Driving Progress in the NorthWest
National Spatial Strategy the catalyst for balanced development
Sligo has been designated as a Gateway City under the National Spatial Strategy (NSS). As the national planning framework for Ireland for the next 20 years the NSS aims to achieve a better balance of social, economic and physical development across Ireland, supported by more effective planning. Within this context Sligo is recognised as having the potential to build scale and critical mass to drive development in the North West. The approach is to make the region competitive according to its strengths while ensuring a high quality urban environment and vibrant rural areas.
Sustaining strong communities
In announcing the National Spatial Strategy, the Minister has suggested the designation of “Gateways” and “Hubs” will act in three ways:
It will bring a better spread of job opportunities, sustaining Dublin’s role as an engine of the economy while strengthening the drawing power of other areas. It will bring people, employment and services closer together in a way that sustains strong communities and strong regional economies.
It will bring a better quality of life. It will deliver less congestion, less long distance commuting, increased access to health, education, leisure and other services.
It will bring better places to live in through ensuring a coherent national planning framework, taking care of our environment and making the most of our cities, towns and rural areas. Sligo has been designated as a Gateway City. The local authority has taken the responsibility of ensuring that Sligo city achieves its potential under the designation.
Interdepartmental Team
The National Spatial Strategy Interdepartmental Crosscutting Team visited Sligo to study the development of the Gateway city at first hand and assess issues of concern and achievement.
Representatives of the following Departments are involved in this process:
- The Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government
- The Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment
- Department of Finance
- Department of Health and Children
- Department of Transport
- Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs
- Northern Ireland Representative
- Department of Arts, Sport, and Tourism
- Department of the Taoiseach
- Department of Social, Community and Family Affairs
- Forfas
In their presentation the officials of Sligo local authorities outlined detail of the significant investments made in Sligo since designation with the level of public and private investment showing increasing confidence in the potential of Sligo City. The City now has a mix of residential, office, hotel and retail facilities in line with any growing city in the country.
Priorities
The Interdepartmental delegation was briefed on Sligo Local Authorities short term priorities which include:-
- Targeted urban renewal and urban enhancement initiatives
- Delivery of Strategic Urban Distributor Routes
- Provision of regional sports and recreation facilities
- Development of arts/cultural facilities
- Promoting social inclusion
- Strengthening the emerging research and innovation capacity
Specific projects within each of these priorities were highlighted and a commitment was given by all sides to work together to ensure that Sligo reached its potential under the designation.
Sligo County Council maintains contact with the Interdepartmental Team to ensure that Sligo achieves maximum gain from any existing and potential funding packages.