Tuarascáil Mhíosúil ón PhríomhfheidhmeannachMonthly Management Report

Márta 2017 / March 2017

ECONOMICDEVELOPMENT

Pgs. 2-3

RURALDEVELOPMENT

Pgs. 4-5

FINANCE &SUPPORT SERVICES

Pg. 3

SOCIALDEVELOPMENT

Pgs. 6-7

PHYSICALDEVELOPMENT

Pgs. 8-12

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ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

EMPLOYMENT & LOCAL ENTERPRISE OFFICE

• LEO Clare formally launched its Clare Local Enter-priseWeekprogramme(5-10March)comprising16events/seminars/trainingprogrammes invarious locationsaroundthecounty.Thehighlightevents include ‘Let’sGetExport-ing’with keynote speaker Ian Kehoe (Editor Sunday Busi-nessPost),thefinaloftheStudentEnterpriseAwards,andtheClarefinaloftheNationalEnterpriseAwards.

The opportunity is also taken to test new training pro-grammesandthisyearLEOClarewillintroduce3suchpro-grammes,‘EvaluateYourBusiness-PowerofThree’,‘Gettingyour FoodProduct toMarket’ and ‘How to Promote YourBusiness’. • 32women attended our firstWomen In Businessnetworkeventfor2017.ThetopicoftheeveningwasDig-italMarketingStrategiesdeliveredbyCarolineDunlea,Co-FounderCoreOptimisation (a company supportedby LEOClare).Feedbackontheeventwasverypositive.

• Thismonth’strainingprogrammesincluded:-1stFebruary:FoodAcademy-9thFebruary:PrimaryCourseinFoodSafety-16thFebruary:ManagementDevelopmentProgramme

PLANNING & ENTERPRISE DEVELOPMENTFebruary2017 - Key Activities

• AsignificantnumberofconservationgrantapplicationswerereceivedunderboththeStructuresatRiskFund2017andtheBuiltHeritageInvestmentScheme2017.ThesearecurrentlybeingassessedandwillbeforwardedtotheDe-partmentofArtsHeritageRegionalRuralandGaeltachtAf-fairsforfinalgrantapproval.

• Funding of €33,000 was approved from the HeritageCouncilwhichwillbeusedtowardsprojectsin2017onBirdSurveyDataontheShannon-FergusEstuary,PreparationofanEnnisTownPublicRealmPlanandaDVDon“StoriesfromtheLandscape”.

•WorksareprogressinginClarecastle,Kilkee,ScarriffandShannonundertheTownandVillageRenewalScheme2016.

•Kilkee–Apublicinformationsessionontheredesignofthepublic realmtookplace inSweeneyMemorial Library,Kilkee.The€111,764projectis85%fundedbytheDepart-mentofArts,Heritage,Regional,RuralandGaeltachtAffairsandisexpectedtobecompletedbymid-2017.

•APartVIIIapplicationwassubmittedon10thFebruaryforproposed development of Shannon TownPark alongwithRineannaParktodeliveranewflagshipShannonTownPark.Theproposedworksincludethecreationofanaturalwaterfeature,adventureplayareaandabandstand/performancearea,alongwiththeformallayingoffootpaths,lightingandthecreationofformalandinformalseatingareas.Thedevel-opmentwillalsoincludeworkstothetwono.junctionsonBótharLinnealongthesouthernperimeterofthesite,andthecreationofapedestriancrossingonsame.Submissionsmaybemadeupto6thApril2017.

•82planningapplicationsand35pre-planningapplicationswerereceivedbyClareCountyCouncilinFebruary.

•Enforcement–4complaintswerereceived,9warninglet-terswereissued,3EnforcementNoticeswereservedand9fileswereclosedduringthemonthofFebruary.

•1estatewastakeninchargebyresolutionoftheElectedMembersattheFebruarymeetingofKillaloeMD.

•ThepublicconsultationontheDraftClareCountyCouncilGeneral Development Contribution Scheme concluded on13thFebruarywith thereceiptof10submissions.AChiefExecutiveReportwillbecompiledinadvanceoftheadop-tionoftheschemebytheMembersinApril.

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PicturedattheLocalEnterpriseOfficeClareofficeatÁrasContaeanChláirinEnnisl-rCouncillorBillChambers,Cathaoirleach,PadraicMcElwee,LocalEnterpriseOfficeClare,andDarrenO’ConnorofMagicMayanChocolate

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PROCUREMENT

The following opportunitieswere advertised on eTendersduringFebruary2017.

CORPORATE SERVICES

Tracking System for Motions adopted at Council meetingsAs agreed at the February council meeting, options arebeing reviewed to develop a system of tracking actionsagreedattheCouncilmeetings.Afurtherupdateonthiswillbeprovidedwhenaprocessorsystemhasbeendeveloped.

Annual Ethics DeclarationsPart 15 of the Local Government Act 2001 places anobligation on relevant employees and Elected Memberstocompleteandsubmit to theEthicsRegistraranAnnualDeclarationnolaterthanthelastdayofFebruaryeachyear.Alldeclarationsforthisyearhavebeenreceived.

Design and Print serviceInterviews for the two positions for this service will becompleted at the end of March and it ishoped that the in-house printing and designservicecanbefullyoperationalbyQuarter22017.

HUMAN RESOURCES

Clare County Council successfully transitioned itsSuperannuation services to the Shared Services Centre(MyPay)inLaoisduringFebruary2017.

At retirement employees will make contact with the HRDepartment however their retirement benefits will becalculatedbytheteamintheSharedServicesCentre:

TherewereanumberofinterviewsheldinFebruaryacrossarangeofbusinessareasincluding: •RetainedFirefightersEnnis&Kilrush•SeniorBusinessAnalyst(LEO)•WaterServicesSupervisorOperations•WaterAssetTransferproject•StudentCo-OperativeEducationopportunitiesinconjunctionwiththeUniversityofLimerick. ThefollowingpostshavebeenadvertisedduringFebruary:

Open Competitions:

•SchoolWardensCountywidePanels(sporadiccover)•Traffic/LitterWardenCountywidePanel•BeachLifeguardsCountywidePanel

Confined Competitions:

•StoreKeeper•ActingInformationSystems(IS)TechnicalSupportOfficerPanel(analogoustoStaffOfficer)•SportsFacilitiesAssistantsCountywidePanel.

FINANCE & SUPPORT SERVICES

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENTTOURISMFebruary 2017 - Key Activities

•TheCliffsofMoherwasawardedaGoldawardbyCIEToursInternationalfor‘BestOverallVisit’inasurveyofallvisitorstoIreland.

• Consultationswere commenced by Consultant ap-pointedbytheNationalParks&WildlifeServicefortheBur-renNationalParkandVisitorManagementPlan.

• The10thanniversaryoftheopeningoftheCliffsofMoher Visitor Experiencewas celebrated on 8th February2017withatourismnetworkingeventinthevisitorcentre.

• ClaretourismparticipatedinaverysuccessfulShan-nonHollidayFairintheArenaattheUniversityofLimerickinmidFebruary.

• WorkshopswereheldbyFailte IrelandConsultantsonaVisitorExperiencePlanfortheBurren.

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CONTRACT ADVERTISED CLOSING DATERe-developmentofLeesRoadSyntheticPitch

20thMarch2017

ConstructionofupgradetoLahinchToilet

1stMarch2017

Scoping,Developing,MarketingandPromotingtheLoughDergBlueway

17thFebruary2017

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RURAL DEVELOPMENT

Pat Spillane – Rural Develoment Forum

Former All Ireland winning footballer with Kerry andGovernmentAmbassadorfortheNationalActionForRuralDevelopment, Pat Spillane made a presentation tomembers of the recently established Clare RuralDevelopment Forum at the Buttermarket Building,Waterpark,EnnisonWednesday1stMarch2017.

The Forum comprises members drawn from localcommunity,business,tourismandfarminggroups,aswellas Clare County Council, Elected Members, third levelinstitutesandStateandDevelopmentAgencies.TheForumiscurrently developing a Rural Development Strategy forCounty Clare which is expected to be launchedinearlysummer.

Addressing Forum Members, Mr. Spillane referred tohis passion for rural Ireland, his Chairmanship of theCommission for the Economic Development of RuralAreas (CEDRA) and the importance of inter-agencycollaboration. He also acknowedged Clare CountyCouncil’sroleinconveningtheRuralDevelopmentForumandestablishingoneofthecountry’sfirstLocalAuthorityRuralDevelopmentDirectorate.

February 2017 Actions: Monthly Management Report for the March Monthly Meeting of Clare County Council.

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PatDowling,ChiefExecutiveClareCountyCouncil,PatSpillane,Cllr.BillChambers,CathaoirleachofClareCountyCouncil,LeonardCleary,DirectorofServices,ClareCountyCouncil,andAineMellett,Tusla.

Public Consultation – Rural Development

Members of the public and interested parties are be-ing invited to have their say on the proposed Clare RuralDevelopmentStrategybymakingwrittensubmissionsandobservations to the Rural DevelopmentDirectorate, ClareCounty Council, Áras Contae an Chláir, New Road, Ennis,Co.Clareonorbefore4.00pmonFriday,21stMarch2017.

In order to facilitate stakeholder engagement, a pub-lic information briefing will take place on Friday, 24thMarch 2017 at Ennis Civic Room, Buttermarket, Enniscommencing at 2.30 pm. Persons interested in attend-ing are asked to contact Claire on 065 6846495 or cru-therford@clarecoco.ie. The strength and depth of theobjectives set out in the proposed Rural DevelopmentStrategywillbeguidedbythe inputof localcommunities.

The Forummeetings and the public consultation processarekeytoshapingavisionfortheClareRuralDevelopmentStrategy. It is through such consultation thatwehope toidentifykeyinfluences,draftobjectivesandstrategicwhichwillultimatelycomplementtheGovernment’s‘NationalAc-tionPlanforRuralIreland’andtheRuralDevelopmentDi-rectorateoperationplan.

Community Playground Support Scheme

The Rural Development Directorate has announced a€40,000 support scheme to assist local communities inmaintainingandoperatingplaygrounds.

TheCommunityPlaygroundSupportScheme2017followsonfromasuccessfulschemerunin2014/15.Applicationsarenowbeing invitedwithgrantsofuptoamaximumof€1,400perplaygroundbeingprovided.

Applications for the Community Playground SupportSchemeshouldbemadeontheapprovedapplicationformwhichcanbedownloadedfromwww.clarecoco.ie.

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Amenity Grant Assistance for local improvement and maintenance works

The Rural Development Directorate has announced threegrant schemes aimed at providing financial assistance tocommunitygroupswishingtoundertakeimprovementandmaintenanceworksintheirareas.

ApplicationsarebeinginvitedfortheAmenityWorks,IllegalDumpClean-upandVillagePaintSchemes,theclosingdateforwhichisFriday,31March2017.

AmenityWorksGrantsuptoamaximumof€300willbeal-locatedtoqualifyinggroupsforthepurposeofpurchasingtrees, shrubs,brushes, shovels, street furnitureandotherincidental itemswhicharerequiredtocarryoutthemain-tenanceandimprovementworks.Grantsuptoamaximumof€300alsoarebeingmadeavailabletogroupswishingtoundertakeacleanupofillegaldumps.VillagePaintSchemegrants are also beingmade available to local groups. Thegrantisformaterialsonlyandwillbeintheorderof50%ofthegroup’sexpendituretoamaximumof€1,000.

Applicationsformscanbedownloadedfromwww.clareco-co.ie

RURAL DEVELOPMENT

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Roll-out of free public Wi-FiClare County Council’s Rural Development Directorate hascommenced the rolloutof freepublicWi-Fi toEnnisTownCentreaspartofawiderplantointroduceopeninternetac-cesstoseveralotherClaretowns.

Open Wi-Fi access was recently introduced to the UpperMarketareaofEnniswithplanstoextendthefreeserviceto Parnell Street and Carpark, Abbey Street and Carpark,O’ConnellStreetandO’ConnellSquare.

TheRuralDevelopmentDirectorate,whichisfundingtheini-tiative, isworkingwith localbusinessesto install theWI-FIhotspotsinanefforttodrawshoppersandbusinesspeopletothetown.TheprojectisledbyUrbanMcMahon(Broad-band&DigitalOfficerandH.I.S.)

The Rural Development Directorate will be introducing asimilarservicetootherClaretownsthroughout2017.

Annual Pride of Place Competition

The Rural Development Directorate is invitingexpressionsofinterestfromlocalcommunities,projectsandhousingestatesinterestedinrepresentingClareinthe2017IPBPrideofPlacecompetition.

The annual all-island competition, which is run inassociation with Co-operation Ireland and localauthorities, aims to recognise the vital contributionsthat communities make to society along with generatingawareness,respectandinclusionforeveryfacetofsociety.

The Rural Development Directorate may nominate one

grouppercategory,providing thetotalnumbernominateddoesnotexceedfive.JudgingforPrideofPlace2017takesplacebetweenJuneandAugust.

Thereare11categoriesunderwhichcommunitiescanenter.They includethreethemes:CommunitybasedYouthInitia-tive,CreativePlaceInitiative,CommunitiesReachingOutIni-tiativeandfivepopulationcategories.Theremainingcatego-riesareUrbanNeighbourhoods,HousingEstates,andIslandsandCoastalCommunities.

Groups interested in being considered for nominationare asked to submit a written expression of interest,detailing their preferred Category with a one-page typedsummary (max 150 words) setting out their proposal toNicolaKilleen,PrideofPlaceCoordinator.ExpressionsofIn-terestreceivedwillbeassessed,percategory,basedontheCo-OperationIrelandcriteriaavailableonrequestfromClareCountyCouncilandatwww.prideofplace.ie.

AllapplicantswillbeinformedbyendofAprilastowhethertheyhavebeennominatedtocompeteatAll-islandlevel.

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SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT

HOUSING InFebruary2017 theSocialhousing list reached2,500and theDirectoratecontinuedinourendeavourstodealwiththeincreas-inghousingunitdemandthroughacombinationofacquisitions,rentalsandleases.Alleffortsarebeingutilisedtofasttracktheturnaroundperiodforvacanthousesandsignificantprogresswasmadeinthisregardwithasharpdropintheaveragevacancyperi-odto121daysorapprox.17weeks(previously158days).Ascanbeseenfromstatisticsbelow,therefurbishmentworksforothervacanthousescontinuesapaceandourchallengewillcontinuetobetomaintainandimproveontheaveragevacancyperiod.

TheAcquisitionsTeamhasviewedover20dwellingsduringFeb-ruary,contractshavebeensignedfor12no.andsalesclosedinrespectof5no.properties.Offershavebeenmadeonafurther10no. properties. Under Rental and Leasing, there are 1042no.HAP tenancies in Clare since its introduction in June 2015.In2017todate,theCouncilhasenteredagreementsfor3shortterm leases, 2 long term leases and 14 additional leases havebeenagreedwithApprovedHousingBodies.

RefurbishmentandMaintenanceworksontheCouncil’sHousingstockisanongoingdemandonresources.InFebruarytherewere260maintenance calls logged on iHouse while the number ofvoids/vacanthouses returnedtostockafterrefurbishmentdur-ingthemonthwas12unitswithworksnearingcompletiononafurther19units.

The Social Directorate continues to process a large number ofapplications for the various house improvements Grants avail-ableandin2016,atotalexpenditureof€2.266mwasissuedto240 successful applicants. It is envisaged that a similar levelsofoutputwillcontinueduring2017subjecttoDepartmentfund-ing.Applicantpriorityisassessedonmedical,compassionateandwaitingtimecriteria.TheCouncilisconstantlyreviewingallap-plicationsonthewaitinglistunderthethreegrantschemesandprioritisingthemforapprovalbasedontheabovecriteria.UptotheendofFebruary2017,approvalforthefollowingapplicationswithassociatedfundinghasbeenreceived.

In regard to Homelessness, the number of presentations inFebruary 2017 was 44. The Hostel at Laurel Lodge remainsfully occupied every night catering for 13menwhile a further17 adults and 13 children were in emergency accommoda-tion(B&B)on28thFebruary2017.TheCounciliscontinuingto

work with all of our partner agencies to provide accommoda-tionandsupportforthehomelessandanumberofspecificac-quisitionsareunderwaywhichwill improvethesituation.WorkontheprovisionoftheHomelessActionTeamofficeisongoing.

In termsofourCapitalProjects, contractsarenow inplace forconsultancyservicestodevelopschemesinClonlaraandFeaklecomprisingof10unitsineachlocation.TheCouncilhasalsosub-mittedanapplicationtotheDepartmentforthedevelopmentof8unitsinRoslevanandisawaitingfeedbackonthissubmission.TheCouncilcontinuestoreviewthedevelopmentoptionsinpar-ticularinthehighsocialhousedemandareasoftheCountyandisactivelyengagedwiththeNDFAforthedeliveryof50unitsonCouncilownedlandsinShannonEast.ThedevelopmentwillbedeliveredasaPPPwith100%nominationrightstotheCouncil.TheNDFAhaverecentlyappointedadesignteamandplantosub-mitforplanningpermissionin2017.

TheCouncil isawaitingtheoutcomeofitsapplicationforLIHAFfunding (Local InfrastructureHousing Activation Fund)which ifsuccessfulistobeusedtoprovideinfrastructuretoreleaselandsforthedevelopmentofhousing inEnnis,ShannonandEnnisty-mon.ADepartmentdecisionisdueinMarch/April2017.

SPORT & RECREATIONAL

MuchprogresshasbeenmadeinimprovingourSportsandrec-reationalfacilities.InFebruary,wesoughttendersforthere-de-velopmentoftheAstroTurfPitchinLeesRoad.Thepresentpitchisinplacefor15yearsandrequiresupdatingtoensureitisofthehigheststandards.Thetotalcostofthisprojectisintheorderof€500,000andhasbeenpartlyfundedbytheSportCapitalGrantProgramme2015.OncethetenderisawardedworkswillbeginduringQ2of2017toensure thatpresentactivitiesarenotad-verselyaffected.

WearealsointheprocessofseekingEUfundingforRuralTourismDevelopmenttowardsa‘FartlekTrainingSystem’forActiveEnnisSports&AmenityPark,LeesRoad.EnnisTriClubhaveagreedtobeourpartner for this initiativeandweareextremelyhopefulofsecuringthefundingrequiredandtheprojectwillincorporatetheexistingLoopWalkwithinthe130acrewoodlandsectionofthePark.Theuniquenessofthisfacilitywillservetoattractthe‘active’touristtoourCounty.

Additionally, we have also made applications under the 2017Sports Capital Grant Programme for a number of key projects.Theseinclude:1. ThecompletionoftheworksprogrammeatActiveEnnisTimSmytheParkto includedressingrooms,toiletsandstoragefacilities.2. FurtherdevelopmentofActiveKilrushSportsComplexwith thefirst phasebeingdressing rooms. Furtherworkspro-posedthereincludestoragefacilities,courtsandcarparking.3. ThedevelopmentofasyntheticCricketWicketatActiveEnnisSports&AmenityPark,LeesRoad.Theadditionofthisfa-cilitywill strengthentheoffer in theParkanddemonstrate thediversityof theactivities takingplace thereaswellasensuringinclusiveness for all disciplines.

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(Housing, Sport & Amenities and Cultural Services)

HousingAdaptationGrantforPeoplewithaDisability

6 €73,050

HousingAidforOlderPeople 20 €88,580MobilityAidsGrant 20 €77,388Approvals issued to 28th February 2017

46 €239,018

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SOCIAL DEVELOPMENTCULTURAL SERVICES

– LIBRARY, ARTS, MUSEUM, ARCHIVES Clare County Library

•InFebruaryapresentationbyKeithWilliamsArchitectswasmadetoClareCountyCouncillors,updatingMembersondevelopmentsregardingthenewlibrary/artsbuildinginEnnis.

•ThefirstmeetingoftheCreativeIrelandsteeringgroupinCountyClaretookplaceon22ndFebruary,ledbytheSocialDirector.Thiscomprisesofstaffdrawnfromlibraries,arts,museum,heritage,communityandenterprise.

•Aspartofouroutreachserviceandinsupportoftheagefriendly initiativethelibraryparticipatedattheOlderPeo-ple’sForumroadshows inKilkee,Ennis,TullaandEnnisty-mon. Library staffwereonhandwith informationonallofourservicesandfacilitiesavailabletoolderpeople.The‘BlindDatewithaBook’promotionforValentine’sDaywasahugesuccessagainthisyear.Readerschoseabookfromourdisplayofbookswrapped inplainpaperandalsoreceivedatreatfromWildeIrishChocolatesandateabagtoenjoyanicecupofteawhilereading!

• ClareLibraryinassociationwithGlórwelcomedLaure-atesnanÓgpastandpresenttoEnnison15thFebruary.Ataspecialschoolsevent480children&theirteachersfrom17schoolsattendedalivedrawingexperiencebycurrentLaure-atePJLynch.PJwasaccompaniedbyfellowaward-winning,worldrenownedauthorandexLaureateEoinColfer.Anex-hibitionofPJLynch’sworkwasexhibitedduringthemonthinconjunctionwiththisevent.InconjunctionwiththeClarePersonoftheYearAwardCaitríonaLucaswasrememberedin Ennistymon Library in a Roald Dahl-themed illustrationworkshopwithWayneO’Connoron25thFebruary. ClareLibraryhashadcorrespondencefromLordEgremont,whoseancestorsownedtheextensiveLeconfieldEstateinCountyClareinthe19thcentury.HewillbevisitingCountyClareinearlyAprilwherehewillmeetwithlocalClarehistoriansintheCouncil’sLocalStudiesCentre.LordEgremont’svisitispartofresearchheisundertakingforaforthcomingbook.

•ChildProtectiontrainingupdatestookplacein-houseforlibrarystaffwhileMaintenanceworkontheheatingsystemwascarriedoutatNewmarket-on-Ferguslibrary.

CLARE MUSEUM

•DuringFebruarythemuseumheldStBridget’sDaywork-shopsforschoolsandheldthefirstTraditionalSingingWork-shop in partnershipwith the ClareArtsOffice. A total of420schoolchildrenfromsevenschoolsvisitedthemuseumduringthemonth.ThecuratoralsomadeapresentationtotheLCETBtopromotethemuseumasaneducationresourceforAdultEducationcourses,particularlyintheareasoflocalhistory,literacy,computers,tourismandhomeeconomics.

•Advancesweremadeinthecataloguingofthecollection,necessaryforaccreditation,duringthemonth,planningforfutureworkshops forbothprimaryandsecondaryschoolsalsooccurred.Fourobjectshavebeendonatedintothecol-lectionsofarthisyear.

CLARE ARTS OFFICE

• Art exhibitions were held in Cultúrlann Sweeney aswell as in the gallery at Scariff Library and the Foyer ofClareMuseum. •TheartistinschoolsschemecontinuedinnationalschoolsinScariff,Ruan,Kilnaboy,andKilfenora.Traditionalsingersinresidencecompletedtheirseriesofworkshopsin4prima-ryschoolsaswellasasingingcircleinglórand7workshopsintheCountyMuseum.

• TheEmbraceArts andDisabilityworkshops continuedwith newprogrammes starting in Rehab care, Shannon, 2BrothersofCharityHousesinEnnisandtheDulickCentre.

•DoonbegDramagroupperformedtheirnewproductionfor2eveningsinCultúrlannSweeney,Kilkee(below)andascreeningofashortfilmfeaturingWestClaremusiciansalsotookplacethereaswellasthemonthlyfilmclub.

•Workingwithglór,ÁinePhilipswasselectedtocurateanumberofartiststalksaspartofTheArtistsResourceRoomandtwopublicartcommissionswereadvertisedinKilkeeinconjunctionwiththeplanningdepartment.Finally,89appli-cationsforfundingwerereceivedundertheArtsActGrantsScheme.

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ROADWORKS PROGRAMME & OPERATIONS Implementation of the 2016 Non National Roadworks Programme reached a conclusion with the exception of some contracted work in the Ennis Area which is ongoing and had been put on hold during 2016 to facilitate timing of the Fleadh in August – the main one being the roundabout and drainage works development at Cappahard which is now substantially completed.

With regard to National Routes, a very significant countywide overlay contract initiated in 2016 has been completed – the one outstanding component (a very substantial 6km contract on the N67 near New Quay) was concluded in February. A fourth scheme – at Bealaha on the N67 – which was allocated funding in 2016 will also proceed shortly in the form of a sub-contract in association with an Irish Water mains rehabilitation project. In addition, the provision of pedestrian facilities at Kilrush Road,

Ennis, which had been approved in mid 2016 will be completed shortly. The funding for all of these works remains in place.

With regard to the 2017 Roadworks Programme the follow-ing are the overall allocations confirmed from the three fund-ing sources which facilitate the overall budget provision:

• €845,721 from the TII in respect of National routes excluding Traffic Route Lighting. Assuming the same level of funding for Route Lighting in 2017 as in 2016 this represents an increase of 11% when compared with the 2016 – noting that de-tails of the annual overlay programme have yet to be confirmed.• €14,803,865 from the DTTAS in respect of Non-National routes – an increase of 13.8% when compared with the 2016 allocation of €13,041,587. • €2,839,359 from the Council’s Own Resources – an increase of 0.77% when compared with the 2016 allocation. • The foregoing adds up to a total fund of €18,488,945.• Included in the above €18.488 million figure is an allocation of €1 million for the R458 Latoon Creek Bridge repair works as well as €0.676 million for Bridge Rehabilitation Works on Regional and Local Roads.

The Roadworks Programme for 2017 has been prepared and is be-ing presented at the four MD meetings this month - incorporated in the 2017 SMDW Report for consideration at all 4 MD Councils.

PHYSICAL DEVELOPMENT

CAPITAL PROJECTS

Thefollowingistheup-to-datepositioninrelationtoano.ofstra-tegicprojectswhichareatvariousstagesofdevelopment.

• Killaloe By-Pass – The protracted Judicial Review andsubsequent appeals concluded in November, 2016 with confir-mationoffinalapprovalfortheproject.NoticestoTreatwereservedattheendofAugustandthesubmissionsreceivedinre-sponsetosamearebeingexaminedatpresentsothatlandnego-tiationscancommence.Anallocationof€500,000isincludedinthe2017ScheduleofRoadGrantstofacilitatethis.

• Limerick Northern Distributor Road (Phase 2) –Prelimi-naryDesignworkisongoing.AsCouncillorsareaware,thefor-malDevelopmentPlanvariationpertainingtotheClaresectionoftheprojectwaspassed inJuly,2015,andshortlythereafter, theequivalent proposed variation of the Limerick County Develop-mentPlanwasdefeatedbyLimerickCouncillors. LimerickCityandCountyCouncilhas recentlybeenreconsidering itspositiononthematterandarisingfromsame,anewvariationprocessisunderwayinrelationtothesameroutecorridoraswasconsideredpreviouslybutwiththebenefitofenhancedprovisionforinterac-tionwiththestrategicroutenetworkattheLimerickendofthecorridortodealwithongoingcapacitydifficultiesincludinginthevicinityofthejunctionwiththeM7motorway.

• Doolin Pier and Village Masterplan – The Doolin Pierconstructionprojectwascompletedinmid-Juneof2015andthelevelofactivityintermsofferryoperationshasincreasedsignifi-cantlyoverthepast2touristseasonsasaresultoftheadditionalflexibilityandopportunityaffordedbythedevelopment.Consult-antsarepresentlyworkingtowardsdraftmasterplancompletionandsubmissionofformalplanningproposalsinrelationtothede-velopmentofanewaccommodationbuilding,parkingandotherancillary facilities and the development of traffic management

andcarandcoachparkingfacilitiesinthevicinityofFisherStreet.Anupdatefromtheconsultantsisexpectedshortly.

• Blakes Corner–Duringthesecondhalfof2016,separatedeterminationsfromTIIandAnBordPleanalaconfirmedthata2stageapproachtoapprovaltotheprojectwouldnotbeacceptableandthattheappropriatePlanningProcesstodealwithitwouldbethePartVIIIprocedure.Thesteeringgroupispresentlyconsider-ingoptionsbasedonthecurrentpositionasoutlinedaboveandliaisoniscontinuingwithTII.

• N85 Kilnamona Realignment Scheme: PreliminaryDe-signworkisreachingaconclusionandEnnisMDCouncillorswerebriefedrecentlyregardingthepreferredrouteproposal.Consul-tationwitheffectedpropertyownersisongoing.

• Ennis South Flood Relief Scheme –TheprojecthasbeenapprovedbytheOPWandtheformaltenderprocessisongoing–hopingtohavecontractworksunderwaybymid-summer.

• Cappahard Roundabout and Drainage Works, Ennis:Thecontractissubstantiallycompletedandthenewroundaboutisfullyoperational.

• West Clare Railway Greenway – Construction work iscompletedon the3kmsection fromEnnis TownCentre to LeesRoadSportsandAmenityPark. Abriefingdocument isbeingprepared to facilitate liaisonwith the Department of Transportregarding a strategic approach to be adapted in relation to thedevelopmentoftheoverallproject–44kmofcyclewayalongtherouteoftheWestClareRailway(insofarasisfeasible)fromEnnistoLahinch.

• Active Travel Towns –Contractworks are substantiallycompletedinrelationtoall3componentswhichwereapprovedin2016andthefacilitiesareoperational.

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PHYSICAL DEVELOPMENT

WINTER 2015/16 – flooding impact:

Clare County Council has been pursuing feasible solutions in anumberofareaswithaviewtominimisationof risk in theeventthatextremeweathersituationssuchasoccurredinSeptemberandDecember,2015and January,2016occuragain.Among the loca-tionsunderconsiderationareSpringfield,MilltownMalbay,Bally-vaughanandMurtyclough(nearNewQuay)–theuptodateposi-tioninrelationtoeachisasfollows: •Springfield, Clonlara:ThisispresentlyunderreviewbytheOPWfollowinganappealbytheCouncilandlocalresidentsagainstthefindings and conclusions of the CFRAMS study pertaining to thearea.Thisreviewisbeingcarriedoutwiththebenefitofsignificantadditional informationprovidedbytheCouncilandfurtherpublicconsultationisalsobeingconducted.TheCouncilcontinuestoli-aisewiththeOPWwithaviewtohavingthereviewcompletedandafeasibleengineeredsolutionimplementedassoonaspossible.

• Milltown Malbay: Ahydrological assessmentof thenorthernpartofthetown,centredaroundChurchStreetwascompletedre-

centlyandproposesasolutionwhichwould involveupgradingofexisting culvert and drainage infrastructure as well as extensionof the down-gradiant open channel system to facilitate efficientdisposalofsurfacewatertotheCleadaghRiver.Procurementofaconsultantisongoingtofacilitatepreparationofaformalplanningapplication,tobefollowedbyapplicationtotheOPWforfundingtoimplementtheproposedsolution.

•Ballyvaughan:Ahydrologicalassessmentinrelationtotheprob-lems experienced is almost completed and it should be possibletoreporttotheCouncilinrelationtoitsconclusionsattheMarchmonthlymeeting.Thedifficultyhasbeentryingtoidentifyasolu-tionwhichwouldmeetOPWBenefitCostRatiorequirements.

•Murtyclough:TheN67wasclosedtotrafficfor6weeksinlate2015/early 2016 and the recommended solution, following a hy-drologicalassessment,involvestheprovisionofapumpingstationtodisposeofsurplusfloodwatertoGalwayBay.Therearesignifi-cantenvironmentaldesignationsandsensitivitiesinthearea.Theprojectconsultant istoprepareaformalplanningapplicationfol-lowingwhichfundingtofacilitateimplementationwillbepursued.

STORM DAMAGE(Jan/Feb2014)

• Cumulativeexpendituretoendof2016closedoutat€13million.Contractworkswhicharepresentlyongoingwillresultinthisaccumulatingtoapproximately€15.5millionoverthenext2monthsorso.• Thesumremainingtobespentinrelationtothecoastaldamagerepairprogrammeis€4.5million.Theprogrammepertainingtosameshouldbesubstantiallycompletedduringthesecondquarterof2017(withtheexceptionofLahinch)pendingsuccessfulpassagethroughoutstandingplanningprocess’sandotherfactorsoutsideourcontrol.• Separately,thestrategypertainingtocoastalstrengtheningproposalsisongoing–asperdetailssetoutintheabovetable.ThecostofFeasibilityStudiesandotherancillaryoutlayisbeingseparatelyfundedbytheOfficeofPublicWorksandisnotpartofthesumsreferredtoundertheprevious2bulletpoints.

ThefollowingtablesetsoutthecurrentpositioninrelationtoStrengtheningandsignificantRemediationprojects:

PROJECT CURRENT SITUATIONCloughaninchy Afurtheramendedproposal(thirdproposal)hasbeenpreparedindraftformatbytheconsultants

forconsideration–lesscomprehensiveandlesscostlythantheoriginal(firstproposal)whichhadbeenrejectedbytheOPWbutwithamuchimprovedBenefitCostRatio.Consultationwiththelo-calcommunityresameisongoingbeforedecidingonwhethertoforwardtheproposaltotheOPW.

NewQuay/Aughinish DraftFeasibilityStudysubmittedbyconsultants–beingexamined.Doolin FeasibilityStudynearingcompletion

LiscannorBay:Clehane,AdjacenttoPitch&Putt,Liscannor

FeasibiliityStudycompletedandsubmittedtotheOPW–havingbeenamendedtoreflectresponsestoqueriesraisedbytheCouncil.

LehinchCentral(PromArea) Contractongoing–nowapproximately70%completed–tobecompletioninadvanceofthe2017touristseason.

LehinchSouth Consultantsdesignworkandformalplanningprocess(PartVIII)ongoing–duetoconcludeinApril.Whitestrand (Milltown Malbay),SpanishPoint,Quilty

FeasibilityStudycompletedandsubmittedtotheOPW.

RossBay Strengtheningrequirements–applicationtoappointconsultant tocarryoutFeasibilityStudystillunderconsiderationbytheOPW.

Kilbaha FeasibilityStudydraftcompleted–beingdiscussedwithClareCoCounciltofacilitatefinaldraftprep-arationinadvanceofsubmissiontotheOPW.

AtlanticCoastline/IFA ContractworksinFarrihyandDoonmorewelladvancedandnearingcompletion.Significantenvi-ronmentalsensitivitieselsewherewhichmayresultinworkscurtailment–liaisonongoingatpresentwithNPWSinrelationtoLoughDonnell.

EstuaryCoastline/IFA Designworkongoinginrelationtomultiplelocations.3workpackagestogoaheadshortlyatBal-lynacally,BurraneLowerandCarrownacallaSouth.Furtherworkspackagestobetendered.

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PHYSICAL DEVELOPMENTWATER SERVICES

Water Services reform and other issues:•TheuntimelypassingofMr.SeanWard(SeniorEngineer) isamajorsetbackinthedeliveryofthe2017AnnualServicePlan.Hisinstitutionalandspecialistengineeringknowledgewillbeverydifficulttoreplace.•NofurtheroutcomesareanticipatedregardingWIOF(WaterIndustryOperatingFramework)untiltheendofMarch2017.•Othertransformationprojectsincludingregionalcapitaloffices,nation-allaboratorystrategy,andplannedmaintenance–arebeingprogressedbuttherehavebeennomajordevelopmentsonthemduringFebruary.

Water & Wastewater operational – key points•EachlocalauthorityisassessedmonthlybyIWonitsperformanceontheKeyPerformance Indicators (KPIs) intheAnnualServicePlan.ClareCountyCouncil’soverallscoreforthelastquarterof2016,asnotifiedtousattheJanuarymeetingwithIW,stoodatorveryclosetothehighestintheIWSouthernregion(Munster+SELeinster).TheJanuary/Februaryscoreswerenotavailableatthedateofpreparingthisreport.Itremainsto be seenwhether Clare’s performance can be sustained throughout2017,asthenumberofKPIshasincreasedandtargetsinmanyofthemhavebecomemorechallenging,withoutacorrespondingincreaseinre-sourceallocationbyIWtogetherwithasignificantreductionintheWaterServicesStaffcompliment.

TheAssetTransferTeamhasnowbeensetup.Theirmainfunctionistoensurethatrelevantwaterandwastewaterrelatedinfrastructureistrans-ferredinastructuredorderedmannertoIrishWater.

Themostsignificantindividualoperationalitemsduringthemonthwere:

Water–TherewerenomajoroutagesormainsbreaksduringFebruary.ClareDisinfectionProjectwhichisbeingcarriedoutatthelargerWaterTreatmentPlantsintheCountyforIrishWaterbyVeoliaWaterandCullyAutomationisnearingcompletion.

Wastewater – Irish Water has appointed a number of specialist con-tractorstocarryoutrepairandupgradeworkstotheKilkeewastewaterpumpingstation.Workshavealreadycommencedonsiteandareduetobecompletedwithinthenexttwomonths,intimeforthestartofthe2017bathingperiod.A‘DoNotSwim’noticeissuedbyClareCountyCouncilinDecemberremainsinplacependingcompletionoftheworkatthepump-ingstation.IrishWaterhascommissionedthemanufactureandinstalla-tionofanewsurgeprotectionsystemtoreplacetheonewhichfailedinDecember.Aspecialistelectricalcontractorhasalsobeenappointedtoreviewallelectricalissuesatthepumpingstationandanumberofothermeasuresarealsobeingputinplacetoallowforimprovedmanagementattimeswherealargevolumeofstormwaterisenteringthesystem.

WATER SERVICES (Capital projects): IrishWaterhasreceivedtendersfromconsultantengineersforprojectsinthe2017-2021CapitalIn-vestmentProgramme(CIP).Thefirstphaseofthetenderevaluationprocesswascompletedonthe14thFebruarylastbyIWandClareCountyCouncil’sProjectManager.ThefinalphaseoftheevaluationremainswithIW.The2017-2021CIPwillalsoincludecontinuationofwastewatertreatmentupgradesatQuinandKilfenora.Howeveritisnotyetknownifitwillcontainanyworksinadditiontothosenamedherein.HereunderisasummaryofanychangesinstatusofsignificantcapitalprojectssincetheDecember2016monthlyreport.

WATER PROJECTSEnniswatermainsrehabilita-tionprojectphase2

WorktorectifycontrolissuesontheringmainalongtheN85,approvedbyIWinadditiontothemainprojectwhichwassubstantiallycompletedlastautumn,isduetocommenceshortlyandwilltakeapproximately8No.weekstocomplete.

RockmountWTP IrishWaterhasapprovedfundingforthefollowingworksinrelationtoRockmountWTP:• PurchaselandandconstructapumpingstationnorthofMilltownMalbay.• DecommissiontheexistingRockmountWTP.• Constructnew2,000cubicmeterreservoironthesiteofthedecommissionedWTP.• LinkagetoexistingcountywideSCADA,consistentwithIWSpecifications.• Tenderdocumentsarecurrentlyunderreview.

WASTEWATER PROJECTSClonroadmorewastewatertreatmentplant(Ennis)upgrade

The construction stage and the first period of process proving have been completed.The second 14 days of process proving will commence on resolution of defect issues at Francis St andTulla Rd Pumping Stations. These issues are not expected to be rectified until the end of March 2017.

Shannon wastewater treatmentplant upgrade phase 1 – inletworks

Theprojectisapproximately99%completeandbehindprogramme.Thecivilandmechanical-electricalconstruc-tionelementsarecompleted.Theprocessvalidationperiodwascompletedrecentlyandthe56dayflow&loadsurveyperiodisduetocommenceon13thMarch.Theanticipatedcompletiondateis8thMay2017.

ShannonTownSewerNetworkSurvey

SurveysandcleaningofallpumpstationshascommencedinconjunctionwithaFlow,Load,Rainfall, Samplingcontract.Ensenhasbeenawardedthis4monthcontract.Thesamplingelementofthiscontracthasbeenextendedforafurther8weeks.ThiswillfeedintoaModelbuildandverification.ProjectcompletionisQ32017.

KilfenoraWWTPupgrade DesignReviewReporthasbeensubmittedandisunderreviewbyIW.

QuinWWTPupgrade TheDesignReviewReporthasbeenacceptedbyIWAssetStrategy.AmeetingwithClareCountyCouncilPlanningSectionwillbesetuptoprogresstheprojecttothenextstage,DetailedDesign.

FlowMonitoringProject CullyAutomationhassubmitteddesignproposalsforeachplant.ThesewillbereviewedbeforeapprovalbyClareCountyCouncilandIrishWater.Theprojectisonscheduletobecompletedwithinitsprojected6monthtimeline.

Rural Water: ClareCounty Council is awaiting information from theDHPCLGonwhensubmissionsmaybemadeforthe2017RWPallocation.Todate, no informationhas been forthcoming from theDHPCLGor theNFGWSinthisregard.Anydelayinthisprocessmayhaveimplicationsfortheannouncementoftheallocationitself.

NofurtherClaregroupwaterschemeshavebeentakenoverbyIWduringFebruary2017.TheRuralWaterteamhaswrittentoIWrequestingthat18schemesinClarebeconsideredfortakeoverin2017onaphasedapproach.4no.schemeshavebeenforwardedtoIWwhichwillbediscussedatthenextServiceLevelAgreementmeetingbetweenCCCandIWinMarch.

Althoughnoformaltakinginchargeprocesshasyetbeenagreedforgroupsewerageschemes,discussionshadtakenplacewithIWabout3schemesbuiltinrecentyearsontheperipheryofEnnis–Ballybeg,LoughvilleandWoodview.Nofurtherdiscussions inrelationtosametookplace inFeb-ruary.CCCwerepreviouslyadvisedthattheprocesswasbeingtrialed inanotherCountywithClarenextiftheprocessisapproved.

Non Domestic Metering: DiscussionsarecontinuingwithIWonmanage-mentoffuturemeterreading.AgreementwasreachedtoassignanAssist-antStaffOfficeronaparttimebasistoliaisewithIrishWateronbilling/meteringissues.

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ENVIRONMENT

Waste - Enforcement, Regulation and Management

• TheWaste Enforcement Unit continued to carry out Inspections on acontinuingbasisthroughoutFebruaryinaccordancewiththeEnvironmen-talInspectionPlan(basedonRMCEIcriteria).InspectionsofCertificatesofRegistration,WasteFacilityPermitsandCollectionPermitcomplianceswereincluded.TheseinspectionsincludedforelementssuchastheWEEE,tyresandpackagingregulations,etc.aswellasongoingmainWasteManagementActandLitterActsenforcement.

• Workcontinuedinpolicingandprosecutionofillegalwasteactivity.CCTVequipment is in place and is in theprocess of being re-located to a newproblem site in the county. This equipmentwill be re-located as circum-stancesrequire.TheEnforcementteam,lastmonth,purchasedafurther4no.mobilecamerasforcovertsurveillanceatknownlitterproblempointsandthesearealreadybeingemployedbyourwardens.

• Threecourt casesarepending relating to illegalwasteactivities in thecountyand11litterfineswereissuedinFebruary.Out-of-hours(eveningandweekend)investigationsarebeingplannedtocountervariousillegalactivi-tiesconcerninglitteringandwastemanagementpractices.

• TopromotecompliancewiththePresentationofWasteBy-Laws,layoutproposalsforcommercialbinenclosuresaroundEnnisTownhavebeende-velopedandtheseplansareadvancingwiththevariousstakeholderswhoincludetheConservationOfficer,MunicipalDistrict,Councillors,localbusi-nessesandotherrelevantparties. It is intendedtocarryoutsimilarworkthroughoutthecountyascircumstancesrequireandresourcespermit.

• Atechnicalreportwaspreparedinrelationtothethreesitesproposedtoreceivecommercialbinenclosures.Fromthis,thelargestoftheproposedsitesatFriaryCarParkwillnowbedevelopedasapilotproject.FinaldetailsarebeingexaminedwithaviewtohavingthesiteinplaceintimeforthecommencementofFleadhCheoilnahEireann,2017.

Education and Awareness• TidyTownsclinicscommencedthismonthatClareCountyCouncilHQ.Groupswereinvitedtohaveanallocatedperiodoftimetogetexpertguid-ancefromLorrainePower,TidyTownsadjudicatorandKarenFoley,Environ-mentalAwarenessOfficer.OverFebruaryandMarch2017,18tidy townsgroupswill benefit from these Clinics. There is a strong focus on guidinggroupsintheimplementationofcommunityinitiativesrelevanttothe‘Sus-tainableWaste&ResourceManagement’asthis isachallengingcategoryformanygroups.GroupswereaskedtohaveathinkabouttheirquestionsregardingpresentandplannedprojectsinanyoftheTidyTownscategories.• GreenSchool visits areongoingandwork continuedwith supportingcommunitygroupsaroundClareaspartoftheCleanCoastProgramme.• TheGreenCoastflagapplicationswithAnTaiscewerefinalisedinFeb-ruary. BishopsQuarter,SeafieldandanewapplicationforaGreenCoastAward,BallyalliaLake,Ennisweresubmitted.

Central Waste Management Facility – Community Fund• EvaluationmeetingscommencedinrelationtoapplicationsreceivedforthefinaldistributionoftheCommunityFund.Thesubmissiondateforad-ditionalinformationisFriday7thApril.FinalrecommendationswillbemadetotheCouncilafterthatdate.

Oil Pollution Management• ClareCountyCouncilwillhostanoilpollutiontrainingexerciseinSpanishPointplannedforApril2017asrequiredbySEAPT(ShannonEstuaryAnti-

PollutionTeam)andtheOilSpillandHNSContingencyPlan.AmeetingwasheldbetweenEnvironment,SEAPTManagementandtheOilSpillResponseContractortodiscussparticularsoftheoilpollutionexerciseinAprilinclud-ingtheorganisationalarrangementsfortheexercisewhichwillbebasedontheIncidentCommandSystem(ICS)model.TheexercisewillinvolvemainlyEnvironmentstaffbutalsowillincludestafffromothersections.

Water Scientific Services and Laboratory• Thecontractorformonitoringourlakesfor2017isVerdewhocommencedsampling inFebruary.Lakesampling iscarriedoutbythelocalauthoritiesand sent to theEPA labs for analysis under a scheduledprogrammepre-scribedbytheEPAundertheWaterFrameworkDirectiveLakesMonitoringProgramme.TheWFDRiversMonitoringProgrammefor2017followsthesameregimewithsampling carriedoutbyClareCountyCouncilenviron-mentstaff.ThisprogrammecommencedinJanuary.• The inspectionandauditprogrammeforSection4Licencesfor2017 iscurrentlyunderway.• Administration staff continued towork on contacting S4 Licence hold-ersforoutstandinglicencefees.Invoicesinrelationto43Section4licenceholdersissuedon10thFebruaryforauditandmonitoringfeesinrelationtoinspectiondatesin2014,2015,2016.Totalinvoiced€20k.• PollutioncomplaintshandlingcontinuedinFebruarywithrecording, in-vestigatingandreportingwithappropriateactionscarriedoutinaccordancewithRMCEIcriteria.• EnvironmentcontinuestoprovideScientificEnvironmentalreportstothePlanningAuthoritywhichadheretoplanningdeadlinerequirements.

Bathing Water Regulations• AprohibitionNoticeonBathinginKilkeeissuedon21December2016ontheinstructionoftheHSEandinconsultationwithIrishWater,followingthefailureofastormsurgevesselattheIrishWaterpumpstationinKilkee.TheNoticeremainedinplaceforFebruary.

Water Safety• ClareCountyCouncil’sWaterSafetyOfficer,ClareMcGrathwasappoint-edbyMinisterSimonCoveney to the5thCouncilof IrishWaterSafety inFebruary.Thisisa5yearappointment.

Limerick Clare Energy Agency and Climate Change • TheAgencycontinuestoworktowardsreducingenergyconsumptionandpromoting initiatives towardsachievingnationalenergyefficiencyandcli-matechangetargets.

Beaches - Capital Projects• PlanningpermissionfortheLahinchpublictoiletsandamenityfacilitywassecuredinmidFebruary.Thedetaildesignphaseoftheprojectwasconclud-edshortlyafterwardsfromwhichtheprojectwasissuedfortender.Tendershavesincebeen returnedandarecurrentlybeingassessedby thedesignteam.Thepreferredcontractorisexpectedtobeappointedshortlywithaviewtocommencingtheworksonsiteassoonaspossible.• FurtherinformationwassoughtfromthePlanningDepartmentinrelationtothePart8applicationfortheSpanishPointsite.Thiswilldelaysecuringplanningpermissionsoithasbeendecidedtodefertheconstructionworksuntilafterthebathingseasoniscomplete.Aresponsetothefurtherinfor-mationrequestisbeingpreparedbythedesignteamandisexpectedtobelodgedinthenextmonth.Detaildesignforthesitehascontinuedanditistheintentiontotendertheprojectoutoverthesummermonthswithaviewtocompletingtheconstructionworksbeforetheyear’send.• Designproposals fortheKilkeepublictoiletsarecurrentlybeingdevel-opedin-house.Theintentionhereistoprepareapart8planningapplicationforlodgementassoonaspossible.• ResolutionoftechnicalandsafetyissuesaroundthedivingboardsatNew-foundout,Kilkee,isprogressingwellwithdiscussionongoingwiththeboardmanufacturersfollowingtheissueoftheConsultantsreport.

Legislative compliance, RMCEI enforcement, inspection, prosecution, management • Onaverageover500inspections,warningnotices,enforcementandad-visorynoticesissueinaccordancewiththerequirementsoftheEPAagreedEnvironmentalInspectionPlaneachmonth.

PHYSICAL DEVELOPMENT

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PUBLIC LIGHTINGClare County Council has responsibility for the management and maintenance ofmore than13,000public lights in the county (CCCdoesnot have responsibility forthose pertaining to the Motorway Network). These lights are maintained undercontractbyAirtricity– ingeneral,thecontract isworkingwellandincomplianceinthatthenumberofpubliclightswhichareoutoforderatanytimedoesn’texceed2%.

PublicLightingisthesinglebiggestenergyconsumptioncomponentoftheCouncilsinfrastructureandsignificantinvestmentisrequiredinthisareaifthecurrentstatutorytargetofachievingacarbon footprint reductionof33%by2020 is tomaterialise–options to facilitateprogress in this regardarebeingexamined–both in local andNationalcontexts. Overthepastnumberofmonths,allcountieshavefedintothedevelopment of a National Inventory of Public Lights which will facilitate forwardplanning towards achievement of the 2020 objective. Over the coming years it islikely there will be a significant conversion to LED lighting and the Council has

implemented a number of schemes using this technology on the basis that energy savings will result in thempaying from themselves (with grant support) over a relatively short period of time. A further application forfundingto facilitateworksof thisnaturehasbeensubmittedtoTII/SEAIrecentlyto facilitateworks intheKilrusharea.

ForthebenefitofCouncillors,thefollowingaretheoptionsavailabletofacilitatereportingofpubliclightingfaults:• Internet:Directreportingonourwebsite–www.airtricitysolutions.com• Phone:AirtricityUtilitySolutionsdedicatedCallCentre–1850372772• LocalAuthorityIdentification–viaLocalAuthority’swebsiteorContactnumber

Fire & Building Control Section (Main Activities) FEB 2017 2017 TO DATE 2016 TotalNumberofEmergencyCallsAttended 61 120 851NumberofFireSafetyCertificatesReceived 7 19 100NumberofFireSafetyCertificatesGranted 12 22 103NumberofFireSafetyCertificatesInvalidated 0 0 9NumberofDisabilityAccessCertificatesReceived 4 9 67NumberofDisabilityAccessCertificatesGranted 6 10 49NumberofCommencementNoticesReceived 20 49 327NumberofDangerousStructures/PlacesComplaints 3 4 25

PHYSICAL DEVELOPMENT

13

FIRE & BUILDING CONTROL

ClareCountyFire&RescueServiceretaineditsOHSAS18001:2007 international Health & Safety accredita-tionfollowingasurveillanceauditbytheNSAIinFeb-ruary2016.

Continuing to attain and maintain the accreditationshowsthattheFireServiceisproactivelymanagingthesafetyofitsemployeesandcontractors.

Initsassessment,theNSAInotedtheconsistentappli-cationofthemanagementsystemacrossallClareFireStations, the knowledge and skills of all interviewedduringtheauditprocess,theexistenceofan‘excellent’recordsmanagementsystem,andthedevelopmentofaDetailedSafetyManagementProgrammefor2017.

H&S accreditation for Fire Service

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