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O COMMUNITY AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT & TOURISM

O WATER SERVICES

O ENVIRONMENT & LAWCO

O HOUSING

O CORPORATE SERVICES /HUMAN RESOURCES

December 2018

Management Report to Council

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COMMUNITY AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT DIRECTORATE

Enterprise & Economic Development & Tourism – Group A Economic Development

Action Area Update

Local Economic & Community Plan (LECP) 2015 -2020

Meeting of LECP Advisory Group was held in July to review progress of the 2018 Economic Action Plan. A three year LECP progress report and Draft 2019 Economic Action Plan will also be presented at this meeting.

Retail-Commercial Incentive Scheme

Attracted 13 applications in the current year across all 5 MD’s. The information portal at www.tipperarycoco.ie/cis is the first point of contact for the scheme. Payments being made to grantees under the 2018 grant scheme.

Retail Town Centre Initiative

Retail Forums are currently in operation in 6 of the 9 towns and are actively supported by the Municipal Districts. Various activities are being undertaken including running of festivals; marketing initiatives, town regeneration initiatives and surveys. A marketing effort/ shop local campaign was developed to promote more local shopping including a logo, social media channels and an online marketing campaign. Thus campaign will begin again in the run up to Christmas to promote ‘Shop Local’ The Christmas Retail Support Grant Scheme was recently advertised in all local media with details circulated to stakeholders and previous beneficiaries. The 2018 scheme attracted 31 Applications. Grant offers will issue in the coming week to all successful applicants.

Digital Media/Gaming Corridor

BuzzQuarter: Tipperary’s seat ready digital studio is now open at Questum, Clonmel. Funded under LEO Competitive Fund Scheme 2015-2017. BuzzQuarter supports the creation and development of digital entrepreneurship by offering digital space for fledgling micro-enterprises and established organisations within the gaming, digital media, creative media and animation sectors. This digital studio has 4 desk spaces, each kitted out with ready-to-go-PC’s loaded with Creative Cloud, Windows and Office, each served by a dual monitor array; two Cintiq Creative Pen Display Tablets loaded with Toon Boom Premium; and its own print facility. BuzzQuarter clients can avail of business mentoring, technical support and skills development through the Local Enterprise Office. The facility is being promoted though social media and a dedicated website.

Broadband (Infrastructure)

The remaining bidding consortium submitted its final tender tender process is now under review prior to full evaluation of this submission.

National Broadband Plan – County Tipperary The total number of premises in County Tipperary is 83,889. The total number of premises within the NBP - State led Intervention area in County Tipperary is 30,200. 12 Strategic Community Access Hubs (SCAH) in the County to be prioritised for connection to high-speed fibre broadband. These locations (Community Centres) have the potential to provide access to high-speed fibre broadband to their local communities until the area is reached for connection by the NBP. Commercial operators have invested €2.75bn in upgrading and modernising

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• eir is rolling out high speed fibre broadband to 15,858 premises in County Tipperary by the end of 2018 . As of 1st October, 2018, over 6,000 premises have been passed by Open eir in the County.

• SIRO, is a joint venture company between the ESB and Vodafone, is investing €450 million in building Ireland’s first 100% fibre-to-the-building broadband network, offering an unprecedented 1GB (1000 Mb) internet connection. SIRO recently announced their Phase 1 Plan for County Tipperary with their intention of bringing a fibre-to-the-home (FTTH) Network to the towns of;

Nenagh (3,700 premises) and Roscrea (2,800 premises) and has already commenced building a fibre-to-the-home broadband network in the town of Clonmel (9,500 premises) which will deliver for:

A five year Digital Strategy for County Tipperary was recently published and a process to identify mobile phone coverage black-spots is underway.

Enterprise / LEO Grants

Selective Financial Intervention; to end of September, 31 grants with a total value of €721,167 have been approved which will leverage a projected investment of €4,212,678 in the county. Grants approved will yield 115.5 full time job equivalents at an average cost per job of €6,244. Grants approved in the current year to date include 4 Feasibility Study Grants valued at €47,871, 12 Priming Grants valued at €447,550, 6 Business Expansion Grants valued at €209,075 and 9 Technical assistance for Micro Exporters Grants worth €16,675. In the same period, grant payments amounting to €616,693 have been paid out to 29 projects. Work is underway with over 90 small firms involving an on-site Annual Business Review and “health check” to determine status, development requirements and job creation potential. The LEO is confident that the provision of targeted supports will encourage performing clients to scale their enterprise and increase job numbers over the next 12 months.

On line Trading Vouchers

29 On Line Trading Vouchers worth €58,349 have been allocated from an annual allocation of 40. A higher level of take up by the retail sector is required in Tipperary. A number of initiatives have either taken place or are planned with the Chambers to boost take-up of the vouchers particularly by the retail sector this year. The Canadian Based platform Shopify, trusted by over 600,000 businesses worldwide is delivering a pilot training programme in Nenagh in conjunction with the Local Enterprise Office. This initiative is designed to assist local retailers to extend their reach and attract new customers through the creation of an online presence and an eCommerce store. The program will compliment other supports available from the Local Enterprise Office such as dedicated mentoring and master-classes.

LEO Innovation Investment Fund

An announcement in relation to the 2018 LEO Innovation Investment Fund is imminent.

Entrepreneurial and Capability Development

894 individuals have participated in 172 separate training and management development initiatives including 543 female and 351 males. 188 students have also participated in Student Enterprise Programmes before the end of the school year. The Autumn 2018 calendar of training programmes and entrepreneurial and capability development measures is now available for circulation to business interests. A number of measures such as LEAN, specialist Clinics and a Brexit Score Card continue to be offered to address

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the potential impact of Brexit on local firms. Lean For Micro: the 2018 Lean programme has commenced with 11 companies from retail, food and manufacturing sectors taking part in the 12 month programme. (Lean is about being effective and efficient - doing things quicker, better, cheaper…together. Lean strives to stamp out waste to continually improve and make realistic savings.) The programme is targeted at companies with the potential to export / internationally trade who wish to review their cost base and improve margins ahead of BREXIT.

Business Management Development programme: 16 existing businesses have completed stage 2 of the management development programme which assists the owner manager to enhance their ability to further develop and grow by focusing on the practical challenges

and opportunities. Stage 1 – Owner Manager Programme commenced in September 2018.

National Women’s Enterprise Day - a regional initiative involving Tipperary, Limerick and Clare took place at Adare manor, Limerick on 18 October. A number of LEO Clients exhibited at Energy in Agriculture held in Gurteen College in August. The event organised by Tipperary Co Co, Teagasc, Tipperary Energy Agency, IFA and Gurteen College provided an excellent showcase and PR opportunity for local firms to promote their products and services. This year the Local Enterprise Office sponsored the Innovation Award for best new product/ invention in the micro enterprise category while Enterprise Ireland sponsored the Indigenous SME Category. The 2018/2019 Student Enterprise Programme was launched at the Anner Hotel, Thurles on 18 September when 14 schools were represented out of the 25 schools registered this year with over 1,800 pupils.

Ireland’s Best Young Entrepreneur

The 2019 Ireland’s Best Entrepreneur competition will open for applications before year end. This year LEO Tipperary will manage the contract for the design and development of the National Website. A budget of up to €75k will be made available by EI to run the competition locally plus a further €29k for the national website.

NETWORKS LEO Tipperary supports a number of organisations including the Tipperary Food Producers Network, The Green Business Network, 2 Women in Business Networks and provides both co-ordination and financial supports to help the Networks implement their annual programme of activities providing peer support and sales opportunities for members.

Microfinance

Against a target of 14 applications, 16 Applications have been submitted and 12 Microfinance loans worth €162,500 approved to date for projects that fall outside of standard bank lending criteria. Projects approved will yield 17 full time jobs.

Enterprise Awareness Bank of Ireland Enterprise Town Awards Tipperary County Council nominated 5 towns for this year’s competition with the agreement of the Municipal Districts. Small Population <5,000: Cloughjordan and Cashel; Medium Population 5,001-10,000: Thurles and Nenagh; Large: population 10,001+: Clonmel. The judging took place during September and the awards ceremony will take place on 28th November in Lyrath House Hotel, Kilkenny.

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County Tipperary Chamber awards The Local Enterprise Office is sponsoring the Start Up/ Emerging Business category again in 2018 following the successful roll out of the inaugural business awards in 2017. Tipperary County Council will sponsor the new Social Enterprise Category and the awards ceremony is taking place on 19 October in Clonmel.

County Based Craft Industry Strategic Plan

Craft Strategy launch took place on Monday 5th March in Cahir Castle and subsequently, a County Steering Committee comprising of the Design & Craft Council, LEO, ETB, LEO, Arts Office, Local Development Companies has been established. The plan has identified 30 Actions under four pillars (Promotion, Practice, Infrastructure and Awareness) that will bring the Craft Sector to a new level in the County. An event was held in Thurles in June to establish if there was interest in the establishment of a Craft Maker Network. 3 craft producers are being sponsored by LEO to exhibit at Showcase 2019 in the RDS, Dublin in January, one firm exhibited at the National Ploughing Championships while under the EEN, one craft maker was supported to attend an acclaimed Ceramics Show in China were they sold samples to a major gallery.

Food Centre Of Excellence

The Feasibility Study undertaken by CHL and commissioned by Tipperary Culinary Delights and jointly funded by The Company and Enterprise Ireland under the Community Enterprise Centre Scheme has now been completed. A stage 2 study to examine the granular detail of such a project is under consideration presently.

County Marketing Campaign

An element of the County Marketing Initiative is “Tipperary The Place The Time” is a suite of marketing materials developed to promote Tipperary as a location of choice for investment, business and job creation. The marketing suite covers the five municipal districts in Tipperary. Marketing collateral developed consists of hard copy brochures, a website (www.tipperary.ie), stands, and a promotional video all of which are designed to work on a range of social media platforms appropriate to the marketing of Tipperary.

SUPER Project The aim of the SUPER EU Project is to supporting eco-innovations in business, particularly towards international markets. The research phase of the project has been completed and development of a draft action plan is currently ongoing.

Regional Enterprise Development Fund – Enterprise Ireland / Irish Bioeconomy Association.

Beacon SFI (Science Foundation Ireland) and the Irish Bioeconomy Foundation (IBF) will be launched on Friday, October 19th in Lisheen by Minister Michael Creed, Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine. Also, launched and handed over to the IBF is the secretariat for the implementation of the national policy on the Bioeconomy which was co-ordinated by the Dept. of the Taoiseach during 2017 and early 2018. Lisheen has been nominated as the National Centre for the Bioeconomy.

MOU with LCDC & Local Development Companies

A Memorandum of Understanding is in place between the Local Enterprise Office and the 2 Local Development Companies to maximise available funding from all sources at county level. LEO and Local authority staff participate on the 2 Evaluation Committees while the Head of Enterprise sits on the LCDC.

BUCHANIER & CATALYST Initiatives

CATALYST is a new 3-year (2018-2020) cross-border project to support the Food & Drink & Life Science through targeted mentoring, specialised workshops, design thinking and R&D residencies, is run by a consortium of 5 partners based in Ireland and Wales: University of Wales (lead partner), WRAP, Carlow CoCo, Tipperary CoCo, CIT. At least 15 Tipperary food producers will benefit under the programme.

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BUCANIER - Wexford CoCo and CIT, is new scheme to help boost trade and specialist support to help small businesses design and develop new products and services.7 Tipperary firms are benefitting under the initiative to date.

Tholsel Fethard

2018 has been a successful season particularly the added attraction of a visit to Coolmore Stud farm. Huge positive feedback from visitors around the globe, complimenting the uniqueness, sense of opportunity to see the world famous stud farm and how the Fethard Horse Country experience traces the history of Fethard from the middle ages to the present and blends equine history in to this treatise.

Tipperary Tourism Marketing and Promotion • In July 60,000 Tipperary Tourism Map brochures were distributed to

the Connected Family segment through a promotion in the Evening Herald newspaper in the greater Dublin area, Take a Hike brochures and Butler Trail brochures were printed and distributed to all tourist information offices in the southern region. All Tipperary Tourism members were also supplied with a stock of brochures for distribution to visitors.

• a new Instagram account in July has quickly cultivated over 2000 followers on this premium platform engaging visitors from the domestic and international market.

• competitions offering two night trips to Tipperary, have reached up to 80,000 followers across all platforms (Facebook, Twitter and Instagram).

• A digital promotion was run with mykidstime.ie to promote the top 11 activities for families in Tipperary during July, this had 40,000 unique views online. Separately this promotion was sent to 33,000 subscribers to mykidstime.ie who represent our target market – Connected Families. A further competition to win a weekend break to Tipperary reached almost 180,000 people on social media.

• A targeted digital promotion with blogger MyLittleBaBóg reached a community of 17,000 engaged parents and gave a glowing review of a recent holiday in Tipperary.

Tipperary, Time to take it all in Brand and Digital Marketing Workshops Tipperary Tourism delivered two ‘Brand and Digital Marketing Workshops’ in October as follows, October 9th in Nenagh and October 10th in Clonmel. Both events were well attended and received positive feedback from tourism providers.

Munster Vales

Munster Vales Summit The Munster Vales Summit will take place on November 15th, at Cahir Castle. The keynote speaker will be Eoghan Corry, Travel Extra. This is an important networking opportunity for local tourism businesses. Places can be reserved by contacting Triona O’Mahony, Munster Vales Marketing Manager, Triona.omahony@tipperarycoco.ie International Familiarisation Trip ‘Undiscovered Munster’ Munster Vales and Tipperary welcomed 8 international travel journalists on September 4th. They stayed in Hotel Minella and visited Holycross Abbey, Fethard Horse Country Museum, McCarthys and Ormond Castle with an estimated reach of 10 million globally. This is the first Fáilte Ireland international familiarisation trip to visit sites in Fethard and Carrick on Suir. Good connections have been made with the Failte Ireland publicity team, the travel journalists, the tour guide and the bus driver.

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Lough Derg

Consultants have been appointed to develop a new strategy for tourism development around Lough Derg, and two workshops have taken place. A Taste of Lough Derg 2018 took place in June, July, August and September with 38 food events taking place around Lough Derg. The series was covered on Morning Ireland. Irelands Hidden Heartlands RTE’s Ray Darcy Show broadcast from Dromineer on July 6th showcasing the wonderful experiences available to tourist in the area.

Tourism Section Cashel Destination Town Work has commenced on a Fáilte Ireland review of tourism providers in Cashel, to complete research and address visitor flow orientation, visitor experience and tourism development in Cashel. This will result in a three year action plan. Flights of Discovery funding to Museum Tipperary County Council has been awarded €200,000 for the redevelopment of the gallery space in Tipperary County Museum. This is the first step in the delivery of the Flights of Discovery project and the project is actively supported by the Tourism Development Officer. Munster Vales A three year marketing plan is being prepared as collaboration between TCC, Limerick city and County, Waterford city and County and cork County Council’s. Support Tipperary Food Producers in developing the Food Trail and Tipperary Breakfast The Tourism Section is supporting Tipperary Food Producers to develop a Tipperary Food Trail in 2019 and a simplified version of the Tipperary Breakfast. The Butler Trail Work is complete on extending the Butler Trail APP to include Roscrea, this includes a 40 minute audio guide. New desktop promotional cards have been developed and distributed for use on reception desks to promote the audio guides and trail. Suir Blueway Tipperary Work is progressing on the development of a signage strategy for the Suir Blueway supported by the Tourism Development Officer this includes directional signage and also interpretation signage along the trail. The Tourism Section tendered for the provision of marketing services for the launch and promotion of the Suir Blueway. The successful contractor has been appointed and has commenced content collection. A launch date will be advised in due course. Walking / Activity Videos New imagery has been collected at 8 locations across the County and a new 3 minute walking video has been completed. Funding Applications The tourism section supported applications for funding to the 2018 Town and Village Renewal Scheme from Carrick on Suir, Terryglass, Newport and Puckane. Bank of Ireland Enterprise Town Competition The tourism section supported this initiative across Tipperary. Digital Marketing Tipperary, Lough Derg and Munster Vales - Facebook, Twitter and Instagram daily & weekly

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WATER SERVICES

IRISH WATER INVESTMENT PLAN:

In 2016 Irish Water (IW) submitted both its Emerging Investment Plan (IP2), 2017-2021, and its proposed Interim Revenue Control (2017-2018) to the then Commission for Energy Regulation (CER) (renamed the Commission for the Regulation of Utilities (CRU) on 02 October 2017) for approval. On 12 December 2016, the then CER published its decision paper (CER/16/342) on the Irish Water Allowable Revenue for the two year period 01 January 2017 to 31 December 2018. The decision paper is accompanied, inter alia, by the Irish Water Interim Revenue Control 2017-2018 Investment Plan 2017-2021. The CRU has now extended the current revenue control regulatory period by one year to 31 December 2019. Investment is prioritised where it can deliver the most urgently needed improvements in drinking water quality, leakage, water availability, wastewater compliance, efficiencies and customer service. The table hereunder provides an update of the current status of capital projects in Co. Tipperary.

Irish Water Infrastructure Projects for Tipperary (part of 2016 Irish Water submission (IP2) to the then CER):

A. Schemes in Construction Contract Name Consultant Contractor Current scheme

Status

Water Conservation Stage 3 Nenagh Town

Water Conservation Stage 3 Nenagh Town JB Barry Balfour Beatty Contract near

completion.

Nenagh Sewerage Scheme

Nenagh Wastewater Network Advance Works JB Barry Balfour Beatty Contract near

completion. Clonmel Town and Rural Water Supply Scheme (Advance Works)

Storage North of Clonmel and Pipelines

Nicholas O'Dwyer John Craddock Contract ongoing.

Thurles Regional Water Supply Scheme Contract 2 (Water Treatment Plant and pipelines)

Thurles Regional Water Supply Scheme Contract 2 Design Build Operate (DBO) Water Treatment Plant and pipelines

Nicholas O'Dwyer

Glan Agua Limited

Contract ongoing with official sod turning on 03 December 2018.

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B. Schemes at Pre-Construction / Design Contract Name Current scheme Status

Ardfinnan Regional Water Supply Scheme/Burncourt Regional Water Supply Scheme

Mechanical and Electrical Works Ballylooby Springs including Drumroe and Kilroe Reservoirs

JB Barry Consultant. Tenders received by IW in September 2018. Tender assessment ongoing.

Clonmel Town and Rural Water Supply Scheme (EIS and Water Abstraction Order)

Clonmel Town and Rural Water Supply Scheme –Water Treatment Plant, Reservoirs, Intake Works and Pipelines DBO Contract

Nicholas O’Dwyer Consultant. Design ongoing. Preparing EIS, Water Abstraction Order, CPO, Planning.

Roscrea Sewerage Scheme Drainage Area Plan

Jacobs Engineering Consultant appointed. Surveys completed. Plan due early 2019

Thurles Sewerage Scheme Drainage Area Plan Jacobs Engineering Consultant appointed. Surveys completed. Plan due early 2019

Nenagh Sewerage Scheme Wastewater Treatment Plant and Network Upgrade

ARUP Engineering Consultant appointed. Design ongoing. Preparing EIS and Planning.

Ballina Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP) WWTP Upgrade assessment

RPS Engineering Consultant. Draft feasibility report issued to IW for review.

Newport Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP) WWTP Upgrade assessment RPS Engineering Consultant. Draft

Asset survey report issued to IW. Cashel Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP) WWTP Upgrade assessment RPS Engineering Consultant. Draft

Asset survey report issued to IW. Fethard Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP) WWTP Upgrade assessment RPS Engineering Consultant. Draft

Asset survey report issued to IW. Tipperary Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP) WWTP Upgrade assessment RPS Engineering Consultant. Draft

Asset survey report issued to IW. Cahir Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP) WWTP Upgrade assessment RPS Engineering Consultant. Draft

Asset survey report issued to IW.

C. Schemes under IW Review

Coalbrook Water Treatment Plant - New source IW reviewing.

Fethard Regional Water Supply Scheme Upgrade: Mullinbawn Springs IW reviewing.

In 2017, Irish Water restructured the delivery of the Investment Plan into 2 streams:

(i) Infrastructure Portfolio, which includes major water and wastewater projects, both treatment plants and networks; and

(ii) Capital Delivery, which includes the implementation of a large number of smaller interventions that will target specific areas or bundles of assets. COUNCIL WORKSHOP: Workshops with Irish Water for the elected members have taken place at the Civic Offices, Thurles on 27 October 2017, 12 April 2018 and on 02 October, 2018. At the most recent workshop, the following were presented to the elected members:

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(i) presentation related to the Irish Water Draft National Water Resources Plan 2018, by Ms. Angela Ryan, Water Supply Strategy Specialist, Irish Water, public consultation on which is expected to commence in late 2018; and

(ii) presentation by Mr. Duane O’Brien, Water Lead, Asset Operations, Southern Region, Irish Water, which related to an overview of Irish Water, infrastructure developments in Co. Tipperary, the leakage management programme, business charging harmonisation and new connections.

The workshop concluded with a presentation by Mr. Grellan McGrath, Director, RPS, on the Irish Water Water Supply Project Eastern and Midlands Region (IW WSP EMR). Various queries were raised by the elected members in attendance. RURAL WATER PROGRAMME:

The focus of the Rural Water Programme for 2018 in respect of group water schemes is to address remaining inadequacies in the quality of drinking water so as to ensure compliance with the priorities set down in the European Union (Drinking Water) Regulations 2014, as amended, through:

(i) the provision of treatment and disinfection facilities; (ii) source protection measures; and (iii) the rehabilitation and upgrade of distribution systems.

In addition, an annual subsidy is paid to group water schemes for maintenance. This annual maintenance subsidy, in respect of 68 group schemes, amounted to €325,369.32 in 2017, which is recoupable from the Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government (DoHPLG). A recent review of the annual maintenance subsidy will result in a significant increase in the maximum subsidy payable: from €140 to €231 per domestic connection for private group schemes and from €70 to €115 per domestic connection for public group schemes).

The DoHPLG has informed the Council of its final block grant allocation for 2018, in the sum of €652,000, for the enhancement of existing schemes.

The Rural Water Programme also covers the following:

(i) grants for the provision or necessary improvement of an individual water supply to a house;

(ii) grants payable pursuant to the Domestic Wastewater Treatment Systems (Financial Assistance) Regulations 2013; and

(iii) grants payable pursuant to the Domestic Lead Remediation (Financial Assistance) Regulations 2016.

Expenditure on these grants is recoupable from the DoHPLG.

Current progress on the above programme of work was considered by the Rural Water Monitoring Committee, under the chair of Councillor Mattie Ryan, at its meeting held at the Civic Offices, Thurles, on 09 October 2018. The next meeting of the Committee is scheduled for 08 January, 2019.

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ENVIRONMENT

Environment Protection Services

WFD /Catchment

To date 649 WFD samples taken and 3 SSRS conducted. Seven impact assessment reports were completed in the high risk catchment areas and measures identified to address potential pollution incidents.

Section 4 Licences

113 analysis and sampling, data management completed.

Farm Inspections

40 farm related inspections (follow ups, complaints, catchments etc). Section 12 notices under the water pollution act were issued to property owners directing them to carry out remedial works in relation to non compliance with pollution regulations.

Nutrient Management

18 Nutrient Management Plans were submitted for approval

RMCEI A review of Q3 Work Programme was completed

Air/Noise Pollution

Petroleum Vapours & Emissions Regulations Applications & Certs issued =10 Inspections = 62 Deco Paints Regulations Applications & Certs issued= 6 Deco Paint Inspections=20 Solvents regulations Applications & Certs issued = 2 Solvent Inspections= 1

Planning referrals

45 Planning Referral Reports submitted to Planning Section.

Community Services • The last Strategic Policy Committee Meeting took place on Thursday, 22nd

November, 2018. A presentation was given by Mr. Derek Davis with regard to Big Belly Bins which are currently being promoted in Cahir town.

• A presentation was also given by Mr. Paul Kenny from the Tipperary Energy Agency.

• Mr. Matthew Peters, Enforcement Officer, Environment Section, gave a presentation on an initiative with regards to tackling Dog Fouling in the county.

• The Draft Waste Management Bye-Laws were adopted on 10th September 2018 and came into effect from 11th October 2018.

Veterinary Services Control of Horses

Total Carrick on Suir

Cashel Tipperary

Clonmel Nenagh

Thurles Templemore

Queries 115 23 10 43 9 30

Horse Pickups

98 29 5 31 3 30

Horse Control

Initial feedback has been received from our solicitor on the measures being considered for inclusion in revised Control of Horses Bye-Laws. As a result, it appears that such measures would be best addressed in the context of any revised national legislation on horse control. A sub-committee of the City and County Management Association is already in discussion with the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine on possible amendments to the Control of Horses Act 1996, the outputs of which are in themselves likely to warrant a review of our local bye-laws. We will liaise closely with the relevant CCMA sub-committee to bring the matter to an early conclusion.

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Dog Licences

Total Carrick on Suir

Cashel Tipperary

Clonmel Nenagh Thurles Templemor

e 7,838 941 1,097 1,803 2,195 1,802

Litter Enforcement Total Carrick

on Suir Cashel

Tipperary Clonmel Nenagh Thurles

Templemore

Fines Issued 112 2 6 16 73 15 Public Awareness

• At the Supervalu Tidy Towns South East regional awards held on the 7th November in Kilkenny, Tipperary received awards in all categories and won a total of nine medals in addition to other awards. In the small villages section with a population under 200 – both Terryglass and Birdhill were the recipients of a gold medal. The village of Emly was awarded a gold medal and Silvermines received a silver medal for villages with populations between 200 and 1000. Kilsheelan received a gold medal in the small towns section. In the large town section, Cahir, Roscrea and Nenagh received bronze medals and the final gold medal went to Clonmel in the large urban district category. Clonmel was also the overall national winner of the “Let’s get buzzing” Local Authority Pollinator Award, which is aimed at conserving and enhancing wildlife in towns and villages. Silvermines Enhancement Group received a Water Communities award. In the County Endeavour Section, awards were made to the villages of Ballysloe and Killusty. Tipperary had 77 entries, which was the seconded highest number and accounted for 9% of the overall entry of 883.

• Albert Nolan gave a very informative presentation at the Carrick on Suir Municipal District Awards Ceremony on Thursday, 15th November, 2018 on Biodiversity. It is intended to have more workshops with Mr. Nolan in 2019.

• Tipp FM ran a campaign promoting the services of the civic amenity sites in Roscrea and Nenagh on the 7th & 8th September. Over 6,000 car bins organisers were distributed in Roscrea, Nenagh and Clonmel during the summer as part of the “Keep Tipp Tidy Campaign,

• An estimated 400 farmers attended the farm waste tyre bring centre, which took place in Gortdrum Mines, Monard, Co. Tipperary on the 20th October. Organised by the Irish Farm Film Producers Group (IFFPG), an estimated 900 tonnes of tyres were brought to the centre for disposal.

• The Anti Dog Fouling Campaign was launched in Clonmel and Cahir to highlight to dog owners of their responsibilities when walking their dogs. The campaign includes the use of stencils on footpaths, visual signage on known walking routes and the circulation of information leaflets to deter Dog fouling on our streets and parks. This project is part of the Keep Tipp Tidy Campaign and will be extended to other towns in 2019. The section will be working closely with the municipal districts and the public.

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Infrastructure & Maintenance Burial Grounds

• Shanrahan BG: Work has commenced on site. • Clonmel St Patricks: Extension Works completed. • Ballina Boher BG: Land negotiations & agreements completed. Part 8

documents substantially completed. . • Cloughprior BG: Land valuation completed & valuation agreed with

landowners. • Cahir BG: Provision of additional plots completed & Land acquisition

negotiations at advanced stage. • Fethard BG: Land acquisition at an advanced stage. • Kilmore BG: Land negotiations, agreements & valuation agreed with the

landowner. Maintenance Works

• Plinth Tenders completed, Works commencing on construction in Carrick, Gortnahoe, Holycross, Moycarkey, Kilcommon, Upperchurch, & Garrykennedy BG’s

• Tenders completed and works to footpaths & access roads commencing in Holycross, Killaghy Mullinahone & Borrisokane.

• Repair of footpaths at St. Marys Carrick-On-Suir to be carried out by Carrick MD. • Structural Assessments were completed at Quaker BG Clonmel & Old BG

Terryglass

Landfill Sites

The restoration works at the Donohill landfill are scheduled to be completed by the end of the year. Preparatory works have commenced at the old landfill in Tipperary town. Tenders to appoint contractors to carryout Tier 3 assessments at the four other landfill sites: Brittas Rd Thurles, Moanearla Thurles, Convent Cross Dundrum, Coole Knocklofty have commenced.

Energy Update

Projects completed as part of the energy action plan were pump upgrades to the leisure centres in Thurles and Roscrea, a new lighting system upgrade in Thurles library and the installation of PV arrays at the Wallers Lot Civic Amenity Site. In association with TEA, Tipperary Co Co is a partner in an Interreg project that enables community groups to setup a community based virtual power plant (CVPP) to generate and distribute their own energy. A citizen lead energy conference was held in the Hotel Minella on the 12th September to address sustainable energy and climate action. Under the Sustainable Energy Action Plan, 81 homes were retrofitted as part of the Super homes Scheme generating an investment of €8.1m. The Energy in Agriculture event attracted over 3,000 attendees. Three community based applications were successful in getting funding under the Better energy Communities scheme. A heat survey map of the county was conducted to identify the major energy users to determine their suitability for a Renewable Heat support scheme. Energy audits and a transport workshop on sustainable transport and Electric vehicles are planned for early 2019.

Climate Action

Under the National Climate Change Adaptation Framework, each local authority is obliged to prepare a climate adaptation strategy to assess the impact of climate change and to identify measures to minimise costs and likely impacts on services. The preparation of the strategy will commence in 2019 and will include consultations with elected members. TEA submitted an application to the climate change fund; the project is called the Energy in Agriculture Incentive Scheme, which is designed to support approx 100 farms and agribusinesses to invest in energy efficient and renewable energy projects on their farms.

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Civic Amenities

Donohill Roscrea Nenagh Wallers Lot Carrigeen

Visits 8,354 18,886 37,837 20,040 18,318

Waste Management Garages 49 Garages Inspected

Burning Inspections

71 burning declarations submitted – 10 Inspected

Abandoned Vehicles

4 Vehicles removed. 7 owners written to.

Removal of Carcasses

28 animal carcasses dealt with

CCTV 8 CCTV Set-ups

Anti Dumping Initiatives

5 Projects completed (Clonmel, Grangemockler, Nenagh, Carrick on Suir, Thurles) Dept Funding awarded to Tipperary of €56,800 and project costs at conclusion totalled €56,456 The Nenagh Guardian published an article on the Nenagh Project Shallee Burges illegal dumping area, where 60 tonnes of waste was removed.

Waste Enforcement

Waste Facility Permit (WFP) / Certificate of Registration (CoR),

Licenses WFPs (1 each of Transfer, Tech. Amend, 2 Review and 3 New application) = 4 granted and 3 pending decision COR (4 New, 2 Review) = 6 (4 granted, 1 invalid, 1 pending decision)

Inspections Waste Facilities = 24 Certificates of Reg Facility = 9 Joint NTFSO = 6

Joint WERLA = 4

Packaging registrations/renewal

Licenses: Certificate of Renewal of Registration granted.=3

Inspections: Hazardous Waste inspections = 25

Food Waste Management

Inspections: Commercial Food = 29

Producer responsibility

Inspections: WEEE =50; Waste Tyre = 48; ELV = 4 & 44 letters were issued to suspected producers regarding registration with ELVES and/or the Local Authority.

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Complaint Description

Tipperary Cashel

Thurles Templemore Nenagh Clonmel

Carrick on Suir

Open Closed Open Closed Open Closed Open Closed Open Closed

Air 2 13 3 12 6 23 3 22 11 8

Derelict Sites 1 0 3 1 0 6 0 3 0 0 Dog Control 3 157 4 124 3 110 3 118 2 43 Litter 12 163 20 165 28 280 79 225 36 78 Noise 3 4 20 0 6 1 7 10 1 2 Veterinary 1 26 2 36 2 15 3 41 2 16 Waste Enforcement 3 22 1 12 5 20 5 25 4 6 Water 4 7 3 5 5 20 3 11 1 5 Complaints Open/Closed 29 392 56 355 55 475 103 455 57 158 Total Received 421 411 530 558 215

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HOUSING DIRECTORATE

Housing Construction The Department of Housing, Planning, Community and Local Governments 4 stages of approval are: Stage 1 : Layout Design and confirm approval of scheme for Expenditure Stage 2 : Assess project prior to Statutory Approval Submission Stage 3 : Approve Detailed Design Solution and Pre Tender Cost Estimate Stage 4 : Review Tender Returns in advance of Contract Award

Address No of Houses Current Status Donohill 6 Stage 1 will be submitted Moyne 5 Stage 1 to be submitted Two Mile Borris 21 Stage 1 to be submitted Ardcroney 2 Stage 1 to be submitted Mullinahone 14 Stage 1 to be submitted Ballyclerihan 14 Stage 1 to be submitted

Bansha 14 Masterplan and Stage 1 application to be submitted

Borrisoleigh 12 Stage 2 application being prepared

Glencarrick, Roscrea 10 At stage 2, pending resolution of access issue

Cormac Drive, Nenagh

18 Part 8 Report at December Meeting

Templetuohy 10 Stage 3 being prepared for submission to Department

Mulcair View, Newport 11 Submitted to ABP

Portroe

14 Part 8 approved, Design team in process of being appointed

Abbey Street, Cahir 10 Integrated design team appointed

121 Ard Na Greine, Clonmel

1 Single Stage application made to Department

Borrisokane 16 Stage 3 application being prepared

Mill Road Thurles 28 Integrated Design Team appointed

Knockanrawley, Tipperary 28 Stage 3 to be submitted for approval prior to tendering

Mitchel Street, Thurles 1 Tender documents being finalised

Cloughjordan 2 Advertised on etenders

Gortnahoe 5 Stage 4 Approved, Contractor being appointed

Mulcair View, Newport 3 Single Stage Approval, Delivery 2018

Turnkey at An Ardan, Borrisokane 13 Turnkey in progress with delivery of 9 units in 2018

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Turnkey at An Grianan, Killenaule 14 Works in progress with delivery of 4 units in 2018

Turnkey project at Abbey View, Fethard 21 Works in progress

Turnkey project at Strylea, Fethard 3 Works in Progress

Gortataggart, Thurles 2 Construction work in progress and nearing completion

Glenconnor, Clonmel 26 Contractor on site, works commenced

Cabragh Bridge Traveller Accomodation 6 Mediation in Progress

Treacy Park, Carrick on Suir 1 Completed

Lacey Avenue, Templemore 4 Completed

The Barracks, Borrisoleigh 2 Works completed

Cluid Housing Association, Glenconnor, Clonmel 9 Currently in planning

Streame, Nenagh

Masterplan prepared, managed by Nenagh Municipal District

Camphill Communities 7

Houses in Carrick on Suir for disabled applicants, submission being sent for Departmental approval

Coolnamuck Road, Carrick on Suir

Masterplan being prepared (potentially about 30 new social housing units)

Cluid Housing Association, Glenconnor, Clonmel 9 Currently in planning

Other Schemes Submitted to Department

Capital Assistance Scheme 2015 – 18 16 acquisitions Completed

20 construction Design Stage

19 Construction (Stanwix House, Thurles) Stage 2 approved

CALF Scheme 12 Houses at Ashbury, Roscrea Completed

15 Houses at Mill House Carrick On Suir Completed

19 Houses at Ashgrove, Thurles In progress

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Energy Efficiency

Allocation €3.1m

Final Phase 1 works allocated and in progress. This includes rural dwellings and dwellings which previously had partial works completed. Subject to Departmental Approval Phase 2 works can be progressed in 2019

House Purchases Completed 2018 74

RAS & Leasing RAS 2018 58 LTL 2018 33

Housing Assistance Payment Approved 2018 480

Grants

Position at 22/11/2018

Grants 2018 BUDGET Total Amount Approved

Number of Applications

Approved % of

Budget

HOUSE ADAPTION GRANT PEOPLE WITH A DISABILITY (HGD) *€261,4731.00 €244,1968.85 177 93% MOBILITY AIDS GRANT (MAG) *€181,200.00 €154,124.10 35 85% HOUSING AID FOR OLDER PEOPLE (HOP) *€685,432.00 €598,742.11 107 87% TOTAL €3,481,163.00 €3,194,835.06 319 92%

Local Authority DPG Grants €657,453.00 €657,453.00 54 100% *Please note, additionally funding of €430,000 has been sanctioned by the Department which has been allocated and committed in the above figures.

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Repair & Leasing Scheme Applications Received

60

Position at 26/11/2018

Application Finalised and Lease Agreement Signed 1 Draft Lease Issued Prior to Commencement of Works 1 Applications Deemed Unsuitable (8 following desktop

evaluation & 6 following inspection) 14

Applications Withdrawn/Closed (3 following inspection) 11 Applications Awaiting Inspection 1 Further Information Requested (General) 8 Further Information Requested (Quotations) 24 Total 60 60

Vacant Council Houses 2018: Position as at 30/10/2018

Number Completed 98

District Approved Applicants Vacant Houses Carrick 384 36

Cashel/Tipperary 691 30 Clonmel 908 57 Nenagh 786 26

Templemore/Thurles 889 38 Total 3658 187

Report from Housing, Community & Cultural SPC The following Areas/ Policies are currently being considered by the SPC

o Policy on the naming of Local Authority Estates o Homeless Services Action Plan o Review of the Tenant Handbook o Protocol for Part 8’s on Rebuilding Ireland Schemes

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HUMAN RESOURCES/CORPORATE SERVICES DIRECTORATE

CORPORATE SERVICES The Corporate Services Directorate incorporates a wide variety of centrally provided services. It contains the following:

(i) Meetings of the Council; (ii) Customer Services; (iii) Local Elections; (iv) Property Interest Register; (v) Franchise (Register of Electors); (vi) Higher Education Grants; (vii) Insurance; (viii) Freedom of Information/Ombudsman Complaints;

The Directorate works with other departments on:

• Customer Care; • Freedom of Information Requests/Ombudsman Complaints; • Data Protection Queries; • Access to Information on the Environment Requests;

1. Ethical Framework

All members of the Council will be required to comply with this framework within the timeframe specified. A notice will issue in early January to each member about the need to complete their Donations statement on or before the end of January and their Annual Declaration on or before the last day in February 2019.

2. Local Authority elected members role and remuneration Review Mr. John Paul Phelan, T.D., Minister of State for Local Government and Electoral Reform, has appointed Mr. Sara Moorhead, Senior Counsel to conduct a review of the role of Elected Members of Local Authorities, as well as the remuneration and other supports provided to assist Members in carrying out their duties. The terms of reference for this revision, agreed with the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform have been circulated to each Councillor. As provided in the terms of reference, the review is being undertaken in consultation with Elected Members and their representative organizations, as well as other appropriate stakeholders. In that regard, Ms. Moorhead has already met with both the Association of Irish Government (AILG) and the Local Authority Members Association (LAMA). In parallel, Ms. Moorhead is inviting all Councillors to make a submission as part of the review process if they so wish. The terms of reference for the review should guide your submission, which was to be forwarded to lgreview@housing.gov.ie or louise.purcell@housing.gov.ie on or before the end of November 2018.

3. Audit Committee: The Audit Committee met on the 18th September in Clonmel and 27th November in Nenagh and the following topics were covered:

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LAWCO update provided by Sean Keating, Director of Service. The program is lead jointly by Tipperary and Kilkenny County Council. Items covered included LAWCO background and set-up, LAWCO new implementation structure and rebranding, LA waters catchment assessment team and roll out plan and Funding

NOAC Reports: o Local Authority Satisfaction Survey 2018 o Internal Audit in Local Authorities o Review of 2015 Statutory Audit Reports to the Members of Local Authorities o Operation of Audit Committees in Local Government

Community and Enterprise update provided by Pat Slattery, Director of Service. Items covered included: Economic Development, Town Enhancement Schemes, Broadband Plans, LEO Enterprise Office, LCDC, Leader Programme, Youth Mental Health Support

2018 Internal Audit Plan progress update Progress update on implementation of the outstanding Audit recommendations Finance update provided Liam McCarthy, HOF. Planning Director provided an update on the progress being made regarding taking in

charge of unfinished housing estates; NOAC Performance Indicators Report 2018 Nenagh Municipal District Report Meeting with Chief Executive

4. Information Management

• FOI / Data Protection / Access to Information on the Environment / Ombudsman

Item 2017 2018 to date Freedom of Information Requests 119 135 Data Protection Requests 7 9 AIE Requests 8 4 Ombudsman Cases 15 7 Total Requests 149 155

5. Insurance Management

• Insurance Public Liability Claims

Period to 31/10/2018 87

Pothole Claims 170

Total Claims 257

6. Coroner Service

• Statistics for period to end of October 2018 No. of Deaths reported: 333 No. of Post mortems / Inquests: 133 No. of Undertaker removals: 111

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7. Customer Services / Communications

Average Wait Time – Phone = 18.9 secs

8. Register of Electors

The Draft Register of Electors 2019/2020 has now been published. The closing date for going on the Register is 25th November 2018. Any queries can be directed to Franchise Section, Civic Offices, Clonmel.

9. Local Electoral Area Boundary Changes I refer to the Local Electoral Area Boundary Committee No. 1 Report - 2018 published by Mr. John Paul Phelan T.D., Minister of State at the Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government, on 13 June 2018. The local electoral areas outlined in that Report, and the number of members to be elected for each electoral area, will apply at the next local elections which are due to be held in late May 2019. A copy of the Report, is also available at www.boundarycommittee.ie and a further copy of the Report has also been circulated to the Cathaoirleach and each member of the Council.

Email, 2,004

Phonecalls 19,900

CRMS, 3,911

Customer Service Desk Activity for September & October 2018

2 9 10 14 23 35 45 49 93 97 104 132 180 207 318 320 334 410 466

1,063 Customer Service Desk

New CRM Cases September & October 2018

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The Orders to give effect to these recommended electoral areas are currently being drafted by the Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government and a copy of the draft Schedule of the Order for County Tipperary is set out hereunder for your information. A revised Polling Scheme is being prepared and will come before the Council in early 2019.

Name of Local Electoral Area

Description of Local Electoral Area (LEA)

No. of Members to

be elected for each LEA

Cahir

The electoral divisions of Ardfinnan, Ballybacon, Ballyporeen, Burncourt, Caher, Clogheen, Coolagarranroe, Derrygrath, Kilcommon, Kilcoran, Killadriffe, Knockgraffon, Mortlestown, Newcastle, Tubbrid, Tullaghmelan and Tullaghorton

4

Carrick-on-Suir

The electoral divisions of Anner, Ardsallagh, Ballingarry (in the former Rural District of Slieveardagh), Ballyphilip, Ballysheehan, Carrickbeg Urban, Carrick-on-Suir Rural, Carrick-on-Suir Urban, Cloneen, Cooleagh, Crohane, Drangan, Farranrory, Fethard, Garrangibbon, Graystown, Killenaule, Kilmurry, Kilvemnon, Magorban, Modeshil, Mullinahone, New Birmingham, Newtown,

5

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Name of Local Electoral Area

Description of Local Electoral Area (LEA)

No. of Members to

be elected for each LEA

Peppardstown and Poyntstown.

Cashel – Tipperary

The electoral divisions of Ardmayle, Ballycarron, Ballygriffin, Ballykisteen, Bansha, Bruis, Cappagh, Cashel Rural, Cashel Urban, Clonbeg, Clonoulty East, Clonoulty West, Cullen, Curraheen, Donohill, Drumwood, Emly, Glengar, Golden, Kilfeakle, Killeenasteena, Kilmucklin, Kilpatrick, Lattin, Nodstown, Oughterleague, Rathlynin, Rodus, Shronell, Solloghodbeg, Templeneiry, Thomastown, Tipperary East Urban, Tipperary Rural and Tipperary West Urban.

7

Clonmel

The electoral divisions of Ballyclerahan, Clonmel East Urban, Clonmel Rural, Clonmel West Urban, Colman, Graigue (in the former Rural District of Cashel), Inishlounaght, Kilcash, Killaloan, Kilsheelan, Kiltinan, Lisronagh and Tullamain.

6

Nenagh

The electoral divisions of Aglishcloghane, Ardcrony, Ballingarry (in the former Rural District of Borrisokane), Ballygibbon, Ballylusky, Ballymackey, Borrisokane, Carrig, Cloghjordan, Cloghprior, Clohaskin, Finnoe, Graigue (in the former Rural District of Borrisokane), Kilbarron, Knigh, Lorrha East, Lorrha West, Mertonhall, Monsea, Nenagh East Urban, Nenagh Rural, Nenagh West Urban, Rathcabban, Redwood, Riverstown, Terryglass and Uskane.

5

Newport

The electoral divisions of Abington, Ballina, Ballynaclogh, Birdhill, Burgesbeg, Carrigatogher, Castletown, Derrycastle, Dolla, Foilnaman, Greenhall, Kilcomenty, Kilkeary, Killoscully, Kilmore, Kilnaneave, Kilnarath, Lackagh, Newport, Templederry and Youghalarra.

4

Roscrea – Templemore

The electoral divisions of Aghnameadle, Borrisnafarney, Borrisnoe, Borrisoleigh, Bourney East, Bourney West, Drom, Glenkeen, Killavinoge, Killea, Latteragh, Loughmore, Moyne, Rathnaveoge, Roscrea, Templemore, Templetouhy and Timoney.

4

Thurles The electoral divisions of Ballycahill, Ballymurreen, Buolick, Clogher, Fennor, Gaile, Gortkelly, Holycross, Inch, Kilcooly, Kilrush, Littleton, Longfordpass, Moyaliff, Moycarky, Rahelty, Thurles Rural, Thurles Urban, Two-Mile-Borris and Upperchurch.

5

Joe MacGrath Chief Executive Tipperary County Council December 2018