Local Authority Times Local Authority Times Vol 21 No.3 & 4 Winter 2018 ISSN No. 0791-8267

Contents Eco-tourism in the border region 1. Eco-tourism in the border region pg.1

By Stephen Beamish & Jeanne Magnetti, IPA 2. Critical issues in housing pg.6

3. Height Restrictions and Housing – In the hands of local authorities? pg.7

Local authorities on both sides of the Ireland/Northern Ireland border are enacting a number 4. City-Led Regional Development and of initiatives to develop eco-tourism, both independently and with cross-border cooperation. Peripheral Regions pg. 10 These initiatives have the potential to make the tourism industry in border counties both economically and environmentally sustainable. Such initiatives have increasing significance 5. Local authorities and due to the potential impacts of Brexit and climate change. wind energy pg.13

Brexit & climate change impacts and diversification of the tourism industry is 6. Local Authority The UK’s exit from the EU is expected one development area highlighted in local Satisfaction Survey pg.16 to result in economic shocks which will authority reports. 7. Joint Committee on disproportionately affect border counties Housing, Planning and whose economies are comparatively less Another issue influencing the tourism Local Government pg.18 developed than other counties due to their industry and wider economy in the border 8. Local Government in the history of civil conflict (O’Connor, 2008; region is climate change. Ireland attracts Republic of Ireland pg.20 Hayward, 2017). The decline in the value of many tourists because of its cultural and Sterling against the Euro has already resulted natural heritage including coastline, wildlife, News items in a decline in tourism from Northern Ireland waterways and fragile traces of human Pages 25-39 and Britain, which accounts for a significant activity dating back to pre-historic times amount of income for border counties (Heritage Council, 2009). Changes in climate, Plebiscites may be held on directly elected executive (Derry City & Strabane District Council, sea level and rainfall may damage coastline mayors for cities 2017; Irish Tourism Industry Confederation, and cultural heritage sites, and change Revised local electoral areas 2017). A hard border would further decrease the character of Ireland’s scenic landscape for 2019 prospects of cross-border tourism. Moreover, (ibid). Furthermore, Ireland has made legally Presidential Nominations Brexit reports prepared by county councils, binding commitments to the EU to reduce Government launches €1.25bn Land Development academics and other interested stakeholders its carbon emissions by 20% in 2020 and Agency. have highlighted the uncertainty in the 40% by 2030. Current projections suggest #HousingFocus negotiations process as an obstacle in that Ireland will not meet the 2020 target. implementing policies that moderate Brexit Tourism is a particular threat to the reduction Excellence in Local Government Awards takes impacts. As authorities do not yet know the of carbon emissions, as a recent study found place November 22nd extent of trade barriers that may be erected that tourism is responsible for one twelfth Ibec Local Economic when the UK leaves the EU, acceleration of world greenhouse gas emissions, and is Indicators – Doing Business Locally of community development is indicated estimated to produce 6.5 billion tonnes of as the current best option (Hayward, carbon emissions by 2025 (RTE, 2018). Funding announced for Town and Village Renewal 2017). Development of infrastructure and Scheme 2018 sustainable economic practices is necessary Eco-tourism SEAI support research and in order to insulate border economies from Eco-tourism has the potential to benefit sustainable communities further economic shocks (ibid). Development local economies while fulfilling Ireland’s EU and more...

Printed on Recycled Paper

1 environmental obligations. Much of the park’s current manager, the Geopark The Cavan County Council Tourism border region is rural, with fewer of the attracts 400,000 people and €59 Strategy similarly identifies the ‘honey spot’ tourist attractions which million annually (Thompson, 2017). significance of the Marble Arch Caves are more ‘Brexit proof’ (O’Brien, 2018). Fermanagh and Cavan local authorities Geopark and Cavan Burren Park. Among Traditional forms of tourism are not work jointly to produce development its strategies and key actions, the report economically viable in these areas due to plans for the park, and its joint projects identifies a plan to better define visitor a lack of marketable products and visitor receive funding from EU programmes opportunities to the park and increase access (O’Connor, 2008). such as INTERREG and Peace IV. its visibility. It also plans to better define park entry and exit points, test Eco-tourism provides options to Irish The Marble Arch Caves Global Geopark new products within the park, develop rural communities because this type of is a UNESCO site; preservation of the a stronger marketing plan and further tourism focuses on natural landscape integrity of the natural landscape is integrate events that occur within the experiences, such that rural economies necessary for this classification. County park with other festivals and events in may capitalise on the presence of forests, Cavan’s website for the Geopark [www. the county. These strategic actions are lakes, mountains or other natural cavanburrenpark.ie] emphasises the to take place with the input of interested landscapes required for walking, hiking, natural landscape and highlights the stakeholders including Fáilte Ireland biking, boating, fishing and other forms opportunity for cultural, archaeological and Fermanagh and Omagh District of ‘adventure tourism’ (O’Connor, 2008; and wildlife education. Fermanagh’s Council. Farsani, 2011). In addition, eco-tourism website [www.marblearchcavesgeopark. is more sustainable because it emphasises com] praises the ‘spectacular and Concerns over continuing cooperation the pristineness of the environment unique landscapes’ of the park and following Brexit have been noted. For and education about the area. This will advertises opportunities for canoeing instance, several joint projects within instil greater environmental respect in and cruising, caving, angling, cycling, the park have been funded by EU both consumers and tourism operators and hiking/walking trails. INTERREG and Peace IV programmes, (Thompson, 2013). Further, eco-tourism whose continued support is not emphasises locally sourced products, The Fermanagh and Omagh District guaranteed past 2020 (Thompson, 2017; and often supports local tour guides, Council Tourism Development Strategy O’Connor, 2009). Further, the current accommodations, and other businesses identifies the economic potential manager of the Geopark expressed (Farsani, 2011; Thompson, 2013). of the Geopark and outlines several concerns about the continuation of Therefore, ecotourism represents a strategic actions that capitalize on the plans to reconstruct smugglers’ routes potential economic advantage that may Geopark’s economic potential. The across the Cuilcagh Mountains as a also reduce the environmental impacts Council states in its action plan the cultural heritage attraction (Thompson, of traditional forms of tourism. intent to develop a brand strategy for 2017). Fermanagh, engage the community Marble Arch Caves Global Geopark and stakeholders, develop an ongoing Greenways & blueways The Marble Arch Caves Global Geopark social media action plan, identify and Greenways and blueways are another is one area where cross-border counties develop access points, increase tourism development area representative of have cooperated to develop a successful staff training and review cross-border cross-border eco-tourism. Greenways, eco-tourism strategy. The Geopark opportunities to develop action plans for example, address not only tourism contains 18,000 hectares of public land and projects. They also advocate for but also sport and health, which and 300 km of walking trails stretching the creation of networking events for contributes to its general sustainability across the border between Fermanagh the tourism industry that promote and its appeal (Department of Transport, and Cavan (Thompson, 2017). It is the best practices and the implementation Tourism and Sport, 2017). Greenways world’s first cross-border geopark, and of a visitor monitoring programme to promote cycling and walking and can has set examples for cross-border parks collect baseline data that can be used to be accredited with both recreational in Slovakia, Hungary, Germany and promote further tourism. and environmental benefits. Blueways Poland (Pollak, 2012). According to the also promote physical activity in an

2 environmentally sustainable way, but do to Donegal and continue down the to begin in Galway and end in Russia not have the same commuting benefits. coast (Eurovelo.com). Having cycling (Eurovelo.com). Uncertainty around EU The use of already present disused options and routes, however, can often funding here is also putting question infrastructure, such as canal tow-paths be seen as ancillary to many holidays marks over some of the cross border and railways, provide a good basis for and can encourage tourists to stay for greenways. The importance of this many greenways and reusing them does longer than they otherwise would funding can be seen in the difference not add to the carbon footprint. It is, have, increasing tourism spending and between the successful granting of the however, noted that the environmental creating a higher demand for cycle INTERREG V funding to the Donegal- benefits of greenways are not as tourism itself (McClelland, 2014). Derry greenway and the Omeath- convincing as it may be first believed, This is particularly important for the Newry greenways, which has resulted as the amount of commuting to offset more rural areas in Ireland along the in their progression, while the failure every kilometre of newly paved cycle periphery, where there may not be as of the Manorhamilton to Enniskillen paths is relatively high (McClelland, many traditional tourist attractions. The project to secure EU funding has left it 2014). fact that greenways connect rural towns ‘under review’ (Department of Business, and mostly go through the countryside Enterprise and Innovation 2017, p. 54). Greenways have proven to be a success promotes tourism and benefits the local for local economies. They bring tourists economies of areas which are most Food & cultural tourism into local areas they may not usually go susceptible to the volatility of Brexit. There has been a clear push towards and consume local products, supporting improving food tourism by border artisan food and craft industries There are multiple greenways under county councils. This is reflected in (Fitzpatrick Associates, 2011). A study of development on both sides of the council tourism plans, as well as in the the Great Western Greenway between border, creating an ever larger greenway plans produced at other levels, such as Westport and Achill, the first of its network. Connecting these greenways in the regional action plans for jobs and kind in Ireland, showed that it brought is important for both the growth of local enterprise office initiatives. After a benefit to the economy of around tourism due to larger routes and for more all, food tourism contributes not only to €405,000 from non-domestic tourists draw to the border county regions on the tourist industry but can contribute and €737,000 from domestic tourists both sides. The aforementioned Atlantic to other business sectors in the locality, annually, giving the facility a payback Euro Velo route is a good example of particularly in the agri-food industry, period of 6 years (Deenihan et al., 2013). how this would benefit tourism on making it well suited to rural areas The success of these greenways has led both sides of the border. Most of the which have fewer tourist attractions to to local authorities, using government cross border greenways are completed build on, such as much of the border funds primarily from the Department through a mixture of local authority region. The fact that food tourism, of Tourism, Transport, and Sport, to initiatives and departmental planning which includes sourcing local produce, attempt to create more greenway and and funding. Existing and proposed has a lower carbon footprint and is blueway projects across the country. routes include going along the old Ulster economically sustainable on a local canal, as well as routes between Omeath level contributes to its classification as a It is notable that cyclist orientated and Newry and Donegal and Derry form of eco-tourism (Thompson, 2013). holidays do not make up a huge (McClelland, 2014). proportion of visitors to Ireland Food tourism accounts for a significant (Department of Transport, Tourism and The impact of Brexit on these initiatives proportion of tourism revenue. Fáilte Sport, 2017). There is still, however, a is still in question. In addition to Ireland point out that it constitutes market for cycle tourism, particularly reduced cross-border commerce due around 35% of international tourism in areas where there is a long connected to the weakening Sterling, there is also revenue, equating to roughly €2 billion network. The Euro Velo networks the problem of freedom of movement. (Fáilte Ireland, 2018). The same paper provide a good example, particularly It should be noted, however, that Euro presented by Fáilte Ireland, the Food and in the border region, as the planned Velo routes already go outside of the Drink Strategy 2018-2023, points to data Atlantic Route will go through Belfast EU, evident in the Route 2 which is set which suggests that although only 10%

3 of tourists travel for culinary experiences the event held in Leitrim where visitors Conclusion alone, 90% of tourists consider food come to a goat farm for learn how cheese There has evidently been a recent and drink an important aspect of their is smoked (Leitrimtourism.com). Here push towards eco-tourism as a way holiday. Good dining experiences can we can see that food tourism allows local of addressing environmental and also lead to increased stay times of authorities to build on already existing economic issues, which have been visitors as well as heightened regional cultural and recreational attractions as exacerbated by Brexit. Eco-tourism and national culinary reputation on an well as supporting other sectors of its strategies such as the development of international level. This is particularly economy that are vulnerable to Brexit. geoparks, greenways and blueways important in the context of the border utilise the natural scenery of rural areas region which has a traditional reliance ‘Greenwashing’ issues along the border region. In addition to on the UK for both tourism and food Eco-tourism represents both economic this, the use of local food and culinary exports, creating the need to not only and environmental opportunities for culture as a source of tourism promotes a work to re-secure the British market the border counties, and local authorities more sustainable, lower carbon tourism but also to expand the market to other have already made progress capitalising while supporting local economies. This countries in both sectors (Magennis et on the opportunities posed by their contributes to the mitigation of the al., 2017). unique natural environments. However, impacts of Brexit on the export market of the use of eco-tourism marketing poses the agri-food industry. Despite the threat The food tourism and cultural initiatives some environmental and economic of greenwashing and environmental are particularly evident in the border risks. Increased numbers of visitors cause harm if not practiced properly, the area of Ireland. Cavan have released pollution and wear on the environment, development of eco-tourism in border their own five-year food strategy in as does increased construction of access counties allows local authorities, with 2017 on top of their tourism strategy, roads, accommodation and other the aid of national and EU level funding which works on coordinating the food infrastructure (Weir, 2015). Further, and initiatives, to develop their local networks to better connect their artisan while tourism increases economic economies in an environmentally food producers with local restaurants prospects in rural areas, it is not always sustainable and ‘Brexit-proof’ way. and businesses as well as building on economically sustainable. Tourism References: events such as the ‘Taste of Cavan’ is often low paid and seasonal, and Deenihan, G., Caulfied, B., & O’Dwyer, D. (2013). Measur- annual festival. Likewise, a Boyne Valley may lead to an exodus of the skilled ing the success of the Great Western Greenway in Ireland. Re- trieved from https://pdfs.semanticscholar.org/0f4b/24140d- food strategy was released where the workforce to seek opportunities outside 8b20f3c5a5cf4773060513590075d9.pdf [22 June 2018] Meath and Louth councils planned to the region (Weir, 2015). Moreover, many Derry City & Strabane District Council. (2017). Initial Analysis of the Challenges and Opportunities of Brexit for the coordinate and advertise the area as eco-tourism destinations are at risk of Derry City & Strabane and Donegal County Council Areas – The North West City Region. Retrieved from https://www. Ireland’s food destination to a national ‘greenwashing’, wherein mass tourism derrystrabane.com/getmedia/f1f1bbb6-e336-4acf-9fd9- 5e1e171fe43f/Initial-Analysis-of-the-Challenges-and-Oppor- and international audience. to natural areas is labelled ‘eco-tourism’ tunities-of-Brexit-for-the-North-West-City-Region-150217. pdf [30 July 2018] because the destination is outdoors, Department of Business, Enterprise and Innovation. (2017). The establishment of a ‘food story’ is also while practices are not environmentally Action Plan for Jobs – North East / North West Region – Sec- ond Progress Report June 2017. Retrieved from https://dbei. being pushed by Fáilte Ireland to link friendly and do more harm than gov.ie/en/Publications/APJ-North-East-North-West-2015- 2017-First-Progress-Report.html [6 June 2018] food with culture and make food tourism good (Marriot, 2001). As there is no Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport. (2017). Strat- more desirable. The creation of food international standard on the use of the egy for the Future Development of Greenways – Public Con- sultation Paper. Retrieved from http://www.smartertravel.ie/ trails, which are promoted on the Fáilte term ‘green’ or ‘eco-’ tourism, holidays sites/default/files/uploads/2017_05_19%20Publication%20 Ireland website, can be seen across the advertised as such may in fact have a Version_0.pdf [22 July 2018] Eurovelo.com. (2018). Eurovelo Routes. Retrieved from country. Sligo, for example, is offering disruptive effect on the local culture or http://www.eurovelo.com/en/eurovelos [26 July 2018] Fáilte Ireland. (2018). Food and Drink Strategy 2018-2023. an option which combines the food trail natural environment (Marriott, 2001). Retrieved from http://www.failteireland.ie/FailteIreland/ media/WebsiteStructure/Documents/Publications/ with other tourist aspects such as visiting Local authorities must be mindful of FI-Food-Strategy-Document.pdf [21 June 2018] Farsani, N. T., Coelho, C., & Costa, C. (2011). Geotour- cultural sites and adventure activities this when implementing eco-tourism ism and geoparks as novel strategies for socio‐economic development in rural areas. International Journal of Tourism (Sligofoodtrail.ie). Visiting of already initiatives. Research, 13(1), 68-81. Fermanagh & Omagh District Council. (2018). Marble Arch established local artisan producers may Caves Global Geopark. Retrieved from https://www.mar- blearchcavesgeopark.com/discover-the-geopark/activities/ also be used for food tourism, such as [10 July 2018].

4 Fitzpatrick Associates. (2011). Economic Impact of the Great Border Corridor. The on the Island of Ireland: Risks, Oppor- O’Riordain, S. (2017). Brexit – The View from Local Govern- Western Greenway. Retrieved from http://www.eurovelo.org/ tunities and Issues to Consider. Retrieved from http://www. ment. Retrieved from http://seanoriordain.ie/wp-content/ wp-content/uploads/2016/10/Great-Western-Greenway_ eastborderregion.com/media/uploads/Brexit%20and%20 uploads/2017/10/Brexit-AILG.pdf [13 Aug 2018]. Economic-Impact-Case-Study.pdf [22 July 2018] the%20Border%20Corridor%20Report.pdf [21 May 2018] Pollak, A. (2012). A Cross-Border Geopark that leads the Hayward, K. (2017). Bordering on Brexit: Views from Local Marriott, S. (2001). Is ecotourism a greenwash? The Irish World. Centre for Cross Border Studies. Communities. Central for International Borders Research, Times (1921 – Current File). ProQuest Historical Newspa- Queen’s University Belfast. pers, pg. 49. RTE (2018). Emissions from tourism far above previous estimates – study. RTE. Retrieved from https://www.rte.ie/ The Heritage Council. (2009). Climate Change, Heritage Mcclelland, A. (2014). Cross-Border Greenways and news/newslens/2018/0508/960915-tourism-emissions/ [13 and Tourism: Implications for Ireland’s Coast and Inland Cycle Routes on the Island of Ireland. Retrieved from Aug 2018]. Waterways. Retrieved from https://www.heritagecouncil.ie/ https://www.researchgate.net/publication/313344253_ content/files/climate_change_heritage_tourism_summa- Cross-Border_Greenways_and_Cycle_Routes_on_the_Is- Thompson, S. (2013). Making Tourism Sustainable: What’s ry_2009_1mb.pdf [13 Aug 2018]. land_of_Ireland?enrichId=rgreq-7283eea780547c6f- Good for the area…. The Irish Times (online). Retrieved from 373c21e3bd463299-XXX&enrichSource=Y292ZX- https://www.irishtimes.com/news/environment/making- Irish Farmer’s Association. (2015). Brexit: The Imperatives JQYWdlOzMxMzM0NDI1MztBUzo0NTgxND- tourism-sustainable-what-s-good-for-the-area-is-good-for- for Irish Farmers & the Agri-Food Sector. IFA Policy Paper. Y0MzE5MzQ0NjRAMTQ4NjI0MjAyOTI0Ng%3- everybody-1.1556710. [21 June 2018]. D%3D&el=1_x_2&_esc=publicationCoverPdf [22July 2018] Irish Farmer’s Association (2017). Brexit: The Imperatives for Thompson, S. (2017). Geology Rocks Ecotourism. Irish Times Irish Farmers & the Agri-Food Sector. Retrieved from https:// O’Brien, T. (2018). Rolling Brexit fears cost tourism over (online). Retrieved from https://www.irishtimes.com/news/ www.ifa.ie/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/763773Brexit-im- €60m in 2017. The Irish Times (online). Retrieved from environment/geology-rocks-ecotourism-1.3046279 [20 June peratives-policy-paper55629.pdf [13 Aug 2018]. https://www.irishtimes.com/news/ireland/irish-news/roll- 2018]. ing-brexit-fears-cost-tourism-over-60m-in-2017-1.3404778 Irish Tourism Industry Confederation. (2017). Brexit & Irish [5 June 2018]. Weir, L. (2015). Wild Atlantic Way: it is big and bold, but it Tourism: A Call for Action. Retrieved from http://www.itic. also needs to be sensitive and fair. The Irish Times (online). ie/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/Brexit-Irish-Tourism_A- O’Connor, P. J. (2008). The role of geotourism in supporting Retrieved from https://www.irishtimes.com/opinion/wild- Call-for-Action.pdf [13 Aug 2018]. regeneration in disadvantaged rural communities in Ireland, atlantic-way-it-is-big-and-bold-but-it-also-needs-to-be-sen- Sustainable Tourism III. In Proceedings of 3rd International sitive-and-fair-1.2177054 [20 June 2018]. Magennis, E., Park, A., and Heery, L., (2017). Brexit and Conference on Sustainable Tourism (pp. 267-275).

5 Critical Issues in Housing

By Joanna O’Riordan

planning and finance – is a topic in Deirdre Ní Fhloinn addresses the which everybody has a stake and question of regulation of housebuilding an opinion. It is the most personal in Ireland. She critically reviews and of subjects – in many respects our compares the regulatory regime for housing shapes our lives’. building control with that applying in respect of food safety. She also provides This sets the scene for the opening evidence from original research that research paper by Rory Hearne and there is a very low level of formal Mary Murphy from Maynooth enforcement of building control by University. They report on their local authorities. Ní Fhloinn’s findings research in relation to homeless show that building control enforcement families experiences of procuring in Ireland is almost exclusively housing in the private rented sector conducted on an informal basis with and with new forms of housing minimal resort to formal powers, such as ‘family hubs’. Hearne and though they are available. Murphy’s paper finds that although the private rental sector does assist in Other papers in the edition relate accommodating families, there are to the limited rights of residential considerable negative consequences. licensees in Ireland, service charge In the context of an increasing collection in multi-unit developments, reliance on the private market to how demographic trends should be house families who would historically used more strategically in framing Administration is the journal of the have been housed by the state. Their national planning strategies, and IPA. The spring edition this year paper is an important evidence-based two international papers, one which focused on housing. Lorcan Sirr, contribution to the debate. brings the concept of blockchain DIT lecturer and respected housing technology to the supply of housing, policy analyst is the guest editor and Even those families who do not need and one looking at the UK model of brought together eight academic direct state assistance in being housed housebuilding, which emerges as very papers on aspects of the housing find it challenging to purchase a similar to our own. debate that he regards as having been permanent dwelling. In light of this, under studied. The resulting special Tom Healy and Paul Goldrick-Kenny Administration is edited and produced edition Critical issues in housing: from the Nevin Institute propose by the Research and Publishing teams New critiques and new solutions will the establishment of The Housing at the IPA. It is published four times a be of considerable interest to those Company of Ireland to counteract year and includes a mixture of research working in the local authority sector. the lack of affordable housing. The articles, sectoral reviews, information proposed entity would undertake or and opinion pieces by public servants In a thoughtful introduction, Sirr commission, on a commercial basis, and book reviews. It is published by comments that over many decades, a programme of planning, building, Sciendo and is available free-to-access it has been rare for a week to pass acquiring and renting new homes. on the journal’s website: without housing-related issues being This investment would supplement on news and political agendas. He and further strengthen work by https://content.sciendo.com/view/ adds that ‘as everybody has to live local authorities and the voluntary journals/admin/admin-overview.xml somewhere, housing – and its related housing associations in the area of elements of property, building, social housing.

6 Height restrictions and housing – In the hands of local authorities?

By Stephen Beamish, IPA

Perhaps one of the most controversial speculation or reckless lending due bigger, with the National Planning topics among planning authorities in to financial restrictions introduced Framework estimating that fifty per cities around the world is the topic of since the recession, but a simple cent of the one million additional height restrictions. They exist in many problem of supply and demand. The population of Ireland by 2040 will be major cities in Europe and America acknowledgement of supply being the within the five major cities. On top of as well as other continents and are root of the crisis is seen in government this urban planning has seen a move, under constant attack by developers, plans at all levels such as Rebuilding led initially by the likes of Jane Jacobs economist, and politicians (Alter, 2014). Ireland (Government of Ireland, 2016), (1961), away from urban sprawl towards We need to look no further than our the Dublin City Council Development planning for rejuvenating cities as a own country where height restrictions, Plan (Dublin City Council, 2016), and place to live. This coincides with the particularly those in effect in Dublin, the National Planning Framework growing preference for living close to have been under immense criticism in (Government of Ireland, 2018). It is one’s place of work as commuting times recent years. The criticism has grown an undeniable fact that regardless of have been getting longer and longer. increasingly loud as a housing crisis has who you think should be providing developed. Despite this, there are still them, more housing is needed in The benefits of denser cities are some convincing arguments as to why Ireland. The form and location of these numerous. Denser cities mean that height restrictions should remain in new housing, however, can lead to infrastructure can be more cost place. Factors such as efficiency, demand, different conclusions concerning height efficient. This applies to utilities (as can the environment, sustainability, as well restrictions. be seen with fibre broadband rollout) as historical and cultural considerations and importantly public transport. must be taken into account when While both the local and the central Higher density would make it more cost considering the appropriateness of the government plans both maintain they efficient to run public transportation to height restrictions. wish to keep the variety of options a broader variety of city locations more open when it comes to housing types frequently (Dublin City Council, 2008). Housing Crisis available, Lyons (2018b) points out Having people close to their place of One of the most significant concerns that there is a significant need for work would also promote walking and for the Irish government on a local apartments. He credits this to a variety cycling as forms of commuting. Both and national level at the moment is of reasons, such as the decreasing size of these would contribute to a more the housing crisis. Homelessness has of the average households and the environmentally friendly city with risen to unacceptable levels in recent high amount of young professionals considerably less motor congestion than years, illustrating the need for social who wish to live close to their place one which is so heavily reliant on urban housing. On top of this, there is an of employment. Apartments are also sprawl and greenfield development for apparent deficit in housing available the vehicle through which many see housing. Denser cities also have higher on the private market as well, resulting the housing crisis being solved – by competition regarding where to live, in the significant and constant rise in building up. The plans all also refer which in theory results in reduced housing prices in both the rental and to making cities denser. Proponents prices (Dublin City Council, 2008). owner markets. While the most recent of removing height restrictions Greater efficiencies and housing supply house pricing indicator report by Daft. frequently say that this will contribute are both cited in the National Planning ie show that house prices are beginning to increasing population density and Framework as reasons for their goal for to move toward more stability in relation urban compactness. a more compact urban environment to to inflation, there has been no such support sustainable growth in Ireland. indication yet in the rental market Population Density National Policy Objective 3 calls (Lyons, 2018a). Population density is something which for, among other things, 40% of the urban planners have been aiming new houses to be built in the present Lyons (2018b) states that it is not the towards for the past half a century. In footprint of urban areas (Government sign of a bubble, as there is no inflated Ireland, our cities are going to be getting of Ireland, 2018, p. 29).

7 The argument put forward by area) and if they are close together, tall of this, however, the board does have proponents of height restrictions is that buildings can create wind tunnels. the power to overturn local authorities’ it would increase density and supply. There are also macro-environmental development plan provisions if they Cities would be able to build upwards impacts, as they are more resource feel it goes against the principles of instead of outwards. Intuitively this heavy to develop and operate. proper planning and sustainability. makes sense. NAMA’s Chief Executive, This applies particularly in areas of Brendan McDonagh, claims that Alter, among others, also points to how pressing local or national importance apartment blocks in the city should high-rising buildings don’t necessarily (Citizens Information, 2015). This is a be 15 stories tall and that restrictions solve the shortage of affordable power which they are not hesitant to were limiting the supply (Lynnot, housing or increase density. Building execute, with 28% of council decisions 2017), while Lyons (2014) said that higher is costlier, and maintaining which had been appealed overturned planning regulations were to blame for higher buildings is pricier as well. in 2015 (Kelly, 2016). In the same accommodation costs rising. There are, To compensate for this, or merely year, four councils had none of their however, stated objections to policies of because they know they can get a more appealed decisions upheld as they were. just building up. significant profit, developers tend to The recent fast-track system further build bigger apartments and charge takes the process out of the hands of First of all, as Dublin City Council significantly more for them. local governments, bypassing them and argue, the character of low-rise cities going straight to An Bord Pleanála. The can be drastically and irreversibly Many argue a ‘Goldilocks density’ fast-track system was created to help changed by the construction of medium can be reached without building solve the housing crisis and is reserved to high-rise buildings (2016). Part of the high-rises. They argue that it can be for ‘Strategic Housing Developments’ appeal of Dublin from both a tourist achieved by buildings which are six to for projects of 100 or more houses and general placemaking perspective is eight stories tall. A government report or 200 or more student bed spaces the architectural style, particularly in states that six storey apartments are (Philip Lee, 2017). So far, thousands the old Georgian areas and along the the ‘optimal height for affordability’ of applications for developments of river. It is imperative from a historical (Kelly, F., 2018). Perimeter blocked houses and apartments have been and cultural perspective that many of low to medium rise apartments can received for fast-track planning. While these buildings remain intact and new be seen as ideal for housing in terms the majority of these did not concern developments in the area kept within of its cost and placemaking potential height restrictions in any form, its style. This is not that there can be no while still maintaining a sustainably there have been cases where An Bord changes. The Council’s development high density (Lehmann, 2016). The Pleanála overruled height restrictions, plan does allow for buildings higher Karl Marx Hof of Vienna, a social citing the new Ireland 2040 National than the low rise limit in designated housing project built ninety years ago Framework Plan (Woods, 2018). The areas, acknowledging that the character as a solution to a housing crisis, is an fast-track system has, however, run of a city must not only be preserved example of high density, affordable, into difficulties of its own. Due to a but added upon and taller buildings yet liveable urban housing (Hatherley, backlog and lack of resources, An Bord may have their role in this when done 2015). When one assesses the potential Pleanála finds itself delaying its ‘fast appropriately (Dublin City Council, disadvantages of building high-rises as track’ decisions on major developments 2016). Liveability is pointed out as key opposed to building at lower levels, it (Kelly, O., 2018). In addition to this, the for any urban design by Lehnmann is somewhat understandable that the Department of Housing, Planning, and (2016), and should not be sacrificed local authorities in question would Local Government (2018) have recently for density as it can lead to disastrous decide to have height restrictions. In released a draft set of guidelines for results, pointing to the extreme fact, Lyons (2018c), although against planning authorities. In this they claim example of the Kowloon walled city in height restrictions, posits a solution to blanket height restrictions should be Hong Kong. gentrification using height restrictions eliminated, that city centre areas should by allowing developers to build an be at minimum six stories tall, and Alter (2014) adds to the idea that high- extra set amount of floors to house sub-urban heights should be doubled rises are damaging for placemaking the original owners of council houses in size. Once finalised, these guidelines by pointing to how they can lead to should apartments be built on their will require both local authorities and taking away the amenities in a local former homes. An Bord Pleanála to apply specific area – replacing shopfronts at the planning policy requirements which bottom floor with lobbies and car park Is it still in local authority hands? include a general increase in building entrances. Depending on how they It is the local authorities of any area height. The guidelines are still yet to go are laid out, high-rise buildings can who grant planning permission and through their public consultation at the have environmental impacts as well set building height restrictions. This time of the writing of this article, so it is (Lehmann, 2016). This affects the is an integral part of their remit. At difficult to predict what changes could micro-climate of the city, making the the central level, An Bord Pleanála be made to the proposed guidelines. city hotter (due to increase in surface functions as an appeal system. On top Nevertheless, these guidelines show

8 that planning in general, and height permission/an_bord_pleanala.html [13 August 2018] restrictions in specific, is being Dublin City Council. (2016). Dublin City Development Plan 2016–2022. Retrieved from Dublincity.ie: gradually taken out of the hands of local http://www.dublincity.ie/main-menu-services-planning-city-de- velopment-plan/dublin-city-development-plan-2016-2022 [29 authorities and into those of the central June 2018] authorities. Dublin City Council. (2008). A Review of the Discussion Docu- ment Maximising the City’s Potential: A Strategy for Intensifica- tion and Height & Recommendations for Way Forward. Retrieved Conclusion from Dublincity.ie: https://www.dublincity.ie/sites/default/files/content/YourCoun- Height restrictions remain a cil/CouncilPublications/Documents/MCP_Review_SPC_Recom- controversial subject. It is clear that mendation.pdf [28 June 2018] many see lifting the height restrictions Government of Ireland. (2016). Action Plan for Housing and Homelessness - Rebuilding Ireland. Dublin: The Stationery as the solution to the housing crisis Office. which we face as a nation. After all, Hatherley, O. (2015). Vienna’s Karl Marx Hof: architecture as there is a clear and pressing demand politics and ideology – a history of cities in 50 buildings, day 24. Retrieved from TheGuardian.com: for more housing units and it is clear https://www.theguardian.com/cities/2015/apr/27/vien- na-karl-marx-hof-architecture-politics-ideology-history-cit- that we cannot sustain continued ies-50-buildings [31 July 2018] urban sprawl. This is evidently how Department of Housing, Planning, and Local Government. the central government see it, as they (2018). Urban Development and Building Heights: Guidelines for planning authorities. Consultation draft. Retrieved from continue to advocate for the removal of Housing.gov.ie: https://www.housing.gov.ie/sites/default/files/publications/files/ the restrictions while their policy plans draft_urban_development_and_building_heights_guidelines.pdf are used to justify increasing building [8 August 2018] heights by An Bord Pleanála. Building Government of Ireland. (2018). Project Ireland 2040: National Planning Framework. Retrieved from Gov.ie: up, however, has many draw backs. The https://www.gov.ie/en/campaigns/09022006-project-ire- effect on the city’s landscape does not land-2040/ [11 June 2018] Jacobs, J. (1961). The death and life of great American cities. New only include the aesthetics and cultural York: Random House. considerations frequently cited, but Kelly, F. (2018). Six-storey apartments ‘are optimal height for also its environment and ‘liveability’. affordability’. Retrieved from IrishTimes.com: https://www.irishtimes.com/news/ireland/irish-news/six-sto- The fact that there is evidence which rey-apartments-are-optimal-height-for-affordability-1.3459991 points towards six story buildings, [13 August 2018] and not higher rising buildings, Kelly, O. (2016). An Bord Pleanála overturns 28% of council decisions. Retrieved from IrishTimes.com: as being the most economically https://www.irishtimes.com/news/environment/an-bord- plean%C3%A1la-overturns-28-of-council-decisions-1.2750588 viable height for affordable housing [13 August 2018] would point to height restrictions, Kelly, O. (2018). Planning backlog stalls College Green and Pool- when used appropriately, helping beg schemes. Retrieved from IrishTimes.com: https://www.irishtimes.com/news/environment/planning-back- to promote affordable housing by log-stalls-college-green-and-poolbeg-schemes-1.3589201 [13 removing incentives to build taller, August 2018] Lehmann, S. (2016). Sustainable urbanism: towards a framework costlier but possibly more profitable, for quality and optimal density? Future Cities and Environment, accommodation. While much 2, 8. DOI: http://doi.org/10.1186/s40984-016-0021-3 depends on the specific area and what Lynott, L. (2017). ‘Apartment height restrictions hinder supply - they should be 15 storeys in cities,’ says Nama. Retrieved from restrictions may apply to it, the local Independent.ie: https://www.independent.ie/business/personal-finance/proper- authority use of height restrictions ty-mortgages/apartment-height-restrictions-hinder-supply-they- could be seen as contributing to should-be-15-storeys-in-cities-says-nama-35929615.html [28 June 2018] the building of sustainable housing Lyons, R. (2014). Regulations Pushing Up the Costs of Homes. and a more sustainable and liveable Retrieved from BRegsForum.com: http://www.bregsforum. com/2014/11/17/press-something-has-gone-horribly-wrong- city, instead of impeding it. The with-our-planning-and-regulatory-system/ [2 July 2018] encroachment on local authority Lyons, R. (2018a). Irish House Price Report Q2 2018. Re- jurisdiction by central authorities, trieved from Daft.ie: https://www.daft.ie/report/ronan-ly- however, may undermine the ons-2018q2-dafthouseprice [30 July 2018] Lyons, R. (2018b). Enough about demand, let’s focus on supply. development plans and the possible Retrieved from Independent.ie: https://www.independent.ie/life/ benefits of height restrictions within home-garden/homes/enough-about-demand-lets-focus-on-sup- ply-36588630.html [30 July 2018] them. Lyons, R. (2018c). How to turn gentrification into a win-win situation. Retrieved from Independent.ie: References: https://www.independent.ie/life/home-garden/how-to-turn-gen- trification-into-a-winwin-situation-36854210.html [2 July Alter, L. (2014). Cities need Goldilocks housing density – not 2018] too high or low, but just right. Retrieved from TheGuardian. com: Woods, K. (2018). How one planning decision shows the door is https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2014/apr/16/ open to taller buildings in Dublin. Retrieved from TheJournal.ie: cities-need-goldilocks-housing-density-not-too-high-low- http://www.thejournal.ie/tall-high-rise-buildings-dublin-3- just-right [29 June 2018] 4085703-Jun2018/ [1 August 2018] Citizens Information. (2015). An Bord Pleanála. Retrieved from CitizensInformation.ie: http://www.citizensinformation.ie/en/housing/planning_

9 City-Led Regional Development and Peripheral Regions

Conference report by Chris the development of Ireland’s NPF. a slightly modified form – with more van Egeraat (Regional Studies Andrew focussed his presentation on emphasis on inclusive growth rather than Association Irish Branch and the rural development perspective of regional or national competitiveness. Maynooth University) and Pauline ‘City Region Deals’ and the Scottish The Scottish Government’s inclusive White (Western Development experience. growth ambition seeks to: Commission) • support strong and productive The Annual Conference of the Regional From the mid-2000s, the UK inclusive economic growth across Studies Association Irish Branch was Government adopted a City Regions Scotland; held in the Institute of Technology Sligo approach. It was argued that in a • maximise the opportunities of on Friday 7 September. Appropriate for globalised world, the only way for UK places that have been disadvantaged the location, it had the theme “City-led regions to compete was to specialise in by adverse impacts of economic Regional Development and Peripheral knowledge-based growth industries. change; Regions”. The conference covered a These, it was also argued, could best • spread the benefits of growth more range of themes relating to regional thrive in large cities. By 2014, 26 City evenly within and across different development and how urban areas Deals had been agreed across England parts of Scotland; and interact with their rural regions. It was and Wales. Each was characterised by: • ensure economic and socially opened by Dr Chris O’Malley from IT • devolution of power to public/ sustainable communities. Sligo who discussed the role of IT Sligo private partnerships; in the development of industry and • coherent investments in Four City Deals have so far been agreed manufacturing in the region and the infrastructure, training and in Scotland with a number of others IT’s role as an integrator of national support for enterprise; and under discussion. Unlike the rest of the policy at regional level. Dr Deirdre • some form of “smart specialisation” UK however, the Scottish City Region Garvey, Chairperson of the Western strategy. Deals have lacked emphasis on boosting Development Commission welcomed the powers of city administrations. the fact that the conference was taking The proposal in Ireland’s NPF to The already complex power/funding place in the North West, given the develop Metropolitan Area Strategic relationship between the UK and recognition in the National Planning Plans (MASPs) for the cities adopts a Scottish Governments makes further Framework of the specific challenges for somewhat similar approach. While devolution of power to city-level less the region and rural areas. it was strongly argued in the UK that likely. the benefits of these City Deals would Lessons from Scotland spread out to benefit all parts of the Andrew noted that, as happened in The Scottish perspective on “City-led surrounding city region, Andrew England, it was soon realised that parallel Development and Peripheral Regions” pointed out that there was (and interventions were required for more was presented by Dr Andrew Copus, continues to be) very meagre evidence peripheral areas outside the influence an economic geographer in the Social, that this is in fact the case. In response, of the cities. Since 2017 Scotland has Economic and Geographical Sciences by 2014 the UK began to introduce begun developing ‘Regional Economic (SEGS) Group at the James Hutton ‘Local Enterprise Partnerships’ to try to Partnerships’ even for the remotest rural Institute. Scotland is often presented as ‘fill the gaps’ between these City Deal areas. The rationale for these is very a useful comparator for Ireland when areas. different from the original City Regions, discussing regional policy. Indeed the primarily focusing on endogenous smart Scottish National Planning Framework UK City Deal policy spread to Scotland specialisation for the region rather than (NPF) was often cited as a model during in 2014 and has since developed in ‘spread effects’ of city growth.

10 The evidence from the UK is clear – an they can rely on urban-led growth and tax sharing, planning and management exclusively city-led approach will not access to agglomeration economies. of the rural-urban fringe, environmental lead to effective regional development Commuters are a key component protection, infrastructure and economic without parallel initiatives for areas to rural community sustainability development. It is important to leverage beyond the influence of the cities. There through providing critical mass for local social capital and networks to is little evidence of the spread effects public services and local businesses. But promote good governance. of the City Region Deals and a focus an urban-led regional growth strategy on smart specialisation is required for is unlikely to benefit the more remote Policy should move away from more remote regions. A key lesson for rural areas. Mark asked the provocative supporting rent-seeking by specific Ireland is that the development of the question whether we should continue sectors. In this regard, Mark specifically three Regional Spatial and Economic to try and influence the economic and opposes farm support programmes Strategies (RSES) must complement urban structure of such remote areas. as a tool for rural development. Rural the NPF’s focus on compact growth of He did not see a way to help these people are increasingly moving out of cities, with tailored approaches for areas regions, and argues that maybe people- agriculture so such programmes are beyond the cities. This is particularly based policies should be used here. not going to have a substantial impact. critical for the Northern & Western Enterprise policy should also avoid region with only one city, located at its Even in rural areas adjacent to urban “picking winners” and not employ southern edge. centres growth is not automatic and tax incentives to attract businesses. good policy is needed to ensure this Building local entrepreneurship and The US Perspective will happen. Mark had some clear small and medium scale enterprises Professor Mark Partridge, Chair of suggestions in this regard. Notably, provides a greater economic multiplier. Rural-Urban Policy at The Ohio State remote rural areas should collaborate Policy should move away from trying to University, provided a US perspective. with partners, including the nearby attract young adults and focus instead Mark presented a paper entitled “Is there cities. Rural areas lack the critical mass on attracting return migrants in their a future for rural in an urbanising world and resources to actually have an impact 30s. A high quality of life, a pleasant and should we care?” He pointed out on their own. This requires governance environment and good public services that in the context of the USA, urban reform – a shift from separate farm/ such as schools are important in this areas do not necessarily dominate rural rural/urban policies to a regional policy. regard. areas in terms of population growth. Not Such a regional policy should include all rural areas are in decline and since the 1980s urban spread effects are actually Trickle down effects of Irish urban centres dominating. Distinguishing between rural areas adjacent to metropolitan areas and rural areas non-adjacent to metropolitan areas, Mark showed how the first category outperforms nearly all categories of urban areas. It is the remote rural areas that are facing the biggest challenges.

Note: the different shades denote the Mark was partially supportive of an intensity of the impact of the nearest city on urban-led regional growth strategy, a population growth in rural areas. core element of the Irish NPF. Urban Source: Chris VanEgeraat and Justin Doran. areas with a population of over 100,000 possess significant agglomeration advantages and we should use these. Rural areas adjacent to urban areas have a great deal of potential because

11 The Irish experience the growth targets for urban centres also explained how the indigenous and Dr Chris Van Egeraat (Maynooth projected by the NPF in the context of foreign sectors are mutually beneficial. University) and Dr Justin Doran historic trends. His conclusion was that In the final session ‘Understanding the NPF targets for the second tier cities Regional and Urban Dynamics’, (University College Cork) provided a and the Northern & Western region in Dr Helen McHenry (WDC) gave very complementary paper, estimating particular were extremely ambitious in a presentation on what regional the spread effect of Irish urban centres. light of their performance over the past accounts can tell us about our regional The aim of the paper was to analyse 50 years. economies and discussed some of the the population growth of rural regions issues associated with the regional based on their proximity to Ireland’s five Another session on ‘Regional Strategy data and the widening of disparities cities. The analysis shows that positive and Planning’ covered a broad range of among regions. Finally, Professor Edgar topics. Mr Louis Nwachi (DIT) presented Morgenroth (DCU) presented on the spread effects of urban centres on rural on the importance of social and cultural impacts of improvements in transport areas appear to outweigh the negative objectives in town planning using a accessibility across Ireland, highlighting backwash effects. However, areas case study of planning in Abuja, the some of the changes in accessibility around Dublin and Cork experience by capital of Nigeria. Mr David Minton, over time. He noted that, despite these far the greatest spillover benefits from Director of the Northern & Western changes, human capital remains the their location. This may support the Regional Assembly (NWRA), discussed most important factor influencing an issues for the development of the area’s development. idea expressed by Professor Partridge Northern & Western RSES, some of the that cities with a population of less than historic development of the region and a All conference papers are available on the 100,000 may be too small to benefit number of the challenges in developing WDC website (www.wdc.ie). A selection from agglomeration economies that a region-wide approach. Finally, in that of papers will be included in a special can cause spread effects. Regions in the session, Mr John Nugent (IDA) discussed issue of Administration, the journal of periphery such as areas in Mayo and the role of IDA Ireland in attracting the Institute of Public Administration. Foreign Direct Investment to the region. Donegal observe no positive spillovers He outlined some of the important from growth in Ireland’s cities, a stark factors that influence the location conclusion in the context of the city- of FDI, including the presence of an led regional development strategy existing strong indigenous sector. He incorporated in the NPF. Right: Dr Chris Van Egeraat (Maynooth University) The conference also included a very interesting session on Irish planning Below: Dr Proinnsias Breathnach over the last 50 years. Dr Proinnsias (Maynooth University), Prof. Des Breathnach (Maynooth University) McCafferty (University of Limerick) and presented on regional development Deirdre Frost (WDC) policy following the 1968 Buchanan report and its impact on industry locations and spatial development. Professor Jim Walsh (Maynooth University) examined the influence of both the Buchanan report and the 2002 National Spatial Strategy. He considered the learnings from these for the NPF process. Finally, in this session, Professor Des McCafferty (University of Limerick) presented on the structural and spatial evolution of the Irish urban hierarchy in the 50 years since Buchanan. He examined urban population data over time and the distribution of population across the settlement hierarchy. He noted that it was important to understand

12 Local authorities and wind energy

By Jeanne Magnetti, IPA

Why wind energy? high wind, Ireland has exported surplus Local authority planning Ireland, in conjunction with the rest electricity to Great Britain (Lynch, 2017). Local authorities consider the suitability of the EU, has made a legally binding The current actions being taken by local of wind farm locations based on several agreement to reduce its carbon emissions authorities in support of wind energy criteria. First, local authorities consider by 40% by 2030, compared to 1990 levels. contribute to Ireland’s environmental the amount of wind energy in an area In pursuit of this goal, Ireland’s 2020 targets, energy security and jobs growth using the SEAI’s Wind Atlas of Ireland. target is to reduce its carbon emissions sector. Next, they consider the suitability of by 20% from its 2005 levels, or be subject landscape in regards to its topography, to EU fines. Current projections suggest bedrock, soil and proximity to the that Ireland’s emissions will only be electrical grid when installing wind reduced by 6-11% by 2020. Similarly, turbines. Local authorities also consider 90% of energy consumption in Ireland the impact of wind turbines on the is based on non-renewables (DCCAE, community regarding visual impact, 2015). Moreover, renewable energy has noise disturbance and roadway access. become a significant field following the Furthermore, local authorities must Brexit vote, because Ireland is heavily comply with existing environmental dependent on Great Britain for its gas legislation including Natura 2000 supply, and significant stores of its sites, Cultural and Natural Heritage current supply are located in the UK Source: Irish Wind Energy Association sites, biodiversity protected areas and (Lynch, 2017). Since the UK will no (www.iwea.com) areas protected for water sanitation longer be bound by EU trade or energy considerations. The Ireland Wind legislation upon its official exit, Ireland’s Energy guidelines Energy Agency (IWEA) reviews council continued dependence on gas from the In 2010, the Sustainable Energy development plans and energy planning UK has serious implications for Ireland’s Authority of Ireland (SEAI), the drafts to ensure they are clear and energy security. country’s national energy authority, comprehensive in their development of prepared the Local Authority Renewable a wind energy strategy. A shift towards renewable energy in Energy Strategy (LARES) as a template Ireland contributes to both its energy for local authorities to create more Some counties, such as Kerry, Cork, security and its need to meet emissions comprehensive strategies for their Donegal and Tipperary have had great reductions targets, and wind energy has localities. These LARES allow local success in their implementation of wind great potential in this regard. Ireland’s authorities to implement strategies farms, while others, such as Limerick wind industry has grown significantly, in conjunction with national and EU and Carlow have indicated a lack of sites as it supplied 15% of Ireland’s electricity strategies while simultaneously allowing that fulfil the aforementioned planning in 2012 and currently supplies up to 30%. them to consider the context of their criteria. The Department of Communications, own jurisdictions. Climate Action and Environment Objections by local communities (DCCAE) has set the target for Ireland As of 2015, Mayo, Kerry, Roscommon, Increased volumes of building materials, to produce 40% of its electricity needs Clare, Tipperary and Kilkenny County construction and transport of large from renewable sources by 2020, most Councils had published LARES using machinery have a negative impact on of which is proposed to come from the SEAI methodology. While Louth, communities, as does the long term wind energy (IFA, 2013). Furthermore, Tipperary and South Dublin were visual nuisance of wind turbines. Wind the increase in use of wind farms is also preparing to publish LARES (McCann, turbines are of particular concern to projected to support 10,760 jobs and 2015). Other counties have since biodiversity stakeholders such as Bird the investment of €14.75 billion, €5.1 published LARES or included SEAI Watch Ireland, as wind turbines can be billion of which is to be retained by local wind energy guidelines in their County dangerous to migrating bird populations economies (ibid). Moreover, in times of Development Plans. (Hickey, 2017). There is also a lack of

13 transparency in electricity pricing, Case Studies SEAI process on wind energy policy. such that consumers have erroneously The variation also concluded, that while associated the Public Service Obligation Kerry Ringaskiddy was originally classified as levy (PSO) with wind energy, when, in Kerry County Council Published a Wind a ‘Strategically Unsuitable Area’ for wind fact, less than one third of the PSO is Energy Action Plan according to SEAI farm construction, this classification paid to wind farm operators, with the Guidelines for 2012-2015. In this action should be removed in order to ‘help remainder supporting fossil fuels (IFA, plan, Kerry identified 150 km2 of land as Ireland comply with the UN Kyoto 2013). Moreover, there is currently ‘strategic for wind,’ with an additional protocol and other Climate Change no national legislation limiting siting 544 km2 as ‘open for consideration’ for policies’ (Cork County Council, 2011). distances of wind turbines from houses, wind energy. The theoretical potential As of 2014, four wind turbines were an issue of particular concern for rural for electricity generation was estimated being constructed in the vicinity of communities who worry about the at 1206 GWh/ yr in strategic areas. Ringaskiddy, which were intended to impact of noise and light flicker on Building on this potential, 266 MW of serve Cork Harbour industry (Barker, their livestock (Hickey, 2017). As such, wind farm projects had signed onto a 2014). Currently, Cork produces 578.85 there has been powerful community connection agreement with network MW of wind energy from 35 wind farms, resistance to the construction of wind operators and were expected to be accounting for 17% of wind energy farms in some counties. connected in 2013, with Kerry becoming produced by the Republic and 13% a net exporter of energy in the same year of wind energy inclusive of Northern For instance, in March 2018, refusal of (Kerry County Council, 2013). Ireland. planning permission for a Monaghan In June 2017, to review the above windfarm was appealed with Monaghan action plan, Kerry County Council Donegal County Council (Daly, 2018). The plan held a meeting on renewable energy. Donegal currently has a 414.04MW had been refused in January 2018 on the The Council indicated that Kerry was capacity from its 39 windfarms, grounds that construction threatened generating 14% of the Republic of representing 12% of the Republic of Natura 2000 sites and did not adhere to Ireland’s wind energy and that half Ireland’s wind energy supply. Donegal the EU Habitats Directive (ibid). Refusal of 411 wind turbines given planning is home to one of Ireland’s largest of the initial application involved clearance by the county were either windfarms at Meenadreen, which submissions from multiple stakeholders, constructed or under construction contains 38 turbines and has the capacity including An Taisce and Bird Watch (Independent online, 2017). According to power 50,000 homes (O’Brien, 2017). Ireland (ibid). Also in March 2018, to the Irish Wind Energy Association, An IWEA submission to the draft of the High Court upheld a refusal for Kerry is operating at a wind energy Donegal’s County Development Plan construction of a 25 turbine windfarm capacity of 441.31 MW with 25 wind 2018-2024 emphasises that Donegal’s in northern Meath (Irish Times, 2018). farms. current wind capacity will generate €2.7 In Westmeath, a proposed decision for million in local authority rates income a wind farm in Coole was pushed back Although Kerry has experienced great in 2018 (Walsh, 2017). It also states for two months in May 2018, with the success in capitalizing on wind energy, that Donegal’s current wind capacity is issue of proximity of wind turbines to a Landscape Character Assessment enough to power 250,000 homes. residences still under review. Finally, discussed by the County Council in construction on the Ballycumber Wind 2017 concluded that most of North Despite Donegal’s great success in wind Farm in Wicklow has been met with Kerry was of ‘no value’ from a scenic, energy, there is currently strong pushback strong community opposition, headed tourist or recreation perspective, which against wind farm construction from by the South Wicklow Wind Action is perceived by the community to be a the community. There has been strong Group (SWWAG) (Clifford, 2017). result of wind farm expansion. advocacy to implement a ten times tip- Ballycumber Wind Farm was granted height set back distance of turbines permission for construction on appeal Cork from homes, citing concerns over safety, in summer of 2017, but continues in In 2011, Cork County Council published noise level and light flicker (Walsh, a protracted legal conflict with the a variation on its County Development 2017). In March 2017, Donegal County Wicklow community. Despite strong Plan 2009-2015, identifying a number Council successfully appealed a decision pushback in some communities, the of locations as suitable for large scale in the High Court that overruled a below case studies suggest that local wind energy, including Carrigtwohill, June 2014 variation on Donegal’s authorities in several counties have had Kilbarry, Little Island, Whitegate 2014-2018 County Development Plan great success in implementing a Wind and Ringaskiddy. This variation was (Donegal Now, 2017). The variations Energy Strategy. published in conjunction with an to the Development Plan supported Environmental Report as part of the the ten times tip-height regulation and

14 has several micro-turbines operating at Daly, A. (March 2018). Windfarm Proposal for North Monaghan Appealed to An Bord Pleanala. Tydavnet classified wind farm construction in six less than 20 kilowatts. News (online). Retrieved from http://tydavnet.com/ river basin areas as ‘not favoured.’ news/2018/03/31540/ [19 June 2018]. Department of Communications, Climate Action & Environ- ment (DCCAE). (2015). Ireland’s Transition to a Low Carbon Additionally, in areas where wind Energy Future 2015-2030. Retrieved from https://www. Tipperary energy is not indicated as a viable form dccae.gov.ie/documents/Energy%20White%20Paper%20 -%20Dec%202015.pdf [19 June 2018]. County Tipperary currently produces of renewable energy, local authorities 371.89MW of wind energy from 24 Donegal Now (online). (March 2017). Victory for Local focus on planning in other renewable Campaigners: Donegal County Development Plan... farms, representing 11% of wind energy areas, such as ocean, biomass or Retrieved from https://www.donegalnow.com/news/victo- ry-local-campaigners-donegal-co-development-plan-will-in- capacity for the Republic of Ireland geothermal energy. Mayo, for instance, crease-distances-required-wind-turbines-homes/153395 [19 [see figure 1]. In 2013, Ireland’s first has recognized great energy potential June 2018]. community owned wind farm officially Doyle, C. (2013). Ireland’s First Community-Owned Wind in floating wind and wave energy in Farm Opens in Tipperary. Silicon Republic (online). Retrieved opened in Templederry (Doyle, 2013). coastal waters, as well as bio-energy. from https://www.siliconrepublic.com/earth-science/ire- lands-first-community-owned-wind-farm-opens-in-tipper- The farm produces enough energy to Carlow’s energy strategy refers to Bord na ary [19 June 2018]. power 3,500 homes and its planning Mona’s plans to increase its bio-energy Hickey, D. (July 2017). Opposition to Wind Turbines on and construction were partly funded by portfolio. While Limerick has noted its the Rise. Irish Examiner (online). Retrieved from https:// www.irishexaminer.com/lifestyle/outdoors/donal-hickey/ Tipperary LEADER initiatives. Tipperary lack of suitability for wind farms due opposition-to-wind-turbines-on-the-rise-455482.html [25 is considering a planning policy to to environmental concerns, planning June 2018]. export wind energy, contributing to the Independent (online). (June 2017). Kerry Producing 14% of permission was granted in April 2018 for Wind Energy. Retrieved from https://www.independent.ie/ local economy (ibid). two solar farms, and GKinetic Energy, a regionals/kerryman/news/kerry-producing-14-of-wind-ener- gy-35772562.html [19 June 18]. Limerick based company, is developing However, Tipperary has also experienced Irish Farmers’ Association. (6 September 2013). Harnessing technology prototypes to capitalize on Ireland’s Wind Resource for Renewable Energy Production. notable wind farm pushback from the tidal energy in the region. Irish Times (online). (March 2018). Wind Farm Op- community. In 2017, the Irish Supreme erator Loses Challenge to Meath Permission Refusal. Court referred ruling on planning Retrieved from https://www.irishtimes.com/business/ Conclusion energy-and-resources/wind-farm-operator-loses-chal- approval for a wind farm in Silvermines lenge-to-meath-permission-refusal-1.3418446?mode=sam- Ireland has already demonstrated ple&auth-failed=1&pw-origin=https%3A%2F%2Fwww. to the Court of Justice of the EU (Carolan, notable success with its wind energy irishtimes.com%2Fbusiness%2Fenergy-and-resources%2F- wind-farm-operator-loses-challenge-to-meath-permis- 2017). A Tipperary local challenged An programmes. In 2017, Ireland’s largest sion-refusal-1.3418446 [19 June 2018]. Bord Pleanála’s approval of the wind wind farm entered commercial Lynch, M. (June 2017). Re-Evaluating Irish Energy Policy in farm, citing threats to environmental operation in Galway, with the energy Light of Brexit. Quarterly Economic Commentary 2017/2/1. impacts on a bird species protected by to power over 140,000 homes and offset McCann, J. (June 2015). Local Authority Renewable Energy EU Law (ibid). Challenges to approval Strategies in Ireland – Experience to Date. Lecture presented over 220,000 tonnes of CO2 emissions by SEAI. of the wind farm state that approval (Taylor, 2017). Currently, wind energy O’Brien, C. (March 2017). Energia’s Donegal Windfarm breaches EU Habitats and Environment companies are attempting to expand Starts Supplying Renewable Energy. Irish Times (online). Retrieved from https://www.irishtimes.com/business/ener- Impact Assessment Directives because by exporting energy produced in areas gy-and-resources/energia-s-donegal-windfarm-starts-supply- construction will destroy 400 acres of more amenable to wind energy, notably ing-renewable-energy-1.3021805 [19 June 2018]. hen harrier foraging area (ibid). Ruling the Midlands (IFA, 2013). While better Taylor, C. (October 2017). Ireland’s Largest Wind Farm Enters Commercial Operation. Irish Times (online). Retrieved on this case will likely set precedent for implementation of environmental from https://www.irishtimes.com/business/energy-and-re- future community challenges to wind sources/ireland-s-largest-wind-farm-enters-commercial-op- policy is needed for Ireland to meet its eration-1.3264865 [19 June 2018]. farm construction. 2020 emissions goals, and communities Walsh, Harry. (October 2017). Wind Farms Generate €2.7m are pushing back against renewable in Rates for County. Donegal News (online). Retrieved from http://donegalnews.com/2017/10/wind-farms-generate-e2- Additional wind energy actions energy strategies such as wind farm 7m-rates-county/ [19 Jun. 18]. In areas where large scale wind farms construction, Irish local authorities are not indicated, some local authorities are making progress in implementing have advocated for the use of wind energy renewable energy strategies using wind on a smaller scale. For instance, Meath’s energy. County Energy Plan suggests a domestic exemption for household renewables, including domestic wind turbines. References: Mayo’s Energy Plan notes the expected Carolan, M. (Feb. 2017). Supreme Court Refers Tipperary Windfarm Decision to Europe. Irish Times (online). Retrieved contribution of micro or household from https://www.irishtimes.com/news/crime-and-law/ courts/supreme-court/supreme-court-refers-tipperary-wind- renewables. Fingal and Dun Laoghaire farm-decision-to-europe-1.2987915 [19 June 2018].

Rathdown’s energy plans consider the Clifford, M. (Oct. 2017). Wind Farm Forced to Take the Long opportunity for small-scale community Road. Irish Examiner (online). Retrieved from https://www. irishexaminer.com/viewpoints/analysis/wind-farm-forced- wind turbines in urban areas. Longford to-take-the-long-road-461158.html [19 Jun. 2018].

15 Local Authority Satisfaction Survey

By Laura Shannon, IPA Research Division

In July 2018, the National Oversight and is generally low. Just 4% ‘know Not surprisingly, housing topped the list Audit Commission (NOAC) published its a great deal’ about their council. of reasons why respondents contacted first local authority satisfaction survey. Spontaneous awareness of council their local authority in the last 5 years. NOAC commissioned Ispos MRBI to services is low for all services except 19% contacted in relation to local conduct the survey of the general public road maintenance, which 58% of authority housing, while a further 11% to establish their level of satisfaction respondents mentioned. were in contact regarding affordable with their experience of engaging with • The majority know ‘just a little’ housing. Affordable housing was noted their local authority. Individual local (51%) about their council and as one of the most important services authorities often conduct their own satisfaction levels increase in line provided, however, satisfaction levels such surveys, however this is the first with knowledge levels; from 40% for this service (and for local authority to be completed on a comparative basis. amongst those with no knowledge housing provision) were the lowest at Interviewing took place in ten local to 55% amongst those with some 25%. authorities in March 2018, namely knowledge. Dublin City, Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown, • In line with this lack of knowledge, Transparency Fingal, South Dublin, Cork County, the majority do not feel informed by Findings in relation to openness and Limerick, Galway County, Kildare, their local council however, those transparency are also of note, with only Meath, and Tipperary. The NOAC did who feel informed were more likely 29% agreeing that their local council not provide any commentary on the to be satisfied at 72% compared is transparent. A report published survey findings to 40% amongst those who were in May of this year by Transparency uniformed. International Ireland (TII) examined the The key findings highlighted in the • In light of the lack of knowledge systems and practices local authorities survey report are: about their council and it’s services, have in place which may help to prevent • Just over half of respondents (53%) less than half of respondents believe corruption and promote transparency, are satisfied with their local council. that their council is doing a good accountability and ethics (McCarthy, • Perceptions of councils are job at providing services (47%) and 2018). Local authorities were ranked generally positive, the majority just over a quarter (27%) believe based on the methodology developed (59%) believe that their council is that they are getting good value for by TII. Shortcomings were found in a making a positive contribution and money. number of areas, even for the top-ranked that services have improved over • About 1 in 3 contacted their council local authorities. Recommendations for the years (59%). in the last 5 years, with housing local authorities included: • However, perceptions of topping the list of reasons for this • Develop and maintain up-to-date, transparency (29% agree that contact. Overall, over half were comprehensive corruption and council is transparent) and satisfied with how their query fraud prevention and contingency efficiency (37% agree that council was handled (52%). Those who plans; are efficient) are less positive. contacted their council in the last • Ensure adequate handover between • The most important services five years tended to be less satisfied ethics registrars; provided by the council fell into with their council than those who • Use one continuous email address three main categories; roads and didn’t (31% vs 13% dissatisfied). for ethics registrar-related work road safety, housing and amenities, • This is likely to be a result of the that can be passed on to subsequent parks and playgrounds. overall outcome of the how their ethics registrars; • Although affordable housing was query was handled, with 90% of • Ensure that all consultations considered the most important those who had a positive experience that qualify as pre-planning service, satisfaction levels were indicating that they are satisfied consultations under Section 247 of lowest with this service at 25%. with their council overall, compared the Planning and Development Act • Knowledge of the council and to 11% of those who were unhappy 2000 (not just formally requested awareness of the services provided with how their query was handled. consultations) are adequately

16 documented; City Management Association (CCMA), affecting their area. This outlines an • Develop and maintain up-to-date, and the Standards in Public Office (SIPO). apparent disconnect between very high comprehensive webpages with The report emphasised that the index satisfaction with their area and how ethics and governance information; does not measure the integrity of public local authorities are contributing to this. • Publish as much information servants, rather the systems in which This is an issue local authorities are all as possible in machine-readable they operate. Addressing identified too aware of and have been trying to format, rather than in PDF form; shortcomings in terms of publishing address in various ways in recent years. • Ensure meaningful public information online in a timely and This survey, the first conducted on a engagement in the preparation of accessible format, and ensuring comparative basis, should provide a city and/or county development meaningful public engagement may baseline for local authorities from which plans; help to increase the public’s views on to measure their performance. • Publish information on strategic transparency. policy committees and local References: National Oversight and Audit Commission. (2018). NOAC community development Influence of local authorities? Report No. 18 – Local Authority Satisfaction Survey 2018. committees. Knowledge of their local council and Retrieved from: http://noac.ie/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/ LA-Satisfaction-Survey.pdf [30 July 2018]. awareness of services provided was McCarthy, K. (2018). National Integrity Index 2018. Local Recommendations were also put generally found to be low among those Authorities. Dublin: Transparency International Ireland forward for the Department of Housing, surveyed. 92% of those surveyed agreed Planning and Local Government, that their local area is a good place to live. the Local Government Management However, only 26% agreed that their Association (LGMA), the County and local authority can influence decisions

17 Joint Committee on Housing, Planning and Local Government

This new feature monitors the work costs of replacing and maintaining keep more property tax revenue to of this committee, which shadows the dwellings. Finally, the authors also spend on council housing. the Department of Housing, Planning noted a strong consensus among those • Use income from property taxes on and Local Government and is of huge interviewed for the study that policy council housing to establish sinking relevance to the work of local authorities. does not take regional differences into funds. account. • Extend the shared services model Rebuilding Ireland to organise some council housing The committee met on Wednesday The recommendations of the report are services on a regional basis. 26th and Thursday 27th September to as follows: discuss the future of public housing Radical restructuring of arrangements under Rebuilding Ireland. They heard Minor management and administrative for funding council housing: from a number of representatives from changes: • Link rents to the cost of council local authorities namely Fingal County • Require local authorities to ring housing provision not to tenants Council, Wicklow County Council, fence income from rents to spend on incomes. Make HAP [Housing Tipperary County Council and Dublin council housing. Assistance Payment] available to City Council. The debate covered a range • Remove maximum rents from council tenants who can’t afford to of topics from local authority targets council housing rent determination pay these ‘cost rents’. under Rebuilding Ireland, specific issues schemes. • Enable local authorities to borrow with developments, social housing • Allow for the compulsory deduction some or all of the costs of council waiting lists and the challenges facing of council housing rents from social housing provision. These loans local authorities, among many other welfare payments. would be remunerated using cost issues. • Regularly conduct comprehensive rents and the proceeds of property condition surveys of the council taxes. The Committee also heard from the housing stock. Minister for Housing, Planning and • Review the Local Government Review of the role and remuneration of Local Government, Eoghan Murphy Accounting Code of Practice to elected members of local authorities and officials from his Department. bring it into line with international In June Minister of State, John Paul standards of transparency and Phelan, announced the appointment Future of Council Housing disclosure for councils’ housing of Ms. Sara Moorhead SC to conduct a The committee also heard from Professor operations. review of the role and remuneration of Michelle Norris and Dr Aideen Hayden • Value the council housing stock elected members of local authorities. from UCD regarding findings from their and record valuations in local It is intended for the review to involve recent report on The Future of Council authorities’ accounts. an in-depth examination of the role Housing: an analysis of the financial • Condense and streamline the performed by councillors, including sustainability of local authority provided Department of Housing’s approval their statutory reserved functions, the social housing. process for new council housing political and community leadership developments. role they perform, their governance In brief, the report concludes that more responsibilities as Council members council housing is required, particularly Medium scale reforms: and their representational role within in urban areas. It also flags concerns • Suspend the tenant purchase communities. An interim report is about the financial sustainability of the scheme for council housing. expected within five months. current funding model – that is central • Remove the availability of successor government grants provided to local tenancies (i.e. the ability to inherit a Committee Reports authorities ‘up front’. Issues are also council housing tenancy). The Committee published a number of raised around cost recovery from sales • Build smaller council housing units reports of relevance to local authorities of council houses and rental income to enable tenants to downsize. in the past few months. not being sufficient to meet the actual • Enable urban local authorities to

18 In July, a Report on Scrutiny of the proposed legislative measures are a deposit retention scheme and Electoral (Amendment) (no.3) Bill, working as intended, and have not whether amendments to existing 2014 was produced. The purpose of had a substantial negative impact legislation should be introduced. the Bill is to provide same-day voting on supply for the residents of the offshore islands • an assessment of the Housing options for older people of Ireland for Dáil and Presidential constitutionality of the proposed The Committee also published a elections and referendums. The sanctions regime be undertaken report on housing options for older Committee supported the Bill and • consideration be given as to people in July. The report makes eight recommended it proceed to third stage whether the information required practical recommendations, taking into consideration, with the following is excessive or proportionate, and consideration the health, social and observations: whether its use is compatible with economic needs of older people: • the Committee recommends that issues of data privacy and GDPR. 1. housing typologies in housing criteria be included for the use of • fast tracking of a revision or developments be required to match Section 86 to ensure that shorter consolidation of the 2004 Act the age demographic of the area in polling days on the islands does with the intention of making the which the development is being not become commonplace; Act easier to navigate and more proposed; • the need to provide for the understandable be undertaken. 2. mechanisms be developed to Returning Officer to avail of State • consideration be given to a public incentivise and promote the or contracted services so ballot information campaign as a way to construction of housing options boxes reach the count centers on promote understanding of tenant and residential care facilities located the mainland on time, or allow and landlord rights and obligations in town centres or central locations for a later start time in affected • an analysis be undertaken within easy access of local services; count centers to make use of public as to whether a requirement 3. the Housing Adaption Grant transport the next morning; for landlords to register their eligibility be lowered from 66 years • the sponsor of the Bill considers tenancies each year is a more of age to 60 years of age; expanding the scope of the Bill to effective approach to regulation 4. the Housing Adaption Grant form include European Parliament and and outweighs any potential be revised and introduced as a Local Government elections. additional burden that would be matter of priority and training for placed on landlords front line staff be introduced to The Committee also reported on their • consideration be given as to assist applicants; pre-legislative scrutiny of the General whether it is appropriate or not 5. funding be standardised across Scheme of the Residential Tenancies to introduce a mechanism for local authorities for the Housing (Amendment) Bill 2018, which aims realignment of rents below market Adaption Grant; to enhance the investigation and rent in RPZs to market rent levels 6. the Housing Adaption Grant be enforcement powers of the Residential • the workforce plan currently provided in two separate funding Tenancies Board (RTB), provide for under consideration should be fast strands, emergency and proactive; clarification of requirements under the tracked, and that any resources 7. a cost benefit analysis be conducted Residential Tenancies Act 2004, change identified and agreed upon as being into the exact costs per unit and the procedures and process regarding required should be implemented as corresponding long term savings of provision of information to the RTB, soon as possible implementing universal design into extend the minimum notice periods of • clarity be provided on the wording all housing and termination of tenancies by landlords of the amendment to ensure there 8. choice based downsizing and to provide for related offences. is no misunderstanding of its schemes being operated in some intention local authorities be introduced The Committee identified ten key • clarity be provided on the definition nationwide. issues and made the following of student accommodation and recommendations: licences and how the 2004 Act The full report can be accessed here: • consideration be given to the applies to them https://www.oireachtas.ie/en/press- possible introduction of tax and • consideration be given to centre/press-releases/20180710- subsidy incentives to encourage introducing a section in this housing-committee-calls-for-more- small scale landlords to remain or legislation to alleviate the alternative-housing-options-for-older- participate in the rental market confusion in this area people/ • regular post-enactment reviews be • an analysis be undertaken on undertaken to assess whether the the most appropriate model for

19 Local Government in the Republic of Ireland

Dr Mark Callanan (Dublin: Institute of Public Administration; 2018; ISBN: 978- 1-910393-23-9) Book review by Laura Shannon, IPA.

In the last decade Ireland has entered account of the evolution and reform proposals for directly elected mayors and exited recession and huge change of local government. There have been should provide clarity with regards the has taken place at the local government various reforms over the years – in fact powers they would receive in order to level including territorial reform, reform has almost been a constant have some chance of success. changed functional responsibilities, feature – however, as chapter three new financing arrangements and details, the county remains the core of The functions of local authorities and other ongoing reform initiatives. This local government. Reforms are more how they are financed are covered in book is intended as an introduction likely to have taken place at the sub- chapters six and seven respectively. to the system of local government in county or regional level. The public These chapters provide a thorough the Republic of Ireland, focused on resistance around proposed changes to account of the system of the local service contemporary local governance. It county boundaries are a prime example delivery in Ireland. In chapter six, a brief provides a much needed update on a of the strong affinity of most Irish account of the evolution of each of the previous publication (Callanan and citizens with their counties (p. 50). main functions is provided, followed by Keogan, eds, 2003; Local Government a section on ‘future challenges’. This is in Ireland: Inside and Out). The author The role of elected members is diverse essential reading for anyone concerned has made a clear effort to ensure this and often misrepresented. Chapter about the future of our local public book can be used as an ongoing resource four collates the various different roles services, and the challenges faced by to students and practitioners alike; to provide a comprehensive picture of local government in providing these chapters can be read in isolation and the duties and responsibilities of local services. both the table of contents and index councillors. This is broadly discussed both provide easy reference points. under three headings: representational, The second half of the book moves policy, and scrutiny and oversight. A away from the nuts and bolts of local Local government plays a multitude debate has reoccurred over the years government and discusses topics such as of roles in society and has a profound around the balance of power between democratic accountability and reform, impact on our daily lives. Chapter one the elected members and the executive, managerial and administrative reforms, sets out the many different ways the as well as between central and local multilevel governance, regionalisation, role of local government in Ireland can levels; these issues are dealt with in detail Europeanisation, localism, and be characterised – as an instrument of throughout the book. Chapter four also centralism. Chapter 13 compares Irish local democracy, a provider of services, provides a profile of local councillors local government to its international an agent of central government, a local highlighting the under representation counterparts. The author notes that regulator, and as a local leader and of women and lack of diversity among our system is often (somewhat lazily) coordinator. These roles overlap and elected members. compared to our closest neighbour clash at times. This chapter sets the scene and argues that instead, comparisons regarding the role of local government A particularly topical debate concerns should be drawn with local government in certain functions, the relationship the introduction of directly elected systems in a range of other jurisdictions, between local government and central mayors, particularly in urban areas. including similarly sized small departments and agencies, and the local Previous proposals and reforms efforts countries. The chapter identifies key area/citizens. The issues introduced here on this issue are outlined, none of reform trends that have manifested are expanded on throughout the various which have proceeded to date (pp. 91- across local government systems in the chapters. 94). International systems of executive developed world. It can be concluded, in models and the interplay between the general, that comparatively Ireland is a Before discussing the contemporary political and executive sides are also highly centralised state with weak local structures, roles and functions of local compared later in the book (pp. 319- autonomy. government the author provides a brief 322). It is suggested that any future

20 While the relative centralisation of which local government interacts. This departments, statutory agencies and government services in Ireland is vast web of interactions is summarised bodies and local, voluntary and often the enduring message, this book by the author in a table reproduced here. community organisations on a daily also highlights the diverse range of As the table shows, local authorities basis. organisations and stakeholders with are engaged with a huge range of

Service Area Principal Policy Other Departments Statutory Agencies and Other Organisations Department Involved Bodies Housing Department of Department of HSE (on transfer of social Voluntary housing Housing, Planning & Employment Affairs housing supports, as well as associations Local Government & Social Protection ongoing liaison on housing Homeless (including arrangements issues, including specific accommodation for transfer of social supports for the homeless providers housing supports to local and Travellers) authorities) Housing Agency (also Department of Justice & known as the Housing & Equality (on Traveller- Sustainable Communities related issues) Agency) Housing Finance Agency RTB An Garda Síochána (antisocial behaviour)

Roads and Department of TII (formerly the NRA) Transport Coordination Transport Transport, Tourism & NTA Units (Local Link) Sport RSA An Garda Síochána (traffic)

Spatial and Land Department of An Bord Pleanála Use Planning Housing, Planning & Heritage Council Local Government Regional Assemblies NTA (with particular planning responsibilities for the Greater Dublin region) Various ‘prescribed bodies’ Environment Department of Department of EPA Local energy agencies and Waste Communications, Agriculture, Food & the Irish Water Tidy Towns committees Management Climate Action & Marine Inland Fisheries Ireland An Taisce Environment SEAI Fire Service Department of Department of Defence An Garda Síochána and Emergency Housing, Planning & (civil defence) (emergency planning) Planning Local Government HSE (emergency planning) Other service providers as required, such as the Defence Forces, the Coast Guard, Irish Red Cross, utility companies (emergency planning)

21 Service Area Principal Policy Other Departments Statutory Agencies and Other Organisations Department Involved Bodies Recreational and Department of LGMA (libraries) Local sports Cultural Services Housing, Planning Arts Council (arts) partnerships & Local Government Creative Ireland (culture) (libraries) Sport Ireland (sport) Department of Culture, Heritage & the Gaeltacht (arts and culture) Department of Transport, Tourism & Sport (sport) Education, Department of Education ETBs Regional health fora Health and Agri- & Skills HSE culture Department of Health FSAI Department of Justice & Equality (Coroner Service) Economic Department of Department of Housing, Enterprise Ireland Local Enterprise Offices Development Business, Enterprise Planning & Local IDA Ireland (while these have and Enterprise & Innovation Government Regional Assemblies a distinctive public Support Solas profile they form part Skillnets of the local government Fáilte Ireland system) Údarás na Gaeltachta Western Development Commission Local Develop- Department of Department of Pobal Local Development ment Rural & Community Employment Affairs Various other bodies that Companies (using Development & Social Protection provide funding for local various titles, (social inclusion and community development including partnerships, employment supports) organisations, such as the LEADER partnerships, HSE, Tusla, ETBs, Solas, and integrated development Údarás na Gaeltachta companies and others) Intreo centres and Local Employment Services Family Resource Centres Citizen Information Centres Volunteer Centres Community Training Centres Local Traveller Interagency Groups Local Drugs Task Forces Other Services Department of Justice & An Garda Síochána (local JPCs and Activities Equality (local policing) policing) CCCs Department of Children Tusla - Child and Family CYPSC & Youth Affairs (childcare Agency (children services) and children services) Department of Communications, Climate Action & Environment (broadband)

22 Top: Pictured at the Launch of Local Government in the Republic of Ireland, (l to r), Dr Richard Boyle, Head of Publishing, Research & Corporate Relations, IPA, Dr Mark Callanan, Author & Lecturer, IPA, Guest of Honour, John Paul Phelan, TD Minister of State, Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government, Dr. Marian O’Sullivan, Director General, IPA

Bottom: Pictured at the launch of Local Government in the Republic of Ireland (l to r) Sean McGowan, Cathaoirleach of Leitrim County Council, Dr Mark Callanan, Author & Lecturer, IPA, Guest of Honour, John Paul Phelan, TD Minister of State, Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government

This book provides a comprehensive citizens and demands for better services. the demands and needs of our citizens. overview of local government in In order to address the challenges it faces Ireland, concluding by identifying the local government must be efficient, Local Government in the Republic of challenges that lie ahead and how these participative, it must lead and it must Ireland is published by the IPA and can might influence local government going be empowered. This is not a menu of be purchased on the website at https:// forward. Among the key debates are the items that can be cherry-picked, all four www.ipa.ie/publications-categories/ role of the state and balance between aspects are interrelated and should be local-government-in-the-republic-of- public and private provision of services, delivered upon in tandem to provide the ireland.4200.html or by calling 01 240 and the increased expectations of kind of local government system to meet 3600.

23 45 stories celebrating 45 years of EU membership

this impact. The 45 stories cover the be invested for the period up to 2020. Over length and breadth of Ireland under the the 2014-2020 programming period, EU themes of culture, education & research, Structural and Investment funds will be community, health, agriculture used, together with Irish Government & fisheries, transport, business, and Local Authority funding, to invest environment, consumer, and global €6.2 billion in Ireland. This will help pay Ireland. for initiatives in education, research and job creation to help build a sustainable, In the introduction to the publication, healthy economy across the whole of the the Head of European Commission country. Representation in Ireland, Gerry Kiely, notes the many ways Ireland has EU laws protect our environment from benefited from EU membership: climate change. EU initiatives support “It’s easier for Irish businesses to trade our rural and coastal communities. EU on both European and international funding has helped improve education markets thanks to the Single Market and standards in Ireland too, and created lots having the euro as our currency helps of opportunities for studying abroad, with exports and travelling abroad. But and being EU citizens means Irish people our great tradition in farming hasn’t can choose to live and work freely in any been forgotten and Irish agriculture has EU country.” benefited greatly from EU payments. For the brochure full and more Between 2007 and 2013 the Common information, visit: https://ec.europa.eu/ Agricultural Policy (CAP) pumped €11.7 ireland/about-us/45-stories-celebrating- billion into Ireland’s farming sector and 45-years-of-ireland-s-eu-membership_ To celebrate Ireland’s 45 years of EU rural areas and a further €11 billion will en membership, the EU Commission Representation in Ireland has put together 45 stories that illustrate just some of the ways Ireland has benefited over the past four and a half decades.

An exhibition featuring pop-up displays of the stories was held in Leinster House for the month of October. The exhibition will travel to Clones in November, Cork in December, Ballinasloe in January 2019, Blanchardstown in February, Sligo in March, Letterkenny in April, Nenagh in May and Waterford in June.

Ireland has benefited greatly from our EU membership over the years, and the 45 stories captured just some of

24 News items

Plebiscites may be held on directly authorities, and who could be either elected executive mayors for cities elected directly by the electorate or indirectly from among the elected The Government has agreed in principle members of the Council. to the holding of plebiscites on directly elected mayors with executive functions The holding of plebiscites to coincide in Cork City Council, Limerick City with the May 2019 local elections is and County Council, Waterford City subject to the necessary legislative and County Council and Galway City provisions being included in the Local Council and Galway County Council Government Bill 2018. Further detailed (in anticipation of a full merger of those proposals on the plebiscites and the two local authorities in 2021). The questions to be put to the electorate, as plebiscites are to be held at the same well as the specific powers to be given time as the Local Government Elections to executive mayors are to be brought to in May 2019. The issue of directly elected Government in the coming months. mayors for Dublin is to be referred for more detailed consideration and citizen Revised local electoral areas for engagement to a Dublin Citizens’ 2019 Assembly to be specially convened in 2019. Both local electoral area boundary committees established in 2017 have These decisions arise on foot of a now reported to Minister John Paul policy discussion paper entitled ‘Local Phelan. The revised arrangements will Authority Leadership, Governance applied for the next local government and Administration’, prepared by Mr elections, due to take place in May 2019. John Paul Phelan TD, Minister of State Committee 1 originally looked at every for Local Government and Electoral county other than Cork and the four Reform, which is part of the response Dublin local authorities. They were to the Programme for Partnership also subsequently asked to consider Government (PPG) requirement Cork County in light of the proposed for a report to Government and the boundary changes between the city Oireachtas on potential measures to and county. Committee 2 considered boost local government leadership and the four Dublin local authorities, and accountability. subsequently Cork City. There was no change to the total number of elected The paper is also a specific response members, which remains at 949. Both to the PPG commitment to consider committees’ recommendations are directly elected mayors for cities. In included in the table on the next page. that regard, the paper outlines two main options for the enhancement of the role of local authority mayors, namely: • Directly elected mayors, without additional functions but based on the current role performed by Cathaoirligh/Mayors/Lord Mayors of local authorities, and • Executive Mayors, whose functions would include both existing Cathaoirleach/Mayor functions and executive functions currently residing with the chief executives of local

25 Local Authority Number of members 3 4 5 6 7 Total no. of local Total no. of electoral areas Municipal Districts Carlow 18 1 1 1 3 3 Cavan 18 3 3 3 Clare 28 1 2 2 5 4 Cork City 31 4 1 5 n/a Cork County 55 2 2 5 1 10 8 Donegal 37 1 1 1 3 1 7 5 Dublin City 63 5 4 2 11 n/a Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown 40 2 4 6 n/a Fingal 40 4 1 2 7 n/a Galway City 18 3 3 n/a Galway County 39 1 3 1 2 7 5 Kerry 33 1 1 2 2 6 4 Kildare 40 1 1 4 1 1 8 5 Kilkenny 24 1 2 1 4 4 Laois 19 2 1 3 3 Leitrim 18 3 3 3 Limerick 40 2 4 6 3** Longford 18 1 1 1 3 3 Louth 29 1 3 1 5 3 Mayo 30 1 2 2 1 6 4 Meath 40 2 4 6 6 Monaghan 18 1 1 1 3 3 Offaly 19 2 1 3 3 Roscommon 18 3 3 3 South Dublin 40 4 1 2 7 n/a Sligo 18 1 1 1 3 2 Tipperary 40 3 3 1 1 8 5 Waterford 32 1 1 4 6 2** Westmeath 20 1 2 1 4 2 Wexford 34 1 1 3 1 6 4 Wicklow 32 2 4 6 5 Totals 949 5 17 37 68 39 166 95 *Limerick also contains a 21-seat Metropolitan District **Waterford also contains an 18-seat Metropolitan District

Presidential Nominations 26. While some local authorities chose and Cork City) not to nominate any candidates, the • Gavin Duffy (nominated by Carlow, Local authorities were in the spotlight in following individuals were nominated Meath, Wicklow and Waterford) recent months due to their involvement by the required four local authorities: • Peter Casey (nominated by Kerry, in the nomination of Presidential • Sean Gallagher (nominated by Clare, Limerick and Tipperary) candidates. Four candidates were Roscommon, Leitrim, Mayo and nominated by local authorities for the Wexford) The race also includes the Sinn Féin election which will take place on October • Joan Freeman (nominated by candidate, Liadh Ní Riada, and the Galway County, Galway City, Fingal incumbent, President Michael D. Higgins.

26 Government launches €1.25bn It intends to establish a national centre Rebuilding Ireland – quarterly Land Development Agency. of expertise for State bodies and local updates authorities, using experienced staff In September, the Government launched with expertise in project management The Department of Housing, Planning the Land Development Agency (LDA) finance, planning, development and Local Government publishes with the aim of building 150,000 new and procurement. It will be further quarterly updates on social housing homes over the next 20 years. underpinned by dedicated legislation, delivery under Rebuilding Ireland, overseen by an independent board and the national action plan for housing The new Agency has an immediate focus provided with both the initial and long- and homelessness. The latest available on managing the State’s own lands to term capital to function on a commercial figures relate to quarter 2 of this year, develop new homes, and regenerate basis. detailed in the tables below. under-utilised sites. In the longer-term it will assemble strategic landbanks The cumulative total of social housing from a mix of public and private lands, delivered through Rebuilding Ireland making these available for housing is now 57,304. The vast majority of in a controlled manner which brings these houses (39,074) are through essential long-term stability to the Irish the Housing Assistance Payment housing market. (HAP). The pie chart below displays the breakdown between the various The Agency has an initial pipeline of delivery streams. New builds now State land which is capable of delivering stand at 4,005, some way of the 2021 10,000 homes, with 3,000 of those Source: Rebuilding Ireland Social Housing target of 33,500. homes on lands which have already Construction Projects, Status Report Q2 been secured. The Agency is already in 2018. the process of expanding its portfolio. The LDA will have two main functions: • Coordinating appropriate State lands for regeneration and development, opening up key sites which are not being used effectively for housing delivery; and • Driving strategic land assembly, working with both public and private sector land owners to smooth out peaks and troughs of land supply, stabilising land values and delivering increased affordability.

The LDA is modelled on best European practice as already demonstrated in Germany and the Netherlands. By assembling land packages ahead of the planning and infrastructure stages, the Agency can lower development land costs and tackle upward pressure on Notes: house prices. • Some schemes are being delivered in phases. • SHCIP: Social housing Capital Investment Programme - provides funding to local authorities for the provision of social housing by means of construction and acquisition. The Agency will be a commercial State- • CAS: Capital Assistance Scheme - provides essential funding to approved housing bodies sponsored body, acting within a clear (AHBs) for the provision of accommodation for persons with specific categories of housing Government policy framework: that need such as Homeless and older persons, people with disabilities, returning emigrants and all public land disposals must deliver at victims of domestic violence least 40% of any housing potential on • CALF: Capital Advance Leasing Facility - The Department offers financial support to AHBs in the form of a long term loan under the CALF to assist with the financing of the construction such lands in the form of social (10%) or acquisition of units that will be provided for social housing use. and affordable (30%) housing. • PPP: Public Private Partnership Source: Rebuilding Ireland Social Housing Construction Projects, Status Report Q2 2018

27 Homelessness Report August 2018

The latest figures published by the Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government follow an exercise undertaken around the categorisation of emergency accommodation. The Department is currently being advised by the Central Statistics Office (CSO) on the development of a revised methodology for collection and publication of homeless data.

The national figures now stand at 5,834 adults and 3,693 dependents. A snapshot • Under the Rebuilding Ireland Coach Park Ennis -Coach Friendly of households accessing local authority targets, 7,869 additional housing Destination managed emergency accommodation social housing units will be added to • Wexford County Council - Love during the week 20-26 August is stock in 2018, including 4,969 new Gorey.ie provided in table to the right. builds, 900 acquisitions and 2,000 • Limerick City & County Council leased properties. - Traffic Calming Measures for the #HousingFocus Town of Rathkeale Excellence in Local Government • Monaghan County Council - In the first week of October, local Awards takes place November 22nd Redevelopment of Ballybay Town authorities across Ireland particpated Park in the #HousingFocus campaign The annual Excellence in Local • Wicklow County Council - Arklow which explained how social housing is Government Awards, taking place Town Team delivered within the local area and the November 22nd, showcase best practice work of the local authority to support in local government and recognise The other categories are: private building. A brief overview is the skills, hard work, innovation and • Supporting active communities provided below: enthusiasm within local government • Best practice in citizen engagement that can often go unrecognised. The • Health & wellbeing • Local authorities build, acquire, Awards are held by Chambers Ireland • Supporting tourism lease and manage all public housing in conjunction with the Department • Promoting economic development stock within their areas. Local of Housing, Planning and Local • Local authority innovation authorities also work in partnership Government. • Sustainable environment with, and allocate funding to, • Best library service Approved Housing Bodies (AHBs) to A new category has been introduced for • Sustaining the arts provide social housing units. 2018: Outstanding initiative through • Joint local authority initiative • Each local authority has a number the Municipal districts. Municipal • Festival of the year of targets for building, acquiring districts were introduced under the • Enhancing the urban environment and leasing set out as part of the Local Government Reform Act 2014 as • Heritage and built environment Department of Housing, Planning an innovative, county-wide, system of • Disability service provision and Local Government’s Rebuilding governance and local decision-making. • Commemorations & centenaries Ireland strategy, which aims to This award seeks to recognise the The full shortlist for all categories can provide over 137,500 additional impact of initiatives that maximise the be found at www.chambers.ie/events/ social housing solutions by 2021, contribution of the municipal district excellence-in-local-government- including 50,000 additional social members to local authority effectiveness, awards/ housing units – 33,500 of which will particularly in terms of governance, be new builds. local representation, conduct of council Launch of Our Public Libraries • In 2017, an additional 7,095 business, community engagement, and 2022 – Inspiring, Connecting and additional units were added to economic, social and local development Empowering Communities social housing stock nationally – generally. The shortlist for this new 4,054 new builds, 2,214 acquisitions award is: A new national strategy for public and 827 leased properties. • Clare County Council - Friars Walk libraries, alongside funding of €8

28 million, was launched in September. Local Authority Allocation talented workers want to live, not The strategy has three strategic the other way around: Quality of programmes that reflect the core Cork County €142,048 life factors such as the availability functions of the public library service: Donegal €209,481 and affordability in housing is a Reading and Literacy; Information Dublin City €915,843 growing determinant of our ability and Learning, and; Community and to compete internationally. Culture. Dun Laoghaire- €267,185 2. Ireland’s talent pool remains our Rathdown key global competitive advantage: It focuses on removing barriers to Fingal €711,285 43% of the labour force is educated access and improving accessibility for Galway €374,259 to at least degree level. This varies all. The library service will draw on substantially across regions and Kerry €136,722 capacity across the library network to local areas. In Dún Laoghaire- support and facilitate services provided Kildare €547,262 Rathdown, over seven in every ten by other sectors, developing existing Kilkenny €149,520 people in the labour force have relationships and building new ones completed at least a level 7 degree, Laois €88,290 to support delivery of integrated public but only three of every ten in Cavan services. Libraries will also work with Leitrim €39,000 hold a degree. local partners to reach disadvantaged, Limerick €366,000 3. Skilled workforce, production of marginalised and new communities, STEM graduates and innovation Longford €87,724 increasing these communities’ essential to regional productivity: awareness of services available and Louth €274,991 It is not surprising that the highest firmly establishing the library as a Mayo €280,500 concentration of STEM-graduates resource for all. is in Galway City, Cork City and Meath €295,263 across Dublin, but Monaghan has The strategy will be delivered using Monaghan €188,147 the lowest. enablers such as: Offaly €116,930 4. Northern and Western region are • Infrastructure and services with a most dependent on the National Roscommon €173,100 focus on fit-for-purpose buildings Broadband Plan (NBP): Over 50% of and ICT capacity. Sligo €80,471 premises in Leitrim are dependent • Library team development with South Dublin €328,902 on the NBP, with Monaghan (48%) skilled staff taking a more proactive and Roscommon (47%) second Tipperary €390,667 and confident customer-focused and third highest in terms of NBP approach. Waterford €383,277 dependency. • Promotion and marketing, at Westmeath €194,430 5. Accessibility to ports and airports national and local level, to raise for high quality international Wexford €295,247 visibility and awareness generally, connectivity: The North West but also to reach out to those Wicklow €245,683 ranks the lowest in the country in communities that may not consider Total Amount €7.96m terms of travel time to a State airport the library a place for them. or major Tier 1 or 2 designated • High-quality collections based port. This plays a significant role on the latest technology and Ibec Local Economic Indicators – in making the region appear innovative solutions. Doing Business Locally inaccessible. • Continued investment to support 6. Work must continue on improving infrastructure, ICT, staffing and This annual report from Ibec, the group road connectivity and road collections development. that represents Irish business, measures quality locally: Poorly maintained • The proposed allocation for each data across all local authorities and local authority roads can have local authority is: across eight regions. It provides a a significant impact on local ‘state of play’ of local and regional competitiveness. Galway City is Local Authority Allocation competiveness. Key areas of interest the best local authority and the are detailed and ranked, including Carlow €109,604 Mid West the best region in terms indicators that fall outside the remit of of road quality with the worst local Cavan €122,960 local government, such as labour force authority area being Fingal and the Clare €90,000 skills. Midlands region. Some of the key findings include: 7. Invest in public transport to tackle Cork City €351,078 1. Companies are locating where

29 excessive commuting times: proposals. Total funding amounts to Energy and Climate Plan. The Minister Almost one in three people have a €21,210,121. expressed his commitment to energy daily commute of 30 minutes to an Examples of projects being supported in research and funding over the coming hour each way. However, the most today’s announcement are: years. extreme cases exist in the counties • €160,000 for the renovation and immediately bordering Dublin extension of the Aviation Museum Discussing the funding programme, (Kildare, Meath and Wicklow) in Shannon, Co Clare Jim Gannon, CEO of SEAI said that where one out of every five people • €100,000 for the refurbishment of new solutions and new technologies are spends a minimum of two hours Tourism Office in Buncrana, Co. central to achieving a sustainable energy every day commuting. Donegal future for Ireland. He believes that with 8. Coastal cities and regions generate • €200,000 to restore the village direct involvement from industry, highest overseas revenue from Square in Inistioge, Co Kilkenny academia and local enterprises, the 45 tourism: Approximately 45% of • €200,000 to develop an Enterprise projects we are funding will deliver real overseas tourist spend occurs in the Hub in Cootehill, Co Cavan solutions to problems that the energy nine counties of the Wild Atlantic sector is facing today. Way, which shows the benefit The scheme was initiated in 2016 and collaborative initiatives can have has supported more than 670 projects A project led by Dr Miriam Byrne in on the local economy. Dublin and to date. A wide variety of projects have NUI Galway is among those to receive Cork alone generated more revenue been approved under the 2018 scheme. funding. Working in collaboration than every other county combined. These projects have been identified with researchers in University College 9. Local job creation should focus by local community groups and Dublin (UCD), the NUIG team, are on a mix of FDI, indigenous businesses, in conjunction with their investigating the effectiveness of companies and entrepreneurship: Local Authorities. Projects approved ventilation systems in A-rated energy With approximately 2,700 jobs per range from employment initiatives to efficient homes. Good ventilation is 10,000 of the labour force, Cork tourism amenities, and other measures critical for a healthy home. The study performs strongest in terms of IDA aimed to help make small towns and will monitor air quality in 100 A-rated and Enterprise Ireland-supported villages more attractive and more homes and assess the comfort and jobs. sustainable places in which to live and satisfaction of homeowners. 10. Commercial rates impact on local work. Most of the funding benefits rural business conditions and cost towns and villages will less than 5,000 The largest developer and operator competitiveness: In 2018 business people. of renewable generation in Ireland; contributions will directly account SSE Airtricity working with CeADAR for €1.51 billion or 35% of the total The complete list of recipients can be (Centre for Advanced Data Analytics local government budget. Dublin’s found at www.drcd.gov.ie Research) at UCD, will employ state of four local authorities have the the art Artificial Intelligence (AI) to highest average rates bill for local SEAI support research and optimise renewable energy producers businesses. sustainable communities forecasting ability. The aim of the project is to reduce volatility in the The full report is available at www.ibec. Minister for Communications, Climate wholesale energy market making it ie Action and Environment, Denis more cost effective for renewable energy Naughten TD announced €8 million producers to participate and ultimately Funding announced for Town and in Government funding to support lower energy prices for consumers. Village Renewal Scheme 2018 45 innovative energy projects in companies and research institutions A collaborative project involving; Gas The 2018 Town and Village Renewal across Ireland. The Sustainable Energy Networks Ireland, IFA, ICMAS, Teagasc, Scheme, which was launched in April Authority of Ireland (SEAI) is responsible and a number of other community this year, focuses on projects which for awarding the funding to the 45 groups, local authorities and academics, can help to enhance rural towns and projects which aim to develop solutions plans to develop a model for regional villages, with a particular emphasis on that will help homes, businesses and anaerobic digester (AD) clusters. If stimulating economic development. communities deliver a cleaner energy successful the model will facilitate Funding awarded to individual towns future. The projects range in duration access to the gas network and diversify and villages this year generally ranges from one to four years. income streams for farmers. from €20,000 to €100,000, with 30 2018 Awarded Projects projects receiving between €100,000 Research and innovation are central and €200,000 for more ambitious pillars of the Government’s National

30 Project Title Lead Organisation Agri Bio Circular Economy (ABC Economy) UCD CAO IRL Coupled Atmosphere Ocean Wave Forecasts for Ireland NUIG Mitigation of Air Pollution Impacts of Irish Heavy Duty Vehicles (MAP-HDV) TCD DiSTRaCT: moDal ShifT Reduce Carbon in Transport TCD Low Cost Monitoring and Control of Small Scale Renewables Electricity Exchange DAC. Urban Building Energy Model UCD Dublin Region Energy Masterplan CODEMA Brightwind I-SEM Forecast Brightwind Limited BIO-RPISM: biofuel production, digestate purification and CO2 sequestration with highly productive auto-floating microalgae NUIG technology Reducing Energy Consumption in Air Filtration Systems (RECAFS) TCD AgrigasGrid Renewable Gas Forum Ireland Agricultural Energy Optimisation Platform (AEOP) CIT Assessment of VentilAtion effectiveness via a Longitudinal indoor environmental study in ‘A’ rated Irish Dwellings: VALIDate NUIG GEBTechTM (Green Energy Boosting Technology): A novel treatment for farm slurries to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and to Westway Health generate energy Slurres Pilot UL Building Upon Ireland’s National Renovation Strategy Irish Green Building Council Robust Real-Time Wind Power Prediction and Early, Accurate Estimation of Downtime for Irish Wind Farms in an Integrated Single UCD Electricity Market (Wind-PEarlAED) Retrokit 2.0 - A Cloud-Based Project Planning and Implementation Toolkit to Foster the Uptake of Deep Energy Retrofit in Housing. XD Sustainable Energy Consulting Ltd Exploration of Air Source Heat Pumps for Ireland's Residential Heating Needs UCD Fundamental Information for Technology Commercialisation of Lignocellulosic Waste to Liquid Transportation Fuels by Acid TCD Hydrolysis Quantifying Light Loss across Ireland and Identifying Patterns of Energy Use TCD The Aeration In-Use Factor: The in-use aeration energy efficiency of two technologies in the wastewater treatment industry NUIG Enhanced Controllers to Improve Wind Farm Efficiency TCD Using Surplus Energy to generate Hydrogen; (USE H2) DCU EnergyPOLITIES: Politico-institutional framing of collective engagements with the energy system UCC Digi Blocks CIT Next generation modular energy generating greenhouse (NGMEGG) NUIG Using blockchains to facilitate renewable power generation: forecasting, hedging and tokenisation applications UCD Biomass Practitioners Register IrBEA Indoor air quality, ventilation and occupant comfort in Irish domestic dwelling’s pre and post Deep Energy renovations NUIG Exergyn Heat Pump Exergyn Enhancement of Inertial Stabilisation of the Electricity Grid using Local Electrochemical Processes for Load Levelling UL Co-invest Tipperary Energy Agency The True Cost of the Energy – Water Nexus in Manufacturing. Irish Manufacturing Research (IMR) Assessment Methodology Building Energy Ratings (AMBER) IES R&D

31 Project Title Lead Organisation FactHP - In Use Factors for Heat Pumps and other energy technologies in Residential Buildings LIT Role of Heterogenous Energy Storage in Paris Aligned Scenarios for the Irish Energy System DCU Energy Renovation of Traditional Buildings – CPD roll-out The Heritage Council Trinity Smart Grid TCD Dundalk Virtual Energy Microgrid (DVEM) Dundalk IT nZEB_101 UCD FREMI (Forecasting Renewable Energy with Machine Intelligence) SSE Airtricity Continuous Commissioning to Create High Performance Buildings Inferrit Limited Identifying the relative and combined impact and importance of a range of curtailment mitigation options on high RES-E systems in Mullan Grid Consulting 2030 & 2040 Support tools for community renewable energy MaREI, UCC

SEAI Sustainable Energy Communities Over 200 communities are members their locality together to tackle these The SEAI hosted its third annual of SEAI’s community network. These important issues.” National Sustainable Energy communities are working towards a Community Event on Saturday 8th common goal to become more energy Community leaders in the North September 2018 in Athlone Institute efficient, use renewables where possible Leitrim Sustainable Energy Community of Technology. The event brought and explore smart energy technologies. are working with SEAI to develop a together leaders and sustainable energy The network has almost doubled in size long-term energy plan for the area and advocates from communities across in a year, as citizens and communities training workshops for homeowners Ireland who committed to changing take the lead in reducing energy use interested in small scale hydro, wind how their community thinks about and in their towns and villages. In 2018, and solar energy generation. The SEAI uses energy. thanks to €22 million Government has created a short video about the funding from the Department of North Leitrim community which can A Sustainable Energy Community (SEC) Communications, Climate Action be seen here. is a community in which everyone and Environment, SEAI is supporting works together to develop a sustainable communities in the upgrade of over Kildare recently held their first SEC energy system for the benefit of the 1100 homes and 420 community workshop, organised by Kildare community. They do this by, aiming to buildings and business premises across County Council in conjunction with be as energy efficient as possible, to use Ireland. SEAI and Futurefit who both provide renewable energy where feasible and to mentorship and expertise to SECs all develop decentralized energy supplies. One such community is the over Kildare. The event was attended The sustainable energy community can North Leitrim Sustainable Energy by SECs from Kilcullen, Kildare, Naas, include all the different energy users Community. Seamus Dunbar, an artist Newbridge, Johnstown and Clane, Co. including homes, community centres, living in Manorhamilton, is a founding Kildare. Speakers on the day included sports clubs, businesses and churches. member of the group. Discussing the Barry Griffith (Kildare County Council There are a wide range of benefits in reasons why he initiated local action Energy Manager) Gillian Gannon becoming an SEC: he says: “With climate change, there (Programme Executive, Sustainable is a pressing need to look at our energy Energy Communities, SEAI) plus John • Achieve financial and energy use in communities across Ireland. Harrington and Gavin Harte (Futurefit). savings We must become more aware of the The workshop was a great success with • Promote community building consequences of our actions and take information on how to groups can through partnership approach steps to hold onto to the things we hold access up to €15,000 to develop their • Improve public wellbeing through precious, like the natural environment, own energy masterplan to explore enhanced comfort from energy on which we depend. In North Leitrim, energy efficiency, renewable energy and efficient buildings we have begun a dialogue to find ways energy upgrades, in their communities. • Boost local employment of reducing our footprint and take To find out more about the community • Contribute to national energy responsibility for our own energy needs. energy initiatives and how to join the reduction targets This is something any community can SEAI communities’ network visit www. • Build capacity and leverage funding practice. I would encourage others to seai.ie. see what they can do to bring people in

32 L-R) Liam Murtagh, Castleblayney Sustainable Energy Group, Co Monaghan; Jim Gannon, Chief Executive of the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI); and Carol Loftus, Mulranny Sustainable Energy Community, Co Mayo; attending the SEAI Sustainable Energy Communities National Event in Athlone Institute of Technology on Saturday, 08 September.

Local Authorities launch 31 now recognised more than ever before prioritised under these Creativity and Culture and Creativity Strategies as crucial to society and community Culture Strategies include, Kildare’s growth, strategies like these will see Citizen Scientist which sees members set to foster vibrant creative creative efforts in every locality thrive. of the John Sullivan Centre/Irish communities nationwide. With collaboration and shared purpose Wheelchair Association Clane explore, at the heart of the Creative Ireland record and sketch the flora and fauna Investing in and supporting the creative Programme, each strategy provides in the centre’s biodiversity garden; ethos of individual communities across meaningful opportunities for people while South Dublin’s If I Fall challenges Ireland, these ambitious, bespoke and their communities, together with negative representation of Tallaght, Culture and Creativity Strategies 2018- each local authority, to build and dance and masculinity through a 2022 have been developed by a network nurture a creative society. collaboration between Rua Red South of passionate, expert culture teams Dublin Arts Centre, The Civic Theatre within the country’s 31 local authorities. Just some of the wealth of initiatives and former UFC Fighter Paddy Holohan. These dedicated teams worked in consultation with artists, creatives, cultural and heritage organisations, community groups, creative industries, centres of education and schools, to tailor-make each locality’s plan.

The inspiring five-year strategies were launched today by An Taoiseach Leo Varadkar TD., Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht Josepha Madigan TD., and Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government Top: Local authority culture teams and local coordinators Eoghan Murphy TD. Praising the pivotal Bottom: Local authorities launch five-year Culture and Creativity Strategies. role of local authorities in the Creative Ireland Programme, An Taoiseach said: “Your work since the inception of the Programme goes way beyond the many great projects and initiatives you have created. Your work has, in fact, highlighted the critical role of our local authorities as providers and enablers of cultural and creative experiences, with all of the vitally important social, and indeed economic, consequences that follow.”

With the arts and creative endeavours

33 In Kerry, a Creative Sector Development people supported the campaign on community spaces more accessible to Programme will assist creative social media and throughout the year all our pedestrians whether they are practitioners in bringing their work to local authorities over the country have disabled or not. market and help secure local, national passed a motion establishing a Make and international opportunities; Way Day in their area and calling on Digital Readiness Assessment Westmeath’s SkillsXChange initiative the Taoiseach and the Government to will encourage the sharing of expertise establish a national Make Way Day”. The Department of Rural and and innovation in craft and artisan Community Development contracted skills between Syrian refugees and In Fingal, residents are also reminded Indecon Economic Consultants the Mullingar community; and in that Route 4U, a free footpath to undertake a Digital Readiness Monaghan there’s Campa Spraoi. navigation app and information system Assessment (DRA) of each local for wheelchair and pram users, can be authority. The DRAs provide an Make Way Day 2018 – 26 downloaded for both iOS and Android overview of each county’s digital September devices. The disability initiative has maturity, highlighting strengths and been developed by Fingal County weaknesses and can be used as a guide Make Way Day 2018 marks the first time Council, in partnership with Dublin to measure progress. They examine 17 local authorities came together with City Council and Enterprise Ireland. local authority public services and the disability community to campaign infrastructure, citizens, businesses, for the rights of people with disabilities. The database is kept constantly up- as well as the activities of the Council The campaign was first hosted by the to-date by volunteers who can either itself. Disability. be able-bodied people who simply download the app and report obstacles The assessments are structured around Federation of Ireland (DFI). The 2017 they bump into or wheelchair users who seven pillars of digital maturity: campaign was awarded the Public switch on the “auto-survey” function as • Transitioning to Digital Relations Institute of Ireland (PRII) they roll along the footpaths, activating • Infrastructure Public Awareness Campaign 2018. their phone sensors to collect data • Digital Economy & Employment The local authorities and leading automatically. • Digital Services disability organisations have come • Digital Skills together to call for greater public Fingal County Council’s Access Officer • Innovation & Entrepreneurship awareness of the needs of people with Brian Buckley said: “Make Way Day gives • Community & Culture disabilities in the public spaces we all every single one of us an opportunity share. to be more mindful of the 13% of the Local authorities can now use Irish population who have a disability. this information to draft their The participating charities are Enable Bringing in your bin early in the day, digital strategies, with the hope of Ireland, Irish Wheelchair Association, or clipping your hedge might not seem leading to more efficient and more Rehab Group and the National Council that important, but it’s a small action effective deployment of resources for the Blind. The 17 local authorities with a big impact for a neighbour, who and improving the quality of life of involved this year are Cork City, Cork otherwise might not be able to get down their citizens. The assessments will County, Dublin City, Dun Laoghaire/ the street.” be published individually by local Rathdown, Fingal, Galway City, Kerry, authorities, however the Department Kildare, Kilkenny, Limerick, Louth, Mayor of Fingal Cllr Anthony Lavin have published the national averages Meath, Monaghan, Offlay, South added that accessibility also effects which can be accessed on their website Dublin, Wexford, and Wicklow. parents trying to get buggies and prams at https://drcd.gov.ie/wp-content/ about our communities. He hopes uploads/Indecon-Digital-Readiness- The Disability Federation of Ireland this initiative will help to make our Assessment-National-vf.pptx believes that most of the obstacles are due to thoughtlessness and a lack of awareness on behalf of the wider public: “People just don’t think and our experience with this campaign is that once they’re reminded, with the sticker or by our online photos and videos, they’re willing to change. Last year’s reaction was very heartening,

34 Local Government in England • At least 3 average sized libraries 31 offices trained over 30,000 people to facing cuts of £1.3 billion kept open help them start or grow their businesses • Over 130,0000 pot holes filled last year. Main government grant funding for local services in England are to be cut In addition it could also have employed The supports that have been put in by a further £1.3 billion (36 per cent the following additional staff to directly place to help small businesses prepare of budgets) in 2019/20 despite many provide services to its residents: for Brexit also feature, with a high level councils already struggling to balance • 460 care workers of uptake for Technical Assistance for their books, facing overspends and • 350 Nursery assistants Micro Exporters’ grants (TAME) and having to make in-year budget cuts, the • 180 social workers and LEAN for Micro programme in 2017. Local Government Association (LGA) • 30 school crossing patrol assistants 289 LEO clients were approved for has reported. the TAME grant and 179 LEO client Source: Local Government Association companies participated in LEAN for Local services delivered by local (www.local.gov.uk) Micro last year. These supports, along government in the UK include adult with a range of Brexit-focused events, social care, children’s services, LEO Impact Report 2017 are helping small businesses prepare for homelessness, and public health. the economic challenges ahead. Local authorities are already facing huge pressures on resources due to the Speaking about the report, Pat Breen, demand on these services. Cllr Richard T.D., Minister for Trade, Employment, Watts, Chair of the LGA’s Resources Business, EU Digital Single Market and Board, commented that any further Data Protection, said “I am a strong cuts to funding at this time “is going to The recently published Impact Report believer in doing everything we can at tip many councils over the edge”. details the key results and initiatives local and regional level to help us create of the Local Enterprise Offices (LEOs) strong companies and good quality As part of its Autumn Budget in 2017, which included the creation jobs all around the country. A home- submission, the LGA has mapped the of 3,760 jobs (net) across 7,182 LEO- grown enterprise culture is a perfect likely impact of a further year of central supported companies. These new jobs complement to attracting and growing government funding cuts and growing brought the total number of people larger business. The LEOs have a key demand on the local services provided employed by LEO-supported clients in role to play in both supporting jobs and by an average upper-tier council (aka 2017 to 37,485. The report also shows in strengthening the potential for local “Anycouncil”). The “Anycouncil” that the LEOs approved €16.6 million businesses and entrepreneurs to create modelling shows residents living in a in direct financial assistance for 1,131 new jobs.” council area which sits in the mid-range business projects nationwide, while the in relation to current funding, levels of deprivation and outlook for economic growth, should expect to see key local services further dramatically reduced in 2019/20.

Based on cash and inflation figures alone, “AnyCounci”l will have had to deal with funding reductions and inflationary pressures that combined are over £50 million per year, which is equivalent to about a quarter of its current spending. This £50.7 million is equivalent to £215 for each resident. Based on national averages, the services that “AnyCouncil” could fund each year with the £50.7 million it has lost would be all of the following: • Over 1 million hours of Home care provision Fiona Deegan (LEO Kilkenny), Pauline Hoctor, Kathleen Holohan (Chief Executive, Carlow County Council), Kieran Comerford, Colette Byrne (Chief Executive, Kilkenny County • Over 12,500 weeks of care for the Council). elderly

35 Local Enterprise Village at the attract over 1,000 women in business 106 new jobs have been created in the Ploughing Championships and female entrepreneurs nationwide. Mid-West region. The jobs are spread At the launch, Julie Sinnamon, Chief across nine small businesses supported The Local Enterprise Village, which Executive of Enterprise Ireland, noted by Local Enterprise Offices in Clare, is designed and hosted by the Local that more than one in three start-ups Limerick and Tipperary. Enterprise Offices (LEOs), contains supported by Enterprise Ireland last 30 small businesses showcasing their year were led by women – that compares 42 full-time and part-time jobs are products and services from a range to just one in ten start-ups in 2012. being created by three companies in of sectors that have been supported Tipperary (Mack Engineering, Horizon on their enterprise journey by LEOs LEO Limerick, Clare and Tipperary Offsite Ltd and Phil Purcell Engineering nationwide. are hosting an event for female Ltd); 38 full-time jobs are being created entrepreneurs in Adare Manor, by three Limerick-based companies The business, which include artisan Limerick. Eamon Ryan, Head of (Black Bear Software, Celignis Ltd and food and drink producers, agri-tech Enterprise with LEO Limerick wants to ABS Engineering Control) and 26 full- and tourism companies, design encourage more female entrepreneurs time and part-time new jobs are being engineers, master saddlers, fire safety to diversify and to let them know that created by three Clare companies tech businesses and natural skincare their Local Enterprise Office can give (AiP Thermoform Packaging Ltd, producers had the opportunity to meet them the support they need to explore Core Optimisation and Vanderlust up to 280,000 visitors. At the launch, new markets. Campervans). Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation, Heather Humphreys T.D., Carlow & Kilkenny LEOs will hold LEOs provide financial assistance, said that the village is “highlighting their event in Mount Juliet. The event mentoring and training supports the thriving small business ecosystem which features inspirational innovator to hundreds of start-ups and small around Ireland and the great work and athlete Sinead Kane and comedian companies every year. Eamon Ryan, that the LEOs are doing in fostering Deirdre O’Kane is designed to help Head of Enterprise with LEO Limerick entrepreneurship in a range of sectors”. female entrepreneurs build connections said that last year in the Mid-West alone, to make business happen and to go from over 3,000 people were trained around Local to Global which is the theme starting and growing a business, 530 Local Enterprise national event for this year’s event. Speaking at the mentoring assignments were organised goes from local to global launch, Colette Byrne, Chief Executive and 4,800 people were employed in 820 with Kilkenny County Council said LEO-backed companies. LEOs nationwide have organised a “we are delighted to be able to host this programme of events under the theme year’s National Women’s Enterprise Day Congratulating the companies on their “From Local to Global”, aimed at in Kilkenny and provide a forum with performance, Mark Christal, Manager inspiring the next generation of female our colleagues in Carlow for female of Enterprise Ireland’s Regions and business leaders to take their local ideas entrepreneurs to build their business Entrepreneurship Division, said that and make them a global success. In 2017, connections”. “achieving strong regional growth is a the LEOs played a key role in supporting key focus for Enterprise Ireland under female entrepreneurs across the country Entrepreneurial Champion for the the Regional Action Plans for Jobs and to start, and grow, their business. Over event this year is Catherine Roycroft, these 106 Local Enterprise Office- 18,500 female entrepreneurs took part Chief Operations Officer with the supported jobs demonstrate the benefits in training, mentoring and networking award winning Cartoon Saloon, who of this approach. The supports that are programmes with their Local Enterprise said “events like National Women’s in place to boost job creation, including Office in 2017. The LEOs also supported Enterprise Day allow people to invest these new jobs being announced today, over 280 female-run businesses with wisely in the development of their underpin the successful collaboration funding last year to help them start and network by attending a tailored event between the Local Enterprise Offices, grow their business. designed with their business needs in Local Authorities and Enterprise Ireland mind”. Ms. Roycroft said her business that help more Irish companies realise National Women’s Enterprise Day success has been very much down to their global ambition”. (NWED) will take place on Thursday effective business networking which 18 October. The 16 NWED are taking has helped to build a base of connections place in: Limerick, Cavan, Cork, Record number of students and in turn innovate by enterprise. Donegal, Dublin, Kildare, Kilkenny, participate in Clare’s Student Leitrim, Longford, Meath, Monaghan, Enterprise Programme Roscommon, Sligo, Waterford, Wexford 106 new Local Enterprise Office- and Wicklow and are expected to backed jobs for Mid-West A record number of over 1,000

36 loan up to the value of €1.5million. Starting at €25,000, the loan scheme is open to any Brexit-affected business with up to 499 employees, which meets eligibility criteria.

Businesses are urged to contact their LEO if they are unaware of the impacts that Brexit might have or what supports are available to them. LEOs also offer ‘Brexit Mentoring’ where an industry expert will advise you on the best steps you can take for your business ahead of Brexit.

Local News Items students from across County Clare participants the opportunity to take a Limerick to become Ireland’s first will participate in this year’s Student business from the idea stage, through Enterprise Programme, a national market research to production, selling, ‘Digital City’ initiative organised locally by Local management and ¬finally, to writing In the latest initiative under the Enterprise Office Clare. Second level a comprehensive business plan.” he Limerick 2030 economic and spatial students joined local business leaders added. plan, a new strategy has been launched and previous Enterprise Programme which sets out the framework for the winners for Induction Days at Armada Mr. McElwee continued, “The induction digital transformation of Limerick into Hotel, Spanish Point, and at Treacy’s days held In Ennis and Spanish a ‘smart city region’. West County Hotel, Ennis, where they Point marked the first and probably were encouraged to take their learning the most important phase of the The Limerick Digital Strategy joins up experiences outside the classroom by Programme. Students were introduced the digital and smart cities agendas for creating ideas, transforming them into to the competition and made the first Limerick, setting out the vision for the opportunities and converting them decisions on the path to setting up their Smart Limerick City Region in 2030. To into real businesses. student enterprise - whether that be on achieve this vision, it will create equal their own or as part of a team.” opportunities through digital channels Student Enterprise Programme judge for all citizens to be involved in the Siobhan Mulcahy, Clare County Students will compete in three development of their communities and Council Arts Officer, Charlie Glynn categories, namely Senior Category accelerate the development of the Smart from Kilrush-based Glynn Technical (Transition Year, 4th Year, 5th Year, Limerick City Region. Diamonds Ltd. and Declan Murphy 6th Year & Youthreach Students), from Sixmilebridge-based Clubify spoke Intermediate Category (2nd Year & 3rd Among the key targets for the strategy about the steps required to establish Year Students) and Junior Category (1st are to double the number of online and nurture a successful business: “The Year Students). services, digital start-ups and SMEs purpose of this enterprise programme trading online, double the use of data is to give secondary school students The winning enterprises will represent for more effective city and county a flavour of what it is like to run their County Clare at the National Student management and the development of own business. I would hope that in the Enterprise Final for 2019 on Friday 3 1,000 smart homes, 100 smart buildings future, it will encourage some of them May 2019 in Croke Park in Dublin. and a smart energy district. to develop a business in Clare and create local employment,” explained Cllr. Brexit Loan Scheme A new service, ‘Insight Limerick’ will Michael Begley, Mayor of Clare. allow the public to understand more To address the challenges posed by about their city and county services. Padraic McElwee, Head of Enterprise at Brexit, the Government has made The data for this service will be provided the Local Enterprise Office Clare, said available a range of supports and by hundreds of sensors deployed across the primary objective of the Programme programmes to small Irish companies. city and county for air, soil and water is to foster an enterprise culture among One of these supports is the Brexit Loan quality and water levels, pedestrian Irish second level students and get Scheme, administered by the Strategic counting and noise monitoring. The them to consider entrepreneurship Banking Corporation of Ireland (SBCI), entire strategy involves the local people as a career path for the future: “The which offers companies a Brexit related and communities taking an active Student Enterprise Programme offers

37 role in the co-development of new, expanded in 2018 to include PV Dermot Looney, with the support of the innovative services. Solar panels and a requirement for a entire council membership proposed community benefit where 5 additional that participative budgeting be piloted Dún Laoghaire Harbour transfers electric vehicle charging points have in a South Dublin electoral ward in to Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown been installed across the county while 2017. County Council

On the 3rd October the Council assumed full responsibility for the management and operation of the harbour. The decision was made in accordance with the Harbours Act 2015. There will be no interruption in service delivery from the harbour as staff and contracts all transfer directly. The harbour was previously operated energy efficiency upgrade works by Dún Laoghaire Harbour Company have been completed at Active Ennis (DLHC), a statutory commercial body Leisure Complex and Kilrush Library established in 1996. where new fabric walls, windows and roof; solar panels, and heating and Concerns had previously been raised ventilation systems have been installed. by local councillors regarding the sum The Energy Efficiency Scheme is being of €34.5 million necessary to cover funded by Clare County Council, liabilities involved in taking control of the Department of Housing and the the harbour. Chief Executive of Dún Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council (SEAI). Philomena Poole commented that the transfer of management of the Harbour is a significant moment for South Dublin County Council’s this Local Authority. She added that landmark ‘300K – Have Your Say’ “while it is very disappointing and will initiative has been shortlisted for present challenges to the council that an Innovation in Politics Award no funding has been made available to resolve the infrastructure issues we will The Innovation in Politics Awards, work with stakeholders to safeguard a which are administered by the European positive, vibrant future for the Harbour Innovation in Politics Institute, are and maximise on its heritage and judged against four criteria; Innovation, The initiative rolled out in the Lucan economic potential”. Participation, Building Trust and electoral area under the brand name Sustainability. ‘300k – Have Your Say’ is ‘300K - Have Your Say’ and attracted 160 one of eighty projects shortlisted from Energy Efficiency Upgrades for project submissions. 17 of which were an entry list of 600 across 8 categories Clare County Council housing shortlisted for public voting with eight and voted on by a European jury of 1053 stock projects, ranging in costs from €5,000 citizens. to €120,000 winning out. There were Clare County Council is nearing 2598 valid votes cast, which exceed The final adjudication will take place completion of an Energy Efficiency expectations for the initiative. Scheme involving the delivery of energy at an awards ceremony in Vienna City Hall on November 17th. efficiency upgrade works to 2,500 social The real objective, increased citizen housing properties. To date, 2,450 participation in local government was In 2017, South Dublin County properties across Clare have benefited achieved. The Participatory Budgeting Council’s participatory budgeting from the installation of external / process was independently evaluated by initiative, the first of its kind in Ireland, cavity wall insulation, roof and attic the Institute of Public Administration allowed citizens to vote for projects insulation, replacement windows/doors which positively endorsed the initiative. designed and submitted by citizens. An and associated works. An additional 50 It has since been repeated in 2018 in the additional €300,000 was provided in homes will benefit from upgrade works Clondalkin electoral area and attracted the annual budget specifically for this in 2019. 230 project suggestions. purpose. The then Mayor, Councillor Guss O’Connell and former Mayor, Meanwhile, the scheme has been The initiative was also awarded Best

38 Practice in Citizen Engagement at the More information can be found at www. 2017 Chambers Ireland Excellence in wearecork.ie Local Government Awards. Mayor turns sod on 63 Rapid ‘We are Cork’ branding launches Build Social Housing Units in St. with landmark Cork buildings Cuthbert’s Park, Clondalkin. turning red The Mayor of South Dublin County The ‘We are Cork’ initiative brings Council, Councillor Mark Ward, turned together the region’s stakeholders under the sod on the 63 social housing units one brand. It will also be available for on undeveloped lands located at St use by all businesses, organisations and Cuthbert’s Park, Clondalkin, this week. interested parties in Cork. The development will consist of 45 three bedroom / four-person units and 18 three The initiative aims to support Cork as bedroom / five-person houses. All units it’s poised to become the fastest growing are designed to hold a minimum Building region in Ireland in the next 20 years. With Energy Rating (BER) energy performance €510 million in commercial development of A3. underway or recently completed in Cork, the region is home to the world’s largest At the launch, Mayor Ward said there is technology company, Apple and also 7 an established housing need in this area out of 10 of the world’s top 10 pharma of Clondalkin, and that this development companies. With increased global starts to address these needs. This provision movement of companies, and Brexit forms part of the Council’s commitment uncertainty, stakeholders in Cork have to driving the building of social housing been working to promoting its economic units in the County over the next few and lifestyle merits with all the benefits years and comes as local authorities of a metropolitan area as well as vast open across the country are highlighting the spaces, scenery and extensive coastline. development and provision of housing An Tánaiste Simon Coveney TD, was on through the #HousingFocus campaign. hand to launch the ‘We are Cork’ brand. The development of these 63 units at The new branding is a vital component St Cuthbert’s Park is in line with Part of Cork City Council’s strategy to help 8 of the Local Government Planning realize the ambitious growth targets for and Development Regulations 2001 our region set by Government in Ireland (as Amended), where local authorities 2040, according to chief executive Ann propose the construction of houses, Doherty. Cork County Council Chief and follows the completion of 17 social Executive, Tim Lucey added that ‘We housing units in Mayfield, Clondalkin, Are Cork’ showcases the attractiveness of and 69 units in Sheehy Skeffington the Cork region, with a highly talented Meadows, Tallaght. The Council expects workforce and low cost of doing business. to deliver 11 new social housing units in St. Mark’s Clondalkin, 24 units in The key stakeholders include Cork City Killininny, Oldbawn, 28 housing units in Council, Cork County Council, Cork MacUilliam, Fortunestown and another Airport, Port of Cork, University College 16 units in Sheehy Skeffington Meadows, Cork, Cork Institute of Technology, Cork Tallaght over the next few months. Chamber, Cork Business Association, Another 185 social housing units are Ibec, Enterprise Ireland, IDA, Failte expected to be handed over to the Council Ireland and Visit Cork. by July 2019.

39 We are always interested in your views, so if you have any comments, suggestions or ideas for topics Laura Shannon, Editor that we should address in future issues, please do not hesitate to let us know Local Authority Times is also published on the IPA website: www.ipa.ie Local Authority Times Institute of Public Administration 57-61 Lansdowne Road, Dublin 4 Tel: (01) 240 3600 Email: [email protected]

Printed on Recycled Paper

40 40