Background

The proposed scheme is deemed essential to meet the objectives of the National Development Plan 2018-2027, the National Spatial Strategy (NSS) 2002-2020 and Ireland 2040 where Sligo and its environs have been identified as a regional centre and new gateway within Ireland.

Sligo was selected as a gateway because of its strategic location in the Northwest, its physical and infrastructural capacity to develop substantially in the future and its stock of the critical factors such as water services, education and healthcare, necessary to support gateway functions.

Sligo is specifically referenced in Ireland 2040 – National Planning Framework as strategically located to influence the growth of North-Western and Midland regions. Sligo is regarded as a regional centre which is critical to the development of these regions so that they can be served by accessible centres of employment and services such as Sligo.