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Chief Executive’s Management Report – February 2021

Kildare County Council Services and Arrangements During COVID-19

Access to Public Offices Restricted – Level 5 COVID-19 Restrictions

The Council’s COVID-19 Team working with the Council’s Business Continuity Group continue to support Management Team to continue service delivery in a safe and sustainable business environment across all our premises.

Members of the public continue to pre-book appointments with relevant services either online at www..ie/countycouncil/OnlineBookingSystem/ or by phone to 045 980 200 An appointment based approach is assisting in managing attendance at the offices in a safe way.

With Level 5 COVID19 restrictions continuing, access to our public offices is restricted to appointment only and should be limited to urgent and necessary business. In accordance with Public Health advice staff are working remotely as much as possible and work is continuing to enable staff to deal with queries online and by phone on their laptops. All meetings are held online on Microsoft TEAMS. Some staff are required to attend the offices to carry out tasks that cannot be done remotely but this is being kept to a minimum.

Appointments where necessary will be facilitated but must be made in advance at http://kildare.ie/countycouncil/OnlineBookingSystem/

You can continue to conduct business online at www.kildarecoco.ie or email [email protected] or Phone 045 980 200.

Our range of online services can be viewed here: http://kildare.ie/countycouncil/AllServices/OnlineServices/______PleaseChief do Executive’s not attend Monthly our offices Management without Report an appointment. – February 2021 Your co - operation Page is appreciated. 1 of 91

______Kildare Community Call Helpline Kildare County Council’s out of hours service Freephone 1800 300 174 provider has taken up calls outside normal Email [email protected]. work hours Monday to Friday and at weekends. Text KILDARE to 50555.

Community calls are handled by Customer Services . Current opening hours are 8:00 a.m.- 8:00 p.m. 7 days a week.

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News Items Illumination of The Kildare Fáilte organised for the Hill of Allen to be illuminated for the first time on 31 January and 01 February as a symbol of hope for the year ahead (see page 70).

New campaign to get Kildare reading during COVID-19 Lockdown Reads is a new campaign to get the whole country reading this month in the lead up to a national day of reading on Thursday, 25 February (see page 70).

COVID-19 Business Supports Please advise your constituents of the following business supports available in response to COVID-19 (see page 88-92). Dates for Your Diary Ethics Declaration Forms Ethics Declaration Forms are due back with the Ethics Registrar by 28 February (see page 4).

Briefing on the County Development Plan process A briefing on the County Development Plan process takes place on Thursday 18 Februray 2021 at 2pm on Microsoft Teams (see page 13).

Draft Local Area Plan (LAP) 2021-2027 The Draft Naas LAP 2021-2027 is due to be published on 25 February 2021 (see page 13).

Built Heritage Investment Scheme The closing date for receipt of applications for both the Built Heritage Investment Scheme and the Historic Structures Fund schemes has been extended to 19 March 2021 (see page 17).

Irish Water Councillor Clinics 26 April 2021 1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. 26 July 2021 1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. 29 November 2021 1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.

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INDEX

News Items ...... 2 Corporate Services ...... 4 Finance and Information Technology ...... 6 Housing ...... 7 Planning, Strategic Development and Public Realm ...... 13 Public Realm ...... 19 Water Services ...... 26 Environment Services ...... 33 Roads, Transportation and Public Safety ...... 48 Building and Development Control ...... 61 Economic, Community and Cultural Development ...... 65 Community Grants ...... 65 Local Community Development Committee...... 66 Kildare Fáilte ...... 69 Library and Arts Service ...... 72 Parks ...... 78

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______Corporate Services

Irish Language Scheme to the members. The indicators for Kildare County Council’s Draft Irish Kildare for 2019 we added to the Language Scheme for 2021-2024 was Annual Report 2019 and updated on welcomed by the elected members at the website and members portal and their January 2021 plenary meeting of reviewed by the Audit Committee and council. The Draft Scheme has been noted by the CPG and Council. submitted to the Department of NOAC have just issued guidelines for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, the Performance Indicators Report Sport and Media for the decision of the 2020 with a deadline for return of data

Minister of State. The Draft Scheme by 30th April 2021. has also issued to An Coimisinéir Teanga. Data Protection Section 40 briefings were held with Value Your Vote members of Naas MD on the 7/1/21; The Live Register for 2021/22 will MD members on the 18/1/21 and come into force on 15 February 2021 Kildare Newbridge MD members on and the public can check their the 3/2/21. Briefings are being registration at: arranged for the MD www.checktheregister.ie. and the MD. This Register applies for any elections or referenda held in the period up to 15 Freedom of Informaiton February 2022. More information on Annual Statistics 2020 elections and voting is available on our Category Personal 30 website Non Personal 120 Mixed 2 Total 152

NOAC Performance Indicators Decision The 2019 NOAC performance Granted 50 Part Granted 36 indicators report was published in Refused 53 December 2020 and details circulated Withdrawn 13 Total 152

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Members Services email as attendees. The operation of

the system will be kept under review.

Ethics Declaration Forms

Ethics Declaration Forms are due back with the Ethics Registrar, Mr Ger

Maher, Building and Development

Control, by 28 February. Due to the ongoing pandemic, these forms can be returned by email.

Meetings

All meetings of the council, including the Municipal District Committees took place remotely on Microsoft Teams in

January with both the press and public in attendance. Members Services continue to work with the elected members and with the IT Department in delivering an efficient, effective, and professional platform for online meetings. The method of access for press and public on TEAMS has been changed for the February meetings and they are now being invited by

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______Finance and Information Technology

Actual Expenditure v Budget Reports Financial Reports for 2021 will be submitted to full The Annual Financial Statement for council as part of the Monthly 2020 is currently being prepared. This Management Report from March will be presented to full council once onwards. complete.

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______Housing

COVID-19 Update The incidence of COVID-19 in Homeless Services nationally remains Homeless Services very low and this is also the case in Engagement with the Mid-East Kildare and the mid-east region. Regional Homeless local authorities Kildare County Council continues to (Meath and Wicklow) and the HSE is have 7 isolation units available for use continuing, in addition to fortnightly should the need arise. engagement with the national leads for homelessness through the Department The Cold Weather Initiative remains in of Housing, Local Government and place in Kildare with 18 of the 24 bed Heritage (DHLGH). The focus for spaces currently in use. Beds for an these meetings is COVID-19 updates extreme weather event are also in the regions and cases in services in available for use in the Kerdiffstown the mid-east remains very low. Facility should the need arise and the Presentations of single adults operation of this will be managed by continues to be a challenge however, the McVerry Trust with full adherence progress is being made in moving to HSE COVID-19 Guidelines. individuals and families on from private Information gathering and engagement emergency accommodation through with the HSE with regard to the allocations and through the work of the vaccination rollout for frontline staff Homeless Housing Assistance working in homeless services has Payment (HAP) Placefinder service. commenced.

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______Capital Programme

Location No. of Units Status February 2021 Approval Stage 4 Athgarvan 18 units Tenders received and being assessed. Expect to Village. receive report on tenders and submit for Stage 4 Approval before the end of February 2021.

Approval Stage 2 St. Patrick’s Park Demolition of 15 Design Team re-engaged working to complete Rathangan units, refurb of 25 Part 8 documentation for early March 2021. Remedial Works units, construction (Phase’s 2 & 3). of 7 units. . 10 units Architectural and Quantity Surveyor services being provided in-house. Building Services Engineering and Civil/Structural Engineering consultants appointed. Preparation of tender documents commenced.

St Evin’s Park, 16 units Stage 2 Approval for submission to the . Department of Housing Local Government and Heritage4 (DHLGH) Quarter 2, 2021. Road, 37 units Tender for design team being prepared to Celbridge. progress scheme to Part 8. Dispensary Site 5 units Stage 1 approval received. Consultants tender Carbury. being prepared to advance scheme to Part 8. Approval Status February 2021 Stage 1 Old Greenfield, Rapid Tender assessment for appointment of design Maynooth. Build/Volumetric being completed. Framework 65 units Ambassador 35 units Tender for appointment of design team received Site, Kill. 26 November 2020.

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Oldtown Mill, 57 units Stage 1 approval received 30 November 2020. Celbridge. Stage 2 and design team tender documentation in preparation. Road, 73 units Stage 1 application for submission to the DHLGH Naas. Quarter 1, 2021. Group Housing 5 units Stage 1 application for submission to the DHLGH Ardrew, Athy. Quarter 1, 2021.

Infill Schemes Status February 2021 Location No. of Units Newtown 4 units Approval Stage 2 received April 2020. Part 8 House, Leixlip. application in preparation with launch anticipated in Quarter 1, 2021. . 4 units Approval Stage 2 received from the DHLGH in September 2019. Part 8 launched Thursday 10 December 2020 Glandore, Athy. 4 units Stage 1 Approval received from the DHLGH in September 2020. Stage 2 in preparation. Patrician Ave, 1 unit Brief being finalised with Housing to allow the Naas. Stage 1 application to be prepared. Shamrock 1 unit Stage 1 application being prepared Stores. Iniscarra, Athy. 4 units Survey work complete. Brief to be agreed with Housing.

PPP Schemes

Location No. of Units Status February 2021 Craddockstown 74 units 74 units complete (36 in June, 38 in August). Road, Naas. Nancy’s Lane, 77 units Completion expected Quarter 2/Quarter 3, 2021. Clane. Revised programme to be advised. Ardrew, Athy. 50/60 units Design team appointed and initial design proposal circulated for comment.

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______Approved Housing Body Schemes

Location No. of Units Status February 2021 Respond HA 35 units Transfer of site transfer now completed. No site works Flinter’s Field, permitted under COVID-19 restrictions. Athy. Tuath HA 28 units Contractor commenced in March 2020. Due for Castlefen, . completion Quarter 3, 2021. Cluid, ESB site 24 units Tender issued for design team. Feasibility issued to Leixlip. Kildare County Council for comment.

Cluid 70-100 units Consideration is being given to incorporating the Rathasker Road, (depending on final adjacent site under the control of an Approved Naas. agreement with AHB Housing Body (AHB) as a joint proposal to maximise and Planning the potential of the site and to offset the cost of Department) remediating the site and to provide a greater range of unit types. Cluid tendering for appointment of a design team.

Approved Housing Body Schemes (ABH’s) - Capital Assistance Scheme (CAS) Approved Housing Body No. of Units Status February 2021 KARE 3 Units Part 8 planning application lodged 17 December Craddockstown 2020. Camphill 4 units at The Planning application approved. Stage 3 being Communities of Bridge, prepared. Ireland Homeless Care 12 Apartments at Due for completion Quarter 1, 2021. CLG. Jigginstown House, Naas Sofia Housing. 35 units Revised proposal to increase development from St. John’s Convent 28 to 35 units received from Sophia Housing. Rathangan Propasal submitted for pre-planning assessment. Cluid. 29 units Stage 1 Approval received July 2020. Design Dominican Lands team appointed and initial design proposal Athy received. The Peter 5 units Revised proposal expected February 2021. McVerry Trust Sallins

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______Acquisitions in Progress in 2021 Completed Completed Completed In Progress Units 2018 Units 2019 units 2020 2021 Housing 186 231 72 27 Acquisitions Housing 39 81 106 146 Turnkeys Part V 30 67 41 111 Acquisitions Total 255 379 219 284

Acquisitions by Celbridge Clane Kildare Municipal District Athy Leixlip Maynooth Newbridge Naas

Acquisitions YTD 0 0 2 0 0

Leased Properties YTD (includes AHB’s) 8 1 6 19 0

Rebuilding Ireland Home Loans 2019 2020 Total Approved €19,692,336 €7,924,618 (includes 2019 applications) Total Drawn Down €10,160,922 €2,951,978 (includes 2019 approvals)

Rental Standards Inspections Housing Assistance Payment (HAP) In accordance with the Local 36 new HAP tenancies were set up in Government Management Agency January, giving a total of 2,383 active (LGMA) Guidance, inspections during tenancies in . As a Level 5 restrictions continue on result of processing improvements, the properties for inclusion in the Leasing turnaround time for HAP files has been Programme. reduced to 3-4 weeks.

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______Families in Private Emergency Accommodation (PEA) including Supported Temporary Accommodations and Family Hubs as of 31 January 2021 No. of Households with Duration Dependents Adults Dependents

0 - 6 Months 17 27 34

6 - 12 Months 13 15 12

12 - 18 Months 9 13 9

18 - 24 Months 12 21 33

24 - 30 Months 5 9 13

36 Months + 0 0 0

Total 56 85 101

Families in Own Front Door Accommodation as of 31 January 2021

No. of Households with Duration Dependents Adults Dependents

0 - 6 Months 2 3 7

6 - 12 Months 0 0 0

12 - 18 Months 0 0 0

18 - 24 Months 1 3 1

24 - 30 Months 3 5 11

+ 36 Months 4 7 10

Total 10 18 29

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______Planning, Strategic Development and Public Local Area Plans (LAP’s) The Draft Athy Local Area Plan (LAP) Realm 2021-2027 was published on 17

December 2020 and was on public County Development Plan (CDP) display until 08 February 2021. The review of the Kildare County

Development Plan formally The Draft Naas LAP 2021-2027 has commenced on Monday 11 January been issued to the environmental 2021 with the publication of the consultants for final reports and statutory notice and Issues paper. assessment. The Draft LAP is due to This starts 8 weeks of public be published on 25 February 2021 with consultation, during which two online 7 accompanying documents. The Draft public meetings will be held. The first LAP will be on public display for 6 online public meeting took place on the weeks until 08 April 2021. An Informal Wednesday 03 February and a briefing with the Naas Municipal constructive, informative meeting was District Committee took place on 10 had. A second meeting took place on February 2021. Public consultation will 11 February. This consultation period be aligned with public health commences the Statutory 99-week restrictions. All documents will be period for the Development Plan made available on the website and on Review and preparation of the County the council’s consultation portal. Development Plan (CDP) 2023-2029.

Ongoing work is being carried out in preparation of the Development Plan Review.

A briefing for members on the County Development Plan process takes place on Thursday 18 Februray at 2pm on Teams

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Planning Applications Residential Applications decided: Received: Units Granted January 2021 Jan Year No. Total Granted: 54 2019: 87 87 318 Retention: 16 2020: 74 74 269 Extension of Duration: 1 2021: 100 100 33 Total Refused: 17

Strategic Housing Development (SHD) Applications to An Bord Pleanála Pre-application Consultation Ref No. Stage Developer Location No of Units ABP Decision Due 349 Apartments at Pre-application Cairn Homes Mariavilla – Phase decision due SHD202009 2 349 Ltd 3; at Dunboyne 06/01/2021 Road, Maynooth. (Overdue).

SHD Applications Ref No. Stage Developer Location No of Units ABP Decision Due Westar 333 units at 20308943 3 Investments 333 19/04/2021 Capdoo, Clane. Ltd

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192 units at Western side of Millicent Road and 21309087 3 Debussy 192 27/04/2021 Southern side of Prosperous Road, Clane.

Significant Applications Ref No Applicant Description Status Comment 21/117 Johnstown 68 residential units at Johnstownbridge. Pre- Bridge Spire validation Ltd. 21/84 Ummeras 5 No. 169m high wind turbines and Valid 18/03/2021. Wind Farm associated works at Ummeras, North Ltd. Monasterevin Area. 20/307279 Bord na Móna. Application for substitute consent for Withdrawn 03/02/2021. and turf cutting at Allen Bog and Kilberry 20/307284 Bog to An Bord Pleanála. 20/1143 Musgrave Ltd. Extension and to distribution centre at Valid Further Boycetown, , an increase of Information 12,785 sqm. An Environmental Impact 26/11/2020. Assessment Report (EIAR) and Natura Impact Statement (NIS) has been submitted. 20/1368 K Club Ltd. Demolition and Extensions to Hotel Valid 01/03/2021

20/1403 Bernard 94 Dwelling units plus creche at Valid NIS requested Moran. Curryhills, Prosperous. in accordance with 177T (5). 20/1284 Ballymore Increase the number of units from 385 Further Requested Newbridge to 395 at Roseberry, Newbridge. Informatio 16/12/2020. Developments. n

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20/1338 Ballymore Retention and completion of temporary Further Requested Naas construction site entrance and access Informatio 06/01/2021. Developments. road off the R448 Kilcullen Road, Naas n at Bellingsfield residential development, Pipers Hill. 20/1418 Elgin Energy Solar Farm- 10.8Ha at Kerdiffstown and Further Requested Services. Monread, Naas. Informatio 26/01/2021. n

businesses has been extended to 28 Historic Planning Registers February 2021. Only 10 businesses The Historic Planning registers are have availed of the waiver and these now available to view online at: licences will now be extended. To https://esearch.informa.ie/kildare/ date, 16 businesses have applied for Users are required to register to use and received licences. the system. This project carried out by the Planning Department and the IT Department will make planning searches easier with the indexes and mapping dating back to 1964 available to view without the need to visit the The breakdown of the current licences Planning Department. Planning issued by municipal districts/towns is searches on more recent applications as follows: are available on the online planning system at: Clane-Maynooth Municipal District – http://webgeo.kildarecoco.ie/public/pla 10 Maynooth. nningsearch/171 Celbridge Leixlip Municipal District – 1 Leixlip. Section 254 Licences Kildare Newbridge Municipal District – The waiver of fees in respect of tables 2 Kildare Town and 2 Newbridge. and chairs outside of qualifying Naas Municipal District – 1 Naas. ______

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______Achitectural Conservation Conservation Update Areas (ACA’s)). The Department of Housing, Local (v) Pilot Stream for Historic Government and Heritage (DHLGH) Shopfronts. has recently announced the following schemes for 2021 with respect to The closing date for receipt of structures on the Record of Protected applications for both the Built Heritage Structures or within Architectural Investment Scheme and the Historic Conservation Areas: Structures Fund schemes has been extended to19 March 2021. The (i) Built Heritage Investment Kildare County Council Thatching Scheme (BHIS) (€2,500 - Grant Scheme for 2021 is now closed. €15,000 per application). Five applications were received. A (ii) BHIS Routine Maintenance budget of €10k has been set aside for and Minor Repairs this grant scheme. (<€2,000). Vacant Sites Update 2020 (iii) Historic Structures Fund 223 sites were surveyed throughout (Stream 1 €15k - €50k County Kildare in 2020 as follows: aimed at essential repairs Leixlip (10); Kildare (32); Maynooth and smaller capital works (21); Newbridge (29); Sallins (12); and Stream 2 €50k - €200k Celbridge (13); Monasterevin (16), for larger enhancement, Clane (17), Kilcock (8), Kilcullen (10); refurbishment or reuse Naas (33); Athy (22). projects involving heritage structures where a clear Having considered each of the community or public benefit surveyed sites against the ‘tests’ as is demonstrated). set out in the Urban Regeneration and (iv) Pilot Stream for Vernacular Housing Act 2015 (as amended), a Structures (not on the total of 34 Section 7(1) notices were Register of Protected issued to landowners. Of the 34 Structures (RPS) or within notices issued, 15 Section 7(3) notices ______

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______(formally placing sites on the Vacant tenders for valuation services with Sites Register) were issued in respect to the relevant sites to be December. Landowners have an entered on the register. opportunity to appeal any 7(3) notices to An Bord Pleanála. The council is currently in the process of seeking

To date, the decision by Kildare County Council to enter 15 sites on the Vacant Site’s Register - 8 have been appealed to An Bord Pleanála as follows: Kildare No. of County ABP File Vacant Site Location Appeals Council Ref. File Ref. 1 KILD-07 309200-21 Former Magee Barracks. 2 KILD-03 309246-21 Rathbride Road, Kildare Town. 3 KILD-04 309247-21 Rathbride Road, Kildare Town. 4 NEW-01 309170-21 Piercetown, Newbridge. 5 KILD-01 309290-21 Rathbride Road, Kildare Town. 6 MON-05 309297-21 Malthouse, Canal Harbour. 7 MAY-05 309295-21 Old Rail Park, Maynooth. 8 MAY-06 309296-21 Old Rail Park, Maynooth.

Open Space and Outdoor analysing the findings and preparing Recreation Strategy 2021-2031 the final strategy. The Open Space Following the extensive public Strategy will also inform the review of consultation programme carried out in the County Development Plan (CDP) 2020, work has now commenced on 2023-2029.

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______Department of Education and Skills with respect to the provision of schools Ongoing consultations are taking place in the Kildare/Newbridge/ between Kildare County Council and Environs, Celbridge, Naas and the Department of Education and Skills Blessington Environs.

Public Realm

Public Realm Funding Applications and Other Items

Town and Village Renewal Scheme (Accelerated Measure in Response to COVID-19) Round 2

The following are almost complete:

Total Project Location Proposal Cost Grant Awarded

Ballymore Eustace Cycle Cafe €27,500.00 €25,000.00 Punchestown, Cycle Cafe €27,500.00 €25,000.00

Castledermot Cycle Cafe €27,500.00 €25,000.00

Town and Village Renewal Scheme (Accelerated Measure in Response to COVID-19) Round 3

Design work has commenced on the following projects, with physical works underway at Poplar Square, Naas:

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Amount of Town and Village Grant Funding Total estimated Requested for This Location project cost Project

Leixlip Town Centre €45,000 €40,000

Celbridge Town Centre €45,000 €40,000 Newbridge Town Hall Environs and Georges Street €45,000 €40,000

Main Street, Naas and Environs €60,000 €40,000 Main Street, Maynooth and Environs €45,000 €40,000

Broadband Officer, Kildare County Council €11,000 €10,000

The following applications have been successful under the main Town and Village Renewal Scheme 2020: Location Proposal Total Project Funding Comments Cost Requested Ardclough Heritage Centre €97,000 €87,300 Ardclough Phase 2 Heritage Centre providing match funding. Clane Main Street and €250,000 €200,000 Clane- Clane Abbey Maynooth LPT Community match funding. Centre

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Athy Enterprise €99,000 €89,100 Enterprise Centre Centre to improvements provide match funding. Sallins Healthcheck €70,000 €63,000 Naas LPT and Town match funding. Renewal Plan

Special Projects and Public Realm Team

Concept Athy -Athy Public Realm Plan – to commence after the adoption of the Draft Athy Local Area Plan (LAP). Kildare-Newbridge - Kildare-St Bridget's Well re-development-Draft concept received. Hydrological survey to be carried out. Kildare-Newbridge – Collaboration with AE on design of Academy Street. Clane-Maynooth – Maynooth Main Street and Courthouse Square Public Realm Improvements Masterplan- Included in the Urban Regeneration Development Fund (URDF) application submitted 29 May 2020. Clane-Maynooth - Maynooth-Town Branding and Signage – included in URDF application submitted 29 May 2020. Naas - Lantern Building -Yet to commence. Naas - Sallins-Health Check/Urban Design - Funding under Town and Village Renewal Scheme 2020 secured. Part 8 Kildare-Newbridge – Kilcullen - Market Square redevelopment – Part 8 to be published February 2021.

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Kildare-Newbridge - Kildare-Market Square redevelopment - Part 8 documents being prepared. Topographical Survey of Market Square, adjoining laneways and associated carparking underway. Temporary closure of Market Square carp ark being piloted to allow businesses on the square to place table and chairs outside to increase capacity and allow for social distancing. Works commenced on 17 August on a temporary pilot closure. Kildare-Newbridge – Rathangan - Market Square redevelopment - Part 8 published 26January 2021. Clane-Maynooth – Maynooth - Harbour Field Development - Part 8 complete and ready for publication in February 2021.

Tender Consultants and Design Athy/Kildare-Newbridge - Athy-Barrow Blueway - works have commenced with almost 11km of the 48km before Christmas. Works will recommence once current restrictions are lifted. Athy – - Health Check/Urban Design and TRP- Online survey complete. Working document circulated to the Athy Municipal District Committee as part of the consultation process.

Athy - Athy - Development of Shackleton Museum-Consultants appointed and detailed design has now commenced. Celbridge-Leixlip – Ardclough - Health Check/Urban Design and TRP- Online survey complete. Working document circulated to the Celbridge-Leixlip Municipal District Committee as part of the consultation process. Celbridge-Leixlip - Celbridge-Health Check/Urban Design and TRP- Online survey complete. Working document circulated to the Celbridge-Leixlip Municipal District Committee as part of the consultation process. Members briefing held. Celbridge-Leixlip - Leixlip-Health Check/Urban Design and TRP- Online survey complete. Working document circulated to the Celbridge-Leixlip Municipal District Committee as part of the consultation process. Members briefing held.

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Kildare-Newbridge – Athgarvan - Health Check/Urban Design and Town Renewal Plan - Online survey complete. Working document circulated to the Kildare-Newbridge Municipal District Committee as part of the consultation process. Members briefing held. Clane-Maynooth – - Health Check/Urban Design and TRP- Online survey complete. Working document circulated to the Clane-Maynooth Municipal District Committee as part of the consultation process. Clane-Maynooth - Johnstown Bridge-Health Check/Urban Design and TRP- Online survey complete. Working document circulated to the Clane-Maynooth Municipal District Committee as part of the consultation process. Clane-Maynooth – Kilcock -Town Branding and Signage- Public consultation to commence in the coming weeks. Clane-Maynooth - Prosperous-Town Branding and Signage -Tender for detailed design to be issued. . Clane-Maynooth – - Health Check/Urban Design Analysis and Town Renewal Plan - Online survey complete. Working document circulated to the Clane-Maynooth Municipal District Committee as part of the consultation process Tender Consultants Athy - Athy-Public Realm Dominican Lands -Tender for design consultants complete and consultants appointed. Project kick off meeting held. Kildare-Newbridge – Kildare - Curragh Plains - Develop Plan -Tender being prepared for: Conservation, Management and Interpretation Plan-Branding and Visitor Positioning Process - Orientation, Wayfinding and Interpretation Strategy. The Paul Hogarth Company appointed and project inception meeting held on 26 June. Joint site visit took place on 02 September. Public consultation to commence early 2021. Naas - Greenway-Alymer Bridge to Sallins - €3 million funding approval in place which represents 100% of the project cost. Tender assessed and detailed design is now commencing. Tender package being finalised for trailheads and crossings. Works will commence in early 2021 and will take 9 months to complete.

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Athy- - Engagement of consultants to assess the building and draw up the plans and drawings required to complete the restoration work on a second building in the Tanyard. Onsite meeting with the Tanyard Committee being scheduled. Tender Works Athy – Athy - Upgrade to public realm Emily Square -Tender documents for construction work almost finalised. Kildare-Newbridge – - Community Hall Upgrade-Awarded €92,000 funding under the Town and Village Renewal Scheme. Kildare-Newbridge – Newbridge - Newbridge Library – Part 8 and detailed designed being prepared.

Design Athy - Athy-Edmund Rice Square - Scope and extent of the project to be agreed in collaboration with various stakeholders. Kildare-Newbridge – Kildare - Town Renewal Plan - Feedback being reviewed for incorporation into final plans. Kildare-Newbridge – Monasterevin - Healthcheck and Urban Design and Masterplan - Work ongoing with urban designers. Meeting with key landowners (Cassidy Distillery Buildings) held 22 July 2020. Draft document under review. Public consultation will recommence in March 2021. Kildare-Newbridge - Newbridge-Creation Cultural Quarter - to include Part 8’s for library redevelopment, St Conleth's Square including new buildings, landmark building on Market Square, and Public Realm improvement works. Feedback being reviewed for incorporation into final plans which will inform Part 8 designs for each element of the project. Work commencing on tender for Part 8 plans for the library element. Kildare-Newbridge - Newbridge-Town Renewal Plan - Feedback being reviewed for incorporation into the Town Renewal Plan. Consultation workshops to be organised. Clane-Maynooth – Maynooth - Harbour Field Works - Detailed design to commence after Part 8 approval. Included in URDF application submitted on 29 May 2020. Detailed Design

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Kildare-Newbridge – Kildare - Cherry Avenue - development of a town park - Tender documents to be prepared for LA led design team in collaboration with the Parks Section to develop the design post Part 8 to shovel ready stage for new RRDF application. Clane-Maynooth - Kilcock-Community Centre. 5 no. tenders received. Contractor to be appointed. On Hold Clane-Maynooth - Clane-Main Street - Accessibility Improvements - Town and Village funding application successful. Project kick off meeting to be scheduled.

Clane-Maynooth - Clane-Town Branding and Signage – LPT funding secured.

Construction Naas - - Looped Walk - works almost complete. Naas – MERITS - Duggan Lynch appointed as contractors. Works will recommence once current restrictions are lifted. Complete Athy - Narraghamore-Socila Enterprise Community Shop - Completed. Celbridge-Leixlip – Ardclough - Community Facility – Completed. Clane-Maynooth – Robertstown - Masterplan - Plan finalised and complete. Clane-Maynooth – Prosperous Town Park complete and open to the Public since Wednesday 04 December 2020.

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______period before being handed over to Irish Water/Kildare County Council Operations in the summer 2021. Murphy International Ltd., on behalf of

Lidl (subject to an Irish Water

agreement), has laid part of the

Newbridge Eastern Interceptor Sewer along the route of the Newbridge Outer Orbital Relief Road between the dual carriageway and the Great Road. These works have been commissioned and will be handed over

Water Services

Infrastructural Projects

to Irish Water/Kildare County Council Contract 2A (Newbridge Eastern Operations following the taking in Interceptor Sewer) charge of the Newbridge Outer Orbital This contract was signed by Irish Relief Road by Kildare County Council. Water and Roadbridge on 20 February 2019 and it had a 24-month Contract 2B (Network) construction programme. The works This contract was signed by Irish were completed and commissioned in Water and Coffey Construction Ltd on 2020. The sewerage network is due to 08 August 2019 and it has a 30-month be handed over to Irish Water/Kildare construction programme. County Council Operations by the end Works commenced on site in of Quarter 1, 2021. The pumping September 2019 and are advancing stations are being operated by the well. The current major network contractor for a 12 month proving improvement works are continuing on ______

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______the Clane Rising Main adjacent to intended to be fully operational by end Alexander Bridge in Clane where the of Quarter 1, 2021. contractor is directionally drilling under the to connect the Maynooth Transfer Pipeline pipelines either side of the river. This project involves the upgrading of In Newbridge, pipeline works continue the existing Maynooth Sewerage in Páirc Mhuire housing estate and Pumping Station and the construction preparatory works are ongoing as part of a new sewerage pipeline along a of the pipeline to be installed on the new route from the pumping station to Athgarvan Road under a road closure the Leixlip Wastewater Treatment (due to commence 10 February). Plant. This project is at planning and Foul Pumping Station detailed design stage. upgrade/improvement works are Site investigation works are nearly continuing at Sallins Pumping Station complete on the public roads and (additional storm tank/new foul pumps on private lands. Irish Water and their and controls), Clane Pumping Station representatives are negotiating with (new pumping station under landowners as part of the land and construction) and Monread Pumping wayleave process. Station (new pumping station under construction). Capital Projects

Osberstown Sludge Treatment Allenwood Sewerage Network Facility DBO Contract Variation (Vacuum System) Modification Veolia Water Ireland advanced works While funding constraints have on this variation to the Design Build emerged on the part of Irish Water in Contract (DBO) contract and light of the current COVID-19 crisis, completed these works in Quarter 4, the council continues to work with the 2020. Operational commissioning of utility to progress a temporary solution the Thermal Hydrolysis Process Plant which involves: is continuing. The Exelys THP is

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• The laying of a 40 metre pipe to the Allenwood WWTP for connect to the nearby gravity treatment and disposal. system. • Some small level of land • It is hoped that the land acquisition. acquisition can be completed • Temporary pumping reasonably quickly so that these arrangements to transfer temporary works can be sewage from the buffer tank to arranged and completed by the public gravity sewerage Quarter 2/Quarter 3, 2021 and system and on to Allenwood deliver expected cost savings. Waste Water Treatment Plant A significant benefit of this is the (WWTP) for treatment and elimination of the need for tankering disposal. from the buffer tank, particularly during

the winter months. As soon as the • In order to progress the agreed land has been acquired by Irish Water, temporary solution to negate it is intended that these temporary the need for ongoing tankering, works will progress and be completed Irish Water is currently seeking by Quarter 2/Quarter 3 and before to acquire the land needed to winter 2021. The members will be kept develop the new foul pumping informed. Consultants have been station at the buffer tank site. appointed to progress the longer-term

pumping solution at the buffer tank • This will then allow Irish site. Water/Kildare County Council

Operations to construct the Timolin WWTP Upgrade temporary solution to install a This project has been included in the temporary foul pumping station Small Towns and Villages Growth at this location which will pump Programme (STVGP) which will be into the existing gravity subject to Irish Water approval. Irish sewerage system at Water agreed to the priority list Powerstation Road and on to ______

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______submitted by the council following a workshop held recently. This scheme was ranked high in the council’s priority list due to commitment made to locals and public representatives in 2017 and the approval of a Part VIII planning process. Irish Water need to hold workshops with the rest of the local authorities before they progress Kildare County Council’s priority list.

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Water Networks Management Irish Water, and the regional Projects contractor. The schedule for decommission works phase will be

Suncroft Village Water Connection known at this stage. Service Transfer Works This project involves the transfer of Kildare Town Watermain approximately 30 water service Rehabilitation Works connections within the Village of along the Suncroft Road Academy Street/Cleamore Road (L-3007) from an existing cast iron All service connections along this route water main to an existing HPPE main. have now been transferred from cast Works will also involve the iron mains to UPVC mains. The decommissioning of 850 metres of existing cast iron mains were cast iron mains along this route. It is decommissioned in January 2021 and expected that these works will this scheme is now considered fully commence in Quarter 1, 2021. complete.

Newbridge Town Watermain Lourdesville BYSS Rehabilitation Works – All public and private side watermain Pairc Mhuire, Newbridge Back Yard installation works have now been Services Scheme (BYSS) completed as part of this scheme. All public and private side watermain The decommissioning of the existing installation works have now been cast iron mains in Lourdesville is now completed as part of this scheme. expected to commence in Quarter 2, Permanent road reinstatement works 2021. are now complete. A project review meeting is scheduled for 11 February 2021 between Kildare County Council,

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Campion Crescent BYSS St. Patrick’s Terrace, Naas BYSS All necessary customer consent has (Works carried out as part of Irish now been obtained. Decommissioning Water’s Stimulus Package) works have yet to be completed. This scheme involved the installation This work will commence when all of 115 metres of new watermain consent from customers in Assumpta together with associated assets on St Villas has been provided. Patrick’s Terrace, Naas. The works also included the transferring of all Assumpta Villas BYSS existing service connections from the There are currently 4 premises existing cast iron watermain to a new whereby customer consent has not yet HDPE watermain within the public been obtained throughout Assumpta road. Construction works commenced Villas. Private side service connection on 02 November 2020. This scheme works need to be carried out on each was successfully completed on 23 of the remaining properties prior to November 2020. decommissioning works commencing in both Assumpta Villas and Campion Crescent. Irish Water Updates The Minister for Housing, Local Rowanville BYSS Government and Heritage recently There is currently 1 property remaining launched a Stimulus Package which within this scheme, whereby customer includes a €30 million fund allocated to consent has not yet been obtained. the Water Conservation Programme Decommissioning works have yet to and €13 million for capital commence. This work will commence maintenance. Minister O’Brien stated once consent from the final customer that “It will lead to activity across all 26 has been provided and the properties counties addressing leakage, water service connection is installed. scarcity and drought.” ______

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Irish Water Councillor Clinics Irish Water Councillor Clinics are held online for approximately one hour. The schedule of upcoming clinics in 2021 is as follows:

26 April 1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. 26 July 1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. 29 November 1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.

Irish Water will contact members regarding details of the clinics.

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______Environment Services Recycling Banks The increase in glass tonnage at

COVID-19 recycling banks has continued on from With the current COVID-19 last year. In January 2020, 422 tonnes restrictions some services will be of glass and cans were recovered in operating differently to comply with the month from the recycling banks. the new restrictions. This year, for the same month, the figure is 559 tonnes – an increase of Civic Amenity Facilities 33%. Staff and contractors continue to The two civic amenity sites continue to service existing sites but the operate as normal. Members of the co-operation of the public remains vital public are asked to continue to in this regard. prioritise payment by contactless cards Christmas Tree Recycling and to exercise social distancing at all Christmas tree recycling was facilitated times onsite. Notification has been in Athy, Clane, Maynooth, Naas and received from the operators AES that Newbridge until the 23 January. they plan to increase the charges for All sites were managed well and some accepting residual waste from 01 of the mulch has been given to March 2021. The charges for recycling community groups for landscaping will remain the same. AES will works. The remainder will be organise for a media advertising distributed later in the year making it campaign and issue flyers to all more cost effective as well as visitors during the weeks beforehand, environmentally beneficial. as well as erecting signage at both facilities, in order to inform service users of the proposed changes. https://www.aesirl.ie/civic-amenities/

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______Burial Grounds National Tidy Towns / Spring Clean All the council’s cemeteries remain Grant allocations were approved by open to the public. Social distancing each Municipal District Committee in guidelines should be observed when 2020 for local Tidy Town Groups visiting cemeteries. (€284,155). The National Tidy Town’s Competition was cancelled for 2020. Environment Complaints The Minister has recently announced Pollution complaints will be details of additional funding from the investigated in accordance with Department of Rural and Community national guidelines regarding social Affairs for Tidy Towns groups in 2021. distancing and the safety of staff and the public. The council’s ‘Lily White Clean Up Day’ (National Spring Clean) was Domestic/Commercial Refuse cancelled in 2020 due to COVID-19 Collections restrictions. It is hoped to be able to Domestic and commercial waste run this initiative later in 2021 when collections are continuing as normal. public health restrictions have been Domestic waste collectors have relaxed. however been granted permission by the National Waste Collection Permit

Office (NWCPO) to carry out collections outside of their conditioned waste collection hours due to COVID- 19 restrictions. Check their website and social media for updates. For details of approved operators, check the NWCPO website: www.nwcpo.ie

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______Environmental Education Draft Litter Management Plan In line with Government Guidelines, all The Draft Litter Management Plan was educational talks and events are reviewed and considered during 2020 suspended until further notice in the by the Environment and Water interests of public health and will be Services Strategic Policy Committee rescheduled at a later date where (SPC) who has recommended that the feasible. Information and services Draft Plan be presented to full council normally provided are referenced at: for consideration and adoption. The http://kildare.ie/CountyCouncil/Environ plan is listed on the agenda for the ment/EnvironmentalEducation/ February council meeting

Waste Permit/Water Discharge New Initiatives

Licences Civic Amenity Site North The Environment Section will continue The Part 8 has been approved by the to process applications. These should Celbridge-Leixlip Municipal District be submitted by post where possible. Committee. The process of procuring

a consultant, subject to funding, is Environment Construction being progressed. Tenders received Projects/Schemes on 25 January are in the process of All construction schemes have been being assessed. The project is likely to suspended due to COVID-19 be progressed as a Design Build restrictions until further notice. Operate Finance Concession Contract.

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______Anti-Dumping Campaign and Litter and bags as well as arranging prompt Initiatives collection of the waste. The national “My Country/County/Town/Village My Waste” campaign was promoted locally through print and social media. This campaign is to highlight the consequences of dumping on the wider community. Supports will need to remain in place as this scheme is likely to get more popular throughout the year. To illustrate this point, one group near Straffan has collected over two tonnes of waste over successive weekends. Therefore, it is a very effective means of engaging with the community as

they assist in removing litter and illegal Green Kilometre Scheme dumping. In tandem with the Anti-Dumping

Campaign, a lot of interest has been Air Quality and Ban on Smoky Coal generated locally in the Green Under the Air Pollution Act (Marketing, Kilometre Scheme with over 30 Sale, Distribution and Burning of applications received during the Specified Fuels) Regulations 2012- month. The Environment Section is 2016 it is illegal to burn bituminous or scaling up the response to these “smoky” coal and other prohibited fuels socially distanced cleanups of rural within specified areas or Low Smoke roads in terms of provision of pickers Zones (LSZ’s).

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______There are currently Low Smoke Zones Catchment Flooding in County Kildare in Newbridge/Athgarvan, Maynooth/Ce Catchment Flood Risk Assessment lbridge/Leixlip and Naas/Sallins. and Management Study (CFRAMS) Meetings have taken place with the Office of Public Works (OPW) regarding the prioritisation of works. A Steering Group with the OPW has been established to progress the consultant’s brief for schemes within Kildare. The municipal districts will be briefed as schemes from the CFRAMS Programme commence. Flood defence schemes have been classified as

essential works by the County and City General information about the ban, Management Association (CCMA). including PDF maps of the LSZ’s in which it applies, is now available at: Morell Flood Management Scheme https://www.gov.ie/en/policy- Construction of the scheme is now information/26f183-environmental- underway, beginning with Phase 1 policy/#air-quality embankments and walls in the

Tuckmilltown and Turnings areas.

Further details of the scheme can be

found at www.morellfms.ie.

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______Athy Flood Relief Scheme The Kildare County Council/OPW Steering Group has commenced developing the scope of the Athy Flood Relief Scheme. The first stage will be the procurement of consultants to carry out the design of the scheme. Work on the site resumed on 08 Naas Flood Relief Scheme February as these remedial works are The contract for consultancy services exempt from current restrictions. for the Naas Flood Relief Scheme has been awarded to ARUP. The first A presentation on the progress of the stage of the scheme will be a review of project was given to the Naas the existing hydrology and mapping. Municipal District Committee on The specification for survey works of Tuesday 19 January. existing watercourses and drainage networks is being developed, with The procurement of the Percent for surveys scheduled for competition in Arts is proceeding and tenders are due Quarter 2, 2021. back on 22 February.

Kerdiffstown The community is being kept informed Wills Bros Ltd was appointed in through the Community Liaison Group October 2020 for the remediation of meetings and the wider public will the landfill and the construction of the have access to updates on the council park. The contract period is for 54 website: months but this timeline is expected to http://kildare.ie/CountyCouncil/Kerdiffst be improved upon by the contractor. ownPark

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______Monitoring of the gas and groundwater advertise a new tender in Quarter 1, boreholes as well as the management 2021. of the leachate and gas continues, in accordance with the Environmental Columbarium Walls Protection Agency (EPA) Licence. This will continue through the COVID- Rathangan, Newbridge, Crookstown 19 lockdown. The 3D Visualisation and Celbridge Model of the proposed park can be A consultant has been engaged and is viewed at home on Kildare County working on the design of new Council’s website at: columbarium walls at each of these http://kildare.ie/CountyCouncil/Kerdiffst cemeteries. It is expected that the ownPark/KerdiffstownParkVisualisatio works will advance in Quarter 3, 2021. n/

Cemeteries Risk Management

Kildare Town Cemetery The next risk management cycle has A tender has been awarded for the commenced wherein all Gatekeepers renovation of the front wall and gates, have been requested to submit their the removal of the old bunker and the updated Departmental Risk Registers resurfacing of many of the internal by 26 February. A meeting of the roads and pathways. Works Gatekeepers also took place to review commenced in early January but have training needs as well as current now been stepped down for the guidance. The group were advised that duration of the Level 5 Restrictions. both the Local Government Auditor as

well as the Chair of the Audit Newbridge Cemetery Committee were complimentary The preferred contractor withdrew his regarding current arrangements. tender. Therefore, it is intended to re-

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Eastern and Midlands Climate Action Regional Office (CARO)

The Climate Action Regional Office implementation of adaptation actions (CARO) is currently working to support and to track and report on progress. its constituent local authorities to drive This guidance note will be circulated to climate action projects in their all counties across the Eastern and counties, with particular focus on Midlands Region in the coming weeks. implementing actions contained within their climate adaptation strategies. A number of projects are ongoing Sustainable Energy Communities across the Eastern and Midlands (SECs) Region. Following on from the Sustainable Energy Community webinar hosted by Implementation Guidance CARO in October 2020, the CARO The CARO established a working continues to work through its sub- group in the Mid-East sub-region in regional structure and through the 2020 to examine issuing of guidance Partnership for Sustainable to assist local authorities to implement Communities, between the GAA and their adaptation strategies. The work the County and City Management of this group has resulted in a Agency (CCMA) to encourage and guidance note of 2 parts; A Guide support establishment of further SEC’s providing information on how to in the region and across the country. assemble the appropriate supporting framework within the local authority to enable implementation of the adaptation strategy; and A Toolkit providing resources which can be used and adjusted to assist in the process of ______

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______Forestry Just Transition The Woodland Creation Scheme was The CARO’s application to the Just published by the Department of Transition Fund for community training Agriculture, Food and Marine (DAFM) and capacity building across the 21 on 12 August 2020. The CARO’s identified communities has been initial involvement in this area was to granted initial approval in the sum of work in collaboration with Coillte and €255,000. The application has now the DAFM, to identify a number of pilot moved onto stage two of the process counties and appropriate landholdings which includes a state aid assessment for afforestation in the region and to review. If this application is support a number of counties as they successful, this project will develop in begin the process of identifying collaboration with Westmeath, suitable lands. The CARO are Longford, Laois, Kildare, Roscommon, developing a FAQ document to Galway, Longford and Offaly County accompany the tender for Forestry Councils and will leverage existing Services, which is expected to be structures (such as the Public ready for distribution in Quarter 1, Participation Network (PPN), 2021. Cohmairle na nÓg, Local Community Development Committees (LCDC’s) and municipal districts to engage with the relevant communities.

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______Capacity Building Elected Members/Senior Staff The training for senior staff and elected members has been delivered to Sligo, Longford and Wicklow. Offaly, The CARO continues to work with its Roscommon, Laois, Westmeath, strategic training partners, such as Donegal and Mayo. Galway City has Climate Ireland, Met Eireann, the been scheduled for February, March Environmental Protection Agency and April and feedback to date has (EPA), the Office of Public Works been excellent. (OPW), the Department of Communications , Action and Climate Action Teams Environment (DCCAE), the The first programme (post pilot) will Sustainable Energy Authority of commence on 24 February 24 and will Ireland (SEAI) etc., to develop a suite be delivered across 6 half days on- of training for all elected members and line. Participants on the first local authority staff. Details of the programme will be from the midlands training programme, which includes 6 sub-regional counties – Offaly, pillars, have been circulated to all Longford, Roscommon, Laois, and Chief Executives and Climate Action Westmeath. Leads in the region over the Christmas period. Progress across each of six Online Training agreed training pillars which are as Rollout of this programme has follows: commenced with all Grade 7’s nationally invited to register and complete the 3-module course before 28 February. To date approximately 800 people have registered and feedback has been excellent.

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______Behavioural Change Training Economic Opportunities Arising The Institute of Public Administration from Climate Action (IPA) will deliver this programme as CARO is now exploring this area with soon as health restrictions are lifted, a view to promoting practical ways that and classroom style learning is the local government sector can permitted. exploit the opportunities arising climate action policy at a European, national, Outdoor Staff Training regional and local level. Phase one of This training will be delivered by the the project includes research in into Local Authority Services National this particular topic in partnership the Training Group (LASNTG) as soon as School of Business in Maynooth health restrictions are lifted, and University and surveying the local classroom style learning is permitted. authority enterprise sections and Local Enterprise Offices (LEO’s). These Thematic Training elements of work have been The following additional programmes substantially completed and presented and events are being prepared: to the project steering group, which - CARO are collaborating with the was chaired by Ms Delaney, Chief Office of the Planning Regulator Executive Officer, Offaly County (OPR), the Department of Housing, Council, on Tuesday 02 February. Local Government and Heritage The next steps for this project are (DHLGH) and others to develop a currently under development and training programme for local review. authority planners as they embark

on development plan reviews. Spatial Planning - CARO are collaborating with SEAI to host a webinar on the ISO The CARO continues to work closely 50,001 energy management with the three regional assemblies to system and this will be held on 16 assist local authority planners to March at 09.30 a.m. (provisional). translate regional climate objectives into local policies for inclusion in county development plan reviews. ______

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______Workshops have been held in all three CARO. The first workshops were held regional assembly areas. online on Wednesday 03 February and Furthermore, the CARO is also club audits are ongoing across each of working closely with the Office of the the programme pillars. Planning Regulator (OPR), and others, to develop more detailed training for Adaptation Planning Progress planners who are embarking on county Reporting development plan reviews over the Following on from the first annual coming months. This training will be progress report as issued to the rolled out under the “Implementing Department of the Environment, Change” pillar of the Local Authority Climate and Communications (DECC), Climate Action Training Programme. CARO is continuing to support and coordinate the implementation of Key Performance Indicators Climate Change Adaptation Strategies The EM CARO sectoral climate action across the region. Support is KPIs are currently subject to detailed manifesting itself in projects, guidance, design and they will be piloted across sub-regional meetings, maintaining , Limerick City and County, strategic links between the region and Donegal, and South Dublin over the external agencies such as SEAI, coming months. Mainstream rollout OPW, Climate Ireland and others. through the National Oversight Audit Committee (NOAC) Framework will follow this trial. Local Climate Action Initiative for Elected Members GAA/CCMA Partnership for The CARO, in collaboration with the Sustainable Communities AILG and the Kildare Climate Action The CCMA/GAA “Green Club” SPC, have developed an interactive programme was launched by Minister presentation for all municipal districts Eamonn Ryan, TD, on Wednesday 09 to assist elected members to link with December last and has now entered local communities to progress the the ‘pilot’ stage with support from climate change agenda and build local ______

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______capacity. Video content includes reference to Maynooth Sustainable • Energy Energy Community (SEC), the Kildare • Local Adaptation Governance Climate Youth Camps as well as the and Business Operations Kildare LEADER Communities 4 • Infrastructure and Built Climate Action programme. The Environment completed video has been piloted at • Land use and Development each of Kildare’s Municipal Districts • Drainage and Flood and will now be further delivered Management across the eastern and midlands • Natural Resources and Cultural region. Infrastructure • Community Health and Kildare County Council Climate Wellbeing Action

The Energy Efficiency Officer has put Kildare Climate Action Team (CAT) in place a new Energy Management The first review of the Climate Change Team. A first deliverable of the Energy Adaptation Strategy (CCAS) as Officer will be the Sustainable Energy referred to in the CARO summary on Action Masterplan (SEAP) for the Adaptation Planning Progress county, a requirement under the Reporting above has been completed Covenant of Mayors. and circulated widely. The Energy Management Team is a This will further inform progress on the subgroup of the wider Climate Action mainstreaming of climate change Team. resilience and adaptation through the council service delivery. The October/ Corporate Plan, Climate Change November/December and January Adaptation Strategy, Covenant of Climate Action Team meetings took Mayors, Climate Action Charter, place and associated thematic work Climate Bill and Climate SPC groups have been set up under the From a strategic point of view, following Pillars: significant progress has been made ______

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______with the Corporate Plan, Climate Monasterevin) are working with Kildare Change Adaptation Strategy, Climate County Council’s energy consultants, Charter and Climate SPC however the ORS, to get their energy master plans Climate Bill and the membership of the completed. COVID-19 has impacted Covenant of Mayors requires the timeline in terms of how long each significant inputs in the form of a new one has taken to complete. Clane SEC Climate Action Plan and a Sustainable is the most advanced with Phase’s 1 Energy Action Plan for the county, now and 2 completed and Phase 3 is required. ongoing. Maynooth SEC has phase 1 completed and Phases 2 and 3 to be A new initiative has seen Climate completed over Quarter 1 and Quarter Action becoming a requirement of the 2, 2021. PMDS system by seeking objectives in all organizational Performance Electric Vehicles Development Plans (PDPs) and Team Some good work has recently been Plans. Minister Eamon Ryan attended done on the provision of two car the Climate Action SPC on 10 charging units in the Áras Chill Dara February. car park for use by staff and with two new Electric Vehicles (EVs) forming part of the council fleet, one on trial by Sustainable Energy Communities/ the machinery yard and the other with Energy the fire service. However, the scope to Kildare has made good progress on improve on these initiatives is being sustainable energy communities in the actively examined by the Transport county. A support model for Section/Fleet Manager. Sustainable Energy Communities (SEC’s) has been implemented. This Climate Action Training was to financially support communities During 2021, the council, will engage in developing energy masterplans. in the full roll out of very significant Four Sustainable Energy Communities training initiatives as developed by the (Clane, Maynooth, Kilcullen and Eastern and Midlands Climate Action ______

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______Regional Office. The rollout of Climate subsequently be assessed by a Awareness Training has commenced qualified forester. A framework for locally with the Senior Management tendering the different elements of this Team and Climate Action Team. scheme is currently being drawn up. This project is in response to an item Celbridge-Leixlip Municipal District on the Environment SPC Works Initiative Programme. The Celbridge-Leixlip Municipal District Committee has provided LPT funding Ezine of €25,000 for a Climate Innovation The Climate Action Office has Fund. A call for proposals has issued published an Ezine/Newsletter with a by the Climate Action Office using the view to circulating widely as a Consultation Portal, in an innovative mainstreaming tool. Edition 2 will be move to reduce paper applications. issued in February. The Celbridge Leixlip Municipal District Climate Innovation Fund is now live. Due to COVID-19 restriction, the GAA/CCMA Partnership for deadline has been extended until 19 Sustainable Communities February 2021. It is likely that other In a follow up to the official launch of municipal districts will follow this the GAA/CCMA Green Clubs initiative. Programme, on 09 December 2020, Cappagh GFC have been chosen to Forestry represent Kildare in the phase one The council has commenced pilot and have already commenced identification of a number of sites working with member of the Climate across the county on the Property Action Team, particularly through the Interest Register (PIR) potentially environmental and biodiversity pillars. suitable for the Woodlands on Public

Lands Funding Scheme. A longlist is being drafted and each site will

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______Roads, Transportation and Public Safety

M4 Maynooth to Leixlip M7 Widening, Osberstown The ‘M4 Maynooth to Leixlip’ is listed Interchange and Sallins Bypass as a section of the transport network to Project be progressed through pre-appraisal SIAC Construction Ltd/Colas Ltd. is and early planning and prioritised for the contractor. The contractor has delivery under the National opened 3 lanes both eastbound and Development Plan 2018–2027. westbound from Junction 8 Johnstown The aim of the project is to assess the to Junction11 (M7/M9 merge) and needs of the M4/N4 mainline corridor substantial completion has been and junctions from Maynooth to issued on this section on 19 November Junction 5 Leixlip in terms of catering 2020. Works continue on the for future demand from a capacity, Osberstown Interchange and the R407 safety and operational perspective. Sallins Bypass. The revised Arup has been appointed as technical completion date for completion of the advisor to support the delivery of the Osberstown Interchange and R407 project through Phases 1 to 4. Sallins Bypass is Quarter 1, 2021. These phases include: Kildare County Council is liaising with the contractor with regard to a revised • Phase 1 (Concept and completion date for the remaining works, an update will be issued Feasibility) which would determine if an intervention shortly. (project) is required and if an

intervention is feasible.

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______

• Phase 2 (Option Selection) Maynooth Eastern Ring Road would examine feasible options The preferred route Option (C), was for intervention that could presented in-committee to the address the aim of the project. Maynooth Municipal District Committee on 05 April 2019. The • Phase 3 (Design and Clane-Maynooth Municipal District Environmental Evaluation) Committee confirmed approval of the would develop the design of the Part 8 in respect of Option C on preferred option from Phase 2 29 July 2019. for further assessment including evaluation of environmental The next phase of the project will be impacts; and Phase 4 (Statutory the completion of the design and Processes) would include procurement of the main contract. undertaking the Statutory Kildare County Council is currently Processes. endeavoring to gain control of the lands (identified under the Local Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) Infrastructure Housing Activation Fund deliverables for Phase 1 are now (LIHAF) Scheme) as a prerequisite to complete and signed off by both the CPO going ahead. Kildare County Council and TII. The scheme has now moved to Phase 2 The preparation of Compulsory Option Selection. The scheme will take Purchase Order (CPO) documentation a number of years to pass through the is near completion. Valuers have been various steps required for Phase 1 appointed. Discussions with (Concept and Feasibility), Phase 2 Waterways Ireland, Iarnród Éireann (Option Selection), Phase 3 (Design and CIE are ongoing in relation to the and Environmental Evaluation) and design of the bridge structure which Phase 4 (Statutory Processes), will span the and provided it successfully progresses Dublin/Sligo railway line. The through each phase. procurement of a NOBO consultant in respect of the design of the bridge ______

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______structure (an independent consultant consultation process will commence in to assess adequacy of the proposed February 2021. design in relation to the EU Interoperability Directive) has just been Kildangan Railway Bridge Footpath completed and the assessment is to Scheme commence in January 2021. This scheme has been completed and Detailed design of the scheme, the road has been reopened. including drainage design, is at an advanced stage. Newbridge Southern Relief Road/ Second Bridge Crossing Celbridge to Hazelhatch Link Road The section of the Newbridge Engineering Consultants RPS have Southern Relief Road (NSRR) been engaged for the Celbridge to between the Newbridge to Naas dual Hazelhatch Link Road Project. Their carriageway (R445) and the Great brief is to bring it from scheme concept Connell Road is now substantially and feasibility through to statutory complete and the Roads Planning processes. Kildare County Council Section is currently engaging with the was successful in securing funding developer on the completion of the from the Department of Housing, Local snag list, the transfer of lands and the Government and Heritage (DHLGH) submission of the taking in charge under Call 1 of the Urban documentation. Regeneration Development Fund (URDF). An application for further An application for funding under Call 2 funding under Call 2 of the URDF is of the URDF for the remainder of the currently being considered by the Newbridge Southern Relief Road is DHLGH. The scheme, which will currently with the DHLGH. Results of connect Celbridge Town and the the application are expected in early Hazelhatch Train Station, will include a 2021. second bridge over the River Liffey. The project is currently at Route Selection stage and the public ______

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______Maynooth North South Corridor – The procurement is under the Phase 6 – Moyglare Road restricted procedure and involves a Improvement Scheme two-stage process. This scheme has been completed with the exception of a number of items on The first stage is now complete with the snag list which are outstanding. six contractors short listed for tendering. The consultants have Athy Distributor Road completed the tender documents for An Bord Pleanála’s approval issued on Stage 2 – the ITT. These documents 11 October, 2017. A Notice of have been submitted to the Confirmation for the Athy Distributor Department of Transport, Tourism and Road was published in the Nationalist Sport (DTTAS) and are with the and Leinster Leader on 28 November Minister for Transport for approval. 2017. No objections/Judicial Reviews were received by the deadline on 23 The CIE/Irish Rail Bridge Agreement January 2018. and Waterways Ireland Licence are being progressed. Land acquisition is Notices to Treat have been issued. also progressing. Notice of Entry on lands has been issued. Advance works between Maynooth Inner Relief Street Corran Árd and Fortbarrington Road This road with signalised junctions and have been completed. The railway a new bridge over the Lyreen River abandonment is complete. The has been substantially completed by removal of rails and sleepers is Cairn Developments Plc. The Kildare complete. The Córas Iompair Éireann County Council Roads Planning (CIE) lands have been secured from Section is engaging with the developer trespassers. on the opening of the street to traffic, pedestrians and cyclists. The Road Tendering for the main contract Safety Audit Stage 3 is being carried commenced on the 25 March 2020. out on the completed works. It is

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______proposed to be opened in Quarter 2, An Enabling Works contract 2021. comprising earthworks, drainage and boundary treatments is currently on Kildare Town Northern Link Road site with works being undertaken by and South Green Area Access Clonmel Enterprises Ltd. Due to Improvement Scheme COVID-19 restrictions contractors The Route Selection Report is have moved off-site until further notice. substantially complete. This project will not proceed further until the Naas/Sallins Transport Strategy Kildare Town Transport Strategy is The Final Transport Strategy for Naas completed. /Sallins has been published.

New Machinery Yard Relocation and Kildare Town Transport Strategy Regional Salt Barn The Draft Transport Strategy for Part 8 approval in respect of the New Kildare Town is currently being Machinery Yard and Regional Salt finalised. It is anticipated that a phase Barn Project was confirmed on 13 May 2 non-statutory public consultation will 2019. be undertaken in Quarter 1, 2021 after which the strategy will be finalised. The development will replace the existing Machinery Yard in Newbridge Athy Area Based Transport and will include a new Regional Salt Assessment (ABTA) Barn. This Barn will provide storage for The Athy Area Based Transport approximately 23,000 tonnes of salt for Assessment (ABTA) has recently been use by Kildare County Council and a completed with the Planning number of other local authorities in the Department to include it as part of the region. Draft Athy Local Area Plan (LAP) process.

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______Bridge Rehabilitation Programme An Options Selection Report to Kildare County Council currently determine the most appropriate awaits 2021 funding from the DTTAS junction type to replace the existing Bridge Rehabilitation Works. arrangement was completed in June 2020. This report determined that a 2020 bridge rehabilitation works are roundabout was the preferred option. near completion, with some parapet works on-site at present. Due to The preliminary design is now being COVID-19 restrictions contractors progressed to detailed design. have moved off-site until further notice. It is anticipated that the scheme will proceed to Part 8 in Quarter 2, 2021. Monasterevin Bridge and Brook Bridge are progressing through the approval Royal Canal Greenway – Maynooth process with An Bord Pleanála and it to Moyvalley is proposed to proceed to construction The Royal Canal Greenway provides a stage in Quarter 3, 2021. dedicated and substantially off-road recreational cycle facility from Dublin Newhall Junction Improvement to Galway along the route of the Royal Newhall Crossroads is located on the Canal. The Greenway from Maynooth R445 dual carriageway between Naas to Moyvalley is now substantially and Newbridge. It is the junction of complete and operational. three roads: the R445, the L2031, local road and the L6064 local road. Naas to Sallins Greenway The existing junction is considered Kildare County Council are currently unsafe as it is a cross-roads junction engaging with the National Transport on a busy dual carriageway. Authority (NTA) on this project and have secured funding to bring this scheme to Part 8 in 2021. Consultants are currently working on preliminary designs for this project.

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______Broadband Connection Points These sites are being dealt with by the (BCP’s) Department of Rural and Community Kildare County Council is progressing Development and the Department of the Broadband Connection Points Education. (BCPs) in Kildare. These sites will provide high speed broadband to the NBI Fibre Broadband Rollout public until the NBI fibre broadband is Tree trimming works are scheduled to available: commence in February in the Naas Municipal District. • Bigstone Community Hall, Castledermot. This site is now live. Tenders are being Athy Municipal District January reviewed to decorate a room to 2021 provide working desk space. • Heritage Centre – NTA – Active Travel Measures Vodafone to make live shortly. Updates • Crookstown Further Education • School works and Training Centre. Vodafone preparatory drainage works are has made final installation and complete. Phase 1 of works are the site is live since 13 January complete. Surveys are being • Back Gate Lodge, Kilkea Castle carried out at the present time – ready for NBI installation. with a view to a complete design for the villages. No update. School BCP Sites • Rathmore National School. • Castledermot School works • St David’s National School, phase 1 are complete. Pipers Hill, Naas. Preparatory drainage works are complete. A survey is being carried out at the present time

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______with a view to a complete The Athy Municipal District has had design for the village. No contact with the Local Link Team with update. a view to looking at these bus shelters in addition to bus stops along the new • Crookstown School works routes. No update. Phase 1 works are complete. Preparatory drainage works are Municipal District Road complete. A survey is being Improvement Works 2021 carried out at the present time Preparatory drainage work is being with a view to a complete carried out in advance of 2021 design for the village. No schemes. update. Local Property Tax (LPT)/Carpark In the above cases the Road’s Section Funded Works 2021 is liaising with the Public Realm Team • Garter Lane – completion of to see if there are any areas of mutual lighting works. interest. Drainage works The Department of Transport, • R417 – Athy/Carlow Road. Tourism and Sport (DTTAS) – • R-417 – Athy/Monasterevin Climate Adaptation Projects Road. Updates can be added next month • R-418 – Athy/Castledermot when the council will have had grant Road. funding confirmed. At the time of • R-448 - Castledermot/Kilcullen writing no funding has been allocated Road. for 2021. No update. • R-428 – Athy/Stradbally Road. • Relieving localised floods Bus Shelters around the municipal district. Funding has been allocated to the Athy Municipal District for two bus shelters in Castledermot for 2021. ______

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______Signage works resurfaced and line marking work is The Athy Municipal District Office is in ongoing. It is expected that there is the process of upgrading signage on approximately 4 weeks work regional road junctions with local remaining. roads. Municipal District Road Municipal District Road Surface Improvement Works 2021 Dressing Works 2020 The 2021 Programme of Works is now Preparatory drainage works are being being prepared for tendering carried out in advance of 2021 schemes. Local Property Tax (LPT)/Carpark Funded Works 2020 Kildare-Newbridge Municipal All LPT works are now suspended due District January 2021 to Level 5 restrictions.

Cycleway Works/Pedestrian Works Low Cost Accident Schemes Newbridge The 2021 Programme of Works is now Road resurfacing and footpath being prepared. reconstruction works are ongoing in Pairc Mhuire. These works are being Drainage carried out in stages following Only emergency drainage works are completion of Irish Water Sewer being carried out throughout Level 5 upgrade works. All other works are restrictions. A new pipe was installed suspended during Level 5 restrictions. and a number of gullies were upgraded to elevate flooding in National Transport Authority (NTA) Raheens, Carna and Tullylost. – Active Travel Measures Updates Works on Drogheda Street and Main Miscellaneous Works Street in Monasterevin are continuing Patch repairs on the R445, water cuts, through lock down, Mainstreet is now cleaning of gullies and patching are ongoing throughout the municipal ______

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______district as emergency works • St. Martins Avenue, Naas – at throughout Level 5 restrictions. construction stage. • Woodlands, Naas – at Naas Municipal District January construction stage. 2021 • Friary Road, Naas – at construction stage. Naas Municipal District Road • Swans to Patrician Avenue, Improvement Works and Surface Naas – at construction stage. Dressing Works 2021 The Naas Municipal District is currently The Naas Municipal District is currently preparing the 2021 Municipal District at tender stage for footpath Roads Programme. improvement works (Naas Municipal District Footpath and Civil Works Naas Municipal District Footpath Scheme 1 – 2021) at the following Works locations: The Naas Municipal District is currently at construction stage for footpath • Main Street, Kill. improvement works (FP3) from 2020. • Elmwood, Naas. These works have been delayed as a • Osberstown Road, Sallins. result of COVID-19 restrictions but it is • Monread Road, Naas. hoped to recommence works as soon as possible at the following locations: The Naas Municipal District is also at • Lakelands to Sundays Well, tender stage for the construction of a Naas – complete. toucan crossing and associated works • Jigginstown Drainage Works – at Main Street, Kill. complete. • Roseville, Naas – at construction stage.

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______Local Property Tax (LPT)/Carpark National Transport Authority (NTA) Funded Works 2021 – Active Travel Measures Updates The completion of the pedestrian The LPT/Paid Parking funded Road crossing at Allen School is currently and Footpath Works Programme for awaiting power. 2021 is to be agreed by the Naas Municipal District Committee in the Municipal District Road coming weeks. Improvement Works 2020/2021 The Municipal District Office is Clane-Maynooth Municipal District currently awaiting the allocation of January 2021 funding for 2021 but is preparing a list of schemes for consideration in the The Clane-Maynooth Municipal District 2021 Roads Programme. has undertaken following works in January 2021: The following works were undertaken in January: Cycleway works/Pedestrian Works Park View Clane – footpath repairs • Meadow Court, Ballinagappa (Phase 2) have commenced. Road, Clane – replacement of defective ramps. On easing of the restrictions the • R148 Maynooth at the Tesco following works will be completed: Roundabout. • R406, Straffan Road, Maynooth • Footpath repairs in Parkview – defective section at Barton Clane – Phase 2 completion. Buses. • Footpath repairs in Old • L1012 Moyglare Road Clane – Greenfield. to County Bounds. • Footpath repairs in Carton Court.

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______Local Property Tax (LPT)/Carpark District Engineer and his team have Funded Works 2021 completed these works. Local Property Tax is being utilised to partially fund the footpaths outlined above. Municipal District Road Improvement Works 2020/2021 All resurfacing works in the municipal Celbridge-Leixlip Municipal District district for 2020 have been completed January 2021 and the Municipal District Office is awaiting notification of funding from The Celbridge-Leixlip Municipal District the DTTAS to draw up its plans for has undertaken following works in 2021. January 2021: Local Property Tax (LPT)/Carpark Cycleway Works/Pedestrian Works Funded Works 2021 The Royal Canal Greenway design is Footpath repairs have been carried out being finalised and it is planned to go in St Marys Park, Riverforest and to tender with a view to starting Glendale in Leixlip. The pedestrian construction in Quarter 1, 2021 subject phase has been installed on the traffic to funding being available from the signals outside Tesco on the National Transport Authority (NTA). Shackelton Road in Celbridge. Design and tendering works on further footpath and roads improvements in National Transport Authority (NTA) the municipal district are ongoing. – Active Travel Measures Updates The members have not yet approved €380,000 has been allocated to the the LPT funding for 2021. Celbridge-Leixlip Municipal District to improve pedestrian and cycle facilities in the municipal district. The Municipal

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______Kildare Civil Defence 25 - 28 January inclusive at a clinic in Kildare Civil Defence as a Voluntary Maynooth. Emergency Service has been working to support the response of the local authority and the HSE as requested and where the requests fall within the Civil Defence’s ability and training to deliver. It provided assistance with the Irish Blood Transfusion Service from

Fire Service

Operational Calls

Station Total Calls Total Calls 2020 2021 (to end January) Newbridge 429 38

Naas 389 36

Athy 194 22

Maynooth 280 21

Monasterevin 151 14

Leixlip 203 8

Total 1,842 139

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______Fire Safety

No. Inspections No. Premises Inspected

2019 75 72

2020 33 31

2021 2 2

No. Fire Safety Complaints

2019 16

2020 7

2021 1

No. Fire Safety Certificates

2019 179

2020 204

2021 13

Building and Development Control

Building Control (figures to end of January 2021) 2020 2021 Commencement Notices Total Number of Commencement Notices received: 461 15

Number of Valid commencement notices received: 454 15

Number of Invalid commencement notices received: 7 0

No. of inspections carried out on Commencement 199 15 Notices

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2020 2021 Certificates of Compliance on Completion Total Number of Certificates received: 426 45

Number Valid 425 45

Number Invalid 1 0

Awaiting processing 0 0

Additional Information

Number of inspections carried out on Compliance 196 38 on Completion

2020 2021 Disability Access Certificates

Total Number of Disability Access Certificates received: 124 13

Number granted: 137 11

Number refused: 0 0

Number invalid 2 0

Number of inspections carried out on Disability Access 66 7 Certificates

2020 2021 Building Control Active Sites

Number of units inspected 2,067 81

2021 Development Control Active Sites

Number of Active Sites 92

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______Health and Safety which we are currently providing During the month of January, the support. Health and Safety Section carried out the following: 2 Local Access Group meetings were held with Naas and Athy. • 7 COVID-19 compliance inspections. County Kildare Access Network • Lead Worker Representative (CKAN): meetings. • Business Continuity meeting. • First County Kildare Access • Accident and Incident Reports Network (CKAN) meeting of and Investigations. 2021 held at which the following • Compilation of data from objectives were agreed: Remote Working Self • Training Assessments. • Disability Awareness Training for Kildare County Council staff

– libraries first and if good will Accessibility be rolled out to all customer

facing staff. Meetings

Local Access Groups: • Social media training for the

CKAN and other access groups. Schedule of meetings for the year agreed and sent for: • Specific training for Engineers • Naas around accessibility • Athy • Newbridge, Celbridge/Leixlip • Improve the accessibility of and Maynooth contacted re Kildare County Council’s meeting schedule for year. website and make it user Some logistical problems to

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______friendly incorporating tools like adequacy of disabled bays Browsealoud. (location and number). • Presentation to the 5 Municipal • Incorporate Changing Places District Committees on where possible in any new Accessibility. public buildings- new changing places going into Áras Chill • Ensure that CKAN is included Dara – the goal is to have a as a stakeholder for changing place put into each consultation in any KCC municipal district going forward. developments.

3 Awareness Campaigns- Back • • Develop training pack for in 5, Make Way Day and schools. International Day of Persons with Disabilities. • Develop checklist for • Survey to be completed in all businesses – items they can municipal districts to ensure aspire to around disability.

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______Economic, Community and Cultural Development

Community Grants All Grants Awarded 2020 Type No. Amount Community Grants 179 €281,233 Festival Grants 49 €28,225 Local Property Tax 235 €923,257 Private Estates Res. Assoc. 264 €213,842 Local Authority Res. Assoc. 78 €63,956 Drehid Grants 31 €217,581 Community Enhancement Programme 32 €287,800 Community Mental Health Fund 9 €35,800 Education Bursaries 37 €21,750 Covid-19 Emergency Fund 67 €94,390 Total 981 €2,167,834

The Community Section is planning to The second round of the Department introduce an online application system of Rural and Community for all grant schemes in 2021 and Development’s COVID-19 Emergency hopes to launch 2021 schemes at the Fund has been notified to all relevant end February. Full details will be groups. The closing date is 26 available on social media, on Kildare February. Kildare’s Local Community County Council’s website and in local Development Committee (LCDC) has press. €57,940 to allocate under this fund.

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______Local Community Development Committee

A meeting of the Local Community Social Inclusion Community Development Committee (LCDC) Activation Programme (SICAP) meeting was held via Microsoft Teams The draft end of year report 2020 and on 27 January 2021. Draft SICAP plan 2021 were presented for approval of the LCDC. Both the

COVID-19 Community Response report and the plan were discussed by Forum the SICAP subgroup and submitted to The Kildare COVID-19 Community Pobal for assessment prior to the Response Forum has had 21 meetings meeting. to date via Microsoft Teams. The purpose of the forum is to lead the co- Review 2020 - highlighted that the ordination of COVID-19 community targets set to work with communities supports and resilience. A dedicated and individuals were exceeded. COVID-19 support helpline was The target to work in disadvantaged established on 30 March 2020 by communities was not reached, largely Kildare County Council. The Response due to the complexity of working with Forum has representation from key very marginalised groups via the statutory and voluntary organistions technology during Covid-19 across the county. Mr Peter Carey, lockdowns. The full budget was spent. Chief Executive Officer chairs the forum and high levels of collaboration to ensure the most vulnerable are responded during the COVID-19 pandemic.

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______Plan 2021- The budget for 2021 is the Local Community Development same as 2020, €1,092,867. The Plan (LECP) targets are also the same as 2020 with Guidelines for the next Local 59 community groups and 781 Community Development Plan (LECP) individuals to be engaged with as part are expected from the Department of of the SICAP Programme. The plan Rural and Community Development meets all the required parameters and (DRCD) in the coming months. The there are COVID-19 specific initiatives. current plan ends in 2021. The plan has a focus on Kildare target Ms McNabb, Head of Enterprise gave groups, and areas of Athy and north the LCDC an update on progress with west Kildare. The review and plan the demand for Local Enterprise Office were approved by the LCDC. (LEO) services continuing to be high.

Heads-up While Heads Up Kildare continue to LCDC Priorities 2021 engage remotely with men, the A short presentation on the work demand for their programmes is very progress and priorities for 2021 took high. Increasing referral levels are place. It was agreed that the focus of experienced. This is expected to the work 2021 is: continue due to the impact of COVID- Work priorities: To oversee and lead 19. The programmes in north Kildare as appropriate on: have commenced with the next programme targeting the north west of a) Department requirements- LECP, the county. LEADER, SICAP, Healthy Ireland, COVID-19 responses, the Community Enhancement Programme and other

funding streams

b) Kildare LCDC priorities- target

disadvantaged areas/communities particularly Athy, north west Kildare,

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______Youth Mental Health, Athy Interagency agreed at the next LCDC/LAG Group, Heads-up and Rural Transport. meeting.

Structure: High quality LCDC and subgroup meetings, with a The next LCDC meeting will be held commitment to review structures in on Wednesday, 31 March 2021 2021.

Promotion: LCDC and Kildare County Council websites, community stories, LEADER and through the LCDC members

Rural Development LEADER Work continues to promote and support applications to the LEADER Programme.

Transition funding was announced in late December. Kildare will receive €358,745 for projects in 2021. This programme commences on 01 April until December 2021.

Work is being finalised to present the final projects under the 2014-2020 budget to the LCDC/the Local Action Group (LAG) at their next meeting on 31 March. Finalisation of the priorities for the transition programme will be

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Kildare Fáilte

Key Activities A competition on Facebook was a January was a busy month planning great success encouraging children to for St Brigid’s Day activities. Kildare submit their St Brigid’s Crosses using Fáilte organised for the Hill of Allen to whatever materials they had available. be illuminated for the first time on 31 Entries included cakes baked in the January and 01 February as a symbol shape of a St Brigid’s Cross, crosses of hope for the year ahead. made from newspaper, recycled material, carved wood, pipe cleaners and lollypop sticks. Kildare Fáilte linked in with children from St Brigid’s School in Kildare Town who were filmed by RTE talking about St Brigid.

Kildare Fáilte also promoted all The project was co-ordinated with all activities taking place in the county as stakeholders (Kildare County Council, part of St Brigid’s Day including Féile Aviation Authorities, Roadstone) and Bríde which was held virtually and site visits took place to ensure organised by Solas Bhríde and also feasibility and safety. workshops organised by Kildare’s Library Service.

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______An Taoiseach, Mr Micheál Martin There were ongoing online meetings shared a message for St Brigid’s Day and calls supporting the tourism and to launch the virtual festival and hospitality sector in the county in lighting of the Hill of Allen. A message particular with promoting take-away was also received from the President, and dine at home. Mr Michael D Higgins. Kildare Fáilte sent greetings for St Brigid’s Day (with a St Brigid’s Cross pin to wear to Kildare Fáilte attended the monthly celebrate the day) to Tourism Ireland steering group meeting for the markets overseas and Irish embassies development of the Shackleton abroad, as well as embassies based in Museum and also a fundraising Ireland. workshop which was attended by key stakeholders in the project.

Kildare Fáílte took part in the Local Enterprise Office (LEO) Digital The month of January across digital Strategy Training and attended the channels and print media focussed on Tourism Ireland virtual industry event the outdoor walking and St Brigid’s which provided an update on the latest Day. Media coverage as a result of research carried out in the top four press releases issued featured Kildare overseas markets, consumer in 26 print/online articles. behaviours and opinion on Ireland as a destination. They also attended the monthly Twinning Liaison Committee Meeting and held the first Board

Meeting of 2021.

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______Other media secured included TV Website visits and engagement across coverage on RTE News – 6:00 p.m. all social media channels grew and 9:00 p.m. and Ireland AM as well substantially during January with as radio interviews on KFM, Today FM Facebook engagement reaching over and Newstalk. Support Sunday 43K people. This positive growth in continued to encourage people to gaining new followers on social media support local and promote tourism and was primarily a result of activity around hospitality businesses in the county. St Brigid’s Day, in particular the lighting up of the Hill of Allen with lots

of positive feedback being received nationally and from the local community.

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______Library and Arts Service

“Cutting libraries in a recession is like The Ireland Reads campaign which is cutting hospitals in a plague” – Eleanor part of the Government Keep Well Crumblehulme. initiative aims to celebrate reading and all the benefits it can have for wellbeing Féile Bríde – “The Hills Speak – and enjoyment. History and Mystery” Ms Dolores Keaveney and Mr John Kildare Libraries will host a range of Kenny presented an online presentation events this February including an author celebrating folklore, myths and legends event between Ms Kerri ní Dochartaigh with reference to St Brigid, promoting and Mr Manchán Magan. A Young Adult oral communication and bridging the author event with Ms Moïra Fowley, gap between home and school. adult story telling with Ms Aindrias de Staic, a Young Adult song writing Ireland Reads workshop, a talk on “How to raise a Ireland Reads is a new campaign to get reader” with Ms Lorraine Levins, book the whole country reading this month in club events and much more. the lead up to a national day of reading on Thursday 25 February when the Kildare Readers’ Festival campaign asks everyone to ‘squeeze in Planning is well under way for this a read’. A new website year’s Kildare Readers’ Festival which www.irelandreads.ie has been set up will take place across Kildare from 01 where the public can pledge to read on – 17 October this year. ‘Ireland Reads’ Day.

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______CAO Information Session A talk was given by Speech and With the CAO deadline looming Language Therapist, Ms Joanne Fine Newbridge Library hosted a CAO on ‘Using LEGO as a therapeutic Information Session with Mr Karl intervention to Promote Social Hegarty, the principal in Leinster Inclusion.’ Over 30 people attended College. The session was aimed at this online talk and it was very well parents and students applying for third received. level education through the CAO system. What to choose? Where to Thirty-six events in total are scheduled choose? How to choose? Mr Hegarty for the Spring TTT Programme which also went through useful information on will take place between February and the application process itself and on the May. various options available. Talks/ workshops for the month of Irish Language Courses February include ASD-Friendly Online Irish Language classes for Sensory Story Time Sessions, a beginners, intermediate and improver Webinar Series with Occupational levels are taking place by Sult na Sollan. Therapist, Dr Dorothy Armstrong, Get A total of 135 people have booked these Autism Active (ASD Training Irish courses which will run one day per Programme) and additional Speech week over 8 weeks, with 15 participants and Language Therapy Webinars. per course. With the arrival of Covid-19, all events for 2021 are taking place online. Toys, Technology and Training Facilitators are using mixed media to (TTT) Programme deliver their talks/workshops via Zoom The new series of Toys, Technology and the Library Service’s social media and Training (TTT talks/workshops for platforms. Talks and workshops for 2021, designed to offer support to 2020 have also been uploaded to the children and adults with learning TTT Vimeo channel and are available difficulties or disabilities was launched to view. on Thursday 04 February. ______

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Let’s Talk about Parenting Programme people booked in for a 'Minding your The Let’s talk about Parenting Families Mental Health' talk which took Programme launched this month with place with Mr John Sharry on Tuesday two workshops, one on 'Parenting 09 February. when Separated' 22 participants took part and feedback was very positive. Continuing Professional Development A First Aid for Parents workshop was Training will take place also for those also held with 16 participants, a working in services with families in workshop which features regularly on County Kildare this month - a four-day the programme. Online events course on the topic of 'Motivational continue to do very well with 100 Interviewing: Helping People Change.'

Capital Projects

Naas Library and Cultural Centre Restrictions due to COVID-19 (issued Duggan Lynch, main contractor for 06 January 2021), works ceased and Naas Library and Cultural Centre the contractors closed the site on Friday Capital Project commenced works in 08 January. The site will remain closed December. Under the Public Health until these restrictions are lifted.

Clane Library The Design Team Tender for the new The Library Service hope to be at the library and preparation for Part 8 construction phase of the project by Planning is now underway with support early summer 2021. from the Architect’s Department.

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______Kildare County Library and Archives The Strategic Project and Public Realm County Library and Archives Capital Team are currently working on the Project which is a Part B of an Urban tender for a Design Team for the Kildare Regeneration Development Fund (URDF) project.

Kildare Local Studies, Genealogy Upcoming Decade of and Archives Department Commemorations Anniversaries An ambush in Maynooth in late Revolutionary Women with Ms Liz February 1921 which resulted in the Gillis death of Mr Joseph Hughes, R.I.C., from An interview with Ms Liz Gillis on Irish Ballylinan, the opening of Rath Revolutionary Women throughout the Internment Camp on the Curragh and Decade of Commemorations period is an attempted ambush of Crown Forces available on Kildare’s Decade of at the Hill of Allen in March 1921 are Commemorations social media and among the events to be highlighted in YouTube channel. It features the coming months. Digital online discussions on Cumann na mBan, the content and articles on e-history and in Irish Citizen Army and Inghinidhe na the local media are in progress. hÉireann amongst others. An interview with author and serving Defence Forces member Mr Wayne Fitzgerald on the Army Rangers Wing is also to be published in mid-February.

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______Decade of Commemorations 2021 Programme An exciting broad programme of A digital history programme co-ordinator activities is being designed for the 2021 has recently commenced projects on County Kildare Decade of behalf of the Decade of Commemorations Programme. The Commemorations Committee and the focus will be community led events, Library Service. Training of local history artistic and cultural activities, digital groups in adapting to online content and marking the key centenary technologies for meetings is among the events including military actions, Kildare projects being undertaken. personalities, the Truce period from July and the debate around the Treaty which Research Queries Local Studies, took place in Kildare County Council. Genealogy and Archives Department in Newbridge The Local Studies, Genealogy and Digital Local Studies Content and Archives Department continue to source Digital History Programme Co- material and answer research queries Ordinator from historians, researchers, students Digital content continues to be added to and community groups throughout Level www.kildare.ie/ehistory and to the Local 5 Restrictions. Family history/genealogy Studies and Archives web pages on queries can be sent to www.kildare.ie/library A reminder also [email protected] and local that all years of The Kildare Observer history research queries can be emailed newspaper and the Journals of the to [email protected] County Kildare Archaeological Society (up to 2007) are available 24/7 among other digital resources on www.kildare.ie/library

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______Kildare Arts Service will be available to the public on the suite of grants available and how to Creative Ireland Bursary 2021 apply. The closing date for the online The Creative Ireland Team are grant applications will be 18 March currently developing a new online 2021. grant application system which will go live shortly. Online information Healthy Ireland Keep Well sessions will be available to the public Campaign on the Creative Ireland Bursary and The Library and Arts Service continue how to apply. The closing date for to support the Healthy Ireland application is 18 March 2021. ‘Switching Off and Being Creative’ Keep Well Campaign, through a wide Arts Grants and Bursary range of online seasonal content in Opportunities 2021 wellbeing, gardening, nature and crafts The Arts Service in conjunction with created by facilitators in Kildare. the Community and Cultural The latest video on growing willow is Development Department are currently available at: developing a new online grant https://youtu.be/8j1thRsSaBI application system which will go live shortly. Online information sessions

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______Parks

Tree Works Programme 2021 Allenwood Playground Tree surgery contractors have been Work is ongoing on the preparation of appointed to carry out tree works a report on the Part 8 for Allenwood across the county. The start date for Playground. This will be forwarded to works in each of the municipal districts the Planning, Strategic Development is subject to the relaxation of current and Public Realm Department for COVID-19 restrictions. completion of the report. Once the report is finalised by the Planning Tree Planting Programme 2021 Department it will then be placed on Landscape contractors have been the agenda for the Clane-Maynooth appointed to carry out a tree planting Municipal District monthly meeting for programme for the county. Due to consideration by the members. COVID-19 restrictions it may not be feasible to complete this within the current planting season which ends in March. Planting may have to be delayed until November/December.

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______Local Enterprise Office (LEO) Elected members please advise your And finally, for Brexit support, visit constituents that Kildare LEO is always https://www.localenterprise.ie/Portal/Di open to discuss business needs or scover-Business- grant availability, and weekly business Supports/Brexit/Brexit-Supports-for- advice clinics continue to be held in your-Small-Business.html 2021. Email [email protected] For all other queries email [email protected] Immediate business support: or call the office line on 045980838. To access a business advisor or mentor, email Entrepreneurship Support Services [email protected] Kildare County Council LEO For trading online queries email Operating Full Services Remotely [email protected] In the interest of Public Health and Safety, Kildare County Council LEO For COVID-19 business loans, visit must operate its services remotely. https://www.localenterprise.ie/Kildare/F However, Kildare County Council inancial-Supports/Microfinance- LEO remains open and continues to Ireland-COVID-19-Business-Loan/ offer supports to the local business community. Brexit supports, business The LEO is also providing support advice and e-commerce funding and for writing funding applications, visit training are just some of the supports https://www.localenterprise.ie/Kildare/o available. Please advise your nlinebookings constituents that all business supports are available on the council’s website at localenterprise.ie/Kildare. For all other queries email [email protected]

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______or call the office line on 045980838. • Business customers are looking For continued updates please follow to source from local vendors the Kildare LEO on social media. instead of Ireland. • There are significant delays on Business Advice and Mentoring products coming from UK. Free of charge one to one business • Respondents are looking at advice and mentoring are available sourcing alternative suppliers from the LEO. Please advise outside of the UK. constituents to email [email protected] to set In response to this feedback, Kildare up a one to one session with a LEO has designed new supports, business advisor. Specialised Brexit including the VAT and Duties advisors are also available. Workshop, which is due to take place

on Friday 12 February, with 40 Brexit Support participants registered to attend. Kildare County Council LEO continue Researching the Market to work on designing new independent Kildare LEO issued a ‘Brexit Pulse Brexit supports to meet the needs Survey’ to gauge an understanding of highlighted in the Brexit Pulse Survey, the capabilities and the level of support Customs and Expert Mentoring. required by Kildare businesses in the Kildare LEO are also running ‘Prepare face of the new Brexit environment. Your Business for Customs’ Themes which emerged from the workshops and expert one to one survey were: Brexit Mentoring.

• There is a limited understanding of VAT/duties obligations on both the and the UK side.

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______Please advise constituents of all capabilities. In 2020, Kildare Brexit supports, available at: LEO invested €1.5 million in https://www.localenterprise.ie/Kildare/ these vouchers to support News/Change-is-here-Act-Now-and- Kildare businesses in moving Prepare-Your-Business-for- their businesses online. Please Customs.html advise constituents of this available funding. Kildare LEO are delivering a campaign to promote Brexit supports available to The first step in applying is to Kildare businesses. The campaign attend an information seminar. highlights the message ‘Change is The next seminar is taking here – Act Now’. The campaign began place on 24 February 2021. on 15 December 2020 and will run For more information and to until late February 2021. Kildare LEO secure a place, visit encourages members of the council https://www.localenterprise.ie/Ki to promote and share this online ldare/Training-Events/Online- campaign over the coming weeks. Bookings/Trading-Online- Voucher-Seminar-24th-Feb.html E-commerce Funding and Support Current lockdown implications have 2. Practical workshops designed seen many Kildare businesses close to teach Kildare businesses the doors of their businesses again, how to maximise websites, meaning that the ability to generate improve digital marketing online sales is now critical. As with strategies and acquire the 2020, Kildare LEO continue to provide technical skills needed to extensive ecommerce support. increase online sales are taking place frequently over the 1. Online Trading Vouchers to coming months. the value of €2,500 are available to businesses to improve e-commerce ______

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______Free of charge one to one e- The website continues to operate and commerce mentoring is also remains open to Kildare businesses in available. Please advise need of an alternative route to constituents of these practical generating sales. Please encourage supports, available to book on constituents to register for Shop our website at: County Kildare at: https://www.localenterprise.ie/Ki www.shopcountykildare.ie ldare/Training-Events/Online- Bookings/ Showcase 2021 Four Local Enterprise Offices 3. Shop County Kildare was supported clients, Baressential, established by Kildare County Johnny Magory Books, Sam agus Council to cater for the needs of Nessa and KT Metal Design businesses throughout the showcased their businesses at pandemic. The dedicated local Ireland's biggest creative exhibition website provides Kildare from 23 - 26 January 2021. businesses the opportunity to The international event takes place make the move to online sales each year at the RDS, Dublin, however in a free of charge, quick and this year it took place virtually. For user-friendly model. Following more information please visit: an extensive marketing https://www.showcaseireland.com/ campaign throughout November and December 2020, the website has generated significant traffic and has subsequently led to increased sales for Kildare businesses over the Christmas period.

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______#JoinIn Virtual Coffee Break Series Following the success of the series in The next session takes place on 2020 and the demand to continue the Monday 15 February. For more initiative, Kildare County Council LEO information and to book your place, relaunched the Join In Virtual Coffee follow the link at: Break Series in January 20201. https://www.localenterprise.ie/Kildare/T The objective of the series is to raining-Events/Online-Bookings/ provide Kildare business owners with the opportunity to communicate with Lunchtime Lessons with Leaders peers experiencing similar COVID-19 In February 2021, Kildare County related issues, share ideas and Council LEO launched their brand new discuss topics of interest. 8-week lunchtime series Lunchtime Lessons for Leaders with one The weekly series features a high of Ireland’s foremost keynote calibre of speakers which has so far speakers, Mr Gerry Duffy. Every included two former Dragons; Mr Sean Tuesday afternoon from 1:00 p.m. – Gallagher and Mr Gavin Duffy, 2:00 p.m., Mr Duffy will deliver a renowned Management Development module which focuses on transforming expert Mr Blaise Brosnan, and various Kildare individuals and businesses to global Chief Executive Officers and achieve a greater focus and set clearer Irish entrepreneurs and thought goals. The first session took place on leaders. Tuesday 09 February, and 50 Kildare businesses were in attendance. The series was exceptionally well received in 2020 and so far in 2021, with an average of 75 registered each week and a positive feedback across social media.

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______Please advise constituents of this Start Your Own Business - Blueway valuable support. Elected members Programme are also invited to attend one or all Following plans to upgrade the Barrow sessions. More information and to Canal towpath 46km Blueway as a book please visit: major economic boom for the https://www.localenterprise.ie/Kildare/ communities in counties Laois and News/Preparing-for-Recovery- Kildare, Kildare County Council LEO Lunchtime-Lessons-for-Leaders-with- have designed and provided the Start Gerry-Duffy.html Your Own Business on the Blueway Programme for potential new Grow with ALDI businesses in the tourism, recreation Applications are now open for ALDI’s and hospitality sectors. On Thursday Supplier Development Programme 04 February, the first session of the 8- 'Grow with ALDI'. This year, Irish food, week course began, with 13 new foodservice and non-food products are potential start-ups in attendance. invited to enter. In 2020, Kildare The programme also features session company Prokulture Organic with a guest speaker from Waterways Kombucha successfully completed the Ireland. programme, and saw their products on sale in ALDI stores nationwide. For more information please visit: On Wednesday 27 January, KILDARE https://www.localenterprise.ie/Kildare/T County Council LEO hosted an raining-Events/Online-Bookings/The- information seminar in association with Blueway-Start-Your-Own-Business- ALDI for Kildare producers interested Programme.html in applying, 10 Kildare businesses attended. More information can be found at: http://www.aldi.ie/grow

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______Spring Training Programme 2021 Economic Support Services Launched Kildare County Council LEO launched Economic Development – Capital the official Spring 2021 Brochure of Projects Training Programmes in January 2021. The suite of programmes feature areas MERITS – Innovation Hub such as finance, digital marketing, A revised construction programme has management development (QQI Level been developed with the key 6), LEAN management and stakeholders. Once the site can Brexit support. The training schedule reopen after COVID-19 restrictions the has a focus of providing Kildare main contractor (Duggan Lynch) has a businesses with the knowledge and further 2 months on site to complete technical skills to continue to trade their scope of works. Due to the throughout 2021 despite current construction delays, the Economic and economic challenges. To see a list of Cultural Development Department these courses, please visit: decided to press ahead with running https://www.localenterprise.ie/Kildare/T its first programmes on a virtual raining-Events/Online-Bookings/ basis. The first programme aimed at existing digital businesses seeking to expand into export markets, has now been finalised between the MERITS and the LEO teams and will be launched during Enterprise Week in early March. A second programme, aimed at digital StartUps specifically with products/services to address Sustainability/Climate Action markets is being considered.

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______MERITS joined with a Maynooth Athy Food, Drink and Skills University team to submit a bid to be Innovation Hub designated a European Digital Following the completion of the Innovation Hub – this highly tendering process, a design team led competitive process will lead to one or by Ms Bluett O’Donoghue has been two such hubs being established in appointed. The project team have held Ireland, with funding from the EU to eight meetings with the design team support a 7 year programme of work. and a programme schedule has been approved. Work has advanced MERITS will co-host (with the considerably on the detailed design Innovation Value Institute) a webinar and Part 8 planning process following on 18 February entitled Accelerating a preplanning meeting with the various SME Digital Transformation and departments in Kildare County Competitiveness through Collaboration Council. The project team have also and Partnership – interested parties briefed the Athy Municipal District can register at: Committee on the project. A formal https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/acceleratin Part 8 planning application will be g-sme-digital-transformation-and- submitted in February to Kildare competitiveness-tickets- County Council. 117545992227. The LEO have secured the participation of Mr Willem The team have also submitted a Jonker, Chief Executive Officer of EIT funding application for under RRDF Digital, for the event. Category 1 to the Department of Rural and Community Development to provide for construction works associated with the renovation of the hub and a decision is expected in Quarter 2, 2021.

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______Appendix A:

COVID-19 Business Supports Please advise your constituents of the following business supports available in response to COVID-19:

ALL COVID-19 Business Supports Available from all Government Bodies are Outlined on the Kildare LEO Website at: https://www.localenterprise.ie/Kildare/Financial-Supports/Covid-19-Supports/Covid- Business-Supports-National-Lockdown-October-2020.html Objective Support Link

Financial Immediate Cashflow MFI COVID-19 Business Loan – https://www.localenterprise.i first 6 months interest and e/Kildare/News/Microfinance repayment free, a reduced rate of -Ireland-COVID-19-

4.5%, a LEO mentor assigned to Business-Loan.html complete loan application form. Enterprise Support Grant - https://www.gov.ie/en/press- Enterprise Support Grant is release/f9b1f-enterprise- available to assist self-employed support-grant-now- recipients who are exiting the available-to-small-business- Pandemic Unemployment owners-and-school-meals- Payment (PUP) Scheme. This will scheme-to-be-extended- provide owners with a once-off into-summer/ grant of up to €1,000 to re-start their business.

Restart Grant – for registered http://www.kildare.ie/County rate payers. Direct funding relating Council/Finance/ReStartGra to rates paid to Kildare County nt/ Council in 2019 (delivered through

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Kildare County Council’s Rates Department) Note: Applications closed on 31 October 2020.

Generate Revenue with Shop County Kildare – A new https://www.localenterprise.i Online Sales online Kildare eCommerce e/Kildare/News/Introducing-

platform providing the opportunity Shop-County-Kildare!.html to make the move to online sales in a free of charge, quick and user-friendly way Trading Online - Please https://www.localenterprise.i encourage constituents to submit e/Kildare/Financial- completed application forms to us Supports/Online-Trading- to [email protected]. Vouchers/ Upgrade Shopfronts and Kildare Shopfront Grant Scheme https://www.localenterprise.i Implement Outdoor e/Kildare/Start-or-Grow- COVID-19 Signage your-Business/Supports-by- Sector/Retail-/Kildare- County-Council-Shop-Front- Accesibility-Grant-

Scheme.html Advisory

Expert Strategic Free of charge 1:1 mentoring https://www.localenterprise.i Mentoring programme with a panel of e/!KHSQYE specialist mentors.

Health and Safety Free of charge 1:1 mentoring with https://www.localenterprise.i

Guidance a specialist to ensure businesses e/!KHSQYE have tools and knowledge to implement Health and Safety measures in line with Government

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Guidelines to allow them open as soon as possible. Managing Employees in Free of charge workshop and 1:1 https://www.localenterprise.i

Line with Government mentoring with a HR specialist to e/!KHSQYE Guidelines ensure businesses have knowledge of new policies and procedures with managing and bringing staff back to work in line with Government Guidelines to allow them open as soon as possible. Re-Designing Businesses Re-Designing Businesses To apply email: for Physical Distancing Programme - assisting companies localenterprise@kildarecoco in order to operate using Lean .ie Workplace Organisation practices in order to achieve implement physical distancing. Improving Online A suite of digital marketing training https://www.localenterprise.i Presence and Increasing to support businesses in driving e/Kildare/Training- Online Sales traffic to website, communicating Events/Online-Bookings/ with customers and overall keeping the business operating.

Communications

Frequent Updates The LEO website, newsletter, HOE Note: Regarding the Evolving social media, the Head of https://www.localenterprise.i Situation, Notification of Enterprise (HOE) Update and e/Kildare/News/Head-of- Upcoming Supports and online knowledge hubs. Enterprise-Updates.html Services as Well as

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Support Documents and Sign up to newsletter: Publications https://localenterprise.us8.lis t- manage.com/subscribe?u=8 fc2c8db27df60c85a7f58de8 &id=87063fc48c Access to the LEO Team The LEO mailbox, direct and localenterprise@kildarecoco and Specialists personal phone contact, and .ie 045 980838 ability to speak to specialist within 24 hours of enquiry.

______Peter Carey Chief Executive

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