Surf centre to be green lit

THE final legal arrangements are being put in place to facilitate the development of a new Surf Centre in Strandhill.

At last week’s meeting of Sligo Municipal District, members were told that a land swap type of arrangement would have to take place between the Council and Celtic Seabaths.

The Four Winds site earmarked for the new Surf Centre is owned by the Seaweed Baths while freehold to the property from which the Seaweed Baths operates is held by the Council.

The Seaweed Baths building is in turn leased by the Council to the Strandhill Community Maritime Company Ltd, which occupies part of the building and have subleased part to Celtic Seabaths Ltd.

Sligo County Council will give freehold of the building to Celtic Seabaths Ltd in exchange for a freehold interest in the Surf Centre site.

Celtic Seabaths will also pay ¤ 200,000 to the Maritime Company.

The swap can only happen if Sligo County Council approves of it, something expected to be given this week.

“Now that planning permission has been granted by An Bord Pleanála, it’s pretty much all systems go,” said Council Chief Executive Ciarán Hayes.

Chairman of the Maritime Company Councillor Declan Bree welcomed the report.

He said that with the rise in popularity of surfing since 2001 it became clear that surfers needed more facilities, as did the community of Strandhill.

Cllr Bree acknowledged the work of the Board which includes surfing, community and Council representatives - Cllrs Sinead Maguire, Tom MacSharry, Rosaleen O’Grady, Mr Hayes and Mr Sean Martyn.

Cllr Maguire said there was keen support for the new surf centre throughout the community. “It’s a fantastic facility for the locals,” she said.

Cllr MacSharry said it was “exceptionally” good news and commended Cllr Bree and locals who gave a view on the ground.

Cllr O’Grady said the “flagship” project was “a perfect example of the Council and community working together.” She singled out Mick McEnroe as “the public face in Strandhill for many years of good work as a community activist.”

Mayor of Sligo Municipal District Cllr Marie Casserly also praised the progress and said there was “no reason why this cannot become an International Surf Centre.”