Sligo’s O’Connell Street which has been allocated funding for a much needed upgrade

A grant of €2 million has been provided to upgrade Sligo's O'Connell Street.

It brings to an end one of the longest running planned projects for the city centre. The money is being provided by the North Western and Regional Assembly which has announced funding for seven cities and towns in the Border, Midlands and Western Region.

The new investment is through the European Regional Development Fund's Designated Urban Centres Grant Scheme with a total of €14 million is being provided.

The ERDF, through the Designated Urban Areas Grant Scheme, supports local authorities in improving and revitalising urban areas.

The €2m for Sligo will be spent on street enhancements for O'Connell Street which will lead to limited vehicular access with pedestrian priority, new widened pavements, new street furniture and landscaping, reduced traffic flow, and shared space for cyclists. The money will also be spent on the provision of a new community centre for Cranmore.

"This investment in Sligo, follows a submission and consultation with Sligo County Council for these two key enabling projects in the town. We look forward to working with the Council to see these projects to completion," said Director of the NWRA, Gerry Finn. Sligo's main street was pedestrianised in 2006 but was re-opened to traffic in 2009 after upgrading works never materialised.

Sligo Champion