Regional Spatial and Economic Strategy 2020–2032

1. Page 111

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   VISION Sligo’s Vision is to be: An enterprising, inclusive, resilient and environmentally sustainable place, which values and celebrates its unique landscape and rich culture and heritage, and where the wellbeing of future generations is central to everything we do. STRATEGIC PLAN AREA Regional Growth Centres have been selected because they are significant towns that function in their areas in a similar manner, but at a different scale to the bigger cities. In the same way that the NPF requires Metropolitan Area Strategic Plans (MASPs) to be prepared for each of Ireland’s five cities, a strategic plan that responds to the lead role of each of the identified regional centres is also required with a similar focus. The Strategic Plan Area is home to 28,465 people, of which 19,413 (68%) reside within the Sligo PUA (Principal Urban Area) The boundaries of the Sligo RGCSP are based on the CSO’s Small Areas, which were selected to include all major employers and educational institutions, in addition to Sligo and its closest satellite villages of Ballysadare, Strandhill and Rosses Point. Together with providing homes and local services for a combined population of 3,986 persons, these villages offer a variety of jobs but are heavily reliant upon Sligo for employment. Strandhill and Rosses Point have additional tourism functions with corresponding employment opportunities. Figure 37: Commuter Catchments in SligoNorthern & Western Regional Assembly 101Sligo Regional Growth Centre Strategic Plan 3 People and Places

2. Page 112

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   STRATEGIC GOALS AND OBJECTIVES Successful countries have vibrant cities at their core, driving economic growth across regions. Sligo has the vision, and capacity to be a Regional Growth Centre of scale, and the vision for Sligo can be realised through the implementation of the following strategic goals and the ensuing strategic plan objectives. Figure 38: Sligo Regional Centre BoundaryRegional Spatial and Economic Strategy 2020-2032 102Sligo Regional Growth Centre Strategic Plan 3 People and Places

3. Page 113

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   STRATEGIC GOAL - COMPACT GROWTH Communities will be supported by creating compact urban quarters, with mixed-use developments built at appropriate densities, complementing the historic urban fabric. Regeneration, consolidation and the redevelopment of brownfield sites will provide homes for new residents. Links between the town centre, new and existing neighbourhoods shall be adapted for a range of transport options. REGIONAL POLICY OBJECTIVES RPO 3.7.37 Support population growth in the principal urban area of Sligo to a level of at least 27,200 persons by 2040. RPO 3.7.38 Facilitate the provision of 3,000 to 5,000 residential units to accommodate the additional population envisaged by 2040. RPO 3.7.39 Ensure that at least 40% of new residential and employment-related development in the Regional Growth Centre occurs within Sligo’s existing built-up urban area, through regeneration and consolidation on infill and brownfield sites. RPO 3.7.40 Enhance intra-urban access by providing an additional north-south connection through the Eastern Garavogue Bridge and Approach Roads Scheme, to be completed by 2021. RPO 3.7.41 Kick-start development to the south-west of the urban core by completing the Western Distributor Road by 2020.Northern & Western Regional Assembly 103Sligo Regional Growth Centre Strategic Plan 3 People and Places

4. Page 114

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   RPO 3.7.42 Prioritise new residential and employmentrelated development on greenfield sites in the areas served by the Western Distributor Road at Caltragh and Oakfield, and at Ballinode, which will be served by the Eastern Garavogue Bridge and Approach Roads Scheme. RPO 3.7.43 Improve urban circulation by increasing junction capacity along Sligo’s Inner Relief Road (N4/N15) and provide new link roads, as necessary, to complete the “ring route” around the town centre. RPO 3.7.44 The Assembly supports the preparation of a building heights study, a strategy to guide the future development of the regional centre. The study will take into account the historic, cultural and infrastructural features of the area. In developing this strategy, areas of high density will target the minimum density rates of 50 units per hectare (in the town centre area) and a default rate of 35 units per hectare otherwise. RPO 3.7.45 The Assembly supports the retention of existing agricultural land within the RGCSP boundary for that purpose unless it is subject to objectives for the zoning of lands for particular purposes (whether residential, commercial, industrial, recreational, as open space or otherwise) in a statutory plan. Only in exceptional circumstances would it support the development of new residential, industrial or commercial uses on unserviced greenfield sites and these shall be defined through the statutory plan-making process.Regional Spatial and Economic Strategy 2020-2032 104Sligo Regional Growth Centre Strategic Plan 3 People and Places

5. Page 115

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   HOW CAN THIS BE ACHIEVED? THROUGH REGENERATION AND CONSOLIDATION Of the 43 hectares of land currently zoned for residential and mixed-use development in the Sligo and Environs Plan, mostly consists of infill sites within the built-up urban area. These sites have the potential for 1,000 new dwellings in a variety of types and sizes, adapted to the specific locations. The Docklands, an industrial brownfield area, is available for redevelopment right on the edge of the town centre. It has the potential to accommodate at least 1,000 new homes, as well as other compatible uses, including business and enterprise. In Sligo East, the Cranmore and Environs Regeneration Masterplan, launched in 2016, is expected to achieve a transformative impact locally and in the wider community. THROUGH PLANNED EXPANSION Within a short walking distance of the urban core, there is an opportunity to create sustainable communities in Caltragh and Ballinode, on greenfield lands with a total capacity of over 7,000 new homes (on a phased basis). These areas are expected to develop following the construction of key roads (see below) that would link them into the existing urban fabric. THROUGH IMPROVED MOBILITY The Eastern Garavogue Bridge will provide the necessary additional river crossing to serve the new Ballinode community. The Western Distributor Road will service the Caltragh area and link the planned IDA Business Park at Oakfield into the overall transport network. Urban Traffic Control (UTC) systems will optimise traffic flow along Sligo’s Inner Relief Road, thus reducing delays. Another key aspect of improving the circulation system is the provision of a link road between the junction of Burton Street/Pearse Road to the junction of Mail Coach Road/Connolly Street.Northern & Western Regional Assembly 105Sligo Regional Growth Centre Strategic Plan 3 People and Places

6. Page 116

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   STRATEGIC GOAL - ENTERPRISING SLIGO Local businesses and national or global firms located in Sligo need to be supported by fostering innovation and entrepreneurship, expanding education opportunities and providing a skilled workforce to the industry. Substantial amounts of serviced land are or will be made available for further business and enterprise development in the Regional Growth Centre. Transport links to Dublin, Belfast and along the Atlantic Economic Corridor will be improved, to support business activity. Local heritage and culture will be promoted, to deliver high-quality cultural and tourism products of regional and national significance. REGIONAL POLICY OBJECTIVES RPO 3.7.46 Facilitate the development of a new IDA Business Park at Oakfield, to the south-west of the urban core. RPO 3.7.47 Promote Local Heritage and Culture to deliver high-quality cultural and tourism products of Regional and National significance.Regional Spatial and Economic Strategy 2020-2032 106Sligo Regional Growth Centre Strategic Plan 3 People and Places

7. Page 117

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   HOW CAN THIS BE ACHIEVED? BY SUPPORTING HIGHER EDUCATION The emerging Connacht-Ulster Alliance Technological University (Galway-Mayo IT, IT Sligo and Letterkenny IT) is a collaborative network approach to regional development extending throughout the North-Western region as a whole. This initiative is supported by all relevant local and regional bodies. Future graduates should be able to remain in the region and take up high-quality jobs created by existing and new enterprises. BY SERVICING NEW BUSINESS AND ENTERPRISE ZONES With only limited capacity available at Finisklin, the IDA intends to develop a new Business Park at Oakfield on the south-western edge of Sligo Town. The area will be served by the Western Distributor Road. In the interest of spatial balance, further new enterprises will be encouraged to locate at Ballytivnan and Rathbraughan, north of the urban core, on lands served by planned national roads, including the N16 and a planned link to N15, in the vicinity of Abbvie’s pharmaceutical plants. BY INVESTING IN TRANSPORT INFRASTRUCTURE To take full advantage of the opportunities offered by the Atlantic Economic Corridor, it will be necessary to pursue the enhancement or upgrading of national roads N15 (to Letterkenny) and N17 (to Galway), as well as the strengthening of connections to the east coast via N4 (to Dublin) and N16 (to Dundalk and Belfast). THROUGH THE SMART CITY INITIATIVE Investment in Information and Communication Technology (ICT) has become fundamental to the social and economic development of urban centres. Cities that combine modern communication infrastructure with investment in human and social capital are referred to as ‘Smart Cities’. Sligo County Council is in the process of preparing a roadmap to the development of Sligo as a ‘Smart City’. It will be essential to secure further investment in this process and in the infrastructure and equipment needed to bring Sligo fully into the digital age. BY PROGRESSING TOURISM PROJECTS Sligo’s landscape and culture are unique assets that can define a special tourism destination. The County is strongly associated with the poetry of William Butler Yeats and boasts a rich archaeological heritage. The development of a County Museum and Yeats Interpretative Centre could showcase Sligo’s heritage and act as a flagship attraction. Strandhill and Rosses Point are coastal settlements that play an important tourism role, which could be strengthened with improved facilities such as the planned new Maritime Centre, to be developed on the promenade of Strandhill.Northern & Western Regional Assembly 107Sligo Regional Growth Centre Strategic Plan 3 People and Places

8. Page 118

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   STRATEGIC GOAL - LIVEABLE SLIGO Sligo’s vision is to be an inclusive place, with a human-scale urban fabric and a vibrant core, attractive streets, friendly and safe for the young and old. People should have easy access to affordable homes, education, healthcare, culture, leisure and recreation. They should enjoy multifunctional public spaces that can regenerate civic engagement, attract tourists and support adjoining businesses. While the built environment – particularly the town centre – will be enhanced and upgraded, the usage of open spaces and the natural environment will be maximised by providing traffic-free walking and cycling opportunities within and around Sligo Town. Figure 39: Sligo Green CorridorsRegional Spatial and Economic Strategy 2020-2032 108Sligo Regional Growth Centre Strategic Plan 3 People and Places

9. Page 119

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   REGIONAL POLICY OBJECTIVES RPO 3.7.48 Upgrade the town centre environment through focused interventions in O’Connell Street, Stephen Street and car park, Rockwood Parade, Market Cross, Old Market Street and Quay Street car park, followed by gradual improvements of streets adjoining the centre. RPO 3.7.49 Prepare/commission and implement a new masterplan for the Centre Block (Wine Street car park). RPO 3.7.50 Complete the remaining phases of the major recreational complex planned at Cleveragh Estate and Doorly Park, adjoining the Garavogue River. RPO 3.7.51 Continue the expansion of cycleways and walking routes throughout the urban area and outwards to the satellite villages of Ballysadare, Strandhill and Rosses Point, linking into established and planned recreational trails such as Union Wood, Knocknarea etc.Northern & Western Regional Assembly 109Sligo Regional Growth Centre Strategic Plan 3 People and Places

10. Page 120

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    HOW CAN THIS BE ACHIEVED? BY IMPLEMENTING SLIGO’S PUBLIC REALM PLAN (2018) The Public Realm Plan identifies specific areas and proposes their refurbishment, redesign or even major transformation, (See detail under ‘Key liveable projects’ below). The Plan provides the template for future improvements to be carried out in other public spaces, in order to make Sligo more attractive to its residents and visitors. BY BUILDING THE CLEVERAGH LEISURE TRAIL Following the completion of Zone 1 of Cleveragh Regional Recreation and Amenity Campus, three more zones are planned, one of which includes water-based recreational facilities. It is envisaged that Cleveragh Leisure Trail will be developed eastwards from the town centre to Cleveragh, across the Garavogue and back along the northern river banks at Hazelwood-Ballinode (with links to Hazelwood House and Demesne) westwards to the Mall. The project involves a multifunctional network of linked spaces with a variety of landscapes and recreational opportunities. BY EXPANDING THE “GREEN NETWORK” A total of 23 green corridors have already been identified in the Sligo and Environs Plan. The existing network of cycleways and walking routes are gradually being expanded throughout the town and outside the built-up area. A short distance south of the Regional Park at Cleveragh is Cairns Hill. It is intended to further develop this area, to incorporate its visually prominent and sensitive lands into the open space network.Regional Spatial and Economic Strategy 2020-2032 110Sligo Regional Growth Centre Strategic Plan 3 People and Places

Source Northern and Western Regional Assembly: Regional Spatial and Economic Strategy 2020–2032 (January 2020) · Licence the publisher's termsText read from the publisher’s PDF; tables, maps and drawings do not survive as text, and page numbers are the PDF’s (its first page is 1). Check the original before relying on a passage.