Phase two of the Forthill development has been officially opened in Sligo.

The park has extensive recreation areas and associated pathways, a new access road and car and coach parking areas.

Later this year, the next phase of the programme will see the completion of a natural grass sand-carpet playing pitch, which will replace the 'sloping' pitch associated for many years by Glenview Stars.

Sligo Mayor Veronica Cawley said: "A few short years ago, Sligo Borough Council set out on a major programme to transform the landscape of our city to met the demands of a growing urban population.

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"Our Parks Department manages eight playing pitches, six playgrounds, a range of landscaped inner city areas, 33 acres of partially landscaped open space and 290 acres of undeveloped space.

"The expertise and dedication of our Parks Department of our Parks Department have ensured this programme has been delivered to the highest quality, and great credit is due to Michael Condren, Chief Executive Parks, and his staff for their excellent work in this area."

The Mayor highlighted the role of the local community in the project.

"The driving force behind this amenity has been the Northside Community Partnership, and I would like to commend Ann Donegan and her colleagues on the Board of Management."

Sligo Borough Council was assisted in funding the project by the Department of Arts, Sport and Tourism, Rapid, and the Dormant Accounts Fund.

(PR/JM)