Regional strategy (RSES) · Northern and Western Region
Regional Spatial and Economic Strategy 2020–2032
The regional strategy for the Northern and Western Region, including the Galway Metropolitan Area Strategic Plan.
Northern and Western Regional Assembly · January 2020 · 320 pages
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- KEY LIVEABILITY PROJECTS SLIGO’S PUBLIC REALM PLAN 2018 Seeking a single, coordinated vision for Sligo’s public realm, Sligo County Council has commissioned a public realm plan for Sligo, which was completed in 2018. The Plan proposes improvements to Sligo’s public spaces, designed to enhance the town and make it a more attractive place to live, work and visit. Interventions are envisaged in O’Connell Street, Stephen Street and car park, Rockwood Parade, Market Cross, Old Market Street and Quay Street car park. The Public Realm Plan identifies two other areas in need of redevelopment, namely Wine Street car park and the area surrounding The Abbey. The Plan proposes a palette of materials to be used in all future street refurbishments streets, to ensure consistency in the look of public spaces. It also establishes a framework for the continued management and development of the built environment. O’CONNELL STREET ENHANCEMENT O’Connell Street is the main shopping street in Sligo. The opportunity to enhance this street and correct the balance between cars and pedestrians will significantly improve the public realm and living environment of the town centre. The enhancement project is expected to set the benchmark of quality for all future public realm projects in Sligo. STEPHEN STREET CULTURAL PLAZA Sligo lacks a large multi-functional public open space in the heart of the town, capable of hosting a variety of events. Such a space is considered essential if Sligo is to become a place that people want to visit and spend time. The area currently occupied by the Stephen Street car park has the potential to be the central, animated square which Sligo needs. The car park has been previously used occasionally for events such as concerts, festivals, markets and public screenings. The Assembly supports the intention to redevelop this space into a high-quality public plaza for all residents and visitors of Sligo to use and enjoy. This will help promote Sligo as a tourist destination and provide the opportunity to host a wider range of events and activities. GREEN LINK SOUTH TO POTENTIAL FUTURE GREENWAYS There is potential for a walkway/cycleway connection from Collooney to Sligo which can also serve as a Smarter Travel commuter route. There would be a potential for this piece of infrastructure to link into similar regional scale greenways on closed or abandoned railways in the vicinity such as along the abandoned railway line to Enniskillen (SLNCR). Vision for Sligo Cultural PlazaNorthern & Western Regional Assembly 111Sligo Regional Growth Centre Strategic Plan 3 People and Places
- STRATEGIC GROWTH AREAS STRATEGIC SITES FOR EMPLOYMENT AND HOUSING Business location choices are informed by the availability of property solutions and this makes Sligo an attractive proposition. It has the potential to deliver the quantity, quality and distribution of land necessary to meet the level of demand for a broad range of business proposals that may emerge over the lifetime of this strategy. This strategy identifies strategic areas that have significant growth potential and where critical support infrastructure exists or is planned. Figure 40: Regeneration Sites in Sligo IDA BUSINESS PARK AT OAKFIELD The existing IDA Business and Technology Park at Finisklin is approaching maximum capacity and there is a clear need to provide new business/enterprise parks within the Sligo urban area. In this context, the development of Oakfield Business Park is considered to be of strategic importance for the economic future of Sligo. This 32 hectare Park will be served by the Western Distributor Road and is also close to the railway line (where a future transit stop could be provided).Regional Spatial and Economic Strategy 2020-2032 112Sligo Regional Growth Centre Strategic Plan 3 People and Places
- BALLYTIVNAN/RATHBRAUGHAN Abbvie currently operates two separate biopharmaceutical manufacturing plants to the north of the Town, at Ballytivnan and Manorhamilton Road. The plants employ over 200 workers and recent expansion announcements at the Ballytivnan facility will result in an additional 100 jobs. Surrounding lands are considered appropriate for further business/industrial expansion due to their potential connections to the existing and planned transport network, as well as the potential to build strong relationships with the nearby IT Sligo facilities. The lands would provide an appropriate counterbalance to the IDA Oakfield lands to the southwest of the Town, thereby contributing to the creation of a compact sustainable urban form. DOCKLANDS The notional extent of the Docklands area includes a total of circa 60 hectares of land zoned as BITP (business, industry and technology park), consisting mostly of IDA’s existing Finisklin Business Park. The consolidation and expansion of this employment base is encouraged, supported by improvements in transport, communications and environmental infrastructure. The remainder of the Docklands is largely underutilised and consists of piecemeal industrial and warehousing development. A redevelopment framework is needed for the area and should be supported by a strong enterprise and employment base. The Dockland’s established ‘working landscape’ lends itself to the accommodation of significant industry and enterprise investment. There is also the potential to transform many former industrial/ warehouse buildings into creative clusters in a similar way that many other European cities have experienced. BALLINODE Located on the northern shores of Garavogue River, the Ballinode area is relatively close to the town centre, to the Institute of Technology and the University Hospital Sligo. These large employers generate significant demand for residential accommodation and local commercial services. A local area plan adopted in 2004 aimed to create a high-quality urban extension, including two new neighbourhood centres. It was estimated that the LAP area could accommodate between 4,000 and 7,200 new residents. Much of the land in Ballinode has since been placed in the Strategic Land Reserve, but the anticipated construction of the Eastern Garavogue Bridge and approach roads would provide much-improved connectivity and would help unlock the development potential of the area. Whilst development of the scale previously envisaged would not be viable, it is considered that some lands could be released from the Strategic Land Reserve to accommodate planned expansion to the northeast of the town centre.Northern & Western Regional Assembly 113Sligo Regional Growth Centre Strategic Plan 3 People and Places
- CALTRAGH The Caltragh quarter, the south-west of the town centre, comprises large amounts of undeveloped lands adjoining established residential areas. To the south-west of Caltragh lies a 32-hectare IDA landholding which has been earmarked for the construction of a new IDA Business Park. Caltragh is traversed by two major transport links – the Inner Relief Road (which effectively forms Sligo’s ‘economic spine’) and the Sligo-Dublin Railway line. The Sligo and Environs Plan (2010) estimated that the larger Caltragh-Carrowroe area could accommodate an additional population of over 11,000 people, depending on the construction of the Western Distributor Road (WDR). With the WDR set to be completed in 2020, Caltragh lands can be considered for release from the Strategic Land Reserve. Their development potential will be supported by the upgrading of the water and wastewater infrastructure in the area.Regional Spatial and Economic Strategy 2020-2032 114Sligo Regional Growth Centre Strategic Plan 3 People and Places
- Figure 41: The Growth Centre Vision for SligoNorthern & Western Regional Assembly 115Sligo Regional Growth Centre Strategic Plan 3 People and Places
- REGIONAL POLICY OBJECTIVES RPO 3.7.52 Promote the consolidation of the existing IDA business Park at Finisklin and the possible expansion of other business and enterprise activities into the Northern Docklands area. RPO 3.7.53 Encourage new companies to locate on lands zoned for business and enterprise at Ballytivnan and Rathbraughan, to the North of the Urban Core. RPO 3.7.54 Strengthen physical connectivity by improving National Road links to Dublin (N- 4), Galway (N-17), and Letterkenny (N-15) as well as the cross-border link to Enniskillen/ Belfast (N-16). RPO 3.7.55 To give effect to the infrastructure needed to transform Sligo into a ‘Smart City’, able to provide advanced digital services to citizens and businesses. RPO 3.7.56 Support the development of a major tourist attraction in Sligo Town, as well as further expansion in the tourism functions of villages Strandhill and Rosses Point. RPO 3.7.57 Seek an increase in the number of jobs in the Regional Growth Centre to 17,000 by 2040. STRATEGIC SITES FOR REGENERATION CENTRE BLOCK/WINE STREET CAR PARK The area bounded by O’Connell Street, Wine Street, Adelaide Street and John Street is known as the Centre Block. In 1999, a masterplan was prepared for this area, to provide a framework within which developers, traders and retailers could invest with a clear knowledge and expectation of the intended land use of adjacent sites. Given the current challenges facing the retail sector, there is a need to review the extent of viable retail floorspace for this site. A larger proportion of residential floorspace would help to address the housing shortage problem, as well as regenerating and enlivening the Town centre. A suitable mix of employment and enterprise space could also accommodate a growing demand for town centre office-based businesses. DOCKLANDS/SLIGO PORT The Docklands, encompassing an undefined area around and including Sligo Port, has been the subject of piecemeal development over the years consisting of port-related and non-port-related uses. It has become evident that such an approach is neither desirable nor sustainable. The area can be characterised as an under-utilised industrial/warehousing area with lower-value, lower-intensity uses that should be relocated elsewhere. This would enable the area to be redeveloped for residential, commercial and community development.Regional Spatial and Economic Strategy 2020-2032 116Sligo Regional Growth Centre Strategic Plan 3 People and Places
- A redevelopment framework should be prepared for the area focussing on: g The retention of the Port as a valuable piece of commercial/industrial infrastructure; g Remediation of the former landfill and other potentially contaminated lands; g Revised street/road layout and improved connectivity with Sligo centre; g An improved mix of uses, including community, commercial and residential; g Enhanced provision of open space in the form of linear parks and cycle/pedestrian routes; g The provision of a cultural landmark building; g The re-use of former industrial buildings for creative enterprises and the new community uses. CRANMORE The Cranmore Regeneration project came about as a result of a consensus between elected representatives, officials, local community representatives and public service providers that concerted action needed to be taken to reverse the social, environmental and physical decline in the area. In December 2016, the Sligo East City (Cranmore and Environs) Regeneration Masterplan was formally launched. The social, economic and physical strategies of the masterplan can achieve a transformative impact for this part of Sligo. The masterplan highlights key sites as assets to be promoted and developed, with a focus on how they can help to meet regeneration objectives, including new homes and jobs for the area. COURTHOUSE BLOCK The slow migration of retail activity to the town centres north and west has resulted in a pressing need for regeneration of the south-eastern area. The Courthouse Block, delineated by Castle Street – Teeling Street – Old Market Street – High Street – Market Street, has significant potential to address this problem. The area has retained much of its historic fabric and character. Its proximity to the town centre should make it attractive for a wide range of uses. QUAY QUARTER AREA The Quay quarter, defined by Wine Street, the Inner Relief Road, and the Garavogue River is situated close to Sligo’s main Bridge (Hughes Bridge). It is highly visible, and one of the most prominent sites encountered when entering the Town from the North. The under-utilised site has strong commercial and retail potential. A landmark building could also act as an urban design gateway on entering the town centre from the north. A key element of the intended regeneration of the site is the creation of a public square replacing the existing Quay Street Car Park, and the improvement of the pedestrian realm along the waterfront.Northern & Western Regional Assembly 117Sligo Regional Growth Centre Strategic Plan 3 People and Places
- STRATEGIC INFRASTRUCTURE In order to achieve the population growth and economic development property solutions discussed above, there are several key projects that need to be delivered. EASTERN BRIDGE AND APPROACH ROADS This key project will facilitate the regeneration and development of eastern areas of Sligo town. The crossing will follow the strong north–south desire line to the east of the city centre. Access roads to this crossing will be built as urban streets, capable of linking communities on either side of the river. The new crossing will assist in relieving traffic congestion and delays on the eastern side of the town centre. The scheme will also provide an important public transport link, a cycling and pedestrian way across the river, connecting similar routes on opposite river banks. It will open up public access to the northern shore of Lough Gill, as well as the development potential of lands at Ballinode. WESTERN DISTRIBUTOR ROAD The Western Distributor Road will begin at the Caltragh Interchange on the Inner Relief Road and links to the existing network of roads north of the Strandhill Road via Maugheraboy, Oakfield and Ballydoogan. The road is seen primarily as a route to access and facilitate development in western parts of Sligo. The functions of the Western Distributor Road include: g To provide access to the newly approved IDA Business Park at Oakfield; g To improve access to the existing IDA Business Parks at Finisklin; g To improve access to residential lands in the southwestern quarter of Sligo (i.e. Caltragh); g To improve access to Strandhill; g To divert traffic away from the centre. Construction has commenced on the road, with an expected completion date of early 2020.Regional Spatial and Economic Strategy 2020-2032 118Sligo Regional Growth Centre Strategic Plan 3 People and Places
- INNER RELIEF ROAD Sligo’s Inner Relief Road (IRR) is a strategic transport corridor providing access to the town centre and linkages to the surrounding areas, including the Port and Docklands. These linkages need to be maintained and improved, and a key to this is the ability of the junctions along the IRR to cater to existing and predicted increases in traffic flows. The junctions at John Street, Lord Edward Street, Lynns Place and Hughes Bridge need to be improved to increase capacity and maintain the ability of the IRR to provide direct access to the centre and the surrounding areas. At the same time, by its very nature and design, the road has created a definite edge to the west of the Town centre. As Sligo develops it is imperative to reexamine the design and relationship of this road with adjoining lands to soften the ‘boundary’ effect and integrate the road with surrounding development. MAIL COACH ROAD – BURTON STREET LINK ROAD The mobility strategy for Sligo discourages through traffic from crossing Sligo centre, by adopting a circulatory system that directs traffic around the centre on an inner- “ring route”. A key aspect of improving this 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. Although short, the link would be a significant improvement to the existing route and would be another important step towards the creation of a pedestrian-friendly town centre. The link road would also assist in the further regeneration of the adjoining town centre lands. N15 NATIONAL PRIMARY ROAD REALIGNMENT The N15 forms part of the Atlantic Economic Corridor which connects Waterford, via Cork, Limerick, Galway, and Sligo to Letterkenny. It is proposed to realign and upgrade this road from Hughes Bridge on the N4, continuing north along the N15 to the Sligo/Leitrim county boundary. It is proposed to realign and upgrade the portion of the N15 within the Sligo towns environs to an urban dual carriageway. This will include the upgrading and reorganisation of all junctions to accommodate projected traffic volumes, and to provide facilities for cyclists and pedestrians. N16 NATIONAL PRIMARY ROAD REALIGNMENT It is proposed to realign and upgrade the existing N16 Sligo-Enniskillen Road from Sligo to the Sligo/Leitrim county boundary. The existing road is deficient in terms of alignment and surface condition, resulting in slow journey times and hazardous traffic conditions. On a strategic level, it is important to develop a cross-border core east-west route and this is best served through a Sligo - Enniskillen - Dundalk corridor as referenced within Chapter 6.3. of the RSES.Northern & Western Regional Assembly 119Sligo Regional Growth Centre Strategic Plan 3 People and Places
- THE PORT While the significance of the Port in national terms is relatively low, it remains important in the local and regional economy, supporting local industry and providing a sustainable transport mode for imports and exports. Capital and maintenance dredging is required within the harbour, to enhance the use and longevity of the Port. WASTEWATER NETWORK Sligo’s main urban area is well-served in terms of overall capacity, but some network ‘bottlenecks’ remain. It is essential to address these issues to accommodate the further development of Sligo. In particular, adequate capacity should be ensured in areas Caltragh and Ballinode, where significant expansion is envisaged. Within the Strategic Plan area, there are deficiencies in the Rosses Point, Ballincar and Cregg, requiring appropriate solutions. GAS While Sligo is not served by gas infrastructure at present, Bord Gáis has identified Sligo as a “Phase 3: town being considered for connection to the distribution network” and part of north Sligo towards Donegal has been identified as an “Area location for consideration”. The extension of the natural gas pipeline to Sligo would be a significant boost to the economic growth of the region and is a widely agreed strategic ambition across public and private sectors. A short term alternative may be available using Compressed Natural Gas (CNG). The principle is that a local gas network is developed, independent of the national network but to the same engineering standards, largely to supply existing and future industrial zones. This local network can be fed with compressed gas delivered by road to a decompression station and could ultimately be connected to the national network. The gas can be supplied from traditional sources but in future could be provided by low carbon renewable gas sources from the surrounding area.Regional Spatial and Economic Strategy 2020-2032 120Sligo Regional Growth Centre Strategic Plan 3 People and Places
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