23/12/2010 -

Council pass motion on Eastern Bridge

A Special Meeting of Sligo Borough Council convened by Mayor Councillor Matt Lyons  has passed the following motion: ‘That Sligo Borough Council hereby resolves to request the County Manager to  commence the process of making any variation that may be necessary to the  Sligo and Environs Development Plan to facilitate the objective of the Eastern Bridge as approved by an Bord Pleanala’

A Special Meeting of Sligo Borough Council convened by Mayor Councillor Matt Lyons  has passed the following motion: ‘That Sligo Borough Council hereby resolves to request the County Manager to  commence the process of making any variation that may be necessary to the  Sligo and Environs Development Plan to facilitate the objective of the Eastern Bridge as approved by an Bord Pleanala’

Address by Mayor Councillor Matt Lyons Special Meeting of Sligo Borough Council

Wednesday 22nd December, 2010 

I would like to take this opportunity to say a few words as we consider this issue which holds great significance for the people of Sligo.

I regard this special meeting, and its critically important outcome, not as an end, but as a new beginning for this project and the communities it will serve. The details of this initiative have been well documented and it is not my intention to recount them now again. 

However, there are a number of pivotal points I would like to make. I believe Sligo Borough Council serves the people of Sligo very well, and while councillors bring  strongly felt and often conflicting views to this Chamber, I can honestly say that each and every one of us is firmly united by a common desire to do our best for the people of Sligo.

People might recall that there was similar and often divisive debate over the Inner Relief Road, and it is now accepted as an established and very necessary part of our road network.

Sligo Borough councillors and the various communities we serve hold differing but heartfelt opinions on the merits of the Eastern Bridge Project. People inside and outside this chamber articulated their opinions with conviction and integrity, and I believe the debate for the most part was passionate and informed.

But if there was one aspect of this project I feel we must acknowledge as deficient, it is the level and scope of our engagement with the local community. I believe the acknowledgement of this deficit, and the implementation of measures to address it, are key to our future progress.

My hope is that is that the decision we take this evening will allow us to initiate a proper and comprehensive process of meaningful engagement which will see local views and opinions properly assimilated into the next phase of this project.

The appointment of a Liaison Officer to visit the households in the community is a major concession and a valuable opportunity, as members of the community will be able to convey their views and suggestions directly and comprehensively. 

In the context of this social dimension to the project, we cannot simply evaluate it in monetary terms. But the reality is that, in a time of unprecedented economic challenge and uncertainty, that this major investment in Sligo is hugely significant for our future and that of our children.

If Sligo is to grow and prosper, there is a responsibility on people holding public office to take major and often difficult decisions. I believe in this case we can do ‘the right thing’ for Sligo without in any way undermining or compromising the rights of individual citizens. Advancing the common good does not have to conflict with our responsibilities to our communities, and this will guide our actions in delivering this project.

We now have the opportunity to embark on a process which is open, transparent and democratic, where every person has the right to make their contribution and have their voices heard. I believe the development of the Eastern Bridge and the regeneration of the Eastern Quarter has the potential to transform our city and enhance the lives of the people who live here. 

I will conclude by thanking Minister Michael Finneran for his continuing interest in this project, and he has been available at every opportunity to offer encouragement and support. This is not  a time for division and rancour, this is a time for consensus and progress, and I believe if we can work together we can energise and unite the whole community towards our common goal of delivering for Sligo.

I believe the elected members will show courage and conviction in making this decision, that enterprise and ambition will be rewarded, and that our actions here this evening can be a major investment in our future.

Thank you.