"The development of the Fr O’Flanagan housing scheme is another ‘good news story’ for Sligo and I would like to commend each member of the project team for their expertise and commitment in bringing this scheme to fruition, and I also want to publicly acknowledge the valued assistance we had from the Minister’s Department at every stage of this process. Today’s ceremony is the latest in a series of excellent initiatives under Sligo County Council’s Housing programme. This is one of Sligo’s oldest communities, the people here have a great pride in their town, its history, its folklore, its people. It is a privilege to formally commence this development in one of the most scenic, historic settings in Sligo town. I would like to the members of the local community for their support and goodwill while this development was being planned. Indeed this engagement with the community we serve is a template we observe across all our service areas. The vibrant, positive community spirit we acknowledge here today is also the backdrop to Sligo’s designation of ‘European Capital of Volunteering 2017 "

"without whose help we wouldn’t be investing the money that we are currently investing in the Sligo community’. He pointed out that ‘this development of 22 houses is part of 100 new housing units that Sligo Co. Council have in the pipeline, at various stages of approval. We are looking to bring these developments forward as quickly as possible with the assistance of the Department.’ In addition to this, Mr Hayes stated that ‘the Council have renovated more than 107 void unties over the past 2 years, and purchased 110 units in the past 5 years which has brought €13m into the local community.’ ‘In an area close my own heart, that of energy efficiency, the Council has upgraded in the region of 1400 houses in terms of insulation"