Foreword

2016 was a special year in the works collectively to build on the history of our state as we work being carried out by the commemorated the centenary of North West Regional Development the 1916 Rising. These Group. commemorations provided us with a once-in-a-century opportunity to The Council’s continued shape and actively engage in a commitment to supporting the diverse range of historical, cultural development of our tourism sector and artistic activities. The level of received a massive boost when interest from all parts of the was named at the Coolest was reflected in the range and Place on the Planet to visit by the quality of projects delivered as part National Geographic Traveller of the Donegal Commemorative Magazine and as well as ‘Ireland’s Programme. Hidden Gem’ title by readers of the ‘Irish Independent Travel’ Magazine. Our commitment to improving our energy performance was reinforced A number of key strategic this year when we received ISO milestones were met in 2016 50001 accreditation for our Energy including the opening of the Management System. Achieving Mullantiboyle Bridge in Glenties, this international standard was the the completion of works on the N15 culmination of many months of Blackburn Bridge Scheme Phase 1 work by the management and staff and the completion of the N56 of the Council and we are only the Boyoughter to Kilkenny LVNS second local authority in Ireland to scheme. achieve this accreditation for all Council services. We continued to work in close partnership with Irish Water on Two years of intensive planning delivering a significant capital came to fruition in late 2016 when programme for Donegal the inaugural meeting of the North representing one of the largest West Strategic Growth Partnership capital investments by Irish Water was held. This Partnership, which is outside of Dublin. jointly led by and City and An ambitious Social Housing District Council, is made programme that will see the up of senior representatives from housing needs of our communities Government departments from the being addressed in an inclusive and Republic and Northern Ireland and sustainable way continued to be is the first grouping of its kind on progressed through the various the island of Ireland. stages of the development process.

This Partnership provides for It is with great sadness that we joined-up planning and acknowledge the passing of Cllr. collaborative resourcing of growth Sean McEniff one of the longest for the North West region and serving members of Donegal County Council and the former staff of the Council. It is their Bundoran Town Council. His dedication, their commitment and service to Donegal and in particular their hard work that makes the his beloved Bundoran spanned six Council such a vibrant and decades and his loss will be felt by progressive organisation. all of us in Donegal County Council. We look forward to continuing to This Annual Report profiles much of work together to serve our the work of this Council and sets communities, support our out details of the many and varied businesses and welcome our activities and achievements in 2016. visitors. Much of what we do can only be achieved by working in partnership with our various stakeholders and we would like to take this Cllr. Terence Slowey opportunity to thank each of them Cathaoirleach for their on-going support and co- operation. Seamus Neely We would also like to thank the Chief Executive elected members, management and

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Table of Contents

Page No.

Members of Donegal County Council 5

Municipal Districts of County Donegal 8

Donegal County Council Management Structure 9

Council Meetings 2016 10

Civic Honours 2016 12

Community, Enterprise & Planning 15

Corporate, Housing & Culture 26

Finance, Information Systems & Emergency 38 Services

Roads & Transportation 52

Water & Environment 62

Appendices

Council Membership of Committees and Other 71 Bodies

Attendance of Members at Training Events 77 2016

Foreign Travel 2016 77

Members’ Expenses 2016 78

Performance Indicators 2016 79

Members of Donegal County Council

Municipal District of Donegal

Municipal District of Glenties

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Municipal District of Inishowen

Municipal District of

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Municipal District of Stranorlar

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Municipal Districts of County Donegal

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Donegal County Council Management Structure

There are five directorates in Donegal County Council. Each directorate is headed by a Director of Service and provides a range of functions and services.

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Council Meetings 2016 Economic, Enterprise & Planning Policy SPC

There were 9 full meetings of the Cllr. Paul Canning Council in 2016 and each Municipal Chairperson District met as follows:

The Economic, Enterprise and • Donegal - 11 times Planning Policy SPC held four • Glenties - 10 times meetings and the following topics • Inishowen - 11 times were discussed: • Letterkenny - 8 times • Stranorlar - 7 times. • Presentation on Revised Structures within The Corporate Policy Group held 6 Community, Enterprise and meetings. Planning Services. • Local Enterprise Office – Strategic Policy overview of work programme Committees with particular focus on o The 3 year review of the Food Coast There are five Strategic Policy Initiative Committees (SPCs). o LEAN Micro Business Programme. Community, Social and • Time line for the Review of Cultural SPC the County Development Plan. Cllr. Marie Therese Gallagher • Review of the County Chairperson Development Plan. • Review of the Development The Community, Social and Cultural Contribution Scheme. SPC met four times and reviewed • Tier 2 Local Area Plan the following policies and issues: Update. • Ministerial Direction in  Cultur: Cultural Services relation to Variation no 2 Strategy (2016-2020). Donegal County  A Framework for Development Plan 2012- Collaboration: an agreement 2018. • between the Arts Council and Donegal Local Economic the CCMA. Community Plan (LECP).  Donegal County Archives Acquisition Policy.  Donegal County Archives Environment & Emergency Preservation Policy. Services SPC  Peace IV Action Plan.  LEADER/RDP Update. Cllr. John O’Donnell  EU Funding Unit Report. Chairperson

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The Environment and Emergency Roads & Transportation SPC Services SPC met 4 times and considered the following: Cllr John Ryan, Chairperson • Regional Waste Management Plan. The Roads and Transportation SPC • Beach management. met on 4 occasions during 2016 • Litter management. and was briefed on and considered many topics including; • Water Framework Directive.

• Tidy Towns. • Road maintenance • Local Authority Water and funding. Communities Office • Road Service Indicators. (LAWCO). • N2/A5 (Dublin to Housing & Corporate Derry/Donegal). • Services SPC TEN-T Projects in Donegal. • Cllr. Frank McBrearty, Speed Limit Review & Chairperson Housing Estate Speed Limits. The Housing & Corporate Services • School Safety Measures. SPC held 2 meetings and reviewed • Rural Transport. policies and procedures in relation • to the following topics: Community Involvement Schemes and Local • Tenant (Incremental) Improvement Schemes. Purchase Scheme 2016. • Management of Invasive • Policy on New Programme of species. Specific Instance (S.I.) • Donegal/ Tipperary Dwellings. Hedge Cutting Pilot • Housing Needs Assessment. Project. • New arrangements for the Management of Road Openings.

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Civic Honours 2016

Anthony Molloy Professor William C Well known Donegal man Anthony Campbell Molloy was bestowed with the A native of Ramelton, Professor Freedom of Donegal during a civic William C Campbell was honoured reception held in his honour on 7 with a civic reception on 26 June 2016 in recognition of his September 2016 in recognition of contribution to gaelic football in his outstanding achievement in County Donegal and Ireland and his jointly winning the 2015 Nobel Prize excellent work as an ambassador in Physiology or Medicine. He was among the Donegal Diaspora. He is awarded the Nobel Prize along with the seventh person to receive the Satoshi Omura of Japan and Tu Freedom of Donegal. Youyou of China for their discoveries that have revolutionised the treatment of some of the most devastating parasitic diseases including River Blindness and Lymphatic Filariasis.

Finn Harps Football Club On the 16 May 2016 the Finn Harps

Football Club were honoured with a civic reception in recognition of the clubs promotion to the premier division of the League of Ireland and their outstanding contribution to the community through their many programmes and initiatives.

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Dr Peter Fitzgerald Cathaoirleach Cllr Ciaran Brogan hosted a reception in honour of Dr. Peter FitzGerald, founder of Randox Laboratories in recognition of his many accomplishments including his contribution to the medical diagnostics sector, and his work in the area of research and development. Randox’s decision to establish in Donegal was also acknowledged as a massive boost to the county. Sister Mary Dolores Sweeney A reception to honour Sister Mary Dolores Sweeney was held in the Dungloe Public Services centre on the 13 December 2016 in recognition of her outstanding achievements and commitment to the people of Sierra Leone and also to acknowledge the fact that she had been awarded the Presidential Distinguished Service Award. This had been presented to her in Caroline Faulkner recognition of her hard work, dedication and continued efforts in Ms. Caroline Faulkner outgoing improving the lives of others. Senior Managing Director and Chief

Information Officer for Pramerica Systems Ireland was honoured by Cathaoirleach Cllr. Ciaran Brogan at a special reception in the Letterkenny Public Service Centre on the 29 March 2016. Tribute was paid to Caroline and to Pramerica acknowledging their contribution to the county not only from a jobs perspective but also in recognition of the many charitable works that they have undertaken.

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Visit of the Prince of Wales positive and productive and the Duchess of relationships in a number of important areas. Cornwall On the 26 May 2016 the Cathaoirleach Cllr. Ciaran Brogan welcomed the Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall to the county at a reception in the Letterkenny Institute of Technology. Invited guests from various sectors in the county including youth, sport, arts, culture, heritage, agriculture/aquaculture, community/voluntary, business, tourism and the Gaeltacht were in attendance. It provided an opportunity to demonstrate at first hand the excellent examples of cross-border collaboration and how this approach had contributed to

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Community, Enterprise & Planning

Community Development

Fund Management A total of €740,000 was allocated from the Development Fund Initiative to 150 projects and groups across the five Municipal Districts during 2016.

A further €236,000 was allocated under the Members Development fund to 431 community groups and projects.

Local Community Development Committee (LCDC) The LCDC met regularly throughout the year and had overall responsibility for the implementation of the Social Inclusion Community Activation Programme (SICAP) in Donegal. The programme runs until December 2017 and focuses on empowering disadvantaged communities, lifelong learning and employment.

RDP LEADER 2014-2020 Programme The LCDC is also the Local Action Group for County Donegal within the new RDP LEADER 2014-2020 programme and the Local Development Strategy, adopted by the LCDC in 2016, will direct the allocation of €12.9m under this programme. LEADER contracts for the delivery of this programme were agreed with four implementing parties namely Inishowen Development Partnership, Donegal Local Development Company, Comhar na nOileán and Údarás na Gaeltachta.

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PEACE IV Programme The purpose of the plan is to The Peace IV Partnership is a sub identify and implement actions to structure of the LCDC and is strengthen and develop the responsible for the development economic and community and implementation of the Peace IV dimensions of the county and to Action Plan in Donegal. The reflect and support the Donegal Peace IV Action Plan with implementation of existing and a budget of €5.5m was submitted proposed national and regional to the SEUPB for approval in 2016. spatial, community and economic This plan sets out the types of strategies. activities to be supported under three main headings: ‘Children & EU Funding and Policy Unit Young People’, ‘Shared Spaces & The EU Unit continued to target Services’ and ‘Building Positive external funding opportunities and Relations’. a range of EU funded projects are currently being delivered. Local Economic and Community Applications for a variety of Plan (LECP) projects have been submitted and The six-year Local Economic and are being assessed. Community Plan (LECP) was adopted by the full Council in 2016.

EU Unit Approved/Active Projects: Programme Project Title Description DCC Budget Interreg SECURE Smarter energy €253,009 Northern communities Periphery & ASCENT Mt. Errigal – €568,580 Arctic environmental Programme management WaterPro Water protection. €252,000 Cool Route Investigating business €196,605 potential of yacht cruising routes. Interreg Europe HERICOAST Heritage & cultural €322,256 Programme tourism. NICHE Innovation in the food €354,850 industry. Creative Europe: Hiking Europe Bealach na Gaeltachta & €50,105 COSME Project Island’s Walk. WILDSEA Marine €33,600 Europe tourism/conservation. EU: COSME Enterprise Assist local businesses €600,000 Europe Network with exporting (estimated opportunities. over 3 yrs) ERDF/ALDA LADDER Global development €154,550 awareness raising.

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Total Funding allocated €2,785,555 to Donegal under these Projects

Projects Planned (Applications Submitted): Programme Project Title Description Budgets (where available) Interreg Atlantic Trail Gazers Mapping of trails. € 2.33 M Area Programme CAPITEN Marine tourism – € 2.9 M sailing. Tides of Time Maritime heritage € 2.9 M trail. Atlantic on Bike Marketing & € 4.8 M promotion of cycle ways. RECoNET 2020 Reconnecting € 2.127 M Natura 2000 Network to 2020 Interreg Cross North West Development of € 18 M Border Programme Greenways Sustainable Network transport route on cross border basis CatchmentCARE To improve water € 15 M quality in cross border river basins. CAMBER Marine resources € 14 M innovation centre, Killybegs. Co-Innovate Enhance € 23 M innovation capacity of SME’s. Total overall € 85.057 M funding applied for across all Project Partners

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Social Inclusion / Community including: Sliabh Liag, Malin Development Head and Fanad Lighthouse. The Council continued to support  Support for locally held various social inclusion initiatives in events such as the Ulster 2016 including: Social Inclusion Dancing Championships held Week, the Age Friendly Strategy in Ballybofey in June & and the Social Inclusion Measures November and the All Ireland Coordinating Group (SIM). It also Coastal Rowing continued to provide administrative Championships held in support to the Public Participation Donegal. Network (PPN) and the Youth Council.

Team Donegal at Connect 16

Air Access / Ferry Services The Council supported air access to the region with financial Ardara Older Persons Event contributions to Ireland West and Donegal International airports. The Council also procured two ferry Tourism Development & services namely Greencastle- Promotion Magilligan (Foyle Ferry) and The Council supported a broad Buncrana-Rathmullan (Swilly range of tourism related activities Ferry). and events including: Letterkenny Gateway  Donegal Tourism Ltd; The Council secured €2million  Donegal Film Office under the Designated Urban (www.donegalfilmoffice.ie ); Centres Grant Scheme (2014-2020)  Tourism marketing initiatives for the Letterkenny Gateway. including: Holiday World Shows (Belfast & Dublin), Glasgow promotion and Connect 16 Irish Showcase;  Marine Tourism Marketing initiatives including: Northern Boat Show, Liverpool Seafest Maritime Festival, Galway, Marine Tourism Seminar, Donegal Town and Dive 16 in Birmingham.  Continued support for flagship tourism projects

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Enterprise and Economic and investment programme from Development which six participants were successful in being approved investment and the second which Local Enterprise Office was run in conjunction with the Design and Crafts Council of Grant Aid Ireland and focused on greater The Local Enterprise Office (LEO) commercialisation with creative approved grant aid of over businesses. Two showcase events €450,000 to 20 projects which had were held, one during Enterprise the potential to create more than Week and one during the Errigal 90 new jobs. 2016 saw a net gain of Arts Festival. 183 jobs in LEO assisted businesses.

Mentoring / Training Over 1,100 persons engaged in 56 training and management development programmes organised by the LEO or received mentoring. Programmes included: Management Development for Female Owner Mangers, Start Your Own Business, Digital Marketing, Creative Showcase Event HR Programme, LEAN, Strategic Marketing and Branding, Creative Ireland’s Best Young Business Development and Entrepreneur Programme Investment Programme, the Food Over 80 applications were received Academy and a range of for the county heat of Ireland’s Best workshops in the Food sector. Young Entrepreneur and the winning applicants were Brendan Business workshops on the Toner, Audit International, following topics were run: Letterkenny for Best Existing Intellectual Property, Public Business and Overall County Procurement, Digital Marketing, Winner, Rebecca Fleury, Smart Sales and Selling, Customer Steps, Convoy, for Best New Start- Service, and Writing a Business Up Business and Gillian Doyle, Plan. Cerebreon Technologies, Portnoo, for Best New Idea. The Food Coast Strategy was reviewed and 2017 will see a renewed focus on the Food Coast Brand, Food Coast Network and developing a Food Series.

The roll out of the Strategic Action Plan for Creative Entrepreneurship for Donegal continued and two new business development programmes were delivered. The first, a business

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European Programmes The LEO was involved in the delivery of two European projects and was successful in applying for a further two projects.

Enterprise Europe Network Enterprise Europe Network is a national project involving the lead partner, Enterprise Ireland, the IBYE 2016 Bootcamp Chambers of Commerce in Dublin and Cork and the Local Enterprise Enterprise Week Office in Donegal. It provides Donegal Enterprise Week 2016 ran access to a network of over 600 from 7 – 11 March and had over 500 enterprise support agencies in over attendees with 19 individual events. 60 countries to assist businesses of The week featured keynote every size in identifying and speakers Geoff Ramm, Alastair accessing international market Dobson and Padraig O Ceidigh and opportunities. The Donegal Local the highlight of the week was the Enterprise Office continued to lead final of the Donegal Business out on the delivery of this project Awards on the Friday. The overall to all of the 31 LEO’s across Ireland. winner was Richard Finney, The Counter with the other category NICHE winners being Joe Bonner Metal NICHE is a project aimed at Crafts Ltd and Get Brain Fit. increasing the level of innovation in businesses involved at all levels of Lean for Micro the food value chain. The lead The Local Enterprise Office piloted partner is the Western Region of the Lean for Micro management Romania and there are seven development programme in 2015 partners in the project from and delivered a “follow-on” Finland, Estonia, Poland, NI and programme to six of the Greece. The project launch participating businesses with conference was held in Donegal in additional savings of some October and in advance of this €200,000 being achieved. Donegal LEO produced and published a series of 22 Good Trading Online Vouchers Practice case studies in the area of The Local Enterprise Office food innovation. approved 25 Trading Online Vouchers to 25 businesses. These Co-Innovate vouchers fund the costs of a This cross border programme is business enhancing its online being led by Inter Trade Ireland presence and selling capabilities. working with Scottish Enterprise, The Voucher is at a rate of 50% to a Highland and Islands, Enterprise NI maximum of €2,500 and is funded and the six border LEOs. The by the Department of project, which will run for five Communications, Marine & Natural years, aims at increasing the Resources. number of small and micro

Donegal County Council | Annual Report 2016 - 20 - businesses engaging in formal speakers from the USA, innovation with the ultimate Scotland and Ireland. outcome being at least 19  In September the Tip O’Neill businesses or groups of businesses Irish Diaspora Awards were being capable of applying on the held with the 2016 award next round of Horizon 2020 going to journalist, political funding. commentator and broadcaster Chris Matthews. International SMEs Everywhere  A cross-border Trade and (ISME) Investment mission to This EU INTERREG project is led by Massachusetts took place in Hampshire County Council and has November with Derry City a range of 10 partners from 9 and Strabane District countries across Europe. Its overall Council. 18 businesses from aim is to identify best practice, at the region participated in the both business and regional level, in mission and a new ‘Gateway the area of internationalisation of to Growth’ joint investment small businesses and the way in brochure and promotional which internationalisation can be video was launched. The driven through competitiveness. mission concluded with the Golden Bridges Conference Donegal Diaspora in Boston. 2016 was a period of transition in the management of the Donegal Diaspora project with the project now being managed within the Enterprise and Economic Development Unit.

NW Delegation during Massachusetts State House Visit

Economic Development Committee Chris Matthews recipient of 2016 The Economic Development Tip O’Neill Irish Diaspora Award Committee was re-established in 2016 following a transition period. The following events were organised: North West Strategic Growth  The fifth annual Donegal-Irish Partnership Diaspora Conference was The North West Strategic Growth held on the 19 - 20 May 2016 Partnership (NWSGP) led by and was addressed by a Donegal County Council and Derry panel of distinguished City and Strabane District Council

Donegal County Council | Annual Report 2016 - 21 - held its inaugural meeting in December 2016. 2016 proved to be another busy This Partnership is comprised of year for the Planning Service with senior representatives from significant progress made on Government departments from the introducing a new customer Republic and Northern Ireland. focused approach to the delivery of the service through the Municipal District structures.

Central Planning Unit A key element of the Central Planning Unit's work was the formal statutory launch of the review of the County Development Plan 2012-2018, and completion of the first phase of public consultation and consultation with elected Inaugural meeting of NWSGP members.

The Tier 2 Local Area Plan project It provides joined-up planning and was also progressed with a second collaborative resourcing of growth public consultation phase in the for the North West region and early part of the year and a number works collectively to build on the of members' workshops at work being carried out by the Municipal District level in the latter North West Regional Development part of the year. Group. A revised Development One of the first events held in the Contribution Scheme 2016-2021 context of this Partnership was the was adopted in September 2016 Driving Growth in the North West and this became operational on 10 conference which looked at the October 2016. regions response to the challenges and opportunities of Brexit. Two conservation grant schemes, the Structures at Risk Fund and the Excellence in Local Government Built Heritage Investment Scheme, Award was administered. Donegal County Council won the Joint Local Authority Initiative Significant funding of €279,408 was award at the 2016 Chambers secured from INTERREG Europe Ireland Excellence in Local for the HERICOAST project which Government Awards for it’s work was officially launched in April with Derry City and Strabane 2016. This is an interregional District Council on this partnership cooperation project aiming to approach which represents a new improve the management of approach to cross border regional coastal natural and cultural heritage development and co-operation. policies.

Planning Services

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Unfinished Estates & Site Resolution Works to 7 unfinished housing developments in Donegal under the Special Resolution Funding and Public Safety Funding were completed.

Site resolution initiatives on a number of other housing The Planning Service is also a developments were progressed partner in the IMPROVE project through engagement and working with local community negotiation with relevant groups to develop public stakeholders including developers, participation and engagement residents, receivers, liquidators and methods using a living-labs financial institutions. approach. Security bonds were also pursued The project has partners in Iceland, with financial institutions and banks Finland, Norway, Sweden and in order to access funding to Derry and they are collaborating on complete public infrastructure a number of initiatives relating to within unfinished developments. the delivery of co-produced public services. Taking In Charge Process In November 2016, the Letterkenny Municipal District formally passed resolutions under the Roads and Planning Acts to Take in Charge 14 named estates in the Municipal District.

Enforcement Unit Likewise plans were well advanced to Take in Charge 15 estates in the The Enforcement Unit investigated Inishowen Municipal District. a significant number of newly reported cases. Funding of €1,049,769 was secured

from the National Taking in Charge Enforcement Data - 2016 Initiative to assist in the taking in New cases opened 208 charge of 40 estates in Donegal. Warning Letters issued 127

Enforcement Notices 50 issued Development Applications Urgent Notices Issued 11 Unit Referrals for Court action 24 The delivery of the Planning Service Cases Dismissed on 77 was enhanced with the introduction investigation of a new approach using the Cases resolved 58 existing Municipal District structures allowing members of the

public to have greater ease of access to the Planning Service in

Donegal County Council | Annual Report 2016 - 23 - each of the Public Service Centres an increase of 20% increase over the across the county. volume of applications received in 2014. The number of planning applications received continued to increase in 2016 with 1893 applications received representing

Total Application received 2012-2016 2500

1979 1893 2000 1753 1645 1523 1500

1000

500

0 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016

The profile of application types have to be considered as part of continues to show a steady number the assessment of many of residential type applications but applications. It is proposed that a also indicates a significant number series of localised workshops for of commercial applications being Agents will be held during 2017. considered by the Planning Service.

The data belies the increasing complexity of cases, particularly in the area of habitat assessment that has resulted in applications requiring a higher threshold of consideration than may have been the case previously. Roughly a third of all applications have been the subject of requests for further information during 2016 that highlights not just the complexity of cases but also an increasing need for increased communication with Agents and Architects in relation to the emerging issues that

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40 37 % Rates of Deferral by MD in 2016 35 31 29 30 28 26 25

20

15

10

5

0 Donegal Glenties Inishowen Letterkenny Stranorlar

The Planning Service consistently processing and payment of deals with a range of other case development contributions. types also including Pre-planning enquiries, Part 8 applications, forestry proposals, Section 254 Report from Liam Ward, licences, casual trading licences Director of Service and enquiries relating to the

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Corporate Housing & Culture

Housing Services

The overall aim of our housing policy is to enable every household to have an affordable dwelling of good quality, suited to its needs, in a good environment and, as far as possible, at a tenure of its choice.

The types of assistance provided during 2016 ranged from a combination of tenancies under the Council’s own Social Housing Programme, Voluntary Housing Programme, Long Term Leasing Initiative, RAS (Rental Accommodation Scheme) and HAP (Housing Assistance Payment) and grant assistance under the Housing Adaption Grant Scheme for people with a disability, the Mobility Aids Grant Scheme and the Housing Aid for Older People Grant Scheme.

Other activities included the continuation of the refurbishment programmes in a number of local authority housing estates.

Housing Need The Housing Needs Assessment undertaken at 21 September identified that here were 2,384 persons approved for Social Housing Support in Donegal, of which 1,109 were already in receipt of social housing support. Therefore the net need in the county was 1,275.

The Council continued to strive to meet the needs of applicants using a combination of allocation of existing/proposed Social housing stock, leased properties, voluntary

Donegal County Council | Annual Report 2016 - 26 - housing accommodation, In addition, a further 270 accommodation acquired under the households were accommodated Rental Accommodation Scheme under the Rental Accommodation and the Housing Assistance Scheme. Payment Scheme. Maintenance Allocations At the end of 2016, the Council had There were a total of 25 dwellings 4,842 rented units including 628 allocated in 2016 consisting of single rural houses. A total of individual rural cottages, scheme €4.176m was spent on routine dwellings and individual purchases. maintenance and casual vacancies. In addition there were 149 casual vacancies allocated during 2016, Breakdown of Housing Units with 19 of these being succession Local Authority Standard 4,631 tenancies. Units Demountables 32 Housing Assistance Payment Long Term Lease (Private) 179 (HAP) Total 4,842 A total of 1452 tenancies had been set up under the Housing Improving the Social Housing Assistance Payment Scheme as at Stock 31 December 2016. Together with The Council carried out new applications significant improvements to the Social progress was made in the transfer Housing stock under a number of of existing rent supplement programmes as set out below: customers to the HAP scheme. This is beneficial for recipients in • Fabric Up-Grade Programme that it enables them to take up full employment while still receiving a Improvement works were housing support as their rent is carried out to over 380 calculated in accordance with the dwellings with assistance Council’s Differential Rent Scheme. from the Department of the Environment, Community & A programme of inspections of Local Government, to the private rented dwellings was value of approximately initiated in February to assess €797,268 under the compliance with the statutory Programme. A total of 1,574 requirements for rented units have now had accommodation as outlined in the improvements carried out Housing (Standards for Rented under this programme. Houses) Regulations, 2008 – 2009. While the initial programme of • Returning Vacant Properties to inspections has concentrated on Productive Use those properties for which a HAP payment is being made it is The Council returned 83 intended to extend this to all vacant properties to private rented properties over the productive use in 2016 with next couple of years. grant aid in the sum of €767,999.

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• Once off Adaptation Works

The Council spent €192,485 Grant Type No of Value carrying out small scale Grants adaptation works to 28 units Paid of its social housing stock. In Housing 51 €351,172 most cases, this was for Adaptation tenants with special needs for People and/or disabilities. with a Disability • General Refurbishment Mobility 16 €39,923 Programme Aids Under a general Housing refurbishment programme, Grant work to the value of €108,754 Housing Aid 107 €446,854 was carried out to over 16 for Older units. People

Estate Management Estate Management forms an Traveller Accommodation important part in the overall The Council in implementing context of Housing Management. accommodation targets set in the The Council presently has five Traveller Accommodation Housing Assessment Officers Programme 2014 – 2018 continues engaged in this role. €67,000 was to provide an extensive range of made available for estate both new accommodation and management initiatives. improvements to existing accommodation for members of Housing Grants the Travelling community. These Donegal County Council operates are in addition to the three grants which are funded accommodation solutions provided jointly by the Department of to meet the needs of the Traveller Environment, Community and Local community through the Social Government (80%) and Donegal Housing Investment Programme. County Council (20%). A comprehensive review of grant The review of Fire Safety in levels under the various grant Traveller-specific accommodation schemes was completed in 2015, was a significant programme which significantly increased completed during 2016 led by the revised standard costings. When Chief Fire Officer culminating in compared to 2015 the level of recommendations to improve and expenditure in this area increased enhance fire safety in Traveller- by over €500,000 during 2016. specific accommodation. A substantial number of these Grants activity in 2016 is listed in recommendations were completed the following table: including refurbishment and upgrade works at Ballintra Halting site.

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The accommodation needs of 21 to deliver leased units under the Traveller families were met as Capital Advance Leasing Facility follows: (CALF)/Payment & Availability • 7 Standard Scheme Housing Agreement Scheme. In 2016 4 units • 1 Long Term Lease were delivered under CALF and 16 units provided under Payment & • 1 Voluntary Housing Availability Agreements bringing • 12 HAP the total number leased to 76 units.

Voluntary Housing Housing Construction Over the years, Donegal County Council has proactively engaged with the Approved Housing Body House Acquisition Sector and the Health Service The Housing Construction Division Executive to provide initiated the acquisition of over 80 accommodation under this properties representing an increase programme to meet the needs of of over 300% on the previous year’s the elderly and persons with special acquisitions and representing total needs. investment of €11.5m.

Through extensive inter-agency Glenties MD 23 properties work with the Health Service Executive, Schemes under the Inishowen MD 17 properties Capital Assistance Programme are now specifically targeted to Stranorlar MD 31 properties providing accommodation where the traditional forms of social Donegal MD 8 properties housing supports will not address the specific need. A total of 10 Letterkenny MD 6 properties units was delivered under this programme with works under way on a further 61 units. This allows us to provide social housing in an effective and timely Social Leasing Programme manner meeting the needs of Under the Social Leasing housing applicants and families Programme, suitable properties can across the county. be leased to the local authority for a ten year period. A total of 179 Social Housing Development units have been leased under this The Council’s dedicated programme to date. Architectural Design Team progressed a number of housing The Council actively engages with developments across the county as the Approved Housing Body Sector follows:

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Social Housing Projects on Site Location Status No. of Units Ardara Phase 1 (Special Under construction with 1 Need House) expected completion date February 2017 Ardara Phase 2 Under construction with 8 projected completion date July 2017 Manorcunningham Under construction with 2 Phase 1 projected completion date June 2017 Newtowncunningham Contractor due to commence 7 February 2017 Projects for Part VIII Planning Approval Buncrana 21 Raphoe 11 Killybegs 9 Projects for Part VIII Planning Approval Long Lane Letterkenny 29 Dunfanaghy 13 Projects for Part VIII Planning Approval Malin 8 St. Johnston 6 Projects Tender Documentation Stage Donegal Town 34 Manorcunningham Phase 2 8 Total 157 (units)

Social Housing Units under construction at Ardara

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It should be noted that the above developments are subject to Departmental approval as well as requiring approval under Part VIII of the Planning and Development Acts 2000.

The Council’s Architectural Design Team develops efficient and user- friendly mechanical & electrical Social housing unit at Manorcunnigham systems as well as low maintenance solutions, suitable for all house types in various locations and configurations (e.g. detached, Customer Contact Centre semi-detached, terrace). For example, the design of the new The Customer Service Centre Social Housing Schemes has handled over 87,000 calls. Over 70% incorporated new measures making of the calls were answered within the homes more energy efficient 20 seconds with an overall average with reduced running costs, answer time of under 30 seconds. without sacrificing comfort levels. The Centre also handled almost At the heart of the design of these 5,000 online contacts received via houses is the tenants who will be the Councils website and email occupying these homes. address.

Measures include: Veterinary Service

• Electric air-to-water heat Donegal County pumps supplying the heating Council's Veterinary Service & hot water, provides a statutory advisory and • High levels of insulation, administrative role on matters • Photovoltaic panels to relating to veterinary public health, produce electricity, responsible animal ownership and • Natural Ventilation, responsible animal management. • Highly efficient on demand extract fans, Veterinary Public Health • High performance energy Under service contract to the Food efficient lighting, Safety Authority of Ireland, • Heating zones with separate Donegal County Council provides time & temperature controls, the regulatory control service in • Hot water cylinder low throughput abattoirs, on-farm thermostats and advanced poultry slaughtering plants and temperature controls to meat processing establishments in reduce peak loads and re- the county. heat times, • Low heating system 11 premises were under supervision temperatures for both in 2016. Veterinary Inspectors underfloor heating (ground inspected 8269 animals in 6 local floor) & radiator systems abattoirs. (first floors).

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Training & Development A further 182 official control The Council delivered a inspections were completed over comprehensive Training all the premises with 200 control Programme to all staff, with a samples taken. particular emphasis on Health & Safety. Animal Control 10 general dog licences, 4 lifetime The Stranorlar Regional Training dog licences and 8,796 individual Centre was successful in obtaining dog licences were issued. accreditation to deliver City & Guilds Confined Spaces Training. 7 inspections were carried out The Centre continues to expand the under the Dog Breeding range of courses delivered and the Establishment Act. new Leak Detection facility became fully operational during the year. 468 dogs were either reunited with The outdoor plant training facility their owners or re-homed through was also further developed. the Donegal County Council Dog Shelter. The Council’s Staff Education Programme continues to provide 21 stray horses were reported to opportunities for ongoing the Council with 20 impounded. professional development through a range of training programmes and includes support for relevant Human Resources diploma, degree and post graduate courses. Recruitment Competitions were held to fill Performance Management vacancies arising from the Council’s continues to be rolled out across Indoor and Outdoor Workforce the organisation. Plans. The Workforce Plan set out the staffing numbers required to Staff Welfare support the delivery of essential The Staff Welfare Officer and Council services, across a range of Superannuation team provide an areas including, Roads, Housing, important service to employees, Environment, Corporate, with advice and information on Community & Enterprise, Planning, superannuation, pensions, leave Marine etc. entitlements, wellbeing, and bereavement. A total of 45 competitions were held for both open and confined The Staff Welfare Officer provides posts, including support and assistance in relation temporary/seasonal and full-time to queries of a personal nature positions. relating to work and home-life, and administers the Employee Assistance Programme, which is a free service to individual staff members and their immediate family members.

Donegal County Council | Annual Report 2016 - 32 -

Scheme which supported 80 An Ecumenical Service in projects remembrance of deceased • The Cultural Services Division employees was held and retired directly delivered several colleagues and family members substantial 1916-related gathered for a retirement function projects and supported many in September. groups and individuals in their 1916 commemorative events. Cultural Services • Donegal County Council commemorative sculpture – Donegal’s 1916 Centenary History Table: Elevation Celebration commissioned for installation Ireland 2016 was a year-long on the Diamond in Lifford. programme of activity, to commemorate the events of the 1916 Rising, to reflect on our achievements as a democratic state over 100 years and to look towards Ireland’s future.

The national programme included seven strands; State Ceremonial; Historical Reflection; An Teanga Bheo/The Living Language; Youth and Imagination; Cultural History Table: Elevation unveiled in Expression; Community Lifford Participation; Global and Diaspora.

Cultúr Donegal’s Programme was the Cultúr: A Strategic Vision for outcome of consultations with local Cultural Services 2016-2020 was groups, organisations and launched in June. individuals. Led by the Donegal

2016 Steering Committee the The strategy sets out the Council’s programme included events and firm commitment to cultural initiatives across all seven strands. development and its value to the

county. Culture is an important Highlights included: and substantial part of the work of

the Council. Investment in arts, • New video artwork by Willie culture, heritage and language is a Doherty commitment to a healthier, more • County Donegal in 1916: fulfilled, prosperous, successful From the Edge: History and county. Heritage Education Pack

• The County Donegal in 1916 exhibition • The Community Commemorative Grant

Donegal County Council | Annual Report 2016 - 33 -

County Council, allows visitors to connect to free WiFi services, including online library services.

Donegal County Library joined Libraries Ireland Service Following an intense period of preparation by library and IS staff Donegal went live with Sierra, a new software system for library Cathaoirleach Cllr Terence Slowey management, in mid-July. We officially launching Cultúr joined the Libraries Ireland service at the same time as a number of Cultúr is developed under six key library authorities throughout areas of Public Participation, Life Ireland and in doing so, offer a Long learning and Social Inclusion, shared library catalogue, sharing Supporting Arts & Arts books and other items between Organisations, Conserving and libraries across the country. promoting Cultural Inheritance, Building relationships with Wainfest stakeholders and partners and Wainfest Arts and Book Festival for Developing a sustainable, high Children took place from the 8 - 15 quality Cultural Service. October. The festival attracted over 3,400 children and offered 79 Cultúr also sets out new capital school events and 17 family events. developments including Donegal Events took place in libraries and Town Library, the Donegal Taobh Tíre centres across the Diaspora Centre, and ArtScape county as well as in the County Sculpture Park. Museum and The Regional Cultural Centre. Library Service

New Twin Towns Library Ballybofey library relocated to new premises at The Base Enterprise Centre, Stranorlar. The new rebranded Twin Towns Library opened on the 28 June. The new library offers more space for members to access computers, WiFi, a larger selection of books and a storytelling corner, a Teen Wainfest 2016 area and free parking. Arts Service Free WiFi Services in Libraries During 2016 Donegal libraries Creation of new work extended free WiFi services The Arts Service continued to throughout the branch Library support the creation of new network. This network, together artwork in Donegal, including Bread with other locations in Donegal

Donegal County Council | Annual Report 2016 - 34 - and Roses Theatre’s Waving, Not Somme, which featured Donegal Drowning and Inishowen playwright actors Sean McGinley and Iarla Tara McKevitt’s Radio Short Waves McGabhann. An Grianán also project at An Grianán Theatre. produced the Nomad theatre network’s production of Tom The Service supported new shows Murphy’s Bailegangáire, which by Inishowen Carnival as well as enjoyed a successful nationwide touring and new productions by tour. Balor Rep Theatre, Donegal Drama Circle, Shirley Anne Bonner and Regional Cultural Centre Dark Daughter Productions. Exhibition programme The Arts Service partnered with An The Regional Cultural Centre, one Grianán Theatre and Earagail Arts of the finest arts facilities in Ireland, Festival to create the community continued to commission and show theatre show, Unified – The Musical, major Irish and international art the story of the Unifi Textured exhibitions. Yarns plant in Letterkenny and the people who worked there. The highlight was Loose Ends by Willie Doherty from July to Earagail Arts Festival September, a new commission that explored how people, events and places associated with the 1916 Easter Rising are remembered and imagined today. Doherty filmed in locations on Gola Island, Donegal and Moore Street Dublin that are connected with the Rising.

The Council continued its support of Earagail Arts Festival. Almost 40,000 people enjoyed a programme of music, visual arts, theatre, literary and spectacle events, from Oileán Árainn Mhór to Malin, many designed with the animation of the Wild Atlantic Way Willie Doherty in mind.

Music programme An Grianán Theatre The RCC continued its music An Grianán enjoyed a successful development programme in year with 45,000 people attending partnership with the Donegal Music its performances. Highlights Education Partnership and Earagail included the visit of the National Arts Festival and presented a year- Theatre’s production of Frank long programme of more than 30 McGuinness’s Observe the Sons of national and international classical, Ulster Marching Towards the folk and indie music concerts.

Donegal County Council | Annual Report 2016 - 35 -

and individuals of the education Donegal County Museum and heritage pack County Donegal in 1916. The Archives Service Throughout the year Donegal assisted the County Museum in its County Museum organised a 1916 Exhibition. programme of activity to commemorate both the national Several collections were acquired, and international events of 1916 in including papers of the particular the Easter Rising and the Montgomerys and Boytons of Battle of the Somme. This Convoy House and Lord Leitrim, programme included exhibitions, archives of Letterkenny Town talks, school workshops, film Commissioners and the records of screenings and special events. three national schools.

1916 Interactive Drama Workshop in County Museum

The Museum’s touring exhibitions, Our Story: Donegal and the Easter Rising and An Scéal s’againne: Dún na nGall agus Éirí Amach na Cásca were displayed in over 20 venues throughout Donegal including libraries, schools and community Ladies Hibernian School Society centres. Convoy

The programme was part funded The 1916 minutes of the meetings by the Department of Arts, of all County Donegal’s local Heritage, Regional, Rural and authorities were digitised and Gaeltacht Affairs and the uploading to the Council’s website Department of Children and Youth commenced. Affairs. The Council adopted the Archives Service Acquisition Policy and the Preservation Policy.

The Archives Services collaborated Researchers were assisted at the with other Cultural Services in the Research room in Lifford, by production, distribution and phone, email and social media. presentation to schools, groups

Donegal County Council | Annual Report 2016 - 36 -

An extensive survey of non-current records took place.

County Donegal Heritage Office

The Heritage Office raises awareness, provides advice, collects data and promotes best Traditional Shopfront practice in relation to heritage, and implements the County Donegal Heritage Week was a tremendous Heritage Plan in conjunction with success with over 115 events taking the County Heritage Forum place. The Heritage Office (www.donegalcoco.ie/heritage ). compiled the very popular Heritage Week Event Guide. Matching funding was secured from The Heritage Council for a The Heritage Office also launched traditional shopfronts guidance the Material Culture of Donegal document, an audit of oral history Communities Abroad booklet, collections and a maritime built supported the inaugural Tidy heritage study. Towns Pollinator Awards, and hosted Lawrence’s Letterkenny exhibition/walking tour.

Report from Joe Peoples, Director of Service

Donegal County Council | Annual Report 2016 - 37 -

Finance, Information Systems & Emergency Services

Management Accounts

The Management Accounts Section has primary responsibility for the preparation, management and oversight of the Annual Revenue Budget and the rolling three-year Capital Budget.

Annual Revenue Budget The 2016 Revenue Budget was adopted by the Elected Members on the 18 November 2015 in accordance with the Local Government Act 2001 (as amended) and within the period prescribed by the Minister for the Environment, Community & Local Government.

Capital Programme The 2016 – 2018 Capital Budget was prepared in accordance with the Local Government Act 2001 (as amended) and was considered by the Elected Members at the Council Meeting of 30 November 2015.

The Management Accounts Section is also responsible for preparing and submitting quarterly EU/IMF Financial Returns and other statutory returns on a periodic basis. The Management Accounts Section coordinated Donegal County Council’s submission under the Public Spend Code, which was completed by the deadline of 31 May 2016 and is published online.

Donegal County Council | Annual Report 2016 - 38 -

agreements. Usage of such national arrangements ensures compliance with public procurement rules and regulations , and, in most cases, provides better value for money than would be achieved by the Council acting on its own.

Financial Accounts & Financial Information Systems

Payroll Amongst other things, the The section is responsible for the Management Accounts Section also payment of more than 1,700 staff, manages the Council’s Insurance past and pr esent. This amounted to Book, recoupment of costs under a gross payment in excess of €52 the terms of the Service Level million, with all the associated Agreement with Irish Water and the deductions both statutory and ongoing day-to-day budgetary voluntary. matters affecting the organisation at large. The section also implemented: • Core v19 in association with Annual Revenue €132,833,778 HR & IS Budget 2016 • Significant process changes Capital Budget €50,053,139 in advance of MyPay 2016 including all employees

moved to Electronic Funds

Value for Money, Purchasing & Transfer (EFT) and Procurement rationalisation of pay groups The Council continued to review • MyPay including transfer of expenditure on goods and services certain payroll functions to a across a broad range of headings, centralised model, Significant both to monitor initiatives already process and procedure taken and identify further changes, re-introduction of opportunities for achieving cost certain function ality back to savings and greater value for money. This was supported by the the local Payroll team and oversight and direction of the rationalisation of certain Council's Value for Money (VFM) payroll procedures Committee. Accounts Payable As part of the ongoing reform of The section is primarily responsible public procurement nationally, the for the processing of payments in Council is increasingly using excess of €130 million per year national contracts and framework representing over 120,000 individual transactions. The section

Donegal County Council | Annual Report 2016 - 39 - also manages all the indirect taxes; system went live in November. It VAT, Intra Community Acquisition, represents the first phase of a three Relevant Contracts Tax, phase approach to increasing the Professional Services Withholding organisations compliance and Tax and Income Tax and all efficiency agenda. associated regulatory and compliance requirements. Bank & Treasury Management This section allocates all income The compliance and regulatory and expenditure to the appropriate requirements continue on an Directorates down to the level of upward trajectory. In 2016, the individual jobs. It also manages the Revenue Commissioners introduced Councils bank accounts and eTax Clearance, eRCT and Site investments, ensuring adequate Identification Number which financial resources for the Councils necessitated considerable system ongoing activities. A new treasury configuration with significant policy was also put in place during process and procedural changes. 2016.

The sectoral movement to payment by EFT has necessitated substantial Income Collection Unit process changes that have significantly added to the sections The Income Collection Unit is workload but to date have proved responsible for the Collection of very effective (e.g. fraud Commercial Rates, Housing Rents, prevention measures) while Housing Loans and the Non strengthening corporate Principal Private Residence (NPPR) governance. charge. The Unit was also acting as an agent for Irish Water in the Financial Accounting & billing and collection of non- Financial Systems Management domestic water charges, however, The Financial accounting element this work transferred directly to of the section encompasses Annual Irish Water on the 12 December Financial Statements, Annual Audit, 2016. General Government Balances/EU/IMF Reporting, Tax Housing Rents Compliance and Advice for other A total of €11.151m was collected Departments. from 5,400 Council Housing tenants. The rent payable is based Financial Systems Management on the household income, details of incorporates Systems support (End which are requested to be User), Systems maintenance submitted on an annual basis to (Circulars, Technical memos etc), determine if the correct level of Accounting Changes (Introducing rent is being charged. new procedures in response to accounting changes and System advice). Housing Loans The section also implemented a The Council continues to deal with new pCard policy and associated borrowers who experience system. The new Lighthouse

Donegal County Council | Annual Report 2016 - 40 - difficulties in maintaining payments on their housing loan under the Commercial Rates Mortgage Arrears Resolution 5,390 properties were issued with a Process (MARP). A number of rate demand in 2016 and the Small options are available to borrowers Business Grant Scheme also under this Process, such as the continued for Commercial Rate option to pay the interest only customers. Customers who have element of their instalment for a no arrears on their account can period. A total of €1.958m was benefit from a grant of a maximum collected in respect of the loans. of €250 subject to certain terms and conditions. The option to surrender a property under the Local Authority NPPR Mortgage to Rent Scheme Movement in the property market is continued and a number of noted through the collection of borrowers are availing of this almost €2m in respect of the NPPR option to remain in the property as charge. This charge is payable if a a tenant, if the qualifying criteria is property was not the owner’s satisfied. An option to restructure principal private residence during the shared ownership loans to an the years 2009 – 2013. The charge annuity loan was introduced during due, to include late penalty fees for the year and a number of all five years is now €7,230. borrowers have expressed an interest in availing of this option.

Donegal County Council | Annual Report 2016 - 41 -

INCOME & EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT STATEMENT FOR YEAR ENDING 31st DECEMBER 2016 (Unaudited)

Gross Net Income Expenditure Expenditure

2016 2016 2016 € € €

Housing & Building 16,014,491 18,024,945 (2,010,454)

Roads Transportation & Safety 46,333,554 31,679,765 14,653,789

Water Services 18,235,285 17,823,308 411,977

Development Management 10,132,838 2,384,898 7,747,940

Environmental Services 11,054,495 1,633,382 9,421,113

Recreation & Amenity 7,495,312 584,956 6,910,356

Agriculture, Education, Health & 2,011,606 741,581 1,270,024 Welfare

Miscellaneous Services 22,076,650 13,830,420 8,246,230

Total Expenditure/Income 133,354,231 86,703,256

Net cost of Divisions to be funded from 46,650,975 Rates & Local Property Tax

Rates 30,605,929

Local Property Tax 22,720,760

Pension Related Deduction 1,807,207

Surplus/(Deficit) for Year before Transfers 8,482,922

Transfers from/(to) Reserves (3,854,407)

Overall Surplus/(Deficit) for Year 4,628,515

Donegal County Council | Annual Report 2016 - 42 -

General Reserve @ 1st January 2016 (14,345,654)

General Reserve @ 31st December (9,717,139) 2016

Donegal County Council | Annual Report 2016 - 43 -

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION (BALANCE SHEET) AT 31st DECEMBER 2016 (unaudited)

2016 2015 € € Fixed Assets

Operational 724,843,910 721,024,798

Infrastructural 2,597,728,501 2,597,728,501

Community 6,753,662 7,027,284

Non-Operational 55,734,952 55,664,587

3,385,061,025 3,381,445,170

Work in Progress and Preliminary

Expenses 92,762,694 87,716,484

Long Term Debtors 66,959,775 76,726,118

Current Assets

Stocks 772,789 638,529

Trade Debtors & Prepayments 20,746,642 17,868,131

Bank Investments 40,390,555 47,315,535

Cash at Bank - -

Cash in Transit 716,239 416,335

62,626,223 66,238,530

Current Liabilities (Amounts falling due within one year)

Bank Overdraft 2,357,705 1,932,986

Creditors & Accruals 28,570,431 36,647,255

Finance Leases - -

30,928,136 38,580,242

Donegal County Council | Annual Report 2016 - 44 -

Net Current Assets / (Liabilities) 31,698,087 27,658,289

Creditors (Amounts falling due after more than one year)

Loans Payable 122,997,563 130,733,747

Finance Leases - -

Refundable deposits 6,937,623 6,889,745

Other 136,105 5,505,676

130,071,291 143,129,168

Net Assets 3,446,410,290 3,430,416,893

Represented by

Capitalisation Account 3,385,061,025 3,381,445,170

Income WIP 92,497,130 87,308,980

Specific Revenue Reserve - 3,374,679 General Revenue Reserve (9,717,139) (14,345,654) Other Balances (21,430,726) (27,366,282)

Total Reserves 3,446,410,290 3,430,416,893

Donegal County Council | Annual Report 2016 - 45 -

Total Expenditure 2015 - 2016 Revenue & Capital

2015 €35,061,313 €133,215,960 €m

2016 €56,397,824 €142,010,769 €m

0 50,000,000 100,000,000 150,000,000 200,000,000 250,000,000 Capital Expenditure including Transfers Revenue Expenditure Including Transfers

Note: These figures are inclusive of transfers to/ from reserves

Revenue Expenditure 2016 by Division

Road Transportation & Safety €46,583,150 33%

Miscellaneous Services €26,336,724 19%

Water Services €18,266,818 13%

Housing & Building €16,942,760 12%

Environment Services €12,168,907 9%

Development Management €10,382,263 7%

Recreation & Amenity €8,471,242 6%

Agriculture, Education, Health & Welfare €2,858,904 2%

Note: These figures are inclusive of transfers to/ from reserves

Donegal County Council | Annual Report 2016 - 46 -

Information Systems

Donegal County Council’s Information Technology infrastructure serves 107 locations countywide and is one of the largest Local Authority networks in Ireland.

Infrastructure

The infrastructure comprises Launching Public Wifi Service • 77 Servers, • 1,200 Desktop & Notebook Mobile Technology computers The use of mobile technology • 600 continues to evolve with smart Printers/Scanners/Plotters phones introduced for engineering and supervisory staff in the Roads • 17 PABX Telephone Systems Directorate to assist on-site • 900 Telephone Handsets communications and decision making. A wide range of Council business support systems are also managed on a daily basis. ERNACT Participation continued, via the Systems ERNACT ( www.ernact.eu ) network, The Council’s Corporate Plan 2015- in co-operative EU projects. The 2019 provides a valuable local NICHE project was launched by the context for Information Systems Local Enterprise Office in May with Operational Planning which is a focus on the transfer of best geared to supporting its strategic practice between European regions objectives and priorities. New to increase the level of innovation system implementations in 2016 in the food sector, including the use included Library Management, of digital technologies. Human Resources Management and Electronic Meetings. The Council’s The IMPROVE NPA funded project Web Mapping Portal continues to held a successful international expand and delivers mapping on a conference on OpenData in wide variety of themes such as Letterkenny in October. The winter weather, public services and conference debated the practical public events. use of Open Data, how Open Data can benefit society, and how Local Public WiFi Authorities can contribute to All- Island datasets. An extensive public Wifi service covering all Council buildings was rolled out in 2016. This service has Digital Action Plan proven to be very popular and is The Donegal Digital Action Plan extensively used by visitors and was further developed in 2016, and members of the public generally. identifies a range of actions to assist job creation assisted by Digital Technologies. This cross

Donegal County Council | Annual Report 2016 - 47 - agency initiative is supported by Enterprise Ireland, IDA, Údarás na Gaeltachta, Fáilte Ireland, ERNACT, Letterkenny Institute of Technology, Pramerica Systems Ireland, and is co-ordinated by the Donegal County Council Head of Information Systems.

Communications Office

The Councils Communications Office is responsible for proactively promoting the services, supports and activities of Donegal County Council, managing the Councils online presence including website Councils Facebook Page and social media sites, providing a media enquiry service for the Donegal County Council issued Council and issuing official Donegal 1,588 tweets in 2016 and the County Council comment to the number of Twitter followers media. increased by 25% to 5,663 on its @DonegalCouncil account. There Social Media were 1,231,700 Twitter impressions Social media is an essential on this account and 40,834 profile communications tool and is visits. particularly important during times of service disruption or extreme Website weather events. The Communications Office provides an editorial role for the The Communications Office www.donegalcoco.ie and the manages the Donegal County number of users of th is site Council Facebook page and Twitter increased by 23% to 166,334 and account and this involves preparing the number of sessions increased posts, scheduling posts, dealing by 24% to 348,153. The average with messages, visitor posts and number of unique users to the site engaging proactively with key each month was 17,446 which partners through their social media represents an increase of 27% on platforms. the 2015 figure.

The number of Likes on the Media relations Donegal County Councils Facebook The Communications Of fice page increased by 64% in 2016 to continues to work closely with local 10,214 Likes and its reach was print, broadcast and online media 1,869, 133 with 128,205 engaged in conveying important messages users. from the Council to the general public.

Donegal County Council | Annual Report 2016 - 48 -

In 2016 the Communications Office spectrum of activities that include issued 317 press releases and news fires, road traffic collisions, flooding alerts, dealt with approximately 600 and other special services. Donegal queries from local and national brigades mobilised on 838 media. The office manages a occasions which includes number of packages with local mobilisations into counties media outlets for use by various Fermanagh, Leitrim and Sligo. Council services. Capital Programme The Communications Office is also The three year programme to responsible for compiling and enhance the welfare facilities at publishing the Council’s Annual Ballyshannon, Bundoran and Report, managing the Councils Glencolmcille fire stations brand/corporate identity, concluded in 2016 with the placing facilitating capacity building in the of the order for the works to area of media relations and Glencolmcille Fire Station. communications, supporting the roll-out of the staff energy Fire Prevention awareness campaign and The Fire Prevention Section participating in major emergency received 145 Fire Safety Certificate planning. applications which represented an increase of 11.5% when compared to the previous year. In addition the Emergency Services Fire Prevention Section carried out 412 inspections during the same Fire Service period.

The Primary Schools Programme Donegal County Council as the Fire which involves the delivery of Authority for the county continues presentations on fire safety in the to discharge its operational and fire home to third class pupils was safety functions. The operational rolled out to 88 primary schools. service is provided by 15 Retained

Fire Brigades, by voluntary units on Aran Mór Island and on Toraigh Major Emergency Planning Island and by Northern Ireland Fire Donegal County Council continues and Rescue Service who provide to participate with its partner the operational service to defined Principal Response Agencies and parts of the county, primarily in the with other Agencies in the planning vicinity of Bridgend and Lifford. and training activities organised by Donegal County Council also the North West Regional Working provides the operational service to Group. Co-operation, co- parts of counties Leitrim and Sligo. ordination, and response arrangements between the various Incidents agencies continues to evolve and develop as was evidenced by the There were 689 incidents in the participation in Media Liaison county in 2016 that required a fire Officer training and Information brigade response. This was a Management training that were reduction of 9.8% when compared held during the year. to 2015.These incidents covered a

Donegal County Council | Annual Report 2016 - 49 -

Civil Defence

Donegal Civil Defence, a volunteer based organisation, continues to support the Primary Response Agencies (PRA) while also assisting, where feasible, local communities in Non-Emergency activities. The operational service was provided by 91 volunteers, (37 Female, 54 Male) and was managed by the Civil Defence Officer. Training continues to be delivered weekly through 4 centre’s county wide; Civil Defence Headquarters, Stranorlar, Carndonagh Auxiliary 1916 Commemorative Easter Parade Fire Station, Donegal Town Fire Station, and the Hay Hall, Carrigart. Training Activities PRA Support To maintain operational readiness An Garda Siochanna were assisted Civil Defence continued to develop in the 3-Day search for a missing and roll out its training person at Tullan Strand, Bundoran programmes in a variety of areas; and week long search for a missing person in Rathmullan where Search • 36 Members were upskilled in Teams, Kayakers, Search Dogs and Cardiac First Response and Transport were provided by Civil Occupational First Aid. Defence. • 8 Members trained in Emergency First Responder Community Assistance Training under the Pre-Hospital The Civil Defence also provided Emergency Care Programme. community assistance to 42 Non- • 3 Additional Emergency Medical Emergency events, providing 3,012 Technicians (EMT) were voluntary man-hours with certified by the Pre Hospital Ambulance and First Aid Cover and Emergency Care Council. Water Safety Duties to a variety of • 10 Volunteers trained in Search events that included Community Operator Training. Festivals, Sporting Events, Easter • 10 Swiftwater and Flood First 1916 Commemorative Parades, Responders were Trained. Darkness into Light Event etc. • All Civil Defence Volunteers received the revised CISM and Induction and Child Protection Training. • 16 Auxiliary Fire Fighters received training under the Fire Services Council programme.

Radiation Monitoring training, in conjunction with the Radiological

Donegal County Council | Annual Report 2016 - 50 -

Protection Institute of Ireland was the annual training in Sligo in delivered to Donegal Civil Defence October. members in November.

Civil Defence introduced the use of DRONES to their search capabilities and had 2 Civil Defence Volunteers awarded with their Small Unmanned Aircraft SUA Pilot Competency Licence by the Irish Aviation Authority.

Civil Defence continues to work Civil Defence Exercise Training with the Department of Agriculture in the prevention and control of Report from Garry Martin, Avian Influenza and participated in Director of Service

Donegal County Council | Annual Report 2016 - 51 -

Roads & Transportation

Municipal District Roads Division

The overall budget for the Municipal District Roads Division in 2016 was approximately €42m. This included €8.2m allocated from the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport (DTTaS) and Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) for clean-up, repair and prevention works associated with the severe weather of late 2015 and early 2016.

The funding allowed the Roads Division to undertake a variety of essential works on our road network, including general maintenance, surface restoration, pavement strengthening, severe weather repairs, bridge maintenance, winter gritting, low cost safety works, parks maintenance, street sweeping and car parking.

The DTTaS provided funding of €12.56m for Restoration Maintenance and Restoration Improvement on our non-national road network. This funding allowed the Council to resurface and /or strengthen approximately 290km of our network. Surface dressing train in operation in Stranorlar MD The Wild Atlantic Way remains a significant asset for the country and the 2016 Resurfacing/ Strengthening Programme included 23.5km of this route.

The Council’s winter gritting programme is one of the most

Donegal County Council | Annual Report 2016 - 52 - extensive in the country and 930km (approx. 14%) of our road network is routinely gritted each winter. The cost of winter gritting was approximately €1.465m. Following consultation with Elected Members the Roads Division also added some further sections of the road network on a trial basis for the 2016/2017 season.

Construction of the Mullantiboyle

Bridge at Glenties was completed, Turning of the Sod Joe Bonner Link and was officially opened by Road Cathaoirleach Cllr. Terence Slowey on 5 September. Central Technical Services Advance works were carried out on Division the Cockhill Bridge project at

Buncrana by the Council’s local Up until September 2016, the roads staff and the tender process Central Technical Services Division for construction of the bridge itself consisted of 4 departments – was started. Facilities Management, Road Design, Machinery Yard & Stores and Housing Construction (incorporating the Architectural Services Department). Thereafter and due to a reorganisation of Directorates, Facilities Management and Housing Construction were reassigned to the Housing & Corporate Directorate. The Piers & Harbours and Public Lighting Mulantiboyle Bridge Glenties MD Departments were assigned to the Central Technical Services Division. Funding was secured under the

Designated Urban Centre Grant Scheme for completion of the Joe Bridge Maintenance Bonner link road in Letterkenny. 2016 was another successful year in the ongoing maintenance of the Work commenced on the detailed county’s bridges with a Specific design of the project and the Part 8 planning process was completed in Improvement Grant for Bridge Rehabilitation on Regional Roads of September. €200,000 with works undertaken to 6 bridges.

€250,000 was allocated to bridge strengthening works spent on 11 local bridges (including guniting /

Donegal County Council | Annual Report 2016 - 53 - grouting, concrete repairs, full Road Design replacement as required). A number of road design projects A Severe Weather Grant for were progressed during the year. Bridges was also received with works completed on an additional 8 Road Safety bridges at a total cost of €311,000. The Road Design Safety team completed the assessment and Bridge Capital Projects design of many low-cost accident In addition to works at schemes to improve road safety Mullantiboyle Bridge and Cockhill and HD15 schemes on the National Bridge referred to above the Four Roads were further developed. Masters bridge project (lead by Following approval through SPC of Donegal County Council in a policy on School Safety Measures, partnership with Leitrim County the Road safety team delivered a Council) was successfully school flashing lights contract with completed following a partial the repair and replacement of lights bridge collapse thus permitting the at 45 schools throughout the road to be reopened to the public county and received CLAR funding within 8 months of its closure. approval for the replacement of school flashing lights at a further 22 schools during 2017.

The Road Safety Officer continued to provide support to the Donegal Road Safety Working Group (DRSWG) and organized the 10 th annual Road Safe Show in October to audiences numbering approximately 3,000 pupils.

The Donegal Road Safety Working Group continued its collaborations Four Masters Bridge collapse with Donegal Daily, Donegal Sports Hub website and CLG Dhún na nGall to highlight road safety and to help get the road safety messages across to the general public.

Finn Harps FC continued to support Road Safety through the Primary School Road Safety Art competition.

Donegal County Council was awarded the “Road Safety Award

Four Masters Bridge reopened 2016 in the Excellence in Business Awards by the Public Sector

Donegal County Council | Annual Report 2016 - 54 -

Magazine”. This is the second year in a row that the Council won this award.

2016 Chip Spreader

Plant tenders were also progressed as follows: • 1 no. large 5t machinery yard Excellence in Business Road Safety service van Award 2016 • 1 no. 8x4 wheel single-man op.

Speed Limits Review tar sprayer The Road Design team continued • 2 no. brine manufacturing plants to develop the bye laws for the for installation at county including in housing estates Laghey/Letterkenny depots under the charge of the Council • 1 no. 6x4 tipper lorry with a successful public • 2 no 9cum brine salters consultation process completed in November with signage Progress was also made on some of subsequently erected in all of the the design elements of the relevant Housing Estates. Machinery Yard refurbishment project.

Machinery Yard

In accordance with the Council approved 2015-2017 Plant Purchase and Reconditioning Programme, the Machinery Yard purchased a new Phoenix chip spreader, 2 new lorries and 3 snow ploughs and continued to provide a fit for purpose fleet of both owned and hired vehicles to the Councils 2016 registered 6*4 tipper lorry with Roads area team, the Housing new snow plough Services team and Irish Water, facilitating the ongoing The Stores Section continued on its maintenance, repair and operation programme of improvement by of the Council’s assets. providing a cost effective service to its customers. In particular the Stores team managed the procurement and delivery of 5,607,406 litres of

Donegal County Council | Annual Report 2016 - 55 - bitumen for use in the maintenance of the road network.

The team continues to utilise the national framework agreements for the supply of a wide variety of products to ensure the best value for money for the Council.

New pier extension constructed 2016 Public Lighting An inventory of all public lights was completed. The Council maintenance contractor commenced a programme of works for the repair and replacement of approximately 265 of the lighting stock across the 5 MDs, which will continue in 2017 with works to a Bunagee (Culdaff) Sail West Project further 600/700 public lights. A tender was issued for the Work progressed with TII during completion of a review of all 100 2016 to develop a regional national piers and harbours with assessment road bypasses tender for the work to be completed in 2017. upgrade of 1,345 public lights in the North West including lights on the N15 Bundoran Ballyshannon Facilities Management Bypass and on the N15 Donegal Town Bypass. A consultancy firm has been appointed to design, Facilities Management rolled out a tender and supervise the project number of contracts to ensure the which should be on site during ongoing care, maintenance, and 2017. repair of the Council’s 5 Public Services Centres and the Lifford Piers & Harbours Complex. The team also continued with works in relation to the A total of €1,064,300 was spent on development of a new Council the maintenance and refurbishment Chamber to accommodate the of the county’s piers and harbours increase in the size of the Plenary of which 25% was match funding Council. from the Council.

Under the leadership of the Roads

Directorate, ISO 50001

accreditation was achieved with

Donegal County Council only the

second Local Authority to achieve

this standard for energy management.

Donegal County Council | Annual Report 2016 - 56 -

ISO 50001 provides a framework of requirements for organisations to: • Develop a policy for more efficient use of energy • Fix targets and objectives to meet the policy • Use data to better understand and make

decisions about energy use N15 Blackburn Bridge Realignment • Measure the results Scheme Phase 1 • Review how well the policy works, and The construction cost was €5.6 • Continually improve energy million and the Contractor was management. Wills Bros. Ltd. This section of the N15 is part of the TEN –T (Trans European Network) within the county, and the completed scheme has enhance road safety and improved journey times on the N15 between Sligo & Letterkenny .

N56 Boyoughter to Kilkenny LVNS This scheme to upgrade 5.0 km of substandard alignment on the N56 in an area known as the ‘Gweebarra ISO 50001 Accreditation achieved Bends’ to a single carriageway

alignment with hard strips was substantially completed in December. The construction cost National Roads was €8.1 million and the Contractor was Wills Bros. Ltd. Construction & Design This project forms phase 2 of the Construction N56 Dungloe – Glenties Realignment Scheme which is N15 Blackburn Bridge approx. 29km in length and which Realignment Scheme Phase 1. for construction purposes is This scheme to upgrade 2.5 km of divided into 5 phases. Two phases substandard alignment on the N15 of the scheme have now been from the bottom of McGroary’s completed over a length of 8.3km Brae towards its continued development is Ballybofey/Stranorlar, to a having a significant positive standard single carriageway economic impact on West Donegal. alignment complete with hard shoulder was substantially The overall scheme is included in completed in August. DPER’s recently published Infrastructure and Capital Investment Plan- ‘Building on

Donegal County Council | Annual Report 2016 - 57 -

Recovery’ and is scheduled to have This scheme proposes to rationalise all 5 phases completed by 2021. the existing 2 priority junction The scheme forms part of the Wild layout with a roundabout to Atlantic Way. increase capacity and promote better traffic flow at this location.

The proposed roundabout will function as the Northern tie in for the proposed Letterkenny Relief Road.

Construction commenced in October with a proposed completion date at end of April N56 Boyoughter to Kilkenny LVNS 2107. The contractor is SIAC Ltd.

The scheme when completed will greatly improve traffic flows at this busy junction.

N56 Kiltoy Roundabout

Turning of the sod at N56 Kiltoy Roundabout

Pavement Improvement Schemes • N13 Letterkenny Dual Seven schemes were under Carriageway – Westbound construction/completed on the Lanes National Routes in 2016; • N56 Dunkineely East • N15 Coneyburrow – Haw • N56 Knocknamona, Letterkenny • N14 Lifford Bridge to Rossgeir • N56 Fanaboy Lower Junction • N56 Killygordon to Corcam.

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Bridge Refurbishment/ • N14 Manorcunningham Improvement Schemes Roundabout to Lifford including Refurbishment and rehabilitation the N14/N15 link to the A5 WTC works were completed on 8 bridges on in Northern Ireland, and the the National Route Network. • N15/N13 Ballybofey/ Stranorlar Bypass. Road Signing/Lining & Safety Schemes In late 2016 the Council in conjunction A lining & delineation contract was with TII (Transport Infrastructure awarded for the N13 & N14 National Ireland) appointed Consulting Primary Routes in the county and Engineer to develop these proposed contract works commenced and are projects through to the finalisation of due for completion in early 2017. the statutory process (CPO and Approval of Environmental Design Statements).

The Consulting Engineer is a Joint TEN –T Improvements Venture (JV) between Halcrow Barry TEN-T is a multi billion programme of and RPS, two of the largest and most European Investment in all forms of reputable Consulting Engineers in the transport. The TEN-T policy aims to country. This is a very significant close the gaps between Member commission for the county and the States transport networks and remove completion of these schemes will be bottlenecks that still hamper the yield very positive benefits both smooth functioning of the Internal economically and socially. Market.

The TII provided an allocation to N56 Mountcharles – Drumbeigh Donegal in 2015 to begin the process Realignment Scheme of developing the TEN –T network in This scheme proposes to upgrade the county. The initial phase of this 2.5km of substandard alignment project involved the commissioning of between Mountcharles and the Frosses a consultant to carry out a Corridor junction at Drumbeigh to a standard Needs Study on the Ten-T Network single carriageway alignment from the end point of the N15 complete with hard shoulders. Blackburn Bridge Alignment Scheme Contract documents are complete and to the Derry Border at Bridgend via progression to tender and the N13 and from Letterkenny to construction is subject to funding Lifford via N56 and N14. becoming available.

The study was completed in early 2016 This project forms phase 1 of the N56 and identified that the development of Mountcharles– Inver Realignment the following three Major Alignment Scheme which is approximately 5km in Schemes would be of significant length and which, for construction benefit and provide very good value purposes, is divided into 2 phases. The for money, namely; overall scheme is included in DPER’s recently published Infrastructure and • N14/N56 Letterkenny to Capital Investment Plan- ‘Building on Manorcunninghan Roundabout Recovery’ and is scheduled to be including the Letterkenny Relief completed by 2021. Road.

Donegal County Council | Annual Report 2016 - 59 -

Land acquisition is 98% complete and with Cork City Council in the bid for this project is expected to proceed to the Roads Management Office Shared tender and construction in 2017. Service.

N56 Coolboy – Kilmacrennan Its role is to support Local Authorities This scheme proposes to upgrade in their role as Roads Authoritie s 3.3km of substandard alignment responding to the overall priorities, between Illistrin and Kilmacrennan and policies and objectives of the encompassing a sec tion known as the government through the Department ‘Blue Banks’ to a standard single of Transport Tourism and Sport. carriage way with hard strips. Contract documents are complete and The developments during 2016 are approximately 50% of the land best illustrated by considering the acquisition is finalised. Progression to position before and after : tender and construction is subject to funding becoming available.

Both of these schemes form part of the Wild Atlantic Way and will have a significant positive economic impact on North and West Donegal.

N56 Kilkenny to Letterlilly LVNS This scheme forms phase 3 of the N56 Dungloe to Glenties LVNS referred t o above and measures approx 4 km in length. Detailed Design is complete as is 80% of the land acquisition. Progression of the scheme to tender and construction is scheduled for 2017.

Advance design work was completed on a number of proposed pavement improvement, bridge refurbishment and safety schemes to avail of Road Licensing: expected funding in 2017. The RMO has successfully

implemented the National Online Road The National Roads Office (NRO) Licensing System MRL in 27 Local based in Donegal PSC with a staff Authorities to date. MRL has replaced compliment of 26 has ISO 9001;2008 paper based and on -line applications accreditation and certification since in those Authorities. Over 250 2015. applicant organisations use the MRL

system including all Utility Companies. Roads Management Office The RMO provides user support to Donega l County Council led the over 1200 users of the MRL system winning consortium of Donegal, Cork, and has worked closely with DTTAS Kerry and Tipperary County Councils and the working group in the drafting

Donegal County Council | Annual Report 2016 - 60 - of the revised Guidelines for Managing Collaboration between the RMO and Roadworks on Public Roads (The stakeholders relating to the future Purple Book) due for publication in including National Broadband Plan early 2017. Rollout and Irish Water forms a significant element of the RMO’s work Significant progress was made in the as implementation continues. introduction of new MRL functionality.

Report from John McLaughlin, Director of Service

Donegal County Council | Annual Report 2016 - 61 -

Water & Environment

The Water & Environment Service is responsible for:

• Water services both on behalf of Irish Water (IW) and as a stand-alone Water Services Authority • Waste management • Water pollution control and River Basin Management • Environmental Education and Awareness • Litter management • Managing beaches and sports & leisure facilities

Operation of Water Services

Drinking Water Supplies Under the Service Level Agreement with IW the Council continued to operate public water services in 2016. This included the operation of 32 Public Water Supplies (PWS) producing 23.7 million cubic meters of drinking water serving a population of approximately 162,000. The Council purchased a further 104,390 cubic meters of water from Northern Ireland Water. Water from public water supply sources is also provided to consumers through 7 public Group Water Supply schemes (GWS).

The Domestic Water Meter Surveying Programme identified almost 81,000 domestic connections to piped water mains in the county. 10,835 non-domestic connections were identified for billing purposes at the end of 2015, of which some 9,820 are metered.

Donegal County Council | Annual Report 2016 - 62 -

The following table reflects and for Donegal County Council in production of drinking water in the relation to private supplies. county in 2016. Municipal District Drinking The Drinking Water Monitoring Water (cubic Programme monitors the quality of metres) public and private supplies at Inishowen MD 5,618,846 consumers’ taps. 3 types of testing Donegal MD 5,303,679 are carried out – microbiological, Glenties MD 4,375,225 chemical and indicator. An ‘overall Letterkenny MD 5,528,533 compliance’ measure is derived Stranorlar MD 2,939,345 from all 3 testing methods. Total 23,765,628 Microbiological compliance level in A significant number of private Donegal Public Water Supplies was water supplies operate across the 100%. Overall compliance level county. There are 4 private GWSs (including chemical and indicator sufficiently large to merit parameters) was 99%. Private regulatory reporting to the supplies monitored achieved an Environmental Protection Agency average microbiological (EPA). compliance of 86% with an overall compliance of 92%. A further 16 smaller private GWSs are monitored but reporting to the The Health Service Executive EPA is not required. carries out the Drinking Water Monitoring Programme on behalf of There are 18 wholly private water Donegal County Council. supplies monitored and reported to The EPA publishes a list of the EPA and a further 20 smaller Remedial Action Schemes (RAL) to supplies monitored but not focus attention on non-compliant reported. schemes and to encourage remedial works to remedy A number of individual households problems. There were eleven RAL continue to obtain their water schemes in Donegal in 2016. Irish supply from private wells. Water is developing interventions to deal with the problems. The Council operates an annual subsidy scheme on behalf of the The Council continued to work with Department as a contribution the Irish Water and the EPA in towards operational costs for addressing schemes where GWSs and a Well Grant Scheme for Directions have been served or individual potable drinking water schemes remaining on the RAL. wells. Wastewater Schemes Drinking Water Quality 89 municipal wastewater scheme The Environmental Protection discharges have been identified for Agency (EPA) is the supervisory authorisation by the EPA. authority for Irish Water in relation to publicly operated water services Discharges from larger schemes are subject to licenses whereas smaller

Donegal County Council | Annual Report 2016 - 63 - scheme discharges are subject to Certificates of Authorisation. The monitoring programme was fully delivered in 2016. Compliance 38 scheme discharges in Donegal of the licensed discharges is tested are candidates for discharge against the Discharge Licence licenses and 35 have been issued to requirements and also against the date. The remaining 51 scheme Urban Waste Water Directive discharges are candidates for requirements. Certificates of Authorisation. The newer more modern plants All of these Certificates of achieved compliance, but a Authorisation have been issued significant number of older plants except for the Dunkineely. were non-compliant, reflecting the Dunkineely WWTW has been need for investment in wastewater downgraded from requiring a treatment. discharge license facility to a Certificate of Authorisation. IW is WaterPro in the process of compiling an The WaterPro project started in application for the Dunkineely June. It is funded through the EU WWTW. INTERREG VB Northern Periphery and Arctic Programme. It will All the Discharge Licenses and develop sustainable systems to Certificates of Authorisation are in protect water from diffuse the name of Irish Water. agriculture and mining activities.

Irish Water has acknowledged As part of this project Donegal responsibility for the larger County Council will monitor a ‘licensed’ category, but there unique bioremediation combination remains some ambiguity about of Integrated Constructed ultimate responsibility for the Wetlands and Short Rotation smaller ‘certificate’ discharges. Coppice willows that treats leachate at Churchtown Landfill in Wastewater Discharges Quality Lifford. Knowledge gained from all Compliance aspects of this project will be Donegal County Council monitors shared and developed between all licensed and certified partners and interested parties and wastewater discharges. stakeholders.

Monitored quality results for each Water Services Capital Licensed Discharge are reported The construction and monthly to IW and to the EPA, and commissioning of a new each is subject of Annual wastewater treatment plant, Environmental Report. associated pumping stations and network improvements were The monitoring regime for completed in Glenties. discharges subject of Certificates of Authorisation is less onerous. Works contracts for the Twice yearly sampling is required construction of new water and results are not reported, but treatment plants in Gortahork and held for perusal as required. Owenteskna were also signed in

Donegal County Council | Annual Report 2016 - 64 -

December. Construction work on St. Johnston WWTW was substantially completed. Construction works on the Group B contract commenced in mid 2016 (Bundoran, Glencolmcille, Killybegs and Convoy).

Tenders were received and evaluated for the construction of a new water treatment plant for the Letterkenny RWSS and a new treatment plant for the Creeslough/Dunfanaghy WSS as well as 6km of associated pipelines and pumping station improvements. Site investigation works were completed for a number of water services projects. The installation of 5km of water pipelines were completed in Fanad Construction of Bundoran Storm Tank and Ballindrait.

Detailed design and planning works continued on a number of major Pollution Control and minor projects in both the drinking water and wastewater The Councils Central Laboratory areas which will be moving to undertakes a range of programmes construction stage in 2017. aimed environmental protection Planning permission was secured and pollution control. They include on a large number of water and the monitoring of wastewater wastewater facilities. discharges as outlined above.

Additional activities include: • licencing and monitoring commercial / industrial discharges to sewers and to waters, • monitoring of rivers and lakes, • septic tank inspections, • farm inspections, • bathing water monitoring, and • responding to environmental complaints.

Donegal County Council | Annual Report 2016 - 65 -

INAB accreditation was granted to The CatchmentCARE project will the laboratory in September 2016. address the core challenge of restoring waterbodies in border Water Framework Directive / area catchments by increasing River Basin Management catchment resilience (biophysical, The EPA Catchments Unit held a social and economic) and sub-catchments workshop in developing stakeholder capacity September. The purpose of the (community, government and workshop was to firstly inform and NGOs). discuss with LA staff and other public authorities the finding from Local Authorities Waters and the initial sub catchment Communities Office characterisation process.

Secondly, the workshop allowed staff to add any additional data and local knowledge from Donegal to these assessments. This information was collated and used in a further characterisation process, which in turn will inform any additional actions/ investigations/assessments that The Local Authorities Waters and may be required to ultimately Communities office (LAWCO) determine the measures needed in recruited 12 Community Water catchments in the county. Officers (CWO) during the year. A CWO is located in Donegal Town CatchmentCARE Project PSC to assist in public participation The Stage 2 Business Plan for the and engagement and to engage proposed CatchmentCARE project with LA staff and communities to was submitted to SEUPB in July for protect and improve catchments funding under the Environment throughout the county. The measure, specific objective 2.4 of LAWCO staff in the Border Region the EU Interreg VA programme. presented an outline of their role in the region and county to an SPC Donegal County Council is leading meeting in July. the project which has 7 other partners; Agri-Food and The Inishowen Rivers Trust, with Biosciences Institute (AFBI), Inland support from Ballinderry Rivers Fisheries Ireland (IFI), Loughs Trust delivered the Clean Streams Agency, University of Ulster, Project to volunteers in the area. Armagh Banbridge and Craigavon The Council administered the grand Council, Geological Survey of aid received from the Department Ireland (GSI) and the British for this project. Geological Survey/ Geological Survey of Northern Ireland Waste Management (BGS/GSNI).

Donegal County Council is one of 9

Local Authorities making up the

Donegal County Council | Annual Report 2016 - 66 -

Connacht Ulster Waste Region. A Compliance). This is a pilot project Regional Waste Management Plan in the use of willows for leachate was published in 2015. This plan treatment. Leachate at sets out the aims and objections of Drumaboden is treated on site waste management in the Region while leachate from the other three until 2021, which are therefore sites is taken to the wastewater applicable to Co. Donegal. treatment works at Letterkenny for full treatment. Waste Collection Kerbside waste collection services Waste Recycling throughout the county are Recycling facilities continued to be provided by private waste provided to the public. The Council collectors. There are 75 waste operates 6 Recycling Centres at collectors authorised by the Carndonagh, Dungloe, Milford, National Waste Collection Permit Laghey, Letterkenny and Stranorlar Office (NWCPO) to collect waste in under contact to Bryson Recycling. Co. Donegal. The Council actively These sites provide a recycling regulates their operations in service for a range of waste items, conjunction with national agencies. as well as the disposal of household waste in accordance with the Waste Disposal Waste Management obligations. There are no active waste disposal facilities operating in Donegal. The Council also operates 331 Bring Waste Collectors take the waste to Banks at 73 sites around the county facilities elsewhere in the country. allowing for the collection of glass and cans. The Council continues to manage six licensed landfills in the county Other waste collection services namely Ballynacarrick, Churchtown, provided include 6 collection points Drumaboden, Balbane, Muckish and for Hazardous Household wastes Glenalla. All are closed and are and separately, working with WEEE monitored for compliance with EPA Ireland, collection days for waste licence requirements. electrical and electronic equipment.

Five sites (Muckish, Glenalla, Kerbside collection of dry Drumaboden, Churchtown and recyclable household and Ballynacarrick) have been fully commercial waste is operated remediated. throughout the county by private waste collectors who send the Further remediation works were materials to premises outside the carried out at the Churchtown site county to be recovered and during 2016 to augment the processed for reuse. development of the recently constructed on-site treatment The roll out of the brown bin for facility for leachate using willows compostable waste is in the and an integrated constructed process of being expanded. wetland. These works were carried out under the Water Pro project Waste Facilities are authorised by (referenced above under Donegal County Council to recover Wastewater Discharge Quality waste in the county. These include

Donegal County Council | Annual Report 2016 - 67 - private sector facilities providing Environmental Education and recycling and waste disposal Awareness services. The Councils’ Waste Awareness Officer continued to deliver a Regulation comprehensive awareness Donegal County Council regulates programme targeting schools, waste management activities under householders, businesses, large the Waste Management Act 1996 in organisations, agricultural sector conjunction with national and community groups. regulatory bodies such as the Environmental Protection Agency This included the schools (EPA), the National Waste environmental programme which Collection Permit Office (NWCPO) involved providing seminars, advice and the Connacht Ulster Waste and talks on waste management Enforcement Regional Lead practices, the green schools Authority. programme and arranging school tours of the 6 recycling centres The NWCPO is the national body throughout the county. In 2016, with the responsibility for granting 195 schools registered with the or revoking waste collection green schools programme and 164 permits, as well as collating all data Green Flags were awarded. that might arise from these activities. Donegal County Council An extensive recycling publicity remains the enforcement authority campaign was undertaken in the event that a waste collector highlighting the range of services is deemed to be non-compliant. such as bring banks, recycling centres, kerbside recycling and The Council is responsible for the home composting. The Council granting and revocation of Waste continued to promote and Facility Permits and Certificates of participated in national campaigns Registration. Data collection for such as the Stop Food Waste these activities was transferred to campaign. the NWCPO commencing January 2016. The Council remains Anti-litter awareness campaigns responsible for the enforcement of were also carried out including the relevant legislation governing these Big Donegal Clean-Up with over facilities. 300 community clean-ups taking place in 2016. The National Spring Donegal County Council in Clean campaign was also conjunction with Leitrim County supported and an anti- litter Council operates the Waste publicity campaign through various Enforcement Regional Lead media outlets was also undertaken. Authority (WERLA) on behalf of the Connacht Ulster waste region. This office implements policies and actions that allow for better coordination and co-operation of waste enforcement activities in the Region and Co. Donegal.

Donegal County Council | Annual Report 2016 - 68 -

for littering offences along with written warnings and legal proceedings for offences under the Waste Management Act 1996.

998 litter and waste related complaints were received, all of which were investigated. 137 fixed penalty notices, under the Litter Pollution Act 1997, were issued and Launching Big Donegal Clean Up 2016 60 of those were paid.

The Waste Awareness Officer has Innovative technologies including worked closely with tidy towns and the use of CCTV and audio devices community groups and delivered located at Recycling Bring Banks advice, workshops on composting were employed to prevent illegal and talks on responsible waste dumping and littering. management.

A number of waste prevention initiatives funded through the LAPN (Local Authority Prevention Network) were delivered.

A seasonal awareness campaign for the "Smoky Coal" ban for Letterkenny was also implemented and this included press releases, radio advertising and interviews. Tidy Town Seminar

The following grants were Beaches administered: Donegal was awarded 13 Blue Flag Awards in 2016 as follows: • 25 Local Agenda 21 initiatives. • 29 Adopt a Road grants. • 21 Approach Roads grants.

Litter Management The Council has a team of five litter wardens and three mobile litter units which work closely with the The following 6 beaches achieved community in preventing litter, Designated Bathing Water detecting offences and standard: Ballyhernan, coordinating clean ups in Drumatinney, Lady’s Bay, Port conjunction with Tidy Town groups. Arthur, Port na Blagh and Part of this work involves Rathmullan. investigation of cases of illegal dumping, issuing on-the-spot fines

Donegal County Council | Annual Report 2016 - 69 -

Green Coast Awards were awarded Service and Dept of Agriculture, for 5 beaches namely Ballyhernan, Food & Marine. This allowed Dooey, Drumatinney, information sharing and a co- Magheraroarty and Port Arthur. ordinated approach to address issues such as aquaculture, removal The Council has continued to make of beach materials, removal of a significant investment in securing dead/stranded whales & dolphins, the retention of Blue Flags at these and dealing with End of Life beaches. This involves water Vessels. Many such incidents arose sampling, beach maintenance, and were dealt with swiftly. provision of signage, toilet facilities and car parking in some cases. The Council monitors and promotes our shared cross border coastline Access for visitors of all abilities through involvement with the received particular focus. Board Loughs Agency and participating in walk access and railings were Good Beach Summits. developed / improved in a number of locations. Currently thirteen The Council is also actively beaches are wheelchair accessible. engaging with the OPW to monitor and assess coastal processes Lifeguards were employed on all affecting our coastline in changing Blue Flag Beaches and at climate and oceanic processes, Rathmullan beach over the bathing including erosion, in consultation season. There is an ongoing with local stakeholders. maintenance programme for ringbuoys where they are Leisure Centres repaired/replaced as necessary Donegal County Council supports around the coastline. the development and operation of a number of leisure centres Contributions are made to local throughout the county. This search and rescue groups in the includes the Finn Valley Centre, county and working relations with Ballyshannon Leisure Centre and the Irish Coastguard were Letterkenny Aura Centre. The strengthened to improve water Council is also involved in proposed safety along the coastline. refurbishment and upgrade to Buncrana Leisure Centre. A Coastal Management Steering Committee was convened including Report from Michael McGarvey, members of the Coastguard, An Director of Service Taisce, National Parks & Wildlife

Donegal County Council | Annual Report 2016 - 70 -

Appendices

Council membership of committees and other bodies

Cllr. Gerry Crawford Corporate Policy Group Cllr.James Pat McDaid Cllr Paul Canning Cllr. Rena Donaghey Cllr Frank Mc Brearty Cllr. Martin Farren Cllr Marie Therese Gallagher Cllr John Ryan Cllr John Ryan Cllr Terence Slowey Cllr John O’ Donnell Cathaoirleach of the Day Sectoral Representation Trish Murphy - Strategic Policy Committees Environmental/Conservation (SPCs) P.J McMonagle - Agriculture/Farming Community, Social and Cultural J Watson - SPC Development/Construction Cllr. Marie Therese Gallagher, Frank Trearty - Chairperson Business/Commercial Cllr. Michael McBride Alec Carlin/Oliver Farren Cllr. Tom Conaghan (alternate) - Fishing/Aquaculture Cllr. Ian McGarvey Cllr. Jack Murray Cllr. Gerry Crawford Housing & Corporate Service SPC Cllr. Martin McDermott Cllr. Frank McBrearty, Chairperson Cllr. Patrick McGowan Cllr. John Campbell Cllr. Jimmy Kavanagh Cllr. Micheál Colm MacGiolla Cllr. Martin Harley Easpuig Cllr. Mick Quinn Sectoral Representation Cllr. Gerry McMonagle Ethna Diver – Environmental / Cllr. John S. O’Fearraigh Conservation Cllr. Gary Doherty Paul Byrne – Business / Cllr. Rena Donaghey Commercial Cllr. Seamus O’Domhaill John C. Quinn – Trade Union Cllr. Barry O’Neill Paul Kernan/ Kate Morgan (alternate) - Community / Sectoral Representation Voluntary / Social Inclusion Cecil Fairman – Agriculture / Joe Boland/ Martin McBride Farming (alternate) - Community / Dessie Dorrian – Development / Voluntary / Social Inclusion Construction John Gildea – Business / Environment & Emergency Commercial Services SPC Anne Wilkinson – Trade Union Cllr. John O’Donnell, Chairperson Finola Brennan/ Anne McGowan Cllr. Niamh Kennedy (alternate) – Cllr. Gerry McMonagle Community/Voluntary/Social Cllr. Noel Jordan Inclusion

Donegal County Council | Annual Report 2016 - 71 -

Dermot McLaughlin – Environmental/Conservation Roads & Transportation SPC Barry McMenamin – Cllr John Ryan, Chairperson Development/Construction Cllr Ciaran Brogan Peter Cutliffe – Cllr Nicolas Crossan Business/Commercial Cllr Liam Doherty Charlie F. Kelly – Trade Union Cllr Martin Farren Annette Patton / John Trearty Cllr Frank McBrearty (resigned (alternate) – PPN 02/03/2016) Seamus Bovaird / F. Doherty Cllr Michael McBride (appointed (alternate) – Fishing/Aquaculture 18/07/2016) Cllr Martin McDermott Cllr Patrick McGowan Donegal Local Traveller Cllr John O’Donnell Accommodation Committee Cllr John S. O’Fearraigh Cllr Ciaran Brogan Cllr Paul Canning Sectoral Representation Cllr John O’ Donnell Enda Healy - Development Cllr Mick Quinn Conservation Cllr Albert Doherty George Mills - Cllr Jimmy Kavanagh Business/Commercial Karen McCormack/ Louise Breslin Traveller Representatives (alternate) - Community/Voluntary Siobhan Mc Laughlin James O’Donnell - Hugh Friel Agriculture/Farming Rose Ward John D. O’Kane / John McLaughlin (alternate) – Fishing/Aquaculture Council Officials Liam Ward Patsy Lafferty (appointed Nov Economic, Enterprise & Planning 2016) Policy SPC Patrick Mc Laughlin (ceased Nov Cllr Paul Canning, Chairperson 2016) Cllr. Nicholas Crossan Fergus Mc Ateer Cllr. Niamh Kennedy Cllr. Dessie Shiels Coiste na Gaeilge Cllr. Maire Therese Gallagher Stranorlar MD Cllr. Gary Doherty Cllr Gary Doherty Cllr Albert Doherty Cllr Frank Mc Brearty (resigned Cllr. Sean McEniff 02/03/16) Cllr. Enda Bonner Cllr Martin Harley (30/05/16) Cllr. James Pat McDaid Cllr. Liam Blaney Inishowen MD Cllr. Bernard McGuinness Cllr Albert Doherty Cllr. Martin Harley Cllr Paul Canning Cllr. John Ryan Donegal MD Cllr Niamh Kennedy Sectoral Representation Cllr John Campbell Lisa McMonagle – Agriculture/Farming Glenties MD

Donegal County Council | Annual Report 2016 - 72 -

Cllr Seamus O’ Domhnaill Deirdriú Murray Cllr John Seamais O’ Fearraigh Carmel Mulhern Cllr Enda Bonner Lawrence Mc Manus Cllr Michéal Mac Giolla Easbuig Lorraine Thompson Gary Doggett Letterkenny MD Cllr Ian Mc Garvey – Cllr Mick Quinn Audit Committee Cllr Enda Bonner County Donegal Joint Policing Cllr Ian Mc Garvey Committee Deirdre Mc Glone (resigned Cllr Seamus O’ Domhnaill November 2016) Cllr James Pat Mc Daid Paul Carr Cllr Martin Mc Dermott Micheál Mac Giolla Easbuig Cllr Gerry Crawford (resigned March 2016) (returned Cllr Liam Doherty Nov 2016) Cllr Gerry Mc Monagle Henry Mc Garvey (April 2016) Cllr Albert Doherty Cllr Jack Murray Islands Committee Cllr Martin Farren Members of Letterkenny and Cllr Jimmy Kavanagh Glenties MDs Cllr Bernard Mc Guinness Cllr Frank Mc Brearty (resigned Islands Representatives 02/03/16) Owey - William Boyle Cllr John Campbell (26/09/16) Rutland - Michael Boyle (Sub Cllr Nicholas Crossan Rosaleen Mc Shane) Cllr Niamh Kennedy Inis Caorach - Hughie Gallagher Cllr John O’ Donnell Island Roy - Marie Ui Dochartaigh Cathaoirleach as Ex Offico Member Gola - Eamon S Mac Aoidh Inishboffin - John O’ Brien Chief Executive Tory - Bridget Mc Garvey (resigned Seamus Neely 2016) Tory - Marjorie Carol (appointed Oireachtas Members 2016) Pearse Doherty Aranmore - Seamus Ó Cnaimhsí Pádraig Mac Lochlainn (resigned 2016) Charlie Mc Conalogue Aranmore - Noirín Ui Pat the Cope Gallagher Mhaoldomhnaigh Joe Mc Hugh Aranmore - Eamon Ó Cnaimhsí Thomas Pringle (appointed 2016) Brian O’ Domhnaill Inisfree - Naul Mc Cole Tony Mc Loughlin Inishinney - Seamus Rodgers Marc Mc Sharry Inis Oirthir - Pádraig Mac Gairbheith Inis Meáin - Charlie O’ Donnell An Garda Síochána Terry Mc Ginn Small Islands Federation Mairín Ui Fhearraigh Donegal PPN James Trearty Department of the Arts, Heritage Joe Boland and the Gaeltacht

Donegal County Council | Annual Report 2016 - 73 -

Eamonn Mc Gill Comhar na nOileán Teo Nóirín Uí Mhaoldomhnaigh Donegal County Council Value for Money Committee IBEC Cllr Enda Bonner Jan Feenstra Cllr Liam Blaney Cllr Tom Conaghan Letterkenny Institute of Technology Cllr Noel Jordan Paul Hannigan Cllr Ian Mc Garvey Cllr Gerry Mc Monagle Health Service Executive Cllr Terence Slowey Maire O’ Leary (retired Nov 2016) Cllr John Ryan Peter Walker(appointed Nov 2016) Cathaoirleach of the Day Community Andrew Mc Nulty Donegal County Council Economic Louise Breslin Development Committee Cllr Paul Canning Failte Ireland Cllr Frank Mc Brearty Joan Crawford Cllr Marie Therese Gallagher Cllr John Ryan Department of Social Protection Cllr John O’ Donnell Lee Downey Claire O’ Neill Cathaoirleach of the Day Bord Iascaigh Mhara IDA Michael Gallagher John Nugent Donegal Local and Community Marie Mc Daid Development Committee Cllr Niamh Kennedy Enterprise Ireland Cllr Martin Mc Dermott Carole Brennan Cllr Marie Therese Gallagher

Údarás na Gaeltachta Údarás na Gaeltachta Micheál Mac Giolla Easbuig Micheál Mac Giolla Easbuig Alan O’ Baoid Education and Training Board Mary O’ Malley HSE Peter Walker (appointed Nov 2016) Local Enterprise Office Maire O’ Leary (resigned Nov 2016) Michael Tunney Education and Training Board Donegal Local Development Anne Mc Hugh Company Padraic Fingleton Letterkenny Institute of Technology Paul Hannigan Inishowen Development Partnership Donegal Local Development Andrew Ward Company Jim Slevin

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Cllr Jack Murray Inishowen Development Cllr Seamus O’ Domhnaill Partnership Cllr John Seamais O’ Fearraigh Anthony Doogan Cllr Barry O’ Neill Cllr Mick Quinn Public Partnership Network Cllr John Ryan Susan Mc Loughlin Cllr Dessie Shiels Susan Mc Cauley Cllr Terence Slowey Martin Mc Bride Anne Mc Gowan Environment Representative Rosemary Dunne Emmett Johnston (resigned 2016) Paddy Gildea Sean Mc Bride Irish Business and Employers Frankie O’ Gorman Federation John Mc Creadie Jan Feenstra Conor Malone Sean Mc Clafferty Irish Congress of Trade Unions PJ Hannon Standing Order Sub Committee Cllr Ciaran Brogan Irish Creamery Milk Suppliers Cllr Michael Mc Bride James O’ Donnell Cllr Mick Quinn Cllr Terence Slowey Comhar na nOileán Cathaoirleach of the Day Noreen Uí Mhaoldomhnaigh Disability Strategy Group Cllr Jimmy Kavanagh Cultural Committee Cllr Liam Blaney Donegal Youth Council Steering Cllr Enda Bonner Committee Cllr John Campbell Cllr James P Mc Daid Cllr Paul Canning Cllr Gerry Mc Monagle Cllr Tom Conaghan Cllr Gerry Crawford Cllr Nicholas Crossan Other Committees Cllr Albert Doherty Cllr Gary Doherty Donegal Heritage Forum Cllr Liam Doherty Cllr Tom Conaghan Cllr Martin Farren Cllr Seamus O’ Domhnaill Cllr Marie T Gallagher Cllr Albert Doherty Cllr Martin Harley Cllr Michael Mc Bride Cllr Noel Andrew Jordan Cllr Gary Doherty Cllr Niamh Kennedy Cllr Paul Canning (Chair Planning Cllr Micheál Cholm Mac Giolla SPC) Easbuig Cllr Frank Mc Brearty Heritage Officer Cllr James Pat Mc Daid Cllr Martin Mc Dermott Mr Joseph Gallagher Cllr Bernard Mc Guinness Cllr Gerry Mc Monagle

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Curator Donegal County Museum Michael Chance

Judith McCarthy PPN- Heritage Link Group

Conservation Officer Michael Mullen Molly Reynolds Claire McCallan An Taisce Central Planning Unit Ethna Diver Simon Harron Donegal Heritage Network Environment Section Ralph Sheppard Local Development / LEADER Martin Egan Representative Padraic Fingleton Donegal Historical Society

State Agencies Edward O’Kane

Coillte Ulster Architectural Heritage Society Jim Crowley Caroline Dickson

National Monuments Service 2016 Centenary Committee Paddy O’Donovan Cllr Marie Therese Gallagher Cllr Michael Mc Bride National Parks & Wildlife Service Cllr Tom Conaghan Cllr Ian Mc Garvey Judit Kelemen Cllr Jack Murray Cllr Gerry Crawford Failte Ireland Cllr Martin Mc Dermott Cllr Patrick Mc Gowan Maire Aine Gardiner Cllr Jimmy Kavanagh Cllr Martin Harley Teagasc PPN Representatives Carolyn Patterson James Trearty Dermot Mc Laughlin Udaras na Gaeltachta Martin Mc Bride Louise Breslin Seamas O’Gallchoir Anne Mc Gowan

Letterkenny Institute of Technology

Marie Kelly

Irish Farmer’s Association

Donegal County Council | Annual Report 2016 - 76 -

Attendance of Members at Kilkenny Training Events 2016 27 October 2016 Attendees : 1 AILG Module 1 Monaghan AILG Module 6 11 February 2016 Dublin Attendees : 5 19 November 2016 Attendees : 1 AILG Module 2 Letterkenny SICAP 14 May 2016 Cavan Attendees : 4 21 November 2016 Attendees : 1 Ladder Training Letterkenny AILG Module 6 20 June 2016 Roscommon Attendees : 1 24 November 2016 Attendees : 6 SICAP Cavan AILG Annual Conference 21 June 2016 Buncrana Attendees : 1 5 – 6 May 2016 Attendees : 18 AILG Module 3 Cavan AILG Autumn Seminar 23 June 2016 Gorey, Wexford Attendees : 6 13 – 15 October 2016 Attendees : 8 AILG Module 3 Dundalk LAMA, Autumn Seminar 18 June 2016 Bantry, Co.Cork Attendees : 2 29 September to 1 October 2016 Attendees : 5 AILG Module 4 Galway 6 September 2016 Foreign Travel 2016 Attendees : 7 Conference Peripheral Maritime AILG Module 4 Regions, Haarleem, Netherlands Longford 17 to 20 February 2016 15 September 2016 Attendees: 1 Attendees : 4 St Patricks Day Events in the USA - AILG Module 5 12 to 21 March 2016 Sligo Attendees: 2 22 October 2016 Attendees : 4 Sister Cities Project - St Charles Missouri , USA - 26 May to 2 June AILG Module 6 2016

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Attendees: 1 Members Expenses 2016 Conference Peripheral Maritime Regions , Azores - 1 to 6 Members Monthly €278,250 November 2016 Allowance Attendees: 1 Representational €595,944 Payment Glasgow Networking Event, - 9 to Mayor’s Allowance €30,000 10 November 2016 Deputy Mayor’s €6,000 Attendees: 1 Allowance Entertainment €10,426 Trade and I nvestment Mission, Expenses Boston - 13 to 19 November Insurance €6,512 2016. Gratuity Scheme €0.00 Attendees: 1 Strategic Policy €30,000 Chairs Allowance Municipal District €36,000 Chairs Allowance Non Members €3,126 Expenses

Conference €3,521 Attendance Attendance at €14,282 Training Conference and €7,430 Training Fees Other Meetings/ Ad €5,117 Hoc Travel Foreign Travel €14,281 Communications €12,473 Expenses Contribution to €16,400 Members Representative

Associations

Total €1,069,762

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Performance Indicators 2016

Topic Indicator Value Comment

Housing A. Overall total number of dwellings 1018 provided by the LA during the year B. Number of dwellings directly provided 46

B1. Number of dwellings constructed -3 0 no. constructed but 3 no. sold.

B2. Number of dwellings purchased 49

C. Number of units provided under RAS -8 20 Private RAS left the Scheme - 12 Voluntary RAS joined the Scheme (first time Voluntary RAS included) D. Number of units provided under the HAP 952 Scheme E. Number of units provided under the 28 SHCEP F. The overall total number of social housing 6878 dwellings in the LA at year end G. The total number of dwellings directly 4692 provided (constructed or purchased) by the LA H. Total number of units provided under the 473 RAS I. Total number of units provided under the 1421 HAP if operated J. Total number of units provided under the 292 SCHEP K. No. of single rural dwellings that are 2 planned for demolition or sale due to dereliction A. Percentage of the number of dwellings at 3.30 % H1G that were vacant at year end The number of dwelling units within the 155 overall stock that were not tenanted at year end A. Expenditure in the year on repair & €812.78 maintenance of housing bought or built by the LA divided by H1G Expenditure on repair and maintenance of €3,813,543 LA stock compiled on a continuous basis during the year

Housing A. Average time taken from date of vacation 41.90 wk of dwelling to date when a new tenancy had commenced B. Average cost expended on getting the €9,865.18 units re-tenanted ready for re-letting A. Total number of registered tenancies with 6,351 the PRTB in the LA area at the end of June 2016 B. Number of inspections carried out 519

C. Percentage of inspected dwellings in 85.36 2016 that were found not to be compliant with the Standards Regulations D. Number of non-compliant dwellings that 18 became compliant during 2016

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The number of dwellings inspected that 443 were found not to be compliant with the Housing (Standards for Rented Houses) Regulations

Housing A. No. of adults in emergency accom. long- 23.08 % term as a % of the total number of homeless adults No. of adults classified as homeless and in 13 emergency accommodation on night of the 31/12/2016 No. of adults on that date who had been in 3 emergency accommodation for 6 months continously

Roads % Regional road kilometres with a PSCI 99 .00 % rating % Local Primary road kilometres with a 94 .00 % PSCI rating % Local Secondary road kilometres with a 95 .00 % PSCI rating % Local Tertiary road kilometres with a 68 .00 % PSCI rating % Regional roads that received a PSCI 95 .00 % rating during 2016 % Total Regional road kilometres with a 2.00 % PSCI rating of 1-4 % Total Regional road kilometres with a 16 .00 % PSCI rating of 5-6 % Total Regional road kilometres with a 44 .00 % PSCI rating of 7-8 % Total Regional road kilometres with a 37 .00 % PSCI rating of 9-10 % Total Primary road kilometres with a PSCI 9.00 % rating of 1-4 % Total Primary road kilometres with a PSCI 26 .00 % rating of 5-6 % Total Primary road kilometres with a PSCI 31 .00 % rating of 7-8 % Total Primary road kilometres with a PSCI 28 .00 % rating of 9-10 % Total Secondary road kilometres with a 15 .00 % PSCI rating of 1-4 % Total Secondary road kilometres with a 26 .00 % PSCI rating of 5-6 % Total Secondary road kilometres with a 37 .00 % PSCI rating of 7-8 % Total Secondary road kilometres with a 17 .00 % PSCI rating of 9-10 % Total Tertiary road kilometres with a PSCI 28 .00 % rating of 1-4 % Total Tertiary road kilometres with a PSCI 15 .00 % rating of 5-6 % Total Tertiary road kilometres with a PSCI 16 .00 % rating of 7-8 % Total Tertiary road kilometres with a PSCI 9.00 % rating of 9-10

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A1. Kilometres of regional roads 20 .6 km strengthened using Road Improvement grants A2. Regional road Improvement Grant €2,354,469 .00 amount B1. Number of kilometres of regional roads 23 .3 km resealed using Road Maintenance grants B2. Regional road Maintenance Grant €757,533 .00 amount (resealing) C1. Kilometres of Local roads strengthened 126.1 km using Road Improvement grants C2. Road Improvement Grant amount spent €7 ,383 ,235.00 on Local Roads (strengthening) D1. Number of kilometres of Local roads 119.3 km resealed using Road Maintenance grants D2. Road Maintenance Grant amount spent €2 ,000 ,734.00 on Local Roads (resealing)

Motor Tax % of motor tax transactions online 46.93 %

Water % of Private Drinking Water Schemes in 92.37% compliance

Waste No. households in an area covered by a 730 licensed operator providing a 3 bin service at 31/12/2016 (2016 Census) % households within the LA that the number 1.25 % A represents

Environmental Pollution Total number of pollution cases in respect of 1189 which a complaint was received during 2016 Number of pollution cases closed during 938 2016 Total number of cases at hand at 460 31/12/2016

Litter Pollution Percentage of area unpolluted by litter 7 %

Percentage of area slightly polluted by litter 77 %

Percentage of area moderately polluted by 16 % litter Percentage of area significantly polluted by 0 % litter Percentage of area grossly polluted by litter 0 %

Planning Buildings inspected as a percentage of new 25.00 % buildings notified to the local authority Total no. of new buildings notified to the 260 local authority No. of new buildings notified to the local 65 authority in 2016 subject of at least one inspection

Planning A. Number of planning decisions subject of 39 appeal to An Bord Pleanála determined by

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board in 2016

B. % of the determinations which confirmed 64.10 % (with or without variations) the decision made by the LA Number of determinations confirming the 25 LA's decision with or without variation A. Number of planning enforcement cases 131 referred to or initiated by the LA during 2016 that were investigated B. Number of enforcement cases that were 136 closed during 2016 C. % cases at B dismissed re Section 15(2) 56.62 % or closed because statute barred or exempted development D. % of cases at B that were resolved to the 3.68 % LA's satisfaction through negotiations E. % Cases at B that were closed due to 39.71 % enforcement proceedings F. Total number of planning cases being 2073 investigated as at 31/12/2016

Planning AFS Programme D data divided by the €22 .83 population of the LA area per 2011 Census

Fire Service AFS Programme E expenditure data divided €44.59 by the Census 2011 population served by the Fire Authority

Fire Service A. Average time (mins) to mobilise fire 0 min Not applicable - no full-time fire brigades in Full-Time Stations in respect of stations Fire B. Average time (mins) to mobilise fire 6.02 min brigades in Part-Time Stations in respect of Fire C. Average time (mins) to mobilise fire 0 min Not applicable - no full-time fire brigades in Full-Time Stations in respect of stations other accidents D. Average time (mins) to mobilise fire 6.08 min brigades in Part-Time Stations in respect of other accidents A. % of cases in respect of fire in which first 28.21 % attendance at scene is within 10 mins B. % of cases in respect of fire in which first 57.18 % attendance at scene is after 10 mins & within 20 mins C. % of cases in respect of fire in which first 14.6 2 % attendance at scene is after 20 mins D. % of non-fire cases in which first 32 .23 % attendance at scene is within 10 mins E. % of non-fire cases in which first 53.49 % attendance at scene is after 10 mins & within 20 mins F. % of non-fire cases in which first 14 .29 % attendance at scene is after 20 mins Total no. of call-outs in respect of fires 390 during the year

Library Service A. Number of library visits per head of 2.1 1 population

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B. Number of items issued to borrowers 328,145 during the year Number of library visits during the year 336,685

Library Service The Annual Financial Statement Programme €2 3.27 F data / by the population of the LA area 2011 per census

Youth & Community Percentage of local schools involved in the 85.19 % local Youth Council//Comhairle na nÓg scheme Total number of secondary schools in the 27 LA area at year end No. of organisations in the County Register 18.59 at 31/12/2016 and the proportion of those organisations who opted to be part of the Social Inclusion College within the PPN No. organisations in the County Register for 470 the local authority area

Corporate Wholetime equivalent staffing number as 893.11 year end Percentage of working days lost due to 3.85 % sickness absence through medically certified leave Percentage of working days lost due to 0.3 4 % sickness absence through self- certified leave All ICT Expenditure in the period 01/01/2016 €2 ,527.73 to 31/12/2016 divided by the WTE no.

Corporate Total page views of the LA website in 2016 1,155,122

Total number of social media users at 30091 31/12/2016 following the LA on social media sites

Finance A. Cumulative balance at 31/12/2012 in the €-15 ,581 ,989 Revenue Account from the Income & Expenditure of the AFS B. Cumulative balance at 31/12/2013 in the €-15 ,752 ,132 Revenue Account from the Income & Expenditure of the AFS C. Cumulative balance at 31/12/2014 in the €-14 ,966 ,588 Revenue Account from the Income & Expenditure of the AFS D. Cumulative balance at 31/12/2015 in the €-14,345,654 Revenue Account from the Income & Expenditure of the AFS E. Cumulative balance at 31/12/2016 in the €-9,717,139 General Revenue Deficit - Draft Revenue Account from the Income & and Unaudited Expenditure of the AFS F. Cumulative surplus or deficit at -6.85 % 31/12/2016 as a percentage of Total Income from the AFS statement G. Revenue Expenditure per capita in 2016 €837.69

The 2016 Total Income figure from the €141,837,152 Draft unaudited - includes Rates, Income and Expenditure Account Statement PRD and LPT. Also includes write- of the AFS back of specific revenue reserve in

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the sum of €3,374,679 on a once- off basis. Excludes transfers from capital/reserves. The 2016 Total Expenditure figure from the €133,354,231 Draft Unaudited - excludes Income and Expenditure Account Statement transfers to/from reserves of the AFS Collection level of Rates from the Annual 59.5 % Financial Statement for 2012 Collection level of Rent & Annuities from the 86.9 % Annual Financial Statement for 2012 Collection level of Housing Loans from the 67.1 % Annual Financial Statement for 2012 Collection level of Rates from the Annual 57.1 % Financial Statement for 2013 Collection level of Rent & Annuities from the 86. 6 % Annual Financial Statement for 2013 Collection level of Housing Loans from the 65.9 % Annual Financial Statement for 2013 Collection level of Rates from the Annual 56.3 % Financial Statement for 2014 Collection level of Rent & Annuities from the 89.3 % Annual Financial Statement for 2014 Collection level of Housing Loans from the 63.3 % Annual Financial Statement for 2014 Collection level of Rates from the Annual 61.2 % Financial Statement for 2015 Collection level of Rent & Annuities from the 89.8 % Annual Financial Statement for 2015 Collection level of Housing Loans from the 63.4 % Annual Financial Statement for 2015 Collection level of Rates from the Annual 68 % Financial Statement for 2016 Collection level of Rent & Annuities from the 89 % Annual Financial Statement for 2016 Collection level of Housing Loans from the 66 % Annual Financial Statement for 2016

Economic Development Number of jobs created with assistance from 170.5 the Local Enterprise Office during the year A. The no. of trading online voucher 25 applications approved by the Local Enterprise Office in the year A. The no. of participants who received 26 mentoring during the year B. The no. of those trading online vouchers 6 that were drawn down in the year

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