Priorities for 2010

Fergal Burke, as Sligo Chamber President for 2010, has set out the following objectives for his term of office.

• The main objective for 2010 is to support a job task force. The maintenance of employment and also the creation of jobs is the most critical matter facing Sligo at the moment. The reduction of costs both internal and external is crucial to the ultimate goal of improving competitiveness.

• 'Sligo is Enterprising' was launched in late 2009 in Dublin. Its objective is to encourage investment in Sligo by Dublin based businesses with Sligo connections. It also formed a Dublin Chapter of Sligo Chamber. This will be developed further in the coming months.

• We will continue our role as an effective lobby group. We still have major problems with Sligo General Hospital, Eastern and Western bridges, Sligo to Castlebaldwin Road, Sligo to Enniskillen and also how we can gain advantages for the town and county from our gateway status. We must lobby together with consistent objectives in order to succeed.

• Further emphasis will be placed on tourism. A Tourism Committee will be set up to focus on this. This area has considerable potential and Sligo is the most scenic county in Ireland with substantial amenities close to the town centre.

• The manufacturing industry is vital to the local economy. Recent legislation has made Ireland a very attractive location for European headquarters. Sligo can provide an excellent location for European headquarters and Sligo Chamber will continue to work towards this goal.

• Sligo has suffered from divisions and splits, which has seriously hampered its development. We will work towards a joint team effort involving Sligo Chamber, local authorities, state agencies and most importantly the people of Sligo with the goal of improving the local economy for everybody.