Sligo Fire Service Unveils New Equipment

Sligo Fire Service recently unveiled two new scene safety vehicles and a new fire tender this week. The new Emergency Tender was funded by the Department of the Environment and Local Government at a cost of €262,000. The appliance carries a range of specialised equipment ranging from decontamination showers for use at chemical incidents to heavy vehicle cutting equipment, air bags for lifting and stabilisation purposes along with lighting and signage for incidents. This tender shall be based at Sligo Fire Service Head Quarters.

Sligo Fire brigade attended approximately 150 road traffic accidents last year. The production of cars and larger vehicles made from stronger alloys requires a wider range of specialist equipment to free entrapped persons quickly and safely.

The specialised cutting equipment will also be used to train fire personnel from county Sligo and the west and northwest region. Outside of Dublin this puts Sligo to the forefront in fire and emergency training.

The smaller vehicles are specialised scene safety vehicles to ensure the work area at road based incidents is protected and provide sufficient warning to approaching vehicles that caution is required and that the road may be obstructed or blocked ahead. These vehicles carry a range of lighting, cones and first aid fire fighting.

- Edward Rafter and Seamus Egan, Enniscrone Fire Service, Sub-Officer David Garvey, DoS Dorothy Clarke, Cathaoirleach Councillor Jude Devins, Chief Fire Officer Paul Coyle, Councillor Margaret Gormley, Sligo Station Officer Tom O’Boyle, Gerry Whiltington and Brendan Henry, Tubbercurry Fire Service with new the Fire Tender and 2 Emergency Scene Vehicles.

 

Over 40 Groups Funded for Environmental Projects in 2009

Over forty groups in County Sligo have been awarded funding for Environmental Projects under the Local Agenda 2 1 – Environment Partnership Fund 2008 and the Anti-Litter and Anti-Graffiti Fund 2008 for projects which help to enhance and protect the environment. Groups that were awarded funding ranged from schools and tidy towns groups to youth and community projects.

The Cathaoirleach of Sligo County Council Councillor Jude Devins says the funding ‘will be a welcome boost to local communities working very hard on environmental initiatives throughout the county. Sligo County Council has always worked very well with local volunteers on anti-litter campaigns, and this latest allocation of funding will help the local communities continue with this endeavour.’

Fiona Kelly, Environment Awareness Officer said, “The level of interest among the community in Sligo in anti-litter and environmental measures is heartening. The only way that Sligo can progress into a environmentally conscious centre is for the people of Sligo to take responsibility for the care of the environment and protect it for future generations. The successful groups have displayed a commitment towards a bright future and I commend them for their work”.

Listed below are successful applicants under the Environmental Funds 2008.

Sligo County Council Anti-Litter & Anti-Graffiti Funding 2008
(70% Department of Environment : 30% Local Contribution)

Name	Funding Awarded
Tubbercurry Tidy Towns	€1,500
Rosses Point Tidy Towns	€1,400
Collooney Tidy Towns	€1,625
Ballintogher Tidy Towns	€1,232
Coolaney Tidy Towns	€1,800
Waste Management Puppet Show and Workshop	€693
Ballymote Tidy Towns	€1,400
Culfadda Tidy Towns	€1,000
Scoil Naomh Molaise	€1,300

Sligo County Council Anti-Litter & Anti-Graffiti Funding 2008
(70% Department of Environment : 30% Local Contribution)

Name	Funding Awarded
Easky Community Council	€1,000
Ballisodare Tidy Towns	€1,000
Grange Tidy Towns	€1,400
Banada Development Agency	€1,400
Enniscrone Tidy Towns	€1,500
Castlebaldwin Tidy Towns	€1,000
Riverstown Tidy Towns	€1,000
Keash Village Enhancement Co.	€1,500
Mullaghroe Development Agency	€1,200
Cloonloo Development 2000	€950
Coney Island Tidy Towns	€1,000
Abhainn Mor Residents Association	€600

Sligo County Council
Local Agenda 21 – Environment Partnership Fund 2008
(50% Department of Environment : 50% local authority)

Name	Project	Funding Award
Sandcastles Childcare Project, Enniscrone	Organic Garden	€600
Robin Barry	‘Living Science’ Environmental Education Workshops	€1,000
Easkey Community & Family Resource Centre	Community Composting & Organic Garden	€1,000
Cherryswan Ltd/Teeling Community Complex	Rainwater Harvesting Project	€2,000
St. Patricks NS, Maugherow	School & Community Gardening Project	€600
Ballinafad Tidy Towns Committee	Community Composting	€600
Ballinafad Tidy Towns Committee	Biodiversity Nature Trail	€1,000
Model Arts & Niland Gallery	Youth art project focusing on changing environment in Sligo	€1,000
Sligo Employment Opportunities	TV features on care of the environment	€744
St. Cecilas School, Cregg	Sensory Garden	€600
Riverstown No 2 NS.	Organic Garden	€600
Sligo IT, Environmental Society	Pilot Project - Reverse Vending Machine	€1,000
Moylough NS, Tubbercurry	Vegetable & Herb Garden	€600
Sooey NS	Green Schools Water Conservation Project	€600
Ransboro NS, Strandhill	School Organic Garden	€600
St. Josephs NS, Culleens	Solar Energy Project	€1,000
Scoil Mhuire Gan Smal, Ballymote	Organic Vegetable & Herb Garden	€600
Corballa NS	School Organic Garden	€600
Naturally Wild	Environmental Awareness Schools Workshops	€750
Irish Peatland Conservation Council	Composting & Wildlife Gardening Workhops	€750

Regional Planning Guidelines for Review

The Border Regional Authority intends to review Regional Planning Guidelines and will prepare new guidelines for the period 2010 to 2022. The Border region comprises counties Sligo, Leitrim, Donegal, Cavan, Monaghan and Louth. The objective of the regional planning guidelines is to provide a long term strategic planning framework for development of the border region for the period 2010-2022, and to guide and inform the Development Plans and Local Area Plans of the Councils in the Border Region.

An Issues paper and Information Leaflet has been prepared to facilitate a public consultation process, and submissions and observations can be made up to 5.00pm on 15th April 2009

All submissions should be in writing and transmitted to:
Border regional Authority, Regional Planning Guidelines Team, Corlurgan Business Park, Ballinagh Road, Cavan

or by e-mail to rpg@border.ie

To find out further information on the review, visit the Border Regional Authority’s website at www.border.ie

Sligo Borough Council’s Recreation and Amenity Programme

Sligo Borough Council Parks Department continue to progress with the development of well planned high quality recreational infrastructure to assist the development of sustainable communities. The development of quality recreational amenities and green infrastructure is a priority of Sligo Borough Council. The ongoing improvements in Sligo city’s parks network contributes significant value to Sligo in a wide diversity of ways. Sligo Borough Council are committed to developing a range of great parks and to making Sligo a green city and a desirable place to work and live.

The Parks Department currently manages a rapidly expanding range of facilities including 8 playing pitches, 6 playgrounds, a range of landscaped inner urban areas, 33 acres of partially landscaped and developed open space, and 290 acres of undeveloped open space incorporating woodland, pathways and undeveloped agricultural pastureland. Works conducted by the Parks Department on the developed open space areas include grass cutting, litter collection, maintenance of landscaping, maintenance of fencing, tree management and planting, maintenance of monuments and parks furniture.

Sligo Borough Council is currently delivering a major programme of investment in the city’s recreational facilities to cater for a growing urban population. A range of new amenity projects are underway which will contribute enormously to the quality of life for our communities.

New Parks and Amenity Areas:

• Mitchell Curley Park (construction completed)
• Forthill Park (construction underway)
• Doorly Park (construction completed)
• Seaview Drive Promenade (Phase 1, construction completed)
• Cartron amenity area at old swimming pool site (construction completed)
• Seaview Park, Sea Road (construction completed)
• Cleveragh Regional Park (construction to commence in 2009)
• Ballytivnan Park (construction to commence in 2009 / 2010)
• Fairgreen Park (construction to commence in 2009 / 2010)

Playgrounds

• Mitchell Curley Park, Kevinsfort
• Seaview Park, Sea Road
• Acorn park, Cranmore
• Mail Coach Road playground
• Hillside Adventure Park, Forthill
• Doorly Park, Cleveragh

Sligo Borough Parks and Amenity Programme

Cartron Foreshore – Seaview Drive Promenade

The new recreational facility was completed and officially opened in May 2008. Overlooking Cartron Bay, the scenic setting of the new promenade provides spectacular views of Benbulben to the northeast .Works included paving, lighting, retention walls, landscaping and a circular viewing platform with telescope for wildlife viewing. Seaview Drive promenade has been designed to facilitate access to all visitors to the promenade.

Amenity Area at Markievicz Road

Located on the site of the ‘old’ swimming pool beside Markievicz Road, the Cartron Recreation Area was opened in May 2008. The project has seen the transformation of a derelict area into a public waterside amenity space. Works included demolition of the old pool and boundary walls, drainage, earthworks, top soiling, ducting, and development of paved areas.

The outline of the old swimming pool site has been retained through the use of raised seating and the regrading of the area to create a new amenity space. The facility includes new paved promenade walkways, lighting, viewing areas and a central grass lawn area for public use.

Seaview Park

The new recreational facility at Seaview Park was completed and was opened in September 2007. The six acre park has an array of new facilities including a full size grass playing pitch, multi-sports area, children’s playground area, wetland area, walking tracks and landscaping. The new facility has been warmly welcomed by the community.

Doorly Park

The derelict overgrown site at Doorly Park has been transformed into a new recreational area. Works completed on site in 2008 have created a range of recreational facilities including kick- about grass pitch, multi use games area,  pedestrian pathways, cycle ways, lighting, seating areas, car parking and landscaped areas.

 
- Invasive weed clearance at Doorly Park commenced April 2008—Also shown is completed section of new walkway and cycleway

A submission to the Heritage Council for grant aid funding under the Biodiversity Fund 2008 to control invasive plant species in Doorly Park woodlands was successful to the value of €35,000. Extensive clearance work was carried out in the woodland areas throughout 2008 in an attempt to remove and control invasive weed species. Significant progress has been made with primary clearance of 4.51 hectares of woodland completed. A long term management programme is required to continue over a number of years to manage the woodland areas. A new funding submission will be made to the Heritage Council to continue the primary clearance programme in 2009 for the remaining 7.4 hectares of woodland.

North West Trail

Sligo Borough Council Parks Department secured funding from Failte Ireland and Sustrans to further develop cycling routes and the North West Trail in 2007. A 4km off road section of the new cycle- way walking route was completed in 2008 in Doorly Park and Cleveragh. The overall North West Trail is a signed circular cycle route passing through counties Donegal , Tyrone, Fermanagh, Leitrim and Sligo. When completed it will be some 326 kilometres long and will pass through the main towns of Lifford, Strabane, Omagh, Enniskillen, Sligo and Donegal.

Doorly Park Playground

A new playground was completed in September 2008. The playground includes a diverse range of play equipment including an interactive technology zone and extensive climbing equipment and nets.

  

    
- Some of the new equipment at the Doorly park Playground.

Forthill Municipal Park

Phase 2 capital works on this project commenced in October 2008 aided by the decision of council to assist the funding of the new facilities using development contributions. It is intended that council will commence phase 3 development in mid 2009 to include an additional grass sand carpet pitch.

Cleveragh Regional Park

The development of this key element of recreational infrastructure for Sligo has previously been hindered by lack of central Government funding. The National Development Plan has identified Sligo as a Gateway to capitalise on its strategic location and energise it associated hinterland. A Gateway Innovation Fund (GIF) was established to assist the Gateways areas to develop as part of the National Development Plan. Sligo Local Authorities have sought funding under the GIF for the development of Cleveragh Regional Park and three other projects (Eastern Garavouge Bridge, Enhancement of O’ Connell Street and the Connaughton Road Cultural Quarter).

Given the current adverse funding environment it is hoped that a staged implementation programme of works for 2009 will provide for the development of the skeletal structure of Cleveragh Park to include playing pitches and road infrastructure. The development of a regional play facility, pavilion facilities and landscaping of the park will follow on as funding permits.

Initial scoping works for Cleveragh Park including archaeology and site investigation were completed throughout 2008.

Awards for Riverside Enhancement Project

Sligo Borough Council’s Riverside Enhancement Project, which was completed in December 2006, has been recognised by the R.I.A.I. (Institute of Architects of Ireland) Annual Awards jury by its selection for exhibition in two categories, ‘Best Public Place’ and ‘Best Accessible Project’

Landscape schemes completed in 2008 included the enhancement of Carton Estate under the Rapid Estate enhancement scheme, ongoing improvement works at Mitchell Curley Park, landscape enhancement to the approach roads to Sligo.

Existing landscaped areas continue to be enhanced including the extensive use of planter boxes, hanging baskets at Rockwood and Kennedy Parade. The floral displays add colour and interest to high profile locations and, allied with the newly installed planter displays, and wild flower displays along the inner relief road, assist with the development of an image of Sligo as a clean, green city.

Sligo Hosts World Rally

In these difficult economic times it's a fantastic boost for the region that the World Rally Championship was once more staged here with Sligo chosen, like in November 2007, as the rally headquarters.

The World Rally Championship is the single biggest sporting event which the country will host in 2009. Some 62.8 million television viewers across the globe saw the North West's successful staging of the rally in 2007 and a similar figure tuned in again to see Sébastien Loeb defend his title.

It was a coup indeed to get the WRC to come not only to Ireland but to Sligo and everyone did their utmost to ensure that it becomes a permanent fixture here.

The staging of such an event of course would not be possible without the massive voluntary effort. There were some 5,750 marshals on duty this week-end along with 176 timekeepers, 172 communications personnel and 56 media representatives most of whom did not receive a cent for their services.

Civil Defence were on duty from 7am Thursday morning right through to Sunday 4pm manning 2 first aid posts at the service centre at the Sligo I.T. and also provided safety boat cover for the tricky stage around Lough Gill (that famous stage where the 2007 potential winner fell foul on)

A good time was had by all and Sébastien Loeb progressed to the next stage with the opening round safely under his belt.

- BP Ford Abu Dhabi World Rally Team member with Sligo Civil Defence members

- Civil Defence volunteers who helped out for the World Rally Weekend

National Tree Week 1st - 7th March 2009

A tree planting event, to mark the first year of the opening of the Ballisodare Composting Facility was held as part of the programme of events in County Sligo for National Tree Week.

Three semi-mature oak trees were planted by the Cathaoirleach of Sligo County Council, Cllr. Jude Devins at the site. Speaking at the ceremony, the Cathaoirleach said “It is appropriate that we plant trees  to celebrate the first year of the opening of the Green Garden Waste Composting Facility for National Tree Week. The Composting facility accepts trees, shrubs, bushes, hedge clippings, grass cuttings etc. for composing and is a great example of recycling”.

Pete Murtagh, Waste Enforcement Officer with Sligo County Council said “The compost that is generated on site is of a very high quality and can be used as a mulch, fertiliser or soil conditioner. While the facility is relatively new we encourage members of the public to recycle their garden waste at this facility and avail of this environmentally friendly option of managing garden waste”.

As an added promotion Sligo County Council gave away 100 native Irish sapling trees free-of-charge to the first 100 visitors to the Ballisodare Composting Facility at Youngs Quarry, Ballisodare during National Tree Week.

National Tree Week

In conjunction with the Tree Council of Ireland Sligo Local Authorities look forward to allocating 500 native Irish sapling trees to Tidy Towns groups throughout County Sligo. Local development groups and schools may also apply for an allocation of trees.

Those interested are asked to contact The Environment Section, Sligo County Council at 071-9111908 or e-mail enviro@sligococo.ie giving the groups relevant contact details: Name, Address, Telephone number, the approximate quantity of trees required and the proposed location for tree planting.

‘Our Trees Our Culture’

In 2009, National Tree Week celebrates 25 years and has chosen the theme ‘Our Trees Our Culture’ to mark the occasion. Although Ireland experienced a decline in tree cover for more than a millennium the memory of our ancient forests is still there. When we look at our history, our literature and poetry, our music and art we find trees and what they represent to us embedded into our identity and expression.

Trees have always been part of the world’s mythology and Ireland has its own symbols and legends. To the ancient Irish and into recent history certain trees, for example, oak and hazel were associated with knowledge and others, the ash and rowan with protection. Fairy trees and raths can evoke respect to this day.

Have you ever wondered why people say ‘touch wood’ to ward off bad luck? The Celts touched trees as they believed it warded off evil spirits. Our Celtic ancestors worshiped trees, they had sacred groves and single trees, these sacred trees have survived today at Holy wells.

The earliest form of writing in Ireland was Ogham, a tree alphabet, which can be found carved on standing stones. This had twenty letters, each corresponding to one of our native species. The protection of trees also formed a core part of our ancient legal system, the Brehon Laws.

Our sense of place finds expression in our place names, which today identify towns, villages and town lands, many of which come from trees and woods. We are all familiar with Kildare (Church of the Oak) and of course Co. Derry itself. In fact of the 62,000 place names on the island of Ireland 1,200 are associated with oak. Oak trees were selected for planting at the site in keeping with the name of Ballisodare which translates in Irish as ‘Baile Easa Dara’ or ‘Town of the Oak by the Waterfall’. County Mayo is ‘the plain of the yew trees’. Co. Roscommon is the ‘St. Comáin’s Wood’ and Co. Monaghan the ‘place of the thicket.’ Original names and translated derivatives can be found on all our signposts, maps and almanacs. Indeed they can still be a source of cultural dispute.

Another imprint made by trees on our cultural identity is the use of trees for surnames. Names in Irish such as Cullen or Cullinane come from Cuillen – holly, Darragh or Mc Darragh from Dair (oak), Quill from Coill (wood) as well as Irish names in the English language, Ashe and, Woods.

Trees feature in our poetry in both languages. Cill Cais is the most often quoted poem in both in Irish and English: ‘Cad a dhéanfaimid feasta gan adhmad? Tá deireadh na gcoillte ar lár’ ‘What will we do for timber; the last of the woods are gone’.

Yeats praises the hazel wood and Kavanagh the beech tree. Trees also have a place in the works our major prose writers and playwrights, for example George Moore, Flan O’Brien, Brian Friel and James Joyce, the latter personalising virtually all species known here in his description in Ulysses of the marriage of the Chief Ranger of the Irish National Foresters to Miss Fir Conifer.

Our traditional, popular and classical music pieces often have trees as a motif, for example Percy Frenches ever popular Gortnamona and compositions by Joan Trimble such as the Green Bough.

Wood features in our historical and contemporary architecture art and craftwork. Ancient homes and fortifications were wood based and although little of the original remains today, excellent reconstruction brings these features back to life. Tree planting for aesthetic reasons and to create formal landscapes resulted in the great 18th Century Estates. The engravers and pleine air (open air) artists of the 18th and 19th Centuries saw in trees and woods a focus for dramatic landscapes and studies in light and shade. Today, trees are the focus of numerous works of photography, painting and print. There has been an explosion of wood sculpture and craft and wood use in structural building and finishing has greatly increased.

The ash is of course inextricably linked with our National Sport - Hurling and is annually celebrated in the All Ireland finals. Up to 500,000 hurleys are used each year and the ash is one of our most prized trees. Hurley making is one of the last of our cottage industries.

Tree in cities, gardens, parks and woodlands make our increasingly urban life more bearable and they feature in all major developments. Tree Week 2009 will invite you to focus on the harmony and pleasure that trees and wood bring to our life experience and contribute to creative projects in whatever way you can.

- Pictured at the Ballisodare Composting Facility (L-R): Derek Lavin, Site Operator, Paul Hampson, Sligo Co.Co. Joe White, Site Operator, Fineen O’Driscoll, Sligo County Council, Tom Corcoran, Ballisodare Community Council, Cathaoirleach Cllr. Jude Devins, John Healy and Colm Martin, Waterglades Garden Centre, Fiona Kelly, Sligo County Council and Alfie Gallagher, Ballisodare Community Council

Council Focus

Sligo Local Authorities have teamed up with local radio station Ocean FM to produce a programme of news and information which is broadcast as part of the radio station’s regular schedule. The fifteen minute programme, Council Focus, will be broadcast on the second Sunday of every month at 9.00am and is repeated the following Wednesday evening at 6.40pm. New editions of the programme are recorded monthly.

Water Conservation Website Launched

Sligo County Council has launched a new website providing very useful information for the public on water conservation and water pricing.

The website, www.sligowater.com can also be accessed through the Water Services Section of Sligo County Council’s website: www.sligococo.ie

Sligo County Council delivers 38 million litres of water a day to homes, schools, businesses, farms and others. Consumers are provided with water from 10 public water supply schemes distributed through a network of 1,500 Kilometres. The water system in County Sligo serves 59,000 people through 7000 service connections. Charges have been applied to the non-domestic sector on a metered basis since the 1st January, 2006. Approximately 25% of the non-domestic customers are commercial and the remainder are agricultural.

Water conservation is the most cost-effective and environmentally way to reduce our demand for water, and is a key link between balancing current and future water needs. The available water conservation technology focuses on resources for local businesses, industries, communities and individuals. The roles of government and especially the private sector in water management are being radically reappraised.

The EU Water Framework Directive requires EU Member States to ensure, by 2010, that water-pricing policies provide adequate incentives to use water resources efficiently and to recover the true costs of water services in an equitable manner. Most countries are progressing towards water pricing systems. Investing in water supply and sanitation has produced benefits far greater than those directly related to the cost of treating water-related diseases. However the main water loss of a water supply system is caused primarily by leakages in the pipe system. Other influences such as loose fittings and joints and water meters can cause permanent loss.

The majority of the leakage was found since the introduction of meters. In the rural areas in Ireland most of the water consumption is for farming. Some farmers have large numbers of animals and use treated water for their stock and for all farming purposes.

European household consumption is around 150-200 litres and the Irish consumption in urban areas is over 250 litres. In addition, recreational activities such as swimming pools, golf, and other sports contribute to put pressure on water resources. All of these customers currently are not paying for the water they use. One of the biggest problems is that there is not an incentive to control and save water for any of the categories users.

For further information on water conservation and pricing, visit www.sligowater.com

PEACE III Programme Update

‘To reinforce progress towards a peaceful and stable society and to promote reconciliation.’

While the concept of Peace III has been described as difficult  many groups are making the shift in thinking and an interesting range of project ideas are being discussed and developed.

The small grants programme has generated a lot of interest. Over €120,000 was provided through the small grants programme to 13 projects in County Sligo. Projects vary in range from one-off events to dedicated programmes of activity which will be delivered over the coming months.

The next stage of implementation will be setting of actions within the Sligo Peace & Reconciliation Action Plan to tender. Full details will be available on the e-tenders website in the coming weeks.

The Special European Union Programmes Body (SEUPB) officially launched the Peace III programme in Sligo at a function in the Glasshouse on 27th January.

- Peace III Launch - Left to Right - Liam McKeever, Border action, Mildred Gilmore, Bernadette Maughan and Jack Lynch Peace III Partnership Committee and Rita McNulty Director of Services Community and Enterprise

Further Information on the Sligo Peace & Reconciliation Action Plan is available to download from www.sligococo.ie Or contact Bridie Sweeney, Development Officer, Peace III Programme 071 91 11821 bsweeney@sligococo.ie

€600,000 Funding for Sligo’s Model Niland Project

The Model Arts and Niland Gallery has received a €600,000 contribution from the Sligo Borough Council toward the ambitious Future Model development programme. The decision was reached at a recent meeting of Borough Council and is a significant contribution to the refurbishment and extension project that is underway on the Mall.

In the economic current climate, this award represents a significant display of confidence on the part of the local authorities in the development of Sligo into the future, and also underscores the significance and importance placed on Culture and the Arts in developing this future.

Work Completed on Sligo's Wastewater Treatment Plant

Construction work is completed on Sligo’s new Waste Water Treatment Plant at Finisklin and the plant is now operational.

The state of the art treatment plant will mean the elimination of untreated discharges into Sligo Bay and will enable Sligo Local Authorities to fulfil its obligations under EU Directives. The plant is constructed in a bunded area of Sligo estuary, which was developed during dredging works in Sligo Harbour in the 1980’s.

The treatment works have a capacity to treat waste water for a combined domestic and commercial population equivalent of 50,000 and it has to be capable of being expanded to 80,000 at a future date.

The facility will serves not only Sligo City, but also in the future surrounding areas including:

• Ballincar/Cregg/Rosses Point
• Carrowroe
• Teesan/Lisnalurg
• Hazelwood/Bellanode
• Cummeen

The new plant provides treatment to the highest standard including full secondary treatment supplemented by phosphorous removal and by disinfection using ultra-violet lamps. Sligo has been designated as a sludge hub centre and will therefore include a sludge acceptance facility and Sludge.

- Completed works at Sligo Main Drainage Plant

‘Geological Heritage of County Sligo’ Launched

‘Few people are aware that Sligo’s extraordinary landscape is the product of colliding continents, tropical seas, volcanic explosions and crushing sheets of ice. The silent stones of Sligo contain an ancient and dynamic story’.

These were the words of Cllr. Seamus Kilgannon who was deputizing for the Cathaoirleach of Sligo County Council, Cllr Jude Devins at the launch of ‘Landscapes, Rocks and Fossils - The Geological Heritage of County Sligo’ a new publication celebrating Sligo’s stunning landscapes and geology.

The ground work for the project began in 2003, when Sligo County Council with the Heritage Forum and The Heritage Council, commissioned the Geological Survey of Ireland to undertake an audit of geological heritage sites in County Sligo. ‘Landscapes, Rocks and Fossils – The Geological Heritage of Sligo’ brings the main findings of that report to a wider audience. The initial audit was undertaken by Dr. Matthew Parkes and Claire McAteer. Their expertise and enthusiasm have revealed for the people of Sligo the secrets of a lesser known aspect of our beautiful county – its landscape and geology. Cllr. Kilgannon also welcomed the family and friends of the late Conor Mac Dermot a geologist with a deep passion for Sligo’s landscapes and to whom the booklet is dedicated.

Cllr. Kilgannon went on to say that he was very proud that ‘in 2005, Sligo County Council was the first Local Authority in Ireland to list County Geological Heritage Sites for protection in its County Development Plan. The publication highlights the geological heritage sites of Sligo, with each site telling a part of the geological story of the county. For the reader, this publication provides some answers to the question – ‘Where has Sligo come from?’

Cllr. Kilgannon praised the role of the Sligo Heritage Forum, the Heritage Council and the Geological Survey of Ireland in promoting and supporting the project and publication. Adding that Sligo County Council was delighted to work in partnership with them. On behalf of Sligo County Council, Cllr. Kilgannon said that he took great pride in launching ‘Landscapes, Rocks and Fossils, The Geological Heritage of County Sligo’. A significant contribution towards valuing and understanding Sligo’s landscapes and geological heritage.

Cllr. Gerry Murray, Chairman of the Sligo Heritage Forum outlined that he ‘had the privilege of working with people who have done enormous good work in protecting and promoting Sligo’s heritage.’ Cllr, Murray added that the publication showcases the work of the Sligo Heritage Forum and thanked each of the Forum members for their dedication and commitment to the important work of safeguarding our heritage for future generations.

Cllr. Murray also extended thanks to Dr. McArdle and his staff in guiding the work which laid the groundwork for the booklet. The collaboration between the Geological Survey of Ireland, the Sligo Heritage Forum, The Heritage Council and Sligo County Council has shown that, through partnership, we can make great progress for our county’s heritage.

At the launch of the booklet, special guest, Dr. Peadar McArdle, Director of the Geological Survey of Ireland, described how Sligo’s landscape evolved and why the geology and landscapes of Sligo are so unique. Dr. McArdle went on to say that the Geological Survey of Ireland were extremely proud to be associated with the publication and he hoped that the template developed in Sligo would be adopted by other counties across Ireland. Dr. McArdle also paid tribute to the late Conor McDermot, who had worked with the Geological Survey and who had influenced many geologists. Dr. McArdle also noted Conor’s unique way of communicating geology and his deep interest in the geology of Sligo.

‘Landscapes, Rocks and Fossils, The Geological Heritage of County Sligo’ is an action of the County Sligo Heritage Plan 2007-2011 and is available from the Heritage Office, Sligo County Council. If you would like a copy please contact Siobhán Ryan, Heritage Officer, Sligo County Council at Telephone: 071 9111 226 or Email: heritage@sligococo.ie

 
- Dr. Peadar McArdle, Director, Geological Survey of Ireland, Councillor Seamus Kilgannon and Councillor Gerry Murray, Chairman, Sligo Heritage Forum