Sligo PPN Community Representative Update
Update from SPC2 : Environment & Infrastructure
March 2020
Provided by Community & Voluntary Rep Sharon Eastwood
Warm welcome was received by all for the newly elected PPN reps at the recent Environment & Infrastructure SPC Meeting.
Some points of note from the discussions:
O’Connell Street Public Realm Works .
The works are progressing well and look lovely and clutter such as excessive signage has been removed. The follows the new recommendations outlined in www.DMURS.ie – The Design Manual for Urban Roads & Street. The cycle racks originally provided on O’Connell Street were removed also as part of the upgrade and following a query raised by the PPN rep at the meeting, assurance was given that they would be re-instated.
Western Distributor Road (WDR) – Opportunity to link with All Ireland Pollinator Plan (AIPP) & Cycle & Foot Paths included.
In an update on the WDR was provided and should greatly ease traffic flow from South towards Finisklin when it opens circa June.
It was great to see that a cycle track and walkway is also designed here. I asked about the potential to have Pollinator-friendly planting schemes on the new embankments and new roundabouts. When the WDR was first issued to tender, the AIPP was not specified as an inclusion. Despite this it was great to hear that the Council have already had detailed discussion on this with the Council’s Parks Office. Quotes for native Irish providence wildflower seeds, grown in Ireland have been obtained for use on a number of the key embankments along this route. Costs of these Irish grown, Irish provenance-seeds are expensive so it was emphasised that correct management of the site allows for good long-term success of these flowers. It was also requested that top soil layers are kept thin to ensure low nutrient loads as best required for wild flowers. Native hornbeam trees are planned for the roundabouts and it was requested that the grass here is mowed in accordance with recommendations of the AIPP (Don’t Mow – let it grow). It is hoped that in the long-term the roundabouts could also have pollinator-flowers sown here too. Overall, the PN rep was very pleased to learn of the plans for the WDR.
Climate Change Policy
The new Climate adaption Strategy for the council was discussed also.