The main instrument for regulating, managing and – essentially – promoting sustainable development within the city of Sligo is the Sligo and Environs Development Plan 2010-16. This Plan covers the Borough of Sligo together with its urban and rural environs located outside the Borough, under the jurisdiction of Sligo County Council and sets out the overall strategy for the proper planning and sustainable development of the area as well as stating the policies and objectives for land use and for development management. The local Authorities, in managing development, must consider the provisions of the Plan and try to secure its objectives.
A new Development Plan must be made every six years. The Local Authority is required to publish notice of its intention to review the Plan, not later than four years after the making of a development plan. The review process extends over two years.
Sligo and Environs Development Plan 2010-16
Local Area Plans
Local Area Plans must be prepared for towns with over 2000 residents, but may also be prepared for any areas for which such plans are considered suitable by the planning authorities and in particular for those areas that require economic, physical and social renewal and for areas likely to be subject to large scale development within the lifetime of the development plan‘ (Planning and Development Act 2000-2010).
The Sligo and Environs Development Plan 2010-16 establishes a clear strategic policy framework for the sustainable development of Sligo and its environs, within which detailed plans, i.e. local area plans - can be drawn up for specific areas to ensure their development in a comprehensive and orderly fashion and according to the strategic vision for the Plan area.
One such Local Area Plan - Hazelwood Ballinode LAP - has already been in place since the 1st of November 2004.