Latest news with #DeclanBree
Irish Independent
04-07-2025
- Business
- Irish Independent
Sligo County Council employees praised for embracing the Irish language
The Certificate in Professional Irish, which was completely funded by the Council for staff and delivered over a 10 week period, provided participants with the opportunity to enhance their Irish language skills and deepen their understanding of Ireland's rich linguistic heritage. This initiative reflects the local authority's dedication to fostering a bilingual working environment and improving service delivery through the use of Irish. The certificates were presented at a special event held in the Council Chamber, County Hall, was attended by staff, the Cathaoirleach and members of the executive of Sligo County Council. Speaking at the presentation ceremony, outgoing Cathaoirleach, Cllr Declan Bree said 'Sligo County Council is acutely aware of its responsibilities to the Official Languages legislation and has taken many steps in ensuring compliance with its obligations by employing an Oifigeach Gaeilge, increasing its spend on Irish language advertising and funding Irish courses for staff, like this one.' This initiative is part of a broader programme to promote the use of Irish in the workplace and in public services, in line with national language policy. 'By 2030, the Official Languages Act 2021 provides that at least 20% of new recruits to public service bodies should be competent in the Irish Language.' Praising the successful staff members at the conclusion of the awards ceremony, Councillor Bree said: 'Today is about recognising your progress, your perseverance and your passion. 'Whether you've mastered an modh coinníollach or you're still getting to grips with a response to 'an bhfuil tú go maith?', you are part of a movement — a community of learners who are breathing new life into our national language'.
Irish Independent
04-07-2025
- General
- Irish Independent
Work begins at last on vital link road in Sligo
The news has been welcomed by Cllr Declan Bree who has been campaigning for the project for several years. He told The Sligo Champion: 'I am extremely pleased that this project is finally getting underway.' Cllr Bree said the development of the road had been delayed for many years due to insufficient funding being provided by successive governments. 'It has been a long time objective of our Development Plan to have this road link constructed which will allow vehicles from Temple Street and Mail Coach Road to directly access Pearse Road and vice versa. 'I have been highlighting the need for the link for the past 15 years. 'The ongoing delay in constructing the road has caused significant problems, particularly for residents of the lower St. Bridget's Place area because motorists have had to this residential street as an access road. 'As part of the project, Sidney Gallagher Parade, which is currently a cul de sac, will be extended onto Burton Street. 'This will significantly reduce motorised traffic congestion, and its associated air and noise pollution. 'New road pavements and new wider footpaths will also be constructed and new traffic lights systems will be installed at Pearse Road and the Mail Coach Road junctions. 'New pedestrian crossings will be installed at Pearse Road, adjacent to the Mercy Primary School, and at Sidney Gallagher Parade and new cycle lanes will also be included,' said Cllr Bree.
Irish Independent
01-07-2025
- Business
- Irish Independent
Innovative digital travel tool to boost Sligo tourism
This new digital tool is powered by local data and expertise along with a sprinkling of AI, and allows users to generate personalised travel itineraries for visiting Sligo. It is the first tool of its kind to be introduced anywhere in Ireland, and it marks a bold step forward in how destinations can inspire and guide potential visitors. It sits on the main website and does not require any app download. The Ideas Engine uses a rich local dataset and smart AI technology to recommend experiences, attractions, and events based on each user's unique interests. Whether the user is a young family, a solo adventurer, a couple on a wellness break, a group or a music lover planning a trip around a festival — the platform responds in real time with a curated journey tailored to them. For the travel trade, this tool enables instant itinerary generation tailored to client profiles, event-inclusive travel planning thanks to live festival integration, wider regional representation, showcasing all parts of County Sligo and an inspiration-based sales resource for tour operators and travel advisors The Ideas Engine is also a helpful tool for locals who host friends or family, helping them suggest activities and events happening during their guests' stay — from surfing or playing golf, to walks and hikes and artisan food trails. For businesses like hotels it acts as visitor servicing tool and helps to save time at reception along with helping to inspire visitors on websites and social media. Outgoing Cathaoirleach of Sligo County Council, Cllr Declan Bree has welcomed its introduction and said: 'This is a transformative moment for Sligo and for tourism promotion in Ireland. The Ideas Engine reimagines how we connect with visitors — and it sets a new standard. We're proud to lead the way, thanks to the vision of our tourism team and the innovation of ATU students who helped bring it to life.' Located on the Wild Atlantic Way, Sligo is already known for its natural beauty and cultural vibrancy — and now it has the digital tools to match. The Ideas Engine is live now and available to the public and trade alike via The new initiative is already attracting a lot attention and was discussed at the National Outdoor Recreation Conference in Limerick last week.
RTÉ News
30-06-2025
- Business
- RTÉ News
Innovative AI-powered tourism tool launched in Co Sligo
A new AI-powered itinerary planner for visitors to Yeats County, which marks a new approach in destination marketing in the northwest, has been launched by Sligo County Council. The 'Ideas Engine', believed to be one the first platforms of its kind by a local authority, generates a personalised itinerary when users submit information about their requirements and travel dates. It was developed in partnership with the Department of Marketing, Tourism and Sport at ATU Sligo. ATU undergraduate students helped to research, audit, organise and cross check tourism related businesses and experiences in Co Sligo. Sligo County Council Cathaoirleach Declan Bree said the Ideas Engine is a "fantastic innovation" helping to promote the county. He said it will help both locals and visitors to enjoy the county's offering and added that businesses and experiences will "benefit from extra attention and footfall". The platform powered by local data and AI technology (andcan be accessed on incorporates festivals and events as well as attractions, activities and hospitality offerings. Sligo County Council Tourism Officer Aidan McCormack said the ATU students contributed significantly to the platform's marketing and the ongoing improvements. "The staff of ATU provided incredible support, particularly Dr Mary McGuckin and helped provide the undergraduate students with experience of a real-world project," he said. Mr McCormack said the new platform has been embraced by hotels, attractions and experiences, who help to promote it across "booking confirmation emails, on their websites and in person including at hotel reception desks and TVs in hotel rooms". The platform covers a plethora of amenities including Sligo Folk Park, the National Surf Centre, the National Mountain Bike Centre, Sligo Food Trail and Lissadell House. Mr McCormack said it allows the local authority to platform tourist offerings in an equitable and balanced way while giving people the information they require in one place. He said it is as valuable for local people as it is for visitors, "particularly those who have friends or family visiting or parents entertaining kids during the summer holidays."
Irish Independent
27-06-2025
- Health
- Irish Independent
Not economically viable to re-open hydrotherapy pool at Cregg, meeting is told
He said senior HSE management recently met with respect to the hydrotherapy pool at the former Cregg Campus and following consideration a decision has been made not to progress/pursue a business case pertaining to the re-opening of the pool. 'A number of factors were considered in reaching this decision.' he said. 'Substantial financial resources would be required in order to bring the pool to a standard which both adheres to safety regulations and also comprehensively meets the needs of people potentially requiring the service. 'Furthermore, the HSE is mandated in utilising available resources in the most beneficial, effective and efficient manner. The re-opening of the hydrotherapy pool is not economically viable. Ultimately, the HSE is closing out all its arrangements within the former Cregg Campus. 'This decision is in line with current national HSE policy, such as the New Directions Policy for Adult Disability Day Services, which focuses on shifting from traditional, disability specific and centre based models of care to more individualised, outcome focused supports including community inclusion and active citizenship i.e. a community based social model of care. 'Furthermore, the decision was made following cross care group consultation within the HSE, the future and anticipated demand for hydrotherapy and with the needs of service users to the fore. 'Finally, any service user, who is clinically identified as requiring the use of a hydrotherapy pool, may be facilitated in Our Lady's Hospital, Manorhamilton.' he said. Cllr Declan Bree, said he was disappointed with the response, particularly given the fact that the hydrotherapy pool in Cregg had been part funded by the public 'Many disabled people, people with Multiple Sclerosis, with Cerebral Palsy, with Parkinsons Disease, require the use of a hydrotherapy pool. 'I note from the reply I have received today that any service user, who is clinically identified as requiring the use of a hydrotherapy pool, can be facilitated in Our Lady's Hospital, in Manorhamilton. 'I welcome this because it has been my view, for quite some time, that the hydrotherapy pool in Manorhamilton was not being used to its full potential,' he said.
