Launch of New Website for Sligo

Why sligo.ie?

There are numerous local websites offering a wealth of information on Sligo, and the new website sligo.ie will allow us to streamline this information on one host site by providing a ‘one-stop-shop’ to channel on-line enquiries. The new site is being designed in such a way that it will be easy to navigate, and people will be able to access the required service area straight away. The home page of the site will provide people with an option to access information in the following areas:

• Business & Enterprise
• Tourism & Lifestyle
• Education & Training
• Public Services & Community

The site will also link to an ‘events’ diary and will contain an index of local services.

County Development Board

In June 2009 the County Development Board established a working group to develop a public relations proposal. One of the objectives identified for this proposal was the creation of a new website with the aim of providing targeted on-line information on services and events in Sligo. In the last year work on the site has been progressed a Public Relations Sub-Group of the CDB.

Consultation

Feedback/suggestions arising consultation with elected members and CDB members are being incorporated into the site.

The site was launched at 4.00pm, Monday 14th June in the Model Arts Gallery.

Michael Flatley will be a special guest at the launch, which will also be attended by guests from the main agencies represented on the site.

Post-Launch

The primary objective is to ensure the new site will be an important resource for all main local agencies to facilitate our common agenda of promoting Sligo to a global audience.

It is important to remember that this is a host site – it is not a replacement or substitute for the individual websites of the agencies represented on it. It is simply a means of providing a mechanism to present important information on Sligo on one domain.

National Bike Week 2010

National Bike Week is taking place this year from Sunday 13th to Sunday 20th June. Sligo County Council are encouraging everyone to ‘get on your bike’ some time during that week.

Whether it is a leisurely ride, a ride to the shops, a ride to school or work, why not give it a go? Try out the off road cycle track at Doorley Park Cleveragh – perfect for a leisurely family cycle.

National Cycle to Work Day: Friday 18th June

Friday 18th June is ‘Cycle to Work Day’. Why not try cycling to work on that day? Over 50% of people travelling to work in Sligo live within 4km of their workplace. To cycle 4km takes an average of 15 minutes. Only 1.5% of people currently cycle to work in Sligo! 70% of people travel to work by car. Friday 18th June is an opportunity to get on the bike and give it a go!

10 Minute Cycle Challenge: Monday 14th to Friday 18th June 2010:

The 10 Minute Cycle Challenge is a fun, free workplace event, for both experienced and new cyclists. It is taking place from the Monday to Friday of Bike Week. Teams of 3-6 people from companies (which must include at least one “new” cyclist) are to record every time they get on their bike for ten minutes or more during that week (cycling to work is double points!). Teams will be competing for cycling related prizes sponsored by Trek. The Challenge is open to any organisation with enough people to make a team! Why not enter a team? For more info and to register, see www.cyclechallenge.ie.

Be Safe when Cycling

Whatever the purpose or type of journey you are undertaking remember the following basic safety tips that will help you to keep safe on the road:

• Wear a Cycle Helmet - wearing a helmet reduces the risk of head injury by up to 60 per cent.
• Boost your visibility on the roads by always wearing brightly coloured clothing
• In Twilight or Dark always use a light and Reflectors.
• Use Hand Signals when Turning.
• Treat your bicycle as you would your car, and obey the road rules.
• Make sure your brakes, lights and tyres are in proper working order.

Bicycle Parking

Watch out for new bicycle parking stands which Sligo Borough Council will be installing in key locations in Sligo City Centre over the next few months.

Enjoy the challenge!

Sligo Borough Council’s Access Committee

The Chairman of Sligo Borough Council’s Access Committee Councillor Arthur Gibbons maintains that the excellent work carried out around the streets of Sligo in recent years is only a start.

‘I consider it an honour to chair the Access Committee as I consider it one of the most important of the Council’s committees, and we have a very busy programme of work. I see the remit of our committee to do all within our power to improve access to public and non-public spaces, and there are some real improvements we have delivered around Sligo.’

 
- Bob Murphy, PWDI and a member of the Access Committee avails of the new pedestrian crossing on Hyde Bridge

Team-work

‘There is a real sense of ambition and purpose to the Access Committee and everyone is committed to making a real change. There is a great cross-section of interest and expertise on the committee members representing the interests of local disability groups, including the blind and people using wheelchairs. But the committee isn’t simply about people acting as advocates for their own areas; there is genuine team-work and a real sense of pride in delivering meaningful change for the whole community.

I have been Chair of the Access Committee since 2004, and I think we have made a difference. One of the most important areas of work discussed at our meetings is pedestrian crossings, and our committee has overseen the provision of new crossings and the upgrading of existing crossings by laying tactile paving. Sligo has many narrow streets and is often very busy with traffic, it can be a very challenging environment and it is essential that high quality crossing points are provided where they are most needed.

In 2008 Sligo Borough Council introduced a new pedestrian crossing at the very busy junctions of the Mall/Bridge Street Road, Teeling St/Abbey St and on O’Connell Street/Tobergal Lane, New crossings were also provided on Hyde Bridge and on Markievicz Bridge. These are important as access is now provided from Hughes Bridge all the way to Doorly Park. These have been very well received both by local disability groups and the general public.

 
- Eugene O’Brien at one of the recently highlighted Disabled Parking Bays in Sligo

Benefiting the Community

I think this point is very important, for while individual projects might be planned and coordinated by our Access Committee, the finished product benefits the wider community, and I think the recent works at Hyde Bridge bears this out.’

Another area where we have made significant progress is in the area of traffic management and parking. The driving and parking habits of a minority of drivers leave a lot to be desired, and we set about dealing with this problem by providing highly visible disabled parking bays with new signage to deter offenders. We also introduced a tow-away system, so if motorists take a chance to park illegally, there is a chance they will pay heavily for it.’

Illegal Parking

Senior Executive Engineer Anthony Skeffington concurs that the Access Committee has made an impact in a number of areas. ‘While the pedestrian crossings and disabled bays are probably the most high profile elements of the committee’s work, we also deal with issues such as installation of ramps, illegal street furniture, over-hanging bushes, and the use of footpaths as loading bays. Illegal parking can be a hugely difficult issue for people with disabilities, and through a combination of education and deterrence we will keep working at it until we get the message home.’

    
- Recently completed works at Hyde Bridge were funded by the Dorman Accounts Fund and Sligo Borough Council

Consultation

Mr Skeffington outlined that the Council enjoyed the support of the business community in carrying out the various works, and said value for money was always a major consideration. ‘The recent project at Hyde Bridge was funded by a grant of €50,000 from the Dorman Accounts Fund with additional funding from Sligo Borough Council’s Block Grant. The streetscape in this area has been transformed and has made this area more attractive and certainly more accessible.’

Text Alert

‘While traffic management is a major issue on a daily basis, we need the support of the general public in identifying traffic offenders, whether it is people parking on the footpath or parking illegally in disabled bays. Over a year ago we launched a ‘text alert’ facility to help counter this issue, and I would again ask people to report any problems to our dedicated text line..087 7850566

 
- Impression of proposed pedestrian walk-way at Markievicz Bridge

Future Plans

‘One of the most important projects before the Committee is the construction of a new pedestrian walk-way at Markievicz Bridge. This has been an issue for the Access Committee and indeed Sligo Borough Council, and given the foot-traffic on this bridge I think everyone is anxious to provide this facility as soon as possible. In terms of time-scale, the project will proceed to planning stage in the current year and we hope to make a submission for funding in 2011.’

Professionalism

Chairman of the Access Committee Councillor Gibbons commended the staff of Sligo Borough Council for carrying out the various projects with great professionalism. ‘I think we have a very good track record in terms of our work programme, and we still have much work to do in the years ahead.’

 
- Access Committee: Back Left to Right - Councillor Arthur Gibbons (Chairperson), Tom Kilfeather (Director of Services), Councillor Matt Lyons, Anthony Skeffington (S.E. Engineer), Paula R. Gallagher (A/DOS)
Front Left to Right - Eugene O’Brien & Bob Murphy of People With Disabilities Ireland. Absent from Photo are Councillor Jude Devins & Councillor Marcella McGarry

Cathaoirleach Commends Civil Defence Volunteers

The Cathaoirleach of Sligo County Council Councillor Gerry Murray feels that ‘the role of the Civil Defence Volunteer has become more diverse and complex over the years, and great credit is due to Director of Services Dorothy Clarke and Civil Defence Officer Marion Davis for managing this time of transition with great professionalism.’

The Cathaoirleach was speaking at the presentation of certificates to 59 Civil Defence Volunteers who had completed a training course.

‘The last year has offered a series of challenges to every organisation, but Civil Defence continues to thrive and progress. In the current year, you have registered 27 new volunteers, and 20 volunteers have completed the ‘responder’ course. Four volunteers have reached instructor level, and these successes reflect Sligo Civil Defence’s commitment to the highest standards of service.’

The Cathaoirleach praised the local Civil Defence Organisation. ‘They have proved to be a hugely valued presence at major events throughout our communities, from sporting to religious to musical, whatever the nature of the event, it is always enhanced by the experience and expertise of our Civil Defence personnel.’

Sligo County Council’s Director of Corporate Services Dorothy Clarke commended the commitment of the Civil Defence volunteers ‘There are so many demands on people’s time that it can be very hard to find the time to commit to nay voluntary cause, but the Civil Defence volunteers are committed and passionate about the organisation and are invariably thorough and professional in everything they do.

Many people’s perception of Sligo County Council is determined by the way we interact and engage with them ‘on the ground.’ In this context our Civil Defence Volunteers play a hugely important role, as the level of service they provide reflects great credit both on the Civil Defence organisation and indeed on the Local Authority.’ Ms Clarke acknowledged the work of Civil Defence Officer Marion Davis and Asst Chief Fire Officer Martin Byrne for coordinating the training programme, remarking that ‘the people who took part in the course were inspired by your expertise and enthusiasm.’

 
- Cathaoirleach Councillor Gerry Murray, Director of Services Dorothy Clarke and Sligo Civil Defence Officer, Marion Davis with volunteers from the Enniscrone area at the recent Civil Defence Presentation Ceremony

 
- Members of the Cloonloo Class of Civil Defence volunteers with the Cathaoirleach and Director of Services at their recent awards presentations

 
- Members of Ballymote Class with Cathaoirleach Councillor Gerry Murray and Martin Byrne, Senior Assistant Chief Fire Officer

 
- The full group of Civil Defence Volunteers who received their awards

Pride of Place 2010 Competition

Three groups have been selected to represent Sligo in the All-Island Co-operation Ireland Pride of Place Competition 2010. The groups were honoured for their hard work to date at a presentation ceremony held recently by Sligo County Council in County Hall.

Pride of Place celebrates and showcases community group activities and contributions to society (for additional information please see: www.cooperationireland.org/). The focus is on people coming together to shape, change and enjoy all that is good about their local area. A spokesperson for the Community & Enterprise section of Sligo County Council, which co-ordinates the local event, says ‘The tremendous time and effort that people put into community activities on a purely voluntary basis is often overlooked. This competition recognises and rewards people for their vital contributions to their local community and gives them the opportunity to showcase their achievements at a local and All Ireland level.’  

The three groups selected to represent Sligo in this prestigious competition are:

1. Western Drama Festival and Phoenix Players in the ‘Category of Community Arts Initiative.’
2. Ballintrillick Environmental Group in the category of ‘Community Response to Unemployment.’
3. Ballinafad Development Association in the category of ‘Population - Up to 200.’

Western Drama Festival and Phoenix Players

Contributing to the vibrant Arts culture in Sligo, the Western Drama Festival and Phoenix Players have been entertaining the people of Tubbercurry, Sligo and beyond since the early 1940’s. The Western Drama Festival organises the Annual Three Act Drama Festival in March of each year and has recently revived the One Act Drama Festival held annually in November.

The Phoenix Players produce plays annually for the Drama Festival Competitive Circuit always with great success. In addition they produce ‘big shows’ and in recent years have an active Youth Theatre Section. The group has been an important factor in the development of amateur drama and has brought many people from different backgrounds together through the medium of drama. The recently renovated St. Brigid’s Hall, Tubbercurry which is their base is an ideal venue which can cater for up to 330 people.

 
- Western Drama Festival and Phoenix Players Group being presented with their Pride of Place Certificate 2010 by the Leas Cathaoirleach Councillor Veronica Cawley

Ballintrillick Environmental Group

Ballintrillick Environmental Group through the Benwiskin Centre provides both full-time and part-time employment in the area of Ballintrillick, Co. Sligo. In 1996 the group participated in a FÁS sponsored Community Enterprise Development Programme and identified the renovation of the old Vocational School as a viable project. Funding secured from many sources helped to establish a hostel on site. The Centre opened in 2000. The Centre welcomes both national and international visitors and has been awarded the EU Flower Ecolabel Certification by the European Commission.

The basic premise of the Centre is that it is a Community Centre with classes, functions, entertainment and a place for the local community to use for meetings and socials. It also offers self-catering tourist accommodation for 28/30 guests, which is the main revenue generator for the building. All profits from the Centre are used to provide further developments by BEG in the Centre and Community.

 
- Ballintrillick Environmental Group being presented with their Pride of Place Certificate 2010 by the Leas Cathaoirleach Councillor Veronica Cawley

Ballinafad Development Association

Ballinafad is a picturesque village of Co. Sligo located at the foot of the Curlew Mountains overlooking Lough Arrow. Ballinafad was once on the busy main Sligo Dublin road and has since been bypassed. The community viewed this bypass as an opportunity to reignite the community spirit of the village and has worked to make this a vibrant population centre.

Groups active in the area under the banner of Ballinafad Development Association include Aughanagh Parish Council, Festival Committee, Tidy Towns, Playground Committee, Active Age, Youth Club, Arrow Community Enterprise, Aughanagh Celtic, and a Historical Society.

Following a successful St. Patrick’s Day Parade in 2009, the community were filmed for national television for their 2010 parade. Future plans include the development of a playground and a sports area and further improvement in our Tidy Towns enhancements. The community has also raised almost €40,000 for various charities over the last year.

 
- Ballinafad Development Association being presented with their Pride of Place Certificate 2010 by the Leas Cathaoirleach Councillor Veronica Cawley

Judging for the All-Island Competition will take place as follows:

Tuesday 27 July 2010: Western Drama Festival & Phoenix Players and the Ballinafad Development Association
Wednesday 28 July 2010: Ballintrillick Environmental Group

An itinerary of two and a half hours duration is currently being prepared by each community for the area visits which will give groups the opportunity to showcase the tremendous work and community driven activities which have evoked civic pride in the area. Unlike other competitions, judging for this competition is a very visible and community orientated event and therefore the active support and assistance of people living and working in these areas would be appreciated.

Sligo County Council and Sligo Borough Council would like to take this opportunity to wish all groups the best of luck in the Co-operation Ireland All-Island Pride of Place Competition 2010.

For further information please contact the Community and Enterprise Office on 071 - 9111800.

Conference Examines Changing Role of Councillors

In the region of 280 Councillors from Local Authorities around the country attended the Annual Conference of their representative body the Local Authorities Members Association (LAMA) which was hosted in Sligo.

The theme of the two day conference was ‘Councillors’ Role in a Changing Climate’ and the programme included subjects as diverse as the statutory functions of elected members, the science of climate change, planning for major emergencies and the next generation of City and County Development Plans. Minister of State at the Department of Finance Dr Martin Mansergh gave the keynote address at the Conference Dinner.

Major Issues

The conference was formally opened by Mayor Councillor Jim McGarry, who told delegates that ‘there was never a more appropriate time to consider the major issues facing us at local and national level. The conference programme has been prepared to reflect some of the most pertinent topics of concern to Councillors. People in areas of responsibility have a duty to provide leadership and direction, and to do so we have to remain fully appraised concerning the main issues of the day.’ The Mayor added that ‘from a local perspective, I am delighted that LAMA decided to host their 2010 AGM in Sligo, and this is a welcome boost to the local economy.’

 
- Delegates attending Sean Hogan’s presentation on ‘Responding to National Emergencies’

Sean Hogan of the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, gave a presentation on responding to national emergencies, and set out scenarios for responding nuclear, flooding, fire and other emergencies. Mr Hogan outlined a number of case studies, including Bantry Bay (1979), Stardust (1981) and Cherryville (1980 and 1983). He emphasised the importance of co-ordination and discussed the role of Local Government, Gardai and Health Service Executive in delivering a structured inter-agency response.

Changing Climate

John O’Dea, Environmental Physicist, presented a concise guide to the science of climate change, and advised delegates that there is a vast ignorance of science among the general population. He discussed the impacts of climate change, from melting ice-caps to rising sea levels to increasing frequency of hurricanes. He also identified the areas around Ireland which were moist vulnerable to relative sea-level rise and coastal erosion. Mr O’Dea also gave an international perspective on the change in greenhouse gas emissions from 1990 to 2007.

Frank Gilmore, Director of Services with Galway County Council, talked about the Council’s response to a series of emergency situations. He recalled the severe difficulties posed by the excessive rainfall in November 2009, and outlined the co-ordinated action involving senior management, engineering staff, Gardai, Fire Service and Civil Defence. He stated that their actions revolved around three priorities.. public safety, public health and transport links. Galway County Council also activated a ‘Welfare Plan’ to assist with evacuations and emergency accommodations.

Efficiency

Hubert Kearns, Sligo County Manager delivered a presentation on ‘Efficiency in Local Government’, and discussed a number of current issues, including the McCarthy Report and the OECD Report on the Public Service. He outlined the implications of reduced funding for Local Government, and presented suggestions for streamlining the public service. Mr Kearns stressed the importance of efficient systems, and argued that efficiency and value for money has to be part of transforming the public service. He concluded his presentation by noting that an inefficient system can negate any efficiencies gained at all the other levels.

 
- Sligo County Manager, Hubert Kearns addresses the conference on ‘Efficiency in Local Government.’

Niall Cussen, Senior Adviser with the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, discussed the critical importance of Development Plans and previewed future influences on the planning process, including new statues and policy directives, housing strategies and planning and economic development. He stated that planning can be a very positive instrument to aid economic recovery. He also discussed the provisions of the Planning and Development (Amendment) Bill 2009 which acknowledged the need for greater consistency between national, regional and local planning.

Role of Councillors

Councillor Cait Keane of South Dublin County Council presented a talk on the role and responsibility of Councillors, including an historical perspective on the Executive functions (County Manager and staff) and Reserved Functions (Councillors). She discussed how these roles are applied in the service areas of roads, planning, housing, finance, environment and corporate services.

A session of the conference was devoted to issues of special interest to Councillors, and was addressed by Senators Marc MacSharry, Paul Coghlan and Dominic Hannigan. The session chairs for the conference were local LAMA representatives Councillors Mary Barrett and Councillor Jude Devins, who also co-ordinated arrangements for the conference.

 
- Senator Marc MacSharry speaks to members on various issues affecting the elected members

Closing the conference, Cathaoirleach Councillor Gerry Murray said that from his experience of attending conferences and seminars over the years, the programme for the LAMA conference was one of the most interesting and varied he had come across. ‘I believe the one of the reasons there has been such an impressive turn-out is the topical nature of the issues being discussed. The Cathaoirleach also paid tribute to LAMA ‘Given the increasing pressures faced by public representatives, a pressure increased by the economic downturn, it is very encouraging to have an energetic and supportive organisation such as LAMA to offer advice.

 
There were 2 special presentations to former councillors Leo Conlon & Aidan Colleary for their work on LAMA.
Left to Right - Leo Conlon, Councillor Mary Barrett, Councillor Hugh McElvaney, Chair of LAMA, Aidan Colleary, Hubert Kearns, County Manager, Councillor Jude Devins & Councillor Noel Bourke

Sligo Arts Service Public Events

The ‘John O’Leary Fine Art Graduate Award’

Award winner to be announced 10th June 2010

The John O’Leary Fine Art Graduate Award will honour the late Sligo based artist and lecturer, John O’Leary and hasbeen established to foster excellence in the visual arts at graduate level. The award will support a Bachelor of Arts in Fine Art (Honours) Level 8 student in the Institute of Technology, Sligo with a Travel Bursary. The award by Sligo County Council Arts Service valued at €3,000 is delivered in partnership with the Fine Art Department, Institute of Technology, Sligo. The award will support a graduate artist who has shown the promise of artistic excellence in the visual art field, and aims to broaden their horizons and deepen their creative practice. Award winner was be announced at the opening of the annual Degree Show Exhibition on Thursday 10th June 2010 in the Art Department of IT Sligo.

Public Call to Participate in the Filming of

“…for peace comes dropping slow”. The Lake Isle of
Innisfree, W.B. Yeats

For all peace lovers, poetry lovers, lovers of W.B. Yeats, lovers of Sligo (and its landscape and megalithic monuments), art lovers or just plain lovers – this event is for everyone over the age of 18!

Sligo Arts Service is calling on participants for this exciting and unique event which will take place at dusk in the coming weeks.

The torchlight event “…for peace comes dropping slow” by artist Lisa Vandegrift Davala involves sketching the poetic line in light from the poem The Lake Isle of Innisfree, across the Sligo landscape.

The poetic line will be manifested in various segments and forms of light from LED torches to mobile phones (please bring at least one of each) across the county, with the final word SLOW being written collectively by participants.

The impact on the participants is that of being the living re-enactors of the words of W.B. Yeats, on the landscape of his inspiration. This participative and meditative act will be filmed in order to record its making and its inscription on the landscape.

What is involved:

Buses will depart from a designated point at 8.30PM.
Preparations (choreographing the word and rehearsing the lighting) will begin at 9PM SHARP as the artistic team is working with natural daylight and sunset and cannot be late with mother nature!

On-site filming will commence at 10PM. Filming will last, at most, two and a half hours.

The date and full details of the shoot will be confirmed after 3rd June. To register your participation, please contact Tara Lewis with your mobile number and email address: wrenbot@gmail.com

This event is part-funded as part of The Yeatsian Legacy Project, delivered by Sligo Arts Service & partners. The project is supported by the PEACE III Programme, managed for the Special EU Programmes Body by Sligo County Council on behalf of Sligo Peace & Reconciliation Partnership Committee and the Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government ‘Per Cent for Art Scheme.’

Exhibitions

“VIEWS of SLIGO” 1858 / 59” -

A new exhibition by Harriet G Davidson at Yeats Memorial Building. Well worth viewing! Also, our unique WB Yeats & Jack B Yeats exhibitions and our town-centre tourist information desk.

TEACH BAN NUA Gallery -

Do call in and see our display of work by contemporary painters, printmakers and sculptors in a beautiful purposebuilt space amid the scenic splendours of the Yeats country at Drumcliffe

The MODEL - Home of The Niland Collection -

Re-opened May 1st following a two-year redevelopment. The opening exhibition, Dorm, features 22 international artists’ collectives and runs until July 4th. www.themodel.ie

ICA Celebrates Centenary in County Hall

Cathaoirleach Councillor Gerry Murray recently hosted a reception to celebrate 100 years of the Irish Country Women’s Association.

The first Sligo Guild was established in Beltra in 1927 and is still very active today. Since then many other guilds have sprung up around county Sligo and they all have an active and central role in their communities. Areas such as Skreen, Rosses Point and Maugherow have been active for over 60 years.

 
- Cathaoirleach Councillor Gerry Murray with his wife Tish (left) & Nancy Newell

The ICA continues to grow in Sligo with the establishment of new guilds in Ballintrillick, Geevagh-Highwood, Gurteen and Riverstown.

 
- Back Row - Patricia Cawley & Sligo Federation Secretary Maura MacManus
Front Row - Mary Harkin, Sligo Federation President signs the Distinguished Visitors Book with Cathaoirleach Murray

Councillor Murray paid tribute to the ICA and their contribution to communities in Sligo saying “one of the main reasons the ICA has been such a successful organisation is that it has been prepared to adapt to a changing social landscape, and it has always responded to the needs of its many members.” The Cathaoirleach commended their efforts in fund raising for various charities, organising classes and their work on litter awareness to name but a few and was priviledged to host this reception in celebrating the ICA centenary.

Mary Harkin, Sligo Federation President of the ICA thanked the Cathaoirleach for hosting this reception and commended all the members from the Sligo guilds for their hard work and dedication. She was delighted to have the honour of being president during this centenary year and was looking forward to the various events organised to celebrate the centenary year in Sligo.

 
- Members of the various Sligo Guilds of the ICA with elected members and the Cathaoirleach at the recent reception to celebrate 100 years of the Irish Countrywomen’s Association