29/09/2010 -

Council In Focus

INVESTING IN OUR COMMUNITIES: SLIGO BOROUGH COUNCIL’S REMEDIAL WORKS

Sligo Borough Council has invested proportionately more than any other Local Authority in its Remedial Works Programme (in excess of €30 million), which has seen the enhancement of a number of Sligo’s older housing estates. Take a walk or drive through St Joseph’s, St Brigid’s, Jinks Avenue, St Edward’s or Garavogue, and you will see the transformation that has taken place in Sligo’s most established communities.

This major programme of works was designed and planned by Sligo Borough Council staff, and Senior Architect Sean Martin gives the background to the project. ‘Many of Sligo’s older housing estates date between 1939 and 1945. While this was a period of very scarce resources and scant capital investment, curiously many Local Authorities were very active at this time in providing social housing.’

Before and After shots of works completed on St. Edward's Terrace, Sligo

The Remedial Works Programme was a comprehensive and complex undertaking, involving many of Sligo Borough Council’s Services, from the Architects Department, to Housing, Roads, Environmental Services. The Council’s Parks Department had also a major role to play, and according to Sean Martin ‘the excellent work they are delivering in providing recreation and amenity areas across the town can also be seen in the landscaping work associated with these projects.’

Mayor of Sligo Councillor Matt Lyons says this programme is one of the most significant capital housing projects undertaken by Sligo Borough Council. ‘Thorough planning and extensive consultation were key elements of this project, and the various communities appreciated the fact that we engaged with them in designing and rolling out this programme. The work in the five housing estates was carried out to an exceptionally high standard, and I would suggest that Sligo Borough Council’s management of this initiative would form a model for others to imitate.’

Sinead Branley, Project Administrator says ‘there were a number of challenges in rolling out the Remedial Works Scheme. The estates are a mix of Local Authority and private housing, and we invited private householders to benefit under a 50/50 provision. Works carried out under this element of the scheme included roof replacements, front windows and doors, walls, driveways and bathroom extensions. 137 private houses were included in the 50/50 scheme. While expenditure on the refurbishment of rented dwellings is 100% funded by the Department of Environment, the schemes also involved a substantial direct expenditure.’

 
Improvement works carried out on a dwelling in St. Edward’s Terrace as part of the Remedial Works Scheme

This view is echoed by a resident of St. Brigid’s Place who declared that the “wait was worth it” From all the residents who spoke, there is a strong sense of community and belonging. “I would never leave” one resident declared, describing his home and neighbourhood as “a great place to live”

 
The improvement works on foot paths and streets have enhanced the neighbourhoods as can be seen in St. Brigid’s Place

A resident of Jinks’ Avenue, one of the estates to benefit from the programme, said the works had transformed the area. ‘Right from the first survey, Borough Council staff consulted the householders on every detail, and we are thrilled with the way it turned out – the standard of the work is unbelievable, and it has given Jinks’ Avenue community a great boost.’

Another example of improvements works in Jinks Avenue

It is not only the homes that enhance the environment of the residents who live in the estates. The programme of works also included footpaths, newly designed walls, shrubbery, and the removal of overhead wiring.. “It has given us a big lift just to look out our window” a resident in one of the estates declared, the renewed pride in the area.

Sligo Borough Council’s Project team comprised of staff from the Architects, Housing and Parks Departments.