More homes required to meet rising visitor demand

ORGANISERS of the Fleadh are calling on more people to let their homes during the August event.

They are expecting visitors to be accommodated in houses not only in Sligo but areas around Tubbercurry, Ballina, Ballinamore and Bundoran.

Bartley Gavin, pictured, Fleadh chairperson, said that up to 600 homes are required for accommodation during the Fleadh.

He said: “We’ve had people signing up, but we still only have around 300.”

He added that with only two months to go until the event it is important that people interested should put their names forward now.

“Urgency is the key - we need to know now who is interested in housing guests so we can match up families to their guests.”

Bartley said that as all the hotels are booked, the hospitality sector will be stretched.

The Fleadh committee is planning on having numerous camping sites located around Sligo.

The construction of the Farmhill site is expected to begin this week.

Bartley added that volunteers were coming forward. He said: “We have good numbers, around 600, but we need around 1000.

“We need names now so that we can train the volunteers, we want to get to know the volunteers and to know where they're best suited.”

The chairperson praised the involvement of organisations such as Tus and Leader.

Bartley added: “The visitors need to feel welcome, how welcome they feel will be the difference between a good Fleadh and an exceptional Fleadh.”