Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage Darragh O’Brien, T.D., spent Tuesday in County Sligo visiting housing schemes in Dromore West and Tubbercurry.
Minister O’Brien in Sligo
Minister O’Brien briefed on Sligo Housing Programme
His first engagement was at County Hall, where he was welcomed by Cathaoirleach Councillor Michael Clarke and Chief Executive Martin Lydon.
Cathaoirleach Councillor Michael Clarke
In his address the Cathaoirleach said
‘We look forward to briefing the Minister over the course of the day on the work being planned and delivered on our housing programme across the county.
Key Element
The provision of housing services is without doubt the most important service delivered by a Local Authority. While the house building programme is the key element of the service, we have major responsibilities in the roll out of the various grant schemes, these provide a vital support to people in communities all over our county.
Staff
The staff delivering our various housing services and supports in Sligo County Council are exemplary, they take great pride in their work, and show great professionalism and compassion in assisting some of the most vulnerable people in our society.’
After a briefing by Sean Martin, Senior Architect on Sligo County Council’s Housing Delivery Action Plan, Minister O’Brien visited Stephen Street in Sligo town, Sligo City Hall, Dromore West and Tubbercurry.
Minister Darragh O'Brien getting a briefing on the new Cultural Quarter and Public Realm projects
Cultural Quarter
Dorothy Clarke, Director of Services, briefed Minister O’Brien on exciting proposals for our new cultural quarter and public realm, projects which have the potential to transform Sligo’s public spaces.
Mayor of Borough District of Sligo Municipal District Councillor Tom MacSharry said
‘The core objective of the Plan is to enhance our public spaces, including streets and car-parks, and we are committed to delivering on this ambitious programme in the coming years.
Housing Projects
Cathaoirleach Councillor Michael Clarke was joined by Minister O’Brien to officially open Phase 2 of St Farnan’s Drive in Dromore West which provides 10. no dwellings. St Farnan’s Drive was designed by Sligo County Council Architect’s Department and has been constructed in accordance with the Nearly Zero Energy Building Standard(nZEB). The main contractor on this project was P. McHugh & Sons Ltd. The project is part of Sligo County Council’s Capital Housing Programme and was funded by the Department of Housing, Local Government & Heritage.
Minister O’Brien joined Cathaoirleach of Ballymote-Tubbercurry Municipal District Councillor Martin Baker for the official opening of Phase 1 of Connolly Park. This first phase of the development provides 4 new apartments (3no.x2bed and 1no.x2bed – Special Needs dwelling) and 6 new 3 bed family houses. Main contractor for Phase 1 of Connolly Park was Brendan Sammon Ltd.
Minister O’Brien visited the site of Phase 2 of Connolly Park which will provide 15 no. units (7 houses and 8 apartments)
Cathaoirleach of Ballymote-Tubbercurry Municipal District Councillor Martin Baker said
‘The delivery of ten housing units in Phase 1 and 15 units in Phase 2 is a major element of our Council’s housing programme.’
The Minister met with local residents at both locations and commended the Housing staff and other members of the project team for the quality of both developments.
