18/12/2007 -

Review Of Sligo And Environs Development Plan

Sligo Borough Council and Sligo County Council intend to jointly review their Sligo and Environs Development Plan 2004-2010 (SEDP) and prepare a new development plan in accordance with the requirements of Section 11 of the Planning and Development Acts 2000-2006. The new SEDP will refine and consolidate the existing framework for the proper planning and sustainable development of Sligo as a Gateway City.

The review of SEDP will address a range of issues related to Gateway growth, including land use and transportation, housing and retail strategies, economic development, infrastructural provision, community, social and cultural requirements, urban regeneration and design, recreational amenities, protection of the natural and built heritage and preservation of the landscape character.

Strategic Environmental Assessment

In accordance with the provisions of the Planning and Development (Strategic Environmental Assessment) Regulations 2004, the Planning Authorities propose to carry out an environmental assessment as part of the review of the existing SEDP and the preparation of a new development plan. For this purpose, the Planning Authorities will prepare an environmental report of the likely significant effects on the environment of implementing the new Plan following the procedure indicated in articles 13C to 13J of the SEA Regulations.

Public Consultation

The review process will take two years to complete and will involve three stages of public consultation. As part of the first stage, the Planning Authorities are engaging in pre-draft consultation with the general public and a wide range of organisations and interest groups in order to inform the policies and objectives of the new Plan.

Suggestions and observations are invited from anyone with an interest in the future development of the Gateway City of Sligo. Community groups of all types are encouraged to contribute to the drafting of the new SEDP.

Written Submissions

Submissions or observations regarding the review of the existing SEDP and the preparation of a new Plan may be made in writing to the Planning Authorities  between 7th December 2007 and 8th February 2008.

Submissions may address any planning matter, from broad policy issues to specific types of development in identified areas. It is advisable to include a map with all submissions concerning a location or feature.

The Planning Authorities would appreciate quality, structured information, where available, in the form of:

•  survey/research findings, analysis and recommendations
•  copies of existing plans, programmes and strategies
•  details of current and proposed initiatives

Submissions should be made in writing, headed “Sligo and Environs Development Plan Review” and posted to:

Anna Jones, Administrative Officer, Sligo Borough Council, City Hall, Quay Street,Sligo. Telephone: 071 9114401

or

Janet McNamara, Administrative Officer, Planning Section, Sligo County Council, County Hall, Riverside, Sligo. Telephone: 071 9111216

Submissions may also be e-mailed to sedp@sligoborough.ie

All submissions will be taken into consideration prior to the preparation of the new Draft SEDP.

Guide to the Review of SEDP

To assist the public in making suggestions and observations, the Planning Authorities have prepared a Guide to the Review of Sligo and Environs Development Plan. Copies of the Guide and of the current SEDP may be inspected or purchased Monday to Friday (excluding bank and public holidays) at the following locations:

• Planning Office, Sligo County Council, County Hall, Riverside, Sligo from 9.00 am and 5.00 pm.
• Planning Office, Sligo Borough Council, City Hall, Quay Street, Sligofrom 9.30 am to 4.30 pm.
  

The documents are available for viewing and download on both Councils’ websites at www.sligoborough.ie/sedp and ww.sligococo.ie/sedp. The current SEDP is also available for inspection at all public libraries in Sligo City and County.

Download the SEDP Review Guide - 3,732 kbs

Public Meetings

In order to heighten awareness and broaden the consultation process, Sligo Borough Council and Sligo County Council will jointly hold a number of public consultation  meetings in Sligo City during the period up to 8th February, 2008. Details will be announced in the media in due course.

IMPORTANT

Closing date for submissions is 5.00 pm Friday, 8th February 2008.