Sligo Business Improvement District (BID)

PROPOSED BID (BUSINESS IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT) SCHEME – LOCAL GOVERNMENT ACT 2001 AS AMENDED BY THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT (BUSINESS IMPROVEMENT DISTRICTS) ACT 2006

A proposal for a further Business Improvement District (BID) scheme, to replace the current Scheme which is operated by Sligo Business Improvement District CLG has been received from the Sligo BID Company Limited by Guarantee in respect of a defined area of Sligo City and part of its hinterland.

The purpose of establishing a BID is to enable the ratepayers within its boundaries to draw up a scheme of projects, services and works which are additional to those provided by Sligo County Council and which will be carried out for the benefit of the BID district.

If the Local Authority approves the proposal, having first conducted a plebiscite of local ratepayers, the BID scheme will be introduced for a period of almost five years and will be financed in the main by an annual BID contribution levy imposed on and collected from ratepayers of rateable property within the Sligo BID area.

The key objective of the Sligo BID (Business Improvement District) is to enhance the commercial, cultural, and social vitality of Sligo Town by delivering targeted services and initiatives that improve the trading environment, attract visitors, and support local businesses in the BID area. Proposed services under the 2026–2031 plan include expanding the Love Sligo Gift Card to boost local spending, enhancing branding and marketing to attract visitors, and retaining Purple Flag accreditation to improve the night-time economy. Sligo BID will support cultural events, improve town aesthetics with lighting and murals, and support public realm projects. It will operate the Tourist Office daily, grow business tourism, provide business support, and secure funding for development initiatives.

The BID Proposal can be downloaded below, or inspected in person at the Local Enterprise Office, City Hall, Quay Street, Sligo during office hours. Viewings are by prior appointment only (telephone 071 911 4405), available Wednesday 24 September 2025 to 4.00pm Friday 24 October 2025.

Submissions in relation to the proposed BID may be made in writing to Liam Kiely, Head of Enterprise, Local Enterprise Office, City Hall, Quay Street, Sligo or, preferably, by email to localenterprise@sligococo.ie . 

Closing date for receipt of submissions is 4.00pm on Friday 24 October, 2025