County Manager's Foreword

Sligo County Council had another busy and productive year in 2004. A range of projects were completed and some new and innovative actions were taken across a wide spectrum of activities.

County Manager Hubert Kearns

Our Council has been proactive in delivering services to support the ongoing development of the County. The delivery of broadband services commenced in 2004 with work on the “Metropolitan Area Network” project providing ducting and fibre optic cabling within Sligo to meet business demands and allow for further expansion into the future.  The work, to be completed in 2005, has involved significant investment from Sligo local authorities and is being expanded to ensure that the County has the broadband capacity to meet existing needs and attract new business.

As part of its commitment to provide quality customer service, Sligo County Council introduced a Customer Service Desk in 2004. The desk is staffed by a team who act as a “first point of contact” between the council and its customers. The Officers have been provided with the resources to be knowledgeable in a wide range of council services, procedures and facilities and are dedicated to responding quickly to all general queries. The impact of this investment has and will continue to deliver positive results.

Developing our communities continues to feature largely in the work of the Council. In 2004 our Community and Enterprise department played a key role in the development of a Regeneration Programme for Cranmore in Sligo town.  Involving a multi-agency approach it is hoped that through this project the community of Cranmore will participate to promote the economic, social and community development of their area and that the regeneration programme will achieve success through involvement and partnership.

Work on the Relief Road progressed ahead of schedule in 2004. Running from Carraroe to Hughes Bridge this 4.5km dual carriageway is being developed at a cost of €74m.  The location of the road, and its direct connections to carparking areas, will ultimately facilitate the pedestrianisation of city centre streets. In addition to alleviating traffic congestion, the new road will greatly enhance the urban environment and make Sligo a more pleasant and amenable environment for people to reside, work in or visit.  The opening of the Tonafortes Bridge at the end of 2004 marked the end of the first phase of construction. As the project enters its final phase in 2005 planned work includes the opening of the relocated Newtownholmes Road across Caltragh Interchange and an extensive programme of landscaping.

In many respects the 2004 local election marked the end of an era, with retirements, re-elections and new appointments. The business of voting day and the count was carried out in a professional and diligent manner by the Returning Officers and staff of Sligo local authorities. Sligo County Council have nine new members, I wish them and all elected members well as they deliver on their democratic mandate. I look forward to working in partnership with them in ensuring we serve the people of County Sligo with vision and efficiency.

Hubert Kearns
County Manager