Supporting Communities

Promoting Enterprise

…Delivering for Sligo

Sligo County Council

Special End of Year Report

Sligo County Council is a radically different organisation to that of 12-months ago. It has emerged from a year of significant reform incorporating the end of over four Centuries of the Borough Council followed by its’ amalgamation into the County Council, the commencement of the new Municipal District Committee structure, transformation of the old County Enterprise Board into a Local Enterprise Office and its integration into the Council and the establishment of a new economic development policy function for local government.

2014 brought new challenges in the form of the management and advancement of one of the most complex projects ever in the history of local government i.e. the transition of Water Services to the new national utility company, Irish Water, while discipline was brought to the Council’s difficult financial situation with a six-year sequence of Revenue Account deficits being brought to an end.

The Council would have been forgiven had it confined the reform process to the structural issues alone. Instead, it redefined its’ relationship with the community and was rewarded when the Council and all sections of the community worked in partnership for the greater good, when the silent majority reclaimed Sligo and took advantage of the return of the Fleadh and when the Tidy Towns Committee stepped forward to present Sligo in such a positive light.

The challenge now is to critically analyse and review the year gone by, build on the successes, identify areas of weakness and put in place strategies to ensure that long endured difficulties that have blighted the Council and the wider community can be confined to the past.

Turning to the priorities for 2015, Economic Development will continue to be the primary focus, but one that has many aspects including:

Creating and Sustaining JobsMM Developing a culture of entrepreneurism through

collaboration with the education sector.MM Facilitating and supporting start-up enterprises

through the Local Enterprise OfficeMM Working with Enterprise Ireland to develop

indigenous industry

staff. I would particularly l ike to acknowledge the commitment and professionalism of the staff in what has been achieved to-date and I look forward with confidence to further progress in 2015.

Ciarán HayesChief ExecutiveSligo County Council

MM Collaborating with the IDA to facilitate the growth of the Foreign Direct Investment (FDI)

Infrastructural DevelopmentMM Enhanced access to the region will continue

through the advancement of the N4 Collooney to Castlebaldwin scheme and completion of Hughes’ Bridge widening project.

MM An innovative collaboration between the Northwest Counties and Ireland West Airport Knock (IWAK) will be advanced subject to a Due Diligence report currently being compiled.

MM Efforts to advance the Garavogue East Bridge will continue through engagement with both the Departments of Transport and the Environment on a multi-annual funding package.

TourismEfforts to establish Sligo as a top-tier tourist destination

will continue and in this regard, the region has been assisted by the re-opening of Lissadell. A major attraction, it will compliment other significant tourist draws such as Knocknarea, Benbulben, Lough Gill, Lake Isle of Innisfree, Yeats’ grave, surfing, coastal beaches and championship golf courses, to name but a few.

Arts and CultureSligo’s rich and diverse arts sector continued to perform

well in 2014 where the notable features in addition to the Fleadh were the recruitment of a new Board and Director for The Model, continued strong performance of the Hawk’s Well, Yeats Summer School and the Annual Choral Festival. Both the Summer Festival and the well established Sligo Live Festival contributed in equal measure. For 2015, the wide range of events and activities will be supplemented by the Yeats 150 celebrations – which is expected to add a significant dynamic to Sligo’s cultural calendar – and the return of the Fleadh.

Of equal importance to economic development however is the social and community development of Sligo and in this regard, the work of the Public Participation Network and the Local Community Development Committee will play a critical role in informing Council policy and formulating strategies to deal with all aspects of disadvantage and social and community development.

In line with government policy, the Cranmore Regeneration Master Plan and Social Housing provision will also feature strongly.

None of these priorities will be delivered however without the support and input of both the Council Members and

Revitalisation and progress…

Works on-going on Hughes Bridge to significantly reduce traffic congestion on the bridge by the provision of an extra traffic lane in each direction and dedicated pedestrian and

cycling facilities on both sides of the bridge

Works on-going on Hughes Bridge to significantly reduce traffic congestion on the bridge by the provision of an extra traffic lane in each direction and dedicated pedestrian and

cycling facilities on both sides of the bridge

Planning for the economic, social and community development of Sligo

Crowds pack into O’Connell Street for the Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann 2014

The Sligo LEO is delivering a comprehensive service to local entrepreneurs and businesses which includes:

MM MProvision of grant aid to qualifying projects, similar to that delivered by the County Enterprise Boards;

MM MProvision of specific business mentoring, training and advice;

MM MProvision of some of the broader supports for economic development currently underway in the Council (e.g. cross-border enterprise and economic programmes, arranging for access to relevant officials in areas of the Council impinging on business, working with all concerned to increase the attractiveness of Sligo as a place to locate/expand a business;

MM MPromotion of entrepreneurship, including student entrepreneurship;

MM MLiaison with all agencies that interact with businesses with a view to building a comprehensive first-stop shop and referral service for clients whose particular needs are appropriate to another public body;

MM MUse of local business expertise to evaluate projects;

MM MProvision of an enhanced advice and guidance service embracing all other local and national supports;

MM MDirect referral of clients to Enterprise Ireland;MM MDirect referral and advice on regulations

affecting business.

The Sligo LEO, in common with all LEOs throughout the country, is inputting into the development of a local plan by the Council for boosting enterprise and

economic development. At the time of writing, the large number of suggestions received relating to enterprise and economic development in Sligo are being considered at official level. This is the first step along a process which will entail a plan being finalised and put before our councillors for adoption. The Plan will include the promotion of economic development, the creation and sustaining of jobs, the enhancement of local economic performance and potential as well as the promotion of local economic activity.

Support through Online Trading Vouchers

Even though there is currently an increasing trend in online spending, it is estimated that only 23% of small Irish businesses use e-commerce in any meaningful way; and that 70% of all online purchases made in Ireland are sourced abroad. These figures clearly point to an opportunity for more trade for Irish businesses that is being lost. Small Irish businesses in particular need to develop their digital presence in order to avoid missing significant commercial opportunities.

The online trading vouchers which have been rolled out over recent months by the Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources through the Local Enterprise Offices aims to get an additional 2,000 businesses trading online by the end of 2015.

The Sligo Local Enterprise Office was one of the pilot areas for the Online Trading Vouchers Scheme in July of this year and, in the interim, 32 vouchers have been

approved to date. €2,500 is available to cover up to 50% of costs such as development or improvement of a website’s e-commerce facilities, implementation of online payments systems and internet marketing strategies.

Sligo Local Enterprise Office (LEO) … an overview

The Sligo Local Enterprise office (LEO) was established last April as set out in the Government’s Action Plan for Jobs to dissolve the former County and City Enterprise Boards and to set up a single business and enterprise office within local authorities.

One of Sligo City’s landmarks lit up at night

It is playing a key role in delivering Sligo County Council’s expanding agenda of enterprise and

economic development. Furthermore, LEOs nationally are charged with playing a very significant role

in assisting the Government’s agenda of growing and sustaining jobs in the indigenous small business

sector of the economy. Core funding is provided by the Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation

through Enterprise Ireland. Enterprise Ireland also plays a key role in assisting and guiding the LEOs.

Loans now available through the Local Enterprise Office

Under a partnership between Microfinance Ireland (MFI) and the Local Enterprise Offices, business loans are now available through our Office. The key benefits of

applying through the Local Enterprise Office are:MM Unsecured loans from €2,000 up to €25,000MM Term from 3 to 5 yearsMM Reduced Interest Rate 7.5% (7.8% APR as against

8.8% APR for direct applicants to MFI) for LEO clients

MM No other charges or penalties (e.g. early repayment) apply

MM Flexibility on repayment termsMM Assistance and feedback on applicationMM Business advice and support

Microfinance Ireland was established by the Government to provide additional lending to start-up and existing micro enterprises. The final decision for all loan applications is made by Microfinance Ireland.

Sole Traders, Partnerships and Limited Companies with fewer than 10 employees and an annual turnover of less than €2m, who have been formally or informally declined credit by their banks are eligible to apply. Unlike the grant assistance supports available from the LEO, all business sectors are eligible. Loans can be used to fund start-up, existing and growing microenterprises and are typically used to fund areas such as working capital, the hiring of new employees or the purchase of stock, equipment, machinery and business vehicles.

Overview of the Local Enterprise Office’s training programmes and 2015 calendar

MM Sligo’s Local Enterprise Office has delivered 31 business training programmes with 417 participants to date in 2014.

MM The Office has also made 95 mentoring assignments to local businesses so far this year.

MM The Sligo Women in Business Network has continued to be funded and facilitated through the Local Enterprise Office.

MM New programmes have been introduced with additional Government funding to tackle specifically-identified business deficits, e.g. on-line business vouchers and funding to local youth entrepreneurs through an investment competition (Ireland’s Best Young Entrepreneur).

MM Our student entrepreneurship programme, which is driven at national level through a dedicated Committee of the Network of Local Enterprise Offices and chaired by Stephen Walshe of the Sligo Office, offers a broad range of activities mainly at secondary school level aimed at enhancing entrepreneurship in our very young people throughout the year.

The range of training programmes for 2015 is currently being finalised. But among the various Programmes to be offered in Spring 2015 will be - Start Your Own Business, Basic Book-keeping & Taxation, Using Facebook for

The hugely popular Cannonball Run which Sligo successfully bid for and attracted to the City earlier this year. This brought thousands of people to the City Centre and is an example of the BIDS project working with businesses and the local authoirty to showcase Sligo City.

Business (Beginners & Advanced) and Costing & Pricing for your Business

These training initiatives are marketed through the Sligo Local Enterprise Office’s e-mail database and through our social media channels. To ensure your business keeps up to date you should sign up to our mailing list by visiting www.localenterprise.ie/Sligo and submitting your details in the ‘Sign Up to Receive our News’ dialogue box.

Ireland’s Best Young Entrepreneur Competition

Congratulations and well done to Rhona Togher, CEO of Restored Hearing Ltd and Emer O’Carroll, both founder members of this innovative business. Rhona

represented the business through the local and regional finals and was one of the winners in each. She subsequently went on to the national final, which was held in Google’s offices in Dublin recently. Both Rhona and Emer were well known to the staff of the Local Enterprise Office, who had worked with them when as very young students they took their idea to the Young Scientist Competition where they were also successful.

The other winners in the Sligo leg of the competition also merit our ongoing recognition and respect for what will no doubt become exceptional businesses for them. They were Killian McCormack of ILUMYA Ltd. whose Company also won an investment of €20,000 through the Local Enterprise Office in Sligo County Council, as had Restored Hearing. Stephen Sweeney from Ballisodare won the top prize available of €10,000 under the category of best new idea.

Young Sligo students crowned ‘European Youth Entrepreneurs of the Year 2014’ at ceremony in Vienna

A group of young transition year students f rom Mercy College Sligo were named European Young Entrepreneurs of the Year, 2014 at a ceremony in

Vienna. They won the Gold First Award in the Real Market category in a student enterprise competition hosted by YouthStart, an affiliate of the Network for Teaching Entrepreneurship, which is run in Ireland by Foróige. The 5 girls (Rianne Keaveney, Samantha Scanlon, Roisin Shaw, Sinead Fitzsimons and Sinead D’arcy) established a business called ‘Brace Yourself ”. They designed and sold a hook which is effectively a locally-produced jewellery/fashion accessory that makes it easy to put on a bracelet or fasten a zip on the rear of a garment.

The girls are previous winners of the Co. Sligo final of the Local Enterprise Office’s Student Enterprise Awards, a national Student Enterprise initiative organised by the network of Local Enterprise Offices. They went on to secure a Special Merit Award at the National Final of the Student Enterprise Awards last April and, as part of their prize, participated in a residential ‘Winner’s Bootcamp’ organised by the Network of Local Enterprise Offices and held in Nexus Innovation Centre, University of Limerick. The girls credit the bootcamp with assisting them in furthering their business development.

Sligo student entrepreneurs hard at work!

Almost 400 second-level students from 11 Sligo secondary schools are currently hard at work running their own businesses as part of their participation in

the Local Enterprise Offices’ National Student Enterprise Awards Competition. As part of the competition, students establish and run their own business, competing at one of three levels ( Junior - 1st years; Intermediate - 2nd and 3rd years; and Senior - transition year and upwards). Both students and teachers receive support from the Office throughout the Competition which will begin to reach a climax in March, 2015. The Co. Sligo final is taking place on March 12th, where the top 30 businesses in Co. Sligo across the 3 levels will battle it out to win their Section and gain the right to represent themselves, their school and the Local Enterprise Office at the National Student Enterprise Awards Final, taking place in Croke Park Conference Centre on April 22nd, 2015.

Advising...Supporting...Developing...

Wishing all of our clients a Happy

Christmas and an Enterprising

New Year

For further details contact:

Local Enterprise Office Sligo: t: 071 914 4779 w: localenterprise.ie/sligo Sligo County Council: t: 071 911 1111 w: www.sligococo.ie

Sligo Business District Project

The Business Improvement District Scheme (BIDS) project has continued to develop a partnership across the business community, together with Sligo County

Council and other key stakeholders, that will determine future activity and projects.

Footfall counters have been installed across key locations in Sligo. The quarterly data retrieval will give vital information to businesses on the movement of people across the city centre and trends over time.The Sligo application for the ‘Purple Flag Award’ has recently been made. The flag is awarded to towns and cities through an accreditation scheme that recognises excellence in the management of town & city centres at night and offers a diverse cultural resident and visitor experience.Lighting projects have also been completed on significant landmarks in the City Centre (see Sligo Abbey lit up on page 3).

The Wild Atlantic WayThe Wild Atlantic Way is Ireland’s first long-distance touring route, stretching from the Inishowen Peninsula in Donegal to Kinsale in County Cork, offering future visitors an opportunity to discover Sligo and the west coast.

The Wild Atlantic Way includes 7 Discovery Points along the Sligo route. They are Mullaghmore, Streedagh, Rosses Point, Strandhill, Aughris, Easkey and

Enniscrone. Mullaghmore Head has also been designated one of the Wild Atlantic Way’s special ‘Signature Discovery Points’. Sligo Town is also on the official route. This is an evolving project which will build and develop over the years.

The Wild Atlantic Way initiative has the best growth prospects for Sligo. It has massive potential for the development and connectivity of Sligo for the International Markets. The diversity of the Sligo tourism product offering provides strong platform to capture this opportunity.

The Wild Atlantic Way is all about the ‘Experience’, motivated by the desire to connect with a place, its culture and people. It’s imperative that we in Sligo work together to develop the ‘wow experiences’ to ensure a more effective programme for the overseas markets. Ultimately, developing a reputation that Sligo is on the decision makers radar as a must see destination. For More information www.wildatlanticway.com and www.sligotourism.ie Síle Garrett Haran, Tourism Officer, Sligo Tourism Ltd.

“Sruth In Aghaidh An Aird” or the “Devil’s Chimney” waterfall (Credit - Mark Magennis)

Mullaghmore Head

Sligo’s Award Winning Beaches

Maintenance of both awards involves ongoing commitment from the Council’s Environment Section to ensure that strict award criteria are maintained.

During the bathing season (mid May – mid September) regular water monitoring is carried out at all locations. In 2014, results showed full compliance with mandatory bathing water standards. Attaining high standards are also required in environmental education and information provision, environmental management and safety.

Retaining such awards involves working in partnership with local communities and in particular the Coast Care Groups that are set up in each of the areas. The awards are also important from an economic point of view as well as from an environmental perspective so that we continue to ensure our tremendous natural resources are maintained to the highest possible standards. A Beach Award Ceremony was held in July 2014 to acknowledge the hard work and effort of all concerned in obtaining award status.

Promoting and preserving Sligo’s beaches is an important element in developing Sligo as a “must visit” tourist destination. In 2014 Sligo was awarded 2 prestigious Blue Flag and 5 Green Coast awards for 7 of the counties beaches.

The Blue Flag is one of the world’s most recognized eco-labels and achieving

this accolade involves complying with a specific set of criteria relating to

water quality, information provision, environmental education, safety and

beach management. Green Coast beaches have excellent water quality, but are also prized for their natural,

unspoilt environment with community involvement through the setting up of

Coast Care Groups.

Blue Flag Beach Awards

Green Coast Beach Awards

Rossespoint Rossespoint

Enniscrone Enniscrone

Dunmoran

Streedagh

Mullaghmore

So what better way to begin the thought process than by exploring the rich and varied landscape of County Sligo?

From waymarked routes to coastal paths, from mountain hikes to woodland strolls, Sligo is blessed with a vast range of walking trails. Long distance routes the Sligo

Way and the Miners Way & Historical Trail have both seen significant improvements this year; Knocknarea trail and carpark have been upgraded while a new coastal path has been developed at Killaspugbrone.

The Border Uplands Project, funded under INTERREG IVA and delivered by Sligo County Council through the Local Enterprise Office, is set to provide new and exciting walking opportunities in the County. Through this initiative new trails are in the process of being provided at Union Wood, Knocknarea, Mullaghmore and at Benbulben Forrest Walk. All are set to launch in the spring of 2015. As part of this project a trail has recently been developed at Glencar providing access to “Sruth In Aghaidh An Aird” also known as the “Devil ’s Chimney” waterfall. This is Ireland’s highest waterfall and is a sight to behold during or after wet weather. This entirely new trail is 1.2km in length and is now open to the public.

Further information in relation to all of the walking trails in County Sligo is available at www.sligowalks.ie or www.sligotourism.ie

All truly great thoughts are conceived while walking” …so said the noted philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche.

in SligoWalking

Recycling isn’t just for Christmas time. There are more items and packaging to recycle around Christmas, but make it your gift to the environment to recycle all year round!

After Christmas recycle your used packaging, used electrical items and batteries. Keep all recyclables clean. Remember to WASH and SQUASH before

POPPING them into your recycle bin

Remember… put the following Christmas packaging in your recycle bin once they’re CLEAN and DRY

MM CARDBOARD AND PAPERMM FOOD & BISCUIT TINSMM ALUMINIUM DRINKS CANSMM ALUMINIUM TRAYS FROM YOUR MINCE

PIE BOXESMM PLASTIC

Keep GLASS separate for recycling at the bottle bank or recycling centre. Do not leave your bottles on the ground in boxes or bags at the bottle bank as this slows collections and is a litter offence leaving you open to potential prosecution.

COMPOST all your uncooked fruit and vegetable waste. Compost Bins are available for sale from Sligo County Council Offices and the Ballisodare Composting Facility.

Many households now have access to brown bins for food and garden waste. If you are fortunate to have one remember to gather up all your left over food waste, vegetable and fruit peelings and wrap them in old newspapers before placing them in the brown bin.

Remember don’t just recycle items from your kitchen. Maybe make a New Years resolution to recycle more by recycling from other areas of the house like the living-room, bedroom, bathroom and home office or study.

When the festivities are over bring any unwanted gifts of clothes or toys to your local charity shop or give them away online through sites such as freetrade.ie

If you have a real Christmas tree you can recycle it at the recycling centres in located in Sligo or Tubbercurry or at the Ballisodare Composting Facility. Check opening hours by contacting the sites at the telephone numbers listed below.

Recycle your used batteries. Shops selling batteries must now provide collection boxes to recycle old batteries. These are usually small blue boxes located close to the tills or information desks in store

Recycle any old or broken electrical items in your local recycling centres or by returning them to an electrical shop when purchasing new ones.

Recycle your old mobile phones by giving them to a local charity.

With the evenings starting to get shorter and the temperatures starting to drop, Sligo County Council would like to remind people of the restrictions in place with regard to the use of bituminous or smoky coal in and around Sligo Town.

Since the ban on the use of this fuel type was introduced, air quality for all the people of Sligo has improved noticeably. This has improved the quality of life for

all of us, but in particular those with respiratory problems like asthma and emphysema, who suffered terribly when smoky coal was being burned all over the town. And for those of you who like to go out running or walking in the evening, it won’t take you as long to catch your breath when you stop.

Some people have suggested that the quality, or amount, of heat that comes from smoky fuel is better and that it is more economical and better to use. But this hasn’t been proven by any studies and is purely anecdotal. There are lots of products out there these days that have been carefully blended by suppliers in order to provide a quality alternative. An enclosed fireplace, range or stove is far better at getting the most out of whatever fuel you may put in to it.

People should be aware that the use of bituminous or smoky fuels also means that you have to maintain your fireplace more often, and get your chimney cleaned more regularly, not just to ensure efficiency, but from a fire safety point of view also. With Carbon Monoxide Awareness Week having recently passed, people should be aware that poorly maintained fireplaces, ranges or stoves can increase the output of Carbon Monoxide and therefore increase risk. Sligo County Council would advise anyone who uses solid fuel to heat their home to make sure that they have not only a smoke detector in place, but also a properly placed and fully functioning Carbon Monoxide alarm.

Sligo County Council will concentrate on the suppliers of fuel, both shops and delivery services, to ensure that it is not being offered for sale.

And finally, with regard to the burning of household waste, we would advise people not to do this. It produces toxic substances which have been linked to the development of cancer and has been linked to severe health and social problems in areas where it is done.

Sligo County Council would like to thank all of the people of Sligo for their continued compliance with these Regulations which have served to improve the local environment in which we all have to live.

Recycling Facilities in SligoRecycling Centres Free of Charge Fees Apply Opening Times

GreenstarRecycling Depot, Ballast Quay SligoTel: 071- 9143037

Bottles, Cans, Clothes, Batteries and Electrical goods (WEEE)

Dry Recyclables i.e. Christmas cards, paper, cardboard, plastic, tins, tetrapak,MetalsWood wasteChristmas Trees

Monday to Friday: 9 am – 1 pm / 2pm – 5pmSaturday: 9 am – 1 pm

Tubbercurry Recycling Centre, Tubbercurry Co. SligoTel: 071 -9186869

Bottles, Cans, Clothes, Batteries and Electrical goods (WEEE)

Dry Recyclables eg. Christmas cards, paper, cardboard, plastic, tins, tetrapak,MetalsWood wasteChristmas TreesHousehold Hazardous Waste, i.e. Paint tins, Pesticide/herbicides containers, Aerosols, Medicines, Oil filters

Thursday and Friday: 10 am – 5 pmSaturday: 10 am – 4 pm

Ballisodare Composting Facility, Union Road, SligoMobile: (087) 9756455

Green Garden Waste i.e., grass clippings, hedge trimmings, trees, leaves, Christmas Trees etc. Peat free compost and home composters available for sale.

Tuesday to Friday: 10am – 1pm / 2pm – 4pmSaturday: 10am – 2pm

Recycling Bring Banks Glass, Aluminium Cans, Clothes

For further information on Christmas opening times and charges please contact Recycling Centres directly or view www.sligococo.ie/Services/Environment/Recycling

‘Stop Food Waste’ this ChristmasTips to saving food and tempting recipies for Christmas leftovers – Visit STOPFOODWASTE.IE

1. Store food at correct temperature.2. Watch Best Before dates.3. Watch fruit and VEG closely and

remove rotten fruit early.4. Shop more often and buy less.5. Plan your meals and shop to this plan rather

than buying randomly – never Shop on an empty stomach.

6. Don’t over purchase or over cook food portions over Xmas.

7. Make the most of Xmas leftovers – Risotto, Curries, Sandwiches, Omelette etc.

8. Use your Fridge/Freezer wisely – rotate food, check BB regularly, freeze left over for later use etc.

9. Learn portion control – don’t eat with your eyes.

Christmas Recycling Hints and Tips 2014

Smokeless Sligo this Winter

National Brown Bin Pilot Project for Sligo CityFollowing the adoption of the Sligo County Council Waste Management Bye-Laws 2013, all households in County Sligo are now obliged to manage domestic waste under the following options in accordance with legislation:

MM Registration with a permitted Waste Collector operating in the area for either a 2 or 3 bin segregated waste collection system (3 bins if living in one of the 18 designated areas)

MM OR… Dispose of domestic waste via Civic Amenity Sites/Transfer Stations (maintaining receipts for a minimum of 3 years as proof that this was the waste disposal route opted for).

MM OR… Bin sharing option: This option allows for 2 households (1-2 occupants per household) to share the same bins and waste account, but split the costs between them, subject to approval and a signed declaration to Sligo County Council.

These Bye-Laws were made on foot of national and EU legislation i.e. the EU (Household Food Waste & Bio-Waste) Regulations 2013 and the EU Landfill Directive.

The Bye-Laws brought quite a lot of change to the way waste is managed in Sligo. It also brought a degree of confusion and uncertainty. Taking this into account, Sligo County Council in conjunction with Cre, the Department of the Environment and Novamont (a UK based company specialising in bio-plastics) have come together to create an awareness raising campaign for the people of Sligo.

To begin this greatly beneficial initiative, a highly successful launch event, “Compost Give-Away, Bring Your Own Bag” was held in July 2014 at the Farmers Market, I.T. Sligo. It was a great opportunity to show the quality of compost which we can get from the Food Waste Bin, answer questions from the public on waste management in the household, discuss how to ensure a good garden compost at home and an opportunity for the people of Sligo to discuss issues with Waste Collectors operating in the Sligo area. All attendees were also able to take a free bag of compost home to their gardens to try out for themselves.

Following the launch event, the Pilot Project kicked off in mid July. It involved implementing the following items:

MM Employment of Interns as Waste Management Advisors to carry out ‘Door-to-Door’ awareness work.

MM A Waste Presentation Survey, which involved a 6 week survey before and after the awareness campaign to determine the number of waste streams presented for kerbside collection.

MM A Waste Characterisation Study, which involved characterising waste presented for collection to determine the level of contamination across all waste streams. This survey is also required before and after the awareness campaign.

MM Distribution of information leaflets and compostable bags.

MM Selection of areas in Sligo city for the delivery of 7L Solid Sided Kitchen Caddies, 7L Vented Sided Kitchen Caddies and an area for awareness work only. The rationale behind this is to determine which caddy works best here in Sligo and if they even help at all. The provision of caddies are to assist households in the diversion of food waste from the general waste stream.

MM Schools Education Programme to all Primary Schools in the City area.

For the purpose of the Project, Sligo City has been split into 3 areas and to date, the awareness campaign is complete for one area. Waste Management Advisors spent approximately 12 weeks going ‘door-to-door’ to all households in this area, explaining the correct use of the brown bin, how to segregate waste correctly to ensure costs are kept to a minimum Households were provided with 7L solid sided kitchen caddies, information leaflets and compostable bags.

Waste Management Advisors are continuing going ‘door-to-door’ in the Sligo City centre area and it is anticipated to have this area complete by January 2015.

From Pilot Projects carried out like this in Germany, Italy and the UK, the use of vented sided kitchen caddies has proven most popular and successful. Going on these studies, it was decided to select the biggest area for the provision of vented caddies.

The final area for ‘door-to-door’ awareness work will receive an awareness talk and information leaflets only. If it is noted following the Pilot Project, that the provision of kitchen caddies show to improve the diversion of food waste

from the general waste stream, it is hoped to seek further funding to distribute caddies to this area.

Results pre and post the awareness campaign for each area, will be published at the end of the Pilot Project. So far, significant improvements have been noted following the completion of the first area. The results to date indicate that the pilot is working very well.

Finally, a Schools Education Programme has also been developed and will be implemented to all primary schools in the City area from January 2015. Following the Pilot Project, this Programme will be implemented to all schools in the County area and also given to An Taisce for implementation to all schools nationwide.

As this Pilot is the first of its kind here in Ireland, we are aiming to be the best in the country with the backing from the people of Sligo to help make that happen. The aim for Sligo County Council is to form a model of best practice whereby all other large towns and cities will be required to follow what works best here in Sligo.

The Environment Section of Sligo County Council will be making every effort to ensure all households in Sligo City are fully educated to effectively reach our national targets. While doing so, this will assist in reducing waste disposal costs on the household as well as improving our environment and overall health.

Open air trading of goods is covered by the Casual Trading Act 1995. To be in compliance with these Bye Laws trading must not take place outside of the zoned areas/ bays and traders must hold a current and valid licence issued by the Local Authority.

For an annual fee, applicants are permitted to trade in one designated bay. This must be indicated on their application form and will also be stated on the issued licence.

There are currently 8 locations designated for Casual Trading in County Sligo with 6 locations having active markets. Weekly outdoor markets are held in Riverstown, Tubbercurry, Ballymote and the Market Yard in Sligo City. Trading also takes place in Rosses Point and Enniscrone normally on a seasonal basis, mainly during summer months.

Further information on Casual Trading can be found at www.sligococo.ie/Ser vices/Environment/CasualTrading/ or by contacting the Environment Section on 071 9111457 or emailing ngibbons@sligococo.ie

Sligo County Council Outdoor Markets

Pilot Project Team – Brown Bin Launch’ – Waste Enforcement Staff from Sligo County Council at the Pilot Project Launch Event

SLIGO COUNTY COUNCIL OUTDOOR MARKET SCHEDULE (as at November 2014)

Market Location Market Days Market Trader Produce/Products

Tubbercurry Thursdays & Fridays2nd Wednesday of each month

Sean Gorman - Fruit & Veg

Ballymote Thursdays & Saturday mornings

Sean Gorman - Fruit & VegHelen O’Hara - Shrubs & PlantsMichael Gannon & Sons Ltd - Eggs, Poultry, Fruit & VegNiall & Theresa Byrne - Fresh Fish

Riverstown Fridays Reggie McNulty - Fruit & Veg, Fresh Fish

Rosses Point Seasonal O’Grady’s Ice-CreamRoadhouse Catering - Fast Food

Enniscrone Seasonal Robert Gill - Fast FoodPaul’s Super Ices - Ice-CreamJoseph’s Ices - Ice-Cream

Market Yard, Sligo Town

Fridays Charlie Gildea - Fresh FishNiall & Theresa Byrne - Fresh FishTerry McConnell - Fruit & VegMichael Gannon & Sons - Eggs, Poultry, Fruit & VegEileen Keaveney - Home Baked GoodsLee Shaun Bergin - Handmade Crafts, Paintings & CardsMohammad Adnan - ClothingHigh Street Fashion - Clothing handmade crafts

Saturdays Sean Gorman - Fruit & Veg

The Abbeyquarter Community centre is a meeting point for many of the groups that get together each week in Cranmore and it also organises annual events which

are enjoyed by many in the community…

GOLDEN YEARSThe Golden Years weekend away was held in September

when 50 people travelled to Carna in Connemara for the overnight trip. Stops along the way included the Erriff River where the film “The Field” was made and Kylemore Abbey. The Golden Years dinner will take place on the 10th January, 2015 in the Best Western Sligo Southern Hotel. For further informationa please contact the Abbeyquarter on 071 9143420.

There are various groups and activities held in the Abbeyquarter Community Centre:

MM The Monday Morning Group – Every Monday 10.00am – 1.00pm For the over 55’s All are welcome to enjoy a cup of tea/coffee and scone with their friends and neighbours while participating in some fun activities.

MM The Cranmore Women’s Group - Every Monday from 7.30-10pm.

MM Cranmore Active Age Group - Every Wednesday evening from 7.30-10.00pm.

MM Friendship Group - every Thursday from 7.30-9.30pm. Activities for this group include sewing, knitting, crochet, flower arranging to name but a few. (Some activities are funded by Mayo Leitrim Sligo ETB and the HSE)

MM Weightwatchers - Every Thursday 12.30pm – 1.30pm.MM Want2Walk Cranmore Community Walking Group

- Every Tuesday 10.15am .  A great way to get active, socialise and enjoy the local scenery!  Open to all ability levels.  All new Members welcome.  Contact Tina Cawley 0719143420 or Gary Kelly 0872441745. This activity is funded by the Sligo Sports & Recreation Partnership.

MM Homework Support – Every Wednesday 4.30pm - 5.30pm for 1st & 2nd Year. 5.30pm - 6.30pm for 3rd, 4th & 6th Year. Subjects are taught by qualified teachers and are free to attend. This project is funded by Sligo Leader Partnership Company.

MM Parent & Toddler Group - Every Tuesday 10.30am - 12 noon. All parents welcome. For more information contact Kelley on 086 3669910. This project is part funded by Sligo Leader Partnership Company.

MM Pre-School - Mon to Fri 9.15am - 12.15pm. 3-5 year old children and parents can avail of the Community Child Care payment (CCS) and the Early Childhood Care & Education payment (ECCE), which provides a free preschool place. These programmes are supported by Pobal and the Department of Children & Youth Affairs. For more information please contact 087 1437342.

MM Afterschool - There are 30 children from 4-12 years of age attending the Afterschool Project. This service provides a “Walking Bus” collection service; a healthy meal; homework support; various activities including art, craft, music, games and sport. The service remains open during out of school hours and also offers a 4 week Summer Camp in July. For more information contact 087 2188646.

Community Participation at its best in Cranmore

The Cranmore Community Co-Operative is the official voice of the Cranmore people who strongly promote community participation. We are the people who work

to help develop a more empowered community by providing supports to individuals and groups. Our initial aim is to negotiate for the provision of services and facilities with agencies to transform the social, economic and physical landscape of the area. However, the co-op is also one of main service providers in the area. Some of the services we provide are Community Education Programmes, The Youth Club, The Public Health Nurse Drop-In Clinic, and Drug & Alcohol Counselling Services. The Courses and Programmes we run include: Sports Programmes, Senior Alarms, Computer Courses, Driver Theory Classes, Home Repairs and Maintenance Course and the Health Beauty and Wellbeing Programme with the Youth. Additionally we run a number of community events during the year such as family fun days, Christmas events, summer and Easter camps and day trips with young people.

Community EducationMM Driver Theory Classes – Classes are held throughout

the year in The Cranmore Co-op and consists of 6 classes. It helps anyone who wants to do their Driver Theory test to prepare for the exam.

MM Computer Classes – Beginners Computer classes

are held in The Cranmore Co-op. Participants learn how to: Send and receive e-mail, Use a search engine, Conduct simple online transactions, Use a social networking site and Use an online TV playback or podcast facility.

MM Home repairs and Maintenance Course – This course is designed to provide hands on training in most aspects of Home Repair & Maintenance. The course covers Plumbing, Electrical, Carpentry, Tiling and much more.

MM T.A.P.P.E.D (Technical and Personal Pre-employment Development) – Training Programme for young unemployed men in The Cranmore Housing estate and surrounding areas interested in learning Motor Mechanic skills.

ServicesMM Public Health Nurses – The Public Nurses Drop

in clinic is in the Co-op Offices every Tuesday from 2pm-3.30pm.

MM Youth City – Cranmore Youth Club is on Tuesday Nights @ 7pm for the 7-12 Year olds and Wednesday Nights for the 12-16 year olds in the Co-op Offices, 11 Devins Drive – all new members are always welcome.

MM Cranmore Assertive Outreach Alcohol & Drugs Service - Free Addiction Counselling, Support & Information Service. We offer Free 1:1 Counselling, Support & information to individuals struggling with substance misuse issues and their families / concerned significant others. Contact Sinead in Strictest Confidence on 087 7878355, 11 – 12 Devins Drive, Cranmore, Sligo. This service is funded by the Northwest Regional Drug & Alcohol Task Force.

Face Lift at Cranmore Abbeyquarter Community Centre2014 was a busy year for the Community Centre and the following improvement works were completed:

MM Replacement of windows & fire exit doors & internal doors

MM Removal of security cage from roofMM Painting of exterior of building, MM New concrete surface on forecourtMM Replacement of guttering & capping on

boundary wallMM Erection of new signs

advertising the CentreMM Repairs to stairway, including

new floor coveringMM Creation of new lobby, MM Insulation of walls and atticMM Upgrade Fire Alarm system.

In the coming months, we intend to replace the grids on windows. The Community Centre remains a vital asset to the community. Our aim is to ensure we continue to provide quality services in a building of very high standard standards.

So how was all this work done?With support from the Cranmore Community,

by contributions to a weekly draw and fundraising activities, and for that the Abbeyquarter Community Centre offer a BIG THANK YOU.

Other funding was received from the Department Children and Youth Affairs, Childcare Capital Grant under NCIP and Sligo Social Services Council Ltd which invested in Childcare Services.

Abbeyquarter Community CentreThe Abbeyquarter Community Centre Co-op plays a vital role in developing and promoting the strong community spirit that is so much a part of the Cranmore Regeneration success.

If you would like more information about any of the Community Education or the Services we provide please contact the Co-op Office on 071-9149951.

T.A.P.P.E.D. Participants

The EU Programme for Peace and Reconciliation in Northern Ireland and the Border Region of Ireland (2007-2014) (PEACE III Programme) is a distinctive European Union Structural Funds Programme aimed at ‘reinforcing progress towards a peaceful and stable society and promoting reconciliation’.

The PEACE III Programme has carried forward key aspects of the previous Peace Programmes (PEACE I and PEACE II) and it had a continued and renewed

emphasis on reconciliation criteria and specifically focused on reconciling communities and contributed towards a shared society.

Sligo Peace and Reconciliation Partnership Committee is responsible for directing and implementing the PEACE III Programme in County Sligo. Membership of the Sligo Peace and Reconciliation Partnership Committee was drawn initially from agencies and partners represented on the County Development Board with further members nominated by Sligo County Community Forum to represent the perspectives of PEACE III target groups. Sligo County Council is the Lead Partner.

PEACE III PROGRAMMEPhase I (2007 – 2011) . . . . . . . . . . . . .€1,960,605Phase II (2012 – 2013) . . . . . . . . . . . .€2,155,977Phase II Extension (2014) . . . . . . . . . . €273,674

Sligo Peace & Reconciliation Partnership Committee

Summary of participation overall for the programmes:

Sligo PEACE III Phase 1 (2007-2011)

Participants: 2,551Attendees: 7,254Sligo PEACE III Phase 2 (2012-2014)

Participants: 3,020Attendees: 8,652 (excluding Sligo Fleadh event)

Feedback by participants:

Foróige event at The Crib on Rockwood Parade

WWI Commemoration ProjectPEACE in the Fleadh

‘Sligo a community where ethnic and religious diversity is welcomed and where positive relationships exist within and between communities and across the border’

The Sligo Peace & Reconciliation Action Plan provided a framework through which funding was secured under Priority 1 Theme 1 to challenge attitudes towards sectarianism and racism and to support conflict resolution and mediation at the local community level

Projects worked with people of all backgrounds, ages and cultures, to help build understanding and acceptance and challenge racism, sectarianism and discrimination. They engaged in activities ranging from exploring different cultures and viewpoints to discussing history, renovating church halls to be shared community spaces or running social, sporting and cultural events. All these were mechanisms for bringing people together to talk, get to know each other, respect their differences and learn what they held in common. The insights and experience projects gained from their work were fed back to the wider PEACE III programme.

The vision of the Sligo Peace & Reconciliation Partnership Committee is:

“Some practical tips on holding events, we would like to make contact with residents in Globe House but were afraid that we might do and say the wrong thing. Now we have

met some people we will follow this through”

“Now that I am aware of cross border opportunities I will get involved”.

“..we had met before as individuals, but never before as a collective.”

“Looking at how we do things from another

cultures perspective has been challenging but

worthwhile”

“We tend to think about other cultures and how we can involve them – it is

good to give some thought to how we value and share our own culture”

“Our project has been all about discussing and sharing and exploring our own experiences of culture,

religion, ethnicity, racism, diversity, and integration - as well as reaching out to other groups of young

people in Sligo and exposing them to these ideas and interacting with them in fun and positive ways.”

“Here is a space that gives a bit of time to think on our past - all the different aspects of the past - how

others felt and experienced that past as well as oneself. It is a good exercise for extending out of

one perspective into a range of other viewpoints and for connecting with other people.”

“In the absence of there being any other research specific to Sligo, I would hope that this research can be used to progress the putting in place of a reporting structure for the reporting of racist incidents”.

“It was thoroughly educational as it took occurrences I learned

in university and it challenged them.”

The newest plan in County Sligo is the Enniscrone Local Area Plan 2014-2020,

which came into operation on the 13th October 2014.

Local Authorities are obliged to prepare local area plans for certain towns and villages within their jurisdiction. To date Sligo County Council has adopted LAPs for the county’s key support towns of Ballymote (2012) and Enniscrone (2014), and is preparing a LAP for Tobercurry. The remaining towns and villages in the county are covered by so-called ‘mini-plans’, which are included in Volume 2 of the County Development Plan 2011-2017.

Consultation with local people

Before the planners wrote one word of the Plan, a public meeting was held in the town to hear the views of the locals. About 20 people attended and all their ideas and opinions were taken into consideration by the planning team. When the Plan was at draft stage, another meeting was held to get feedback on the Plan so far.

In July 2014, the local councillors decided to amend the Draft Plan to facilitate a larger area for future tourism development at Muckduff. The LAP was eventually adopted in September 2014.

A new Local Area Plan for EnniscroneA Local Area Plan (LAP) sets out the development strategy for a place for six years and beyond. It includes land zoning, proposals for improving the appearance of the town, improving traffic flow around the town and site-specific development guidance.

What does the Plan mean for residents and tourists to Enniscrone?

The Plan aims to build upon the fantastic features of Enniscrone, to improve the quality of life for residents and visitors alike.

In order to make daily visits to the town easier and more pleasant, the planners and engineers have proposed changes to the movement of traffic around the town and a new car park at the southern edge of town. This will ease the pressure on the main streets and the beach during busy summer days.

Every town needs somewhere to host markets, festivals, concerts etc. The LAP proposes to upgrade the area in-front of the town’s RC Church into a space which could function as both a car park and a town square.

The Plan identifies key areas such as the Pier, St Mary’s Church on Main Street, the Pavilion building at the Hollows and the collection of farm buildings at the entrance to the town at Trotts. Any of these sites could be developed and/or improved to provide much needed facilities in Enniscrone such as a community centre, a luxury shop and cafe, a tourist office.

MM The LAP proposes enhancements to the Pier area. The suggested works include:

MM the narrowing of the roadway; MM the provision of footpaths; MM the marking of parking spaces; MM the paving of the public spaces in front of the

slipway; MM the provision of public seating.

To view a full copy of the plan visit www.sligococo.ie/Enniscrone

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Plan for the refurbishment of the Pier area

The Black Pig, Enniscrone

Main Street

The Age Friendly Programme is part of a worldwide, World Health Organisation inspired movement which aims to make sure that as we age, we can continue to:

MM Have a real say in what happens in our own lives and what happens in the areas in which we live,

MM Enjoy good health, access to high quality services, and a secure and enabling environment,

MM Be engaged and have opportunities to participate fully in everything that is going on in our cities and counties.

Sligo has become the latest county to sign up to the national Age Friendly Cities and Counties Programme, an initiative aimed at making Ireland the best country in the world in which to grow old.

Cathaoirleach Cllr. Joe Queenan recently attended the Age Friendly Ireland Dublin Declaration signing event at which Ireland has become the first EU state to commit to developing an Age Friendly society. To date the Declaration has been signed by a host of

Sligo County Council supports a broad range of community activity throughout the county including support for Tidy Towns Committees, Burial Ground

Committees, Festival Committees, organisers of international / national and local events that promotes the county and have the capacity to highlight the potential the County has in a number of areas.

Funding is available through Council funds and Central Government funds to assist local groups in the enhancement and promotion of their areas. During 2014 some of the activities funded included:

MM Tidy Towns committees were given the opportunity to compose an anti-litter slogan for use during the Fleadh.

MM Local schools took part in environmental projectsMM Burial Ground committees were supported in

maintaining Burial GroundsMM Nature walks were developedMM Sligo’s first Food Rescue event was held in

MullaghmoreMM Landscaping projects were completedMM Community Tourism Diaspora events held

Signage in Enniscrone Landscaping in Cloonacool

Anti-Litter & Anti-Graffiti mural StrandhillCommunity Tourism Diaspora event in Tubbercurry (Frenchman’s Grave, Lough Talt)

Support for Community & Voluntary Groups

Age Friendly Programme

international cities including New York, Mexico, Manchester, Edinburgh and Seoul.

The first meeting of the Sligo Age Friendly Alliance was held in October 2014 and was attended by key decision makers from a host of organisations across the county including HSE, Sligo LEADER Partnership Co. Ltd, An Garda Síochána, Active Retirement Ireland, Sligo Sport & Recreation Partnership and Muintir na Tíre. The Alliance is chaired and led by the Local Authority.

The Alliance will oversee the entire development and implementation of the programme in the county. Each Age Friendly city and county establishes a local Older People’s Council. The Council is open to all older people. In Sligo this group will be established in 2015. The Council

exists to represent the views of older people on the Alliance. It will also take responsibility for implementing many of the changes identified through the consultation process.

Population statistics:

MM 9043 people aged 65+ living in Sligo

MM 4594 people < 5 years living in Sligo

These medals have been struck to honour decades of voluntary service given by these individuals to their communities. Both serving and retired members of Civil Defence with the appropriate service are eligible for these medals.

At the ceremony in Dublin Castle, Minister of State Paul Kehoe TD stated;

‘On behalf of the Government I am delighted to be able to honour so many people who have given 30, 40 and even 50 years of service to Civil Defence and to their local community. The modern, professionally trained and equipped organisation that Civil Defence is today would not have been recognisable when our medal recipients first joined up. Civil Defence has never been afraid to change and has continued to thrive with the major transformations that have taken place down through the years. That success is very much to the credit of everybody assembled here today and long may it continue. For its part this Government will continue to ensure that Civil Defence has all of the necessary supports to ensure that it does.’

Left to right back row: Seamus Egan (Enniscrone) 30 years, Annemarie Mitchell (Lissadell, Carney) 40 + years, Gerry Shryanne (Gurteen) 30 years, Jim Clerkin 40 (Sooey) + years, Jerome O’Dowd (Enniscrone) 30 years, Catherine O’Dowd (Gurteen) 30 years, Sean Mc Hugh (Sligo) 30 years, Seamus Mc Tiernan (Ballymote) 30 years

Front row left to right: Pascal Morrison (Sligo) 40 + years, Beatie Shryanne (Gurteen) 30 years, Kathleen O’Gara (Cloonloo) 30 years, Annie Mullaney (Mullaghmore) 40+ years, Ann Mitchell (Grange) 40 + years

The awards recognise cities, towns and communities that show respect and inclusion for every sector in local

areas and creating communities to which the people are proud to say they belong. Forty six groups, ranging from small rural communities to inner city housing estates, won accolades in the Main and Cities Competition– all of them demonstrating the pride they have in their cities, towns and villages.

Innisfree Wheelers Cycling Club was judged in the category Community Health Initiative – Physical Activity. The club was born out of a desire by a group of local cyclists who wished to cycle together but in a non- racing environment. Coaching days and programmes for beginners introduce

new people to the enjoyment and skills of group cycling. Safe cycling programmes are facilitated for children through the school system. This vibrant club runs three events each year including an all ladies event. Today the club has over one hundred and ten members and growing. The age profile has ranged from sixteen to seventy four and includes cyclists of all abilities. The club is heavily involved in promoting cycling and related health benefits in the community through its work with organisations such as Sligo Sport and Recreation Partnership, Sligo County Council, Cycling Ireland and various local charitable groups.

Cranmore Community Co-operative Society Ltd. entered the Housing Estates category. Cranmore estate, built in 1974 is

an estate of 400 houses with a population of 1,000. Cranmore Community Co-operative, formed in 2005, is a non-profit making organisation made up of local volunteers based in the estate. The group formed in response to the needs of the local community as a voice in the changes taking place in the community with the commencement of the Regeneration process. Expansion of the organisation includes the running of a youth club, provision of services, and delivery of community education in the local area. Working at local level they provide a link between local residents and ensure all sections of the estate are included in the participation process with the Regeneration team and other agencies.

Co-operation Ireland CEO Peter Sheridan said “I congratulate everyone, and in particular the winners, who participated in year’s competition. Pride of place celebrates what people like about where they live, the people and the areas that make a community what it is.”

Sligo County Council encourages community groups to take part in this competition as it fosters community participation and provides the opportunity to showcase community activities in an area.

Further information on the Pride of Place competition is available from Dolores McDonagh, Community & Enterprise, Sligo County Council, City Hall, Quay Street, Sligo. Tel. 071 9114414

Cranmore Housing Estate, Sligo Town group members with (Back) Ronan Foley, Chief Executive IPB, Tony

O’Brien, Leas Cathaoirleach Clare County Council, Dr Christopher Moran,Chairman Co-Operation Ireland

and Tom Dowling, Chairman Pride of Place at the 12th Annual IPB Pride of Place Awards in association

with Co-operation Ireland at Tracey’s West County Hotel Ennis.

Inisfree Wheelers Cycling Club, Co Sligo group members with (Back) Ronan Foley, Chief Executive IPB, Tony

O’Brien, Leas Cathaoirleach Clare County Council, Dr Christopher Moran, Chairman Co-Operation Ireland and

Tom Dowling, Chairman Pride of Place at the 12th Annual IPB Pride of Place Awards in association with Co-

operation Ireland at Tracey’s West County Hotel Ennis.

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Pride of Place 2014Two groups from Sligo - Innisfree Wheelers Cycling Club and Cranmore Community Co-operative Society Ltd., represented the county in the IPB Pride of Place 2014 competition in association with Co-operation Ireland. More than 800 people attended the gala ceremony to hear the announcement of the winners and runners up.

Civil Defence Volunteers HonouredOn Friday 21st November, Paul Kehoe T.D., Minister of State at the Department of Defence presented long service medals to almost 300 Civil Defence Volunteers from across Ireland. The medals were presented in recognition of 30, 40 and 50 years service in Civil Defence.

Since it opened its doors in 1983, the Regional Sports centre has developed a loyal and committed customer-base, with state of the art leisure facilities overseen

by experienced, friendly highly qualified staff. The Centre is especially popular with local schools, with swimming classes in the 25 metre heated swimming pool provided on a daily basis provided by expert instructors.

The fully air-conditioned gymnasium offers Cardiovascular equipment, Treadmills, Bicycles, Cross Trainers, Rowing Machines and Recumbrant Bicycles. The main hall at the Centre accommodates basketball, football, badminton and gymnastics, (serviced by roomy, air-conditioned dressing-rooms) and the outdoor Asto-turf pitch has earned deserved plaudits from the local soccer community for the high quality of its playing surface. The Regional Sports Centre is proud of its family- friendly ethos, with a heated children’s pool and baby-changing facilities.

Eithne Clancy, Manager of the Centre, says that the staff take great pride in the quality and range of services and facilities provided at the complex. ‘The Centre has something to offer people of all ages, irrespective of levels of mobility and fitness. We have the experience and expertise

to tailor a person’s training and fitness programme to meet their particular needs, and people find that support very re-assuring. If people simply want to avail of the pool and gym for a leisurely visit, they are made feel equally at home.’

The Regional Sports Centre in Cleveragh is one of Sligo’s longest established and popular leisure facilities. The Centre lies at the heart of a rich and diverse suite of leisure and recreational amenities in the Doorly Park/Cleveragh area, with walkways, out-door gyms, high quality playing pitches for gaelic, soccer and rugby.

Sligo Regional Sports Centre

Classes

Children’s Swimming Lessons

Tuesday - 3.50pm & 4.25pm

Wednesday - 3.50pm & 4.25pm - €64.00/8 Weeks

Saturday - 10.00am/10.35am/11.10am/ 11.45am/12.20pm - €56.00/8 weeks

Adult Swimming Classes (Beginner & Improver)Wednesday - 7.00pm - €70.00/7 weeks

Courses

Circuit training: Tues & Thurs – 6.15pm

Aqua Aerobics: Mon - 7.00pm & Weds 6.00pm

Membership Fees

Student - €30.00/month

Silver - €31.50/month (Adult & Spouse - €47.50)

Off peak Gym & Pool TimesMon – Fri – 9.00am - 4.00pmSat – Sun – 10.00am – 6.00pm

Silver+ - €37.50/month (Adult & Spouse - €55.00)

Off peak Gym & Pool TimesMon – Fri – 9.00am - 4.00pmSat – Sun – 10.00am – 6.00pm

Gold - €45.00/month (Adult & Spouse - €67.50)

Unlimited use of pool & gym during public hours

Gold+ - €50.00/month (Adult & Spouse - €76.00)

Unlimited use of pool & gym during public hours

…quality on your door-step

Gift Vouchers

Available

If you are thinking about getting more active and fit in 2015, or want to encourage a friend or family-member to do so, why not drop by your local Sports Centre, and talk to the staff about special offers available for the new year?

T: 071 9160539www.sligosportscomplex.ie

The Arts Service also works with the arts community to promote culture and creativity as an expression of contemporary Sligo at national and international level.

Another busy year for Sligo Arts Service which runs programmes in music, visual arts, and theatre for children and young people and arts and health activities for older people.

Image above and left: Passe Partout Culture Night at the Model ©Conor Doherty

Sailaway Monkeyshine Theatre © Hawk’s Well Theatre

Sligo County Arts Service delivers high quality arts services for the people of Sligo and promotes greater public involvement in the arts in a wide range of social and community settings.

Sligo County Arts Service

HE+ARTThis Arts & Health Programme is delivered by Sligo Arts Service and HSE West Services for Older People in 6 day care and residential centres throughout the County.

The Bealtaine Festival is a month-long programme celebrating creativity in older age which showcases the work of the Arts & Health Programme and related activities by Active Age & Active Retirement groups.

Music Generation Image Big Bang © Music Generation Sligo

Members of Strings Attached Programme for Young Quartets in

partnership with Music in Drumcliffe and the Royal Irish Academy of Music

Colm O’Donnel Bealtaine performance at the Cos Cos Festival in RathcormacArts & Health Programme, St. John’s Community Hospital

Inter-generational project between St. John’s Community Hospital and St. Edwards NS Art Workshop

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Yeats 2015The 150th anniversary of the birth of William Butler Years will involve a year long programme of cultural and artistic events.

Speaking at the launch, Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht Heather Humphreys said ‘Yeats 2015 promises to be a very exciting and engaging year-long programme of events to celebrate the life and works of WB Yeats. As Ireland’s first winner of the Nobel Prize for literature, and through his role in the literary revival and the founding of the Abbey Theatre, Yeats has left a rich legacy, which has had a huge impact both in Ireland and internationally. I hope the Yeats celebrations will encourage people to rediscover his great work and to reflect on this fascinating period in our history.’

Sligo Youth TheatreCounty Sligo Youth Theatre (CSYT) has a membership of over 100 from ages 10 to 18. This year it produced 5 new productions including sell-out shows for Fleadh 2014.

Culture Vultures © Philip McCaffrey

Paddy’s Day Parade

© Photocreations