Sligo residents are raising their case with An Bord Pleanála regarding a controversial road and bridge project in the town, which the locals say will destroy the "beautiful" area.

Sligo Borough Council has proposed the construction of a road and a bridge, which will cross the River Garavogue, which runs beside the long established local community.

Backers say the new system will increase access to essential facilities, such as the nearby hospital. It has also been suggested that traffic congestion could be reduced around the town centre.

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Planners also say the development will improve links between the two areas on both sides of the river, and promote community integration.

However, opposition has come from residents of the southern side of the river, who have described the proposals as deeply traumatising.

They have suggested traffic will increase more than ten-fold in less than ten years.

The residents have also claimed the plans involve the construction of ten feet walls around their estates.

Locals say they take pride in the area, and want to help to retain its beauty.

(PR/JM)