04/05/2012 -

Minister Unveils New Facilities at Sligo Sports Complex

On his recent visit toSligo, Minister of State for Transport, Tourism and Sport Michael Ring TD officially unveiled the Energy and Access Upgrade Project at the Sligo Regional Sports Centre. Sligo Regional Sports Centre, which first opened its doors in 1985, had identified a list of works which would greatly improve the overall functionality, energy efficiency and disability compliance of the centre.

In October 2011 Minister Michael Ring announced a grant allocation which enabled some of these identified improvements to be carried out. Works consisted of the installation of a new Air Handling Unit with a view to energy conservation, new changing rooms, toilets and lockers were built which meet the requirements of people with disabilities, the main sports hall floor was replaced and access to the hall improved, lights were changed to energy efficient lighting, the gymnasium floor was upgraded and new gym equipment was installed. The cost of these works was estimated at just over €400,000 with the grant covering 95% of this and the remainder coming from the Sligo Regional Sports Centre and Sligo Borough Council.

Chair of the Board of Sligo Regional Sports Centre, Councillor David Cawley welcomed the Minister toSligo and expressed his and the Board’s gratitude to “Minister Ring and the officials in his Department who provided advice, guidance and support from the commencement of this project right through to its completion.” Councillor Cawley outlined the importance of the sports centre as resource for the local community and the grant allocation from Minister Ring’s department is of vital importance to the upkeep of this resource. He highlighted the great work that has been done in the last few years by the Sligo Borough Parks Department which has “seen the transformation of this area of Sligo, with the excellent and hugely popular outdoor gym and new fitness and activity trail inDoorlyPark.”

Mayor of Sligo, Councillor Rosaleen O’Grady spoke of the popularity of the sports centre inSligo, with all levels of sports people making use of the facility over the last 30 years. Mayor O’Grady paid tribute to the staff of the centre saying, ‘I can confirm from personal experience that the staff are invariably welcoming and friendly, a vital attribute for people working in a public civic amenity.”  The Mayor sees the ‘Energy and Access Upgrade Project’ as very successful and “will copperfasten theSligo sports complex’s status as one of the most important and progressive recreational facilities in this region.” The Mayor commended the founding members of the fund-raising committee; ‘Without their foresight, hard work and determination 30 years ago this facility would not be here today.’

Former chair and member of the board, Deputy Tony McLoughlin was delighted to be present at the unveiling of this newest upgrade to the Sligo Regional Sports Centre. He recalled the years where step by step the sports centre had continued to improve its facilities. Deputy McLoughlin wanted to take this opportunity to thank all those past and present who worked tirelessly to improve the sports centre, especially during the early years when they relied heavily on the work of volunteers and fund raising to keep the facility going. Mr McLoughlin, as a frequent user of the sports centre also wanted to pay tribute to the staff who deliver an excellent service through their hard work and efficiency.

Minister John Perry TD was honoured to be present to mark the completion of this project. As Minister for Small Business Minister Perry sees facilities such as the Sligo Sports Centre as vital to growth and development in communities by bringing people into the area. He thanked his colleague Minister Ring and his department for this vital funding which would maintain the success of this facility into the future.

Minister Michael Ring TD was delighted to be present inSligoto see the successful completion of the upgrade project. The woks completed were a credit to the staff and board of Sligo Regional Sports Centre, staff of Sligo Borough Council and the local community. Minister Ring paid tribute to the work of volunteers in maintaining facilities like this one as they deliver a vital service to their communities. Investment into this sport centre and others like it represents an investment in the future health of communities and it can provide an outlet for people and their families to access recreation facilities for an affordable price.Sligo’s commitment to delivering high quality recreation and amenity facilities are evident in Sligo Regional Sports Centre and the excellent Doorly Park Activity Trail and Plaground and the Minister wished all involved continued success for the future.

- Mayor Councillor O’Grady, Minister Michael Ring, Minsiter John Perry, Chair of Board Councillor David Cawley, and guests at the unveiling of works at Sligo Regional Sports Centre

- Minsiter Ring, Mayor Councillor O’Grady and Chair of Sligo Regional Sports Centre at the official unveiling of recent programme of works

 
- Mayor Councilor Rosaleen O’Grady delivering an address at Sligo Regional Sports Centre