The Sligo County Development Board has drawn up the Integrated Strategy for Co Sligo, which focuses on the economic, social and cultural development of the county. The board has been working on the plan since it was set up in March 2000, as part of the task force report into local government and local development.
The process of formulating the strategy has involved input from several groups including local government, local development bodies, State agencies, the community and voluntary sectors, and the social partners.
"We see it as a shared vision of Sligo, a study into how we want to see the county developed over the next 10 years," said Ms Dorothy Clarke, director of community and enterprise with Sligo County Council. "The focus of the strategy is on issues which impact on everyday life."
Included in the strategy is the aim to achieve a balance between urban and rural development. Acknowledging Sligo's role as a regional capital and growth driver for the north-west, the strategy also seeks to promote the development of second-tier towns and villages, and the regeneration of rural communities.
"It's a very broad strategy as it covers all areas," said Ms Clarke. "In fact, it's probably the first time that cultural development is being given a prioritised emphasis in Sligo."
Ms Clarke said Sligo had a rich archaeological heritage with the highest density of artefacts in the national museum, as well as internationally renowned artists.
Other areas pinpointed by the board as critical for Sligo's development include infrastructure, education and training, housing, crime and policing, and sport. Public consultation seminars on the strategy will take place in Sligo town, Enniscrone and Gurteen in the coming week.