Annual Report 2016 · 2017-09-21 · The 2016 Rent Review began in September 2016 (to be completed in February 2017). As part of the review, 3,998 Council tenants were sent a rent

Annual Report 2016

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Louth County Council Annual Report 2016 Louth County Council Annual Report 2016

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Foreword from an Cathaoirleach.......................................................................................4 Overview from the Chief Executive...................................................................................5 2016 at a Glance.....................................................................................................................6 Louth’s four Electoral Areas (and three Municipal Districts) -Ardee Electoral Area............................................................................................................9-Drogheda Electoral Area.................................................................................................... 10 -Dundalk / Carlingford Electoral Area...............................................................................12 -Dundalk South Electoral Area............................................................................................13 Corporate Services ..............................................................................................................14

Housing.....................................................................................................................................24

Communities...........................................................................................................................30

Operations, Local Services and Water Services..............................................................46

Economic Development, Planning and Infrastruture......................................................50

Appendices...............................................................................................................................58

Unaudited Statement of Comprehensive Income...........................................................59 Unaudited Statement of Financial Position.......................................................................60

Unaudited Summary of Major Revenue............................................................................ 61 Performance Indicators.........................................................................................................62

Councillor Conference Attendance Record 2016..........................................................72

Payments to Members for Meetings, Committees & Representation 2016..............75

Breakdown of Representation in relation to the SPC’s.................................................76

Joint Policing Committee Structure...................................................................................78

Corporate Plan Update........................................................................................................79

Table of Contents


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Foreword from an Cathaoirleach Overview from the Chief Executive

It has been a great privilege to serve as Cathaoirleach of Louth County Council during 2016. The dedication shown by so many in the county to enhancing the local environment for all throughout the year has been truly inspiring. It is a testament to the tremendous sense of community in County Louth.

The year provided many highlights but an occasion that will long live in our memories is the visit of then Vice President of the United States of America, Joe Biden to Louth. It was an honour to welcome him as he traced his roots and was bestowed with the Honorary Freedom of the County. This wonderful occasion provided a unique opportunity for the world to appreciate what a wonderful place County Louth is.

The energy and optimism of our county is clearly illustrated by the hard work of the elected members who supported me during my term of office and have helped make it productive and enlightening.

I want to extend my sincerest gratitude to the Chief Executive, Joan Martin for her guidance and support in a year that was both busy and fulfilling. I also extend my deepest gratitude to the Directors of Service for their cooperation and professionalism. Finally, I would like to pay tribute to all of the staff of Louth County Council whose hard work in the service of the people of Louth make the County a better place to live, work and invest in.

It has been a great honour to serve the citizens of Louth and while I acknowledge that there are many challenges ahead, particularly the uncertainty around Brexit, I look forward to continuing to play my part, as we face these challenges together in 2017.

The year 2016 proved to be a productive, if challenging, one for Louth County Council. We achieved much throughout the year in our efforts to provide leadership and to deliver an efficient quality service to the people of Louth.

The county led the way nationally in its response to the National Broadband Plan, with the launch of Louth Economic Forum’s Broadband Action Plan, the first county-specific strategy in the country.

It was also a year of great historical significance, as Ireland marked the 100th anniversary of the 1916 Rising. Locally, Louth County Council played its part in the commemorations, taking an active role in marking the centenary through supporting events and exhibitions hosted by the library service and County Museum Dundalk, including the museum’s award-winning ‘Birth of a Nation’ exhibition.

The Council continued to take an active role in the promotion of the arts, as our wide range of events throughout the year illustrated. It’s wonderful to see the Maritime Festival continue to grow in popularity, with more than 28,000 attending in 2016. The Drogheda Arts Festival was another particular highlight.

The provision of suitable housing for our citizens continued to be a challenging one for the Council. I was particularly pleased, however, to lead the way in using the compulsory purchase legislation to acquire unused houses to provide much needed homes for families in the county. We also piloted the use of Choice Based Letting in 2016, which we expect will make the process of allocating housing easier for our housing applicants.

I am proud of the progress made in the wide range of areas demonstrated in this report and I would like to acknowledge the role our hard-working and dedicated staff played in achieving this progress. I would also like to pay tribute to our colleagues who retired in 2016 for their work over the years.

Finally, I wish to thank the Cathaoirleach and the Members for their support during the year and I look forward to working with them to continue to deliver on our innovative and citizen-focused programme of services.

Cllr. Paul BellCathaoirleach

Cllr. Paul BellCathaoirleachComhairle Contae Lú

Ms. Joan Martin,Chief Executive

Joan MartinChief Executive


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2016 at a GlanceHOUSING

EUROPEAN AFFAIRS

ENERGY

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

COMMUNITIES

OPERATIONSCORPORATE

26 Compulsory purchase orders of vacant houses for social housing.

75% Of our housing tenant’s rents and maintenance queries are dealt with at first point of contact.

Fire service call-outs /incidents responded to.977

Funding secured for Carlingford to Newry Greenway.

€3.5 million

Attended Drogheda’sIrish Maritime Festival.28,000

1,100 Participants in businesstraining supplied by LEO.

Spent on Better Energy Community projects.

€1.95 million

71 languages represented in the online language courses available from libraries.

library visits with367,054 items borrowed.

237,000OVER

Social media followers.5,700

with An Taisce Green flag status.40 Schools

of roads gritted during adverse weather conditions.30,000 km

1,006,487Page views on LouthCounty Council website.

2016 at a Glance

of local schools involved in Comhairle na nÓg.

65%OVER


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Reilly, Liam (Fianna Fáil)

Miltowngrange, Dromiskin, Dundalk, Co.Louth

Mob: 086 100 0881Email: [email protected]

Tenanty, Jim (Non Party)

Riverbank, Jervis Street, Ardee, Co.Louth


Cunningham, Tom (Sinn Féin)

4 Oriel Cove, Clogherhead, Drogheda, Co.Louth


Markey, Colm (Fine Gael)

Corstown, Togher, Drogheda, Co.Louth


McGeough, Pearse (Sinn Féin)

8 St.Mary’s Villas, Kilsaran,Castlebellingham, Co.Louth


Drogheda

Louth’s 4 Local Electoral Areas

Dundalk / CarlingfordDundalk SouthArdeeDrogheda

Louth’s 3 Municipal DistrictsMunicipal District of DundalkMunicipal District of ArdeeMunicipal District of Drogheda

Register of ElectorsThe Council recognises it’s responsibility to ensure that citizens eligible to vote are given that opportunity.

Each year it compiles a register of citizens entitled to vote at local, general or presidential elections and referenda.

Clogherhead

Omeath

Carlingford

Dundalk

BlackrockLouth

Ardee

Tallanstown

Collon

Dunleer

Castlebellingham

TullyallenTermonfeckin

Baltray

Dundalk / Carlingford

Ardee

Drogheda

Dundalk South

Minogue, Dolores (Fine Gael)

Whitefield, Jervis Street, Ardee, Co.Louth


Elected members of Comhairle Contae Lu / Louth County Council

Ardee Electoral Area(6 members)

Register of Electors The Register of Electors, effective from 15 February 2016, showed a total voting population of 94,780, comprised as follows:

89,550

90,402

91,298

94,780

Presidential Electors

Dail Electors

European Electors

Local Electors

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Drogheda Electoral Area(10 members)

Callan BL, Kevin (non party)

20 Fair Street, Drogheda, Co. Louth


Byrne, Joanna (Sinn Féin)

79 Avenue 1 Yellowbatter, Drogheda, Co.Louth


Culhane, Richie (Fine Gael)

34 Melrose Avenue, Stameen, Drogheda, Co. Louth


Cassidy, Alan (Sinn Féin)

Hill of Rath, Tullyallen, Drogheda, Co. Louth


Godfrey, Frank (Non Party)

Boyne Valley Cottage, Donore Road, Drogheda, Co. Louth


Flood, Kenneth (Sinn Féin)

30 Dunlin Street, Aston Village, Drogheda, Co. Louth


Tully, Oliver(Fine Gael)

Baltray, Drogheda, Co. Louth


Smith, Pio (Labour)

37 Forest Green, Ballymakenny Road, Drogheda, Co. Louth.


Bell, Paul Cathaoirleach

(Labour)

109 Ballsgrove, Drogheda, Co. Louth


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Byrne, Tommy(Fianna Fáil)

10 Harvest Way, Wheaton Hall,Drogheda, Co.Louth

Mob: 086 820 1439Email: [email protected]@louthcoco.ie


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Dundalk South Electoral Area(7 members)

Dundalk/Carlingford Electoral Area(6 members)

Yore, Maeve(Non Party)

2 Blakely Close Avenue Road, Dundalk, Co.Louth


Coffey, Emma(Fianna Fáil)

154 Riverside Drive, Red Barns Road, Dundalk, Co.Louth


Butler, Marianne(Green Party)

Copthorn, Lower Avenue Road, Dundalk, Co.Louth


Dearey, Mark (Green Party)

Corrakit Omeath, Dundalk, Co.Louth


Corrigan, Edel (Sinn Féin)

Aghaboys Mountpleasant, Dundalk, Co.Louth


McGahon, John(Fine Gael)

Faughart Garden St. Patrick’s Terrace, Dundalk, Co.Louth


Savage, Peter(Fianna Fáil)

Carn na N-Aol, Millgrange, Greenore, Co.Louth


Watters, Antóin (Sinn Féin)

Lugbiscan, RiverstownDundalk, Co.Louth


Leas Cathaoirleach

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Doyle, Maria(Fine Gael)

6 Bóthar na Dara Lis Na Dara, Carrick Road, Dundalk, Co.Louth


Meenan, Kevin(Sinn Féin)

5 Cottage View, Farm Road, Annagassan, Dunleer, Co.Louth


Sharkey, Tomás (Sinn Féin)

Allardstown, Knockbridge,Dundalk, Co.Louth


Green, Jennifer(Sinn Féin)

Mulholland Ave,Dundalk, Co.Louth


Keelan, Conor

(Fianna Fáil)Oak Lodge Newry Road,

Dundalk, Co.Louth



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The Corporate Services Department at Louth County Council provides an effective and efficient support service to councillors and senior management, along with general services to members of the public. As well as monitoring and reviewing the Council’s policies and procedures on an ongoing basis, it is also responsible for the administration of Council meetings, the compilation of the Register of Electors, preparing the council’s annual report, property management, health & safety, and Freedom of Information.

Corporate Services

Meetings of Louth County Council - 2016

Monthly Meetings

Special Meetings

Annual Meetings

Budget Meetings

Corporate Policy Group (CPG)

Municipal District Meetings

Borough District of Drogheda

Municipal District of Ardee

Municipal District of Dundalk

Strategic Policy Committees (SPCs)

SPC - Housing, Community Planning & Emergency Services

SPC - Economic Development & Enterprise Support

SPC - Planning & Environment

SPC - Infrastructure, European & Cross Border Affairs

Joint Policing Committees / Local Policing Forum (LPF)

LPF - Dundalk

LPF - Drogheda

11

2

1

1

10

12

12

13

5

4

4

5

2

1

Council MeetingsA total of 15 meetings of Louth County Council were held in 2016 - a monthly meeting on the third Monday of each month, a statutory Budget meeting in November, an annual meeting in June and two special meetings.

At the statutory budget meeting, held in November 2016, the Council agreed revenue expenditure of €98.88m for 2017.

LPF - Ardee 4

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Customer ServiceIn accordance with the Corporate Plan and the Customer Charter, Louth County Council is committed to meeting and responding to the diverse and changing needs of our customers. With the assistance of our Customer Relationship Management system, the highly trained and skilled Customer Services Team is committed to the optimum delivery of a wide range of essential services to the public, and to applying the highest standards in all interactions with our customers.

A significant improvement in customer services has been achieved in the delivery of the Housing Service at the closest point of contact to the customer. Housing applications are validated at customer services desks and up to 75% of our housing tenant’s rents and maintenance queries are dealt with at first point of contact.

Municipal District CommitteesThere are three Municipal District committees aligned to the four Local Electoral Division Areas as follows:



CathaoirleachMark Dearey

Dundalk/CarlingfordDundalk South

Meetings HeldChairmanLocal Electoral AreaMunicipal District

1st Tuesday of each month

Borough District of Drogheda Drogheda Mayor Oliver Tully 1st Monday of

each month.

Ardee 1st Thursday of each month

CathaoirleachDolores Minogue

Housing

Emergency ServicesInfrastructure

Operations

Vets

European and Cross Borders

Quality of life

Planning

Water Services

Human Resource

Enviromental Compliance

Economic Development

Finance, Motor Tax & IT

Snr. Management, Corporate & Customer Services

Number of cases recorded, broken down by nature of query:

49%

1%

4%

3%

16%

2%

4%

8%

0%

9%

1%

1%

1%

1%

49%

9%

1%

1%1%

0%

8%

4%

1%

2%

16%

3%

1%4%


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European Relations and EnergyLouth County Council had a number of EU funding successes during 2016 - securing an allocation of €3.5m under the Peace IV Programme and additional €3.5m under the INTERREG VA programme.

Peace IV ProgrammeThe PEACE IV Programme is a cross-border initiative, financed through the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) of the European Union and managed by the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB). It is designed to support peace and reconciliation in Northern Ireland and the Border Region of Ireland. In addition, the ERDF also contributes to the promotion of social and economic stability, in particular through actions to promote cohesion between communities.

In June 2016, Louth County Council was allocated an indicative budget of €3.5million to deliver a variety of projects under the three themes of the Peace IV Programme. These are: Children and Young People; Shared Spaces and Services, and Building Positive Relations. Extensive consultation took place throughout 2016 with various statutory, community and voluntary groups in the county.The Louth Peace 1V action plan was submitted to SEUPB in September 2016.

INTERREG VAThe INTERREG VA Programme is an initiative of the European Union that aims to address the economic and social problems that result from the existence of borders in Ireland, Northern Ireland and Scotland. These issues include access to transport, health and social care services, environmental issues and enterprise development. Under this programme, Louth County Council secured almost €3.5million in 2016 to deliver 10.1km of new cross border greenway from Carlingford to Newry. The project is expected to be completed by December 2019.

Indicate ProjectLouth County Council was a partner in the development of INDICATE, an interactive Geographical Information System (GIS)-based software tool designed to assist urban planners, architects and those working within the energy and utilities sectors to master-plan at both the micro and macro scale level. This project concluded in September 2016.

Louth County Council held a preview demonstration of the developed INDICATE tool in November for elected representatives, planners, architects, planning consultants, energy engineers and other interested parties.

This project was supported by the European Commission under the 7th Framework Programme.

Energy Use and Promotion of Energy Awareness Louth is on target to achieve a 33% improvement in energy efficiency savings by 2020, as set out in the National Energy Efficiency Action Plan. The Council held a number of energy awareness days over 2016 and was successful in a funding application to the Sustainable Energy Authority (SEAI)of Ireland to upgrade more than 200 homes and public buildings across the county. It was also recognised by the SEAI for its work in this area.

Energy Management SystemLouth County Council developed an Energy Management System in 2016 to more effectively track the Council’s energy use. It found that its “significant energy users” – Dundalk Town Hall, County Hall, Dundalk, Public Lighting and Fleet - were responsible for 82% of the Council’s energy use in 2016.

The Council held a number of energy awareness promotions over the year. Public events included demonstrations on smart WiFi-enabled heating and energy efficient lighting solutions at County Hall and Dundalk Town Hall.

During Energy Week in June 2016, a challenge was set for Council employees to reduce their energy usage at work. Staff at Dundalk Town Hall won the challenge, achieving an 11.5% reduction during the week.


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Better Energy Communities 2016Louth County Council secured €900,000 in community energy efficiency grants for the county as the lead applicant to the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland’s Better Energy Communities Scheme. The programme included upgrades to 220 dwellings, including a secondary school, a health centre, OPW buildings, a church, and a credit union office. The scheme operated by providing a grant to each beneficiary of a maximum permitted percentage proportionate to their eligible costs.

Louth County Council was also recognised at the SEAI Sustainable Energy Awards 2016 for its works under the Better Energy Communities Funding Programme.

Veterinary Services

Dog Control The pound took in 435 dogs in 2016, 119 less than in the previous year. Of those, a total of 177 were reclaimed by owners or re-homed directly from the pound, with a further 206 dogs re-homed via local charities. 88% of dogs going through the pound found a home.

Over 5,500 dog licenses were applied for in 2016. Dog control was maintained at a high level. Two additional dog breeding establishments were inspected and registered during the year, bringing the total registered in Louth to seven.

Horse Control Whilst there was still significant activity regarding horse control in 2016, the overall trend of horses that need to be impounded continues to be downward, with 145 horses in 2013, 93 in 2014, 43 in 2015 and now 23 horses in 2016. The majority of horses held at the pound were neither licensed nor micro-chipped and as such ownership was difficult to determine.

Food Safety The number of establishments under the inspectorate of Louth County Council by the veterinary section is 13, comprising of one abattoir, 11 approved meat cutting/cooking plants and one registered meat plant. The county provides the meat inspection and food safety duties under a service contract with the Food Safety Authority of Ireland.

“To provide leadership and deliver high quality, citizen

focused, responsive and effective services.”

Louth County Council Mission Statement

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In November 2016, the Chair of Dundalk Municipal District, Councillor Mark Dearey, presented a civic honour award to Dundalk F.C. in recognition of their outstanding achievement in winning a third consecutive League of Ireland title in 2016 and their performance in the Europa League.

As part of a five day visit to Ireland in June 2016, then Vice President of the United States, Joe Biden spent a day in County Louth tracing his ancestry. The Cathaoirleach of Louth County Council, Paul Bell presented the Vice President with a wooden bull - made by local craftsman, Joe Lawler - to mark his being made a free man of the county. Accompanied by his family, including five grandchildren, he also visited Kilwirra cemetery to spend some time at the grave of his ancestors.

Dundalk F.C. Joe Biden visit


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Louth County Council’s Housing Department works to help the people of Louth to access comfortable, safe and affordable housing, while recognising the diverse accommodation needs of the people. This can involve providing accommodation through a variety of schemes, or assisting in the adaptation of existing accommodation through grant schemes. The Council deals with issues of anti-social behaviour, maintenance and administering the rent accounts for its 4,000 tenants.

Housing

Housing Needs Assessment 2016A Housing Needs Assessment of all 3,853 households on the Louth County Council housinglist was completed in 2016 to determine their qualification for social housing support.Resulting from this assessment, some 2,612 households were deemed to qualify for socialhousing support.

Housing Assistance PaymentWork continues on promoting the Housing Assistance Payment (HAP) model of social housing support. The total number of applicants receiving HAP at the end of 2016 was 1,233. While applicants accommodated through HAP are no longer on the Council’s housing list, they remain on the transfer list from HAP to social housing.

Choice Based Letting (CBL) is a system to help people on the Social Housing Support waiting lists, express interest in Council accommodation and voluntary Housing Bodies accommodation. The CBL model of social housing support will be expanded in 2017 and will be the method of choice for allocating general housing.

Total households surveyed:

Households deemed to qualify for social housing support:

Total number of households on housing list:

Housing Needs Assessment Results

3,853

2,612

2,709

Ardee Municipal District:

Dundalk Municipal District:

Drogheda Municipal District:

537

1,103

1,069

Number of households for:

Allocations and Transfers

209

175

34

12

Total number of allocations:

Social housing allocations:

Voluntary housing association allocations:

Choice Based Letting (CBL) allocations:

RefurbishmentsSome 49 properties were refurbished prior to letting.

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Rent AssessmentsThe 2016 Rent Review began in September 2016 (to be completed in February 2017). As part of the review, 3,998 Council tenants were sent a rent form in the post, for completion by August 2016. Participation in the review is compulsory. In December 2016, 620 reminder letters were issued to tenants who failed to return their forms.

Rent ArrearsThe table below refers to the number of rents and annuities accounts in arrears at the end of 2016, and highlights the liability owed to Council and the workload involved in managing this area.

Tenants have seven payment options by which they can pay their rent. This includes: Postpoint Rent Card in the post office or a Postpoint Outlet, in the Council’s cash offices, or by phone. All tenants who signed a Tenancy Agreement after 2014, must pay their rent by Household Budget or bank. The number of tenants who paid rent by Household Budget in December 2016 was 1,055.

Rent arrears are pursued and tenants who fail to pay their rent are issued with the relevant Breach of Tenancy Agreement letter, which requests them to either clear their arrears in full, or set up a payment plan. Some 1,519 tenants were following a payment plan in 2016. Five tenancy warnings were issued to tenants who failed to meet their rent obligations.

Housing MaintenanceThe Council’s Housing Maintenance Section received 6,087 repair requests in 2016. These included replacement of window and door sets and adapting units for disability. Some 323 tenants were refused works due to arrears and 52 requests were deemed to be the tenant’s own responsibility.

A conditional survey of all Louth County Council housing stock was also carried out in 2016. Based on the findings, a planned maintenance programme will be developed for 2017.

Current Rents Arrears as 31st December 2016

Number of Accounts

Value

Rents between 4-6 weeks old 264

291

1458

2013

€76,275

Rents between 7-12 weeks old

Rents greater than 12 weeks old

Totals

€147,810

€4,262,437

€4,486,522

Housing SurveysThe Housing Section carried out 1,383 housing surveys in the private rented sector. On foot of this, 724 advisory notices, 440 improvement notices and 35 prohibition notices were issued. Some 308 rent book notices were issued.

Housing ProvisionThe Housing Department continued to build on its acquisition programme by purchasing 67houses for the purposes of social housing in 2016. Some 26 dwellings were acquired through compulsory purchase and required refurbishment. In addition, 14 houses at Aishling Crescent, Cox’s Demense, Dundalk, were constructed. A further eight units were acquired under the Long Term Leasing scheme.

Some 14 bays were provided at the Woodland Park Halting Site, Dundalk, including four with permanent structures and 10 hard stands. A regeneration scheme, which included the demolition of four properties at Patrick Tierney Crescent, Dundalk commenced.

Social HousingAt the end of 2016 Louth County Council had the following housing units:

Housing Stock Managedby the Council

Dundalk

Council owned

Mortgage to Rent with AHB’s

1,720

3

186

1,909

76

78

7

Community Houses

Long Term Leased

Totals

Approved Housing Bodies Stock

Council stock managedby Approved Housing Bodies

Payment & Availability Agreements with AHB’s

-

Ardee

0

23

616

20

3

Total

593

-

1

8

237

3,990

69

117

3,745

769

16

5

1,432

28

1,465

36

8

-

-

Drogheda


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Estate ManagementSixteen abandoned properties were recovered by the Housing Section in 2016. Some 227 cases of anti-social behaviour were investigated. Of these, 73 verbal warnings were issued, 34 tenancy warnings were given (with two further reminders) and four exclusion notices were in place. Some 116 complaints needed no further action.

Anti-Social Behaviour PolicyThe Anti-Social Behaviour Policy was reviewed and a new Anti-Social Behaviour Strategy was adopted. It applies to the Council’s social housing units, (including those managed by approved bodies), and halting sites. The Strategy was drawn up in consultation with the Joint Policing Committee, An Garda Siochána, the Health Service Executive, and advocates of those suffering from mental health issues. It aims to best coordinate Council services to prevent and reduce anti-social behaviour, through good estate management and promoting cooperation with other bodies.

Grant Assistance to the Elderly and DisabledSome 90 grants were approved under Housing Adaption Grants, Housing for Older People and Mobility Aids Grants. Any persons who applied in 2016 and were awarded Priority 1 are not required to make a further application.

HomelessnessAs the Responsible Housing Authority for the North East Region, Louth County Council continues to manage this area and to achieve the goals set out in the North East Homelessness Action Plan, 2013-17.

A rough sleepers count was held in early December and reported that one person was sleeping rough. This person had been engaging with homeless services.

A total of 155 individuals were in emergency accommodation, including 29 families and 37 children. Some 17 traveller families were in emergency accommodation. The Council’s main service providers, (The Simon Community, Drogheda Homeless Aid, and Dundalk Women’s Refuge), had a total of 45 individuals in their care.

Presentations of Homelessness December 2016

Ardee MD

Drogheda MD

1Number of Persons who presented as Homeless to the Housing Authority

TotalDundalkMD

Offered advice, support (including fast tracking H.A. for Rent Supplement eligibility)

Placed in Temporary Emergency Accommodation

Refused Offer of Temporary Emergency Accommodation

Not eligible, from outside county or non HRC

Number of Tenancies being supported: Sustainment Packages funded by the Housing Authority in order to prevent homelessness

Outcome

1

0

0

0

1

15

7

7

1

0

55

10

6

3

1

0

36

26

14

10

2

0

92


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Louth County Council’s Local Community Development Committee (LCDC) works to promote economic development, cooperation, integration and support among Louth communities. Louth LCDC provides the oversight and governance to community development in County Louth.

Communities

Local Economic & Community Plan (LECP) In 2016, Louth LCDC prepared a six-year local community plan with actions to tackle poverty and disadvantage; support enterprise, employment and training; develop community infrastructure, and promote economic development. The actions are contained within eight overarching goals:

Strong, safe and flourishing communities

Access to education Prosperous, inclusive communities and places

Health and wellbeing Nurturing children and young people

An age-friendly society

Entrepreneurship, innovation and enterprise

A Valued Environment

GOAL 1:GOAL 1: GOAL 2:GOAL 2: GOAL 3:GOAL 3:

GOAL 6:GOAL 6:GOAL 5:GOAL 5:GOAL 4:GOAL 4:

GOAL 7:GOAL 7: GOAL 8:GOAL 8:

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The LECP was adopted by Louth County Council in March 2016. The delivery of actions has been assisted by various initiatives and events throughout the year including:

The establishment of Community Hubs in Dundalk, Ardee and Dunleer.The Public Participation Network (PPN) Community and Voluntary Awards Night.PPN website rebrand and relaunch. Pride of Place achievements and National Tidy Towns awards.Technology Enabled Care study under the REDZ scheme.CLAR and Town & Village Renewal schemes.Dementia Elevator Road Show.Jobs and Advice Fair in Drogheda and networking events in collaboration with DSP, skills net etc.

Leader Local Development Strategy Louth LCDC also operates as the Local Action Group (LAG). In 2016, it submitted a Local Development Strategy for funding (circa € 6.1 million) under the LEADER elements of Ireland’s Rural Development Programme 2014-2020. The strategy has been engineered to identify the best approach for delivering actions that focus on addressing poverty and social exclusion, particularly given the significant economic and social changes that have taken place within the last decade.

Louth County Council is the lead financial partner to the LAG. Louth Leader Partnership, a development company funded by the Irish Government, will deliver the majority of project and the animation-related actions associated with the implementation of the strategy.

Organisation Name

Public Sector

Louth County Council Cllr Colm Markey

Louth County Council Cllr Dolores Minogue

Louth County Council Cllr Pearse McGeough

Louth County Council Cllr Liam Reilly

Louth County Council Joan Martin

Louth County Council Thomas Mc Evoy

Louth Meath ETB Peter Kierans -replaced by Sadie Ward Mc Dermot, ratified by LCC February 2016

DSP Anne Keeley

HSE Fiona Murphy

Private Sector

Local Development Company Mary Ann McGlynn- replaced by Ciaran Reid, ratified by LCC December 2016

Community & Voluntary Interests Eddie Phelan- Replaced by Larry Magnier, ratified by LCC May 2016

Community & Voluntary Interests Anthony McArdle – replaced by Eva Beirne, ratified by LCC May 2016

Social Inclusion Marian Sloan – replaced by Geordie McAteer, ratified by LCC May 2016Kevin Moran

Environment Breffni Martin

Farming Breeda Tuite

Chamber of Commerce Dundalk Michael Gaynor

Chamber of Commerce Drogheda John Cotterill- replaced byBrenndán Casey, ratified by LCC December 2016

ICTU Frank O’Brien

Membership of the Local Community Development Committee

Chief Officer Joe McGuinness


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Sports UnitThe Sports Unit developed and managed a number of programmes during the year:Dundalk Sports Centre

Complete refurbishment of Dundalk Sports Centre.16 Outreach Programmes catering for all ages. Secondary level basketball outreach programme.

Sport Development19 sports clubs throughout the county received support through the Louth County Council Sports Grants.

Louth Local Sports PartnershipThree exercise programmes for older adults were run throughout the county in 2016.The Transition Year Triathlon took place in May 2016. Approximately 200 students from eight schools participated. A number of Bike Week events were supported including a cycle for primary school children on the Greenway between Omeath and Carlingford. National Recreation Week took place in July 2016. The theme was Remember 1916. Three groups of secondary school children participated in activity days in Celtic Adventure Military Park.40 transition year students from eight secondary schools received support to become Assistant Community Sports Leaders. European Week of Sport occurred in September 2016. Nine events were organised throughout the county to mark the week.

Social Inclusion Community Activation Programme (SICAP)The Social Inclusion and Community Activation Programme (SICAP) aims to reduce poverty and promote social inclusion and equality through local, regional and national engagement and collaboration. SICAP’s 2016 Annual Plan set out 11 challenging actions across three key goals of improving community engagement, education and unemployment in disadvantaged areas. The LCDC established a sub-group to oversee implementation of the SICAP programme and report to the LCDC on the effectiveness of interventions -

Notable achievements during 2016 included:

‘Live Life’ Project for young Traveller men.‘Communiversity’ programme in conjunction with NUI Maynooth.Red Door Project.Outreach Training in Healthcare Support.Proactive Progression programme.My future My Business student programme.


36 37

Trashion Fashion AwardsThe fourth annual Trashion Fashion Awards took place in January 2016. This platform allows second level students to showcase their creations, all of which are made from recycled material, to an audience of family and friends. This initiative has captured the imagination of the youth population in Louth, with great success on the national stage at Junk Kouture.

National Tidy TownsLouth has a strong and proud record of achievement at the National Tidy Towns competition. In 2016, Louth won six medals. Dundalk, Drogheda, Tallanstown and Blackrock won Gold, while Knockbridge and Ardee won Bronze. Each entrant from Louth increased their marks, which was a wonderful achievement. The County Award was won by Tallanstown, with Castlebellingham-Kilsaran winning the Endeavour Award and Dromiskin winning the Youth Award.

Louth Looking Good Awards The Louth Looking Good Awards took place in October 2016. Blackrock Tidy Towns were the overall winners on the night, with Tallanstown and Dromiskin finishing as runners up. Knockbridge won the Adjudicators Award, with Clogherhead winning the award for the Most Improved Village. The Best Overall Housing Estate in the county was won by Clos na Manach, Carlingford, while the Best Waste Minimisation Project was won by Dromiskin Tidy Towns. Knockbridge Tidy Towns were awarded the Youth Award and the Age Friendly Award was won by Stabannon Tidy Towns.

Community Support 2016 Dundalk Improve Our TownThe Dundalk Improve Our Town Awards took place in October 2016. Winners in their categories were Carroll Mead, Oldbridge and Ath Leathan, respectively. Also winning on the night were Mullens in Roden Place, for Best Presented Business Premises and Glen Gat Guest House for Best Hospitality Premises. The Adjudicators Award was presented to Lios Dubh.

Beauty on the Boyne Awards The Beauty on the Boyne Awards were held in November 2016. Winners included Castlewood, Five Oaks Village, The View, Wheaton Hall, Cartons Cottage in Waterunder, Kevin Mc Alister Electrical and Clarke’s Bar on Peter Street.

Green Schools Programmes Louth schools continued their long-term commitment to the Green Schools initiative in 2016 with 40 schools being awarded the flag. This programme for environmental improvement saw three new entrants this year - The Redeemer Boys School in Dundalk, St. Ita’s in Drogheda, and Colaiste Lu, Dun Dealgan.

‘GROW’ Environmental Awards for Primary SchoolsAlmost 40 schools participated in the 2016 ‘GROW’ Environmental awards (GROW is an acronym for ‘Green’, ‘Renewable’, ‘Organic’ and ‘Waste minimisation’). The Awards recognise excellent environmental performance, at a local level. The top scoring school was Scoil Mhuire na Trocaire, Ardee, with ‘Schools of the Year’ being awarded to Muchgrange NS in the Dundalk Municipal Area, Scoil Naomh Feichin, Termonfeckin, in the Borough District of Drogheda and Monastery N.S. in the Ardee Municipal District Area.

Greener Christmas Poetry CompetitionThe Greener Christmas Poetry Competition is local primary schools’ competition that not only creates awareness of unnecessary waste over the holiday season, but also records the children’s winning entries as waste prevention advertisements over the Christmas Season. St. Kevin’s NS in Philipstown was the 2016 winner.

Blue FlagLouth retained three Blue Flags for the beaches at Clogherhead, Port and Templetown in 2016.The Blue Flag is an international award for beach excellence, which is operated in Ireland by An Tasice. The award is presented to beaches and marinas which have excellent water quality and which achieve high standards across a wide range of other criteria including environmental education, management of the environment, water quality and safety. Tourism is extremely important to Louth and our Blue Flag beaches provide a safe environment for both families and visitors to enjoy a great day out.


38 39

Pride of PlaceLouth had great success at the Pride of Place All-Island competition. The competition aims to recognise and reward tremendous community spirit across the country. Clogherhead was the overall winner of the award in the Islands and Coastal Communities category.

Re-usable Tea & Coffee cups – Local Authority Prevention Network FundedLouth County Council implemented a waste prevention project during 2016, in conjunction with small businesses Knockbridge, Blackrock & Carlingford, which involved the provision of re-useable tea and coffee cups. During the project customers of these business who presented re-usable cups received hot beverages at a reduced cost. Funding for 700 re-usable hot cups was provided under LAPN 2015. This project increased awareness among small businesses of the impact of the distribution of disposable cups and the subsequent problem of litter and waste in local area.

Louth County Libraries, Archives and Museum ServicesLouth County Libraries, Archives and Museum Services continue to underpin the quality of life for individuals and communities within the county.

Library Services

237,542 367,054visits during the year items borrowed during

the year

Branch DevelopmentThe Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government announced the Library Capital Investment Programme 2016-2021 on 27 January 2016. Under the programme, some €2m was allocated for the roll-out of the Department’s ‘My Open Library’, Unlimited Access 8am - 10pm’ service across library authority areas over the period of the programme.

‘My Open Library’ is an innovative development that seeks to improve the link between communities and an important local authority service - the local library. It is customer - focused and offers local communities and individuals a flexible library service to match the requirements of their demanding and varied lifestyles. It offers extended opening hours to library members during unstaffed hours while continuing to provide the regular staffed times for ongoing delivery of the service, supporting customers, developing community engagement and providing events and activities.

Funding was granted by the Department of Housing, Planning, and Local Government for the development of a ‘My Open Library’ initiative in Ardee Branch Library. It is due to open in the first half of 2017.


40 41

County Wide Library InitiativesFree Library Membership and Enhanced Online ServicesMembership to all branch libraries in Louth is open and free. A new suite of online e-services can be accessed by members www.louthcoco.ie/libraries by using their library card. The new e-services include:

Borrowbox eBooks and eAudio books: Items can be downloaded onto a suitable electronic device using the app provided. Zinio e-magazines: Library members can browse over 200 online magazines on a wide range of subjects such as photography, gardening, sport, cars and more.Mango Online language courses: There are 71 languages represented, including Irish, Spanish, German, French, Italian and Japanese. There is also a translation service provided from these languages into another. Proquest online newspaper service: This service allows library members to search articles through a world-wide archive of newspapers. Universal Class eLearning: This resource provides access to online courses in over 30 subject areas on practical topics such as budgeting and saving, creative writing and report writing. Library members can sign up to complete modules and assignments, or simply watch the video classes online.

1.

2.

3.

4.

Louth 1916/2016 Centenary ProgrammeThe Louth 2016 Centenary Programme was formally launched by the then Cathaoirleach of Louth County Council Peter Savage in Dundalk Library in January 2016.

Aimed at broadening our understanding of the events and the significance of the 1916 Rising, Louth’s commemorations included lectures on key figures and events of the Rising, music and theatre performances, and local ceremonial events.

A separate publication marking the centenary events throughout Louth was also produced.

Oíche Chultúir/Culture NightFor Culture Night 2016, Dundalk Library secured funding from Oireachtas na Gaeilge to host a bilingual talk on the ‘Placenames of County Louth’, presented by Fiachra MacGabhann.

Europe Direct Information Centre, DundalkLouth County Libraries were awarded a second contract and associated funding from the European Commission to run a Europe Direct Information Centre in Dundalk Library from 2013-2017. The centre focuses on the geographical region of Louth, Cavan and Monaghan. A wide programme of events for adults and children was delivered in 2016. Highlights included the annual Soapbox competition, social media training for local traders in Dundalk and Drogheda, Spanish language and cultural classes and the donation of Lithuanian books by the Dundalk Lithuanian community.

5.


42 43

Literacy InitiativesDrogheda Library runs a 10-week English for Speakers of Other Languages course, in association with the Louth Meath Education and Training Board. The course has a volunteer tutor and has attracted people from various nationalities. Participants are introduced to library services and resources suited to their particular needs.

Adult literacy classes continue twice weekly in Ardee Library.

English for Employment and Self Employment is a 10 week language course in Dundalk Library for non-English speakers. Computer classes for beginners and improvers continue in Dundalk, Drogheda and Ardee Libraries.

Literacy and Numeracy Summer CampsThe Summer Stars Reading Programme for children took place in all branch libraries during the summer months with over 900 participating children. An active programme of events including storytime, movie mornings and arts and crafts took place to supplement the reading initiative.

Right to Read CampaignAs part of the ‘Right to Read’ campaign, Drogheda Library organised themed storytime sessions entitled ‘Who’s Telling Tales’ during Fridays in July. The aim was to support parents with their children’s reading and introduce them to the library. Over 400 participants attended and feedback was very positive.

Summer Stars Reading ProgrammeThe Summer Stars Reading Programme for children took place in all branch libraries during the summer months with over 900 participating children. An active programme of events including storytime, movie mornings and arts and crafts took place to supplement the reading initiative.


44 45

The Museums’s 1916 activities concluded with the O’Hanrahan Chronicles - an exhibition detailing the involvement of the O’Hanrahan family in the run-up to, and the subsequent aftermath of, the Rising.

In addition to these commemorative events, the Museum also opened a photographic exhibition highlighting the state of the country’s many deserted rural houses, an art exhibition by the residents of St. Oliver’s Nursing Home, and an exhibition on WW1 which features many fine examples of ‘trench art’ and a commemorative wall listing the 828 names of Louth’s fallen war dead. The Museum’s busy year ended with the annual set of Christmas activities for national schools.

Amidst a year of historical significance and high achievement, the Museum attained full accreditation status under the Heritage Council’s Museums’ Standards Programme for Ireland. This award bears testimony to the ongoing excellence and professionalism of the Museum with respect to the care and maintenance afforded to its ever-growing collection. In a year of commemorations, the significance of such an award was especially timely.

County Museum Dundalk2016 will be remembered as the centenary of the 1916 Rising. Over the course of the year the State has acknowledged and commemorated the impact of the events of Easter Week. County Museum Dundalk played its role in the commemorations with its multi award-winning exhibition, Birth of a Nation - the evolution of the Irish Nationhood 1641 - 1916 forming the centrepiece of the Museum’s commemorative events. During the year, the Museum held a variety of different events which highlighted the nature and impact of the Rising through a variety of lenses. These included a series of activities for schools, printing workshops, tours of the exhibition and use of the Museum handling collection (most notably the use of contemporary Volunteer uniform). In April, the Museum housed an art exhibition A Nation Rises featuring the work of Carol Quinn-Wallace. That same month, the Museum launched a highly successful outreach event in the Marshes Shopping Centre which focused on the Rising as experienced locally. The Museum also organised a time capsule as part of the development of the Thomas Clarke Memorial Garden.

Louth County Archives ServiceThe main aim of Louth County Archives Service is to identify, preserve and make available the public and private archives of County Louth for the benefit of knowledge and research. The Service maintains and updates a website and Facebook page that provides the public with an online archive catalogue and research guides.

Highlights of 2016 include:

The Louth Volunteers 1914-1918 exhibitionÓglaigh na hEireann 1913-1918 exhibitionReviewing index for Housing section’s records in the Records CentreCataloguing work on private collectionsPreparation work into exhibition on the Life Of Joseph Dolan for 2017Research into the compilation of a local research guide for the Decade of Centenaries.Creation of a Storybox entitled: ‘Dundalk Gaol 1853-1931, now home to Louth County Archives’ as part of the Explore Your Archives Campaign, a public awareness campaign run by ARA (Archives and Records Association UK and Ireland). This gave a history of the jail and also described how it was transformed into the now Archives building.

Communiversity ProgrammeThe library service, in conjunction with Louth Leader Partnership and Maynooth University, started a new session of adult learning courses in both Dundalk and Drogheda Libraries which ran in early 2016. The subjects on offer included Psychology, Local Studies, Community Development and Youth Work. The courses gave participants a chance to sample higher education discussions and debates in a familiar library setting. Participants received a certificate from Maynooth University on completion of the course.


46 47

Louth County Council Operations and Local Service Section manages many of the most visible services provided by the Council, including road maintenance and improvements, maintenance of our award winning public parks and playgrounds, harbours and piers and the upkeep of a number of cemeteries across the county. Other services delivered by the section are the litter warden service, bottle bank and recycling services, pay parking services, traffic management, casual trading in the county, street sweeping and public litter bin services. The Council also manages water supply and waste water treatment through a service level agreement with Irish Water.

Operations, Local Servicesand Water Services

Road InfrastructureN53 - Phase 3: Phase 3 involved an on line realignment of the N53 from Hackballscross to a previously realigned section east at Barronstown. The works followed from a road closure in 2015 and were completed in February 2016.

N2 Blakestown Cross: Land acquisition was completed by agreement with private land owners and some advance works contracts commenced in Spring 2016 including the diversion of optic fibre cables, hedge removal and fencing. A road closure of the N2 took place from October to December 2016 to facilitate the works.

Bellurgan Embankment: An 850m section of the Bellurgan embankment was raised, and material stockpiled from road schemes will allow the remaining sections to be raised in 2017.

Piers/Harbours: Storm damaged navigation aids were replaced at Clogherhead harbour, additional power points were provided at the inner harbour in Clogherhead and pier repairs took place on the south pier in Carlingford.

Schools: Works were completed on Ballymakenny College and the building was handed over to joint patrons Educate Together and LMETB in June 2016.

Works continued on the preliminary design of Ardee Educate Together National School and layout was agreed with the Department of Education in October 2016.

Louth County Council appointed Ganson to construct Coláiste Chú Chulainn at the Marshes in Dundalk.

46


48 49

Low Cost Safety Works: Road markings and additional signage was installed on Carrickmacross Road in Dundalk. A speed table and uncontrolled pedestrian crossing was installed at the junctions of Culhane Street and MacSweeney Street in Dundalk.

Bridge Repair works: Rehabilitation works were carried out on Bridges at the following locations - Rucky Hill, Drumgooter, Cloughan, Castlering and Purcellstown.

Dunleer Minor Flood Mitigation Work: The Dunleer Flood Study Report was completed in 2016 identifying an area vulnerable to flooding within Dunleer Village.

Louth Coastal Erosion Study: The Louth Coastal Erosion Study Report was completed in 2016 assessing coastal erosion in three areas - Greenore, Templetown and Dillonstown.

Catchment based Flood Risk Assessment and Management Study: The CFRAM Study continued in 2016 and draft Flood Risk Management Plans, (FRMPs) - were produced. The draft FRMPs will be finalised by the OPW in 2017 to help develop a national priority list of areas of flood risk and associated management measures. The prioritised list of flood risk management works will be presented for Ministerial approval in 2017. The final Flood Risk Management Plans will then be submitted to the relevant Local Authorities for adoption of the proposed measures.

Drogheda Civic Office Refurbishment: Part 8 Planning Consent was obtained for the Drogheda Civic Office Refurbishment and a design team was procured to deliver the project.

Delivery of Water Services in County LouthWater Services, both supply and waste water, are managed by Louth County Council on the basis of Service Level Agreement (SLA) with Irish Water. The SLA has been in operation for 24 months.

Customer contact: Louth County Council received 2,152 customer queries from Irish Water for 2016. Irish Water will refer customers queries to Local Authorities for action and protocols have been developed in relation to same.

Non-domestic water billing: In the case of Non-domestic Customers, Louth County Council continued to read the meters and process the information and this was forwarded to Irish Water. Non-domestic billing was transferred to Irish Water from quarter four of 2016.

Unaccounted for water and leaks repaired: During 2016 the number of leaks repaired was 748 and the number detected was 810. The unaccounted for water was 41% for 2016

Group Water Schemes (GWS): Louth County Council is responsible for GWS. All GWS in Louth are private supplies and the main source are bore holes. They are not connected to public mains. Funding of €232,926.32 was received for GWS in 2016.

Water Services Investment Plan (WSIP) 2014 – 2016: The value of Irish Water expenditure is estimated at €26.26m for County Louth addressing issues such as upgrading wastewater treatment plants in Ardee, Drogheda and Dundalk and water conservation initiatives throughout the county.

Before Roadworks Commenced

After Completion


50 51

Louth Economic Development Unit supports the coordinated economic development of the county by planning for, initiating and managing projects that contribute positively to its ongoing economic development. The unit encompasses the LEO, tourist service, arts service (CreateLouth), heritage, planning and conservation works. It is involved in the marketing and promotion of the Council as a business-friendly location and engages in strategic economic planning which informs Louth County Council’s policy decisions. Development control within the county is also managed by this Department.

Economic Development, Planning and Infrastructure

Local Enterprise Office (LEO Louth)LEO Louth’s role is to drive the development of local enterprise, putting local small and micro businesses at the heart of job creation. It supports business start-ups and works to increase the job potential of new and existing small and micro businesses with information, advice, training, mentoring, and selective financial support. Part of its vision is to act as the catalyst and advocate for the establishment of a best practice enterprise culture among start-ups and small businesses, and to promote enterprise and self-employment as a viable career option among the wider population. In 2016 this objective was implemented through a wide range of programmes, supports and activities, including, Start Your Own Business training, mentoring supports and assistance to Enterprise Centres.

50


52 53

A sample of LEO Louth initiatives in 2016:The launch of a series of ‘essential guides’ for small businesses.Inputting to the development of the Louth/Meath Food Strategy.Piloting a new management development programme for early stage companiesto accelerate sales in new markets.Project managing two EU Erasmus funded programmes - SHIP, the Innovation Alliance and REAL, the Employment Alliance - aimed at promoting linkages between third level institutes and business.

Youth involvement is directly facilitated by LEO Louth through the Student Enterprise Programme and the Primary (schools) Enterprise Challenge programme. In 2016, all 18 second level schools in the county, involving over 1,000 students, participated in the Student Enterprise Programme. Over 800 pupils from 25 primary schools engaged in the Enterprise Challenge Programme.

LEO Louth administers the Trading Online Vouchers Programme on behalf of the Department of Communications, Climate Action and Environment to support business to engage in e-Commerce sales. A total of 39 applications were approved in 2016.

LEO Louth also works in partnership with Microfinance Ireland (MFI) to deliver the Government’s Microenterprise Loan Fund. There were 11 Microfinance Ireland applications submitted to LEO Louth in 2016.

Louth County Council, through the LEO, provides the Secretariat for the Regional Action Plan for Jobs, North East/North West, 2015-2017. The Regional Action Plan has a number of key objectives including to increase jobs in the North East / North West, to increase the numbers of start-ups in the area and to increase the value of agri-food exports.

Key achievements of LEO Louth in 2016:

Net additional jobs were created as a direct result of grants approved and growth in existing client businesses in County Louth.

project enquiries received.

People attended business training programmes, seminars and management development programmes.

600

1,100

85Over

LEO Louth’s Local Enterprise Development Plan 2016 provides a detailed framework for building upon the successes to date and ensuring that enterprises and entrepreneurs continue to receive efficient and quality supports from LEO Louth to sustain and develop their business and new markets. Key priorities for LEO Louth are to continue to develop comprehensive resources for businesses, to heighten awareness of the potential impact of Brexit, and to promote the range of services and supports available locally and nationally to address business challenges.

Local Economic and Community PlanUnder the Local Government Reform Act 2014 the Council is obliged to develop a Local Economic and Community Plan (LECP) consisting of an integrated economic plan and a community plan. The LECP is a joint venture between Louth County Council’s Economic & Enterprise Strategic Policy Committee and the Local Community Development Committee (LCDC). It contains high-level goals and objectives for the county and will guide policy over a six-year lifespan. Louth’s Local Economic and Community Plan 2016-2022 was adopted by Council in March 2016.

Louth Economic ForumLouth Economic Forum welcomed Mr. Martin Cronin as its new independent Chairperson in 2016. The Forum is a one stop shop for potential investors. In January 2016, the Forum launched its Broadband Action Plan with a vision to position the county as a leader in the provision of world - class - high speed broadband to foreign direct investors, all indigenous enterprises and start-up entrepreneurial companies.

Retail IncentivesDuring 2016, Louth County Council developed new retail investment brochures for the towns of Dundalk and Drogheda, as part of a campaign to promote the areas as excellent retail destinations. The Council also worked with Retail Excellence Ireland, to provide a one day “Service & Sales - Excellence Being the Very Best” event for businesses in September 2016. Training was aimed at business owners and key staff. It focussed on how to create a service culture which will ensure that customers return.

To further attract businesses into the towns, the Economic Development Unit developed a range of Business Incentive Schemes. Shopfront design guidelines were put in place, further supported by the Shopfront Improvement Grant Scheme, Small Business Support Scheme and New Business Incentive Scheme. A total of 28 Shopfront Improvement Grant applications were received in 2016 with nine shopfronts completed by December, amounting to grants of over €12,000.


54 55

FestivalsThe Irish Maritime Festival was delivered to great success again in 2016, in partnership with Drogheda Port. The festival won the Fáilte Ireland Best Tourism Initiative at the Community and Council Awards and The Public Sector Magazine Excellence in Business Award. The Dundalk Frostival Festival, Drogheda Bonanza Festival, and the St. Patrick’s Day Festivals in Dundalk, Drogheda and Ardee continue to be supported and funded by Louth County Council.

ArtsCreate Louth, the Arts Service of Louth County Council, delivered a range of actions in 2016, all aligned to its five major work areas:

Developmental and Community ArtsGrants and AwardsInformation and AdviceArtistic ProgrammingRepresentation and Planning.

Examples of work in these areas include:

An innovative Arts-in-Health project “Medical Notes” saw specifically-trained community musicians perform for patients in Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital, Drogheda. CreateLouth commissioned this unique collaboration between Kids’ Classics, a not-for-profit organisation that provides high quality music making opportunities in educational, healthcare and community settings, and management and medical staff of the hospital.

1.2.3.4.5.

TourismTourism has a critical role in contributing to Louth’s economic development. Louth County Council continued its work with Fáilte Ireland in 2016 on Ireland’s Ancient East branding. Five new signs were installed at significant tourist locations around the county.

Drogheda’s Tourist Office at the Tholsel has been transformed by the installation of a new interactive tourist exhibition ‘Gateway to the Boyne Valley’. Cutting-edge touch screen displays allow visitors to explore the joys of Drogheda and the Boyne Valley through their finger-tips. Co-funded by Louth County Council and Fáilte Ireland, this permanent exhibition introduces visitors to Drogheda Tourist Office to all that the beautiful Boyne Valley has to offer.

CreateLouth makes a range of bursaries and awards available to individuals and organisations throughout the county each year. One of these is the Schools Musical Instrument Purchase Scheme, which in 2016 was awarded to Ballymakenny College, Drogheda. The €1,300 award was used to purchase 12 ukuleles for use by Junior Cycle students.


56 57

ConservationLouth County Council’s Conservation Service provides continuing input into the protection of County Louth’s Architectural Heritage, in accordance with the Development Plan. The Council provides advice and guidance to the public and groups on the legislative requirements in relation to protected structures, architectural conservation areas and monuments.

Through the Built Heritage Investment Scheme in 2016, four organisations received funding amounting to €40,000.

Under the Structures at Risk Scheme 2016, funding of €30,000 was secured for the thatching of Harty’s Cottage, Crushrod Avenue, Drogheda, Co Louth

Projects

Collon Church of Ireland

Foley’s Tea Rooms

Carstown Manor

Beaulieu House

Funding Allocated

€10,000.00

€10,000.00

€10,000.00

€10,000.00

939PLANNING APPLICATIONSSUBMITTED.

93%PLANNING APPLICATIONS APPROVED.

187PLANNING ENFORCEMENT COMPLAINTS INVESTIGATED

6PROSECUTIONS

HeritageLouth’s heritage is a valued asset that makes a substantial contribution to our quality of life and economic development. The Council works to protect and increase awareness and appreciation of our rich and diverse heritage The following Heritage Projects were progressed or completed in 2016:

Conservation and repair works to Drogheda’s ‘Old Abbey’.Archaeological investigation and preparation for future conservation works on the collapsing wall at Holy Trinity old graveyard in Carlingford.‘Heritage Guide’ on Ardee commissioned by Archaeology Ireland.Tourism Brochure for Ardee (REDZ funding).Leading on the pilot ‘Town Centre Health Check’ in Dundalk.Supporting the Dundalk World War One memorial committee.Liaising with farming, nature conservation and amenity interests in relation to public access and environmental management in the Cooley mountains.Commissioning of a children’s colouring-in book featuring Louth’s heritage landmarks.

The CreateLouth website is the hub for events, opportunities, projects and resources for the arts in Louth. Updated daily, createlouth.ie also houses all information on Taisce Lú, the art collection of Louth County Council, through an interactive databaseCreateLouth commissioned a play entitled “An Easter Service” to mark the centenary of the Rising in Louth. “An Easter Service” was devised by members of the community in Dundalk. Combining the skills of Upstate Theatre Company, Drogheda, and the resources of An Táin Arts Centre, Dundalk, the play sold out its initial run, and proved to be a memorable event for participants and audiences alike.Supporting youth theatres is a priority for CreateLouth. The Arts Officer represents Louth County Council on the Boards of a number of regional and national cultural organisations. The experience gained from working with youth theatres is invaluable when serving on the Board of the organisation which oversees the development of youth theatres on a national basis.

Planning:

The vast majority of complaints are resolved through negotiation and agreement.


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Appendices

Unaudited Statement of Comprehensive Income(income & expenditure account statement)

for vear ending 31st december 2016

The Income and Expenditure Account Statement brings together all the revenue related income and expenditure. It shows the surplus/(deficit) for the year. Transfers to/from reserves are shown separately and not allocated by service division. Note 16 allocates transfers by service division the same format as Table A of the adopted Local Authority budget.

Housing & Building

Roads Transportation & Safety

Water Services

Development Management

Environmental Services

Recreation & Amenity

Agriculture, Education, Health & Welfare

Miscellaneous Services

Total Expenditure/income

Income

22,600,007

17,210,425

6,318,000

9,866,259

13,743,078

7,475,217

1,265,936

21,048,453

8,804,200

6,775,861

4,841,475

1,996,658

807,372

647,294

1,551,553

8,406,224

(457,861)

5,024,784

11,746,420

6,667,846

618,642

(1,084,376)

8,609,471

(46,565)

5,782,628

11,199,756

6,050,071

1,233,645

13,871,112 5,541,791 8,329,321 9,337,002

92,350,033 50,463,104

Net cost of Divisions to be funded fromRates & Local Property Tax

Rates

Local Property Tax

Pension Related Deduction

Surplus/(Deficit) for Year before Transfers

Transfers from/(to) Reserves

Overall Surplus/(Deficit) for Year

General Reserve @ 1st January 2016

General Reserve @ 31st December 2016

41,886,930 41,081,633

32,111,075 33,081,203

8,106,153 8,098,323

1,131,640 1,561,064

(538,062) 1,658,958

3,048,949 (1,562,384)

2,510,887 96,574

(2,510,887) (2,607,461)

0 (2,510,887)

•As per Circular Fin 04 2017 - Revision of Circular Fin 11 2016 the Council has used Specific Reserves to clear the Deficit on the General Revenue Reserve.

Gross Expenditure

NetExpenditure

NetExpenditure

2016 2016 2016 2015€ € € €

58


60 61

Loans Payable Finance leasesRefundable deposits Other

Unaudited statement of financial position (balance sheet) at 31st December

Operational Infrastructural Community Non-Operational

Stocks Trade Debtors & Prepayments Bank Investments Cash at Bank Cash in Transit

Bank OverdraftCreditors & Accruals Finance leases

Capitalisation Account lncomeWIP Specific Revenue Reserve General Revenue ReserveOther Balances

Work in Progress and Preliminary Expenses

Long Term Debtors

Current Liabilities (Amounts falling due within one year)

Net Current Assets / (Liabilities)

Net Assets

Represented by

Fixed Assets 2016 €

2015€

681,562,7131,355,364,5194,409,17050,035,497

670,031,710 355,405,395 4,583,316 50,035,497

2,091,371,900 2,080,055.918

17,585.658 18,114,847

78,489,958 78,646,818

Current Assets 25,896,40532,378,7402,137,888405,306

28,284,404 27,619.016 2,528,543 297,935

60,818,339 58,729.898

30,476,891 32,890,209

30,476,891 32,890,209

30,341,448 25.839 ,689

Creditors (Amounts falling due after more than one year)

2,091,371,90016,596,757469,0710(59,965,627)

2.080,055,915 17,196,0025,533,315 (2,510,887) (62,556,147)

2,048,472,100 2 037,718.198

151 ,892,259

4,192,267 13,232,337

151,259,289

2,716,121 10,963,664

169,316,864 164,939,073

•As per Circular Fin 04 2017 • Revision of Circular Fin 11 2016 the Council has used Specific Reserves to clear the Deficit on the General Revenue Reserve.

Total Reserves

BIncomingarrears @1/1/2016

Unaudited Summary of Major RevenueCollections for 2016

Rates

Rents & Annuities

Housing Loans

ADebtor type

CAccrued

current yeardebit (Gross)

DVacant

propertyadjustments

EWrite offs

FWaivers

GTotal forcollection

=(B+C-D-E-F)

HAmountcollected

IClosing

arrears@31/12/2016

= (G-H)

JSpecificdoubtfularrears•= (G-H)

K% Collected= (H)/(G-J)

arrears•= (G-H)

17,649,245

3,552,290

436,554

32,111,064

11,595,928

861,513

5,648,782 2,182,295

43,965

(6)

41,929,231

15,104,254

1,298,072

27,180,374

10,724,473

14,748,857

4,379,780

352,009

1,924,659

946,063

68%

71%

73%

*Specific doubtful arrears = (i) Vacancy applications pending/criteria not met & (ii) Accounts in examinership/receivership/liquidation and no communication regarding likely outcome

€ € € € € € € € €

Expenditure

Income

The (unaudited) capital figures are:

€26,658,621

€28,793,671

2,048,472,101 2,037,718,198


62 63

A. Expenditure in the year on repair & maintenance of housing bought or built by the LA divided by H1G

Expenditure on repair and maintenance of LA stock compiled on a continuous basis during the year

Housing: H1, H2 & H4 Approved

€1,432.82

€5,365,898

16.63wk

€9,974.63

98

1629.57wk

€977,514

6,411

100

0

183

183

A. Average time taken from date of vacation of dwelling to date when a new tenancy had commenced

B. Average cost expended on getting the dwellings re-tenanted during the year ready for re-letting

No of dwellings that were re-tenanted on any date in the year (excl. those vacant for estate refurbishment)

No. of weeks from when previous tenant vacated dwelling up to date new tenant’s first rent debit

Total expenditure on repairs necessary to enable re-letting of the dwellings included above

A. Total number of registered tenancies in the LA area at end of June 2016

B. Number of rented dwellings inspected during the year

C. Percentage of inspected dwellings in 2016 that were found not to be compliant with the Standards Regulations

D. Number of non-compliant dwellings that became compliant during 2016

The number of dwellings inspected that were found not to be compliant with the Housing (Standards for Rented Houses) Regulations

A. Number of adults in emergency accommodation long-term as a % of the total number of homeless adults

Number of adults classified as homeless and in emergency accommodation on night of the 31/12/2016

24.78%

113

Housing: H3 & H5 Approved

Housing: H6 Approved

A. Overall total number of dwellings provided by the LA during the year

B. Number of dwellings directly provided

B1. Number of dwellings constructed

B2. Number of dwellings purchased

C. Number of dwellings provided under RAS

D. Number of dwellings provided under the HAP Scheme

E. Number of dwellings provided under the SHCEP

F. The overall total number of social housing dwellings in the LA at year end

G. The total number of dwellings directly provided (constructed or purchased) by the local authority

H. Total number of dwellings provided under the RAS

I. Total number of dwellings provided under the HAP if operated

J. Total number of dwellings provided under the SHCEP

K. No. of single rural dwellings that are planned for demolition or sale due to dereliction

A. Percentage of the number of dwellings at H1G that were vacant on year end

The number of dwellings within the overall stock that were nottenanted at year end

Housing: H1, H2 & H4 Approved

869

93

18

75

16

697

63

5,730

150

1,378

457

0

1.31%

49

3,745

Performance Indicators 2016

IndicatorTopic Value IndicatorTopic Value


64 65

Number of adults on that date who had been in emergency accommodation for 6 months continuously or for 6 months cumulatively within the previous 12 months

28

94%80%

86%22%

2%

2%

50%31%4%

32%40%5%

10%

% Regional road kilometres with a PSCI rating% Local Primary road kilometres with a PSCI rating% Local Secondary road kilometres with a PSCI rating% Local Tertiary road kilometres with a PSCI rating% Regional roads that received a PSCI rating during the year% Total Regional road kilometres with a PSCI rating of 1-4% Total Regional road kilometres with a PSCI rating of 5-6% Total Regional road kilometres with a PSCI rating of 7-8% Total Regional road kilometres with a PSCI rating of 9-10 % Total Primary road kilometres with a PSCI rating of 1-4% Total Primary road kilometres with a PSCI rating of 5-6% Total Primary road kilometres with a PSCI rating of 7-8% Total Primary road kilometres with a PSCI rating of 9-10% Total Secondary road kilometres with a PSCI rating of 1-4% Total Secondary road kilometres with a PSCI rating of 5-6 % Total Secondary road kilometres with a PSCI rating of 7-8% Total Secondary road kilometres with a PSCI rating of 9-10% Total Tertiary road kilometres with a PSCI rating of 1-4% Total Tertiary road kilometres with a PSCI rating of 5-6% Total Tertiary road kilometres with a PSCI rating of 7-8% Total Tertiary road kilometres with a PSCI rating of 9-10

6%51%

25%

4%6%12%

3%1%

4.8km

€920,137.00

5.3km

€213,817.00

18.3 km

€1,421,012.00

Road: R1 & R2Approved

Motor Tax: R3Approved 60.82%

A1. Kilometres of regional roads strengthened using Road Improvement grants

A2. Road Improvement Grant amount spent on Regional Roads (strengthening)

B1. Number of dwellings constructed

B2. Road Maintenance Grant amount spent on Regional Roads (resealing)

C1. Kilometres of Local roads strengthened using Road Improvement grants

C2. Road Improvement Grant amount spent on Local Roads (strengthening)

D1. Number of kilometres of Local roads resealed using Road Maintenance grants

D2. Road Maintenance Grant amount spent on Local Roads (resealing)

% of motor tax transactions online

% of Private Drinking Water Schemes in compliance with statutory requirements

No. households in an area covered by a licensed operator providing a 3 bin service at 31/12/2016, (2016 census)

% households within the LA that the number A represents

1.00%

14329

31.59%

20.7 km

€531,584.00

IndicatorTopic Value

Environmental Pollution: E2Approved

Litter Pollution: E3Approved

Number of pollution cases not investigated or finalised

Number of pollution cases that arose in 2016 not finalised

Number of pollution cases in respect of complaint during the year

Number of pollution cases closed during the year

Total number of cases on hand at year end

Percentage of area unpolluted by litterPercentage of area slightly polluted by litterPercentage of area moderately polluted by litterPercentage of area significantly polluted by litterPercentage of area grossly polluted by litter

Buildings inspected as a percentage of new buildings notified to the local authority

Total no. of new buildings notified to the local authority

No. of new buildings notified to the local authority during the year subject of at least one inspection

A. Number of planning decisions subject of appeal to An Bord Pleanála determined by board in 2016

B. % of the determinations which confirmed (with or without variations) the decision made by the LA

Number of determinations confirming the LA’s decision with or without variation

A. Total number of planning cases referred to or initiated by the LA during 2016 that were investigated


Housing: H6 Approved

Roads: R1 & R2 Approved


Water: W1Approved

Waste: E1Approved

Planning: P1Approved

Planning: P2 & P3Approved

1,948

1,971

1,948

1971

50

18 %

0%

57%

22

3

12.42%

499

62

31

188

74.19%

23


66 67

Planning: P2 & P3Approved

B. Total number of cases that were closed during 2016

C. % cases at B dismissed re Section 152(2) or closed because statute barred or exempted development

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

E. % Cases at B that were closed due to enforcement proceedings

F. Total number of planning cases being investigated as at 31/12/2016

Number of cases at ‘B’ that were dismissed under section 152(2), Planning and Development Act 2000

Number of cases at ‘B’ that were resolved to the LA’s satisfaction through negotiations

Number of cases at ‘B’ that were closed due to enforcement proceedings

AFS Programme D data divided by the population of the LA area

AFS Programme D consisting of D01, D02, D03 (inclusive of the central management charge)

A. The average no. of weeks taken to deal with applications for fire safety certificates received in the year.

Number of fire safety certificates issued in respect of applications received.

The number of weeks from the date on which a complete and valid application was received by the local authority to the date on which a fire safety certificate issued to the applicant, with any partial week decimalised to two decimal places, totalled for all fire safety certificates issued in respect of applications received in 2016.

Planning: P4 & P5 Approved

207

13.04 %

38.16 %

48.79 %

79

101

€25.12

€3,237,919

200

27

Fire Service: F1Approved

AFS Programme E expenditure divided by the census 2016 population served by the Fire Service

AFS Programme E expenditure data consisting of E11 - Operation of Fire Service & E12 Fire Prevention

A. Average time (mins) to mobilise fire brigades in Full-Time Stations in respect of Fire

B. Average time (mins) to mobilise fire brigades in Part-Time Stations in respect of Fire

C. Average time (mins) to mobilise fire brigades in Full-Time Stations in respect of other accidents

D. Average time (mins) to mobilise fire brigades in Part-Time Stations in respect of other accidents

A. % of cases in respect of fire in which first attendance at scene is within 10 mins

B. % of cases in respect of fire in which first attendance at scene is after 10 mins & within 20 mins

C. % of cases in respect of fire in which first attendance at scene is after 20 mins

D. % of non-fire cases in which first attendance at scene is within 10 mins

E. % of non-fire cases in which first attendance at scene is after 10 mins & within 20 mins

F. % of non-fire cases in which first attendance at scene is after 20 mins

Total no. of call-outs in respect of fires during the year

No. of fire cases where first fire tender attendance at the scene is within 10 minute

No. of fire cases where first fire tender attendance at the scene is after 10 mins & within 20 mins

€52.61

€7,937,014

1.78 min

76.95 %

20.36 %

4.3 min

2.26 min

0.20 wk

58

11.57 wk


Fire Service: F2 & F3Approved

2.26 min

2.69 %

59.91 %

35.38 %

4.72 %

668

514

136



68 69

Fire Service: F2 & F3Approved

No. of fire cases where first fire tender attendance at the scene is after 20 mins

Total number of call-outs in respect of all other emergency incidents during the year

No. of non-fire cases where first fire tender attendance at the scene is within 10 mins

No. of non-fire cases where first fire tender attendance at the scene is after 10 mins & within 20 mins

No. of non-fire cases where first fire tender attendance at the scene is after 20 mins

18

212

127

75

367054

1.84

10

237542Number of library visits during the year

Number of items borrowed during the yearA. Number of library visits per head of population

B. Number of items issued to borrowers during the year

The Annual Financial Statement Programme F data / by the population of the LA area per 2016 census

AFS Programme F02 Cost of Library Service

A. Percentage of local schools involved in the local Youth Council/Comhairle na nÓg scheme

Total number of secondary schools in the LA area at year end

Number of second level schools in the LA area from which representatives attended the Comhairle na nÓg AGM

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

Youth and Community: Y1 & Y2Approved

Total number of organisations included in the County Register for the local authority are

Total number of those organisations that registered for the first time in 2016

Number of organisations that opted to join the Social Inclusion Electoral College when they registered for the PPN

211

20

75

596.81

5575 days

968 days

3.63 %

0.71 %

Wholetime equivalent staffing number at year end

Percentage of paid working days lost due to sickness absence through medically certified leave

Percentage of paid working days lost due to sickness absence through self-certified leave

Number of working days lost to sickness absence through medically certified leave

Number of working days lost to sickness absence through self-certified leave

Number of unpaid working days lost to sickness absence through medically certified leave

Number of unpaid working days lost to sickness absence through self-certified leave

All ICT Expenditure in the period 01/01/2016 to 31/12/2016 divided by the WTE no.

Total revenue expenditure on Account Elements

Total page views of the LA website in 2016

Total number of social media users at 31/12/2016 following the LA on social media sites

The cumulative total page views of all websites operated by the LA during 2016

367054

€22.58

€2,910,682

66.67 %

18

12

35.55

652 days

€1,752,001

12 days

€2,935.61

5600

1006487

1006487

IndicatorTopic Value IndicatorTopic Value

Corporate: C1 & C2 & C4Approved

Corporate: C3Approved

Library Service: L1Approved

Library Service: L2Approved

Youth and Community: Y1 & Y2Approved


70 71

Corporate: C3Approved

Total no. of social media users who, at 31/12/2016, were following the LA on any social media sites

5600

€4,052,228

€1,442,529

€0

€-2607,460

€-2510,886

A. Cumulative balance at 31/12/2012 in the Revenue Account from the Income & Expenditure of the AFS

B. Cumulative balance at 31/12/2013 in the Revenue Account from the Income & Expenditure of the AFS

C. Cumulative balance at 31/12/2014 in the Revenue Account from the Income & Expenditure of the AFS

D. Cumulative balance at 31/12/2015 in the Revenue Account from the Income & Expenditure of the AFS

E. Cumulative balance at 31/12/2016 in the Revenue Account from the Income & Expenditure of the AF

F. Cumulative surplus or deficit at 31/12/2016 as a percentage of Total Income from the AFS statement

G. Revenue Expenditure per capita in 2016

The 2016 Total Income figure from the Income and Expenditure Account Statement of the AFS

The 2016 Total Expenditure figure from the Income and Expenditure Account Statement of the AFS

Collection level of Rates from the Annual Financial Statement for 2012



Finance: M1 & M2Approved

60.0 %

60.0 %

68 %

84.0 %

82.0 %

71 %

83.0 %

73.0 %



Collection level of Rent & Annuities from the Annual Financial Statement for 2012





Collection level of Housing Loans from the Annual Financial Statement for 2012





A. The no. of jobs created with assistance from the Local Enterprise Office during the year

A. The no. of trading online voucher applicationsapproved by the Local Enterprise Office in the year

A. The no. of participants who received mentoring during the year

B. The no. of those trading online vouchers that were drawn down in the year

0 %

€716.54

50.0 %

€91,811,972

€92,350,033

49.0 %

56.0 %

73 %

60.0 %

69.0 %

66.0 %

77.5

39

124

38

IndicatorTopic ValueIndicatorTopic Value

Finance: M1 & M2Approved

Economic Development: J1 to J3Approved

Economic Development: J1 to J3Approved


72 73

Feb 2016

Cllrs Culhane/Tenanty/Tully

Mullingar

3

18th

LocationMonth Date

Name/s of Councillors No. of Councillors

AILG training - Local Authority Safety Services

Conference

3

LocationMonth Date

Name/s of Councillors No. of CouncillorsConference

Jun 2016

AILG Training - Local Authority Planning

Cllrs Culhane/Smith/Tenanty

LocationMonth Date


Apr 2016 Sligo1st / 2nd

Cllrs Callan/Culhane/Doyle/McGahon/Markey/Tenanty/Tully

7

Conference

LAMA Spring Seminar

LocationMonth Date


May 2016 Buncrana5th/6th

Cllrs Keelan/McGahon/Culhane/Tenanty 4

Conference

AILG Conference

LocationMonth Date


May 2016 Arklow10th

Cllrs Culhane/Tenanty/Tully 3

Conference

AILG Training - Local Authority Cultural Services

LocationMonth Date


Aug 2016

Cllr McGahon 1

Conference

Celtic Conferences ‘Brexit’ Clonakilty Hotel

LocationMonth Date


Aug 2016

3

Longford

Cllrs Culhane/Smith/Tenanty

Conference

AILG Training - Local Authority housing & National Action plan

LocationMonth Date


4

Bantry

Cllrs Callan/Culhane/Smith/Tenanty

Conference

LAMA Autumn Seminar

Oct 2016 29 Sept-1st Oct

Councillor Conference Attendance Record 2016

LocationMonth Date


10thJun 2016 Virginia

Cllr Jim Tenanty/Cllrs. Smith/Culhane

Conference

Superior Training Edgeworthstown

3

LocationMonth Date


4

Conference

Oct 2016

AILG Training - Emergency Planning

Birr18th

Cllrs Culhane/Smith/Tenanty/Tully


74 75

LocationMonth Date


7

Conference

Oct 2016

AILG Conference

Gorey13th/14th

Cllrs Callan/Culhane/Doyle/McGahon/Smith/Tenanty/Tully

LocationMonth Date


Nov 2016

AILG Conference

19th Red Cow Inn

Cllrs Tenanty/Smith 2

LocationMonth Date


Clonakilty7th/8th

Cllr Tully 1

Dec 2016

AceTraining - Powerpoint

Payments to Members for Meetings, Committees & Representation 2016

Number of Council and Committee Meetings

Annual Expenses Allowance (travel, subsistence & misc exps, eg postage). Total of expenses paid to members in respect of attendance of meetings of the Council and its committees

Representational Payment

Chairpersons Allowance

Vice Chairpersons Allowance

Chairpersons of SPCs/MPCs

Chairperson of Municipal Districts

Mobile/Blackberry Phones

Expenses on Conferences & Training etc attended

108

€123,777

€47,6919

€20,000

€4,000

€24,000

€30,000

€11,234

€15,919

€87

(a) Home

(b) Abroad

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

Payments to Members of Louth Local Authorities

Louth County Council


76 77

Breakdown of Representation in relation to the SPC’s, etc.SPC (Strategic Policy Committees) Committee Members 2014-2019

Cllr. Joanna Byrne, ChairpersonCllr. Jim Tenanty, Louth County CouncilCllr. Maeve Yore, Louth County CouncilCllr. Kevin Meenan, Louth County CouncilCllr. Pearse McGeough, Louth County CouncilCllr. Paul Bell, Louth County CouncilCllr. Liam Reilly, Louth County CouncilCllr. Tommy Byrne, Louth County CouncilMr. Bill Baldwin, Development/ConstructionMr. Colm O’Hanrahan, Trade UnionMr. Brian Doyle, Community/VoluntaryMr. Aubrey Halley, Community/VoluntaryMr. Kevin Moran, Social Inclusion

Housing, Community Planning & Emergency Services

No. of meetings 2016 – 5


Cllr. Mark Dearey, ChairpersonCllr. Alan Cassidy, Louth County CouncilCllr. Tomás Sharkey, Louth County CouncilCllr. Kevin Callan, Louth County CouncilCllr. Marianne Butler, Louth County CouncilCllr. Conor Keelan, Louth County CouncilCllr. Pio Smith, Louth County CouncilMr. Paddy Donnelly, Agriculture/FarmingMr. Eddie Phelan, Development/ConstructionMr. Simon McCormack, Business/CommercialMr. Anthony McArdle, Community/VoluntaryMr. Pat Mulligan, Community/VoluntaryMs Karen Devine, Environment/Conservation

Economic Development & Enterprise Support

Planning & Environment

Cllr. Richie Culhane, ChairpersonCllr. Peter Savage, Louth County CouncilCllr. Tom Cunningham, Louth County CouncilCllr. Jim Loughran, Louth County CouncilCllr. Antoin Watters, Louth County CouncilCllr. Jennifer Green, Louth County CouncilCllr. Maria Doyle, Louth County CouncilCllr. John McGahon, Louth County CouncilMr. Michael Smyth, Agricultrure/FarmingMr. Eddie Phelan, Business/CommercialMs Marian Sloan, Community/VoluntaryMr. Ollan Herr, Environment/ConservationMr. Breffni Martin, Environment/Conservation



Infrastructure, European & Cross Border Affairs

Cllr. Emma Coffey, ChairpersonCllr. Oliver Tully, Louth County CouncilCllr. Edel Corrigan, Louth County CouncilCllr. Kenneth Flood, Louth County CouncilCllr. Colm Markey, Louth County CouncilCllr. Frank Godfrey, Louth County CouncilCllr. Dolores Minogue, Louth County CouncilMr. Matthew McGreehan, Agriculture/FarmingMr. Paddy Malone, Business/CommercialMs Flora Okobi, Community/VoluntaryMr. Martin Feely, Community/VoluntaryMr. Paraic McKevitt, Environment/ConservationMs Julie-Ann Byrne, Environment/Conservation

Cllr. Dolores Minogue, ChairpersonCllr. Tom Cunningham, Louth County CouncilCllr. Colm Markey, Louth County CouncilCllr. Pearse McGeough, Louth County CouncilCllr. Liam Reilly, Louth County CouncilCllr. Jim Tenanty, Louth County Council



Cllr. Mark Dearey, ChairpersonCllr. Maria Doyle, Louth County CouncilCllr. Marianne Butler, Louth County CouncilCllr. Emma Coffey, Louth County CouncilCllr. Edel Corrigan, Louth County CouncilCllr. Jennifer Green, Louth County CouncilCllr. Conor Keelan, Louth County CouncilCllr. John McGahon, Louth County CouncilCllr. Kevin Meenan, Louth County CouncilCllr. Peter Savage, Louth County CouncilCllr. Tomás Sharkey, Louth County CouncilCllr. Maeve Yore, Louth County CouncilCllr. Antoin Watters, Louth County Council



Cllr. Oliver Tully, Chairperson (Mayor)Cllr. Paul Bell, Louth County CouncilCllr. Tommy Byrne, Louth County CouncilCllr. Alan Cassidy, Louth County CouncilCllr. Richie Culhane, Louth County CouncilCllr. Kenneth Flood, Louth County CouncilCllr. Frank Godfrey, Louth County CouncilCllr. Joanna Byrne, Louth County CouncilCllr. Pio Smith, Louth County CouncilCllr. Kevin Callan, Louth County Council


Borough District of Drogheda

Dr. Philip ByrneMr. Richard Bowden, Bowden Walsh & Co.Mr. Billy Doyle, CEO, Dundalk Credit UnionCllr. Kevin Callan, Louth County CouncilCllr. Conor Keelan, Louth County Council

No of meetings 2016 – 6

Audit Committee

Breakdown of Representation in relation to the 3 MPC’sMPC (Municipal Policy Committees) Committee Members 2014-2019

76 77

LOUTH COUNTY COUNCIL CORPORATE PLAN

2014 TO 2019

PROGRESS REPORT 2017

To provide leadership and deliver high quality, citizen focused, responsive and effective services.

MISSION STATEMENT

Joint Policing Committee Structure

Cllr. Paul BellCllr. Jim LoughranCllr. Kenneth FloodCllr. Pearse McGeoughCllr. Antoin WattersChief Superintendent Sean WardSuperintendent Gerry CurleySuperintendent Gerry SmithSuperintendent Andrew Watters

Joint Policing Committee Steering Group


A steering group made up of the Chief Executive, Chief Superintendent Louth Garda Division, Chairperson Louth County Council, Chairperson Drogheda Local Policing Forum, Chairperson Dundalk Local Policing Forum and Chairperson Ardee Local Policing Forum.

Cllr. Jim Loughran, Chairperson (Jan-Oct)Cllr. Antoin Watters, Chairperson (Nov-Dec) Cllr. Emma CoffeyCllr. Marianne ButlerCllr. Edel CorriganCllr. Mark DeareyCllr. Maria DoyleCllr. Jennifer GreenCllr. Conor KeelanCllr. John McGahonCllr. Kevin MeenanCllr. Peter SavageCllr. Tomás SharkeyCllr. Maeve YoreGerry Adams TDPeter Fitzpatrick TDDeclan Breathnach TDImelda Munster TDFergus O’Dowd TDSenator Gerald Nash Chief Superintendent Sean WardSuperintendent Gerard CurleySergeant Brendan KeaneMr. Frank WattersMr. Matthew McGreehanMr. Pat McVeighMr. John Temple


Cllr. Kenneth Flood, ChairpersonCllr. Paul BellCllr. Tommy ByrneCllr. Kevin CallanCllr. Alan CassidyCllr. Richie CulhaneCllr. Frank GodfreyCllr. Joanna ByrneCllr. Pio SmithCllr. Oliver TullyGerry Adams TDPeter Fitzpatrick TDImelda Munster TDDeclan Breathnach TDFergus O’Dowd TDSenator Gerald Nash Chief Superintendent Sean WardSuperintendent Gerard SmithInspector Brendan CaddenMr. David McCloskeyMs Flora OkobiMr. Tony Mullins

Cllr. Pearse McGeough, ChairpersonCllr. Tom CunninghamCllr. Colm MarkeyCllr. Dolores MinogueCllr. Liam ReillyCllr. Jim TenantyGerry Adams TDPeter Fitzpatrick TDImelda Munster TDDeclan Breathnach TDFergus O’Dowd TDSenator Gerald Nash Chief Superintendent Sean WardSuperintendent Andrew WattersInspector Paul KiernanSuperintendent Fergus TreanorInspector Brendan Cadden

Drogheda Local Policing Forum


Dundalk Local Policing Forum


Ardee Local Policing Forum

78 79


80 81

GOAL 1

That the people of Louth have access to a responsive public service, that demonstrates empathy through caring and listening and is delivered in a professional, cost effective manner.

Objective Progress Objective Progress

Our service to be inclusive anddemonstrate respect for all.

To develop a set of national service indicators for customer services.

Develop, promote and support a culture of Customer Service excellence.

Make our organisation more accessible through the use of technology. Embrace the social media opportunities to enhance this.

To ensure ongoing development of Customer Service interfaces, both in person and virtually.

Customer Services staff received training throughout 2016 to ensure services are delivered in a consistent, empathetic and professional manner.

Louth County Council continues to work with the National Customers Services Network to agree a set of national service indicators for customer services

Louth County Council’s Customer Charter was reviewed and updated in 2016. Improvements have been made on the number of queries dealt with at first point of contact by Customer Services.

Works continued on the upgrade of the Louth County Council Website. Twitter engagement and activity was high, leading to strong follower numbers. Louth County Council had 5,700 followers at year end.

Improvements have been made on the number of queries dealt with at first point of contact by Customer Services and Social Housing Applications are now validated by Customer Services at first point of contact.

Louth County Council continues to implement allavailable social housing supports.

Provide the full range of all socialhousing supports.

Assist the marginalised through thedelivery of the Traveller Accommodation Programme 2014-18, North East Homeless Action Plan 2014-17 and develop a Strategy for Housing Persons with a disability.

The Traveller Accommodation Programme 2014–18 was reviewed in 2016 and indicated that Louth County Council is on target to deliver on many of the objectives identified. Provision of Group Housing Schemes has been more difficult than anticipated but a site has been identified and a paper-based feasibility study is in progress.

The North East Homeless Action Plan 2014-17 has been implemented with 25 of the 28 actions in place. Work is continuing on the final three actions.

A strategy for housing persons with a disability has been developed and implemented.

Louth County Council developed a new Anti SocialBehaviour Strategy in 2016.

To develop a new Anti Social Behaviour Strategy.

Louth County Council continues to maintain our stock through both reactive maintenance and planned maintenance. A survey of all LCC Housing Stock is being carried out and the planned maintenance programme will be expanded based on the survey results.

To maintain our stock in a planned and systematic manner.

Customer CareGOAL 2

To facilitate sustainable communities through the provision of accommodation and supports that respond to the needs of all. Similarly to develop a safe community, while ensuring that there is a

robust and available emergency service.

Housing

Louth County Council implements the following grant schemes – Housing Adaptation Grant, Housing for Older People, and Mobility Aid grant.

To assist the developing needs of all citizens by means of the various grant schemes.


82 83

Support the LCDC structure and deliver the LECP Plan.

The LCDC was originally set up in 2014 with 19 members, 10 from the private sector and 9 from the public sector. The committee met on six occasions in 2015 and on 10 occasions in 2016. During this 2 year period the committee, following extensive public consultation developed the community elements of the Local Economic & Community Plan in Q1 2016 and agreed a Local Development Strategy for the LEADER programme in Q3 2016.

To support the Public Participation Network.

The Council continued to strengthen the link with the PPN and local decision-making structures in 2016. Six secretariat meetings were facilitated and on plenary PPN, with elections held for a selection of representatives to the various committees of Council. The inaugural Louth PPN Community & Voluntary Awards Ceremony was held in Q4 2016.

To develop a Community Safety Strategy. The Louth Community Safety Strategy 2016-2022 was adopted by the Louth Joint Policing Committee in Q2 2016. The strategy centres on three structures namely, Enforcement, Communication/Advocacy/ Awareness and Education.

To support the Tidy Towns Network in developing their communities.

Tidy Towns continue to be supported through partnerships and programmes run jointly with the Community Section. All entrants in Louth have increased their marks in the National Tidy Towns Competition over the last two years. Currently there are four Gold Medals in the county, in addition to two bronze medals.

Community

To update the Sports and Recreation Strategy to reflect current needs and develop Community Sports Activities.

The Louth Sports Partnership carried out extensive public consultation in Q3 2016 on the development of its new strategy. It will be finalised once the Sport Ireland national Strategy is published.

Communities and estates continue to be supported through the Amenity Grant programme, which provides funding on an annual basis, to assist with the upkeep of residential areas around the county. The annual judging and awards ceremonies, which include Dundalk Improve Our Town, Beauty on the Boyne and Louth Looking Good, serve to recognise and acknowledge the ongoing work in enhancing the local environment, in addition to improving the quality of life for all residents in and visitors to the county.

The European and Energy Section liaises with Tidy Towns and community groups in applying for energy projects funding.

To support communities and estates in their development needs.

To provide a modern responsive library service that meets the community’s needs and delivers on the Opportunities for All’ Strategy.

Key actions delivered on, as recommended in the ‘Opportunities for All’ strategy, include:

1. The physical space and service provision: Ardee Branch Library was refurbished through funding from the ‘My Open Library’ initiative. 2. Learning, skills and enterprise: Louth County embedded the the National ‘Right to Read’ campaign in programming and introduced the Work Matters campaign in Louth Libraries during 2016. 3. Culture and community: The Libraries 2016 Ireland Project, coordinated for Louth by Louth County Librarian, enhanced access to Louth’s rich heritage, history and culture. The Communiversity Programme was delivered in Louth County Libraries through the Louth Leader Partnership and Maynooth University. 4. The virtual library: A single shared Library Management System was implemented in July 2016 It provides access to a national library catalogue. A new suite of e-resources was delivered via shared procurement. Free Library Membership was introduced in 2016.

To continue the development and implementation of the Age Friendly County Strategy.

The Louth Age Friendly Programme continues to be implemented through the LECP and data is collected under four pillars, Civic Engagement, Valued and Connected Environments, Health and Wellbeing and Entrepreneurship and Innovation. The highlight of the 2016 Louth Older People’s Forum plan was the Dementia Road Show held in the Marshes Shopping Centre in Q3 2016.

Facilitate the Comhairle na nOgprogramme.

Comhairle na nOg developed an action plan around Healthy Eating. This included producing a comic and creating a video about healthy meals. The Comhairle also accessed funding from the Dept of Foreign Affairs which made possible a cross border project on Brexit. This was presented to Mairead McGuinness MEP, Northern Ireland Assembly and Dail Eireann.


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The National ‘Right to Read’ Campaign wasembedded in Louth Libraries in 2016 via the Summer Stars reading programme, Literacy Initiatives and Literacy and Numeracy Summer Camps for which Louth County Libraries worked with stakeholders in local schools and LMETB.The Communiversity Programme saw LouthCounty Libraries partner with Louth LeaderPartnership and Maynooth University to deliver adult learning courses in both Dundalk and Drogheda Libraries. Louth County Archives Service continued to identify, preserve, promote and make available the public and private archives of County Louth using the decade of Centenary as the central theme. Louth County Museum delivered a wide ranging commemorative programme to varied audiences in community settings - including primary and secondary school students and the general public. The centre piece of the programme was its multi award-winning exhibition, Birth of a Nation - the evolution of the Irish Nationhood 1641 – 1916.The Museum attained full accreditation status underthe Heritage Council’s Museums’ StandardsProgramme for Ireland (the industry equivalent of the ISO 9000). European and Energy Section assists libraries to reduce energy costs by seeking and managing funding for energy improvement works.

To maintain a resilient and well-trained Fire Service.

To deliver a comprehensive Community Fire Safety Strategy.

To deliver the national ‘Keeping Communities Safe’ Fire Strategy.

To ensure an adequate Major Emergency Management Structure is maintained in place.

To develop Civil Defence Service to its full potential.

Emergency Services

Louth County Council is using the additional traininghours available from the 5GDS Agreement to bettertrain fulltime staff. These drill programmes are alsorolled out to retained personnel. The Councilcontinually seeks to upgrade its fleet and equipmentin line with national standards.The Council strives to ensure that improved fulltimemobilisation times are adequately delivered.

Louth County Council has expanded its CommunityFire Safety programmes in line with the Strategy,including Carbon Monoxide Week campaigns andpeak time leaflet drops and stands, and is examininga transition year CFS programme. New software willhelp to assess the effectiveness of CFS campaigns.

Louth County Council has implemented revised pre-determined attendances and crewing arrangementsin line with KCS recommendations. The Council iscommitted to implementation of all KCS measures,including the nearest available resource. Some ofthese changes are dependent on agreement undernational Fire Service structures.

Louth County Council has ensured that all seniorstaff are familiar with the new Major Emergencyarrangements. This has been done by a range ofMEP exercises and providing training for staff in theirdesignated roles. The Council contributes fully toregional MEP arrangements and also to the currentMajor Emergency Planning Review.

Louth County Council is implementing the 2016 CivilDefence Review to ensure that Civil Defenceadequately provides the services required by thePrincipal Response Agencies.


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GOAL 3

To maintain a high quality transportation network that is accessible, safe, smart andintegrated and continue to deliver modern and sophisticated infrastructure providing

ease of access for all the citizens of the County.

INFRASTRUCTURE

To maintain and improve the road network throughout the County.

To progress the delivery of key projects including; Narrow Water Bridge, Ardee Bypass, Drogheda Port Access Route.

To design, maintain and improve footpaths, parking, open spaces and other facilities to ensure that they are responsive to the needs of citizens through the county.

Transportation

In its annual road works programme, Louth County Council manages on an ongoing basis the maintenance and improvement requirements for its network of Roads, Cycleways and Footpaths. Louth County Council cooperates with the NRA and the Department of Transport in the planning and implementation of transportation network improvement projects in the county.

Narrow Water Bridge project: on hold due to lack of funding. Ardee Bypass project: awaiting determination on national mid-term review of capital expenditure programme. Drogheda Port Access Route project: preliminary works commenced on a phased basis in tandem with housing development roll out in North Drogheda.

To work in partnership with the Department of Education to develop and deliver the school building programme.

Ballymakenny School: completedArdee Educate Together: at design stageColaiste Chu Chulainn: under construction.

To deliver a public-sector campus at Fair Street offices in Drogheda.

A design Team has been appointed and the preliminary design stage has been completed. Works are now ongoing on the detailed design and production of tender documents.

To seek to promote and progress town/village regeneration.

In its annual road works programme, Louth County Council manages the maintenance and improvement requirements for its network of Roads, Cycleways and Footpaths on an ongoing basis. It has made provision in its three-year capital programme for improvement works on playgrounds and parks, along with its network of payparking meters in Dundalk and Drogheda.

To implement a Road SafetyProgramme appropriate to changing needs.

Louth County Council has successfully secured support for schools/community safety measures under the Department of Arts, Heritage, Regional Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs Clár funding mechanism (for small infrastructural projects in rural areas that experience disadvantage) for seven schools (traffic signalling and signs etc.)

Louth County Council, in cooperation with Monaghan County Council, jointly appointed a dedicated Road Safety Officer in 2016, who:Has prepared a Road Safety Action Plan for the County to cover the period 2017 - 2020Liaises with An Garda Siochana as part of the Collision Prevention Programme to identify collision prone locations and take preventive remedial action where necessaryManages the school warden programmeLocally conducts awareness raising programmes in schools and on social media in cooperation with the Road Safety Authority.

The Council matched funding for a number of projects that were supported by the Town and Village Scheme 2016.


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Marine

To fully use our ports to increase thecontribution of the port sector to thelocal economy.

To recognise our ports as centres ofgreat historical, cultural, social andrecreational importance.

To work in partnership with our ports to ensure interaction between the portssector and the planning and development systems to ensure continued and sustainable development of the ports sector.

Planning granted for the Greenore to Greencastle Ferry.

Drogheda Maritime Festival held in June 2016.Agreement reached for the construction of a Pier at Drogheda Port in partnership with Drogheda Port.

Regular meetings continue to be held with Greenore and Drogheda Port on planning related matters.

Support and implement the National Ports Policy.

In accordance with the National Ports Policy the transferring of the shareholding of Drogheda Port Company, DAC from the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine to Louth County Council is being progressed.

Continue to work with the OPW to dealwith the threat from coastal erosion andrising tidal levels.

LCC are continuing to participate in the OPW CFRAM Study which is expected to be completed by the end of 2017 when a National Prioritisation List of all proposed Flood Management Plans will be made available.

GOAL 4

To maintain a high-quality transportation network that is accessible, safe, smart and integrated and which responds to the needs of the people of the County Louth; In conjunction with Irish

Water to provide for timely high quality water and waste water services to cater for the development needs of County Louth.

Transportation

To maintain and improve the transportation network throughout the County.

To design, maintain and improve Cycle ways, Footpaths, Parking, Parks, Playgrounds, Roads and other facilities meeting the needs of the people of Louth.

Implement the recommendations of the County Transport Audit through an integrated public sector response.

To seek to deliver the key objectives of the National Smarter Travel Policy.

Louth County Council has made provision in its three-year capital programme for upgrades to its network of pay-parking meters in Dundalk and Drogheda, and to its network of playgrounds, parks and public toilets throughout the county. The Council also continues to support and facilitate local community groups in meeting demand for local facilities such as playgrounds etc.

As stated above, the Council in its annual road works programme manages on an ongoing basis the maintenance and improvement requirements for its network of Roads, Cycleways and Footpaths.

In its annual road works programme, Louth County Council manages on an ongoing basis themaintenance and improvement requirements for its network of Roads, Cycleways and Footpaths. Louth County Council cooperates with the NRA and the Department of Transport in the planning and implementation of transportation networkimprovement projects in the county.

The European and Energy Section assists Transportation to deliver key objectives of Smarter Travel by seeking and managing funding for sustainable transport.

Progress has been made through development of the Joint Road safety committee and agreeing the road safety plan identifying objective of all the respective stakeholders.

OPERATIONS, MARINE AND WATER


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Marine

To support and maintain developed ports and harbours and in particular those in the ownership of the Council.

To implement a water conservation programme to minimise water losses from the distribution network in collaboration with Irish Water.

To support the recommendations arising from the Greater Dundalk Area Flood Study and any other studies undertaken during the life of this plan.

To work with Irish Water to ensure the continued supply of safe and secure drinking water in adequate quantities to provide for the development needs of County Louth.

To provide for adequate waste water treatment and collection systems, in collaboration with Irish Water, to comply with the requirements of the River Basin Management Plans.

LCC maintains and manages berths at a number of harbours in the county, enforcing the 2007 Harbour Byelaws It implemented utility improvement scheme at Clogherhead Harbour.

LCC are continuing to participate in the OPW CFRAM Study which is expected to be completed by the end of 2017 when a National Prioritisation List of all proposed Flood Management Plans will be made available.

Progress continues with the Water conservation projects. Advance works completed.

Progress continues in regard to the delivery of the WSIP 2014-2016 Ardee Sewerage Scheme and Omeath Sewerage Scheme.

WaterTo implement a Road Safety Programme appropriate to changing needs.

Louth County Council has successfully secured support for schools/community safety measures under the Department of Arts, Heritage, Regional Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs Clár funding mechanism (for small infrastructural projects in rural areas that experience disadvantage) for 7 schools (traffic signalling and signs etc.)

Louth County Council in cooperation with Monaghan County Council, jointly appointed a dedicated Road Safety Officer in 2016, who:

Has prepared a Road Safety Action Plan for the County to cover the period 2017 - 2020. Liaises with An Garda Siochana as part of the Collision Prevention Programme to identify collision prone locations and take preventive remedial action where necessary. Manages the school warden programme Locally conducts awareness raising programmes in schools and on social media in cooperation with the Road Safety Authority.

Progess continues in regard to the delivery of the WSIP 2014 -2016 for Staleen and Cavanhill Water treatment plant upgrades.


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GOAL 5

To provide for a timely high quality water and waste water service to cater for thedevelopment needs of the County while protecting and enhancing the environment.

ENVIRONMENT & SUSTAINABLE ENERGY

Enviroment

In association with Irish Water, ensurethe continued supply of safe and securedrinking water adequate quantities toprovide for the development needs ofthe County.

Continue to resource a waterconservation programme in order tominimise water losses from thedistribution system.

Continue to implement national waterpricing policy.

To maintain the effective enforcement of Environmental legislation.

Inspections were carried out in the water, waste, air and noise areas. These inspections were carried out as per the RMCEI (Recommended Critieria for Environmental Inspections) plan submitted to the Environmental Protection Agency. Where appropriate, inspections were followed up with enforcement actions. The enforcement systems for 2016 have been assessed by the EPA and have been graded as excellent. Overall the environmental performance assessment for 2016 has been graded as excellent. LCC is also actively engaging with new Regional Waste Enforcement Network (WERLA) to implement national priorities

The Council employs litter wardens in Dundalk, Drogheda and the County area to enforce the Litter Pollution Act 1997 and the Dog Litter and Dog Control Bye-Laws 2015.

The Council has recently secured funding from the Department of the Environment for an anti-dumping initiative which will facilitate the deployment of up-to-date CCTV facilities to track illegal dumping at a number of blackspots in the County.

The County has an active environmental compliance section which enforces the Waste Management Acts 1996-2015.

Objective Progress

Progress continues in regard to the delivery of the WSIP 2014-2016 for Staleen and Cavanhill Water treatment plant upgrades.

Progress continues with the Water conservation projects. Advance works completed.

Matter referred to Irish Water.

To provide for adequate waste water treatment and collection systems to comply with the requirements of river basin management plans made under the Water Framework Directive.

Progress continues in regard to the delivery of the WSIP 2014-2016 Ardee Sewerage Scheme and. Omeath Sewerage Scheme.


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To promote environmental awareness and support the objectives of the Waste Management Plan.

To promote the use of sustainable energy sources and systems.

To improve the energy use and efficiencyCouncil building and facilities.

Support and promote new energysavings initiatives in the business sector.

To develop an expertise in sustainable energy management as a resource for Council and other sectors.

To develop Louth County Council as an exemplar in energy efficiency.

To put into action energy saving initiatives within the organisation and the wider community.

Information disseminated in monthly report to Council including updates on new initiatives Enforcement ongoing where appropriate.

Educational awareness programmes ongoing both in-house and with communities.

LCC is working with the OPW to improve energy performance of Council facilities.

The Council is working with SEAI to promote energy awareness in the business and community sector.

In house expertise being developed in conjunction with various partners including DkIT.

Proactive work is ongoing to identify potential energy saving projects for the Council with SEAI and the EU.

LCC is leading the BEC programme in Louth in conjunction with the community and business sectors.

GOAL 6

That County Louth is the location of choice for economic development, cultural andeducational opportunity supported by modern and sophisticated infrastructure that takes

account of the economic needs of current and future generations.

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

To provide leadership and support to deliver the actions of the Louth Economic Forum.

To deliver easily accessible, high quality business advice that attracts inward investment, supports and encourages new start ups leading to growth of small and medium enterprises (SME’s).

To develop the role of the Local Enterprise Office (LEO) to support SME’s.

Regular meetings of the Forum were held in 2016. New Plans in place – Broadband and Tourism and Heritage Action Plans.

The European and Energy Section manages the implementation of actions in the Energy Action Plan of Louth Economic Forum and supports Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland in its roles as the Chair of the Energy Task Group.

Business advice is being delivered by the Economic Development and LEO. Regular meetings were held with IDA and Enterprise Ireland in 2016 and the Council have delivered on actions to attract foreign direct investment including updated information of office availability and Funding secured for the Mill Phase II.

LEO Louth Action Plan 2016 completed.

Objective Progress

To maximise our tourism opportunities, encouraging investment in arts and cultural heritage.

Funding applications were submitted to Failte Ireland for Ardee Castle and Tholsel Phase II.

Sustainable Energy


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To continue to develop tourism destinations in Boyne Valley & Cooley/ Mourne/ Gullion.

To work in partnership with local educational institutions to support entrepreneurship and business start-ups.

New Tourism and Heritage Action Plan in place to promote tourism, arts, culture and heritage by capitalising on Co Louth’s unique location within Ireland’s Ancient East, as the hub for the Boyne Valley and The Cooley, Mourne and Gullion Region.

DKIT and LMETB are key members of the Louth Economic Forum

The European and Energy Section partnered with SEAI and LMETB to deliver training for 10 participants for energy audits of SMEs. The Council is also working with SEAI and LEO to develop a pilot voucher process for funding of energy audits to SMEs.

To explore the opportunities that The Tain concept offers.

Additional Festival Funding allocated to An Tain

To maximise the newly integrated Local Enterprise Office (LEO).

LEO Louth Action Plan 2016 completed.

To develop Town Centre Revitalisation Strategy for Dundalk, Drogheda and Ardee.

Retail Supports: Business Support Grants and Shopfront Grants in place. New Shopfront Guidelines in place.

In partnership with Louth County Council Retail Excellence Ireland developed a Customer Service Training Day for retailers in Crowne Plaza in September 2016.

To work to deliver a County Development Plan that promotes sustainable economic development and employment growth.

To develop Town Action Plans for Drogheda, Dundalk and Ardee.

Work commenced on the Ardee and Dunleer Area Plans. Concept for Narrow West Street, Drogheda being devised.

New Louth County Development Plan 2015 – 2021 in place.

The Council is promoting sustainable development by developing expertise on sustainable energy technologies and offering advice on that.

Not commenced.

To provide a consistent and professional approach in terms of future planning and pre-planning services for the public.

To continue to encourage the development of rural enterprise as a means of supporting and sustaining rural communities.

REDZ funding secured for Phase II Mill Enterprise - €250,000. Phase II completed in December 2016.

Ensure environmental policies areintegrated into all strategic andoperational.

Promote and encourage the prevention,reuse and recycling of waste in line withEU and National Policy.

Environmental policies fed into Senior Management Team meetings and onwards to relevant strategic and operational plans.

Fully participating member of Eastern & Midlands Regional Waste groups at strategic and operating level. National policies rolled out locally.


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GOAL 7

Place Dundalk and Drogheda at the heart of the Regional Gateway of the Eastern Corridor.

REGIONAL CROSS BORDER & EUROPEAN UNION

To pursue the concept of Dundalk /Newry / Drogheda as the North EastGateway.

To promote the role of Dundalk and Drogheda as key locations for the development of the county.

To develop a centre of excellence and best practice in regards to European funding opportunities as a resource to all directorates.

To support the development and renewal of the Memorandum of Understanding in conjunction with our cross border partners.

Support the sustainable development offacilities of regional scale in therespective towns.

Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) betweenLouth County Council and Newry and Mourne District Council revitalised with new action plan which identifies lobbying as a key area.

Potential EU projects identified on an ongoing basis and circulated to appropriatedepartments.

MoU revitalised and action plan agreed and being implemented.

Objective Progress

GOAL 8

Arts, Culture & Leisure will underpin the quality of life for individuals and communitieswithin the county.

ARTS, CULTURE & LEISURE

For the Council to give demonstrative expression to Arts, Culture and Leisure in county life through exercising its leadership role supporting all interests within the county.

To develop a cohesive Arts and Libraries Plan.

To develop and co-ordinate a programme of events and activities that optimises our theatres, galleries, libraries, museums and archives facilities.

To implement the Louth Sports Partnership Strategy.

To progress phase 2 and 3 of the Tholsel Building Development.

Objective ProgressInitiatives such as Music Generation Louth demonstrate the Council’s commitment to developing access to music education, while support to the cultural infrastructure of the county is apparent through on-going financial backing for Creative Spark, An Táin Arts Centre, Droichead Arts Centre, and Highlanes Gallery.

The Arts Service has initiated a range of arts-in-education projects in the areas of visual arts and music, and works in partnership with a number of agencies and groups to make participation in the arts a realistic option for all citizens.

The first Creative Ireland Culture and Creativity Plan for Louth was completed in 2017. Work towards a five-year cultural strategy has also commenced.

Events, performances and participatory activities continue to be programmed to a high quality in a range of venues, ranging from the Carlingford Heritage Centre in the North, to Millmount Museum in the South. Full details on all cultural events in the county can be found at the Arts Service website, www.createlouth.ie.

The Louth Sports Partnership Strategic Plan 2018-22 has been prepared and awaits adoption.

There are 2 phases. Phase 1 completed – “Drogheda Gateway to the Boyne Valley” Interactive Exhibition completed in September 2016. Funding has now been secured from Failte Ireland for Phase 2 which is the refurbishment of the upstairs part of the Tholsel building alongside the development of a concept use for the space.

Any potential projects of Regional Scale will be supported.

Both towns have been identified as key locations for development in both the County Development Plan and our submission to the National Planning Framework.


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Support, promote and enhance the democratic, civic and leadership role of Louth County Council.

To resource the ongoing work anddevelopment of the democratic role ofcouncil and their committees.

To foster a culture of corporate identity both internally and externally.

To support and embed the two-tier local government structure county wide.

To improve the efficient operation ofCouncil, its committees and links withother bodies.

To embed the role of the AuditCommittee with best practice principlesof good governance.

To develop participatory democracy by improving the use of Peoples Participation Network (PPN).

For our services to be inclusive and demonstrate respect for all.

Meetings held, agenda business transactedeffectively, follow up actions implemented.Up to date Annual Register of Electorspublished in accordance with the statutorydates. Up to date and completed Ethics Register in place.

New Corporate branding in placeNew website launched in 2017Vehicle re-branding ongoing.

Statutory Oireachtas Members’ meetings held.

Information from various committees disseminated via monthly report to Council.

External Internal Audit Service operating in Louth. Audit Committee operating Internal Audit work plan approved and implemented.

Customer Care Charter updated and implemented. All FOI requests, Ombudsman complaints and protected disclosures were addressed within the relevant timeframes.

Provide integrated value for money public services through innovative and adaptiveapproaches to local governance.

The organisation will strive to positionitself to respond to the changing needsof the public and the environment thatprevails.

Strive to review on a continual basis thedelivery of all services with a view tomaximising efficiencies and delivervalue for money.

To use performance management tools to deliver high quality outcomes.

To identify the key competencies for posts, upskill where necessary and apply in the workplace to respond to the needs of the public.

To foster a health and safety awareness culture to reduce the number of accidents in the workplace and public areas.

To continue to operate through the ethos of workplace partnership.

Workforce Plan agreed and in place.

Services reviewed regularly by SeniorManagement and by Internal Audit.

Performance Management & Development System in place and Louth County Council are participating in a project to update the system.

Moved to competency based interviewingTraining provided to staff as identified through PMDS Ongoing promotion of lifelong learning in the organisation.

Health and Safety Management committee met on a regular basis throughout 2016 to monitor and review progress on implementation of Health and Safety programme.

Regular union and management meetings continue to be held to discuss and address any issues arising.

Objective Progress

Objective Progress

GOAL 9

LOCAL DEMOCRACY

GOAL 10

RESOURCE MANAGEMENT

The Council continued to strengthen the link with the PPN and local decision-making structures in 2016. Six secretariat meetings were facilitated and 1 plenary PPN with elections held for selection of representatives to the various committees of Council. The inaugural Louth PPN Community & Voluntary Awards Ceremony was held in Q4 2016.

Louth County Council Annual Report 2016

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Documents

Annual Report 2016 · 2017-09-21 · The 2016 Rent Review began in September 2016 (to be completed in February 2017). As part of the review, 3,998 Council tenants were sent a rent