CHAMBER BALL
CHAMBER WANTS SLIGO TO BE SIXTH CITY IN NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2040
CHAMBER President Des Faul has described Brexit as a “juggernaut steaming its way towards us” and which would affect us more in this region than the rest of the country and that no one wanted a return to “the bad old days of border checkpoints.”
Addressing guests at the annual Chamber dinner in the Clayton Hotel on Friday night, which included Minister for Justice Charlie Flanagan, Mr Faul also stressed how important it was for Sligo to become the 6 th regional city in the National Development Plan.
“We ask the Minister for his support that Sligo be included as the sixth regional city in the NPF in order for Sligo to be a key contributor in a sustainable national economy and that will tear down some of the barriers to inward investment and the creation of jobs.
“The irony is that although the national launch of Ireland 2040 Vision Document was hosted here in the Model – Sligo has little or no mention in their recently published draft plan.
This must be changed and Sligo needs to be included as the 6 th city regional area as it is the most obvious large urban centre that can achieve growth potential in terms of employment and population,” said Mr Faul.
On Brexit, Mr Faul said: “Some progress has been made in the last few days with the UK seemingly coming to terms with the divorce bill, which will at least let the negotiations go on to the next phase.
“What Ireland needs is a long transition and a free movement of goods on the Island of Ireland – we do not want a return to the bad old days of border checkpoints and the ugly face of sectarianism that this could fuel.
“However, Brexit also provides an opportunity for our local companies to grow globally through EU Trade Agreements if you have the ambition, you can take it global. So It’s all to play for.”
Mr Faul went on to say the Chamber continued to lobby for much needed upgrades to the N4, not only within Sligo but in collaboration with other Chambers of Commerce and County Councils for a motorway from Mullingar.
He spoke of how important tourism was to Sligo and that he was pleased to hear of the imminent appointment by the County Council of a new Tourism Destination Manager for Sligo.
Mr Faul also addressed recent infrastructure improvements.
“Think of all of the changes that happened right here in the middle of our beautiful town …… and no I don’t mean all of the Irish Water road works and traffic diversions – yes they’ve been a frustration – but we are going to be one of the only towns in the country with a secure, clean, leak-free water system, a water system that has the capacity for Sligo Town to grow to a city of 50,000 people without breaking a sweat.
“Together with 1GB broadband and an improving infrastructure – we are a town ready for the new digital age – and all without the 3 hour daily commute or expense of living in Dublin.”