Sligo rated as a safe, welcoming place for a night out for the tenth year in a row
Sligo Champion
Sligo has been awarded its 10th Purple Flag, a prestigious recognition for excellence in creating a vibrant, safe, and thriving evening and night-time economy (ENTE). The international accreditation celebrates destinations that offer a diverse and appealing cultural, dining, and entertainment experience while ensuring public safety and well-being after dark.
Sligo first applied for the Purple Flag in 2015, becoming the 10th destination in the Republic of Ireland to achieve the distinction. Since then, the town has continued to raise the bar, with consistent efforts from local businesses, community members, and public service representatives.
Earlier this month, Finbarr Filan proudly accepted the award on behalf of the Sligo Purple Flag Taskforce during a ceremony in England. The assessment team commended Sligo for its strong, collaborative approach, noting the clear and robust partnerships across the town. They recognised the dedication of individuals who generously give their time and energy to make Sligo's night-time economy both safe and welcoming.
Late-night bar and venue operators were specifically praised for their commitment to keeping patrons safe, while the broad range of offerings from local businesses was highlighted as an attractive and inclusive mix for both residents and visitors.
Cathaoirleach of Sligo County Council, Cllr Declan Bree said: 'It is wonderful that Sligo has once again been recognised as a vibrant and safe town, offering an eclectic mix of dining, entertainment, culture and arts. The importance and value of the nighttime economy cannot be underestimated and this award is a testament to the efforts of our collaborative partners, local business and community groups'.
The Purple Flag Project Team has been a cornerstone of Sligo's night-time economy for nearly a decade. Their sustained growth and development over the years stand as a testament to the power of community-driven initiatives.
Edel Doran, Sligo's Night-Time Economy Advisor, said: "It's wonderful to see the recognition of the night-time economy of Sligo Town on an internationally accredited level, particularly the work of the Purple Flag Taskforce. The volunteer efforts of this partnership not only supported the case for Sligo's selection as a Night-Time Economy pilot town but continue to shape and develop our local night-time offering, and are an incredible support in helping to realise the town's Action Plan."
This 10th Purple Flag is not just a milestone—it's a celebration of a decade of dedication, innovation, and community spirit in making Sligo's night-time scene one of
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Irish Independent
3 days ago
- Irish Independent
Funding announced for Sligo Folk Park autism friendly sensory garden and wheelchair accessible paths
Deputy Frank Feighan has welcomed the funding. 'Strong social enterprises are important for our local communities and play a crucial role in creating jobs, addressing social challenges, and fostering a more inclusive society, so I'm delighted to see this significant funding of the 5 social enterprises in Co. Sligo. 'The purpose of this fund is to provide capital grant supports to assist social enterprises across Ireland to achieve their social, environmental, or economic objectives.' Riverstown Enterprise Development (Sligo) Ltd. Sligo has been allocated €95,802.05 to fund the installation of wheelchair appropriate pathways throughout the park and install an autism friendly sensory garden to improve inclusivity for individuals with additional needs. County Sligo Heritage & Genealogy Society Sligo will receive €4,853.00 for improvements of ICT equipment to provide safety and sustainability of database. The €15,000 earmarked for Cherryswan CLG Sligo will be used to fund essential maintenance of the hall floor to ensure it is accessible for all users. Sligo Social Services Sligo is to receive €14,869 to fund the transition to reusable dishes for a meals on wheels service which will create energy and resource efficiencies to sustain the social enterprise by reducing expenditure and to reduce the impact on the environment in the provision of the meals on wheels service. Meanwhile, Ox Mountain Development Co. Ltd. Sligo will used the €13,775 allocated to fund the purchase of a compact oven to improve the menu to offer hot food options. 'We have all seen the invaluable work carried out by social enterprises across Sligo and I am delighted to see support for these vital organisations. 'In particular, I welcome funding for Riverstown Enterprise Development (Sligo) Ltd. throughout the community we know how hard they work, and this funding will go a long way to supporting them carry out their essential work. 'The funding announced will help encourage and sustain strong social enterprise in Co. Sligo the funding is clear evidence of Fine Gael and Minister Jerry Buttimer's commitment to supporting this important sector,' concluded Deputy Feighan. The funding has also been welcomed by Junior Minister Marian Harkin. She commended the range and vision of the projects supported in this round of funding, noting that they reflect the innovation and commitment of local social enterprises in addressing real community needs. She emphasised the importance of continued government investment in this sector, particularly given its strong track record of fostering social cohesion, generating local employment, and delivering services that otherwise might not be available in rural or disadvantaged areas. She added that this investment is aligned with the goals of the 'Trading for Impact' strategy, part of Ireland's second National Social Enterprise Policy, which was launched in July 2024. This policy sets out a clear vision to cultivate and sustain a vibrant social enterprise sector through actions that build awareness, promote growth, support the green transition, strengthen national and international engagement, and enhance impact measurement.
Irish Independent
4 days ago
- Irish Independent
Autism friendly sensory garden amongst projects grant aided in Sligo
Deputy Frank Feighan has welcomed the funding. 'Strong social enterprises are important for our local communities and play a crucial role in creating jobs, addressing social challenges, and fostering a more inclusive society, so I'm delighted to see this significant funding of the 5 social enterprises in Co. Sligo. 'The purpose of this fund is to provide capital grant supports to assist social enterprises across Ireland to achieve their social, environmental, or economic objectives. The full list of successful applicants are as follows, Riverstown Enterprise Development (Sligo) Ltd. Sligo €95,802.05 To fund the installation of wheelchair appropriate pathways throughout the park and install an Autism Friendly Sensory Garden to improve inclusivity for individuals with additional needs. County Sligo Heritage & Genealogy Society Sligo €4,853.00 – To fund improvements of ICT equipment to provide safety and sustainability of database. Cherryswan CLG Sligo €15,000.00 -To fund essential maintenance of the hall floor to ensure it is accessible for all users. Sligo Social Services Sligo – €14,869.00 To fund the transition to reusable dishes for a meals on wheels service which will create energy and resource efficiencies to sustain the social enterprise by reducing expenditure and to reduce the impact on the environment in the provision of the meals on wheels service. Ox Mountain Development Co. Ltd. Sligo €13,775.00 – To fund the purchase of a compact oven to improve the menu to offer hot food options. 'We have all seen the invaluable work carried out by social enterprises across Sligo and I am delighted to see support for these vital organisations. 'In particular, I welcome funding for Riverstown Enterprise Development (Sligo) Ltd. throughout the community we know how hard they work, and this funding will go a long way to supporting them carry out their essential work. ADVERTISEMENT Learn more 'The funding announced will help encourage and sustain strong social enterprise in Co. Sligo the funding is clear evidence of Fine Gael and Minister Jerry Buttimer's commitment to supporting this important sector,' concluded Deputy Feighan. The funding has also been welcomed by Junior Minister Marian Harkin. She commended the range and vision of the projects supported in this round of funding, noting that they reflect the innovation and commitment of local social enterprises in addressing real community needs. She emphasised the importance of continued government investment in this sector, particularly given its strong track record of fostering social cohesion, generating local employment, and delivering services that otherwise might not be available in rural or disadvantaged areas. She added that this investment is aligned with the goals of the 'Trading for Impact' strategy, part of Ireland's second National Social Enterprise Policy, which was launched in July 2024. This policy sets out a clear vision to cultivate and sustain a vibrant social enterprise sector through actions that build awareness, promote growth, support the green transition, strengthen national and international engagement, and enhance impact measurement.
Irish Independent
5 days ago
- Irish Independent
Ambitious vision of community led development of County Sligo up to 2030 revealed
Minister Dara Calleary officially launched the strategy, which outlines an ambitious vision for community-led local development in County Sligo from 2025–2030. Stakeholders, elected representatives, community members, board members, and staff gathered to mark the beginning of this new strategic phase which sets out clear priorities in areas such as rural development, social inclusion, climate action, and enterprise support. Cathaoirleach Councillor Declan Bree opened the event and spoke about how Sligo LEADER Partnership has benefited the community over the last thirty years. Minister Calleary described the strategy as 'a brilliant and ambitious document' and commended Sligo LEADER Partnership Company for its dedication to supporting and empowering communities across the county. Finbarr Filan, addressed attendees on behalf of the Sligo LEADER Partnership Board, highlighting the essential role of LEADER funding in driving sustainable community projects and economic development, and commented that this was an important day to showcase the collaboration between Sligo County Council, Kingsbridge Hospital and Sligo LEADER Partnership in securing the purchase of the St. Michael's building. The event also included remarks from John Feerick, CEO of Sligo LEADER Partnership Company, who asked Minister Calleary for support on the new LEADER programme, SICAP (Social Inclusion Community Activation Programme), to review the extension period for people on Tús and the implementation of the recommendations from the Rural Social Scheme review that was conducted last year. Following the formal proceedings, Minister Calleary visited two LEADER-supported initiatives: the community garden at Northside Community Partnership and The Doorly Park Gate Lodge, a community-run café. Both projects are examples of how LEADER funding contributes to social inclusion, social enterprise and local climate action. The event was attended by public representatives including members of the Oireachtas including Minister of State Marian Harkin, Deputy Eamon Scanlon, Deputy Frank Feighan, Senator Nessa Cosgrove and elected members of Sligo County Council and Chief Executive Martin Lydon. Also in attendance were Mark Regan and Ruth Scott of Kingsbridge Hospital, members of the Sligo LEADER Partnership staff and Board of Directors, who were warmly thanked for their ongoing guidance and support.
