Sligo. Council DELIVERING FOR SLIGO. Supporting Communities. Enterprise

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1 Sligo County Council Supporting Communities Promoting Enterprise DELIVERING FOR SLIGO

2 It s time to be positive about Sligo Earlier this month I had the pleasure of welcoming Minister Simon Coveney to Sligo to formally launch the Cranmore Master Plan. As the Minister visited the various exhibitions hosted by local groups, he said he was greatly impressed by the vibrant, positive spirit which had energised the Cranmore community in recent years. In reflecting on the Cranmore Regeneration programme, I think it should be recognised as one of many good news stories for Sligo. No one underestimates the many financial challenges facing Sligo County Council and the impact on our services, but I The strength of community If the strength of a county is measured by the strength of its communities, then Sligo is in a good position. This supplement gives a flavour of the range and depth of activities undertaken at local level for the benefit of the local and wider community and is testament to the benefits of collaboration between the Council and local community groups. The range is impressive. It includes everything from Urban Regeneration in Cranmore, enhancement of locall areas through Pride of Place and Tidy Town Committees, advancement of healthy lifestyles through sporting think we should also acknowledge the many positive developments in recent times. One area where the Council has been very successful has been in securing major funding for major capital projects that will improve our infrastructure and enhance our communities. A quick overview of some our current and pending projects will show that our county is benefitting from significant investment across a wide range of areas, including major Roads Schemes, safety initiatives under Clár funding, Rural development under the REDZ Programme, enhancement of our water and waste water infrastructure and provision of social housing schemes. When you consider that Sligo County Council s staff has been reduced by 37% since 2008, this list of achievements is even more impressive. activities, attractive walks and trails, ensuring Sligo is age friendly, fi and innovative tourism and economic development initiatives both with local groups and other statutory agencies We have a lot to be proud of in Sligo, and I believe we have the ambition and vision to continue to work together to confirm Sligo s status as the dynamic economic hub and the centre of cultural tourism in the northwest. That strength in depth has now been recognised at a European levell with the welcome EU designation of Sligo as European Capital of Volunteering for This is significant and is a recognition of the efforts of so many Another source of pride is our ability to stage major events of international significance with great professionalism. The hosting of Fleadh Cheoil na héireann in successive years was an outstanding success, and showcased our wonderful county to a global audience. In 2016 we have hosted numerous events in our communities in this centenary year of reflection and renewal. This dynamic momentum will be maintained in 2017, and we will host a major celebration in January to mark the start of Sligo s year as European Capital of Volunteering, a proud accolade which was awarded in recognition of the culture and tradition of volunteerism in Sligo. I think it s time to be positive about Sligo. Councillor Hubert Keaney Cathaoirleach, Sligo County Council people, groups and organisations giving ii so freely of their time and expertise in the interests of others and the wider community. This is the real Sligo and we look forward to welcoming the many other volunteers from beyond our shores throughout the year. Sligo has been a leader in volunteering and is now recognised for that leadership will therefore be a celebration and demonstration of what community involvement and volunteering has to offer. Ciarán Hayes Chief Executive, Sligo County Council

3 This designation is a fantastic opportunity to promote Sligo on the national and international stage as a great place to volunteer, to live and to work, and also to visit. Earlier this month representatives of the European Capital of Volunteering 2016 (London) handed over the mantle to the proud representatives of the Capital of Volunteering for 2017, Sligo. Cathaoirleach Councillor Hubert Keaney, who attended the ceremony, said this was awarded in recognition of the culture and tradition of volunteerism in Sligo. Sligo Volunteer Centre Sligo Volunteer Centre was established in There are 21 Volunteer Centres and 7 Volunteer Information Services around the country. Sligo Volunteer Centre and Sligo County Council decided to come together to make a bid for European Volunteering Capital and are very excited to have been successful in acquiring the title for This is a huge achievement for the county and its wonderful volunteers. Sligo is the fourth place to receive this designation coming after Barcelona 2014, Lisbon 2015 and London It is estimated that in any given week approximately 7,000 hours of volunteering occur. Based on the minimum wage this adds up to 64,050 worth of people hours in a week. Volunteering is very much Throughout the year, other events will be added to reflect local volunteer effort. The Steering part and parcel of life in Sligo and Committee invites local certainly their contributions enrich Organisations to let them know the county. about their events for It would be fantastic to add as many local Promoting Sligo volunteer led events to the calendar Plans are already underway for what as possible. we hope will be a fantastic year. As the event is of European interest, we Volunteer Voices are working on a year long Other Events planned throughout promotional campaign and the year are Volunteer Voices a anticipate our events calendar and space where people can take part in media coverage to have a significant a monthly facilitated conversation impact on the local economy in about volunteering and its impact Sligo has attracted a number There will be a different theme each of national events, including month. A schools/university debate conferences, award ceremonies and is also planned as well as work with an international opening ceremony, charities and linking them with which will take place on 27 January corporate volunteers to meet the needs in their community. Sligo representatives in London for formal handover of designation European Volunteering Capital 2017.

4 Christmas Recycling Hints & Tips Recycling isn t just for Christmas time. There are more items and packaging to recycle around Christmas, but make it your gift to the environment to recycle all year round! After Christmas, recycle your used packaging, used electrical items and batteries. Remember to put the following Christmas packaging in your recycle bin once they re CLEAN and DRY: cardboard and paper food and biscuit tins aluminium drink cans aluminium trays from your mince pies plastic Keep GLASS separate for recycling at the bottle bank or recycling centre. Do not leave your bottles on the ground in boxes or bags at the bottle bank as this slows collections and is a litter offence leaving you open to potential prosecution. Compost all your uncooked fruit and vegetable waste. Compost bins are available at Council Offices and the Ballisodare Composting Facility. Many households now have access to brown bins for food and garden waste. If you are fortunate enough to have one remember to gather up all your left over food waste, vegetable and fruit peelings and wrap them in old newspapers before placing them in the brown bin. If you have a real Christmas tree, you can recycle it at the recycling centres locatedinsligoortubbercurryoratthe Ballisodare Composting Facility. Check opening hours by contacting ti the sites at the telephone numbers listed below. And try to save the stand for next year! Recycle your used batteries. Shops selling batteries must now provide collection boxes to recycle old batteries. These are usually small blue boxes located close to the tills or information desks in store Recycle any old or broken electrical items in your local recycling centre for free or return them to an electrical shop when purchasing new ones. When the festivities are over, bring any unwanted gifts of clothes or toys to your local charity shop. Recycle old mobile phones by giving them to a local charity. Recycling Centre Tubbercurry Recycling Centre Tubbercurry Co. Sligo Tel: Ballisodare Composting Facility, Union Road, Sligo Moble: Bring Banks There are 40 Bring Bank sites What can be Recycled Free of Charge Bottles, Cans, Clothes, Batteries and Electrical goods (WEEE) Fees apply Dry Recyclables i.e. paper, cardboard, plastic, tins, tetrapak, metals, wood waste, etc. Household Hazardous Waste, i.e. Paint tins, Aerosols, etc. Green Waste only accepted, i.e., grass clippings, hedge trimmings, trees, leaves, etc. Fees apply Glass bottles, jars and aluminium cans. Clothes at some sites. Emergency contact numbers: Emergency Services will be provided as usual during the holiday period. Details as follows: Fire Services 999 Sligo County area Housing Sligo Urban area (Housing and Roads) Sligo County Area Roads Water Services Irish Water

5 Sligo Global Over the course of 2016, Sligo County Council has welcomed visitors from all over the world and also hosted a special il celebration lb with friends from Crozon to mark the 35 th Anniversary of our Twinning association. 56 visitors travelled from Crozon and a delegation of 6 people visited from Kempten The programme of events was arranged in conjunction with Sligo Town Twinning and included traditional music sessions, choral performances, local tours and visits to scenic amenities, and a visit to exhibition of Crozon photographs. The highlight of the week s programme was an Anniversary Function hosted by the Council in Sligo Park Hotel on 15 th September. Sligo a coachfriendly destination Sligo County Council completed a dedicated coach parking facility at Connaughton Road this year in response to industry feedback and the significant increase over recent years in the number of tourist coaches arriving at Markievicz Road on a daily basis. The facility is based on Connaughton Road (to the rear of The Model building) and can accommodate up to nine coaches. In conjunction with theseworks,changesweremadeto Markievicz Road such that it operates effectively as a drop off/collection point for visitors iit to Sligo. Sligo s appeal as a tourist destination continues to grow thanks to the work of Sligo Business Improvement A delegation led by Cathaoirleach Councillor Keaney, visited Kempten for their Festival Week in August. They were welcomed by Mayor Thomas Kiechle and their itinerary included dattendance at an open air concert, visiting an art exhibition, and a function to celebrate 45 years of Kempten s twinning with Quiberon (France) and 15 years twinning with Bad Dürkheim (Germany). The Council welcomed the Ambassadors of China and South Korea, and other international visitors to County Hall included the United Irish Societies of Detroit, guests from San Jose University, the Mayor of Miranda da Douro, Portugal and the Oman GAA Team (participating in GAA World Games). District (BID) and Sligo County Council. Following completion of a number of successful projects over the last two years which resulted in winning the Purple Flag and a highly commended award from the AssociationofTownandCityCentre Management (U.K. and Ireland), Sligo now adds another first to the list that of a Coach Friendly Destination. Sligo BID are understandably pleased with the development We are delighted to have our work recognised and welcomed the opportunity to brief the coach operators on the many improvements being made in Sligo. We are fully committed to working with Sligo County Council and other agencies to promote Sligo as a key tourist destination. Oman G.A.A. Team visit County Hall Deputy Mayor of Crozon, Claudine Gélébart signs the Distinguished Visitors Book in County Hall. Coach parking facility on Connaughton Road Joe Donoghue Chairman CTTC, Brían Flynn SCC, Cllr. Rosaleen O Grady, Finbar Filan Sligo BID

6 Minister Launches Regeneration Masterplan Community leadership at work Minister Simon Coveney visited Cranmore on Thursday 1 st December to launch the Sligo East City Cranmore and Environs Regeneration Masterplan. Welcoming the Minister to Cranmore, Michelle McMorrow, on behalf of the Cranmore community, said The Leadership in this community has been invaluable in getting us to this stage today. Cranmore has had a good foundation of community Leadership down through the years which has been passed on to the next generation. The Cathaoirleach of Sligo County Council, Councillor Hubert Keaney said There are many ambitions set out in the Master Plan, but the overriding objective is to make the area an attractive and vibrant place to live, and to capitalise on emerging opportunities to ensure Cranmore is a location of choice in which to live, work and visit. While the formal launch of the Masterplan marks a major milestone in the process,the work has been underway for some time, and the evidence is clear for all to see. Background The Cranmore Regeneration Masterplan Project aims to transform the social, economic and physical landscape of the Cranmore area through collaborative long term strategic planning, investment of resources and urban regeneration. The aim is to tackle the inherent problems physical, social and economic and identify potential strategic t interventions ti in the Masterplan area to facilitate this regeneration. The Regeneration initiative is planned in the context of the East City Area. Consultation Michelle identified the extensive consultation between all parties as the key factor in the success of the project; The Cranmore Regeneration Project came about through dialogue between the local community, the RAPID Programme and Sligo Borough Council in The Cranmore Community Cooperative was set up as part of the Regeneration Project to ensure the community had a strong voice in this process. Community ownership is central for the success of Regeneration. Photographs from the Launch of the Cranmore Regeneration Masterplan. Clockwise: 1) Minister Coveney and guests at launch of Cranmore Masterplan. 2) Minister Coveney and the Cathaoirleach Square Up at the Boxing Club exhibition. 3) Minister Coveney showed a keen interest in the Boat builders exhibit. 4) The Cathaoirleach presents Minister Coveney with a copy of the Sligo East City, Cranmore and Environs Regeneration Masterplan.

7 Key projects being delivered by REDZ Programme A total of 5 million will be made available under the 2016 Rural Economic Development Zones (REDZ) initiative, building on the success of the 2015 pilot scheme. With approximately 330,000 in funding, County Sligo will benefit greatly from this scheme through the development of three key projects; Coolaney National Mountain Biking Centre, An Chroí South Sligo Enterprise Centre and the marketing of the west of Ireland through Ireland West Airport Knock. TheREDZproposalcouldnotbemore timely, as it will address the immediate need for economic stimulus in Co. Sligo. The REDZ Concept The concept of the Rural Economic Development Zone evolved to encourage a more tailored approach to economic planning at local level, and increased the level of local input in relation to the planning and delivery of agreed economic development initiatives. An Chroí South Sligo Enterprise Centre Under the 2015 REDZ pilot scheme, Tubbercurry received 150,000 in funding towards a range of initiatives including the development of An Chroí South Sligo Enterprise Centre, walking infrastructure at Swift s Lane and various tourism initiatives. This project was an unqualified success and generated a further 100,000 in match funding from Sligo County Council, Tubbercurry Chamber of Commerce and the local community. This partnership approach was successful in generating a total investment of over a quarter of a million in the South Sligo area and enabled Tubbercurry to earn an award at the recent national Pride of Place Awards held in Belfast in November. The 2016 REDZ will seek to build on the successes in Tubbercurry and includes further support for An Chroí as well as funding for the development of tourism via the newly formed group South Sligo Tourism. Coolaney Mountain Biking Centre The development of a National Mountain Biking Centre at Coolaney represents a huge opportunity for Co. Sligo. This is a multi million euro project with the capacity to support hundreds of jobs in Co. Sligo and the North West. The garnering of 170,000 in funding for the provision of advance works in respect of this project is a welcome and necessary first step in the development of this key local asset. An extremely strong steering group has been put together to further this development including members from Sligo County Council, Coillte, Fáilte Ireland, Coolaney Development Company, Sligo LEADER and local mountain biking clubs. It is hoped that the emphasis on strong local partnership will reap dividends through the eventual delivery of this ambitious and worthy project. Ireland West Airport Knock REDZ funding will also enable the development of a new innovative Visitor Discovery Centre at Ireland West Airport, Knock which will benefit its customers and users by providing a taste of the exceptional tourism products, events and experiences that can be enjoyed in the six counties within the catchment area, including County Sligo. This initiative will include Regional Branding ofthediscoverycentreand along Airport approach roads to deliver promotion and advertising of the tourism experiences of the counties that make up the Partnership. Town & Village Renewal 2016 On the 9 th August, the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs, Heather Humphreys, T.D. announced that 10 million will be made available to Local Authorities this year to support the regeneration of rural towns and villages across Ireland. Sligo County Council received an allocation of 380,000 from this scheme and earmarked the towns of Enniscrone, Tubbercurry, Ballisodare and Grange to benefit. The proposals include the development of Tourist Infrastructure, public realm enhancements, environmental works, parking provision, sports facilities, walking infrastructure and landscaping. The proposed works are set to make an appreciable difference to the public spaces in these areas with works being carried out in 2016 and The new lane, officially called Swift Lane, forging a link between the town centre and Circular road in Tubbercurry.

8 Exploring Sligo s rich landscape The outdoors is a special place especially for those of us who love to walk. As cities grow and pressures mount, this place becomes more important for our physical and mental wellbeing. What better way to kick start the new year than discovering The Land of Heart s Desire by walking through its rich landscape. Preparetobeamazedbytombsthat are older then the pyramids. Stroll along beaches that are pounded by epic surf that attracts pro surfers from all over the world. And soak up the majesty of the striking mountains of Benbulben and Knocknarea and glimmering lakes at Lough Gill and Lough Arrow. With moody lakes, striking flat Map showing Sligo s walkways topped mountains, boglands dotted about the walks (e.g.) length of the From waymarked routes to coastal with wild flowers and glistening walk, expected completion time, paths and mountain hikes to strolls estuaries, this landscape provides sustenance for the spirit and soul. type of terrain, and what you should bring with you for the walk. You can through flora and scented woods. There s something for everyone. So also download a copy of the what are you waiting for? It s time to Visit where you can find all the information you need excellent Sligo Walking Guide which contains a series of suggested walks. pull on those hiking boots and hit the trails! Benbulen (Gortarowey) Looped Walk Carrowmore Tomb Dunmoran/Aughris Head

9 Arts & Culture Winner Eileen Tighe. Award presented by Cllr. Gino O Boyle Community (individual) winner Tom Haran. Award presented by Aurivo (Sponsor) representative, Karen McGarty. Young Enterprise Winners, TY students from Ursuline College Award presented by Cllr. Seamus Kilgannon. Cllr. Dara Mulvey presents representatives from Coolaney/Rockfield Tidy Towns with the Environment/Heritage Award. Cathaoirleach Hubert Keaney presents the Spirit of Sligo Award to Julian Cassells. Cllr. Rosaleen O Grady presented Martin Seery with the Sports Award. Abbeyquarter Men s Group receive the Community Group Award from Cllr. Declan Bree. Cllr. Sean MacManus presents T. Y. students from Colaiste Iascaigh with the Schools Award. Honouring Sligo s Volunteers The Cathaoirleach of Sligo County Council, Councillor Hubert Keaney, hosted a ceremony in County Hall to honour the winners in the Cathaoirleach s Awards The A Awards d Scheme S h was introduced i t d d to t acknowledge the contributions of volunteers across a wide range of local activity. Joining the Cathaoirleach on the Awards Committee were Cllr. Declan Bree, Cllr. Seamus Kilgannon, Cllr. Gino O Boyle, Cllr. Sean MacManus, Cllr. Dara Mulveyy and Cllr. Rosaleen O Grady. Karen McGarty attended on behalf of Aurivo who supported the Scheme. In his address, the Cathaoirleach paid tribute to the Award winners. Too seldom as a community do we take the time to formally show our appreciation for the enormous work of our dedicated community volunteers, those people who give so generously of their time, energy and expertise for the common good. This Awards Ceremony is Sligo County Council s opportunity to show our gratitude for the many community groups, associations and individuals right across County Sligo. In bestowing this honour to our award winners, we also recognise and applaud the trojan work delivered by countless other individuals and groups all over County Sligo. Sligo County Council...Delivering for Sligo

10 Western Distributor Rd. Phase II This new road will assist the development of the South West quadrant of Sligo City. A specific objective of the Western Distributor Road is to facilitate the development by IDA Ireland of a new IDA Business Park at Oakfield which will serve Sligo and the North West Region. The Western Distributor Road will provide a direct high quality link from this proposed IDA Business Park to the N4 dual carriageway. It will also provide a new high quality access road from the N4 to the existing IDA Business Park at Finisklin which is now at full capacity. Sligo County Council has endeavoured to progress the development of this road scheme since the early 2000's so as to develop the South Western quadrant of Sligo City and in particular to be in a position to facilitate the development of the IDA lands at Oakfield as a new Business Park and also to improve access to the existing IDA Business Park at Finisklin. i The recent economic downturn and associated national financial cutbacks has delayed the progress of the scheme. However Sligo County Council has always kept this road scheme on the Department of Transport agenda for funding and as a result the development of this scheme has continued. Major Investment in Roads Programme The IDA now has a specific near term objective to develop their Oakfield Lands as a new IDA Business Park. Sligo County Council is endeavouring to facilitate the IDA Objective. N4 Collooney to Castlebaldwin This scheme will provide a new 14km Type 2 Dual carriageway road with associated works between Collooney and Castlebaldwin and will complete the upgrade to modern standards of the N4 in County Sligo. This scheme is being developed in house by Sligo County Council s National Roads Project Office (NRPO) Design Team. The estimated overall scheme cost is 100m and when developed will be the biggest infrastructural project to be undertaken in Sligo in modern times. In 2014, Sligo County Council secured all statutory approvals for the scheme thus enabling progression of advance works in 2015 and These advance works will continue in O'Connell Street Enhancement O'Connell Street requires significant refurbishment of its public space area to bi bring it up to an appropriate it standard for a modern regional city centre. In order to address this deficit Sligo County Council in recent years has developed a significant enhancement scheme for the street. However the implementation of this redevelopment scheme has been delayed due to the recent economic downturn. The need to have other service providers upgrade their underground services in advance of the scheme has also delayed the implementation of the scheme. The enhancement of O'Connell Street was one of the four original projects which made up Sligo's Gateway Innovation Fund application in The project is considered critical to enhance the attractiveness of Sligo as a location to live and to do business and is critical for the economic development of Sligo. Sligo County Council successfully applied in 2015 to the Northern and Western Regional Assembly for funding to upgrade O'Connell Street under the 'European Regional Development Fund Urban Development Fund Designated Urban Centres Grant Scheme. Sligo County Council would like to thank the O Connell Street traders, motorists, and the public for their continued patience during the recent phase of works.

11 Sligo Tidy Towns is organised and run by a group of unpaid volunteers who are passionate and proud of the place they live in. Their mission is to help Sligo continue to tap into its huge tourism potential and to assist in developing a lasting tourism legacy. Coolaney led the way once again and received one of the 34 Silver Medal Awards allocated nationally and a prize of 700. Coolaney also scooped 1,000 for topping the Sligo county table. Riverstown and Ballintogher picked up 800 and 500 respectively for their efforts. Gurteen won the Endeavour Award forsligoafteranimprovementof16 marks (7.27%). Each year, Sligo County Council provides grants to Tidy Towns committees county wide. The aim of this grant is to support Tidy Towns Committees who have entered the National Tidy Towns Competition. Funding may also be provided for special projects for either existing committees or newly formed committees. ApplicationformsanddetailsonTidy Towns grants are available from: Community & Economic Development City Hall, Quay Street, Sligo Telephone: The national Tidy Towns results were announced at the end of September. This year, 24 towns and villages from around Sligo took part and all 22 areas who also entered in 2015 improved their marks. Rathlee and Banada/Tourlestrane were new entriesthisyear. The landscaping work at Millenium Park, Coolaney received high praise from the adjudicator. The adjudicator was also hugely impressed with the restoration of Markievicz House Town/Village / Town/Village / Coolaney Ballymote Riverstown Tubbercurry Ballintogher Rosses Point Coney Island Dromore West Sligo Banada Tourlestrane 247 Enniscrone Aclare Mullaghmore Collooney Drumcliffe/Rathcormac Ballygawley Carney Rathlee 237 Easkey Gurteen Grange Carraroe Ballisodare Bellaghy

12 Sligo s Best Young Entrepreneurs 50,000 investment fund presented by Local Enterprise Office Sligo to six young entrepreneurs in the county, all aged between 18 and 35. Mr. John Reilly is the Head of Enterprise with Local Enterprise Office Sligo and he said: We started the search to find Ireland s best young entrepreneur in August and the competition received a recordbreaking number of entries this year, with 1,800 young entrepreneurs applying nationally. After a very successful IBYE bootcamp and County Final, the future is bright for both youth entrepreneurship and job creation in the region. Finalists at IBYE Awards Sligo s best young entrepreneurs were announced at the County Final of Ireland s Best Young Entrepreneur (IBYE) competition, which took place in City Hall, Sligo recently. IBYE, which has a 2 million investment fund, is run by all 31 Local Enterprise Offices (LEOs) and is supported by the Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation and Enterprise Ireland. The overall best young entrepreneur for the county was named by Local Enterprise Office Sligo as Heinrich Anhold, aged 35 from Epona Biotech Ltd., t/a Stablelab, in Business Innovation Ctr.,I.T.Sligo.Theentrepreneuralso won the category for Best Established Business and an investment fund from LEO Sligo worth 15, The Regional Finals for IBYE are taking place in January and February 2017, to select 24 national finalists across the three competition categories. In his address Cathaoirleach Councillor Hubert Keaney said This initiative has certainly captured the public interest and imagination, and once again there has been a very positive response to the Awards this year. Attendance at the IBYE County Final included the Cathaoirleach of Sligo County Council, Cllr. Hubert Keaney, Mr. Tony McLoughlin T.D. & Mr. Eamon Scanlon T.D. Enterprise Ireland were represented by Carole Brenan, Senior Regional Development Executive. The Regional Finals for IBYE are taking place in January and February 2017, to select 24 national finalists across the 3 competition categories. Business Idea Winner Presentation: (L R) John Reilly, Head of Enterprise, LEO Sligo, Eamon Scanlon T.D., Samantha Doherty (representing Ronan O Loughlin) Loughlin), Cllr. Hubert Keaney, Cathaoirleach of Sligo County Council, Tony McLoughlin T.D. Start Up Business Winner: (L R) John Reilly, Eamon Scanlon T.D., Carolanne Rushe, Cllr. Hubert Keaney, Cathaoirleach of Sligo County Council, Tony McLoughlin T.D. Best Established Business & Sligo s Best Young Entrepreneur Winner: (L R) John Reilly, Eamon Scanlon T.D., Donnacha Anhold (representing Heinrich Anhold), Cathaoirleach Hubert Keaney, Tony McLoughlin T.D.

13 Sligo s quality green spaces and open areas The Parks Department of Sligo County Council manage and maintain the rapidly expanding range of the town s parks and open spaces, including Doorly Park, Cleveragh Regional Park, Forthill Park, Mitchell Curley Park, the Fairgreeen, Sea View Park, Sea View Drive Promenade and Salmon Point. The facilities include eleven playing pitches, six playgrounds, six MUGAs (Multi Use Games Areas), outdoor gym equipment, walking/jogging/cycling pathways and trails, amenity areas, a range of landscaped inner urban areas, 33 acres of partially landscaped and developed open space, and 290 acres of undeveloped open space incorporating woodland and pathways and undeveloped agricultural pastureland. The Parks Department assist in judging of the best kept estates in Sligo competition, which in 2016 was supported and facilitated by Sligo Tidy Towns. This initiative further enhances the quality of the green areas and open spaces throughout Sligo and its Environs. Lawn Bowls Saturday 17 th September 2016, saw the launch of a new Lawn Bowls Facility at Cleveragh Park. The launch was co hosted by Sligo Sports and Recreation Partnership and Sligo CountyCouncil Council. The wonderfulnewnew outdoor bowls court which consists of four lanes or rinks is the first of its kind in the North West. Chief Executive Ciarán Hayes trying out the new lawn bowls facilities An outdoor tennis court and two outdoor table tennis tables have also been developed adjacent to the new bowlscourtanditishopedthatthis intergenerational sports facility will be enjoyed by all ages and persons of all fitness levels. The Parks Department will continue to work in partnership with ih Sligo Sports and Recreation Partnership to facilitate and optimise the use of a range of facilities facilities and ensure all demographics have the opportunity to participate in the ongoing activities. The facilities encourage an active healthy lifestyle and supports council s focus on ensuring that more people are more active more often. AGardentoReflect On Friday 2 nd September 2016, a Garden of Reflection was officially opened in Doorly Park. Designed and created by Lorely Forrester and Lucy Brennan, the Garden of Reflection was a joint initiative between the Irish Kidney Association, Sligo County Council and Sligo Tidy Towns. It is hoped that the Garden will be a place for members of the public and particularly those whose lives have been impacted upon by organ donation, to visit and to reflect on the gift of life. Memory Stone at the Garden of Reflection County Council Staff putting the finishing touches to the Garden of Reflection Other projects progressed during 2016 include the provision ii of play facilities at The Fairgreen and the refurbishment of the Pedestrian Bridge at Doorly Park.

14 Consultation central to 1916 celebrations Reflecting on the series of Centenary events organised throughout the county, the Cathaoirleach of Sligo County Council remarked that It reflects great credit on the Members of the 2016 Steering Group that the programme of events and activities for the year has involved extensive consultation and engagement with all stakeholders. For engagement to be meaningful, it must be inclusive, always welcome and reflecting the opposing view. One of the many highlights of the comprehensive programme of events coordinated by the 2016 Steering Group was Sligo County Council s Day of Celebration and Reflection on 24 th April The Cathaoirleach referred to remarks by Historian Tim Pat Coogan that the Commemoration of 1916 should not be a time for soft words and platitudes but a realistic appraisal of the events and their impacts. The seven programme strands identified to commemorate the events of 1916 embrace every facet of this hugely significant period in our history, and the welcome emphasis on community participation ensures this has been an open, engaging and inclusive process. Shaping events By reflecting on the events of 1916 we honour the people who shaped the events of this time. At this remove, it can be difficult to appreciate the social, economic, political and cultural landscape of early 20 th Century Ireland, and the circumstances which h prompted tdand energised the men and women of this era to make their voices heard. Roy Foster remarked that the sensitivities around commemorating a contested past is far from a uniquely Irish problem, it is fraught with difficulties and anomalies. He wrote The passionate animosities of that time are part of Irish historic memory, as well as the more noble and inspirational aspects enshrined in the proclamation. These voices resonate through the generations to the current day, and they guided and informed the preparation of the programme of events and activities organised locally and nationally throughout Gift to Current generation I see the Centenary programme as a gift to the current generation, a gift which enhances and informs our sense of identity, and provides an invaluable insight into the events that shaped our nation. As well as informing us, this programme will also challenge us to question old certainties, consider new perspectives and broaden our historical horizons with the wealth of archive material being published.

15 Council Progressing Social Housing Projects The provision of Social Housing has received a major impetus and has been put to the top of the political agenda. Sligo County Council welcomes this timely boost to one of its core functions and is actively advancing a number of projects to provide housing to those most in need. The schemes are being advanced through a four stage Social Housing Approval Process for the delivery of Social Housing Construction Projects. Each stage requires approval from the Department of Housing, Planning, Community & Local Government. These are: Stage 1: Project Feasibility & Capital Appraisal Stage 2: Project Design, Costs Planning approval; followed by a Part 8 Planning submission to the members of the Council Stage 3: Project Detail Design Development and Cost Plan for Pre Tender Stage 4: Project & Tender Review of Costs & Tender Submission. Stage 4 approval allows the project to proceed to construction and for the Council to appoint a contractor. While it will take time to work through the design, planning and procurement of the schemes, work is progressing as quickly as possible on the following developments. Fr. O Flanagan Tce, Sligo: 22 Dwellings Stage 4 approval to build 22 units of accommodation has been received. Work is expected to start on site at the beginning of February Knappagh Road,Sligo: 28 Dwellings Stage 2 approval has been received. The Part 8 planning process has also been completed. A Stage 3 application will be lodged with the Department in April Rosses Point Rd, Sligo: 14 Dwellings Stage 1 approval was received in September A Stage 2 application will be lodged with the Department on the 22nd December Collooney, Co. Sligo: 15 Dwellings Stage 1 approval was received November Design development has commenced for this project and a Stage 2 application will be with the Department at the end of February Carrowbunnaun, Strandhill Co. Sligo: 20 Dwellings (Phase1) Stage 1 approval has been received for proposed development of 20 units (phase 1). Infrastructural issues are currently being addressed to facilitate the progression of this project to Stage 2 application to the Department by the end of Quarter 1, A programme for further projects at Finisklin, Maugheraboy, Easkey and Carney will be developed in 2017 for Stage 1 submissions to the Department. Knappagh Road Housing Scheme

16 Sligo County Council Supporting Communities Promoting Enterprise Delivering i i for SSligo i