LONGFORDCOUNTYCOUNCIL

ANNUALREPORT

2015

2 3

AN

NU

AL

RE

PO

RT

2015

LON

GFO

RD

CO

UN

TY C

OU

NC

IL

CONTENTS INTRODUCTION PAGE 4

MEMBERS OF LONGFORD COUNTY COUNCIL PAGE 6

KEY FUNCTIONAL AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY PAGE 8

ECONOMIC & COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT, CORPORATE, CULTURAL & RECREATIONAL SERVICES, HUMAN RESOURCES, PLANNING & BUILDING CONTROL SERVICES AND LONGFORD MUNICIPAL DISTRICTPAGE 10

FINANCE & INFORMATION SYSTEMSPAGE 38

HOUSING, INFRASTRUCTURE & ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES, EMERGENCY SERVICES, BALLYMAHON MUNICIPAL DISTRICT & GRANARD MUNICIPAL DISTRICTPAGE 42

APPENDICESPAGE 56

4 5

AN

NU

AL

RE

PO

RT

2015

LON

GFO

RD

CO

UN

TY C

OU

NC

IL

Barbara HeslinA/Chief Executive

Cllr Gerry Warnock, Cathaoirleach

JOINT ADDRESS BY AN CATHAOIRLEACH & A/CHIEF EXECUTIVE.

WE WELCOME THE PUBLICATION OF LONGFORD COUNTY COUNCIL’S ANNUAL REPORT 2015. THE ANNUAL REPORT OUTLINES THE SCALE AND DIVERSITY OF THE ACTIVITIES WITHIN THE COUNCIL AND DEMONSTRATES THE COMMITMENT TO PROVIDING HIGH QUALITY, ACCESSIBLE AND INCLUSIVE SERVICES.

The difficult economic situation continues to present huge challenges to the organisation however despite this, the Council’s deficit has been progressively reduced in the intervening years with a small surplus in the Revenue account at the end of 2014, the Council hopes to be in a breakeven position for the year 2015.

Among the noteworthy achievements during the year were:

• The Official Opening of the new Fire Station in Lanesboro.• The adoption by the Elected Members of the Council’s Corporate Plan 2015-2019.• National Bridge Improvement/Replacement works to a value in excess of €1,000,000.• Regional and Local Road Restoration Projects to a value in excess of €3,000,000.• Center Parcs Planning Application, a project that is likely to transform Longford’s reputation as a tourist destination.• The harmonisation of rates for the former Longford Town Council with the County Council.• Health & Safety Accreditation to OHSAS 18001:2007 Standard as the first local authority countrywide to achieve

this accreditation.• 49 Unfinished Housing Estates successfully taken in charge by the Council by the end of 2015.• The appointment of a Regeneration Officer to drive regeneration initiatives for Longford.

Projects carried out by Longford County Council have contributed greatly to the wellbeing of the community at large. The assimilation of the County Enterprise Board functions into the new Local Enterprise Office is now firmly embedded within Longford County Council and forms an integral part of the Organisation’s strategic approach to supporting economic growth and the Council now has a strong remit to support economic and community development going forward.

The new Corporate Plan 2015-2019 will guide the work of the Council during its current term of elected office in accordance with 10 Strategic Objectives reflecting the Council’s mission –

“Longford County Council will lead Economic, Social and Community development by engaging with citizens and communities to improve quality of life and deliver customer focussed quality services.”

The achievements outlined in this Annual Report could not have been accomplished without the collective input of the Elected Members, the Cathaoirleach, the Corporate Policy Committee, Municipal District Committees, Members of the Strategic Policy Committees, the Management Team and Employees of Longford County Council, together with the many voluntary and community organisations with whom the Council interacts. It is only through their continued commitment that the organisation can face these challenges with confidence and their support and co-operation is gratefully acknowledged.

INTRODUCTION

Cllr Gerry Warnock, Cathaoirleach

Barbara Heslin A/Chief Executive

6 7

AN

NU

AL

RE

PO

RT

2015

LON

GFO

RD

CO

UN

TY C

OU

NC

IL

MEMBERS OF LONGFORD COUNTY COUNCILBALLYMAHON MUNICIPAL DISTRICT

GRANARD MUNICIPAL DISTRICT

BALLYMAHON

LONGFORD

GRANARD

Mick Cahill Mark Casey Gerard Farrell

Pat O’Toole Paul Ross Colm Murray

Micheál Carrigy Luie McEntireParaic Brady

John Duffy Martin Mulleady P.J. Reilly

LONGFORD MUNICIPAL DISTRICT

John Browne Seamus Butler Padraig Loughrey

Mae Sexton Peggy Nolan Gerry Warnock

8 9

AN

NU

AL

RE

PO

RT

2015

LON

GFO

RD

CO

UN

TY C

OU

NC

IL

Copyright AcknowledgementsIncludes Ordnance Survey Ireland data reproduced under OSi Licence Number 2010/29/CCMA/Longford County Council. Unauthorised Reproduction infringes Ordnance Survey Ireland and Government of Ireland Copyright.

The principal services of Longford County Council are provided within the following Directorate structure. The three Directorates cover the areas of:

ECONOMIC & COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT, CORPORATE, CULTURAL & RECREATIONAL SERVICES, HUMAN RESOURCES, PLANNING & BUILDING CONTROL AND LONGFORD MUNICIPAL DISTRICT

FINANCE & INFORMATION SYSTEMS

HOUSING, INFRASTRUCTURE & ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES, EMERGENCY SERVICES, BALLYMAHON MUNICIPAL DISTRICT & GRANARD MUNICIPAL DISTRICT

KEY FUNCTIONALAREAS OF

RESPONSIBILITY

10 11

AN

NU

AL

RE

PO

RT

2015

LON

GFO

RD

CO

UN

TY C

OU

NC

IL

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENTECONOMIC ENVIRONMENT The local economic environment is showing positive, if limited, signs of recovery. The LEO office continues to support the needs of small businesses and while the retail sector has been distressed for some time the industrial sector has proven itself to be fairly robust. Local employment opportunities are emerging across the industrial landscape and in sectors that were not previously strong within the County such as ICT. There are now 4 or 5 small but dynamic ICT firms in the County employing software graduates providing opportunities for young graduates to work outside the main urban centres.

The Center Parcs project continued to dominate the economic conversation locally with its potential to deliver well in excess of 500 jobs when it becomes fully operational. It has the potential to have a transformational impact on the Region impacting positively on many other sectors, particularly tourism.

The Council has launched a Regeneration Programme with a dedicated team looking at enhancing areas of the County that are currently considered economic black spots and in 2015 it also introduced a Business Incentive Scheme to give rates rebate on new businesses that occupy vacant units.

The gradual improvement in the national economy provides a degree of confidence in achieving future economic growth and the Council are actively engaged in promoting the County as an ideal location for inward investment.

LOCAL ENTERPRISE OFFICE Local Enterprise Offices (LEOs) were established in April 2014 as a function of local government. They act as the primary reference point for all queries related to business start-up and small business growth and offer a ‘First Stop Shop’ service to persons seeking information, advice, guidance or support in relation to micro-enterprise development.

The LEO office works in partnership with a range of other agencies to ensure that people can quickly access the most relevant supports linked to their needs at a particular time and it strives at all times to promote the value of entrepreneurs and entrepreneurship in helping to grow local economies.

The LEO Longford works closely with its target audience to drive the development of local enterprise, placing local small firms at the heart of job creation. It delivers a diverse range of supports in a focussed manner, building close professional relationships that result in clients repeatedly using the LEO office as a resource.

2015 was a productive year for LEO Longford. Job numbers in firms supported directly by the LEO Longford office grew by 76. In addition it approved 31 projects for direct financial assistance during the year.

In 2015, LEO Longford ranked in the top ten of the highest Customer Care score and satisfaction ratings (100%) in Ireland. LEO Longford aims to build on this and continue to deliver high quality and multi-varied services and supports to its ever expanding customer and client bases throughout Longford.

The LEO continued to roll-out its range of soft support measures to include training, mentoring and in-company supports. In 2015 over 73 participants availed of mentoring support while 331 participants availed of some form of structured training.

These supports were designed to be delivered in a flexible manner and tailored specifically to meet the needs of new and growing enterprises. Dedicated programmes were designed and run to support target groups such as Back to Enterprise Clients, Food Sector, Engineering Sector along with established business up-skilling.

The LEO Longford continued to promote Government initiatives designed to stimulate local enterprise particularly Employer Job Incentive Schemes and Access to Credit Schemes. In the area of education the LEO Longford continued to support the Student Enterprise Programme as a primary vehicle for instilling an understanding and appreciation of enterprise into our young people. It also continued to support the National Enterprise Awards as a high profile opportunity to highlight the achievements of small businesses and entrepreneurs.

Councillor Seamus ButlerChairperson, Economic Development and Enterprise SPC

Councillor Mae SextonChairperson, Planning & Development and Cultural SPC

Ciaran MurphyA/Director of Services

ECONOMIC & COMMUNITY

DEVELOPMENT, CORPORATE, CULTURAL & RECREATIONAL SERVICES,

HUMAN RESOURCES, PLANNING &

BUILDING CONTROL& LONGFORD MUNICIPAL

DISTRICT

12 13

AN

NU

AL

RE

PO

RT

2015

LON

GFO

RD

CO

UN

TY C

OU

NC

IL

COUNTY LONGFORD TOURISMCounty Longford Tourism, the representative body of all tourism interests within County Longford has an ambitious programme of work to be undertaken between 2016 - 2020. A programme of work outlined in its previous strategy was undertaken from 2010 up to the end of 2015 and following the completion of this work, it undertook a review of the tourism sector within the County with a view to determine priority actions and objectives to cover the next period.

Since 2010, County Longford Tourism developed key tourism infrastructure projects such as the Royal Canal Walkway and the South County Cycle Trail. It also delivered a marketing strategy for the County which included a new website, developing a social media presence, new promotional materials and maps and they have sought to promote the County through the delivery of walking and waterway festivals. County Longford Tourism continue to operate a full time year round Tourist Information Office in Longford Town and with support from Longford County Council, they employ a Tourism Officer.

As well as acting as a promoter of all local festivals and events, County Longford Tourism also facilitated the delivery of training to tourism providers and has sought to increase the investment in tourism locally by accessing funding from as many sources as possible. Highlights from 2015 included the running of the Blueways Festival in Clondra, the upgrade of further sections of the Royal Canal Walkway and the continued development of a series of cycling and driving tourism routes throughout the County.

Separately, Longford County Council was a key partner in the Upper Shannon Blueways project that attracted REDZ funding to promote the Blueways brand along our extensive network of waterways. In addition 2015 was the year that Center Parcs confirmed its decision to locate its only Irish resort in County Longford, a project that has the potential to transform the tourism landscape in the County. Further planning also took place during the year for the proposed Mid-Shannon Wilderness Park that will hopefully materialise once the commercial bogs are exhausted by Bord na Mona.

While tourism resources are limited at present, different stakeholders involved in tourism are looking forward to a new chapter where tourism will be better recognised as an economic contributor and will therefore benefit from greater resource allocations.

County Longford has enormous potential as a visitor destination. Naturally scenic with an accessible diverse landscape, the County can currently offer visitors an authentic experience of seeing Ireland at its most natural. There are some excellent visitor attractions and accommodation options across the County offering visitors a chance to explore local history and heritage, experience the great outdoors through leisure pursuits, enjoy family time and explore a range of natural waterways including the Royal Canal, River Camlin, and Lough Ree.

CONNOLLY BARRACKS COMMITTEE The Connolly Barracks Sub Committee has continued to play an important role in overseeing the possible future development of the Barracks site, in managing tenancy agreements and in authorising short-term usage of the facility. The Committee comprises representatives of local groups currently housed on the site and groups that have an interest in seeing the site developed for the benefit of the citizens of Longford. It includes representatives from Longford Historical Society, O.N.E, Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann, ICA as well as elected members and Local Authority officials. In 2015 the Committee oversaw the REDZ application that resulted in a spend of approximately €200,000 on infrastructural and upgrade works on the site and it is working closely with the newly formed Regeneration Team within Longford County Council on developing a master plan for the site.

COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT

LOCAL COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE Under the Local Government Act 2014, a Local Community Development Committee (LCDC) was established as a committee of Longford County Council. In 2015, The LCDC was responsible for three main bodies of work:

1. Oversight of the Social Inclusion Community Activation Programme (SICAP) - a 3-year programme funded by the Department of Environment, Community & Local Government (DECLG) and delivered by Longford Community Resources Ltd (LCRL) on behalf of the LCDC in Longford. The budget for 2015 was €383,669.

2. Establishing a Local Action Group (LAG) in conjunction with LCRL and submitting an Expression of Interest for the LEADER programme for Longford (part of the Rural Development Plan 2014-2020). A Local Development Strategy was devised based on extensive consultations. This Strategy has now been submitted to the DECLG for assessment before progress can made onto the next stage. The budget for the 5-year programme is €7,597,623.07

3. Agreeing the actions for the Community Element of the Local Economic & Community Plan (LECP) a number of meetings and workshops were held with the internal working group over the year.

There were a total of 6 meetings of the LCDC in 2015. There are 19 members on the Local Community Development Committee drawn from 4 Sectors:

SECTOR MEMBERS

Local Authority Elected members Cllr. Colm Murray (Chairperson),Cllr Mark Casey, Cllr. Martin Mulleady, Cllr. Gerry Warnock

Local Authority Officials Tim Caffrey, Chief ExecutiveMichael Nevin, Head of Local Enterprise Office

State Agencies Ms. Grainne Nic Gabhainn, Health Service ExecutiveMr. Des Henry, Department of Social ProtectionDr. Christy Duffy, Longford/Westmeath Education & Training Board

Local Community Development Adrian Greene, Manager Longford Community Resources Ltd.

Social Inclusion Seamus Orr, Spring lawn Residents GroupLouise Lovett, Longford Women’s Link

Community & Voluntary Tess Murphy, Ballinamuck Community Enterprise SocietyJoe Murphy, Dromard Rural Development Association

Environmental Interests Ray Hogan, Longford Environmental Alliance

Other civic society or local Community interests

Fintan Mc Gill, Business /Employers sectorSean Hannon, Farming/Agriculture sectorSeadna Ryan, County Longford TourismJoe Flaherty, Longford Business Forum

PUBLIC PARTICIPATION NETWORK In 2015, 97 community groups registered with the County Longford Public Participation Network (PPN). The Secretariat consisting of 9 members, held 16 meetings in 2015 and attended a number of regional meetings hosted by the Department of Environment, Community & Local Government and Social Justice Ireland.

The Secretariat is supported by a part time Resource Worker. A work plan was agreed for 2015 which included the following areas of work: reviewing the process of electing community representatives through linkage groups onto Council structures and outside bodies, approving membership applications and the day to day running of the PPN.

The following Linkage groups were established in 2015 and community representatives were elected on to the following structures:

• Longford Sports Partnership (1)• County Longford Heritage Forum (1)• Housing Strategic Policy Committee (3) • Economic Development & Enterprise Strategic Policy Committee (1)• Infrastructure & Environment Strategic Policy Committee (1)• Planning and Development and Cultural Strategic Policy Committee (2)• Longford Volunteer Centre(1)• Citizen Information Service (1)• Longford County Childcare Committee (1)

Eleven monthly E-bulletin’s were circulated in 2015 as part of the PPN Communication Strategy as well as establishing the PPN website and Facebook page. In 2015 the PPN participated and supported the rollout of the Age Friendly Alliance Strategy, The Little Things Campaign (HSE) and Eircode. The PPN widely promoted and participated in the Local Economic Community Plan and the Rural Development Programme consultations.

LONGFORD COMHAIRLE NA NÓG In 2015, the Community and Enterprise Section of Longford County Council secured funding from the Office for the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs to enhance Comhairle na nÓg. The Comhairle is supported by Foróige and provides a forum for structured input into decision–making by young people in the development of local services and policies. Longford Comhairle na nÓg Steering Committee is chaired by Councillor Mae Sexton and held 4 meetings during 2015. The main focus of the meetings is on developing members’ skills and

on how to influence policy. The Comhairle consists of 25 members who met 46 times during 2015 – 40 full group meetings and 6 subgroup meetings. During the year members participated in a variety of workshops and received training on committee skills, communication and presentation skills, facilitation, cyber safety, bullying and mental health.

Members of the Secretariat

Cathaoirleach Cllr. Gerry Warnock with the newly

elected Comhairle members.

14 15

AN

NU

AL

RE

PO

RT

2015

LON

GFO

RD

CO

UN

TY C

OU

NC

IL

The Comhairle’s Annual General Meeting took place on 22 October 2015 in the Longford Arms Hotel. The day was a huge success with 100 young people attending from all the post primary schools and representatives from youth groups and organisations around the County. Councillor Seamus Butler, Cathaoirleach of Longford Municipal District and Councillor Mae Sexton spoke at the event and highlighted the importance of young people in making a difference at local and national level. Five workshops were held on the day covering a range of topics including equality, education, community and centenary celebrations and 16 new Comhairle members were elected. Councillor Gerry Warnock, Cathaoirleach of Longford County Council closed the AGM and wished all the newly elected members well in their new positions on the Comhairle na nÓg for 2015/2016.

JOINT POLICING COMMITTEESThe Joint Policing Committee (JPC) is a body established under the Garda Siochana Act 2005 to serve as a forum where local authority representatives, Oireachtas members and community and voluntary interests work together with senior Garda Officers to discuss and make recommendations on matters affecting the policing of the County. County Longford JPC is chaired by Councillor Gerry Warnock. The Committee held 3 meetings during 2015 on 6th February, 12th June and 11th September. The Committee are working together to develop a 6-year Strategic Plan for County Longford.

NATIONAL PRIDE OF PLACE COMPETITIONPride of Place is a competition which is directed towards recognising improvements by local communities to create civic pride in their area. The aim of the “Pride of Place” competition is to encourage best practice, innovation and leadership in providing vibrant sustainable communities that improve the quality of life for all. The nomination process to the All Island competition is undertaken through the Local Authorities.

In 2015, Longford County Council nominated 3 entrants; Ballymahon Day and Resource Centre which provides activities and supports to older people, Drumlish Enhancement Group which is an umbrella group that seeks to improve the physical and social life of Drumlish, and Edgeworthstown District Development Association. Judging took place in September at which each Group was required to make a presentation highlighting the range of activities and projects they had undertaken. In November a national Gala Awards ceremony was held in Ennis, County Clare to celebrate the achievements of the Groups. Edgeworthstown District Development Association won a special national prize. The judges noted the Group’s strategic and collaborative approach and saw it as a fine example of community led development.

LONGFORD ‘DEAD OF NIGHT’ HALLOWEEN FESTIVAL On Halloween evening, the dark streets of Longford came alive with a riot of colour, music and noise as the 10th Annual ‘Dead of Night’ festival swung into action. This year there were some fantastic floats that came from Castlerea Festival Committee, which gave a real carnival atmosphere to the event. The parade made its way down St. Mel’s School Avenue and up New Street. There was a great attendance again this year with lots of fun stalls, entertainers and large inflatables. The Halloween Evening Festival is the final part of the bigger ‘Dead of Night’ project which joins the resources, manpower and expertise of Longford County Council, the HSE, An Garda Siochána, Longford Volunteer Centre and Longford Tidy Towns and includes safe talks in schools, art competitions and lantern making.

COMMUNITY TOURISM DIASPORA INITIATIVE 2015The initiative, launched in 2014, builds on the community involvement legacy of The Gathering 2013 and is a joint partnership between IPB Insurance, Fáilte Ireland and Local Authorities. The key objective of the initiative is to provide support to local and community event organisers and activities or projects that will harness diaspora links for the benefit of local and community tourism going forward.

Various types of community events can be considered for funding, but they must be focussed on developing strong diaspora links with the community. Funding received is directly linked to the number of overseas visitors the events brings. Funding is a minimum of €500 and maximum of €3000.

In 2015, Longford County Council approved grant applications to 30 diverse community events and activities, with financial support of €33,000 in total. These ranged from weekend festivals, to information nights, community get-togethers, rural life and heritage activities and reunion events.

CORPORATE SERVICESFREEDOM OF INFORMATION REQUESTS 2015 A total of 59 ‘Freedom of Information’ requests were received by Longford County Council during 2015 from a mixed source of business people, journalists, clients and other persons.

ACCESS TO INFORMATION ON THE ENVIRONMENT REQUESTS 2015Five ‘Access to Information on the Environment’ requests were received and processed in 2015.

FRANCHISE A person must be at least 18 years of age on the day the Register comes into force (15th February) and must be ordinarily resident at the address at which he/she wishes to be registered on 1st September preceding the coming into force of the Register. A person may be included on a Supplement to the Register if the person reaches 18 years of age on or before Polling Day and meets the requirements in relation to residence.

Every resident, irrespective of their nationality, who is 18 years or older is entitled to be included on the Register of Electors.

The numbers registered to vote on the 2015/2016 Register of Electors were:

LOCAL ELECTORAL AREA NUMBER Ballymahon 10,388 Granard 10,775 Longford 9,364 Total: 30,527

During 2015, one Supplement to the Register of Electors was prepared in advance of the Marriage Equality / Age of Eligibility for Election to the Office of President Referenda held in May 2015.

OFFICIAL LANGUAGES ACT 2003 During 2015, the Irish Language Development Officer undertook many activities in relation to the Irish Language as detailed hereunder.

• Seachtain na Gaeilge was celebrated in March 2015 by holding a lunchtime celebration of the Irish language at Longford Branch Library. The event, which was attended by both Council employees and members of the public, included music, song and poetry. It was decided during that gathering that a Ciorcal Comhrá would be held in the library on the first Wednesday of each month for one hour at lunchtime to give both Council employees and members of the public an opportunity to use the Irish language and to improve their fluency in the language. The Ciorcal Comhrá, which is coordinated by the Irish Language Development Officer, is running successfully since March and hopefully will continue to meet in 2016.

• Seachtain na Gaeilge was also marked by holding a series of quizzes in the Irish language in four of the branch libraries. The quizzes are always very popular with Primary school children as they celebrate their knowledge of Irish in a fun manner.

• In May 2015, Foras Na Gaeilge made available a once-off fund of €35,000 to support libraries around the country for the purpose of organizing literary events with Irish language writers/authors and to increase the number of Irish language books on library shelves. Each library could apply for support up to a maximum value of €500 for an event involving one writer/author and up to a maximum value of €1,000 for an event in which more than one writer/author participated. The funding was provided to cover the writer/author’s fee and the cost of books only. The Irish Language Development Officer was successful in securing a grant of €500 for an author visit and €200 for the purchase of Irish Language books. A series of workshops were organized by library staff for local schools with Irish language author Niall De Búrca during Children’s Book Week.

• During the Bealtaine Festival an entertaining event based around the Irish language was provided for senior citizens in four branch libraries. Tadhg Mac Dhonnagáin, publisher with Futa Fata, author of several books and TV personality led a lively discussion about the Irish language and the origin of Irish words, phrases and traditions.

• In August 2015 and event entitled “Ár dteanga agus ár nOidhreacht, Ceiliúradh ar ár dTeanga Náisiúnta” which was hosted by Dónall Mac Billing was held in Longford Branch Library as part of the celebrations for Heritage Week. Dónall also gave a presentation on multimedia applications in the Irish Language in Longford branch library in July.

During 2015 the Irish Language Development Officer, attended an information seminar organised for Irish Language Officers by the Irish Language Commissioner’s Office. The seminar included an overview of the Official Languages Act 2003.

Ballinamuck Olde Fair Day August 2015

Cruthú Arts FestivalJuly 2015

16 17

AN

NU

AL

RE

PO

RT

2015

LON

GFO

RD

CO

UN

TY C

OU

NC

IL

HEALTH & SAFETYAchieving workplace safety across a business as diverse as Longford County Council is a challenge. Managing health and safety can only be accomplished through the commitment of all employees. Longford County Council is committed to providing a safe and healthy workplace through continuous improvement and includes health and safety as an integral part of business.

CERTIFICATION TO OHSAS 18001:2007In November 2014, Longford County Council was awarded certification of registration of the Occupational Health and Safety Management System to OHSAS 18001:2007 by the National Standard Authority of Ireland (NSAI).

OHSAS 18001:2007 is an internationally recognised standard for the management of Occupational Health and Safety. It is intended to assist Longford County Council to:

• Provide a safe place of work for all employees• Comply with legal requirements and • Control and manage health and safety risks associated with the work activities of the Council.

Longford County Council is the first County Council in the country recommended for certification to OHSAS 18001:2007 for cross organisational processes.The following departments were included within the scope of the audit:

• Building Maintenance• Corporate Services• Housing• Human Resources• Libraries• Roads• Water Services• Unfinished Housing Estates

This is a very important achievement for Longford County Council and demonstrates the commitment to the management and continuous improvement of health and safety to make Longford County Council a safer place for all employees.

The certification to OHSAS 18001:2007 was presented to the Chief Executive Tim Caffrey by Maria McKeon (NSAI) in Aras an Chontae on the 14th May 2015. All employees of the Council were invited to the presentation. Guest and speakers included Martin O’Halloran, HSA; Chris Gavigan, LGMA; Rosemary Ryan, IPB; Mary Gouldsbury, Health and Safety Officer.

REGULATORY INSPECTIONSThere were no inspections from the HSA in 2015. The Road Safety Authority (RSA) carried out 3 roadside audits and 1 desktop audit in 2015.

SUMMARY OF ACCIDENT/INCIDENTS REPORTS FOR 2015The reporting of accidents and incidents is an important element of the safety management system and is used as a tool for identifying areas for continuous improvement.

A total of 18 accidents and incidents were reported during the year 2015.

There were 5 Incidents relating to Violence and Aggression experienced by employees in dealing with members of the public in carrying out their duties. A number of proactive measures have been taken to address this issue including a presentation by An Garda Síochána to Employees of the Council, and training. Longford County Council work closely with the Gardai to monitor violence and aggression towards employees. SAFETY STATEMENT/RISK ASSESSMENTSThe Safety Statement is a document that every employer and County Council is legally obliged to have and must specify how the County Council manages health and safety. There are currently 52 pieces of legislation that apply to Longford County Council for the management of health and safety which can make the safety statement a complex document.

The Longford County Council Safety Statement was updated during 2015 and awarded the ‘Plain English’ mark from the National Adult Literacy Agency. Plain English is a way of presenting information that helps someone understand it the first time they read or hear it. Longford is the first County Council in the country to receive the ‘Plain English’ mark for the Safety Statement.

Risk Assessments require completion for all work activities and buildings owned and/or operated by Longford County Council employees. A continuous programme for the completion, review, update and communication of risk assessments is in place for implementation within all sections of Longford County Council.

SAFETY INSPECTIONSIn 2015, Longford County Council continued with the Safety Inspection Program which sets out a programme of work for safety inspections to be completed at fixed and mobile work locations. The Inspections are carried out by each Directorate and a report is provided to the Management Team on a quarterly basis. There were 346 safety inspections were carried out during 2015. The Inspections are a useful tool for determining compliance with Health and Safety requirements within the organisation. Any non compliance or issues identified in the Safety Inspections are added to an Action Tracking List by each section to ensure that all actions identified are addressed and satisfactorily closed by each section.

HEALTH AND SAFETY AUDITINGIn 2015, Longford County Council continued auditing of the health and safety management system. 12 days of auditing were completed in 2015. Auditing is an independent, systematic and thorough review of all elements of the safety management system. This involved an external auditor collecting information to determine the reliability and effectiveness of the safety management system. This is a useful process and assists the County Council achieve its objectives of legal compliance by bringing a systematic, disciplined approach to improve the effectiveness of health and safety management through continuous improvement

As part of the Certification to OHSAS 18001:2007, surveillance audits are carried out by the NSAI. In November 2015, 2 Auditors visited 9 sites in addition to reviewing documentation prepared by each section and the health and safety section.

HEALTH AND SAFETY TRAININGTraining is a key element of promoting a positive safety culture and developing good safety procedures on the job. In 2015, 642 places on 93 Health and Safety Training courses were filled by employees of Longford County Council. The training courses held included Commercial Vehicle and Road Worthiness Training, Safepass, Lawnmower, Strimmer/Brushcutter, First Aid Refresher, Confined Spaces, Safety Representative Refresher Training, Abrasive Wheels Refresher, and Safe Use of Herbicides & Pesticides training.

COMMUNICATION AND CONSULTATIONThe Council consults and communicates with employees using the following methods:

• Preparation of Risk Assessments and Standard Operating Procedures• Monthly safety reports;• Line managers’ toolbox talks;• Safety representatives;• Safety Monitoring Consultative;• Committee meetings (in each department);• Safety Management Committee meetings; and• Management Team meetings.

The Safety Monitoring Consultative Committee Meetings were held in each Directorate on a quarterly basis. Each Committee is chaired by the Director, and includes elected Safety Representatives, Line Managers and the Health and Safety Officer. This process allows for specific safety issues within each Directorate to be discussed. It is a legal requirement to have this process in place for addressing health and safety issues and giving safety representatives an opportunity to raise safety issues on behalf of their work colleagues.

Safety Management Team Meetings were held 4 times during the year to address issues raised at the Safety Monitoring Consultative Committee Meetings. This meeting is also used evaluate compliance with the health and safety legislation and to review progress on the Annual Programme of Works. The intranet is used as a communication tool for up to date content of the Safety Management System.

The Health and Safety Officer attends the Management Team meeting each month and provides an update on accidents and incidents, operational issues and national developments in Health and Safety.

The Safety Report is prepared each month by the Health and Safety Officer and circulated to all employees. This is an effective way of communicating relevant information in relation to Health and Safety matters to all employees and contributes to the development of a positive health and safety culture with all employees. CONTRACTORSLongford County Council continues to assess Contractors that work on their behalf in accordance with the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work (Construction) Regulations, 2013. Every Contractor completes a Health and Safety Questionnaire and this is assessed by Longford County Council to determine their competency and compliance with Health and Safety requirements. There are currently 297 contractor assessments completed, 39 of these contractors were reviewed and completed a re-assessment in 2015.

2015 - WORKPLACE FATALITIES IN IRELANDThere were 55 people killed in work related accidents last year. Longford County Council remains fully committed to managing health and safety and will continue to develop the Safety Management System to ensure a safe place of work for all its employees and members of the public.

18 19

AN

NU

AL

RE

PO

RT

2015

LON

GFO

RD

CO

UN

TY C

OU

NC

IL

HEALTH AND SAFETY AWARDS 2015This is the first year that Longford County Council entered the Safety Management System for any awards. These awards recognise how organisations manage health and safety.

The Council applied for the following awards:

THE NATIONAL IRISH SAFETY ORGANISATION AWARDS NISO have held safety awards for the last 24 years and these awards have become very important for all companies in Ireland. This year more than 120 companies entered the awards including three other Councils. To enter the awards, the Council had to make a submission under 10 sections and provide evidence of compliance with each of the sections. There were 4 categories of awards and the Council were shortlisted for the top category. The Council received the President’s Award for New Entrant which is one of the top awards. It would not have been possible to win this award without the commitment and input of all employees.

THE NATIONAL IRISH SAFETY ORGANISATION SAFETY REPRESENTATIVE OF THE YEARJohn Byrne (Water Services) was entered as Safety Representative of the Year 2015 for his long service and his continued commitment and contribution to the role of Safety Representative. There were over 30 applications and John was narrowly beaten by a Safety Representative from Coca Cola.

THE PLAIN ENGLISH AWARDSThe Council’s Safety Statement was among the winners of the first ever Plain English awards organised by National Adult Literacy Agency (NALA) and sponsored by leading law form Mason Hayes & Curran. These awards recognise examples of documents that use Plain English that helps someone understand it the first time they read or hear it

THE EXCELLENCE IN LOCAL GOVERNMENT AWARDSLongford County Council were among the winners at this year’s Excellence in Local Government Awards. These Awards recognise best practice in Local Government and allow County Councils to submit examples of good work projects throughout the year. The Council’s Safety Statement application required the Council to provide information on the aims and objectives of the project, the delivery of the project, the communication, innovation and the effectiveness of the project.

CULTURAL & RECREATIONAL SERVICES

LONGFORD ARTS OFFICEMUSICSupport Little Blue Room

- music ProgrammeLittle Blue Room is a live music venue established in John Brown’s Bar, Market Square by a group of volunteers. It is a not-for-profit initiative to support the de-velopment of live performances of the spoken work and of music in the County.

Longford Jazz Club Established on a voluntary basis to host a small number of small-scale live jazz events to cater for the local jazz audience. Events are held in the Canal Studio Backstage.

Longford Choral Activity Choral music is very strong in Longford. • 60 member Longford County Choir, • 30 member Innyside Singers Ballymahon, • Cathedral Choir, • Tang-Newtowncashel-Scramogue Music Group • Numerous church choirs. • Provided financial and promotional supports to all of these groups.

Traditional Music Supported Edgeworthstown-based Se Chairde youth music group in national competition.Supported County Longford Fleadh Cheoil 2015Supported Springlawn Children’s Step Dancing ProgrammeSupported Sean nos dancing workshops in Longford primary schools

Contemporary Music Supported Celtic Chique professional development tour to the USA.Provided financial support to Longford Battle of the Bands.

School of Rock Supported this innovative initiative for young rock musicians in partnership with LWETB.

CREATIVE WRITING/LITERATURECreative Writing Groups Longford has more creative writers per head of population than any county

in Ireland. Some work on a solitary basis but most are involved in the record number of writers groups.The County Arts Office provides a range of services and supports to:

• Moate-side Writers Group Granard• Lasrai Writers Centre Lanesborough• Goldsmith Writers Group Ballymahon• Wordsmiths Writers Group Longford • Edgeworth Writers Group Edgeworthstown

Anne Skelly Memorial Bursary

Inaugural memorial bursary to Annaghmakerrig Artists Centre awarded to emerging Longford Writer Alan McMonagle.

Short story Mentoring Programme

Established a ten-week creative writing programme in the skills of short story writing in Ardagh Creativity Centre mentored by emerging Longford novelist Alan McMonagle.

Respond 1 Created a project whereby; 10 Longford writers were presented with one piece of work by ten Longford artists and were asked to create a literary response to the piece within a given period. The Project resulted in a successful Exhibition, Literary reading and Publication.

Poetry Outdoors Engaged Longford Poet to give a number of outdoor poetry workshops in the Saints Island Shannon Callows area of Longford. The Objective was to explore the influence of nature on the creative process.

Backstage Readings Organised as series of reading by local and outside writers in partnershipwith the Backstage Theatre.

Can you Hear What I See? Literary-fine art project grew out of Respond 1. Poet responded to the abstract painting of a local non-verbal St. Christopher’s student. Result in Publication, exhibition and readings in Longford and Athlone.

20 21

AN

NU

AL

RE

PO

RT

2015

LON

GFO

RD

CO

UN

TY C

OU

NC

IL

VISUAL ARTS PAINTINGCharlie Cullen Retro-spective Exhibition

Charlie Cullen is Emeritus Professor of Painting at the National College of Art and Design and is Longford’s greatest living artist so it was felt that it was appropriate that he should be recognised and acknowledged with a life-time retrospective exhibition in the Atrium Gallery.

Longford Undergraduate Art Student Exhibition

As is the case with most rural counties we lose a very large proportion of our youth to education and employment outside the county. This is an effort to retain some connection between our art students and their home county.

Cruthu Arts Festival Supported the visual arts programme of this very successful multi-disciplinary Summer festival.

Can You Hear What I See? Visual Arts & Poetry

Two artists were paired in the respond 1 Project Brendan Duffy a painter and non-verbal service user in St. Christopher’s and an Athlone poet continued to work collaboratively when the Respond 1 project ended. They produced an exhibition of Brendan’s Paintings and a collection of Jackie’s poetry and Longford and Westmeath Arts Offices jointly funded the production of a commemorative chapbook.

Culture Night Supported the visual art element of Culture Night Programme.

Masks Organised an Exhibition of Panting Drawing Photography and Dance performed by Longford/Polish artist Angelika Sowul in partnership with The Atrium Gallery.

Engage Supported the various exhibitions of the new Longford artists collective.

PHOTOGRAPHYExpressions Internation-al Portrait Photography Competition & Exhibition

This has turned out to be the real success of the year. Using our experience in IT and arts we advertised our portrait photography competition on the internet and ran the entire project through the internet. We had submissions from the US, Canada, Mexico, Israel, Austria and the UK. The over-all winner was an American photographer from San Francisco. On the night of the exhibition and Awards ceremony we connected with the winner by satellite link.

Longford Schools Photogra-phy Programme-2015

This is Ireland’s largest and longest running schools art educational programme. It is in its sixth year and involves six of the seven secondary schools in Longford.

Longford Schools Pho-tography Publication

Each year the Schools Photography participants try to run at least onemajor project. This year it was a photography publication on a theme of ability/disability entitled; Together we are Stronger.The students organised the project took the photographs sold the books and donated the proceeds to St. Christopher’s.

PUBLIC ARTLanesborough Fire Station Completed the commissioning of a public art feature by Longford artist

Ed Walshe to celebrate the opening of the Lanesborough Fire Station.

Strokestown Road Complete the commissioning of a public art feature by Leitrim based artists Joe & Patrick Walker on behalf of Cluid as part of the St. Michael’s Road Area Regeneration. To be installed on Tuesday 2nd February 2016.

FESTIVALSExpressions International Portrait Photogra-phy Competition and Awards 2015

Established this highly successful on-line international competitionOrganised exhibition and awards ceremony as part of Crothu 2015.[See Visual Arts –Photography]

Crothu 2015 Established this multi-disciplinary festival in 2013. Supported: • Visual arts exhibitions• Temporary public art exhibitions • Photography exhibitions

Ardagh Fright Fest 2015 Assisted in the establishment of this Halloween festival. Supported• Photographic Exhibition • Gothic literature workshops and readings• Schools project

Edgeworth Literary Festival Supported a series of literary readings in this rejuvenated literary event.

Goldsmith Summer School Have supported the literary programme of this festival for 20 years.

Lough Ree Environmen-tal Summer School

Established this event in 2002 have supported the arts festival elements ever since.

Culture Night Provided 50% funding towards the cost of the event.

National Poetry Day Scheduled a programme of Schools readings by professional poets and adult readings in Ardagh Creativity Centre in the evening.

ARTS & ITwww.visuallongford.ie Compiled and uploaded content to promote the visual arts in Longford.

www.longfordmusic.ie Updated and expanded the site which showcases the best of local traditional music, contemporary music and classical music.

www.longforddigitalarts.ie Convert www.midlandcollegeofphotography.ie to new broadly based digital arts site operated the Expressions International Photography competition through this site.

www.virtualwriter.ie Up dated and expanded Ireland’s longest running literary website.

www.longfordcoco.ie Drafted proposals to update the content functionality and aesthetics of the Arts Office page on Longford County Council website and synchronised this with the sites above.

Facebook - County Longford Arts Services

Created a Facebook page for the service as a first step in improving digital marketing of the Arts Office digital offering.

DRAMAArtist in Residence BackstageTheatre

Provided funding for the appointment of a Director in Residence who worked with teenagers and young actors from the region in a production of a dramatised version of Pat McCabe’s “Frank Pig Says Hello”.

ADMINISTRATIVE TASKSCounty Arts Development Strategy 2015-2020

Commenced research and drafting of the next County Arts Development Strategy.

Arts Council Ap-plication 2016

Prepared a report on programme and project development carried out by the Arts Office in 2015 and identified projects for development in 2016 in which the Arts Council might consider funding.

Work Reports Prepared Report annual work programme completed in 2015 and devised a work programme for 2016.

Midlands Arts & Culture Magazine

Researched and compiled copy and images for two editions of the Midlands Arts & Culture Magazine.

22 23

AN

NU

AL

RE

PO

RT

2015

LON

GFO

RD

CO

UN

TY C

OU

NC

IL

PLAY AND RECREATION In 2015, 1 new playground was constructed in Newtownforbes. This facility was funded by Longford County Council, the Department of Children and Youth Affairs (DCYA) and through fundraising by the local playground committee. The local committee worked closely with Longford County Council in choosing the final design and in the selection of the site which was provided by a private landowner. The playground is managed by the Local Authority with the support of the community.

National Playday was held on 27th June 2015. There was a great turnout and the afternoon included games, arts and crafts, farm animals, puppets shows and magic. This event was supported by the DCYA, Longford Volunteer Centre, Longford County Childcare Committee, Community Garda, Longford Tidy Towns and many others.

LONGFORD COUNTY LIBRARY, HERITAGE AND ARCHIVES SERVICESLongford County Library, Archives and Heritage Service has gone from strength to strength over the past number of years with the number of visits recorded to our libraries this year exceeding 200,000 for the first time ever. This has been achieved through our ongoing commitment to the delivery of a modern, innovative community library service and an inclusive public service responsive to the needs of the individuals and communities we serve.

There are 6 branch libraries in the County: Longford, Edgeworthstown, Drumlish, Lanesboro, Ballymahon and Granard. Longford, Ballymahon and Granard are now operating on a fulltime basis. Granard and Ballymahon are both housed in beautifully restored old Market Houses and are focal points of community life in those towns. They host the Municipal District Meetings and Ballymahon also hosts the consultation meetings for Center Parcs.

BRANCH LIBRARY PROGRAMMEOur branch libraries are a community space accessible to all citizens with library staff supporting and facilitating the many groups and individuals availing of the facilities and services on offer. A host of exciting projects and events including exhibitions, lectures, readings, book launches as well as language, music, art and computer classes were held throughout the year. The library service continues to develop key partnerships with other statutory and community service providers and agencies in the County including Longford Women’s Link (LWL); Longford Older Persons Network, Longford Westmeath ETB, Longford Mental Health Association, HSE, and a host of other community groups.

An ongoing events programme that supports reader development, literacy and learning is rolled out each year for adults and children and over 200 events were held in branch libraries across the County throughout the year. These events are promoted on the Library website, on social media, in the local press and local radio. Among the most successful events in 2015 were:

• THE BEALTAINE FESTIVAL for older people in May, with over 500 people taking part in a wide range of events coordinated by the Library in partnership with Longford Older Person’s Network, Longford Gardaí and Longford/Westmeath Education and Training Board (ETB).

• THE SUMMER READING BUZZ is an initiative that encourages children to discover the joys of reading for pleasure as well as for study throughout the summer holidays was a great success this year. Over 2,000 books were read by children from all over the County who took part in the programme.

• THE ANNUAL CHILDREN’S BOOK FESTIVAL ran throughout the month of October with the main focus on nurturing a love of reading in children and young people through author visits, storytelling, and creative writing. 

• HERITAGE WEEK was a major event in the calendar of the Library, Heritage and Archives services this year with exhibitions and lectures being held in Granard and Longford Libraries and a very successful Heritage Day in Ballymahon.

ICT REPORT 2015Longford County Library continued to invest in ICT to provide enhanced access to library customers. Due to the increased demand for public internet and WiFI service, we upgraded our public internet booking system to include a self-book option for internet sessions. We continue to promote and increase usage of our self-issue facilities for book returns and issues to library customers in our fulltime branches in Longford, Granard and Ballymahon.We continued to liaise with the national Library Management System Implementation Team in preparation for the roll-out of the new system which commenced in 2015. Longford Library is in Phase 3 of this project which will be completed in late 2016. This is an important part of the OPPORTUNITIES FOR ALL programme offering library users nationwide a wider selection of e-books, e-magazines, e-newspapers and online learning courses in the most cost effective manner. All branch libraries in the County are now using social media to promote services and the library calendar of events to a growing audience.

Luke Baxter and the Innyside Singers, “John McCormack Music Recital”, Ballymahon Library

Lanesboro-Ballyleague 100 Years of Business, at Lanesboro Library

CAPITAL PROGRAMMEEdgeworthstown Library is identified by Longford County Council as the number one priority for library development when a new Capital funding programme is announced. Longford County Council is working in partnership with Edgeworthstown Development Cooperative who identified a suitable site in the centre of the town for a library. They have provided funding for a draft design, cost plan and the Part 8 Planning process has been completed to ensure that when funding becomes available the project can be progressed quickly.

2016 CENTENARY PROGRAMMEEach Local Authority was asked to organise and coordinate a county-wide programme of events to commemorate 1916. The Library Service was asked by Longford County Council to coordinate the programme for the County. A Centenary Committee was established, chaired by the Cathaoirleach and it received a great response to the call for all schools and communities to participate in the programme. The sum of €30,000 was allocated by the Department of Arts Heritage and the Gaeltacht with a further €15,000 pledged by Longford County Council towards the programme. This funding went towards workshops for schools, signage, small grants to community groups and the preparation of the programme for the year. The county-wide programme of events was launched in Backstage Theatre in November with a huge attendance and a packed programme of over 60 events planned for 2016.

COUNTY LONGFORD AGE FRIENDLY STRATEGYLongford Library was asked to play a lead role in the development of a County Longford Age Friendly Strategy and worked in partnership with other sections of the Local Authority including, Housing, Planning, Environment, Community and Enterprise etc. as well as other key agencies such as the HSE, Gardaí, Citizens Information, Longford Older Persons Network and Age Friendly Ireland to draw up the Strategy. A very successful consultation day for older people which targeted all the active retirement groups, nursing homes and all key stakeholders was held in June and the Strategy was launched by Declan Nerney in Longford Library in December. The next step in the process is the setting up of an Older Person’s Council in 2016.

TOWN TWINNINGThe town twinning programme between Longford Town and Noyal Chatillon sur Seiche Britanny, France which celebrated its 18th year in 2015 welcomed a delegation of 26 people from Noyal to Longford in May. The programme has been very successful because of the great support we receive from host families who welcome complete strangers into their homes and after a few days despite language barriers etc. have learned a lot about each others’ culture, language, education, food, music, traditions etc. and many become good friends. An important part of the programme is the Schools Exchange and in 2015 we facilitated a number of exchanges between students from both Longford and Noyal over the summer holidays.

An official twinning agreement between Longford and Huixquilucan Mexico was signed in Longford in March 2015 when the Cathaoirleach Mark Casey welcomed a small delegation from Huixquilucan, a town on the outskirts of Mexico City along with the San Patricio Pipe Band to officiate at the signing of the official twinning. This was facilitated by the Mexican Ambassador to Ireland to help build stronger economic and cultural links between our two towns. A small delegation from Longford led by the Cathaoirleach made a return visit to Huixquilucan in May and attended a number of meetings with Chamber of Commerce, international businesses and the Irish Embassy in Mexico. A followup visit by a delegation of 10 people from Huixquilucan was welcomed to Longford in July.

SHARED SERVICESThe Dept of Environment Community and Local Government proposed as part of the Local Government Reform Agenda to reduce the number of library authorities from 30 to 23 and to merge a number of smaller local authorities’ library services including Longford and Westmeath. This will mean one County Librarian leading a single management team in either Longford or Mullingar. No further progress has been made on this in 2015.

STAFFThis year we continued our support for people seeking work placements as part of their studies or return to work training programmes and in particular our cooperation with St. Christopher’s TASC job-coaching programme for people with disabilities. The library continues to host three people on the Gateway programme. I wish to acknowledge the cooperation and support of employees in all branch libraries for these programmes and the ongoing cooperation and flexibility of employees in ensuring that, except on rare occasions, our branch libraries remained open throughout the year despite severe staff shortages.

Relatives of the 14 Longford men and

women who took part in the Easter Rising 1916,

at the launch of the Ireland 2016 – Longford

programme at Backstage Theatre.

24 25

AN

NU

AL

RE

PO

RT

2015

LON

GFO

RD

CO

UN

TY C

OU

NC

IL

LONGFORD COUNTY ARCHIVES SERVICE REPORTThe County Archives Service had another productive year in 2015. It continued to expand its collections, assist the public and local authority staff with enquiries, and was involved in several outreach activities.

ARCHIVES ACQUIREDThe following collections were deposited:

• Various local authority archives from Longford, Ballymahon and Granard Poor Law Unions, Longford Rural District Council and Longford County Board of Health and Public Assistance (from County Longford Historical Society);

• Longford Town Council minutes, 2011-14, and Manager’s Orders, 1999-2013;• Deeds relating to Longford Town (Longford Town Council);• Correspondence and accounts from Longford Gas Company, early 1900s;• Carrickedmond ICA Guild minutes, reports and other items, 1980-2001;• Longford County Committee of Agriculture items, 1940s.

RECORDS MANAGEMENTThe Archivist conducted a survey of all Council departments in order to report on present and future requirements for records storage.

Records management continued in the Community and Enterprise Department and work began on the records of Longford Town Council.

THE CENTENARY OF THE 1916 RISINGAs a member of the County Longford Ireland 2016 Committee, the Archivist contributed to planning a programme of events to mark the centenary of the Easter Rising. He conducted research into the Longford men and women who served in the Rising and spoke at the following events:

• The public consultation meeting on the centenary programme, 21st April;• Seminar for primary school teachers, 14th October;• Seminar for post-primary school teachers, 20th October;• Seminar on women in the Rising, organised by Longford Women’s Link, 3rd November;• Backstage Youth Theatre Group, 9th November (as part of its work on an original drama production).

CENTENARY OF THE GALLIPOLI CAMPAIGNThe Archivist worked with the Heritage Officer in organising a project on Longford soldiers in Gallipoli for transition year classes. Students presented their work at an event in Longford Library on 24th April.

OUTREACH AND EDUCATIONAL ACTIVITIESThe following events took place:

• Talk on ‘Re-imagining Longford 1915’ to primary school group, 7th May;• Talk on folklore to Granard Area Historical Society, 21st May;• Visit to Maynooth University with delegation from Huixquilucan, Mexico, 22nd July;• Talk at the unveiling of two memorials in Granard to those executed in 1798, 6th September; • Visit of transition year class, Moyne Community School, to Library HQ, 23rd September;• Talk on ‘The 1916 Rising and Longford’ to fifth and sixth classes, St Theresa’s NS, Killoe, 25th November.

OTHER ACTIVITIESIn October, the Archivist began mentoring a trainee Archivist who is undertaking the MA in Historical Archives programme (now accredited as a training programme) at Maynooth University. The work placement continues two

days’ per week until early May 2016.

LONGFORD LIBRARY STATISTICAL REPORT 2015NUMBER OF REGISTERED LIBRARY MEMBERS

Library Branch Adult Child Student Second Level

Student Third Level

Other 2015 Total 2014 Total

Ballymahon 455 518 137 56 18 1,184 1,186

Drumlish 46 176 11 3 11 247 320

Edgeworthstown 41 179 10 7 5 242 278

Granard 265 381 63 43 31 783 874

Lanesboro 162 379 123 150 22 836 763

Longford 1,657 2,104 751 754 86 5,352 4,968

Total 2,685 3,804 1,112 1,035 174 8,810 8,389

NUMBER OF BOOKS BORROWED

Library Branch Fiction Non- Fiction

Childrens’ Teens Audio Foreign Language

2015 Total

2014 Total

Ballymahon 5,141 2 ,460 10,399 596 1,364 169 20,129 24,683

Drumlish 954 385 3,711 139 180 2 5,371 5,580

Edgeworthstown 417 195 2,806 103 80 ---- 3,601 5,405

Granard 3,276 1,489 6,640 283 1,014 ---- 12,702 10,676

Lanesboro 3,220 983 5,411 330 226 8 10,178 9,100

Longford 19,344 16,573 28,401 1,799 5,708 504 72,329 72,819

Total 32,352 22,085 57,368 3,250 8,572 683 124,310 126,209

NUMBER OF LIBRARY VISITS

Library Branch 2015 2014

Ballymahon 27,272 30,968

Drumlish 3,940 4,257

Edgeworthstown 1,999 5,595

Granard 19,981 11,593

Lanesboro 17,161 13,733

Longford 146,319 133,336

Total 216,672 199,482

NUMBER OF INTERNET SESSIONS

Library Branch Public PCs Wifi Sessions 2015 2014

Ballymahon 5,178 741 5,919 6,433

Drumlish 393 ---- 393 631

Edgeworthstown 360 ---- 360 380

Granard 2,289 1,185 3,474 1,368

Lanesboro 3,103 218 3,321 2,396

Longford 12,335 3,412 15,747 16,305

Total 23,658 5,556 29,214 27,513

26 27

AN

NU

AL

RE

PO

RT

2015

LON

GFO

RD

CO

UN

TY C

OU

NC

IL

LONGFORD HERITAGE OFFICEA number of significant projects were undertaken in County Longford to further the aims of the County Longford Heritage Office and to increase our knowledge and awareness of Longford’s diverse heritage stock and potential threats to its long-term survival. These included:

THE BLACK PIGS DYKE RESEARCH PROJECT – PHASE 2In 2014, the County Longford Heritage Office worked with the Heritage Offices in Monaghan, Cavan and Roscommon to develop the first stage of a multi-phase research and development project. This continued into 2015, with further research being carried out, including seeking dating for previously-undated sections of the BPD, in particular the Dunclá in County Longford. Also as part of the 2015 project, a website www.blackpigsdyke.ie was developed to help raise awareness and provide a one-stop-shop for information on the monument. This project is continuing into 2016 and beyond. This project was funded by the Heritage Council under its County Heritage Plan Scheme.

NON-INVASIVE ARCHAEOLOGICAL RESEARCH PROJECTIn 2015, a partnership project with the Department of Archaeology in NUI Galway was developed to investigate the archaeology of Longford’s two Cistercian ecclesiastical sites at Abbeyshrule and Abbeylara. They were chosen as they are two daughter houses of very important Cistercian sites, built around the same time, but for which there is very little information. The project comprised aerial surveys and geophysical surveys of both sites to assess their relationship with the surrounding landscape, and potential physical remains below ground. Dr. Naessens and Dr. Kieran O’Conor are continuing to review the data found and will publish an academic paper on the finds in 2016. This project was funded by the Heritage Council under its County Heritage Plan Scheme.

GEOLOGICAL HERITAGE AUDIT OF COUNTY LONGFORDIn partnership with the Geological Survey of Ireland, (GSI), a survey of 15 sites of geological interest in County Longford was undertaken. This produced detailed survey reports on 15 key sites in the County. This project was funded by the Heritage Council under its County Heritage Plan Scheme.

HERITAGE WEEK 2015National Heritage Week programme took place in 2015 from 22nd to 30th of August, and was marked through a variety of events throughout the County. These were organised primarily by local groups and heritage organisations to promote awareness of the treasures of their respective areas, with some new and unique events including an open day on Irish Cob Horses organised by Devine Equestrian and Ballydangan Irish Cobs, a talk by Joe Varley of the Maritime Institute on the Third Earl of Granard, an insight into John Dungan, the sponsor of the first Granard Harp Festival and a evening on John Henry Patterson, a professional soldier and Zionist. 2015 was undoubtedly the most-successful and best-attended Heritage Week to date.

LONGFORD & THE GREAT WAR COMMEMORATION 1914 – 2014: GALLIPOLIThe Longford & the Great War Commemoration is a 4-year programme to commemorate World War 1 and its impact on County Longford, at its heart is an online database of known WW1 soldiers, published on www.longfordatwar.ie, which was funded by the County Heritage Plan Scheme. In 2015 this focussed on the centenary of the Gallipoli Campaign, and the offensive at Salonica, with an exhibition on display in the libraries at Longford and Ballymahon.

SWIFT CONSERVATION 2015Longford Heritage Office assisted in the promotion of awareness and conservation of Longford’s population of swifts. These remarkable migratory birds are found in a number of locations in County Longford, with particularly significant colonies at St. Joseph’s Convent in Longford Town and the old Latin School in Moyne. Longford Tidy Towns, funded by the Heritage Council’s Community Grants Scheme 2015, erected a number of birdboxes in Longford Town. A Swifts at Sunset walk with Birdwatch Ireland was organised in Longford town by a local volunteer.

DRAFT COUNTY HERITAGE PLANA new Draft County Longford Heritage Plan incorporating the County Biodiversity Action Plan was developed and public consultation was invited. This is to be formally adopted and published in 2016.

OTHER HERITAGE AWARENESSTo further awareness of heritage within County Longford, the Heritage Office undertook the following:

• Providing guidance and advice on heritage matters to Local Authority employees and departments. • Providing support and advice to private individuals, local heritage and

community groups in the care and conservation of their heritage. • Providing ongoing support to the Planning Section and to owners and occupiers of historic

buildings and protected structures, and assessing relevant planning applications.• Maintaining Social Media accounts to promote and advance Longford’s heritage.

LONGFORD HERITAGE FORUM 2015

ORGANISATION REPRESENTATIVE

Longford County CouncilCllr Páraic BradyCllr Séamus ButlerCllr Pádraig Loughrey

Department of Arts, Heritage & the Gaeltacht (National Parks & Wildlife Service)

Ms Susan Moles

Department of Arts, Heritage & the Gaeltacht(National Monuments Service)

Mr Paddy O’ Donovan

The Forest Service, Department of Agriculture & Food Mr Jhan Crane

Teagasc Mr Ciaran Beatty (temp)

Shannon Regional Fisheries Board Mr Fergus Lynch

Waterways Ireland Ms Jean Errity

Bord na Móna Mr David Fallon

Public Participation Network Mr Paddy Howe

County Longford Historical Society Mr Hugh Farrell (Chair)

Leo Casey History Group Mr Paddy Egan

County Longford Tourism Committee Ms Anna Delaney

Longford Community Resources Ltd. Mr Adrian Greene

Irish Farmers Association Mr Andrew McHugh

Representative,  ASTI/ TUI Mr William O’Meara

The Heritage Officer Programme is a partnership arrangement between The Heritage Council and Longford County Council.

28 29

AN

NU

AL

RE

PO

RT

2015

LON

GFO

RD

CO

UN

TY C

OU

NC

IL

LONGFORD SPORTS PARTNERSHIPLongford Sports Partnership’s activities for 2015 were guided by Longford Sports Partnership’s strategic plan for sport in Longford: More People, More Sport, More Often (2013-17). It focuses on four key areas: Increasing Participation, Supporting Pathways, Management and Leadership and Communication.

BOARD OF LONGFORD SPORTS PARTNERSHIPThe Board of Longford Sports Partnership (2015) comprised of representatives from statutory, voluntary and sporting organisations:

SECTOR/ORGANISATION MEMBERS

Elected Representatives Councillors John Browne, Martin Mulleady and Mark Casey

Longford County Council Frank Sheridan, Michael Nevin

Health Service Executive Clodagh Armitage

Longford Community Resources Ltd. Councillor Mae Sexton

Education and Training Board Vacant

Longford Community Gardai Michael Belton

County Longford Youth Services Joe Quinn

Longford Sport and Leisure Centre Vacant

St. Christopher’s Services Ltd. Oonagh Flynn

Community & Voluntary Forum Reina Flower

Sporting Representatives Gerry Reardon, Frank McNamee, Stephen Coy, Joe Maher

Older Adults Network Philomena Donohoe

Public Participation Network (PPN) John Mimnagh

RAPID Frank Horne

FUNDINGLongford Sports Partnership was successful in securing €176,000 under various streams for sport in the County in 2015.

CORE PROGRAMMESLongford Sports Partnership rolled out the Buntús Generic Refresher programme in primary schools in County Longford. The programme provides teacher training, a bag of equipment and resource cards, all of which are free to the schools. 36 schools availed of the programme, training a total of 279 teachers and 4,470 children. Refresher training was held in 2014 and the beginning of 2015. Courses will continue to run on a regular basis. The Club Development and Participation Programme 2015 administered by Longford Sports Partnership assisted 9 clubs in the County. Projects supported include junior club development, coach education and training and projects which increased community usage of facilities. A total of €3,425 was distributed. Successful clubs were -

• Inny Kayaking Club• Abbeyshrule Canoe Club• Hawkes Inline Hockey Team• Gort na Cluiche Tug of War• Ardagh Badminton Club• Longford & District Schoolboy League• Longford & Cycling Racing Club• Ardagh United Soccer Club• Ballyforgney Ladies GAA Club

TARGET PROGRAMMESLongford Cycling Tour took place in June as part of National BikeWeek, with participants enjoying the choice of 2 routes around Longford - 110km and 55km. The tour was run in partnership with Longford Cycling and Racing Club. Longford Sports Partnership also supported Bike to Work Day, Cycle to School Day and Cyclesafe workshops. These were run in conjunction with Longford County Council and the Road Safety Authority.

The 4th Longford Sports Awards took place in the Sin Bin, Longford Rugby Club on Friday 20th November 2015 with Tony Ghee as an excellent and charismatic MC, along with countless other dignitaries and members of the sporting public. There was a great turn-out to support our local sporting talent.

Longford Sports Partnership in conjunction with the HSE continues to facilitate the Playground Markings Initiative which is being rolled out in primary schools in Longford.

Stencil Packs (stencils and games booklet) which enable schools to put down playground markings are being offered FREE to all primary schools in Longford to encourage greater physical activity in young children through Play in the school setting.

Longford Sports Partnership secured funding on behalf of the Longford County Council and supported National Recreation Week and Play Day by contributing to various events including an intercultural family day and an outdoor adventure day for young people. This was done in conjunction with local youth agencies. A large number of children and young people were involved.

January saw Longford Sports Partnership team up with RTE’s ‘Operation Transformation’ to organise a series of walks as part of a nationwide initiative. This walk saw an enthusiastic and well-spirited bunch striding into the New Year. Participants turned out to enjoy the walk along the Slí na Sláinte route at the canal.

The Couch to 3k programme saw students from Ballymahon Mercy Convent, Ardscoil Phadraig Granard, Templemichael, Granard Convent and Ballymahon Vocational take part in the five-week programme to increase physical activity levels amongst sedentary teenagers.

Sportshall Athletics was launched with local teams qualifying for the national competition in Athlone Institute of Technology. Over 1,000 children participated in these events.

Longford Sports Partnership SIDP (Sports Inclusion Development Programme) officer worked closely with local service providers to facilitate a number of programmes including Sportshall Athletics, CycleSafe, Outdoor Pursuits and the Longford Boccia League. COMMUNICATIONSLongford Sports Partnership’s Facebook page www.facebook.com/longfordsportspartnership, in addition to its website www.longfordsports.ie and Twitter account @LSPLongford is an excellent way of communicating with the public. All events, activities and feedback are updated regularly. Longford Sports Partnership also has a weekly news column in the Sports section of the Longford Leader and distribution lists for schools, sports clubs, local businesses and other agencies.

Longford Cycle Tour Participants

Overall winner - LSP Sports Awards 2015

Councillor Martin Mulleady presenting the Award to up and coming

rugby star, Eoin Corcoran

Couch to 3k Fun Run

30 31

AN

NU

AL

RE

PO

RT

2015

LON

GFO

RD

CO

UN

TY C

OU

NC

IL

HUMAN RESOURCES The Human Resources Department is primarily responsible for:

• Recruitment and Deployment of staff• Employee Welfare• Maintenance of HR CORE Management System• Provision of Management Reports (internally & externally)• Payroll & Superannuation Amendments• Time & Attendance recording• Employee Training and Development• Attendance Management• Performance Management• Human Resources Policies and Procedures• Implementation of Work Experience, Internship and Labour Activation Schemes• Equality and Diversity Management• Industrial/Employee Relations

The work of the HR Department is determined by the goals and objectives identified in the Council’s Corporate Plan. In 2015 our work continued to be heavily influenced by Government Policy decisions in relation to Public Services. The HR Department was responsible for the continued coordination and implementation of the terms of the revised Public Service Stability Agreement 2013-2018, Lansdowne Road Agreement (previously Haddington Road Agreement).

Key activities in the Council’s HR work programme for 2015 are outlined below:

RECRUITMENT AND SELECTIONLongford County Council, in common with other public bodies, continued to be subject to the public sector staffing moratorium, as a consequence recruitment remained generally low in 2015 and was restricted primarily to Emergency Services. However, we did experience an increase in recruitment activity towards the end of the year. Recruitment statistics for 2015 are outlined below.

Competitions Advertised

Interview Days Applicants Invited for Interview

Applicants Attend-ed for Interview

Appointments

24 15 88 76 23

The HR Department remained fully compliant with nationally implemented procedures, referring requests to fill identified posts to the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government as exceptions to the moratorium on filling of public service posts.

LOCAL AUTHORITY GRADUATE PLACEMENT A national Graduate Recruitment Programme specific to the Local Authority sector was rolled out in 2015.

This scheme facilitated the recruitment of graduates to specific business areas in the Local Authority sector on a 2-year fixed term contract of employment. The aim of the programme is to enable each graduate to develop and demonstrate competence in their chosen area of expertise and it is incumbent on the Local Authority to provide the necessary support to ensure the success of the placement.

Longford County Council recruited 1 Graduate in 2015 under the terms of the national Graduate Recruitment Programme.

LOCAL AUTHORITY LABOUR ACTIVATION SCHEME (GATEWAY)“Gateway” is a local authority labour activation scheme to provide short-term work and training opportunities for unemployed people who have been on the Live Register for over 2 years.

HR manages the implementation of the Gateway Scheme on behalf of Longford County Council. In 2015 Longford County Council had a total of 5 candidates employed on this scheme and continued to promote participation in Gateway with further 45 placements identified.

WORKFORCE PLANNINGIn the context of the Employment Control Framework and the sectoral requirement on Local Government, HR continued to progress work on a Workforce Plan for Longford County Council. The plan will provide the basis for ensuring that Longford County Council maintains a workforce structure appropriate to its service requirements.

PAYROLL & SUPERANNUATION SHARED SERVICEImplementation of the Payroll & Superannuation shared services project for the local authority sector commenced in 2013. The shared payroll service was successfully implemented in Longford County Council in 2014.

In 2015 HR worked closely with Finance to establish a project team to commence work on verifying and preparing all employee service data for handover to the shared superannuation service. The superannuation data-readiness project team commenced work in November 2015 with scheduled completion and handover due in June 2016.

ATTENDANCE MANAGEMENT Longford County Council continued its implementation of the Attendance Management Policy to ensure efficiencies in relation to employee attendance.

Attendance Management forms part of the Council’s strategy to clarify the contractual obligations of the Council and its employees in relation to attendance and also to promote a working environment that motivate employee attendance.

The time & attendance for all indoor employees is electronically recorded and managed using the Time & Attendance Module of CORE (the integrated ICT HR system). This enables HR to provide up-to-date attendance reports as required under the Organisation of Working Time Act 1997.

PERFORMANCE MANAGEMENT & DEVELOPMENT SYSTEM (PMDS)The reinvigoration of the Performance Management and Development System (PMDS) is a commitment of the Local Authority sector under the terms of the Public Service Stability Agreement.

PMDS requires that strategic and operational plans are developed within every level of the organisation. PMDS provides a structure to improve performance at individual, team and organisational level by means of engaging, supporting and developing all employees.

IRISH WATERHR continues to work in support of Irish Water and provided assistance with the development of the Annual Service Plan and the ongoing implementation of the Irish Water Programme:

• Attendance at workshop meetings• Provision of relative data to Department of Environment and Irish Water• Liaison with Water Service Transition Office• Liaison with employees and their representative bodies regarding

the Irish Water programme and Annual Service Plans• Circulation of job opportunities in Irish Water

CHILD SAFEGUARDINGLongford County Council has established policies and procedures aligned to both the ‘National Guidelines for the Protection of Children’ and the ‘Children First’ documents.

32 33

AN

NU

AL

RE

PO

RT

2015

LON

GFO

RD

CO

UN

TY C

OU

NC

IL

TRAINING AND DEVELOPMENTTraining and development events in 2015 covered in the main areas such as Performance Management, Health & Safety and machinery/equipment operation.

A total of 112 training programmes were delivered to 694 participants over 122 days across all disciplines. Training courses included the following:

• Performance Management and Development System• Competency Framework• Confined Spaces• Safe Use of Herbicides & Pesticides• Mobile Access Tower• Safe Pass• First Aid• AED• Asbestos Awareness• Courtroom Skills• Environmental Awareness• Safety Representative• Lawnmower• Driver CPC• Commercial Vehicle and Road Worthiness• Chainsaw• Risk Assessment• Confined Spaces• Violence & Aggression

INDUSTRIAL RELATIONSIndustrial Relations refers to the collective relationship between employers and employees. The organisation continues to maintain good industrial relations with active engagement with all stakeholders. The main areas of engagement in 2015 related to issues surrounding the Lansdowne Road Agreement.

CONCLUSIONThe work programme for the Human Resources Department of Longford County Council remains focussed on supporting the entire workforce by promoting best practice in the implementation of Government Policy and nationally agreed decisions.

Its challenge is to continue to achieve and maintain efficiencies whilst providing leadership and enabling employees to deal with a rapidly changing work environment.

PLANNING & BUILDING CONTROLSignificant activities undertaken by the Planning Department in 2015 are outlined below. New legislation, guidelines and the Planning and Development Act, 2000 (as amended) in particular have created ongoing challenges in these times of limited resources.

DEVELOPMENT MANAGEMENTThe Development Management Section is responsible for the processing of all planning applications in accordance with the Planning and Development Act, 2000 (as amended) and the Planning and Development Regulations. Application numbers increased by approximately one-third on 2014 with 231 planning applications received in 2015. This included a large planning application for the Center Parcs proposal of the development of a Forest Holiday Village at Newcastle Woods, near Ballymahon. Further information was requested on this application in December and a response received in January, 2016. A decision on the application is due late February, 2016. Pre-planning consultations are an integral part of the Development Management process and are utilised on an ongoing and increasing basis. These meetings are held to provide a higher quality and more transparent planning service to the general public. In 2015, 56 pre-planning meetings were held, in addition to a substantial number of pre-planning meetings with Center Parcs, to facilitate discussion with potential applicants on the issues associated with their proposals. These meetings are in addition to the many phone and email queries. Pre-planning meetings are now recorded digitally to facilitate consistency, transparency and seamless integration with the decision-making process.

Planning applications are now screened for appropriate assessment as required by the Habitats Directive and in accordance with the guidelines issued by the Department of Environment, Community and Local Government (DECLG). Licence applications under Section 254 of the Planning and Development Act, 2000, principally for roadside signage and planning questions for LEADER funding, are a regular feature of the work carried out in the Planning Department. The Planning Department also processes Part 8 applications and 3 of these were dealt in 2015. A reduced number of Commencement Notices were submitted in 2015. In addition to the significant increase in planning applications, there was also significant demands in other areas of the planning system, most notably in terms of forward planning workload.

PLANNING ENFORCEMENTIn 2015, the enforcement workload as a result of unauthorised development continued at a steady pace. 20 complaints were received. This figure does not include and is in addition to ongoing cases from earlier years. During the year, 8 Pre-Warning Letters, 15 Warning Letters and 11 Enforcement Notices were issued and 1 case proceeded to Court.

The Local Authority continues to achieve a reduction in enforcement notices issued and legal proceedings instigated through achieving greater success in negotiation and resolution at pre-warning letter stage. DEVELOPMENT CONTRIBUTIONSDevelopment Contributions are levied in accordance with the Scheme adopted by the Longford County Council under Section 48 of the Planning and Development Act, 2000. Each grant of planning permission contains a condition requiring the payment of a relevant development contribution which becomes payable if and when the development commences. There are many cases where permissions granted have been superseded by alternative permissions on the same site and where permissions granted have not yet been activated. This can sometimes give an inaccurate impression of the amount actually due and owing to the Council.

The Development Contribution Scheme has had a very positive impact on the delivery of infrastructure in Longford since its introduction. It has generated funds for a wide variety of infrastructure, including the acquisition of land, provision of open spaces, recreational and community facilities, amenity and landscaping works, roads, car parks, footpaths, water and waste water facilities.

Significant progress was made in this area over the previous years in the collection of outstanding monies particularly given the difficult economic conditions.

FORWARD PLANNINGThe Forward Planning Section is responsible for the research, preparation and production of all Development Plans, Local Area Plans and forward looking initiatives. The introduction of recent legislation in respect of the Planning Authority’s forward planning function has led to a marked increase in the workload of the Forward Planning Section in 2015. The economic downturn and slowdown in the construction industry does not affect the forward planning work schedule which is governed by the Planning and Development Act, 2000 and ongoing implementation of national and EU legislation in the planning and environmental arena. In addition, the Forward Planning Section is regularly involved with other projects that require substantial time allocation such as Compulsory Purchase Orders (CPOs), Route Corridor Studies and other projects from local to national level.

34 35

AN

NU

AL

RE

PO

RT

2015

LON

GFO

RD

CO

UN

TY C

OU

NC

IL

COUNTY DEVELOPMENT PLANLongford County Council’s County Development Plan 2015 - 2021 came into effect on 11th March, 2015. The Development Plan sets out an overall strategy for the proper planning and sustainable development of Longford County and consists of a written statement and plans indicating the development objectives, including the social, economic, cultural and physical development of the County.

The review process commenced in 2013 and involved the issue of notification to all statutory prescribed bodies, local community and voluntary groups, associations, societies, statutory undertakers and service providers. The general public were consulted through a campaign of newspaper advertisements, postal notification and public meetings.

Following the consideration of the Manager’s Report on submissions received, the elected members made alterations to the Draft Plan which were subsequently put on display for public consultation through 2014 with the final Chief Executive’s Report presented to the members in December 2014. The Plan was subsequently adopted in February 2015 and came into effect in March, 2015.

As part of the County Development Plan review, all zonings and their associated objectives under previous Local Area Plan settlements have been reviewed and updated under the process and are now contained as part of the County Development Plan document.

The Longford County Development Plan 2015 - 2021 received the Irish Planning Institute National Planning Award for Plan Making in February 2016. From the outset, Longford County Council strived to ensure that the County Development Plan could be easily interpreted by everyday people. The County Development Plan is considered to be groundbreaking and outstanding as it is the first Plan in the country to obtain the approved Plain English stamp from the National Adult Literacy Agency (NALA). In awarding Longford County Council winners, it was indicated that “The judging panel applauds the efforts of Longford County Council... the written statement is concise, highly visual and rich with imagery. The maps are appealing, demonstrative and visually attractive. The Plan comes alive with stunning images by local photographers which entice and encourage the reader to enjoy the document. The Plan is groundbreaking in the context of social inclusion and represents a significant step in making important public documents accessible to all.”

LONGFORD TOWN LOCAL AREA PLANThe Longford Town Local Area Plan is currently in the pre-draft stage of preparation as provided for under S.20(1) of the Planning and Development Act. During 2015, a working group was established and consultations have been held with internal departments and the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government, Department of Education and Irish Water who are in the process of finalising feedback. A tender process was initiated to engage consultants for the Strategic Environmental Assessment (including flood risk provisions) and Habitats Directive Assessment elements of the process (including Variation of County Development Plan to incorporate relevant plans) which will run in tandem with and inform policy development. It is anticipated that the formal process will commence with public consultation early in 2016.

NATIONAL PLANNING FRAMEWORKWork has commenced on the preparation of the National Planning Framework for which Longford will be making an input.

LOCAL ECONOMIC AND COMMUNITY PLANThe Local Government Reform Act, 2014 provides that each local authority shall make a six year Local Economic and Community Plan (LECP) for its area. The purpose of the plan is to identify and implement actions to strengthen and develop the economic and community dimensions of the County. This plan is to consist of two parts:

• An Economic Element• A Community Element

The two elements are to be prepared in parallel and adopted by the local authority as a unified plan. This single, integrated economic and community plan will provide the basis for a more coherent, streamlined and co-ordinated approach to service planning and delivery locally. The Planning Section is assisting the Head of Enterprise and Community Officer to prepare and write the Plan.

Public consultation was held at various stages throughout 2015. The proposed LECP has now entered the 3rd stage, the development of detailed objectives and specific time bound measurable actions and work is underway in this regard in relation to the drafting of same.

LONGFORD TOURISM PLANSWork on various Tourism Plans for Longford continued in 2015, including:

• The Mid Shannon Wilderness Plan covering South Longford, Lough Ree and the Royal Canal. A series of Cycle Loops has been developed as part of this plan.

• The proposed Blueway Trail, which will encompass the Royal Canal and is being developed as a major walking/cycling route from Dublin to Clondra.

• The Literary Trail covers Mid Longford and will be centred in Edgeworthstown.• The Rebel Longford Trail covers the North County from Granard to Ballinamuck including Ballinalee and

Longford Town.

It is hoped that the development of these Tourism Product initiatives will increase tourism and business to the County, as well as attending meetings with Bord Failte to explore how best to market Longford and the Shannon region in the future.

LOCAL DIASPORA LOAN FUNDUnder the Connect Ireland Community Action Plan and associated funding approval gained under the Local Diaspora Loan Fund, a promotional video showcasing County Longford as a favourable place in which to live, work and transact business was filmed in 2015 and will be released early in 2016. Work on a promotional pamphlet was also initiated.

REGENERATIONA Regeneration Officer was appointed in 2015 as part of a newly formed Longford Regeneration Unit, which aims to coordinate the physical, social and economic rejuvenation of Longford Town and County. As part of this project, research and preparatory work has been ongoing to identify avenues to bring forward the rejuvenation of the Connolly Barracks site and area. This has involved significant consultation with other local authorities that have carried out similar processes and also consultation with key stakeholders. Work has also commenced on the site of Longford’s first “Stalled Space” opposite the main County Council building.

COMMUNITY PLANNINGThe Planning Department are heavily involved in community planning in various parts of the County, including Keenagh, Ballymahon and Ballinamuck to assist with local development and community planning initiatives. These included assisting Wetlands Heritage Ireland acquire 70 acres adjoining Corlea Trackway Centre for development as a Biodiversity Park in association with Bord na Mona and Longford County Council as well as work on commemoration projects for 1916 and tourism and heritage activities.

MISCELLANEOUSThe day-to-day workings of the Planning Section require that plans, amendments and variations are prepared, sometimes at short notice. These require strict adherence to the relevant legislative provisions, forming a specific set of consultative processes that the Forward Planning Section are continuously streamlining and refining in order to provide an inclusive, effective and efficient service.

Work commenced on revised County Flooding Maps to record the flooding events of November to December 2015. This will assist with future decision making on planning applications in flood prone zones in the future. There was also a substantial number of various planning queries and information requests.

UNFINISHED HOUSING ESTATESLongford County Council places a high priority on tackling problems associated with unfinished housing developments and established a dedicated Unfinished Estates Team to specifically deal with the issue of unfinished housing developments in County Longford. This involves working through issues on the ground, using an array of technical, procedural, and legislative mechanisms in developing solutions in conjunction with residents, developers, financial institutions and receivers.

During 2015 the Unfinished Estates Team continued with its programme of works which included:

• Reducing the number of remaining unfinished developments.• The process of preparing, overseeing and implementing site resolution plans. • Pursuing enforcement action.• Cashing-in securities and bonds to access funding to complete public infrastructure.• Taking in charge of completed developments.• Resolution of one unfinished development through the Unfinished

Housing Development Special Resolution Fund.

There were originally 128 unfinished estates within the County and to date, 49 of those have been taken in charge by Longford County Council and a further 17 estates require no further action.

36 37

AN

NU

AL

RE

PO

RT

2015

LON

GFO

RD

CO

UN

TY C

OU

NC

IL

UNFINISHED HOUSING DEVELOPMENT SPECIAL RESOLUTION FUNDThis is a special provision to assist in addressing the legacy of unfinished housing developments. The Special Resolution Fund (SRF) was proposed to encourage the resolution of some of the remaining unfinished developments in the National Housing Development Survey and particularly those developments not likely to be resolved in the normal way through solely developer/owner/funder action because of the presence of specific financial barriers. The SRF did not replace the predominately developer/funder/receiver driven resolution process but complimented that process.

In 2015 one unfinished estate was approved for SRF funding - Mostrim Oaks, Edgeworthstown with funding approved for €250,000.

PLANNING STATISTICS - 1ST JANUARY TO 31ST DECEMBER 2015

DETAIL NUMBER

Warning Letters issued 4

Enforcement Notices issued 2

Cases referred to Solicitors to prosecute 1

Bonds called in 6

Bonds extended 5

Estates completed by Longford County Council during 2015, using bonds 5

Estates with works ongoing at 31/12/2015, using bonds 11

Site Resolution Plans agreed and works ongoing at 31/12/2015 12

Special Resolution Fund applications approved in 2015 1

Total value of Special Resolution Funding approved in 2015 €250,000

TAKING IN CHARGE17 estates were taken in charge during 2015 and a further 12 applications were being assessed at 31st December 2015. The estates taken in charge during 2015 were:

• The Mill, Clondra• Sliabh Cairbre, Drumlish• An Draighnean, Ballymahon• Granada Drive, Granard• Cluain Doire, Newtownforbes• Dun Darrach, Longford• The Dolmens, Aughnacliffe• Silver Birches, Stonepark• Rockview, Legan• Auburn Park, Edgeworthstown• Thomond Court Access Road, Ballymahon• Sli Corglass, Legga• St John’s, Ballinalee• The Rocks, Stonepark• Ard Michael, Longford• Hawthorn Meadows, Ballymahon• Cluain Ealai, Newtownforbes.

LONGFORD MUNICIPAL DISTRICTThe Longford Municipal District was formed following the 2014 Local Government Elections. Six members were elected to Longford County Council to represent the Municipal District. Following their election these members simultaneously became members of both Longford County Council and Longford Municipal District.

At the Annual General Meeting of Longford Municipal District held on 24th June 2015, Councillor Seamus Butler was elected to the position of Cathaoirleach and Councillor Mae Sexton was elected to the position of Leas Cathaoirleach.

The members of Longford Municipal District held meetings on the following dates during 2015 - • 28nd January, 23rd February, 25th March, 27th May, 24th June,

6th August, 30th September, 28th October and 25th November.

The Members of Longford Municipal District adopted the following during the year - • The Municipal Works budget for 2015.• St. Mel’s Road Parking Byelaws.• Part 8 Extension to Ballymacormack Cemetery.• Installation of CCTV cameras at Oakvale were approved. • The Members amended the grace period for paid parking, provided Permits for Carers

and free parking permits to residents within the paid parking area over 65 years.

The following housing estates were taken in charge during the year - • Dun Darrach, Ard Michael, The Rocks Stonepark and Cluain Ealai, Newtownforbes.

Other items that were highlighted and discussed by the Members were - • Control of parking the Department of Social Protection Offices on the Ballinalee Road.• Flancare access roadway.• Traffic Plan for Cathedral Junction.• Improvement works at St. Mel’s Road and Chapel Street.• Parking facilities for buses and coaches in Longford.• Parking at Scoil Eimear. • The Regeneration Programme.

38 39

AN

NU

AL

RE

PO

RT

2015

LON

GFO

RD

CO

UN

TY C

OU

NC

IL

FINANCEThe main functions of the Finance Section of Longford County Council are to -

• Achieve the financial objectives of the Council’s Corporate Plan• Manage the financial affairs of the Council• Ensure that adequate internal controls are in operation to safeguard the assets of the

organisation, and to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the accounting records• Ensure as far as possible that value for money is achieved throughout the organisation

SERVICES• Motor Taxation• Rates/Water Charges/Housing Rents• Higher Education Grants• General Office – processing payments to suppliers and payroll

PAYMENT PRACTICESThe provisions of the Prompt Payment of Accounts Act, 1997 and the European Communities (Late Payment in Commercial Transactions) Regulations, 2002 applies to Longford County Council. Systems are in place to ensure that interest penalties are not incurred. Total amount of interest penalties:

Interest Penalties Nil

Every effort is made to ensure compliance with the Act and Regulations and avoidance of interest penalties. However, the procedures can only provide reasonable and not absolute assurance against material non-compliance with the legislation.

INTERNAL AUDITInternal Audit is an independent appraisal function charged with reviewing activities across all areas within Longford County Council. It objectively examines and reports on management of risks, the adequacy of internal controls and the achievement of proper, efficient and economic use of resources. An Internal Audit Charter sets out the role and responsibilities of the Internal Auditor and Management.

HIGHER EDUCATION GRANTSThe Student Support Act, 2011 provides legislative basis for the reform of student grants. The key provision of the Act is the consolidation of the four student grant schemes into a single unified scheme, the establishment of a single grant awarding authority and an independent appeals board. The grant awarding authority known as Student Universal Support Ireland, SUSI, commenced operation for the 2012/13 academic year for new applicants.

The grant scheme for the 2015/2016 academic year is governed by:• Student Support Act, 2011 • Student Support Regulations, 2015 [S.I. 154 of 2015] • Student Grant Scheme 2015 [S.I. 155 of 2015]

HIGHER EDUCATION GRANTS - ACADEMIC YEAR 2015 – 2016

Total number of students in receipt of Higher Education Grants 4

Number of students attending Irish colleges 4

Number of students attending UK colleges (including Northern Ireland) and EU colleges 0

EXPENDITURE

LOCAL GOVERNMENT ACT 2001 – SECTION 142 EXPENDITURE

Mayor and Other Allowances €66,000

Entertainment and Associated Expenses €25,400

Representational Payments, Expenses of Members and Representation at Conferences €395,697

Total €487,097

INCOME GENERATION UNITThe Income Generation Unit (IGU) is responsible for the collection of the main income streams for the Council. This includes rates, commercial water charges, rents, housing loans and RAS rents. The unit also operates the cash desk which facilitates customer payments for Council goods and services.

Certificates of compliance are issued by the unit in respect of payment of the Non Principal Place of Residence (NPPR) charge.

FINANCE & INFORMATION

SYSTEMSMs. Maeve KillianA/Head of Finance

40 41

AN

NU

AL

RE

PO

RT

2015

LON

GFO

RD

CO

UN

TY C

OU

NC

IL

MOTOR TAXThe increase usage of the online motor tax facility continued in 2015. There were no significant developments in motor tax legislation during the year. Receipts for motor tax locally were down significantly from 2014 (-€967,491). This is largely due to the significant increase in online motor tax transactions.

Motor Tax Transactions 2015 No of Tranactions Amount

Vehicle Licences (Discs) 23,782 €4,800,015

Miscellaneous Transactions (Vehicle Registration Certifi-cates, Trade Plates etc.)

5,124

€317,583

Total Motor Tax Transactions 28,906 €5,117,598

INFORMATION SYSTEMSINFORMATION TECHNOLOGY DEPARTMENTLongford County Council is committed to the use of information systems to expand and increase the efficiency and quality of service delivery to the public. The IT Department aims to provide the systems, applications and support for all other Council departments, ensuring that the necessary equipment and information is readily available to provide an efficient public service. IT is responsible for the implementation, management, security and maintenance of all IT systems including network infrastructure and system and application delivery.

NETWORK INFRASTRUCTURELongford County Council’s ICT network is made up of several complex components which require on-going management, maintenance and monitoring. Responsibility for managing the network also includes maintaining a WIFI Network and a Wide Area Network which connects all off-site offices back to Áras an Chontae via wireless, fibre optic and DSL links.

Notable improvements during 2015 were:• The continued migration of our physical server infrastructure. The Council’s IS Section

continues to reap benefits from the Private Cloud technology implementation in its Data Centre. Changes and amendments to business systems are provided quickly and efficiently thanks to the use of some of the most modern technology available.

• Ongoing upgrade of our desktop computers to Windows 7• Doubled the storage space of our Storage Area Network (SAN).• Achieved full compliance with Microsoft licence audit.

COUNCIL MEETINGSThe Council’s IS Section continued our technical support of the elected members in their move to paperless meetings. All meetings are now taken electronically (without paper) resulting in administration savings and improved efficiencies.

GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION SYSTEMSGeographical Information Systems (GIS) support the effective management and use of Geographic Information in the delivery of services. In addition to providing support and development of our existing data sets we also signed a contract for the delivery of a GIS platform which will further enhance our GI systems.

INTERNET & INTRANETLongford County Council continued to provide online content during 2015. All notices of public concern are published on our websites which are widely used.

During Q4 of 2015 we also proceeded to public procurement for the upgrade of our existing content management systems on our websites.

WEBSITE VISITS

NUMBER OF WEBSITE HITS 2015 2014

longfordcoco.ie 63,145 53,931

longford.ie 60,037 52,295

longfordlibrary.ie 20,725 22,707

COMMERCIAL WATER CHARGESDuring 2015, the Income Generation Unit continued to manage customer accounts for commercial water charges on behalf of Irish Water until they establish their own billing system. It is envisaged that Irish Water will commence billing and collection of commercial water charges in 2016.

COMMERCIAL WATER COLLECTION

Year Opening Balance Invoiced To Collect Receipts Arrears Collected %

2013 €1,062,954 €1,688,659 €2,761,613 €1,736,337 €1,015,276 63

2014 €1,015,276 €1,514,623 €2,529,899 €1,479,213 €1,050,686 58

2015 €1,050,686 €1,614,09 €2,664,695 €1,471,510 €1,193,185 55

RATESThe lower levels of commercial activity continued in 2015. Vacancy rates remained high particularly in the Longford town area. This has a significant impact on rates collection.

Income Generation Unit was involved in a national debt management project which focused on rates arrears. Significant progress was made in reducing the level of arrears owed to the Council and targets in relation to debt reduction and % collection were achieved.

A general revaluation by the Valuation Office of all rateable properties in the County commenced in November 2015. This process will continue in 2016 and 2017 and the revised valuation list will take effect from 2018.

RATES COLLECTIONYear Opening Balance Invoiced To Collect Receipts Arrears Collected %

2013 €2,404,760 €6,237,323 €8,642,084 €6,031,513 €2,610,571 70

2014 €2,610,571 €6,105,778 €8,716,349 €6,074,093 €2,642,256 70

2015 * €2,642,256 €5,489,512 €7,840,817 €6,396,247 €2,095,521 82

*Note 2015 Rates percentage based on estimated collectable amounts

HOUSING RENTS & LOANSIncome Generation Unit is responsible for the collection of rents and loan charges and also managing rent and loan account in arrears. The setting of rents and adjustments to rents are the responsibility of the Housing Section.

During 2015 the Council continued to work with customers in arrears and facilitated payment plans with customers in financial difficulty. Rent collection percentages improved slightly to 88% during the year.

Amendments to Housing legislation during the year provided more legal certainty for local authorities in relation to termination of tenancies for tenants who fail to deal with their arrears or who engage in anti social behaviour.

HOUSING RENTS COLLECTIONYear Opening Balance Invoiced To Collect Receipts Arrears Collected %

2013 €609,808 €4,519,394 €5,129,202 €4,469,701 €659,502 87

2014 €659,502 €4,388,228 €5,047,730 €4,386,319 €661,411 87

2015 €661,411 €4,379,305 €5,040,716 €4,449,113 €591,602 88

The Council continued to implement the Mortgage Arrears Resolution Process (MARP) for loan customers in financial difficulty. This provides a framework for the Council and borrowers to manage loan arrears and restructure their loans in some circumstances. Employees have been trained in arrears resolution and borrowers in financial difficulty have been facilitated with short term and long term arrears resolution measures. Total loan arrears outstanding stabilised in 2015.

HOUSING LOANS COLLECTIONYear Opening Balance Invoiced To Collect Receipts Arrears Collected %

2013 €593,499 €1,044,373 €1,637,872 €910,758 €727,114 56

2014 €727,114 €979,491 €1,706,605 €964,208 €742,397 56

2015 €742,397 €862,915 €1,605,312 €890,662 €714,650 55

42 43

AN

NU

AL

RE

PO

RT

2015

LON

GFO

RD

CO

UN

TY C

OU

NC

IL

HOUSINGHOUSING NEEDS ASSESSMENTThe housing needs of County Longford continued to be met through a range of housing options as follows:

• Social houses• RAS Leases• Leases• Housing provided by Voluntary Housing Bodies

A statutory assessment of housing need was undertaken in 2013. The next housing needs assessment will be carried out in 2016. The number of approved housing applicants at 31st December 2015 was 1,173.

SOCIAL HOUSINGApproximately €97,942 was spent under the Social Housing Investment Programme in 2015. One house was purchased.

RENTAL ACCOMMODATION SCHEME (RAS)At the end of 2015, 208 RAS tenancies were in place. 38 new tenancies commenced in 2015. Eligibility for the Scheme depends on applicants being in receipt of rent supplement for more than 18 months and also eligible for Social Housing. The RAS Scheme and the associated operational and administrative costs are self financing in Longford.

LONG TERM / RAS – TYPE LEASING ARRANGEMENTSThe main features of the Scheme involve the Local Authority agreeing long term leases for single or multiple housing units with developers/owners of private rented properties over 10 to 20 years, or short term RAS type leases for properties over a four year term. 43 short term RAS type leases were in place at the end of 2015.

HOMELESSNESSThe number of people presenting as homeless continues to increase. 88 persons presented in 2015 an increase of 33%. Homelessness is dealt with on a regional basis. Westmeath County Council is the lead agency for counties Laois, Longford, Offaly and Westmeath. In addition, each county has a Homeless Action Team. This team meets every 2/3 weeks.

INCREMENTAL PURCHASE SCHEME The Tenant Purchase Scheme has been replaced by the Incremental Purchase Scheme. This scheme is commencing on 1st January 2016.

HOUSING LOANSApproval and advancement of housing loans continued in 2015. As in previous years, affordability levels as a result of the economic downturn have had a huge impact on the amount of applications being approved. A total of 8 valid applications were received in 2015 with 4 loans approved and 4 advanced. This does not include preliminary applications refused or withdrawn.

VOLUNTARY HOUSINGLongford County Council has a long association with the Voluntary Housing Sector and a substantial contribution has been made by the Voluntary Housing Sector in the provision of Social Housing in County Longford under the Capital Loan and Subsidy Scheme (CLSS) and the Capital Assistance Scheme (CAS). Longford County Council meet Voluntary Housing Bodies on a regular basis re housing provision in the County.

MAINTENANCE AND REFURBISHMENTIn 2015, €875,413 was provided in the Budget for the maintenance and repair of Local Authority Housing. This area is continuously examined to ensure that best practice and value for money is achieved at all times.

ENERGY RETROFITTING SCHEME/WINDOWS AND DOORSFunding of €189,089 was received from the Department of Environment, Community & Local Government as part of this programme. Energy efficiency works were carried out on 220 properties. In addition funding of €132,885 was received in respect of replacing windows and doors. Works were carried out to 56 properties.

VOID PROGRAMMEIn 2015, 22 dwellings were refurbished under the Void Programme. Funding of €426,535 was received from the DECLG for the necessary refurbishment works.

ESTATE MANAGEMENTThe Housing Liaison Officer and Estate Manager continued to work with tenants and Residents Associations during 2015. Compulsory pre-tenancy courses are attended by all new tenants.

HOUSING, INFRASTRUCTURE

AND ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES, EMERGENCY

SERVICES, BALLYMAHON MUNICIPAL DISTRICT & GRANARD MUNICIPAL

DISTRICT

Cllr. Micheal CarrigyInfrastructure and Environment SPCChairperson

Councillor P.J. ReillyHousing Services SPCChairperson

Mr. John Brannigan,Director of Services

44 45

AN

NU

AL

RE

PO

RT

2015

LON

GFO

RD

CO

UN

TY C

OU

NC

IL

BETTER ESTATES AWARDSThe “Better Estates Awards” were held again in 2015.

The results were as follows:OVERALL WINNER

Currghrua, Lanesboro Co. Longford

Category 1 - Estates with input from a Community Employment Scheme

1st Prize Church View, Lanesboro

2nd Prize Devine Crescent, Edgeworthstown

3rd Prize Springlawn

Category 2 – Estates built before 1997

1st Prize Smithfield Crescent, Legan

2nd Prize Cartron Road, Kenagh

3rd Prize Church View Drive, Drumlish

Category 3 – Estates built between 1997 & 2004 inclusive

1st Prize Curraghrua, Lanesboro

2nd Prize River Crescent, Ballinalee

3rd Prize Foxhall Crescent, Legan

Category 4 – Estates built from 2005 to date

1st Prize Cuirt Shanmullagh, Ballinamuck

2nd Prize Parkside Gardens, Ballymahon

Joint 3rd Prize Wood View, Newtownforbes & Deerpark, Kenagh

Category 5 – Estates in Longford Town (without CE scheme)

1st Prize Annaly Park

2nd Prize Canalach Le Cheile

3rd Prize Ardán Alainn

Category 6 – Highly Commended

Marian Terrace, Ballymahon

Cois na nAbhainn, Ballinalee

The Hallows, Longford

Teffia Park, Longford

Sli na Mona, Ballymahon

Category 7 – Most Improved Estate

Park Villas, Longford

Category 8 – Best Eco Initiative

Deerpark, Keenagh

Category 9 – Best Community Development Initiative

Springlawn

Category 10 – Individual Garden – Front Garden

Ann Canning, 41 Devine Crescent, Edgeworthstown

Category 11 – Individual Garden – Back Garden

Julie Clabby, 25 Pauric Colum Heights, Longford

Category 12 – Most Innovative Garden

Philomena Rogers, 12 Curraghrua, Lanesboro

Category 13 – Poster Competition Winners

1st Prize Leah Farrell, Parkside Gardens, Ballymahon

2nd Prize Courtney Hughes, Devine Crescent, Edgeworthstown

3rd Prize Cora McNamara, Canal Bank, Longford

Category 14– Highly Commended Poster Competition Winners

Mark McDonald, Deerpark, Kenagh

Tori Cox, Devine Crescent, Edgewothstown

Jack Chesire, Canal Bank, Longford

Amy Chesire, Canal Bank, Longford

Katie Farrell, Parkside Gardens, Ballymahon

Keara Shattell, Parkside Gardens, Ballymahon

Rebecca Farrell, Parkside Gardens, Ballymahon

Amy Farrell, Parkside Gardens, Ballymahon

HOUSING GRANT SCHEMESIn 2015, a combined total of 167 applications were received under the three Grant Schemes:

• Mobility Aids Grant Scheme = 62 (€175,332)• Housing Adaptation Grant Scheme = 39 (€ 234,645)• Housing Aid for Older People Grant Scheme  = 66 (€210,826)• A total of 167 grants were paid out and this amounted to €620,803

In addition disability works were carried out to 18 social houses in order to address the medical needs of the occupants. The cost of these works was €210,100.

TRAVELLER ACCOMMODATIONThe Traveller Accommodation Programme 2014-2018 continued to be followed by Longford County Council. This programme sets out a 4 year strategy in relation to the programme and type of accommodation to be provided for Travellers. The Local Traveller Accommodation Consultative Committee meets and monitors the progress in relation to targets set out in the Plan. In 2015 works were carried out to the two bays tenanted in Willow Park, Longford.

PRIVATE RENTED ACCOMMODATION STANDARDSThe Local Authority is responsible for implementation and enforcement of accommodation standards in the rental sector. Funding is made available to the Local Authority based on the number of inspections carried out. 154 inspections were completed in 2015 and landlords were advised where non compliance issues occurred.

Overall Winner – Curraghrua, Lanesboro

Annaly Park, Longford

46 47

AN

NU

AL

RE

PO

RT

2015

LON

GFO

RD

CO

UN

TY C

OU

NC

IL

INFRASTRUCTUREROAD SAFETY, ROADS & TRANSPORT

Core Objective: “Ensure that infrastructural transportation policies and investments assist and enhance the economic and social development of County Longford and preserve and improve the physical attractiveness of the county and its background environment”.

Longford is strategically located near the centre of Ireland and is traversed by National Primary Routes N4 and N5 and National Secondary Routes N55 and N63. These routes give rise to significant traffic flows throughout the County.

Longford County Council has a network of National, Regional and Local Roads within the County. Currently the breakdown of roads under the authority of Longford County Council is as follows:-

CLASSIFICATION NATIONAL PRIMARY

REGIONAL LOCAL TOTAL

Ballymahon Municipal District (km) 43.07 70.56 504.49 618.18

Granard Municipal District (km) 18.96 68.11 709.11 796.07

Longford Municipal District (km) 36.58 13.88 151.09 201.60

Total Kilometres 98.61 152.55 1364.69 1615.85

The following specific works were completed in 2015:

NATIONAL ROAD SAFETY SCHEMES

SAFETY SCHEME WORK DETAIL

Safety Schemes HD15 / HD 17 N5 Ballyminnion Cycle Path Works. Construction works com-menced in November 2015 and completed in March 2016.

N55 Carrickboy Junction Safety Works were completed in 2015.

NATIONAL BRIDGE REHABILITATION WORKSWorks on seven bridges on the National Roads in County Longford were completed in 2015. The works completed included the following:

BRIDGE WORK DETAIL

Ballymahon Bridge on the N55 Waterproofing of Deck, resurfacing of roadway & footpath over bridge.

Scry Bridge on the N4 Replacement with new culvert. 

Sands Bridge on the N55 Rehabilitation of existing stone retaining wall along stream leading to sand bridge. 

Ballyglassin Bridge on the N55 Replacement with new culverts.

Ardagullion Bridge on the N55 Replacement with new culvert.  

Cartron Bridge on the N55 Replacement with new culvert.

Kilnasavogue Bridge on the N4 Replacement of existing bridge parapets and safety barriers.

NATIONAL ROAD PAVEMENT IMPROVEMENT SCHEMESNational Pavement schemes are selected on the basis of recent condition surveys of the network with the following specific works carried out in 2015:

PAVEMENT WORK DETAIL

N55 Pavement Strengthening at Parnell Row, Granard

A proposed 870m Pavement Improvement Inlay Scheme at Parnell Row was completed in 2015.

N55 Cartron / Creevagh Beg Pavement Surfacing

The Resurfacing Scheme on the N55 from the entrance to Cluain Ri Housing Estate for approximately 2kms towards county boundary was completed in 2015.

N55 Toneywarden Cross to Fereskill A proposed 1.3km resurfacing scheme was completed in 2015.

LOCAL & REGIONAL ROAD IMPROVEMENTDuring the year, 95,265km of Local & Regional Roads were improved and maintained under the Restoration Programme. This Grant is in two forms:

• The Restoration Improvement element is designed to meet expenditure on surface restoration and road reconstruction.

• The Restoration Maintenance aims to protect the structural integrity of the road by way of surface dressing.

LOW COST SAFETY SCHEMESThe Low Cost Safety Improvement Grant enables low cost safety improvement works on Regional and Local Roads. Low Cost Safety Schemes were carried out at the following locations:

• Drumlish Village - Pedestrian Facilities• R194 Dohertys Cross• Tawnagh (Edenmore)• Dublin Road Longford - Footpath• Glebe, Farnagh, Longford• Crossea – Glen Road Junction

LOCAL IMPROVEMENT SCHEMESLongford County Council may provide assistance by way of the carrying out of works, the construction or improvement of a Non Public Road which provides access to parcels of land of which at least 2 are owned or occupied by different persons, or provides access for harvesting purposes (including turf) for 2 or more persons, or shall in the opinion of the Council be used by the public. During 2015, €18,606 was spent on one Local Improvement Scheme.

WINTER MAINTENANCE PROGRAMMEThe Winter Service plan provides the framework for dealing with Winter Weather conditions on the roads and provides for a planned and co-ordinated response by Longford County Council. The objective of the winter maintenance programme is to provide so far as it is reasonably practical for the safe movement of road users on the National Roads and other strategic routes identified during adverse weather conditions.

EXPENDITURENational Road Grants are received from Transport Infrastructure Ireland to carry out maintenance works on the National Roads and Bridges in County Longford and State Grants are provided to road authorities to supplement the provision made from their own resources towards a road programme for the improvement, maintenance and management of the regional and local roads network.

Expenditure on National and Non National Roads in 2015 was as follows:1. NATIONAL ROADS (TRANSPORT INFRASTRUCTURE IRELAND GRANTS)

Improvement Works €1,932,828

NP &NS Maintenance €311,455

HD Pavement renewals & surveys €46,000

Bridges €850,000

Safety Measures €50,289

Winter Maintenance €128,495

Total: €3,352,067

2. NON-NATIONAL ROADS (DEPT. OF ENVIRONMENT, COMMUNITY & LOCAL GOVERNMENT GRANTS)

Specific Improvement Grant €15,449

Restoration Improvement Works €2,649,906

Restoration Maintenance Works €680,409

Discretionary Maintenance Grant €1,139,808

Low-Cost Safety Improvement Works €167,999

Severe Weather €159,455

Training Programme €23,750

Local Improvement Scheme €18,606

Total: €4,855,382

3. NON-NATIONAL ROADS (COUNCIL CONTRIBUTION) €806,000

TOTAL BUDGET: €9,013,449

48 49

AN

NU

AL

RE

PO

RT

2015

LON

GFO

RD

CO

UN

TY C

OU

NC

IL

ROAD SAFETY PROMOTION & SCHOOL WARDEN SERVICEThe Road Safety role of Local Authorities is wide and ranges from Road Construction to Safety Promotion to School Warden Schemes. The Local Authority now has an expanded role in promoting road safety by developing more initiatives at local level such as:

• Longford Road Safety Working Together Committee consists of the following agencies:- TII, Road Safety Authority, Health Service Executive, Longford County Council Sports Coordinator, An Garda Siochána, Longford County Council Road Safety Officer, Longford County Childcare Member, Councillor Mark Casey and Members of Longford Fire Services.

• The County Longford Road Safety Plan 2015 -2020 was published.• In conjunction with the Green Schools, a Safer Cycle Initiative was introduced to a number of

National Schools throughout the county in the months of May, June and September 2015. Cycle training was provided in Ard Scoil Phadraig Secondary School Granard, Cloontagh National School, Fermoyle National School, Granard National School, St. Bernard’s National School Abbeylara, St Guashacht’s National School Bunlahy and Stonepark National School.

• Co-ordination with the Road Safety Authority – advertising, promotions, and media campaigns.• Promotion of “Safe Cross Code”.• Promotion of Road Safety in Secondary Schools and Youth Reach Programmes through

the “Drive for Life Programme” from January 2015 to December 2015. Training took place in Ballymahon Youth Reach, Longford Town Youth Reach, Scoil Mhuire Secondary School Longford, Mercy Secondary School Ballymahon and Ballymahon Vocational School.

• The Junior School Warden Service is designed to provide safe crossing facilities for children in the vicinity of primary schools in provincial towns and villages. The Roscommon/Longford/Westmeath Regional Final was held in Coralstown, Co. Westmeath and 13 schools participated in the event. Scoil Mhuire National School, Newtownforbes came second in the Regional Final of the School Warden Competition 2015. Longford County Council has two Schemes in operation at Scoil Mhuire National School, Newtownforbes and St. Mary’s National School, Drumlish. An adult warden is provided at Lanesboro National School.

• Promotion with iRadio “I is the Limited” Road Safety Campaign.• Road Safety awareness was promoted in National Schools throughout the county.• In conjunction with The Road Safety Authority “Check it Fits” visited Supervalu, Hazelwood

Shopping Centre on 3rd February 2015, Supervalu Main Street, Ballymahon on 4th February and Supervalu, Edgeworthstown on 5th February. Unfortunately, in Ireland, fitting child car seats is still a significant cause for concern and as many as 3 out of 4 child car seats may be fitted incorrectly.

• Promotion with iRadio “Bank Holiday Safety Campaign”.

NATIONAL BIKE WEEKIn conjunction with the Environmental Awareness Officer the National Bike Week was launched and ran from 13th to 21st June 2015. Longford County Council celebrated the initiative with a Bike to School Day and a Bike to Work Day.

National Schools throughout the County were invited to Bike to School on Thursday, 18th June and a total of 130 pupils participated. Children received cycle packs including reflective clothing and lights as part of the day.

For the sixth year running, Longford County Council employees took part in a Bike to Work Day. Offering an alternative form of commuting to work, employees from the Council and other local businesses took part in a lunchtime spin around the bypass reporting the initiative as “a great idea”.

WATER SERVICESGROUP WATER/SEWERAGE SCHEMESLongford County Council were notified of a Block Grant Allocation of €285,000 in May 2015, of which €50,000 was for Quality Deficient Group Water Schemes, €85,000 was for New Group Water Schemes and €150,000 was for new Group Sewerage Schemes.

Construction is well underway on Bohermore/Finneragh Group Water Scheme in Ardagh, Co. Longford.

Tenders for the appointment of Consultants were sought for Toome Crossroads Group Water Scheme and are currently being considered by the group.

Tenders for the appointment of Consultants were also sought for Knockahaw Group Sewerage Scheme and Corry/Lamagh Group Sewerage Scheme and are currently being considered by the groups.

Tenders were received and are being assessed for the construction of Legan Group Sewage Scheme.

A total claim for €36,663.81 was paid by the Department of Environment, Community & Local Government in 2015 in respect of construction of the Bohermore/ Finneragh Group Water Scheme.

GROUP WATER SCHEME SUBSIDIES AND INDIVIDUAL WELL GRANTSLongford County Council processed 2 applications for subsidies towards the operational costs of Group Water Schemes. The total amount paid out was €12,880.

18 applications were received for grants for individual water supplies. Approval was given for 13 applications, 1 application is pending and 4 were refused. Grant payments totalling €11,440.88 were made to 6 applicants in 2015.

ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICESThis section covers a diverse range of functions and services. The principal areas are -

• Pollution Control and Water Quality Management• Litter Management and Street Cleaning• Waste Management and Regulation• Environmental Awareness• Burial Grounds• Veterinary Services and Food safety• Dog Control and Horse Control

POLLUTION CONTROL AND WATER QUALITY MANAGEMENTPollution control legislation covers areas such as water pollution, air pollution and noise nuisance. Specific activities undertaken in relation to pollution control include investigation of water pollution incidents, farm inspections, licensing of discharges to waters and the implementation of a monitoring programme for rivers, lakes, septic tanks and closed landfills.

RIVER BASIN MANAGEMENT The EU Water Framework Directive was transposed into Irish law by the European Community (Water Policy) Regulations, 2003 under which a number of River Basin Districts were established. This was altered in 2014 whereby Ireland is now regarded as a one River Basin District. In addition the EU Policy (Water Policy) Regulations, 2014 places new obligations on local authorities in co-ordinating the public participation element of the Water Framework Directive. The new national governance arrangement requires Longford County Council to co-ordinate our work in this area with the newly set up national Local Authority Water Community Office (LAWCO) in Kilkenny. Longford County Council continues to monitor water quality in rivers and lakes in line with the relevant River Basin Management Plans.

ENVIRONMENTAL LABORATORYThe County Council Environment Laboratory is located at Park Road, Longford. The principal areas of activity are:

• Water Pollution monitoring and control• Monitoring discharges from Council Wastewater Treatment plants• Landfill monitoring• Monitoring industrial effluent discharges• Water Quality Monitoring in rivers and lakes

50 51

AN

NU

AL

RE

PO

RT

2015

LON

GFO

RD

CO

UN

TY C

OU

NC

IL

LITTER MANAGEMENTEnforcement of the Litter Pollution Act, 1997 – 2009 is one of the key mechanisms in tackling litter pollution in County Longford. Litter Control is conducted primarily by the Council’s Litter Wardens.

The Council works closely with local Tidy Towns Committees and acknowledges the great work being done by them throughout the county. In January 2016, Longford Town beat off stiff competition to win the IBAL (Irish Business Against Litter) 2015 Award when it was deemed the cleanest town in Ireland. The town secured a public sculpture to mark the achievement. An Taisce surveyors said that sites in Longford were “not just clear of litter, but many were also superbly presented.”

The Council continues to prosecute litter offenders and seek full cost recovery where cases proceed to court.A total of 15 prosecutions were initiated in 2015 for non-payment of fines under the Litter Pollution Act 1997.

STREET SWEEPINGThe Council continued its programme of street sweeping and servicing of litter bins in the County’s towns and villages, in accordance with the County Longford Litter Management Plan. Expenditure on this service was €450,000 in 2015.

WASTE MANAGEMENT PLAN 2015–2021The new Eastern-Midlands Regional Waste Management Plan 2015–2021 was published in May 2015 and can be viewed at http://emwr.ie/. Longford is one of the 12 local authorities affiliated to the Eastern-Midlands Waste Region. The Plan is a statutory document drawn up by local authorities. It sets out what it wants to do and how it is going to do it. A new National Waste Enforcement Steering Committee (NWESC) and three new Waste Enforcement Regional Lead Authorities (WERLAs) were established in 2015 and will all work with local authorities on waste enforcement and the implementation of agreed national priorities as identified by the Department of Environment, Community and Local Government.

WASTE MANAGEMENT ENFORCEMENTLocal authorities have a wide range of statutory functions under National and European waste legislation.

The work of the Local Authority Waste Enforcement team includes investigating illegal dumping incidents, taking prosecutions and enforcement measures, enforcing producer responsibility regulations for a wide range of wastes (including Electrical and Electronic Equipment, Batteries, End-of-life Vehicles, Tyres, Packaging, Food Waste, Farm Plastic and Construction & Demolition Wastes). During 2015, 1274 waste and litter complaints were investigated of which 1,269 were resolved during the year.

During 2015, the Council’s routine waste inspections focused on a number of areas including illegal dumping and enforcement of the Food Waste and Tyre Regulations. A number of prosecutions were taken under the Litter Pollution Act 1997. Illegal dumping of household waste in rural areas and on vacant properties remains a significant problem and the Council has had to expend significant resources cleaning up such sites. Wherever possible, the Council is now employing its statutory powers to recoup its costs on pollution control measures.

In addition, Local Authorities permit and regulate waste facilities, ensure the authorised collection and transport of wastes in their functional areas, appraise planning applications in relation to waste management proposals, oversee the management of wastes in the construction and business sectors and, administer waste compliance schemes (e.g. Packaging). Environmental inspections are carried out in accordance with the Council’s annual inspection plan and a mandatory reporting regime to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is in place for all environmental inspections and the environmental inspection plan. Local Authorities also have significant reporting obligations. Longford County Council compiles an annual inventory of all waste data for their functional areas for submission to the EPA each year.

Local Authorities must comply with the European Communities (Access to Information on the Environment) Regulations 2007. Subject to certain exceptions, information relating to the environment held by, or for, a public authority must be made available on request to any person. Advice and guidance on waste management is provided to members of the public upon request.

A considerable proportion of the work done in waste enforcement sections of Local Authorities assists the Government in avoiding significant financial sanctions by the EU.

Longford County Council’s “Enforcement Policy on Illegal Waste Activity” can be viewed on the Council’s website at www.longfordcoco.ie.

The Council operates a “Litter Complaints Hotline”. Anyone observing the illegal dumping of waste may report the matter, in confidence, by calling 1850 434 450.

WASTE MANAGEMENT PROVISION OF FACILITIESThere are currently 26 bring bank sites in County Longford. Green, brown and clear glass, as well as aluminium cans, is accepted at all sites. Total tonnages collected for re-processing in 2015 were 666 tonnes of glass and 20 tonnes of aluminium cans.

ENERGY USAGELongford County Council are required in line with national policy to reduce our energy consumption in 2020 by one third. As the organisation is a significant energy consumer this presents a significant challenge and each year a focus is placed on achieving an incremental improvement in energy efficiency. Clearly in order to operate the services the Council provides it is necessary to consume electricity, gas and other fuels. Employees in all sections are aware of the need to eliminate unnecessary energy consumption. An Energy Management initiative is in progress and where possible measures are being taken to reduce energy consumption. Longford County Council is affiliated to the Midlands Energy Agency. Sub-committees known as Communities of Practice have been established to facilitate the sharing of knowledge. Employees of Longford County Council participate and contribute to the development of Best Practice in a number of areas.

ENERGY USAGE - ACTIONS UNDERTAKEN The provision of training to members of the Council’s Energy Management Committee continued in 2015. Progress was made in developing a system for recording energy consumption data in a more systematic manner. Equipment upgrades were completed at the Council’s IT Section. As a result, it is hoped that energy consumption related to the operation of IT services will be significantly reduced. Public lighting upgrades to use LED lights are continuing at a number of locations. The Council’s Environmental Awareness Officer met with community groups and visited schools in order to highlight the need to conserve energy whenever possible. Information relating to energy conservation measures is included in Information Packs that are distributed in schools and at meetings that take place in communities.

ENVIRONMENTAL AWARENESSThis aspect of the departments work includes:

• National Spring Clean• National Tree Week• Large Goods and Hazardous Waste Collections• Green Schools• Green Christmas• Local Environmental Partnership Funding• Anti Litter Awareness Grants

NATIONAL SPRING CLEANNational Spring Clean 2015 took place during the month of April. Litter pickers, gloves, bibs and colour-coded bags were provided for the community clean-ups. Over 40 groups signed up and took part in clean ups all across the County.

NATIONAL TREE WEEKNational Tree Week, which is organised by the Tree Council of Ireland and supported by Coillte, E.S.B. and Longford County Council, took place from 1st to 8th March 2015. Community Groups Schools and other organisations in the County were offered the opportunity to obtain young trees. Over 300 free saplings were given out to more than 30 community groups and schools during this week.

52 53

AN

NU

AL

RE

PO

RT

2015

LON

GFO

RD

CO

UN

TY C

OU

NC

IL

LARGE GOODS/HAZARDOUS WASTE COLLECTIONSFour large goods and hazardous waste collections were held during 2015. The collections took place at Longford Slashers, Granard Mart, Ballymahon Mart and Lanesboro public carpark. General and recyclable waste amounted to 5.48 tonnes while 6.648 tonnes of hazardous waste was collected.

GREEN SCHOOLSLongford was once again very successful in increasing activity in Green Schools during 2015. The participation of schools in the programme is almost at capacity. During 2015 Longford Convent Secondary School received their first green flag while fifteen more schools renewed their flags. This brings the total number of schools with Green Flags in County Longford to 42.

GREEN CHRISTMASThe Council provided two drop-off points in Longford where householders could deposit their trees for shredding, free of charge. Old Christmas cards could also be dropped off at local libraries throughout the County.

ANTI-LITTER AWARENESS GRANTSThis Scheme continued in 2015 with a grant of €12,500 received from the Department of the Environment, Community & Local Government (DECLG). The Anti-Litter and Anti-Graffiti Awareness Grants are used to support clean-up initiatives, fund advertising campaigns and school recycling projects and provide materials support to local community clean-up initiatives.

LOCAL AGENDA 21 ENVIRONMENTAL PARTNERSHIP FUNDThe Council received an allocation of €7,000 under this Scheme from the DECLG. The Council provides matching funds of €7,000 bringing the total grant funding to €14,000 to support innovative, community-based environmental projects.

BURIAL GROUNDS Routine cemetery maintenance is largely carried out by Rural Social Scheme staff and local cemetery committee volunteers. Longford County Council makes a direct contribution to Longford Community Resources Ltd, who oversees the Rural Social Scheme. The Council also operates a cemetery support scheme under which local groups undertaking cemetery maintenance receive a grant from the Local Authority.

VETERINARY SERVICES

FOOD SAFETY The Veterinary Section of Longford County Council services a contract between Longford County Council and the Food Safety Authority of Ireland with regard to food safety and veterinary public health issues.

The small slaughterhouses and low throughput meat manufacturing establishments in the County are statutorily supervised to ensure there is full compliance with food safety legislation.

Locally produced cattle, sheep and pigs were processed in small local slaughterhouses in County Longford in 2015. Each animal slaughtered was ante-mortem and post-mortem inspected by a Veterinary Inspector. A sampling programme which is intended to detect harmful substances such as chemicals and hormones in meat is carried out. The Local Authority Veterinary Service ensures that animal health and welfare is maintained in accordance with legislative provisions.

During 2015 the low throughput meat manufacturing establishments and slaughterhouses in County Longford continued to work to EU approved standards. The meat products produced in the County are under Official Veterinary controls. The Local Authority Veterinary Service regulates and at the same time affords appropriate flexibility to low throughput premises. The County Veterinary Officer sits on an Interdepartmental Working Group to provide guidance to small food producers and regulators in relation to appropriate flexibility acceptable to national and international auditors. While there are changes occurring on an ongoing basis within premises, the business environment is difficult for food businesses. New entrants are encouraged to consult with the Council’s service and to become involved in the sector. 2015 saw the throughput of small slaughterhouses in County Longford maintained.

The sector is supporting the amount of processing in County Longford and is in keeping with our Corporate Plan for promoting enterprise and development in this important area of commercial activity. The Veterinary Section in cooperation with Longford County Council Local Enterprise Office assisted individuals with an interest in the sector in 2015.

Continuing Professional Development and training in food safety and animal health and welfare continued in 2015 and the Veterinary Service has an Internal Audit System. Longford County Council provided this service to Roscommon County Council in 2015.

Activities relating to the disposal of Animal By-Product continued to be an important area of work in 2015.

Meetings of the Regional Zoonosis Committee provide the forum for formal liaison between Longford County Council Veterinary Public Health Service and other agencies, e.g., Department of Agriculture and HSE. Longford County Council Veterinary Service liaised on a formal arrangement for bilateral meetings with the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine locally and nationally in 2015.

In an era of changing local services, the Local Authority Veterinary Service will endeavour to maintain its important Local Service while a regional shared service is being considered for implementation.

DOG CONTROLLongford County Council provides a full-time Dog Control Service in County Longford. The Local Authority employs a Dog Warden and operates a Dog Shelter at Little Water Street in Longford Town. Pound Fees are charged. The Service dealt with 235 cases of unwanted/stray dogs in 2015. Of these, 56 were re-homed, 21 were reclaimed by their owners, 138 were transferred to dog welfare groups and 21 were put to sleep. Longford County Council’s policy is to rehome all dogs suitable for rehoming.

In many cases the dogs which were re-homed were selected by their new owners with the aid of the Council’s Dog Control Service Facebook page.

Longford County Council maintained the low number of dogs put to sleep in Longford Dog Pound in 2015. This is as a result of the strategic plan implemented by the Dog Control Service assisted by other stakeholders and volunteers, to whom we are grateful.

In order to combat the problem of unwanted dogs, Longford County Council continues to advocate responsible animal ownership through education and awareness. The Council operates a scheme for subsidised neutering for dogs and has also formed a strategic alliance with Dogs Trust. Inspections of Dog Breeding Establishments continued in 2015 under the Dog Breeding Establishment Act.

Longford County Council continues to promote the need for dog owners to purchase a Dog Licence. Currently a Dog Licence costs €20 and can be purchased from any Post Office. Purchasing a Dog Licence is an important aspect of responsible dog ownership. In 2015, dog owners also purchased a “Lifetime of Dog” licence at a one-off cost of €140. These are available only from the Environment Section of Longford County Council.

HORSE CONTROLLongford County Council dealt with 54 cases of horses reported as straying in 2015, of these, 41 horses were seized under the Control of Horses Act 1996. Longford County Council’s Control of Horse bye-laws regularise detention and disposal requirements as per the Memorandum of Understanding with the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, as well as controlling access and activities of horses in public places.

54 55

AN

NU

AL

RE

PO

RT

2015

LON

GFO

RD

CO

UN

TY C

OU

NC

IL

EMERGENCY SERVICESFIRE & EMERGENCY SERVICESThe Fire and Rescue Service have fire stations in Ballymahon, Edgeworthstown, Granard, Lanesboro and Longford. These stations are manned by 48 retained fire-fighters who respond to both fire and rescue incidents. The Fire Department was active in promoting fire safety throughout the year.

The Fire Department assessed Fire Safety Certificates, Planning Applications and Court Licence Application Referrals. Fire Safety Inspections of commercial premises were also carried out.

The new Lanesboro Fire Station was officially opened on the 21st January 2015 by Minister Alan Kelly T.D.

The National Fire Directorate nominated Longford Fire Service as the lead authority for the procurement of four new Class B Fire Engines (each valued at €320,000) for Monaghan, Louth, Laois and Longford Fire Services. These vehicles expect to be delivered in 2016.

Four new Firefighters were recruited in 2015; two for Lanesboro Fire Station, one for Granard Fire Station and one for Ballymahon Fire Station.

Pascal Masterson retired from Granard Fire Service in April 2015 after 19 years service.

CIVIL DEFENCECivil Defence is part of a global organisation providing a fully trained back up service to the Front Line Services on an ongoing basis. At local level, Civil Defence is responsible for the recruitment and training of volunteers and the provision of training centres in the community. We also provide a community service to many local organisations in supporting them in running local events within the County.

The main activities, programmes, events and developments carried out by Longford Civil Defence during 2015 were:

TRAININGA number of First Aid courses were held during the year for existing members including Cardiac First Response, CFR Advanced, Occupational First Aid Re-certification and Emergency First Response Re-certification. Eight members re-qualified to EFR level and 10 members graduated to OFA level in November.

In addition, 19 members completed an intensive Search Course to form a Search Team to work in conjunction with An Gardai Siochána in searching for missing persons and 10 members completed a Welfare Course in the Civil Defence College with the intention of setting up a Welfare/Person Displacement team within the County. Members also completed the National Instructional Methods Training Course and Radio and Search Training continued with members of the Warden Service.

Three Radio & Search Exercises were held from February and March. New ICOM GPS radios and mapping software was issued to each county and a training schedule planned for 2015.

RECRUITMENT22 new members, two Paramedics and two Emergency Medical Technicians were recruited during the year.

ACTIVITIESIn 2015, Longford Civil Defence provided assistance at over 60 local community and sporting events including GAA and Soccer Games, Community Games, Walks, Marathons, Triathlons, Festivals, Search & Rescue, Blood Banks as well as Official County Events and Severe Weather Events. A total of approx 3000 man hours was recorded in the winter flooding in which Civil Defence provided sandbags, pumps, transported people and supplies, moved farm feed, monitored water and carried out various other duties throughout the County. The new Tetra radios issued in June proved extremely useful during this flooding event and Longford Civil Defence received the Hugh Shannon Cup from Longford Parade Committee on St. Patrick’s Day, in recognition of our response to the flooding.

A new Child Protection Policy was produced and a member appointed as Child Liaison Officer.

We moved premises to the Eircom Depot on Ballinalee Road where the new facilities are a great improvement providing much needed office space, stores and training facilities. Discussions are ongoing with a number of Agencies regarding the acquisition of new premises.

Civil Defence purchased a new 5.5M rib for use with our proposed new Water Search and Rescue team and work finished on the conversion of a vehicle to a Search & Rescue vehicle. A new Amphibious Quad was also purchased and is presently in service. The existing 4x4 vehicle was completely overhauled and is now ready for service and a new 4x4 was purchased and will be ready for use in 2016. New tentage was purchased along with emergency lighting and a new portable generator and the new Ambulance, which is CEN-compliant, is on duty at all events. New signage is displayed on all vehicles in accordance with Civil Defence protocol.

BALLYMAHON MUNICIPAL DISTRICTThe Ballymahon Municipal District was formed following the 2014 Local Government Elections. Six members were elected to Longford County Council to represent the Municipal District. Following their election these members simultaneously became members of both Longford County Council and Ballymahon Municipal District.

At the Annual General Meeting of Ballymahon Municipal District held on 25th June 2015, Councillor Colm Murray was elected to the position of Cathaoirleach and Councillor Mick Cahill was elected to the position of Leas Cathaoirleach. These positions are filled for a one year term of office.

During 2015, meetings were held on 22nd January, 26th March, 28th May, 25th June, 24th September and 26th November.

Items discussed at these meetings included:• Casual Trading in Ballymahon.• Safe Parking options at Ballymahon Schools.• Speed Control in Legan.• Pedestrian Crossing at Ardagh National School.• Street Lighting in Ballymahon.• Burial Grounds in the Ballymahon District.• Edgeworthstown Community Library.

Presentations made to the Ballymahon Municipal District in 2015 included:• Edgeworthstown Tourism Project.• World Predator Boat Fishing Competition 2016.• Lanesboro Tourism Co-Operative.• Longford Local Economic and Community Plan.

GRANARD MUNICIPAL DISTRICTThe Granard Municipal District was formed following the 2014 Local Government Elections. Six members were elected to Longford County Council to represent the Municipal District.

In 2015 meetings were held on 27th January 2015, 24th March 2015, 26th May 2015, 23rd June 2015, 22nd September 2015 and 24th November 2015.

The Annual Meeting of the Granard Municipal District was held in Granard Community Library on 23rd June 2015. At that meeting Councillor Pauric Brady was elected to the position of Cathaoirleach and Councillor Luie McEntire was elected to be the Leas Cathaoirleach. These positions were by agreement filled for a one year term of office. At this meeting it was agreed unanimously that the meetings of the Granard Municipal District would be held at 3.00pm on the fourth Tuesday of every second month.

56 57

AN

NU

AL

RE

PO

RT

2015

LON

GFO

RD

CO

UN

TY C

OU

NC

IL

APPENDICES

58 59

AN

NU

AL

RE

PO

RT

2015

LON

GFO

RD

CO

UN

TY C

OU

NC

IL

APPENDIX 1: NSAI CERTIFICATE OF REGISTRATION OF OCCUPATION HEALTH & SAFETY MANAGEMENT SYSTEM TO OHSAS 18001:2007

APPENDIX 2: STRATEGIC POLICY COMMITTEES (2014-2019) MEMBERSHIPThe statutory basis for establishment of Strategic Policy Committees (SPC) is contained in Section 48 of the Local Government Act, 2001. The formation of Strategic Policy Committees is intended to afford an opportunity to various sectoral interests to influence the development of policies by the Council.

The Strategic Policy Committee Scheme 2014-2019 and Membership of the Committees was formally adopted by resolution of the Members of Longford County Council at a meeting held on 12th November 2014.

STRATEGIC POLICY COMMITTEE

COUNTY COUNCIL MEMBERS

SECTORAL REPRESENTATIVES TOTAL CHAIR

Housing Services Strategic Policy Committee

Councillors:P.J. ReillyGerry WarnockMartin MulleadyJohn BrownePaul Ross

Development/ ConstructionDerek Scanlon2 Community and VoluntaryLouise LovettStephanie IgoeSocial InclusionJohn Mimnagh

9 Chair - First TermCllr. P.J. Reilly

Second Term Nominee Cllr. Gerry Warnock

Infrastructure and Environment Strategic Policy Committee

Councillors: Micheál CarrigyJohn DuffyGerry FarrellLuie Mc EntireMick Cahill

Agriculture and Farming Andrew McHughCommunity and Voluntary Mary LillisTrade Union Michael Spillane Environmental/Conservation Niamh Moran

9 Chair – First TermCllr. Micheál Carrigy

Second Term NomineeCllr. John Duffy

Planning and Development and Cultural Strategic Policy Committee

Councillors: Mae SextonMark CaseyMick CahillParaic BradyGerry Farrell

Agriculture and Farming Pat O’Rourke Environmental/Conservation Harry McKenna2 Community and Voluntary Nancy Birmingham Noreen McLoughlin

9 Chair – First TermCllr. Mae Sexton

Second Term NomineeCllr. Mark Casey

Economic Development and Enterprise Strategic Policy Committee

Councillors:Seamus ButlerPadraig LoughreyPat O’TooleColm MurrayPeggy Nolan

Business / Employers Fintan McGillCommunity and Voluntary Tess MurphyEnvironmental/Conservation Ray Hogan County Tourism Committee Mona Considine

9 Chair – First TermCllr. Seamus Butler

Second Term NomineeCllr. Padraig Loughrey

TOTAL 20 16 36

60 61

AN

NU

AL

RE

PO

RT

2015

LON

GFO

RD

CO

UN

TY C

OU

NC

IL

APPENDIX 3:STRATEGIC POLICY COMMITTEES REPORTS

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AND ENTERPRISE SPCThe Strategic Policy Committee held 5 meetings in 2015 on 26th January, 2nd March, 23rd March, 29th September and 8th December. The issues for discussion and consideration included:

• Local Economic & Community Plan• Local Development Strategy – LEADER programme• Enterprise development - presentation by Enterprise Ireland• Local Enterprise Office Action Plan• Longford Blueways festival – presentation by Waterways Ireland• Tourism promotion and projects• Vacant commercial premises incentive scheme• Business incentive scheme• Regeneration programme• Connolly Barracks• Grants to community/voluntary organisations

HOUSING SERVICES SPCThe Strategic Policy Committee held 3 meetings in 2015 on 19th January, 7th October, and 14th December. The issues for discussion and consideration included:

• Homelessness in County Longford• Future Perspectives on Housing for Older People• Social Housing Strategy 2015- 2017• Policy on Older Person’s Dwellings• Incremental Purchase Scheme

INFRASTRUCTURE AND ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES SPCThe Infrastructural and Environmental Services SPC met 4 times in 2015, on 29th January, 26th February 10th July and 15th December 2015. The following items were discussed at the meetings:

• Winter Maintenance Programme & County Fire Services• Presentation on the National Directorate for Fire and Emergency Management –

Keeping Communities Safe – A Framework for Fire Safety in Ireland• Consideration of Circular RSD 01/2015 dated 23rd April 2015 regarding Guidelines for the Setting and Managing

of Speed Limits in Ireland.  Incorporating Guidelines for the application of Special Speed Limits• Consideration of recommendation by Granard Municipal District that Longford County Council calls on the Minister

for Transport, Tourism & Sport to introduce a 20km speed limit for all housing estates in County Longford• Speed Limits in Housing Estates• Winter Maintenance Programme

PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT AND CULTURAL SPCThe Strategic Policy Committee held 2 meetings in 2015 on 27th January and 21st October. The issues for discussion and consideration included:

• Longford County Library and Cultural Services• Planning and Development Services in County Longford• County Longford Draft Heritage Plan 2015 – 2021• Longford Regeneration Initiative• Consideration of planning policy regarding the provision of play areas in new housing developments • Flood defences• Responsibility and maintenance of the River Camlin• Rynn & Blackwater Joint Drainage Committee

APPENDIX 4: COMMITTEES OF LONGFORD COUNTY COUNCILCOMMITTEES MEMBERS

Appointment of nominee of Longford County Council to attend annual meeting of Irish Public Bodies Mutual Insurances Ltd

Councillor Luie McEntire

Association of Irish Local Government Councillors Mark Casey, Luie McEntire, Peggy Nolan

Board of Backstage Theatre Councillors Padraig Loughrey, Peggy Nolan, Mae Sexton, Mr. Tony Flaherty

Eastern and Midlands Regional Assembly Councillor Mick Cahill, P.J. Reilly

County Longford Heritage Forum Councillors Paraic Brady, Seamus Butler, Padraig Loughrey

Health Service Executive Regional Health Forum, Dublin-mid Leinster

Councillors Paraic Brady, Pat O’Toole, P.J. Reilly

Local Authority Members’ Association Councillor P.J. Reilly

Lough Oughter, Gowna and River Erne Joint Drainage Committee Councillors Luie McEntire, Martin Mulleady

Local Community Development Committee Councillors Colm Murray, Gerry Warnock, Mark Casey (2 years), Seamus Butler (3 years)

Local Traveller Accommodation Consultative Committee Councillors John Browne, Seamus Butler, Padraig Lough-rey, Peggy Nolan, Mae Sexton, Gerry Warnock

Longford Community Resources Ltd Councillors J. Browne, Martin Mulleady, P.J. Reilly, Mae Sexton

Longford County Council Audit Committee Patrick Groarke, Michael Connellan, Ciara Gil-len, Pat O’Brien & Denis Glennon

Joint Policing Committee Councillors P. Brady, J. Browne, S. Butler, M. Cahill, M. Casey, G. Farrell, P. Loughrey, M. Mulleady P. Ross, P. Nolan, P. O’Toole, P.J. Reilly, Chairperson, Councillor G. Warnock

Longford Enterprise Development Company Ltd Councillors Seamus Butler, Gerry Farrell, Gerry Warnock

Longford Pool Construction Ltd Councillors John Browne, Padraig Loughrey, Gerry Warnock

Longford/Westmeath Education and Training Board Councillors Seamus Butler, Pat O’Toole, Peggy Nolan, Mae Sexton

Longford/Westmeath Rural Community Transport Association Councillor Micheal Carrigy

Midlands Drugs Task Force Councillor Padraig Loughrey

Midlands Energy Agency Councillor Mick Cahill

North Western International River Basin District Advisory Council Councillors John Duffy, Luie McEntire

Rural Water Monitoring Committee Councillors Seamus Butler, Pat O’Toole, Paul Ross

Shannon River Basin District Advisory Council Councillors Mick Cahill, Pat O’ Toole

Sports Partnership Committee Councillors John Browne, Mark Casey, Martin Mulleady

Steering Committee for the promotion of the Irish Language All members of the Council

Tender Committee The Cathaoirleach, Councillors John Browne, Pat O’Toole.

62 63

AN

NU

AL

RE

PO

RT

2015

LON

GFO

RD

CO

UN

TY C

OU

NC

IL

APPENDIX 5: MEETINGS OF LONGFORD COUNTY COUNCIL

COUNTY COUNCIL MEETINGSMeetings of the County Council were held monthly, with the exception of the month of August.

MONTHLY MEETING – 14TH JANUARY 2015

Visit by Students from St. Mel’s College, LongfordThe Cathaoirleach welcomed students and teachers from St. Mel’s College, Longford who observed the Monthly meeting. St. Mel’s College was congratulated on the occasion of their 150 years anniversary.

Presentation by representatives from St. Martha’s House, St. Vincent de Paul, Dublin Road, LongfordA presentation was given by representatives from St. Martha’s House, St. Vincent de Paul, Dublin Road, Longford regarding funding for St. Martha’s House.

MONTHLY MEETING – 11TH MARCH 2015

2014 Audit Committee Annual ReportMr. Patrick Groarke, Chairperson of the Audit Committee, outlined the details of the 2014 Annual Report of the Audit Committee.

MONTHLY MEETING – 15TH APRIL 2015

Shannon and Royal BluewaysA presentation was given by Mr. Éanna Rowe, Marketing and Communications Manager, Waterways Ireland, regarding the Shannon and Royal Blueways.

1916 CommemorationMs. Mary Reynolds, County Librarian, outlined the details of the Ireland 2016 Initiative - ‘Remembering, Reflecting and Re-imagining’ .

MONTHLY MEETING – 13TH MAY 2015The May Monthly Meeting was adjourned as a mark of respect on the death of former Councillor Gerry Brady, R.I.P.

ANNUAL MEETING – 17TH JUNE 2015Councillor Gerry Warnock was elected Cathaoirleach of the Council.

Councillor Pat O’Toole was elected Leas Cathaoirleach of the Council.

MONTHLY MEETING – 8TH JULY 2015

Draft County Heritage Plan 2015-2021Ms. Mairead Ni Chonghaile, Heritage Officer, gave a presentation on the Draft County Heritage Plan 2015 – 2021, prepared by the County Longford Heritage Forum.

MONTHLY MEETING – 9TH SEPTEMBER 2015

Presentation on the Upper Shannon Erne Future Economy Project.(USEFE)Sheena O’Dowd, Co-Ordinator of The Upper Shannon Erne Future Economy Project, gave a presentation on the Upper Shannon Erne Future Economy Project.

MONTHLY MEETING – 9TH DECEMBER 2015

Presentation by the Regeneration Team, 1916 Coordinator and Longford College of Further Education on the Stalled Spaces InitiativePresentations were given by the Regeneration Team, 1916 Coordinator and Longford College of Further Education on the Stalled Spaces Initiative.

MAYORAL RECEPTIONSMayoral Receptions were held as follows:

June 2015Peter Masterson – in recognition of Peter’s involvement in the CommunityText Alert Schemes in County Longford.

November 2015Longford Womens Link - on the occasion of the 20th Anniversary of Longford Womens Link.

AUDIT COMMITTEEThe Audit Committee provides an independent expert review, assessment and advice on financial management and reporting processes, internal control systems and procedures, risk management and audit matters. The Committee’s role is primarily an advisory one and the Committee is not vested with any executive powers or any statutory powers of investigation or enquiry. The statutory functions of the Audit Committee are set out in Section 122(2)(a) to (f) of the functions of the Local Government Act 2001 and in S.I. 244 of 2014 entitled Local Government (Audit Committee) Regulations, 2014.

The sad and untimely death occurred on the 7th April 2015 of Audit Committee member, Gerry Brady, R.I.P. It was agreed by Longford County Council that Mr. Denis Glennon, retired Councillor, fill the vacancy on the Audit Committee occasioned by the death of Gerry.

The Audit Committee met on the 23rd February, 1st May, 19th June, 25th September, 6th November and the 8th December 2015. The Audit Committee examined a number of issues within its remit and issued recommendations where appropriate.

The Chairperson presented the 2014 Annual Report of the Audit Committee at the County Council meeting held in March 2015.

64 65

AN

NU

AL

RE

PO

RT

2015

LON

GFO

RD

CO

UN

TY C

OU

NC

IL

APPENDIX 6: CONFERENCES ATTENDED

DATE CONFERENCE LOCATION COUNCILLORS IN ATTENDANCE

24/01/2015-25/01/2015

Lama Awards Crowne Plaza Hotel, Santry, Dublin

Micheal Carrigy

17/02/2015 AILG “In Service” Training for Elected Members

Killarney Colm Murray, John Browne

20/02/2015-22/02/2015

Longford Association in London London Colm Murray, Gerard Farrell, Mark Casey

21/02/2015 AILG “In Service” Training for Elected Members

Arklow Mae Sexton, Mick Cahill,

24/02/2015-25/02/2015

1916 Rising National Day of Commemoration

Dept. of Jus-tice Dublin

Mark Casey

26/02/2015 AILG “In Service” Training for Elected Members

Castlebar P.J. Reilly, Pauric Brady, Luie McEntire

12/03/2015-13/03/2015

AILG 2nd Annual Conference 2015 Carrickmacross,Co. Monaghan.

Mae Sexton, Paraic Brady, John Browne, Mick Cahill, Micheal Carrigy, Mark Casey, John Duffy, Gerard Farrell, Luie McEntire, Colm Murray, P.J. Reilly, Paul Ross

18/03/2015 Guinness Storehouse Dublin Mark Casey

10/04/2015-11/04/2015

Lama Spring Training Seminar Tuam, Co. Galway Colm Murray, John Duffy, P.J. Reilly, Paul Ross, John Browne, Martin Mulleady, Mae Sexton, Mick Ca-hill, Luie McEntire, Paraic Brady, Micheal Carrigy

14/04/2015 AILG “In Service” Training for Elected Members

Celbridge, Co. Kildare

Peggy Nolan, Luie McEntire, Mae Sexton

17/04/2015-18/04/2015

Equal status Rights Explained Galway Peggy Nolan

18/04/2015 AILG “In Service” Training for Elected Members

Limerick John Duffy, John Browne, Paraic Brady, Micheal Carrigy, Mick Cahill, Colm Murray, P.J. Reilly

18/04/2015 Deputising for Mayor at Dublin/ Longford Gala Dinner Dance

Dublin Mae Sexton

01/05/2015 Irish Public Bodies A.G.M. Dublin P.J. Reilly

01/05/2015-02/05/2015

Animation in Volunteerism Galway Peggy Nolan

07/05/2015 AILG “In Service” Training for Elected Members

Kilkenny John Browne

08/05/2015-09/05/2015

Crime Prevention & Community Safety

Galway Peggy Nolan

14/05/2015 Launch of Eastern – Midlands Regional Waste Management Plan

Dublin Micheal Carrigy, Mae Sexton

16/05/2015 AILG “In Service” Training for Elected Members

Sligo P.J. Reilly

16/05/2015-24/05/2015

Mexico – Longford Dele-gation at Huixquilucan

Mexico Peggy Nolan, Mark Casey, Martin Mulleady

21/05/2015 AILG “In Service” Training for Elected Members

Portlaoise Pauric Brady, Mick Cahill, Micheal Carrigy, John Duffy, Colm Murray, Paul Ross, Mae Sexton

05/06/2015-07/06/2015

EU Support Programme for Irish Regions

Clonakilty, Co. Cork Micheal Carrigy

DATE CONFERENCE LOCATION COUNCILLORS IN ATTENDANCE

13/06/2015 AILG “In Service” Training for Elected Members

Longford Paraic Brady, John Browne, Mick Cahill, Micheal Car-rigy, Mark Casey, Gerard Farrell, Colm Murray, Peggy Nolan, Pat O’Toole, P.J. Reilly, Paul Ross, Mae Sexton, Gerry Warnock

12/07/2015 National Day of Commeration Dublin Gerry Warnock

22/07/2015-24/07/2015

Patrick MacGill Summer School Glenties, Co. Donegal P.J. Reilly

27/07/2015-28/07/2015

Planning & Building Regulations Galway Mark Casey

07/08/2015-09/08/2015

Regulation of Lobbying Act 2015 Clonakilty, Co. Cork Pat O’Toole

24/08/2014 LCDC Meeting Radisson Hotel, Sligo Mark Casey

25/08/2015 Visit to Center Parcs Woburn Forest Paraic Brady, John Browne, Seamus Butler, Mick Cahill, Micheal Carrigy, Mark Casey, Gerry Farrell, Padraig Loughrey, Luie McEntire, Martin Mulleady, Colm Murray, Pat O’Toole, P.J.Reilly, Paul Ross, Gerry Warnock

01/10/2015-02/10/2015

AILG Autumn Seminar Inchydoney, Co. Cork Micheal Carrigy, Peggy Nolan, Paul Ross, Mark Casey, Colm Murray, Mae Sexton, John Browne, Paraic Brady, Mick Cahill, Gerard Farrell, P.J. Reilly, Luie McEntire

06/10/2015 AILG “In Service” Training for Elected Members

Tullamore Luie McEntire

09/10/2015-10/10/2015

LAMA Training Seminar – The Lobbying Act

Kilkenny Micheal Carrigy, Paul Ross, Luie McEntire, Mick Cahill, Colm Murray, P.J. Reilly, John Duffy, Paraic Brady, Peggy Nolan, John Browne, Mark Casey, Mae Sexton, Gerard Farrell

17/10/2015 AILG “In Service” Training for Elected Members

Silver Springs Hotel, Cork

Paul Ross, Mark Casey, Peggy Nolan, Colm Mur-ray, Mae Sexton, John Duffy, John Browne, Paraic Brady, Mick Cahill, P.J. Reilly, Micheal Carrigy

03/11/2015 Local Traveller Accommodation Consultative Committee Conference

Dublin Castle Mae Sexton

14/11/2015 AILG “In Service” Training for Elected Members

Red Cow, Dublin Mae Sexton, Peggy Nolan, John Browne, Para-ic Brady, Mick Cahill, Colm Murray, P.J. Reilly, Miche-al Carrigy, Paul Ross, Mark Casey, Luie McEntire

06/11/2015-08/11/2015

Consumer Rights Bill Clonakilty, Co. Cork John Browne, Paul Ross

11/12/2015-12/12/2015

The Town Renewal Plan Galway Mark Casey, Mae Sexton

12/11/2015-13/11/2015

Chambers Ireland LG Awards Ballsbridge, Dublin Gerry Warnock

20/11/2015-21/11/2015

Urban Regeneration & Housing Act 2015

Galway Mae Sexton

27/11/2015-28/11/2015

Regulation of Lobbying Act 2015 Galway Mick Cahill

11/12/2015-13/12/2015

EU Cohesion Policy 2014 - 2020 Carlingford, Co. Louth Luie McEntire

18/12/2015-20/12/2015

Mobile Marketing of Tourist Destinations

Clonakilty, Co. Cork Pauric Brady

18/12/2015 Deputation to the Transport Infrastructure Ireland

Dublin Seamus Butler, Pat O’Toole, P.J. Reilly, Gerry Warnock, Paul Ross, John Browne, Paraic Brady, Mark Casey, Mae Sexton

66 67

AN

NU

AL

RE

PO

RT

2015

LON

GFO

RD

CO

UN

TY C

OU

NC

IL

APPENDIX 7: ANNUAL PROGRESS REPORT ON CORPORATE PLAN 2015-2019Longford County Council’s Corporate Plan 2015 to 2019 was formally adopted by the elected Council in February 2015.

Longford County Council’s Corporate Plan 2015-2019 was prepared in accordance with the statutory provisions prescribed in Section 134 of the LG Act 2001 as amended by Section 49 of the LG Reform Act 2014.The Corporate Plan is at the core of the Council’s business framework. The Plan was prepared on the basis of an organisational wide strategic approach encompassing the various activities of the local authority. It presents a broad framework for action and delivery by Longford County Council over a five year period.

In framing its corporate objectives for the Corporate Plan the Council sought the views of a broad range of stakeholders and took on board the views and perspectives of interested parties. The Plan outlines and informs the community of the Council’s objectives over the term of office of the elected members.

The adopted Corporate Plan includes a review process that enables the Council evolve and respond in a way that is consistent with the overall Public Service Reform Agenda. In order to facilitate the alignment of plans and policies, a specific commitment to review the Corporate Plan following adoption of the Local Economic Community Plan is provided for.

A function of NOAC, the independent oversight body for the local government sector established under the Local Government Reform Act 2014, is to monitor the adequacy of the Corporate Plans prepared by local authorities and to evaluate their implementation. NOAC’s published report on its review of local authority Corporate Plans confirms that the adequacy of the adopted Corporate Plan for the purposes of meeting the relevant statutory requirements and of responding to the major changes in local government that were implemented in 2014.

Implementation of the Corporate Plan in consultation with the Corporate Policy Group, the Strategic Policy Committees and the Local Community Development Committee was progressed during 2015.

APPENDIX 8: PERFORMANCE INDICATORS

PERFORMANCE INDICATORS – 2014 – 2015

BACKGROUND

Following the establishment of the National Oversight and Audit Commission (NOAC) in July 2014 under the Local Government Reform Act 2014, Service Indicators used by local authorities since 2004 were replaced with Performance Indicators.

The table below details Longford County Councils performance against each indicator.

C: CORPORATE 2014 2015

C1-A. The whole time equivalent staffing number as at 31 December 2015 (consist-ent with figures provided to DECLG by way of staffing returns for December 2015)

280.65 268.6

C2-A. Percentage of working days lost to sickness absence through medically certified leave 4.68 4.73

C2-B. Percentage of working days lost to sickness absence through self-certified leave 0.32 0.32

C3-A. Total page views of the local authority website in 2015

C3-B. Total Number of followers at end 2015 of the LA’s social media accounts (if any)

A. The cumulative total page views for the period 01/01/2015 to 31/12/2015 ob-tained from a page tagging on-site web analytics service

405001 391565

C4-A. All ICT expenditure in the period from 01/01/2015 to 31/12/2015, di-vided by the WTE no. Supplied under the C1 indicator.

2684.41 3169.12

E: WASTE / ENVIRONMENT

E1: No./% of Households with access to a 3 bin service

A. The number of households, based on the 2011 Census, who are in receipt of a 3 bin service at 31/12/2015

3883 4185

B. The percentage of households within the LA area (also as per the 2011 Census) that the number at ‘A’ above represents

26.95% 29.04%

E2: Percentage of other environmental pollution complaints closed

The figures to be provided is the total pollution cases numbers and a breakdown into the different types of pollution is not required for 2015 report

1288

Percentage of Litter pollution cases closed by 31/12/2014 97.94 N/A

Percentage of Air pollution cases closed by 31/12/2014 100 N/A

Percentage of Noise pollution cases closed by 31/12/2014 100 N/A

Percentage of Water pollution cases closed by 31/12/2014 42.86 N/A

E3: Percentage of LA area within the 5 levels of litter pollution

The percentage of the area within the LA that when surveyed was unpolluted or litter free This data will be obtained directly from Tobin Con-

sulting EngineersThe percentage of the area within the LA that when surveyed was slightly polluted

The percentage of the area within the LA that when surveyed was moderately polluted

The percentage of the area within the LA that when surveyed was significantly polluted

The percentage of the area within the LA that when surveyed was grossly polluted

F: FIRE SERVICE

F1: Cost per Capita of the Fire Service

A. Cost per Capita 57.85 50.63

F2: Service Mobilisation

A. Average time taken, in minutes, to mobilise fire brigades in Full-Time Stations in respect of fire N/A No Full-Time Stations

in Longford

N/A No Full-Time Stations

in Longford

B. Average time taken, in minutes, to mobilise fire brigades in Part-Time Stations (retained fire service) in respect fire

5.3 6

C. Average time taken, in minutes, to mobilise fire brigades in Full-Time Stations in respect of all other (non-fire) emergency incidents

N/A No Full-Time Stations

in Longford

N/A No Full-Time Stations

in Longford

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

5.31 6.01

68 69

AN

NU

AL

RE

PO

RT

2015

LON

GFO

RD

CO

UN

TY C

OU

NC

IL

F3: Percentage of attendances at scenes

A. Percentage of cases in respect of fire in which first attendance is at the scene within 10 minutes 46.94 42.28

B. Percentage of cases in respect of fire in which first attendance is at the scene after 10 minutes but within 20 minutes

46.94 50.67

C. Percentage of cases in respect of fire in which first attendance is at the scene after 20 minutes 6.12 7.05

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

38.27 29.85

E. Percentage of cases in respect of all other emergency incidents in which first attendance is at the scene after 10 minutes but within 20 minutes

51.85 59.70

F. Percentage of cases in respect of all other emergency incidents in which first attendance is at the scene after 20 minutes

9.88 10.45

H: HOUSING

H1 / H2: Social Housing Stock / Housing Voids

H1-A. The overall total number of dwellings provided by the local authority in the period 01/01/2015 to 31/12/2015; comprising:

13 94

H1-B. The number of dwellings directly provided i.e. construct-ed (B1) or purchased (B2), by the LA in 2015

5 6

H1-Ba. Number constructed (from B. above) 0 0

H1-Bb. Number Purchased (from B. above) 5 6

H1-C. The number of units provided under the Rental Accommodation Scheme in 2015 7 57

H1-D. The number of units provided under the Housing Assistance Payment Scheme in 2015 if operated (or else indicate if scheme not yet being operated in the LA)

0 (HAPS not yet com-

menced in Longford)

0(HAPS not yet com-

menced in Longford

H1-E. The number of units provided under the Social Housing Leasing Initiative (SHLI) (including unsold Affordable Scheme units and NAMA sourced properties and Mortgage to Rent Scheme) in 2015

1 31

H1-F. The overall total number of social housing dwellings in the LA at 31/12/2015; comprising: 2075 2149

H1-G. The total number of dwellings directly provided (constructed or purchased) by the LA 1889 1895

H1-H. The number of units provided under the Rental Accommodation Scheme (RAS) 170 213

H1-I. The total number of units provided under the Housing Assistance Payment Scheme (HAP) if operated (or else indicate if scheme not yet being operated in the LA)

0 (HAPS not yet com-

menced in Longford)

0

H1-J. The number of units provided under the Social Housing Leasing Initiative (SHLI) (including unsold Affordable Scheme units and NAMA sourced properties and Mortgage to Rent Scheme)

16 41

H2-A. The percentage of the total number of dwellings at H1-G above that were vacant on 31/12/2015

5.82 5.96

The number of dwelling units within their overall stock that were not tenanted on 31/12/2015 110 113

H3: Average Re-letting Time and Cost

A. The time taken from the date of vacation of dwelling to the date in 2015 when a new tenancy had commenced in the dwelling, averaged across all units re-let in 2015

0.23 24.43wk

B. The cost expended on getting the re-tenanted units in 2015 ready for re-letting, averaged across all units re-let in 2015

4734.5 4709.57

H4: Housing Maintenance Cost

A. Expenditure during 2015 on the repair and maintenance of housing bought or built by the LA compiled on a continuous basis from 01/01/2015 to 31/12/2015, divided by the no. of directly provided units in the LA stock at 31/12/2015 (H1G above)

1,107,439 902,093

H5: Private rented sector inspections

A. Total number of registered tenancies in the LA area (obtained directly from the PRTB) 2065 2367

B. Number of inspections carried out 173 54

H6: Long-term Homeless Adults

A. Number of adult individuals in emergency accommodation that are long-term (i.e. 6 months or more within the previous year) homeless as a percentage of the total number of homeless adult individuals in emergency accommodation at the end of 2015.

50% 23.53%

J: ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

J1: No. of jobs created

A. The no. of jobs created with assistance from the Local Enterprise Office during the period 01/01/2015 to 31/12/2015

30 76

L: LIBRARY / RECREATION SERVICES

L1: Library Visits

Number of visits to libraries per head of population for the LA area per the 2011 Census. 4.57 5.57

Number of items issued to library borrowers in the year 124,614

L2: Cost of operating a Library Service

A. The Annual Financial Statement (AFS) Programme F data divided by the population of the LA area per the 2011 Census.

41.10 42.15

M: FINANCE

M1: 5 Year summary of Revenue Account balance

A. The Cumulative surplus/deficit balance at 31/12/2011 in the Revenue Account from the Income and Expenditure Account Statement of the Annual Financial Statement (AFS)

-172844 -172844

B. The cumulative surplus/deficit balance at 31/12/2012 -107413 -107413

C. The cumulative surplus/deficit balance at 31/12/2013 -109957 -109957

D. The cumulative surplus/deficit balance at 31/12/2014* -34755 -34755

E. The cumulative surplus/deficit balance at 31/12/2015** -142,995

F. The cumulative surplus or deficit at 31/12/2015 as a percentage of Total Income in 2015 from the income and expenditure Account Statement of the AFS**

24,063,564

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

2011 Rates 74.99 74.99

Rent and Annuities 88.23 88.23

Housing Loans 77.16 77.16

2012 Rates 71.31 71.31

Rent and Annuities 88.07 88.07

Housing Loans 67.09 67.09

2013 Rates 69.79 69.79

Rent and Annuities 86.18 86.18

Housing Loans 60.84 60.84

2014* Rates 69.69 69.69

Rent and Annuities 86.18 86.18

Housing Loans 56.5 56.5

2015** Rates 82

Rent and Annuities 88

Housing Loans 55

P: PLANNING

P1: New Buildings Inspected

A. Buildings inspected as a percentage of new buildings notified to the local authority 28.33 19.35

P2: No./% of Planning decisions confirmed by An Bord Pleanála

A. Number of LA planning decisions which were the subject of an appeal to An Bord Pleanála that were determined by the Board on any date in the last year

7 4

B. Percentage of the determinations at ‘A’ above which were to confirm ei-ther with or without variation the decision made by the LA

42.86 50

P3: Percentage of Planning Enforcement cases closed as resolved

A. Total number of planning cases (as opposed to complaints) referred to or initiated by the local authority in the period 01/01/2015 to 31/12/2015 that were investigated

34 23

B. Total number of cases that were closed during 2015 5 10

C. % of the cases at ‘B’ above that were dismissed under sec-tion 152(2), Planning and Development Act 2000

20 0

D. % of the cases at ‘B’ above that were resolved to the LA’s satisfaction through negotiations 60 20

E. % of the cases at ‘B’ above that were closed due to enforcement proceedings 20 80

F. Total number of planning cases being investigated as at 31/12/2015 52 11

P4: Cost per Capita of the Planning Service

A. The Annual Financial Statement (AFS) Programme D data divid-ed by the population of the LA area per the 2011 Census

37.83 39.14

70 71

AN

NU

AL

RE

PO

RT

2015

LON

GFO

RD

CO

UN

TY C

OU

NC

IL

R: ROADS (New Performance Indicator Introduced 2015)

R1: Ratings in Pavement Surface Condition Index (PSCI) 2015

A. % of total Regional road kilometres that have ever received a PSCI condition rating

Regional 49.99%

Local Primary 74.73%

Local Secondary 70.29%

Local Tertiary 44.72%

B. % of total Regional road kilometres that received at PSCI condition rating between 1/1/2015 and 31/12/2015

Regional 20.74%

C. At 31/12/2015 the number of Regional road kilometres having a PSCI rating of (a) 1-4, (b) 5-6, (c) 7-8 and (d) 9-10 expressed as a % of total Regional road kilometres in the local authority area

Road Class 1-4 5-6 7-8 9-10

Regional 4.58% 21.47% 13.74% 10.21%

Local Primary 6.80% 36.13% 22.60% 9.20%

Local Secondary 10.56% 40.88% 8.67% 10.18%

Local Tertiary 16.89% 16.65% 6.06% 5.12%

R2: Regional road grants works

A-Kilometres of regional road strengthened during 2015 using Road Improvement (RI) grants and the RI grant amount

3.5

B-Kilometres of regional road resealed during 2015 using Road Maintenance (RM) grants and the RM grant amount

3.2

R3: Percentage of motor tax transactions conducted online

This data will be obtained directly from the Vehicle Registration Unit

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

38.57 44.76

Total number of motor tax transactions which are dealt with over the counter 28623 25377

Total number of motor tax transactions which are dealt with by post 2949 2408

Total number of motor tax transactions which are dealt with online 19824 22510

W: Water

W1 % Drinking water in private schemes in compliance with statutory requirements 98.90%

Y: YOUTH / COMMUNITY

Y1: Participation in Comhairle na n-Óg scheme

Percentage of local schools and youth groups involved in the local Youth Council/ Comhairle na n-Óg scheme

100 100

Y2: The Number of organisations included in the County Register at 31/12/2015

The proportion of those organisations that opted to be part of the Social Inclusion College within the PPN

N/A 97 15.46

72

LON

GFO

RD

CO

UN

TY C

OU

NC

IL