One of Sligo's busiest commercial areas, O'Connell Street, is set to undergo a second phase of improvements following a key appointment.

Fox Building and Civil Ltd has struck a deal with Sligo County Council to deliver Phase 2 of the O'Connell Street Enhancement Project.

The contract, which will commence in Quarter 1 of 2022, consists of approximately 180m of existing roadway and footpaths along O'Connell Street, Lower Knox Street, Hyde Bridge, Fish Quay and Wine Street in Sligo. Continuing the design principles that have been applied in the first phase, it is envisaged that the new street scape provided in Phase 1 will continue from O'Connell Street in both an easterly and westerly direction to Wine Street and lower Knox Street respectively. Works will also extend along Fish Quay towards the entrance of the Glass House Hotel. This approach will provide a seamless transition from one street to another, further adding to the pedestrian experience.

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The works involve the construction of widened footpaths using granite paving and the narrowing and resurfacing of the existing roadways. The works incorporate the construction of a new surface water drainage network and connection to the existing network, the construction of new ducting infrastructure for utility services, and the provision of road markings, street furniture, and signage. The Project will provide an upgraded junction at Wine Street/O'Connell Street/Lower Knox Street incorporating new controlled pedestrian crossings.

Funding was confirmed by the Department of Housing under the Urban Regeneration and Development Fund (URDF) as part of Project 2040. This funding combined with the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) will facilitate the completion of this flagship project for Sligo City.

Mayor Councillor Arthur Gibbons said: "The next phase of the O'Connell St project is welcomed by local businesses and their customers, in addition to enhancing the appearance of our town centre, it also provides improved safety measures for vulnerable road users."

Director of Services Tom Kilfeather added: "Phase 2 will continue to incorporate innovation by providing substantial measures to cater for future smart technologies that may be employed for the exchange of data in the city area. These include the provision for connection of Wi-Fi on the Street, gathering real-time environmental data, and monitoring pedestrian and traffic movements."