Sligo: Planning for growth ...

SLIGO’S local authorities are planning for Sligo town growing to a population of 40,000.
That is roughly two thirds of the population of the whole county at present.
The population of the actual borough area fell by 572 people, from 18,473 in 2002 to 17,786 at present.
But in the same period the population of the electoral divisions within ten miles of Sligo increased by 1,810 people, a rise of 8.91% from 2002.
So at the moment two in every three people in the county (roughly 40,000) live within ten miles of Sligo town.
But Pat Forkan, Sligo County Council’s outgoing Director of Planning and Environmental Services, said that the council now needed to plan in the context of Sligo city itself growing to a population of 40,000.
Writing in the current edition of the Sligo local authorities’ newsletter, Contact, Mr Forkan, sees the development of the port area as a key development in terms of the future development of the area.
"This key resource can be the catalyst for other renewal and regeneration projects", he states.
He states that new access to a growing city will be provided by a bridge linking the northern routes to the N4 and N17.
Mr Forkan states that fairness and transparency must lie at the heart of the planning process and he said they constantly monitor and review the way they engaged with applicants and their agents.
"Our primary role is to actively promote development of a high standard and I think this is reflected in the developments being delivered throughout our county.
"We have the responsibility of being the custodians of our fragile environment and this is a challenge for each and every one of us."
He states that they had to ensure that in any development that they took care of the environment and safeguard it for future generations.
Mr Forkan also firmly believes that Sligo has "almost limitless potential in the area of cultural tourism".
"The unique legacy of the Yeats brothers, and their special association with Sligo, facilitates the promotion of county as a prime destination for the increasingly mobile, affluent and curious cultural tourist."
He points out that Sligo also boasts a wealth of scenic amenities.
"Our coastal landscape alone, centred on our three blue flag beaches, attracts thousands of appreciative visitors each year.
“If we safeguard and promote our amenities in an environmentally sustainable manner, we will make greater inroads into the tourist market in 2007 and beyond."