25/05/2025
Strandhill People’s Market: A Statement of Disappointment
Over the past number of weeks, the public’s support for Strandhill People’s Market has been overwhelming. More than 3,500 people signed the petition, the story made front pages of The Sligo Champion, Sligo Weekender and radio stations and social media were filled with messages of support. From families and food lovers to tourists and traders, the message has been consistent and clear: this market is worth saving.
Last week, the Department of Transport confirmed and Minister Sean Canney TD confirmed that both helicopter services will remain at Sligo Airport until December, at which point CHC will leave.
We fully respect that decision. We also have nothing but respect for the men and women of the rescue helicopter service — many of whom have quietly voiced their support for the market too.
We also believe that, while this timeline presents serious challenges, it would at least allow the market to survive — along with 11 years of dedication, hard work, and at least some of the 150 jobs connected to it.
But what followed has been deeply disappointing.
We wrote to the Board of Sligo Airport to request one simple, reasonable commitment: That the market would be allowed to return to Hangar 1 when CHC departs in December.
No reply. No call. No letter. No email. Just silence.
This silence speaks volumes.
The current board includes:
- Albert Higgins, Chair (former Sligo County Councillor)
- Cllr Edel McSharry
-Cllr Fergal Nealon
- Seamus Farrell, SF Engineering
We want to acknowledge that Cllr Fergal Nealon has shown real leadership and has been a consistent and valued advocate. Fergal has gone above and beyond for the market and its traders over the past few months. He brought senior officials to the table, spoke directly with the companies involved, and, working closely with Minister Frank Feighan, helped bring local representatives to several important meetings to discuss the issue. It's a shame others are not working as hard for the community who we heard nothing from.
This board has witnessed the success of the market first-hand for over a decade — 11 years of rent paid, substantial private investment into the hangar, and thousands of weekly visitors coming through the airport gates. Despite this, they have refused to give a guarantee that the market will return.
It appears a choice has been made: commercialisation over community.
Today, we are asking again — and this time publicly: We are calling on Chairman Albert Higgins, Cllr Edel McSharry, and all board members with a public mandate to give a clear, public commitment that the Strandhill People’s Market will be allowed to return to Hangar 1 when CHC departs in December.
The Mulrooney family who have run this market for 11 years, the 150+ traders who rely on it, and the thousands of customers who support it weekly — all deserve an answer.
There is still time to make this right. But that time is running out.
Ocean FM Ireland The Sligo Champion Sligo Weekender Sean Canney TD Go Strandhill Connacht Tribune - Galway City Tribune Donegal Daily Roscommon Herald Leitrim Observer / Leitrim Live Sligo LEADER Partnership Company Ltd Sligo County Council Local Enterprise Office Sligo Alan Dillon TD Sligo Live Festival Sligo Tourist Office Sligo Aero Club Sligo Italian 100 Sligo Summer Festival ATU Sligo & ATU St Angelas StoryLab Lovin.ie Irish Independent The Irish Times The Green Door Market Howth Market The English Market, Cork Midleton Farmers Market
