Last Friday, Minister for Rural and Community Development Dara Calleary visited a sun drenched Doorly Park for the launch of the impressive document.
The Outdoor Recreation Plan aims to “Achieve a more planned and coordinated approach between the many outdoor stakeholders in Co Sligo.”
The Plan states that, “The priority for outdoor recreation in Co Sligo over the next five years is to consolidate and enhance the availability of outdoor recreation opportunities in our county. This will be achieved through collaborative leadership and decision making, and through collective action will increase everyone’s ability to enjoy and respect Sligo’s unique natural and heritage environments.”
With the Garavogue and Benbulben providing a perfect backdrop Gerard Lovett, Outdoor Recreation Officer for Sligo and Mayo welcomed the assembled politicians, dignitaries and invited guests.
The Plan was officially launched by Minister Calleary who spoke about his own personal connection with Sligo saying, “I am delighted to be here as half a Sligo man, given my mother came from Sligo. In the 70s we had a choice – the bog or the beach! Easkey is still a very special place to me.”
Standing close to the banks of the Garavogue with Benbulben providing a perfect backdrop, Minister Calleary referred to the “Extraordinary vista here behind me, in an urban area. Where we have come from in terms of outdoor recreation is extraordinary.”
Congratulating all who contributed to the Plan, Minister Calleary said, “This is a plan you can all be proud of.” He added, “This is setting an agenda. We will use this Plan as a map and compass. The success of this plan is up to all of us and all of you. To anyone who encourages people to come out here on a Saturday morning in November as opposed to a sunny day in April, thank you!
“This is a very important and serious plan and it is my pleasure to declare it launched and I wish it well.”
Chairperson of the Sligo County Outdoor Recreation Committee, Emer Concannon said the “Landmark document will guide outdoor recreation in the region.”
Ms Concannon referred to Sligo’s “Exceptional natural amenities and landscapes,” noting, “Sligo is already home to a vibrant outdoor recreation sector. It is all part of everyday life, this plan aims to build on that.”
She added one of the aims of the Plan is to ensure, “Inclusive access to outdoor recreation across the county.”
It was noted that the development of the plan was shaped by an extensive public engagement process with Ms Concannon commenting, “Those voices are reflected in the priorities set out in the plan.”
Sligo’s County Outdoor Recreation Committee includes key representatives from Sligo County Council, Sligo Sport and Recreation Partnership, Sligo LEADER Partnership, Failte Ireland, Coillte, National Parks and Wildlife Service, Ireland’s Association for Adventure Tourism, Leave no Trace, Inland Fisheries Ireland and National Governing bodies.
It was also stressed by Ms Concannon that, “At the heart of the plan there is a strong commitment to environmental sustainability.”
The Plan states, “Environment and heritage will be woven into the fabric of outdoor recreation decision making, through sound leadership actions to secure the quality of our outdoor recreation experiences for future generations.”
Ms Concannon told the assembled audience of interested stakeholders that, “Outdoor recreation should be accessible for everyone. The Plan aims to ensure more people can enjoy the benefits of connecting with nature.”
Ms Concannon by offering her gratitude to all who helped to compile the Plan saying, I would like to extend sincere thanks to all who played a part in developing this plan to enhance Sligo’s already exceptional offering in outdoor recreation.”
CEO of Sport Ireland, Dr Una May hailed the launch of the Plan as a “Momentous occasion.”
Paying tribute to all who worked together to compile the Plan, Dr May said, “When everybody works together we can achieve an awful lot. It is a real demonstration of the success of collaboration.”
Dr May added, “This is of huge significance. It is the first of its kind and the fact that Sligo is leading the way is no surprise. There are huge benefits to being active outdoors and the benefits to Sligo go way beyond outdoor recreation.”
Looking to what comes next in terms of implementing what is in the Plan, Dr May said, “We work very closely with the Sports Partnerships. That’s the value we bring but it will be down to the local enablers. It will have to be implemented next and that will be the fun part and I mean that – fun!”
Article Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme.