Leitrim County Council Annual Report · 2020. 7. 16. · Leitrim County Council Annual Report 2019...

2019

LEITRIM COUNTY COUNCIL

COMHAIRLE CHONTAE LIATROMA

ANNUAL REPORT

TUARASCÁIL BHLIANTÚI

#Lough Rinn, Mohill

Leitrim County Council Annual Report 2019 2

2019

Mission Statement

To make Leitrim a sustainable, creative, inclusive County where individuals, family and business can flourish

#Spencer Harbour


Contents Introduction from An Cathaoirleach and Chief Executive ........................................................................................ 4

Leitrim County Council Strategic Objectives and Supporting Strategies from the Corporate Plan 2014 - 2019 ......... 6

Economic Development .......................................................................................................................................... 8

Economic Development Unit .............................................................................................................................. 8

Local Enterprise Office ........................................................................................................................................ 9

Facilitate and Support Balanced and Sustainable Growth.................................................................................. 11

Development Management and Building Control ............................................................................................. 12

Tourism Promotion and Development .............................................................................................................. 15

Transportation, Planning & Maintenance.......................................................................................................... 16

High Quality Sustainable Living Environment ........................................................................................................ 19

Arts .................................................................................................................................................................. 19

Community Development ................................................................................................................................. 22

Waste Management ......................................................................................................................................... 25

Housing ............................................................................................................................................................ 27

Water Services.................................................................................................................................................. 30

Veterinary Services ........................................................................................................................................... 32

Library Services................................................................................................................................................. 33

Leisure and Recreation ..................................................................................................................................... 34

Civil Defence ..................................................................................................................................................... 36

Fire Services ..................................................................................................................................................... 36

Major Emergency Management........................................................................................................................ 38

Maximising Operational and Organisational Capacity ............................................................................................ 40

Corporate Services............................................................................................................................................ 40

Human Resources ............................................................................................................................................. 42

Finance ............................................................................................................................................................. 43

Information Communications Technology ........................................................................................................ 44

Health and Safety ............................................................................................................................................. 45

Appendix 1 – Statement of Income And Expenditure At Year Ending 31 December 2019 ...................................... 46

Appendix 2 – Statement of Financial Position (Balance Sheet) At Year Ending 31 December 2019 ......................... 47

Appendix 3 – Membership of Committees Following the Annual Meeting on 7th June, 2019 ................................. 48

Appendix 4 – Details Of Conferences/ Seminars Attended By The Elected Members ............................................. 50

Appendix 5 – Details Of Training Events Attended By The Elected Members ......................................................... 50

Appendix 6 – Corporate Plan Annual Progress Report 2019 .................................................................................. 51

Appendix 7 – Local Elections 2019, Expenditure and Donations in Respect of each Candidate ............................... 59

Appendix 8 – National Performance Indicators 2018 ............................................................................................. 60

Appendix 9 – Local Performance Indicators 2018 .................................................................................................. 66

Appendix 10 – 2019 Local Election Results ......................................................................................................... 667


Introduction from An Cathaoirleach and Chief Executive

Chief Executive Elected Cathaoirleach Lar Power Enda McGloin

We welcome the publication of Leitrim County Council’s Annual Report for 2019. The Annual Report outlines the scale and diversity of the activities and services carried out by Leitrim County Council and demonstrate our commitment in making Leitrim a sustainable, creative, inclusive county where individuals, family and business can flourish. Significant progress continued in 2019 and this was made possible through the combined efforts of the Elected Members and Leitrim County Council staff to achieve success in undoubtedly a challenging operating environment. Our ability to work together with local communities and leading partnerships in serving, representing and leading our County has proved crucial in delivering on our Annual Service Plan and achieve Corporate Plan objectives. I want to take this opportunity to sincerely thank and publicly acknowledge the role and contribution of all concerned for their commitment and dedication to securing our vision and in driving economic, social and community development in our County. Leitrim is a unique County offering unparalleled quality of life, a rich and diverse natural environment and strong communities. I look forward to similar progress being made in the context of the new Corporate Plan for the period 2019-2024 as we continue to deliver high quality services to all our customers and work with all stakeholders in order to develop County Leitrim as a vibrant and attractive County for people to live, work, invest and visit.

#Carrick on Shannon


Elected Members of Leitrim County Council Manorhamilton Municipal District

Cllr. Mary Bohan Cllr. Frank Dolan Cllr. Padraig

Fallon Cllr. Felim Gurn Cllr. Sean

McDermott Cllr. Justin Warnock

Ballinamore Municipal District

Cllr. Brendan Barry Cllr. Gerry Dolan

Cllr. Cailian Ellis

Cllr. Paddy O’Rourke

Cllr. Enda McGloin

Cllr. Ita Reynolds-Flynn

.

Carrick on Shannon Municipal District

Cllr. Des Guckian Cllr. Finola

Armstrong-McGuire Cllr. Paddy

Farrell Cllr. Thomas

Mulligan Cllr. Sean McGowan

Cllr. Enda Stenson


Leitrim County Council Strategic Policy Committee’s 2014 - 2019

Economic Development, Enterprise and Planning SPC Councillors Sean McDermott (Chairperson) Finola Armstrong McGuire Caillian Ellis Caroline Mulvey John McCartin Frank Dolan

Sectoral Nominations Colm McGrath Business/Commercial (National Pillar)

Brendan Sammon Development/Construction

Scott Coombs, Environmental/Conservation

Brian Smyth Social Enterprise (PPN)

Issues considered by the SPC: Pillar 1: Policies & Plans Diaspora Strategy Renewable Energy Strategy Pillar 2: Planning & Sustainable Development Regional Spatial and Economic Strategy County Development Plan Review

Pillar 3: Marketing & Promoting a Positive Image Tourism Strategy Review Tourism Network Grant Scheme Pillar 4: Maximising External Opportunities Digital Strategy National Broadband Plan County Heritage Plan

Number of Meetings: 2

Housing Policy, Social & Cultural Development SPC Councillors Gerry Dolan (Chairperson) Mary Bohan Padraig Fallon Seadhna Logan Paddy O’Rourke Enda Stenson

Sectoral Nominations Colin Grimes (Social Inclusion PPN)

Helen Corcoran (Community/Voluntary/PPN)

Marie Finney (via North West Simon) Sarah Searson (Creative Industries Network)

Issues considered by the SPC: Housing Grants Housing Programme Affordable Housing Scheme Traveller Accommodation Programme

Preparation of the Sports Strategy Preparation of the Arts Strategy


Environmental, Transportation and Infrastructure SPC Councillors Sinead Guckian (Chairperson) Brendan Barry Des Guckian Felim Gurn Sean McGowan Justin Warnock

Sectoral Nominations Patrick Duffy (Agriculture/Farming (National Pillar))

Kealin Ireland (Environment/Conservation (Environment Pillar &

associated Environment College under PPN)

Mr. Padraig Sammon, Brendan Sammon (Business/Commercial

(National Pillar)

Mr. Brendan O’Beirne (Trade Union)

Issues considered by the SPC: Environmental, Transportation and Infrastructural Policy SPC Work Programme Climate Change Adaptation Plan Litter Management Plan Review Local Improvement Scheme



Leitrim County Council Strategic Objectives and Supporting Strategies from the Corporate Plan 2014 - 2019

Economic Development To lead, mobilise and support Enterprise and Economic Development in Leitrim, in conjunction with relevant agencies and ensure that our physical and social infrastructure is sufficiently developed to support this

High Quality Sustainable Living Environment To improve, protect and promote the natural and man-made environment, encourage and facilitate participation by citizens in the development of the communities and promote an inclusive, creative, active and vibrant County

Maximising Organisational and Operational Capacity To maximise the potential of our Human, Financial and ICT resources to optimise organisational capacity and performance and ensure high quality services and information tailored to meet the needs of all our customers


Economic Development To lead, mobilise and support Enterprise and Economic Development in Leitrim, in conjunction with relevant agencies, and ensure that our physical and social infrastructure is sufficiently developed to support this.

Economic Development Unit LCDCs were established under the Local Government Reform Act, 2014. This Act provides guidance on its functions, membership, formation of sub-committees and meetings. The aim of LCDCs is to enhance the strategic planning and coordination of local and community development activity. LCDCs comprise public and private sector members, including Local Authority members and officials, state agencies, and private sector local and community development representatives. Monthly meetings are held which deal with the general operation of the LCDC and monitoring of the Local Economic and Community Plan (LECP) as well as programmes which the LCDC is responsible for overseeing. These include:

Rural Development Programme – RDP (LEADER element),

Social Inclusion Community Activation (SICAP) Programme,

Leitrim Peace IV Programme, Healthy Ireland Fund, Community Enhancement Programme and

other funded projects for eg, CLAR, Town & Village and Outdoor Rural Recreational Infrastructure Scheme.

LEADER Funding LEADER is a community led approach to local development delivering EU funding into rural businesses and communities through Ireland’s Rural Development Programme 2014-2020. It promotes social inclusion, poverty reduction and the economic development of rural areas.

Leitrim County Council is the lead financial partner responsible for maintaining and retaining records of all financial aspects of the Programme. Leitrim County Council is also be responsible for making payments to project promoters on behalf of the LAG. Leitrim Development Company is the Lead Implementing Partner with responsibility for implementing actions on behalf of the LAG. Leitrim Development Company is responsible for administration and animation of project applications. There were 14 Leader claims processed and paid to promoters with a value of €900,486.62. SICAP The Social Inclusion and Community Activation Programme (SICAP) 2018-2022 provides funding to tackle poverty and social exclusion at a local level through local engagement and partnerships between disadvantaged individuals, community organisations and public sector agencies. LCDC supported, monitored and reported on the SICAP Programme 2019 with a value of €524,650 approved. Amounts Secured for Rural Development Funding Schemes

T&V €324,511

CLAR €321,229

Outdoor Rural Infrastructure Scheme €230,400

Urban and Rural Regeneration Schemes Economic Development submitted two Category 1 applications under the Rural Regeneration Development Fund for the towns of Manorhamilton and Ballinamore, both were successful securing funding of €1,613,250 for Manorhamilton and

#Dromahair Greenway


€1,728,075 for Ballinamore. Both projects have moved to detailed design stage. Purple Flag Purple Flag is an accreditation process similar to the Green Flag award for parks and the Blue Flag for beaches. The Purple Flag standard is awarded to successful towns for the management of their evening and night time economy. It involves a comprehensive assessment of the town across themes such as Well-Being, Movement, Safety, Care, Appeal, Sense of Place and Identity and Planning for the future. Carrick on Shannon, following an external assessment by assessors from the Association of Town and City Management (ATCM) in the UK, again retained its Purple Flag standard for its evening and night time economy. Launch of Ambassador Publication 13 local ambassadors agreed to be Leitrim Ambassadors to promote County Leitrim as a place to live work and Invest. This publication will now be used as a tool to encourage new business locations to the County.

Launch of Ambassador Publication SECURE Programme Economic Development delivered the remainder of the SECURE Programme in the first part of 2019 which was an EU funded Energy Efficiency Programme for Local Authorities and Businesses.

SECURE Programme meeting held in the Chamber

Local Enterprise Office

Financial Supports

Number of Projects Approved 19

Amount Approved €307,565

Number of Projects paid 19

Total amount paid €155,727

Training, Mentoring and Networking

Number of Training Courses* 47

Number of Mentoring Assignments 100

Total Number of Participants – Training 571 *Courses include Start your Own Business, Managing Finances, Social Media Marketing etc

Winner of National Enterprise Awards Georgia Visnyei Art of Coffee National Enterprise Awards County Leitrim finalist and representative at The National Enterprise Awards during 2019 was Art of Coffee. Irelands Best Young Entrepreneur LEO Leitrim had 18 applications for the IBYE Programme in 2019. LEO Leitrim hosted the County Leitrim Final on 3rd May, with the following winners:

Best New Idea: Christopher O’Hara

Best New Business: Anne Dolan

Best Established Business: Ciaran McTague

The overall “Best Young Entrepreneur” for the County went to Ciarán McTague (pictured)

Leitrim and Longford jointly hosted the Regional Final (Leitrim, Longford, Sligo and Donegal) of IBYE in Lough Rynn Castle on 6th June, unfortunately there were no Leitrim winners on the night. Women in Enterprise LEO Leitrim hosted 3 Women’s Networking events in March, July and December in conjunction with LEOs Longford and Westmeath as well as hosting National Women’s Enterprise Day in October alongside 15 other LEO offices.


Student Enterprise Awards The 2018/2019 school Programme involved all 7 County Leitrim secondary schools with 150 students attending the County final, while approximately 1400 students availed of the in house visits to schools. Winners of the Leitrim County Final who were selected to attend the National Final in Croke Park were;

“The Ten Lives of Tim”, Carrigallen Vocational School (Senior)

“Ear Buddies”, St. Clare’s, Manorhamilton (Intermediate)

“MOBI”, from Drumshanbo Vocational School (Junior)

The 2019 National Schools Programme involved 10 schools with over 300 students and was won by Aughawillan National School Leitrim Business Network The Leitrim Business Network was established to exploit the power of business networking. Leitrim Business Network is proudly supported by Local Enterprise Office meeting four times per year. www.leitrimbusinessnetwork.com Trading Online Vouchers There was continued interest again in the Trading Online Voucher Programme with 13 vouchers approved during 2019 to County Leitrim businesses, giving them the opportunity to create an ecommerce website, a payment system or booking system on their websites. Enterprise Promotion With assistance from LEO Leitrim, businesses in County Leitrim had the opportunity to attend the following events:

Showcase (2 businesses)

Meet the Buyer on the Street (2 businesses)

Enterprise Zone at the National Ploughing Championships (1 business)

Brexit 2019 was a busy year for Brexit Supports. Weekly clinics were held in three separate locations – Ballinamore, Carrick on Shannon and Manorhamilton and over 90 clients received one to one mentoring. LEO Support LEO continued to support in other areas:

IT Sligo continues to meet clients in The Hive, Carrick on Shannon.

Local Enterprise Week 2019 took place from 4th-9th March with events hosted on each of the 5 days

Local Enterprise Office published and launched The Leitrim Photography book in October.

LEO was successful in securing €140,000 from LEO Competitive Funds for the establishment of a Mobile Fabrication Laboratory. This was to provide access for SMEs, enterprise & innovation hubs and schools to digital fabrication technologies that will allow them to increase their level of innovation and technical skills, develop new ideas and increase the skill set of employees.

Launch of the Leitrim Photography book European Programmes LEO Leitrim continued to deliver other Programmes including:

Co-Innovate which is a cross border research and innovation (R&I) initiative funded under the INTERREG VA Programme, which aims to increase the numbers of SMEs engaged in cross border research and innovation in the regions of Northern Ireland, Border Counties and Western Scotland.

The WISE project partnership financed by the ERASMUS+ Programme introduced an apprenticeship style learning placement framework tested with at least 40 female entrepreneurs in participating regions who will experience work in a high growth STEM enterprise for a structured placement period (pictured).

Leitrim Design House Supported by LEO, the Leitrim Design House continues to develop and expand its range of services. Highlights from 2019 include:

A Summer Sunday Programme which includes a series of CRAFT ‘Meet the Maker’ events ran for six Sundays throughout the summer.

A featured maker Programme highlighting Leitrim makers, where each featured maker was offered


additional display space within the gallery for the duration of their promotion.

A series of exhibitions were held featuring ceramics and fine art giving small businesses an excellent opportunity to promote themselves.

A bursary was provided to support the professional development and stimulate innovation in the creative sector in Leitrim, a terrific opportunity for makers to widen their skills & experience.

Development of new online shopping experience.

Facilitate and Support Balanced and

Sustainable Growth Capital Projects Office The Capital Projects Office was set up in April 2019 with 8 staff located in Summer Haven, Carrick on Shannon. A number of successes were achieved in 2019, summarised in the table below:

Project Name

Carrick on Shannon Public Realm Scheme

Project Cost €8.6m project

Funding Received

€6.5m funding received under the URDF

Key Notes - Part 8 Planning Approval for scheme obtained

- CPO for land to construct car park approved by An Bord Pleanála

- Design consultant appointed - 4 construction projects - Contractors appointed for 3 of

the contracts

Project Name

Manorhamilton Public Realm Scheme


Funding Received

€1.6m funding received under the RRDF


- Design consultant appointed for the scheme

- Construction of public car park commenced

Project Name

Junction Project Ballinamore – Public Realm Scheme


Funding Received

€1.7m funding received under the RRDF


- Design consultant appointed

OPW Flood Relief Scheme The Carrick on Shannon, Leitrim Village and Mohill Flood Relief Schemes were approved by the OPW with project costs of €9m, €1.1m and €280,000 respectively. A design consultant has been appointed for the Carrick on Shannon Flood Relief Scheme SLNCR Greenways

The SLNCR Greenway Manorhamilton to Boggaun is a €260,000 project, whereby Land agreements have been secured for this project and a Contractor appointment has been made for the construction. Section of the Manorhamilton to Boggaun SLNCR

An application has been submitted for the SLNCR Greenway Sligo to Blacklion project through the planning phase.

SLNCR Greenway Demonstration Stretch Dromahaire is a €280,000 project and the construction of the pedestrian bridge is complete.

SLNCR Greenway, Pedestrian Bridge Dromahaire Carrick on Shannon to Drumshanbo Blueway This project is in co-operation with Waterways Ireland. The Section from Acres Lake to Drumshanbo is complete along with the section from Drumshanbo to Lough Allen Hotel. A design consultant was appointed to consider different options for the section from Carrick on Shannon to Battlebridge. Leitrim Way Trail This is a €164,000 project and Land agreements are secured for the project. A contractor was appointed to construct the pedestrian bridge over Yellow River.

Cavan Leitrim Greenway This is a €350,000 project and Land Agreements are under discussion. A contractor has been selected and is to be appointed once agreements are in place.


Carrick on Shannon Destination Towns This is a €800,000 project and €500,000 funding was secured from Fáilte Ireland.

Development Management and Building

Control Taking in Charge Significant progress was made during 2019 by the Planning Department in resolving incomplete housing developments to bring such developments to the required standard to allow them to be taking in charge. A total of 37 residential developments were taken in charge during the year following the declaration of the roads within these developments as public roads. The undertaking of remedial works within such estates will now be managed by the Capital Projects Office. Work is now underway to procure contractors to undertake works in further 10 – 12 estates which would allow the next tranche of estates to be advertised for taking in charge during 2020. Part 8 Development Proposals Managing the Part 8, public consultation exercises for a number of strategic projects. The funding has been obtained under the Urban and Rural Regeneration and Development Fund Schemes. These included the approval of the Carrick on Shannon Public Realm Improvement Scheme in February (the Junction Project) Ballinamore in July and the Manorhamilton Public Realm Scheme in August. It is now a requirement of such funding schemes to have the required planning consent in place before an application can be considered eligible. The Carrick on Shannon Public Realm Improvement Scheme was nominated by Leitrim County Council for the Irish Planning Institute National Planning Awards. The project was shortlisted by the Panel of Judges for the Design and Management and Delivery Categories.

Joseph Gilhooly, Director of Service, Bernard Greene, Senior Planner, Lar Power, Chief Executive, Colm McGrath, Chairman Chamber of Commerce and Cllr. Des Guckian attending the Public Information Event in the Bush Hotel for the Carrick on Shannon Public Realm Improvement Scheme in January.

Heritage The Heritage Officer began the preparation of a replacement Heritage Plan 2020-2025 over the course of 2019. This included the establishment of a new Heritage Forum and the creation of separate focus groups for the three strands of heritage, namely built, natural and cultural. An extensive public consultation exercise was undertaken ‘What’s Your Leitrim Heritage?’ advertised extensively through various forms of media in addition to holding 3 drop in information sessions. 124 submissions were received from this exercise which informed the preparation of the draft plan. The draft Heritage Plan had been prepared and approved by both the Strategic Policy Committee and the Senior Management Team to allow the plan to be placed before the full Council at their January 2020 meeting. The Heritage Officer continued to develop a number of heritage projects, having secured match funding from a number of sources. These projects included:

A Wetland Survey

A Thatched Survey

Developing a Public Awareness Programme

Community Heritage Week Event Assistance Programme (6 projects were assisted)

Creative Ireland funded Traditional Shop fronts project in County Leitrim

River Front Amenity Park Conservation Management Plan for Carrick on Shannon funded under the National Biodiversity Action Plan Local Authorities Biodiversity Project Fund.

Heritage Week took place in August and the Heritage Officer was actively involved in coordinating and promoting Heritage Week in County Leitrim and organizing and promoting heritage events, including The Big Dig in Carrick on Shannon which was a mobile excavation site which allowed children to explore the Viking world through a simulated archaeology dig.

The Big Dig, The River Front Amenity Park,, Carrick on Shannon 24th August 2019as part of the Heritage Week Programme of Events


Forward Planning The scheduled review of the 2015 - 2021 County Development Plan in February was deferred until the Regional Spatial and Economic Strategy (RSES) was made by the Western and Northern Regional Assembly. A number of workshops were held with the full Council and also with the Strategic Policy Committee in relation to the Council’s submission to the draft RSES. Background work did commence on the review of the County Development Plan. RPS Group are preparing a draft Renewable Energy Strategy part funded through the SECURE Programme as part of the County Development Plan. RPS also commenced work to undertake a review of the Landscape Character Assessment which was prepared in 2002. This will also examine the capacity of the landscape to absorb renewable forms of energy to include wind energy installations and forestry. Development Management A total of 207 valid planning applications, including 32 application seeking retention of planning permission, 4 applications seeking an extension of duration of planning permission and 3 applications seeking outline planning permission were received during 2019. This increased from the 191 valid applications received in 2018 & 177 applications received in 2017. Of the valid applications received, 31 related to applications for commercial developments, 12 applications related to community, sporting and educational developments with a further 15 applications relating to forestry, namely forest access provision. The proportion of applications relating to commercial developments remains consistent. There remains an increase in the level of developments being applied for relating to community and sporting uses reflective of the increase in Government support for such uses. These trends are both encouraging and welcomed. Of note, planning permission was granted to construct 1,567m2 manufacturing unit and advanced technology building, both on IDA lands and a 90 bed nursing home, all on lands off the Castlecara Road, Carrick Road, Carrick on Shannon. A number of other notable applications were also received with respect to the Rock Centre and adjoining lands in Ballinamore which included the completion of a 3 storey office building and the construction of 37 residential units and an application to develop 4 additional turbines at Tullynamoyle wind farm.

A total of 31 applications for determination on exempt/non-exempt status of a proposed development (Section 5 declarations) were received over the course of the year. In 2019, the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine referred to this Council 131 applications for licenses for tree felling and 78 tree planting (which includes Forest Access Roads) applications for comment prior to the Department making a decision in respect of same. A total of 41 new planning enforcement cases were referred to or initiated by the Planning Authority. Significant progress was made over the second half of the year dealing with outstanding Enforcement cases. In addition, the Planning Department continues to resolve legacy financial development contributions which remain outstanding. The Irish Planning Institute Annual Conference Leitrim County Council acted as the host for the Irish Planning Institute Annual Conference held in the Landmark Hotel, Carrick on Shannon on Thursday 4th and Friday 5th April 2019 (pictures below). Leitrim County Council hosted a reception on Wednesday evening where the guest speaker was Mr. Pat Rigney, Managing Director of the Shed Distillery, Drumshanbo. The Conference, entitled ‘Integrated Planning & Development’ was attended by over 300 delegates.

Bernard Greene, Senior Planner, Cathaoirleach Cllr. Sean McGowan, Joe Corr (President of the Irish Planning Institute), Vivienne Egan, Senior Executive Planner and Lar Power, Chief Executive Minister for Housing, Planning & Local Government, Mr. Eoghan Murphy, T.D addressed the Conference on Friday morning and launched the new Office of the Planning Regulator.


Niall Cussen (Planning Regulator), Minister Eoghan Murphy T.D. and Joe Corr (President of the Irish Planning Institute)

Poster of the SHOPTALK event

The SHOPTALK event held during Heritage Week SHOPTALK This temporary shop served as an exhibition, library & activity space as well as a meeting place for collecting, sharing stories and holding talks around the value of Leitrim’s shops and their facades. SHOPTALK hosted a public talk on the 21st of August. Our panel of invited experts Alison Harvey (Heritage Council), Dr Arthur Parkinson (UCD), Fintan Duffy (DHB Architects) and host Carole Coleman (RTÉ) discussed elements around the topics of conservation and planning and cultural heritage. The public were invited to come to share stories and ideas, to try your hand at sign writing or tile design or find information at our specially curated library.

Pictured at the SHOPTALK event were, back row, from left, Dr Arthur Parkinson, UCD, Carole Coleman, RTE, who hosted the discussion, Alison Harvey, National Coordinator CTC Heritage Council Programme, Fintan Duffy, DHB Architects Waterford, Cllr Finola Armstrong-McGuire and Cllr Enda McGloin, Cathaoirleach. Front row, from left, Philip Delamere, Leitrim Arts Officer, Vanya Lambrecht Ward, artist, and Sarah Malone, Leitrim Heritage Officer Planning Appeals 3 planning appeals were made to An Bord Pleanála with respect to decisions made by the Planning Authority during 2019, 2 of which had been decided before the year end. Both appeals were determined confirming the decision made by the Leitrim County Council. The Planning Authority investigated or instigated 41 enforcement cases during 2019 with a further 60 cases carried forward from the previous 2 years. Of these cases, 49 were closed off during the calendar year leaving a total of 52 live cases at year end. Whilst our target of 60% of all cases instigated being resolved by year end was not reached (48% cases resolved), significant resources were deployed to this work area which saw the overall level of cases which were resolved rise from 19% at the end of Q2. Action has been taken on all cases which commenced during 2019 but progress on certain cases can be slow. The Planning Authority had formal pre planning consultations on 104 developments during 2019 which is an increase on previous years. The average waiting time of 14.6 days is slightly above the target of 12 days but is reducing on previous years and is dependent on staff resources and balancing competing demands of meeting all statutory deadlines.


Finally, the cost per capita of the Planning Service has fallen from 31.51 in 2018 to 30.38 by the end of 2019 which is approximating the target of 30 set for the year. This is largely dependent on the fees receipted for the year which had risen slightly on the previous year.

Tourism Promotion and Development Slow Adventure Work was ongoing through the early part of the year on the Slow Adventure concept. We completed a number of items including the Slow Adventure Brochure, The Slow Adventure Virtual Reality Project and the design and print of the Virtual Reality viewers. In September Leitrim Tourism hosted a visit from 13 members of the European Travel Commission who were particularly interested in Leitrim’s Slow Adventure Experiences. They spent a day and a half in the area experiencing the County’s Slow Adventure product. The Cottage Restaurant in Jamestown, The Landmark Hotel, Way2Go Adventures, Adventure Gently, Electric Bike Trails and Jinny’s Tearooms all played a part in showcasing the County.

Members of the European Travel Commission experiencing Slow Adventure in Leitrim Towards the end of 2019 working in collaboration with Tourism Ireland, Fáilte Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands, Derry City and Strabane District Council and Visit Derry Leitrim County council were successful under the ‘Slow Adventure Tourism Passion Community’ European Tourism Commission initiative with funding awarded that will see Slow Adventure Leitrim benefiting from and additional €216,000 marketing budget to target the overseas market particularly the US and Canadian markets for 2020. Ireland West Airport Knock Leitrim Tourism, in collaboration with Ireland West Airport Knock, Fáilte Ireland and Ryanair attended events in Cologne, Germany to promote the new Cologne to Ireland West Airport Knock route which started this summer. Events took place over two days and included the ‘greening’ of Cologne’s Lanxess

arena, one of the largest arenas in Europe, which was part of Tourism Ireland’s Global Greening initiative for the first time. Tourism businesses from Leitrim, who were supported by Leitirm Tourism and attended the event included Leitrim Landscapes Guided Walks, Tawnylust Lodge Self Catering Accommodation and Leitrim Surf Company. They were also given the opportunity to meet with over 70 German travel agents at a special St Patrick’s Day business networking event in Cologne Airport. Leitrim also took part in a week long promotion at Ireland West Airport Knock with a number of trade from Leitrim attending the promotion each day. Marketing A number of marketing initiatives were undertaken by Leitrim Tourism. Leitrim was represented at the World Holiday Show in Dublin in January and the Ireland Angling Show in February. We also attended Meitheal, where over 45 Tour Operators expressed an interest in slow Adventure in Leitrim. We facilitated an number of journalists, bloggers and travel writers which resulted in exposure for the County on TV3 on the Elaine Show, on Newstalk with Bobby Kerr and The Irish Daily Star with Rohan Smyth. In partnership with Visitorflix Tourism developed a promotional video, shot in North Leitrim, to be used on the Aer Lingus in-flight service on all the airlines transatlantic flights. Aer Lingus will carry in excess of 2,000,000 passengers between New York, Newark, Boston, Bradley, Philadelphia, Washington, Chicago, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Orlando, Miami, Toronto and Ireland this year, the majority of which will use the in-flight services.

Slow Adventure Ireland - Floating Boardwalk, Drumshanbo Leitrim Tourism continued to support the Tourist Office in Carrick on Shannon, Ballinamore and Tourist Information points at Glencar Waterfall and Sliabh an Iarainn Visitor Centre. Also provided information and brochures promoting all that Leitrim has to offer to


hotels and other tourism providers around the County and further afield. We continued to update and promote Leitrim with our website www.enjoyleitrim.com. We also continued our presence on all social media platforms and promoted festival and events around the County. Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands Leitrim Tourism assisted Fáilte Ireland with their weeklong promotion of Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands. This included the Ray D’Arcy Show on RTE Radio 1 we also engaged with Fáilte Ireland’s, Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands (IHH) website improvement Programme and attended a number of IHH industry workshops. Leitrim Tourism is also responsible for the Leitrim offering in the Fáilte Ireland ‘Taste the Island’ event which took place all over Ireland in September. Funding & Support Schemes Leitrim Tourism administered a very successful Festival and Events Support Scheme with 22 groups awarded funding towards their annual community event and festivals. Communities benefit greatly from this support and in many cases these events could not take place without this financial support from Leitrim County Council. Further funding was made available for tourism under the Leitrim County Council Tourism Support Scheme where local tourism groups/clusters and networks were asked to submit applications for support under the scheme. The aim of the scheme was to encourage and support local tourism groups to develop tourism in their area or sector by providing financial support to actions which both complimented and were additional to the work of Leitrim County Council or other statutory tourism related bodies.

Transportation, Planning & Maintenance 2019 was a very productive year in this department with an annual budget of €17 million. Works completed on National Roads included the following: Realignment of 1.4km section of N16 at

Drummahan Advanced Works Contracts were undertaken, including the Hedgerow Removal & Fencing Contract, and the Advanced Earthworks & Ground Pre-Loading Contract. Works on the detailed design and tender documentation for this major Realignment Scheme was progressed and it is planned to advertise for tender in mid 2020 with construction to commence in late 2020, subject to TII approval.

N16 Drummahan Realignment Scheme Realignment of N16 at Munakill

RPS Consultancy was appointed to provide the Engineering and Consultancy services required to deliver Phases 1-4 of TII Project Management Guidelines for this Scheme. This includes Concept and Feasibility, Options Selection, Design and Environmental Evaluation and the statutory process. This work is ongoing.

Carrick on Shannon By-Pass

A procurement process for the selection of a multidisciplinary Engineering led Consultancy Team to carry out Phases 1 – 4 Technical Consultancy Services for the N4 Carrick on Shannon to Dromod By-Pass Scheme was completed and following assessment by an Independent Board, a Consultant Team was recommended and will be formally appointed in 2020, subject to TII Approval.

N4 Carrick on Shannon Pavement Scheme National Road Pavement Overlay Schemes

N4 Carrick on Shannon – Attyfinlay Roundabout to County Boundary (at Coffey’s Roundabout) – This Pavement Scheme which was completed involved the strengthening and overlay of 1.3 KM of pavement and the reconstruction of 900 meters of cycle lane and footpath.

http://www.enjoyleitrim.com/


N16 Overlay North Leitrim

N16 Shanvaus to Manorhamilton – This Pavement Scheme which was completed involved the strengthening and overlay of 5.15 KM of pavement and reconstruction of 425metres of footpath.

N4 Jamestown to Drumsna - This Pavement Scheme was advertised for tender in late 2019 and a Contractor was appointed. Works are expected to commence in Spring 2020. This involves the strengthening & overlay of 5.85 KM of pavement.

National Road Safety Inspection Implementation

This seen the N16 Cornastaulk VRS Installation. This Contract involved the installation of five new sections of Vehicle Restraint Systems totaling 738 meters. A Contractor was appointed towards the end of 2019, and works will be completed in early 2020.

National Road Category B Maintenance Schemes

Category B had maintenance works completed at four different locations in 2019. These included strengthening and resurfacing works on three separate sections of National Road at N16 Manorhamilton, N16 Moneenshinnagh and N16 Aghaclon totaling 1.5 Km and also the retexturing of Dromod Roundabout on the N4.

Non-National Works carried out include:

87 km of Non National Roads strengthened

53 km of these roads surfaced dressed

Drainage Grant A Drainage Grant of €463,500 was received from the Department of Transport, Tourism & Sport for the alleviation of road drainage problems either through new works or remedial works. A total of 21 road drainage schemes were completed with this Grant. In addition, €20,000 was spent on the Drainage Districts, and under the OPW Minor Flood Relief Scheme, works were carried out at Lough Bran to the value of €25,000.

Killavoggy Bridge

Bridge Rehabilitation Works Under the Bridge Rehabilitation Programme were completed at a total of 6 Bridges throughout the County. Consultants were appointed in respect of a further 3 Bridges and Design Works on these 3 Bridges are being progressed.

Killavoggy Bridge - A major refurbishment was carried out by contract.

Hartley Bridge - Work progressed on the Planning, Screening for Appropriate Assessment & Design of the River Shannon Bridge. This resulted in the requirement for a full Stage 2 Appropriate Assessment, which will go to an Bord Pleanála in 2020

Mullaun Bridge, under Bridge Rehabilitation Works

Safety Improvement Works Safety Improvement Works under the Low Cost Safety Improvement Works Programme were completed at a total of six locations in the County. Community Involvement Schemes (CIS) A total of 19 roads were upgraded under the CIS Programme at a total cost of €795,361 of which €676,057 was grant funded by the Department of Transport, Tourism & Sport and €119,304 was funded from local community contributions. Local Improvement Scheme (LIS) Programme This Scheme provides funding for the upgrade of Private/Non-Public Roads that comply with certain conditions including access to a number of different parcels of land, there were 22 schemes completed. The Community Hedge Cutting Grant Scheme


5 Hedge Cutting Grants were paid to landowners under this scheme. There has been a significant increase in the uptake on this Grant Scheme.

Road Safety The Working Together Group met on 2 occasions to review objectives set out in the County Leitrim Road Safety Plan 2016 – 2020. The following initiates were undertaken in respect of Road Safety:

Promotion of Road Safety on our Website and via Facebook/Twitter and ongoing liaison with the Road Safety Authority (RSA) regarding same.

Transition Year Student Information Day – Held on 4th April 2019 this included a Road Safety Workshop, attended by the RSA Shuttle and Simulator.

“Drive for Life” Programme facilitated the provision of the “Drive for Life” Educational Road Safety Programme in the following Secondary Schools – St. Clare’s Secondary School, Manorhamilton and Carrigallen Vocational School.

Vulnerable Road Users – Leitrim County Council and the RSA sought to prioritise vulnerable road users in our Road Safety Education Promotion Programme, there were three projects: Leitrim Pony Riding Project provided for

Minority / Disadvantaged Groups. The RSA Education Officer visited and delivered a presentation to the group in July, 2019

Active Age Groups, the RSA Road Safety Education Officer visited a number of groups

“Click before you Go” campaign in April seen Leitrim County Council Road Safety Office

participate, which aimed to promote Seat-Belt use by Parents of School Going Children and a text message was issued to all parents via the ETB Text Messaging System

Leitrim County Council carried out speed monitoring at various locations, working closely with An Garda Síochána with the results.

The Mobile Driver Feedback Sign was operated at different locations which greatly helped to raise driver awareness and improved road safety.


High Quality Sustainable Living Environment To improve, protect and promote the natural and man-made environment, encourage and facilitate participation by citizens in the development of their communities and promote an inclusive, creative, active and vibrant County.

Arts Following the adoption in 2018 of its first Culture and Creativity Strategy and multi-annual framework agreement with The Arts Council, Leitrim County Council published its new Arts Plan which aligns with these strategies and their timeframe. The new Arts Plan maintains the three strategies of the Arts Council Framework Agreement below, while the mission statement restates the vision of the Council’s Culture and Creativity Strategy:

Public Engagement

Professional Development

Children & Young People Spatial Planning Each of Leitrim’s three municipal districts has particular characteristics that align with the three strategic priorities of our Framework Agreement with the Arts Council, and these three priorities have been brought forward into the Arts Plan. While Leitrim has one of the largest proportions of artists of anywhere in the country, the majority of these are based in the Manorhamilton Municipal District. It is also home to Leitrim Sculpture Centre which is the largest art making facility in the country, the Glens Centre which focuses much of its Programme on the professional development of performing artists in theatre and music. The Manorhamilton area is also home to more of Leitrim’s filmmakers and film companies than the other two

districts. Similarly the Dock represents the single most significant point of contact for the public to engage with the arts in the County. It is also home to Leitrim Design House. It has the greatest population concentration, the largest throughput of visitors and transport connections and the greatest reach nationally and internationally. Finally, Ballinamore is remarkable for its levels of involvement in the Arts by Children and Young People. We ensure that schemes such as the Artist in Schools are evenly distributed across the County, in Youth Theatre, while there is provision across the three Municipal Districts, participation from young people in the Ballinamore Municipal District accounts for 50% of the total number involved. Furthermore, in addition to other youth resources, the proposed new Junction Centre in Ballinamore contains a bespoke facility for young people to engage with the arts, the only such facility in the County. While the three strategies of Community Engagement, Children & Young People and Professional Development & Sustainability will be implemented across the County, because these strengths or emphasis have developed in these areas over time for different reasons, we will respond to this and ensure they are supported to reach their full potential. In turn it is anticipated that the learning coming forward from these Programmes can be applied across the County. In all other respects, the plan builds on the projects and Programmes that have been developed in recent


years and seeks to advance these over the coming years. Community Engagement The Creative Ireland Open Call is the principal means by which Leitrim County Council encourages and supports community engagement with the arts and creativity. The vision of Leitrim’s Creative Ireland strategy is to “nurture and foster creative expression in all its diversity; embrace and welcome new ideas; and create the conditions to help turn those ideas into reality and embed creativity into all aspects of social, economic and cultural life of Leitrim.” In 2019, the Open Call supported 19 medium and long-term projects all across the County. Among some of the projects that concluded recently, artist Roisin Loughrey worked with Carrick on Shannon’s Townspark Residents Association to make projections and recordings and host ‘Open House’.

Filmmaker Roisin Loughrey with members of the Townspark Residents Committee at the launch of Open House At W8 in Manorhamilton six pairs of parents and children worked with Fab Lab Manorhamilton on projects that started with research and design to 3D-modelling, model-making, and final prototyping using laser cutters, 3D printers and other Fab Lab technologies. Also in Manorhamilton under the guidance of musicians Ciaran Rock and Brian Sweeney, the Leitrim Intercultural Music Project brought together people of different cultures living in Leitrim to source, learn, write, and arrange several songs from different countries, including Ireland. Meanwhile artist Niamh O'Connor is working with the young people at the National Learning Network using photography and video to develop ideas and produce works of art based on a superhero who transforms from a regular person to become super kind and super brave. SPARK

The SPARK Programme, in partnership with Leitrim Local Enterprise Office, fosters collaboration between artists and conventional businesses. Previous residencies have been hosted in Leitrim Organic Centre; The Bush Hotel; Cafe Lounge; Leitrim Association for People with Disabilities; Leitrim Observer; Prior PLM Medical; The Hive, Mohill Enterprise Centre and Leitrim County Council. This year, artist Fiona Mulholland will be artist in residence in Merenda in Manorhamilton. In a separate Programme called Small Sparks, three other companies - Image Skillnet and Leitrim Organic Farmers Cooperative in Drumshanbo and FitKicks in Mohill will be taking part in shorter residences before the end of the year. Culture Night Culture Night continues as a valuable platform for venues throughout the County to build their audience and to provide opportunities for people to try something new. The Programme concentrates on places where people can continue to engage with the arts year round where for example The Cornmill Theatre celebrated its 30 year history and the Glenfarne Ballroom of Romance held a cultural feast of Irish music and dance. Two of Ireland’s best-loved and popular authors, Marian Keyes and Michael Harding, were special guests at this year’s Iron Mountain Festival. They were joined by Professor Luke Gibbons who gave the inaugural John McGahern Memorial Lecture and celebrated actor Adrian Dunbar, who read from McGahern’s work and discussed his career in theatre, film and television. Dublin writer, Zoë Comyns, who was born in Kiltyclogher, received the 2019 John McGahern Award for Literature and the festival concluded with a series of readings with music in Ballinaglera, at the foot of the Sliabh an Iarainn on Sunday October 6th. Children and Young People Membership of Youth Theatre continued in five groups in Carrigallen including Bright Sparks, a group specifically for children with additional needs, three groups at full capacity in Carrick on Shannon and two in Manorhamilton. Leaders take part in an exchange Programme between the three centres, further encouraging peer learning among tutors and exposure to a much wider range of approaches to theatre making for young people. In 2019 we worked with the Arts Council to research the benefit and impact of Youth Theatre on members, particularly in relation to self-confidence and the extent to which members


were able to use those skills in other aspects of their lives. In 2019, the Artist in Schools Scheme was provided to Ballaghmeehan NS in Rossinver who worked with visual artist Karen Webster, while artist Kate Murtagh Sheridan worked with children and teachers at the Fatima NS in Cloone. Kate Wilson worked with St Josephs NS in Manorhamilton while Crona Gallagher is working with Largy NS in Kinlough. The Wild Words Young Writers Programme has become an important national event for young people and literature in Ireland. In 2018 the Irish Writers Centre became a partner with the festival, seeing in it the opportunity to work with the young people who may well be the writers of the next generation. Following a national call for young writers from all over Ireland, the work of up to 60 of the 350 applicants is published in the Wild Words book with participants getting to take part in master classes with some of Ireland’s best authors for young people. Leitrim County Council is a co-founder of Music Generation Leitrim, which is led by MSLETB. The project is part of Music Generation - Ireland’s national music education Programme. While still in its infancy, Music Generation Leitrim has already rolled out its Access Programme to many primary schools, and established the Music Generation Leitrim Children’s Choir in St. George’s Heritage Centre in Carrick on Shannon. In 2019 it completed Ukes4Youth, a cross border ukulele project for teenagers. Future plans will see the further development of the Access Programme into more schools and into a broader range of instruments as well as development of core projects in Music Production in the north of the County and a new commission for traditional arts under Leitrim County Council’s Percent for Art Scheme based in Drumshanbo. Professional Development While Leitrim has higher percentages than many other areas across most of the creative sector, in some disciplines, particularly visual arts, the proportion of artists living and working in Leitrim is dramatically higher than other regions. In response to this we developed one of the country’s most responsive and proactive Professional Development Programmes for artists, providing training and mentoring to help ensure that artists can maintain a living. Membership grew from 290 to 350 artists in the last year. To help us improve our supports we conducted a survey of the careers of artists in Leitrim. Among the findings we

found that the average income of artists in Leitrim including what an artist earns from their work, non arts work and other supports including social welfare is €20,270 whereas the living wage is €24,944. We also found that 91% of Creative members find getting their work produced and shown to be a considerable or occasional challenge. 73% of Creative members depend on digital technology to manage their business, and that two thirds foresee working outside of Ireland being important to their career. We have long recognised that given the nature of the region and the amount of opportunities there are here, that being able to perform or exhibit outside of the region, including internationally, would be important to making a career sustainable. To enable people to do so, we have this year introduced a support scheme for artists that are trying to arrange performances or exhibitions abroad. In 2020, we will broaden our Programme to also help festivals and other arts organisations to become more sustainable and assist them to meet the increasing requirements in health & safety, child protection, fundraising etc. We are also exploring the opportunities presented through the Creative Europe Programme to support networking and exchange with other countries in Europe. Alongside Creative Frame, the professional development bursary Programme helps artists to develop new work. Awards are provided to purchase materials, make CD recordings or work towards new film works and literature. In 2018 with our partners in Sligo and Roscommon we developed a film completion award for projects already underway and a collaboration award for a filmmaker and writer to work together to develop a new project. Recipients of the Completion Award were Clea Van der Grijn and Fionn Macarthur while Stephen Hallinan with Jack Reardon and Martina Larkin with Christine Braithwaite received the Collaboration Awards. Over the last two years the Arts Office has been a key partner in the development of Leitrim Dance Project which invited leading national and international dancers to Leitrim to provide professional development training and mentoring for emerging professional dancers from Leitrim, elsewhere in Ireland and internationally. In 2019, funded by the Arts Council, the Programme was led by Canadian dancers Yaelle Azoulay and Antoine Turmine with Cormac Begley. The 5-day Programme is followed by a 3-day festival in Drumshanbo combining workshops, cèilidh and sessions for dancers of all ages and skill levels.


The Dock The Dock Each year The Dock welcomes over 40,000 visitors with over 20,000 people attending 2,300 performances, workshops and other activities annually. Leitrim County Council developed The Dock in 2005 to be a cornerstone of the County’s cultural infrastructure and a beacon for visitors and a crucially positive endorsement of the rich cultural offering of Carrick on Shannon, Leitrim and the Northwest. Home to the Dock’s visual, performing, community and educational arts Programmes and home to Leitrim Design House, our investment in the centre helped ensure that it could be sustained as this cornerstone. Key to its continued success has been the works carried out in 2018 and 2019 to improve the facilities and ensure that they meet health and safety standards and fire regulations. A recent Indecon Report recognised the Dock’s importance to the region and its support for artists to develop their practice; particularly where it curates, commissions and develops new work and supports projects at a local, national and international level. Other Cultural Infrastructure:

Leitrim Sculpture Centre

Glens Arts Centre

Solas Gallery

Cornmill Theatre The Glens Centre and Leitrim Sculpture Centre remain vital elements of the cultural infrastructure to North Leitrim. In particular Leitrim County Council works closely with both venues in the supports they provide to the significant numbers of artists, musicians and theatre makers in the region - providing the opportunity for them to make and present new work. Leitrim County Council also continues its support of the Cornmill Theatre in Carrigallen and Solas Gallery in Ballinamore recognising the extent and quality of the considerable voluntary contribution both committees

undertake to provide and maintain well facilitated theatre and gallery spaces. Planning for the Future In 2020, in addition to further developing Programmes already in place, the arts office had been planning on identifying and tackling the issues facing professional artists based in Leitrim looking to sustain a career in the arts, to further support venues and organisations to achieve their potential and to develop evidence based research into the benefits of participating in the arts for groups and individuals across the County. In light on the current pandemic, while this remains the priority, the arts office is supporting communities and artists with these new challenges. In particular we are putting particular emphasis of looking to on-line arts projects and Programmes to keep communities connected and stimulated. We are also looking to new ways by which we can support artists to continue to engage with communities and continue to develop their work.

Community Development Peace IV Programme - Building Positive Relations

Overall Budget €759,518.43

Support for Ethnic Minorities: Leitrim International Community Group and Leitrim Intercultural Forum supported and up-skilled; Many cultural, educational and integration projects rolled out.

Support for Minority Christian Faiths, with gardens in Fenagh and Carrick completed.

Community Groups up skilled and cross community interaction ongoing.

Events around Women’s Suffrage were run by North Leitrim Women’s Centre

Remembering Leitrim War Dead. A memorial bench & plaque erected in Carrigallen, benches for Mohill & Manorhamilton to be installed upon completion of Shared Space Capital Works. A list of Leitrim War Dead is now available on Leitrim County Council website and is being managed by the Local Studies section in Ballinamore Library. Artworks produced in workshops displayed in St George’s & The Dock

Rural Women Along the Border ‘Stitching Story’ quilt receiving widespread recognition and was on display in Council offices, in Ballinamore & Enniskillen Library

Capacity Building Project in Kiltyclogher and Cashel: Online Heritage Mapping Trail complete and Sports Programmes arranged


Peace IV - Children and Young People

Overall Budget €395,538

Cross Border Exchange of 60 young people from Carrigallen and Enniskillen took part in a music Programme, run by ETB

Peace Learning for Young People. Foróige delivered this Programme to 142 children.

Diversity Project 1: Leitrim Childcare ran this Programme on Conflict, Tolerance & Difference

Diversity Project 2: North Connaught Youth Services ran this programme on Diversity Through the Arts

Anti-Social Behavior: This Programme was delivered by Leitrim Development Company to forty young people in 4 housing estates

Sports4Peace: 4 clubs in Fermanagh and Leitrim took part in this Programme delivered by Ulster University

Peace IV - Shared Spaces

Kiltyclogher Refurbishment of Community Centre completed

Mohill Library Extension, Peace Room & additional works almost completed

Manorhamilton Refurbishment and extension of Sexton house as a shared community space commenced

Cathaoirleach Enda McGloin commented “The provision of additional community space for Manorhamilton is much needed and will be a major boost to the people of the town and the surrounding areas. This shared space will be promoted for cross community events and activities in the wider community and cross border programmes that cut across the borderlands of North Leitrim & Fermanagh”. Outdoor Leisure Areas

Mohill Playground was refurbished with the aid of a €25,000 grant from Department of Children & Youth Affairs. 4 new pieces of equipment were installed and existing equipment and surface were renewed.

New Signage installed at all playgrounds

Mohill Astro Turf Pitch was refurbished including new fencing and a security system

New Playground at Rooskey was officially opened Age Friendly Leitrim County Council is a lead partner in, and coordinates the actions of Leitrim Age Friendly Alliance, a multidisciplinary and multi agency

Official Opening of Rooskey Playground committee which delivers the current Leitrim Age Friendly Strategy. Key achievements in 2019 included: Certification received from the World Health

Organisation, recognising Leitrim Age Friendly Alliance’s membership of the WHO Global Network for Age Friendly Cities and Communities.

The launch of Leitrim Age Friendly Business in Mohill, with local businesses signing up to a Charter offering 5 actions, specific to each business, that make their business Age Friendly. Some of these actions include: availability of reading glasses, seating, free delivery, one to one consultations, refreshments, large font on labels and discounts. Leas Cathaoirleach, Seán McGowan, Leitrim County Council, thanked all participating businesses for their involvement and stated “Our older persons not only have a lot of purchasing power but also have the time and inclination to shop locally. This is particularly important in rural towns and villages such as Mohill where older adults are very much the life-blood of the community.”

A Walkability Study was conducted in Carrick on Shannon in partnership with Leitrim PPN, with participants from a number of local agencies. The aim was to highlight accessibility and walkability issues throughout the town, in advance of the development of the town centre

Opening of a new dementia friendly room in St Patrick’s Hospital by HSE

The Text Alert scheme has been updated at community level by An Garda Síochána

Leitrim Older People’s Council (OPC) representatives attended the National Older People’s Convention held in Donegal on 9th & 10th May

The new service provider for Local Link, Donegal Sligo Leitrim Local Link is a member of Leitrim Age


Friendly Alliance and a community Garda appointed in Leitrim has also joined the alliance and met with many Active Age groups.

Ballinamore County Library is now an Age Friendly Library

Pride of Place Leitrim County Council nominated the following groups to represent the County at the prestigious Pride of Place Awards, which are all-island awards. All entries had to make a half-day presentation to the national judges in July. The awards took place in November in Kilkenny.

Fenagh Village were a Runner-up in the Category: Population 0-300

Ballinamore Tourism & Angling Association were a nominee in the Community Tourism Initiative

Drumkeeran Friendship Club were nominated for their Age Friendly Initiative

Love Where You Live €9,150 was awarded to 27 community groups, schools & businesses. 94 entries across 8 categories were judged May - August 2019. The Awards Night was attended by 230 people on 10th Oct 2019 in Lough Allen Hotel Drumshanbo. Cathaoirleach Cllr. Enda McGloin At Love Where You Live Awards in October “These awards are a fitting recognition of the vast contribution made by community groups, businesses, schools & individuals to communities across our County, making them a better place to live, work & visit”.

Eanna Ní Lamhna judging Love Where You Live at Dowra National School. This rare Bee Moth landed on Éanna, as though especially for the occasion! PPN 260 groups registered with Leitrim Public Participation Network and all details are up to date. A Project to

map defibrillators in Leitrim was completed and all mapped defibrillators were registered with the National Ambulance Service. The project was nominated for a Chambers Ireland Award. Comhairle na Nóg Comhairle na nÓg produced a workbook called Use your Brain Not your Fists. The countywide launch was hosted by Ballinamore Community School with guests Zak Moradi Leitrim Hurler and Clare Owens Leitrim Ladies Footballer. The workbook is a resource for teachers and youth workers, to aid discussion of Comhairle’s short film produced in 2018. The AGM was held in November and workshops on several issues including Education & Training/Apprenticeship were held. Use Your Brain Not Your Fists project continued to go from strength to strength in 2019, with the launch of a Workbook, for teachers and youth workers to use as a resource when showing the short film to young people. The Workbook was funded by Healthy Ireland. Promotion of the film and workbook has resulted in many enquiries from other counties, including An Garda Síochána, GAA and other County Councils. Inter Agency Traveller Services Group The Leitrim Animal Welfare and Horse -Riding Programme took place over 10 weeks at Moorlands Equestrian Centre, Drumshanbo. 36 children aged 11-17, including children from the Traveller community benefitted from this very successful Programme. The Housing department exceeded targets under the Traveller accommodation Programme. Healthy Ireland Programme Round 3 launched Funding was approved for Healthy Ireland Round 3 for the delivery of the Priority Themes and Community Mental Health Fund. The following was approved for rolling out in 2020:

Priority Themes € 72,500

Community Mental Health Fund €32,050

Small Grants Fund € 30,000

Community Engagement €30,000 Community Enhancement Programme Grants Capital grants for community groups offers small to medium grants for capital expenditure. A total of 120 applications were received and €134,459 was paid out


in 104 grants to community groups and sheds all over the county. Rural Regeneration & Development Programme Funding of €1.7m was secured for The Junction project, Ballinamore. This was the culmination of 2 years of consultation and planning. It will regenerate and restore two listed buildings and a derelict site in the centre of Ballinamore to provide a digital hub and co-working space, an artistic space for promotion of local arts and crafts and a youth facility. The project will preserve and capitalise on local heritage assets and address the need for more social activities and facilities for people in the area.

Waste Management Leitrim County Council continued a strong focus on waste reduction during 2019. A number of both small and large scale initiatives operated aimed at changing behaviors and reducing waste. Bulky Household Waste Collections During the 2019 Anti Dumping Initiative, further funding was made available from DCCAE to local authorities to hold Bulky Household Waste Collections in their localities. It was necessary to select two separate locations in Leitrim to best suit the County’s geographic. Bulky Household Waste Collections were held in Manorhamilton (Civic Amenity Site) and Mohill (Civic Amenity Site) during August 2019. A total of

77.64 tonnes of Bulky Household Waste was

collected between Mohill (56.46T) and

Manorhamilton (21.18T). The event ran

efficiently with customers co-operating and being very appreciative of this worthwhile initiative. Waste Collected in both Civic Amenity Sites Household Hazardous Waste Collection Day Leitrim County Council held a Household Hazardous Waste Collection Day on Saturday 26th January and Saturday 19th October in Manorhamilton and Mohill at its Civic Amenity Sites, respectively. Leitrim County Council created awareness that common household items such as cooking oil and detergents can be considered hazardous if not treated with proper care and consideration. The collection days were an opportunity for people to dispose of such waste items safely. A total of 9.56 tonnes (5.44 tonnes for

Manorhamilton and 4.12 tonnes for Mohill) of hazardous waste was collected across both days. Green Schools Programme There are currently 44 schools registered on An Taisce’s Green Schools Programme (38 Primary and 7 Secondary). 9 Schools in Leitrim carried out renewal of their Green School Programme in 2018/19 under the themes listed below. The schools were awarded their Green Flags at a Green Flag Award Ceremony held by An Taisce, in May 2019. National Spring Clean An objective was set to get as many community organisations as possible on board An Taisce’s National Spring Clean campaign in Leitrim. The campaign was coordinated by mobilising a team to deliver the campaign objectives. All Tidy Towns Groups, Community Groups, Adopt a Road Groups and Schools, sporting groups etc., were contacted to provide details on the campaign and materials were provided to groups that signed up. A media campaign ‘April Springs a Lovely Leitrim’ – was launched with radio interviews, billboard and newspaper advertisements. In building these positive working relationships and through team effort, it resulted in 56 community groups across Leitrim signing up to the campaign and 3 additional Adopt a Road Groups being established. It ultimately led to a very successful National Spring Clean Campaign in Leitrim with approximately 3 tonnes of litter being collected across the County.

Advertisement used in the 2019 National Spring Clean Media Campaign Waste Management Education Programme Through the 2019 Anti Dumping Initiative, funding was made available for Leitrim County Council to organize a Waste Management Education day which was held on the 1st of November, 2019 in Mohill, County Leitrim.


Leitrim County Council thought it would be beneficial to hold an information day in improving awareness regarding waste management, tackling waste issues at the source and providing assistance and guidance to members of the public who typically find waste management difficult or expensive. On the day, assistance and guidance was provided on the civic amenity site, with complimentary tickets to the civic amenity site provided to attendees. Use of the brown bin and the importance of this bin was explained to attendees, and a number of home composting bins were available as prizes on the day. Alternative, low waste products were also available to attendees on the day i.e. solid shampoo and conditioner bar samples, so that the public could be educated as to products which generate less household waste. This information day was advertised in the Local Newspaper, Leitrim County Councils Website and social media sites. On the day there was a number of Environmental Staff available for any queries and numerous handouts available with all information in relation to waste management. This was a great success with both Tenants and non-Tenants dropping in for a chat. Low Waste Products such as Solid Shampoo & Conditioner CCTV Campaign & Signage Possible locations for CCTV were identified by the Community Wardens and 9 Bring Banks Sites were selected, 3 in each Municipal District. A private company carried out the covert CCTV surveillance on behalf of Leitrim County Council. CCTV equipment and signage was installed and ongoing monitoring of sites took place over a 4 week period. As a result of this footage 48 Litter fines were issued and a number of warning letters. One of the main reasons for these fines identified was where individuals had recycled but then proceeded to leave their boxes/bags, etc. behind them.

Monitoring and Surveillance Equipment An advanced flight training course over 2 days was undertaken by 4 members of staff for our Inspire II Drone. The Drone training allowed Leitrim County Council Waste Enforcement Staff to become fully licensed and certified Drone Pilots.

Drone photos of Waste disposal on Apartment Balcony This enabled Waste Enforcement Staff to view inaccessible locations, remote areas, and dangerous or contentious sites in a safe and swift manner. The drone has also assisted with presenting illegal dumping cases in court and has aided with successful prosecutions under the Waste Management Act. Waste/Litter Education for In House Staff Staff were advised through staff notice boards/emails/screen savers, etc. to take greater caution when recycling and disposing of general waste. They were reminded to be careful of segregation practices when using the new bins. Signage was procured and strategically place above each bin to prevent any confusion. Following the successful pilot of the new segregation system it has now been rolled out to all other Council buildings. This has resulted in our Waste Collectors advising Leitrim County Council that there is a significant improvement in our waste segregation practices. Dough Mountain Clean Up A remote site in North County Leitrim, which is part of the Dough/Thur Natural Heritage Area, had been used as a dumping ground for many years. As part of the Anti Dumping Initiative 2019, this site was identified as being a priority for a cleanup, given its importance to tourism, wildlife and the Natural Heritage Area status. Due to the inaccessibility of the remote location, it was difficult to source a suitable sub contractor to carry out these works.


Works commenced in September 2019. The clean up resulted in the successful removal of up to three tonnes of illegally dumped waste. The case resulted in public outrage at the ongoing problem of illegal dumping, and it was also successful in advertising the fact that Leitrim County Council have sourced and are using covert cameras – which can be used at remote illegal dumping hotspots such as this.

Dough Mountain Clean Up

Housing The objective of the Housing Section is to provide and maintain good quality safe homes and neighborhoods that people want to live in. This is achieved through utilising the various social housing options and managing and maintaining the council’s housing stock and facilitating the development of sustainable communities. Housing Applications & Allocations The net need that was reported as part of the Statutory Assessment of Housing Need completed in June 2019 was 189 households. This was a significant decline on the numbers on the housing waiting list compared with 304 households identified in 2018. A total of 230 new housing applications for social housing support were received and processed in 2019. 104 offers of accommodation issued to housing applicants for casual vacancies arising within the Council stock. The refusal rate on offers of accommodation was 34%. 68 new tenancies were established and a further 13 transfer applications were accommodated. Homelessness Leitrim County Council continued to assist with the housing needs of homeless persons and a review of homeless services within the County was progressed. During 2019 the housing department responded to 46

homeless presentations and 10 adults and 13 children accessed emergency accommodation. Implementation of the Housing First Programme was progressed in 2019. The Housing First model aims to provide someone who has been long-term homeless, with their own secure accommodation as well as providing intensive and specialised tenancy sustainment and health and mental health support services. One household was accommodated by Leitrim County Council under this Programme in 2019. A number of meetings of both the Management Group and the wider North West Regional Homeless Forum were held in 2019. Traveller Accommodation Programme (TAP) The Annual Traveller Census was conducted on the 30th November and statistics confirm there were 72 Traveller families registered for Social Housing Support with Leitrim County Council. This is a decrease of 4 families since the 2018 census. Of these 72 families:

2019 Traveller Census No. of

Families %

Standard Local Authority housing (RAS / SHLI / HAP)

47 65%

Long Term Rental Contracts 14 19.5%

Rent Supplement / Involuntary Sharing or via Own Resources

11 15.2%

The Traveller Accommodation Programme (TAP) 2019 - 2024 is a five year statutory Programme carried out by all Local Authorities and relates to the provision of Local Authority housing/private rental accommodation and relevant social supports to the Traveller Community. The target for the current TAP 2019/2024 is 25 units of accommodation over five years. From the 1st of January 2019 to 31st December 2019 Leitrim County Council has achieved 16 TAP outputs of Social housing support to the Traveller Community (including RAS renewals and offers refused). Housing Supports Housing Grants

Leitrim County Council continued to operate three housing grants schemes for private houses. The purpose of the schemes is to help people to remain living in their own homes and greatly enhance the living conditions of eligible elderly and disabled household members in our community. The following is a breakdown of grants paid in 2019:


Grant Name Total Amount

Mobility Aid Grant 10 €74,323

Housing Aid for Older People 6 €23,230

Housing Adaptation Grant (Disability)

23 €95,868

Total 39 €193,421

Housing Assistance Payment (HAP)

HAP replaced Rent Supplement for those with a long term housing need. The HAP team worked closely with the Department of Employment and Social Protection to transfer rent supplement recipients to HAP. There were 254 active HAP tenancies in Leitrim on 31st December 2019, this includes 93 new tenancies processed in 2019. Rental Accommodation Scheme (RAS) Under the Social Housing Leasing Initiative (SHLI)/Rental Accommodation Scheme (RAS), the Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government has allocated funding for local authorities to lease residential properties from private landlords on medium to long term contracts. These properties are then offered to households on the housing waiting list. 9 SHLI/RAS contracts were procured. The Capital Advance Leasing Facility (CALF) This scheme allows the approved Voluntary Housing Associations to purchase existing properties and lease them back to the Council for social housing for a term no less than 25 years. At the end of 2019 Leitrim County Council have a total of 13 houses leased under this initiative from Approved Housing Bodies, Tuath and Respond. Housing Stock Estate Management and Maintenance

Programme At year end Leitrim County Council had 968 houses in its ownership, excluding demountables. A total of 571 housing maintenance requests were received, 90% of which were completed. Under the Council’s 2019 Planned Maintenance Programme, a Programme for the installation and the replacement of fire detection and carbon monoxide detection devices was completed. Tenant Purchase

The Tenant Liaison Officers (TLOs) continue to work with tenants and Residents Associations to promote good estate management and establish best practices.

Compulsory pre-tenancy courses are given by the TLOs and attended by all new tenants. At the end of 2019 Leitrim County Council had received 12 applications and sold 6 houses under the national Tenant (Incremental) Purchase Scheme. Disability Strategy & Disability Works

The implementation of the Leitrim Housing & Disability Strategic Plan for Housing People with a Disability plan progressed new Housing and Disability Steering Committee membership being sought and initiated. The new Committee comprises of local authority staff, key HSE personnel, members from the voluntary housing sector and various advocacy groups active within the County. Leitrim County Council spent €202,576 on medical and disability related works for 22 local authority dwellings carrying out improvements such as extensions, installation of level access shower, rails in bathrooms, ramp access and conversion to oil or storage heating systems. Private Rented Inspection Programme

Leitrim County Council continued its enforcement role of standards in private rented accommodation with 277 inspections carried out, this represents a 111% completion rate on the targets set for the year. 178 properties failed on first inspection and 122 Improvement Notices issued to owners of properties identified as having items to be addressed to meet the private rented standard regulations.

2019 Inspection Statistics 2019

Total number of RAS inspections carried out in 2019)

12

Total number of HAP inspections carried out in 2019)

201

COMPLAINTS (i.e. Total number of inspections conducted in 2019 as a result of receiving a complaint EXCLUDING any already included under Question No. 1, 2 and 4 in this table)

1

OTHER (i.e. Total number of OTHER inspections conducted in 2019, EXCLUDING any already included under Question No. 1, 2 or 3 in this table)

63

Total Inspections and Re-Inspections 277

Leitrim Pony Riding Course The aim of the project is to introduce young people from Traveller and disadvantaged backgrounds aged between 11-17 to horse-riding, horse management skills and animal welfare.


A total of 36 children took part in 2019. Participating children were most referred from Leitrim Development Company, Leitrim County Council’s Traveller Liaison Officer, TUSLA and North Connaught Youth Services. The Programme was carried out over a ten week period commencing in June 2019. For the annual field trip this year the children attended pony-camps in Donegal Equestrian Centre and Lough Gara Adventure Centre, Boyle, Co Roscommon.

Leitrim County Council Cathaoirleach, Mr Enda McGloin presented the participants with Certificates of Achievement at a graduation ceremony in Moorlands Equestrian Centre Drumshanbo Housing Services Progress The Housing Department’s principle services are measured through a number of performance indicators that keep Leitrim County Council’s objectives of delivering for our People, Places and Economy at the forefront of our decision making process. There are a number of performance indicators within the Housing Services that include a build target, stock, voids, re-letting times, maintenance costs, private rented inspections and homelessness. These along with local indicators for improvement works, new tenancies, housing grants and Traveller accommodation provide key information that allows us to understand the local housing demand and improve services. In 2019 the Housing Department met its targets in relation to its performance indicators and achieved a decline for the third successive year in the area of Housing Voids and Average Re-Letting Times.

Performance Indicator 2017 2018 2019

H2: % of Dwellings Vacant at year end

5.7% 4.5% 3.3%

H3: Average Re-Letting Time in weeks

70 43 25

The performance improvement was as a result of more proactive and collaborative focus on improving our work processes within the areas of managing vacant stock and maintenance for re-lets and

achieving maximum efficiency with the resources available to us. Housing Delivery Unit During 2019 Leitrim County Council established a Housing Delivery Unit within the Housing Section with the remit of achieving the social housing delivery targets of 156 units between 2018 and 2021 set by the Department of Housing Planning and Local Government (DHPLG) under the Rebuilding Ireland strategy. The Housing Delivery Unit is developing a pipeline of projects appropriate for County Leitrim post 2021 with the primary focus on new builds. Sixteen new social housing unit were delivered under two separate Turnkey projects at Knockmacrory, Rooskey and Radharc an Bhaile, Drumshanbo during 2019 with a total value in excess of €2.8 million.

9 Social Homes at Radharc an Baile, Drumshanbo Leitrim County Council working in partnership with Tuath Housing delivered 10 houses at Cnoc an Luir, Drumshanbo during 2019 and will continue to work collaboratively with all the Approved Housing Bodies in 2020 to increase the overall delivery of social housing units in County Leitrim. Speaking on the occasion of Minister Eoghan Murphy’s visit to County Leitrim the Cathaoirleach of Leitrim County Council, Cllr. Enda McGloin stated that ‘’I am delighted to welcome Minister Murphy to County Leitrim and to accompany him to a number of the social housing projects that are commencing or have been recently completed. The provision and maintenance of good quality safe homes is a core objective of the Councils vision for County Leitrim over the coming years. The elected members of Leitrim County working in conjunction with the Executive are


determined to meet the overall targets set for County Leitrim by the Ministers Department under the Rebuilding Ireland Strategy. It is my intention as Cathaoirleach that Leitrim County Council will work collaboratively with other key stakeholders in the Housing sector and ultimately deliver for those who require assistance in securing lifelong homes for themselves and their families’’.

Minister Eoghan Murphy T.D with Cathaoirleach Enda McGloin and staff from the Housing Section of Leitrim County Council at the official opening of 7 Homes at Knockmacrory Heights, Rooskey. Construction work commenced at the Pairceanna an Bhaile development in Townparks, Carrick on Shannon which consists of 27 units comprising of the below. The scheme which is being constructed by Kilcawley Construction Ltd. has a construction budget of approximately €6 million and will be substantially complete by the end of 2020.

Type of Dwelling - Pairceanna an Bhaile development

Constructed

2 Bed - Semi-detached, single storey 6

2 Bed - Detached, single storey 1

2 Bed - Semi-detached, two storey 12

3 Bed - Semi-detached, two storey 8

Sod Turning for the Development of 27 Social Houses at Pairceanna an Baile, Townparks, Carrick on Shannon performed by Minister Eoghan Murphy T.D on 16th December 2019.

Department of Housing, Planning & Local Government (DHPLG) funding of €1.75 million was secured for the delivery of 9 x 2 bedroom units at Church Lane, Ballinamore under a Turnkey project with construction to commence early 2020 and a completion date of December 2020. Stage 1 approval has also been received from the DHPLG for an additional 3 new build projects which will deliver a further 27 homes during 2022 in Manorhamilton, Ballinamore and Carrick on Shannon. The Housing Delivery Unit acquired 7 individual properties during 2019 in areas of high need and completed refurbishment works on a number of properties purchased in 2018. Vacant Homes There was a renewed emphasis this year by the Vacant Homes Officer, identifying vacant homes that can be brought back into productive use through the Buy and Renew or the Repair & Lease schemes with over 500 homes identified and ownership ascertained on over 300 homes. The Housing Delivery Unit achieved the DHPLG Targets of 40 units for 2019 and is on course to achieve the 2018 - 2021 target of 156 units under the Rebuilding Ireland Strategy. The Housing Delivery Unit exceeded both the build (23) and acquisition targets (7) but was unable to achieve the leasing target (10) despite seeking expressions of interest on a number of occasions. During 2019 the Housing Delivery Unit worked on creating a future pipeline of build projects which is in line with the DHPLG policy of focusing on build rather than acquisitions into the future.

Water Services Multi Annual Rural Water Programme 2019 – 2021 The Department of Housing, Planning & Local Government introduced a new 3 year Multi Annual Rural Water Programme in 2019 covering the period 2019 – 2021. In March 2019 Leitrim County Council submitted a large Programme of Works for Funding under this 3 Year Programme. In October, 2019 Allocations of Funding under this 3 Year Programme were received from the Department. Details as follows: Measure 1 Source Protection - 2 Group Water

Schemes were submitted and approved for funding under this Measure to a total value of €5,100

Measure 2 Environmental & Public Health Compliance - 3 Group Water Schemes were submitted and approved for Funding under this Measure to a total value of €668,514


Measure 3 Enhancement of Existing Group Water Schemes including Water Conservation - 11 Group Water Schemes were submitted for Funding under this Measure. 7 GWS’s were approved for Funding under this Measure to a total value of €150,866

Measure 5 – Transition of existing Group Water Schemes and existing Group Sewerage Schemes to Public (Irish Water) Sector – i.e. Taking in Charge of GWS’s and GSS’s by Irish Water - Leitrim County Council submitted a total of 25 GWS’s and 1 GSS for Funding under this Measure for Taking in Charge of these Schemes by Irish Water. Funding Approval for the Take Over of 24 GWS’s and 1 GSS was received to a total value of €1,042,365

Measure 6 (a) Community Water Connection Networks (New Water Connections to the Irish Water Network) - Leitrim County Council submitted 3 Applications for new Water Connections to the Irish Water Network. These 3 Applications were approved for funding to a total value of €77,350

Measure 6 (b) Community Wastewater Connection Networks (New Wastewater Connections to the Irish Water Wastewater Network) - Leitrim County Council submitted 17 Applications for new Wastewater Connections to the Irish Water wastewater network (New GSS’s). 3 of these Applications were approved for Funding to a total value of €183,619, these are the following proposed GSS’s (Ballynamoney, Rossinver & Tully GSS)

In total, an Allocation of €2,127,814 was received by Leitrim County Council under the above 3 Year Programme. Capital Grants A total of €8,615 was paid by Leitrim County Council to the following GWS and GSS under the Multi Annual Rural Water Programme 2019 – 2021: Measure 3 Enhancement of Existing GWS’s

including Water Conservation - Grant of €7,821 paid to Carrigallen GWS

Measure 5 – Transition of existing GWS’s and existing GSS’s to Public (Irish Water) Sector – i.e. Taking in Charge of GWS’s and GSS’s by Irish Water Grant of €794 paid to Ballinaglera GSS

Subsidy Payments Group Water Schemes are eligible for an annual Subsidy payment toward the operational costs of running and maintaining the GWS. New Subsidy Terms & Conditions were introduced by the Department in late 2018 to apply to all Subsidy Applications in respect of 2018 and beyond. In 2019, details of the new Subsidy Terms & Conditions were

notified to all GWS’s in the County. A total of 32 Subsidy Applications were processed and paid to GWS’s to a total value of €348,197 Well Grants A total of 6 Individual Well Grants were paid, the total sum of €11,453 Taking in Charge - Group Water Schemes (GWS) Leitrim County Council submitted a total of 25 GWS’s to the Department for Funding under the Multi Annual Rural Water Programme for Taking in Charge of these GWS’s by Irish Water. Since then, a number of other GWS’s have submitted applications for Taking in Charge by Irish Water. In order to be considered for Taking in Charge by Irish Water, the relevant GWS must meet all the criteria laid down by Irish Water for Taking in Charge. In 2019, Leitrim County Council submitted 2 GWS’s and 1 GSS to Irish Water for Taking In Charge approval. To date, Irish Water have not yet confirmed that these Schemes are now in their Charge. Leitrim County Council are continuing to work with all of these Schemes in order to progress their Taking In Charge Applications. Environmental and Public Health Compliance - Breveiga GWS Co-Operative Society Ltd. (Formerly known as Cornashamsogue GWS) This GWS remains on a Boil Water Notice. Significant Source Protection Works and Network Upgrade Works were completed on this Scheme in 2018 & 2019. Leitrim County Council have been sampling the Water from this Scheme on an ongoing basis in order to determine the optimum treatment process for this Scheme. The Department in their Funding Allocations to Leitrim County Council under the Multi Annual Rural Water Programme 2019 – 2021 allocated funding to this Scheme for interim works to the Treatment Plant and also funding to connect the Scheme to the Public Water Supply. This Scheme will require further significant network upgrade works in order to reduce levels of unaccounted for water on the Scheme and also interim works to the Treatment Plant in order to enable the Boil Water Notice to be removed. However, the connection of this GWS to the public water network is seen as the long term solution required for this GWS and the bulk of funding allocated by the Department to this GWS is to be targeted towards connecting this scheme to the public water network. Hartley-Cartown Group Water Scheme Planning Approval for the Hartley-Cartown GSS was granted by Leitrim County Council in January 2019. The preparation of a detailed Design for this GSS


progressed and Quotations were sought and approved for the Site Investigations Contract. Before proceeding to commence Site Investigations, an up to date Cost Estimate for the full Construction of this GSS was obtained from the Consultants engaged by the GSS Committee for the design of this Scheme. This Cost Estimate was forwarded to the Department for their consideration and approval. The matter is currently with the Department as to whether this GSS can proceed based on the estimated costing/s submitted for this Scheme in 2019.

Veterinary Services

Slaughter Returns

Sheep 2274

Pigs 93

Cattle 720

Premises Inspections and Sampling

Food & Water Samples 49

Environmental & Carcass Swabs 61

Premises Inspections 99

Control of Dogs Last year has proved to be one of the lowest on record for the intake of stray dogs into the Leitrim Dog Shelter with an 11% decrease. The wide reach of social media helped the dog warden service reunite many pets with their owners within a few days. This modern day notice board has helped facilitate the return and re-homing of many family pets. The Leitrim Dog Warden Service successfully re-homed 183 dogs in 2019.

Stray dog and kittens that were re-homed The National Dog Licensing system is now fully operational in Leitrim, all dog licenses are registered to the owner and immediately linked to the owner’s Eircode at point-of-sale. Licenses may be purchased either in the Post office or online at www.licences.ie The number of annual dog licenses increased by 18%

to 1650 and the number of lifetime dog licenses increased by 38% to 33. Education of youth groups and dog owning members of the public, remains a key strategy in the overall control of dogs, a concerted effort was made to establish working relationships primary and post primary schools through educational talks and practical workshops. The Dog’s Trust / Leitrim County Council Responsible Dog Ownership Programme was delivered to 160 school-children in 2019. Neutering and Re-Homing Cats The problem of stray and feral cats continues to increase especially in housing estates. Leitrim Animal Wardens successfully trapped, neutered and returned 84 stray and feral cats in 2019 thereby helping to reduce a major animal welfare and public health threat. Horse-Riding and Animal Welfare Programme Sixty-two children aged between 12 and 17, many from disadvantaged background successfully completed two Leitrim County Council Horse-Riding and Animal Welfare Programmes in 2019. The participants developed an excellent range of skills in horse-riding and responsible ownership of horses, donkeys and dogs.

Horse-Riding and Animal Welfare Programme

Animal Warden Services

Stray & surrendered Dogs 200

Dogs Re-Homed 183

Dogs Re-Claimed by Owner 44

Dog licenses Issued 1,650

Lifetime dog licenses issued 33

On-the-spot fines issued 9

Service Requests 407

Dogs Neutered or vouchers issued 116

Dogs Micro-Chipped and Registered 123

School Children reached 160

Stray Horses impounded 10

Participants in Horse-Riding Programmes

62


Library Services During 2019, Leitrim Library Service delivered on the strategic objectives as set out in the national library strategy ‘Our Public Libraries 2022’ aimed at establishing the library as the trusted ‘go to’ place in the community for guidance and support in areas such as reading and literacy, lifelong learning, business and employment, healthy living and well-being. The library is a centre of community and cultural activity promoting a welcoming space for individuals and communities, celebrating diversity and fulfilling personal development. Ms. Emma Clancy left her position as County Librarian to take up the position of Cavan County Librarian and Ms. Pauline Brennan was appointed as the County Librarian for Leitrim. Library Fines were eliminated in January 2019. This has been significant in terms of removing a barrier to library usage and has resulted in an increased use of the library service and increased library membership and has also seen the return of long overdue items. A number of digital classes were provided and there was increased use of the range of online resources in particular e-books and e-magazines and Wi-Fi was extended to Carrigallen and Kiltyclogher Branch Libraries. Healthy Ireland at your Library This Programme saw all branch libraries engaged in a comprehensive Programme of events and activities which included a visit from the Irish Heart Foundation Mobile Unit to Manorhamilton Library. A wide ranging number of presentations took place on a number of topics as well as fitness classes for children and adults.

Healthy Ireland at your Library Supporting Literacy

Reading and Literacy was to the forefront with all libraries running the national Right To Read initiative. Programmes such as ‘Spring into Storytime, Summer Stars, Children’s Book Festival and Family Time at your Library supported and developed literacy skills, reading creativity and innovation. Almost 600 children across the County signed up for the very popular Summer Stars Programme.

The annual Right to Read Award was presented to Caroline Farrell, Right to Read Co-ordinator, by Mr. Seán Canney, Minister of State for Community Development, Natural Resources & Digital Development at an event in the LGMA to mark the huge work being done by Leitrim Library service in the area of literacy and reading development. Other Key Achievements in 2019 included:

Under the Work Matters initiative some work was done in terms of developing partnerships and working collaboratively with MSLETB, in particular the Adult Guidance Information officer in County Leitrim.

A number of events and activities took place to mark ‘World Book Day’, Seachtain na Gaeilge, Engineer’s Week, Bealtaine, Cruinniú na nÓg, Heritage Week, Culture Night, Science Week ensuring that the library was seen as an active and vibrant focal point in the community. Branch libraries across the County continued to facilitate book clubs, writing groups, parent and toddler groups, English and Irish language groups and Art & Craft Sessions.

A wide range of book launches, exhibitions and book displays took place around the County. The purchase of specific book club titles for adults and class reader sets for primary school children ensured that the focus on reading remained as a core library service and titles were made available for loan across the library network.


Funding was received under Dormant Accounts Funding for an outreach project which engaged with the Syrian community in Drumshanbo and pre-schools in both Manorhamilton and Carrigallen with the aim of engaging parents and children in fun activity based events which assisted in language and literacy development.

Class visits from pre-schools, primary and second level schools around the County continued to grow in number and library staff ensured that these visits were both enjoyable and productive in terms of the promotion of reading as a fun activity and supporting project research.

Anyone for Science

A revised model of service delivery was introduced in late 2019 which combined ‘public hours’ with ‘scheduled hours’ across the library network which aimed to both meet and support the needs of communities. During scheduled hours, libraries facilitated a range of computer classes, visits, talks and demonstrations where staff made the library space available to a wide number of community groups in a targeted way

A copy of an original John McGahern Manuscript was purchased. The 6 page Holograph Manuscript was McGahern's contribution to a book called ‘32 Counties’, which was edited by Donovan Wylie and published in 1989. The Manuscript is on permanent display in Ballinamore Library and has received huge interest in it, resulting in many new patrons visiting the Library.

Leitrim Library Service was involved in the organising and hosting of the launch of ‘Leitrim History and Society: interdisciplinary essays on the history of an Irish County’. Copies of the publication, which was launched by Mr. Bryan Dobson, were made available for consultation and loan through the branch library network.

Funding was secured and work commenced on the addition of a ‘Peace Room’ to Mohill Library as part of a Cross Border Peace IV Shared Space Project. This will greatly enhance the library as an interactive community space.

Library Objectives The number of visits, issues, membership figures and the cost of operating the library service are the key library performance indicators. 19% of County Leitrim’s population are library members which is above the national average of 16%. However, usage is not synonymous with value or benefits to users. Delivering value and benefit together with customer satisfaction are hugely important. The Library service aims to enhance the user experience in a number of ways by ensuring that the focus is shaped by local needs and that community expectations of are met. The overall aim is to increase membership figures in line with targets set out in the national public library strategy and increase usage of the service throughout the County. Ensuring that the library continues to offer a high quality service and continues to engage with library stakeholders will contribute to measuring outcomes and impact on users. Library Staffing While the closure of Mohill Library for refurbishment together with ad-hoc closures of libraries as a result of limited staffing resources had an effect on the number of items issued and visitor numbers in 2019, there was an increase in the percentage of members accessing library online services, in particular e-books and e-magazines.

Leisure and Recreation Leitrim Sports Partnership (LSP) had another very successful and busy year delivering education and training initiatives and Programmes to the many different target groups in Leitrim. Some examples of the Programmes delivered in 2019. First Aid Courses - LSP completed 4 full-day First

Aid courses Leitrim Swim Weeks - Delivered in Drumshanbo

Pool, Gulladoo, Rossinver and Keeldra Lake in July with 678 children participating

The Shannon Splash - This event went ahead in Carrick on Shannon, along with the rowing club and in partnership with Swim Ireland. We had 38 children that took part from 5 different youth groups throughout Leitrim. This event involved water safety, water polo, jumping and diving and kayaking.


Zumba Dancing - In conjunction with “Childhood Days”, we have completed a fun dancing and physical activities for 14 people with disabilities; ages 9 – 18 years in the Mayflower Drumshanbo.

Swim 4 All Programme - We completed two x 6 week Programmes in the Aura Leisure centre, Carrick on Shannon for young children with a disability to learn to swim.

Sports Leadership - This is a practical qualification in which learners must demonstrate their ability to lead others in simple sport/activity sessions. This course is rolled out with young adults and TY groups. There were 3 Sports Leadership courses completed in 2019, 2 with St Clares Comprehensive School in Manorhamilton and one with the students in Leitrim Training Centre. A total of 51 students took part in this Programme and have now gained a level 1 qualification in Sports Leadership through Sports Leaders UK.

Bike Week 2019 Women on Water Programme - Was a Kayaking

specific event that was enjoyed by the participants and considered a great way to promote the waterways of Leitrim.

Women on Wheels - Leitrim Sports Partnership completed a 8 week cycling Programme for women in Carrick on Shannon with 21 women engaged and participating on this Programme. In September as a follow up Programme, Leitrim Sports Partnership completed two 4 week cycling Programmes in Carrick with 11 cyclists and in Kinlough with 13 cyclists participating on the Programme

Learn to Cycle - Leitrim Sports Partnership and the Leitrim West Cavan Branch of Down Syndrome Ireland took part in a education and training workshop to enable parents to set up a cycling training Programme for children involved in the group. We had 11 parent and adults that completed the training Programme.

Go For Life Games - Workshops with the Active Age Groups in south Leitrim (Fenagh) and North

Leitrim (Manorhamilton) with 17 participants in Fenagh and 21 participants in Manorhamilton.

A team representing Leitrim competed at the 2019 National Go for Life Games held in Dublin City University in June. This is the second year that Leitrim competed in the national finals and the participants were from many different Active Age Groups around the County. Now in its eighth year, it has grown to become one of the biggest social sports events for older people in Ireland.

Women on Wheels Cycling Programme

Girls Active Programme Exercise to Music - A Programme held in Autism

Unit in Drumshanbo National School, we received feedback whereby the children really enjoyed dancing to the music. The children all participated with smiles on their faces and dancing to the music.

Manorhamilton Sports Hub Launch Leitrim Sports Partnership secured funding from Sport Ireland and dormant accounts fund to set up the Sports Hub in the Bee Park, Manorhamilton. We launched the sports Hub in September and provided a festival of multi sports and opportunities for the community. e.g. Community Walk, Cycling for children, table tennis, Parkour, Inclusive games, Pickle ball demonstration and games, Gym and spin demo, tag rugby, soccer blitz, GAA blitz and open tennis sessions. Bee Park Sports Hub has made the following differences locally, Basketball the take-up by our non-national Community has been very impressive, the engagement by our local Schools in targeting Children not usually engaged in any sporting activity. We have


TY students trained up as coaches, and in turn coaching Children in many different sporting activities. Sports Hub provided the Bee Park with spin bikes where about 120 participants are attending spin classes weekly, Chess a non-active past time has resumed in the Bee Park Centre with about 120 Children participating weekly!! Leitrim Sports Partnership Staffing The Leitrim Sports Partnership performance indicator was to engage over 12,000 children, teenagers, families, men, women, older adults and people with disability. In total we had a total of 12,696 people participating on the LSP Programmes which is increase from last year. This year the LSP recruited two full time members of staff, Patricia Forde our CSDO (Community Sport development officer) and Michelle Fanning our SIDO (Social Inclusion Development officer). Having the two sports development officers working on Programme delivery increases are capacity to engage more target groups and delivery more and varied Programmes and education and training initiatives in the community.

Civil Defence Leitrim Civil Defence carried out an extensive training Programme during 2019, both locally and in conjunction with Civil Defence HQ in Roscrea. This training ensured that Civil Defence were in a position to respond to requests for assistance from the Principle Response Agencies. Although there were no requests for assistance for any major incident during the year Volunteers assisted at a number of community based events. First Aid and Safety Boat assistance was provided at a number of events to include:

Tony McGowan Run Drumshanbo

Scout Event, Aughnasheelin

Lough Rinn Charity Cycle

Darkness in to Light

Carrick Carnival Festival

Special Olympic Kayak event

Stony Woods Festival Kiltyclogher

Charity Kayak event Garadice

Carrick on Shannon Regatta

Ballinamore Agricultural Show

Mohill Agricultural Show

Leitrim Sub Aqua Charity Swim

Christmas Day Charity Swim Assistance was provided during 2019 to the Environment Section in order that the Lake Sampling

Programme could be completed in accordance with E.P.A. requirements. This assistance involves transporting technical staff by boat to designated testing sites. Civil Defence also remained available to assist with water based environmental incidents. Annual training with the Department of Agriculture was completed so that Volunteers could be available to assist Department Staff in the event of any Avian Flu incidents involving wildfowl recovery. In October 2019 Civil Defence relocated to new premises in Drumshanbo. This new location has resulted in additional storage space for vehicles and equipment and improved welfare and training facilities for Volunteers.

Fire Services Leitrim Fire Service progressed and completed a number of capital projects during 2019. A new, state of the art, fire station was completed and opened in Ballinamore. A refurbishment and extension project was completed to Drumshanbo Fire Station providing a substantial improvement to the facilities available. The completion of both fire station projects is a welcome sight providing valuable and much needed resources to our dedicated fire fighters and ensuring the delivery of a modern and highly capable fire service in their respective areas for decades to come. Significant ground has been made on the Manorhamilton Fire Station project with the new site boundary now marked and progressed to design and tender stage. Leitrim Fire Service also saw the arrival of two new Ford Ranger vehicles now on the run in Mohill and Ballinamore Fire Stations. The funding for the Rangers was recouped from the Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government. The Rangers provide a vital traffic management role at road based incidents reducing the risk to our Firefighters whilst they work to rescue and protect the public. National Fire Safety Week Starting from October 7th the theme being “Safer Together”. The Campaign sought to ask members of our communities to visit vulnerable relatives, neighbors and friends and ensure they are mindful of


fire safety, have working smoke alarms and have an escape plan in the event of fire.

Refurbishment and extension project was completed to Drumshanbo Fire Station A local Programme of activities was undertaken in Leitrim including visits to primary schools in the area and the fire safety message was presented at each fire station and at prominent road side locations. Firefighters from Leitrim Fire Service, in conjunction with the National Retained Firefighters Association took part in a collection for Aoibheann’s Pink Tie, a National Children’s Cancer Charity raising over €2000 to support the building of short stay accommodation for the families of children receiving cancer treatment at the new children’s hospital. Fire Service Staffing Leitrim County Council employs 4 Senior Fire Officers and 1 Assistant Staff Officer to run the service for the County from headquarters in Carrick-on-Shannon. Leitrim County Fire Service has 5 Fire Stations with the following number of retained fire-fighters employed as of 31/12/2019:

Station No. of fire-fighters

Carrick-on-Shannon 11

Mohill 8

Ballinamore 8

Drumshanbo 7

Manorhamilton 8

Retirements during 2019 include Station Officer David Gordon from Mohill Brigade along with Firefighter Michael Duignan from Carrick on Shannon Brigade. Emergency Incidents Leitrim Fire Service provides an emergency response service to Leitrim and part of north Roscommon by agreement with Roscommon County Council. Fire brigades in the adjoining counties of Donegal and Cavan (Bundoran, Killeshandra, Dowra and Ballyconnell) also provide first attendance cover to parts of Leitrim. In 2019 there were a total of 229 emergency incidents in Leitrim generating 246

callouts serviced by Leitrim brigades. It is expected that the average time for the first fire appliance to mobilise from any Fire Station should be as quick as conceivably possible for each of the five retained stations within County Leitrim. The current average time of 4.73 mins was recorded for 2019. Every effort will continue to maintain achieving the target of 5 minutes for retained station mobilisations. Leitrim Emergency Incidents in 2019

Type of incident Total 2019

Chimney Fires 30

Other Domestic Fires 28

Non Domestic Building Fires 13

Road Traffic Collisions 42

Vehicle fires 12

Bog / Forest /Gorse / Grass 13

Storm Damage / Flooding 3

Miscellaneous Special Service Calls 10

False Alarms (Good Intent) 12

False Alarms (Malicious) 19

Total 246

Breakdown of incidents by type 2019 A pie chart analysis of the incidents for 2019 gives the following breakdown by incident type:

Breakdown of Incidents by Fire Station Each fire brigade unit covering Leitrim responded to the following number of emergency callouts in 2019. A comparison with other years is also included.


Station 2019* 2018* 2017*

Manorhamilton 50 71 51

Carrick-on-Shannon 70 61 57

Mohill 55 65 64

Drumshanbo 41 39 35

Ballinamore 30 41 50

*Number of Incidents Leitrim Fire Service carried out a total of 114 inspections under the following Acts in 2019, namely

Fire Services Act 1981 (Section 24)

Indoor Licensing Bill, 2003

Building Control Act, 1990 & 2014

Local Government Planning and Development Acts, 1963 - 2001

Dangerous Substances Act, 1972

Intoxicating Liquor Acts, 1833 and 1988

Dance Halls Act, 1935 and 1977

Gaming and Lottery Act, 1956

Registration of Clubs Acts 1904 and 1981

Leitrim Fire Service achieved their minimum performance standards for Building Control for the year of 2019 with over 15% of all new buildings notified to the local authority inspected and 77% of all fire safety certificates received in the year decided within two months of receipt.

Major Emergency Management A successful Programme of work was conducted in the North West Region for 2019 and Leitrim County Council staff played an integral role in overseeing and delivering this work. Leitrim County Council staff attended a Training Course for Onsite Coordinators Considerable work was carried out on updating plans, assessing current readiness and reviewing training needs, along with regular attendance at regional

meetings. The VHF radios for use at the Local Coordination Centre, Crisis Management Team and Onsite Coordination Centre were retired and replaced with TETRA radios providing reliable and secure communications over the County and beyond. The Cross Border Emergency Management Group The Cross Border Emergency Management Group was established a few years ago in order to promote cross border cooperation in emergency management. All the principal response agencies on both sides of the border (Fire/Local Authorities/Police/Health Service/ Ambulance/Coastguard) are represented on the Group. The purpose of this group is to act as a multi-agency group for agencies involved in emergency management on a cross-border basis. Leitrim County Council Chief Fire Officer Finian Joyce is the Republic of Ireland Joint Chair of the group.

Area Of Operation In the Republic of Ireland the counties involved include those in the North West and North East Regional Emergency Management regions while in Northern Ireland the new Council areas making up the Western and Southern Emergency Planning Groups that touch the border are included. The area covered by the Cross Border Group is highlighted in the image. During 2019 the group succeeded in finalising the Cross Border Risk Assessment and the Cross Border Notification Protocol aimed at alerting agencies on both sides of the border of the possibility of a major emergency arising. These documents were approved at national level by the National Steering Group for Emergency management. ERASMUS & BFIRESAFE@SCHOOL Leitrim County Council is the project coordinator of the BFIRESAFE@SCHOOL project that was successful in securing funding of approximately €320,000 from Leargas the National Agency for this project. The project commenced in October 2018 and will finish in April 2021. Nine partners from 7 EU countries (Ireland, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, Germany, Lithuania, Spain) and associate partners from 23 EU countries are cooperating together in the Erasmus+ project called ‘BFireSafe@School’. The aim is to develop a fire safety education Programme to increase fire safety awareness among pupils in post primary schools in Europe by sharing best practice and


using innovative digital learning methods. The new fire safety training Programme (consisting of classroom lessons and online training) will be developed in 9 European languages and will be available to teachers and pupils aged 13 – 17 all over Europe later in 2020. The highlight of the project during 2019 was the launch of the pilot project by Eoghan Murphy TD Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government. The pilot project was carried out in 14 post primary schools around Ireland including three schools in Leitrim, namely, Carrigallen Vocational School, St. Clare’s Comprehensive School, Manorhamilton and Lough Allen College, Drumkeeran. For further information check out the BFireSafe@School website www.bfiresafeatschool.eu or the Leitrim County Council website or follow the project on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn and YouTube.

Chief Executive Lar Power, Director of Services, Vincent Dwyer, Chief Fire Officer, Finian Joyce with pupils and teachers from Leitrim schools at the pilot project launch in Dublin


Maximising Operational and Organisational Capacity To maximise the potential of our Human, Financial and ICT resources to optimise organisational capacity and performance and ensure high quality services and information tailored to meet the needs of all our customers.

Corporate Services Following the Local Elections of May of 2019, the newly elected council met for the first time in June 2019 when the Annual Meeting took place. Councillor Enda McGloin was elected Cathaoirleach. The Agenda and Minutes of Council meetings can be viewed on the Leitrim County Council website at www.leitrimcoco.ie Meetings of Leitrim County Council

County Council Meetings

Bi Monthly Meetings 6

Annual Meeting 1

Budget Meeting 1

Special Meeting 1

Municipal District (MD) Meetings

Ballinamore MD Meetings 9

Ballinamore Annual Meeting 1

Carrick-on-Shannon MD Meetings 9

Carrick-on-Shannon Annual Meeting 1

Manorhamilton MD Meetings 9

Manorhamilton MD Special Meeting 1

Manorhamilton Annual Meeting 1

Corporate Policy Group (CPG) The Corporate Policy Group (CPG) consists of the Cathaoirleach and the Chairpersons of the Strategic Policy Committees, and is supported by the Chief Executive. The Corporate Policy Group met on 6 occasions in 2019.

Members of Leitrim County Council 2019-2024 with Senior Management. Absent from picture; Cllr Des Guckian and Cllr Caillian Ellis Municipal Districts In 2019, the Municipal Districts of Ballinamore, Carrick-on-Shannon and Manorhamilton held 9 ordinary meetings each and an Annual Meeting. The General Municipal Allocation for Municipal District Works for was adopted by each Municipal District. At the respective Annual Meetings for each municipal district the following members were elected as Cathaoirleach:

Municipal District Cathaoirleach

Ballinamore Paddy O’Rourke

Carrick-on-Shannon Finola Armstrong McGuire

Manorhamilton Mary Bohan

Audit Committee The committee comprises 2 (two) Elected members and 3 (three) External Members. The Elected Members appointed to the Committee are Councillor Enda McGloin and Councillor Paddy O’Rourke. The role of the Audit Committee is to advise the Council on financial reporting process, internal

http://www.leitrimcoco.ie/


control, risk management and audit matters. A total of 4 meetings were held in 2019. Joint Policing Committee The Joint Policing Committee met on 3 occasions in 2019 and progressed actions included in the Joint Policing Committee Strategic Plan. A public meeting was held in March 2019 with the theme of ‘Community Engagement and Policing. The Telesis Property Marking machine was launched at this meeting.

Launch of Telesis Property Marking machine at JPC Public Meeting

Strategic Policy Committees Regular meetings of the Economic Development, Enterprise and Planning SPC; Housing Policy, Social and Cultural Development SPC and Environmental, Transportation and Infrastructural Policy SPC took place throughout 2019 and a number of policy matters were progressed and brought to the full Council for adoption. A new Strategic Policy Committee Scheme was also adopted following the Local Elections with the new SPC’s, which will be established early in 2020, reconfigured as follows: Planning, Economic Development and Infrastructure SPC; Housing Community and Culture SPC and Environment, Climate Action and Agriculture SPC. Local Elections 2019 The Local Elections were successfully held in May 2019, with polling taking place on Friday May 24th and the count being conducted over the weekend of 25/26th May in The Bush Hotel, Carrick-on-Shannon. Out-going councillors Sinead Guckian and John McCartin did not contest the Local Elections. Fourteen of the out-going councillors were successful in retaining their seat on the council for the 2019-2014 term. Councillor Ita Reynolds-Flynn and Councillor Paddy Farrell were elected to the council for the first

time. Councillor Enda McGloin and Councillor Thomas Mulligan were re-elected to the council following a 5 year absence. Out-going councillors Caroline Mulvey and Seadhna Logan were unsuccessful in their attempts to get re-elected. The results of the 2019 Local Elections are shown in Appendix 10. The first meeting of the newly elected council took place in Aras an Chontae on 6th June 2019.

Councillor Enda McGloin receives the chain of office from out-going Cathaoirleach Sean McGowan Members Expenses

Payments to Members of Leitrim County Council * in line with National Regulations

Cathaoirleachs’ Allowance €20,000*

Leas Cathaoirleachs’ Allowance €4,000*

Strategic Policy Committee

Chairpersons’ Allowance €18,000*

Municipal District Chairpersons’

Allowance €18,000*

Members’ Representational Payments €308,024

Members’ Annual & Municipal District

Allowance €111,629

Members’ Mobile Phone Allowance €2,836

Total €482,489

Register of Electors The Register of Electors for 2019/20 was published on 1st February, 2019. The figures in relation to the Live Register at 2019/2020 were as follows:

Dáil Constituency Presidential

Electors Dáil

Electors

Sligo/Leitrim 25,036 26,093

European Parliament Constituency

European Electors

Potential European

Electors

Midlands- North West 26,305 484


Local Electoral Areas Local Government Electors

Ballinamore 9,470

Carrick-on-Shannon 8,761

Manorhamilton 8,788

Total 27,019

In advance of the Local Elections in May 2019, a supplement to the Register of Electors was created. An additional 1,619 local electors were added to the register as follows: Ballinamore LEA: 741, Carrick-on-Shannon LE: 465, Manorhamilton LEA: 413. Freedom of Information Activity under the Freedom of Information legislation increased by approximately 10% on 2018 with 106 requests received in 2019. Requests from journalists increased by 15% in 2019 accounting for 58% of all requests. A total of 104 cases were determined during the year, with one case cared over from 2018 and 3 cases brought forward to 2020. Of those determined, 57 were granted in full, 18 were partially granted, 3 were withdrawn by the requestor, 2 were withdrawn and handled outside of FOI and 24 cases were refused. Communications Office The Media Liaison Officer continued to engage with the local media to promote the activities and services provided by the Leitrim County Council. This was achieved through issuing press releases and statements as required and handling media enquiries and requests from the local and national print, online and broadcasting media. Media enquiries and requests increased in 2019 by approximately 42% compared to 2018 with 115 requests from media sources. In 2019 the Council actively promoted its activities, events and initiatives through increased usage of social media channels, namely Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. The increased social media presence resulted in a 44% growth on 2018 in terms of followers, with a total of 11,635 social media followers at year end. Social Media was used to great effect during the Local Election Count on May 25 & 26 when significant numbers of people followed the count declarations which we broadcast live on Facebook. The increase in social media followers has also resulted in an increase in traffic to our website www.leitrimcoco.ie with a 14% increase in traffic on 2018, with almost 394,000 unique website visits in 2019.

Protected Disclosures Pursuant to the Protected Disclosures Act 2014, Leitrim County Council hereby confirms that no request was received in the period 1st January to 31st December 2019 in accordance with the Act. Customer Service The Customer Services Desk in Aras-an-Chontae as well as the public desks in Planning, Finance, Housing and Water Services continued to provide front-line services to the public. In 2019 the Customer Service Desk in Aras an Chontae received an average of 1830 phone calls per month into the organisation. In addition the Customer Services Desk dealt with an average of approximately 35 queries per day from individuals who presented in person. Performance Indicators The increase on both social media and website activity was as a result of more proactive focus and publishing news items on the website, an increase in job opportunities which were displayed on the website and an overall greater emphasis on publishing information about our services and actives on our social media channels.

Laura & Michelle, Customer Service Representatives

Human Resources Recruitment & Workforce Planning Our workforce planning process has continued throughout 2019 with a view to streamlining operational processes and to assist in making the best use of available staff resources. Recruitment activity continued to be significant in 2019 with 44 competitions interviewed and a further 12 competitions advertised and at various stages of processing at year end. Our overall Staffing Number as at 31st December 2019 was 309 with an additional 42 Retained Fire Fighters.


A total of 59 new staff commenced work with Leitrim County Council during the year, on a mix of permanent and temporary contracts, with a further 16 existing staff having secured permanent appointments and/or promotion. 31 Staff left Leitrim County Council employment during the year as a result of contracts ending, resignations to take up alternative employment etc. There were also 4 Staff Retirements in 2019 and 1 Death in Service (R.I.P). Interview Gender Breakdown

Interview Board Members Attendees at Interviews HR Management System CORE HRM provides an end to end modular IT solution, with current modules including Personnel Management, Superannuation, Training, Payroll, Time & Attendance, Recruitment and Business Intelligence Reporting. Employees can access their individual employment records, pension calculator, online pay slips, training details and submit leave requests etc with significant automation, while the manager dashboard supports approvals, automated reminders and team analytics. The Service Level Agreement with the Local Authority Shared Payroll & Superannuation Centre in Portlaoise, MyPay continued to operate successfully during 2019. The Performance Management and Development System (PMDS) for staff continued to be closely linked to the Annual Service Delivery Plan as adopted by the Members, and the associated Departmental Team Plans, in 2019.

Leitrim County Council Employee Gender Breakdown

Breakdown at year end including 351 Retained Fire-fighters Staff Learning & Development A comprehensive Learning and Development Programme was implemented in 2019 which is complemented by the Staff Education Scheme, providing support to staff members pursuing further education opportunities. A new Employee Assistance Programme was also procured and rolled out during 2019

Finance The Finance Department is responsible for the following:

Financial Management and Oversight

Accounts Receivable including Motor Tax

Accounts Payable and Agresso Support

Procurement

Internal Audit

Production and Publication of Financial

Information including the Annual Budget and the Annual Financial Statement

Key Points related to financial activity of 2019 In 2019, a surplus of €1.5k was delivered on the Revenue Account. This succeeded in reducing the cumulative general revenue deficit to €259K. A combined total Revenue Expenditure of €42.9m was expended on delivering services to the citizens of County Leitrim in 2019.

Actual Expenditure 2019 (Unaudited)

Division/Area Expenditure

Housing and Building €4,527,645

Road Transport and Safety €19,582,009

Water Services €3,232,773

Development Management €4,553,642

Environment Services €4,679,710

Recreation and Amenity €2,965,660

Agri, Education, Health & Welfare €508,304

Miscellaneous Services €2,815,289

Total: €42,865,032


In 2019, a total of 1,090 commercial rates customers received their rates demands to the value of €5,454,979. The table below summarises revenue collection performance since 2017: Table 1 Revenue collection 2017-2019

Revenue Income % Collection 2017-2019

Year Rates Rents Housing Loans

2017 82% 88% 64%

2018 83% 89% 63%

2019 83% 90% 65%

In 2019, there was a 1% increase in housing rent collection compared with the 2018 figures increasing from 89% to 90%, housing loan collection increased in 2019 by 2% overall from 63% to 65%. The % collection for commercial rates in 2019 was 83% which was in line with the collection figure achieved in 2018. The Revenue Team engaged with customers on an ongoing basis to assist customers in difficulties and to maximise income collection across all revenue streams. Motor Taxation During 2019 a total of 39,001 vehicle licence transactions were processed for Leitrim which represented an increase of 2.02% on 2018 transactions. The details are as follows: • Motor tax counter transactions –11,269 (28.89%) • Motor tax postal transactions ‐ 1,829 (4.69%) • Online transactions ‐ 25,903 (66.42%) The online motor tax service allows customers to renew their Motor Tax 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, through the website www.motortax.ie.

Procurement The primary procurement objective for Leitrim County Council is to get optimum value for money in the procurement of goods, services and works, while complying with all EU Directives, National Legislation, Public Procurement Policy, Circulars and Guidelines. The key procurement principles incorporate fairness, openness, transparency, mutual recognition, non-

discrimination and proportionality. The Council’s procurement of goods, services and works facilitates the development of critical infrastructure, community services and improved environmental quality. The Procurement Unit, within the Finance Department of the Leitrim County Council, will continue to collaborate with the Office of Government Procurement and the Local Government Operational Procurement Centre in order to maximise the use of national frameworks. Procurement within Leitrim County Council is decentralised with buyers in all areas of the organisation, and much of the high value procurement being conducted using the two electronic portals, www.etenders.gov.ie and www.SupplyGov.ie. In May 2019 Leitrim County Council submitted its Quality Assurance Report for 2018, to the National Oversight and Audit Commission (NOAC), as required under the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform (DPER) Public Spending Code. Details of Leitrim County Council Purchase Orders, for sums in excess of €20,000 are published on a quarterly basis on the Council’s website.

Information Communications Technology As part of the Local Government Management Agency’s (LGMA) change of focus from operational support to strategic planning, Leitrim Co. Council and seventeen other Local Authorities embarked on a project to build their own self managed networks thereby enabling the LGMA to proceed with their plans. This was very complex and time consuming process which necessitated the migration of every IT entity to the new network. Hyper Converged Infrastructure In late December 2018 Leitrim Co. Council awarded a contract to Procloud Ltd, Boyle, Co. Roscommon to upgrade the existing data centre to a Hyper Converged Infrastructure (HCI) with Cloud Disaster Recovery (DR). This system was successfully implemented in 2019 and will enhance the security, availability and integrity of electronic data held by the Local Authority.

http://www.motortax.ie/

http://www.etenders.gov.ie/

http://www.supplygov.ie/


WiFi4EU In 2019 Leitrim Co. Council ICT Dept played a significant role in preparing tender documents for the provision of free public WiFi as part of the WiFi4EU Programme. This will see the installation of ten access points in each of the towns, Carrick on Shannon, Manorhamilton, Mohill and Ballinamore. CCTV Leitrim Co. Council ICT Dept also facilitated the implementation of a new CCTV system in Carrick on Shannon. Under the terms of the funding agreement and the General Data Protection Regulations (GDPR), Leitrim Co. Council is designated as the Data Controller of all video data captured. All data is securely stored at the Co. Council offices in Carrick on Shannon. Microsoft Office 365 Leitrim Co. Council ICT Dept also carried out a pilot implementation of Microsoft Office 365 in 2019. This was to evaluate the functionality of the platform in the context of an increasingly mobile workforce.

ICT Support Information Volume

Logged Support Calls 3,947

Setup of New Staff 43

Internal Staff Moves >50

Other Key Achievements

Provided ICT support to Cllrs and visitors

Upgrade of PCs from Windows 7 to Windows 10

Networked new offices in Summerhill

Networked new Fire Station in Ballinamore

Provided ICT services for Local Elections In 2019 both the number of social media followers and the visits to the Local Authority website increased. This can be attributed to an active engagement by the Local Authority with social media platforms and that 2019 was a local election year ICT Budget The overall cost of ICT as a proportion of the Revenue Budget has increased in 2019 due primarily to the extensive upgrading of our data centre infrastructure.

Health and Safety As we strive for continuous improvement in our robust Safety Management System all the while

keeping on trend with the latest technology, delivery of the safety message within the organisation went electronic by means of online safety briefings. Reacting to the high fatality rates within Ireland involving moving plant and machinery, a vigorous Plant Familiarisation Programme was established which involved a very successful coordinated effort by Leitrim County Council, site contractors and plant suppliers. Safety in Excavations and Management of Over ground and Underground Services was the focus of Safety Week for our outdoor crews, this reinforced the dangers associated with this type of work while also giving us the opportunity to introduce further protocols to ensure ultimate protection to our staff, contractors and members of the public. 2019 was a very positive year regarding accidents where only one reportable accident was recorded for the 12 month period. Non conformances relating to plant and machinery also significantly reduced reflecting optimistically on our efforts. Other highlights included significant developments in the Water Services Section greatly improving safety standards & performance, establishment of firm service contracts for Emergency Lighting, Fire Alarm Testing & Extinguisher Servicing in all Local Authority Facilities and development/revision of Safety Statements throughout the organisation.


Appendix 1 – Statement of Income And Expenditure At Year End 31st December 2019

** Unaudited figures subjected to change


Appendix 2 - Statement of Financial Position (Balance Sheet) At 31st December 2019

** Unaudited figures subjected to change


Appendix 3 - Committee Memberships Following the Annual Meeting of Leitrim County Council on 7th June 2019, this is a list committees that Leitrim County Council elected members are part of.

Northern and Western Regional Assembly

Councillor Justin Warnock Councillor Enda McGloin

Association of Irish Local Government The Association of Irish Local Government will be voting delegates at the Annual Conference and will also be the permanent delegates to the Standing Policy of the Association of Irish Local Government for the full five year term

Councillor Frank Dolan Councillor Ita Reynolds Flynn Councillor Thomas Mulligan

Local Authority Members Association

Councillor Sean McGowan

PEACE IV Partnership

Councillor Sean McGowan Councillor Mary Bohan Councillor Sean McDermott

Leitrim County Enterprise Fund Limited

Councillor Frank Dolan Councillor Justin Warnock

Irish Central Border Areas Network

Councillor Sean McDermott Councillor Paddy O’Rourke The Cathaoirleach is an ex-officio member

Irish Public Bodies Mutual Insurances Limited

Councillor Mary Bohan

Local Traveller Accommodation Consultative Committee

Councillor Finola Armstrong McGuire Councillor Enda Stenson Councillor Ita Reynolds Flynn

Councillor Paddy Farrell Councillor Thomas Mulligan Councillor Gerry Dolan

Regional Drugs Task Force

Councillor Finola Armstrong McGuire

Mayo, Sligo and Leitrim Training Board

Councillor Mary Bohan Councillor Paddy O’Rourke Councillor Enda Stenson

Local Community Development Committee

Councillor Felim Gurn Councillor Thomas Mulligan Councillor Paddy Farrell

Governing Body of The NUI Galway

Councillor John McCartin

Library Advisory Committee

All Members

Regional Health Forum

Councillor Paddy Farrell Councillor Felim Gurn Councillor Finola Armstrong-McGuire

County Leitrim Local Sports Partnership

Councillor Enda Stenson Councillor Sean McGowan Councillor Finola Armstrong McGuire

Audit Committee

Councillor Paddy O’Rourke Councillor Enda McGloin

Leitrim Joint Policing Committee


Councillor Sean McDermott Councillor Finola Armstrong-McGuire Councillor Enda McGloin Councillor Thomas Mulligan Councillor Justin Warnock Councillor Sean McGowan

Councillor Enda Stenson Councillor Mary Bohan Councillor Paddy Farrell Councillor Gerry Dolan Councillor Padraig Fallon Councillor Brendan Barry Councillor Felim Gurn

Heritage Forum

Municipal District Councillor Date Appointed

Ballinamore Paddy O’Rourke Ita Reynolds Flynn

14th June 2019

Carrick-on-Shannon Sean McGowan Finola Armstrong McGuire

14th June 2019

Manorhamilton Sean McDermott Felim Gurn

17th June 2019

Centenary Committee

Councillor Ita Reynolds Flynn Councillor Paddy O’Rourke

Councillor Brendan Barry

Peace IV Committee

Municipal District Councillor

Ballinamore Carrick on Shannon Manorhamilton

Gerry Dolan Enda Stenson Justin Warnock


Appendix 4 - Conferences/ Seminars Attended By The Elected Members Below is the number of Conferences/Seminars attended by Elected Members in 2019. No conferences/seminars were attended during the following months - February, March, April, May, August and November 2019.

Month Details of the Conference/Seminar Location # Members Attended

January Celtic Conferences -Retirement Entitlements and Taxation Benefits for Councillors

Cork 1

June Sean MacDiarmada Summer School 2019 Leitrim 6

July McGill Summer School Donegal 1

September La Touche Legacy Seminar 6th Festival of History Wicklow 1

October Celtic Conferences - À Practical Guide to Budget 2020 Louth 3

October Celtic Conferences -Ireland and Plastic Waste Cork 3

December Celtic Conferences -First Time Home Buyers Incentives Louth 1

Appendix 5 -Training Events Attended By The Elected Members Below is the number of training events attended by Elected Members during in 2019. No Training Events were attended by Elected Members in April, May, June August and December 2019.

Month Details of Training Events Location # Members Attended

January Association of Irish Local Government (Draft Regional Spatial & Economic Strategies)

Roscommon 3

February Association of Irish Local Government Conference 2019 (120 Years of Irish Local Government 1899 -2019)

Longford 5

March LAMA 2019 Spring Seminar Training (Councilors Promotions through Media) Leitrim 10

March Association of Irish Local Government (The Marine Spatial Planning) Wicklow 3

July Association of Irish Local Government ( Induction Training for Elected Members)

Westmeath 11

July Association of Irish Local Government (Induction Training for Elected Members)

Tipperary 1

September Association of Irish Local Government (Climate Change and Planning, New Challenges for Local Authorities)

Monaghan 13

October

Association of Irish Local Government (The Planning Process, the Elected Member and the Office of the Planning Regulator)

Limerick 1

October Association of Irish Local Government (The Planning Process, the Elected Member and the Office of the Planning Regulator)

Louth 6

October LAMA 2019 Autumn Training Seminar (Biodiversity & Sustainability ) Clare 7

November Association of Irish Local Government (Climate Action, Local Authority Response)

Westmeath 4

November Association of Irish Local Government (Climate Action, Local Authority Response)

Cork 4

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Leitrim County Council Annual Report, 2019

Appendix 6 - Corporate Plan Annual Progress Report 2019 Corporate Plan This report is being presented to the Council in accordance with the requirements of Section 134 of the Local Government Act 2001 as amended. The report sets out in summary fashion progress made in relation to commitments set down in the Council’s Corporate Plan for the period 2014-2019. The report specifically highlights the progress made during 2019 and follows the same format as the Corporate Plan itself.

Economic Development Local Community Development Committee (LCDC)

LECP: The Local Community Development Committee (LCDC) and relevant SPC have continued the work of implementation during 2019. SICAP: Year four of the Social Inclusion Community Activation Programme (SICAP) through the LCDCs was completed. The annual action plan for 2020 has been considered by the LCDC and submitted to the Department. LEADER: The LEADER Programme continued during 2019, supported by Leitrim Development Company as implementing partner and Leitrim County Council as financial partner. The LCDC was delighted to achieve the allocation of an additional €500,000 to the Programme in late 2019. The LCDC also had an oversight role in relation to the PEACE Programme, Healthy Ireland Programme and the Community Enhancement Programme. Enterprise Development The Local Enterprise Office (LEO) were engaged in the following initiatives:

Support Micro Enterprise Sector: In 2019 the LEO supported the Micro Enterprise sector with grant supports as well as training and mentoring. In 2019 the LEO Office rolled out a series of Brexit supports including Brexit breakfast, Brexit mentoring, Brexit Scorecard and Customs Export and Import Procedures. Enterprise Education: The Student Enterprise Awards were delivered during 2019 at both national and secondary school level. Enterprise Promotion: LEO delivered a successful week long Programme of events during National Enterprise Week in March. LEO supported the Leitrim Business Network in the delivery of four networking events during 2019.

National Ploughing - LEO supported one client to attend the Enterprise Zone. A number of Women in Business Networking Events took place during 2019. In 2019, under the WISE Programme, of which Leitrim County Council was the Irish partners, the LEO Office co-ordinated 10 work placements of 4 weeks with female led Irish businesses (of which 5 were in County Leitrim) under the ERASMUS project. LEO Leitrim successfully delivered the IBYE Programme in Leitrim and co-ordinated and hosted the regional final for counties Longford, Sligo and Donegal. LEO Leitrim successfully produced a beautiful, Leitrim Photography book, which was launched in October. Brexit: A specific Brexit fund was allocated to the LEO which has assisted in supporting SMEs to become Brexit ready along with various awareness events etc.

Town Teams: Leitrim County Council continued to engage with Town Teams. In this regard the Council have supported Ballinamore and Manorhamilton in the development / update of town strategies, while Mohill have also completed a town plan.

Purple Flag: The Council in close co operation with the Chamber of Commerce applied for and successfully retained purple flag status for Carrick on Shannon, during 2019.

Business Diaspora Engagement: The preparation of a Diaspora Strategy was completed in 2019, while preliminary work has commenced on the implementation of same.

HLAG: The High Level Advisory Group met during 2019 and provided support and engagement with Leitrim connected people in Ireland and abroad.

SECURE: SECURE has been a 3 year (2016 – 2019) transnational project to help build the capacity of partner organisations to deploy successful energy efficiency and renewable energy technologies and solutions in housing and public infrastructure. This project was successfully completed during 2019.

Tourism: Further development of Angling Tourism Project including additional workshop and capacity building with trade Ongoing work on the visitor Blueway experience with Waterways Ireland Sponsorship of international journalists visiting Ireland to promote angling in the USEFE region Preparation of a regional pike angling competition

52


Sponsorship for attendance at international trade shows

Renewable Energy: Stakeholder Event with Sustainable Energy Communities. Completion of Biomass Supply Chain project application with IT Sligo. Submission of Energy Master plan project application to SEAI

Diaspora: Implementation and roll out of Diaspora Strategies and regional action plan. Organisation of a regional Jobs Fair, to attract the Diaspora back to the region

Regional Enterprise Development Fund: Ongoing work on the implementation of LoCaL Digital and Innovation Network project under the fund ‘Enterprise Through Energy’ submitted under Stream 2 of the REDF ‘Enterprise Through Energy’’ feasibility study funding submitted under the fund

Digital Strategies Working with County partners for the development of digital strategies Networking Digital Agenda Breakfast Briefing held with businesses across the region with address from Minister of State for Natural Resources, Community Affairs and Digital Development

Tourism

Leitrim County Council continued to invest in the promotion of County Leitrim as a tourism destination during 2019, in collaboration with key partners such as Waterways Ireland, Fáilte Ireland, and Inland Fisheries Ireland. The following promotional events were delivered during the year to date:

Attendance at holiday show - Dublin

Carrying out advertising campaigns through social media

Hosting of media and tour operator visits to the County

Support the operation of the Carrick on Shannon Tourist Office in conjunction with Fáilte Ireland

Support the information units at Knock Airport, Glencar and Ballinamore

In 2019, the Council continued to update and promote Leitrim Tourism through enjoyleitrim.com.

In 2019, Leitrim County Council supported priority investment areas in tourism based upon an open call for projects under the General Municipal Allocation. Leitrim County Council continued the development of the Slow Adventure Tourism concept during 2019. In 2019 Leitrim County Council supported the development of the Hidden Heartlands brand proposition, which overlaps in a collaborative manner with the Wild Atlantic brand proposition. Recreation and Amenity Leitrim County Council has worked actively with Community Groups, Town Teams and various stakeholders in the pursuit of funding and delivery of key projects for the County under the Town and Village Schemes, The Clár Programme, Rural Recreation. The Council will continue to prioritise the development of recreation and amenity infrastructure within the County as a means to support economic development and in particular, support the ongoing development of our tourism product. Infrastructural Development Major Capital Projects Leitrim County Council established a Capital Projects Office in mid-2019 to prioritise the delivery of the Strategic Capital Investment Programme 2020 – 2025. The Capital Projects Office (CPO) have progressed the following projects in 2019: Flood Relief Schemes Carrick on Shannon Flood Relief Scheme – Consulting Engineers will commence design of the project in late 2019. Leitrim Village Flood Relief Scheme – The tender process is currently ongoing in collaboration with the OPW for the appointment of Consulting Engineers to commence project design. Mohill Flood Relief Scheme – This will run in parallel with Leitrim Village above. Carrick on Shannon Public Regeneration Scheme The Capital Office are facilitating the detailed design phase of this project which will include 4 construction contracts. Design stage is at completion with tendering commenced for the delivery of the majority of the scheme in 2020. Manorhamilton Public Realm Scheme The procurement process was commenced in 2019 for the design phase of the project with a detailed

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funding application submitted to the Rural Regeneration Development Fund. SLNCR The Capital Office continued in 2019 to support the development of demonstration stretches along this route in collaboration with local community action groups. Drumshanbo Blueway The extension of the Blueway from Acres Lake to the Drumshanbo Canal has been progressed to construction in 2019. Roads, Transportation and Safety The 2019 roads Programme was agreed by the Municipal Districts and rolled out. In addition funding was also received for Local Improvement Schemes (LIS) and Community Involvement Schemes (CIS). The allocation delivered 12 LIS schemes, while 19 CIS schemes were supported. N4 Carrick on Shannon to Dromod By-Pass. The Regional Design Office (RDO) have commenced preparation of the tender process for the appointment of Consultancy Services to facilitate the progression of the overall scheme. N16 realignment scheme at Drummahan. Works on the advanced earthworks contract are ongoing with anticipated completion by year end. Work in 2019 has been ongoing on the following new overlay schemes: N4 Carrick on Shannon - Completed N4 Jamestown Drumsna - Due to commence N16 Manorhamilton - Commenced The Council continued to support the Tidy Towns Committees across the County with financial support through the GMA and assistance from the area structures on an ongoing basis. The County Leitrim Road Safety Plan 2016 – 2020 was published in 2016. The Road Safety Working Together Group continued to meet in 2019. Rural Water Programme A new Multi Annual Rural Water Programme has been announced commencing in late 2019 for the period 2019 – 2021. Leitrim County Council has made detailed funding submissions in this regard. The multiannual Programme for the County was announced recently with approval received to a value €2.13m for works to 18 schemes and approval for works to a further 27 schemes in relation to

preparation for takeover by Irish Water and await announcement of Water Services Leitrim County Council continued to work with Irish Water within the existing Service Level Agreement framework during 2019. The following schemes were progressed: North Leitrim Regional Water Supply Scheme Phase 11 construction is now complete. The plant is been operated by the Contractor for a period of 12 months. Manorhamilton and Mohill Wastewater Treatment Plant will be completed by year end after which the Contractor will operate for a period of 12 months. Works have been substantially completed on the upgrade of 4 no wastewater treatment plants during 2019, namely Drumshanbo, Leitrim Village, Carrigallen and Ballinamore. Water main Refurbishment: Works are substantially complete on the replacement of 2.3km of water main at Ballinamore, while 1.25km of cast-iron main has been replaced at Glebe St, Mohill. Find and Fix: Works on the Carrick area will be completed in late 2019.

High Quality Sustainable Living Environment Environment In 2019, the Environment Department continued to carry out all inspections as required under the Recommended Minimum Criteria for Environmental Inspections (RMCEI) as approved by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) including farm surveys, waste water discharge licenses and Domestic Waste Water Treatment System inspections under the EPA National Inspection Plan. National Inspection Programme: Leitrim County Council carried out 25 inspections on domestic wastewater treatment systems in line with the EPA National Inspection Plan 2018 – 2021. In 2019, the WERLA delivered priority actions in the following areas:

Enforcement of Household Waste Management Legislation

Waste Tyres

End of life vehicles

Illegal dumping activities in particular the dumping of construction and demolition waste and fly tipping

Packaging, with a focus on very large operators

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In 2019, Leitrim County Council worked in collaboration with LAWCO on River Basin Management Planning with ongoing public engagement and participation in the making and application of the River Basin Management Plans and Programme of Measures. In September 2019, Leitrim County Council adopted a Climate Change Adaptation Strategy for the County. Planning & Sustainable Development Work was delayed in 2019 on the commencement of a new County Development Plan, pending the completion of the Regional Spatial and Economic Strategy. However significant preparatory work was completed during the year. The Council continued to focus on unfinished housing developments during 2019, with a total of 37 Estates taken in charge during 2019. Leitrim County Council have progressed the development of a new Heritage Plan during 2019. The pre planning process continued in 2019. In 2019 to date, the Planning Department have received 70 requests for pre planning advice with 42 meetings facilitated to discuss pre planning where necessary. In 2019 to date, Leitrim County Council has received 158 valid planning applications of which 21 were considered commercial development proposals with a further 9 relating to forestry entrances The Planning Department also dealt with 4 Part 8 Public Consultation applications, 2 of which relates to projects for which applications were subsequently made for Ballinamore and Manorhamilton under the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund Scheme 2019. Emergency Services Fire Service In 2019 progress was achieved in the following areas: Leitrim Fire Service took delivery of two new 4x4 vehicles in September 2019 Consulting Engineers were appointed to progress the planning stage for the development of a new fire station in Manorhamilton. Work was completed to extend the fire station in Drumshanbo.

Work continued on the development of a Cross Border Mapping Platform by the Cross Border Emergency Management Group to map emergency management resources required by all stakeholders during a major emergency. The Erasmus+ project for the development of a fire safety education Programme for second level schools in Europe continued during 2019, with the launch by Minister Eoghan Murphy of the pilot phase of the BFireSafe@School Programme in the Customs House in August 2019. Civil Defence Leitrim Civil Defence participated in a number of search and recovery activities during 2019, in collaboration with other state agencies. Leitrim Civil Defence continued to roll out training nationally to counties who are using the sonar system for water based searches as developed by Leitrim Civil Defence. In line with the Civil Defence National plan to increase drone team coverage, Leitrim Civil Defence have successfully trained a drone team to support Civil Defence activities within the County. In 2019, Leitrim Civil defence nominated a Volunteer who underwent training as a search dog handler. Leitrim Civil Defence continued to support the Environmental Section in lake water sampling in conjunction with EPA. Quality Housing In terms of meeting housing needs the Council continued to address the housing need of approved housing applicants on the Housing Waiting List. In 2019, 63 new tenancies were created in standard local authority accommodation, this figure is inclusive of 8 transfers and 9 RAS/SHLI contracts which were negotiated. 254 households were in receipt of HAP payments. The Statutory Assessment of Housing Need was completed in June 2019, which required a detailed review of all approved housing applicants. On completion of the detailed assessment the net need identified was 189 households deemed qualified for and in need of social housing support. The implementation of the Leitrim Housing & Disability Strategic Plan for Housing People with a Disability plan was progressed in 2019 with new Committee membership being sought and initiated.

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Under the Traveller Accommodation Programme 2014 to 2018 the target for delivery has been set at a total 46 outputs over the life-time of the Programme. 56 outputs were achieved to end of June 2019 which equates to 118 % delivery rate. The Local Traveller Accommodation Consultative Committee met in 2019 and monitored the implementation of the Traveller Accommodation Programme and other matters arising. The new TAP 2019-2024 was formally adopted on 2nd September 2019 and sets a target of 25 outputs over the life-time of the Programme. In 2019 the Housing Department continued to secure exchequer funding to facilitate improvement and re-instatement works as follows:

Casual Vacancies (including Voids): Leitrim County Council continued to invest in the social housing stock completing over 40 refurbishments of vacant units. This included bringing back into use void units based on funding from the Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government.

Planned Maintenance Programme. Under the Council’s 2019 Planned Maintenance Programme, a Programme for the installation and the replacement of fire detection and carbon monoxide detection devices was completed.

In 2019, works have been substantially completed on the following grant approvals:

18 Disabled Persons Grant applications

9 Housing Adaptation Grants for People with a Disability

20 Housing Aid for Older People

9 Mobility Aids Grants Housing Delivery Unit A Housing Delivery Unit was established within the Housing Section during 2019 with the remit of achieving the social housing delivery targets set by the DHPLG under the Rebuilding Ireland strategy. The following actions were delivered during the year: Acquisitions Leitrim County Council purchased ten houses in 2019 under the housing acquisition Programme all of which received minor upgrades / remedial works to ensure high levels of energy efficiency and comfort. Further units were also purchased by Approved Housing Bodies under the CALF funding stream during 2019. Capital Construction Programme Sixteen new social housing units were delivered under two separate Turnkey projects at Knockmacrory, Rooskey and Radharc an Bhaile, Drumshanbo during 2019. A contract for the construction of a further 27

social houses at Summerhill, Carrick on Shannon was also awarded in September 2019. Partnership with Approved Housing Bodies (AHB): Tuath Housing in partnership with Leitrim County Council delivered 10 Social Housing Units at Cnoc an Luir in Drumshanbo during 2019. Vacant Homes There was a renewed emphasis by the Vacant Homes Officer in identifying vacant homes that can be brought back into productive use through the Buy and Renew or the Repair & Lease schemes. An Inclusive County A Peace and Reconciliation Programme of € 1.8 million has been agreed for implementation in County Leitrim over the period 2018 - 2020. The Programme has three themes;

Children and Young People

Building Positive Relations

Shared Spaces The Public Participation Network continues to grow during 2019 with 293 groups registered. The dedicated budget provides support to the Representatives and Member groups, developing capacity and enabling participation in policy matters. Comhairle na Nóg Liatroma continues to enjoy the support of all second level schools and youth clubs in Leitrim. They launched a ‘Use your Brain Not Your Fist’ work book in late 2019 which highlights the effects a serious assault. The theme for 2019 was “understanding apprenticeships” Leitrim Age Friendly Alliance and Older Persons Council are working on the 2017-2020 Age Friendly Strategy. Some of the key achievements in 2019 included the development of walk-ability study and introduction of age friendly business scheme in Mohill. Pride of Place had applications from Fenagh in the Population Category, Drumkeerin friendship club in the age friendly initiative and Ballinamore Tourism in the community tourism initiative. Love Where you Live Awards were held in conjunction with the PPN. The awards received a large number of entries with 250 people attending the awards ceremony in October. The Community Enhancement Programme SUPPORTED OVER 100 Community groups and sporting organizations DURING 2019.

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The Traveller Interagency Group met quarterly in 2019 and action plans are in place for three core groups; Education, Accommodation and Health. Sports and Recreation The Council’s sport, recreation and community department continued to deliver, in conjunction with the Leitrim Sport Partnership, an ever expanding range of sports and recreational activities and participation initiatives to the local and disadvantaged communities with particular emphasis on low participation group in partnership with key shareholders and partners. The Sports Partnership delivered many multi sport participation initiatives to primary, secondary schools, local communities, local sports clubs, disabilities groups and specific target groups throughout Leitrim. The LSP secured funding through Sport Ireland Dormant accounts fund for capital and Programme funding for a Community Sports and physical activity hub in Manorhamilton, Urban Outdoor Adventure Initiative (Horse Riding and Animal Welfare Programme), Youth Leadership and Sports Inclusion Disability Capital Project and this funding along with Sport Ireland core funding, and healthy Ireland funding is a welcome investment to Leitrim Sports Partnership and sport and physical activity in Leitrim. Arts In 2019 Leitrim County Council published its Arts Plan for the period 2019-2022 with a mission “to nurture and foster the arts in all its diversity; to embrace and welcome new ideas; to create the conditions to help turn those ideas into reality; and to embed the arts and creativity into all aspects of the social, economic and cultural life of Leitrim.” The plan has three priorities - Community Engagement, Professional Development and Children & Young People. Each year The Dock welcomes over 40,000 visitors with over 20,000 people attending 2,300 performances, workshops and other activities annually. Investment in the centre helped ensure that it could be sustained as the cornerstone of the County’s cultural infrastructure. Creative Ireland In addition to one day Programme of events for children - Cruinniú na nÓg - the council managed 19 medium and long-term projects with communities all over the County including Mens Sheds, Intercultural Groups and Arts Centres. Creative Frame supports professional and emerging practitioners from all performing and visual arts and design disciplines. Membership continues to grow

with 60 new artists joining this year bringing current membership to 350 artists. The SPARK Programme in partnership with Leitrim LEO fosters collaboration between artists and businesses, and this year included Merenda as well as Image Skillnet and Leitrim Organic Farmers Cooperative in Drumshanbo and FitKicks in Mohill. The Glens Centre and Leitrim Sculpture Centre remain vital elements of the cultural infrastructure to North Leitrim. Leitrim County Council work closely with both venues as well as working with the Cornmill Theatre in Carrigallen and Solas Gallery in Ballinamore. Culture Night continues as a valuable platform for venues throughout the County to build their audience and to provide opportunities for people to try something new. Two of Ireland’s best-loved authors, Marian Keyes and Michael Harding, were special guests at this year’s Iron Mountain Festival. They were joined by Professor Luke Gibbons who gave the inaugural John McGahern Lecture and celebrated actor Adrian Dunbar. The Arts Office is a key partner in Leitrim Dance Project which invites leading national and international dancers to Leitrim to provide professional development training for dancers from Leitrim, elsewhere in Ireland and internationally. Children and Young People. Membership of Youth Theatre grows each year, far exceeding the national average, with five groups in Carrigallen including Bright Sparks, a group specifically for children with additional needs, while there are three groups at full capacity in Carrick on Shannon and two in Manorhamilton. Leitrim County Council is a founder and key partner in Music Generation Leitrim, which is led by MSLETB. The project is part of Music Generation - Ireland’s national music education Programme. Library In 2019 Leitrim Library Service was at the heart of communities focussing on its 3 strategic Programmes Reading and Literacy Development, Learning and Information and Community and Culture. Library staff worked to support community life and individual self-development by offering a wide range of resources and services for work, leisure, learning and creativity, online and in-library. There was a particular emphasis this year on working with new communities within the County, in particular the Syrian Community. The Library Services worked on implementing the 4 strategic objectives of the national public library

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strategy ‘Our Public Libraries 2022 – Inspiring, Connecting and Empowering Communities’ by spreading information and literacy skills, promoting the library service as a key community resource, seeking to increase library membership and usage by individuals and communities and continuing investment in upgrading technology and facilities. Continued the promotion of the Healthy Ireland at your Library initiative across the library network by increasing the core collection of health-related book-stock and organisation of a wide-ranging Programme of events, presentations and workshops in each of the branch libraries. Rolled out the 4 initiatives under the Right To Read Programme, Spring into Storytime, Summer Stars, Children’s Book Festival and Family Time at your Library and continued to promote library services to Primary and Second-Level schools around the County. Progressed the Work Matters at your Library Programme by engaging with local partners and advancing the joint protocol with MSLETB. Implemented the upgrading of ICT services and extended wifi facilities to include 2 of our smaller branch libraries. Offered a varied cultural Programme which included readings, performances and exhibitions. This was supported and enhanced by Leitrim County Council’s Culture and Creativity Strategy and Decade of Commemoration Programme.

Maximising Operational and Organisational Capacity Supporting the Elected Member The three Municipal Districts of Ballinamore, Carrick-on-Shannon and Manorhamilton continued to operate in 2019 and held monthly meetings and they also adopted the General Municipal Allocation for Municipal District Works. Regular meetings of the Economic Development, Enterprise and Planning SPC; Housing Policy, Social and Cultural Development SPC and Environmental, Transportation and Infrastructural Policy SPC took place throughout 2019 and a number of policy matters were progressed and brought to the full Council for adoption. The Joint Policing Committee also met in 2019 and progressed actions included in the Joint Policing Committee Strategic Plan. A public meeting of the JPC was also held in

March 2019 in Carrick-on-Shannon with the theme of ‘Community Engagement and Policing”. Local Elections were held on the 24th May 2019 and the first meeting of the new Council took place on 6 June 2019. A new Strategic Policy Committee Scheme was also adopted following the Local Elections with the new SPC’s, which will be established early in 2020, reconfigured as follows: Planning, Economic Development and Infrastructure SPC; Housing Community and Culture SPC and Environment, Climate Action and Agriculture SPC. Staff Learning & Development The workforce planning process has continued throughout 2019 with a view to streamlining operational processes and to assist in making the best use of available staff resources. Recruitment activity continued to be significant in 2019 with 41 competitions interviewed and a further 10 competitions advertised and currently at various stages of processing. A total of 54 new staff commenced work with Leitrim County Council during the year, on a mix of permanent and temporary contracts, with a further 12 existing staff having secured permanent appointments and/or promotion. The Performance Management and Development System (PMDS) for staff continued to be closely linked to the Annual Service Delivery Plan as adopted by the Members, and the associated Departmental Team Plans, in 2019. A comprehensive Learning and Development Programme was implemented in 2019 which is complemented by the Staff Education Scheme, providing support to staff members pursuing further education opportunities. The staff mentoring Programme continued and a new Employee Assistance Programme was also procured and rolled out during 2019. The Service Level Agreement with the Local Authority Shared Payroll & Superannuation Centre in Portlaoise – MyPay – continued to operate successfully during 2019. Health and Safety Leitrim County Council continues to implement a robust Safety Management System spanning all areas of the organisation. The delivery of the safety message is channeled through our new online facility enabling current staff members to complete safety information sessions at a time convenient to their schedule. New entrants complete their briefing prior to their start date ensuring possession of an overall

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knowledge of our safety culture from day one. The focus in 2019 was on Plant and Equipment Safety, which involved the up skilling of internal staff and influencing a better service from Plant Hire Companies through various communication channels. Non-conformances as a result of safety inspections continue to reduce demonstrating our commitment to strive for continuous improvement. The Wellbeing aspect of 2019 focused on Bowel Screening which proved to be a very popular initiative. Managing Risk & Resources Leitrim County Council continued to adopt a prudent approach to expenditure during 2019, resulting in the delivery of services within budget. Leitrim County Council has prepared a Corporate Risk Register in collaboration with the Audit Committee and each Directorate within the Local Authority. The Audit Committee has an advisory role in promoting good accounting practices and improving the focus on value for money throughout the organisation. In this regard, the Committee provided oversight to the ongoing activities of the Internal Audit function during 2019. Quality Customer Services In 2019, the Quality Assurance Group continued their role in the review of the National and Local Performance Indicators. All data was compiled, validated and submitted to the LGMA in advance of the deadline for submission of data on the National Performance Indicators in April, 2019. The extended Quality Assurance Group and the Management Team also met to review and analyse the data relating to the National & Local Performance Indicators for 2019. The Social Media Group continued to ensure maximum use of the Council’s social media accounts on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, promoting the wide range of activities occurring across all service areas. The number of followers on the Council’s social media channels continues to grow. Conclusion The foregoing achievements were made possible through the combined efforts of the Elected Members and Staff of this Authority and, as the Council reaches the end of the implementation period for the Corporate Plan 2014 - 2019, I wish to sincerely thank the Members – current and former – and Staff for their efforts and support in achieving very considerable progress over the period of this Plan notwithstanding the extremely challenging operating environment. I look forward to similar progress being made in the context of the new Corporate Plan for the period 2019-2024 as we continue to to deliver high

quality services to all our customers and work with all stakeholders in order to develop County Leitrim as a vibrant and attractive County for people to live, work, invest and visit Yours sincerely, Lar Power

Chief Executive

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Appendix 7 Local Elections 2019

Expenditure and Donations in respect of each Candidate Local Authorities are required in their Annual Report for 2019 to include the aggregate details of election expenditure in respect of each candidate, designated person and third Party, as well as details of donations exceeding €600

Name Total Expenditure

2019 €

Donations Exceeding €600

Brendan Barry 1,781.00 None

Caillian Eillis 1,065.80 None

Caroline Mulvey 1,325.00 None

Denis O’Brien 293.61 None

Enda McGloin 3,496.55 None

Gerry Dolan 2,970.00 None

Ita Reynolds-Flynn 2,825.00 None

Oisin O’Dwyer 379.79 None

Paddy O’Rourke 4,631.00 None

Pat Gilhooley 2,334.32 None

Sean Wynne 1,250.00 None

Denis O’Brien 1,055.19 None

Des Guckian 400.00 None

Enda Stenson 750.00 None

Finola Armstrong-McGuire 2,104.95 None

Fintan Cox 3,678.93 None

Leslie O’Hora 1,814.34 None

Paddy Farrell 3,000.00 None

Seadhna Logan 1,721.00 None

Sean McGowan 5,019.89 None

Thomas Mulligan 2,800.00 None

Yvonne Hollidge 3,583.36 None

Blaithin Gallagher 1,582.00 None

Felim Gurn 2,581.63 None

Frank Dolan 4,041.00 None

Jamie Murphy Nil None

John Joe Dowdican 4,050.00 None

Justin Warnock 1,871.47 None

Mary Bohan 6,606.00 None

Padraig Fallon 2,914.60 None

Sean McDermott 2,648.75 None

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Appendix 8 – National Performance Indicators 2018

Topic Indicator Value

H HOUSING

H1 Social Housing Stock

A # of dwellings in the ownership of Local Authority at 1st January 939

B # of dwellings constructed (B1) or purchased (B2) during year 23

C # Local Authority dwellings sold in year 10

D # Local Authority dwellings demolished in year 0

E # dwellings in the ownership of Local Authority at 31st December 952

F # Local Authority owned dwellings planned for demolition under Dept. HPLG approved scheme

0

H2 Housing Voids

A % of the total # Local Authority owned dwellings that were vacant at year end 4.50%

B # dwellings within the overall stock that were not tenanted at year-end 43

H4 Housing Maintenance Cost

A Expenditure during year on the maintenance of Local Authority Housing, divided by the # dwellings in the Local Authority stock at year end

€1,424.95 per unit based on

952 units

B

Expenditure on maintenance of Local Authority stock compiled for this year, including planned maintenance and expenditure that qualified for grants, such as SEAI grants for energy efficient retro-fitting works or the Fabric Upgrade Programme but excluding expenditure on vacant properties and expenditure under approved major refurbishment schemes (i.e. approved Regeneration or under the Remedial Works Schemes)

€1,356,553.19

H3 Average Re-letting Time and Cost

A Time taken from the date of vacation of dwelling to the date in year when the dwelling is re-tenanted, averaged across all dwellings re-let in year

43

B The cost expended on getting the dwellings re-tenanted in year ready for re-letting, averaged across all dwellings re-let in year

€14,025.93

C # dwellings that were re-tenanted on any date in year (but excluding all those that had been vacant due to an estate-wide refurbishment scheme). Date of re-tenanting is the date the keys have been issued to the tenant

43

D # weeks from the date of vacation to the date the dwelling is re-tenanted. (Date of vacation is the date the keys are handed back)

43

E Total expenditure on works necessary to enable re-letting of the dwelling using direct cost calculations (see explanatory notes)

€640,803.14

H5 Private Rented Sector Inspections

A # registered tenancies in the Local Authority area at the end of June 2017 1,687

B # of rented dwellings inspected 175

C % of inspected dwellings that were found not be compliant with the Standards Regulations 82.86%

D # of non-compliant dwellings that became compliant during the year 29

E # of rented dwellings that were the subject of at least one inspection for compliance with the Regulations applicable to private rented accommodation that was carried out in the year

132

F # of dwellings inspected in during the year that were found not to be compliant with the Housing (Standards for Rented Houses) Regulations

145

G # of dwellings, that had been found not to be compliant with the Standards Regulations at an inspection in the year or previously, that were determined by the Council to have become compliant during the year

175

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H6 Long Term Homeless Adults

# of Adult individuals in emergency accommodation that are long-term (i.e. 6 months or more within the previous year) homeless as a % of the total # homeless adult individuals in emergency accommodation at the end of year

0

# of Adult individuals classified as homeless and in emergency accommodation on the night of 31 December as recorded on the PASS system

0

The number out of those individuals who, on 31st Dec, had been in emergency accommodation for 6 months continuously, or for 6 months cumulatively within the previous 12 months

0


R ROADS

R1 Ratings in Pavement Surface Condition Index PSCI

% Regional road kilometres that received a PSCI rating between 1/1/2017 and 31/12/2018 99.70%

% Local Primary road kilometres that received a PSCI rating between 1/1/2017 and 31/12/2018 74.70%

% Local Secondary road kilometres that received a PSCI rating between 1/1/2017 and 31/12/2018

76.30%

% Local Tertiary road kilometres that received a PSCI rating between 1/1/2013 and 31/12/2018

85.40%

% Total Regional Road kilometres with a PSCI rating 1-4 2.30%

% Total Regional Road kilometres with a PSCI rating of 5-6 24.40%

% Total Regional road kilometres with a PSCI rating of 7-8 20.70%

% Total of Regional road kilometres with a PSCI rating of 9-10 52.40%

% Total Primary Road kilometres with a PSCI rating of 1-4 2.10%

% Total Primary kilometres with a PSCI rating of 5-6 27.40%



% Total Secondary road kilometres with a PSCI rating of 1-4 4.90%




% Total Tertiary road kilometres with a PSCI rating of 1-4 13.50%




R2 Regional Roads Grants Works

A Kilometres of regional roads strengthened during 2018 Amount expended on that work

13.7km €1,585,085

B Kilometres of regional road resealed during 2018 Amount expended on that work

5.858km €259,785

C Kilometres of local road (i.e. total of primary, secondary & tertiary) strengthened during 2018 Amount expended on that work

89.9km €3,938,458

D Kilometres of local road resealed during 2018 Amount expended on that work

45,655km €850,201

R3 % of motor tax transactions conducted online

A Percentage of motor tax transactions which are dealt with online (i.e. transaction is processed and the tax disc is issued)

62%

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W WATER SERVICES

W1 Private Drinking Water Schemes

A % of Private Drinking Water Schemes in compliance with statutory requirements 96.79%


E ENVIRONMENT

E1 Waste Management Services – Licensed Operator providing a 3 bin service

A # of households based on 2016 census who are situated in an area covered by a licensed operation providing a 3 Bin Service at end of year

8194

B % of households within the Local Authority that the number at A represents (2016 Census) 66.00%

E2 Pollution Complaint Cases

Total # of pollution cases carried forward from previous year 68

A Total # of pollution complaint cases 522

B # of pollution cases closed during the year 470

C Total # of cases on hand at yearend 52

# of pollution cases in respect of complaint during the year 522

# of pollution cases where no investigation warranted or investigation finalised 0

# of pollution cases that arose in 2018 but not finalised 52

E3 Litter Pollution

A % of area unpolluted by litter 27.80%

B % of area slightly polluted by litter 72.20%

C % of area moderately polluted by litter 0%

D % of area significantly polluted by litter 0%

E % of area grossly polluted by litter 0%

E4 % of Schools Awarded Green Flag Status

The % of schools that have been awarded green flag status 52.27%


P PLANNING

P1 New Buildings Inspected

Buildings Inspected as a percentage of new buildings notified to the local authority 15.80%

Total # of new buildings notified to the Local Authority 19

# of new buildings notified to the Local Authority that were the subject of at least 1 inspection 3

P2 Number of Planning decisions confirmed by An Bord Pleanála

A # of planning decisions subject of appeal to An Bord Pleanála determined by board in 2018 4

B % of the determinations at A which confirmed (with or without variations) the decision made by the Local Authority

75%

C # of determinations confirming the Local Authority's decision with or without variation 3

P3 % of Planning Enforcement cases closed as resolved

% of Planning Enforcement cases closed as resolved 50%

(37 out of 74) A Total # of planning cases (as opposed to complaints) referred to or initiated by the local

authority in the period 1/1 to 31/12 that were investigated 68

B Total # of cases that were closed during year 32

C % of cases at B that were dismissed under Section 152 (2), Planning and Development Act 2000

37.5%

D % of the cases at B that were resolved to the Local Authority’s satisfaction through negotiations

59.4%

E Of the cases at B that were closed due to enforcement proceedings 3.1%

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F Total # of planning cases being investigated as at year end 60

P4 Cost per Capita of the Planning Service

A The Annual Financial Statement (AFS) Programme D data divided by the population of the Local Authority area per the 2016 Census.

30.88

P5 % of Fire Safety Certificates processed.

A % of applications for fire safety certificates received in the year that were decided (granted or refused) within two months of their receipt

70.97%

B % of applications for fire safety certificates received in the year that were decided (granted or refused) within an extended period agreed with the applicant

12.90%

Total # of applications for fire safety certificates received in the year that was not withdrawn by the applicant.

31

Total # of applications for fire safety certificates received in the year that were decided (granted or refused) within two months of the date of receipt of the application

22

# of applications for fire safety certificates received in the year that were decided (granted or refused) within an agreed extended time period

4


F FIRE SERVICES

F1 Cost per Capita of the Fire Service

A The Annual Financial Statement (AFS) Programme E data expenditure divided by the population of the Local Authority area per the 2016 Census figures for the population served by the fire authority as per the Risk Based Approach Phase One Reports

67.56

B Programme E data €2,164,886

C The population of the Local Authority area per the 2016 Census figures for the population served by the fire authority as per the Risk Based Approach Phase One Reports.

32,044

F2 Service Mobilisation

B Average time taken, in minutes, to mobilise fire brigades in Part-Time Stations (Retained Fire Service) in respect of fire

4.79 mins

D Average time taken, in minutes, to mobilise fire brigades in Part-Time Stations (Retained Fire Service) in respect of all other (non-fire) emergency incidents

3.96 mins

F3 Percentage of Attendances at Scenes

A % of cases in respect of fire in which first attendance at the scene is within 10 min 44.90%

B % of cases in respect of fire in which first attendance at the scene is >10 min but <20 min 38.78%

C % of cases in respect of fire in which first attendance at the scene is >20 minutes 16.33%

D % of cases in respect of all other emergency incidents in which first attendance at the scene is within 10 minutes

41.18%

E % of cases in respect of all other emergency incidents in which first attendance at the scene is >10 min, <20 min

41.91%

F % of cases in respect of all other emergency incidents in which first attendance at the scene is >20 minutes

16.91%

Total # of call-outs in respect of fires in 2018 98

- # of these fire cases where first fire tender attendance at the scene is within 10 minutes 44

- # of these fire cases in which first fire tender attendance at scene is >10 & <20 min 38

- # of these fire cases in which first fire tender attendance at the scene is >20 minutes 16

- Total # of call-outs in respect of all other emergency incidents (i.e. excluding fire) for 2018 136

- #of these non-fire cases in which first fire tender attendance at the scene is within 10 min 56

- #of these non-fire cases, where first fire tender attendance at the scene is >10 & <20 min 57

- # of these non-fire cases in which first fire tender attendance at the scene is >20 minutes 23


L LIBRARY

64


L1 Library Visits and Issues

A % of Library Visits per head of population 4.65

B # of items issued to borrowers during the year 75,925

C # of library visits during the year 149,023

D # of items issued to library borrowers during the year 75,925

L2 Cost of operating a Library Service

A The Annual Financial Statement (AFS) Programme F data divided by 1,000 population of the Local Authority area per the 2016 Census

44.67

B AFS Programme F data €1,431,294.10

C 2016 Census Figure 32044


Y YOUTH AND COMMUNITY

Y1 Participation in Comhairle na nÓg Scheme

A % of local schools and youth groups involved in the local Youth Council/ Comhairle na nÓg scheme

100 % of Schools & 9.5 % of Youth Clubs

Total # of second level schools in The Local Authority area at year end 7

# of second level schools in the Local Authority area from which representatives attended the local Comhairle na nÓg AGM held in 2018

6

Y2 Groups associated with the Public Participation Network

A # of organisations included in the County Register at year end & the proportion of those organisations that opted to be part of the Social Inclusion College with PPN

29.4% part of Social Inclusion Pillar (262

Registered)

Total # of registered organisations that opted to join the Social Inclusion Electoral College when registering for the PPN in the year

8

Total # of those organisations that registered for the first time this year 48

# of organisations included in the County Register and the proportion who opted to be part of the Social Inclusion College within the PPN

77


C CORPORATE SERVICES

C1 Total Number of WTEs

The whole time equivalent staffing number as at year end (consistent with figures provided to D/ECLG by way of staffing returns for yearend)

258.7

C2 Working Days lost to Sickness

A % of paid working days lost to sickness absence through medically certified leave 3.12%

B % of paid working days lost to sickness absence through self-certified leave 0.29%

C # of working days lost to sickness absence through medically certified leave 1868.1

D # of working days lost to sickness absence through self-certified leave 172.7

E # of unpaid working days lost to sickness absence included within the total of medically certified sick leave days

49.1

F # of unpaid working days lost to sickness absence included within the total of self-certified sick leave days

1

C3 Total page views of the Local Authority website

Total page views of the Local Authority website 345,891

Total number of social media followers following the Local Authority on social media sites 8,064

C4 Overall cost of ICT provision per WTE

A All ICT Expenditure in the period divided by the WTW at C1 €3,890

B Revenue Expenditure 1,006,449

C Whole time equivalent 258.7

65


All ICT expenditure calculated in C4 as a proportion of Revenue Expenditure 2.6124%


M FINANCE

M1 5 Year summary of Revenue Account balance

A The cumulative surplus/deficit balance at 31/12/2014 -€1,426,331

B The cumulative surplus/deficit balance at 31/12/2015 -€1,324,122

C The cumulative surplus/deficit balance at 31/12/2016 -€266,479

D The cumulative surplus/deficit balance at 31/12/2017 -€264,105

E The cumulative surplus/deficit balance at 31/12/2018 -€260,640

F The cumulative surplus or deficit at 31/12/2018 as a percentage of Total Income in 2018 from the Income and Expenditure Account Statement of the AFS*

-0.67%

G Revenue Expenditure per Capita in 2018 1204

2018 Total Income Figure from the Income & Expenditure Account Statement of the AFS €38,815,087

2018 Total Expenditure figure on the Income & Expenditure Account Statement (i.e. excluding transfers) of the AFS*

€38,565,368

M2 5 Year summary of % collection levels for major revenue sources

Collection level of rates from the Annual Financial Statement for 2014 60%

Collection level of rent and annuities from the Annual Financial Statement 2014 87%

Collection level of housing loans from the Annual Financial Statement for 2014 60%


Collection level of rents and annuities from the Annual Financial Statement for 2015 86%

Collection levels for housing loans from the Annual Financial Statement for 2015 65%



Collection levels for housing loans from the Annual Financial Statement for 2016 63%



Collection levels of housing loans from the Annual Financial Statement for 2017 64%



Collection levels of housing loans from the Annual Financial Statement for 2018 69%


J ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

J1 No. of jobs created

# of jobs created with assistance from the Local Enterprise Office during 2018 24

J2 Trading Online Vouchers

A # of trading online voucher applications approved by the Local Enterprise Office in 2018 11

B The no. of online-trading vouchers that were drawn down by year-end 6

J3 Mentoring Receipts

A # of mentoring participants who received mentoring during the year 101

J4 Tourism

A Does the local authority have a current tourism strategy? Yes

B Does the local authority have a designated Tourism Officer? Yes

Figures may be subject to change if an Audit Query is raised in the review of the data by the LGMA or NOAC.

66


Appendix 9 – Local Performance Indicators 2018

Ref HOUSING IMPROVEMENT WORKS Position at 31/12/2018

LOC1 # of units upgraded under Improvement Works 237 Units

LOC2 New tenancies created from 1st Jan 2018 to 31st Dec 2018 63

LOC3 # of private Housing Adaptation Grants Paid 45

LOC4 % achievement Traveller Accommodation Programme targets 2014 -2018 185.7% - 13 outputs

WATER SERVICES

LOC7 % Unaccounted for Water 46.33%

ENVIRONMENT

LOC6 % Schools participating in Green Schools 100.00%

PLANNING

LOC5 # of formal pre planning enquiries 85

LOC5 Average waiting time (in working days) 14.46

YOUTH AND COMMUNITY

LOC8 Participation in sport (Leitrim Sports Partnership Events/Activities) 12294

LOC9 # of visitors to Local Authority facilitated leisure facilities per 1,000 population directly provided by the Local Authority

5.266

LOC9 # of children's playgrounds per 1,000 population directly provided by the Local Authority

0.62414

LOC10 Number participating in Arts Activities 18085

CORPORATE SERVICES

LOC11 % of customer contacts closed within 4 weeks 86.65%

FINANCE

LOC12 % Suppliers paid within 15 days 93%

LEITRIM ENTERPRISE OFFICE

LOC13 # of start-ups through LEO/local services 12

LOC14 # of grants approved LEO 21

LOC16 # of participants on Start your Own Business Courses 41

LOC17 Business Vacancy Rate 15.60%

TOURISM

LOC18 # of page visits to Tourism Website (www.enjoyleitrim.ie) 197000

LOC18 # of Facebook Likes 13850

LOC18 # of Twitter Followers 3620

LOC19 # of visitors to Glencar Waterfall 79448

LOC19 # of visitors to Costello Chapel 44772

LOC19 # of visitors to Glenade Car Park 4047

LOC19 # of visitors to the Lime Kiln in Fenagh 2344

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Appendix 10 – 2019 Local Election Results – Carrick on Shannon Constituency

68


Appendix 10 – 2019 Local Election Results – Manorhamilton Constituency

69


Appendix 10 – 2019 Local Election Results – Ballinamore Constituency

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