Minister Dara Calleary Launches Sligo LEADER Five Year Strategy at St. Michael’s Family Life Centre
20 May 2025 – Sligo, Ireland
Minister Dara Calleary TD, visited Sligo on Monday to officially launch the Sligo LEADER Partnership Company’s Five Year Strategy, which outlines a bold and ambitious vision for community-led local development in County Sligo from 2025–2030.
The launch event took place at the St. Michael’s Building, Chapel Hill , where stakeholders, elected representatives, community members, board members, and staff gathered to mark the beginning of this new strategic phase. The strategy 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 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 welcoming community-run café. Both projects are prime 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; An Cathaoirleach Cllr Declan Bree, Cllr Paul Taylor, Cllr Liam Brennan, Cllr Edel McSharry, Cllr Donal Gilroy, Cllr Gerard Mullaney, Cllr Fergal Nealon, Cllr Ann Higgins, Cllr Joe Queenan, Cllr Michael Clarke, Cllr Marie Casserley, Cllr Thomas Walsh, Cllr Thomas Healy and Chief Executive of Sligo County Council, 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.
Sligo LEADER Partnership Company extends its sincere gratitude to all of the agencies, local community groups, board members and staff and all who contributed to the development of this strategy.
