Sligo Business Improvement District (BID)

NOTICE OF PLEBISCITE - 

PROPOSED BID (BUSINESS IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT) SCHEME LOCAL GOVERNMENT ACT 2001 AS AMENDED BY THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT (BUSINESS IMPROVEMENT DISTRICTS) ACT 2006.

09/01/2026

The Sligo BID Company has submitted a BID Proposal to Sligo County Council requesting that Sligo County Council facilitates in the holding of a plebiscite under Section 129C (4) (a) of the Local Government (Business Improvement Districts) Act 2006.

In accordance with Section 129E of the Act:

  • a public notice was inserted in the Sligo Champion on 24th September 2025 inviting submissions from the public on a proposal for a BID.
  • a copy of the BID proposal was made available between 24/09/2025-24/10/2025 at Sligo County Council, Riverside, Sligo and the Local Enterprise Office, City Hall, Quay Street, Sligo.
  • a copy of the BID proposal was made available online at sligococo.ie/bid during these dates.
  • in compliance with the requirement to give the public at least 30 days to respond, submissions were sought by 24th October 2025 at the latest.
  • the BID proponent (Sligo BID) was copied with all submissions received.

Thirty-seven submissions were received, all expressing support for the introduction of a further BID.  No submissions were received opposing the introduction of a further BID.  To this end, section 129F(1) f the Local Government (Business Improvement Districts) Act 2006 states ‘If, based on submissions received under section 129E, the rating authority concerned is of the view that the BID proposal may be inconsistent with the interests of the local community, the rating authority shall, as soon as practicable…….. notify the BID proponent in writing explaining the nature of the inconsistency”. 

No such opposing submissions were received.

Considering the submissions received, the current BID Company (the “proponent”) has re-confirmed its initial request to the Council to arrange a plebiscite as is required under the legislation.

At the Ordinary Meeting of Sligo County Council held Mon. 3rd November 2025, elected members approved decision:

  1. Proceed, pursuant to Section 129G of the Local Government Act, 2001 to hold a plebiscite to determine the level of support for a proposed Sligo Business Improvement District (BID) to succeed the current Sligo BID.

Ballot Papers were sent by ordinary post on 09/01/2026. This ballot paper should be returned to reach the address on the enclosed envelope

Before 1p.m. on Friday, 30th January 2026.

The BID Proposal can be inspected online below:

CONTINUATION OF SLIGO BID CLG 2026 - 2031 PROPOSAL (PDF) - 11,266 kbs  PDF

Additionally, the BID proposal will be on public display at the following locations:

Local Enterprise Office, City Hall, Quay Street, Sligo and
In the reception area of Sligo County Council offices, Council Hall, Riverside Sligo,

The BID Proposal may be inspected at both offices from 9:30a.m to 4:30pm Monday to Friday, (excluding weekends and bank holidays).

Details of item 6 from Ordinary Meeting of Sligo County Council, 3rd November 2025, available:

Item 6_Sligo BID_Public Submissions and Plebiscite (PDF) - 496 kbs  PDF

24/09/25

A proposal for a further Business Improvement District (BID) scheme, to replace the current Scheme which is operated by Sligo Business Improvement District CLG has been received from the Sligo BID Company Limited by Guarantee in respect of a defined area of Sligo City and part of its hinterland.

The purpose of establishing a BID is to enable the ratepayers within its boundaries to draw up a scheme of projects, services and works which are additional to those provided by Sligo County Council and which will be carried out for the benefit of the BID district.

If the Local Authority approves the proposal, having first conducted a plebiscite of local ratepayers, the BID scheme will be introduced for a period of almost five years and will be financed in the main by an annual BID contribution levy imposed on and collected from ratepayers of rateable property within the Sligo BID area.

The key objective of the Sligo BID (Business Improvement District) is to enhance the commercial, cultural, and social vitality of Sligo Town by delivering targeted services and initiatives that improve the trading environment, attract visitors, and support local businesses in the BID area. Proposed services under the 2026–2031 plan include expanding the Love Sligo Gift Card to boost local spending, enhancing branding and marketing to attract visitors, and retaining Purple Flag accreditation to improve the night-time economy. Sligo BID will support cultural events, improve town aesthetics with lighting and murals, and support public realm projects. It will operate the Tourist Office daily, grow business tourism, provide business support, and secure funding for development initiatives.

The BID Proposal can be downloaded below, or inspected in person at the Local Enterprise Office, City Hall, Quay Street, Sligo during office hours. Viewings are by prior appointment only (telephone 071 911 4405), available Wednesday 24 September 2025 to 4.00pm Friday 24 October 2025.

Sligo BID Proposal (PDF) - 11,266 kbs  PDF

Submissions in relation to the proposed BID may be made in writing to Liam Kiely, Head of Enterprise, Local Enterprise Office, City Hall, Quay Street, Sligo or, preferably, by email to localenterprise@sligococo.ie . 

Closing date for receipt of submissions is 4.00pm on Friday 24 October, 2025