Latest news with #SligoCountyCouncil
Irish Independent
3 days ago
- Irish Independent
Sligo's bid for UNESCO World Heritage underway with first formal nomination meeting
Chaired by Martin Lydon, Chief Executive of Sligo County Council, the Nomination Team convened to progress Ireland's bid to inscribe 'The Passage Tomb Landscape of County Sligo' on the World Heritage List. Following a site visit to Carrowmore Megalithic Cemetery, the first official Nomination Team meeting was held at the Radisson Blu Hotel, Rosses Point, Sligo. The meeting brought together a cross-sectoral team of national and local stakeholders, including representation from the National Monuments Service, the Office of Public Works, Sligo County Council, Coillte, NPWS, Sligo Leader, Fáilte Ireland, Sligo Neolithic Landscapes group and the Farming Pillar. The Nomination Team will guide the preparation of a Nomination dossier and management plan for 'The Passage Tomb Landscape of County Sligo'. The bid aims to achieve global recognition for one of Europe's most significant prehistoric landscapes. The World Heritage bid is led by Sligo County Council in partnership with the National Monuments Service (Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage) and the Office of Public Works, and a Memorandum of Understanding to progress the World Heritage bid has been signed by the parties. Sligo County Council will act as Lead Proponent for the World Heritage bid. In November 2024, Sligo County Council appointed Robert Hensey to the role of Project Coordinator for The Passage Tomb Landscape of County Sligo World Heritage Tentative List Site. The World Heritage Site Nomination process, which will continue until 2030, will be guided by the recently appointed Dr. Carol Westrik, an experienced World Heritage expert from the Netherlands. The Passage Tomb Landscape of County Sligo was officially placed on Ireland's World Heritage Tentative List in July 2022, an essential first step towards World Heritage inscription. From this point, work begins to secure local stakeholder engagement and support for the bid as well as preparing a preliminary assessment request, Nomination dossier and management plan for the site. Dating back over 5,000 years, the Passage Tomb Landscape of County Sligo includes renowned sites such as Carrowmore, Carrowkeel, and Knocknarea. It is a landscape of extraordinary international importance, and the Nomination process offers an opportunity not just to secure UNESCO status, but to deepen our understanding and protection of these unique prehistoric sites, in partnership with local communities. The bid is an opportunity to ensure the protection of Sligo's remarkable and unique passage tomb landscape for future generations, with the support of landowners, the local community and the wider public. It is also about new opportunities, and heritage-led economic and social regeneration. UNESCO places great importance on the voice and support of landowners and local communities in shaping the Nomination bid. It is, at heart, a community-led, process. Public engagement will be a cornerstone of the Nomination bid, ensuring that key stakeholders and the community are actively involved throughout the Nomination journey. Over the next five years, Sligo County Council will engage with the whole community to see how together we can best protect, manage and celebrate this extraordinary Neolithic inheritance. If successful, the Passage Tomb Landscape of County Sligo would join Ireland's existing World Heritage Sites – Brú na Bóinne and Sceilg Mhichíl – further highlighting Ireland's exceptional archaeological and cultural legacy on the world stage. For more information please contact: Robert Hensey, Sligo County Council. Project Coordinator for The Passage Tomb Landscape of County Sligo World Heritage Tentative List Site. rhensey@
Irish Independent
10-07-2025
- Business
- Irish Independent
Sligo Co Council urged to contact Uisce Éireann to find out why they were not at Storm Éowyn meeting
In a motion, Cllr Barry Gallagher has called on Sligo County Council to contact Uisce Éireann in relation to why they did not send representation on their behalf when invited to the Council's Storm Éowyn meeting on May 26. His motion also wants to get an update on what protocols Uisce Éireann have put in place following Storm Éowyn to future proof that the same issues do not happen again. Cllr Gallagher's motion also asked for an update on what Uisce Éireann is doing to reduce the connection offer wait time from 16 weeks and also the actual connection wait time which can be up to another 16 weeks. He said that this was 'totally unacceptable' from an Irish Utility Company, and the motion was adopted. Cllr Gallagher said the connection wait time was particularly 'serious'. He said a housing estate in Sligo town had been waiting nearly twelve months for a connection and there were over 50 houses built and the houses could not be sold because there was no water connection. He added that in South Sligo, funding was got for a toilet and an application to get a connection had been made last October and they were told that contact would be made within twelve weeks. Mr Gallagher said that the 13th week arrived and 12 weeks later the applicants were told that it should be a business application rather than a domestic application and they are still waiting to get a quotation for a connection.
Irish Independent
10-07-2025
- Business
- Irish Independent
Design team appointed for Ballisodare regeneration project
Councillor Thomas Walsh welcomed the news. He said: 'I am delighted that design team have been appointed following the closing of the tender process for the Ballisodare Rural Regeneration Scheme. The successful team will comprise of an Architect led Integrated Design team for Ballisodare Public Realm Enhancement Works. 'Category 2 RRDF funding provides the local authority the opportunity to work with communities to identify appropriate projects, develop preliminary designs and progressing such designs through statutory approval and consents processes, thereby enabling application for category 1 funding at a later stage. 'Sligo County Council have purchased two key sites in Ballisodare from this fund and I am delighted that the project is now progressing to the next stage. 'It will include a consultation with stakeholders.' Cllr Walsh said: 'The design team will work with the council and all community stakeholders (businesses, residents, community groups) to develop options for amenity enhancement in and around Ballisodare village. 'The scheme includes preparation and completion of Part 8 process for respective elements as agreed with Sligo County Council'.
Irish Independent
04-07-2025
- Business
- Irish Independent
Sligo County Council employees praised for embracing the Irish language
The Certificate in Professional Irish, which was completely funded by the Council for staff and delivered over a 10 week period, provided participants with the opportunity to enhance their Irish language skills and deepen their understanding of Ireland's rich linguistic heritage. This initiative reflects the local authority's dedication to fostering a bilingual working environment and improving service delivery through the use of Irish. The certificates were presented at a special event held in the Council Chamber, County Hall, was attended by staff, the Cathaoirleach and members of the executive of Sligo County Council. Speaking at the presentation ceremony, outgoing Cathaoirleach, Cllr Declan Bree said 'Sligo County Council is acutely aware of its responsibilities to the Official Languages legislation and has taken many steps in ensuring compliance with its obligations by employing an Oifigeach Gaeilge, increasing its spend on Irish language advertising and funding Irish courses for staff, like this one.' This initiative is part of a broader programme to promote the use of Irish in the workplace and in public services, in line with national language policy. 'By 2030, the Official Languages Act 2021 provides that at least 20% of new recruits to public service bodies should be competent in the Irish Language.' Praising the successful staff members at the conclusion of the awards ceremony, Councillor Bree said: 'Today is about recognising your progress, your perseverance and your passion. 'Whether you've mastered an modh coinníollach or you're still getting to grips with a response to 'an bhfuil tú go maith?', you are part of a movement — a community of learners who are breathing new life into our national language'.
Irish Independent
02-07-2025
- Sport
- Irish Independent
Inclusive Open Day a big success for Sligo Pétanque Club
The event was attended by special guest Cllr Edel McSharry and successfully brought together people of all ages and abilities to experience the joy of pétanque. Participants ranged from children to seniors, and many left with a newfound interest in the game and with plans to return. Pétanque, a sport with deep roots in France, is known for its inclusivity and simplicity. It can be enjoyed by people of all ages and abilities, making it an ideal activity for developing community spirit. Played by throwing metal balls as close as possible to a small wooden ball (the jack), pétanque requires minimal equipment and offers a level playing field for all participants. The success of the Open Day was made possible by the support of partners: Sligo Sport and Recreation Partnership and Sligo County Council. Organisers said: 'Their collaboration and dedication to promoting inclusive activities within the community are highly valued and appreciated. 'We are immensely proud of our club members and volunteers, whose enthusiasm and effort made the inclusive Open Day a fantastic success. Their commitment to promoting a welcoming environment for all is the cornerstone of our club's ethos.' The Sligo Pétanque chairperson shared: 'The Open Day was a wonderful success, with sunshine, friendly faces, and a warm welcome for all who attended. We're incredibly grateful to Sligo Sport and Recreation Partnership, Ocean FM's Austin O'Callaghan, and Leas Cathaoirleach Cllr Edel McSharry for their fantastic support and enthusiasm. A special thank you to our dedicated club members and to John O'Grady, who reignited pétanque in Sligo in 2021 for making the day truly memorable.' Sligo Pétanque Club is dedicated to promoting inclusivity and welcoming new members. 'We invite everyone to join us for our regular games, held every Tuesday at 11.00am and Saturday at 11.00am and 3:30pm. Whether you're a seasoned player or a curious beginner, you'll find a friendly and supportive community ready to share the joy of pétanque with you.'
