The general chit-chat thread [READ THE FIRST POST BEFORE POSTING HERE]

marvin80 · 26-09-2018 1:28pm

The article is more about the jobs economy in Sligo and other big towns around Ireland.

For example say 50 people qualify from Sligo IT with a degree in Software Development - if those 50 people want to remain in Sligo it's very unlikely they'll all get jobs to use with their qualifications so they can either settle for a job they can find in Sligo (not specifically a job they want or spent 4 years in college aiming for) or they can look to Dublin. The problem in Dublin is accommodation and the cost of living is at ridiculous levels. As a consequence the person has to commute to the job in Dublin.

This is why a lot of towns are dying their feet - not enough jobs to keep young people there. There's no reason why big towns like Sligo can't get hundreds of knowledge based economy jobs but instead the jobs keep going to Dublin.
I know there's been job announcements for Sligo but they need more and more jobs. I mentioned it a page or two back - people should be asking their local TDs the next time they come around looking for votes, what are they doing to get jobs into Sligo to keep young people there, interesting stat mentioned in the article:

Sligo has the lowest rate of employment growth in the country, rising by just 2.2 per cent between 2011 and 2016 – the national average is 11 per cent.

I know loads of people from Sligo who've got jobs in Dublin, now live an hour commute from Dublin - they'd love to move home but the jobs there qualified in are not there.
Plenty of others living in Sligo and commuting to jobs in Mayo, Galway and Longford.

L.Jenkins · 26-09-2018 10:21pm

The North West needs a revival in terms of knowledge based jobs. I don't see why Sligo isn't seen as a suitable location for Science and Engineering companies to locate to. I'd love nothing more than to live and work in Sligo as that's where the wife is from.

I do suppose that the M4 could be extended to Sligo or at least a much better road that bypasses smaller towns and villages such as Carrick On Shannon and Edgesworthstown.

Andy From Sligo · 26-09-2018 11:11pm

L.Jenkins wrote: »

The North West needs a revival in terms of knowledge based jobs. I don't see why Sligo isn't seen as a suitable location for Science and Engineering companies to locate to. I'd love nothing more than to live and work in Sligo as that's where the wife is from.

I do suppose that the M4 could be extended to Sligo or at least a much better road that bypasses smaller towns and villages such as Carrick On Shannon and Edgesworthstown.

would love to see the M4 extended myself - as far as I know collooney to boyle is being straightened out at thats about as best we are going to get any time 'soon' - I havent heard that CoS and Edgesworthstown will be getting bypassed but I like you think that should be a priority - in some respects more of a prioroty that the straightening/new carriageway between Collooney and boyle personally if it was either or

dingding · 26-09-2018 11:39pm

L.Jenkins wrote: »

The North West needs a revival in terms of knowledge based jobs. I don't see why Sligo isn't seen as a suitable location for Science and Engineering companies to locate to. I'd love nothing more than to live and work in Sligo as that's where the wife is from.

I do suppose that the M4 could be extended to Sligo or at least a much better road that bypasses smaller towns and villages such as Carrick On Shannon and Edgesworthstown.

I would think that there is a bias towards Science and Engineering jobs in Sligo and we probably need to diversify into Fintech.

L.Jenkins · 26-09-2018 11:41pm

Andy From Sligo wrote: »

would love to see the M4 extended myself - as far as I know collooney to boyle is being straightened out at thats about as best we are going to get any time 'soon' - I havent heard that CoS and Edgesworthstown will be getting bypassed but I like you think that should be a priority - in some respects more of a prioroty that the straightening/new carriageway between Collooney and boyle personally if it was either or

Well the road from Mullingar to Castlebaldwin is fairly decent. My only issue would be traffic coming through towns and villages. The road between Colloney does need some form of updated carriage way. Leitrim even has a dual carriageway in parts.

What I'd also love to see is a better road from Roscommon to Boyle. At one stage, the trip from Athlone was far worse before they straightened a few sharp turns which were lethal during the winter.

red sean · 29-09-2018 11:23am

Mazda dealership returning to Sligo. Martin Reilly Motors are taking it on. (didn't want to post it in 'Stores opening' thread as it's been open for years)

Andy From Sligo · 30-09-2018 2:35pm

O'Connell Street closed today - another fire , this time in the Indulge restaurant on the street - more details here:

https://www.oceanfm.ie/2018/09/30/oconnell-street-in-sligo-town-closed-this-afternoon-due-to-a-fire/

Andy From Sligo · 02-10-2018 1:53pm

from OceanFM:
There has been an accident at Duck Street in Sligo. As you turn down for IT Sligo. Manorhamilton/Enniskillen turn off. Emergency Services on the scene. Diversions in place.

https://www.facebook.com/oceanfmireland/posts/2139008366111826?__xts__%5B0%5D=68.ARCVdLqWwdHOriBoqz-lHnOoIJdVG_qTHNZRISm9DbzYQLPuCvl-lAz2e9BQbzcwgAiqhJgdXJSwj21ZcrsL_CNdR-WmSyCzNpcay32-BVQJU3nDy17W7s_ajWHWnkVICZokcdzKnNrfnyVkiAX27460rJilioHdjdOqKKA8WgzKZDpz4-9zwg&__tn__=-R

42892593_2139011102778219_7692490223334195200_n.jpg?_nc_cat=109&oh=6acae76d11524ebbaf28f15c8bbf0a4a&oe=5C546157

42892593_2139011102778219_7692490223334195200_n.jpg?_nc_cat=109&oh=6acae76d11524ebbaf28f15c8bbf0a4a&oe=5C546157

42922933_2139005949445401_9217062699832180736_n.jpg?_nc_cat=105&oh=5b2de5157917b7512f0621683ecf8fd9&oe=5C62A058

42925549_2139006056112057_7877870409217998848_n.jpg?_nc_cat=109&oh=126325ec88290153a45633293eb52581&oe=5C1DFD23

Mint Sauce · 04-10-2018 5:57pm

Thought I would pop into the new Lidl store this afternoon. Kept going when I seen the traffic backed from the carport to the relief road!

Maybe next week when the hype has died down slightly.

sligojoek · 04-10-2018 6:02pm

The old Lidl was a pleasure today. It was like a ghost town

Andy From Sligo · 04-10-2018 10:06pm

they have to do something with access / traffic management down there now - and those traffic lights at Duncans Island/bundoran road are on green for far too short too

red sean · 18-10-2018 10:37am

More jobs being announced today (non-high tech.) The good news continues, long may it do so.
https://www.oceanfm.ie/2018/10/18/minister-says-sligo-jobs-announcement-will-help-to-balance-regional-development/

Andy From Sligo · 23-10-2018 11:29pm

this is a video from user @CantParkWontParkSligo on facebook.

I realise the car that was driving the wrong way may have not been concentrating to see the large NO ENTRY marking on the road and the signs - but push that to one side - how do you feel about the one way system in Sligo? is it confusing or could it be better laid out?

https://www.facebook.com/1808865862722736/posts/2325909387685045/

sligojoek · 23-10-2018 11:53pm

I'm gone so used to it I don't notice anymore. But I'd hate to be trying to get from, say, Dunnes Stores to the hospital in a hurry.

EmptyTree · 24-10-2018 12:09am

Andy From Sligo wrote: »

I realise the car that was driving the wrong way may have not been concentrating to see the large NO ENTRY marking on the road and the signs - but push that to one side - how do you feel about the one way system in Sligo? is it confusing or could it be better laid out?

I can see his easily this could happen but looking at the video I feel a bit like this individual was chancing their arm....

Andy From Sligo · 24-10-2018 12:40am

EmptyTree wrote: »

I can see his easily this could happen but looking at the video I feel a bit like this individual was chancing their arm....

I dunno, I am trying to make my mind up between maybe visitor to the town and unfamiliar with the road layout or tourist from another country in a hire car or sat nav leading them down this road , of just generally not paying attention

sligojoek · 24-10-2018 1:09am

I'd give a flustered visitor the benefit of the doubt there but the amount of locals going across from Abbey St to Castle St is ridiculous. A Garda ANPR camera there would solve the problem in a week.

Mint Sauce · 24-10-2018 10:03am

Andy From Sligo wrote: »

this is a video from user @CantParkWontParkSligo on facebook.

I realise the car that was driving the wrong way may have not been concentrating to see the large NO ENTRY marking on the road and the signs - but push that to one side - how do you feel about the one way system in Sligo? is it confusing or could it be better laid out?

https://www.facebook.com/1808865862722736/posts/2325909387685045/

No, I think its more an issue of people failing to read road signs, chancing their arm, or ignornace. Only the odd tourist would I give benifit of the doubt to.

Every single morning I see people going straight on from Abbey Street, onto Castle Street, even heard a Guard say to a driver, 'you are from the town, you shoud know!'

The Alleyway between John Street and Wine Street/Tesco Carpark is another example. At least 4 signs, between road markings, and physical signs, saying No Right Turn, No Entry, and people still try and come down. Met one car one day, granted they did reverse back out onto John Street when they met me, but what did they do, try and go straight back down when I exited.

EmptyTree · 10-11-2018 9:57pm

sligoblue wrote: »

I heard the Eddie Rockets type restaurant where xtravision used to be is opening next week.

With all the café, restaurants, takeaways etc I recon operation transformation might be doing the next full series just in Sligo. Still though, good to have somewhere to go for dinner after you've a had a coffee in town.... :rolleyes:

Andy From Sligo · 10-11-2018 11:24pm

EmptyTree wrote: »

With all the café, restaurants, takeaways etc I recon operation transformation might be doing the next full series just in Sligo. Still though, good to have somewhere to go for dinner after you've a had a coffee in town.... :rolleyes:

i'd just like to know where all these establishments get all this footfall - me personally I only go out for a meal once in a blue moon because of money constraints . Its nice but when you have eaten it or drunk it ... thats it, its gone!

Buford T Justice · 11-11-2018 1:50am

EmptyTree wrote: »

With all the café, restaurants, takeaways etc I recon operation transformation might be doing the next full series just in Sligo. Still though, good to have somewhere to go for dinner after you've a had a coffee in town.... :rolleyes:

Yeah, you're totally right. Lets leave these units idle and have less jobs in the locality. Much better idea.

sligoblue · 11-11-2018 2:10am

EmptyTree wrote: »

With all the café, restaurants, takeaways etc I recon operation transformation might be doing the next full series just in Sligo. Still though, good to have somewhere to go for dinner after you've a had a coffee in town.... :rolleyes:

A business opens in a previous empty commercial premises, provides employment to locals, variety to customers and competition to existing restaurants. Maybe that is a bad thing, or if I don't understand this, I could be crass and stupid.

sligojoek · 11-11-2018 2:38am

Good to see people trying anyway. If it's good it should do well and if it's not it won't.

Andy From Sligo · 11-11-2018 2:59am

it be nice for a better selection of businesses though - at one time I remember saying that Sligo would be known for a plethora of Shoe shops in the town centre at one time. The joke used to be "oh no, not another shoe shop!" - and now these days its "Oh no, not another Cafe ! (or eating establishment)" why can there be no imagination .. I dont like to see empty units either but i do like to see a good selection of retail type shops for a town centre. - cafe's are lovely but they really dont entice me to go into town because there are cafe's there I like more retail places you can actually buy products

sligoblue · 11-11-2018 9:53am

Andy From Sligo wrote: »

it be nice for a better selection of businesses though - at one time I remember saying that Sligo would be known for a plethora of Shoe shops in the town centre at one time. The joke used to be "oh no, not another shoe shop!" - and now these days its "Oh no, not another Cafe ! (or eating establishment)" why can there be no imagination .. I dont like to see empty units either but i do like to see a good selection of retail type shops for a town centre. - cafe's are lovely but they really dont entice me to go into town because there are cafe's there I like more retail places you can actually buy products

I suspect the reason why cafes open and retail shops close is that it's difficult to buy a hot cup of coffee online and have it delivered when you want it. Retail shops are closing everywhere, and it's unlikely they will ever exist on high streets in such numbers again. Every town you go to now has lots of cafes,vaping shops, Dealz because they provide items that are perishable, convenient, often bought on the spur of moment and are not worth ordering on line (I don't know anything about the cost of vaping, but I assume when they run out, the person using them will want another one the same day).

tinpib · 11-11-2018 10:09am

Changing habits as well. People are no longer heading out getting sh!tfaced as much as they did in my day (20 years ago) they are more health conscious. I was walking round the town at 6pm one Wednesday recently and I couldn't belive how busy the restaurants were along the river.

Eala Ban, Rugantino, Fabbrica, Fiddlers, Hooked, the Bistro, while none were packed all of them had half decent crowds for an off peak time. It was a pleasant surprise.

Andy From Sligo · 11-11-2018 3:52pm

sligoblue wrote: »

I suspect the reason why cafes open and retail shops close is that it's difficult to buy a hot cup of coffee online and have it delivered when you want it. Retail shops are closing everywhere, and it's unlikely they will ever exist on high streets in such numbers again. Every town you go to now has lots of cafes,vaping shops, Dealz because they provide items that are perishable, convenient, often bought on the spur of moment and are not worth ordering on line (I don't know anything about the cost of vaping, but I assume when they run out, the person using them will want another one the same day).

yep your right - towns will never get back to how they used to be I dont think . shame . it can only get worse really the way online shopping has taken off and will take off even more in the future (theres always talk of same day deliveries and drone deliveries etc and god knows what other large online retailers have in mind)

I dunno whether thats what I want to see in a town centre in the end cafes and pound shops and vape shops but thats what they could end up like or going to end up like. and then if there are no good selection of shops any more then people may stop going into town so if they stop going into town and no shoppers to want refreshments whats going to all the business the cafe's etc get?

marvin80 · 11-11-2018 4:45pm

When did 5th on Teeling close?

tinpib · 11-11-2018 8:26pm

marvin80 wrote: »

When did 5th on Teeling close?

Not far off 6 months ago I'd say? Rumour I heard was offices going in there.

EmptyTree · 11-11-2018 10:34pm

Buford T Justice wrote: »

Yeah, you're totally right. Lets leave these units idle and have less jobs in the locality. Much better idea.

I'm all for jobs in Sligo, seeing all the places that have closed over the last few years has been truly awful. Many of these shops/businesses have personal stories behind them, people that went out on a limb to invest in a something and rely on it to support themselves and their family. Even worse when it closes, they have very little support because they were self employed. It's always fantastic to see new places opening up. However the sustainability of the steady stream of new cafés, restaurants etc is what I'm skeptical about. It's sad to see somewhere close particularly after 6-12 months knowing that despite someone's best efforts it didn't get enough business to continue trading or rates were increased. If people want to give restaurants/cafe's
a go, then more power to them, but without support services (other shops, (non-alcohol) entertainment etc) I'm not sure as many places will stay open. It actually makes me sad to see the cycle of new places opening and then closing. I want these places to be successful in the long term and open for years instead of months.
On the other hand maybe these new restaurants/cafe's will attract other businesses to open around them, maybe its the kick-start Sligo needs and that would be fantastic.
I think it can be done, I just don't think this is how it will be done, but I'd be genuinely delighted to be proven wrong.

15-12-2018 2:37pm

Anyone know where I can locally purchase a replacment computer seat cover?

Thanks.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/office-swivel-computer-47x50cm-backrest/dp/B013YF0296

Andy From Sligo · 15-12-2018 9:33pm

Zechariah Uneven Cow wrote: »

Anyone know where I can locally purchase a replacment computer seat cover?

Thanks.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/office-swivel-computer-47x50cm-backrest/dp/B013YF0296

maybe ask in somewhere like sligo office supply or somewhere similar?

Mint Sauce · 18-01-2019 12:35pm

How where we with all that traffic chaos this morning. Dual Carriage Way closed to Sligo bound traffic at Colloney due to overturned truck, then another truck hit bridge at Ballisadare on one of the diverts.

A lot of frustrated drivers quite late for work I guess today. 15 minute journey turned into almost an hour.

Andy From Sligo · 18-01-2019 1:57pm

Mint Sauce wrote: »

How where we with all that traffic chaos this morning. Dual Carriage Way closed to Sligo bound traffic at Colloney due to overturned truck, then another truck hit bridge at Ballisadare on one of the diverts.

A lot of frustrated drivers quite late for work I guess today. 15 minute journey turned into almost an hour.

its the snowflake or 2 we got .. sent people doolally so it has

El Weirdo · 18-01-2019 2:25pm

Andy From Sligo wrote: »

its the snowflake or 2 we got .. sent people doolally so it has

Except it wasn't that. It was the truck that turned over and the truck that got stuck at the bridge.

Andy From Sligo · 18-01-2019 6:15pm

El Weirdo wrote: »

Except it wasn't that. It was the truck that turned over and the truck that got stuck at the bridge.

I werent around on the roads at that time this morning (thankfully) - was there any snow or ice around on the roads there ?

Mint Sauce · 18-01-2019 6:22pm

Andy From Sligo wrote: »

I werent around on the roads at that time this morning (thankfully) - was there any snow or ice around on the roads there ?

None at all around there between 8.30 and 9.30 anyway.

Andy From Sligo · 18-01-2019 6:45pm

wonder what it was with the lorry going across the roundabout then ? (only speculating) on phone? - tired? just a freak accident? avoiding another vehicle.

and then it gets directed to old sligo road only for another truck to get caught under a bridge! - whoever was driving that truck must of known height of his load ... then why still pursue to carry on and drive under the bridge! .. i dunno

sounded like a crazy morning anyway

rizzodun · 18-01-2019 7:01pm

I'm sure he was well aware of the height if his load, pity that by the time he would have known about the bridge it would have been too late to turn around. There's no signs before the coolaney road junction to warn you I believe, and he probably never drove that road before.

Mint Sauce · 18-01-2019 7:51pm

rizzodun wrote: »

I'm sure he was well aware of the height if his load, pity that by the time he would have known about the bridge it would have been too late to turn around. There's no signs before the coolaney road junction to warn you I believe, and he probably never drove that road before.

Which bridge was it? The one around the S turn near Parkes Garage, or the one between Ballisadare and the N4. Either way, having to be redirected, the driver may not have been sure of the road. Would expect truck drivers to go under the one near the N4 to make deliveries, but doubt many go by Parkes any more.

Andy From Sligo · 18-01-2019 9:24pm

yes i was wondering that myself if there are any pre-warning signs of a bridge ahead and stating maximum height of vehicle - ultra bad if they dont

anyone know if the truck that got caught was just travelling down there or if it had just got diverted from the collooney roundabout crash?

rizzodun · 19-01-2019 12:54am

The one out of Collooney village heading on the old N4 towards Ballisodare, at the S bend. It was a supertrailer I believe (higher than normal) and he was diverted just after the accident happened. The bridge at Sligo side of Ballisodare village is taller if I'm not mistaken.

Andy From Sligo · 19-01-2019 12:59am

rizzodun wrote: »

The one out of Collooney village heading on the old N4 towards Ballisodare, at the S bend. It was a supertrailer I believe (higher than normal) and he was diverted just after the accident happened. The bridge at Sligo side of Ballisodare village is taller if I'm not mistaken.

ah blimey, he was diverted and and the person(s) enacting the diversion didnt thought to pull him over and tell him at time of diversion that his vehicle could hit the bridge there ...

rizzodun · 19-01-2019 10:43am

Andy From Sligo wrote: »

ah blimey, he was diverted and and the person(s) enacting the diversion didnt thought to pull him over and tell him at time of diversion that his vehicle could hit the bridge there ...

It's not like diversions like this are done on a regular basis. It might not have been done by the gardai at that stage, mistakes happen.

marvin80 · 19-02-2019 9:39am

Looks like Sligo is going to have 2 Summer Festivals - the usual one in August and another one the May Bank holiday weekend.
Hopefully get big crowds for both.

Bebo stunnah · 19-02-2019 12:52pm

marvin80 wrote: »

Looks like Sligo is going to have 2 Summer Festivals - the usual one in August and another one the May Bank holiday weekend.
Hopefully get big crowds for both.

Any info for these?

Basq · 19-02-2019 1:00pm

Bebo stunnah wrote: »

Any info for these?

The decision to have two was only announced yesterday.. so that's the only info so far.

Andy From Sligo · 19-02-2019 1:48pm

they are run great as well. feels safe environment for the family and the volunteers go around clearing up litter/cups on the spot as the night goes on. nice atmosphere.

marvin80 · 20-02-2019 10:54am

Sligo Live Festival taking place over 2 weekends in October as well.

prodsc · 21-02-2019 8:11pm

https://scontent.fdub5-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/52390027_2161609643882880_7284601676063834112_n.jpg?_nc_cat=104&_nc_ht=scontent.fdub5-1.fna&oh=3d739f7212175fde0bf01fece6b82008&oe=5CF4C1D4

The general chit-chat thread [READ THE FIRST POST BEFORE POSTING HERE]

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