VOLUNTEERS HONOURED BY SLIGO COUNTY COUNCIL
‘A Celebration of community spirit and endeavour’ There was a large attendance in County Hall for the annual
Cathaoirleach’s Awards ceremony. The Awards Scheme was devised to honour the volunteers who give special service to their community, and awards were presented in the categories of: Arts, Community (Individual), Community (Group), Environment and Heritage, Schools and Sports.
This is the ninth year of the Cathaoirleach Awards scheme, and joining the Cathaoirleach Councillor Jude Devins on the Awards Committee were: Councillor Patsy Barry, Councillor Mary Barrett, Councillor Deirdre Healy McGowan, Councillor Sean MacManus and Fergus MacNabb, Administrative Officer, Sligo County Council.
In his opening address, the Cathaoirleach remarked that ‘I see the Awards Scheme as a celebration of community spirit and endeavour, an opportunity to reflect on the contribution of the volunteers among us. Now more than ever there are serious demands on people’s time, but the culture of volunteerism was never more prevalent in our local communities, and each and every one of the people nominated can be proud of their achievement.’
AWARD CATEGORY: ARTS
WINNER: Ciara Schmidt
PRESENTED BY: Councillor Jude Devins, Cathaoirleach
The Cathaoirleach said ‘Interest in the arts encompasses all disciplines and age groups, and the County Sligo Arts Plan aims to provide the people of County Sligo with the opportunity to share and participate in high quality artistic processes. One of the most progressive and innovative areas of Sligo County Council is our own Arts Service, and I have had great pleasure over the course of my term as Cathaoirleach in visiting the many events hosted or assisted by the dedicated staff of the Arts Office.’
The nomination form submitted for Ciara Schmidt documented her achievement in winning National Arts Awards in 2005 and 2009. Her art has featured in numerous publications, including the Texaco Calendar. In addition to her involvement in the arts, she is a member of the Sligo Mercy College Basketball and Hockey Teams and is also a member of the Sligo All Stars.
AWARD CATEGORY: ENVIRONMENT AND HERITAGE
WINNERS: Ballymote Youth Steering Group
PRESENTED BY: Fergus MacNabb, Administrative Officer
Fergus MacNabb outlined the background to the Environment and Heritage category: ‘One of the most important functions we have is the protection of our environment and heritage, and the promotion of their importance to the general public. In this endeavour we enjoy the goodwill and support of the wider community, and we have planned and delivered many heritage and environment projects in active partnership with local groups.’
The nomination form submitted for Ballymote Youth Steering Group detailed the many worthy community projects carried out by the group, including an aftersschool childcare service and an arts project promoting the theme of cultural diversity. The Group also availed of a community heritage grant to publish a book called ‘Townlands’, and they have organised numerous clean-up campaigns to enhance their environment.
AWARD CATEGORY: COMMUNITY (INDIVIDUAL)
WINNER: Noel Devaney
PRESENTED BY: Cathaoirleach Councillor Jude Devins
In his address Councillor Devins observed that the splitting of the ‘Community’ category into individual and group awards is a reflection of the popularity of this element of the scheme, and once again this year there was great interest in this particular category. ‘In many ways the community award lies at the heart of the award scheme, as the inspiration for the scheme was a desire to acknowledge the valuable contribution of our many volunteers. Having carefully examined the nominations in this category, the Awards Committee feel that we have identified someone who exemplifies the true spirit of service to the community. Noel Devaney is held in enormous esteem by his local community, as they have seen at first hand the excellent work he has carried out for many years. His involvement in community affairs embraces a wide range of activities, from his committment to the local ‘Active-Age’ Group to his inspirational work in under-age sport.’
AWARD CATEGORY: SPORTS
JOINT WINNER: 1. Tony Mooney and Martin O’Hara 2. Paul Hynes
PRESENTED BY: Councillor Sean MacManus
Councillor MacManus noted that ‘Sligo has a distinguished and proud tradition across a whole range of sports, we follow the careers of local sports people with interest, and we take great pleasure and pride in celebrating their achievements. The Awards Committee had a particular challenge in selecting a winner in this category, as there are so many individuals and groups working tirelessly to promote their chosen sport in their communities’
‘Tony Mooney and Martin O’ Hara have given exceptional service to the sport of cycling. Their passion and commitment for the sport has been evident at local and national levels for 30 years, and in that time they have organised countless cycle races and have played a vital role in encouraging and nurturing young cyclists in the region.
Councillor MacManus commended Paul Hynes, the other joint winner in the sports category, for his huge contribution to Boys and Girls Youth Soccer. ‘Almost singlehandedly, he has brought a sense of organisation and direction to the youth leagues, and has played a very special role in developing girls soccer in the region.’
AWARD CATEGORY: COMMUNITY (GROUP)
WINNER: Maugherow Defibrillator Group
PRESENTED BY: Councillor Patsy Barry
Councillor Barry said he was delighted to present the award in the Community (Group) category ‘as over the course of my years as a Councillor I have been very fortunate to work closely with many community groups who carry out excellent work in their areas. The volunteers who serve on these groups are often the heart and soul of their communities, the people who are always willing to lead by example, the people you can always rely on in a crisis.’
The Cathaoirleach went on to commend the Maugherow Defibrillator Group. ‘This group have played a vital role in the area, and through their efforts defibrillators have been provided and 80 local people have been trained in their use. This group were very generous with their time, and thanks to their enterprise and foresight, many lives could well be saved over the coming years.’
AWARD CATEGORY: SCHOOLS
WINNER: Scoil Ursula
PRESENTED BY: Councillor Mary Barrett
In her address Councillor Mary Barrett said that ‘the schools award was designated as a specific category to encourage active participation by students and teachers in the scheme, and to provide deserved acknowledgement of the excellent work being delivered by the various schools throughout the county. From my own experience I am aware of the special work being carried out in our county’s schools by pupils, teachers, Boards of Management and parents. Sligo County Council’s ‘Green School’ Programme is just one example of the success that can be achieved by working in active partnership with our local schools’
Councillor Barrett continued ‘The winners of the award in the Schools category have excelled in recent years in terms of the quality and scope of the various projects they have organised. Care of the environment is a constant theme in their work, and once again in 2009 they have focused their energies on a project which has attracted deserved praise from all quarters.’
Further details of the Awards ceremony available on www.sligococo.ie
Don’t Forget to Vote
The Local and European elections will be held on Friday, 5th June, 2009. Polling stations will be open from 7.00am until 10.00pm
Introducing Sligo Local Authorities Climate Change Working Group
Did you know that leaving a PC monitor on all night wastes enough energy to microwave 6 dinners! In an office with 10 PC monitors left on overnight, enough energy is wasted to run 8 dishwasher loads / 13 washing machine loads! Leaving a 60W bulb on overnight when not needed, consumes enough energy to make 24 cups of tea! Lighting an average office overnight wastes enough energy to heat water for 1000 cups of tea!
Sligo Local Authorities Climate Change Working Group (CCWG) has been set up to help reduce our carbon footprint and improve our overall environmental performance. We intend to develop a Climate Change Strategy for the Sligo Local Authorities which will help us achieve reductions in greenhouse gas emissions as required under the National Climate Change Strategy. 33% reduction is required across the public sector by 2020 - a challenging target!
The Climate Change Strategy for the Sligo Local Authorities will involve the following:
- Measuring the organizations carbon footprint
- Identifying actions / projects, with specific targets, to reduce our carbon footprint
- Implementing the actions / projects identified
The Working Group has broad representation from across both organisations. We will be targeting areas where we have direct influence i.e. reducing emissions through our own energy use and procurement activities. Our areas of influence cross all sections of the Local Authorities and include: building energy use, housing / building projects, waste management, transport, planning policies, procurement activities, raising awareness and more!
The CCWG wants to find out how we are doing at the moment, particularly in relation to energy usage and efficiency, and where and how we can improve.
By measuring where we are and examining what the habits and practices are at present, we can develop a realistic strategy that will allow us to reduce the amount of energy we use (and waste).
In order to do this and to develop such a strategy, we need ideas, suggestions, observations, support and co-operation from as many people within the organisations as possible.
To help you get involved easily and to make sure that everyone gets their ideas and opinions heard, we’ve set up an email address where you can send any of your thoughts to climatechange@sligococo.ie
We have begun measuring our carbon footprint beginning with energy use in our buildings. The news is not good! Too much electricity is being used at night when offices are empty!
The main culprits for excess electricity use in offices are lights, I.T and office equipment. Therefore the message from the CCWG is:
- Turn off all lights in office when not in use
- Turn off computers and monitors at night (Computer monitors use 60% of the total power of the computer)
- Switch off printers, photocopiers, scanners, plotters, fax machines etc. at night
Turning off your computer at night will save on average 25% of its annual energy bill - €67 per computer per year!
Over the coming months, we’ll be giving tips via email and on the Intranet on how you can save energy at work and at home.
Keep it clean, keep it green, Don’t forget; turn off your screen….
Council Sponsor Childcare Awards
Sligo County Childcare Committee are currently looking for nominations for the ‘2009 Childcare Champion Awards. ’ There are several categories ranging from young babies in childcare up to 12 year olds in after-school.
The categories also take into account the type of childcare facility i.e. crèche, montessori, child minding, parent & toddler group, drop in centre, playgroup, and after school.
All childcare workers and childminders who are nominated will receive a certificate to acknowledge their nomination and then the category winners and the overall winner will be announced. The County Childcare Committee are delighted with the support of their local authority as Sligo County Council are sponsoring the overall award.
All Parents/Guardians who submit nominations will also be invited to attend the Childcare Champions Awards Ceremony where a free draw will take place as a thank you for submitting your nomination.
Application forms to nominate Childcare Workers and Childminders can be received by logging onto www.sligochildcare.ie or contacting:
Sligo County Childcare Committee, Unit 6 Cleveragh Retail Park, Cleveragh, Sligo.Phone: 0719148860 or Email: sligochildcare@gmail.com
Tubbercurry Volunteer Fair Great Success
The seeds of volunteering have been planted in the recent Tubbercurry “Branching Out to Volunteer” event.
A series of events were held recently highlighting the wealth of voluntary activity that is already happening in Tubbercurry as well as offering more people the opportunity to get involved. The series kicked off with a volunteer fair in the library on Tuesday 21st April. Many active voluntary groups had stands at the fair and people came in to browse their options. Tommy Fleming was the special guest and launched the event with the unveiling the “Branching Out to Volunteer Tree”. The tree is comprised of plaques with contact details of all of the participating organisations. The plaques were painted by the transition year of St. Attracta’s school. This tree will remain in the library so people can continue to make links with their local community groups. The remainder of the events focused on workshops aimed at all.
The “Harvesting Your Life Experience” workshop by Carmel Sheridan of Age Action West was well attended, and very informative. Carmel focused on the benefits of volunteering for older people and what skills they can offer to their community. Carmel pointed out that “Older Volunteers are a rich resource. They are highly committed and give of their time generously”. She also highlighted the importance of intergenerational opportunities, where older volunteers can provide invaluable learning to younger children. This may be in the form of “living history” or indeed crafts in danger of being forgotten like knitting.
- ‘Harvesting Your Life Expereince’ volunteers who attended the workshop highlighting the advantages of volunteering for older people
Sligo Volunteer Centre has a wide variety of opportunities for all age groups to get involved in. Already since the events in Tubbercurry, there are a number of new opportunities arising in the area. When somebody expresses an interest in volunteering, Sligo Volunteer Centre staff can support them into making choices about the kind of volunteer opportunity that is suitable for them. Likewise, when a not for profit group is looking to get more volunteers involved, the Volunteer Centre can support them to develop achievable volunteer roles, as well as advice on how to support volunteers.
As part of the finale of the series of events, Sligo Volunteer Centre presented a Volunteer Vacancy Folder to the staff in Tubbercurry Library. This folder has details of all of the current opportunities to volunteer. The folder will be kept up to date and is a great resource for finding out what is going on. You can also access all these details online through the website www.volunteersligo.ie. The website is a good source of information for potential volunteers and volunteer involving organisations.
- Left to Right - Alison Gately, Ciara Herity, Tommy Fleming and Paula Naughton at launch of ‘Branching Out to Volunteer’ event
For further information on any of our services you can contact Sligo Volunteer Centre on 071-911 1042 or email info@volunteersligo.ie.
We would like to thank our sponsors Barry’s Chemist and Surlis Supervalu and all who attended the events in Tubbercurry and made them a success. We would also like to thank the Tubbercurry library staff and Teach Laighne staff for their assistance in hosting the event.
Sligo Arts Service Festival to take new steps with old friends
Audiences and Performers at the May Bank Holiday Chamber Music Weekend in Drumcliffe, Co Sligo celebrated an incredible ten years and marked the achievements of the Vogler Spring Festival 2000-2009.
Ten years ago the Vogler Quartet performed the opening concert of the first Vogler Spring Festival in a radically different musical landscape. In the intervening ten years the Vogler Spring Festival has gone from strength to strength and carved a niche for itself as one of Ireland’s premiere chamber music festivals. Having begun life as part of the Vogler Quartet in Sligo Residency which commenced in 1999, the festival has continued to exist in its own right since the residency came to an end in 2004.
The 10 year celebration also brought an announcement that in 2010 internationally renowned pianist, Barry Douglas will assume the role as Artistic Director of the festival and join with the Vogler Quartet for an exciting collaboration over the May Bank Holiday weekend (details of which will be provided at a festival launch later this year.) Barry’s tenure as Artistic Director follows the 5 year tenure 2005-2009 by Frank Reinecke 2nd violin with the Vogler Quartet. Previous to that the festival was programmed by John O Kane, then CEO with Music Network, partners in the residency programme.
Arts Officer Mary McAuliffe told the audience that ‘tonight we commence the journey into a new decade which will see the festival consolidate its achievements and move in new directions. As with all quality processes the festival will change and evolve, exploring new approaches and embracing new artistic collaborations. This will renew its vision and secure its freshness for both audiences and performers alike.’
In agreement with the Vogler Quartet, Sligo Arts Service is currently planning for the 2010 festival which will take new steps with old friends – the Quartet and the audience - in the familiar surroundings of Drumcliffe, Co Sligo.
New Fire Station planned for Ballymote
Sligo County Council is progressing plans to provide a new Fire Station for Ballymote. The development will include a two storey Fire Station, a drill tower and a drill yard. The station building will house a communications room, a lecture room, workshop and storage facilities. The site for the development is adjacent to the existing Fire Station.
The proposal was formally approved by Sligo County Council at its meeting on 3rd March 2008. The May 2009 meeting of Sligo County Council was advised that the tender documentation for the project is almost finalised and it is expected that the project will go to tender shortly. The project will be tendered as a fixed price contract, and when the tenders have been examined, a report will be submitted to the Department of the Environment, Heritage & Local Government.
On receipt of final approval from the Department, the project will proceed to tender stage. While the contract will require the approval of the Department of the Environment and the Department of Finance, it is hoped that a contractor will be on site later this year. This development represents a major upgrading of the Fire Service in the Ballymote area.
Reception for Umbro Cup Winners
The Cathaoirleach of Sligo County Council Councillor Jude Devins has honoured the IT Sligo Soccer Team on their achievement in winning the All Ireland Colleges’ Cup, the Umbro Cup. IT Sligo overcame a spirited Letterkenny IT challenge to win the Final 3-2
In his address the Cathaoirleach said that ‘while there were outstanding individual performances on this journey, including from the Final’s ‘Man of the Match’ Ciaran Greene, this was a genuine team effort, with every member of the panel playing their part.
- Cathaoirleach Councillor Devins with team Coach Paul Harte and Manager Paul Powell and the Umbro Cup
While any final victory is sweet, I think it is that bit more special when it is earned against local rivals. The task could not have been more formidable; Earlier in the season, Letterkenny defeated Sligo in the Quarter-Final of the Colleges & Universities Football Premier League.’
The Cathaoirleach paid a special tribute to the coaching staff who worked tirelessly behind the scenes. ‘I think the team will be the first to acknowledge that they were very well served by a dedicated coaching and back-up team, from Head Coach Paul Harte, Team Manager Paul Powell, and other experienced hands like Keith McManus and Frank McGarry. The Cup Final against Letterkenny was a day for heroes, a day when team spirit prevailed, a day when your courage and commitment received their just reward.’
- Members of the Umbro Cup winning Mens soccer Team from Sligo IT with Councillor Devins, Manager Paul Powell, Coach Paul Harte and Councillor Joe Queenan
Rehab Care visit Sligo County Council
Members of the local Rehab Care Group have been the latest to take part in Sligo County Council’s Open Local Government Programme.
The course is being delivered by the Communications Office, Sligo Local Authorities in conjunction with the ‘North West Parents and Friends’ and the ‘Our Voice Advocacy Group.’
- Conor McShane delivers fire safety presentation to group from Rehab Care
This group were given a fire safety presentation by Sub-Officer Conor McShane. He discussed issues such as planning your escape route in case of a fire in the home and how best to clarify directions when ringing the emergency services.
Orlagh Campbell and Marcella Healy from the Housing section delivered a presentation on the different Housing grants available, details of funding and guided members of the group through the application process.
- Back Row Left to Right – Padraig Gillen, Adrian Cornwall, Heather Dunne, Josephine Gillen, Cliona Quigley and Cameron Giles
Front Row Left to Right – Aisling Egan, Edel McIntyre, Cathaoirleach Cllr Devins, Eileen Niland
The group were presented with their awards by Cathaoirleach Councillor Jude Devins: Josephine Cullen, Edel McIntyre, Eileen Niland, Adrian Cornwall, Padraig Gillen, Aisling Egan and Heather Dunne. The Cathaoirleach Councillor Devins commended the members of the group on successfully completing the course. ‘I think this was a very useful exercise both for the people attending the course and the staff presenting it. It shows a progression of the Open Local Government Programme and the response of the local authority to specific areas of interest expressed by the advocacy groups.’
Mary Cullen Honoured at County Hall
The Cathaoirleach of Sligo County Council Councillor Jude Devins has hosted a reception in County Hall to her honour Mary Cullen’s achievement in winning the bronze medal at the European Indoor Games in Turin. The reception was attended by Mary’s family, friends, supporters and members of the North Sligo Athletic Club.
- Mary Cullen signs the Distinguished Visitors Book in the presence of Cathaoirleach Councillor Devins
The Cathaoirleach said Mary’s homecoming following her Turin success brought home to him the scale of the achievement. ‘I had the privilege to be in Rathcormack that evening, and the frenzy of excitement when Mary landed had to be seen to be believed. Many young people in North Sligo that evening will have been inspired by Mary’s performance on the track, and modesty off it. All of Sligo were tuned in to radio or television on that magical Sunday where Mary’s conviction, courage and athletic prowess earned the just reward of a proud place on the podium.’
- Back Row Left to Right – Michael Carney NSAC, Councillor Seamus Kilgannon, Councillor Tony McLoughlin, Councillor Patsy Barry and Councillor Joe Leonard.
Front Row Left to Right – Geraldine Cullen, Mary Cullen, Cathaoirleach Councillor Devins and Pat Cullen
The Cathoirleach recalled the strong support Mary received throughout her career. ‘Mary has always enjoyed the support of her family, who identified her enormous talent at an early stage, and did everything possible to encourage it. On the track, the foundation for her later success was laid at North Sligo Athletic Club and its very special Coach, Michael Carney.’
- Mary Cullen with local supporters and members of North Sligo Athletic Club
The Cathaoirleach concluded his address by speculating on what the future holds for Mary. ‘She is already Sligo’s most successful athlete, and I don’t believe for a moment she will rest on her laurels. Wherever the journey takes her, Mary enjoys the wholehearted support of the people of Sligo. She represents her club, county and now her country with great pride, and we in turn take great pride in her achievements – I can think of no finer Ambassador for Sligo in the world’s sporting arenas.’
Sligo Library Announce Writing Competition Winners
A Prize giving Ceremony took place in Sligo Central Library, Stephen Street, Sligo on 28th April 2009. This was to award the winners of the Schools Writing Competition which was run by Sligo Libraries; supported by The Sligo Champion.
Author Niall Williams, Sligo Libraries "Writer-in-Residence" started this competition last year and as it was so well received decided to expand the categories to include Poetry as well as Fiction this year.
The amount of entries were once again substantial which was testament to the work put in by all the Secondary Schools involved.
Reports from the three Judges stated that the pieces were of an extremely high standard and so all writers who submitted their work, not just the winners should be very proud of themselves. Niall Williams remarked that "the day an Author gets first published is a very important one and will stay with them for the rest of their career and lives". Mayor Cllr Veronica Cawley and Cathaoirleach Cllr Jude Devins were on hand to distribute the various prizes and this ended the prize giving ceremony. All Category winners will have their work published in The Sligo Champion over the coming weeks. If you would like to know more information about this event and others run by Sligo Libraries please contact us on 071 9111850.
- Winners from Mercy College and Sligo Grammar school with staff of Sligo Library, Cathaoirleach Councillor Jude Devins and Mayor Councillor Veronica Cawley
Category Winners
Junior Poetry
- ‘ Didn’t Understand’. Lisa Coggins, Mercy College, Sligo.
- ‘Life Path’ Niamh O‘Donnell, Mercy College.
- ‘Climate Change’ Ellen Prendergast, Sligo Grammar School.
Junior Fiction
- ‘Servant of God’ Amy Kelly, Mercy College, Sligo.
- ‘Heroes’ Sinead Reilly Mercy College, Sligo.
- ‘The Night Out’ Helena O’Dea, Mercy College, Sligo.
Senior Poetry
- ‘Gruaige’ Hilary Bowen-Walsh, Sligo Grammar School.
- ‘Reminiscent’ Hilary Bowen-Walsh, Sligo Grammar School.
- ‘Emotional Vacuum’ Julie Patterson, Sligo Grammar School.
Senior Fiction
- ‘The Deleted Scenes’ Adrienne McManus, Sligo Grammar School.
- Case Closed’ Liam O’ Flaherty, Sligo Grammar School.
- ‘The Cave’ Eamonn Bell, Sligo Grammar School.
An Post Tour of Sligo
On Sunday 10th May the An Post Tour of Sligo proved to be a huge success with over 700 cyclists from all over the country on their bikes in bright sunshine along the roads of Sligo.
The event was co-ordinated by Sligo Sport and Recreation Partnership in conjunction with a local organising committee. Main sponsors of the event were An Post and the Irish Sports Council while significant support locally was provided by Sligo County Council, Sligo VEC, Failte Ireland, Super Valu and Connacht Gold.
- Mayor Cawley and Councillor Tony McLoughlin wishing cyclists good luck at the beginning of their race
Cyclists arrived from early morning to the cycle headquarters at the Institute of Technology Sligo and the place was a hive of activity with cyclists getting their final preparations in order and their bikes ready for the road. Mayor Councillor Veronica Cawley and Cathaoirleach Councillor Jude Devins welcomed all cyclists to the event and wished the cyclists an enjoyable tour.
Special guests included David O’Loughlin Irish Olympian cyclists, Barney Whelan An Post and Michael Crowley of the Irish Sports Council. The Ox Mountain Challenge got under way at 9 am and this was followed by the Lough Gill circuit at 10 am. The final group headed off at 12 noon and included a large group of enthusiastic family cyclists on the Hazelwood 10K.
Reflecting on the cycling tour, the An Post Tour of Sligo event committee paid tribute to all who made the event a success including the community groups and clubs along the route, safety personnel, An Garda Siochana, local cycling clubs Innisfree Wheelers and Eire Og and St. Johns Hospital Garden Room Committee (the nominated charity).
- Cathaoirleach Councillor Devins and Councillor McLoughlin supporting the recent An Post cycling tour of Sligo
Feedback from participants was very positive. One cyclist from the Lakeland Cycling Club Fermanagh summed up his experience of the day as follows: “Just to say a few words of thanks for all the organisation and management that went into the An Post cycle events yesterday. I did the Ox Mountain Challenge, and was amazed by the amount of marshalls deployed, route signage, and food/water stops. A big thank you goes out to all of those who gave of their time to make the event possible and safe and provided us with nourishment along the way. Well done! Hopefully this won't be a one off thing as not only was the event superbly well run, but the scenery was breath taking”.
Sligo County Council Joint Policing Committee
- Back Row Left to Right - Councillor Seamus Kilgannon, Councillor Albert Higgins, Rita McNulty Director of Services, Sligo County Council , Councillor Gerry Murray, Councillor Sean MacManus, Councillor Margaret Gormley (Vice Chair), Councillor Paul Conmy, John Perry T.D., Brendan Queenan Community Representative, Chris Davis Community Representative, Councillor Joe Queenan.
Front Row Left to Right - Supt. Kevin Ginty, Councillor Deirdre Healy McGowan, Chief Supt. Kieran Kenny, Councillor Jude Devins (Chair), Councillor Mary Barrett, Hubert Kearns, County Manager, Senator Geraldine Feeney, Senator Marc MacSharry.
Absent from photo:
Councillor Joe Leonard, Councillor Aidan Colleary, Councillor Veronica Cawley, Jimmy Devins T.D., Eamon Scanlon T.D., Michael Rochford Community Representative, Supt. Michael Barrett.
STATE OF THE ART TREATMENT PLANT OPENED
The largest infrastructural project in Sligo in recent years has been officially opened by Minister of State Michael Finneran, TD. The Minister was accompanied at the opening of Sligo Main Drainage Waste Water Treatment Plant by Mayor Councillor Veronica Cawley, Cathaoirleach Councillor Jude Devins, County Manager Hubert Kearns, Director of Services, Infrastructure, Tom Kilfeather and members of the Project Team.
The new facility will mean the elimination of untreated discharges into Sligo Bay and will enable Sligo County Council to fulfil its obligations under EU Directives. It will also accommodate demand from tourism, housing, commercial, industrial and recreational developments in the capital City of the North West Region, together with the provision of sludge reception facility for the treatment of all sewage sludge within the county.
The scheme will ensure the protection of a quality environment in Sligo Bay and will clear the way for the integration of sewerage facilities from the surrounding areas of Cummeen, Carraroe, Ballincar, Teesan/Lisnalurg, Rosses Point and all areas designated for development in the Sligo and Environs Development Plan.
- Aerial view of the new Sligo Wastewater treatment Plant at Finisklin
Referring to the benefits of the scheme to Sligo, Minister Finneran said “it reflects the Government’s ongoing commitment to preserving and protecting our water resources as a key element of environmental policy, to meeting EU standards for drinking water and wastewater treatment and to putting critical infrastructure in place that will ensure ongoing support for industrial, commercial and other development.”
Placing the facility in context, the Cathaoirleach said ‘Sligo County Council has one of the most efficient and progressive water services investment programmes in the country. This is testament to the vision and commitment of our elected members and staff, and indeed those dedicated people now retired, who also gave valuable service in the delivery of this programme. Value for money has always been a core objective in our capital programme, and can I pay a very public tribute to the various members of the project team for delivering this facility on time and within budget.’
- Left to Right - Councillor John Sherlock, Councillor Albert Higgins, Pat Doyle, Sligo County Council and Project Engineer, Councillor Rosaleen O’Grady, Councillor Seamus Kilgannon, Director of Services, Tom Kilfeather, Mayor Councillor Veronica Cawley, Minister Michael Finneran, Cathaoirleach Councillor Jude Devins, County Manager, Hubert Kearns, Mark Driver, Anglian International Water, Deputy Jimmy Devins, Senator Geraldine Feeney, Deputy Eamon Scanlon at the opening of Sligo Main Drainage
The Cathaoirleach added that ‘From Sligo County Council’s perspective, it was also a key consideration that we provide this facility without compromising our local environment. I take great pride in the fact that this project is perfectly integrated and greatly enhances the environmental quality of its catchment area.
Mayor Councillor Veronica Cawley feels that ‘Elected Members and Staff in both Authorities can reflect with great pride on a job well done.
The story of the scheme involves many strands. There is a special sense of history to this location, as the name ‘Sligo’ is derived from the ‘slig or ‘shells’ which were once plentiful is the estuary beside the plant. There is also a sense of pride in our local landscape, and a sense of achievement in our ability to deliver a project of this scale while protecting our natural heritage and habitats. I feel the people of Sligo will welcome the official opening of this plant as an important investment in our future.’
Mayor Praises Excellence of Parks Programme
The Mayor of Sligo Councillor Veronica Cawley feels the new Forthill Park ‘shows can be achieved when the Local Authority works in active partnership with the local community’.
The Mayor was speaking at the official opening of phase 2 of the Forthill development, and was joined by Borough Councillors, members of Northside Community Partnership, and people from the area.
- Mayor Councillor Cawley, local residents, elected members and staff of Sligo Borough Council enter the newly opened Forthill Park
The Park has extensive recreation areas and associated pathways, a new access road and car and coach parking areas. Later this year, the next phase of the programme will see the completion of a natural grass sand-carpet playing pitch, which will replace the ‘sloping’ pitch associated for many years by Glenview Stars.
The Mayor placed the project in context ‘A few short years ago, Sligo Borough Council set out on a major programme to transform the landscape of our city to met the demands of a growing urban population. The benefits of this endeavour are plain for all to see, and the ‘Greening of Sligo’ is one of the most popular and successful initiatives delivered by Sligo Borough Council. Our Parks Department manages 8 playing pitches, 6 playgrounds, a range of landscaped inner city areas, 33 acres of partially landscaped open space and 290 acres of undeveloped space.
- Existing pitch at Forthill which will be replaced by new playing surface in next phase of the programme
The expertise and dedication of our Parks Department of our Parks Department have ensured this programme has been delivered to the highest quality, and great credit is due to Michael Condren, Chief Executive Parks, and his staff for their excellent work in this area.’
The Mayor highlighted the role of the local community in the project. ‘The delivery of this amenity is due to the wholehearted commitment of the local community. The driving force behind this amenity has been the Northside Community Partnership, and I would like to commend Ann Donegan and her colleagues on the Board of Management.’ Sligo Borough Council was assisted in funding the project by the Department of Arts, Sport and Tourism, Rapid, and the Dormant Accounts Fund.
- Impressive view from recently opened Forthill Park
REVISED OPENING TIMES FOR PUBLIC COUNTER SERVICES CITY HALL
Sligo Borough Council is to introduce revised opening times for its main public services counters with effect from Monday June 8th. From that date visitors to City Hall will be able to access the public counter areas in Housing and Planning Sections between the hours of 10.00 to 4.00pm, and 9.30am to 4.00pm in Finance Section. The early morning and later afternoon period either side of these times is the minimum required by the staff in these sections to carry out other essential office duties.
The public counter services will be open for 6 hours each day (6 ½ hours in Finance Section) which is considered more than adequate to accommodate demand. The services will also be available through lunchtime. Staff in Finance, Housing and Planning Sections are available at all times during office hours to deal with telephone and e-mail queries, and members of the public wishing to access the public counters outside the available times will have their query dealt with by Customer Service staff in the City Hall reception area.
A spokesperson for Sligo Borough Council said the public counter times were being rationalised to reflect existing staff resources, and anticipated that the new arrangements will be delivered with a minimum of inconvenience to the public.
