Managers Foreward

The Council’s activities remained at a high level in 2001 in line with the continuing economic upsurge. Spending in the year totalled €75 million which is a very considerable investment in infrastructure and public services in the county.

Towards the end of the year there were definite indications that economic growth was tapering off; this was particularly evident from a fall off in the number of planning applications and enquiries. This reduction in economic growth poses an acute problem for the Council given our relative dependence on Central Government for finance and it is likely to be a major issue for us in future years. The Council’s activities remained at a high level in 2001 in line with the continuing economic upsurge. Spending in the year totalled e75 million which is a very considerable investment in infrastructure and public services in the county. Towards the end of the year there were definite indications that economic growth was tapering off; this was particularly evident from a fall off in the number of planning applications and enquiries. This reduction in economic growth poses an acute problem for the Council given our relative dependence on Central Government for finance and it is likely to be a major issue for us in future years.

The highlight of the year was the official opening, in June, of the newly refurbished County Hall by Noel Dempsey, T.D., Minister for the Environment and Local Government. This development includes a modern Council Chamber, extended and improved office facilities and a modern bright entrance foyer and reception area. The new facilities have been warmly welcomed by Members, staff and customers and we are now able to deliver much improved services in facilities that are conducive to efficient and effective local government.

Another highlight of the year was the official opening of the newly refurbished Model Arts and Niland Gallery by her Excellency President Mary McAleese. The Council played a leading role in the development of the Centre which houses, in a newly provided gallery, the highly acclaimed municipal art collection. The provision of a proper and fitting space for this collection has been an objective of the Council for many years and I am pleased that we have succeeded in this and have, in the process, provided Sligo with a first –class contemporary arts centre and restored to its former glory the Model School, one of Sligo’s most important heritage buildings.

Given the improved economic performance of recent years and the increased emphasis by Government on balanced regional development, we are likely to see a much greater level of growth and development in Sligo in the next few years. This growth must be managed to ensure that the high quality environment which we currently enjoy is not damaged. During the year, work re-commenced on the land use and development plan for the Borough of Sligo and its environs which encompasses the area where the greatest development pressure is likely to occur. This plan will set out the direction in which Sligo will grow in the coming years; it will plan for Sligo becoming a strong urban centre with a critical mass of services, infrastructure and population to facilitate the growth of investment, business and employment that can benefit the entire North-West region.

As part of the Government’s programme of local government reform, significant changes in the Council’s management structure were made in 2001. This involved the introduction of a divisional system and the appointment of 4 Directors of Service. The Directors will have managerial responsibility for large divisions of the Council’s operations and will service the Council’s Strategic Policy Committees. Other structural and grading changes were also introduced and I am glad to report that at year’s end the transition to the new system has been relatively smooth. Given the increasingly complex and changing nature of society, further changes in our structures and methods of operation are inevitable in the future. The changes which we have implemented therefore are only the beginning of a process of ongoing change and evolution that will be necessary for the delivery of effective local government in Sligo in the years ahead. Nonetheless, we have made a significant start to this process and I wish to record my appreciation for the enthusiasm, commitment and understanding both staff and members showed for these changes during the year.