NEWS ROUND-UP
Back for Business applications
A programme for returning emigrants which helps with the start and development of businesses is seeking new applicants for the 2021 cycle.
Back for Businesses is a government-backed programme in its fourth year which bridges the knowledge and network gap for those returning home.
The initiative was established to foster and support entrepreneurial activity among returned emigrants or those returning to live in Ireland. It addresses the challenges that all early-stage entrepreneurs encounter – as well as the additional barriers faced by those who have been living outside the country for some time.
Past participants on the first three years of the programme have recorded increased sales, created new jobs and won export contracts.
Among those past participants in Sligo native Kevin Finn who, having gained extensive international experience from a UK base, returned home to Sligo and set up KF Physio.
KF Physio provides training and education for healthcare professionals in the sports injury sector, alongside advising athletes with an injury prevention consultancy service.
Kevin took part in the second cycle of Back for Business and then participated in the further development phase and is enthusiastic about the benefits he obtained from participation in the Back for Business programme and encourages others to apply.
“The Back for Business programme provides access to expert mentors, practical workshops and a supportive network of peers throughout the cycle and beyond. It has been invaluable for my business since returning home.
“I highly recommend Back for Business and strongly encourage recently returned entrepreneurs to apply.”
Those selected to join Back for Business this year will take part in round table sessions, focused on goals and milestones, and facilitated by voluntary Lead Entrepreneurs, who have experience of successfully starting and growing a business.
The 2021 programme will be open from February until July with no charge for successful applicants to participate. The deadline for applications is January 25. Application forms can be found at www.backforbusiness.com.
Town traffic assessment
Traffic assessment will be carried out in some parts of Sligo when Covid-19 restrictions have eased.
It was revealed at the recent meeting of the Borough District of Sligo that assessments were to be carried out in Ballydoogan and Summerhill Village in January and February but have been postponed due to lower volumes of traffic on the road.
Cllr Sinead Maguire had enquired about Ballydoogan and Cllr Rosaleen O’Grady had enquired about Summerhill Village as assessments of both areas were deemed to be overdue. In response to Cllr Maguire’s motion, acting director of services Emer Concannon said: “As traffic patterns and volumes were likely to change following the opening of the Western Distributor route the traffic assessment was programmed to take place after the Western
Distributor route was opened. Considering the current travel restrictions that are in place it would be prudent to wait until traffic levels get back to some level of normality before this survey is carried out.” In response to Mayor Cllr O’Grady’s motion, Ms Concannon said:“The Sligo Urban Area Roads Department met with concerned residents in the vicinity of Summerhill Village just before the Christmas and agreed that a review would be carried out in January or February. “However, considering the current Covid Level 5 restrictions that are in place this review has been postponed until traffic levels return to some level of normality.”
Parenting support strategy
A new parenting support strategy for the Sligo-Leitrim is being developed.
The strategy, the first of its kind for both counties, seeks to plan future support needs for parents, children, young people and service providers.
The work is being carried out by Sligo Leitrim Children and Young People’s Service Committee (CYPSC), a group with brings together key statutory and voluntary organisations in the region around the needs of children, young people and families.
Sharon Boles, manager of Sligo County Childcare Committee and chair of the Sligo Leitrim CYPSC said: “It is really important that we ensure that direct voices of parents are heard in this consultation, especially parents whose needs and vision may not be always included or heard. “I would encourage as many parents as possible to take part in this consultation to say to service providers and policy makers what they need to empower themselves and their families.” A consultation is now being carried out with parents and service providers and, due to the Covid-19 crisis, face-toface consultation is limited. However, a number of options are available for parents and service providers to input into the strategy, including through an online questionnaire, which can be accessed using the website address tinyurl.com/ parenting2021.
Parents and service providers who would like to take part in focus group discussions, receive a postal questionnaire or make a submission can also get in touch through sligoleitrimparenting2021@gmail.com, or via text to via text 087 134 9778.
Irish Water’s solution for north Sligo
Irish Water is to announce a long-term solution for the water supply in north Sligo later this year. A representative of the water utility company confirmed this will take place with possible options for how to proceed currently being considered.
This confirmation came in a response to a query from Cllr Thomas
Walsh who had asked at the recent meeting of the Sligo-Drumcliffe municipal district if Irish Water could provide an updated report on the progress being made to secure a more permanent water supply to north Sligo, the condition and future of which has been frequently discussed at previous meetings.
The response, delivered by Kate Butler, said that north Sligo water supply will be addressed as part of a national, long-term strategy for which discussions with relevant authorities in Sligo have taken place.
“The National Water Resources Plan is Ireland’s first 25-year strategic plan enabling us to move towards safe, secure, reliable and sustainable water supplies.
“As part of this process and with regard to Sligo and, in particular, the North Sligo Public Water Supply, Irish Water have consulted with members of the Sligo Water Services team and members of the Sligo Planning team over the last two years.” “A number of possible options are now being considered and a preferred long-term solution for North Sligo will be confirmed later this year.” Cllr Healy welcomed the response but stated that this commitment to a long-term strategy must be followed up by establishing regular contact with Irish Water about the project.
The Sinn Féin representative said: “I welcome that they are looking into it. We need more contact with Irish Water to know about the process they intend on in the longterm.”
New library collection
Sligo Libraries has created a new, community-led LGBTQIA+ collection with the help of a grant secured from the Department of Children, Equality, Disability Integration and Youth. Librarian Lou McGrath said: “We want our collection to be made up of what people in the community want. Please let us know what you think should be there for you, or for your friends and family. Representation and information are so important to help us understand ourselves and each other. By improving access to these we hope that this new collection will also help to promote inclusion.”
Lou can be contacted at lmcgrath@sligococo.ie.