1. Site Context and Setting
Cleveragh Regional Park is located within the Cleveragh area and its environs, a landscape characterised by a mix of land uses and typologies on the eastern edge of Sligo Town. The area transitions from urban settings to the west into more rural and naturalised landscapes to the east.
The Garavogue River runs along the eastern boundary of the park, flowing from Lough Gill (approximately 1 km east/south-east) through Sligo town centre to Sligo Bay. A linear park extends along much of the Garavogue River, linking the Sligo Rowing Club (approximately 250 m north of Cleveragh, along Cleveragh Drive / “The Back Avenue”) to the Riverside Hotel.
In the immediate vicinity, the Sligo Regional Sports Centre and Sligo Racecourse are situated to the northwest of the park.
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2. Historical Context
The lands now comprising Cleveragh Regional Park and much of the surrounding area were historically part of Cleveragh Demesne.
Demesnes were estates associated with titled landowners, used for food production, riding, hunting, and as pleasure grounds. These landscapes have left a lasting imprint on the Irish countryside, often featuring:
• Designed gardens and parkland trees (Oak, Scots Pine, Ash, Beech, Lime, Sycamore, Horse Chestnut, etc.)
• Hedgerows, woodlands, orchards
• Water features and drainage channels
In the 19th century, Cleveragh Demesne extended from Lough Gill along the western bank of the Garavogue River almost to the limits of Sligo town. This legacy contributes to the existing character and mature landscape of the current park.
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3. Background to Park Development
Cleveragh Regional Park was originally granted planning permission under a Part 8 Planning Process in 2006.
The design was led by Murray & Associates on behalf of Sligo Borough Council, with significant elements of the masterplan progressively delivered since 2008. These include:
• Two grass playing pitches
• Tennis courts and other sports facilities
• Paths, jogging and cycle tracks
• Car park for 63 vehicles and cycle parking
• Amphitheatre with seating and barbecue facilities
• War memorial space with seating and viewing areas
• Public lighting, boundary fencing, drainage, signage, and related works
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4. Proposed Development (Part 8 – 2025)
The current 2025 Part 8 application proposes amendments and design updates to the existing masterplan to enhance recreational opportunities and upgrade infrastructure in line with the Sligo County Development Plan 2024–2030.
Key Proposals
• Regional-scale Playground: Approx. 5,000 sq.m.
• Sports Facilities: Multi-Use Games Area, full and half basketball courts.
• Learn-to-Cycle Area and Pump Track: 470 sq.m and 1,080 sq.m respectively, both wheelchair-accessible with shelter structures.
• Regional Skate Park: Approx. 1,000 sq.m.
• Dog Park: 6,460 sq.m, divided into large and small dog zones.
• Pedestrian Paths and Spaces: Approx. 3,500 sq.m (1.5 km of paths, 2–3 m wide).
• Car and Cycle Parking: 95 car spaces (including 14 universally accessible) and 50 additional cycle spaces.
• Access Roads: 425 m long, 6 m wide, with raised pedestrian crossings.
• Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS): Permeable surfacing, swales, bioretention basins, and soakaways to maintain existing runoff rates.
• Public and Flood Lighting: Designed to be bat-friendly.
• Hard and Soft Landscaping: Across all new and existing park areas.
• Ancillary Infrastructure: Supporting utilities and services.
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5. Design Intent and Vision
The landscape architectural design proposals aim to enhance the quality, accessibility, and sustainability of Cleveragh Regional Park. The project provides new, regionally significant amenities while respecting the site’s historical character and ecological setting.
These improvements reinforce the park’s role as a major regional leisure destination, delivering environmental, recreational, and community benefits consistent with the Sligo County Development Plan 2024–2030.
