Funding of €8.8m has been announced for Cleveragh Park to develop a number of sporting activities.
Funding has also been allocated to a regeneration project at Sligo Harbour.
The funding under the Towns and Cities Regeneration Investment Fund for Cleveragh will go towards:
• A new children’s playground
• Basketball courts and a multi-use games area
• A concrete skatepark
• A pump track
• A learn-to-cycle facility
• Fenced off-leash dog exercise areas
• New pedestrian spaces and pathways through the precinct
• A new access road, car parking and bicycle parking spaces
• Public lighting and floodlighting
• Sustainable drainage systems
• Hard and soft landscaping
Minister of State Frank Feighan
Minister Feighan said the funding highlighted Fine Gael’s strong commitment to supporting communities both economically and socially.
“In particular, I’m delighted to see the allocation of €8.8m for the transformation of Cleveragh Regional Park which is a most wonderful amenity in the heart of our community here in Sligo and I am thrilled to see €150,000 to develop a plan around Sligo Harbour Quay Regeneration.
“Across the country this funding will drive economic growth, increase town footfall, combat dereliction, develop community and civic infrastructure and I want to pay tribute to Sligo County Council for their submissions and also to our local community groups and social enterprises who worked with them to devise projects that will benefit everyone living and working here.
“When complete, these projects will leave a lasting difference in Sligo town and will help to continue to make our towns and cities great places to live, work and raise a family,” concluded Minister Feighan.
Minister of State Marian Harkin said the €8.8 million for the Cleveragh Regional Park Precinct is a major opportunity to develop one of the town’s important public assets.
“Combined with the funding for the Sligo Harbour Quay Regeneration project, there is a real opportunity to strengthen the town’s connection with its waterfront and improve the public realm.
“Investment in our towns is not simply about buildings and streets. It is about creating places where people want to live, work, visit and spend time. It is about supporting local businesses, encouraging footfall and making our communities more attractive and sustainable.
“I will be looking to see these projects progress with ambition and pace. Communities in Leitrim and Sligo have been waiting for meaningful investment in regeneration, and this funding provides an opportunity to deliver projects that people can see and benefit from.”
Cllr Thomas Walsh said the funding of €8.8million will transform the face of Cleveragh in what is already a jewel in Sligo’s crown.
“I am delighted to have played my part in ensuring this was kept on the agenda. Five years ago, I successfully obtained funding for this feasibility and design brief in our local council budget.
“The masterplan for Cleveragh, which successfully passed the Part 8 planning process last September includes a new playground and playing courts – basketball and multi-use courts, a Learn-to-cycle facility, pump track and skatepark, car parking, access road and bicycle parking spaces, sustainable drainage systems, public lighting and floodlighting, and a fenced dog off-leash area.
“Work is underway on the Learn to Cycle facility and this funding will allow the Masterplan to progress. I want to acknowledge the work of our Parks Department on the initiative and also the role of the Chief Executive in his support for this wonderful plan. I look forward to progress on this game-changer”.
Councillor Fergal Nealon has also welcomed the approval of €8.8 million for Cleveragh Regional Park under Round 1 of the Towns and Cities Regeneration Investment Fund.
He said the project falls under Category 1B of the Fund, which supports schemes that are advanced enough in design and planning to be on site by September 2027.
Cllr Nealon said: “This is a genuinely transformative investment in Sligo. Cleveragh has been a much loved park for years, but this funding takes it to a completely different level. A skatepark, a pump track, a learn-to-cycle facility, a new playground, basketball and multi-use courts and proper off-leash space for dogs. These are the facilities families in Sligo have been asking for, and now they are funded.
“What strikes me most is who this is for. A child learning to cycle, a teenager on a skateboard, a parent walking a dog after work, a group of lads on the basketball court on a summer evening. Every one of them gets something out of this. Good public amenity is not a luxury, it is what makes a town a good place to raise a family.”
Cllr Nealon also welcomed the award of €150,000 for the Sligo Harbour Quay Regeneration masterplan, which will develop proposals for delivery in the later years of the National Development Plan.
“Between Cleveragh and the Harbour Quay work, Sligo has done very well out of this round. Credit is due to the Council staff who put these applications together. The next job is delivery, and I will be keeping a close eye on the timeline. The funding condition is that the works are on site by September 2027, and I want to see Sligo meet that,” he said.