In this context there are a number of major infrastructural projects at planning or design stage which will greatly enhance our roads network, including the N17 Tubbercurry By-Pass and the N4 Collooney-Castlebaldwin Scheme. Other major roads projects which will be progressed in the coming years are the Western Distributor Road and the Eastern Garavogue River Bridge, key elements in Sligo’s transportation strategy.

In 2006 the Council signed a €22 million contract for Sligo’s new Main Drainage Scheme. This development will be of enormous benefit to Sligo and the northwest, facilitating housing, tourism, commercial and recreational developments. The ‘state of the art’ plant will also enable Sligo County Council to fulfil its obligations under EU Directives.

During my term as Cathaoirleach I have been encouraged and inspired by the role played in the community by our dedicated volunteers. These unsung heroes give generously of their time and their energy without any expectation of acknowledgement or reward. I have seen the work of volunteers at many levels - residents associations, tidy towns committees, sports, cultural, heritage and environmental groups – they all have a passionate commitment to their chosen cause. Sligo County Council has an important function in facilitating and supporting our voluntary sector and the recent establishment of our Volunteer Centre will be a valuable resource to our community volunteers.

I feel Sligo city and county are ideally placed to sustain the encouraging rate of progress of recent years. From my perspective as Chair of the Sligo County Development Board, I see many areas where we can make a real difference, from economic regeneration to social inclusion.

In the coming years Sligo County Council will plan and deliver a range of landmark projects which will be critical to the future growth of Sligo and the northwest, and we will continue to work in active partnership with other agencies and the communities we serve.

Councillor Jim McGarry
Cathaoirleach

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