Chief Executive’s Monthly Management Report in relation to functions performed in the preceding

month / Tuairisc Bainistíochta Míosúala ag an

bPríomhfheidhmeannach maidir le feidhmeanna déanta I rith an mhí seo caite

Dated 7 July 2021 7 Iúil 2021 c

Prepared under Section 136 (2) of the Local Government Act, 2001, as inserted by Section 51 of the Local Government (Reform) Act, 2014 / Ullmhaithe faoin Alt 136, an tAcht Rialtais Áitiúl, 2001, agus Alt 51, an tAcht Rialtais Áitiúil (Athchóiriú), 2014 Page | 1

Chief Executive’s Monthly Management Report - 30 June 2021 Tuairisc Bainistíochta ag an bPríomhfheidhmeannach - 30 Meitheamh 2021

Contents / Clár Ábhar

Finance & Water Services / Airgeadas & Seirbhísí Uisce 3 Financial Reports / Tuairiscí Airgeadais Water Services / Seirbhísí Uisce

Planning, Infrastructure and Economic Development / Pleanáil, Bonneagar agus Forbairt Eacnamaíoch 8

Economic Development / Forbairt Eacnamaíoch Local Enterprise Office / Oifig Fiontair Áitiúl European Relations / Caidreamh Eorpach Infrastructure / Bonneagar Planning / Pleanáil Development Management / Bainistíocht Forbartha Planning Enforcement / Forfheidhmiúcháin Forward Planning / Pleanáil Chun Cinn

Operations & Waste Management / Oibríochtaí agus Bainistíocht Dramháil 27 Operations / Oibríochtaí Waste Management / Bainistíocht Dramháil Air, Water and Noise Pollution / Triuilliú Aeir, Uisce agus ó Thorann Environment / Timpeallacht Veterinary Services / Seirbhísí Tréidliachta

Corporate and Emergency Services / Seirbhísí Corporáideacha agus Éigeandála 47 Corporate Services / Seirbhísí Corporáideacha Sustainable Energy / Fuinneamh Inbhunaithe Fire & Emergency Services / Seirbhísí Dóiteáin agus Éigeandála Civil Defence / Cosaint Shibhialta

Housing and Quality of Life / Tithíocht agus Cáilíocht na Beatha 54 Housing / Tithíocht Communities & Sport / Pobail agus Spórt Quality of Life / Cáilíocht na Beatha Libraries / Leabharlanna Archives / An Chartlann Museum / An Iarsmalann Heritage / Oidhreacht Arts / Na hEalaíona

2 | P a g e

Finance and Water Services Airgeadas agus Seiribhísí Uisce

This Directorate ensures that the financial management of the Council is carried out in an efficient and timely manner, compliant with all relevant legislation, and that all of the activities and programmes of the Council represent good value for money for all the citizens of Louth.

Other responsibilities include Motor Tax and Water Services.

Cintíonn an Stiúrthóireacht seo go bhfuil bainistíocht airgeadas an Chomhairle déanta ar bhealach éifeachtach agus tráthúil, comhlíontach leis an dlí ábhartha, agus go bhfuil luach ar airgead bainte as gach gníomhaíocht agus clár ag an gComhairle, thar ceann shaoránaigh Lú.

Ina chuid den freagrachtaí eile ná Mótarcháin agus Seirbhísí Uisce.

Bernie Woods Director / Stiúrthóir

3 | P a g e

Expenditure to 30th June 2021

ACTUAL BUDGET EXPENDITURE EXPENDITURE % SPENT TO Section TO 30/06/21 2021 30/06/21 Housing 14,254,967 39,706,362 36% Road Transportation & Safety 9,503,515 26,232,178 36% Water Services 3,463,553 7,854,289 44% Development Management 7,606,004 17,057,986 45% Environmental Services 7,455,302 18,475,519 40% Recreation and Amenity 3,736,503 9,425,077 40% Agriculture, Education, Health & Welfare 462,264 1,180,833 39% Miscellaneous 10,287,033 10,604,375 97% 56,769,141 130,536,619 43%

Income to 30th June 2021

ACTUAL BUDGET INCOME TO INCOME % INVOICED Section 30/06/21 2021 TO 30/06/21 Housing 14,253,667 40,590,850 35% Road Transportation & Safety 2,046,090 16,802,175 12% Water Services 3,024,660 7,598,460 40% Development Management 4,432,588 10,177,060 44% Environmental Services 816,357 2,150,427 38% Recreation and Amenity 295,542 962,409 31% Agriculture, Education, Health & Welfare 168,775 455,146 37% Miscellaneous 3,224,906 6,496,645 50% Rates 35,387,113 35,437,249 100% General Purpose Grant (LPT) 6,577,464 9,866,198 67% 70,227,162 130,536,619 54%

The above is the current position as at the 30th June 2021. The allocation of the Central Management Charge is estimated in the above figures as the allocation is not completed till mid- month. The full rates demand for 2021 is included in the above figure. As the ½ year accounts process has just commenced these figures will change once the process is complete.

4 | P a g e

Collection rates as at 30th June 2021 are as follows:

Debtors as at 30th June 2021

Opening Closing Balance Invoices Receipts Write Offs Balance Government Debtors 9,101,755 42,360,516 (42,290,492) (152) 9,171,627 Other Local Authorities 111,441 422,835 (442,461) 0 91,815 Rates 11,030,292 35,387,113 (14,182,284) (6,433,400) 25,801,721 Rents 2,968,564 6,046,169 (6,421,087) (10) 2,593,636 Loans 283,360 857,113 (874,835) 0 265,638 Development Levies 10,622,066 1,453,240 (1,248,647) 0 10,826,659 Fire Charges 750,804 228,897 (177,066) (35,691) 766,944 Miscellaneous 1,847,991 4,458,900 (3,549,536) (22,680) 2,734,675 TOTAL DEBTORS 36,716,273 91,214,783 (69,186,408) (6,491,933) 52,252,715

Above is the debtor balances as at the 30th June be put on the July Council meeting agenda. For 2021. The Miscellaneous debtor figure includes the decision. Irish Water SLA recoupments, Corporate, Community & Enterprise, LEO, Planning, Members’ Remuneration & Expenses

Enforcement, Environment, Sports, Vets, Arts, New regulations have been introduced to increase Roads, Library, Museum and Finance the member’s remuneration from the 1st of July miscellaneous billings. 2021. As soon as we receive the relevant circular

this change will be implemented and back dated to Covid-19 - Rates Waiver st the 1 of July. There are also changes to the With the extension of the current lockdown the members’ expenses and again as soon as we Government have announced an extension to the receive the relevant circular this will be Rates Waiver Scheme to the end of Quarter 3. The implemented. Once received we will forward details eligibility for the scheme is different from the 2020 to the members. Waiver and the full scheme criteria and eligibility is available on our website. Small Business Assistance Scheme for Covid 2 nd (SBASC 2) - 2 Round

The Rates Waiver to the end of June 2021 for On Thursday 10 June 2021 The Tánaiste and eligible businesses is €6.3m and is shown in the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment Leo above Rates Write off figure and under Misc. Varadkar TD announced the opening of the Small Expenditure in table 1 above. Business Assistance Scheme for COVID (SBASC)

for a second round of applications from both SMEs We continue to deal with our rate customers on a and microenterprises. Businesses that received the case by case basis and we urge rate payers that grant in the first round can receive a second grant are experiencing difficulties at this time to contact provided they are still eligible. the rates department without delay.

The second round of the scheme allows SMEs and Local Property Tax 2022 microenterprises to apply for a grant of €4,000 for In June 2021 the Government announced changes those with turnover above €50,000 and €1,000 for to the Local Property Tax for 2022. As it is a microenterprises with a turnover of between Revaluation year the deadline for the Council €20,000 and €49,999, via a new streamlined members to decide on the Local Adjustment Factor application process through their Local Authority. has been brought forward to 31st August 2021. Public consultation started on the 22nd of June and Following on from a recent Government decision, will run for 14 days. It was agreed at the June businesses operating from non-rateable premises, meeting that the Local Property Tax decision would such as a home office or hot-desk are also eligible to apply. 5 | P a g e

Details of the scheme and application form are facility is taken back in charge by the LA under the available on our website. Service Level Agreement. Note – it is expected that progress of capital schemes and delivery of some services will Staleen WTW Upgrade experience further delays as result of restrictions due to Covid-19. LCC and IW are currently negotiating the phased transition from the DBO contract to Operations Water Quality control. LCC are currently recruiting additional staff to be trained by the DBO Contractor / IW in order to Intensive monitoring of water supplies in the County manage and operate Staleen WTP once the facility is carried out continually by the Environmental is taken back in charge by the LA under the Service Protection Agency (EPA) on behalf of Louth County Level Agreement. Council. Omeath WWTW Boil Water Notice Anticipated date of commencement on site is Q3 A Boil Water Notice was issued by IW / LCC to 2021. Detailed Design currently being reviewed by the customers on the Killineer Public Water Supply IW. with effect from the 26th January 2021. There are approximately 10 properties with thirty Shared Waters Enhancement and Loughs customers affected. Legacy (SWELL)

Water Conservation The programme for this work, which includes surface water separation in Omeath, will be co- Water conservation is ongoing throughout the ordinated with the Omeath WWTP provision. County. Regional Sewer Network Rehabilitation. Capital Programmes Irish Water undertook non-invasive works on Irish Water refers to the different phases of a Drogheda Sewer network with completion extended capital project as Gates 1, 2, 3 or 4. to end of June.

 Gate 1 - Concept Design, Dundalk Drainage Area Plan (DAP)  Gate 2 - Detailed design, preparation of contract documents, planning approval and DAP workshop with Irish Water, Louth County procurement, Council and Arups Consulting Engineers completed  Gate 3 - Construction stage, in February 2021 to review the progress on the  Gate 4 - Snagging and project sign off. survey and modelling project. LCC Operations staff continues to liaise with IW and consultants with Tallanstown Rationalisation network verifications.

Dundalk East Strategy - In advance of Ryan Hanley Consultants are currently progressing completion of Dundalk DAP the Project Design. Land Acquisition for Pumping

Station sites is also currently being progressed. - Route Selection completed Next project workshop is scheduled for 5th July. - Consultants progressing design with IW in Cavanhill WTW Upgrade consultation with Louth County Council. - Workshop 3 completed in March. LCC and IW are currently negotiating the phased - Site Investigation due to commence in June transition from the DBO contract to Operations and contract programmed for Q4 2021. control. LCC are currently recruiting additional staff to be trained by the DBO Contractor / IW in order to manage and operate Cavan Hill WTP once the

6 | P a g e

Coe’s Road Pumping Station Water Networks

- Operational modifications to Pumping Water Networks Programme Station undertaken by EPS - Options for cleaning of existing large Rehabilitation Programme diameter sewer currently under review with IW One works commenced under this program in Louth during June 2021 (Donore Industrial Estate)

Dundalk LNRP Lead replacement / Back Yard Services

Strategic Review underway for Dundalk WWTP and Irish Water’s Contractors carried out 6 BYS in Blackrock WWTP to facilitate advancing Local Louth in June Network Reinforcement Programme. First Fix Drogheda LNRP No first fix type repairs were undertaken by Irish Works at SWO including the provision of Non- Water contractors in June. Return Valves on the 3no outfalls and an Event Duration Monitor being progressed. Find & Fix

North Drogheda Wastewater Network Strategy Louth County Council crews continued with their Find and Fix program in Cooley and Dunbin areas Consultants have been appointed and Study being in June and undertook DMA checks in Dundalk progressed by IW in consultation with Louth County Council. Workshop 3 was completed on 14th April Water Scouring Programme 2020 2021. Site Investigation works due to commence in July 2021 Network scouring was undertaken in Cedarfield, Marian Park, Donore Business Park and Railway Quay St/St. Helena Rising Main, Dundalk Terrace area of Drogheda in June.

Pipe assessment delayed due to Covid-19 Network Maintenance restrictions as contractor is UK based. Date of commencement dependent on status of 55 essential water tasks were carried out in June restrictions. including 16 under our Find and Fix program (6 in Workshop 2 was completed in early June 2021. Cooley, 3 in Dunbin and 7 in Dundalk).

Baltray Rising Main Planning & Water Connections

Pipe assessment delayed due to Covid-19 The Networks Section processed 14 new restrictions as contractor is UK based. connections, 18 Pre Connection Enquiries and 48 Planning Applications in June Date of commencement dependent on status of restrictions. Service Maps

Greenmount WTW Upgrade The Networks Section prepared Service Maps as requested by customers in June IW and LCC are currently developing a Water Needs Brief to initiate a project to upgrade the Greenmount Water Treatment Works.

7 | P a g e

Planning, Infrastructure, and Economic Development Pleanáil, Bonneagar agus Forbairt Eacnamaíoch

This Directorate has three key areas of responsibility:

 Planning, the way in which we organise the built environment in our county

 Infrastructure, including our roads, bridges, and ports

 Economic Development, including the Local Enterprise Office, and work involving partners and funding outside the state

Tá trí eochairfhreagracht ag an Stiúrthóireacht seo:

 Is é Peanáil an slí a eagraímid an timpeallacht thógtha i gContae Lú

 Bonneagar, ár mbóithre, ár ndroichid, agus ár gcalaphoirt san áireamh

 Forbairt Eacnamaíoch, an Oifig Fiontair Áitiúl san áireamh, agus obair le comhpháirtithe agus foinsí maoinithe lasmuigh den Stát

Frank Pentony Director / Stiúrthóir

8 | P a g e

Economic Development Outdoor Seating & Accessories for Tourism & Hospitality Business’ Scheme Louth Economic Forum (LEF) A new funding scheme for outdoor seating and The next meeting of the Louth Economic Forum is accessories for the tourism and hospitality sector due to take place on 28th July 2021. was launched on the 31st March, 2021. This funding scheme provides for funding of up to Shopfront Improvement Grant Scheme 2021 €4,000 for individual tourism and hospitality businesses to develop and increase their own The 2021 Shop Front Improvement Grant Scheme outdoor seating capacity. The scheme was opened to applications on Monday 17th May, 2021 extended to pubs (including non-dining) from the and the closing date for receipt of applications is 14th June and is being administered by the 5.00pm on Friday 29th October, 2021. Details of Economic Development & Tourism Office. The the scheme are available at application form together with a list of ‘FAQs and https://www.louthcoco.ie/en/services/economic- Guidance’ is available on the Louth County Council development/business-incentive-schemes-retail- website at prospectus/ or you can request the design https://www.louthcoco.ie/en/services/economic- guidelines, application form or make enquires by development/outdoor-seating-accessories-for- emailing [email protected]. tourism-hospitality-business-scheme/.

To date, 13 Shopfront Improvement Grant Scheme 33 applications have been received to date. applications have been received, 4 from Drogheda, 8 from Dundalk and 1 from Ardee. Fáilte Ireland – Business Supports for the Tourism Industry Tourism The Boyne Valley Ambassador programme involves 15 local ambassadors who will act as Sea Louth - Scenic Seafood Trail digital ambassadors over the course of 4 months

th and will share a programme of digital content. The Sea Louth was launched on Tuesday 29 June, programme commenced on the 31st May. Each of 2021. The response and reaction from both media the Ambassadors will share a series of posts with and the tourism and hospitality sector has been destination messaging which will be brought to life tremendous and intense marketing of the Seafood through images and video content. trail is set to continue.

Another element of support by Failte Ireland – The www.sealouth.ie website promoting the trail is the“Digital that delivers” programme is due to be now live and it contains all the information on how rolled out in the coming months. Details of the the trail works. programme was sent to the tourism and hospitality

businesses on our database - the deadline for Fáilte Ireland – Destination Towns Capital registering an expression of interest was Friday Investment Programme 25th June.

The consultant for this project ‘Placemarque’ were Boyne Valley Drive st on site w/c 21 June and had some consultation with the members of Drogheda MD and A review and reimagining of the Boyne Valley Drive representatives from Drogheda Chamber and is currently underway. Public Consultation has now Drogheda BIDs. been completed. Recommendations / proposals

arising from same are currently being finalised. The bespoke new signage for visitor information and orientation is part of the Fáilte Ireland Boyne Valley Flavours Destination Towns programme. The proposed signage will be focused on streets from Magdalene Boyne Valley Culinary School Feasibility Study Tower to Millmount and from Westgate to St. completed by James Burke and Associates on Laurence’s Gate in Drogheda town centre. behalf of Discover Boyne Valley Flavours has been

9 | P a g e completed. The study outlines a purposed Vision Retail Powerhouse Forum and Mission for the project and next steps. Work has commenced on the next steps which involves LEO Louth continues to support 12 local retailers setting up a Foundation, max. 10 members, who on the Retail Powerhouse Forum who registered in will help develop and implement this project over December, 2020 and is supporting a further 12 the next five years. local retailers during 2021. This is a commercial retail forum that focuses on building trade with Work is progressing on a Marketing Plan to expert tips specifically for retailers. promote the hospitality sector across Louth and Meath for their re-opening outdoors in June and indoors in July.

Ancient Destination Development Plan

The Ancient Destination 5 year Development Plan which has been prepared by Fáilte Ireland in conjunction with Louth County Council and Meath County Council was launched by Fáilte Ireland on the 12th May, 2021.

LEO Louth

Brexit Supports COVID-19 Business Supports Notwithstanding the trade agreement negotiated between the EU and UK, Brexit is creating issues for businesses around VAT and Customs paperwork.

Updated information on the range of business supports available can be found at: www.LocalEnterprise.ie/Response.

Businesses applying for support from LEO Louth should email: [email protected]. Brexit Advisory Clinic: ‘Shop Local / Shop Louth’ Campaign Brexit Advisory Clinics, involving one to one The Louth online shopping directory has been meetings to help assess the impact of Brexit on revamped for 2021 and is now available at: Louth businesses, continue to be offered to local www.louthcoco.ie/ShopLouth. businesses. The aim of the clinic is to design a pathway to mitigate Brexit and access additional LEO will continue to promote #ShopLocal supports. #LookforLocal with a campaign to run from July, 2021. Businesses can be included on the Louth Brexit Microfinance Ireland Loan: online directory by emailing: [email protected]. Microfinance Ireland is offering a Brexit Business Loan, via LEO, in order to support businesses that will be directly impacted by Brexit. Loans up to €25,000 are available, and depending on the

10 | P a g e purpose the term can be between six months and The Export Development Programme commenced three years. in January with 15 Louth businesses. Workshops and mentoring sessions were held in June. Brexit Readiness Checklist: Financial Management Programme The Brexit Readiness Checklist is available on the Department of Business, Enterprise and Innovation website: https://dbei.gov.ie/.../Brexit-Readiness- Checklist.pdf. A full range of Brexit supports to help small businesses is offered by LEO Louth, all information can be found at: https://www.localenterprise.ie/Louth/Brexit/.

Border Stimulus Programmes to assist local businesses address Brexit and Covid challenges The financial management programme provided practical and relevant training and mentoring which demystifies the financial language around accounting, and helps a business owner / manager to monitor and focus on the critical financial aspects of the business.

There were over 60 participants from the NE region on the programme, with 30 of these from Louth with businesses benefitting greatly from enhanced financial skills.

A suite of 5 business support programmes Green for Micro continued to be delivered in June.

The 5 programmes are:

- Export Development Programme - Financial Management Programme for owner managers - Green for Microenterprise - Innovation Programme for small businesses in Co. Louth. - Superior Retailing Programme The Green for Micro programme is a free Export Development Programme programme which aims to help businesses identify cost savings and improve their green credentials. This is achieved by looking at the business from an environmental perspective. Projects may vary from assessing energy, water and waste costs, guidance with environmental management system, to the greening of the product or business to adapt to the changing market place.

3 applications were approved in June with LEO Louth continuing to seek new applications.

11 | P a g e

Innovation Programme this will be finalised in conjunction with the re- opening of certain retail sectors, in July.

The programme was run in conjunction with LEO Cavan and LEO Monaghan, and there were 67 businesses on the programme. Of these 33 were from Louth as follows, Drogheda 16, mid-Louth 4, Dundalk 10 and North Louth 3.

Business Training

The Innovation Programme is designed for SME business leaders who have ambitions to embed innovation in their businesses. The programme which commenced in April will be run over 6 months.

Workshops continued to be delivered in June. In between the workshops, participating firms identified, defined and planned their innovation June saw a diverse range of training workshops opportunities with the support of their mentors and delivered with courses provided by LEO Louth and were able to exchange experiences with other also national courses promoted to Louth business leaders / owners. All businesses have Businesses. now completed three workshops and three mentoring sessions and are working on their The month of June saw LEO Louth provide such Innovation plans. courses as:  Food Labelling and Packaging Superior Retailing Development Programme  Food Safety and HACCP Awareness training - certified to level 2 FSAI standard  Social Media for Small Business  Prepare your Business for Customs

40 businesses signed up for LEO Louth training courses during June.

In addition LEO Louth have been promoting a series of National Webinars – ‘Google Digital Garage’. These webinars are facilitated by Google The Superior Retailing Development Programme Trainers and cover topics such as Search Engine was aimed at assisting Irish owned retail Optimisation, Google Analytics, Making your businesses cope with the challenges of Covid, website more visible. All aimed at ensuring Irish Brexit and Online. Businesses would be able to businesses are visible to local customers online. plan their growth into the future. There has already been great attendance from Louth based businesses, with 67 booked in for the The programme was managed by LEO Louth and first free session. funded under the Border Stimulus Fund at no cost to retailers. 75 businesses in the North East were These courses run every Tuesday morning for 5 enrolled in the Programme. weeks. They are free to all and places can be booked online. The workshop and master class elements of the programme are now completed. There are still More information is available here: mystery shopping elements to be completed and https://www.localenterprise.ie/Louth/Training- Events/Google-Digital-Garage/.

12 | P a g e

LEO Louth Mentor Programme The autumn training schedule will be available to book online in July and includes training on Finance and Book Keeping, Accessing Finance, Digital Marketing Strategy and much more.

Details of all our training courses are available to view here: https://www.localenterprise.ie/Louth/Training- Events/Online-Bookings/.

LEO Louth Client Portfolio Review / Export The Mentor Programme is designed to match up Adviser Programme the knowledge, skills, insights and entrepreneurial

capability of experienced business practitioners LEO Louth is in the final stages of procuring a new with small business owner / managers who need client review and export adviser programme. practical and strategic one-to-one advice and guidance. The programme will provide support to LEO portfolio clients to develop their export and growth 18 businesses were appointed Mentors during the potential, working with client businesses to identify month of June. and pursue export opportunities and to ensure maximum uptake of LEO supports. COVID-19 Microfinance Ireland Business Loan

Trading Online Vouchers

LEO Louth offers full expert assistance to clients to assist the completion of Microfinance Loan Application, Business Plan and Cashflow Projections.

The Trading Online Voucher scheme to assist During the month of June there were 2 applications businesses to get online or enhance their online submitted to MFI. In addition LEO mentors presence, under which LEO can provide 50% continued to assist applicants. support up to a maximum grant of €2,500 is continuing in 2021. eCommerce Cluster

7 applications were received during June and 15 Louth businesses have completed the final applicants who were awarded vouchers in 2020 phase of the North East eCommerce Cluster continue to draw down their grants. programme - an enhanced digital consultancy Trading Online Voucher Workshops to assist support programme to help build their online applicants continue to be run on a regional basis business and sales. with Cavan LEO and Monaghan LEO. A masterclass has been scheduled for July. Business Advice Clinics

43 business advice appointments were provided by telephone and video conference to entrepreneurs throughout the County during June.

13 | P a g e

Food Academy This event offered participants a unique opportunity to engage in face-to-face virtual sales meetings with senior food buyers from throughout Ireland and the EU.

Grow Aldi Programme

3 Louth companies (McEntee's Tea, KooKee and Successful applicants for the Bord Bia / Supervalu Stameen farm) have successfully been picked for Food Academy Programme will be informed if they this year's Grow with Aldi Programme. Their were successful by early July. products were available in all Aldi stores during June. A past participant from the Food Academy Coole Farm have now had their salad leaves stocked in LEAN for Micro Programme 10 no. SuperValu stores across the country.

LEO Louth are working with their counterparts in Meath, Monaghan and Cavan in relation to the roll- out of a further Food Starter Programme for the region with training planned for July and August, 2021.

Innovate Accelerate Programme for Food LEO Louth continues to offer the LEAN Programme Businesses to small businesses locally.

The programme helps businesses to identify issues and potential improvement areas and provides support to implement these as well as achieve savings and improvements in capability and capacity to deliver. Businesses with an interest in The Innovate Accelerate Programme is an improving competitiveness should contact LEO International Trade Readiness Programme Louth to discuss how both the LEAN Programme available for small Food and Drink Businesses in and the LEAN Network can be of assistance. the Louth, Meath and Newry Mourne & Down District. Participants continue to work with food There were 4 applications received in June. businesses from Spain, Germany, Italy and France. Co-Innovate Programme The programme is in the final stage wherein the food and drink businesses will receive support to implement their new strategy developed from participating on this programme.

Food Starter Programme

Final clients on the Co-Innovate programme The next Regional Food Starter Programme will th th continue to engage with the programme to assist take place over two days on the 14 and 28 July. them embed innovation in their business. In total 63 Louth businesses participated under Co- Enterprise Europe Network innovate.

Enterprise Europe Network, in conjunction with the A further opportunity has arisen for additional Local Enterprise Offices in Ireland, hosted a Food clients to engage in early stages of this programme eirEEN, a virtual food “Meet the Buyer” event engagement and we are in the process of during June. identifying suitable companies that may benefit.

14 | P a g e

Craft Sector Programme Updates:

Craft LEO Louth are working with the national LEO Engagement and Signposting - Project Closing / Design and Craft Council Ireland Committee in the Event design and roll out of sectoral training and Theme: Building Positive Relations opportunities for the design and craft community.

Louth companies will be able to apply to engage in two training programmes, an eCommerce bootcamp and an export focused programme later in the year.

Successful applicants for the summer programme have been notified. Delivery of the first programme will begin in July.

Regional Enterprise Plan - North East Online closing event 30/06/2021 A new Regional Enterprise Plan is in the process of The closing event of Louth PEACE IV’s being developed. As part of its consultations, the Engagement and Signposting project took place Regional Programme Manager engaged with the th SPC for Economic Development & Enterprise online on 30 June. The project focused on rural Support and the Louth Economic Forum. Following engagement of young people in the areas of which 4 no. stakeholder sessions were held during Dunleer, Ardee, Omeath, Carlingford and June. Clogherhead. 40 young people (aged 16 – 25) took part in the project over a two year period. PLATO Following the on-street targeting of youths for the programme, data gathering from the participants highlighted their need for local social spaces, local mental health services, and local youth services in the rural areas in Louth. The programme equipped the young people with the skills to access a wide The Louth group of the PLATO Management range of resources, supports and opportunities that Development programme continued in June with 11 are available to them, as well as building positive local businesses participating. relations. The Signposting and Engagement programme was project managed by Erin European Relations Finnegan, Youth Work Louth.

Peace IV Programme

COVID - 19

Due to the Public Health Crisis in Ireland most Peace IV projects in Louth continue to be delivered online, with some live outdoor activities beginning to take place. Engagement & Signposting event, Carlingford

15 | P a g e

Adapting Aftermath Archives and Connect Family Resource Centre. Other Theme: Children & Young People aspects of this overall programme focused on the themes of conflict resolution, youth leadership, The final project of the Louth PEACE IV leadership and life skills, personal safety, Programme in the Children and Young People volunteering & community, identity, wellbeing and theme has commenced. Engagement between communication. Diversity Challenges and a young person’s advisory group (YPAG) will co-develop the Infrastructure Adapting Aftermath Archives Programme. Researching the existing archives from the Roads Projects Aftermath Project (funded under PEACE III) common themes will be identified and a toolkit will Narrow Water Bridge be designed and compiled for delivery in workshops between September to December 2021. There was a joint announcement recently by An Kabosh Theatre Company will be responsible for Taoiseach, Micheál Martin, and Nicola Mallon, the delivery of the toolkit through a series of Minister for Infrastructure in Northern Ireland workshops. The process aims to facilitate an awarding an initial sum of up to €3million to the engagement with the narratives of those who lived Narrow Water Bridge Project to allow work to through the conflict, and will facilitate an interaction recommence and to bring the proposal to tender between a diverse range of young people on a stage. Full details on the grant have not yet been cross-border and cross-religious basis. received.

N53 - Dundalk to Castleblayney Road Phase 4. Hackballscross to Rassan Part 8 planning was published on the 25th May. Plans and particulars of the proposed development are available on the council website at https://www.louthcoco.ie/en/louth_county_council/la test-news/part-8-n53-hackballscross-to-rassan.html and may be inspected (by appointment) at Louth County Council offices, Town Hall, Dundalk by contacting [email protected].

Design: Gerry Morrison Submissions and observations may be made by The Good Relations Initiative – Project Event email to [email protected] or in writing to Theme: Building Positive Relations Eugene McManus, Administrative Officer, Infrastructure, before 4.00pm on Tuesday 20th July, 2021.

Managed by the Louth Volunteer Centre as part of the Good Relations Initiative, the cross-border women’s group element of the project are hosting th an event on 7 July in Mullaghbawn, Co. Armagh Part 8 Site Location Drawing to showcase their work over the last year. Women’s groups that have engaged with this programme include Moneymore Women’s Group, Cooley Connect Well, Cross Bordering Network

16 | P a g e

 Direct Accesses (to minimise the number of N2 Ardee to Castleblayney Road Scheme departures & accommodate new junction arrangements); A range of surveys are currently ongoing for the N2  Disposal areas. Ardee to Castleblayney Road Scheme. These surveys will inform the Phase 3 (Design and Further archaeological investigation is planned to Environmental Evaluation) Process, and will be take place in these areas considered by the project team in designing the alignment and proposing mitigation measures. TII HD 15 Safety Works: King Williams Glen Details of the outcomes of these surveys will be Tullyallen, N51 included in an Environmental Impact Assessment Works to increase the stagger at the junction are Report which, subject to relevant approvals, will be now substantially completed. A Stage 3 Road submitted to An Bord Pleanála through the next Safety Audit has been carried out and works phase of the project (Phase 4 Statutory Approvals). identified are to be carried out in due course. The As detailed in the Option Selection Report works will proceed subject to TII funding. published at the end of Phase 2, the projected opening year of the schemes is currently 2027, Park and Share/ Park and Ride Pilot Scheme although this is subject to ongoing review and ACS Civils commenced works on the 8th March. subject to relevant approvals being received to Works are on programme to finish in September. progress the project. Traffic Management is in place. A site compound has been set up, drainage works are now The N2 Project Team continues to work remotely, completed, topsoil stripped and imported material but can still be contacted by landowners and has been placed. Capping layer has been placed members of the public via the N2 Project Phone and ducting is now substantially complete for public line 087 340 3786, or by email: lighting, CCTV and EV charging provision. Cast in [email protected]. News situ kerbing is well advanced as can be seen in the and updates will be posted on the ‘Latest News’ photo below. section of the project website: www.N2MonaghanLouth.ie.

N52 Ardee Bypass Feedback from the public consultation on the junction review has now been completed and a junction strategy report is now being completed.

Aerial View of Park & Share Construction progress An EIA screening report and AA screening report have been prepared and the scheme screens out in TII HD17 Schemes both. An opinion is being sought from An Bord Pleanála prior to publication of the Part 8. This Site inspections have been carried out at priority opinion from ABP and subsequent to their findings locations on National Roads including the N33 and will push the Part 8 process to Q3. the Funshog junction on the N2, in conjunction with TII Safety Section. Assessment of the previous scheme design has been carried out to determine of the requirement Funshog: Feasibility & Options reports are currently for additional lands is being discussed with affected being prepared and will be forwarded to the TII for landowners in relation to: their review and approval in due course.  Cycle / Pedestrian Facilities; N33: Road Markings are now competed, currently  Side Slopes to accommodate forgiving awaiting TII Signage Contractor to erect roadsides and potential savings in safety outstanding signage barrier provision; Public Lighting Remedial Works: A Feasibility &  Drainage (additional attenuation ponds to Options Report for Public Lighting Remedial Works remove online storage); has been approved by TII for 3 no. locations on the

17 | P a g e

N2: civil works are now complete, Tierney Street Boyne Enterprise Link Road junction, Ardee, Slieve Breagh / N2 junction, Main Street, Collon- R188 / N2 junction; and we await ESB to complete the connections. A feasibility and options report has been prepared and approved by TII in relation to Daly’s Cross. Further conversations will take place with TII and the timescales. N2 Collon Pavement Scheme A pavement assessment renewal report has been carried out on for the N2 Collon south (including Part 8 Drawing Collon village) and tender documents have commenced with a view to going to tender in July. A preliminary design assessment of the proposed Additional works are being planned to address road and its impacts on the adjoining road and collisions identified by TII. pedestrian / cycle track networks in the vicinity of the area has been completed. Boyne Enterprise N33 West Pavement Scheme Road Extension Part 8 went on public display on A Pavement Assessment Renewal Report (PARR) the Louth County Council website has been carried out for resurfacing a 3km section https://www.louthcoco.ie/en/louth_county_council/g of the N33 in 2021, this report has been issued and eneral_notices/part-8-boyne-road-extension- TII have approved this. Tender documents have newtownstalaban-drogheda-.html on Tuesday 18th been prepared and are to issue on 25th June on May, 2021. Submissions can be made in writing to eTenders. the Infrastructure Section, Louth County Council, Town Hall, Crowe Street, Dundalk, before 5.00 pm N2 Short Term Safety Measures on Wednesday 30th June, 2021.

Short term safety measures are to continue in 2021 Recreation & Amenity Projects on the N2 north of Ardee. Quotations have been received for additional warning signs and a Carlingford Lough Greenway - Omeath to contractor is being appointed. A further contract Newry (Joint project with Newry, Mourne and will issue for hedge clearance in September. Down District Council and East Border Region) The consultant is progressing with detailed design Port Access Northern Cross Route for the project. Tender documents for the main Land Acquisition ongoing. Fencing completed at contract are being drafted. R132. Fill material being stockpiled, for embankment use. Existing ESB 38kv line has The contract for the site clearance and site been diverted. Footpath and cycle path works to investigation are completed. The final S.I Report facilitate development on the Ballymakenny Road has now been issued and the design consultants which is part of the PANCR scheme have are using the data and information gathered to commenced. The purchase of land to facilitate the finalise the design and required land acquisition. footpath and cycle path has commenced in line with the CPO procedure. CPO mapping is being finalised and it is envisaged it will go on public display in July. Louth County Council have begun to again engage with the affected Landowners regarding Land acquisition and potential accommodation works prior to any publishing of a CPO.

SEUPB have granted a 12 month extension to the project programme and have engaged a third party to independently assess the request for additional

18 | P a g e funding by the three Greenway projects with a Landowner engagement is ongoing. Atkins decision expected in Q3 of 2021. Consultants have completed for review the detailed design and contract documents. Topographical It is anticipated that Planning Permission in N.I. will Survey now completed. AA screening report has be decided upon in July. The project partners are been received. Ground Investigation is now continuing to meet on a monthly basis to review complete. Archaeological test trenching contract is and assess the various aspects of the project. substantially complete. Accommodation works details and contract documents are drafted. An Greenway - Carlingford to Templetown updated costing, programme for delivery of housing and programme for LIHAF infrastructure has been Consultants have been appointed to the project provided to the Department of Housing for and have commenced the baseline data collection agreement. for the project which will go toward informing the route options for the scheme. Bi-weekly design meetings are currently ongoing. Safety Improvement Works Dundalk Municipal Athletics Grass Track Low Cost Safety Schemes Earthworks and drainage are nearing completion, it is expected that top soiling and seeding will  Anne Street, Dundalk: Tender Documentation commence in early July. Perimeter fencing will have been issued to the market, it’s envisaged also be completed before the end of July. that a contractor will be appointed by the end of July.  Tullyallen National School: Preliminary Design is completed and tender documents will be issued to the market in July.

Ardee Pedestrian Crossing Feasibility & Options Report for the Refurbishment of the Pedestrian Lights on Castle Street, Ardee has been forwarded to the TII and approval has been received on 25th February, 2021 for funding of

Aerial View of earthworks & drainage works €136,258 for these works. Discussions have commenced with the TII regarding the appointment LiHAF Projects of a consultant.

Specific Bridge Improvement Grants LIHAF Access Road at Newtown, Drogheda Obelisk Bridge Engaging with Department and Developer. Contract documents are substantially complete and Louth County Council received approval from ABP ready for tender, subject to the Departments for the works under Section 177AE subject to approval. Site investigations are now completed. conditions on 6th May, 2021. Tenders for Archaeological excavation contract are being assessed. Tenders documents for the works being prepared An Bord Pleanála decision to grant the SHD for 450 for issue in July, 2021. housing units has been overturned in Judicial Review. The developer is preparing a revised St. Dominick’s Bridge, Drogheda housing proposal. Louth County Council received approval from ABP for the works subject to conditions on 10th May, LIHAF Mount Avenue Improvement 2021 The Oral hearing in to the CPO was held on the 3rd of March, 2020. The CPO has been approved by An application for funding for the physical ABP on the 23rd June, 2020. refurbishment work to the bridge was submitted to

19 | P a g e the Active Travel Scheme in February, 2021. Dromiskin Footpaths Funding of €1.2 million has been approved for the Design works have commenced on the proposed works. Tenders for the works have been issued footpath, Infrastructure are working closely with the on eTenders with a return of tender date of 12th Elected Representative / Community Group to July, 2021. secure the lands required to construct the footpath.

Louth County Council will advertise its notice of Stabannon Footpaths intention to close the bridge to pedestrian and cyclist traffic on Tuesday 3rd August, 2021 to Infrastructure are working closely with the Friday 10th December, 2021, to complete Community Group to open discussions with the remediation works to St. Dominic’s Bridge. Any adjacent landowners. Tenders have been received objections should be submitted in writing not later and are currently being assessed, with the view of than 12 noon on Friday, 9th July, 2021. a contractor being appointed by the end of July.

Corporate Projects

Ardee Castle Definition of the brief, proposed layout and detail design works are continuing in conjunction with the design team. Bi weekly design meetings are being held with the design team. The design team are progressing Stage 2 of the project and are at the initial stages of detailed design. Design team St. Dominick’s Bridge currently investigating site access and compound possibilities for the works. Town & Village Renewal Blackrock Footpaths Additional public lighting bases have been provided at Felda with lighting to follow. Works are now complete on the section of footpath between Elm Park and Sandy Lane. Works to the Sandy Lane / Rock Road junction are now complete in accordance with DMURS. Additional speed humps are to be provided adjacent to pedestrian crossing areas. Design works for the 2021 allocation have commenced. Design impression of proposed works

Redevelopment Fair Street Offices, Drogheda

Preparation of the Bill of Quantities is nearing completion, all Design packages are completed and preparation of tender documentation. Fire Safety Certificate and the Disability Access Certificate have been granted.

Advance construction works commenced in mid- May and are currently ongoing in terms of the reconfiguration of the existing canteen and IT Blackrock Footpaths rooms. Further works such as removal of communication masts, etc. will commence in mid-

20 | P a g e

June. These advanced works are required in order Urban Regeneration and Development Fund to give the main contractor a clear site. Projects

West Gate Vision (Drogheda)

The design team are nearing completion of the desktop baseline studies and optioneering process is commencing. Public Consultation no.1 on the vision for West Gate has taken place with over 700 submissions received. The design team will review these submission to assess common themes, etc.

3D view of proposed works which will help inform the design options for the project. Further information on the project can still Pricing documents will be issued in July, 2021 to be assessed at www.westgatevision.ie. verified pre-qualified contractors. Rural Regeneration and Development Fund

Carlingford Rural Regeneration

Consulting Engineers have now been appointed and an initial meeting will take place in July. It is anticipated that the project will take approximately two and a half years to complete and will involve consultation with the local elected representatives, businesses, the public and all stakeholders

Omeath Public Realm

Webpage Funding of €2.8m was announced for this project in early April. Works have commenced on the Long Walk, Dundalk preparation of tender documents for the design team. Approvals from the Department have been issued, meetings are to be held with third party Ardee 2040 stakeholders to enable a brief for the appointment of consultants to be prepared. Since the signing of The first non-statutory virtual public consultation the MOU the engagement with the third party th commenced in June, with completion for the 5 of stakeholder continues. July. The design team will utilise the findings of the survey to towards informing the optioneering St. Nicholas Quarter & Backlands Regeneration process of the project. Information on the survey can be found at www.ardee2040.ie. On the 8th March the Minister announced that this project was successful under Urban Regeneration and Development Fund - Call 2 and has previously been allocated c. €7.4m towards the project. The regeneration teams have commenced work on the Consultant brief for the project.

Active Travel Investment Program

2021 NTA Allocation

Webpage On the 29th March the NTA announced funding to the tune of c. €4.6m for 2021 for various active

21 | P a g e travel projects around the county. Under this been agreed to facilitate any required Works in Co. current allocation there is 14 number projects. Meath. These projects range from new footpaths, design and construction of new footpaths / cycle lanes, Carlingford & Greenore Flood Defence Project transport studies and active travel studies. OPW have commenced a data review of the Flooding General Carlingford and Greenore Flood Defence Project to reappraise the Options identified in the Flood Risk Catchment based Flood Risk Assessment & Management Plan. The data review will include Management Study (CFRAM) additional rainfall data collection and modelling. The installation of a temporary rain gauge at Dundalk and Ardee Flood Defence projects Carlingford Fire Station for rainfall data collection is now complete and operational providing additional

rainfall data to inform project design and Stage 1 of the Project has now commenced, i.e. development. OPW have now requested Options assessment, Scheme Development. A installation of a second rain gauge and contractor has been appointed for CCTV surveys in investigations are underway to identify a suitable both Dundalk and Ardee and works are continuing site in Carlingford. on site. A Contractor has also been appointed for

Topographical surveys, etc. for the scheme areas Marine Projects and Survey Works which commenced in May. A visual walkover of the current flood defences Coastal Protection Works assets has taken place and a report on their condition will be prepared later in 2021. Works have now been completed at Seabank and Salterstown. Hydrological and hydraulic modelling method statements have been approved and modelling is now ongoing in tandem with the receipt of information from the CCTV and Topographical surveys currently on the ground. .

Further tender documentation for ecological reports, noise and landscape are currently being prepared.

Monthly project briefing notes are being issued to the current relevant stakeholders and it is intended to hold the first Project Consultation Day virtually in Haul Road to protect the SPC early July which will be advertised prior to the event. The Project website being hosted by OPW is now complete and can be reached at www.floodinfo.ie/frs/en/dundalk/home.

Drogheda & Baltray Flood Defence Projects

Tender documents returned on the 31st March have now been assessed. A preferred Consultant has now been identified and OPW Approval obtained to Rock Armour Works allow the Letter of Intent to be issued. It is Further investigations are underway at several envisaged that the Consultant will be in place in other locations to assess the feasibility of July, subject to approvals. submitting further funding applications to OPW

where appropriate. A Section 85 Agreement between Meath County

Council and Louth County Council has now also

22 | P a g e

Balmers Bog Surface Water Pipe sought two additional SEN classrooms which will require Part 8 planning approval. Options have OPW has approved funding, €668,571, for these been reviewed with the planner and these are now works to be undertaken in advance of the Dundalk being presented to the Department for approval. Flood Relief Scheme. A Letter of Intent has been issued to the successful Civil Works Contractor and The advanced works for ESB and Bord Gáis it is intended to complete the appointment of the requirements are complete. Contractor in July subject to approvals of insurances on CIE lands. Coláiste Chú Chulainn & Park at Marshes

Lower, Dundalk Annagassan Harbour Progress has been made in relation to snagging. Consultation has taken place with National Parks As constructed drawings of the completed and Wildlife Service and the EPA due to the emergency lighting has been issued by the PSDP. proximity of Annagassan Harbour to two Natura Additional snagging in relation to landscaping and 2000 sites (Dundalk Bat SAC and Dundalk Bay other items to be completed also. SPA). Due to the nature of the works involved a full

EIA may be required. Estimated cost further investigations up to €135,000 if full EIS is required. Public Lighting Energy Efficiency Project No funding available (PLEEP) Schools Programme Projects A Section 85 Agreement between Kilkenny County Replacement School for St. Ita’s and St. Mary’s Council & Louth County Council has been agreed. Design and preparation of the tender documents Site acquired. Department of Education to submit for construction works is nearing completion. A a planning application. final cost estimate for the element of works in Co. Louth will be carried out during the design process. Ardee E.T.N.S. The Members have approved for Louth County Council to seek a loan for the work, at the June Approval to go to tender has issued by Department meeting. of Education. Expressions of interest have now been reviewed and a shortlist of contractors has been finalised. The Department of Education have approved this shortlist. The Department has

23 | P a g e

Planning

Development Management / Bainistíocht Forbartha

The Planning service indicators for Louth County Council for the month of May, 2021 are given below in tabular form.

There were 172 planning applications received during the month of May of which 151 were valid. In addition there were 32 responses received during the month to requests for further information and 28 Pre-Planning Applications received.

The service indicator figures in relation to planning decisions and decisions on appeals made during the month, broken down by category, and with a total figure for all categories (Column F), are given below:

(A) (B) (C) (D) (E) (F) Description / Cur Síos Housing Individual Other Other Total for all Developmen Houses / applications applications- categories of ts / Forbairtí Tithe -not requiring EIA development Tithíochta Aonair requiring / Iarratais Eile in County EIA / - MTT de Area / Iomlán Iarratais Eile dhíth na bhforbairtí – ní gá MTT sa chontae

(i) Number of 5 32 62 0 99 applications

determined / Líon na n-iarratas a cinneadh

(ii) No. of decisions 5 15 26 0 46 determined which required further information / Líon

na gcinntí inar iarradh breis eolais (iii) Percentage of applications 20% (1) 34.38% (11) 3.23% (2) 0% (0) 14.14% (14) refused / Céatadán na n-iarratas a diúltaíodh

(iv) Number of appeals 1 2 5 0 8 determined / Líon na n-achomharc a cinneadh

(v) Percentage of 0% (0) 50% (1) 20% (1) 0% (0) 25% (2) decisions overturned on appeal / Céatadán na gcinntí a cuireadh ar ceal ar achomharc

24 | P a g e

Planning Enforcement – Unauthorised Development / Forfheidhmiú Pleanála – Forbairt nár Údaraíodh

The Planning indicators are given below in relation to Enforcement complaints regarding unauthorised developments received during the month.

Enforcement in relation Enforcement in relation Description / Cur Síos to unauthorised to unauthorised development / development / Forfheidhmiú maidir le Forfheidhmiú maidir le forbairt nár údaraíodh forbairt nár údaraíodh

May Year to May Year to 2021 / Date / Bliain 2020 / Date / Bliain Bealtaine go dtí seo Bealtaine go dtí seo 2021 2020 Number of Planning Enforcement Complaints 28 123 27 81 Investigated / Líon na nGearán maidir le Forfheidhmiú Pleanála a Imscrúdaíodh

Number of Planning Enforcement cases 0 0 0 0 received which didn’t require follow up / Líon na gcásanna Fhorfheidhmithe Pleanála nuair nár ghá obair bhreise

Number of cases closed / resolved through 23 113 0 79 negotiation / Líon na gcásanna dúnta / a réitíodh le hidirbheartaíocht

Number of Warning letters issued / Líon na 21 88 4 41 Litreacha Rabhadh a eisíodh

Number of Enforcement Notices issued / Líon 1 2 0 11 na bhFógraí Forfheidhmiúcháin a eisíodh Number of cases referred for legal 1 3 0 4 proceedings / Líon na cásanna a tarchuireadh le haghaidh imeachtaí dlí

Number of Injunctions / Líon na n-urghairí 2 3 0 0

Number of Prosecutions / Líon na n- 0 0 0 0 ionchúiseamh

25 | P a g e

Planning Enforcement – Dangerous Structures

The Planning indicators listed below are in relation to Notices issued under the Local Government (Sanitary Services) Act, 1964 for the period April to June, 2021.

Description Enforcement in relation to Dangerous Structures

April to June Year to 2021 Date

Number of Dangerous Structures files opened 13 26

Number of Section 3 (1)(a) Notices – Directing Owner to carry 13 22 out work

Number of Section 3 (2)(b) Notices – LCC carry out works 0 0

Number of Section 2 Notices – Dangerous Place 1 1

Number of cases closed 9 21

Number of cases referred for legal proceedings 1 1

Number of Prosecutions 0 0

Forward Planning / Observations is 4pm on Wednesday 28th July, 2021. Material Alterations to the Draft County Development Plan 2021 - 2027 Full details available to view online at https://www.louthcoco.ie/en/publications/developme The Elected Council Members, having considered nt-plans/draft-louth-county-development-plan-2021- the draft Louth County Development Plan 2021 ‐ 2027/material-alterations-to-the-draft-louth-county- 2027 and the Chief Executive’s Report on development-plan-2021-2027.html. submissions received, resolved at Council meetings between the 16th April, 2021 and 9th June, Strategic Housing Developments (SHDs) 2021 to amend the draft Louth County Development Plan. These proposed amendments,  Stage 1 if made, constitute a material alteration to the draft Louth County Development Plan. Accordingly, the  1 x S.247 PA Opinion being prepared for Council resolved to place the proposed alterations ABP. on public display for a period of not less than 4 weeks, in accordance with Section 12(7) (b) of the Planning and Development Act 2000 (as amended). The deadline for receipt of Submissions

26 | P a g e

Operations and Waste Management Oibríochtaí agus Bainistíocht Dramháil

This Directorate provides a range of services which underpin the efficient and smooth running of the economic and social life of our county, working to ensure our environment adheres to legislative standards, and to provide clean and safe parks throughout Louth. Responsibilities include:

 Road Maintenance, Wardens Service, Waste Management, Water Quality, and Climate Action

Cuireann an Stiúthóireacht seo réimse seirbhísí ar fáil mar bhonn agus mar thaca ag an reachtáil éifeachtúil an saol eacnamaíochta agus sóisialta Chontae Lú, ag obair i dtreo comhlíonadh an dlí maidir leis an timpeallacht, agus chun páirceanna phoiblí glan agus sábháilte a chinntiú. Ina chuid den freagrachtaí ná:

 Cothabháil Bóithre, an tSeiribhís Maorachta, Bainistíocht Dramháil, Cáilíocht Uisce, agus Gníomh Aeráide

Catherine Duff Director / Stiúrthóir

27 | P a g e

Municipal District of Dundalk

Dundalk and Cooley Area

Litter Picking / Piocadh Bruscair Location and metres per month / Suíomh agus méadar sa mhí Litter picks Dundalk town-wide including all approach roads

 Ramparts  Centenary Road  Avenue Road  Hoey’s Lane  Tom Bellew Avenue  Fairgreen Road  Old Newry Road  Racecoure Road  Armagh Road  Castletown Road

Cooley- Isolated locations including

 Carrickcarnan  Long Womans Grave  Templetown Emptying of Public Bins / Folmhú Araidí Poiblí Numbers and frequency / Líon agus minicíocht

 Contract works - Dundalk  Cooley  Carlingford  Omeath  Gyles Quay  Templetown  Faughart  Greenore Above locations covered at the weekend during summer season Road Sweeping / Scuabadh Bóithre Routes per week / Bealaí sa tseachtain

 Contract works - Dundalk  Cooley - rural village sweep programming

28 | P a g e

Emptying Dog Waste Receptacles / Folmhú Number per week / Líon sa tseachtain Araidí Salachar Madra  Contract works - Dundalk  Cooley - as per bin emptying

Ring Buoy Checking / Seiceál Baoithe Tarrthála Number checked weekly / Líon Seiceáilte sa tseachtain

 Weekly by Park Operative, replacement Toberona and St Helena’s  Carried out by Water Safety Officer Checking of Playground and Gym Equipment / Number of sites checked daily / Seiceál Trealamh Áiteanna Sugartha agus Suíomhanna Seiceáilte Laethúil Corpacmhainne  Daily by Parks Operative, repairs in house or contractor

Location / Suíomh Notes / Nótaí

Road Repairs / Cooley Deisiú Bóithre  Knocknagoran, Omeath Preparation for Surface Dressing  Chapel Hill, Omeath and other patching/pothole repairs.  Rooskey Roa Verge cutting, Road edge restoration  Willville  Bellug  Gyles Quay

 Mast Road Isolated essential repairs  Edentober  Tully New Line  Omeath

Dundalk  Stapleton Place Isolated essential repairs  Long Avenue  Newry Road  Bridge Street  Point Road  Point Road  Glenwood Drainage Remediation / Cooley Feabhasúchán  Chapel Hill Preparation for surface dressing Draenála  Willville

 Local Authority Crew, Ongoing essential Storm sewer maintenance

29 | P a g e

R173 Gully Clearing at various Locations

Dundalk  Ongoing maintenance to Essential maintenance

Storm sewer network

Town Wide  Local Authority Crew, Essential maintenance various Locations

Fallen or Dangerous  None this Month Trees / Crainn Leagtha nó Chontúirteacha

Footpath Maintenance/ Cooley Cothabháil Cosán  Carlingford Essential maintenance  Gyles Quay

Dundalk  Town Centre Essential maintenance

Traffic Light Repairs /  Weekly maintenance of all Essential Maintenance Deisiú Soilse Tráchta Traffic Lights replacement bulbs (replacement LEDs), vandalism repairs, etc. Road Markings / Cooley/Dundalk Marcáil Bóithre  R173 Bellurgan Amendment to existing layout, Cats Eye Replacement Cooley  R173 Bellurgan Road Traffic Accident Repairs

Signage / Cooley Comharthaíocht  Signage maintenance Road Traffic Accident Repairs, various location Straightening, Washing, Refresh

Dundalk  Signage maintenance Road Traffic Accident Repairs, various location Straightening, Washing, Refresh

Illegal Dumping / Cooley Dumpáil  Mast Road Neamhdhleathach Dundalk  Williamsons Place  Hoey’s Lan

 Rockfield Manor  Castleross

30 | P a g e

 Salttown  Toberona  Inner Relief Road  Creative Spark  Doolargy  Muirhevnamore  Hardys Lane  Rampart River  Lady Well  Moorland Road

Graffiti Removal / None this month Glanadh Graifítí

Blackrock, Faughart and North Mid-Louth Area

Litter Picking / Piocadh Bruscair Location and metres per month / Suíomh agus méadar sa mhí

Emptying of Public Bins / Folmhú Araidí Numbers and frequency / Líon agus Poiblí minicíocht

 Blackrock - 6 days/week  Knockbridge - once a week  Dromiskin - once a week  Tallanstown and Louth village - once a week

Road Sweeping / Scuabadh Bóithre Routes per week / Bealaí sa tseachtain

Emptying Dog Waste Receptacles / Folmhú Number per week / Líon sa tseachtain Araidí Salachar Madra

Ring Buoy Checking / Seiceál Baoithe Number checked weekly / Líon Seiceáilte sa Tarrthála tseachtain

 Blackrock (7 ) checked weekly  Annagassan (11) checked weekly

31 | P a g e

Checking of Playground and Gym Number of sites checked daily / Suíomhanna Equipment / Seiceál Trealamh Áiteanna Seiceáilte Laethúil Sugartha agus Corpacmhainne Checked Weekly

 Killanny  Louth Village  Tallanstown  Blackrock

Location / Suíomh Notes / Nótaí

Road Repairs /  L5206 Crowmartin Preparation for Surface Dressing, Deisiú Bóithre  L5199-40 Tullykeel verge ploughing, patching/pothole

 L5198 Arthurstown Little repairs, verge trimming, road sweeping, installation of temporary  L1143 Stonetown signage  L1178 Newtowndarver  L5175 Mullacrew to Mills of Louth L7103 Marmion’s Cross to County boundary

 L3167 Newtownfane to Haggardstown  L3167-23 Newtownfane to Knockbridge  L7116 Annaghvackey

 L7128 Deerpark

 L7165 Haggardstown  L3125-12 Carickrobin  L3097 Carrickaneena

 L3167 Newtownfane to Surface dressing operation and post-care – tar and chip, inspection Haggardstown and maintenance of temporary  L3167-23 Newtownfane to signage, road sweeping (loose Knockbridge chips), removal of temporary  L7116 Annaghvackey signage.  L7128 Deerpark  L7165 Haggardstown

 L3125-12 Carickrobin  L3097 Carrickaneena

 LP1201 Reaghstown Patching/pot-hole repairs, treatment  LP1170 Bannon’s Cross to of soft verges

32 | P a g e

Corderry  L5200 Rathory  L5147 Ednaquin

Annagassan Harbour

 L7114 Shortstone  L7115 Cavananore  L7094 Aghnaskeagh  R132 Cocklehill

 L71581 Blackrock

Drainage  L1143 Stonetown Preparation for Surface Dressing, Remediation / including basic drainage Feabhasúchán maintenance, opening outlets, Draenála cleaning gullies and drainage improvement works.

Fallen or Dangerous Trees / Crainn Leagtha nó Chontúirteacha Footpath Maintenance/ Cothabháil Cosán

Traffic Light Repairs/ Deisiú Soilse Tráchta

Road Markings / Marcáil Bóithre

Signage /  L5206 Crowmartin Installation and maintenance of Comharthaíocht  L5199-40 Tullykeel temporary signage for surface  L5198 Arthurstown Little dressing.  L1143 Stonetown  L1178 Newtowndarver  L5175 Mullacrew to Mills of Louth  L7103 Marmion’s Cross to County boundary  L3167 Newtownfane to Haggardstown  L3167-23 Newtownfane to Knockbridg

33 | P a g e

 L7116 Annaghvackey  L7128 Deerpark  L7165 Haggardstown  L3125-12 Carickrobin  L3097 Carrickaneena

Illegal Dumping / Dumpáil Neamhdhleathach Graffiti Removal / Glanadh Graifítí

Ardee Municipal District

South Louth Operations (Rural Area)

Litter Picking / Piocadh Bruscair Location and metres per month / Suíomh agus méadar sa mhí

All routes in Ardee Town (5.2km per day) Clogherhead Car Park daily cleanup around bins

Emptying of Public Bins / Folmhú Araidí Poiblí Numbers and frequency / Líon agus minicíocht Ardee Town  30 Daily Dunleer town  20 Tuesday and Thursday  1 bin daily Road Sweeping / Scuabadh Bóithre Routes per week / Bealaí sa tseachtain

All routes in Ardee Town (5.2km per day)

Emptying Dog Waste Receptacles / Folmhú Number per week / Líon sa tseachtain Araidí Salachar Madra

34 | P a g e

Ring Buoy Checking / Seiceál Baoithe Number checked weekly / Líon Seiceáilte Tarrthála sa tseachtain

Ardee town - River Dee Salterstown Port Beach Checking of Playground and Gym Equipment / Number of sites checked daily / Seiceál Trealamh Áiteanna Sugartha agus Suíomhanna Seiceáilte Laethúil Corpacmhainne

Maintenance and cleaning of Fairgreen and Dunleer parks and playgrounds complete with daily checks of the playground and exercise equipment at both locations.

Daily disinfecting of the playgrounds against Covid-19 with the fogging/spraying machines.

Location / Suíomh Notes / Nótaí

Road Repairs /  LP-2250-0 Dysart Surface Dressing Preparations Deisiú Bóithre  R168 Collon to Drogheda Surface Dressing Preparations Road

 LS-6237-0 Dromin Surface Dressing Preparations  LS-6219-0 Salterstown Surface Dressing Preparations  LP-1233-7 Mullanstown Surface Dressing Preparations Ardee  LP 1228-14 Richardstown

Road  LP-1297-27 Kells Road from Collon  N2 Anaglog cross to Ardee  Making good loose manhole covers on N52 Ardee to Kells Road. Drainage Remediation /  LP 2253-0 Philipstown Opening water cuts and drains Feabhasúchán  LP 2253-31 Stifyans Cross Draenála  LP2253-47 Funshog to

Stifyans Cross  LS 6218-0 Salterstown  LS 6219-0 Salterstown  LP 2254-0 Rathesker

35 | P a g e

 LS 5266-0 Oriel Road Collon  LP 1212-36 Stabannon

Fallen or Dangerous Trees / Crainn Leagtha nó Chontúirteacha

Footpath Maintenance/  Replace drainage channel at Cothabháil Cosán Muldoon’s.  Installation of Parklet outside Wheel and Heels Ardee  Installation of bollards and picnic seating outside Sizzlers Ardee and outside Beans and Scoop at Bridge Street, Ardee.  Installation of new ladder warning pole at Salterstown Pier to notify swimmers of ladder location at high tide refer to photogrpahs.

Traffic Light Repairs / Deisiú Soilse Tráchta

Road Markings / Marcáil Bóithre

Signage /  Making up signage for Comharthaíocht Surface Dressing works.  Fencing at Oliver’s Park,Ardee.  Wire mesh repair at bridge Oberstown.  Bollards on main street Ardee for shop fronts Parklets

Illegal Dumping / Dumpáil Neamhdhleathach

Graffiti Removal / Glanadh Graifítí

36 | P a g e

New Safety Marker at Salterstown Pier

New Safety Marker at Salterstown Pier

37 | P a g e

Borough District of Drogheda

Drogheda Town Area

Litter Picking / Piocadh Bruscair Location and metres per month / Suíomh agus méadar sa mhí

Clogherhead Car Park outside Café  Litter picking required around bin outside Café.

 Steps and lane ways weekly 22 steps when resources allow and green areas.

 Hotspots on Monday – decided by Supervisor following inspection.

 Bring Banks in Drogheda urban are checked and cleared daily during working week. Also all Bring Banks in Drogheda urban are checked and cleared Saturday p.m.

 Drogheda Rural Bring banks are cleared daily during working week. Emptying of Public Bins / Folmhú Araidí Numbers and frequency / Líon agus minicíocht Poiblí 1 Bin collected Daily Clogherhead Car Park outside Café  Drogheda town centre Litterbins emptied daily circa 60 early mornings.

 Approximately 250 litter bin are emptied weekly in town.  Dominic’s Park and Mell river walk emptied daily.  South Louth Drogheda Borough District rural areas public Litter Bins are emptied twice a week or daily when needed especially at beaches - Port Oriel, Seapoint, Termonfeckin, Baltray – at least 40 bins per day.

 Approach roads in Drogheda town emptied twice a week.

38 | P a g e

Bin upgrade and maintenance ongoing and street furniture

Road Sweeping / Scuabadh Bóithre Routes per week / Bealaí sa tseachtain  Town centre daily.

 Approach roads fortnightly.

 Public Housing Estates, swept every 2 months. Private Housing estates swept every 3 months. When resources allow.

 Hotspots weekly on Monday after weekend – decided daily by supervisor after checking Drogheda urban area.  Villages are swept once per month – i.e., Termonfeckin, Baltray, Sandpit, Monasterboice, Tullyallen and Tinure.

 Drogheda town Boyne River Walkways are swept 3 times per week (Monday, Wednesday & Friday)

 Town centre weeds removal

 Installed extra Parasols with Picnic Tables along West street

 Strimming at Marian Close Emptying Dog Waste Receptacles / Number per week / Líon sa tseachtain FolmhúAraidí Salachar Madra Empty about 35 No. once a week, washed and disinfected.

Ring Buoy Checking / Seiceál Baoithe Number checked weekly / Líon Seiceáilte sa Tarrthála tseachtain

 89 ring buoys checked each week Town area (Thursday)  9 ring buoys checked each week at Rosehall (Friday)

39 | P a g e

Checking of Playground and Gym Number of sites checked daily / Suíomhanna Equipment / Seiceál Trealamh Áiteanna Seiceáilte Laethúil Sugartha agus Corpacmhainne

 Between 4 & 5 daily (4 playgrounds in Drogheda town, Skate Park, adult exercise equipment). 3 Playgrounds in Drogheda rural area) and disinfected

Location / Suíomh Notes / Nótaí

Road Repairs /  R167 Queensborough Surface Dressing Preparations Deisiú Bóithre  LS-6277 Kellystown to Blackhall

 LS-6317- 0 Sheepgrange

 LS-6281- Barnhill Termonfeckin  LP-2299 Timullen Monasterboice

 R168 Collon to Drogheda

Road

 L-1662 Ballymakenny Road repair to pot holes. Road

 R167 - North Strand, Crews preparing for roads Surface Boyne/Baltray Road Dressing in Drogheda rural commencing June 2021

 Peter Street junction with William Street

Drainage Remediation /  R167 Queensborough Opening Water cuts and Drains Feabhasúchán  LS-6277 Kellystown to Draenála Blackhall

 LS-6317-0 Sheepgrange

 LS-6281- Barnhill Termofeckin  LP-2299 Timullen Monasterboice

 R168 Collon to Drogheda

Road  Gully cleaning at Mullary Cross

40 | P a g e

Drainage surveys of gullies at: Survey in preparation of repairs to  Donore road junction with eliminate flooding Ballsgrove  Grove Hill  No. 9 Westcourt  44/45 Highfield  Crosslanes junction with Windmill Road

Fallen or Dangerous Trees / Crainn Leagtha nó Chontúirteacha

Footpath Maintenance/ Westcourt Residential Housing Repairs to footpaths Cothabháil Cosán Estate

Traffic Light Repairs / 1. Westgate junction. 1. Vehicle Phase lamp fail – RED Deisiú Soilse Tráchta – 15/6/2021. 2. Green hills pedestrian 2. Lights out – 17/6/2021. crossing. 3. Marsh Road / Scotch Hall. 3. Vehicle phase lamp fail – Green – 17/6/2021. 4. Marsh Rd / Scotch Hall. 4. Lights out – 21/6/2021. 5. Westgate junction. 5. Vehicle detection fail – 21/6/2021. 6. Bull Ring. 6. Pedestrian phase lamp fail – RED – 22/6/2021.

Road Markings /  Ongoing throughout town Marcáil Bóithre  Yellow hard shoulder line marking on the R132 North Road Drogheda  Arrangements for spill over car park works at Clogherhead and Port Beach to facilitate large numbers of visitors at these locations at the weekends.  Making up signage for Surface Dressing Works Signage /  Ongoing throughout Installed “No Drinking” signs at Old Comharthaíocht district Abbey Lane.

 Signage and Barriers at Crew assisted in arranging new

41 | P a g e

Port Beach and temporary car park at Clogherhead Clogherhead for Temporary spill over car parks.

 Social signs separating Picnic area from Parking Area at Port Beach.

Illegal Dumping /  Rathmullen area and This is an ongoing issue where Dumpáil surrounds Supervisors and Litter Wardens Neamhdhleathach check on daily basis; arrange for  Bessexwell’s Lane inspecting illegal waste disposal for evidence and issuing fines and  Bryanstown cross route clearance of area.  Mell Road and car park Public complaints are also checked  Scarlet Crescent and followed up as above.  Francis Street  Green Lanes  Bachelor’s Lane  Backlanes  Bottle Banks  Watery Hill Steps

 Public bins fuller and heavier litter noted in town early June. Graffiti Removal / Updated survey of Graffiti in town Glanadh Graifítí completed. Removal of same on public buildings to be progressed. Graffiti on private properties to be followed up.

42 | P a g e

Litter Enforcement is €3,852.97. So far in 2021 a total of 81 IBC’s at a cost of €101,114.49 approx. A total of 231 fines were issued in the last 6 months: My Waste

Month Fines Number of The Mywaste project is entering the next Issued investigations phase of implementation. Reminder letters will be sent out to members of the public who January 13 178 have not responded to the initial round of February 32 226 letters. March 95 250 These letters may be followed up by a visit April 50 213 from authorised Louth County Council staff May 21 106 members, to request proof of correct waste June 20 123 management provisions.

38 were issued in the Dundalk urban area, 86 In the event of non-production of suitable in Drogheda urban area and 107 in the evidence, fines of €75 may be issued, as specified in the Louth County Council Waste remaining County wide area. Segregation and Presentation Bye Laws

2019. There were 3 fines issued for dog fouling to date. There have been 1096 investigations Reminder letters will begin issuing in the first with 231 fines issued to date in 2021. week of July.

Air / Water / Noise Pollution Waste Management and There were seven water pollution complaints Environment Report received in June with two open and five Waste Management closed. Three Air Pollution cases and one Noise Pollution complaint were received during June 2021. Waste Enforcement Air Monitor for Drogheda There are a number of Waste Management The EPA in cooperation with Louth County Act related cases going through the District Council have installed a permanent air quality Court, Circuit Court (appeals and DPP case) monitor in Drogheda. The station became and the High Court at present. operational in the week starting 25th April and data is available to view at: Litter Enforcement https://airquality.ie/station/EPA-84

A total of 20 fines were issued in the month of June. Of these fines, 8 were issued in the RMCEI (Recommended Criteria for Dundalk urban area, 3 in Drogheda urban Environmental Inspections) area and 9 in the remaining County wide area. The RMCEI Inspection Plan for County Louth There was 1 fine issued for dog fouling in for planned routine inspections and non- June. There have been 1096 investigations routine inspections for the period January to with 231 fines issued to date in 2021. December 2021 and statistical data for inspections carried out for period January to Diesel Laundering Waste December 2020 has been submitted to the EPA within the required timeframe. A total of 3 IBC’s of Diesel Sludge were Information from this will feed into a national recovered in June 2021. The approximate report which will be compiled by the EPA cost of clean-up and disposal of the material before the end of the year

43 | P a g e

on 28th June. This meeting gave a useful Water Framework/River Basin insight into approaches being taken in both Management Plans Local Authorities and paved the way for future cooperation in the area of Climate Action.

The Local Authority catchment assessments The Climate Action and Low Carbon being carried out by the Lawpro inspection Development (Amendment) Bill 2021 teams are on-going in the Castletown continues to make its way through the catchment. Initial studies have commenced in legislative process and it is hoped that it will the Glyde catchment. be signed into Law before the summer break Public Consultations on the draft River Basin This will set statutory targets and objectives Management Plan 2022 to 2027 has been for Local Authorities. th extended up to the 7 of August 2021. Louth County Council recently deployed 4 Consultation can be made online and Electric Vehicles as part of it fleet. These emailing to [email protected] or vehicles are deployed to Housing, Veterinary responses can be made in writing to: Services, Corporate and Operations. SWMI Consultation, Water Advisory Unit, Department of Housing Planning and Local Government, Custom House, Dublin 1, D01 W6X0 The new Code of Practice for Domestic Waste Water Treatment Systems (Population Equivalent ≤ 10) was published on 24th March 2021 and has come into effect since 7th June 2021. Link to code of practice is at - https://www.epa.ie/pubs/advice/water/wastew ater/code%20of%20practice%20for%20single %20houses/ New Electric Vehicle Closed Landfills Faster Project Annual environmental reports, landfill gas surveys and EPR reports for the period January to December 2020 for the three licensed landfills at Dundalk, Drogheda and Whiteriver have been submitted to the EPA. Standard reports on ozone depleting substances and fluorinated gases have also been submitted for the three sites. RPs have been appointed to complete site investigations on Carlingford Historic Landfill, with a view to remediation works in 2022. Louth County Council is lead partner for Republic of Ireland on the FASTER project, which is an Interreg V funder project to deploy Climate Change 25no. 50kW car chargers across the border counties of Ireland. We are currently seeking A joint meeting of the Newry Mourne and opinions from the public to inform this project Down District Council Sustainable and decide on best locations for installation of Development and Climate Forum and the chargers. The survey can be taken at Louth County Council Climate Action & https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/FasterEVs Energy Strategic Policy Committee was held

44 | P a g e

Veterinary Services / Seirbhísí Tréidliachta Dog Licences June 2021 / Ceadúnais Madraí, Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI) / Meitheamh 2021 Údarás Sábháilteachta Bia na hÉireann No of Licences sold / 567 (USBÉ) Líon ceadúnas díolta Licence Checks / th As of 30 June 2021, Louth County Council Ceadúnais scrúdaithe: Veterinary Section, under a Service Level House calls / Seiceálacha Agreement with the FSAI, enforces food 372 safety standards on two abattoirs and baile fourteen meat processing plants under its Section 16 Notices supervision in the County, including one new issued (request to meat processing plant in Dundalk. produce licence within 10 Amhail ar an 31 Meitheamh 2021, cuireann days) / Fógraí Alt 16 93 Rannóg Tréidliachta Chomhairle Contae Lú eisithe (iarratas ar caighdeáin sábháilteachta bia i bhfeidhm, faoi ceadúnas a thaispeáint Chomhaontú Leibhéal Seirbhíse leis an roimh deich lá) Fixed Penalty Notices / USBÉ, ar dhá sheamlas agus ar ceithre cinn 25 déag de mhonarchana próiseála feola atá faoi Fógraí Pionós Socraithe mhaoirseacht aige sa chontae, lena n-áirítear gléasra nua próiseála feola i nDún Dealgan. Control of Horses / Rialú Capall

Control of Dogs / Rialú Madraí Control of Horses Act 1996 / An tAcht um Rialú Capall, 1996 Control of Dogs Act 1986 / An tAcht um Rialú Control of Horses Bye-Laws 2003 / Fodhlíthe Madraí, 1986 um Rialú Capall, 2003

Dogs impounded June 2021 / Horses impounded Madraí curtha i bpóna, Meitheamh 2021 June 2021 / Capaill curtha i bpóna, Total dogs impounded / 12 Meitheamh 2021 Líon madraí curtha i bpóna Horses seized / 0 Strays / Ar seachrán 7 Capaill gafa Reason for seizure: / Surrendered by owners / 5 Cúis na gabhála Tugtha suas ag úinéirí Horses reclaimed by No dogs reclaimed by owner / Líon capall 0 owners / Líon madraí 4 tógtha ar ais ag tógtha ar ais ag úinéírí úinéirí No of dogs rehomed direct Horses rehomed / / Líon madraí a bhfuarthas Líon capall a 1 0 úinéiri nua dóibh go bhfuarthas úinéirí díreach nua dóibh No of dogs rehomed to Horses disposed of / welfare groups / Líon 5 Capaill curtha de 0 madraí a aistríodh go láimh grúpaí leasa ainmhithe No of horses on No of dogs on hand in hand in Pound on Pound at 30/06/2021 / Líon 3 31/05/2021 / Líon 0 madraí faoi chúram sa capall faoi chúram phóna 30/06/2021 sa phóna, 30/06/21 45 | P a g e

Dog Breeding Establishments DBE / Bunachais Pórúcháin Madraí (BPM)

Dog Breeding Establishments Act 2010 / An tAcht um Bunachais Pórúcháin Madraí, 2010

Dog Breeding Establishments June 2021 / Bunachais pórúcháin madraí, Meitheamh 2021 Total no of registered DBE’s in Louth (as at 6 30/06/2021) / Líon BPM i gContae Lú, 30/06/2021 Hunt / Conchróite Seilge 2 Boarding Kennels / 2 Conchróite Cinneála Training Kennels / 1 Dogs impounded during June 2021 / Madraí Conchróite Oiliúna curtha i bpóna i mí an Mheithimh 2021 Welfare / Leas Ainmhithe 1

46 | P a g e

Corporate and Emergency Services Seirbhísí Corporáideacha agus Éigeandála

This Directorate has two key areas of responsibility:

 Corporate Services – the maintenance and development of systems which facilitate the effective running of our Council, including Human Resources, and Information and Communications Technology.

 Emergency Services – including the Fire Service, Civil Defence, Water Safety, and the planning and implementation of strategies which help to keep our citizens safe.

 Other responsibilities include Sustainable Energy.

Tá dhá eochairfhreagrachta ag an Stiúrthóireacht seo:

 Seirbhísí Corparáideacha – ag cothabháil agus forbairt chórais atá baint leis an reáchtáil éifeachtach na Comhairle, agus Acmhainní Daonna, agus Techneolaíocht Faisnéise agus Chumarsáide san áireamh

 Seirbhísí Éigeandála – Seirbhís Dóiteáin, Cosaint Shibhialta, Sábháilteacht Uisce san áireamh, agus ag pleanáil agus ag cur i bhfeidhm straitéisí chun chabhrú le muintir Chontae Lú a bheith slán sábháilte

 Freagracht eile ag an Stiúthóireacht seo ná Fuinneamh Inbhunaithe.

Joe McGuinness Director / Stiúrthóir

47 | P a g e

Corporate and Emergency Services

Corporate

June 2021

During the month of June Customer Services dealt with 8,660 queries - 7,087 calls, and 1,573 e-mails. All the public counters remain closed due to Level 5 restrictions.

Percentage of queries dealt with at first point of contact

50% 45% 40% Feb 35% 30% March 25% April 20% May 15% 10% June 5% 0% Telephone Calls Desk Queries Email Queries

There were valid 3,434 SugarCRM cases recorded during June of which 584 (17%) remain unresolved, broken down by directorate as follows: No. of Cases Created in June and still open at 29th June

1600 1400 1200 1000 800 600 400 200 0 Directora Directora Directora Directora Directora Manage Out of te Head te of te of te of te of ment Hours of Corporat Housing Operatio Planning, Team Ticket Finance e and and ns Infrastru Group- & Water Emergen Quality cture & Various Services cy of Life Economi Directora Services c tes Develo… All Cases 394 350 1401 745 496 20 28 Open Cases 23 37 197 229 86 12 0

48 | P a g e

During June 267 elected reps. cases were recorded on Sugar of which 67 (25%) remain unresolved broken down by Directorate as follows:

Elected Rep Cases Created in June and still open at 29th June

140 120 100 80 60 40 20 0 Directorat Directorat Directorat Directorat Directorat Managem e Head of e of e of e of e of ent Team Finance & Corporate Housing Operation Planning, Water and and s Infrastruct Services Emergenc Quality of ure & y Services Life Economic Developm ent All Cases 11 13 127 101 12 3 Open Cases 0 1 23 38 3 2

The table below illustrates activity in the redress area

Same period 2020 2021 Total June 2021 Freedom of Information 46 57 8 Data Protection 6 2 0 Access to Information on Environment 3 3 0 Ombudsman 5 6 2 Complaints Policy 10 7 2

Electoral Register The online facility is available on our website for Work continues on the preparation of the draft those persons who want to be considered for register for 2022-2023. A significant volume of inclusion in the next draft, which is available for correspondence issued to householders seeking entry until the autumn. confirmation of their date of birth and Eircode Elected members are again encouraged to ask details. As previously advised return of completed their electorate to submit their details. forms was lower than expected. Field Officers commenced calling to properties from 3rd June Publications where electoral statistics show a low percentage of Eircodes and dates of birth. Our Publications Page has been updated with our Annual Report and with recent media releases: This is an important validation process. Eircodes https://www.louthcoco.ie/en/publications/annual- and dates of births are used to cross check for reports/ duplicate entries and to ensure that electors are https://www.louthcoco.ie/en/louth_county_council/r assigned to the correct Polling District and Polling ecent_press_releases/ Place. Over 91% of electors are now assigned an Eircode which is a significant achievement.

49 | P a g e

Sustainable Energy

Public Sector Energy Efficiency Performance Energy Management System

Louth County Council exceeded the requirement for The Council’s Energy Management System is Public Bodies to improve their energy efficiency by certified as complaint with ISO 50,001; 2018 for 33% by 2020, as set out in the National Energy another 3-year registration cycle, from 2020 - 2023. Efficiency Action Plan. Preliminary results for 2020 A 1 day Surveillance Audit will be undertaken later indicate that the rate of improvement in the in 2021 to confirm ongoing compliance. Council’s energy efficiency has improved to 47.36% at the end of 2020.

50 | P a g e

Significant Energy Users Energy Use

Gas Use at Dundalk Town Hall – taken from Report by Optimising Power at Work SLA with OPW

Gas use at Dundalk Town Hall showed that the additional increase detected in April been regularised somewhat for May and correlates better with the same period in 2019 but gas use is still slightly up.

Graph of Energy Use at County Hall – taken from Report by Optimising Power at Work SLA with OPW

The rate of gas use increase at County Hall showed a slight decrease in May still slightly up.

51 | P a g e

Better Energy Communities Grant 2021 academia throughout Europe. The theme of the project is centered around Urban Regeneration; The Council partnered with Dunleer Sustainable Impacts on Quality of Life + Health and Well Being. Energy Community in its grant application for Funding has been approved for €10million, with funding for energy projects in 2021. That €422,500 allocated to LCC. The project officially application resulted in an offer of funding for commenced on September 1st 2020. The project Council energy projects of €78,282, for a total duration is the 54 months from that starting date. maximum expenditure cost of €260,939. Council staff are working with Dunleer SEC, to The first stakeholder meeting for this project was progress those energy projects. The works must be undertaken virtually on Tuesday 29 June. It was completed and paid-for no later than end of attended by 12 stakeholders and was very September 2021 to enable the grant offered, to be successful. The results of that will be sent to other claimed. partners in the project for use in various Work Packages to progress the project. While Elected Varcities H2020 Funded Project Members were invited to the meeting, none were present. Varcities is a H2020 Research Funding stream and the consortium is made up of 25 Partners, largely

GenComm Interreg Energy Storage Project, Sustainable Energy Communities France, Germany and B Members are encouraged to review the project The Council has developed a Policy to support website for an up-date on progress and in particular Sustainable Energy Communities through the for more detail from the project on the potential for Climate Change and Energy Strategic Policy hydrogen use as a Sustainable Energy source. The Committee. It is now proposed to take that policy to project partners consider how hydrogen offers the the next meeting Council’s Corporate Policy Group opportunity to make energy production a primary for consideration. driver of the economy rather than responding to the needs of the economy as at present. In addition, the Council intends to consider a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between It is planned to invite the Gencomm Project Team the Council, and SEAI to support Sustainable to present on that project at a later meeting of the Energy Communities. That MOU was developed by Climate Change and Energy SPC. the Mid-West Region and has already been signed by a small number of local authorities. It is planned to bring it to the attention of the Climate and Energy SPC.

52 | P a g e

Fire and Emergency Services Major Emergency Management Fire Service Regional Major Emergency Steering and Working With the current increase in Covid cases, Louth Group meetings in relation to Covid have continued Fire Service restrictions remain unchanged with no by tele-conference during April. These meetings further scaling back on Level 5 measures. There have included personnel from the three Principal are currently no Covid absences in the Fire Response Agencies, i.e. the Councils, HSE and Service. AGS.

Fire Service training courses delivered in June A Cross Border Major Emergency Management included Breathing Apparatus Refresher, Winch Group meeting took place during June and was Operator and Emergency Services Driving courses. attended by Louth personnel. Louth senior fire officers successfully also completed a Managing Fire Service Incidents Civil Defence Module 2 course (the first of its kind) and a Road Traffic Accidents Instructor course. A driving Civil Defence activities during June included: instruction company has been procured to provide  Three patients transported to hospital Class C driving instruction for fire service personnel appointments so as to ensure adequate driver numbers for fire  Manual Handling Instructor Recertification appliances.  Emergency First Responder recertification  Drone Training A letter of approval to proceed with the design of a new fire station for Dunleer has been received from The Civil Defence HQ is being assessed for safe the Department of Planning, Local Government and occupancy during Covid to allow limited training to Heritage. A site has been selected and the Dunleer recommence. crew has been consulted for their input and a committee will be formed to progress the project Water Safety and ensure an energy efficient design. The first step will be to procure a design team. Once the The new lifeguard season has now commenced. design has been finalised and costed, approval to Since end of June lifeguards are in place on a proceed with the construction of the fire station will seven day week basis at our 3 Blue Flag Beaches. be sought. Work also continues on assessments of risks at different locations in the county. Further to the Cooley wildland fire prevention group meeting, progress is being made towards There is ongoing collaborating with local area commencement of gorse removal at high risk sites. committee to arrange water safety weeks at Gyles Heritage funding has been received for a fire risk Quay and Clogherhead. assessment. There also been active Social media promotions to The Fire Prevention Section has continued with fire raise awareness of water safety generally. safety inspections in respect of existing fire risk buildings and new developments.

53 | P a g e

Housing and Quality of Life Tithíocht agus Cáilíocht na Beatha

This Directorate has two key responsibilities:

 Housing, which encompasses all initiatives which aim to match need and available resources in a sustainable way throughout our county

 Quality of Life, a wide range of initiatives and programmes designed to make living in Louth a stimulating, safe and rewarding experience, including the arts, heritage, and our libraries

Tá dhá eochairfhreagracht ag an Stiúrthóireacht seo:

 Tithíocht, a chuimsíonn gach tionscnamh agus de chuspóir acu ná na riachtanais agus na haicmhainní ar fad atá ar fail a chur le chéile go hinbhuanaithe ar fud ár gcontae

 Cáilíocht na Beatha, réimse leathan tionscnaimh agus cláir atá deartha chun saol spreagúil, sásúil, sábháilte a chur ar fail i gContae Lú, na healaíona, an oidhreacht, agus ár leabharlanna san áireamh

Paddy Donnelly Director / Stiúrthóir

54 | P a g e

Housing Table 2: Age Groups Age Group Total Pillar 1: Addressing Homelessness 18-24 09 As the Responsible Housing Authority for the North East Region, Louth County Council continues to 25-44 52 manage this area and achieve the goals set out in the North East Homelessness Strategy 2018-2020. The preparation for a new three year strategy has 45-64 25

commenced. The work done within Louth can be summarised as follows: 65+ 10

Total 96

Presentations June 2021

Table 3: Accommodation Type

Ardee MD Ardee MD Dundalk Total Accommodation Type Total

Drogheda BD Drogheda 05 171 111 287 Number of Person who Private Emergency 21 presented as Homeless Accommodation (PEA) Supported Temporary 53 Offered advice, support 05 158 101 264 Accommodation (STA) (including fast tracking H.A. Temporary Emergency 22 for Rent Supplement Accommodation (low eligibility) support)(TEA) Placed in Temporary 00 09 09 18 Unique Total (note, clients may 00 Emergency have accessed multiple Accommodation accommodation types during the Refused Offer of 00 01 01 02 week) Temporary Emergency Minus people accessing multiple 00 Accommodation accommodation types during the 00 03 00 03 Not eligible from outside week county or non HRC Total unique individuals 96

The tables below reflect monthly returns submitted Table 4: County to the Department with regard to Homeless numbers in the NORTH EAST REGION between County Total 14th – 20th June 2021.This anonymous and aggregated return of all individuals accessing County Louth 91 emergency accommodation is returned to the Department of Housing on a monthly basis. County Monaghan 04 Table 1: Gender County Cavan 01 Gender Total Male 72 Total 96 Female 24 Total 96

55 | P a g e

Table 5 - Families with dependent children of Covid-19 and protocols have been drawn up to address such cases.

The full range of Homeless Services continues to

of of

be provided remotely and staff is available on request, in exceptional cases.

with with

No. of No. of No.

Adults

families families children

Individual Individual

dependent dependent Dependents Inspections of Private Emergency Individuals 05 05 11 Accommodation with dependent Since December 2017 the Homeless Office has children carried out random and unannounced inspections Total 05 05 11 on all B&BS, Hotels and Hostels providing Private Emergency Accommodation on behalf of Louth Couples with 03 06 07 County Council. This will continue on a monthly dependent basis subject to Covid 19 permissions. children Total 03 06 07 Housing Assistance Payment

Housing First The total number of applications in HAP is 3325 Louth Monaghan Cavan Total Ardee Dundalk Drogheda Municipal Municipal Borough Total Number of 20 2 4 26 District District District tenancies established 338 1745 1242 3325 Number of 18 2 4 24 individuals currently in Pillar 2: Accelerate Social Housing tenancy Over the period 2018 to 2021, a target has been Homeless Services and Covid 19 set for the provision of 1074 units. This target will include delivery of units from Part V provision, As a direct response to the risk of communal Acquisitions, Mortgage to Rents, Long Term spread of the Covid-19 virus amongst vulnerable Leases, Repair and Lease and Buy & Renew individuals in Homeless Hostels, the Council has Acquisitions. The 2020 - 2023 pipeline delivery progress report is in tables below. opened up a number of void properties and

temporarily decanted individuals and families from 2021 Housing Allocations up to hostel accommodation into these Units. 30th June 2021

This has allowed these persons to live in a more

isolated environment thereby decreasing the risk of

-

-

infection. Contracted service providers have – –

continued to provide meals and high level support ers to these clients.

Social Social

Numb

Allocated

Voluntary Voluntary

Refusals Refusals Refusals

The Hostels and family Hub continue to operate Allocations

Allocations Allocations with reduced capacity, which reflects government 25 13 05 01 guidelines in respect of social and physical Ardee MD distancing. Dundalk MD 89 50 11 09 Isolation units have been made available for homeless persons with suspected/confirmed cases

56 | P a g e

Pillar 3: Build More Homes Drogheda BD 49 24 15 06 The Council continues to maintain land banks in the Total 163 87 31 16 following locations, which can be developed if an Allocations appropriate project and funding is forthcoming.

Social housing transfers facilitated up to 30th June Acres Location 2021 Mullavalley, Louth Village 8.82 Year Ardee Dundalk Drogheda Kilkerley 3.80 2020 00 04 06 Ballymakenny 16.53 Point Road 5.2 Housing List (excluding HAP Transfers) Various Individual Sites 0

BD

MD MD Pillar 4: Improve the Rented Sector

Total Month AJune Total

Dundalk Dundalk

Drogheda

Ardee No. of properties inspected 00 00 June 369 684 622 1675 June 2021 No. of advisory notes issued to 00 03 Transfer List from HAP Landlord No. of improvement notices 10 71

Issued

BD

MD MD

No. of prohibition notices 00 00

Total

Month Issued

Dundalk Dundalk No. of Rent Book Notices 00 00

Drogheda Ardee Issued June 338 1745 1242 3325 Inspections ( HAP ) 00 00 Improvement Notices ( HAP) 10 71 There are a total of 264 applicants on the Virtual Inspections Issued 04 45 approved list for transfer (Non-HAP) within Private Inspections Complaints 00 00 Social Housing including 24 applications from HAP Complaints 00 00 the Approved Housing Bodies RAS Complaints 00 00 Re Inspections HAP 00 00 Rent Management Re Inspections Hap Compliance 03 14 Re Inspections RAS 00 00 The number of tenants who pay rent by Household Re Inspections RAS Compliance 00 00 Budget is now 993 AHB Inspection 00 00 Current Rents Number Value Long Term Leases 03 75 Arrears as at 30th of June 2021 Account Rents between 4-6 148 €46,909.00 weeks old

Rents between 7-12 129 €84,496.00 weeks old

Rents greater than 12 788 €2,776,239.00 weeks old

TOTAL 1065 €2,907,644.00

57 | P a g e

Pillar 5: Utilise Existing Housing  Mobility Aids Grants - Priority 1, which will The following table summarises the level of assist those who need whole time, care in the maintenance and works activity to existing stock. home.

Total  The Dept have notified Louth County Maintenance This month (YTD) Council that the allocation for 2021 is €1,889,980, of which €377,996 is to be No. of Maintenance 2333 299 provided from the authority’s own revenue Requests Received resource No. of Maintenance 1763 203 Completed Private House Grants

Vacant Properties Status HOP HAG MAG Total

Currently 28 No. social units have been used as Applications 131 60 36 227 temporary accommodation for isolation or Completed additional homeless need during Covid 19 and are 2020 not included in the next table. Applications 101 310 70 481 rolling into 2021 Vacant Properties Total New 158 75 60 293 Applications Ardee Municipal 08 District Estate Management Dundalk Municipal 32 District Drogheda Dundalk Total Drogheda Borough 44 MD & MD District Ardee MD Total Re Lets 84 Pre Tenancy 22 03 25 Vacant Properties Training CPO Units not yet 09 Tenancy 33 42 75 ready for occupation Investigations (all county) (call outs) Total No. of CPO Tenancy 22 05 27 Properties (Relets & 93 Investigations CPO’s) (remotely) Tenancy 00 00 00 Grant Assistance to the Elderly and Disabled Inspections Tenancy 0 00 00 The private grant process is continuing with some Notification changes to procedure to reflect social distancing guidelines. Anti-Social Behaviour

The following grants are available DBD AMD DMD TOTAL ASB  Housing Adaption Grants - Priority 1, which Cases will assist those who need whole time care in ASB 07 00 11 18 the home Ongoing ASB 08 01 09 18  Housing for Older People – Priority 1 to works Completed that will preserve the integrity of the dwelling Total ASB 15 01 20 36

58 | P a g e

DBD AMD DMD Total Verbal 01 01 01 03 Warning

Tenancy 00 00 01 01 Notification

Total 01 01 01 04

Woodland Park Halting Site

A work programme to install electrical meters in each bay will commence shortly at Wood Land Park Halting Site.

It is anticipated this programme will address some of the issues the tenants have been experiencing with an interrupted electricity supply.

Social Housing Support Application Forms

The Department of Housing Planning & Local Government recently issued a new Social Housing Support Application Form, a Social Housing Support Medical Form, a Social Housing Support Guide to Income Limits, a Social Housing Supports Checklist and an Easy to Read Guide to complete the Social Housing Support Application Form.

All new forms are available to download from our Website and from Customer Services.

59 | P a g e

Delivery Stream Rebuilding Ireland Projected Delivery 2018-2021

2018 2019 2020 2021 Total SHIP CONSTRUCTION 00 00 00 17 17 SHIP CONSTRUCTION RAPID 00 00 00 00 00 REGENERATION 00 00 00 00 00 CAS CONSTRUCTION 01 00 00 01 02 CONSTRUCTION BUT & RENEW SHIP 23 26 07 05 61 CONSTRUCTION SINGLE STAGE SHIP CONSTRUCTION SINGLE STAGE 00 00 00 02 02 SHIP CONSTRUCTION TURNKEY 00 05 131 28 164 SHIP Competitive Dialogue 00 00 00 00 00 CAS CONSTRUCTION TURNKEY & CAS 00 00 00 12 12 SINGLE STAGE PPP 00 00 80 00 80 AHB CALF Construction 10 15 02 00 27 AHB CALF Turnkey 119 188 54 210 571 CALF Part V 14 115 05 11 145 LA Part V 04 00 06 07 17 CAS Part V 00 00 00 00 00 Voids (capped) 02 05 00 00 07

DEFINITIONS

AHB = Approved Housing Body This is being used to acquire vacant or CAS = Capital Assistance Scheme which derelict houses which are being returned to provides 100% funding to AHBs to build or use as social housing units. acquire units for disabled or homeless applicants with a non- repayment mortgage in IPS = Incremental Purchase Scheme favour of the Housing Authority to ensure that the Housing Authority has both nomination Voids = new addition to the report requested rights and security over the asset created by by Department of Housing, Planning & Local public funds. Government.

CALF = Capital Advance Loan Fund which SHCEP = Social Housing Current Expenditure provides Department funding for up to 30% Programme supports the delivery of social funding to AHBs to provide units for general housing by providing financial support to local use on the basis that they enter into a authorities and Approved Housing Bodies Payment and Availability agreement with the (AHBs) for the long term leasing of houses Housing Authority who will provide all the and apartments from private owners and tenant nominations. developers.

CPO = Compulsory Purchase Scheme allows SHIP = Social Housing Investment the local authority to land or property without Programme the consent of the owner by means of a compulsory purchase order (CPO).

60 | P a g e

Note: On the 6th January 2021 the Government introduced new measures for preventing the spread of COVID-19, which included the closure of construction sites from the 8th January 2021, with limited exceptions. A number of construction sites on this list were closed down as a consequence. The impact of this closure has pushed out the delivery date on a number of the construction projects.

Project Name Project Total Approved Project Date Breakdown of Phase Units Housing Status Units Expe Body / Louth cted County Council

CPO All bundles 3/3 6 Louth County Onsite 30/09/201 2019 - Q3 Delivery Council 9

CPO All bundles 4/4 7 Louth County Onsite 31/12/201 2019 - Q4 Delivery Council 9

Tierney Street, 1/1 7 Oaklee Stage 3 31/03/202 1x 3 bed, and 1x Ardee Housing Trust Approved 2 4 bed house to 7 x 1 bed CPO All bundles 1/4 5 Louth County Onsite 20/05/202 2020 Delivery Q1 Council 0 St. John's Home, 1/1 4 North ＆ East Stage 3 30/06/202 4 x 1 bed Peter's Hill, Housing Approved 2 Drogheda, Co. Association Louth Ltd CPO All bundles 2/4 5 Louth County Onsite 30/06/202 2020 Delivery Q2 Council 0

Barrack Street, 1/1 21 Simon Revised 01/03/202 19 x 1bed Dundalk Community : Stage 2 Site 2 2 x 2 bed Dundalk investigatio Simon n works to commence Wadman Park, 3/3 29 Louth County Completed Oct 2020 Haynestown, Council Dundalk Gort Bui, 2/5 9 Louth County Completed Dec 2020 6x 3 bed, 3 x 4 Ballymakenny Council bed Road, Drogheda

5 Slieveroe Cresent, 1/1 1 Cluid Housing Stage 4 31/12/202 1 x 3 bed Dundalk Association Approved 1 Clonmore Close, 1/4 12 Cluid Housing Completed March 2 x 4 beds, 2 x3 Ardee, Co Louth Association 2021 bed and 8x 1 beds in this phase 61 | P a g e

Gort Bui, 3/5 10 Louth County Completed 01/03/202 6x 3 bed, Ballymakenny Council 1 4 x 4 bed Road, Drogheda Gort Bui, 4/5 9 Louth County Completed 16/04/202 5 x 3 bed , Ballymakenny Council 1 4 x 4 bed Road, Drogheda Gort Bui, 5/5 8 Louth County Completed 20/05/202 2 x 3 bed Ballymakenny Council 1 6 x 4 bed Road, Drogheda Castletown Road 1/1 6 Louth County Funding 31/12/202 1 x 1 bed Dundalk Council Approved 2 5 x 2 bed Turnkey CPO All bundles 4/4 12 Louth County Onsite 31/12/202 2019 - Q4 Delivery Council 0

CPO All bundles 3/4 1 Louth County Onsite 31/12/202 2020 Delivery Q3 Council 0 CPO All bundles 4/4 9 Louth County Onsite 31/12/202 2020 Delivery Q4 Council 0 Father Finn Park 1/1 17 Louth County Completed 08/04/202 7 x 2 bed & 10 x (Phase 2) Council 1 3 bed Clonmore Close, 2/4 15 Cluid Housing Onsite 30/07/202 2 x 4 bed, 12 x 3 Ardee, Co Louth Association 1 bed and 1 x2 bed units in this phase Cathedral View, 1/5 16 Túath Housing Completed March 14 x 2 bed Dundalk, Co Louth Association 2021 apartments, 9 x 2 bed houses, 14 x 3 bed duplexes, 14 x 3 bed terraced houses and 14 x 4 bed houses across all phases Lismullen Grove, 3/3 8 Túath Housing Completed March 8 x 3 bed units in Dundalk, Co Louth Association 2021 this phase

Harbour View, 1/2 12 Cluid Housing Onsite 31/07/202 12 x 1 bed and Coulter Place, Association 1 12 x 2 bed Dundalk apartments across both phases Four Winds, 1/1 1 St. John of Stage 2 31/03/202 I unit, 4 beds Mullacapple, Collon God Housing Approved 2 Association Ltd Racecourse 1/4 45 Clanmil Funding 30/06/202 9 x 2 bed Meadows, Dundalk, Approved 2 apartments, 34 3 Co. Louth bed units and 24

62 | P a g e

x 4 bed units

Harbour View, 2/2 12 Cluid Housing Onsite 31/07/202 12 x 1 bed and Coulter Place, Association 1 12 x 2 bed Dundalk apartments across both phases Newtown View 1/4 17 Respond Onsite 31/10/202 2 x 4 bed Marsh Road 1 houses, 97 x 3 Drogheda bed houses and 34 x 2 bed houses across all 4 phases Newtown View 2/4 23 Respond Onsite 31/03/202 2 x 4 bed Marsh Road 2 houses, 97 x 3 Drogheda bed houses and 34 x 2 bed houses across all 4 phases Hallidays Mill Quay 1/1 85 Co Operative Onsite 31/08/202 15 x 3 bed St Dundalk Housing 1 apartments, 58 x 2 bed apartments and 12 x 1 bed apartments Clonmore Close, 3/4 15 Cluid Housing Onsite 30/11/202 8 x 3 bed and 7 Ardee, Co Louth Association 1 x2 bed units in this phase Racecourse 2/4 22 Túath Housing Onsite 30/09/202 4 x 4 bed Meadows, Dundalk, Association 1 houses, 36 x 3 Co. Louth bed houses and 6 x 2 bed apartments across all phases Cathedral View, 2/5 10 Túath Housing Completed 31/05/202 14 x 2 bed Dundalk, Co Louth Association 1 apartments, 9 x 2 bed houses, 14 x 3 bed duplexes, 14 x 3 bed terraced houses and 14 x 4 bed houses across all schemes Clonmore Close, 4/4 13 Cluid Housing Onsite 31/06/202 10 x 3 bed and 3 Ardee, Co Louth Association 2 x 2 bed units in this phase Cathedral View, 3/5 16 Túath Housing Onsite 30/09/202 14 x 2 bed Dundalk, Co Louth Association 1 apartments, 9 x 2 bed houses, 14 x 3 bed duplexes,

63 | P a g e

14 x 3 bed terraced houses and 14 x 4 bed houses across all schemes Cathedral View, 4/5 11 Túath Housing Onsite 15/02/202 14 x 2 bed Dundalk, Co Louth Association 2 apartments, 9 x 2 bed houses, 14 x 3 bed duplexes, 14 x 3 bed terraced houses and 14 x 4 bed houses across all schemes Cox's Demesne 1/1 22 Louth County Onsite 31/03/202 2 nx 2 bed, 4 x 3 Phase 2B Council 2 bed, 2 nx 4 bed , 6x .1 bed Apt & 8 x 2 bed apt Newfoundwell Road 1/2 55 Cluid Housing Onsite 31/03//202 17 x 3 bed Drogheda Association 2 terraced houses, 1 x 3 bed duplexes, 25 x 2 bed terraced houses, 4 x 2 bed terraced, 4 x 2 bed duplexes, 28 x 2 bed apartments and 19 x 1 bed apartments across both phases Cathedral View, 5/5 12 Túath Housing Onsite 31/03/202 14 x 2 bed Dundalk, Co Louth Association 2 apartments, 9 x 2 bed houses, 14 x 3 bed duplexes, 14 x 3 bed terraced houses and 14 x 4 bed houses across all schemes Racecourse 3/4 6 Túath Housing Onsite 30/06/202 4 x 4 bed Meadows, Dundalk, Association 2 houses, 36 x 3 Co. Louth bed houses and 6 x 2 bed apartments across all phases Racecourse 4/4 7 Túath Housing Onsite 30/09/202 4 x 4 bed Meadows, Dundalk, Association 2 houses, 36 x 3 Co. Louth bed houses and 6 x 2 bed 64 | P a g e

apartments across all phases Newtown View 3/4 47 Respond Onsite 30/09/202 2 x 4 bed Marsh Road 2 houses, 97 x 3 Drogheda bed houses and 34 x 2 bed houses across all 4 phases Dúiche Roden 1/1 65 Cluid Housing Onsite 31/03/202 2 x 4 bed (formerly Kitchen Association 2 houses, 18 x 3 Garden), Demesne be duplexes, 22 x Road, Dundalk 3 bed terraced houses, 19 x 2 bed apartments, 29 x 2 bed terraced houses, 4 x 2 bed bungalows and 36 x 1 bed apartments across both phases Dúiche Roden 1/2 65 Cluid Housing Onsite 30/04/202 2 x 4 bed (formerly Kitchen Association 3 houses, 18 x 3 Garden), Demesne be duplexes, 22 x Road, Dundalk 3 bed terraced houses, 19 x 2 bed apartments, 29 x 2 bed terraced houses, 4 x 2 bed bungalows and 36 x 1 bed apartments across both phases Newtown View 4/4 47 Respond Onsite 31/07/202 2 x 4 bed Marsh Road 3 houses, 97 x 3 Drogheda bed houses and 34 x 2 bed houses across all 4 phases Moneymore, 1/1 1 Louth County Funding 01/10//202 1 x 2 bed Drogheda - Infill Council Approved 2 Single Stage Gort Uaine, 1/1 1 Louth County Funding 01/10/202 1 x 4 bed Clogherhead - Infill Council Approved 2 Single Stage

65 | P a g e

School Lane, 1/1 1 Louth County Funding 01/10//202 1 x 3 bed Dunleer - Infill Council Approved 2 Single Stage Newfoundwell Road 2/2 39 Cluid Housing Onsite 31/03/202 17 x 3 bed Association 3 terraced houses, 1 x 3 bed duplexes, 25 x 2 bed terraced houses, 4 x 2 bed terraced, 4 x 2 bed duplexes, 28 x 2 bed apartments and 19 x 1 bed apartments across both phases Boice Court (Phase 1/1 72 Louth County Stage 2 14/10/202 27 x 3 bed, 4 x 4 2/4 ) Council Approved 3 bed, 8 x 1 bed apt , 8 x 2 bed apt , 8 x 3 bed apt Mount Avenue, 1/1 93 Louth County Stage 2 14/09/202 29 x 2 bed, Dundalk Council Approved 3 23 x 3 bed, 9 x 4 bed, 10 x 1 bed apt, 6 x 2 bed apt, 16 x 3 bed apt Muirhevnamor, 1/1 11 Louth County Stage 1 30/06//202 3x 2 bed & 8 x 3 Dundalk Phase 1- Council Approved 3 bed Infill Rathmullen Park, 1/1 4 Louth County Funding 31/12/202 2 x 2 bed Drogheda - Infill Council Approved 2 2 x 3 bed Single Stage Donore Road, 1/1 66 Cluid Housing Funding 30/11/202 8 x 3 bed Drogheda Association Approved 2 apartments, 54 x 2 bed apartments and 4 x 1 be apartments Castle Court , 1/1 1 Cluid Housing Onsite 30/06/202 1 x 2 bed unit Castlebellingham Association 1

Racecourse 1/1 2 Túath Housing Onsite 30/09/202 2 x 3 bed units Meadows, Dundalk Association 1

66 | P a g e

Dublin Road, 1/1 65 Respond Onsite 31/05/202 5 x 3 bed Dundalk 2 houses, 7 x 3 bed duplexes, 2 x 3 bed apartments, 16 x 2 bed duplexes, 4 x 2 bed apartments, 4 x 1 bed houses and 27 x 1 bed apartments Tullybrook, Slane 1/1 04 Cluid Housing WITHDRA 2 x 3 bed houses Road, Drogheda Association WN and 2 x 2 bed houses

Doire Beag, Collon, 1/1 06 Funding 31/12/202 6 x 3 bed Co Louth Infill Approved 2 Single Stage Glyde View 1/1 02 Completed 10/05/202 2x 3 bed Tallanstown 1

Termon River 1/2 02 Completed 17/02/202 2 x 4 bed Termonfeckin 0

Termon River 2/2 01 On Site 16/07/202 1 x 4 bed Termonfeckin 1

Highfield Dundalk 1/1 12 Women’s Aid Stage 1 30/06/202 5 x 1 bed Approved 3 7 x 2 bed

10-16 The Alleys 1/1 14 Peter McVerry Stage 1 28/02/202 14 Studio Apts Drogheda approved 3

Riverwell Close 1/1 1 Revised 31/03/202 1 x 4bed Dundalk stage ½ to 2 be submitted

67 | P a g e

Coulter Place 1/1 7 Stage 2 31/12/202 5 x 2 bed 1 x 4 approvied 2 bed Planning Granted Linenfield 1/1 06 On Site 31/12/202 6 x 2 bed Ballymakenny 1

Ellwood 1/3 17 Funding 07/02/2022 TBC Ballymakenny Rd Approved Drogheda Turnkey

Ellwood 2/3 15 Funding 30/05/2022 TBC Ballymakenny Rd Approved Drogheda Turnkey

Ellwood 3/3 13 Funding 05/09/2022 TBC Ballymakenny Rd Approved Drogheda Turnkey

Tullybrook, Slane 1/1 85 Cluid Housing Onsite 31/03/202 2 x 4 bed Rd, Drogheda Association 2 houses, 22 x 3 bed terraced, 24 x 3 bed duplexes, 22 x 2 bed terraced, 7 x 2 bed duplexes and 8 x 2 bed apartments Oriel Heights 1/1 13 North & East On Site 30/09/202 4 x 3 bed units Housing 2 and 9 x 2 bed units

68 | P a g e

Community and Sports  Sports Inclusion Disability Projects Capital Support - €15,000.00 Return of Outdoor Inclusibility Camps for Kids  Continuation of Volunteer Support - & Adults €15,000.00

Louth Local Sports Partnership are delighted to Louth Activator Programme announce that our Outdoor Inclusibility camps will return this month for kids on the 12th July and th Our new weekly Activator walking programme has adults on the 19 July. Bookings via Eventbrite. started at St Helena's Park, every Thursday from

10-11am with instructor Debbie doing a great job. Anyone interested in joining can contact Triona for more information at [email protected]

Louth All Stars

Louth All Stars – GAAforall, currently have one club fully up and running again from last year; Oliver Plunketts, Naomh Mairtin and Cooley Kickhams will shortly join with Roche Emmets. Walking Programme

We have group walking programme ongoing in Cooley and are looking to set up another in Dundalk. If you are interested, please email [email protected]

Dormant Accounts Funding

Louth LSP has been awarded €80,080 for 2021 as follows:  Year 2 funding for Sport Hub in Drogheda (Moneymore) - €43,680.00

 Youth Leadership to host 5 courses in 2021 - €6,400.00 69 | P a g e

EU_SHAFE Coimbra and it is hoped that these meetings might take place in person. Phase II of the project will On Thursday the 27th May, Louth EU_SHAFE feature actions plans from each partner region and hosted the 2nd Intense Sharing of Good Practices these are currently being discussed and worked on. for inter-regional learning event. The webinar moderated by Sinead Hussey, North East Healthy Louth Correspondent for RTE was very successful with 100 participants from across Europe. The topic of the webinar was social participation and technology and featured video examples of good practices from Ireland (Louth), Spain, Denmark, Portugal, Slovenia and Germany.

Drogheda and District Support 4 Older People, as the nominated Good Practice for Louth was highlighted through both a video and an evaluation carried out by Netwell/CASALA (DkIT). The evaluation centred on the social impacts a volunteer service can produce for the older citizens On the 21st of June 2021, the “Not Around Us” of Drogheda, the relationships built with state (NAU) campaign was launched in Louth County agencies and other public bodies, and the sense of Council. The campaign is aimed at promoting an satisfaction volunteers in DDS4OP gain by doing environment where it is easier for those who smoke the work. to quit and stay quit and helping to de-normalise smoking for the next generation. The Not Around The central part of the webinar was a panel Us campaign is another step Towards a discussion on the topic “How do we advance social Tobacco/Vape Free Louth. It is about supporting participation through technology”? The panellists Chapter 7 of Tobacco Free Ireland : were Joan Martin, CE of Louth County Council and “denormalisation of smoking and protection of President of the Covenant on Demographic children and young people”. Change, Sean Moynihan, CE of ALONE and Vicky Harris, Head of Programmes, Age Action Ireland The key objectives of the project are: and Philip Hogan, Cliffrun Media and Declan Murphy, Isaac and myhomecare. Joan Martin, CE  Helping to protect children and young Louth County Council, stated “The most important people from second-hand smoke exposure. policy measure that could be implemented in the  Contributing to the denormalisation of space of Smart Health Age Friendly Environments smoking for children and young people. by authorities is that the age friendly concept  Reducing the environmental nuisance, cost should become a mindset”. of cleaning and damage that discarded tobacco products create. The second half of the programme focused on  Signposting to HSE Quit services. policy, with presentations on future ERDF funding in Ireland and a comparison of social participation policies from the different partner regions. Overall Louth County Council and Healthy Louth are all the webinar was very well received with leading this campaign in partnership with a range of excellent feedback from participants. CE, Joan stakeholders, including the HSE’s Health and Martin, and President for the Covenant on Wellbeing Division, HSE QUIT team, the Louth Demographic Change commended the participants Youth Linkage group, CYPSC Louth, Louth at the webinar and thanked the panellists. She said Comhairle na nÓg and Healthy Ireland. she was proud of showcasing Louth’s good practices and hopes the learning will greatly The campaign is a progression of the Vape and influence policy at local, regional and national level. Smoke free playgrounds launched under the Healthy Ireland fund last year. All information about The next steps for the EU_SHAFE project involve 2 the campaign and for interested groups can be further Inter-regional meetings in Aarhus and obtained through the Healthy Louth section on the Louth County Council website page. 70 | P a g e

Pride 2021

Healthy Louth have been working in collobaration with Outcomers Dundalk to celebrate Pride 2021. Outcomers have celebrated Pride for the past twelve years and have innovativaly come up with a visability campaign to celebrate the event this year whilst maintaining Covid guidelines.

nd On the 22 of June ‘Proud in Louth’ was launched. The project has and is continuing to create a ‘sea of colour’ around the county by getting local The judging season will commence in the autumn, businesses and organisations to display the Pride nominees now have a choice of a virtual visit with flag in or outside their premises from the 1st to the Judges through the zoom platform or an actual 19th of July. The rainbow flag creates visibility and judge’s visit to each of the areas. This will allow representation for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and nominees direct access to the adjudication panel Transgender people in Louth. and will give them an opportunity to promote their community group activities and areas they serve. Businesses and organisations get involved by Liaison officers will be contacted to arrange suitable ordering their free flag from Outcomers Dundalk. dates with nominees and Judges, in the coming The flags can be obtained through contacting weeks. Outcomers on 0429329816 or through Outcomers facebook page.

Green schools

The community support staff has carried out a number of renewal assessments with schools and their green committees utilising the new virtual Green School assessment guide that was devised nationally, through the Zoom platform. The renewal assessment visits will continue up until the end of the school year (June 25th 2021). Schools are being encouraged to engage with Louth County council so we can offer support and Pride of Place 2021 advice in achieving their flag/award during 2021.

Detailed written submissions were submitted along Amenity Grants with videos and an accompany brochure for both Louth County Council’s nominees, “The Cox’s The 2021 Amenity Grant scheme was approved by Demesne Youth and Community Project” (The councillors, at the June Council meeting. House) and Blackrock, on 23rd June 2021.  Dundalk MD – 114  Drogheda BD – 63  Ardee MD - 47 A total of 224 grants are currently being processed, by the Community Support team.

71 | P a g e

Tidy Town National Competition 2021 Supplies to Community Groups

The 2021 national Tidy Towns competition was Community groups continue to be facilitated with announced on 23rd May and the community office is Supplies of litter pickers, gloves and Bio- currently engaged with Tidy Towns groups, degradable bags, to assist them in cleaning up their countywide, who need support with their local areas. applications. This year the entries will be submitted electronically and will be adjudicated remotely. A COVID-19 compliance form is signed by all groups when collecting supplies. Groups have been Louth County Council has contributed to the Local advised to contact the operations section to Authority Pollinator Award, in this year’s arrange pick up of any waste collected. competition.

A new category has been introduced this year aimed at groups who have continued to serve and look after their communities throughout the pandemic. A special prize for young people has also been introduced this year.

Louth in Bloom 2021

The “Louth In Bloom 2021” was launched on Monday 10th May by Cathaoirleach Dolores Minogue and Chief Executive Joan Martin. The format of the competition is the same as last year’s and the closing date is 2nd July 2021.

The categories include: Best Gardens, Best Housing Estates and Biodiversity projects, Hospitality and Business premises. Prizes will be Town and Village Renewal Scheme 2021 awarded for each of the three district areas of Ardee, Drogheda and Dundalk, with an overall Expressions of Interest received for the Town and county winner in each category. Village Renewal Scheme 2021 are currently being assessed. Local Authorities can submit up to eight Entries can be submitted through a new online applications across four categories to the portalwww.louthcoco.ie/louthinbloom the Department before the 16th July deadline. nomination entry form is also be available to download on www.louthcoco.ie/louthinbloom and Blue Flag Beaches can be submitted by post or by dropping same, attaching three clear photographs, into any of the Lifeguards are on duty daily from 11.00 to 18.00 Louth County Council post boxes at any of our during July and August at our three Blue Flag offices in Ardee, Drogheda and Dundalk. Beaches at Clogherhead, Port and Templetown.

Tidy Towns Project Scheme 2021 Louth PPN

The community office continues to work with Tidy On 24th May, the new PPN Resource Worker Town groups rolling out the Tidy Towns project Michelle Curran commenced in her role. Over the scheme, which provides funding to groups to carry coming months, the Resource Worker will fully out small scale capital type improvement works in support the Secretariat in implementing the 2021 their town or village during 2021, to assist them in Action Plan and co-ordinate the PPN in accordance gaining additional marks in the National Tidy Town with the work-plan. competition.

72 | P a g e

The Resource Worker is also focused on actively Promoter Amount engaging with unregistered community groups with Carlingford Adventure Aerial the view to encouraging them to register with the Park Ltd (Phase 1) €19,250.00 PPN. The Resource Worker immediately engaged Ref. 113865 with the PPN Secretariat holding meetings within Dromiskin Tidy Towns €11,496.60 her first week in the role and ensuring introduction Ref. 110856 of herself to all the groups and organisations within Lannleire Pavillion €3,975.50 the PPN. Ref: 113523 Lannleire Pavillion €34,209.77 The PPN immediately set to the task of holding Ref: 108776 (Phase 3) Elections for PPN Representatives for vacancies on Dynamics Ireland €18,017.15 the LCDC, Louth Drug & Alcohol Forum, North East Ref: 111077 Regional Drug & Alcohol Task Force and the Joint Cross Border Orchestra €21,600.00 Louth Meath Migrant Integration Forum. Elections Ref: 107739 st closing date is 1 July and the voted 7th Louth Coastal Scout €10,500.00 representatives will be ratified at the PPN Plenary th Group Ref: 113499 (Phase 1) Meeting to be held on 14 July. Roche Emmets €5,585.03 Ref: 109559 (Phase 4) The PPN is engaging with the Draft Play Policy of Cross Border Orchestra €16,724.25 LCC and contributing positively with ideas and Ref: 108091 input. The PPN is also participating with the Super Total €141,358.30 Connectors Programme in Ardee. The PPN was also represented at the New Migrant Network Meeting on 28th June, advising new members of Louth Library Service our community of the PPN, its role within the community and how they can get involved. Our libraries continue to be open but following a cautious controlled and gradual offering of non- Through the Mental Health Thematic Group within virtual library services (browse and select) as the PPN, a number of mental health workshops and guided by DOH and HSE. Health and safety online portals have been rolled out to all groups directives are enforced at all stages during the and organisations within the PPN for their planning and delivery of incrementally enhanced participation. services linked to the government roadmap and local resources. A very successful workshop collaboration with Innovation Recovery at the Recovery College was Dundalk & Drogheda Libraries are facilitating public held on Thursday 24th June and we saw all places toilet access, while complying strictly to public booked by our members. This was an interactive health rules and relevant SOGs. Our branches workshop based on Managing Life after Lockdown. have been busy with members of the public There have already been requests for more delighted to have the opportunity to browse and th courses and interactive workshops like this and the chat to staff. Since reopening on May 10 we have PPN Mental Health Thematic Group has much had almost 9000 visits to our Libraries. more in the pipeline for the coming months. Housebound Service A new PPN Booklet has been finalised and the The Housebound Delivery Service continues for Booklet is now live on the PPN website. This elderly or vulnerable people who are cocooning or booklet will also be provided as part of the training for all new PPN representatives onto any Linkage in isolation. Deliveries are being coordinated from groups, SPC’s or JPC’s from 1st July. all of our branches serving both urban and rural areas in Louth. Louth LEADER - Project Payments During the month of June there were 81 deliveries Recently, Louth County Council paid out funding to to borrowers spread throughout the county. New beneficiaries under the LEADER Programme:- members have registered to use the service in addition to those who were already availing of it.

73 | P a g e

eServices Access the videos here: https://www.facebook.com/584110738287675/vide os/3847322165366733 Dormant Accounts funding 2021, Library

Supports for Marginalised, Socially Excluded and Disadvantaged Communities

The Minister for Rural and Community Development, through the Dormant Accounts Fund, is making €650,000 available to local authorities to provide support to marginalised, socially excluded and disadvantaged communities. Louth Library Service have submitted a number of proposals for funding. Funding announcements from DRCD will come in early July. There is a wide range of eServices available to library members, including free eBooks, Decade of Centenaries Programme 2021 eAudiobooks through BorrowBox and free newspapers and magazines and Comic Books through Press Reader and Libby (Libby is the new platform for downloading Digital Magazines and eComics). There are also a host of online courses with Universal Class and Transparent Language online.https://www.louthcoco.ie/en/services/library/o nline-services/ Online eServices tutorials

While our libraries have now reopened for quick browsing, our online facilities remain an important part of the service. We continue to promote our eServices using video tutorials, which provide an easy-to-follow, step-by-step guide to the various services and facilities that are available to use at home.

To date, we have published videos on:  joining the library online Dr. Thomas Tormey, our Historian in Residence,  using the Louth Library Service app held his first virtual lecture ‘Bernard O’Hanlon ran and his role on the War of Independence’ on June  signing up for our new newsletter 16th with participants hailing from Thurles to  accessing the housebound service Arlington, Virginia to Baltimore, Maryland. Feedback was very positive: Congratulations to Tommy on his first public foray into Louth and the War of Independence well balanced from a county context, Look forward to more. Fine work by the Library service , thanks. Thanks for putting on this talk. Great grandmother was from Tavanamore.

Dr Tormey will shortly launch a series of blogs and podcasts relating to local and national events from the 1921 period and work is underway for engagement with a number of primary schools in 74 | P a g e

Co.Louth in the provision of schools resource packs https://www.louthcoco.ie/en/services/library/blog- to celebrate the period. and-newsletter/louth-library-newsletter-july- 2021.pdf We have recently been awarded supplementary funding of €8780 from the Commemorations Unit of the Dept. of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media towards a cross border element to our Centenaries programme. This will incorporate a cross border symposium in the Autumn as well as workshops and reading material for cross border reading groups.

The next talk in our 2021 Commemorative programme is scheduled for July 28th at 7.30 via Crowdcast. The speaker is Tim McMahon, Associate Head of History at Marquette University, USA. He is the current President of the American Shelf Life Conference for Irish Studies. Tim will discuss ‘Ireland and the British Empire’. A blog from Louth Library Service continues with its regular features, linking in with #KeepWell Library Newsletter campaign with features on exercise, self care, and healthy eating. https://shelflifethelouthlibraryserviceblog.wordpress. com/ Healthy Ireland & #KeepWell Upcoming Events

The July edition contains the latest news, events, services, and recommendations from our libraries. In order to increase accessibility and engagement, the newsletter contains hyperlinks to relevant sites and documents, a full list of the month’s events, and even a píosa beag Gaeilge. Anyone interested in receiving this monthly newsletter to their inbox can sign up here: https://www.louthcoco.ie/en/services/library/library- membership/louth-library-newsletter-emailing-list- registration.html

Click here to read this month’s newsletter:

75 | P a g e

Perimenopause and Menopause Our branches look forward to welcoming young readers into the library this summer and taking part A holistic approach to keeping well; an evening with in this great campaign. Brenda Rock takes place on Wednesday July 28th at 7pm. Booking via Crowdcast https://www.crowdcast.io/e/keeping-well-through- menopause Right to Read Initiative: a national initiative to support and enhance literacy work in our community.

Summer Stars 2021 and dedicated events

Summer Stars is the free national reading programme for children running in all public Library staff recorded a promotional video for our libraries and online each summer. This year’s social media pages which was also sent to each of programme runs from 14th June - 31st August the primary schools in Louth along with information 2021. The programme was launched in Louth on about the Summer Stars programme. A second Saturday 19th June with a fun online event with video on Dialogistic Story Reading was recorded artist and storyteller Wayne O’Connor. 19 children for families involved with the Genesis Programme. attended this thoroughly enjoyable session. This supportive video focused on the benefits of dialogistic approaches to reading, supporting families with literacy issues and also encouraged engagement with the library and library staff. A dedicated blog post on Summer Stars can be read here: https://shelflifethelouthlibraryserviceblog.wordpress. com/2021/06/14/summer-stars-are- back/?fbclid=IwAR13SU7dT- fmWyS5aKEU8kwnfpyuuds08KeWk5HMW9h7gl3v Q-W2kPcKXLQ

Happy boys Joshua and Aaron collecting their Summer Stars bags 76 | P a g e

Let’s Get Reading-Books, Facts, Crafts!

The Let's Get Reading initiative continues this Ava and Bookster choosing new books! month for all of our young readers and their parents. Each month different themes are chosen Summer Stars Clayotic Video Workshop and books, facts and crafts on the topic are explored throughout the month. The theme for July Workshop takes place on Wednesday 21st of July is Summertime and History. Book readings and at 2:30pm Register via https://book.timify.com/services?accou blog posts will feature with reading tips and book ntId=5f9a9eb964916511fcceae5f&hideCloseButton recommendations for parents. to reserve a kit.

Clever Little Handies Rhyme & Sign Storytime Takes place on Thursday July 15th at 2.30 via Zoom.Free for Parents with babies and toddlers, suitable from newborns up. Register via https://book.timify.com/services?accountId=5f9a9e b964916511fcceae5f&hideCloseButton

77 | P a g e

New Adult Literacy Programme  Library staff submitted a piece on the inclusive and supportive services run by the Work began during June with an adult literacy Library for the Genesis brochure group from LMETB. The group visited Dundalk ‘Supporting Parents and Families Through Library to open library accounts and explore the Summer’. Library. The following week, via Zoom the group  Dundalk, Drogheda and Ardee Libraries will were given a full run-down of services, facilities and host a Genesis exhibition ‘Get in the Picture’ activities available with their Louth Library Service during July. cards.

The group found the session informative and enjoyable, and took part enthusiastically in a discussion at the end of the presentation. They asked questions about the services, and made suggestions on how we can improve services for them. Plans are afoot to extend our services to the group in the Autumn once LMETB classes resume.

Primary Schools Programme

Schools have closed now for the summer, and contact has been made with the schools to get our class sets and general school stock back, sorted  The exhibition will be in Dundalk Library and ready for the next year. We also ended the until Friday, July 2 at 2pm. It will then move school year by donating worn out books from our to Ardee Library from Tuesday, July 6 to collection to St John’s JNS in Drogheda for their Friday, July 9 at 2pm before finally arriving school library. in Drogheda Library to go on display from Monday, July 12 until Friday, July 16. Principals and teachers have been notified of the Summer Stars reading initiative, with downloadable reading cards and content sent to every primary school in Co Louth. Entries have also been flooding in for the Bike Week Competition which is open to 2nd, 3rd, 4th and 5th class pupils. Planning is now underway for our schools service for 2021/2022.

This Healthy Ireland funded exhibition which th The Library service continues to support our launched on June 28 in Dundalk Library partners in The Genesis Programme through a focuses on mothers and their new babies number of different projects. who were born during Covid. It has been a difficult and isolating year for anyone with a  To encourage participation with Summer new baby. The photographic exhibition Stars 2021 a dedicated video was recorded details and celebrates 100 very happy new specifically for families involved with mothers and their babies. Genesis. This supportive video focused on the benefits of dialogistic approaches to  A promotional brochure for our Baby Book reading, supporting families with literacy Clubs will be distributed to all new parents issues and also encouraged engagement visiting the ‘Get in the Picture’ exhibition with the library and library staff. over the coming weeks. 78 | P a g e

Drogheda, as part of a national initiative to raise awareness of domestic violence. The project began in Australia in 2012. Samoan artist Maryann Talia Pau began weaving the eight-pointed stars as a response to the murder of an Irish woman living in Melbourne. Australia has already reached one million stars and now it is a global movement with over four million stars worldwide.

Louth County Archives

Other News:

Sea Louth

Dundalk and Drogheda Libraries will be designated ‘passport stamp collection points’ for the new Sea Louth Scenic Seafood Trail which was launched virtually on June 29th. This is a new tourism initiative and visitor experience showcasing Louth's National Retention Policy Records Management picturesque coastline, local seafood producers and Working Group participating restaurants along the trail where you can enjoy fine fresh seafood. A new passport has Work is continuing on the draft revisions both for been designed highlighting 14 scenic viewpoints Community and for Library. The revision for along Louth’s coastline stretching from Baltray to Transport & Infrastructure has been approved and Omeath with participants being encouraged to issued out. The draft revisions for Economic collect all 14 ‘passport stamps’. Development, Corporate Services and Environment were with local authorities for comment in April before being proposed for approval and adoption. To date, Health & Safety, Planning & Development, Housing, Procurement, Finance, HR and Water have been completed, approved and issued out to local authorities. The Co Archivist assists staff on an ongoing basis with queries on the management of records and advises on the preparation of records both for destruction and for transfer to the Records Centre. Water Services are being assisted with drawing up a Classification Scheme for their records.

Researchers

One Billion Stars Project Since re-opening to the public by appointment on 10th May, the service remains busy with a steady number of research visits and research enquiries. A short video about collections held in the service was commissioned from the Healthy Ireland/Sláintecare Community Resilience Fund as part of the KeepWell campaign. It is available to view here: Drogheda Library is featuring a window display of https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IeHSK_Xq0-w hand woven stars, created by local people in

79 | P a g e

Beyond 2022 Historic Structures Fund Beyond 2022, a project under Ireland 2040, have Conservation repair works to the south gable wall produced a new booklet in association with the of the County Archives building are being tendered Local Government Archivists and Records for by staff in Housing Technical. Work is expected Managers on the Grand Jury, an 18th and 19th to begin by late summer. century local authority body. It highlights the Grand Jury archive collection; a major source held by local Donating Archives authority archive services and is available here: https://beyond2022.ie/?page_id=2941 Louth County Archives is interested in acquiring archives and records that relate to all aspects of the development of County Louth. Such archives may be from community groups, societies, individuals, organisations, national schools, solicitors or other businesses. These collections make available unique and valuable research sources for the study of Louth’s heritage. If you have a collection that you would be willing to donate, or know of someone who would, please contact the County Archivist by email at [email protected] or by telephone at 042-9324358.

Arts

Creative Ireland Louth

Cruinniú na nÓg, programmed by Louth Creative Ireland Cultural Team took place on Saturday June Caring for Your Family Archives 12th with all workshops being facilitated online due

to ongoing restrictions. The day went ahead with no This booklet is now available on our website. It technical issues and engagement was very gives advice on where and how to store your family positive. or personal papers with Dos and Don'ts tips and advice on preparing community archives for Aoife and the Children of Lír donation. This publication has been funded under Healthy Ireland/Sláintecare Community Resilience Droichead Arts Centre’s beautiful short film Aoife Fund as part of the KeepWell campaign. and the Children of Lír premiered on Droichead's YouTube Channel on Cruinniú na nÓg day on 12th June. This is the second installation of the trilogy, the follow up to last year’s Selkie. Both were featured on RTE and can be watched back here https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQro862tgmLk iMa4dCuuy6g/videos

Little Inklings

The Mothers' and Babies Project at Craobh Rua marked the end of their project - Little Inklings, with a celebration on Tuesday 22nd June. The project in conjunction with Youthwork Ireland and supported by Creative Ireland Community fund involved five artists working over five weeks with the children and their mothers to create a playful outdoor sculpture garden at Craobh Rua.

80 | P a g e

Create Louth An Táin Arts Centre

Funding has been awarded to Louth County An Tain Arts Centre are running 2 summer camps Council under the Local Live Performance Scheme this year. “You Can’t Stop The Beat” is in from the Dept of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, conjunction with From The Top Theatre Company Sport and Media. The funding award of €143,000 is and runs from 5th – 16th July. And Showman Camp, to host a series of local live performances during presented by Grow Music runs from the 19th to the the Summer of 2021. This funding is aimed at 23rd of July 2021. assisting those in the local live performance industry who have had little or no work due to the The Chrysalis Exhibition continues until 10th July in pandemic. Plans are underway to get a programme An Táin. North Louth Artists have assembled work of events put together for August and September. completed during the lockdown, as the butterfly prepares to emerge from its chrysalis, they Highlanes Gallery celebrate emerging from lockdown with colour and form in their individual styles and mediums, Joy Gerrards exhibition - Precarious Freedom: reconnecting with each other and Crowds, Flags, Barriers is on in the gallery until 31st with their many loyal customers. July. Drawing on over a decade of image-making and research on themes of protest and urban space, Irish artist Joy Gerrard archives and painstakingly remakes media-borne crowd images.

Other events to watch out for at An Táin are ‘Local Legends’ - A fun, new, exciting, ‘action packed’, visual arts installation, launching on 1st of July at 7pm on Facebook Live!

Her subjects include climate change, Brexit, Black And Migration is an intriguing new sculptural art Lives Matter protests and women’s equalities. Pre- project by artist Garry Maguire. Over a three day booking encouraged, but walk-ups facilitated. period 16th – 18th of July, the new work will be https://highlanes.ie/whats-on/exhibitions/joy- displayed at Market Square, Dundalk. gerrard-precarious-freedom-crowds-flags-barriers/ County Museum Droichead Arts Centre The Museum re-opened its doors to the public last The final episode of the successful Solo@home month. The exhibition celebrating the life and series will be on Sunday 4th July. achievement of Peter Rice is still running and will remain in place until early September. Thirtythree-45 and Droichead Arts Centre present a new curated programme of sound and music based Exhibition Grant Offer on the theme ‘Where are we now? which will broadcast on thirtythree-45’s radio stream, and Following an application to the Department of Droichead Arts Centre’s podcast channel over July Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and and August. Local, national and international artists Media’s Local and Regional Museum Fund the have been invited to respond to this theme based Museum was offered a grant towards its exhibition on the David Bowie song of the same ‘Faraway Hills’ (working title). The exhibition will name.https://www.droichead.com/show/873624846 chart historical developments in Louth during the 81 | P a g e

period 1916-1941 including the War of Independence, Partition, Civil War, the Economic War and ‘The Emergency’. The exhibition is planned for December.

Maeve’s father was originally from Louth hence our interest. The items cover much of their lives in sport including Maeve’s involvement in the New acquisitions Olympics both as a participant and a coach. The items pictured are of her identity cards for the The Museum has acquired two collections since re- Games in Melbourne, Rome and Tokyo as well as opening, both of which bear special mention. The a silk kimono given to her when at the Tokyo first is a set of four paintings of locations in Dundalk Games. The collection comprises in excess of one and its hinterland. Specifically these sites are the thousand items. Green Church, the Courthouse, St. Patrick’s and a view of Hackballscross. It is planned to put these items on display in and around Reception.

Heritage Office

The second collection relates to the life and career All Ireland Pollinator Plan of trailblazing athlete and international hockey player Maeve Kyle and her husband Sean. Louth County Council has applied to become a Partner Council of the All-Ireland Pollinator Plan (AIPP). Here is a link to the June newsletter of the AIPP: https://mailchi.mp/biodiversityireland/all- ireland-pollinator-plan-june-2021-newsletter

82 | P a g e

A further meeting of the implementation team for LEADER Co-Operation Funded Project the Local Biodiversity Action Plan 2021 to 2026 was held. The seventh, outstanding application to Contractors have been appointed to develop and the National Biodiversity Action Plan fund was erect tourism interpretation and directional signage unsuccessful but six out of seven applications for Castletown motte and Faughart. This is a were. The successful applications include the Louth tourism development project, funded by LEADER Nature Trust’s protection of little terns at Baltray. Co-operation. The process of tendering for the other projects has begun. Ongoing

The Heritage Officer completed a training course in The Heritage Officer continued to liaise with and surveying rivers for invertebrate wildlife, which is a advice colleagues in all other sections of the simplified way of working out how healthy they are council, elected members and the public and wrote [Photograph of the certificate]. The Heritage Officer reports on planning applications, ecological is the top biodiversity recorder for County Louth restraints for flood protection works for Ardee and (and eighth nationally). All members are Dundalk, on proposed names for Housing encouraged to send in biodiversity records. Developments and on plans for works at Ardee Castle.

Community Monuments Fund

Three of the eight applications (three of them on behalf of third parties) to the Community Monuments Fund were successful. These were for studies of Glaspistol and Taaffe’s towerhouse castles and for practical conservation works on Drogheda’s town wall at Featherbed Lane. 83 | P a g e