‘ Let’s commit to finding a solution at car park’
A spokesperson for a body representing business owners in the city, says an amicable agreement must be reached and soon between the County Council and the McGinley family living at Connaughton Road car park.
Sligo BID, Chairperson Finbarr Filan said: “For the last 28 years, Sligo unfortunately has had an unofficial, unregulated halting site in a public car park in the centre of town.
“A few weeks ago, unsanctioned additional fencing was erected across public areas in the car park that further angered local business owners and residents of Sligo.
Sligo County Council, assisted by local Gardai actioned removing the installation.
“Since then it’s been the talk of the town this week ( and not just our town, but every town as the country weighed in with an opinion).
“Like all much talked about things there was a lot of information being thrown around, some of it true, some of ( unfortunately) not so true.
“What can be said with certainty is that the action that took place this week on lower Connaughton Road car park was an unpleasant one for all parties involved... but one, ul- timately that had to be taken.
“The area is and always has been a public car park and its use as a temporary residence for 28 years has been increasingly recognised as being unworkable for all involved.
“Everyone has an opinion. It has been said by different parties that solutions to the situation have been offered in the past.
“However, nobody can agree on what was offered and who turned it down.
“The McGinley family may have offered to move, the Council may have offered them alternative places to live, perhaps these offers happened at different times or to different people, I do not know.
“What I do know is that we are discussing what has been done and what has happened - but we should be discussing what needs to be done.
“Those involved need to come to an agreement over what the new arrangements will be.
“If we have learned anything this week, it is that as a town we are ready for a change.
“Business owners have been concerned by what was an unofficial encampment in the middle of the town, visitors confused by where they could park and, quite likely, those living in the car park frustrated at not being able to enjoy their culture unencumbered.
“Perhaps there was never going to be an easy solution to the situation.
“It involves politics and heritage, zoning and lifestyle choices, opinions and facts.
“However, what’s done is done and now it is time for Sligo - as a community - to come together and commit to a solution that addresses the needs of everyone with the agreement of those involved.
“And so, finally, let me say this: let’s get it done.
“It is in the interest of all involved to come to an amicable new arrangement.
“It will be good for the town and good for the community, the community of all of us who live here in Sligo, side by side, respectfully and wanting the best for future generations.