly the “Repair and Lease Scheme” is funded at central government level and operated and implemented by the Council. Under “Repair and Lease”, property owners lease accommodation to the Council, the

some demolition works and also the construction of a number of new builds. This will be progressed further seeking investment in new and refurbished units at Connolly Park. Council will fund limited refurbishment works, with the cost recovered by a reduction in lease payments for an agreed period of time. The scheme is a valuable option for those who have vacant property and who wish to access funds for refurbishment in order to put the accommodation into use.

Putting Properties back into use

The Council undertakes a major programme each year of refurbishing existing housing stock. This year we aim to refurbish up to 68 houses. This ensures houses that become vacant are retenanted in quality accommodation. For further information or if you want to make enquires about the “Repair and Lease” or the “Buy and Renew” Schemes go to www.sligococo.ie

Knockmina N.S. CLÁR 2017

CLÁR

INVESTING IN

RURAL COMMUNIITES

SLIGO COUNTY COUNCIL | SPECIAL REPORT | PAGE

This CLÁR project was carried out behalf of Knockmina N.S. The project involved the construction of a playground area and associated works adjacent to the National School. The work were carried out by Asgard Plant & Haulage Ltd and were administered by Sligo County Council.

Scoil Mhuire N.S. Ballymote CLÁR 2016 This CLÁR project was designed and project managed by Sligo County Council on behalf of Scoil Mhuire N.S. The project involved the construction of a set down area and associated works. The works were carried out by Mullane Plant Hire Ltd and were administered by Sligo County Council.

CLÁR PROGRAMME

As part of Government’s overall programme for Rural Development, a number of initiatives, aimed at assisting the social and economic regeneration of rural areas, were delivered by the Department of Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs (DAHRRGA) during 2017.

he active engagement and participation of Local Authorities in conjunction with their communities has been, and will continue to be, critical to the success of these initiatives that aim to support the social and economic development of rural areas in a sustainable way. CLÁR is a targeted investment programme which provides funding for

St . Ronans N.S. Cloonloo CLÁR 2017 This CLÁR project was designed by Sligo County Council and carried out on behalf of St . Ronans N.S.. The scheme involved the provision of a set down area and associated works. The work were carried out by Flannery & Sons Landscaping and were administered by Sligo County Council.

small scale infrastructural projects in rural areas which suffered the greatest levels of population decline. Nationally an allocation of €5 million for CLÁR for 2017 was made through the Local Authorities and the objective is to maximise the impact of the funding for the benefit of communities in CLÁR areas.

Integrated Support Service for Local Enterprise

The Local Enterprise Office (LEO) is firststop-shop for those entrepreneurs starting a small business or expanding an existing one. No.’s employed in Businesses in receipt of LEO Sligo Grant-Aid: Year

No. of full-time Jobs

No. of other-time Jobs

Full-time Equivalents

2016

717

389

911.5

2017

752

393

948.5

No. of LEO Sligo Selective Financial Interventions Approved: IBYE Sligo winner John Flanagan receiving his award from Cathaoirleach Councillor Seamus Kilgannon accompanied by John Reilly, Head of Enterprise, Dorothy Clarke, Director of Services and Stephen Walshe, Business Adviser, Local Enterprise Office.

he Local Enterprise Office provides an integrated support service centred on the needs of small businesses from the Council’s offices in City Hall (from which many of its training supports are delivered directly to clients). Supports provided include training, mentoring, financial assistance, advice, counselling and promotion of an enterprise culture (including through programmes run in schools). It provides a key role in signposting clients to the Council’s other business-related services and to business-related services operated by other agencies.

Economic development

The LEO also assists broader economic development through for example the advancement of tourism, workspace, city centre developmental activities and membership of relevant local development bodies, for example Sligo Business Improvement District, the Sligo Local Community Development Committee and the Economic Forum. At a cross-border and international level, its current activities in

this regard include sourcing/partnering for external funding (e.g. “Target” – a manufacturing programme involving the LEO and various organisations in other EU Member States and Co-Innovate, a cross-border programme with InterTradeIreland as lead partner geared towards promoting business efficiency and cross-border trade).

Driving initiatives

The Office is also involved in driving a number of Government initiatives locally. For example, it remains heavily involved with the Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources in the delivery of its ICT vouchers programme and in the delivery of the Ireland’s Best Young Entrepreneur Programme on behalf of the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation. A significant element of the LEO’s micro-enterprise funding is provided by the Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation and channelled through Enterprise Ireland, which also provides key back-up expertise and assistance.

No. of Sligo Businesses approved Microfinance Ireland Loan Assistance:

Year

No. of Approvals

Year

No. of MFI Loan Approvals (Sligo)

2016

2017

8 to date

No. of participants on LEO Sligo Business Skills Training Initiatives:

No. of Sligo Businesses approved Online Trading Voucher (OTV) Assistance:

Year

No. of Training participants

Year

No. of OTV Approvals (Sligo)

2016

265

2016

2017

311 to date

2017

No. of participants in receipt of LEO Sligo Business Mentoring Assistance:

No. of Technical Assistance for Micro-Exporters (TAME) Grants approved for Sligo businesses:

Year

No. of Mentoring participants

Year

No. of Approvals

2016

186

2016

2017

136 to date

2017

9 to date

No. of second-level students participating on LEO Sligo’s Student Enterprise Programme

No. of External Training Support Grants approved for Sligo businesses:

Year

No. of Mentoring participants

Year

No. of Approvals

2015-2016

514

2016

2016-2017

736

2017

10 to date

Strategic Partnerships

SLIGO COUNTY COUNCIL | SPECIAL REPORT | PAGE

Strategic Partnerships will focus on tourism and enterprise Ireland West International Airport Knock Sligo County Council as well as the other six Councils in the Western region (Galway City, Galway County, Mayo, Leitrim, Roscommon and Donegal) took a 17.5% stake in Ireland West International Airport in 2015, the rationale being that the airport is a key strategic regional asset in terms of business, tourism and service for those of us residing in the region and, indeed, beyond. Almost 736,000 people used the airport in 2016, a 7% increase or almost 50,000 people more than in 2015.

arlier this year, the Government gave its approval for a Strategic Development Zone (SDZ) on lands adjacent to the airport. The key objectives of establishing an SDZ are to strengthen the strategic role of the airport as a key economic and enterprise hub for the region, while providing another mechanism that, potentially, will enhance the airport’s future operations. A planning scheme is currently being prepared by Mayo County Council, in consultation with Sligo and the other Councils involved with the airport. That scheme will indicate the type and extent of development that will be permitted within the SDZ. A key advantage of such an asset for this region is that once it is finalised, any investor may proceed to develop in accordance with the scheme, without fear of further delays through

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planning or other issues. The SDZ is a welcome development. A viable airport will continue to play a key role in the development of this region, not least from an enterprise and tourism perspective. In a context of any business development that may locate to the Strategic Development Zone in due course, obviously people in Sligo would stand to benefit from the direct and indirect employment that will accrue.

Agreement between Ireland West Airport Knock and Stewart International Airport New York Following an initiative of the Sligo County Council Chief Executive Ciarán Hayes, Ireland West Airport and Stewart International Airport in New York established the first

Sister Airport Relationship, forming a strategic alliance to facilitate the exchange of information and to promote and develop air access between the two airports. The overall aim is to develop a cooperative partnership for the purposes of achieving the following: MM Sharing of market research data relevant to developing air services; MM Collaboration in promotion of each other’s regions as vibrant destinations for business and leisure travel; MM Development of direct air access between both airports by working on joint marketing presentations to potential air carriers with an overall goal of increasing tourism and economic growth in both regions.

SLIGO COUNTY COUNCIL

CHRISTMAS HOLIDAY ARRANGEMENTS Monday 25th December: Christmas Day Public Holiday – Offices Closed Tuesday 26th December: Stephen’s Day Public Holiday – Offices Closed Wednesday 27th December – Offices Closed Offices will re-open on Thursday 28th December Monday 1st January, 2018: New Year’s Day Public Holiday – Offices Closed

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