Contents Joint Foreword ...... 3 Kildare County Council Elected Members ...... 4 Response to the Covid 19 Pandemic ...... 9 Corporate Services ...... 10 Housing ...... 16 Community & Culture ...... 29 Enterprise & Economic Development ...... 41 Human Resources ...... 46 Planning & Strategic Development ...... 48 Roads, Transportation & Public Safety ...... 56 Environment, Water & Climate Action...... 69 ICT ...... 74 Finance ...... 78 Schedule of Municipal District Works 2020 ...... 81 Appendix 1 – Strategic Policy Committee Scheme 2019 – 2024 ...... 83 Appendix 2 - Committees of the Council 2020 ...... 87 Appendix 3 – Membership of External Bodies 2020 ...... 88 Appendix 4 – Conferences Attended in 2020 ...... 89 Appendix 5 – Training Attended in 2020 ...... 90 Appendix 6 – Councillors Meeting Attendance in 2020 ...... 91 Appendix 7 – Councillor Expenses 2020 ...... 94 Appendix 8 - Corporate Plan Progress Report 2020 ...... 96 Appendix 9 – Annual Service Delivery Plan Progress Report 2020 ...... 138 Appendix 10 – Performance Indicators 2020 ...... 225 Appendix 11 – Glossary of Terms ...... 226
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Joint Foreword by Peter Carey, Many businesses in Kildare faced critical Chief Executive and Councillor challenges and an uncertain future in 2020. Mark Stafford, Cathaoirleach, Kildare County Council responded with supports Kildare County Council and initiatives to lead businesses through this uncertainty. Over €1m was invested in Covid 19 business continuity support, helping over 700 businesses, along with other supports such as mentoring, workshops, and access to other funding opportunities. Kildare County Council is determined to support Kildare businesses through these challenges to ensure that the local economy emerges from the crisis.
Despite the challenge of construction site closures during the year, Kildare County Council made good progress in its build, acquisition, leasing and HAP/RAS. The delivery of housing units including
new builds, refurbishments, infill schemes and 2020 and the emergence of the Coronavirus pandemic others progressed throughout the county. across the globe saw every aspect of society and
people’s lives impacted and completely altered, in a The Strategic Projects and Public Realm team way that has never been experienced before. delivered a number of pilot schemes, adapting outdoor urban spaces including Market Square, The sudden introduction and sustained Kildare Town and Poplar Square, Naas and implementation of restrictions and shutting down of creating suitable outdoor space for safe outdoor business and society from March 2020 was dining and social gatherings during the pandemic. unprecedented but necessary, in an effort to protect people and save lives. Finally, we would like to thank the elected members and the staff of Kildare County Council Kildare County Council needed to be agile, resilient for their ongoing co-operation and support and and determined, not only to ensure vital services were their commitment to serve the people of County maintained, but also to provide much needed Kildare, particularly in this most challenging year. additional supports and resources for the individuals, communities and businesses of Kildare, to navigate a pathway through these challenges. ______Every department within Kildare County Council Chief Executive Cathaoirleach adapted their plans for 2020 to ensure the immediate
and changing needs for our services were met. Peter Carey Cllr Mark Stafford
While the offices of Áras Chill Dara were closed to the public in March 2020, service provision continued with the development of online and digital resources. Our Customer Services section adapted operations to ensure services were maintained and accessible for all. Working closely with other agencies across Kildare the Covid 19 Community Response Forum was
established and coordinated community supports. Kildare County Council created a dedicated Community Call Helpline to assist older and
vulnerable people, all with the aim of leading and supporting our residents and communities.
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Kildare County Council Elected Members The following members were elected or co-opted to Kildare County Council and are members of the Municipal Districts set out below. Cllr. Noel Connolly, Cllr. Mark Leigh and Cllr. Colm Kenny were co- opted during 2020 to replace Patricia Ryan TD, Senator Mark Wall and Senator Vincent P. Martin.
Athy Municipal District
Councillor Councillor Aoife Councillor Brian Councillor Ivan Councillor Mark Veralouise Behan Breslin Dooley Keatley Leigh Fianna Fáil Labour Party Fianna Fáil Fine Gael Labour Party
Party & Name Telephone Email
FF Veralouise Behan 086 1502913 [email protected] LP Aoife Breslin 086 2797694 [email protected] FF Brian Dooley 086 1715290 [email protected] FG Ivan Keatley 087 2731335 [email protected] LP Mark Leigh. 086 8288605 [email protected]
Celbridge - Leixlip Municipal District
Councillor Bernard Councillor Michael Councillor Íde Councillor Ciara Councillor Nuala Caldwell Coleman Cussen Galvin Killeen Fianna Fáil Fianna Fáil Non-Party Labour Party Social Democrats
Councillor Joe Councillor Neville Vanessa Liston Fine Gael Green Party
Party & Name Telephone Email
FF Bernard Caldwell 086 2653455 [email protected] FF Michael Coleman 086 3616434 [email protected] NP Íde Cussen 089 4202380 [email protected] LP Ciara Galvin 087 6560474 [email protected] SD Nuala Killeen 087 7160630 [email protected] GP Vanessa Liston 086 1408681 [email protected] FG Joe Neville 086 6062207 joeneville.no1@gmail,com
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Clane – Maynooth Municipal District
Councillor Angela Councillor Peter Councillor Tim Councillor Aidan Councillor Daragh Feeney Hamilton Durkan Farrelly Fitzpatrick The Labour Party Green Party Fine Gael Social Democrats Fianna Fáil
Councillor Councillor Councillor Councillor Councillor Padraig McEvoy Naoise Ó’Cearúil. Paul Ward Brendan Weld Brendan Wyse Fine Gael Non Party Fine Fáil Fine Fáil Fine Gael
Party & Name Telephone Email FG Tim Durkan 086 8632784 [email protected] SD Aidan Farrelly 0879614540 [email protected] LB Angela Feeney 0872381962 [email protected] FF Daragh Fitzpatrick 0872538184 [email protected] GP Peter Hamilton 0872316308 [email protected] NP Padraig McEvoy 086 8658262 [email protected] FF Naoise Ó’Cearúil 086 7280050 [email protected] FF Paul Ward 087 2294697 [email protected] FG Brendan Weld 087 7828649 [email protected] FG Brendan Wyse 087 2328867 [email protected]
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Kildare - Newbridge Municipal District
Councillor Kevin Councillor Noel Councillor Fiona Councillor Anne Councillor Connolly Suzanne Doyle Duffy Heavey McLoughlin Healy Fine Gael Fianna Fáil Non-Party Fianna Fáil Fianna Fáil
Councillor Peggy Councillor Tracey Councillor Chris Councillor Robert Councillor Noel O Dwyer O’Dwyer Pender Power Connolly Fianna Gael Fine Gael Social Democrats Fianna Fáil Sinn Féin
Party & name Telephone Email FF Anne Connolly 087 9838327 N/A FF Suzanne Doyle. 087 9521232 [email protected] FG Kevin Duffy 085 2390341 [email protected] FF Noel Heavey 087 2602640 [email protected] NP Fiona McLoughlin Healy 086 7811012 [email protected] FG Peggy O’Dywer 086 1996648 [email protected] FG Tracey O’Dwyer 087 6533706 [email protected] SD Chris Pender 085 8298237 [email protected] FF Robert Power 085 7279307 [email protected] Councillor Mark SF Noel Connolly 087 2178963 [email protected] Stafford FG Mark Stafford 086 8648558 [email protected] Fine Gael
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Naas Municipal District
Councillor Anne Councillor Fintan Councillor Bill Councillor Carmel Councillor Colm Breen Brett Clear Kelly Kenny The Labour Party Fine Gael Social Democrats Fianna Fáil Green Party
Councillor Seamie Councillor Evie Moore Sammon Non-Party Fine Gael
Party & Name Telephone Email
LP Anne Breen 087 1230210 [email protected] FG Fintan Brett 087 6257842 [email protected] SD Bill Clear 087 9424488 [email protected] FF Carmel Kelly 086 8268884 [email protected] GP Colm Kenny 087 7121246 [email protected] NP Seamie Moore 087 2497813 [email protected] FG Evie Sammon 085 7808518 [email protected]
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Response to the Covid 19 • Coordinating community supports • Reopening society and supporting Pandemic local economies The first case of Covid 19 was confirmed in • Operating in a system of multi-level th Ireland on 29 February 2020. governance On 12th March it was announced that all • Maintaining local democracy schools, colleges and childcare facilities were Kildare County Council continued to operate to close for a two-week period. By the end of services based on the nationally agreed March, all non-essential businesses were framework for essential service delivery during closed; and people were told to stay at home the varying Covid 19 restriction levels, in line as case numbers escalated and deaths with public health, health and safety and unfortunately occurred from the virus. standard operating guidelines developed in Ireland’s public health response has been led response to the pandemic. by the Department of Health and the Health Service Executive. The National Public Health The following chapters will outline the various Emergency Team (NPHET) was set up to initiatives undertaken by Kildare County advise Government on the public health Council departments in response to service aspects of the response to Covid 19. delivery requirements during the pandemic which include the following: Kildare County Council have at all times during 2020 worked on the basis of adherence to the • Restart grants for business public health advice. Local Authorities have • Commercial rates waivers been deemed an essential service throughout • Community Call helpline the pandemic and elected members and staff • Community response forum have worked continuously to support local • Increased provision of online services democracy and maintain service delivery and • Communications campaigns business continuity. • Widescale adaptions to Library Kildare County Council’s Crisis Management services Team met initially to identify how the • Online meetings and briefings organisation would manage the response to • Provision of online training the pandemic. A Covid-19 Senior Management • Remote working Forum which included the Cathaoirleach of the • Range of IT supports to enable Council was established and met 28 times in business continuity 2020. A Business Continuity Group was • Appointment based system for established to look at how Kildare County customers who must attend for Council would continue to deliver services and services this group met over 25 times in 2020 and • Work Safely Protocol provided advice and support to the • Development and operation of Management Team and the Covid 19 Senior Standing Operating Guidelines for Management Forum. continued safe service provision • Reorganisation of offices, signage, At a regional level the Eastern Regional safety measures, cleaning regimes Steering Group and the Eastern Regional and provision of PPE Working Groups were formed and these • Public Realm works groups met on a weekly basis during ‘level 4’ • Monitoring and review of operations by restrictions. They each met in excess of 25 senior management on weekly basis times during 2020. • Emergency management support at The local government response to covid 19 regional and national level can be categorised into 5 broad areas: • Civil Defence mobilisation to support HSE testing and vaccination • Maintaining service delivery and programme business continuity
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Corporate Services
pg. 10
Corporate Services attend remote meetings. It was agreed at this meeting that all statutory meetings of the Corporate Services interacts with and provides council and its committees would be held support to all departments and has general remotely while restrictions were in place. responsibility for the Cathaoirleach and elected members, communications, customer services, register of electors, freedom of information, data protection and facilities management.
Members Services
The Members Services unit continued to ensure the efficient and effective running of meetings of council through 2020 and assisted the elected members in every way possible.
The review of standing orders for plenary council meetings initiated by the protocol and Cllr. M. Stafford, Cathaoirleach Kildare County procedures committee was approved by full Council 21.12.2020 council in June 2020. Number of Meetings 2020
An alternative meeting venue for the plenary Meetings 2020 No. of council and different methods for holding Meetings meetings had to be addressed in response to Full Council 15 changes in legislation and the Covid 19 public Municipal Districts 51 health guidance. During 2020 meetings of full Corporate Policy Group 10 council were held in a socially distanced space Strategic Policy Committee 20 in Newbridge Town Hall with press and public Audit Committee 3 in attendance. Municipal District meetings Other Committees 20 were held in a socially distanced space in the Total No. of meetings 119* council chamber, Aras Chill Dara.
Revised standing orders were adopted by full *Note: Due to Covid 19 restrictions in place council in November 2020 to facilitate remote from March to May 2020, a reduced number of statutory meetings of the council and municipal statutory meetings were held during this district committees. period.
These revisions took into account the The external pillar nominees to the council’s guidelines from the Department of Housing, six strategic policy committees were approved Local Government and Heritage for standing at the January 2020 meeting of full council. A orders regulating the proceedings of meetings total of 20 SPC meetings took place in 2020 of the council in relation to remote attendance. with the option for remote attendance The guidance follows on from the Civil Law facilitated also. The protocol and procedures and Criminal Law (Miscellaneous Provisions) committee commenced a review of standing Act 2020 (Section 29) (Local Authorities) orders for SPCs in July 2020. (Designation) Order 2020 (S.I. No. 445 of 2020). Customer Relationship Management(CRM) System The first ever remote meeting of Kildare County Council took place on 21 December Throughout 2020 elected representative and 2020, chaired by the Cathaoirleach, Councillor customer interactions were logged onto the Mark Stafford. Measures were put in place to CRM system, which provides insights into allow members of the public and the press to customer priority service areas. In 2020, a total
pg. 11 of 19,887 cases were created on CRM, an Athy Customer Service Point increase of 20% on 2019. 91% of cases were resolved. Elected members and TD reps Based at its offices in Rathstewart, represent about 26% of all CRM cases Monasterevin Road the Athy Customer recorded in the last 12 months. Service Point continued to provide key services locally in 2020: The top 5 services on CRM for 2020 were as follows: • 1,605 non-principal private residence (NPPR) customer cases processed Section Total • Almost 8,300 customer interactions by Housing 6118 phone and in person Transport 3133
Planning 2737 Environment 2290 Corporate Services 2242
The process of procuring and designing a new CRM system, along with online contact portals for customers and councillors began in 2020.
Appointments System An online appointments system went live in Fix Your Street June 2020 to facilitate access to council In 2020, the council responded to 918 cases. services. This was supported by an awareness All fix your street issues are processed through campaign including radio adverts during June the CRM system and are responded to within and July. Over 28,000 appointments were 10 working days. facilitated by year end. Protected Disclosures Customers can book appointments online for public counters and libraries and on confirming No disclosures were received by the booking they receive: designated officer for protected disclosures during 2020. • Booking text/email confirmations with links to privacy statement and local Legal Services COVID-19 guidelines In 2020, approximately 873 cases were • Facility to cancel or reschedule created and referred to solicitors. appointments • Directions to attend the specific location Press/Media 2020 of their appointment (to avoid queuing) • A reminder text/email the day before In 2020, 239 press queries were received and their appointment processed with more than 130 press releases A facility to make bookings by phone was issued relating to a wide range of council established through the council’s customer initiatives. care centre. Social Media
Kildare County Council operates three primary social media pages:
Facebook 15,081 which is an increase of 16% on 2019
pg. 12
Twitter 8,520 which is an increase of 10% on Customer Complaints received in 2020 2019 18 – Formal complaints Instagram 1,579 which is an increase of 56% on 2019 11 – Informal complaints
Register of Electors 1 – Appeal
The number of people on the 2020/2021 Bye Laws Register of Electors, which came into force on On 30 November 2020 Kildare County Council 15 February 2020, was 151,751. adopted county-wide bye laws to control the General Election 2020 consumption and possession of alcohol in all public places. The bye laws are enforced by The 8th February General Election was based An Garda Siochána and came into effect on 30 upon the live register 2019-2020 and December 2020. approximately 4,000 supplementary voters were added up to the deadline of 22 January A review of Casual Trading Bye Laws also 2020. Opening hours were extended and commenced in 2020 and is scheduled to applications accepted in Naas, Athy and progress in three municipal districts during Leixlip to facilitate those wishing to register. 2021.
In addition, the council implemented a Corporate Publications communications plan in the period from the calling of the election up to and including Annual Report 2019 polling day, activities included: Annual Service Delivery Plan 2020 Corporate Plan Progress Report • Press releases and adverts in local 2019 media comprising information on Annual Service Delivery Plan extended opening hours and how to Progress Report 2019 register Corporate Plan 2019-2024 • Closing dates for registration • Polling card use and delivery dates Audit Committee • Election information posters The Audit Committee is a statutory committee • Changes of address and voting of the council appointed under Section 59 of locations the Local Government Reform Act 2014. The • Disabled voter applications committee's role is to provide an independent • How to vote on election day view of • Extensive social media campaign • the budgetary and financial reporting Over 700 email enquiries from customers processes; regarding the election were resolved and • the internal controls and the internal several thousand phone calls processed. audit function; • efficiency and value for money; and On polling day council staff worked with the • the management of risks returning officer to assist at the busiest polling stations across the county and the register of During 2020, the Audit Committee met 4 times. electors team operated a helpline from 7:00 In 2020, the committee was briefed and a.m. – 10:00 p.m. on polling day to assist updated on the following areas which were polling staff and members of the public with identified as areas of priority: enquiries.
• Departmental Risk Registers • Covid-19 risk assessment
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• Annual Financial Statement 2019 data access requests (including CCTV • Public Spending Code Audit Report requests) received in 2020. 2019 – revenue and capital projects • National service indicators – NOAC Ombudsman Performance Indicator Report 2019 17 cases were received from the Ombudsman • Local Government auditor’s report on office, 9 were closed. the 2019 Annual Financial Statement. Facilities Freedom of information The facilities management section is Requests were processed as follows: responsible for the operation and maintenance of our offices at Áras Chill Dara, together with • 152 requests in 2020 other buildings in the ownership of the council. • 50 requests granted In recent years the facilities section has been • 36 part granted modernised to encompass disciplines in • 52 refusals business strategy and the building sciences, • 14 withdrawn contributing greater value to the organisation. Requests were received from the following sources: The key focus for 2020 was in re-organising the workplace to mitigate the effects of Covid- Journalists 25 19 including:
Business 20 • Changes to internal office layouts and protective screens, designed in-house, Oireachtas 6 installed on all desks, to ensure social distancing Staff 9 • Bespoke screens for all public Clients 89 counters • Signage procured and installed Others 3 • PPE purchased and facilities acted as a supply hub for all local authorities with regard to PPE • New cleaning regimes implemented Data Protection • Hand sanitizing stations installed A dedicated online area exists for customers throughout council buildings regarding data privacy rights, forms and • Existing catering contract renegotiated processes. Work by the facilities management section The council’s Data Protection Officer (DPO) includes operation maintenance and upgrading continued to provide GDPR awareness to staff as follows: and to advise staff and management on compliance measures as required. • EV Chargers installed at Áras Chill Dara in 2020 and are operational Policy and procedure documents are reviewed • Project to upgrade community and published on a central intranet location to buildings is ongoing ensure a consistent level of compliance across • Work programme to upgrade library the council. facilities continues • Improvements to energy management The council’s DPO oversees the management is an ongoing project. of access requests from subjects, and CCTV requests from An Garda Síochána, with 183
pg. 14
Facilities also provide support to the Major • Customer care Emergency Management Committee, Severe • Freedom of Information Weather Assessment Team, Procurement and • Kildare County Council’s Irish Health and Safety committees in addition to Language Scheme sitting on the OGP and LGMA national • Online comment card committee for facilities management. • A selection of application forms for various services provided by Kildare
County Council.
Coiste Gaeilge
Kildare County Council’s Irish Language Committee met on three occasions in 2020. In October 2020, the Coiste Gaeilge discussed the draft Irish Language Scheme 2021- 2024 presented by Corporate Services and made a group submission to the draft Irish Scheme
consultation process. Ofigeach Gaeilge Unfortunately, due to COVID-19, Gaeltacht During 2020, the Irish Language Officer and courses in 2020 were cancelled so it was not staff in Corporate Services continued to possible to offer the Gaeltacht scholarships oversee the implementation of the Irish from Gael Linn which had been offered in the Language Scheme throughout the past. organization, which included: Irish Language Scheme 2021-2024 • Advice and assistance in complying In 2020, Kildare County Council commenced a with the obligations imposed by the review and public consultation process Official Languages Act 2003, regarding the development of an Irish associated legislation and Kildare Language Scheme for the period 2021-2024. County Council’ Irish Language Scheme The consultation and review process • Provision of translations for signage incorporated the following: and public notices • Sourcing or providing translations for • Bilingual advertisements in local application forms press • Providing assistance in relation to • Social media campaign in English correspondence with members of the and Irish including through Public public who wished to transact Participation Network (PPN) business with Kildare County Council • Advertisement on www.tuairisc.ie through Irish • Local radio interview • Corresponding on behalf of Kildare • Bi-lingual press release to local County Council with An Coimisinéir and national media and public Teanga, government departments and representatives. other organisations and individuals as • Online survey with staff required. • Publication on Kildare.ie The Irish language section on our website has • Reporting to the Local Culture and been maintained and includes the following Community SPC information: • Engagement with Municipal • Councillor details Districts • Contact details • Inclusion in November CE report.
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Housing
pg. 16
Housing Department challenges and the temporary closure of construction sites, progress on the overall 3-year The Housing Department aims to provide social Rebuilding Ireland targets for Kildare of 2,426 housing support to persons who are unable to units is set out below. meet their housing need through their own resources. In 2020, there was a significant The delivery figures below include both capital demand for social housing supports, and other and current expenditure programmes (including related supports such as housing loans and units delivered with Capital Advance Leasing grants. Facility, CALF, provided to approved housing bodies by local authorities to facilitate the Rebuilding Ireland: Action Plan for Housing funding of construction, acquisition or and Homelessness refurbishment of new social housing units). Funding for the delivery of the Rebuilding Ireland programme comes from both the capital and Despite the challenge of construction site current expenditure programmes, with units closures over the year, Kildare County Council being delivered through the Construction and made good progress with its build, acquisition Acquisition Programme (including approved and leasing programmes and with HAP/RAS. housing bodies), Part V, Housing Assistance Payment (HAP), Rental Accommodation Scheme (RAS) and Leasing. While no 2020 targets were received due to Covid-19 related
Build Acquisition Leasing HAP & RAS Total
Delivered 379 97 64 682 1,222
Capital Programme
A significant programme of work to deliver housing units progressed in 2020 at a number of locations throughout the county. This programme included new builds, refurbishments, infill schemes, work with AHBs and public private partnerships.
Location No. of Units Status December 2020 Athgarvan Road 13 units Works completed and units allocated Newbridge St. Patrick’s Park Refurbishment of 34 Lot 1 (6 units) completed Rathangan Remedial units Lots 2 - 5 (28 units) completed Works (Phase 1) (23 social and 11 private) Beechgrove, 18 units Completed April 2020 Rathangan Anne Street 12 units Completed June 2020 Prosperous Tankardsgarden, 1 unit plus caretaker One family was accommodated on this site following minor Newbridge bay works
pg. 17
Athgarvan Village 18 units Contract re-tendered in late 2020 due to Covid 19 and planned commencement in Q2 2021 St. Patrick’s Park Demolition of 15 Revised Stage 2 option agreed in principal at Q4, 2019 Rathangan Remedial units, refurbishment meeting with the DHPLG. Presentation to Kildare- Works (Phases 2 and of 25 units (7 Newbridge Municipal District Committee held in early 2020. 3) occupied and 18 Workshop meetings held with residents of St. Patrick’s Park vacant), construction over 2 days in Rathangan Library. Comments from of 7 new units meetings assessed, discussed with Housing and amendments agreed. Rathasker Road 70-100 units (subject A joint proposal incorporating the adjacent site under the Naas to final agreement control of AHB is incorporated to maximise the potential of with AHB and both sites, offset remediation costs, and to provide a Planning greater range of unit types included older person specific Department) accommodation. Draft proposals received from Cluid and feedback given by internal section of Kildare County Council. Cluid progressing to conduct site investigation works and procure a design team. Coill Dubh 10 units Civil/structural consultant and building services consultant appointed and scheme being developed to Stage 3 (approval to issue main contract tender). Old Greenfield Rapid build Positive engagement with DHLGH in Q2 2020 leading to Maynooth 65 units agreement in principle for 65 units to be developed to stage 2. Revised design team tender conducted. Ardclough Road 39 units A Serviced Site Funding (SSF) application has been Celbridge approved to provide roads infrastructure for this site. Positive engagement with DHLGH in Q2/Q3 2020 leading to agreement in principle for 39 units to be developed to stage 2. This includes an allowance for 10 affordable units. Procurement of the design team was initiated. Carbury 4 units Engagement and agreement on the proposed development progressed in 2020, facilitating the preparation of a stage 1 application to DHPLG. Former Ambassador 33 units Higher density was agreed with the Planning Department in Hotel Site, Kill December 2019. Positive engagement with DHLGH in Q2 2020 leading to agreement in principle for 39 units to be developed to stage 2. Procurement of the design team initiated Oldtown Mill 57 units Draft stage 1 proposal agreed with Planning Department in Celbridge December 2019. Positive engagement with DHLGH in Q2 2020 leading to agreement in principle for 57 units to be developed to stage 2. Stage 2 approval received in November 2020.
Old Caragh Road, 73 units Positive engagement with DHLGH in Q2/Q3 2020 leading Naas to agreement in principle for 73 units to be developed to stage 1. This includes an allowance for 15 affordable units.
pg. 18
Infill Housing Schemes No. Of Status December 2020 Units
Newtown House, Leixlip 4 units Stage 1 approval received. Engagement undertaken with internal section in Kildare County Council in preparation for stage 2 approval and Part 8.
Narraghmore 4 units Stage 1 approval received. Engagement undertaken with internal section in Kildare County Council in preparation for stage 2 approval and Part 8.
Glandore, Athy 4 units Stage 1 approval received. Engagement undertaken with internal section in Kildare County Council in preparation for stage 2 approval and Part 8.
Anne Street, Prosperous
Beechgrove, Rathangan
pg. 19
Approved Housing Body (AHB) Schemes No. Of Status December 2020 Units
Flinter’s Field 35 units Respond Scheme. Contract awarded in December 2020 and commencement notice lodged but contractor unable to commence on site due to Covid 19 Restrictions. Scheme now commenced.
Castlefen, Sallins 28 units Tuath scheme. Works commenced in March 2020 but Covid 19 restrictions and construction lockdown have impeeded progress.
Dominican Lands Athy 29 units Cluid scheme. Initial proposal submitted to Kildare County Council and site investigation works commenced.
ESB Site Leixlip 24 units Cluid scheme. Initial proposal submitted to Kildare County Council
Approved Housing Body Schemes - Capital Assistance
Approved Housing No. of Units Status December 2020 Body KARE, Naas 3 units Engagement with the AHB progressed and finalised, facilitating preparation for commencement of the required Part 8 process. Camphill 4 units at Planning application approved in August 2019. Further Communities of The Bridge, Kilcullen progress on this scheme under consideration by CCI Ireland (CCI) Homeless Care CLG 12 Apartments at The construction of this development progressed well in Jigginstown House, 2020 and anticipated completion on target for Q1 of 2021. Naas
pg. 20
PPP Schemes No. of Status December 2020 units
Craddockstown Road, Naas 74 Scheme completed in 2020 (Bundle 1)
Nancy’s Lane, Clane (Bundle 2) 77 Commenced on site November 2019. Works ongoing and due to complete in phases up to end of July 2021.
Ardrew, Athy (Bundle 3) 74 Included in PPP Bundle 3 (2020). Design brief finalised, design team appointed and initial design proposals prepared.
Minister for Housing, Darragh O’Brien, TD, visited the Eustace Demense PPP housing development in Naas on Friday November 27th, 2020. The 74 units have been delivered the scheme is now fully occupied with one unit undergoing modification works. L to R: Mr. Peter Carey, Chief Executive, Councillor Mark Stafford, Cathaoirleach of Kildare County Council, Minister for Housing Mr. Darragh O’Brien, TD, Councillor Fintan Brett, Cathaoirleach of Naas Municipal District, and Ms. Annette Aspell, Director of Housing and Corporate Service
pg. 21
Approved Housing Body Delivery Availing of Capital Advance and Leasing Facility funding, approved housing bodies delivered 169 units in 2020. Leasing The council delivered 64 leased units in 2020, this includes approved housing body and home for life mortgage to rent cases. Social Housing Applications 2020 Existing Transfer New valid Mortgage to Refusals housing file requests applications rent updates applications Total 237 75 705 8 171
Housing Allocations Choice Based Letting was introduced in December 2018 and was implemented successfully in 2020 with the allocation of 73 properties in the five municipal districts. This represents a 33% increase in properties allocated using CBL compared to 2019.
Housing Needs Assessment 2020 The Social Housing Needs Assessment (HNA) was carried out to count the number of households qualified for social housing support. The assessment was recently published by the Housing Agency on housingagency.ie
In Kildare a total of 3,104 households were assessed as qualified for housing support in 2020, a decrease of 282 (8%) compared to 2019.
Housing Needs 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 Assessments
Qualified Households 5,572 5,103 3,962 3,386 3,104
Housing Assistance Payment Kildare County Council has continued the successful delivery of the Housing Assistance Payment (HAP). HAP is a replacement for the Rent Supplement Scheme. At the end of 2020, a total of 2,398 households in the county were in receipt of HAP support, an increase of 682 since 2019. The following is the breakdown of HAP applications in 2020:
2020 Applications Applications Applications received rejected approved
pg. 22
Total 586 134 682
Rental Accommodation Scheme (RAS) The total number of RAS properties at year end was 357. Rebuilding Ireland Home Loan December Approval Approval Approval Expired Expired 2020 No. Amount Drawdown No. Amount No.
2020 49 €10,340,718 5 2 €533,000
Total Approved in 2020 €10,340,718 Total Drawn down to 30/04/21 from 2020 approvals: €1,588,968 Total Expired to 30/04/21 from 2020 approvals: €533,000 Total committed to 30/04/21 in 2020 loan offers: €8,218,750
Housing Grants Housing Adaptation Grants, Housing Aid for Older People Grants and Mobility Aid Grants contribute to meeting housing needs by adapting existing homes to meet the need of the occupant. The following is a breakdown of housing grant applications received and approved in 2020:
Adaptation Adaptation Mobility Mobility Housing Aid Housing Aid Applications Grants Aids Aids for Older for Older Received Approved Applicatio Grants Persons Persons Grant ns Approved Applications Approved Received Received Total 410 320 0 0 254 209
Rents In 2020 the following number of rent reviews were calculated in accordance with the council’s Differential Rent Scheme. 2020 LA Rents LA HAP LA HAP Review Total 1078 607 562
pg. 23
Tenant Purchase Scheme A breakdown of Tenant Purchase Scheme is set out below: December Applications Ineligible Approvals 2020 Received Issued Total 35 7 16
Traveller Accommodation supported to upgrade their mobiles on site, while improvement works on halting sites included In September 2019 Kildare County Council general management and maintenance works, formally adopted the 2019 – 2024 Traveller improvement works to public areas and Accommodation Programme which sets out to enhancement of bays where required. The social accommodate 73 traveller families through both work team continued to support traveller families standard and traveller specific accommodation. living on sites, roadsides and within housing Preparation of the programme included a review estates. of the previous programme, a needs analysis and a comprehensive consultation strategy. Kildare County Council implemented a number Each of these processes combined to establish of measures on halting sites and to support the the targets contained within the new programme. traveller community during the Covid19 pandemic. Housing staff have engaged with the The Local Traveller Accommodation HSE’s public health team for advice and Consultative Committee (LTACC) met four times assistance as Covid related issues arose. in 2020. The main areas of work included capital delivery of traveller specific housing and the Collaboration with Kildare Traveller Action (KTA) management and maintenance of traveller is an important part of services to the traveller halting sites. The LTACC also considers the community and KTA continued to support quarterly reports on accommodation targets and traveller representatives on the Local Traveller social work updates in relation to numbers of Accommodation Consultative Committee as well families on the roadside, in homelessness and in as working collaboratively with Kildare County accommodation Council on housing workshops and the development of the Kildare Interagency Traveller In 2020, 20 Traveller families were Strategy accommodated, again exceeding the annual target. The mobile home replacement programme resulted in four families being
Housing Maintenance Kildare County Council’s Housing Maintenance department is responsible for the maintenance of a housing stock of 4,816 units with a total budget allocation in excess of €7.6 million. 2020 Vacant House New House Response Response No. of Self Help Turnarounds Purchase Maintenance Maintenance Grants Offered Upgrades Requests Logged Requests Completed
pg. 24
Total 96 108 6,942 6,769 80
Planned Maintenance Homeless Services A programme of planned maintenance was Kildare County Council is the lead authority for carried out in 2020. Under the void programme, the Mid-East Region for homeless services, 9 properties requiring significant repair were comprising Kildare, Meath and Wicklow, and returned to stock. The self-help grant provided reports to the Department of Housing, Planning for the replacement of windows and doors, the and Local Government on homeless installation of stoves and the upgrade of presentations and numbers of individuals and kitchens. families in emergency/transition accommodation across the region. As the lead authority, Kildare is responsible for the regional budget allocation
from the Department. In 2020, regional expenditure on homeless services was €9.7m of which €4.7m was spent in Kildare. Homeless Presentations 2020 Total Cases Unique Repeats
Total 1,198 355 843 At local level, there were 1,198 cases (individuals and family units) presenting as homeless in 2020. The primary reasons for homeless presentations related to family circumstances, impact of Covid-19, prison and hospital releases and unaffordable rents. Unique presentations breakdown was as follows: 2020 Adults Dependents
Total 400 329
Families in PEA including Supported Temporary Accommodations and Family Hubs as of 31 December 2020
Duration No. of Households Adults Dependents with Dependents 0 - 6 Months 24 35 41 6 - 12 Months 7 8 9 12 - 18 Months 12 18 18 18 - 24 Months 8 14 20 24 - 30 Months 5 9 11 Total 56 84 99
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Accommodation Service in Kildare funded by the Department of Housing, Kildare County Council operate family hubs in Planning and Local Government and the Athy and Prosperous in conjunction with The Department of Health. The Mid-East Peter McVerry Trust, providing supported Homeless Forum is advised by a multi-agency temporary accommodation (STA) for 11 group including non-governmental families. In conjunction with The Peter organisations in the sector and other relevant McVerry Trust, Michael Garry House (STA) statutory agencies. was in operation in Newbridge. In conjunction Following a tender process in 2019, The Peter with Dublin City Council and The Peter McVerry Trust awarded the tender to deliver McVerry Trust, Kildare County Council Housing First across the Mid-East Region. provided 25 beds for single males. This facility The Housing First model is a participant- also provided 24 cold weather beds in 2020. centered approach that focuses on ending The cold weather initiative operated in homelessness for people with high and conjunction with The Peter McVerry Trust in complex needs who have been rough sleeping order to prevent rough sleeping throughout the or using emergency homeless accommodation winter period. for long periods of time. This is achieved by providing the individual with direct access to An out of hours service was provided secure, independent housing without throughout 2020 with 3,044 calls recorded and preconditions and this is accompanied by 3,235 placements provided over the 12-month intensive wraparound housing and health period. The service is available as follows: supports.
Monday – Friday: 5pm-9pm The coordinated service is now available in Saturday – Sunday: Noon-5pm Kildare, Meath and Wicklow with the purpose Contact Number: 1 800 804 307 of providing tenancies in self-contained independent housing units, with the combined Threshold Tenancy Protection Service (TPS) services of the Health Service Executive’s continues to be available in Kildare. primary care, mental health and substance misuse teams, working in collaboration with In addition, 7 isolation units were available TUSLA, the Gardaí and other voluntary throughout 2020 for use in the event of a agencies, managed by The Peter McVerry requirement for individuals or families in Trust. emergency accommodation to self-isolate due There were 6 Housing First placements in Co. to Covid-19. These units were provided by Kildare in 2020 and further placements Kildare County Council from the main housing planned for 2021. stock and will continue to be available for the foreseeable future.
Housing First The Housing First National Implementation Plan 2018-2021 was published in September 2018 as a means to address homelessness, in particular focusing on persistent rough sleepers and long-term homeless households. The commitment to deliver Housing First is a key action of the Mid East Region Homelessness Action Plan 2018-2020. March 2020 – signing of the Housing First Kildare County Council, as the lead authority contract for Mid-East Region for the Mid-East Region Homelessness Forum, with the local authorities of Meath and Private Rented Inspections Wicklow, and in partnership with the Health Service Executive, has established a regional Housing First service. The service is co- pg. 27
A total of 972 private rented inspections were carried out in 2020, in-line with the Covid 19 restrictions that were in place.
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Community & Culture
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Community
Community services develop and lead initiatives aimed at providing civic leadership and opportunities for community engagement. 2020 was challenging for all communities due to the impact of Covid 19 and many initiatives were adapted or curtailed.
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 264 €213,842 Residents Associations Local Authority 78 €63,956 Residents Associations Drehid Grants 31 €217,581 Community 32 €287,800 Enhancement Programme Housebound service delivery during Community Mental 9 €35,800 Covid 19 restrictions Health Fund
Education 37 €21,750 Bursaries Covid 19 67 €94,390 Emergency Fund Total 981 €2,167,834
Covid 19 Community Response Forum
The Kildare Covid 19 Community Response Forum includes over a dozen agencies and organisations with the purpose of leading the co-ordination of Covid 19 community supports and resilience throughout the pandemic. 18 meetings of the forum were held in 2020. Community Call Helpline
Community Call Helpline A dedicated Covid 19 Community Call Helpline was established by Kildare County Council to assist older and vulnerable people to receive support during national restrictions on movement. The helpline dealt with requests such as transport, shopping and collection of prescriptions. The helpline dealt with 1,494 requests in 2020.
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Keep Well Campaign Social Inclusion Community Activation Programme (SICAP) The Keep Well campaign was set up to support people and communities in being The social inclusion programme SICAP resilient through minding their physical and worked with 67 community groups and 706 mental health and wellbeing throughout the individuals in 2020. This exceeded the national pandemic. targets set. The SICAP budget for 2020 was €1,092,867. Significant progress to implement Local Economic and Community Plan Heads-up (LECP) – a snapshot of 2020: Demand for the programme remains very high Increased Services and remote engagement continued during Covid 19 restrictions. Increasing referral levels A Youth Mental Health proposal was adopted were experienced in 2020. by the LCDC with recommendations for a range of supports targeting young people. LEADER This proposal was developed with Kildare 32 projects approved at the LCDC/Local Children and Young Peoples Services Action Group (LAC) worth €1,628,095. Committee Parks & Playgrounds Covid 19 Response A programme of works to improve and add to Kildare LCDC members formed the basis of the existing parks and open spaces continued the Community Response Forum, developed in 2020. The impact of Covid-19 saw a marked to respond to issues experienced in Kildare increase in the use of recreational amenities due to the Covid 19 pandemic. The LCDC throughout the county. To assist with use of informed and supported the establishment of the parks designated hours for cocooners was the Community Response Helpline. implemented in parks during certain levels of Healthy Ireland Covid 19 restrictions. One-way walking systems were also implemented in some parks Healthy Ireland in Kildare was launched as to assist with social distancing. part of the Kildare Sports Partnership “Back to Basics” seminar and focused on the barriers and challenges of engaging teenage girls in sport.
The LCDC approved €35,800 under the Community Mental Health Grant Scheme which prioritised applications for low/no cost counselling particularly from the North and North West of the county. There were nine successful applications each receiving funding of between €3,000 - €5,000. Castledermot Playground in Progress Community Enhancement Programme (CEP) Castledermot It was planned that the Playground playground would be The LCDC approved 32 applications for the completed by the end of CEP 2020. 63 applications worth €824,626.88 the year. However, due were received. to weather conditions this was not possible. It
is now anticipated the works will be completed in January 2021
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Allenwood Plans and particulars of the Play Day Playground proposed development were advertised for public Play day took place in July with the theme of consultation ‘Playful communities, playful homes.’ 800 play Sallins Completion of a tender to packs were distributed in lieu of the major Amenity Land appoint consultants to public event that usually takes place. prepare a masterplan Anti-dumping Initiative Medieval A detail design for the Garden, retaining wall as part of the Applications to carry out clean ups at Kildare Town plans for the medieval Woodstock Castle in Athy and Silleachain garden completed. Initial Lane in Leixlip both received funding of Archaeology work was €15,000 to facilitate the clean-up of these completed on the site to locations. facilitate construction of the Twinning retaining wall and proposed landscaping We held our twinning networking event at the Bawnogues Preferred tender has been start of the year and at it launched our new Athletics selected to carry out Kildare County Twinning website. Covid 19 Track improvement works. Works restrictions severely restricted our ability to commenced in November meet our twins but communications were kept and should be complete by open online. We also joined with the Taste of the end of 2021. Kildare festival to help connect with our twins The Lakes, Work is ongoing on the and sent them hampers of the finest Kildare Naas installation of two produce (see Tourism section for more details accessible chess tables for on Taste of Kildare Festival). The Lakes. Works include paving. Joint Policing Committee Landscaping Architect appointed to County Kildare Joint Policing Committee (JPC) Caragh Court, complete a design and aims to develop greater consultation, co- Roundabout prepare tender documents operation and synergy on policing and crime Naas to tender for the issues between An Garda Síochána, Local implementation of the Authorities, elected local representatives and landscape plan relevant agencies. The committee facilitates the participation of the community/voluntary sectors in this regard through its membership profile. The JPC held three meetings during 2020. The meetings were restricted due to Public Health measures. County Kildare Library Service
“A library is not a luxury but one of the necessities of life.” – Henry Ward Beecher
All public libraries closed on Friday 13 March as the first Covid- 19 restrictions were introduced. In response to the challenges and in order to keep vital library services operational, online library services remained Spring Bulbs in Flower – Sallins Road open 24/7, including eBook, eMagazine, Roundabout Naas eComic, and eAudiobook lending, music streaming, online education courses and language learning, with an investment of €200,000 to support the provision of these
pg. 32 services. Library staff also worked on the Library Social Media 2020 Community Call helpline providing support to vulnerable people cocooning at home. Twitter followers 3,236
In response to Covid-19 restrictions throughout Facebook followers 58,097 2020 the Library Service: Instagram followers 1,620
• streamlined online membership Total blog views 11,055 processes • introduced a housebound service for 120 Years of Local Government Mobile older/vulnerable patrons Exhibition • developed an online booking system This national exhibition curated by the Local and a new library app Authority Archivist’s Group and was displayed • moved workshops, festivals and all in Áras Chill Dara before travelling to Leixlip events online Library. • introduced a new vimeo channel for library content STEAM 2020 – Biodiversity Week • developed a new library service blog • continued to deliver an inclusive and Almost 90 children attended Birdwatching talks accessible library service online as part of STEAM 2020 programme for primary school children. (Face) Book Club
The online Book Club via Facebook was set up in April 2020 after the libraries had closed to the public and regular book clubs could not meet. Every month the group chooses an eBook from the titles on Borrow Box and meet online. They have also participated in some special events throughout the year including linking in with Kildare Readers Festival. The book club now has 206 members and had 10 book club meetings in 2020.
Cruinniú na nÓg
Ireland’s national day of free creativity for children and young people was celebrated in June. It was celebrated very differently due to Kildare Libraries contact and collect service Covid-19. All events were hosted virtually during Covid 19 restrictions through the Kildare Arts YouTube channel. Kildare’s overall virtual audience for Cruinnú na Kildare County Library Services 2020 nÓg reached a staggering 4,063. 2019 2020 Below are just a few of the events showcased on Items borrowed 782,947 266,766 the day: Footfall 725,883 225,918 Events 7,345 2,222 • Athy Sing and Sign videos Public internet/wifi 90,623 14,195 • Online children’s traditional song ‘The sessions Song of Brigid’s Cloak’ workshop E-issues 77,060 265,874 presented by Aileen Lambert Online universal 22,686 76,908 • Anyone 4 Science how to make ice class courses cream
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• ‘Hold your Horses’ – environmentally begun training older people from all over themed visual arts workshop by Kildare online or by phone. Participants are Audrey Walsh delighted with the chance to gain training face to face and improve their I.T. skills. This ISL Visual Art and Visual ISL Festival training will be a lifeline for many older people Athy to connect with others and improve digital literacy skills. The festival was reimagined into a visual and virtual festival in 2020. A new mural, by Kildare Library Service Science, acclaimed street artist Solus Art, Derek Technology, Engineering, Arts and O’Sullivan was installed in Athy. Maths (STEAM) Programme for Primary Kildare Readers Festival 2020 Schools
Kildare Readers Festival was streamed daily The STEAM programme offers fun and on Kildare library’s Vimeo channel between 12 engaging workshops for primary school – 18 October. Events were free to attend and children through our network of library there were over 1,600 views of the 13 events branches. In 2020 the workshops were over the course of the week. Participants adapted for online delivery. The workshops included Dermot Bolger, Abie Philbin Bowman, included the following: Patrick Chapman, Edel Coffey, Marita Conlon- McKenna, Oein DeBharduin and many more. • Rock Detective workshops with Dr Anthea Lacchia from the Irish Centre Children’s Book Festival (CBF) 2020 for Research in Applied Geosciences CBF was reimagined into an online festival for in University College Dublin exploring 2020 and run by libraries all over Ireland. The Ireland’s rocks and the creatures that festival helps spread the enjoyment of books lived on our planet millions of years and reading. Kildare Library service hosted 36 ago. live and interactive events online with 848 • Imagination Exploration workshops attendees. 24 events took place for schools with Brilliant Events combining magic and 12 for families to log on from home. and imagination to encourage children to develop their critical thinking skills. Summer Stars Reading Challenge • Pedal Power Lab workshops with Paul The programme of events and workshops for Finch exploring energy creation and the national Summer Stars Reading Challenge looking at the laws of physics and was run entirely online in 2020, the Library science. services hosted a broad range of workshops • Bog workshops with the Irish Peatland including coding camps, creative writing, music Conservation Council. exploration, podcasting camps, screenwriting • Maths Secrets workshops with the and much more. In total there were 53 Adapt Centre in DCU all about solving workshops and 194 participants. In addition, puzzles and cracking codes. there were over 23,000 views of storytelling, arts and crafts and creative writing prompt STEAM 2020 was a huge success with 110 videos created for Summer Stars by library live events being held and a total of 2,831 staff on social media. attendees. Facilitators also created educational videos on the topics of gardening Age Friendly Digital Ambassadors and biodiversity that were added to our social Programme media channels (Facebook, Instagram and Vimeo) and had a total of 4,582 views. Age Friendly Ireland in partnership with the LGMA Libraries Development Unit partnered to support older people to access online library resources. 14 staff from Kildare Libraries
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storyteller Wayne O’Connor to deliver an interactive story time to students.
Heritage Week 15 – 23 August “Heritage and Education – Learning from our Heritage”
The Local Studies department complied an online exhibition highlighting the proud heritage of education in Kildare. Libraries provided grab and go bags for children with heritage-themed books and crafts.
My Place in Space – school workshop Capital Projects
Dormant Account Funding for Castledermot Library Upgrade Works & programmes to work with socially Refurbishment excluded, disadvantaged and Members of the public were invited to the re- marginalised communities opening of Castledermot library on Saturday, Kildare Library Service successfully applied for 29 February. The opening of the redeveloped funding for 5 separate projects under the library coincided with National Public Library scheme receiving €59,000. The projects Day. The extensive upgrade works were part involved inter-agency work between the library funded by Local Property Tax from the Athy service, Kildare Children and Young People’s Municipal District. The works included Services Committee (CYPSC), the Curragh restoration of the beautiful stained glass, a full Girl’s School, Newbridge Family Resource internal fit-out, energy efficient upgrade, Centre, Kildare Arts Service and St John of internal and external decoration, new Gods. computers and laptops and a new book collection. Irish Language Online Workshops for Primary Schools
A series of online workshops for the local schools were held in November in order to support both Irish language and other areas of the curriculum. Events included:
• A Star Wars themed workshop as gaeilge exploring the history of Sceilig Mhíchil and the men and women who lived there • A workshop with Sadhbh Devlin author of Irish language picture book Geansaí Castledermot Library Refurbishment Ottó • A Drama workshop as gaeilge with Naas Library & Cultural Centre Clíona de Brí The development of a new Library and Cultural Centre in the historic Town Hall will be a Schools sustainable driver of heritage, cultural and amenity pursuits in a welcoming and attractive Newbridge library was delighted to support the space at the heart of the town. The project Curragh Girl’s School in celebrating the costs are €5.9m including the design, students who had participated in a literacy construction, fit-out and purchase of the library camp. The library service organised the collections. 75% of the funding has been
pg. 35 granted under the URDF. The remaining Kildare Arts & Culture funding will be provided by Kildare County Council as part of the Capital Development Kildare Arts Act Grants 2020 Plan 2019-2021. Construction began in Over 86 arts grants and bursary awards were December 2020 and the project has a timeline made in 2020, representing a significant of 14 months. investment in local artists and arts organisations severely impacted by Covid 19.
Support for Arts Resource Organisations
Arts Resource Organisations provide the backbone for arts development in the county and are supported by the Arts Service with grant aid and other resources. They include Play Acting Youth Theatre, Kildare Youth Theatre, Griese Youth Theatre, Leinster Printmaking Studio, Co Kildare Orchestra, Contract signing for Naas Library & Cultural Moat Theatre, Athy Community Arts Centre, Centre Run of the Mill Inclusive Theatre. Clane Library Riverbank Arts Centre Design for a new library and preparation for In the first quarter of 2020, Riverbank Arts Part 8 Planning is now underway. The new Centre presented 54 events & workshops, Clane Library will be 500m2 of open plan which were attended by 3172 people - space, which will provide accessible diverse highlights included The Lonsdale Project, a co- community services including meeting space, production of a new play about the Newbridge- a digital hub and maker space, study space, born scientist, a visit/workshop by writer Roddy collections and cultural community space. Doyle as part of Fighting Words Programme Healthy Ireland and Fold/Unfold an exhibition by Vanya Lambrecht Ward. Kildare Keep Well ‘Switching Off and Riverbank Arts Centre focused on artist Being Creative’ support and online activities which included: This programme and resources were • Presenting 60+ online events including developed to support local wellbeing and to live broadcasts, workshops, online assist Kildare’s citizens to get through the exhibitions & theatre, music, literary Covid-19 crisis. Individuals and organisations and family events which reached were invited via a public call out to submit approx. 15,000 people proposals to deliver online programmes with a • Creating an innovative, interactive public engagement element. Applications Whiteboard Programme for schools were invited for bursary awards to deliver which 2,200 Kildare primary school projects. Successful projects included: children took part in • A live broadcast of Monasterevin • Supporting 21 artists as part of a Gospel Choir residency programme, ranging from • Bespoke choral performances to multi-annual residencies to short term nursing homes development residencies. • Online drawing and sewing workshops • Online monthly gardening, nature and climate workshops and tutorials • ‘Storywalks’, an audio drama series
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craft workshops and theatre plays, over 40 free online and offline events took place, with 6,000 engagements. Highlights included
• Covid- 19 Hero Portrait Project – series of 10 portraits of local heroes who have played a significant role during covid • The premiere online screening of ‘The Covid Diaries’ documentary film • On Culture Night Athy Sing & Sign celebrated a new mural of a ballerina, with a hearing aid and the word The Lonsdale Project ‘strong’ in ISL by Solus Art in Athy, with the screening of a short film Arts, Health & Wellbeing Choirs – where ISL Athy members signed the Staying Connected song ‘There’s Something Inside So Strong’ by Labi Siffre. Culture Night Past Times choir and Voices of Spring choirs competitions named the ballerina ISLA for older people, including those living with and invited the public to Strike a Pose. dementia stayed connected with online sing along, led by choir director Sabhdh O’Sullivan and Sharon Murphy.
Short Grass Film Festival
An action-packed programme of 25 short films commissioned and funded by Kildare County Council took place in Riverbank Arts Centre, Newbridge in March 2020. The programme featured documentaries, experimental, drama, comedy and animation with 5 premiere screenings. Many of the films have received awards nationally and internationally.
Writer in Residence
The Writer in Residence programme is designed to support writers in the community, and to connect accomplished artists with students and the greater public.
The Writers in Residence for 2020/21 are Dr. Nathan O’Donnell and Susan Tomaselli, who will work with students in the university and the Strike a Pose – ISL Mural, Culture community, with innovative ideas on writing Night 2020 and publishing.
Culture Night
A unique Culture Night programme took place across Kildare in September with many local artists, venues and community groups taking part. From music gigs to visual art exhibitions,
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International Women’s Day 2020 – Lunchtime talk with Sue Rainsford
Maynooth University and Kildare County Council Writer in Residence 2019/20, Sue Rainsford held a lunchtime talk for IWD 2020 discussing the exhibition, Glimpses of Escape: your monochrome, my technicolour, an exhibition of artworks from female artists in the Kildare Municipal Collection. Lockdown Diaries – RTE News Decade of Commemorations Kildare Young Filmmakers Award Programme Highlights 2020 Continued success and national recognition for As a consequence of Covid- 19, the Decade of the work of Kildare Young Filmmakers. Witch Commemorations Programme for 2020 was Hunt won the ‘Best Group Film’ award at this re-oriented to ensure all activities followed year’s prestigious Fresh International Film public health guidelines. Among the highlights Festival. during 2020: Kildare Music Generation • Brigid 1500 – Abrata Heritage Kildare County Council, with our partners awarded the tender to develop a KWETB and the Department of Music, heritage audit, cultural strategy and Maynooth University supported the business plan to progress the development of Kildare Music Generation commemoration of the death of St towards full roll out across the 5 Municipal Brigid Districts in the coming years, with the • Irish Military Seminar 2020 – online recruitment of a Music Development Officer interviews included Liz Gillis on Irish and administrator. A panel of over 35 Revolutionary Women, James Durney musician educators with expertise across on the Curragh Internment Camps, music genres from rock, music production, Michael Murphy on Terror in Kildare brass and wind concert bands, classical, • Covid Notebook project – a major traditional music and choral work were legacy project to document the social recruited and trained to deliver the stories of Kildare people through programme. An introductory music production Covid-19. RTE supporting the Arts course took place in December 2020. An and Creative Ireland commissioned an extensive Music Instrument Bank was initiated edited version of the Kildare Covid-19 with 1,300 items. diaries documentary film for screening across RTE Digital channels in Christmas Recording, St Brigid’s November National School Kildare Town • Chambers Ireland Local Government Award – Kildare Decade of The Arts Service supported the production of a Commemoration nominated in 2020 school Christmas CD and in so doing, raised for its work on the 1919 All-Ireland the spirits of the 1,000 families who have Football Final children attending St Brigid’s Primary School, • Digitisation of Kildare County Council Kildare Town Minute Books (1899-1924) – the early Maynooth Film for All volume of Kildare County Council for throughout the decade of Engaged audiences at home with monthly commemorations period were digitised access cinema at home film screenings, with to facilitate access and ensure long- online conversations, in partnership with term preservation. Departments of English and Media Studies, Maynooth University
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• Centenary of Bloody Sunday – Marked • We Care in Kildare – reassuring the centenary with a particular focus visitors that Kildare is a safe place to on incident, the Kill Ambush and visit subsequent reprisals in Naas by Crown Forces
Taste of Kildare
• Hampers launched to support the tourism and hospitality businesses with a selection of products produced
in Kildare, and businesses Tourism encouraged to create their own hampers The Covid 19 pandemic had a significant • Film shoots – Taste of Kildare @ impact on Kildare’s tourism market in 2020. Christmas. Virtual event with host The ban on international travel and fluctuation Rachel Allen featuring cooking of local restrictions impacted on domestic demonstrations etc. tourism and provided a significant challenge. • Twinning groups in Kildare shared messages to their counterparts Kildare Destination Recovery Task Force was overseas instilling a great sense of established and held weekly meetings to community spirit update and communicate with businesses during Covid 19. Kildare Fáilte worked closely Workshops &Seminars with other local and national tourism bodies to support all aspects of Kildare’s tourism • Destination Newbridge – stakeholder offering. consultation workshop • Cluster meeting for tourism and Following a meeting with Minister Catherine hospitality providers Martin, a further €177m was secured through • Canal Greenway, Barrow Blueway & Fáilte Ireland to promote Kildare. Grand Canal Greenway Campaigns • Destination Town Workshop – Fáilte Ireland PR & media activations secured pieces in • Sport of Kings Workshop national radio, press and TV • Sustainability in a post-Covid 19 world: Building the Business Case of the • St Brigid’s Day & Féile Bríd – Tourism Industry promotion on the Late Late Show • Make a Break for Kildare – Fáilte • Maximizing your Destination Town Project Ireland Campaign • Autumn Campaign: Let’s Walk Kildare, • Networking events for the tourism & hospitality industry with guest Feast on the Tastes of Kildare, Visit our Towns & Villages speakers including David McWilliams (Chief Economist) & Eoghan Corry • Be a Tourist in your own County (travel trade expert)
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Enterprise & Economic Development
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Enterprise & Economic Development Online webinars –
The Business Support Unit of Climate Action (October 2021), Kildare County Council Future of the workplace (December 2021). incorporates the Local Enterprise Office and the Both included attendance of 90+ each. Economic Development Team. The unit serves as a ‘first-stop shop’ to provide support and Other relevant developments in 2020 services to start, grow and develop micro and small • Construction commenced (due to be businesses in each Kildare. completed 2021) • General Manager recruited One of Kildare County Council’s Strategic • Programme Manager recruited Objectives is to optimize the potential of Kildare and its businesses to innovate, invest, • Branding established and marketing promote and sustain growth and employment campaign launched across our county and throughout our • Client recruitment commenced community. The Business Support Unit woks • Accelerator Programme and events to facilitate growth and economic activity and launched provide a high quality of life for our citizens.
Capital Projects – MERITS The completion of the MERITS building will realise a vision to serve the emerging technology sector by connecting organisations and people and acting as a centre of excellence in supporting innovative companies across the county and wider region.
Status of building
A revised construction programme has been developed with the key stakeholders. Once the site can reopen after COVID restrictions the main contractor (Duggan Lynch) has a further 2 months on site to complete their MERITS building under construction during scope of works. 2020
Status of recruitment Shop County Kildare
Despite construction delays, the Kildare Over 300+ Kildare Businesses signed up to County Council Economic Development the new online ecommerce platform providing department decided to proceed with running Kildare businesses with the opportunity to MERITS first programmes on a virtual make the move to online sales in a free of basis. The following programmes were charge quick and user-friendly model. delivered: www.shopcountykildare.ie
Global Ambition Programme – tech accelerator programme
Tech Hatch – Pre-accelerator programme
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EDEN Student Entrepreneurship awards took place virtually and were broadcast Challenge with Maynooth University online from the Mansion House in Dublin.
EDEN Student Entrepreneurship Challenge in association with LEO and Maynooth University.
34 teams of 3rd level students competed in the innovation challenge in association with Maynooth university for a prize pot of €10,000
Student Enterprise Awards
21 secondary schools in Student Enterprise Program with 1,504 students participating.
Overall County Winner, ‘The Learning Lads’, Salesian College Celbridge (pictured).
Local Enterprise Week
Thousands of attendees attended over 300 events across Kildare during the week, aimed at supporting small businesses and fostering entrepreneurship.
Supporting Women in Business (Network Ireland, Kildare Branch)
LEO sponsorship of Women’s Network. Provided sponsored membership to clients, delivering Female Entrepreneurship Showcase Ireland 2020 Programmes to 36 businesses, featured at 2 events and hosted a pop-up at the Network Three LEO supported clients showcased their Ireland meeting highlighting the range of businesses at Ireland’s biggest creative supports available to the group of female exhibition. Pebble & Twigs, Leixlip, Johnny entrepreneurs. Magory Books, Naas and Dink Studio, Kildare Town. Export Programme with North Eastern University Boston Covid 19 Pandemic 2020 – Supporting Kildare Businesses 10 Kildare businesses embarked on a new 10- month pilot programme with the North Eastern The Covid 19 pandemic left many businesses University Boston, MA and Kildare County in Kildare facing into an uncertain future. In Council’s LEO to enter the coveted North 2020 many businesses faced critical American market. challenges, including temporary ceasing of trading, cash flow and financial difficulties, National Enterprise Awards critical staff continuity options and an uncertain Leixlip Tech Company QPQ, who are future. supported by Kildare LEO were top winners at the National Enterprise Awards 2020. The
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Kildare County Council worked with all sectors • 250 businesses attended COVID-19 of the business community in response to the supports webinar in August 2020 Covid 19 challenges, through the following following local lockdown phase • 3,425 businesses completed training programmes to combat COVID-19 business challenges
Bringing Back the High Street
Phase 1: REACT
• First LEO in the country to provide ‘Leading your business through COVID-19’ • 904 businesses availed of expert mentoring in financial management and marketing. Total Investment up to December 2020 of • Supporting mental health of the €233.3K includes: business community. 466 businesses • Developing and managing the shared attended weekly virtual coffee ecommerce website ‘Shop County networking mornings gaining support Kildare’ and guidance through phases of crisis • 300+ Kildare retailers registered on and gaining peer support. the Kildare County Council Shop • The Mindfulness Business Series County Kildare website Programme • 92 Kildare businesses received
funding to improve shopfronts to the Phase 2: RESILIENCE value of €133,107 • €1 million invested in COVID-19 • Bespoke Retail Mentorship Business Continuity Support, helping programmes with expert retail over 700 businesses in Kildare consultants • Over 570 businesses brought online • Marketing Campaign – Shop Local: with €1.32 million investment in aim of the campaign to champion eCommerce funding small, local businesses, educate on importance of and encourage local community to shop local. • An additional €1.32 million investment in eCommerce funding
Phase 3: REOPEN
• Sector specific COVID-19 programmes e.g. beauty and hairdressing, hospitality, retail,
professional services
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Kildare LEO Supporting Businesses in Craft Sector 2020 Original Kildare Craft Network was launched. Kildare LEO Supporting Businesses in Kildare clients participated in the National 2020 Design Challenge with the Design and Crafts €847.8k investment in start-up Council Ireland. expansion grants 3,784 businesses availed of online training €1.75m investment in Covid 19 business continuity support €6.8k invested in Micro Enterprise Assistance Funding 46 businesses received LEO direct grant funding of €1.2m to start and grow their business 285 new jobs created by client companies
724 established companies in the last year Brexit Support 241 embarked on first Start your own business journey • 139 businesses accessed customs and excise supports • Kildare County Council LEO hosted 2 Equine Industry online Brexit events • Kildare County Council LEO continues Development of an equine strategy and signed to run the ‘Change is Coming’ Brexit lease with National Stud. Secured €87,000 campaign locally funding for the development of an Equine • Launch of the Going for Growth in Innovation Hub. Boston Program in Collaboration with Food Industry NE university Boston
Secured €480,000 funding under the Rural Regeneration Development Fund to advance Food Innovation Hub. 28 Kildare food businesses availed of ‘Opportunities for Food Producers during Covid 19’ support. Delivery of Athy Food, Drink and Skills Innovation Hub progressing, design team appointed. Funding application under the RRDF submitted for construction works.
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Human Resources
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Human Resources completed the Bridging Course for the IPA Degree in Local Government, 1 staff member During 2020 the HR department adjusted completed the IPA Degree in Local many processes due to the pandemic, to Government in 2020. The Leadership in Local ensure consistent service and support for staff. Government Programme did not proceed in The main changes were the introduction of 2020 as the IPA could not hold this course remote working across the organisation and online. the use of online platforms to deliver training and carry out interviews. 16 staff members were approved under the 2019 Scheme of Assistance for other courses Despite the pandemic, recruitment campaigns of further education. continued throughout 2020 to ensure that all available posts were filled, as required. Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)
The HR department processed applications in Spectrum.Life are the current providers of the relation to 30 competitions that were held EAP. Staff can access a wide variety of during the year. From the 951 applications information including 24/7 mental wellbeing received, 488 were male and 463 were female. support programme through the app or online.
As a result of the competitions held for the posts, 246 applicants were deemed qualified Core Staff No. Whole Time Equivalent and placed on panels, 107 male, and 139 female. Managerial 7 6.8
Training and Development Clerical/Administrative 456 425.54
656 staff completed classroom-based training Professional/Technical 209 205.1 in 2020. The training programme was also adapted for delivery online and the following Outdoor 350 291.15 was delivered: Total Core Staff 1022 928.59 1,150 staff completed training online covering various areas: Other Staff No.
• Covid 19 induction Contract/temp/Seasonal 42 42 • Agresso • Lunch & Learn CPD Talks Retained Fire Fighters 62 N/A • Health & Safety induction • Conferences/Seminars Non DoEC&LG 7 5 • First Aid Response Covid19 update Total Other posts 111 47 • First Aid Response refreshers • EAP Launch Sessions • Excel basic & intermediate • Freedom of Information • Minute-taking • Customer Care • PSDP • Irish Language • Mental Health training for local authority staff
20 staff members completed the IPA Certificate in Local Government, 10 staff members completed the Diploma in Local Government Studies, 2 staff members
pg. 47
Planning & Strategic Development
pg. 48
Planning, Strategic Development & Regeneration & Development Fund, Public Realm Greenways Fund, Carbon Tax Fund and the Town & Village Renewal Scheme. The Planning Authority seeks to facilitate the social and economic needs of the county while County Development Plan promoting sustainability, social inclusion, Following the publication of the Regional equality and quality of life in our communities. Spatial and Economic Strategy (RSES), Forward Planning, Development Management Kildare County Council commenced and Enforcement sections play a vital role in preparation of a statutory variation to the achieving this objective and promoting the Kildare County Development Plan (KCDP) to development of the county at a local, regional align same with the National Planning and national level in a socially inclusive and Framework and Regional Spatial & Economic sustainable manner. Strategy for the Eastern Midlands region. The Development within the county is encouraged variation was placed on public display on 9th and guided by the County Development Plan of January 2020 for a period of 4 weeks. The and Local Area Plans through land use zoning, council published the draft variation on the policies, objectives, standards and guidelines. consultation portal and invited submissions and observations with respect to same. Implementation of the aspirations set out in these strategic and statutory plans is achieved • Variation No. 1 of the KCDP 2017- through the Development Management and 2023 was adopted on the 9th of June Enforcement process to ensure the necessary & came into effect immediately social, economic and physical infrastructure is • The preparation and consultation on facilitated and encouraged within the county in the Kildare Open Space and the interests of proper planning and Recreational Strategy began in 2020 sustainable development to provide for the and same will be completed in 2021 needs of our youthful and growing population and will inform the review of the whilst protecting our natural and built Kildare County Development Plan environment. • A review of the Kildare Rural Housing Design Guide began in 2020 and The public health restrictions introduced to same will be completed in 2021 and address the global Covid 19 pandemic will inform the review of the Kildare throughout 2020 undoubtedly had an adverse County Development Plan impact on planning in Ireland. Notwithstanding this, the year on year increase in planning Local Area Plans (LAP) applications for county Kildare continued. Furthermore, there was a significant number of Athy: Draft LAP and associated supporting Strategic Housing Development applications documents (including Area Based Transport lodged with An Bord Pleanála during the year Assessment, Social Infrastructure Audit, Urban in respect of large housing schemes. Regeneration Framework, Architectural Conservation Area Statement of Character The Strategic Projects & Public Realm team and Sustainable Planning and Infrastructural (SPPR) which was formed in 2019 is a Assessment) prepared during 2020 and multidisciplinary team with Architectural, Urban published on 17 December 2020 Design, Engineering and Town Planning expertise. Naas: Draft LAP and associated supporting documents (including Social Infrastructure The SPPR team develops key strategic Audit, Urban Regeneration Strategy, projects from concept through planning Architectural Conservation Area Statement of approval stage, detailed design and Character and Sustainable Planning and construction, while also leveraging funding for Infrastructural Assessment) prepared during the delivery of these projects through various 2020 and published on the 9th of March 2021 funding streams such as the Urban Regeneration & Development Fund, Rural
pg. 49
Leixlip: adopted December 2019, came into effect February 2020
Vacant Sites
• Site surveys undertaken in Q2 & Q3 of 2020 • 223 sites were surveyed throughout the county in 2020 in Leixlip (10); Kildare (32); Maynooth (21); Newbridge (29); Sallins (12); Celbridge (13); Monasterevin (16); Clane (17); Kilcock (8); Kilcullen (10); Naas (33) and Athy (22) • The process of valuations for 7 sites is
underway • A further 8 sites are the subject of appeals to An Bord Pleanála and an additional 14 sites have been identified for issuing of Section 7 (1) notices
Strategic Projects & Public Realm
Barrow Blueway
• Work commenced on 48 km Barrow Blueway from Lowtown to Athy by the Strategic Projects & Public Realm team in 2020 in collaboration with
Waterways Ireland and Laois County Council after securing funding of €5,000,000 under the RRDF “Shovel Ready” category 1.
pg. 50
During 2020, the Strategic Projects and Public Realm team were successful in obtaining the following funding:
Funding Stream Project Project Description Funding Total Location Awarded Project Cost
Carbon Tax Fund Sallins to Detailed design, detailed business case, €213,000 €213,000 Clonkeen Total Scheme Budget (TSB) and enabling (Offaly border) procurement for a 38.5km section in county Kildare (11km of which has already received funding) from Sallins to Clonkeen on the Offaly border
Town & Village Kildare Removal of existing car-parking spaces in €40,000 €47,500 Renewal Scheme the Market Square to facilitate social Accelerated Measure distancing, recreational use by the in response to Covid- community and outdoor eating and 19 queueing of patrons for businesses on the square
Town & Village Athy School Street pilot scheme €25,000 €29,000 Renewal Scheme Accelerated Measure in response to Covid- Monasterevin School Street pilot scheme €25,000 €29,000 19 Lowtown Cycle Cafe €25,000 €29,000
Sallins Cycle Café €25,000 €28,500
Ballymore Cycle Café €21,600 €27,500 Eustace
Punchestown Cycle Café €21,600 €27,500
Castledermot Cycle Café €21,600 €27,500
Leixlip Accelerated Covid-19 measures €40,000 €45,000
Celbridge Accelerated Covid-19 measures €40,000 €45,000
Maynooth Accelerated Covid-19 measures €40,000 €45,000
Naas Accelerated Covid-19 measures €40,000 €60,000
Newbridge Accelerated Covid-19 measures €40,000 €45,000
Rural Regeneration Kildare Preparation of plans and detailed design for €1,750,000 €2,333,333 and Development the redevelopment of the Market Square Fund Phase 2, and the detailed design for a new street scape and pedestrian link from Kildare Village to the town centre.
pg. 51
Prosperous Town Park & Market Square, Kildare Town
Additionally, during 2020 the Strategic Projects and Public Realm team delivered Prosperous Town Park and a temporary pilot scheme in Market Square, Kildare Town as a covid-19 accelerated measure. Before – Kildare Market Square showing use as a carpark
Prosperous Town Park – before After – Kildare Market Square showing temporary pilot scheme
Prosperous Town Park – After
Poplar Square – Tactile Urbanism Project
delivery
pg. 52
Development Management
Planning Applications Received
2020 1,627
(2019) (1,452)
Year No. of No. of Apartments (includes Total No. of Units Houses Ancillary Family Accommodation)
4,322 2020 3,445 877 (includes SHDs)
Strategic Housing Developments
Year Granted Apartments Houses Total
2020 7 1705 1,316 2,021
Note – does not include SHD lodged in 2020 but granted in 2021
Planning Decisions reversed by An Bord Pleanála
2020 % 2019 % 2018 % 2017 %
No. of Decisions confirmed 65 79% 61 81% 62 85% 60 80%
No. where LA decision reversed 17 21% 13 20% 11 15% 12 20%
pg. 53
Heritage: Built, Natural and Cultural developed the Tidy Towns Local Heritage Plan Projects Authority Pollinator Awards • Heritage Week 2020 - 40 online Kildare County Council, through its Heritage events organised and Conservation Office, continued to develop • Biodiversity Week 2020 -12 weeks of its role in the protection and promotion of the biodiversity infomercials were run on built and natural heritage resources of the KFM. Kildare County Council county throughout 2020. This was achieved by sponsored 3 Biodiversity podcasts on providing advice on aspects of Kildare’s local biodiversity heritage and by developing policies and • Community Heritage Grant Scheme priorities for the identification, protection, 2020 - 58 projects were supported. preservation and enhancement of the county’s The Heritage Officer assisted groups heritage. in applying for funding, researching and developing and implementing their Heritage community heritage project, including The Heritage Office implements the County assistance in liaising with heritage Heritage Plan and County Biodiversity Plan experts. through a series of annual actions. The actions implemented under these plans in 2020 Policy and Advice include the following: • Heritage Officer provides support to the Development Management, Collection of Heritage data Enforcement and Forward Planning • Turas Columbanus - an evaluation of functions of the Planning Dept the rote of Turas Columbanus in • Kildare County Council Pollinator county Kildare was conducted. This is Action Plan 2019-2023 was prepared a joint project with other Local and adopted. Kildare County Council Authorities signed up as a partner to the All- • County Biodiversity Action - (National Biodiversity Action Plan Ireland Pollinator Plan. Fund) Ecological Audits of 6 Kildare • UNESCO site Designation- Dun County Council parks with Ailinne – Heritage Officer contributed recommendations to the preparation of application for the Tentative World Heritage list for Dun Raising Heritage awareness Ailinne. • River Liffey Stories - a joint local authority project with Wicklow County Promotion of Best Practice Council. Over 18 videos have been • Preparation of 10 Local Biodiversity developed to promote the history and Action Plans (with LEADER) heritage of the river Liffey • Community Monuments Fund 2020- • Kildare Decade of DHLGH: Whites Castle (Conservation Commemorations - Continued Management Plan); St Johns implementation of the Decade of Graveyard Johnstown (Conservation Commemorations (2013-2023) works) programme • Creative Ireland- Funding from • County Biodiversity Action (National DCHG - Maudlins Pyramidal Mausolea Biodiversity Action Plan Fund) - Restoration project. Creative Ireland preparation of video on maintenance bursaries - Art, Community and of wildflower meadows (with NBDC, Heritage projects. Training for heritage Wicklow & Kilkenny County Councils). groups on new technology to develop • Tidy Towns LA Pollinator online content Award with the Heritage Officer • Kilkea Stone Table - consultants Network, the Heritage Officer appointed to commence restoration of this artifact
pg. 54
• Walled Towns Network – Kildare Deletions to RPS pursuant to Section County Council managed the 55 of the Planning & Development Act, membership of three towns in this 2000 (as amended) network (Kildare, Athy and Castledermot). Funding was secured • B22-25 French Furze, Kildare Town for three Projects in Castledermot and Kildare
Conservation
Built Heritage Investment Scheme 2020
Kildare County Council was awarded a total of €79,000.
Location/Structure Amount Cock Bridge Thatched €11,600 Cottage, Donore
Carbury Church €10,252 Thatch House, €13,574 Thomastown 7 Canning Place, €15,000 Newbridge
Mausoleum at €15,000 Maudlins, Naas Church of the Holy €13,574 Trinity, Moone
Historic Structures Fund 2020
Location/Structure Amount Donadea Castle Tower House €32,330 Newbridge College €15,000
Additions to RPS pursuant to Section 55 of the Planning & Development Act, 2000 (as amended)
• 2 no. pyramid Mausolea, Maudlins Cemetery, Dublin Road, Naas, Co. Kildare • 31 & 33 Main Street, Leixlip, Co. Kildare • Kildare Castle Gatehouse, Kildare Town • New Abbey House, Gate Lodge and Demesne, Kilcullen, Co. Kildare • Thatched Cottage, Carnalway, Kilcullen, Co. Kildare • Yew Cottage, Mountrice, Monasterevin, Co. Kildare
pg. 55
Roads, Transportation & Public Safety
pg. 56
Roads, Transportation & Public Safety
Overview of the Directorate
• Roads Section • National Road Design Office • Department of Transport Advisory Service • Fire Service • Civil Defence • Major Emergency Management • Severe Weather Assessment Team • Health & Safety for Kildare County Council • Access & Disability • Broadband and Telecommunications Coordination • Development Control and Building Control
County Kildare - Public Roads
Motorway 128 km
National Primary 19 km
National Secondary 17 km
Regional 487 km
Local Roads (Total) 2,009 km
Local 359 km Primary
Local 1,041 km Secondary
Local 609 km Tertiary
Total 2,660 km
pg. 57
Road Design & Construction Newbridge To commence in Transport Strategy Q4 2021 Athy Distributor Road
• Advance works completed • 6 contractors short listed • Stage 2 tender process ongoing
• Construction to commence Q4 2021, subject to approvals
Maynooth Eastern Ring Road
• South Eastern section of the Maynooth Outer Orbital Route
including bridge over the Royal Canal & rail line • CPO due to commence in Q4 2021 • Detailed design ongoing
New Machinery Yard and Regional Salt Barn
• Relocation of machinery yard from Newbridge to Naas. Planning approval in place • Enabling works contract ongoing • Main contract tender to issue Q3 2021 • Construction to commence Q4 2021 subject to approvals
Celbridge Hazelhatch Link Road
• Route selection stage ongoing • Public consultation complete • Emerging preferred route Q4 2021
Coughlanstown Road Restoration Project
Ballymore Eustace Complete
Kildangan Bridge Complete footpath Naas Transport Complete Strategy
Kildare Transport Due to go to public Strategy consultation in Q2 2021
Athy Area Based Complete Transport Assessment
pg. 58
Priority Roads Projects- other delivery methods
• Maynooth Outer Orbital Route (Moyglare Road to Dunboyne Road section)
▪ New Part 8 to be approved
▪ Being advanced by Meath County Council
• Celbridge Bridge Improvement Scheme
▪ Awaiting completion of EIAR by the NTA
▪ Being advanced by the NTA
▪ Dublin to Galway Greenway
▪ Maynooth to Dublin Boundary Section
• County Speed Limit Review
▪ Progressing - Workshops with Members held Nov/Dec 2020
Priority Developer Roads Projects
Maynooth Inner Relief Street
Moyglare Road to Dunboyne Road Maynooth to be open by Q3 2021
Newbridge Southern Relief Road
First section from Newbridge Road to Great Connell Road completed in 2020
Naas
Devoy Park Link Road complete
Kildare Town
Southern Internal Link Road complete
Clane Road (Capdoo)
Discussions ongoing with developer to complete the Ring Road
pg. 59
Winter Maintenance
• Weather Maintenance season commenced 14th October
• Temperatures monitored on a 24 hour/7-day basis by MD Engineers
• 10 routes now salted (increased from 9 in February 2019)
• 26.6% of our non-national roads are salt treated
• 25 drivers in total – 10 drivers per salt run; rotated weekly
• Total budget allocated by Kildare County Council - €690,000 PA
• Salt run details, maps, etc. – available on Kildare County Council website
Developer Provided Infrastructure
th Application submitted 18 September 2019 for inclusion in this fund.
Systems that can be connected to mains will receive priority . First 3 on list below can be connected to main system
1. Allen Court, Allen WWTP
3. Lios An Ri, Clogharinka WTP
4. Moorhill Wood, Brannockstown WWTP
5. Mountrice Mill, Monasterevin WWTP
6. Red Hills Park, Ellistown WWTP
7. Kilmurray Brook, Johnstownbridge WWTP
8. The Close, Tiermoghan WWTP
9. Ballagh Wood, Donadea WWTP 10. The Village, Moone WWTP
pg. 60
National Building Control Management System (BCMS). Building and Development Control Disability Access 2019 2020 Kildare County Council is a Building Control Certificates Authority and has powers of inspection, Total received 122 124 enforcement, and prosecution where Granted 131 137 breaches of the building regulations occur. Refused 0 0 Designers, Builders and Building owners are Number invalid 0 2 required to submit, through the National Inspections carried out on 21 66 Building Control Management System Disability Access (BCMS), Commencement Notices (CN) in Certificates advance of beginning works and Certificates of Compliance on Completion (CCC) before the finished works are occupied. The Building Control Section also monitors compliance with The European Communities Commencement 2019 2020 (Energy Performance of Buildings) Notices Regulations 2006 – 2008, which require a Building Energy Rating (BER) to be provided Total Received 611 461 when a building is constructed, sold, or let, Of which valid 596 454 and these ratings must also be displayed when advertising such a building for sale or Of which invalid 15 7 rent. 1043 BER’s were received through BCMS for buildings where Commencement Inspections of 211 199 Notices or Certificates of Completion on buildings with valid Compliance were received during 2020. Also, Commencement 15 estate agents were inspected for Notices compliance with legislation in respect of the display of BER ratings.
Development Control Certificates of 2019 2020 Residential developments consisting of two or compliance on more dwellings which have been granted completion planning permission may be eligible for taking Total Received 646 461 in charge (depending on conditions of the grant of planning permission). The taking in Of which valid 645 454 charge of residential estates by local authorities is provided for under Section 180 Of which invalid 1 7 of the Planning and Development Act 2000, as amended, and procedures for this are Inspections of 139 196 initiated under Section 11 of the Roads Act, buildings with valid 1993. The taking in charge of residential Certificate of estates is a reserved function of the elected Compliance on members. completion Under Section 180 Kildare County Council is obliged to initiate taking in charge procedures Disability Access Certificates (DAC) may be where requested by either the developer or by required in respect of works to buildings other the majority of owners of the dwellings. than dwellings (but including apartment However, this is subject to the development buildings), and this is also a function of the being completed to the satisfaction of the Building Control section. Applications are council and in accordance with the planning also submitted and managed through the permission and any conditions.
pg. 61
The primary activity of the Development Control section is to monitor ongoing development in conventional housing estates with the intention that, once a residential estate is complete to standard, the council (if requested) will take in charge the roads and footpaths, public lighting and open spaces. Where work has not been completed to satisfactory standards, there can be a delay in this process as enforcement proceedings including invocation of bonds may be progressed. Irish Water is responsible for the operation and maintenance of the water services infrastructure of a residential estate from the date of the taking in charge of the estate by the Council and must be consulted during the taking in charge process.
During 2020 the Development Control section recommended the taking in charge of the following 10 estates to the elected members, all of which were agreed:
Central Park Avenue and Central Park Way, Clane Chelmsford Manor, Celbridge Curragh Grange, Newbridge (except 1-12 The Park) Earls Court, Kill Furness Wood, Johnstown Grangemore Manor, Brannockstown Monread Close, Naas Straffan Way, Sallins The Maudlings, Naas The Mews, Whitethorn Grove, Kill
In December 2020 a report was presented to the elected members showing the level of activity across the county and highlighting some of the ongoing issues. It included finished, unfinished and residential estates currently under construction, and estates which were Taken in Charge since 2012.
pg. 62
New Lidl Distribution Centre Newbridge incl section of Ring Road pg. 63
Road Safety, Cycling and Sustainable Transport
• Installation of 12 Cycle Cafés • Public surveys for two ‘School Street’ pilot schemes • School visits on road safety and cycling
education • Bike Week, EU Mobility Week and Road Safety Week
• Joint regional and national campaigns • School travel and mobility campaigns with An Taisce • Engaged with school Principals/BoM to provide safer routes to school • Engaged with resident associations to create walking routes within estates during Covid19 lockdown and promote
local cycling and walking routes/initiatives • Installed bike shelters and cycle racks in two primary and one post-primary schools
as part of cycle and mobility campaigns to encourage cycling to school • Promoted road safety and cycling initiatives on the council’s social media platforms • Joint awareness campaign between Kildare County Council, An Garda Síochána and Irish Rail for ‘Lock it – Lose
it’ crime prevention campaign for cyclists.
pg. 64
Kildare National Roads Office
Current Major Projects
• M7 Naas Newbridge By-pass Upgrade • M7 Osberstown Interchange and R407 Sallins Bypass • M4 Maynooth to Leixlip upgrade
• National/Regional management office for TII National Roads • Network Operations
• Leinster Bridge Maintenance • Minor Road Improvement Schemes • National Winter salt provisions
• Misc services to DoT • Junction 4 – Junction 14 N11/M11 Upgrade Scheme • N11 Kilmacanoge Parallel Service Road
pg. 65
• Capital Funding required to fund new HQ
Major Emergency Management
Major Emergency Management Committee Kildare Fire Service meet every 2 months
Operational calls 2020 Annual meet and greet held with Principal Newbridge 442 Response Agencies
Naas 435 • Local co-ordination due to restrictions
Athy 223 Exercises and training at local and regional level are held each year Maynooth 321 • Ongoing use of the framework co- Monasterevin 181 ordination structures
Leixlip 179 Ongoing training of relevant staff in Kildare County Council TOTAL 1,842 Continual review of Major Emergency Plan Total at 31st December 2020 1,357 and all Sub Plans
Regional interagency approach to collaborate Civil Defence response to Covid19
• Civil Defence budget 2020 - €173,434 • Consistent approach to – CDO and 53 volunteers communications • Community events participation • Assisting other agencies as ceased in March 2020 due to Covid19 necessary • Supporting HSE Business Continuity o Assisted with transportation of HSE personnel and with • Early establishment of BCM Sub- transportation of public to Group reporting to Management testing centres Team o Assisting blood transfusion • Engagement with LGMA on service with management of production of sectoral guidance donation centres • SOGs and Back to Work Protocols o Received 4x4 Jeep supported • Appointment system to facilitate by the Dormant Accounts public access Fund • IT supports to home working o Laptops, VPN, DocuSign, Rainbow • Lead worker engagement • Ongoing revision and updating as levels change • Statutory Meetings
• Located new temporary premises in Newbridge for Civil Defence HQ
pg. 66
Climate Action and Energy Reduction
• Cycling Schemes delivered and planned • Segregated cycling lanes on all new roads e.g. Devoy Road, Naas • Public Lighting Retrofit programme (€0.5m energy cost saving PA approx.) • New machinery yard Naas • Recycling of pavement materials • New Roads Depot at Gallowshill Athy • Supporting the Cycling Forum • Purchased two new electric vehicles • Severe Weather Assessment Team – Climate adaptation preparation • Development of new bus routes, stops and shelters throughout the county in partnership with Kildare South Dublin Local Link e.g. Athy to Newbridge Route • Fire Station programme of energy upgrades across all six stations, insulation, heating systems upgrade, solar panel installation, lighting systems. Expected cost of €250,000 approx. with payback time ranging up to 8 years
pg. 67
Health and Safety Access and Disability 2020
Continuous improvement of our Health and • Launch of the County Kildare Access Safety Management System and adherence to Strategy – A Universal Access legislation Approach 2020-2022 • Awareness campaigns Make Way • Dedicated H&S resource per Day, International Day of Persons with directorate Disabilities • Review of 64 national guidelines • Winner of IPB & LAMA All Ireland • Update of documentation in line with Community & Council Award legislative requirements o Access and Inclusion Award
o Grand Prix Award Safety Inspections
150
100
50
0
NumberCompleted 2018 2019 2020 Actual 36 69 137
Target 48 48 72
Covid-19 Safety Measures
• Employee Health and Wellbeing programme
• Return to work protocol • Return to work induction • Remote working policy and working from home guidelines • COVID specific risk assessments • Standard operating guidelines
pg. 68
Environment, Water & Climate Action
pg. 69
Water and Environmental Services awarded the contract to BAM Civil Ltd in February 2020. Works have Water Services commenced on site and are due to last 24 months in total. Major Capital Projects
• Osberstown WWTP (€30m) (80 – 130,000 PE) – Completed early 2020 Minor Capital Projects – addressing issues of • Osberstown Sludge Treatment water quality, availability, environmental Facility (€10m) – Substantially compliance, leakage and asset performance complete and to be fully operational
Q2 2021
• Contract 2A (Newbridge Interceptor Flood Risk Management Sewer €30m) – Works now The main objective of the Flood Risk commissioned, and contract has Management Section is to progress flood relief entered the operation phase schemes within the county in conjunction with • Contract 2B (€30m Osberstown the Office of Public Works (OPW). Networks-Monread/Sallins/Clane/Kill) Schemes have been prioritised from the OPW – progressing well for completion by Flood Risk Management Plans, which were end 2021 adopted by the Council in July 2018.
• Maynooth Transfer Pipeline – Ongoing schemes include: Upgrade of Maynooth Sewerage Pump Station and construction of a • Morell Flood Risk Management new sewerage pipeline to Leixlip Scheme (at construction stage) WWTP. Project currently at planning • Naas Flood Relief Scheme (at and detailed design stage. Currently preliminary Design Stage) negotiating with landowners. It’s • Leixlip and Athy have been prioritised expected that the scheme will be • Drainage channel maintenance is completed in Q1 2026 provided across the drainage districts • Barrow Water Supply Scheme within Kildare through a multi-annual Extension – Scheme commenced in programme of works. June 2020 and expected to be commissioned in July 2021 with an operation phase to end of October before it’s handed over to water Environmental Services operations Burial Grounds • Celbridge Local Network Re- The Council manages over 30 active enforcement (divert flows from Celbridge to Lucan) – Tendering cemeteries in the county. process is ongoing for the works Grant support for the upkeep of cemeteries is contract. It is hoped that the provided to local committees in the county. construction work will begin Q3/Q4 2021. A programme of cemetery works has been undertaken by the Council over recent years. • Lower Liffey Valley Drainage Area Works are continuing at a number of locations Plan (general strategic overview of NE to improve facilities at the cemeteries. This has Kildare catchment) – ongoing – included: hydraulic models and growth assessments • Athy: Road and path improvement works • Leixlip Transfer Pipeline (divert • Ballymore Eustace: Paving industrial flows from Leixlip WWTP to improvement works Blanchardstown €35m) – Irish Water
pg. 70
• Donaghcomper: New caretaker Waste Collection Permits facilities • Churchtown: Public lighting The processing of applications is carried out by the National Waste Collection Permit Office • Kildare St. Conleths: Works in Offaly County Council. commenced on resurfacing, bunker improvement, boundary improvement, There are 116 waste collection permit holders signage improvement, delayed due to authorised to operate in County Kildare. There covid 19 restrictions are also 25 Waste Facility Permits and 8 • Kilcock Boycetown: Tree pruning, Certificates of Registration. surface water improvements • Maynooth Laraghbryan: Pathway Monitoring and inspection is carried out by resurfacing Kildare County Council Staff. Waste Management
Two Civic Amenity Sites operational at Athy and Kilcullen.
Funding issues to be addressed in respect of proposed North Kildare Civic Amenity Site.
Kerdiffstown Landfill Remediation Project
A number of advance works contracts, (including the realignment of the L2005 road), were completed during 2020. Main Works contract awarded in Q4 2020 with initial remediation works commenced by year end. Litter Management
• 1,931 complaints logged in 2020
• 258 fines issued • 39 Bring banks operated (a number of bring-bank sites were temporarily inaccessible during 2020 due to Covid 19 restrictions) • 58 tonnes of aluminium/steel cans recycled • 4,100 tonnes of glass recycled
• 18 ‘Green Kilometre’ local environmental enhancement projects
Legacy Landfills Support for Green Flag Schools Project continued There are 28 legacy sites in county Kildare classified as follows:- o Street sweeping, Fly-tipping, wardens – €4m per annum • 7 Class A, 11 Class B and 10 Class C. • Regional Waste Management Plan Anti-Dumping Initiative (ADI) – 8 projects calls for remediation programme and supported. this has commenced National Spring Clean did not take place due • Kildare County Council currently to Covid 19 restrictions. working at 6 of the Class A sites, certificates of authorisation applied for 42 Tidy Towns groups grant aided in 2020. or granted for 5 and awaiting application on the 6th. 100% funding National Tidy Towns competition cancelled approval granted by the Department due to Covid 19 restrictions.
pg. 71
Climate Action Regional Office (CARO) on progress made on the implementation of Climate Change Adaptation Strategy actions in the Climate Change Adaptation (CCAS) “Climate Resilient Kildare” 73.3% of Strategies / Climate Action Plans. Local all actions were completed or ongoing Authorities reported, as a sector, on the progress made in October 2020 and will Energy Efficiency Officer appointed to continue to do so on an annual basis. The oversee achieving its targets reporting template is also being used by Local Climate Action Officer appointed Authorities to report on progress to their own councils and SPCs. Climate Action SPC established and meeting regularly. Strategic Workplan agreed KPI’s being developed nationally to measure progress of local authorities on Climate Action Budget 2020/21 – Climate related activity as part of EM CARO. identified and approved in budget Climate Amendment Bill 2020 awaiting Standing item on Senior Management Team enactment, and this has expanded role for the and CPG Agenda Climate Change Advisory Council as well as introducing decarbonising ranges for all
sectors.
Just Transition process started to explore potential training and funding programmes for those effected by the closure of Bord na Mona plants in West Kildare as part of the JTF received by the CARO.
The Local Authority Climate Action Progress The Local Authority Climate Action Training Reporting Template was developed by the Programme has been devised to activate the CAROs to enable all Local Authorities to report CCMA endorsed Local Authority Climate
pg. 72
Action Training Plan 2019. The training Car charging units have been installed in the programme provides a framework from which Aras Chill Dara car park for use by staff. Local Authority ‘climate action leadership and Electric Vehicle Charging Points - Review of capacities’ is supported and enhanced, in current public EV CP infrastructure in place response and fulfilment of Action 150 of the and identification of solutions to match future Climate Action Plan 2019. The roll-out of the demands for public EV CP’s training programme to Local Authority staff commenced in late 2020. Collaboration with GAA - Cappagh GAA in Kildare have been selected as one of the Pilot Mainstreaming of Climate Mitigation and GAA cubs in developing a National Resilience continues across functional areas Sustainable Club and Community Programme. and reserved functions.
Climate Innovation Fund was conceived under the Celbridge Leixlip MD to enable creative & innovative local action on climate change.
21 Registered Sustainable Energy Communities (SECs) in Co. Kildare. Four of the SEC’s nearing the end of their Energy Master Plan stage, and once concluded will move to action phase.
Energy Management Team proposal being developed to re-establish Kildare County Council’s Energy Management Team to reduce energy usage across the Council
SECAP Tender being prepared for the delivery of Kildare’s Sustainable Energy & Climate Action Plan, as required by the Covenant of Mayors movement.
Fleet Electrification - 2 electric vehicles in fleet, a third vehicle ordered, and further proposals being developed to increase electric vehicle numbers. Energy Usage Monitoring and Reporting (M&R) - Kildare County Council continues to make good progress on reducing its energy usage across the Council. Latest information for year ending 2020 would suggest Kildare is now at 32.7% energy reduction against its baseline year of 2009, which is significant progress from our 2019 figure of 24%. Although this is a provisional figure from SEAI it shows continued progress on energy efficiencies through our council driven largely by the Facilities team to date. It must also be taken into account the impact Covid 19 restrictions would have on energy reduction in 2020 with remote working and reduced services.
pg. 73
ICT
pg. 74
ICT signature, extending our phone system to remote workers The Covid-19 pandemic created a particularly challenging environment for the Information Systems department. We needed to build a IT Continued to: new remote working infrastructure for our staff while maintaining existing services for both • Provide quality support to users citizens and our council members. through the Helpdesk function but with the extra challenge of supporting a ICT achievements for 2020 large number of remote workers • Develop and improve the GIS online For our citizens and customers, we digitizing solution to capture and display special data • Redeveloped the Kildare County • Monitor and manage ICT security and Council website offering enhanced implemented solutions to protect usability through responsible design, council assets and employees security, search capability and accessibility • Manage all of Kildare County Council’s ICT hardware and software • Completed implementation of the infrastructure. This infrastructure is consultation portal spread across approx. 40 locations • Went to tender and selected a vendor and is utilised by close to 950 users to help replace our existing CRM using 900 desktops, 600 mobiles, 100 solution with a plan for full servers in a virtualized SAN implementation of a Microsoft environment. Dynamics solution in Q1 2021
• Built an IT environment to support the ‘Community Call’ to support citizens during the pandemic
• Put in place business applications to support the restart grant applications process for SME’s.
For our council members, we
• Supported and enabled both statutory and non-statutory meetings using Microsoft TEAMS • Provided further technology supports around mobility and access for members
Enabling staff to work remotely in a safe secure and efficient manner was achieved by;
• Procuring, configuring, and deploying up to 500 laptops for staff • Configuring and deploying a secure
VPN solution to allow remote working • Configuring and deploying Microsoft TEAMS to enable staff collaboration • Enabling solutions for remote working such as on-line web forms, electronic
pg. 75
Finance
pg. 76
Finance grant schemes for 2020 and two top- up schemes which meant most To assist businesses during the pandemic the businesses received more than 3 Government introduced two schemes that separate grant payments Kildare County Council’s Finance department 2. Rates Waiver Scheme was a 9 month administered. They are: waiver for eligible businesses from 1. Restart Grant – which was a grant for their rates bills for 2020. eligible businesses based on previous Approximately 38% of Kildare rate payers year’s rates bills that was given in received restart grants totalling €25.5m. The order to help businesses deal with the amount of restart grant payments made by costs of re-opening their business due Kildare County Council for 2020 is as follows: to Covid 19. There were two restart
Ratepayers that Demand 2020 % of Demand received grants
No. € No. € No. €
5,092 61,599,171 1,918 25,448,466 37.67% 41.31%
schemes approx. €47.5m has been processed Approximately 80% of Kildare ratepayers had to assist Kildare ratepayers. a 9 months rates waiver applied to their rate account totalling €22m. Between both The amount of Rates Waivers made by Kildare County Council for 2020 is as follows:
9 Month Waiver Demand 2020 % of Demand Applied 2020
No. € No. € No. €
5,092 61,599,171 4,055 22,056,388 79.63% 35.81%
pg. 77
Financial Statement Year ended 31 December 2020
(with comparative revenue account figures for previous years)
REVENUE ACCOUNT
Expenditure 2020 2019 2018 2017 2016
€ € € € €
Housing and Building 53,767,101 43,971,729 39,962,253 36,731,251 34,639,737
Road Transportation and Safety 38,027,548 35,236,022 34,788,880 32,370,045 30,326,849
Water Supply and Sewerage 9,979,748 10,002,878 10,429,704 10,093,142 11,077,177
Development Incentives and Controls 45,028,845 17,684,483 15,499,350 14,474,331 11,788,167
Environmental Protection 18,587,183 19,082,892 17,387,255 29,759,112 30,983,692
Recreation and Amenity 11,065,823 11,025,364 11,017,421 10,242,692 8,861,033
Agriculture and Education 1,129,509 1,053,015 1,308,089 1,359,621 1,142,623
Miscellaneous Services 39,882,802 18,032,354 13,399,207 14,005,006 13,373,486
Total 217,468,559 156,088,737 143,792,159 149,035,200 142,192,764
Receipts (Grants, Goods and Services)
Housing and Building 49,057,850 38,975,186 34,706,815 35,244,200 30,785,748
pg. 78
Road Transportation and Safety 17,713,271 17,088,302 17,507,137 14,019,308 12,745,732
Water Supply and Sewerage 9,707,935 9,662,709 10,354,821 10,471,990 11,511,754
Development Incentives and Controls 33,757,955 6,694,954 5,588,001 5,580,827 3,795,991
Environmental Protection 6,163,298 6,869,610 4,680,982 17,979,449 19,787,593
Recreation and Amenity 1,340,180 1,214,379 2,092,080 1,653,565 1,209,506
Agriculture and Education 499,215 311,427 382,255 420,165 421,877
Miscellaneous Services 31,102,895 6,979,877 7,339,445 5,580,156 6,576,211
Sub-Total 149,342,599 87,796,444 82,651,536 90,949,660 86,834,412
Urban Authority Accounts 0 0 0 0 0
Pension Related Deductions 0 0 0 0 1,529,668
Local Government Fund/LPT 17,731,578 16,090,559 16,079,635 16,058,831 12,462,107
County Rates 60,785,745 58,840,323 59,047,321 58,125,047 57,555,963
Total 227,859,922 162,727,326 157,778,492 165,133,538 158,382,150
Transfers to/from Reserves -10,227,999 -6,468,164 -13,755,158 -15,875,691 -15,948,864
Surplus/Deficit for year 163,364 170,425 231,175 222,647 240,522
Opening Balance -334,804 -505,228 -736,403 -959,050 -1,199,572
Closing Balance -171,440 -334,803 -505,228 -736,403 -959,050
CAPITAL INVESTMENT 2020 2019 2018 2017 2016
€ € € € €
Housing and Building 87,252,732 113,579,281 87,205,755 48,109,084 34,593,273
pg. 79
Road Transportation and Safety 39,123,894 53,958,525 48,323,573 28,530,804 23,745,128
Water Supply and Sewerage 1,010,062 1,481,472 1,483,156 1,133,043 17,855,243
Development Incentives and Controls 790,072 3,629,727 -726,170 -10,256,136 -15,647,624
Environmental Protection 7,400,637 5,290,086 3,454,727 4,013,356 4,214,571
Recreation and Amenity 2,036,884 2,370,754 2,774,181 2,783,289 1,815,253
Agriculture and Education 0 0 0 0 0
Miscellaneous Services 131,568 817,250 1,369,543 90,897 -1,113,155
Total 137,745,849 181,127,095 143,884,765 74,404,337 65,462,689
pg. 80
Schedule of Municipal District Works 2020 *retained LPT
Athy Celbridge - Leixlip Kildare - Newbridge Clane - Maynooth Naas
Roads, Transport & 214,646 322,000 175,000 510,500 70,059 Safety
Community & 381,898 233,584 512,579 157,300 389,037 Enterprise Environmental 18,000 80,000 111,000 64,000 73,800 Services
Library and Arts 53,569 25,656 32,000 55,288 13,000
Economic 71,394 3,000 338,000 166,000 370,844 Development
Recreation & Amenity 55,000 252,500 - 147,000 -
Pay Parking Surplus 87,048 2,729 353,093 187,072 553,941
*LPT 2020 794,508 916,740 1,161,204 1,100,088 916,740
Total 881,556 919,469 1,514,297 1,287,160 1,470,681 Note: LPT allocated on the basis of 50% of funding equally divided between Municipal Districts and 50% of funding allocated based on the number of Councillors in each Municipal District.
pg. 81
Appendices
pg. 82
• Monitoring of National Planning Appendix 1 – Strategic Framework (NPF), the Regional Policy Committee Scheme Spatial and Economic Strategy (RSES) and objectives for the Dublin 2019 – 2024 Metropolitan Area Spatial Plan In January 2020, the external pillar (MASP) representatives to the Strategic Policy • Preparation of the County Committees (SPC) were approved by full Development Plan Issues Paper council. A facility to enable SPC committee • Review of the Rural Housing Design members attend meetings remotely was Guide/Rural Housing Policy to include subsequently put in place due to the a policy/implementation strategy on pandemic. cluster developments in rural areas Economic Development, Enterprise and • Review of the county wide open space Planning SPC and recreation strategy • Kildare Pollinator Plan Name Sectoral Interest • Pilot Public Participation process Councillor Ivan Keatley Member of Kildare • To consider motions referred by [Chair] County Council council Councillor Robert Member of Kildare Power County Council Councillor Michael Member of Kildare Coleman County Council Councillor Kevin Duffy Member of Kildare County Council Councillor Peggy Member of Kildare O’Dwyer County Council Councillor Padraig Member of Kildare McEvoy County Council Councillor Seamie Member of Kildare Moore County Council Gerry Prendergast Business/ Commercial Majella O’Keefe PPN Social Inclusion
Evonne Boland PPN Environment/ Conservation Nominee awaited Development/ Construction
The Economic Development, Enterprise and Planning Strategic Policy Committee met to consider the following issues:
• Economic Development Strategy for the county
pg. 83
Transportation, Safety and Emergency • Transport links - policy and planning Services SPC on effective transport links across towns in Kildare Name Sectoral Interest • Rail Network- policy on integrating rail Councillor Member of Kildare County planning into developments and Joe Neville Council planning including appropriate park [Chair] and ride Councillor Member of Kildare County • Bus Services – policy on increasing Angela Council capacity and identifying express bus Feeney routes • Review policies around public parking Councillor Member of Kildare County in the context of urban renewal, Anne Council cycling and pedestrian amenity with Connolly associated benefits Councillor Member of Kildare County • Cycle and walking signage Mark Council • Naming of roundabouts policy Stafford • To consider motions referred by council Councillor Member of Kildare County
Colm Kenny Council Councillor Member of Kildare County Local Community and Cultural SPC Nuala Council Name Sectoral Interest Killeen Councillor Aoife Member of Kildare Councillor Member of Kildare County Breslin [Chair] County Council Paul Ward Council Councillor Member of Kildare Cormac Agriculture/Farming Carmel Kelly County Council Browne Councillor Member of Kildare Brian Business/Commercial Bernard County Council Purcell Caldwell
Gerry PPN Community/Voluntary Councillor Noel Member of Kildare Dornan Heavey County Council
Nominee Development/Construction Councillor Member of Kildare awaited Tracey O’Dwyer County Council
Councillor Evie Member of Kildare The Transportation, Safety and Emergency Sammon County Council Services Strategic Policy Committee met to Councillor Aidan Member of Kildare consider the following Farrelly County Council • Electric Vehicles – Policy on Electric Ashleigh PPN Environmental/ Vehicles in relation to free parking Connors Conservation • Rural Public Lighting- Rural Public Lighting Scheme Maureen Bergin Business/Commercial • Access & Disability – Development of Vivien Kelly- PPN accessible public realm streetscapes Keane Community/Voluntary • Policy on the installation of traffic calming measures for the county, and Nominee PPN Social Inclusion permeability in estates awaited
pg. 84
The Local Community and Cultural Strategic • To examine policies/programmes Policy Committee met to consider initiatives relating to river/surface water quality under the following headings: • To consider waste reduction initiatives • Age Friendly • To consider green procurement/green • Libraries finance • Parks • To examine new models relating to • Twinning/Integration/Roma Traveller public markets Strategy/Community Development • To consider feasibility of possible roll • Community Administration out of drinking water dispensers • Arts Services • To assist with roll out of native • Local Community Development woodlands initiative Committee • To focus on air quality policies/issues • Sports Partnership • To progress roll out of policies relating • To consider motions referred by to biodiversity particularly in a council community/tidy towns context • To consider issues relating to Environmental Services and Water SPC compacting bins (possible partnership with businesses) Name Sectoral Interest • To review the Litter Management Plan Councillor Member of Kildare County • To consider motions referred by Suzanne Doyle Council council [Chair] Housing SPC Councillor Brian Member of Kildare County Dooley Council Name Sectoral Interest
Councillor Íde Member of Kildare County Councillor Brendan Member of Kildare Cussen Council Weld [Chair] County Council
Councillor Member of Kildare County Councillor Daragh Member of Kildare Brendan Wyse Council Fitzpatrick County Council
Councillor Member of Kildare County Councillor Member of Kildare Vanessa Liston Council Veralouise Behan County Council
Councillor Anne Member of Kildare County Councillor Tim Member of Kildare Breen Council Durkan County Council
Emer Conway PPN Environmental/ Councillor Chris Member of Kildare Conservation Pender County Council
Evan Arkwright Business/Commercial Councillor Noel Member of Kildare Padraic PPN Community/Voluntary Connolly County Council O’Lunaigh Councillor Mark Member of Kildare Nominee Agriculture/Farming Leigh County Council awaited John McLoughlin Social Inclusion
The Environmental Services and Water Tom O’Malley PPN Community/ Strategic Policy Committee met to consider the Voluntary following issues: Billy Wall Trade Union • To consider flood alleviation programme Nominee awaited Development • To review policies relating to derelict Construction sites
pg. 85
The Housing Strategic Policy Committee met Thomas Malone Agriculture/Farming to consider the following issues:
• Review of Mid-East Region In January 2020, the Chairperson and elected Homelessness Action Plan members to the newly formed Climate Action • Review of Kildare Council’s Strategic SPC were approved by full council. Plan for Housing Persons with a Disability The Climate Action Strategic Policy Committee • Review of Scheme of Priority for met to consider the following issues: Affordable Purchase Arrangements • Anti-Social Behaviour Strategy • To discuss and consider policies • Rebuilding Ireland relating to the ‘Just Transition’ • Choice Based Lettings • To examine templates/good practice for community initiatives • To consider motions referred by council • To develop the climate action Note: Former Councillor Mark Wall was Chair ‘business opportunities’ agenda of the Housing SPC from January to June • To enhance policies relating to modal 2020 until his election to Seanad Éireann shift in transport, particularly walking when Councillor Mark Leigh replaced him. and cycling • To input into policies relating to the all- Former Councillor Patricia Ryan was a Ireland pollinator plan member of the Housing SPC until her election • To build on existing community inputs to Dáil Eireann in February 2020 when . such as green schools, green fora, Councillor Noel Connolly replaced her. carbon-neutral towns • To focus on mitigation policies and Climate Action SPC related initiatives • To focus on policies relating to the Name Sectoral Interest limiting of plastic Councillor Peter Member of Kildare • To influence policies at regional and Hamilton [Chair] County Council national level • To increase community awareness Councillor Bill Clear Member of Kildare and participation in climate action County Council issues Councillor Fintan Member of Kildare • To input into training/capacity building Brett County Council initiatives • To consider motions as referred by Councillor Ciara Member of Kildare council Galvin County Council Note: Former Councillor Vincent P Martin was Councillor Naoise Member of Kildare Chair of the Climate Action SPC from January Ó’Cearúil County Council to June 2020 until his appointment to Seanad Éireann. He was replaced on the Councillor Fiona Member of Kildare council by Councillor Colm Kenny who was McLoughlin Healy County Council appointed to the Transportation, Safety and Ali Sheridan PPN Environment/ Emergency Services SPC, while Councillor Commercial Peter Hamilton moved to Chair the Climate Action SPC. Judith Brown PPN Community/ Voluntary
Allan Shine Business/Commerci al
pg. 86
Appendix 2 - Committees of the Council 2020
Note: The Cathaoirleach, Councillor Mark Stafford, is an ex officio member of all committees and is included on all agenda/agenda reports circulation lists.
Name of Committee Members Witness to Affixing of Seal All Council Members Audit Committee Councillors Nuala Killeen, Mark Stafford, Seamie Moore Finance Committee Councillors Kevin Duffy, Ivan Keatley, Joe Neville, Angela Feeney, Carmel Kelly Local Rural Water Monitoring Committee Councillors Mark Leigh, Vanessa Liston, Brendan Wyse, Fintan Brett, Noel Connolly Local Traveller Accommodation Consultative Councillors Aoife Breslin, Nuala Killeen, Daragh Committee Fitzpatrick Peggy O’Dwyer, Anne Breen Protocol and Procedures Committee Councillors Aoife Breslin, Vanessa Liston, Padraig McEvoy, Chris Pender, Fintan Brett, Vera Louise Behan, Michael Coleman, Tim Durkan, Mark Stafford, Carmel Kelly Corporate Policy Group Councillors Suzanne Doyle, Ivan Keatley, Aoife Breslin, Joe Neville, Mark Stafford, Brendan Weld, Peter Hamilton, Fintan Brett. County Kildare Twinning Committee Councillors Aoife Breslin, Bernard Caldwell, Brendan Weld, Noel Heavey, Fintan Brett Coiste Gaeilge Councillors Aoife Breslin, Íde Cussen, Naoise Ó’Cearúil, Noel Heavey, Anne Breen Decade of Commemoration Committee Councillors Ciara Galvin, Nuala Killeen, Brendan Weld, Peggy O’Dwyer, Veralouise Behan, Padraig McEvoy, Noel Connolly Twinning Liaison Committee Councillors Aoife Breslin, Vanessa Liston, Angela Feeney, Tracey O’Dwyer, Carmel Kelly
pg. 87
Appendix 3 – Membership of External Bodies 2020
External Body Members Association of Irish Local Government Councillors Bill Clear, Fintan Brett, Carmel Kelly
Athy Heritage Company Ltd Councillors Aoife Breslin, Ivan Keatley, Brian Dooley
Athy Community Enterprise Company Councillor Brian Dooley CLG
County Joint Policing Committee Councillors Aoife Breslin, Ivan Keatley, Brian Dooley, Ciara Galvin, Nuala Killeen, Bernard Caldwell, Padraig McEvoy, Tim Durkan, Naoise Ó’Cearúil, Chris Pender, Fiona McLoughlin Healy, Anne Connolly, Bill Clear, Vincent P Martin (see Note 1), Fintan Brett, Colm Kenny County Kildare Fáilte Councillor Suzanne Doyle
Drehid Community Liaison Committee Councillors Daragh Fitzpatrick, Brendan Wyse
Dublin Mid-Leinster Regional Health Councillors Mark Wall, Vanessa Liston, Peter Hamilton, Peggy Forum O’Dwyer, Vacancy
Irish Public Bodies Mutual Insurance Councillor Naoise Ó’Cearúil
Kildare Community Network Company Councillors Rob Power, Brendan Wyse, Seamie Moore
Kildare Heritage Forum Councillors Vincent P Martin (see Note 1), Noel Heavey, Carmel Kelly, Colm Kenny Kildare Town Heritage Company CLG Councillors Suzanne Doyle, Mark Stafford, Patricia Ryan (see Note 2), Noel Connolly Kildare Sports and Leisure Facilities Ltd Councillors Anne Breen, Brian Dooley
Kildare Wicklow Education and Training Councillors Angela Feeney, Evie Sammon, Kevin Duffy, Daragh Board Fitzpatrick, Bernard Caldwell, Peter Hamilton, Íde Cussen Leixlip Amenities Centre Councillors Bernard Caldwell, Joe Neville
Local Authorities Members Association Councillor Joe Neville
Local Community Development Councillors Aidan Farrelly, Suzanne Doyle, Tracey O’Dwyer Committee Eastern and Midland Regional Assembly Councillors Padraig McEvoy, Fintan Brett, Rob Power
County Kildare LEADER Partnership Councillors Anne Breen, Evie Sammon, Anne Connolly, Fiona McLoughlin Healy
Monread Community Centre Councillors Vincent P Martin (see Note 1), Seamie Moore, Colm Kenny South Western Regional Drugs and Councillor Chris Pender Alcohol Taskforce
pg. 88
Note 1 - Following his appointment to Seanad Éireann in June 2020, former Councillor Vincent P Martin was replaced by Councillor Colm Kenny on the County Joint Policing Committee, the Kildare Heritage Forum and the Monread Community Centre.
Note 2 – Following her election to Dáil Éireann in February 2020, former Councillor Patricia Ryan was replaced by Councillor Noel Connolly on the Kildare Town Heritage Company CLG.
Appendix 4 – Conferences Attended in 2020 Date Conference Details No. of Members Attended
26 November 2020 CMG Urban Development Conference 6
pg. 89
Appendix 5 – Training Attended in 2020 Date Training Details No. of Members Attended
13 February 2020 AILG Module 2 Training Eastern Region 2
4th & 5th March 2020 AILG Annual Conference 3
12 November 2020 IPA "Introduction to Fraud and Control in Organisations" - 1 Online
12 November 2020 IPA "Introduction to Data Protection and GDPR" - Online 1
17 November 2020 IPA " Understanding the Financial Reports of Public Bodies" 2 - Online
1 December 2020 IPA "Understanding Local Government Finance " - Online 2
pg. 90
Appendix 6 – Councillors Meeting Attendance in 2020 * indicates member who was elected to Dáil Éireann following the general election in February 2020
**indicates members who were elected or appointed to Seanad Éireann in 2020.
No. of Total % Rate Total No. of Meetings of Councillor Name Meetings Attended Attendance
Aidan Farrelly 29 27 93%
Angela Feeney 34 34 100%
Anne Breen 32 31 97%
Anne Connolly 29 26 90%
Aoife Breslin 48 41 85%
Bernard Caldwell 29 26 90%
Bill Clear 30 25 83%
Brendan Weld 38 37 97%
Brendan Wyse 31 29 94%
Brian Dooley 31 27 87%
Carmel Kelly 37 34 92%
Chris Pender 33 30 91%
Ciara Galvin 30 24 80%
Colm Kenny 10 10 100%
pg. 91
Daragh Fitzpatrick 34 23 68%
Evie Sammon 27 26 96%
Fintan Brett 40 37 93%
Fiona McLoughlin Healy 30 27 90%
Íde Cussen 28 28 100%
Ivan Keatley 44 37 84%
Joe Neville 40 36 90%
Kevin Duffy 33 31 94%
Mark Stafford 43 43 100%
Mark Leigh 17 17 100%
Mark Wall** 9 8 89%
Michael Coleman 33 27 82%
Naoise Ó Cearúil 32 23 72%
Noel Connolly 20 19 95%
Noel Heavey 29 25 86%
Nuala Killeen 36 33 92%
Padraig McEvoy 37 33 89%
Patricia Ryan* 2 2 100%
Paul Ward 29 23 79%
Peggy O Dwyer 32 29 91%
Peter Hamilton 32 31 97%
Robert Power 28 24 86%
Seamie Moore 31 29 94%
Suzanne Doyle 36 33 92%
pg. 92
Tim Durkan 35 31 89%
Tracey O Dwyer 27 26 96%
Vanessa Liston 34 33 97%
Veralouise Behan 33 26 79%
Vincent P Martin** 15 12 80%
pg. 93
Appendix 7 – Councillor Expenses 2020
Mayor& Annual Mobile Confere Area SPC Chair Deputy Municipal Members Membership Expenses Phone Vouched nces Training First Committee Allowance Mayor’s District Annual of outside Surname paid to Allowance Expenses € € Name Allowance € Allowance Chairperson Allowance Bodies Councillor € € € € € € € €
17,388.22 Behan Veralouise 8,525.82 219.13 996.58
Breen Anne 5,410.55 328.61 996.58 17,388.22 Breslin Aoife 7,332.84 329.47 996.58 5,980.00 4,507.32 17,388.22 959.18 Brett Fintan 5,410.55 328.61 996.58 117.35 5,486.96 17,388.22 566.33 Caldwell Bernard 7,058.02 90.40 996.58 204.29 17,388.22 336.90 Clear Bill 5,412.58 90.40 996.58 17,388.22 Coleman Michael 4,868.28 996.58 6,439.18 17,388.22 Connolly Anne 6,145.14 256.84 996.58 17,388.22 Connolly Noel 3,297.95 90.40 4,644.91 858.59 14,992.96 Cussen Ide 5,868.28 328.61 996.58 5,565.28 17,388.22 1,040.00 Dooley Brian 7,424.22 90.40 996.58 17,388.22 Doyle Suzanne 6,234.09 278.82 996.58 5,174.55 14,488.23 17,388.22 Duffy Kevin 6,813.91 128.73 996.58 5,657.26 17,388.22 Durkan Tim 6,326.00 996.58 3,104.60 17,388.22 Farrelly Aidan 3,562.78 79.89 996.58 17,388.22 Feeney Angela 5,957.90 128.73 996.58 17,388.22 792.67 Fitzpatrick Daragh 5,410.55 996.58 17,388.22 682.00 Galvin Ciara 5,870.58 54.24 996.58 17,388.22 Hamilton Peter 6,236.52 996.58 1,724.85 17,388.22 Heavey Noel 5,412.71 996.58 206.78 17,388.22 Keatley Ivan 5,417.19 328.61 996.58 5,980.00 17,388.22 Kelly Carmel 5,410.55 90.40 996.58 6,577.14 17,388.22 Killeen Nuala 3,007.98 90.40 996.58 17,388.22 Leigh Mark 3,806.73 9,071.35
pg. 94
Liston Vanessa 3,832.18 4,520.73 996.58 17,388.22 Martin Vincent P 2,781.97 498.29 2,990.00 8,649.55 McEvoy Pádraig 5,410.55 328.61 996.58 17,388.22 761.41 McLoughlin Fiona 5,439.25 996.58 17,388.22 He Moore Seamie 5,410.55 278.82 996.58 2,897.62 17,388.22 Neville Joe 6,875.12 278.82 996.58 5,980.00 183.64 17,388.22 Ó Cearúil Naoise 5,915.96 996.58 17,388.22 O'Dwyer Peggy 5,412.71 164.89 996.58 17,388.22 O'Dwyer Tracey 5,412.71 128.73 996.58 17,388.22 Pender Chris 3,007.98 90.40 4,672.22 996.58 17,388.22 Power Robert 5,301.05 996.58 17,388.22 486.41 Ryan Patricia 750.72 114.99 1,996.05 Sammon Evie 5,412.71 128.73 996.58 17,388.22 1,950.00 Stafford Mark 4,471.32 90.40 996.58 15,523.12 5,749.26 17,388.22 Wall Mark 1,715.54 457.73 268.31 1,609.86 1,609.79 4,657.45 Ward Paul 5,544.08 996.58 3,012.47 17,388.22 Weld Brendan 6,051.19 328.61 996.58 3,104.73 2,988.18 17,388.22 Wyse Brendan 5,779.06 128.73 996.58 17,388.22 Kenny Colm 1,533.75 72.32 287.48 5,079.25
pg. 95
Appendix 8 - Corporate Plan Progress Report 2020
Functional Corporate Plan Performance Goals Supporting Measurement Actual 2020 Area Programme Methodology Current Progress Operational Update Baseline (2020 data (2018 data unless unless otherwise otherwise stated) stated) Arts Service 4.7 Continue to To further develop an Arts Council No. of arts grants and 70 grants 86 grants and bursary improve the well- Arts Service for Strategy bursary awards annually awards being, learning, Kildare County (2016–2025) No. of artists, community 300 200 recreation and cultural Council which Making Great groups and arts needs of our supports a vibrant Art Work - organisations supported community through arts infrastructure leading the No. of artists on professional 120 130 participation in and that reaffirms the development development, mentoring and development of our intrinsic value of the of the Arts in training programmes library, arts, heritage arts, enables public Ireland Short No. of members of the public 20,000 1,500 including online and culture services engagement and Grass Stories attending events events and programmes nurtures the artist An Arts No. of social media followers 6,000 Kildare Arts Service Strategy for and hits on social media Youtube: 12,185 views; Kildare County links Arts in Co Kildare Council 2018- Facebook: 2,608 2022 followers, 8.9k people reached; Kildare Arts Service Instagram: 287 followers; Kildare Arts Service Twitter: 552 followers, 84.9k impressions
pg. 96
Community 4.1 Enhance social Work to enhance Local No. of PPN Members 934 1080 Services inclusion, community community Economic & participation and participation and Community development through achieve citizenship Plan (LECP), training, awareness, through capacity capacity building, building and training Local community grants and in conjunction with Community awards in the PPN Development collaboration with the To promote Committee No. of PPN representatives 19 22 PPN and LCDC consultation and (LCDC) and to Kildare County Council & communication related structures through partnership Public with employees and Participation citizens Network (PPN) No. of events in Social 19 9 (online due to Covid To develop the Kildare Local Inclusion Week 19 restrictions) community Development No. of PPN Information 8 9 leadership role of the Strategy 2014- sessions regarding supports council through the 2020 available Local Community Development Committee (LCDC) Sustain the current no. of 18 23 To support the work meetings annually by LCDC of the Strategic and its supporting sub- Policy Committees committees No. of policies, strategies Reporting to and schemes reviewed and commence in developed by Strategic 2020, 5 Policy Committee following formation of new SPCs Residents No. Resident Association 111 342 Associations: To Groups continue to work with
pg. 97
existing community residents’ associations and support the development of new residents’ associations. 4.0 To empower all Continue to promote Use AIRO Kildare County Council 10 10 citizens to participate social inclusion and data to identify priority project estates in safe and inclusive community project estates supported. communities and development as good and develop access services and practice in all project needs supports that make a estates. analysis. positive difference in Identify Over 30 groups participate 30 23 their lives Support groups to estates, in the annual Pride in your participate in local encourage and Place Competition. and national award support competitions to participation in highlight best Pride of Place practice and Coordinate Over 10 young people 10 2 encourage youth workers participate in the Youth participation in priority Endeavour Awards. project estates with Kildare Youth Service 4.1 Enhance social Supports in the 74 applications for LARA 74 78 inclusion, community preparation of project Open Space Grant participation and proposals/accessing 235 Community/Festival 235 215 development through grants/funds for Grant applications from training, awareness, identified projects, targeted estates capacity building, e.g. community, community grants and festival, LPT etc awards in collaboration with the PPN and LCDC
pg. 98
4.8 Oversee and To continue to focus Regular At least 4 meetings per year 4 6 collaborate with on social inclusion as meetings and partner agencies in a means of tackling ongoing multi- the LCDC to poverty and agency implement a joined disadvantage coordination up, cross sectoral Multi-Agency group Funding and Scale of annual funding €1m SICAP spent all of its approach to local and established for scale of allocated budget of community targeted estates in groups No. of persons supported 800 €1,092,867. LEADER development the County to assisted annually allocated €1,607,870 in programming, highlight gaps in through 2020. particularly targeting service provision SICAP, No. of groups supported 60 the most excluded. LEADER. annually SICAP worked with 706 individuals as part of its' annual plan
32 projects worth €1,607,870 were funded under LEADER. SICAP worked with 67 local community groups through its' work in line with the agreed annual plan
Ensure Bi-monthly LCDC reports Yes Yes bi-monthly (6) monitoring and SICAP sub group review of meetings with reports SICAP to to the board. In maximise addition, 1 meeting with impacts Pobal liaision officer
pg. 99
Annual review complete Yes - mid year and end Yes/No of year review 2020 completed and approved by LCDC
4.2 Collaborate with To continue to Kildare County No. of Second-level schools 34 58 relevant agencies to support the work of Council participated in Comhairle support the Comhairle na nOg continues to development of under the national support the children and young policy framework development people through “Better Outcomes of Comhairle accessible youth- Brighter Futures na nOg specific facilities, 2014-2020” overseeing the childcare, recreation, service level sports, education and agreement health services with Kildare Youth Service 4.11 Promote and To continue to Continue to Successful Africa Day, Inter- Reporting to Currently in recognise cultural develop a more run a number cultural event held in Athy, commence in consultation phase for differences in inclusive and inter- of events and May 2019 2020, new integration planning and decision cultural society in the develop following strategy making by county through the strategies to development understanding needs, implementation of the promote of an adoption agreeing actions and Co Kildare diversity and a of new including more Integration Strategy more inclusive integration diversity in decision 2019-2024 county strategy making structures Develop and implement a Implementation worker Strategy Traveller and Roma appointed and adopted in Inclusion Strategy to support implementation 2019 communities committee in place 2.7 Develop and Twinning: Strengthen 10-member No. of active twinning 17 17 (website developed leverage opportunities and develop Kildare Committee groups in County www.kildaretwinning.ie) for community, cultural relationships meeting cultural and economic across the world.
pg. 100 developments through Providing support to 4 meetings per Twinning and twinning throughout year strategic engagement the County. implementing with our Diaspora the twinning Continued policy and implementation of the introducing twinning policy and new committee oversight. procedures. 2.8 Continue to work To support and Progress Leader funding awarded LEADER 32 projects values at with partner agencies facilitate existing and implementatio funding €1,607,870 were to support rural alternative n of the approved from approved for LEADER communities through agricultural and rural LEADER Nov 2017 to funding in 2020 skills development, based economic programme Nov 2019: enabling broadband activities 2014-2020, €1,567,445 delivery and through supporting support and employment assessment of opportunities aligned applications. Leader projects supported 28 32 to a rural lifestyle and setting
4.1 Enhance social To support the Eight Funding annually €2m €1.7m inclusion and development of established community sustainable community No. of individual grants 1,000 c. 1000 grants awarded participation and communities through grant schemes awarded across all categories. development through active intervention in – Tidy Towns, training, awareness, facilitating community voluntary and 2 Grant schemes under capacity building, lead projects community LCDC remit in addition community grants and groups, to LEADER above – awards in festival Community collaboration with the committees, Enhancement PPN and LCDC residents’ Programme allocated associations €287,800 to 32 groups and sports and Community Mental groups to Health Fund (HI)
pg. 101
enhance awarded €35,800 to 9 towns, housing groups estates and amenities in the county Annual county- No. of information sessions 8 2 wide information sessions across the county to
inform community of grants available and application guidance 4.4 To facilitate the To promote access Five new Cumulative total of Playgrounds – Playgrounds - 27 provision of to community-based playgrounds playgrounds/skateparks/outd 30 recreation, sports and sports and will be oor gyms facilitated and/or open space facilities recreational established in maintained by the Council Outdoor gyms in the County and opportunities Kildare in line – 11 Outdoor Gyms - 10 educate and build the with Kildare capacity of the entire Play Strategy Skateparks - 3 community to 2018-2028 Skateparks – 3 participate in healthier lifestyles Construction works started on a new Playground in Castledermot and preparation of a planning application for Allenwood playground. Addition of equipment to Celbridge Abbey
pg. 102
playground planned also
Annual ‘Play Cumulative attendance at 3,000 No event held in 2020 To seek the delivery Day‘ held Annual Play Day over due to Covid 19 of physical and annually since Corporate Plan lifetime restrictions. 800 play community 2015 circa packs distributed as an infrastructure in 3,000 children alternative conjunction with high quality residential Continue to Annual participation in 30,000 26,000 developments to support Kildare residents engaged in create quality living Kildare Sports sports and physical conditions Partnership activities. and in particular the Sports Inclusion and Disability Programme to increase participation
To support the Development Castledermot Castledermot Construction started development and of amenity – Part 8 enhancement of local lands at approved sports, leisure, following recreational and arts locations: The Allenwood Construction Site of playground had facilities Bawnogues, to start 2020 to be changed. New Kilcock, Lough in Allenwood part 8 prepared and na Mona, advertised Cherry Avenue, Prosperous Prosperous Playground completed Kildare Town. Part 8 and opened approved tender for
pg. 103
Commenceme design and nt of plans for construction in three progress additional playgrounds 1.7 Continue to To enhance and Delivery of Landscaping schemes 28 15 small scale improve and maintain develop the annual Parks carried out on Roundabouts Roundabouts landscape works the appearance of our appearance and Section works Villages and estates landscaped. projects completed in County with the environment of programme 2020. cooperation of our Kildare 12 other communities small-scale projects carried out 2019.
18 planned for progress in 2020
Annual Funding for tree €580,500 €580,500 surgery, planting, summer (2019) bedding etc To protect and Conduct Pilot scheme of 20 maintain the natural baseline Existing Wildflower areas in 6 Different locations 1.1 To protect, environment of assessment of parks chosen for reduced conserve and promote Kildare and change potential mowing to assist our County’s natural management of Pollinator pollinators and built heritage & amenity & recreation Friendly sites identify and support areas to mitigate and and biodiversity for the adapt to climate introduction of benefit of our policies, change and benefit further people and our biodiversity, subject wildflower environment to funding and areas to parks resources and open spaces
pg. 104
Introduction of Reporting due As above, and Kilcullen pollinator in 2020 roundabout, Naas friendly actions Implement the actions for planted with pollinator to parks and County Councils identified in friendly plants open spaces the All Ireland Pollinator in the County. Plan 2015-2020
Conservation Conservation of Spa Well to Reporting due Annual programme of works in be progressed in 2020 in 2020 grassland meadow and Leixlip Spa. wetland areas maintenance complete
4.3 Continue to To lead and support Celbridge No. of roadshows 5 roadshows Restrictions on support the active the Kildare Age - established attending roadshows inclusion of people Friendly County Age Friendly Attendance at events 400 due to Covid 19. through the delivery Programme (and act Town. Kildare of Age Friendly as regional lead for Older Persons Ongoing online Programmes in South East region) Council interaction held with partnership with the which is being established Kildare Older Persons National Shared developed and and supported to assist during the Services Centre overseen by the year. Kildare Age Friendly KCC will lead Alliance supported by the South East Assistance also given Age Friendly Ireland Regional through Community Programme as Call Helpline and part of its’ Community Response shared service Forum. function Continued to support Kildare Alliance and agreed 6 monthly work programmes.
pg. 105
Annual Report published identifying progress on key objectives from the Kildare strategy.
Support given to national shared service centre and SE continues as agreed with Age Friendly Ireland
Corporate 6.10 Improve visibility To increase the use Putting People No. of followers on social 34,608 49,395 (2019 NOAC). Services and awareness of the of social media by First and media channels Kildare County Council Council by effectively the council and Council central channels end promoting our role enhance community Communicatio 2020: FB 15,081; and our achievements awareness ns Strategy Twitter 8,520; in the delivery of Instagram 1,516 projects and services
6.7 Continue to To ensure Freedom of Average no. of days for FOI 18.9 Days 24 days support strong audit, transparency is Information decisions made (statutory financial, risk, data upheld and that the Act 2014 requirement is 20 working and corporate FOI Act 2014 is days) governance and complied with. reporting systems to Annual training on FOI Yes Yes build public delivered to Decision Makers confidence, maximise Yes/No
6.4 Utilise ICT to To ensure ICT is Maximising 9400 14,334 No. of customer cases reduce costs, improve used to track and use of CRM processed annually within operational efficiency, for managing
pg. 106 expand online and effectively manage customer the Customer Relation Cloud enabled customer interactions cases Management System services to make it easier for customers to access services and information
6.4 Support local To ensure ICT is Maximising No. of representations from 4787 5,106 democracy and the used to track and use of CRM elected members processed interests of the effectively support for managing annually community by the elected members customer assisting the role of role cases elected representatives and To grow awareness Putting People No. on Draft register of 150,556 151,751 by growing voter and participation in First and Local Electors registration the electoral process Government Reform Act
1.3 Ensure over the To ensure that all Kildare County Cumulative no. (and type) of 6 Libraries 9 energy audits lifetime of the non-domestic local Council non-domestic local authority completed in 2020 Corporate Plan that authority owned Climate owned premises where an 2 Office climate action is premises comply with Change energy audit has been Buildings 6 Fire Stations mainstreamed into the sustainability Adaptation carried out at end 2018 (including 2 Libraries Council’s policies, requirements by Strategy head office 1 Aras Chill Dara buildings, undergoing energy Aras Chill infrastructure and audits to identify Dara) operations to reduce ways to improve energy demand energy efficiency.
pg. 107
Economic 2.1 Grow employment To strengthen the Local Number of jobs created 285 252 created, loss of Development by supporting enterprise base and Economic & 263, net loss of 11 jobs existing SME’s encourage job Community from LEO portfolio growth and creation activities Plan. innovation plans, Promote Financial Activity No. of 68 grants 555 grants approved while maintaining a entrepreneurship & Local grants approved. approved supportive provide an integrated Enterprise environment that support structure Office SLA No. of training participants 1,653 3,612 attracts and supports conducive to with Enterprise on training courses entrepreneurship enterprise start up Ireland and growth No. of mentoring sessions 421 1,088 Enterprise 2025. Kildare Annual No. of online trading 40 632 Enterprise vouchers approved Plan 2.10 Support Promote and assist No. of Innovation vouchers Reporting to Reporting to creativity, innovation access to the agile availed of & € value of funds commence in commence in 2021 and enterprise in and Innovation funds accessed by Kildare Based 2020 Kildare through across all industry Companies effective stimuli for sectors local entrepreneurship to leverage the innovative capacity of the County and retain talented people
2.2 Work with Promote Kildare as Kildare County No. of FDI companies in 28 29 strategic partners to location of choice for Councils FDI Kildare deliver infrastructure FDI Investment & strategy in and promotional support existing FDI association No. employed in the equine Reporting to 4,735 direct, indirect & campaigns to attract, companies in with Chamber, industry. commence in secondary employment sustain and expand sustaining and IDA, MUI to 2020 foreign direct attract FDI. No. of visitors related
pg. 108 investment and major expanding their indigenous business. companies
2.3 Support and Promote Kildare as Kildare County Reporting to 26 promote growth ‘The Thoroughbred Council commence in No. of training participants in opportunities for the County’ Economic 2020 Equine related programs equine industry in Strategy and Reporting to recognition of its supporting commence in 2021 No. of start-ups in Equine central place as a Pursue planning strategies in Tech Hub unique feature of policies which protect Tourism, Reporting to
Kildare’s identity the environmental Equine and commence in 2021 Completion of an Equine qualities which have Retail Asset map of the County led to the Reporting to
development of commence in 2021 Establishment of an Equine Kildare as the centre Industry Forum of the equine industry in Ireland Facilitate and support No. of retail Outlets in the Reporting to Reporting to 2.5 Consult with the expansion and County commence in commence in 2021 communities and sustainment of the 2020 collaborate with retail offering in 33 shop front 93 partners to enhance No. of Shops opting to use County Kildare grants the public realm and Shop Front Grant Scheme approved design of our towns No. of entrants in pride of Reporting to n/a postponed in 2020 and villages and place Shop Front commence in due to Covid 19 deliver projects and Competition. 2020 pandemic programmes that Reporting to 17 – training revitalise the local No. of retailers engaging commence in (developing an age- retail economy and with Age Friendly Business 2020 friendly digital rural hinterlands Recognition Scheme strategy).
No. of MD’S Developing and Reporting to Reporting to
promoting initiative Purple commence in commence in 2021
brigade 2020
pg. 109
No. of MD’S Developing and Reporting to Reporting to promoting Enterprise Town commence in commence in 2021 initiatives 2020 No. of retail adopting online Reporting to 632 amongst our bricks and commence in mortar retailers 2020 2.4 Collaborate with Support, co-ordinate Completion of an Asset Map Reporting to Reporting postponed in local providers, and optimize the across the county commence in 2020 due to Covid 19 communities and visitor experience 2020 strategic agencies to potential and develop, package and reinforcing a positive promote our tourism image offering and leverage encompassing, our location as part of Equine, history, Ireland’s Ancient culture, food, retail East, located on and natural and built Dublin’s Doorstep. environment.
Support the Increased No. employed in Reporting to Reporting postponed in expansion/improvem the sectors associated with commence in 2020 due to Covid 19 ent of existing visitor experience 2020 network of facilities in Reporting postponed in Tourism, Hospitality No. of visitors as well as FDI Reporting to 2020 due to Covid 19 & Leisure Industry. and business start-ups in the commence in County 2020 2.8 Continue to work Increase economic Kildare Leader Increased No. of rural Reporting to Reporting postponed in with partner agencies activity and build Programme enterprise and diversification commence in 2020 due to Covid 19 to support rural sustainability into the initiatives 2020 communities through rural economy National skills development, Tourism Development of Agrifood – enabling broadband Support increase Strategy Science network delivery and development of rural supporting enterprises particular Development of Agrifood - employment in renewable energy Hub opportunities aligned
pg. 110 to a rural lifestyle and and Green setting technology
Encourage and support start up enterprises along the blueway and greenways
pg. 111
2.9 Working in Encourage and No. of people engaged in Reporting to 3,784 collaboration with all support upskilling job Kildare upskilling and training in commence in education mobility and Economic business sector 2020 stakeholders, enterprise creation Enterprise and encourage and management training support skill strategy development and The Mid-East Regional talent retention Mid-East Enterprise Plan 2020 in required by Enterprise association with the employers in all plan 2020 in Mid-East Regional sectors association Skills Forum is with South complete. A new plan East regional 2021 – 2024 is being Skills Forum prepared and is due to be published in Q3 Innovative 2021. Enterprise liaison Reporting to Strategies commence in 2021 between Kildare LEO, KWETB and sectorial business networks
Mid-East Enterprise Plan 2020 Kildare County Council’s Economic Kildare County Development Strategy Council – Kildare 2025 has Economic been adopted by Forum council members and
pg. 112
Strategy with will be implemented South East throughout 2021 - 5 regional Skills Forum
pg. 113
Mid-East No. of client companies Reporting to 250 Enterprise exporting commence in Plan 2020 2020 No. of clients accessing International travel TAME vouchers impacted due to Covid 19 Kildare County No. of innovation hubs Reporting to 3 Council developed in the County and commence in 2.0 To optimise the Economic Region 2020 potential of Kildare Strategy and its businesses to No. of HPSU start-ups 2 innovate, invest, Contribute to the transferred to Enterprise promote and sustain growth of the region Ireland growth and and expand employment, across international reach No. of start-ups on Global 15 our County and ambition programme throughout our community.” No. of attendees at regional Innovations conference on innovation Conference (in-person) Oct 2019 – 60+ participants. Dec 2020 Workplace of the Future (digital seminar) – 216 registered participants 1.9 Promote key To provide ERDF and % occupancy of MERITS Measurement Hosted x2 innovation aspects of the Green opportunities to Regional to commence events. Economy including reduce car-based Economic on delivery of the adoption of commuting out of the Strategy and MERITS x10 businesses appropriate County, through high Kildare County project committed to Innovate alternative, quality co-working Council Kildare Programme sustainable and smart hubs enabling people Climate with Carlow IT. energy solutions to work remotely, Change including co-working temporarily or Adaptation hubs permanently Strategy
pg. 114
Environment Ensure a high-quality No. of complaints logged on 2,100 1,931 – total Services / environment through 1992 EPA Act the KCC Pollution complaints Water & effective Complaints Portal (across all Climate environmental environmental categories) 1.6 Ensure continued Change enforcement robust enforcement, activities No. of complaints lodged 50 licensing, certification with EPA and regulation in
environmental No. of complaints lodged 20 protection, planning, with Office of Environmental building control, fire Enforcement (OEE) safety and public
health and safety in No. of litter fines issued 340 258 order to support our
citizen's quality of Ensure the protection The Water RMCEI – Recommended 318 636 lifeand the built and of rivers and public Framework minimum criteria for natural environment. waterways and use Directive Environment Inspection –
enforcement samples taken legislation where necessary to prevent pollution Easter No. of managed civic 2 2 1.5 Drive climate Provide for the Midlands amenity facilities in the change action and maintenance of Region Waste county environmental existing Civic Management protection through Amenity Sites to Plan 2015 – 2- organisational and encourage the 21 community recycling of waste
awareness, supports, and forward plan for
research and facilities new Civic Amenity
Sites where deemed
pg. 115
necessary and funding available
1.6 Ensure continued Oversee the Waste No. of notices issued Reporting to Reporting to robust e nforcement, provision of waste Management regarding potential commence in commence in 2021 licensing, certification collection on a Act 1986 (as infringements 2020 and regulation in County-wide basis, amended) and environmental both domestically operation of No. of spot checks for Reporting to Reporting to protection, planning, and commercially; relevant waste compliance commence in commence in 2021 building control, fire and take management 2020 safety and public enforcement action bye laws Management and health and safety in where necessary. enforcement where order to support our necessary of: citizen’s quality of life • Waste facility 22 24 and the built and Public Health permits natural environment. Plan for long-term Acts and local • Certificates of 4 8 cemetery needs of Bye-Laws registration the county and • Waste collection 137 116 maintain existing permit holders cemeteries Funding for cemetery Funding for cemetery maintenance, improvement maintenance, and expansion programme improvement and expansion programme 1.10 Support and Support and National Litter National Tidy Towns results 10 medals No competition in 2020 incentivise positive recognize Pollution community actions environmental Monitoring IBAL survey results ‘Clean to Maynooth 10th – ‘Clean that improve our protection through Scheme European to European Norms’ environment and community Norms’ mitigate climate awareness, supports, Newbridge 9th – ‘Clean change incentives and to European Norms’ facilities
130 33
pg. 116
No. of Green Flag schools participating 40 39 No. of glass recycling facilities Ensure the control of dogs Control of 1.6 Ensure continued Dogs Act No. of dog licences issued 4,587 5,909 robust enforcement, Ensure the protection licensing, certification of the general public No. of dogs and regulation in against dangerous Derelict Sites rehomed/reclaimed/transferr 158 74 environmental structures and Act Sanitary ed to welfare groups protection, planning, derelict sites serives Act building control, fire (Dangerout safety and public Structures) No. of entries in Derelict health and safety in Sites register 15 2 order to support our Ensure the food citizen’s quality of life safety standards No. of dangerous structures 3 5 and the built and monitored and Public Health cases natural environment. enforced Act, 1878 and Council Bye- No. of Food Safety Authority Monthly at all Monthly facility Laws of Ireland inspections of facilities inspections abattoirs 1.3 Ensure over the To support the Sectoral Engage with and implement SECAP to align with lifetime of the implementation of the reporting and the reporting and monitoring requirements of Corporate Plan that All of Government monitoring structure to be implemented Climate Action Plan climate action is Climate Action Plan structure in for Local Government Sector which will be prepared mainstreamed into the place following enactment of Council’s policies, (Note: all of the new Climate Action buildings, Government Climate and Low Carbon infrastructure and Action Plan requires Development Act 2020 operations to reduce reduction in C02 eq energy demand emissions by 30% by 2030)
pg. 117
To sign and To establish Annual reporting on To have SECAP in commence reporting progression of actions place by end Sept 2021 implementation of the structures to contained within Climate which will establish a local authority sector monitor Charter pathway for achieving climate charger implementatio the 2030 Covenant of n of the Mayors targets Climate Charter 6.7 Continue to Ensure the public’s European No. of access to information 13 7 support strong audit, right of access to Communities on the environment requests financial, risk, data environmental (Access to and corporate information (AIE) Information on governance, the transparency and Environment) reporting systems to Regulations build public confidence, transparency, maximise efficiency and ensure compliance with our obligations
Environment 1.6 To protect, Kerdiffstown DCCAE Phased delivery of a Programme of Main works contractor (Historic conserve and promote Remediation project funded project remediated landfill and works agreed, appointed in October Landfills) our County’s natural management and conversation to public tender 2020 with initial and built heritage & remediation of former Memorandum amenity land acquisition assessment remediation works identify and support landfill site of ongoing underway on site by biodiversity for the Understanding the end of the year. benefit of our policies, (DCCAE) CPO Significant progress people and our approved, with acquisition of environment lands being relevant lands arising acquired out of CPO process
pg. 118
Planning approval received Compliance & EPA Licence with licence Water 1.8 To protect and Rural Water Dept of Actual spend under Rural Allocation for Total spend to date Services improve water quality Provision of Housing Water Multi Annual life of €49,744 through implementing support/advice to Planning Local Programme 2019-2021 programme River Basin Group Water Government – €414,000 Management Plans schemes and small Rural Water and supporting the private supplies Multi-Annual Multi Annual Rural through Govt grants Programme Water Programme for and liaison with Irish 2019-2021 HSE record of water 2 samples per 102 samples the County Water. sampling results year per private supply Compliance No. of well grant applications with EU processed 47 (Sept 43 Drinking Water 2019) Regulation Finance 6.7 Continue to To ensure that the Improve Rates Collection level for rates 82% As a result of the Covid support strong audit, Council’s Revenue Income Pandemic the financial, risk, data account is in balance Collection Department paid a 9 and corporate over medium term months rates waiver governance and and as this was not reporting systems to treated as cash the build public 2020 Rates Collection confidence, maximise Rate is 70%. However, efficiency and ensure if the waiver had been compliance with our treadted as cash the obligations 2020 Rates Collection rate would have been 80%
Collection level for rents and 89% 92% amenities
51% 62%
pg. 119
Collection level of housing loans Annually - 2020 Annual Financial Annual Financial Statement March Statement sent to Dept March 2021
Budget as Revenue expenditure per €646.25 €978.21 adopted to be capita sufficient to meet the expenditure arising in the year
1.3 Ensure over the To enhance the Climate Action No. of relevant staff Reporting to N/A lifetime of the competency of staff Plan attending Green commence in Corporate Plan that in Green Procurement 2020 climate action is Procurement briefings/training mainstreamed into the practices. Council’s policies, buildings, infrastructure and operations to reduce energy demand
Fire Services 4.9 To protect our To protect To identify and Cost of Fire service per €30.48 €32.00 & citizens from fire communities from fire manage risk capita Emergency through an efficient and other and to prepare 6.33 minutes 6.53 minutes Management and effective Fire emergencies, to respond to Average time taken to (2018 data) Service that co- working with partner emergencies mobilise fire brigades ordinates with other agencies and in in accordance 10 Minutes Fire incidents: 20.20% response services accordance with with the % of cases in respect of Fire incidents: Other: 14.62% when emergencies national policies framework for fire/other emergency 21.17% occur Major incidents in which first Other: 17.10%
pg. 120
Emergency attendance is at the scene 10 – 20 Mins Fire incidents: 58.89% management within: Fire incidents: Other: 66.45% 61.03% Other: 59.25%
After 20 mins Fire incidents: Fire incidents: 20.91% 17.83% Other: 18.94% Other: 23.65% Health and 6.1 Provide a best No. of attendees at 2019 445 No conference in 2020 Safety practice health and Health and Health & Safety Conference due to Covid 19. Staff safety culture through Drive health and Safety Plan communications was staff training and safety best practice conducted through proactive monitoring through staff H&S portal and a and reporting consultation, dedicated external communication and website proactive monitoring
Annual target of 48 safety 69 18 site inspections inspections to be completed completed and 133 by Health and Safety Covid 19 compliance section. No. of inspections inspections ytd (end Sept 2019)
pg. 121
Housing 3.1 To increase and Deliver new local Rebuilding Combined number of units Delivery 682 Supply maintain housing authority social Ireland - delivered across the across all provision in Kildare in housing units across Action Plan for different streams DHPLG schemes: line with the national the following Housing and annual targets. Housing objectives of programmes: Homelessness Assistance “Rebuilding Ireland: Construction, . Targets for HAP and RAS Payment Action Plan for Turnkey, Acquisition, delivery (HAP): 706 Housing and Housing Assistance Note: all new Homelessness” and to Payment, Rental social housing Rental 360 active tenancies strive to achieve Accommodation where a part 8 Accommodati social housing targets Scheme, Leasing has been on Scheme and delivery of [including Repair and published after (RAS): 4 affordable housing. Lease Scheme], Buy 31 October and Renew Scheme, 2019 and Construction: 200 including turnkey Public Private where the 26 Partnerships, Part V, dwelling is not Land Acquisition, substantially Acquisition: 97 Affordable Housing. complete 225 before 31 To pursue October 2020 Leasing 169 opportunities for joint will comply (CALF): 20 venture initiatives. with Near Zero Energy Parv V: 30 41 To support approved Building housing bodies to (NZEB) Leasing: 12 54 deliver social housing requirements units across the Capital 39 following National Acquisition programmes: Capital Vacant Scheme: 28 Advance Leasing Housing Facility, Capital Reuse 3 CPOs commenced Assistance Scheme, Strategy 2018 Social Leasing – 2021 Scheme
pg. 122
Kildare County Council Vacant Homes Action Plan 2018 – 2021
3.2 Implement the Support members of Traveller No. Traveller specific units 71 20 allocations Traveller the Travelling Accommodatio delivered under Traveller Accommodation Community to access n Programme Accommodation Plan 2014- Programme 2019-2024 social housing 2019-2024. 2018 and support members support. of the Travelling community, who have been approved for social housing, to access and maintain housing supports including culturally appropriate housing
3.3 Continue to work Continue the roll out Mid-East No. of Housing First 10 (based on 6 tenancies established with regional and of the HAP Homeless Region tenancies supported 2018 returns sectoral partners to Placefinder Service Homelessness to DHPLG) 8
pg. 123 reduce the numbers of Action Plan No. of mortgage rent cases people who need to be Introduce and deliver 2018 – 2020 concluded placed in emergency Housing First in the accommodation, by county in conjunction Housing First increasing availability with our partners – Implementatio of housing stock and The Peter McVerry n Plan 2018 – working closely with Trust 2021 approved housing bodies and advocacy Pursue innovative groups to reduce the solutions to address numbers who find homelessness in the themselves homeless county or at risk of being homeless, and enable Note: Kildare County people to sustain their Council is the lead tenancies authority for the Mid- East Region (Kildare, Meath, Wicklow) and as such, has a key role in relation to the implementation of the regional action plan and Housing First implementation, in addition to reporting responsibilities to Dept of Housing, Planning and Local Government 3.4 To maximise Utilisation of Existing Kildare County No. of units acquired/leased. 225 units See section 3.1 above availability and Housing Stock Council acquired/18 utilisation of housing Implementatio leased through repair/ Greater utilisation n Plan for the refurbishment of and improvement of Inspection of No. of maintenance repairs 6,733 repairs vacant units existing social and completed
pg. 124
private housing stock Rental 5.311 housing to increase the Properties repairs carried availability of social out €3,141,840 spent on housing maintenance of stock Expenditure on €3,600,345 including planned planned/response spent on maintenance maintenance planned maintenance
972 No. of private units inspected 462 private rented properties inspected 3.5 To provide National Achieve targets for the 10% of 10% acquisition target suitable, accessible Guidelines for provision of suitable acquisitions achieved social housing and the housing. (depending on housing supports for Assessment market older persons and and Allocation availability) + people with a Process for 12% of new Provision of Housing disability and to Social Housing builds suitable Support to Persons support homeowners Provision for for a person with a Disability to carry out necessary People with a with a adaptions/improveme Disability. disability. Deliver and adapt nts to enable them to appropriate housing continue residing in Kildare County for disabled persons their home Council No. of grants paid 438 grants 493 and provide grand Strategic Plan paid funding for Housing Persons with No. of Capital Assistance 28 new CAS 39 CAS Disabilities Scheme units delivered households created (2018 Kildare County full year Council figure)
pg. 125
Housing and Disability Steering Group
Capital Assistance Scheme
3.7 Facilitate access Social Housing 546 757 to social housing, and Support to Assessment No. of allocations to social allocations other supports, where Customers and Regulations houses (2018) applicants have Tenants Provide 2011 demonstrated eligible persons with Allocation All housing 705 new applications eligibility with the access to social Scheme for applications processed necessary criteria housing supports, Social Housing Housing applications processed engage with and processed within permitted within the support existing Anti-social time frame permitted tenants. Behaviour timeframe Strategy (952 in 2018) Support eligible persons to access Kildare County Rebuilding Ireland Council Annual Needs assessment Home Loan funding Tenant housing completed Handbook Undertake an annual needs housing needs assessment assessment in accordance with (1 per annum) departmental guidelines completed within the permitted timeframe
63 (April – 49 loans (approvals in No. of loans approved Dec 2018) principle)
pg. 126
1.3 Ensure over the To continue to Climate Action Review of relevant content Measurement 200 A-Rated units lifetime of the encourage energy Plan during 2020 commencing constructed including Corporate Plan that efficiency and in 2020 turnkey units. climate action is environmental No. of tenants receiving mainstreamed into the awareness by revised tenant handbook 41 A-Rated Part V units Council’s policies, incorporating a acquired buildings, module in the Measurement methodology infrastructure and tenancy induction to be determined 90 open flues for operations to reduce programme. burning of solid fuel energy demand blocked up To implement a programme of 167 units constructed retrofitting Council with air to water heat houses to increase pumps for primary energy efficiency and heating (includes Part reduce carbon V and Turnkey units) usage, subject to available resources Human 6.3 Support Implementatio No. of average training days 3.06 1.94 Build organisational Resources organisational n of People per staff member (2018) competence to Department effectiveness, training Strategy effectively deliver on and continuous No. of training 427 319 our current and professional courses/seminars delivered future services development, staff (2018) through creating a well-being, innovation, culture of training Flexibility and No. of staff attending training 952 926 excellence and performance by continuous learning implementing the and development sectoral people
strategy ICT Services 6.4 Utilise ICT to Support the functions Kildare County Overall cost of ICT provision €2,541.51 €2,929,733 reduce costs, improve of Kildare County Council IT per WTE operational efficiency, Council through Strategy expand online and innovative ICT No. of page views on LA 2,400,420 1,947,672 Cloud enabled solutions website
pg. 127
services to make it easier for customers % of Motor Tax transaction 82.72% 91.21% to access services completed online and information. Planning 5.“Continue to plan, To ensure effective, Adopt and Variation of Kildare County Complete by Completed and deliver and maintain proper planning and implement Development Plan 31/12/20 adopted 09/06/2020 key infrastructure in sustainable, quality our County that balanced development Local Area Plans: Complete by Draft Athy LAP to be sustains mobility and development of plans Naas, Athy, Kildare Town, 01/02/23 considered at Special access and positions urban and rural areas consistent with Maynooth, Celbridge, Rolling Meeting 23/04/2021. Kildare to achieve regional and Newbridge, Kilcock, programme Draft Naas LAP on sustainable growth.” national Monasterevin, Clane, 2019 – 2024 public consultation policies Sallins, Kilcullen 09/03/2021 - 21/04/2021. Manage Background papers submissions and assessments being on compliance compiled for Kildare with conditions Town and Maynooth associated with grants of planning Pre-draft issues paper permission Review of Kildare County New to 2020 published 11 Jan 21. and Development Plan 2x online public compliance consultations held in with conditions addition to other stakeholder/state agency engagement. Additional background work to inform CDP underway
Processing of planning 1,596 1,627 applications applications applications
pg. 128
1,288 1,170 decisions issued decisions issued
1.6 Ensure To ensure effective, National 49.2% (2018). 48.72% (2020) continued robust proper planning and Planning enforcement, sustainable, Framework licensing, certification balanced under Project % of Planning enforcement and regulation in development of Ireland 2040. cases closed (against no. of environmental urban and rural areas Regional cases that were protection, planning Spatial and investigated) management and Economic 84.93% 73.85% (2020) control, building Strategy 2019 (2018) control, fire safety and - 2031 % of applications where the public health and decision was confirmed (with safety in order to or without variation) by An support our citizen’s Bord Pleanála 17.89% 16.8% (2020) quality of life and the (2018) build and natural Buildings inspected as a % environment of new buildings notified to the local authority 5.6 To ensure To ensure effective, Manage Cost of the planning service €35.44 per €35.09 per person planning policy and proper planning and submissions per capita person (2018) (2020) development sustainable, on compliance management support balanced with conditions Pre-planning meetings 222 127 commercial consolidated urban development of associated commercial meetings development and the urban and rural areas with grants of meetings 108 one-off housing reuse and planning 143 one-off meetings regeneration of land permission housing 2 pre-planning clinics; and buildings in order meetings remainder by to make the provision 10 pre- phone/email of key public services planning consultation due to sustainable clinics Covid 19 restrictions
pg. 129
Section 5 (exempt 36 decisions 29 decisions issued development) declarations issued
Building 3.8Facilitate and To ensure safe and Monitor No. of inspections 153 2067 Control promote excellence in sustainable buildings compliance architectural and in urban and rural with building urban design and areas control maintain development controls to support sustainable and quality built environments
Planning – 1.6 Ensure continued To ensure safe and Monitor 662 461 Building robust enforcement, sustainable buildings compliance No. of commencement Control licensing, certification in urban and rural with building notices received and regulation in areas control 618 454 environmental regulations, No. of valid commencement protection, planning, energy notices received building control, fire performance 109 199 safety and public of buildings No. of inspections carried health and safety in directive, out on commencement order to support our construction notices citizen’s quality of life products 644 426 and the built and regulation No. of certificates of natural environment compliance received National 139 124 building No. of disability certificates control received 130 137
pg. 130
management No. of disability certs system granted
Planning 2.5 Consult with To conduct a “health Town and Reporting to 10 in progress during Strategic communities and check”/ urban design Village commence in 2020 Projects & collaborate with analysis of Renewal 2020 Public Realm partners to enhance settlements and Scheme, Rural the public realm and develop an Regeneration No. of settlements reviewed design of our towns associated Town/ and per year in line with agreed and villages and Village Renewal Plan Development programme deliver projects that in line with the Fund, Urban €5m being €3,490,000 awarded revitalise the local County Development Regeneration sought over 2 for Naas Town Centre economy and rural Plan and an agreed and RRDF plan & cultural quarter. hinterlands. programme across Development applications in €1,900,000 awarded Municipal Districts Fund Total value of funding 2020 for Maynooth Town approvals annually Centre plan To actively pursue 17 planned for funding opportunities 2020 10 progressed online in for projects that 2020 due to Covid 19 revitalise the county’s restrictions towns & villages No. of public consultation To maximise public events held per year and participation and No. of associated collaboration in submissions received informing design and project proposals for each town and village
5.2 Promote and To deliver projects Town and Funding per annum on Reporting to €750,000 spent on support the use, that revitalise the Village completed projects commence in completing Prosperous development and local economy and Renewal 2020 Town Park in 2020. maintenance of rural hinterlands of Scheme €40,000 spent on sustainable transport the County’s Towns completion of
pg. 131
alternatives including and Villages, Rural Roberstown Amenity walking, cycling and including greenway Regeneration Lands Masterplan public transport in and blueway and collaboration with key projects. To create Development transport an increased sense Fund Value of active projects on €36,033,278 at end of stakeholders and of place, where hand at year end 2020. agencies sustainable transport Urban and modal shift is Regeneration prioritised. and Development Fund Roads, 5.1 Optimise Deliver a Multi Pavement 2,528 KM of 2,520 KM of road Transportati connectivity and ease Annual Road Surface Current ratings provided in road (2020) with an on and of access within and Improvement and Condition the Pavement Surface additional 71KM added Public Safety through the County Restoration Index (PSCI) Condition Index (PSCI) at to Map Road in 2020 through planning, Programme for the ratings for www.noac.ie from estates taken in development, regional and local regional, local, charge. maintenance, upgrade road network, in primary, and and management of a accordance with local roads 61KM of road improved safe road network DTTaS funding (RI) allocation. Annual funding from 104KM of road Continue to update Department of maintained (RM) the Map Road Transport, database to Tourism and maximise the annual Sport allocation of funding DTTaS policy Continue to identify and circulars €37.9m €50.5m safety improvement on safety Annual Roadworks schemes to reduce improvement Programme the incidents of road schemes traffic collisions Transport Infrastructure
pg. 132
Survey all bridges on Ireland Annual % of surveys of Reporting to Reporting to local roads to Transport 21 bridges by Kildare County commence in commence in 2021 due establish a risk National Council on national 2020 to Covid 19 restrictions register based on Development database (Baseline No. of vulnerability to failure Plan bridges – 2,000) €1.3m. 14KM of Support the Kildare Department of Annual spend on National national road delivered National Roads office Transport, Road Network in 2020 to deliver Tourism and improvements and Sport Roads upgrades to the Programme national road network No. of road opening licences 1,260 1,177 processed Operate an effective road licensing system and management of road openings in a coordinated way 1.2 Collaborate with Deliver the Annual Purple Book No. of routes serviced 10 winter 10 winter salting routes agencies to Winter Maintenance (DTTaS) salting routes strengthen our ability Programme sustain responsive Kildare Sever KM of roadway salted 620KM of 678KM of roadway and effective Implement the Weather Plan roadway salted operations and Severe Weather Plan salted. services to reduce the as required National Major impacts of extreme Emergency Ensure effective planning 1x inter- 1x inter-agency weather conditions Plan and coordination to deliver agency meeting per year and climate related an efficient response when meeting per emergencies. Kildare Major emergencies arise year Emergency 1x MEMC (2020) with Management 6 MEMC other groups formed Plan meetings per under MEM year
pg. 133
5.2 Promote and Promote and support National No. of cycleway Schemes Reporting to Projects for delivery in support the use, the development and Strategy for delivered each year commence in 2021 were outlined to development and maintenance of the 2020 elected members in maintenance of walking/cycling Development Nov 2020 sustainable transport routes within the of National alternatives including County in conjunction and Regional walking, cycling and with other Agencies Greenways public transport in collaboration with key transport stakeholders and agencies
To deliver the National No. of NTA funded projects 8 projects. 60 Pedestrian/Cycling Greater Dublin Area Transport ongoing at year end. (end park and ride. facilities provided Cycling Authority 2018) 12 bicycle countywide under the (NTA) Strategy lockers NTA Active Travel Network for Kildare in for the Greater Measures 2020 5.2 Promote and accordance with NTA Dublin Area support the use, annual funding development and allocations Kildare maintenance of Climate Action sustainable transport To ensure our Strategy Reporting to alternatives including services, projects commence in walking, cycling and and programmes National 2020 public transport in promote the Climate Sustainable collaboration with key Action Plan for Development Cumulative No. of new park 30 new upgrade bike transport County Kildare Plan and ride spaces and bicycle parking/standing stakeholders and facilities provided facilities provided agencies Optimise sustainable NTA alternatives, BusConnects No. of new rural bus routes – 0 new services LocalLink and public Strategic Plan LocalLink routes provided. 37 existing transport to the use routes of motorised vehicles
pg. 134
Support Cumulative No. of bus stops 10 additional bus stops BusConnects and related infrastructure provided provided 5 “Continue to plan, County 3-year Capital Programme €111m The Roads Project deliver and maintain Development Deliver major capital Team continue to key infrastructure in Plan 2020 – infrastructure project progress projects our County that 2024 through the design, sustains mobility and Deliver local traffic planning and access and positions KCC Capital management construction phases, Kildare to achieve Programme projects to support delivering infrastructure sustainable growth” 2018 – 2021 mobility and east that will benefit (end 2018) congestion pedestrian, cyclists and
all road users
5.1 Optimise Deliver local traffic 84 - 88 signalised junctions connectivity and ease management Cumulative No. of Signalised Signalised Department of of access within and projects to support junctions, pedestrian junctions Transport, through the County mobility and ease crossings and traffic 137 pedestrian Tourism and through planning, congestion cameras 128 crossings Sport Road development, pedestrian Safety maintenance, upgrade Ensure the continued School flashing display signs crossings Authority and management of a safety of vulnerable 110 traffic cameras safe road network. road users Electronic speed display 80 traffic National Road sites cameras Safety Plan Develop and publish 48 school flashing Roads Act a Road Safety Plan Road Safety Working 48 school display signs 1993 Together Group (RSWTG) flashing
Complete the County display signs Kildare Speed Speed Limit review Published Bye Laws as 56 electronic speed Limit Bye approved by elected 31 electronic display sites Laws – Promote road safety members speed display completion with the Road Safety sites yes/no Authority, An Garda 0 meetings held in Síochána and other 2020. Warden duties
pg. 135
key stakeholders in 4 RSWTG restricted in line with promoting and meetings per school openings improving road safety year in the County
Awaiting completion of Completion of revised RSA plan a 5-year plan for 2020 – 2024 County Speed Limit Publication of Review continues to County Speed progress with timelines Limit Bye impacted by Covid 19 Laws restrictions
5.3 Continue to 7 10 (2020) Manage parking to provide infrastructure optimize parking and facilities including The development of the spaces and support Kildare County No. of towns and villages car parking solutions, on-line permit businesses and Parking Policy with pay parking that support applications and users 2016 accessibility, processes commenced commuters and the in 2020 Provide user friendly economic life of our option to pay for towns and villages. The parking unit parking (discs and continues to park by phone) as administer, improve well as the and regulate pay management of on- parking and illegal street parking. parking across the Continue to county in accordance administer and with the Road Traffic enforce pay parking Act and the Parking
pg. 136
and associated bye Bye-Laws as adopted laws by the Elected Members Manage enforcement system The Enforcement System was managed by the Staff of the Parking Unit
5.4 Support the Support the National No. of road opening licences Reporting to 230 development of a installation of Digital for telecommunications commence in Digital Strategy that services and rollout Strategy companies 2020 enhances our of broadband County’s economy by services by relevant enabling rollout of providers broadband and telecommunications infrastructure by relevant providers
1.3 Ensure over the Measurement Measurement Implement the Climate Action lifetime of the % of public street lighting commencing commencing when National Public Plan - National Corporate Plan that infrastructure that is low when Project Project commences in Lighting Upgrade Public Lighting climate action is energy (baseline stock commences in County Kildare. Project to improve Upgrade mainstreamed into the 28,000 public lights Sept County Regional Project, led energy efficiency and Project Council’s policies, 2019) Kildare. by Kilkenny County the safety of the buildings, Regional Council County road network infrastructure and Project, led by operations to reduce Kilkenny energy demand County
Council
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Appendix 9 – Annual Service Delivery Plan 2020 Progress Report
Annual Service Delivery Plan 2020 Progress Report
Kildare County Council
pg. 138
Contents Department/Service Area: Transportation and Public Safety incorporating Building and Development Control 143 Department/Service Area: Health & Safety ...... 152 Department/Service Area: Housing ...... 157 Department/Service Area: Corporate Services ...... 165 Department/Service Area: Finance ...... 177 Department/Service Area: Information Systems ...... 179 Department/Service Area: Library and Arts Service ...... 184 Department/Service Area: Economic Development ...... 193 Department/Service Area: Environmental & Water Services ...... 201 Department/Service Area: Planning and Strategic Development ...... 207 Department/Service Area: Community…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… ……………………71
pg. 139
Introduction
Section 50 of the Local Government Reform Act, 2014 requires the local authority to prepare a document called an Annual Service Delivery Plan. The purpose of the plan is to provide a corporate document that sets out the objectives for service delivery and performance standards to be achieved in 2020. It takes account of and is consistent with Budget 2020 which was adopted by the members of 18 November 2019. In preparing the document, Kildare County Council takes account of all plans, statements and strategies that set out policies and objectives for all of its functional programmes having full regard to its Corporate Plan in which the council’s vision is: “Kildare – Living; growing; leading. Working together towards an inclusive and sustainable County”. A wide range of other local, regional and national plans, statements and strategies inform and guide the council’s work, and the provisions of these plans have been considered, reference has been made to the following documents in preparing the 2020 Annual Service Delivery Plan:
• Legislative requirement of the Local Government Reform Act 2014 and other relevant legislation/regulation • National Government Policy • Kildare County Council Corporate Plan 2019-2024 • Kildare County Development Plan 2017-2023 • Local Economic and Community Plan 2016 – 2021 • Service Level Agreement with Irish Water
pg. 140
The sections in this plan set out the high-level objectives of each service area for 2019 together with the desired performance standard. They have been compiled having regard to the Strategic Objectives agreed in Kildare County Council’s Corporate Plan 2019-2024 and the funding allocated to the services divisions in 2019 detailed as follows:
Service Division Expenditure Approved Housing and Building €47,923,621
Road Transport & Safety €36,592,223
Water Services €10,192,607
Development Management €19,138,645
Environmental Services €19,882,263
Recreation and Amenity €11,054,078
Agriculture, Education, Health & Welfare €1,184,366
Miscellaneous Services €18,122,854
Total Budget €164,090,656
pg. 141
The performance of Kildare County Council will be measured across the standards set out in this document and an assessment of service delivery performance will be included in our Annual Report. This plan provides a clear focus to enable the elected members and staff of Kildare County Council to work together to develop and improve the services that we deliver to our citizens.
pg. 142
Department/Service Area: Transportation and Public Safety incorporating Building and Development Control The Roads Transportation and Public Safety Directorate Integrated Building and Development Control into the Directorate in early 2018, streamlining and rationalising services, with the objective of improving regulatory compliance and customer services in these areas. With responsibility for over 2,500 kilometers of roadway in County Kildare, the Directorate completes an annual road improvement and restorative maintenance Programme. Major capital infrastructure projects are managed and delivered with annual funding provided by Government Departments and related Agencies, and direct funding from Kildare County Council. The combined technical and administrative workforce ensures the safety of vehicles and vulnerable road users through the operation of an extensive traffic management system and a network of pedestrian crossings supported by 28 school wardens. Parking in the seven main towns in the County is regulated by local Bye Laws, while enforcement is provided through a combination of a private contracted service (APCOA) and KCC community wardens. Fire Services are provided from six strategically located retained Fire Stations across the county. The Engineer, Educate, enforce paradigm is used in the Fire Safety Section to enhance the fire safety in the built environment including the Emergency Management and Special Projects Section which co-ordinates emergency management preparation across the council.
The Road Safety, Cycling and Sustainable Transport role continue to develop and deliver roads safety measures and activities in the areas of Education, Engineering, Enforcement and Evaluation. This includes supporting Mobility Management Initiatives and other initiatives which support greater use of walking, cycling and public transport including Bike Week, European Mobility Week and other related promotions.
The Department also plays a key role in the area of access and disability. We have appointed an access officer who is responsible for providing or arranging for, and co-ordinating assistance and guidance to persons with disabilities accessing our services.
The access officer also assists the various departments in meeting their requirements under the Disability Act 2005, and in turn therefore making Kildare County Council and its services "accessible for all".
Kildare is to the forefront of the delivery of housing developments. Our Building and Development Control section monitors the quality of these developments via a schedule of targeted inspections.
pg. 143
2020 Progress Corporate Plan 5-year Objective as 2020 Performance Report - Supporting per Corporate Plan Objective Standard Performance Covid 19 contextual note where Strategy Indicators relevant 10 Winter Deliver the Annual No. of routes Salting Routes Winter Maintenance serviced (total 678km) Programme (2019) To implement the Severe No. of winter 82 (2020) Weather Plan salting events To implement the as required Severe Weather Plan To respond to as required. No. of weather- 1 weather Major related alerts via event alert Emergencies 1.2 Collaborate with MapAlerter issued as required agencies to Due to Covid 19 regular meetings of strengthen our the MEMC and MEM training were ability sustain postponed. responsive and The Kildare County Council Crisis effective operations Management Team met initially to and services to identify how the organisation would reduce the impacts manage the response to the of extreme weather pandemic. A Covid-19 Seniors conditions and Ensure effective management forum was established planning and co- and met 28 times in 2020. A climate related Appropriate and 1 MEMC ordination to Business Continuity Group was emergencies. timely response to (2020) with deliver an efficient established to look at how Kildare Major Emergencies other groups response when formed under County Council would continue to emergencies MEM deliver services and this group met arise. over 25 times in 2020. At a regional level the Eastern Regional Steering Group and the Eastern Regional Working Groups have been formed and these groups meet on a weekly basis during level 5. They have each met in excess of 25 times during 2020.
pg. 144
2020 Progress 5-year objective Corporate Plan 2020 Performance Report - as per corporate Supporting Strategy Objective Standard Performance Covid contextual note where Plan Indicators relevant
1.3 Ensure over the lifetime of the Implement the % of public street Measurement Corporate Plan that National Public lighting commencing when climate action is Lighting Upgrade infrastructure that project commences mainstreamed into the Project to improve is low energy in County Kildare. Council's policies, energy efficiency (baseline stock Regional Project, led and the safety of buildings, c28,000 public by Kilkenny County the county road infrastructure and lights Sept 2019) Council operations to reduce network energy demand To deliver the Kildare Capital Programme The Roads Project Some construction works have 5 “Continue to plan, team continue to been delayed due to Covid 19 deliver and progress projects (Salt Barn/Machinery Yard maintain key through the design advance works and the bridge Deliver major infrastructure in our planning and improvement projects). capital 3-year Capital County that sustains construction phases, infrastructure Programme mobility and access delivering projects and positions Kildare infrastructure that will to achieve sustainable benefit pedestrians,
growth." cyclists and all road users.
2020 Progress 5-year objective Corporate Plan 2020 Performance Report - Covid 19 contextual note where as per corporate Supporting Strategy Objective Standard Performance relevant Plan Indicators
pg. 145
61km of road Productivity less efficient due to Current ratings improved (RI) compliance with protocols 5.1 Optimise Deliver a multi- provided in the To deliver connectivity and ease annual nnual Road pavement surface annual road 104km of road of access within and Improvement and condition improvement maintained (RM) through the County Restoration Lack of ongoing routine and restoration through planning, Programme for the maintenance - restrictions in works in development, regional and local March/April 2020 would mean accordance 2520km of road maintenance, upgrade road network, in ordinary routine maintenance with DTTaS (2020) accordance with patching and drainage works and management of a funding Index (PSCI) at additional 71km DTTaS funding were only done in emergency safe road network. allocation. www.noac.ie added to map road in allocation situations. This would have 2020 from estates adverse effects on quality of road TIC surface and drainage infrastructure etc. Continue to update To review and the Map Road update database to Extra Cost of 13 Vehicles & Fuel MapRoad on maximize the etc - €105,000 an annual annual allocation of The restrictions in place for basis to funding Annual March/April and some of May 2020 maximize Continue to identify Roadworks €51.8M meant that ordinary routine funding and Safety Programme maintenance patching and drainage secure annual Improvement works were only carried out in funding for Schemes to reduce emergency situations. This would Safety the incidents of have adverse effects on quality of Improvement road traffic Road surface and drainage Schemes. collisions. infrastructure To deliver an Annual % of Survey all bridges annual surveys of bridges on local roads and programme of Covid 19 restrictions mean in 2020 by Kildare County Reporting to establish a Risk bridge repairs the reporting will now not Council on commence in 2021 Register based on in accordance commence until 2021 national database vulnerability to with DTTaS (Baseline no of failure funding bridges 2,000) allocation
pg. 146
Support the Kildare To deliver TII Annual spend on 14 km of national National Road annual National Road road delivered in Office to deliver programme of Network 2020 improvements and road
upgrades to the improvements
National road and upgrades
network
5.1 Optimise connectivity and ease of access within and through the County Operate an effective road To issue road through planning, No. of road licensing system opening development, opening licenses 1,177 and management licences as maintenance, upgrade processed of road openings in required and management of a a coordinated way safe road network.
Cumulative no. of signalised 5 junctions Deliver local traffic Some additional crossings provided management To provide with the assistance of July stimulus projects to support new package funding. mobility and ease pedestrian Pedestrian 9 Warrants assessments impacted congestion crossings crossings due to reduction pedestrian/vehicular volumes during level 5 restrictions.
pg. 147
To provide Traffic cameras 14 traffic cameras To provide and School flashing
maintain display signs appropriate measures to protect Ensure the vulnerable continued safety of road users vulnerable road Electronic speed 9 users display sites
Road Safety Commencement delayed due to Working Together Covid 19 restrictions Promote road Group (RSWTG) safety with the 0 meetings were held in 2020. Road Safety To publish a Wardens were restricted in line with Authority, An Garda Kildare Road RSTWG Meetings school opening times. Training was Síochána and other Safety Plan 0 per year provided only in essential 5.1 Optimise key stakeholders in circumstances; this is not essential connectivity and ease promoting and training but refresher training. of access within and improving road Published Bye County Speed Limit review through the County safety in the To publish the Laws as approved continues to progress with timelines through planning, County county speed by elected impacted by Covid 19 restrictions in development, limit Bye Laws members 2020 maintenance, upgrade Promote and To deliver the and management of a support the Greater Dublin safe road network. development and Area Cycling No. of cycleway 2021 plan outlined to maintenance of Network for schemes Elected Members in walking/cycling Kildare in delivered each November 2020 for routes within the accordance year delivery in 2021 county in with NTA conjunction with annual funding other agencies. allocations
pg. 148
5-year objective Corporate Plan 2020 Performance 2020 Progress Report - as per corporate Covid 19 contextual note Supporting Strategy Objective Standard Performance Indicators Plan where relevant
Optimise sustainable alternatives to Cumulative no. of
the use of new park and ride 30 new/upgrade bike motorized spaces and parking/standing facilities vehicles - bicycle facilities provided Local link and provided public transport To ensure our services, projects and programmes Unfortunately, we would promote the have seen a reduction in Climate Action Plan No. of new and services provided on behalf existing rural bus of third-party organisations for County Kildare. 0 new services provided routes - LocalLink in 2020, due to COVID 19 Routes implications. There was no Support reduction in open public BusConnects transport services in 2020.
Cumulative no. of
bus stops and related Additional 10 provided infrastructure provided To provide 10 RTPI provided electronic signage
pg. 149
5-year objective Corporate Plan Performance 2020 Progress Report - as per corporate 2020 Objective Covid 19 contextual Supporting Strategy Standard Performance Indicators Plan note where relevant During Covd-19 parking No parking bye-law Manage parking spaces were re- reviews commenced to optimize designated as Public due to Covid-19 and parking spaces Realm in Naas, other resource issues 5.3 Continue to and support Maynooth & Kildare provide infrastructure businesses and Town to assist with and facilities including users social distancing and car parking solutions, support businesses. that support Provide user No parking bye-law accessibility, friendly options to reviews commenced The development of on- pay for parking due to Covid-19 and commuters and the line permit applications (discs and Park No. of towns other resource issues economic life of our and processes by Phone) as well To implement Pay and villages towns and villages. commenced in 2020 and as the Parking Bye Laws with pay is currently in progress. management of parking on-street parking The parking unit Continue to continues to administer, administer and improve and regulate 5.3 Continue to enforce pay pay parking and illegal provide infrastructure parking and parking across the and facilities including associated Bye county in accordance car parking solutions, Laws Manage with the Road Traffic Act that support Enforcement and the Parking Byelaws accessibility, System as adopted by the commuters and the Elected Members. The Enforcement economic life of our Manage System was managed by towns and villages. Enforcement the Staff of the Parking System Unit.
pg. 150
Corporate Plan 5-year objective as Performance 2020 Progress Report - Supporting Strategy 2020 Objective Covid 19 contextual per corporate Plan Standard Performance Indicators note where relevant
5.4 Support the development of a Digital Strategy that Support the No. of road enhances our County's installation of To support the opening licences economy by enabling services and rollout development of for 230 rollout of broadband of broadband a digital telecommunication services by relevant strategy and s companies telecommunications providers. infrastructure by relevant providers
pg. 151
Department/Service Area: Health & Safety
2020 Progress Corporate Plan 5 year objective Report - Covid 19 contextual Supporting (As per corporate 2020 Objective Performance Standard Performance note where relevant Strategy Plan) Indicators
No conference was held in 2020 due to the pandemic. Staff communication was 6.1 Provide a Prepare and hold No. of attendees at 2019 through the H&S Portal best practice Drive health and Annual Health & Health and Safety 0 and through a health and safety best practice Safety Conference Conference dedicated external safety culture through staff webpage which was through staff consultation, created specifically for training and communication, communication during proactive and proactive the pandemic. monitoring and monitoring reporting Continue to review Annual target of 48 safety 18 site inspections and improve the inspections to be complete and 133 organisation's completed by Health and Covid 19 compliance Health and Safety Safety Section – No. of inspections Management inspections ytd (End Sept completed. System 2019)
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Department/Service Area: Building & Development Control
5-year 2020 Progress Corporate Plan objective Covid 19 Report - Supporting as per 2020 Objective Performance Standard contextual note Performance Strategy corporate where relevant Indicators Plan Total no. of new buildings notified to 1816 Building Control Authority 1.6 Ensure No. of new buildings continued robust notified that were 305 enforcement, subject to at least one licensing, inspection certification and P1 no. of buildings regulation in Monitor inspected as a To ensure environmental compliance with percentage of new safe and 16.80% protection, the Building buildings notified to the sustainable planning, building Regulations and local authority (Minimum buildings in control, fire safety the Building Target 15%) urban and Control Total no. of inspections 2067 and public health rural areas and safety in order Regulations Total no. of to support our Commencement Notices 461 citizen’s quality of received life and the built No. of Valid and natural Commencement Notices 454 environment. Received No. of Certificates of 426 Compliance received No. of Valid Certificates 425 of Compliance received Number of Disability Monitor Access Applications 124 compliance with received the energy 1043 BERs performance of No. of BER Certificates received through Buildings Directive received BCMS for buildings where
pg. 153
Commencement Notices or Certificates of Compliance on Completion were received during 2020 15 Agents inspected during 2020 for compliance with legislation in respect of displaying of BER ratings. Monitor Ongoing review of performance with construction products Currently no the Construction and CE markings as relevant metric Products Directive part of site inspections
pg. 154
Department/Service Area: Fire Service 5-year 2020 Progress Corporate Plan objective as Performance Report - Supporting per 2020 Objective Covid 19 contextual note where Standard Performance Strategy corporate relevant Indicators Plan Enforce fire safety legislation in premises The no. of premises 1.6 Ensure through a inspected (in No. of inspections reduced due to continued robust programme of accordance with the 34 inspections of 32 impact of Covid19 pandemic. No enforcement, inspections, schedule set out in the premises access to hotels, nursing homes licensing, licencing and Fire Safety Business and other premises in general certification and enforcement, Plan) regulation in prioritized based on risk environmental To ensure P5: A. % of protection, safe and applications for fire planning, building sustainable Support the safety certificates control, fire safety buildings in legislated Fire received that were 72% urban and Safety and public health decided (granted or rural areas requirements of and safety in refused) within two the Building order to support months of their receipt Control Act, our citizen’s P5: B - %of through quality of life and applications for fire providing an the built and safety certificates efficient Fire natural received that were Safety 27% decided (granted or Environmen Certification refused) within an Process extended period agreed with the applicant No. of National School Promote fire All schools closed from March Third classes visited as 1.6 Ensure safety via the 2020. No access in Sept - Dec To ensure a percentage of the 0% continued robust "Schools period owing to continued Covid19 enforcement, safe and total number of classes sustainable Programme” concerns licensing, in the county buildings in certification and Improve fire urban and Home fire safety checks safety in No. of Home Fire regulation in rural areas 0 suspended in March 2020 due to vulnerable Safety Checks environmental Covid19. These checks are protection, communities
pg. 155 planning, building through the predominantly carried out in homes control, fire safety promotion and of elderly members of society. and public health implementation and safety in of Home Fire order to support Safety Checks our citizen’s quality of life and the built and natural Environment
To protect Maintain F2: Average time 4.9 To protect our communities operational taken, in minutes, to citizens from fire from fire and readiness and mobilise the fire 6.75 through an other capability to brigades in respect of efficient and emergencies, deliver an fire effective Fire working with appropriate partner response to Fire F2: Average time Service that co- agencies and Service taken, in minutes, to ordinates with in accordance Incidents mobilise fire brigades in 6.53 other response with national respect of all other services when policies (non-fire) emergency emergencies incidents occur
pg. 156
Department/Service Area: Housing The Housing Department aims to provide social housing support to persons who are unable to meet their housing need through their own resources. During 2020 the Housing Department focused on housing delivery, having regard to Rebuilding Ireland: Action Plan for Housing and Homelessness. The Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government set targets for each local authority for the period 2017 to 2021; the target for delivery in Kildare is 2,603 units. This is the number of social housing homes for delivery via build, acquisition and leasing arrangements under specific programmes. In addition, we continue to work to deliver social housing through the Housing Assistance Payment and Rental Accommodation Schemes. As Lead Authority for the Mid-East Region Homeless Action Plan 2018-2020, the prevention of homelessness, provision of services to address the needs of homeless households and effective coordination of activities and services remained a priority in 2020.
Corporate Plan 5-year 2020 Objective Performance 2020 Progress Covid 19 Supporting objective Standard Report - contextual note Strategy (As per Performance as required corporate Plan) Indicators
To continue to Amend Tenancy Review of encourage Induction Handbook to relevant Housing was 1.3 Ensure over the energy reflect new content during identified as a lifetime of the efficiency and heating/ventilation 2020 critical service Corporate Plan that environmental systems installed in new throughout the climate action is awareness by and refurbished units pandemic and mainstreamed into incorporating a No. of tenants services the Council's module in the receiving continued to be policies, buildings, tenancy revised tenant provided in 2020 infrastructure and induction handbook in compliance operations to programme with all reduce energy Government demand protocols and guidelines.
pg. 157
To implement a Implement a planned Measurement 80 houses identified for The Retrofit programme of energy efficiency methodology retrofit works to improve programme was retrofitting programme in existing to be BER ratings - metrics to delayed due to council houses Housing stock determined. include: restrictions/acces to increase • Insulation to Walls, s to occupied energy Ceilings, Roofs properties and efficiency and • Replacement of contractor reduce carbon Windows and Doors availability usage, subject • Airtightness works • Blocking up and to available filling Chimneys resources • Replacement of Fossil Fuel Heating Systems (Stoves) with Air to Water Heating Systems • LED Lighting
Housing Supply
Deliver new Acquire additional lands local authority for social housing. Delivery across all 3.1 To increase and social housing maintain housing schemes: units across the Pursue opportunities for Housing Assistance provision in following turnkey developments. Payment (HAP) - 682 Kildare in line with programmes: the national Construction, Actively monitor Part V objectives of Turnkey, Rental delivery programmes. “Rebuilding Acquisition, Combined Accommodation Construction
Ireland: Action Housing number of Scheme (RAS) – 360 works continued Plan for Housing Assistance Support Vacant Homes units delivered on specific sites
and Payment, Rental Strategy. across the as identified in different accordance with Homelessness” Accommodation Active Tenancies streams Government and to strive to Scheme, Construction - 200 DHPLG annual requirements achieve social Leasing
pg. 158
housing targets [including Use OGP Rapid Build targets. and delivery of Repair and Framework as Targets for Including Turnkey affordable housing Lease Scheme], appropriate. HAP Acquisition - 97 Buy and Renew Scheme, Public Monitor Housing Private Assistance Payment Leasing (CALF) – 169 Partnerships, (HAP) and Rental Part V, Land Accommodation Scheme Acquisition, (RAS). Part V - 41 Affordable
Housing. Implement affordable purchase arrangements Leasing - 54 3.9 Plan for the as appropriate having
needs of our regard to economic growing population assessments. Capital Acquisition by identifying Scheme - 39 strategic sites and
supporting sufficient supplies of zoned serviced To support Develop joint projects 169 units delivered land to deliver approved with under CALF housing bodies Approved Housing sustainable 39 bed spaces to deliver social Bodies. communities. delivered under CAS housing units Support Approved across the Housing Bodies in the 54 Leased units following delivery of social housing programmes: by means of 421 inspections of Capital Advance CALF, CAS and Leasing. leased units
pg. 159
Leasing Facility, Complete annual Assessment SSHNA published by Capital summary of Housing completed Housing Agency: Assistance Needs Assessment 3,104 households Scheme, Social (SSHNA) and manage qualified in Kildare for Leasing the assessment of social social housing support Scheme. housing applications
Support Implement and monitor No. Traveller 20 allocations members of the the Traveller specific units 3.2 Implement the Travelling Accommodation delivered Traveller Community to Programme. under Traveller Accommodation access social Accommodatio Programme 2019- housing support n Plan 2019- 2024 and support Maintain and manage 2024 members of the existing halting sites. Travelling community, who have been approved for social Complete Annual housing, to access Traveller Census/Count and maintain housing supports including culturally appropriate housing
Continue the roll Implement Mid East No. of 246 Homeless HAP Placements out of the HAP Regional Homeless Homeless tenancies secured continued 3.3 Continue to Homeless Action Plan 2018-2020 HAP throughout Covid- work with regional Placefinder and pursue innovative placements 19 pandemic and sectoral Service secured partners to reduce
pg. 160
the numbers of solutions as appropriate. people who need to be placed in Secure the required HAP emergency placements accommodation, by increasing Deliver Housing Implement the Housing No. of Housing 6 tenancies availability of First in the First Plan 2018-2020. First tenancies established housing stock and county in supported working closely conjunction with with approved our partners The Peter McVerry housing bodies Trust and advocacy groups to reduce Pursue Exit strategies to be put No. of 8 the numbers who innovative in place at the point of Mortgage to find themselves solutions to entry into emergency Rent cases homeless or at risk address accommodation. concluded. homelessness of being homeless, No. of exits in the county. and enable people Review Mid East from to sustain their Regional Homeless emergency tenancies Action Plan 2018-2020 accommodatio n
Implement a planned No. of units See section 3.1 above maintenance acquired/lease
programme. d
Continue to refurbish vacant/derelict units in
accordance with funding and resource provision
pg. 161
Greater Provide a response No. of 6,733 repairs Essential repairs utilisation and maintenance services maintenance completed continued during improvement of repairs pandemic period
3.4 To maximise existing social in accordance availability and and private with safety housing stock to protocols utilisation of increase the housing through availability of Deliver Self Help Tenant Expenditure on €3,141,840 spent on repair/refurbishme social housing Support Scheme planned/respo maintenance of stock nt of vacant units nse including planned maintenance. maintenance
Continue inspections of No. of private 972 Virtual private rented dwellings units inspected inspections carried out throughout pandemic
Consider housing for the No. of units 10% acquisition target elderly in the context of built/adapted achieved
the social housing
3.5 To provide delivery programme suitable, Deliver and accessible social adapt Provide housing units housing and appropriate and design input to new housing supports housing for schemes to meet targets for older persons people with a Manage Housing No. of grants 493 Applications and people with a disability and Adaptation Grants paid continued to be disability and to older people programme for social received and provide support and private housing. homeowners to grant funding.
carry out necessary Assess applications received in accordance
pg. 162
adaptations/improv with Annual Funding ements to enable Allocation them to continue residing in their home. Assess applications No. of Capital 39 bed spaces received for CAS funding Assistance Scheme units delivered
3.6 Implement our Allocate social houses as No. of 757 Allocations anti-social delivered allocations to continued in
behaviour strategy social houses accordance with in order to prevent safety protocols the occurrence of Process Housing Housing 705 new applications Investigation of anti-social Applications within 12- applications processed serious ASB behaviour, by Provide eligible week statutory processed continued encouraging tenant persons with timeframe. within participation in access to social permitted time estate housing frame. management and supports, Monitor estate fostering the engage with and management and issues support existing development of of tenants. balanced anti-social behaviour communities having regard to our policies and procedures. Assess applications No. of loans 49 loans (approvals in 3.7 Facilitate received in accordance approved principle) access to social with Annual Funding
housing, and other Allocation supports, where applicants have
pg. 163
demonstrated eligibility with the necessary criteria
pg. 164
Department/Service Area: Corporate Services The Corporate Services Departments core activities include providing first point of contact customer service management via email, post phone and in person, providing support services for the elected members, servicing council meetings, maintaining the register of electors, dealing with freedom of information/data protection and Facilities Management and corporate wide service support. To meet the needs of all customers the dedicated Customer Service Units located at Level 1, Áras Chill Dara and Athy Customer Service Point continues to provide information on services and deal with customer enquiries in an efficient and courteous manner. Similarly, Members Services provide a comprehensive and accessible service to the 40 elected members of Kildare County Council across the 5 Municipal Districts. A key focus in 2020 was the continued delivery of quality services to both members and customers in a safe manner with adherence to Public Health guidelines during the challenges of Covid 19 and national restrictions.
2020 Progress Covid contextual 5-year objective Report - note where relevant Corporate Plan Performance (As per corporate 2020 Objective Performance Supporting Strategy Standard Plan) Indicators
Energy usage in 1.3 Ensure over the To ensure that all Aras Chill Dara lifetime of the non-domestic local Ensure that relevant reduced by 2% Corporate Plan that authority owned SLAs and service Co-ordinate a climate action is premises comply contracts are corporate estates mainstreamed into the with sustainability adhered to in order management and Council's policies, requirements by to provide safe, maintenance undergoing energy suitable, accessible buildings, programme infrastructure and audits to identify facilities for operations to reduce ways improve energy customers and staff energy demand efficiency.
pg. 165
9 energy audits Cumulative no. (and completed in 2020 (6 type) of non- fire stations, 2 domestic local libraries, 1 Aras Chill authority owned Dara) premises where an energy audit has been carried out
17996 Includes cases from 6.4 Utilise ICT to No. of customer elected reduce costs, improve cases processed representatives. operational efficiency, annually within the Customer Relation expand online and Procure and Management System Cloud enabled complete pilot for new CRM during services to make it Procurement initiated Procurement delayed 2020 in conjunction easier for customers July 2020, project due to IT Dept focus with IT Dept to access services and New CRM solution to scheduled to on online services information be in place by end complete Spring and remote working To ensure ICT is 2020 2021 due to Covid 19 used to track and
effectively manage
customer interactions 6.9 Review and improve our communications channels to deliver Quarterly review of Completion of timely and useful the Customer ongoing reviews with 17,996 information that Services Centre related metrics makes it easier for customers to access services and information
pg. 166
Review and Explore use of IT improve support solutions to manage services for elected Council meetings members during 2020
6.5 Support local 59 - (Full council and Statutory meetings of democracy and the MD only) full council and the 5 interests of the MDs did not take community by place in March, April assisting the role of No. of statutory and May due to elected meetings annually pandemic representatives and by serviced.
growing voter
registration
To ensure ICT is Full council standing Priority afforded to used to track To review and orders adopted in full council standing representations and improve service to June 2020 further orders, which had to effectively support meetings of council updated in be amended due to the elected members – Full Council, Complete review of November 2020 to Covid requirements. role MD’s, CPG and Standing Orders in facilitate remote MD standing orders Protocol 2020 attendance to be amended
similarly and will
come before the MDs in 2021
Adopted by council in Training for members
December 2019 of SPC members Oversee formation of External nominees moved online new SPC Scheme appointed in January 2020 Online training 6.5 Support local for SPC members democracy and the took place in May interests of the 2020
pg. 167
community by assisting the role of elected representatives and by growing voter registration
5046 New Members Reps Portal, initiated late To ensure ICT is Further develop 2020, scheduled to No. of used to track and integrate CRM complete Spring representations from representations and system to record 2021.Procurement elected members effectively support and monitor delayed due to IT processed annually the elected members members and TD Dept focus on online
role reps services and remote working due to Covid 19 Register published Publish on time Supplementary Maintain register for Register on 29th General Election 8 January 2020 to Feb 2020 facilitate General Election 150,679 (2021-22) To grow awareness and participation in No. of electors on the electoral process Register Publish and maintain Live Register in line with statutory deadlines Published online - Publication of Checktheregister.ie 2020/2021 Register on 15th Feb. 2020.
Monitor delivery of Ensure annual Approved by Delayed due to To ensure efficiency, the Corporate Plan progress reporting members June 2020 suspension of in transparency and 2020 – 2024 including updated person Council
pg. 168
6.7 Continue to accountability is local metrics (By meetings during support strong audit, upheld in monitoring, 30.6.2020 each year) Covid 19 lockdown financial, risk, data reporting and and corporate meeting statutory Approved by governance and requirements Publish the members June 2020 reporting systems to corporately organisation’s By 30.06.2020 Delayed due to build public Annual Report by suspension of in confidence, maximise 30.06.2020 person Council efficiency and ensure meetings during Approved by compliance with our Covid 19 lockdown members June 2020 obligations. Complete Annual Service Delivery By 31.03.2020 Plan by 31.03.2020
Ensure completion 95% returned on of Annual Ethics By 28/02/2020 time Declarations To ensure efficiency, transparency and Ongoing oversight accountability is 6.7 Continue to Monitor and updating of upheld in monitoring, implementation of Ongoing oversight information. support strong audit, reporting and Lobbying Act 2015 financial, risk, data meeting statutory and corporate requirements governance and corporately Monitor compliance Ongoing oversight Annual Report with the Protected 30/6/20 published reporting systems to build public Disclosure Policy confidence, maximise efficiency and ensure compliance with our obligations
Monitor compliance No. of staff taking up 0 with the General employment each Data Protection year attending No induction training Regulations induction/staff sessions held in (GDPR) awareness training 2020 due to COVID
pg. 169
restrictions. A New cloud based cyber security and awareness solution procured at the end of 2020, which includes a GDPR
awareness module.
System is to be rolled out to all staff with access to email in early 2021.
Average no. of days 24 days (2020 To ensure that that for FOI decisions the FOI Act 2014 is made (statutory complied with. requirement is 20 6.7 Continue to working days). Yes support strong audit, Annual FOI To ensure that that Online training due to financial, risk, data Training to FOI the FOI Act 2014 is Covid 19 and corporate Decision Makers complied with. governance and (Yes/No). reporting systems to build public 60% of lots retendered and *National Framework confidence, maximise To establish and awarded expired, awaiting efficiency and ensure To implement new manage a Legal OGP to form compliance with our Framework during Services framework to enable obligations 2020 Framework council to complete a new competition for Code Enforcement
6.7 Continue to To conduct Qtrly % spend vs budget Ongoing support strong audit, Budgetary reviews ongoing financial, risk, data and corporate
pg. 170
governance and reporting systems to To support the work build public No. of meetings of the Audit 4 confidence, maximise supported annually Committee efficiency and ensure compliance with our obligations Adoption of Records Management Policy Draft prepared, Due to COVID 19
Complete by Information needs input from work on the Records document Management IMC Management Centre management Committee during has stalled. policy, progress 2020 implementation and progress Records Stage in project Management implementation - Part 8 ongoing delays due to COVID Centre Records Management Centre
6.8 To work alongside To oversee the key partners to reporting of 2019 strategically use data Performance to make informed, Indicators to NOAC transparent and within statutory deadlines evidence led Deadline date Submitted on 24.7.20 amended due to decisions, to inform Covid 19 service and by 24.7.2020 infrastructure needs and advocate for our county from a strong evidence base
To increase the use Communications Recruitment of Appoint 6.10 Improve visibility of social media and To have new position Officer recruitment Communications Communications and awareness of the other filled in 2020 completed by end of Team delayed due to Officer 2020. Strategy Covid 19. Review to Council by effectively communications
pg. 171
promoting our role tools by the Council review deferred to be carried out by To have reviewed and our achievements and enhance 2021. new comms team Review the Communications in the delivery of community communications Strategy as ongoing projects and services awareness strategy 2016-2019 or completed during 2020 49,395 (NOAC 2019) - 16 Social media accounts
No. of followers 3 managed by Increase usage on on social media Comms team social media pages pages Figures for end 2020 FB - 15,081 Twitter - 8,520 Insta - 1,516 Review and expand use of Mapalerter and other IT No. of registers users 1657 customer of MapAlerter system information systems
pg. 172
New Actions due to Covid-19 Develop, test, and implement a phone Introduce new New action - Covid 19 6.4 Utilise ICT to 6.4 and online online services to response. 28,000 Utilise ICT to reduce appointments facilitate safe 28,000 appointments costs, improve booking service for access to Council facilitated June 2020 - operational efficiency, customers to safely facilities Dec 2020 expand online and access council Cloud enabled facilities services to make it To ensure ICT is easier for customers used to track and to access services and effectively manage New action - Covid 19 information. customer interactions Introduce new response. 162 cases services to facilitate Maintain and operational eff Cloud dealt with via phone safe access to promote the 162 calls October - enabled services to Oct 2020 - end 2020 community Community Call December make it easier for (Community Dept supports for phone service customers to access operated service to cocooners services and Oct 2020) information
To ensure ICT is 6.5 Support local Test and provide No. of virtual 1 - December full used to track democracy and the online Council, statutory meetings council, following the interests of the representations and CPG and Protocol provided during 2020 adoption of amended community by effectively support Committee standing orders in the elected members New action - Covid assisting the role of Meetings with November 2020 to role 19 response elected supporting standing facilitate remote representatives and by orders statutory meetings. growing voter registration
To increase the use Implement a Covid Development of web Dedicated pages live Covid 19 specific of social media and 19 specific pages and April 2020 response
pg. 173
other communications supporting SM 6.10 Improve visibility communications plan activity and awareness of the tools by the Council and enhance Council by effectively Upscale the online community Introduce new promoting our role consultation portal Pilot project awareness online tools to 25 surveys - 8574 and our achievements pilot to expand for accelerated due to facilitate public responses in the delivery of use by all Council Covid 19. engagement online projects and services Departments
Consult with 2. Enabling Business communities and Arising from Covid- collaborate with and sustaining growth 19 effects on partners to enhance “To optimise the Review Casual economy and the public realm and potential of Kildare Trading Bye Laws consumers activity, design of our towns and its businesses to to comply with new there was an and villages and No. of MDs that bye innovate, invest, regulations and increased demand deliver projects and law reviews have 60% promote and sustain address growing for Casual Trading programmes that been initiated in 2020 demand for outdoor areas arising in 2020 growth and revitalise the trading in the public that has necessitated employment, across local retail economy realm the prioritisation of our County and and rural hinterlands. throughout our revised bye laws for community.” MDs.
To support Irish 6.9 Review and language and culture improve our through communications implementing our Function assigned to Irish Language Commence and Scheme scheduled Corporate Services channels to deliver Review 2018 Scheme and related complete for submission to during 2020. 2018-21 timely and useful Scheme and create events and supports development of Irish Minister for approval remains legally in information that 2021 Scheme Language Scheme Jan 2021 place until Ministerial makes it easier for decision. customers to access services and information
pg. 174
Department/Service Area: Human Resources
The Human Resources Department’s core activities include recruitment, staff training and development, staff welfare, industrial relations and superannuation. During 2020 the department continued to promote staff training and development, good attendance, a safe and healthy work environment and stable industrial relations. Recruitment campaigns continued throughout the year to ensure that all available posts are filled as required.
5-year 2020 Progress Covid 19 contextual Corporate Plan objective Report - note where relevant Supporting (As per 2020 Objective Performance Standard Performance Strategy corporate indicator Plan) New procedures and
arrangements put in To ensure best Responsive, effective place to carry out recruitment practice is and flexible recruitment interviews online. Backlog followed and that the 30 competitions programme in place to in recruitment 6.3 Support human resource completed meet organisational competitions @ 31.12.20 needs of the organisational needs due to COVID. effectiveness, organisation are met training and
continuous No. of average Due to Covid it was not
professional training days per possible to provide Build development, Progress staff training staff member classsroom based organisational and development (2020) - 1.94 training for much of the staff well-being, competence through year. Online training innovation, to effectively implementation of No. of training courses and seminars flexibility and deliver on our Implementation of Training Plan 2020 to courses/seminars were utilised. 733 staff performance by current and Training Plan 2020 include where possible delivered (2020) - completed Covid 19 implementing the future the training needs as 319 Induction training sectoral People services identified through through Strategy PMDS process No. of staff creating a attending training culture of (2020) - 926
pg. 175 training To support and PMDS implemented, i.e. excellence monitor the operation Team Plans and PDPs and of PMDS and continue completed and reviewed Ongoing continuous the implementation of throughout the learning and the competency organisation development framework To ensure Additional supports management and staff introduced taking account are supported so that of pressures and stresses the organisation is staff are experiencing Provision of Employee best placed to meet New service relating to the pandemic Assistance Programme. current workloads, provider and also to support staff Ongoing supports as deadlines, change appointed in relation to remote required management and working future challenges in a healthy and safe working environment. To continue to promote positive Ongoing engagement employee relations Meetings and regular meetings and engagement and continued online with all trade unions good industrial relations
pg. 176
Department/Service Area: Finance The Finance Department, under the management of the Head of Finance, has primary responsibility for a range of functions including • Budgets • Financial management and reporting • Accounting • Payments • Revenue collection (including rates, rents, housing loans) • Treasury management • Development contribution collection • Motor Tax
5-year 2020 Progress Covid 19 contextual objective Report note where relevant Corporate Plan Supporting Performance (As per 2020 Objective Performance Strategy Standard corporate Indicator Plan) To enhance Procurement to liaise No. of relevant Dublin CARO are 1.3 Ensure over the lifetime of the with Climate Action staff attending taking the lead on the Corporate Plan that climate competency Team to increase staff Green training on Green action is mainstreamed into of staff in awareness of Green Procurement Procurement. As a the Council's policies, Green Procurement options briefings/trainin result of the Covid 19 buildings, infrastructure and Procurement g pandemic the roll out practices of this training has operations to reduce energy been delayed; it is now demand expected to commence in 2021. Collection level 70% (2020) ** * *As a result of the To ensure for Rates Covid Pandemic the 6.7 Continue to support strong that the Continue to maintain, Government paid a 9 audit, financial, risk, data and Council's Collection level 92% (2020) and where possible months rates waiver corporate governance and Revenue for rents and and as this was not increase, collection reporting systems to build account is in Annuities rates treated as cash the public confidence, maximise balance over Collection level 62% (2020) 2020 Rates Collection efficiency and ensure medium term of Housing Rate is 70%. However, Loans
pg. 177 compliance with our 2020 Annual if the waiver had been obligations Financial treated as cash the Annual Statement sent to 2020 Rates Collection Financial Dept March 2021 rate would have been AFS to be submitted to Statement 80% the DoHPLG within statutory timeframe Revenue expenditure per €978.21 (2020) capita Approx 38% of ** Between both Kildare ratepayers schemes approx. Restart Grant received restart €47.5m has been To assist business Payments grants totalling processed to assist during the pandemic €25.5m. Kildare ratepayers in the Government response to the Covid introduced to schemes Approx 80% of 19 Pandemic that Kildare County Kildare ratepayers Council’s Finance had a 9 months Department Rates Waivers rates waiver administered. applied to their rate account totalling €22m.
pg. 178
Department/Service Area: Information Systems The principal focus for I.T. in 2020 was the protection of council information assets. Primarily I.T. looked to protect the organisation against a cyber security incident e.g. ransom ware. Compliance with GDPR and the provision of robust and resilient information management systems and solutions to protect the council in the event of an infrastructural failure is included in this area. An initiative, termed a ‘Disaster Recovery’ or DR solution is an ongoing project over several years to include technologies such as virtualization, resilient links, off-site data storage and the use of the Cloud where appropriate. The second area of focus is in assisting service delivery sections to examine current work practices and to look for ways to improve the flow of work thereby reducing delivery times and improving customer services. This initiative involves the development of customer service channels via web and mobile. The deployment of a new Council’s Customer Relationship Management (CRM) system will provide the opportunity streamline existing processes and introduce a platform for the new technology solutions. Finally, in 2020 I.T. continued to provide excellent levels of technical support service to staff and to members, was responsive to organisational needs and sought maximum up-time on all hardware and software in use in the council.
pg. 179
Corporate Plan 5-year objective 2020 Progress Report - Performance Covid 19 contextual note Supporting as per corporate 2020 Objective Performance Standard where relevant Strategy Plan Indicators Cyber Security - Implement Because of Covid the systems and technologies to traditional methods of protect council assets and delivering training courses Run staff IT organise ongoing training 0.00 were suspended, rolling this security training programs for staff training out now using on-line awareness to the dangers of training platform in early cybercrime. 2021 Due to the large number of people enabled to work Change IT Not rolled out remotely and difficulties password policy 6.4 Utilise ICT to encountered this initiative reduce costs, was delayed improve Get third party to Focus by IT in Q2 & Q3 was perform IT enabling 500 staff to work operational Support the Completed in Q3 2020 security risk remotely - we took this efficiency, expand functions of Kildare assessment assessment on in Q3 online and Cloud County Council Services to the Public - enabled services through innovative Website development Develop a new public facing ICT solutions resources had to be re- to make it easier website for public interaction Launch new 'look allocated to support the for customers to with the council to include and feel' council Completed by Q4 2020 development and distribution access services public consultations, website of on-line Covid information and information transaction processing and for both staff and the public GIS. Full deployment Teams available to all Teams available to all staff Data Management - Deliver of 365 Teams staff resilient systems that will 97% of all physical We needed to perform an assist the organisation to servers virtualized by upgrade on the SAN to store, manage and process Deployment of a Q4 2020 and hosted on facilitate the backup to the data in a compliant and new resilient SAN resilient SAN cloud functionality, this was effective manner. solution environment. Work only completed in Jan 2021 started in Q1 2021 on but work on cloud backup backing up to Cloud ongoing
pg. 180
Covid 19 Corporate Plan 5-year objective as Performance 2020 Progress Report - 2020 Objective contextual note Supporting Strategy per corporate Plan Standard Performance Indicators where relevant Started initial work on investigating data audit and Progress slower Data creation of a data catalogue on this initiative Governance process, engaged vendor to than planned produce quote Some legacy Virtualization of 97% of All physical servers physical admin all servers and virtualized by Q4 2020 and servers that need fully hosted on hosted on resilient SAN to be virtualized - resilient SAN environment low priority with environment pandemic tasks Deliver Internal Continued focus Efficiencies - Continue to Continue to use on key processes Continued focus on key work closely with service Business supporting processes supporting Housing, delivery sections to Process Housing, Planning and Finance improve information and Improvement Planning and transaction workflow. Finance Lost about 2 Implementation Deployment of new CRM to months in the of new CRM start in Q1 2021 (Project started CRM tender solution in Q3 2020) process due to Covid Development of All new reports All new reports developed using an Enterprise developed using Power BI reporting strategy Power BI
pg. 181
New Actions due to Covid-19 5-year Corporate Plan objective as 2020 Progress Report - Covid 19 contextual Supporting 2020 Objective Performance Standard per corporate Performance Indicators note where relevant Strategy Plan Using the existing SuperSaas solution we Introduce new online reconfigured this 28,000 Appointments New service developed in services to facilitate solution to support on- facilitated June 2020 - Dec response to Covid 19. Not safe access to line appointments 2020 planned at start 2020. Council facilities service for customers to safely access Council facilities 6.4 Utilise ICT to Introduce VPN Using the existing reduce costs, (Virtual Private Sophus firewall solution, Network) which we introduced a new improve Support the New service developed in allows remote users VPN solution - this Allow up to 500 staff work operational functions of response to Covid 19. Not access their allows us to free up citrix remotely - this supported efficiency, expand Kildare County planned at start 2020. desktops or the licenses which could be online and Cloud Council council network used for non-KCC enabled services through remotely laptops innovative ICT to make it easier In order to support both solutions for customers to statutory and non- Allows 40 members meet access services Expand the use of statutory meetings all New service developed in through teams also brings and information TEAMS to the members had to be response to Covid 19. Not the members onto the o365 members enabled in TEAMS and planned at start 2020. environment provided with a Kildare coco email address To support remote Allows over 500 staff to Procure, configure workers over 500 New service developed in work remotely and maintain and deploy 500 staff laptops had to be response to Covid 19. Not the services provided by laptops procured, configured planned at start 2020. Kildare county council and deployed Allows over 600 staff to Procure, configure work remotely and take part New service developed in and deploy 600 Procured 600 headsets in training, calls and response to Covid 19. Not headsets meetings remotely or at planned at start 2020. their office desk
pg. 182
Deploy the Alcatel Allows up to 200 staff who Rainbow solution don't have KCC mobiles New service developed in allowing staff to use Procured 200 licenses and who work remotely to response to Covid 19. Not their office phone take and make calls using planned at start 2020. extension remotely their office extension Allows staff to sign documents electronically Roll out electronic New service developed in and enables processes to signature using Procured 500 envelopes response to Covid 19. Not be automated using pre- DOCUSIGN planned at start 2020. defines templates (envelopes) Allows the public to apply LEO procured a licence Configure on-line on-line for various services, to support business web-based forms on the back end is a New service developed in supports, Community with workflow using workflow process which response to Covid 19. Not developing on-line forms the SUBMIT.COM allows review and decision planned at start 2020. for community-based application and subsequent payment if applications required
pg. 183
Department/Service Area: Library and Arts Service Several key actions from Ideas Realised: Spreading the Word... Library Services Development Plan 2015 – 2019 and Arts Strategy 2018-2022 progressed in 2020, including a review of the Library Services Development Plan. The Library and Arts Service deliver a high-quality range of learning, literacy, reader development, cultural, arts and heritage programming through the County Programming Team while also delivering on relevant elements of the Decade of Commemorations Programme and Kildare’s Creative Ireland Strategy. Priority areas for 2020 included Children and Young People, to includes support for Music Generation, carrying out a review, audit and plan for the further development of Kildare County Council’s Municipal Art Collection. ‘Kildare Short Grass Film’ Festival took place, showcasing the support that Kildare County Council has provided over the last decade.
Covid 19 contextual 5-year objective 2020 Progress Report - Corporate Plan Performance note where relevant (As per corporate 2020 Objective Performance Indicators Supporting Strategy Standard Plan)
4.6 Continue to improve the well- being, learning, Support the Continued to support recreation and Implementation of implementation by moving cultural needs of Arts, Heritage and services online as much as our community To Deliver a library Library Strategies possible. through service which meets participation in and the information, development of our learning, Recover, Refocus, Re- library, arts, recreational and Energise Kildare Library heritage and culture cultural needs of the Service Interim Review Library services and community. Development Plan 2020 - Development programmes 2022 approved by Kildare Plan County Council Full Council Jan 2021
pg. 184
501hrs 45 minutes library Libraries were closed Average weekly service per week across 16 during the initial opening hours service points (2020) lockdown and opening Active Membership 23, 747 hours and numbers 1.025 visiting libraries were No. Visits to Libraries dependant on Level per head of Restrictions population throughout the year. 4.6 Continue to Methods of service Implement 1.2* improve the well- delivery were adapted National Public *based on circulation of being, learning, To Deliver a library to include Online Library Policy 266,766 and population of recreation and service which meets Services, 222,504 cultural needs of the information, Housebound Delivery our community learning, No. of Issues per Service and Contact through recreational and head of population and Collect. However participation in and cultural needs of the membership, issues development of our community and visit numbers library, arts, were all negatively heritage and culture impacted as a result of services and Covid. programmes Tender for design Working with Public Realm led team to Team to progress (2020) progress Kildare County Library and Archive Facility as part of Urban grant application process Plans underway as part of Phase 1 of County Library, Archives and Cultural Progress remedial Centre Capital Project to works to preserve move Local Studies and the Local Studies Archives temporarily and building begin digitisation and cataloguing.
pg. 185
To Deliver a library Redevelop Castledermot Completed and re-opened 4.6 Continue to service which meets improve the well- the information, Community to public in February 2020 being, learning, learning, Library. recreation and recreational and cultural needs of cultural needs of the Respond to our community community. outcomes of eServices Tender complete National LMS tender through National LMS / and implemented 2020 delayed due to Covid participation in and eServices LibraryApp, delivered 2020 development of our Tenders and and in final stage of tender library, arts, develop process to deliver new heritage and culture libraryapp. Library Mgt System services and 23,168 Closures during programmes Embed Library lockdown and limited Workforce Plan, No. of Wifi and access for public recruitment, Public Access PC during Covid Level training and sessions Restrictions impacted integration of new negatively on PC and staff Wifi usage
No. of social media 9,976 totals for Facebook, followers across all Twitter, Instagram platforms
Action Marketing No. of uses of online 265, 874 (245% increase Plan 2020 services from 2019) 245% increase a result of move to online services throughout Covid restrictions
Implement a Community Digital Age Friendly Online Digital Training Training 2020 Awareness Programme
pg. 186
Deliver 40 libraries, online and educational outreach events in 2020 awareness programming on Climate and Energy Conservation
Programme 13 online events with over All programmed 4.6 Continue to reader 1,600 attendees (same events impacted by improve the well- To Deliver a library development number attending as 2019 Covid restrictions and being, learning, service which meets events such as Festival) adapted to online recreation and the information, Kildare Readers events where possible cultural needs of learning, Festival our community recreational and Continue to work 2107 through cultural needs of the with communities participation in and community to provide a high- development of our quality range of library, arts, cultural, heritage No. of events heritage and culture and arts including outreach services and programming programmes across the county via the County Programming Committee. 5 Irish Military Seminar To Deliver a library videos (1738 views on service which meets YouTube channel) and 1 the information, public talk in February (15 learning, in attendance). recreational and Deliver on cultural needs of the Decade of There were 27 Decade of community. Commemoration No. of events Commemorations posts on Programme – www.kildare.ie/ehistory. 1920/2020 Decade of Commemorations Facebook page has 1070 likes and @cilldara2016 Twitter has 530 followers.
pg. 187
Content digitised such as the minute books and core centenary material.
25 Bursaries awarded in Additional 4.6 Continue to Support the No. of bursaries 2020 programming and improve the well- Government's awarded funding provided to being, learning, Creative Ireland deliver documentary of recreation and Cultural Strategy Covid notebooks, cultural needs of climate event and 'Get our community To Deliver a library Well Switching Off' through service which meets Programme participation in and the information, Deliver on development of our learning, Kildare’s Creative Additional programming library, arts, recreational and Ireland Strategy No. of participants and funding provided to heritage and culture cultural needs of the deliver documentary of services and community. Covid notebooks, climate programmes event and 'Get Well Switching Off' Programme
10 online events with a All programmed Deliver Cruinniú virtual audience of 4,063 events impacted by na nÓg (2020) Covid restrictions and Programme of adapted to online No. of participants creativity for events where possible . young people
Support and facilitate the delivery of major library capital projects in the Project Status County in Clane and Naas
pg. 188
Progress to Construction began Progress on project construction December 2020 - impacted due to phase Capital completion expected in 18 Construction Closures Project for library months under Level 5 services in Naas. Restrictions
Tender for design Additional Unit purchased Progress on project led team for Project Status in 2020 Work began with impacted due to Covid Clane Capital Architects on Design Project, Part 8 Tender December 2020 and tender for contractor Promote and 140 events in 2020 plus an All programmed 4.10 To support Irish facilitate Irish additional 120 Irish events impacted by language and language language classes online Covid restrictions and culture through engagement adapted to online implementing our opportunities events where possible
Irish Language Scheme and related events and supports
New Actions due to Covid-19 Introduce new Develop, test and 32,690 appointment New service 6.4 Utilise ICT to online booking implement online bookings from June - Dec developed in response reduce costs, system to appointments service 2020 to Covid 19. Not improve operational facilitate safe for patrons to safely planned at start 2020. efficiency, expand access to access Libraries online and Cloud Libraries enabled services to make it easier for customers to access services and information
pg. 189
4.1 Building Community Call Library Team worked 32,690 appointment New service Communities Helpline & Library with Community and bookings from June - Dec developed in response through Housebound IT to set up 2020 to Covid 19. Not empowerment and Service administrative planned at start 2020. inclusion system for "To empower all Community Call citizens to helpline service, participate in safe manned phoneline and inclusive 12 hours per day, 7 communities and days per week from access services and March - June and set supports that make up housebound a positive difference delivery service in their lives." initially delivered through the helpline
pg. 190
2020 Progress Covid 19 Report - contextual Corporate Plan 5 year objective Performance 2020 Objective Performance note where Supporting Strategy (As per corporate Plan) Standard Indicators relevant
6.17 Support the No. of arts Arts Act Grants Online grant Implementation of Arts, grants and (€43,624) and application Heritage and Library bursary awards bursary awards system created Strategies (€39,350) were for 2021 to made to 59 assist in the individuals and management groups of grants, working remotely. Information 4.6 Continue to sessions improve the well- delivered being, learning, To further develop an Arts online recreation and cultural Service for Kildare County needs of our Council which supports a No. of artists, 39 music Music vibrant arts infrastructure community through community educator panel Generation roll that reaffirms the intrinsic With the KWETB, support participation in and groups and arts recruited and out to schools value of the arts, enables the development of Music organisations trained. and youth development of our public engagement, and Generation, a music supported Significant groups library, arts, heritage nurtures the artist education programme for instrument bank delayed. and culture services children and young people developed. and programmes
No. of artists on Festival took professional place 7th March development, 2020, Riverbank To further promote Kildare mentoring and Arts Centre, with as a 'film friendly' county training 25 films and to support artists programmes screened. 37 working in film films supported by KCC catalogued
pg. 191
No. of members Curated Review and To bring the Municipal Art of the public exhibition of audit deferred Collection to more attending female artists in until 2021 audiences and develop the events the Collection in collection, supporting artists Aras, March 202o, led by artist Vera Mc Evoy Through the Dance Summer No. of social School and seminar, media followers provide a professional and hits on development opportunity for social media dancers and community links practitioners, especially those working in Dance and Health
pg. 192
Department/Service Area: Economic Development The Business Support Unit of Kildare County Council incorporates the Local Enterprise Office and the Economic Development Team to form a central point of contact for all businesses in County Kildare. It nurtures a pro-business environment working with local businesses, key stakeholders and enterprise support organisations. The Business Unit in Kildare County Council works to make County Kildare an attractive and competitive location for setting up and doing business; thus, creating a strong and sustainable county economy with a strong focus on employment creation and on accessing external international markets. If a business is relocating or expanding, or where an entrepreneur is starting a new enterprise, the Business Support Unit will be available to effectively guide and facilitate them through their journey.
2020 Progress Corporate Plan 5 year objective Performance Report - Covid 19 contextual Supporting 2020 Objective (As per corporate Plan) Standard Performance note where relevant Strategy Indicators
2.1 Grow Increase the number No. of jobs 1149 employment by To strengthen the of jobs created in created. supporting existing enterprise base and Kildare through SME’s growth and encourage job creation upskilling from innovation plans, activities training courses, while maintaining a Promote financial assistance supportive entrepreneurship through LEO grant environment that & provide an integrated schemes & MFI attracts and support structure loans, attracting & supports conducive to enterprise supporting new and entrepreneurship start up and growth existing businesses to/in Kildare
pg. 193
555 approved out Increase the number Financial Activity of a total of 700+ of Grant Applications Number of grants received both Received & approved. Approved.
3,612 Increase the number of training courses No. training and to develop participants on programmes specific training courses to entrepreneurs’ current needs
Maintain the number 1088 of Mentoring sessions to assist No. of mentoring develop sessions entrepreneur’s business needs Increase the number 632 of applications No of online received and trading vouchers approved for online approved trading vouchers
2.10 Support creativity, Reporting to Increase awareness innovation and No. of Innovation commence in of the agile and enterprise in Promote and assist Vouchers availed 2021 innovation funds Kildare through access to the agile and of & value of through LEO effective stimuli for Innovation funds across funds accessed Kildare's local all industry sectors by Kildare based communication and entrepreneurship companies promotion channels. to leverage the innovative capacity of the County and
pg. 194
retain talented people.
29 Support County 2.2 Work with Kildare to showcase strategic partners the attractions of the to deliver county and to Promote Kildare as infrastructure and demonstrate that it is location of choice for FDI promotional an outstanding area Investment & support No. of FDI campaigns to to establish and existing FDI companies companies in attract, sustain and develop a modern in sustaining and Kildare expand foreign business. The new expanding their direct investment gains will come from business. and major expansions of the indigenous existing base of companies foreign companies as well as new arrivals.
To establish County No. employed 4,735 Direct, Promote Kildare as “The Kildare as the in the Equine Indirect and Thoroughbred County” “Centre of excellence industry secondary 2.3 Support and for the bloodstock employment promote growth Pursue planning policies industry in Ireland. To No. visitors opportunities for which protect the discover, share and related the equine industry environmental qualities apply new knowledge 229, 682 in recognition of its which have led to the that will enhance the No. training central place as a development of Kildare health, performance participants in unique feature of as the centre of the and management of Equine related Kildare’s identity equine industry in horses programs 26 Reporting postponed Ireland commensurate with due to Covid19 and the signature status No. Start-ups in
pg. 195
of Kildare’s equine Equine Tech Hub immediate need to industry. support Kildare Completion of an Reporting to businesses Equine Asset map commence in of the County 2021 Establishment of an EQUINE Industry Forum Successfully run a No. of retail Reporting to Reporting postponed Retail Conference in Outlets in the commence in due to Covid19 and 2019 to support County 2021 immediate need to retailers in Co. support Kildare Kildare businesses
No. of Shops 93 2.5 Consult with Increase number of opting to use communities and applications for Shop Shop Front grant collaborate with Facilitate and support Front grant Scheme Scheme partners to the expansion and No. of entrants in Competition Postponed enhance the public sustainment of the retail pride of place due to Covid19 and realm and design offering in County Increase number of Shop Front immediate need to of our towns and Kildare. applications for Shop Competition. support Kildare villages and deliver Front Competition businesses projects and Increase number of No. of retailers 17 – Training programmes that retailers engaging engaging with (Developing an revitalise the local with Age Friendly Age Friendly Age Friendly retail economy and Business Recognition Business Digital Strategy) rural hinterlands. Scheme Recognition Scheme 93 – Shopfronts
Increase awareness No of MD’S Recommence in Reporting postponed of initiative Purple Developing and 2021 due to Covid19 brigade promoting initiative Purple brigade
pg. 196
Increase awareness No. of MD’S Reporting to of Enterprise Town Developing and commence in initiatives promoting 2021 Enterprise Town initiatives Increase targeted No. of retail 632 promotion to grow adopting online take up of online amongst our retailing bricks and mortar retailers Reporting postponed due to Covid19 and Manage and update Completion of an immediate need to asset map of Kildare Asset Map across support Kildare on a quarterly basis the county businesses 2.4 Collaborate Support, co-ordinate and with local optimize the visitor providers, experience potential and Reporting to communities and reinforcing a positive Increased no. commence in strategic agencies image encompassing, Increase promotion of 2021 jobs opportunities employed in the to develop, Equine, history, culture, sectors package and food, retail and natural through Kildare Economic Job associated with promote our and built environment. visitor experience tourism offering Support the Opportunities and leverage our expansion/improvement Database location as part of of existing network of Increase number of No. of visitors as Ireland’s Ancient facilities in Tourism, courses, initiatives well as FDI and East, located on Hospitality & Leisure and events business start-ups Dublin’s Doorstep. Industry. specifically related to in the county Tourism, FDI & Equine.
pg. 197
Reporting to Reporting postponed 2.8 Continue to commence in due to Covid19 and work with partner 2021 immediate need to agencies to support Kildare support rural businesses communities Increase economic through skills Successfully run a activity and build development, Green & Increased sustainability into the enabling Sustainability numbers of rural rural economy broadband delivery Conference in 2020, enterprise and
and supporting specifically aimed at diversification Support increase employment businesses in initiatives development of rural opportunities Kildare. enterprises in renewable aligned to a rural Run a Green for Development of energy and Green lifestyle and Micro courses for Agri-food – technology setting. LEO clients/ science network
2.6 Support and businesses in Kildare Encourage and support promote growth to adopt green Development start up enterprises opportunities from processes within their Agri-food –Hub along the Blueway and the Agri-food & operations greenways drinks sector in recognition of its strength as a key economic drive in County Kildare
2.9 Working in collaboration with Run courses & all education initiatives specifically No. of people stakeholders, Encourage and support 3,784 aimed current engaged in encourage and upskilling, job mobility demands to support upskilling and support skill and enterprise creation upskilling, job mobility training in development and management and enterprise business sector talent retention creation management required by employers in all sectors
pg. 198
250
Impact of COVID- 19 on international No. client travel Identify and companies encourage new exporting businesses which
have the potential to 3 No. of clients develop and grow accessing TAME employment and vouchers export.
Increase the No. of innovation 2.0 To optimise the progression of 2 hubs developed in potential of Kildare companies exporting the County and and its businesses through Export Region to innovate, invest, Contribute to the growth Enterprise 15 promote and of the region and expand Development No of hpsu sustain growth and international reach Programmes, startups employment, Technical Assistance transferred to across our County for Micro Exporters Innovation Enterprise Ireland and throughout our Grant. Running a conferences:
community.” Innovation No. of Start-ups Oct 2020 60+ Conference for the on Global Mid-East region to ambition program support growth within
business. Increase Dec 2020 - No. of attendees awareness of High Workplace of the at Regional Potential or Export Future Digital Conference on Seminar related initiatives. INNOVATION. (MERTS) = 216 registered participants - 102 registered participants
pg. 199
Create clusters of Measurement to 2.11 Promote key Innovation hubs in commence on aspects of the the County. Open the delivery of To provide opportunities Green Economy Mid-Eastern Region MERITS project to reduce car-based including the Innovation Think commuting out of the adoption of Space (MERITS) County, through high % occupancy of appropriate building to provide quality co-working hubs MERITS alternative, co-working incubation enabling people to work sustainable and and accelerator remotely, temporarily or smart energy space for technology permanently solutions including entrepreneurs and co-working hubs. technology businesses
pg. 200
Department/Service Area: Environmental & Water Services The availability of quality environmental services is critical to securing economic investment, creating sustainable and attractive places, in ensuring health and wellbeing and in safeguarding the environment.
The Environment Department functions and objectives are managed in a sustainable manner in line with national and regional policies. Kildare is one of 12 counties which operate within the Eastern Midlands Region Waste Management Plan 2015-2021. The priorities for the region in 2020 address waste reduction programmes, illegal activity and unaccounted for waste, construction and demolition waste and capacity challenges and dealing with sites with illegally deposited waste.
Kildare continues to carry out its functions in accordance with the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) 'Recommended Minimum Criteria for Environmental Inspections' (RMCEI Plan) 2019. The plan identifies and prioritises enforcement activities.
Whilst actively working towards a more environmentally sustainable County, the department also educates citizens of all ages through school education programmes, through communication campaigns, and by working in partnership with neighbourhood improvement groups like Tidy Towns.
Water and wastewater functions are provided by Kildare County Council on behalf of Irish Water under the terms of a Service Level Agreement (SLA).
pg. 201
2020 Progress 5 year objective Covid 19 Corporate Plan Report - (As per corporate 2020 Objective Performance Standard contextual note Supporting Strategy Performance Plan) where relevant Indicators
Provide for the Continue servicing of A number of bring 1.5 Drive climate maintenance of existing civic amenity bank sites were change action and existing Civic and bring bank sites. inaccessible during environmental Amenity sites to No. of civic amenity 2 2020 due to Covid protection through encourage the Seek to increase sites. restrictions organisational and recycling of waste, number of bring banks community and forward plan via appropriate planning awareness, supports, for new CAS’s permissions. No. of bring bank sites 39 research and where deemed facilities necessary and funding available.
Deliver revised Litter New LMP agreed and in Plan to be 1.6 Ensure continued Management Plan. place. presented to full robust enforcement, council in Q1 licensing, 2021. Ensure a high- certification and Continue programme of No. of litter inspections 1486 quality environment regulation in litter inspections/ completed through effective environmental pollution surveys. environmental protection, planning, enforcement building control, fire Implement Waste No. of spot checks to 17 No. Of C&D Waste activities. safety and public Management Byelaws support and facilitate Inspections in health and safety in the separation of waste 2020. order to support our at source citizen’s quality of life and the built and Ensure the To continue to use No. of complaints 109 natural environment. protection of rivers enforcement legislation received in reporting and public where necessary to year. waterways and use prevent pollution. enforcement No. of complaints legislation where investigated in reporting 109 1.6 Ensure continued necessary to year. robust enforcement, prevent pollution.
pg. 202
licensing, No. of complaints certification and resolved / closed in regulation in reporting year. 109 environmental Oversee the Maintain and improve Percentage of 91.35 protection, planning, provision of waste number of households households who avail of building control, fire collection on a using authorised waste a waste collection safety and public County-wide basis, services. service health and safety in both domestically 57 order to support our and commercially; To continue monitoring citizen’s quality of life and take and enforcement of No. of spot checks for and the built and enforcement action waste permits / waste compliance. natural environment. where necessary. facility permits. Plan for long-term To continue to provide No. of burial grounds 32 cemetery needs of funding for cemetery being maintained. the county and maintenance, maintain existing improvement and No. of burial grounds Works restricted cemeteries expansion programme. with improvement works Ongoing due to Covid completed
Ensure the control To administer council's Work on dog pound Completed in of dogs. obligations under the extension complete. 2020. control of horses and dog’s legislation. To promote the No. dog licences 5909 requirement to hold a issued/ renewed. dog license. Ensure the To maintain the derelict No. of entries in Derelict 16 protection of the sites, register and Sites Register general public implement the against derelict provisions of the sites. Derelict Sites Act. 1.6 Ensure continued No. of statutory notices 14 robust enforcement, served
pg. 203
licensing, Kerdiffstown certification and Remediation To continue to progress Programme of works regulation in Project - the development of the agreed and being Ongoing Main works environmental Management and Kerdiffstown site as a implemented contract protection, planning, Remediation of public park commenced in Q4 building control, fire former landfill site. 2020 safety and public health and safety in order to support our citizen’s quality of life and the built and natural environment
To continue to support No. of participants in greater environmental Tidy Towns Network. awareness through 42 school’s education and awareness Support and programmes, No. of schools 1.10 Support and recognize neighbourhood participating in Schools closed at incentivise positive environmental improvement environmental 33 time of Certification community actions protection through programmes such as campaigns (e.g. Green that improve our community Tidy Towns, Community schools) environment and awareness, Clean-Ups, and the mitigate climate supports, incentives provision of promotional change and facilities material and support. To trial a reverse Pilot scheme in Scheme being vending scheme for operation progressed by plastic beverage bottles MD members with local business
pg. 204
6.7 Continue to No. of requests support strong audit, Ensure the public's 7 dependent on No. of Access to financial, risk, data right of access to public Information on the and corporate environmental Environment requests governance, information (AIE)
transparency and reporting systems to
build public
confidence,
transparency,
maximise efficiency
and ensure
compliance with our obligations
Level of Spend under Allocation of 1.8 To protect and Rural Water Rural Water Multi €414,000 for life improve water quality Provision of Annual Programme of programme through Support/Advice to 2019-2021 implementing River Group Water Basin Management schemes and small Plans and supporting private supplies the Multi Annual through Govt grants 43 Rural Water and Liaison with No. of well grant Programme for the Irish Water. applications processed County
pg. 205
Provide Water and Continue to provide Ongoing wastewater Water and wastewater functions on behalf functions on behalf of 5.5 Facilitate and of Irish Water under Irish Water under the support Irish Water in the terms of a terms of a Service Level their Delivery of Service Level Agreement (SLA). significant capital investments in the Agreement (SLA). County
pg. 206
Department/Service Area: Planning and Strategic Development The Kildare County Development Plan (CDP) was adopted in 2017 and underwent a two-year review during 2019. Following on from the adoption of the Regional Spatial and Economic Strategy (RSES) by the Eastern & Midland Regional Assembly during 2019, the council is currently preparing a variation (Variation No.1) to the CDP to incorporate the required changes to the Core Strategy and to the Population Projections contained within the CDP. The Public Realm and Strategic Projects Team joined the Planning and Strategic Department in December 2019. Through evidence- based data and urban design analysis, the team in collaboration with Communities develop transformative Public Ream/ Urban Design solutions to create more vibrant and livable town and village centers from concept right through to construction. With several successful applications already made to the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund and the Urban Regeneration and Development Fund, these projects are being progressed to construction stage, with additional applications to both the RRDF and URDF submitted in 2020. The Planning Department continues to deal with planning applications of varying sizes and levels of complexity. Pre-planning meetings are designed to deal with prospective applicants for large scale residential or commercial developments, and the department will continue to facilitate pre-planning meetings. Applications for Strategic Housing Developments are made directly to An Bord Pleanála, and the department will continue to engage with the Board on such developments. Reports of unauthorized development are pursued, and appropriate enforcement action taken. Where necessary, cases are referred for legal action. A County Heritage Plan was completed during 2019. The Heritage Officer continues to implement actions arising from this Plan. The Conservation Officer continues to facilitate the roll-out of the Built Heritage Investment Scheme and Structures at Risk Schemes as approved by the Department of Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht. Local heritage and conservation is promoted to ensure that they receive due consideration at local level.
pg. 207
2020 Progress Corporate Plan Covid 19 5-year objective as Performance Report - Supporting 2020 Objective contextual note per corporate Plan Standard Performance Strategy where relevant Indicators Variation of Kildare County Complete and 5. “Continue to Development adopted 09/06/2020 plan, deliver and Plan maintain key To progress all Review of Kildare Work commenced in infrastructure in statutory forward County 2020 with Issues Consultation now our County that planning processes Development paper published taking place on- sustains mobility in line with statutory Plan 11/01/2021 line. and access and deadlines and the Local Area Plans Draft Athy LAP Consultation now positions Kildare County Development Naas published taking place on- to achieve Plan Athy 17/12/2020 with work line. sustainable Kildare Town commenced on Draft growth." Maynooth Naas LAP which will be published in To ensure effective, March 2021 proper planning and To initiate a review of Review of Initial research 5.6 To ensure sustainable, balanced the Development Development commenced 2020 planning policy development of urban Contribution Scheme Contribution and development and rural areas during 2020 Scheme 2015- management 2022 support consolidated 1,627 applications urban development and the reuse and regeneration of Processing of land and Planning 1,170 decisions buildings in order applications to make making issued the provision of key public services sustainable
pg. 208
2020 Progress Corporate Plan 5-year objective Covid 19 Report - Supporting as per corporate 2020 Objective Performance Standard contextual note Performance Strategy Plan where relevant Indicators % of Planning 48.72% enforcement cases closed against no. of cases that were investigated) % of applications where 73.85% the decision was 1.6 Ensure confirmed (with or without continued robust variation) by an Bord enforcement, Pleanala licensing, Buildings inspected as a 16.80% certification and percentage of new To ensure effective regulation in To ensure effective buildings notified to the development environmental development local authority management and protection, management and Cost of the Planning €37.60 per person development planning development control service per capita (2019). Finance to control activities to management and activities to support update 2020 figures support the control, building the ongoing proper once AFS is ongoing proper control, fire safety planning and finalised. planning and and public health sustainable Pre-planning meetings 127 commercial sustainable and safety in development of the meetings development of the order to support County 108 one-off housing County our citizen’s meetings quality of life and 2 pre-planning Preplanning the built and clinics; remainder by meetings now held natural telephone/email by telephone/ environment consultation due to email/ MS Teams Covid 19 restrictions consultation due to Covid 19 restrictions. Section 5 (exempt 56 decisions issued Development) declarations
pg. 209
Corporate Plan 5-year objective as Performance 2020 Progress Report - Covid 19 contextual Supporting 2020 Objective per corporate Plan Standard Performance Indicators note where relevant Strategy To conduct a "health To progress reviews of No. of 10 progressed in 2020 but Covid restrictions have check"/ urban design settlements (towns and settlements 2.5 Consult with not completed delayed site surveys, analysis of settlements villages) throughout the reviewed per site visits and public communities and and develop an County during 2020 year in line with consultation collaborate with associated Town/ agreed workshops. partners to Village Renewal Plan programme. enhance the public in line with the County realm and design of Development Plan and our towns and an agreed programme villages and deliver across Municipal projects that Districts revitalise the local economy and rural hinterlands.
To maximise public To progress extensive No of public 17 progressed but not Covid restrictions have participation and public consultations during consultation concluded in 2020 due to delayed public 5.2 Promote and collaboration in 2020 to maximise the events held per Covid restrictions. consultation support the use, informing design and relevance, quality and year and no of workshops. Some development and project proposals for impact of projects in associated online consultation has maintenance of each Town and Village addressing the needs of submissions taken place with more sustainable towns and villages received, to be rolled out in 2021 transport as public meetings alternatives cannot take place. including walking, To actively pursue To submit further funding Total value of Both RRDF applications Decision on URDF cycling and public funding opportunities applications to expand the funding submitted in 2020 were applications submitted transport in for projects that programme of approved approvals successful, with an in 2020 is delayed to collaboration with revitalise the County's projects under the annually. additional 2 applications 2021 key transport towns and villages Strategic Projects and submitted to the URDF at stakeholders and Public Realm Programme a value of €10m. A agencies beyond 2020 decision is awaited on these applications.
pg. 210
Corporate Plan 5-year objective Performance 2020 Progress Report - Covid 19 contextual Supporting as per corporate 2020 Objective Standard Performance Indicators note where relevant Strategy Plan To deliver projects 5.2 Promote and that revitalise the support the use, local economy and development and rural hinterlands of maintenance of Funding spend the County's Towns sustainable per annum on and Villages, To progress delivery of Progress on the transport completed including greenway programme of approved Prosperous Town Park completion of other alternatives projects and blueway funded projects under the completed in 2020 at a cost projects delayed including walking, Value of active projects. To create Strategic Projects and of €657,000. during 2020 due to cycling and public projects on an increased sense Public Realm Programme Covid Restrictions. transport in hand at year of place, where collaboration with end. sustainable key transport transport and stakeholders and modal shift is agencies prioritised.
pg. 211
Department/Service Area: Community Services
Community and Cultural services develop, and lead initiatives aimed at providing civic leadership and opportunities for community engagement. Community & Cultural Services section continues to support community leadership and engagement through Community grants, Community Development supports, Comhairle na nÓg and the Kildare Age Friendly County Programme, in addition to co-ordinating the participation of Kildare Sports Partnership, Parks and Landscaping, Tourism promotion, Joint Policing Committee, Integration Strategy, Public Participation Network and others. Kildare Local Community Development Committee (LCDC) aims to achieve a more strategic, joined-up approach to local and community development. The Local Economic and Community Plan (LECP) which was completed in December 2015, provides the framework for community and economic development for the county. Work is commencing to review the actions of this plan. Kildare LCDC continues to provide oversight and leadership to the implementation of two national programmes a) Social Inclusion Community Activation Programme (SICAP) b) Rural Development LEADER Programme and emerging funding streams such as Healthy Ireland, Community Enhancement Programme. The Parks Department provides Kildare County Council's landscaping service. This section also delivers a wide range of work across the county related to provision, design and maintenance of recreation and amenity facilities. The main priorities for 2020 were:
• Delivery of playgrounds in Castledermot & Allenwood • Commence preparation of masterplan for amenity lands in Sallins and Carton Avenue, Maynooth • Design for Boardwalk in Newbridge • Commence detail design for Cherry Avenue Park • Pilot scheme for reduction of glyphosate • Develop a monastic garden in Kildare Town • Develop a sensory garden in St Catherine’s Park
The Community Development Team actively engages with communities to identify needs source funding and build capacity to enable those communities to meet their needs. The team works form a social inclusion perspective and is involved in the following key activities
• Community workers assigned to identify local authority estates under a social inclusion remit. • Age Friendly Programme • Athy Community Enterprise Centre • Kildare County Pride of Place pg. 212
Corporate Plan 5-year objective as per 2020 Progress Report - Add brief Covid contextual 2020 Objective Performance Standard Supporting Strategy corporate Plan Performance Indicators note if relevant
Promote increased To work to enhance No. of PPN Members 1080 community participation participation
and achieve citizenship through capacity building No of PPN Encourage and training in representatives to KCC 22 representation conjunction with the PPN & related structures
No of events in Social To Promote consultation Arrange social events 9 Inclusion Week and communication all online due to covid through partnership with No of PPN Information 4.1 Enhance social Arrange information employees and citizens Sessions regarding 9 inclusion, community sessions participation and supports available development through The meetings initially took training, awareness, place via teleconference, capacity building, moving to TEAMS. community grants Restrictions have impacted on and awards in the way of working and in collaboration with the particular getting to know PPN and LCDC. To develop the newer members. However, all community leadership Sustain the current no of of the business of LCDC To ensure that Kildare 23 meetings of the LCDC role of the council through meetings annually by continued and in many LCDC continues to run and sub structures took the Local Community LCDC and its supporting respects an increased effectively and efficiently place in 2020 Development Committee sub-committees (3-4) workload under LCDC due to (LCDC) COVID was experienced e.g. establishing the Communtiy Response Forum, playing a lead role in data gathering for the telephone line etc.
Corporate Plan 5-year objective as per 2020 Progress Report - 2020 Objective Performance Standard Supporting Strategy corporate Plan Performance Indicators Add brief Covid contextual note if relevant pg. 213
SPCs meetings of the new committee have continued since June Areas for attention will be No of policies, strategies 2020. Full membership in To support the work of identified in the 2020 and schemes reviewed in place. Sectional work the Strategic Policy Work Plan at the and developed by plans have been Committees inaugural meeting of the Strategic Policy circulated and approved. new committee in March. Committee 4.0 To empower all A number of policies citizens to have been approved for CPG. participate in safe Residents No. Resident Association and inclusive communities and access services and Associations: To supports that make continue to work with a positive difference existing community 342 RA grants approved residents’ associations in 2020. in their lives Residents' Associations and support the grants scheme will be run development of new Groups applications for local authority and
residents’ associations. private estates in 2020.
Continue to promote social inclusion and KCC priority project community development Continue promotion 10 estates supported. as good practice in all Project estates. 4.0 To empower all citizens to Support groups to participate in safe participate in local and Over 30 groups national award Continue to support participate in the annual 23 and inclusive competitions to highlight participation Pride in your Place communities and best practice and Competition. access services and encourage participation. supports that make
pg. 214 a positive difference in their lives. Over 20 gardens Continue to support qualified for the Best 18 participation Kept Garden Competition. Over 10 young people participate in the Youth Endeavour Awards. Continue to support 2 participation
4.1 Enhance social inclusion, community participation and Supports in the development preparation of project proposals/accessing Continue to support and No of applications for through training, 78 grants/funds for identified promote participation LARA grants awareness, capacity projects. E.g. community building, community festival LPT etc.. grants and awards in collaboration with the PPN and LCDC. 4.8 Oversee and collaborate with partner agencies in the LCDC to Multi Agency Group established for targeted implement a joined Continue to work with At least 4 meetings per estates in the County to 2 targeted estates year. up, cross sectoral highlight gaps in service approach to local provision and community development Covid restrictions reduced programming, targets.
pg. 215
particularly targeting the most excluded.
To ensure that the Kildare The LCDC SICAP sub SICAP programme is group met bimonthly . To continue to focus on delivered in line with the Targets were revised social inclusion as a agreed plan 2020 No of persons nationally: Groups: 59
means of tackling poverty supported annually – achieved 67 and disadvantage Individuals 703-achieved 706
Targets were revised nationally, both were exceeded. Issues of poverty No of groups supported escalated- food, fuel, annually unemployment. Working remotely v difficult with most vulnerable Bimonthly LCDC Reports
Annual review complete Yes/No 6.11 Facilitate youth To continue to support the work of Comhairle na nOg participation in No of Second-level 58 students engaged under the national policy Continue support schools participated in with CNN from all across policy development framework “Better Comhairle the county through Comhairle Outcomes Brighter na nOg. Futures 2014-2020” 4.11 Promote and To continue to develop a more inclusive and inter- recognise cultural Currently in the cultural society in the Successful Africa Day, differences in consultation phase for county through the Implement new strategy Inter-cultural event held our new Integration planning and implementation of the Co in Athy May 2019 Strategy decision making by Kildare Integration understanding Strategy 2019-2024 pg. 216
needs, agreeing actions and including more diversity in decision making structures. Implementation worker Develop and implement appointed and a Traveller and Roma Implement strategy implementation Inclusion Strategy to committee in place. support communities. Meeting regularly 2.7 Develop and leverage Twinning: Strengthen and opportunities for develop Kildare cultural community, cultural relationships across the world. Providing support Website developed and economic No of active twinning to twinning throughout the Develop website www.kildaretwinning.ie groups in County developments County. Continued 17 through Twinning implementation of the and strategic twinning policy and engagement with committee oversight. our Diaspora 2.8 Continue to work with partner agencies to support rural communities through skills To ensure that the To support and facilitate LEADER programme is development, 33 projects were existing and alternative delivered in line with the Leader Projects approved for funding in enabling broadband agricultural and rural Local Development supported: 2020. delivery and based economic activities Strategy and priorities for The next EU progrmme has supporting 2020 been delayed due to COVID employment and Brexit. A transitional programme 2021 will be opportunities implemented however the aligned to a rural focus of the next LEADER lifestyle and setting. programme is not yet clear
pg. 217
2020 Progress Report - Corporate Plan 5-year objective as per 2020 Objective Performance Standard Performance Covid 19 contextual note Supporting Strategy corporate Plan Indicators where relevant Cumulative total of new playground in playgrounds/skateparks/ Continue to promote Prosperous and another outdoor gyms facilitated Completion of Castledermot opportunities under construction in and/or maintained by delayed due to Covid Castledermot 4.4 To facilitate the the Council restrictions provision of The annual day had to be recreation, sports Cumulative attendance cancelled play packs were Organise and hold annual 800 play packs and open space To promote access to at Annual Play Day over distributed instead playday event distributed facilities in the community-based sports Corporate Plan lifetime County and educate and recreational and build the opportunities COVID-19 had a negative capacity of the entire impact on our engagement community to Annual participation in with many of our participants, participate in Continue to promote Kildare residents particularly the Older Adult 26,000 healthier lifestyles participation engaged in sports and and Disability groups and this physical activities. is reflected in our participation numbers for 2020 The increase in the numbers receiving education and training was mainly due to No. of volunteers our development of a Continue to provide receiving upskilling 5850 COVID-19 E-learning upskilling annually resource to upskill parents, teachers and coaches, helping clubs and groups return to play after lockdown. Upgrade St Cocoa Appoint contractor to Works underway due to Athletic Track in Works delayed due to Covid complete works be completed in 2021 Bawnogues work restrictions 4.1 Enhance social 981 grants under all A significant number of To support the inclusion and Community and festival headings approved in community and festival development of No. of individual grants community grants schemes will be 2020 (includes projects did not proceed or sustainable communities awarded participation and run in 2020. RAs).+32 Community have been delayed/amended through active development through Enhancement due to Covid restrictions. pg. 218
training, awareness, intervention in facilitating Programme grants + 7 This may have implications capacity building, community lead projects Community Mental for the ability of some groups community grants Health Funding to undertake projects in and awards in grants+66 Covid 2021.The Community collaboration with Emergency Funding Enhancement grants were the PPN and LCDC Grants oversubscribed due to an inability for groups to fundraise.
Two meetings held in
2020. New online grants Grants information nights No. of information system planned for 2021 will be organised through sessions will required increased PPN. number of remote
meetings/tutorials.
Castledermot under Construct Castledermot construction, & Prosperous Prosperous is Playground. Complete complete.
Part 8 and tender for Tender 4.4 To facilitate the Support ongoing construction of awarded for St provision of programme for delivery Allenwood, Tender for John of God recreation, sports To support the maintenance and upgrade to St John of Playground. and open space development and management of God Playground. Redesign of facilities in the enhancement of local playgrounds Commence redesign of Leixlip County and educate sports, leisure, Leixlip Playground. Playground to and build the recreational and arts Install CCTV in commence in capacity of the entire facilities Newbridge skatepark 2021. CCTV community to on hold due to participate in GDPR. healthier lifestyles Develop design Draft Implement the adopted guidelines for guidelines the Play Policy for the playgrounds in under County residential preparation developments 1.7 Continue to Develop a Parks and Complete tender for Strategy under To enhance and improve and Open Spaces Strategy for consultants to develop development develop the appearance maintain the the County including best strategy. Liaise with in conjunction
pg. 219 appearance of our and environment of use of recreational Planning and Sports with Planning. County with the Kildare facilities Partnership re Consultation, cooperation of our requirements for mapping and communities. strategy open space audits complete. Draft to be ready by June 2021 Carry out a Tree Works Works Tender for works Programme for the county completed Prepare Masterplans for Tender for Carton Avenue, Tender for consultants Framework of Maynooth, Sallins to prepare the Landscape Amenity Land & Monread masterplan Architects Park, Naas completed. Implement masterplan for Tender for consultants Cherry Avenue Park, No progress to prepare detail design Kildare Develop a community tree Pilot sites Planting delayed due to Covid Identify pilot sites planting initiative identified Restrictions Continue grass maintenance of approach Maintain grass contract Completed roads and open spaces in areas across the county the county Landscape Caragh Landscape Court Roundabout and Architect replant Kilcullen & appointed to Monasterevin design Caragh 1.7 Continue to Roundabouts, Summer Court improve and To enhance and Bedding Leixlip, Design Roundabout, maintain the develop the appearance for amenity land in Kilcullen appearance of our and environment of Athgarvan, Install Roundabout County with the Kildare Monastic Garden in replanted, cooperation of our Kildare Town, Summer communities. Landscaping works at Bedding in Moate of Ardscull, Leixlip Design for Newbridge completed. No Boardwalk progress on
pg. 220
Athgarvan Amenity Land, Engineering Design and Archaeology work carried out to facilitate installing Monastic Garden, Landscaping works commenced in Moat of Ardscull, No progress on Newbridge Boardwalk
To enhance and regenerate Kildare's towns and villages by Reinstate Riverforest improving streetscapes Complete Bowl, and public realm and creating urban places and spaces. St Catherine’s Parks - Detail Design upgrade seating & and Bill of
complete Sensory Quantities Garden completed
pg. 221
5-year Corporate Plan objective as 2020 Progress Report - Supporting 2020 Objective Performance Standard per corporate Performance Indicators Covid contextual note Strategy Plan where relevant To protect and Develop a community Planting delayed due to Identify pilot sites Pilot sites identified maintain the tree planting initiative Covid Restrictions natural Conservation of Spa environment of Well to be progressed in Completed Kildare and 2020. change Prepare Conservation management of Plan for Oldtown Work on Oldtown started, amenity& Gardens, Naas and no progress on recreation areas Castletown Woods, Castletown Woods Continue conservation to mitigate and of key sites within the Celbridge adapt to climate county change and benefit Update conservation 1.1 To protect, biodiversity, plan for the Wonderful Completed conserve and subject to Barn promote our funding and County's natural resources and built heritage & identify and support To protect and Design of Tree Planting No progress biodiversity for the maintain the Pits in Pairc Mhuire benefit of our natural policies, people environment of Install pilot public water Contractor in place to fit Installation work delayed and environment Kildare and point in Lourdesville water point and and water due to Covid 19 change Playground point purchased lockdowns management of amenity& Develop standard recreation areas Signage Scheme for No progress to mitigate and Liffey Linear Park adapt to climate
change and
benefit
biodiversity,
subject to
funding and
resources
1.11 Develop and To protect and Pilot areas for reduced Identify pilot sites and incorporate a maintain the application of implement and monitor Pilot study completed programme to natural Glyphosate and change results pg. 222
increase environment of in grass cutting methods management of Kildare and and frequency amenity areas to change mitigate and adapt management of to climate change amenity& and benefit recreation areas biodiversity subject to mitigate and to funding and adapt to climate resources change and benefit biodiversity, subject to funding and resources
4.3 Continue to To lead and To continue to monitor Continue to support Work programmes Alliance meetings x 2 support the active support the and support the Kildare Alliance and implemented. Annual held socially distanced inclusion of people Kildare Age implementation of the agree 6 monthly work Report published and Kildare Older Persons through the Friendly County Kildare Age Friendly programmes. Annual distributed. delivery of Age Programme County Strategy 2019- report published Council Executive x 6 Friendly (and act as 2021 and to work identifying progress in held on zoom. Programmes in regional lead for closely with Age key objectives from the partnership with South East Friendly Ireland as the Kildare strategy. Difficulty contacting the National Shared region) which is South East regional Support given to older people in general Services Centre being developed lead. national shared service due to digital poverty. and overseen by centre and SE counties the Kildare Age as agreed with Age Friendly Alliance Friendly Ireland supported by Age Friendly Ireland
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New actions due to Covid-19
***The Community Response forum was established in March 2020 to bring together over 20 different agencies to assist in providing much needed services to communities affected by the restrictions imposed due to the Covid pandemic. The group met monthly and quickly became a very effective means of sharing information and raising awareness. The forum will continue into 2021. The Community Call helpline was set up in March 2020 in a response to assist older and vulnerable people to receive services as a result of national restrictions on movement. The helpline generally dealt with transport, shopping and collection of prescription requests but also had assistance from the library service for the provision of homebound book deliveries. The helpline dealt with 1494 requests in 2020.
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Appendix 10 – Performance Indicators 2020
NOAC Performance Indicators for 2020 will be included when published
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Appendix 11 – Glossary of Terms Area of Further Assessment AFA Joint Policing Committee JPC
Approved Housing Body AHB
Capital Assistance CAP Kildare County Council KCC Programme Catchment Flooding Risk CFRAM Kildare Sports Partnership KSP Assessment Management City and County Management CCMA Local Area Plan LAP Association Commission for Energy CER Local Authority LA Regulation Customer Relations System CRM Local Community Development LCDC Committee Department of Environment, DECC Local Enterprise Office LEO Climate and Communications Population Equivalent PE Department of Transport DoT Service Level Agreement SLA
Department of Tourism, DTCAGSM Department of Rural and DRCD Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Community Development Sport and Media Educational Training Board ETB Social Inclusion and Community SICAP Activation Programme Environmental Protection EPA Strategic Policy Committee SPC Agency Health Service Executive HSE Sustainable Urban Drainage SUDS System Industrial Development IDA Radio Frequency Identification RFID Authority Integrated Services ISP Toys, Technology and Training TTT Programme Information Communications ICT Upper Liffey Valley Regional ULVRSS Technology Sewerage Scheme Department of Housing, Local DHLGH Wastewater Treatment Plant WWTP Government and Heritage Community Enhancement CEP Local Action Group LAC Programme
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