Omagh Sligo Partnership

The Omagh Sligo Partnership works to contribute to the economic and social development of the Sligo and Omagh areas by promoting beneficial cross border business, enterprise, community, cultural and public sector initiatives.

In 2002 the Partnership worked to develop a four year strategy to address the needs of the two areas in an action oriented way that promotes mutual understanding and respect and ensures tangible benefits for all.
 
In preparing their strategy the Partnership recognised that developments in the political and economic climate both in Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland have opened up a range of new opportunities for cross border co-operation. The Common Chapter of the NDP and the Northern Ireland Structural fund plan provided the framework for developing new and existing plans for co-operation on an all-island and a cross border basis. It is within this environment that the Omagh Sligo Partnership sees its role as a facilitator, deliverer and initiator of cross border development opportunities and initiatives. The Strategy and associated Action Plan is presented under three themes

• Enterprise and Economic Development
• Community Development
• Innovation in Cross Border Development

A funding application has been submitted to Co-operation Ireland under the EU Peace Programme and we await its outcome.

Full details of the Partnership and their proposed strategy can be obtained from the Special Projects Office, Sligo County Council.

Joint Meetings

As a result of a resolution passed by Omagh District Council in 2002 a series of Joint Meetings began between Sligo County Council and Omagh District Council.

The purpose of the initiative is to develop a greater mutual understanding of common local government concerns. The first meeting, held in October, discussed the Review of Public Administration in Northern Ireland and also looked at potential for collaborative actions in the future.

A series of meetings will be held in 2003 to progress the sharing of knowledge and information and development and implementation of joint projects.

BorderTrek 2002

Ireland’s premier cycling challenge for peace, BorderTrek took place over the 22nd and 23rd June 2002. Over 1200 cyclists took on the various Treks and despite some rain, the event finished in glorious sunshine in Enniskillen. The event was successful and considerable funds were raised in support of Co-operation Ireland’s peace-building programmes for young people.

For 2002 Co-operation Ireland built on the success of previous years, with a new ‘start leg’ from Derry which moved down Co. Donegal, through Letterkenny, Ballybofey and Donegal town before meeting up with those on the original route in Ballyshannon. This route was designed to attract more cyclists and included a family fun cycle.

2002 also saw the introduction of MicroTrek, a 40 mile cycle from Cavan to Enniskillen. This offered the amateur cyclists an opportunity to join in the fun and perhaps prepare them for the full event in 2003.

Sligo County Council was again pleased to offer its support to this worthwhile event and plan a similar involvement in 2003.

Sligo County Council
- A Focus on Customer Service

Sligo County Council recognises the importance of customer care and the need to provide a customer focused delivery. Management and staff continue to work to ensure that customer needs are met through maximising of resources and the promotion of best value and quality in service delivery.

In 2002, with assistance from the Services Initiative Fund of the Department of Environment and Local Government, Sligo County Council commenced the implementation of an initiative which would ensure a customer focus service delivery by all staff, promote the importance of communication both internally and externally, promote access to services and ensure ongoing improvements in service delivery.

Since it commenced a number of key actions have been taken including the development of an updated Website (www.sligococo.ie ), the purchase of seven touch screen systems to be located throughout the county to provide up-to-date information on council services and activities, the publication of a number of information booklets on Community and Enterprise, Environment and Sligo City and the provision of Customer Care training to a large number of staff.

2003 will see the completion of this initiative with additional resources for training, document and imaging management and the development of a customer charter and complaints procedure. Launch of Sligo ‘leg’ of BorderTrek 2002