Inclusion of Sligo in Living City Initiative could be ‘important step in tackling vacancy and dereliction’

By Philip Rooney, The Sligo Champion

Independent Councillor Marie Casserly has given a cautious welcome to the inclusion of Sligo in the Government’s Living City Initiative under Budget 2026, saying the move “could be an important step in tackling vacancy and dereliction in Sligo town centre.”

The extended scheme runs to 2030, with higher tax relief limits and new supports for converting vacant spaces and upper floors into housing. Sligo joins Athlone, Drogheda, Dundalk, and Letterkenny as new regional centres under the initiative.

“Bringing life back to empty buildings is one of the biggest challenges facing Sligo,” Cllr. Casserly said. “If implemented properly, this scheme could help restore our heritage buildings, create new homes, and support local businesses — but only if it’s backed up with real delivery on the ground.”

“We’ve seen too many good ideas lost in bureaucracy,” she added. “To truly tackle dereliction, the focus must now be on practical supports, local coordination, and making it easier for people to bring buildings back into use.”