CEO warns revamp of street is at risk
THE refurbishment of O’Connell Street has been put on the long finger before and now it looks as if further delays to enhance the shopping thoroughfare could be on the cards because of staffing issues.
In an interview with The Sligo Champion this week, Sligo County Council CEO Ciaran Hayes admits that although everyone wants to see the works begin as planned in February of next year, that might not be possible because of a lack of manpower. In a situation similar to the Library fiasco, Mr Hayes said despite some outsourcing for a capital project, if he does not have sufficient staff then the works cannot go ahead.
He explained that the cash strapped council is ‘ grappling’ to keep services afloat and that the public only became aware of how bad the situation is as a result of the library closures. He suspects another problem that would affect the public in an upfront way is O’Connell Street.
“The library closures was the first issue that captured the public imagination as it impacted directly on them in such a profound way. The en- hancement of O’Connell street is equally critically important. This street is the centre of retail in Sligo. It should reflect a perception of Sligo that is positive. But the planned enhancement works for next year will depend on having available staff resources.” He admits that as things stand he does not have the staff required to begin and complete this major infrastructural project in early 2017, news that will come as a shock to hard pressed traders in the area who are already having to contend with major disruption due to the ongoing Irish Water works, which began in September and are due to continue until December.
After the major disruptive works by Irish water, it is expected that the enhancement works will be needed more than ever. In an effort to avoid further delays or the work not being done at all Mr Hayes said: “We are in the process of making a number of submissions at the moment for more staff resources. We need technical staff in the area of roads and housing - up to ten extra people.”
Otherwise, the CEO warns, major infrastructural works like the revamp O’Connell street are ‘ at risk’ and ‘ services will continue to suffer.’