Opinions sought on what’s needed in Ballisodare



The community council in Ballisodare, County Sligo, is looking for the opinions of local people on what they want in their area.

The council is hoping to put together an action plan for the development of Ballisodare for all ages.

The deadline for the return of the survey is August 18th.

Ballisodare is a picturesque crossing point on the Owenmore River beside Ballisodare Bay, the last village off the N4 dual carriageway from Dublin before Sligo Town.

It’s also a gateway to West Sligo and in bygone times it was known for its milling and fisheries.

In the late seventies to early eighties, it became internationally renwoned for its Boys of Ballisodare folk and rock festivals, attracting such stars as Chuck Berry and Donovan.

But in latter years, having been by-passed by the new N4, it has had to confront a number of problems.

Prime among them is dereliction, an example being the empty site in the centre of the village where the well-known Dun Maeve Hotel once stood.

Access to the river, traffic calming and the needs of such measures as a pedestrian crossing are among other issues.

But as Margaret Savage, of Ballsodare Community Council explains, there are probably many other points that local people wish to see addressed.

And she says the survey now being undertaken is the opportunity for them to make their opinions known.

The results of the survey will eventually be presented to the community at an open meeting.

Meanwhile, some new developments are taking place in Ballisodare.

A new walkway has been opened near the old abbey while there are also plans to name the bridge in Ballisodare after local man Martin Savage, who took part in the 1916 Rising.

He died after an ambush in Ashbrook in Dublin and is buried in the old cemetery in Ballisodare, near Woodbrook Heights.

Sinn Fein Councillor Thomas Healy says it’s hoped that the naming ceremony will take place soon.



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