23/12/2009 -

Christmas and New Year message from the Mayor

2009 was a difficult year for many people in Sligo, as the economic downturn had implications for every sector of our community. From Sligo Borough Council’s perspective, we are faced with the challenge of applying scarce resources to maintaining our level of essential services to the public we serve, but this is a challenge we will address with courage and conviction.

I feel that in difficult times, there is an even greater onus on public representatives, as people expect and deserve leadership from those they elect to public office. Sligo Borough Council has worked very hard in recent years to provide this leadership, and my experience has been that while elected members bring differing agendas and priorities to the Council Chamber, we are united by a collective ambition to do our best for Sligo.

My own priority for 2010 is to work in partnership with the local communities and key local agencies to grow and develop our city. Sligo people are resilient and determined, and if we can find a way to channel the very evident energy and enthusiasm in a positive direction, there is no limit to what we can achieve.

While people are naturally cautious about the immediate future, I think we can take heart from a few basic factors; As the economic capital of the northwest, Sligo can still attract sustainable investment and jobs to this region. Everyone in a position of responsibility, whether in the arena of politics, commerce, tourism or education should avail of every opportunity to promote and market Sligo. We are living in a highly competitive environment, and through our concerted efforts we will find a way to progress.

Christmas is about family and friends, it is about sharing reflections on the past and making plans for the future. On my own behalf, and on behalf of my colleagues in Sligo Borough Council, I would like to wish the people of Sligo a peaceful and happy Christmas.

Councillor Jim McGarry
Mayor