Latest news with #DeclanBree


Irish Independent
2 days ago
- Business
- Irish Independent
Innovative digital travel tool to boost Sligo tourism
This new digital tool is powered by local data and expertise along with a sprinkling of AI, and allows users to generate personalised travel itineraries for visiting Sligo. It is the first tool of its kind to be introduced anywhere in Ireland, and it marks a bold step forward in how destinations can inspire and guide potential visitors. It sits on the main website and does not require any app download. The Ideas Engine uses a rich local dataset and smart AI technology to recommend experiences, attractions, and events based on each user's unique interests. Whether the user is a young family, a solo adventurer, a couple on a wellness break, a group or a music lover planning a trip around a festival — the platform responds in real time with a curated journey tailored to them. For the travel trade, this tool enables instant itinerary generation tailored to client profiles, event-inclusive travel planning thanks to live festival integration, wider regional representation, showcasing all parts of County Sligo and an inspiration-based sales resource for tour operators and travel advisors The Ideas Engine is also a helpful tool for locals who host friends or family, helping them suggest activities and events happening during their guests' stay — from surfing or playing golf, to walks and hikes and artisan food trails. For businesses like hotels it acts as visitor servicing tool and helps to save time at reception along with helping to inspire visitors on websites and social media. Outgoing Cathaoirleach of Sligo County Council, Cllr Declan Bree has welcomed its introduction and said: 'This is a transformative moment for Sligo and for tourism promotion in Ireland. The Ideas Engine reimagines how we connect with visitors — and it sets a new standard. We're proud to lead the way, thanks to the vision of our tourism team and the innovation of ATU students who helped bring it to life.' Located on the Wild Atlantic Way, Sligo is already known for its natural beauty and cultural vibrancy — and now it has the digital tools to match. The Ideas Engine is live now and available to the public and trade alike via The new initiative is already attracting a lot attention and was discussed at the National Outdoor Recreation Conference in Limerick last week.


RTÉ News
3 days ago
- Business
- RTÉ News
Innovative AI-powered tourism tool launched in Co Sligo
A new AI-powered itinerary planner for visitors to Yeats County, which marks a new approach in destination marketing in the northwest, has been launched by Sligo County Council. The 'Ideas Engine', believed to be one the first platforms of its kind by a local authority, generates a personalised itinerary when users submit information about their requirements and travel dates. It was developed in partnership with the Department of Marketing, Tourism and Sport at ATU Sligo. ATU undergraduate students helped to research, audit, organise and cross check tourism related businesses and experiences in Co Sligo. Sligo County Council Cathaoirleach Declan Bree said the Ideas Engine is a "fantastic innovation" helping to promote the county. He said it will help both locals and visitors to enjoy the county's offering and added that businesses and experiences will "benefit from extra attention and footfall". The platform powered by local data and AI technology (andcan be accessed on incorporates festivals and events as well as attractions, activities and hospitality offerings. Sligo County Council Tourism Officer Aidan McCormack said the ATU students contributed significantly to the platform's marketing and the ongoing improvements. "The staff of ATU provided incredible support, particularly Dr Mary McGuckin and helped provide the undergraduate students with experience of a real-world project," he said. Mr McCormack said the new platform has been embraced by hotels, attractions and experiences, who help to promote it across "booking confirmation emails, on their websites and in person including at hotel reception desks and TVs in hotel rooms". The platform covers a plethora of amenities including Sligo Folk Park, the National Surf Centre, the National Mountain Bike Centre, Sligo Food Trail and Lissadell House. Mr McCormack said it allows the local authority to platform tourist offerings in an equitable and balanced way while giving people the information they require in one place. He said it is as valuable for local people as it is for visitors, "particularly those who have friends or family visiting or parents entertaining kids during the summer holidays."


Irish Independent
6 days ago
- Health
- Irish Independent
Not economically viable to re-open hydrotherapy pool at Cregg, meeting is told
He said senior HSE management recently met with respect to the hydrotherapy pool at the former Cregg Campus and following consideration a decision has been made not to progress/pursue a business case pertaining to the re-opening of the pool. 'A number of factors were considered in reaching this decision.' he said. 'Substantial financial resources would be required in order to bring the pool to a standard which both adheres to safety regulations and also comprehensively meets the needs of people potentially requiring the service. 'Furthermore, the HSE is mandated in utilising available resources in the most beneficial, effective and efficient manner. The re-opening of the hydrotherapy pool is not economically viable. Ultimately, the HSE is closing out all its arrangements within the former Cregg Campus. 'This decision is in line with current national HSE policy, such as the New Directions Policy for Adult Disability Day Services, which focuses on shifting from traditional, disability specific and centre based models of care to more individualised, outcome focused supports including community inclusion and active citizenship i.e. a community based social model of care. 'Furthermore, the decision was made following cross care group consultation within the HSE, the future and anticipated demand for hydrotherapy and with the needs of service users to the fore. 'Finally, any service user, who is clinically identified as requiring the use of a hydrotherapy pool, may be facilitated in Our Lady's Hospital, Manorhamilton.' he said. Cllr Declan Bree, said he was disappointed with the response, particularly given the fact that the hydrotherapy pool in Cregg had been part funded by the public 'Many disabled people, people with Multiple Sclerosis, with Cerebral Palsy, with Parkinsons Disease, require the use of a hydrotherapy pool. 'I note from the reply I have received today that any service user, who is clinically identified as requiring the use of a hydrotherapy pool, can be facilitated in Our Lady's Hospital, in Manorhamilton. 'I welcome this because it has been my view, for quite some time, that the hydrotherapy pool in Manorhamilton was not being used to its full potential,' he said.


Irish Independent
12-06-2025
- Health
- Irish Independent
No support staff for key CAMHS post in Sligo seen as reason why it hasn't been filled yet
'At this stage I am of the view that the HSE in Sligo-Leitrim have never been serious about providing such a service,' Cllr Declan Bree told a meeting of the Regional Health Forum West. 'At meetings of this Forum over the past year and a half I have been highlighting the urgent need for the HSE to provide a CAMHS-ID Service in Sligo. 'While the service is provided by the HSE in other parts of the country there has been absolutely no service for children and adolescents in Sligo or Leitrim because, we were told there was no Consultant Psychiatrist to assist in providing the service. 'At every meeting of the Forum I outlined the heartache and trauma parents and families have had to go through as a result of the failure of the HSE to provide a CAMHS-ID service in Sligo. 'I was extremely pleased when we were informed last November that an Agency Consultant Psychiatrist for the CAMHS-ID Service had been appointed and had commenced work on the 19th of November. 'While welcoming that appointment I did ask if an adequate multidisciplinary support team had been put in place to ensure that the new service could properly respond to those who were referred to the service for specialist input. 'However, it was only at our meeting in February when it came to light that the Consultant Psychiatrist had resigned his post that we also learned that there was no multidisciplinary support team in place. 'CAMHS-ID teams consist of multidisciplinary team members such a Consultant Psychiatrist, Senior Psychologist, clinical nurse specialists, social workers and administrators. They offer: Assessment, formulation, diagnosis and treatment of mental disorders. 'However, on the basis of the reply I have received today we now know that none of these posts have ever been approved. We are also told that another Consultant Psychiatrist who applied for the position in the Camhs-ID Team in January this year withdrew his name in April. And of course what else would you expect, it there is no support team in place? 'Can you imagine hospital management appointing consultants, without having a support team of nurses, registrars, junior doctors in place. 'Yet the management of the HSE in Sligo-Leitrim have gone through the motions of advertising for a Consultant Psychiatrist for a CAMHS-ID Service without a multidisciplinary support team being in place. 'Surely, all the vacant posts in the team, including the post of Consultant Psychiatrist should have been approved and advertised when we were told that the service would be established in Sligo and Leitrim. 'The continuing failure of the HSE to provide a CAMHS-ID Service and to provide basic services for children with intellectual disability in Sligo and Leitrim is unacceptable and can only be described as a terrible indictment on the Management of the HSE,' said Cllr Bree. In response. Cllr Bree was informed the Integrated Health Area Manager for Sligo, Leitrim, South Donegal and West Cavan, J. Fitzmaurice that the national model for care for CAMHS-ID outlines the roles of MDT members trained in supporting children with intellectual disabilities and mental disorders. The team includes a consultant psychiatrist, health and social are professionals, medical and nursing staff ad administrative support. "While not all teams will start with full membership, the national CAMHS-ID programme aims to establish baseline teams in all areas including a consultant psychiatrist, senior psychologist, clinical nurse specialist and administrative support. "In relation to the Consultant position the PAS advertisement closed on January 31st 2025 with one application received. The post progressed to shortlisting which took place in April 2025. The candidate withdrew from the post at the end of April. We are in the process of getting the post re-advertised,' he said.


RTÉ News
11-06-2025
- Politics
- RTÉ News
Plan for 63 Sligo social homes delayed over costs
The delivery of a planned 63-unit social housing scheme in Sligo has been put on hold after the Department of Housing decided not to proceed over concerns about the cost of the project. The planned scheme at Rathellen, Finisklin was one of six schemes nationwide, comprising 486 social housing units in total that was due to be delivered under a public private partnership. The 486 units were due to be delivered as part of 'Social Housing Bundle 3 PPP' across four local authority areas. Dublin City Council is the lead local authority for the social housing bundle which comprises six schemes in total, including three sites in the capital alongside further sites in Kildare, Wicklow and Sligo. In a letter to the local authorities, the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage said it decided not to proceed "due to the overall costs "which are now considered too high". All six sites within the social housing bundle have full planning permission. The Department said the units "will now be delivered by way of an alternative procurement and delivery strategy". The Department is due to begin a review with the National Development Finance Agency on the future Social Housing Public Private Partnership (PPP) bundles. The Department said it remains committed to delivering the 486 social housing units that PPP Bundle 3 was designed to provide in partnership with the NDFA and the relevant Local Authorities. Meanwhile, Sligo County Council has told public representatives that its Housing Capital Team is reviewing the options available for an alternative procurement and delivery strategy for the Rathellen site. Any planned strategy will require the agreement of the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage. 'Hugely disappointing' Cathaoirleach of Sligo County Council Cllr Declan Bree told RTÉ News he feels the situation is hugely disappointing. Cllr Bree said following the receipt of tenders there was an expectation that construction work on the housing scheme would commence shortly. He said there are more than 1,660 households on Sligo County Council's housing waiting list and the current housing crisis is causing "huge distress and anxiety". "In this context the decision not to proceed with the 63 social housing units in Finisklin can only be described as a serious setback. "Given the failure of the Minister and his Department to deliver this public private partnership deal we now need to see the Minister and the Government provide the necessary funding directly to the County Council so as we can deliver the scheme in a speedy and efficient manner," Cllr Bree said.