Ballisodare set to benefit from funding of €580,000

A GRANT has been allocated from the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund for a Ballisodare project which aims to develop plans for the repurposing of inaccessible and under-utilised riverside areas in the village. The project will develop plans for the Sally Gardens area, including a new town park in the backlands with activity and event spaces as well as offstreet parking.

The plans will include connectivity to the village through pedestrian routes, traffic management and a river trail. The aim will be to transform the public realm and amenity offering to create a more vibrant and inviting village centre.

Ballisodare is a satellite town of population greater than 2000 people and is identified as one of the areas in the county which are expected to grow over the coming years.

The project is led by Sligo County Council who will provide match funding to bring the total investment to €725,000 in order to progress the Ballisodare Regeneration 2021 plans. Mr Lydon, chief executive of Sligo County Council, said: “I welcome the positive news of substantial RRDF funding for Ballisodare which will see plans developed for the backlands between the village centre and Falls area.

“These plans include a new amenity area with activity and event spaces and off-street parking.

“The plans will include connectivity to the village through pedestrian routes, traffic management and a river trail.”

Speaking after the announcement, cathaoirleach of Sligo County Council Cllr Paul Taylor said that “the investment in Ballisodare will enhance the village’s potential as a vibrant and sustainable place to live, work and visit and that the project funding is very welcome”.

The funding has also been welcomed by Fine Gael’s Cllr Thomas Walsh. He said: “We have an issue with direct access to Ballisodare river and the magnificent falls in Ballisodare and there is no common recreation area or outdoor space.

“Ballisodare is steeped in history and culture with its connections to the Pollexfen family and WB Yeats and has little or no cultural space.

“We also have no safe pedestrian infrastructure from one side of Ballisodare to the other.

“I believe this will be a game changer for Ballisodare village.

“I was involved with liaising with many landowners along the river and businesses prior to this application.” Cllr Walsh continued: “In October last year I submitted a notice of motion to Sligo County Council calling for support for the project which unanimously passed.

“I wish to thank Michael Carty in the County Council’s economic department for putting such an excellent application forward. I look forward to the plan progressing over the coming months.”