Strandhill Community and Surf Centre progress made
Sligo County Council has said it will help provide temporary facilities for the Strandhill Community Maritime Company and surfing groups while they’re moving to the new community centre.
It’s in response to Cllr Chris MacManus who raised the issue at the September Council meeting.
He said it was a “chicken and egg situation” whereby the Maritime Company couldn’t get Fáilte Ireland funding for the new centre until they had moved out of their current location but then would not have anywhere to go while their new centre was being built.
Voya is giving the site to the Council who will then in turn lease it to the Maritime Company.
“We need to find an interim solution,” said Cllr MacManus. “The funding application can’t take place until the land swap takes place. I’m urging the County Council to take a primary role in this,” he told members.
“The Maritime Centre understandably is concerned about being without a building to utilise if they vacate one site whilst waiting for the development of the new community facility,” he said.
“This project is critical. We need a bit of haste here,” he added.
As the Chairman of the Board of the Strandhill Maritime Company, Councillor Declan Bree said consultants were currently preparing a report for the Board to consider.
“We’re extremely pleased with our ongoing discussions with Fáilte Ireland and we are very optimistic,” he said.
Director of Services Bartley Gavin said the Council will help with interim facilities.