2019

LEITRIM COUNTY COUNCIL COMHAIRLE CHONTAE LIATROMA

ANNUAL REPORT TUARASCÁIL BHLIANTÚI

#Lough Rinn, Mohill

#Spencer Harbour

2019

Mission Statement To make Leitrim a sustainable, creative, inclusive County where individuals, family and business can flourish

Leitrim County Council Annual Report 2019 2

Contents Introduction from An Cathaoirleach and Chief Executive ...... 4 Leitrim County Council Strategic Objectives and Supporting Strategies from the Corporate Plan 2014 - 2019 ...... 6 Economic Development ...... 8 Economic Development Unit ...... 8 Local Enterprise Office ...... 9 Facilitate and Support Balanced and Sustainable Growth...... 11 Development Management and Building Control ...... 12 Tourism Promotion and Development ...... 15 Transportation, Planning & Maintenance...... 16 High Quality Sustainable Living Environment ...... 19 Arts ...... 19 Community Development ...... 22 Waste Management ...... 25 Housing ...... 27 Water Services...... 30 Veterinary Services ...... 32 Library Services...... 33 Leisure and Recreation ...... 34 Civil Defence ...... 36 Fire Services ...... 36 Major Emergency Management...... 38 Maximising Operational and Organisational Capacity ...... 40 Corporate Services...... 40 Human Resources ...... 42 Finance ...... 43 Information Communications Technology ...... 44 Health and Safety ...... 45 Appendix 1 – Statement of Income And Expenditure At Year Ending 31 December 2019 ...... 46 Appendix 2 – Statement of Financial Position (Balance Sheet) At Year Ending 31 December 2019 ...... 47 Appendix 3 – Membership of Committees Following the Annual Meeting on 7th June, 2019 ...... 48 Appendix 4 – Details Of Conferences/ Seminars Attended By The Elected Members ...... 50 Appendix 5 – Details Of Training Events Attended By The Elected Members ...... 50 Appendix 6 – Corporate Plan Annual Progress Report 2019 ...... 51 Appendix 7 – Local Elections 2019, Expenditure and Donations in Respect of each Candidate ...... 59 Appendix 8 – National Performance Indicators 2018 ...... 60 Appendix 9 – Local Performance Indicators 2018 ...... 66 Appendix 10 – 2019 Local Election Results ...... 667

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#Carrick on Shannon

Introduction from An Cathaoirleach and Chief Executive

We welcome the publication of Leitrim County Council’s Annual Report for 2019. The Annual Report outlines the scale and diversity of the activities and services carried out by Leitrim County Council and demonstrate our commitment in making Leitrim a sustainable, creative, inclusive county where individuals, family and business can flourish.

Significant progress continued in 2019 and this was made possible through the combined efforts of the Elected

Members and Leitrim County Council staff to achieve success in undoubtedly a challenging operating environment.

Our ability to work together with local communities and leading partnerships in serving, representing and leading our

County has proved crucial in delivering on our Annual Service Plan and achieve Corporate Plan objectives. I want to take this opportunity to sincerely thank and publicly acknowledge the role and contribution of all concerned for their commitment and dedication to securing our vision and in driving economic, social and community development in our County.

Leitrim is a unique County offering unparalleled quality of life, a rich and diverse natural environment and strong communities. I look forward to similar progress being made in the context of the new Corporate Plan for the period 2019-2024 as we continue to deliver high quality services to all our customers and work with all stakeholders in order to develop County Leitrim as a vibrant and attractive County for people to live, work, invest and visit.

Chief Executive Elected Cathaoirleach Lar Power Enda McGloin

Leitrim County Council Annual Report 2019 4

Elected Members of Leitrim County Council Manorhamilton Municipal District

Cllr. Mary Bohan Cllr. Frank Dolan Cllr. Padraig Cllr. Felim Gurn Cllr. Sean Cllr. Justin Fallon McDermott Warnock

Ballinamore Municipal District

Cllr. Brendan Barry Cllr. Gerry Dolan Cllr. Cailian Ellis

Cllr. Paddy Cllr. Enda Cllr. Ita O’Rourke McGloin Reynolds-Flynn . Carrick on Shannon Municipal District

Cllr. Des Guckian Cllr. Finola Cllr. Paddy Cllr. Thomas Cllr. Sean Cllr. Enda Armstrong-McGuire Farrell Mulligan McGowan Stenson

Leitrim County Council Annual Report 2019 5

Leitrim County Council Strategic Policy Committee’s 2014 - 2019

Economic Development, Enterprise and Planning SPC Councillors Sectoral Nominations Sean McDermott (Chairperson) Colm McGrath Business/Commercial (National Pillar) Finola Armstrong McGuire Brendan Sammon Development/Construction Caillian Ellis Scott Coombs, Environmental/Conservation Caroline Mulvey Brian Smyth Social Enterprise (PPN) John McCartin Frank Dolan Issues considered by the SPC: Pillar 3: Marketing & Promoting a Positive Image Pillar 1: Policies & Plans Tourism Strategy Review Diaspora Strategy Tourism Network Grant Scheme Renewable Energy Strategy Pillar 4: Maximising External Opportunities Pillar 2: Planning & Sustainable Development Digital Strategy Regional Spatial and Economic Strategy National Broadband Plan County Development Plan Review County Heritage Plan Number of Meetings: 2

Housing Policy, Social & Cultural Development SPC Councillors Sectoral Nominations Gerry Dolan (Chairperson) Colin Grimes (Social Inclusion PPN) Mary Bohan Helen Corcoran (Community/Voluntary/PPN) Padraig Fallon Marie Finney (via North West Simon) Seadhna Logan Sarah Searson (Creative Industries Network) Paddy O’Rourke Enda Stenson Issues considered by the SPC: Preparation of the Sports Strategy Housing Grants Preparation of the Arts Strategy Housing Programme Affordable Housing Scheme Traveller Accommodation Programme Number of Meetings: 2

Environmental, Transportation and Infrastructure SPC Councillors Sectoral Nominations Sinead Guckian (Chairperson) Patrick Duffy (Agriculture/Farming (National Pillar)) Brendan Barry Kealin Ireland (Environment/Conservation (Environment Pillar & Des Guckian associated Environment College under PPN) Felim Gurn Mr. Padraig Sammon, Brendan Sammon (Business/Commercial Sean McGowan Justin Warnock (National Pillar) Mr. Brendan O’Beirne (Trade Union) Issues considered by the SPC: Environmental, Transportation and Infrastructural Policy SPC Work Programme Climate Change Adaptation Plan Litter Management Plan Review Local Improvement Scheme Number of Meetings: 2 Leitrim County Council Annual Report 2019 6

Leitrim County Council Strategic Objectives and Supporting Strategies from the Corporate Plan 2014 - 2019

Economic Development To lead, mobilise and support Enterprise and Economic Development in Leitrim, in conjunction with relevant agencies and ensure that our physical and social infrastructure is sufficiently developed to support this

High Quality Sustainable Living Environment To improve, protect and promote the natural and man-made environment, encourage and facilitate participation by citizens in the development of the communities and promote an inclusive, creative, active and vibrant County

Maximising Organisational and Operational Capacity To maximise the potential of our Human, Financial and ICT resources to optimise organisational capacity and performance and ensure high quality services and information tailored to meet the needs of all our customers

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#Dromahair Greenway

Economic Development

To lead, mobilise and support Enterprise and Economic Development in Leitrim, in conjunction with relevant agencies, and ensure that our physical and social infrastructure is sufficiently developed to support this.

Leitrim County Council is the lead financial partner Economic Development Unit responsible for maintaining and retaining records of LCDCs were established under the Local Government all financial aspects of the Programme. Leitrim County Reform Act, 2014. This Act provides guidance on its Council is also be responsible for making payments to functions, membership, formation of sub-committees project promoters on behalf of the LAG. and meetings. The aim of LCDCs is to enhance the Leitrim Development Company is the Lead strategic planning and coordination of local and Implementing Partner with responsibility for community development activity. LCDCs comprise implementing actions on behalf of the LAG. Leitrim public and private sector members, including Local Development Company is responsible for Authority members and officials, state agencies, and administration and animation of project applications. private sector local and community development There were 14 Leader claims processed and paid to representatives. Monthly meetings are held which promoters with a value of €900,486.62. deal with the general operation of the LCDC and monitoring of the Local Economic and Community SICAP Plan (LECP) as well as programmes which the LCDC is The Social Inclusion and Community Activation responsible for overseeing. These include: Programme (SICAP) 2018-2022 provides funding to  Rural Development Programme – RDP tackle poverty and social exclusion at a local level (LEADER element), through local engagement and partnerships between  Social Inclusion Community Activation (SICAP) disadvantaged individuals, community organisations Programme, and public sector agencies. LCDC supported,  Leitrim Peace IV Programme, monitored and reported on the SICAP Programme  Healthy Ireland Fund, 2019 with a value of €524,650 approved.  Community Enhancement Programme and other funded projects for eg, CLAR, Town & Amounts Secured for Rural Development Funding Village and Outdoor Rural Recreational Schemes Infrastructure Scheme. T&V €324,511 CLAR €321,229 LEADER Funding Outdoor Rural Infrastructure Scheme €230,400 LEADER is a community led approach to local development delivering EU funding into rural Urban and Rural Regeneration Schemes businesses and communities through Ireland’s Rural Economic Development submitted two Category 1 Development Programme 2014-2020. It promotes applications under the Rural Regeneration social inclusion, poverty reduction and the economic Development Fund for the towns of Manorhamilton development of rural areas. and Ballinamore, both were successful securing funding of €1,613,250 for Manorhamilton and Leitrim County Council Annual Report 2019 8

€1,728,075 for Ballinamore. Both projects have Local Enterprise Office moved to detailed design stage. Financial Supports

Number of Projects Approved 19 Purple Flag Amount Approved €307,565 Purple Flag is an accreditation process similar to the Green Flag award for parks and the Blue Flag for Number of Projects paid 19 beaches. The Purple Flag standard is awarded to Total amount paid €155,727 successful towns for the management of their evening Training, Mentoring and Networking and night time economy. It involves a comprehensive Number of Training Courses* 47 assessment of the town across themes such as Well- Number of Mentoring Assignments 100 Being, Movement, Safety, Care, Appeal, Sense of Place Total Number of Participants – Training 571 and Identity and Planning for the future. *Courses include Start your Own Business, Managing Carrick on Shannon, following an external assessment Finances, Social Media Marketing etc by assessors from the Association of Town and City Management (ATCM) in the UK, again retained its Winner of Purple Flag standard for its evening and night time National economy. Enterprise Awards Launch of Ambassador Publication Georgia Visnyei 13 local ambassadors agreed to be Leitrim Art of Coffee Ambassadors to promote County Leitrim as a place to live work and Invest. This publication will now be used as a tool to encourage new business locations to the National Enterprise Awards County. County Leitrim finalist and representative at The National Enterprise Awards during 2019 was Art of Coffee.

Irelands Best Young Entrepreneur LEO Leitrim had 18 applications for the IBYE Programme in 2019. LEO Leitrim hosted the County Leitrim Final on 3rd Launch of Ambassador Publication May, with the following winners: SECURE Programme  Best New Idea: Christopher Economic Development delivered the remainder of O’Hara the SECURE Programme in the first part of 2019 which  Best New Business: Anne was an EU funded Energy Efficiency Programme for Dolan Local Authorities and Businesses.  Best Established Business: Ciaran McTague  The overall “Best Young Entrepreneur” for the County went to Ciarán McTague (pictured)

Leitrim and Longford jointly hosted the Regional Final (Leitrim, Longford, Sligo and Donegal) of IBYE in Lough Rynn Castle on 6th June, unfortunately there were no Leitrim winners on the night.

Women in Enterprise LEO Leitrim hosted 3 Women’s Networking events in March, July and December in conjunction with LEOs

SECURE Programme meeting held in the Chamber Longford and Westmeath as well as hosting National Women’s Enterprise Day in October alongside 15 other LEO offices.

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Student Enterprise Awards  Local Enterprise Office published and launched The The 2018/2019 school Programme involved all 7 Leitrim Photography book in October. County Leitrim secondary schools with 150 students  LEO was successful in securing €140,000 from LEO attending the County final, while approximately 1400 Competitive Funds for the establishment of a students availed of the in house visits to schools. Mobile Fabrication Laboratory. This was to provide Winners of the Leitrim County Final who were access for SMEs, enterprise & innovation hubs and selected to attend the National Final in Croke Park schools to digital fabrication technologies that will were; allow them to increase their level of innovation  “The Ten Lives of Tim”, Carrigallen Vocational and technical skills, develop new ideas and School (Senior) increase the skill set of employees.  “Ear Buddies”, St. Clare’s, Manorhamilton (Intermediate)  “MOBI”, from Drumshanbo Vocational School (Junior) The 2019 National Schools Programme involved 10 schools with over 300 students and was won by Aughawillan National School

Leitrim Business Network The Leitrim Business Network was established to exploit the power of business networking. Leitrim Business Network is proudly supported by Local Launch of the Leitrim Photography book Enterprise Office meeting four times per year. www.leitrimbusinessnetwork.com European Programmes LEO Leitrim continued to deliver other Programmes Trading Online Vouchers including: There was continued interest again in the Trading  Co-Innovate which is a cross border research and Online Voucher Programme with 13 vouchers innovation (R&I) initiative funded under the approved during 2019 to County Leitrim businesses, INTERREG VA Programme, which aims to increase giving them the opportunity to create an ecommerce the numbers of SMEs engaged in cross border website, a payment system or booking system on research and innovation in the regions of Northern their websites. Ireland, Border Counties and Western Scotland.  The WISE project partnership financed by the Enterprise Promotion ERASMUS+ Programme introduced an With assistance from LEO Leitrim, businesses in apprenticeship style learning placement County Leitrim had the opportunity to attend the framework tested with at least 40 female following events: entrepreneurs in  Showcase (2 businesses) participating regions  Meet the Buyer on the Street (2 businesses) who will experience  Enterprise Zone at the National Ploughing work in a high growth Championships (1 business) STEM enterprise for a structured placement Brexit period (pictured). 2019 was a busy year for Brexit Supports. Weekly clinics were held in three separate locations – Leitrim Design House Ballinamore, Carrick on Shannon and Manorhamilton Supported by LEO, the Leitrim Design House continues and over 90 clients received one to one mentoring. to develop and expand its range of services. Highlights from 2019 include: LEO Support  A Summer Sunday Programme which includes a LEO continued to support in other areas: series of CRAFT ‘Meet the Maker’ events ran for six  IT Sligo continues to meet clients in The Hive, Sundays throughout the summer. Carrick on Shannon.  A featured maker Programme highlighting Leitrim  Local Enterprise Week 2019 took place from 4th- makers, where each featured maker was offered 9th March with events hosted on each of the 5 days

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additional display space within the gallery for the OPW Flood Relief Scheme duration of their promotion. The Carrick on Shannon, Leitrim Village and Mohill  A series of exhibitions were held featuring Flood Relief Schemes were approved by the OPW ceramics and fine art giving small businesses an with project costs of €9m, €1.1m and €280,000 excellent opportunity to promote themselves. respectively. A design consultant has been appointed  A bursary was provided to support the professional for the Carrick on Shannon Flood Relief Scheme development and stimulate innovation in the creative sector in Leitrim, a terrific opportunity for SLNCR Greenways makers to widen their skills & experience.  The SLNCR Greenway Manorhamilton to Boggaun  Development of new online shopping experience. is a €260,000 project, whereby Land agreements have been secured for this project and a Facilitate and Support Balanced and Contractor appointment has been made for the Sustainable Growth construction.

Capital Projects Office Section of the Manorhamilton The Capital Projects Office was set up in April 2019 to Boggaun SLNCR with 8 staff located in Summer Haven, Carrick on Shannon. A number of successes were achieved in  An application has been 2019, summarised in the table below: submitted for the SLNCR Greenway Sligo to Blacklion project through the Project Carrick on Shannon Public Realm planning phase. Name Scheme  SLNCR Greenway Demonstration Stretch Project Cost €8.6m project Dromahaire is a €280,000 project and the Funding €6.5m funding received under the construction of the pedestrian bridge is complete. Received URDF Key Notes - Part 8 Planning Approval for scheme obtained - CPO for land to construct car park approved by An Bord Pleanála - Design consultant appointed - 4 construction projects - Contractors appointed for 3 of the contracts

Project Manorhamilton Public Realm Name Scheme SLNCR Greenway, Pedestrian Bridge Dromahaire Project Cost €2.1m project Carrick on Shannon to Drumshanbo Blueway Funding €1.6m funding received under the This project is in co-operation with Waterways Received RRDF Ireland. The Section from Acres Lake to Drumshanbo Key Notes - Part 8 Planning Approval for is complete along with the section from Drumshanbo scheme obtained to Lough Allen Hotel. A design consultant was - Design consultant appointed for appointed to consider different options for the the scheme section from Carrick on Shannon to Battlebridge. - Construction of public car park

commenced Leitrim Way Trail Project Junction Project Ballinamore – This is a €164,000 project and Land agreements are Name Public Realm Scheme secured for the project. A contractor was appointed Project Cost €2.3m project to construct the pedestrian bridge over Yellow River. Funding €1.7m funding received under the Received RRDF Cavan Leitrim Greenway Key Notes - Part 8 Planning Approval for This is a €350,000 project and Land Agreements are scheme obtained under discussion. A contractor has been selected and - Design consultant appointed is to be appointed once agreements are in place.

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Carrick on Shannon Destination Towns Heritage This is a €800,000 project and €500,000 funding was The Heritage Officer began the preparation of a secured from Fáilte Ireland. replacement Heritage Plan 2020-2025 over the course of 2019. This included the establishment of a new Development Management and Building Heritage Forum and the creation of separate focus Control groups for the three strands of heritage, namely built, natural and cultural. An extensive public consultation Taking in Charge exercise was undertaken ‘What’s Your Leitrim Significant progress was made during 2019 by the Heritage?’ advertised extensively through various Planning Department in resolving incomplete housing forms of media in addition to holding 3 drop in developments to bring such developments to the information sessions. 124 submissions were received required standard to allow them to be taking in from this exercise which informed the preparation of charge. A total of 37 residential developments were the draft plan. The draft Heritage Plan had been taken in charge during the year following the prepared and approved by both the Strategic Policy declaration of the roads within these developments as Committee and the Senior Management Team to public roads. The undertaking of remedial works allow the plan to be placed before the full Council at within such estates will now be managed by the their January 2020 meeting. Capital Projects Office. Work is now underway to procure contractors to undertake works in further 10 The Heritage Officer continued to develop a number – 12 estates which would allow the next tranche of of heritage projects, having secured match funding estates to be advertised for taking in charge during from a number of sources. These projects included: 2020.  A Wetland Survey

 A Thatched Survey Part 8 Development Proposals  Developing a Public Awareness Programme Managing the Part 8, public consultation exercises for  Community Heritage Week Event Assistance a number of strategic projects. The funding has been Programme (6 projects were assisted) obtained under the Urban and Rural Regeneration  Creative Ireland funded Traditional Shop fronts and Development Fund Schemes. These included the project in County Leitrim approval of the Carrick on Shannon Public Realm  Improvement Scheme in February (the Junction River Front Amenity Park Conservation Management Plan for Carrick on Shannon funded Project) Ballinamore in July and the Manorhamilton under the National Biodiversity Action Plan Local Public Realm Scheme in August. It is now a Authorities Biodiversity Project Fund. requirement of such funding schemes to have the required planning consent in place before an Heritage Week took place in August and the Heritage application can be considered eligible. The Carrick on Officer was actively involved in coordinating and Shannon Public Realm Improvement Scheme was promoting Heritage Week in County Leitrim and nominated by Leitrim County Council for the Irish organizing and promoting heritage events, including Planning Institute National Planning Awards. The The Big Dig in Carrick on Shannon which was a mobile project was shortlisted by the Panel of Judges for the excavation site which allowed children to explore the Design and Management and Delivery Categories. Viking world through a simulated archaeology dig.

Joseph Gilhooly, Director of Service, Bernard Greene, Senior Planner, Lar Power, Chief Executive, Colm McGrath, Chairman Chamber of Commerce and Cllr. Des Guckian attending the Public Information Event The Big Dig, The River Front Amenity Park,, Carrick in the Bush Hotel for the Carrick on Shannon Public on Shannon 24th August 2019as part of the Heritage Realm Improvement Scheme in January. Week Programme of Events Leitrim County Council Annual Report 2019 12

Forward Planning A total of 31 applications for determination on The scheduled review of the 2015 - 2021 County exempt/non-exempt status of a proposed Development Plan in February was deferred until the development (Section 5 declarations) were received Regional Spatial and Economic Strategy (RSES) was over the course of the year. made by the Western and Northern Regional Assembly. A number of workshops were held with the In 2019, the Department of Agriculture, Food and the full Council and also with the Strategic Policy Marine referred to this Council 131 applications for Committee in relation to the Council’s submission to licenses for tree felling and 78 tree planting (which the draft RSES. includes Forest Access Roads) applications for comment prior to the Department making a decision Background work did commence on the review of the in respect of same. County Development Plan. RPS Group are preparing a draft Renewable Energy Strategy part funded through A total of 41 new planning enforcement cases were the SECURE Programme as part of the County referred to or initiated by the Planning Authority. Development Plan. RPS also commenced work to undertake a review of the Landscape Character Significant progress was made over the second half of Assessment which was prepared in 2002. This will also the year dealing with outstanding Enforcement cases. examine the capacity of the landscape to absorb In addition, the Planning Department continues to renewable forms of energy to include wind energy resolve legacy financial development contributions installations and forestry. which remain outstanding.

Development Management The Irish Planning Institute Annual Conference A total of 207 valid planning applications, including 32 Leitrim County Council acted as the host for the Irish application seeking retention of planning permission, Planning Institute Annual Conference held in the 4 applications seeking an extension of duration of Landmark Hotel, Carrick on Shannon on Thursday 4th planning permission and 3 applications seeking and Friday 5th April 2019 (pictures below). Leitrim outline planning permission were received during County Council hosted a reception on Wednesday 2019. This increased from the 191 valid applications evening where the guest speaker was Mr. Pat Rigney, received in 2018 & 177 applications received in 2017. Managing Director of the Shed Distillery, Drumshanbo. The Conference, entitled ‘Integrated Of the valid applications received, 31 related to Planning & Development’ was attended by over 300 applications for commercial developments, 12 delegates. applications related to community, sporting and educational developments with a further 15 applications relating to forestry, namely forest access provision. The proportion of applications relating to commercial developments remains consistent. There remains an increase in the level of developments being applied for relating to community and sporting uses reflective of the increase in Government support for such uses. These trends are both encouraging and welcomed.

Of note, planning permission was granted to construct 1,567m2 manufacturing unit and advanced technology building, both on IDA lands and a 90 bed nursing home, all on lands off the Castlecara Road, Carrick Bernard Greene, Senior Planner, Cathaoirleach Cllr. Road, Carrick on Shannon. A number of other notable Sean McGowan, Joe Corr (President of the Irish applications were also received with respect to the Planning Institute), Vivienne Egan, Senior Executive Rock Centre and adjoining lands in Ballinamore which Planner and Lar Power, Chief Executive included the completion of a 3 storey office building and the construction of 37 residential units and an Minister for Housing, Planning & Local Government, application to develop 4 additional turbines at Mr. Eoghan Murphy, T.D addressed the Conference on Tullynamoyle wind farm. Friday morning and launched the new Office of the Planning Regulator. Leitrim County Council Annual Report 2019 13

Niall Cussen (Planning Regulator), Minister Eoghan Murphy T.D. and Joe Corr (President of the Irish Planning Institute) Pictured at the SHOPTALK event were, back row, from left, Dr Arthur Parkinson, UCD, Carole Coleman, RTE, who hosted the discussion, Alison Harvey, National Coordinator CTC Heritage Council Programme, Fintan Duffy, DHB Architects Waterford, Cllr Finola Armstrong-McGuire and Cllr Enda McGloin, Cathaoirleach. Front row, from left, Philip Delamere, Leitrim Arts Officer, Vanya Lambrecht Ward, artist, and Sarah Malone, Leitrim Heritage Officer

Planning Appeals 3 planning appeals were made to An Bord Pleanála with respect to decisions made by the Planning Authority during 2019, 2 of which had been decided Poster of the SHOPTALK event before the year end. Both appeals were determined confirming the decision made by the Leitrim County Council.

The Planning Authority investigated or instigated 41 enforcement cases during 2019 with a further 60 cases carried forward from the previous 2 years. Of The SHOPTALK event held during Heritage Week these cases, 49 were closed off during the calendar year leaving a total of 52 live cases at year end. Whilst SHOPTALK our target of 60% of all cases instigated being resolved This temporary shop served as an exhibition, library & by year end was not reached (48% cases resolved), activity space as well as a meeting place for collecting, significant resources were deployed to this work area sharing stories and holding talks around the value of which saw the overall level of cases which were Leitrim’s shops and their facades. SHOPTALK hosted a resolved rise from 19% at the end of Q2. Action has public talk on the 21st of August. Our panel of invited been taken on all cases which commenced during experts Alison Harvey (Heritage Council), Dr Arthur 2019 but progress on certain cases can be slow. Parkinson (UCD), Fintan Duffy (DHB Architects) and host Carole Coleman (RTÉ) discussed elements around The Planning Authority had formal pre planning the topics of conservation and planning and cultural consultations on 104 developments during 2019 heritage. The public were invited to come to share which is an increase on previous years. The average stories and ideas, to try your hand at sign writing or waiting time of 14.6 days is slightly above the target tile design or find information at our specially curated of 12 days but is reducing on previous years and is library. dependent on staff resources and balancing competing demands of meeting all statutory deadlines.

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Finally, the cost per capita of the Planning Service has arena, one of the largest arenas in Europe, which was fallen from 31.51 in 2018 to 30.38 by the end of 2019 part of Tourism Ireland’s Global Greening initiative for which is approximating the target of 30 set for the the first time. Tourism businesses from Leitrim, who year. This is largely dependent on the fees receipted were supported by Leitirm Tourism and attended the for the year which had risen slightly on the previous event included Leitrim Landscapes Guided Walks, year. Tawnylust Lodge Self Catering Accommodation and Leitrim Surf Company. They were also given the Tourism Promotion and Development opportunity to meet with over 70 German travel Slow Adventure agents at a special St Patrick’s Day business Work was ongoing through the early part of the year networking event in Cologne Airport. on the Slow Adventure concept. We completed a number of items including the Slow Adventure Leitrim also took part in a week long promotion at Brochure, The Slow Adventure Virtual Reality Project Ireland West Airport Knock with a number of trade and the design and print of the Virtual Reality viewers. from Leitrim attending the promotion each day.

In September Leitrim Tourism hosted a visit from 13 Marketing members of the European Travel Commission who A number of marketing initiatives were undertaken by were particularly interested in Leitrim’s Slow Leitrim Tourism. Leitrim was represented at the Adventure Experiences. They spent a day and a half in World Holiday Show in Dublin in January and the the area experiencing the County’s Slow Adventure Ireland Angling Show in February. We also attended product. The Cottage Restaurant in Jamestown, The Meitheal, where over 45 Tour Operators expressed an Landmark Hotel, Way2Go Adventures, Adventure interest in slow Adventure in Leitrim. We facilitated Gently, Electric Bike Trails and Jinny’s Tearooms all an number of journalists, bloggers and travel writers played a part in showcasing the County. which resulted in exposure for the County on TV3 on the Elaine Show, on Newstalk with Bobby Kerr and The Irish Daily Star with Rohan Smyth.

In partnership with Visitorflix Tourism developed a promotional video, shot in North Leitrim, to be used on the Aer Lingus in-flight service on all the airlines transatlantic flights. Aer Lingus will carry in excess of 2,000,000 passengers between New York, Newark, Boston, Bradley, Philadelphia, Washington, Chicago, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Orlando, Miami, Toronto Members of the European Travel Commission and Ireland this year, the majority of which will use experiencing Slow Adventure in Leitrim the in-flight services.

Towards the end of 2019 working in collaboration with Tourism Ireland, Fáilte Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands, Derry City and Strabane District Council and Visit Derry Leitrim County council were successful under the ‘Slow Adventure Tourism Passion Community’ European Tourism Commission initiative with funding awarded that will see Slow Adventure Leitrim benefiting from and additional €216,000 marketing budget to target the overseas market particularly the US and Canadian markets for 2020. Slow Adventure Ireland - Floating Boardwalk, Drumshanbo Ireland West Airport Knock Leitrim Tourism, in collaboration with Ireland West Leitrim Tourism continued to support the Tourist Airport Knock, Fáilte Ireland and Ryanair attended Office in Carrick on Shannon, Ballinamore and Tourist events in Cologne, Germany to promote the new Information points at Glencar Waterfall and Sliabh an Cologne to Ireland West Airport Knock route which Iarainn Visitor Centre. Also provided information and started this summer. Events took place over two days brochures promoting all that Leitrim has to offer to and included the ‘greening’ of Cologne’s Lanxess Leitrim County Council Annual Report 2019 15 hotels and other tourism providers around the County and further afield. We continued to update and promote Leitrim with our website www.enjoyleitrim.com. We also continued our presence on all social media platforms and promoted festival and events around the County.

Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands Leitrim Tourism assisted Fáilte Ireland with their weeklong promotion of Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands. This included the Ray D’Arcy Show on RTE Radio 1 we also engaged with Fáilte Ireland’s, Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands (IHH) website improvement Programme and attended a number of IHH industry workshops. Leitrim Tourism is also responsible for the Leitrim N16 Drummahan Realignment Scheme offering in the Fáilte Ireland ‘Taste the Island’ event which took place all over Ireland in September.  Realignment of N16 at Munakill RPS Consultancy was appointed to provide the Funding & Support Schemes Engineering and Consultancy services required to Leitrim Tourism administered a very successful deliver Phases 1-4 of TII Project Management Festival and Events Support Scheme with 22 groups Guidelines for this Scheme. This includes Concept awarded funding towards their annual community and Feasibility, Options Selection, Design and event and festivals. Communities benefit greatly Environmental Evaluation and the statutory from this support and in many cases these events process. This work is ongoing. could not take place without this financial support from Leitrim County Council.  Carrick on Shannon By-Pass A procurement process for the selection of a Further funding was made available for tourism under multidisciplinary Engineering led Consultancy Team the Leitrim County Council Tourism Support Scheme to carry out Phases 1 – 4 Technical Consultancy where local tourism groups/clusters and networks Services for the N4 Carrick on Shannon to Dromod were asked to submit applications for support under By-Pass Scheme was completed and following the scheme. The aim of the scheme was to assessment by an Independent Board, a Consultant encourage and support local tourism groups to Team was recommended and will be formally develop tourism in their area or sector by providing appointed in 2020, subject to TII Approval. financial support to actions which both complimented and were additional to the work of Leitrim County Council or other statutory tourism related bodies. Transportation, Planning & Maintenance 2019 was a very productive year in this department with an annual budget of €17 million. Works completed on National Roads included the following:

 Realignment of 1.4km section of N16 at Drummahan Advanced Works Contracts were undertaken, N4 Carrick on Shannon Pavement Scheme including the Hedgerow Removal & Fencing Contract, and the Advanced Earthworks & Ground  National Road Pavement Overlay Schemes Pre-Loading Contract. Works on the detailed  N4 Carrick on Shannon – Attyfinlay Roundabout to design and tender documentation for this major County Boundary (at Coffey’s Roundabout) – This Realignment Scheme was progressed and it is Pavement Scheme which was completed involved planned to advertise for tender in mid 2020 with the strengthening and overlay of 1.3 KM of construction to commence in late 2020, subject to pavement and the reconstruction of 900 meters of TII approval. cycle lane and footpath.

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N16 Overlay North Leitrim Killavoggy Bridge

Bridge Rehabilitation Works  N16 Shanvaus to Manorhamilton – This Pavement Scheme which was completed involved the Under the Bridge Rehabilitation Programme were strengthening and overlay of 5.15 KM of pavement completed at a total of 6 Bridges throughout the and reconstruction of 425metres of footpath. County. Consultants were appointed in respect of a further 3 Bridges and Design Works on these 3 Bridges  N4 Jamestown to Drumsna - This Pavement are being progressed. Scheme was advertised for tender in late 2019 and a Contractor was appointed. Works are expected  Killavoggy Bridge - A major refurbishment was to commence in Spring 2020. This involves the carried out by contract. strengthening & overlay of 5.85 KM of pavement.  Hartley Bridge - Work progressed on the Planning, Screening for Appropriate Assessment & Design of  National Road Safety Inspection Implementation the River Shannon Bridge. This resulted in the This seen the N16 Cornastaulk VRS Installation. requirement for a full Stage 2 Appropriate This Contract involved the installation of five new Assessment, which will go to an Bord Pleanála in sections of Vehicle Restraint Systems totaling 738 2020 meters. A Contractor was appointed towards the end of 2019, and works will be completed in early 2020.

 National Road Category B Maintenance Schemes Category B had maintenance works completed at four different locations in 2019. These included strengthening and resurfacing works on three separate sections of National Road at N16 Mullaun Bridge, under Bridge Rehabilitation Works

Manorhamilton, N16 Moneenshinnagh and N16 Safety Improvement Works Aghaclon totaling 1.5 Km and also the retexturing Safety Improvement Works under the Low Cost Safety of Dromod Roundabout on the N4. Improvement Works Programme were completed at a total of six locations in the County. Non-National Works carried out include: Community Involvement Schemes (CIS)  87 km of Non National Roads strengthened A total of 19 roads were upgraded under the CIS  53 km of these roads surfaced dressed Programme at a total cost of €795,361 of which €676,057 was grant funded by the Department of Drainage Grant Transport, Tourism & Sport and €119,304 was funded A Drainage Grant of €463,500 was received from the from local community contributions. Department of Transport, Tourism & Sport for the alleviation of road drainage problems either through Local Improvement Scheme (LIS) Programme new works or remedial works. A total of 21 road This Scheme provides funding for the upgrade of drainage schemes were completed with this Grant. In Private/Non-Public Roads that comply with certain addition, €20,000 was spent on the Drainage Districts, conditions including access to a number of different and under the OPW Minor Flood Relief Scheme, works parcels of land, there were 22 schemes completed. were carried out at Lough Bran to the value of

€25,000. The Community Hedge Cutting Grant Scheme Leitrim County Council Annual Report 2019 17

5 Hedge Cutting Grants were paid to landowners participate, which aimed to promote Seat-Belt under this scheme. There has been a significant use by Parents of School Going Children and a increase in the uptake on this Grant Scheme. text message was issued to all parents via the ETB Text Messaging System Road Safety The Working Together Group met on 2  Leitrim County Council carried out speed occasions to review objectives set out in the County monitoring at various locations, working closely Leitrim Road Safety Plan 2016 – 2020. The following with An Garda Síochána with the results. initiates were undertaken in respect of Road Safety:  The Mobile Driver Feedback Sign was operated at  Promotion of Road Safety on our Website and via different locations which greatly helped to raise Facebook/Twitter and ongoing liaison with the driver awareness and improved road safety. Road Safety Authority (RSA) regarding same.  Transition Year Student Information Day – Held on 4th April 2019 this included a Road Safety Workshop, attended by the RSA Shuttle and Simulator.  “Drive for Life” Programme facilitated the provision of the “Drive for Life” Educational Road Safety Programme in the following Secondary Schools – St. Clare’s Secondary School, Manorhamilton and Carrigallen Vocational School.  Vulnerable Road Users – Leitrim County Council and the RSA sought to prioritise vulnerable road users in our Road Safety Education Promotion Programme, there were three projects:  Leitrim Pony Riding Project provided for Minority / Disadvantaged Groups. The RSA Education Officer visited and delivered a presentation to the group in July, 2019  Active Age Groups, the RSA Road Safety Education Officer visited a number of groups  “Click before you Go” campaign in April seen Leitrim County Council Road Safety Office

Leitrim County Council Annual Report 2019 18

High Quality Sustainable Living Environment

To improve, protect and promote the natural and man-made environment, encourage and facilitate participation by citizens in the development of their communities and promote an inclusive, creative, active and vibrant County.

districts. Similarly the Dock represents the single most Arts significant point of contact for the public to engage Following the adoption in 2018 of its first Culture and with the arts in the County. It is also home to Leitrim Creativity Strategy and multi-annual framework Design House. It has the greatest population agreement with The Arts Council, Leitrim County concentration, the largest throughput of visitors and Council published its new Arts Plan which aligns with transport connections and the greatest reach these strategies and their timeframe. The new Arts nationally and internationally. Finally, Ballinamore is Plan maintains the three strategies of the Arts Council remarkable for its levels of involvement in the Arts by Framework Agreement below, while the mission Children and Young People. We ensure that schemes statement restates the vision of the Council’s Culture such as the Artist in Schools are evenly distributed and Creativity Strategy: across the County, in Youth Theatre, while there is  Public Engagement provision across the three Municipal Districts,  Professional Development participation from young people in the Ballinamore  Children & Young People Municipal District accounts for 50% of the total number involved. Furthermore, in addition to other Spatial Planning youth resources, the proposed new Junction Centre in Each of Leitrim’s three municipal districts has Ballinamore contains a bespoke facility for young particular characteristics that align with the three people to engage with the arts, the only such facility strategic priorities of our Framework Agreement with in the County. the Arts Council, and these three priorities have been brought forward into the Arts Plan. While the three strategies of Community Engagement, Children & Young People and Professional While Leitrim has one of the largest proportions of Development & Sustainability will be implemented artists of anywhere in the country, the majority of across the County, because these strengths or these are based in the Manorhamilton Municipal emphasis have developed in these areas over time for District. It is also home to Leitrim Sculpture Centre different reasons, we will respond to this and ensure which is the largest art making facility in the country, they are supported to reach their full potential. In the Glens Centre which focuses much of its turn it is anticipated that the learning coming forward Programme on the professional development of from these Programmes can be applied across the performing artists in theatre and music. The County. Manorhamilton area is also home to more of Leitrim’s In all other respects, the plan builds on the projects filmmakers and film companies than the other two and Programmes that have been developed in recent Leitrim County Council Annual Report 2019 19 years and seeks to advance these over the coming The SPARK Programme, in partnership with Leitrim years. Local Enterprise Office, fosters collaboration between artists and conventional businesses. Previous Community Engagement residencies have been hosted in Leitrim Organic The Creative Ireland Open Call is the principal means Centre; The Bush Hotel; Cafe Lounge; Leitrim by which Leitrim County Council encourages and Association for People with Disabilities; Leitrim supports community engagement with the arts and Observer; Prior PLM Medical; The Hive, Mohill creativity. The vision of Leitrim’s Creative Ireland Enterprise Centre and Leitrim County Council. This strategy is to “nurture and foster creative expression year, artist Fiona Mulholland will be artist in residence in all its diversity; embrace and welcome new ideas; in Merenda in Manorhamilton. In a separate and create the conditions to help turn those ideas into Programme called Small Sparks, three other reality and embed creativity into all aspects of social, companies - Image Skillnet and Leitrim Organic economic and cultural life of Leitrim.” Farmers Cooperative in Drumshanbo and FitKicks in Mohill will be taking part in shorter residences before In 2019, the Open Call supported 19 medium and the end of the year. long-term projects all across the County. Among some of the projects that concluded recently, artist Roisin Culture Night Loughrey worked with Carrick on Shannon’s Culture Night continues as a valuable platform for Townspark Residents Association to make projections venues throughout the County to build their audience and recordings and host ‘Open House’. and to provide opportunities for people to try something new. The Programme concentrates on places where people can continue to engage with the arts year round where for example The Cornmill Theatre celebrated its 30 year history and the Glenfarne Ballroom of Romance held a cultural feast of Irish music and dance.

Two of Ireland’s best-loved and popular authors, Marian Keyes and Michael Harding, were special guests at this year’s Iron Mountain Festival. They were joined by Professor Luke Gibbons who gave the inaugural John McGahern Memorial Lecture and Filmmaker Roisin Loughrey with members of the celebrated actor Adrian Dunbar, who read from Townspark Residents Committee at the launch of McGahern’s work and discussed his career in theatre, Open House film and television. Dublin writer, Zoë Comyns, who was born in Kiltyclogher, received the 2019 John At W8 in Manorhamilton six pairs of parents and McGahern Award for Literature and the festival children worked with Fab Lab Manorhamilton on concluded with a series of readings with music in projects that started with research and design to 3D- Ballinaglera, at the foot of the Sliabh an Iarainn on modelling, model-making, and final prototyping using Sunday October 6th. laser cutters, 3D printers and other Fab Lab technologies. Also in Manorhamilton under the Children and Young People guidance of musicians Ciaran Rock and Brian Sweeney, Membership of Youth Theatre continued in five the Leitrim Intercultural Music Project brought groups in Carrigallen including Bright Sparks, a group together people of different cultures living in Leitrim specifically for children with additional needs, three to source, learn, write, and arrange several songs groups at full capacity in Carrick on Shannon and two from different countries, including Ireland. Meanwhile in Manorhamilton. Leaders take part in an exchange artist Niamh O'Connor is working with the young Programme between the three centres, further people at the National Learning Network using encouraging peer learning among tutors and exposure photography and video to develop ideas and produce to a much wider range of approaches to theatre works of art based on a superhero who transforms making for young people. In 2019 we worked with the from a regular person to become super kind and Arts Council to research the benefit and impact of super brave. Youth Theatre on members, particularly in relation to self-confidence and the extent to which members SPARK Leitrim County Council Annual Report 2019 20 were able to use those skills in other aspects of their found that the average income of artists in Leitrim lives. including what an artist earns from their work, non arts work and other supports including social welfare is €20,270 whereas the living wage is €24,944. We In 2019, the Artist in Schools Scheme was provided to also found that 91% of Creative members find getting Ballaghmeehan NS in Rossinver who worked with their work produced and shown to be a considerable visual artist Karen Webster, while artist Kate Murtagh or occasional challenge. 73% of Creative members Sheridan worked with children and teachers at the depend on digital technology to manage their Fatima NS in Cloone. Kate Wilson worked with St business, and that two thirds foresee working outside Josephs NS in Manorhamilton while Crona Gallagher is of Ireland being important to their career. working with Largy NS in Kinlough. We have long recognised that given the nature of the The Wild Words Young Writers Programme has region and the amount of opportunities there are become an important national event for young people here, that being able to perform or exhibit outside of and literature in Ireland. In 2018 the Irish Writers the region, including internationally, would be Centre became a partner with the festival, seeing in it important to making a career sustainable. To enable the opportunity to work with the young people who people to do so, we have this year introduced a may well be the writers of the next generation. support scheme for artists that are trying to arrange Following a national call for young writers from all performances or exhibitions abroad. In 2020, we will over Ireland, the work of up to 60 of the 350 broaden our Programme to also help festivals and applicants is published in the Wild Words book with other arts organisations to become more sustainable participants getting to take part in master classes with and assist them to meet the increasing requirements some of Ireland’s best authors for young people. in health & safety, child protection, fundraising etc. We are also exploring the opportunities presented Leitrim County Council is a co-founder of Music through the Creative Europe Programme to support Generation Leitrim, which is led by MSLETB. The networking and exchange with other countries in project is part of Music Generation - Ireland’s national Europe. music education Programme. While still in its infancy, Music Generation Leitrim has already rolled out its Alongside Creative Frame, the professional Access Programme to many primary schools, and development bursary Programme helps artists to established the Music Generation Leitrim Children’s develop new work. Awards are provided to purchase Choir in St. George’s Heritage Centre in Carrick on materials, make CD recordings or work towards new Shannon. In 2019 it completed Ukes4Youth, a cross film works and literature. In 2018 with our partners in border ukulele project for teenagers. Future plans will Sligo and Roscommon we developed a film see the further development of the Access completion award for projects already underway and Programme into more schools and into a broader a collaboration award for a filmmaker and writer to range of instruments as well as development of core work together to develop a new project. Recipients of projects in Music Production in the north of the the Completion Award were Clea Van der Grijn and County and a new commission for traditional arts Fionn Macarthur while Stephen Hallinan with Jack under Leitrim County Council’s Percent for Art Reardon and Martina Larkin with Christine Scheme based in Drumshanbo. Braithwaite received the Collaboration Awards.

Professional Development Over the last two years the Arts Office has been a key While Leitrim has higher percentages than many other partner in the development of Leitrim Dance Project areas across most of the creative sector, in some which invited leading national and international disciplines, particularly visual arts, the proportion of dancers to Leitrim to provide professional artists living and working in Leitrim is dramatically development training and mentoring for emerging higher than other regions. In response to this we professional dancers from Leitrim, elsewhere in developed one of the country’s most responsive and Ireland and internationally. In 2019, funded by the proactive Professional Development Programmes for Arts Council, the Programme was led by Canadian artists, providing training and mentoring to help dancers Yaelle Azoulay and Antoine Turmine with ensure that artists can maintain a living. Membership Cormac Begley. The 5-day Programme is followed by a grew from 290 to 350 artists in the last year. To help 3-day festival in Drumshanbo combining workshops, us improve our supports we conducted a survey of the cèilidh and sessions for dancers of all ages and skill careers of artists in Leitrim. Among the findings we levels. Leitrim County Council Annual Report 2019 21

undertake to provide and maintain well facilitated theatre and gallery spaces.

Planning for the Future In 2020, in addition to further developing Programmes already in place, the arts office had been planning on identifying and tackling the issues facing professional artists based in Leitrim looking to sustain a career in the arts, to further support venues and organisations to achieve their potential and to develop evidence based research into the benefits of participating in the arts for groups and individuals across the County. In The Dock light on the current pandemic, while this remains the priority, the arts office is supporting communities and The Dock artists with these new challenges. In particular we are Each year The Dock welcomes over 40,000 visitors putting particular emphasis of looking to on-line arts with over 20,000 people attending 2,300 projects and Programmes to keep communities performances, workshops and other activities connected and stimulated. We are also looking to new annually. Leitrim County Council developed The Dock ways by which we can support artists to continue to in 2005 to be a cornerstone of the County’s cultural engage with communities and continue to develop infrastructure and a beacon for visitors and a crucially their work. positive endorsement of the rich cultural offering of Carrick on Shannon, Leitrim and the Northwest. Home Community Development to the Dock’s visual, performing, community and Peace IV Programme - Building Positive Relations educational arts Programmes and home to Leitrim Design House, our investment in the centre helped Overall Budget €759,518.43 ensure that it could be sustained as this cornerstone.  Support for Ethnic Minorities: Leitrim Key to its continued success has been the works International Community Group and Leitrim carried out in 2018 and 2019 to improve the facilities Intercultural Forum supported and up-skilled; and ensure that they meet health and safety Many cultural, educational and integration projects standards and fire regulations. A recent Indecon rolled out. Report recognised the Dock’s importance to the  Support for Minority Christian Faiths, with gardens region and its support for artists to develop their in Fenagh and Carrick completed. practice; particularly where it curates, commissions  Community Groups up skilled and cross community and develops new work and supports projects at a interaction ongoing. local, national and international level.  Events around Women’s Suffrage were run by North Leitrim Women’s Centre Other Cultural Infrastructure:  Remembering Leitrim War Dead. A memorial  Leitrim Sculpture Centre bench & plaque erected in Carrigallen, benches for  Glens Arts Centre Mohill & Manorhamilton to be installed upon  Solas Gallery completion of Shared Space Capital Works. A list of  Cornmill Theatre Leitrim War Dead is now available on Leitrim County Council website and is being managed by The Glens Centre and Leitrim Sculpture Centre remain the Local Studies section in Ballinamore Library. vital elements of the cultural infrastructure to North Artworks produced in workshops displayed in St Leitrim. In particular Leitrim County Council works George’s & The Dock closely with both venues in the supports they provide  Rural Women Along the Border ‘Stitching Story’ to the significant numbers of artists, musicians and quilt receiving widespread recognition and was on theatre makers in the region - providing the display in Council offices, in Ballinamore & opportunity for them to make and present new work. Enniskillen Library Leitrim County Council also continues its support of  Capacity Building Project in Kiltyclogher and the Cornmill Theatre in Carrigallen and Solas Gallery in Cashel: Online Heritage Mapping Trail complete Ballinamore recognising the extent and quality of the and Sports Programmes arranged considerable voluntary contribution both committees

Leitrim County Council Annual Report 2019 22

Peace IV - Children and Young People

Overall Budget €395,538  Cross Border Exchange of 60 young people from Carrigallen and Enniskillen took part in a music Programme, run by ETB  Peace Learning for Young People. Foróige delivered this Programme to 142 children.  Diversity Project 1: Leitrim Childcare ran this Programme on Conflict, Tolerance & Difference  Diversity Project 2: North Connaught Youth Services ran this programme on Diversity Through the Arts  Anti-Social Behavior: This Programme was delivered by Leitrim Development Company to Official Opening of Rooskey Playground forty young people in 4 housing estates  Sports4Peace: 4 clubs in Fermanagh and Leitrim committee which delivers the current Leitrim Age took part in this Programme delivered by Ulster Friendly Strategy. Key achievements in 2019 included: University  Certification received from the World Health Organisation, recognising Leitrim Age Friendly Peace IV - Shared Spaces Alliance’s membership of the WHO Global Network Kiltyclogher Refurbishment of Community for Age Friendly Cities and Communities. Centre completed  The launch of Leitrim Age Friendly Business in Mohill Library Extension, Peace Room & additional Mohill, with local businesses signing up to a works almost completed Charter offering 5 actions, specific to each Manorhamilton Refurbishment and extension of business, that make their business Age Friendly. Sexton house as a shared Some of these actions include: availability of community space commenced reading glasses, seating, free delivery, one to one consultations, refreshments, large font on labels Cathaoirleach Enda McGloin commented “The and discounts. provision of additional community space for Leas Cathaoirleach, Seán McGowan, Leitrim Manorhamilton is much needed and will be a major County Council, thanked all participating boost to the people of the town and the surrounding businesses for their involvement and stated “Our areas. This shared space will be promoted for cross older persons not only have a lot of purchasing community events and activities in the wider power but also have the time and inclination to community and cross border programmes that cut shop locally. This is particularly important in rural across the borderlands of North Leitrim & towns and villages such as Mohill where older Fermanagh”. adults are very much the life-blood of the community.” Outdoor Leisure Areas  A Walkability Study was conducted in Carrick on  Mohill Playground was refurbished with the aid of Shannon in partnership with Leitrim PPN, with a €25,000 grant from Department of Children & participants from a number of local agencies. The Youth Affairs. 4 new pieces of equipment were aim was to highlight accessibility and walkability installed and existing equipment and surface were issues throughout the town, in advance of the renewed. development of the town centre  New Signage installed at all playgrounds  Opening of a new dementia friendly room in St  Mohill Astro Turf Pitch was refurbished including Patrick’s Hospital by HSE new fencing and a security system  The Text Alert scheme has been updated at  New Playground at Rooskey was officially opened community level by An Garda Síochána  Leitrim Older People’s Council (OPC) Age Friendly representatives attended the National Older th th Leitrim County Council is a lead partner in, and People’s Convention held in Donegal on 9 & 10 coordinates the actions of Leitrim Age Friendly May Alliance, a multidisciplinary and multi agency  The new service provider for Local Link, Donegal Sligo Leitrim Local Link is a member of Leitrim Age Leitrim County Council Annual Report 2019 23

Friendly Alliance and a community Garda map defibrillators in Leitrim was completed and all appointed in Leitrim has also joined the alliance mapped defibrillators were registered with the and met with many Active Age groups. National Ambulance Service. The project was  Ballinamore County Library is now an Age Friendly nominated for a Chambers Ireland Award. Library Comhairle na Nóg Pride of Place Comhairle na nÓg produced a workbook called Use Leitrim County Council nominated the following your Brain Not your Fists. The countywide launch was groups to represent the County at the prestigious hosted by Ballinamore Community School with guests Pride of Place Awards, which are all-island awards. All Zak Moradi Leitrim Hurler and Clare Owens Leitrim entries had to make a half-day presentation to the Ladies Footballer. The workbook is a resource for national judges in July. The awards took place in teachers and youth workers, to aid discussion of November in Kilkenny. Comhairle’s short film produced in 2018. The AGM  Fenagh Village were a Runner-up in the Category: was held in November and workshops on several Population 0-300 issues including Education & Training/Apprenticeship  Ballinamore Tourism & Angling Association were a were held. nominee in the Community Tourism Initiative  Drumkeeran Friendship Club were nominated for Use Your Brain Not Your Fists their Age Friendly Initiative project continued to go from strength to strength in 2019, Love Where You Live with the launch of a Workbook, €9,150 was awarded to 27 community groups, schools for teachers and youth workers & businesses. 94 entries across 8 categories were to use as a resource when judged May - August 2019. The Awards Night was showing the short film to young attended by 230 people on 10th Oct 2019 in Lough people. The Workbook was Allen Hotel Drumshanbo. funded by Healthy Ireland. Promotion of the film and workbook has resulted in many enquiries from other Cathaoirleach Cllr. Enda McGloin At Love Where You counties, including An Garda Síochána, GAA and other Live Awards in October “These awards are a fitting County Councils. recognition of the vast contribution made by community groups, businesses, schools & individuals Inter Agency Traveller Services Group to communities across our County, making them a The Leitrim Animal Welfare and Horse -Riding better place to live, work & visit”. Programme took place over 10 weeks at Moorlands Equestrian Centre, Drumshanbo. 36 children aged 11- 17, including children from the Traveller community benefitted from this very successful Programme. The Housing department exceeded targets under the Traveller accommodation Programme.

Healthy Ireland Programme Round 3 launched Funding was approved for Healthy Ireland Round 3 for the delivery of the Priority Themes and Community Mental Health Fund. The following was approved for rolling out in 2020:  Priority Themes € 72,500  Community Mental Health Fund €32,050  Small Grants Fund € 30,000  Community Engagement €30,000 Eanna Ní Lamhna judging Love Where You Live at Dowra National School. This rare Bee Moth landed Community Enhancement Programme Grants on Éanna, as though especially for the occasion! Capital grants for community groups offers small to medium grants for capital expenditure. A total of 120 PPN applications were received and €134,459 was paid out 260 groups registered with Leitrim Public Participation Network and all details are up to date. A Project to Leitrim County Council Annual Report 2019 24 in 104 grants to community groups and sheds all over Manorhamilton and 4.12 tonnes for Mohill) of the county. hazardous waste was collected across both days. Rural Regeneration & Development Programme Funding of €1.7m was secured for The Junction Green Schools Programme project, Ballinamore. This was the culmination of 2 There are currently 44 schools registered on An years of consultation and planning. It will regenerate Taisce’s Green Schools Programme (38 Primary and 7 and restore two listed buildings and a derelict site in Secondary). 9 Schools in Leitrim carried out renewal the centre of Ballinamore to provide a digital hub and of their Green School Programme in 2018/19 under co-working space, an artistic space for promotion of the themes listed below. The schools were awarded local arts and crafts and a youth facility. The project their Green Flags at a Green Flag Award Ceremony will preserve and capitalise on local heritage assets held by An Taisce, in May 2019. and address the need for more social activities and facilities for people in the area. National Spring Clean An objective was set to get as many community Waste Management organisations as possible on board An Taisce’s Leitrim County Council continued a strong focus on National Spring Clean campaign in Leitrim. The waste reduction during 2019. A number of both small campaign was coordinated by mobilising a team to and large scale initiatives operated aimed at changing deliver the campaign objectives. All Tidy Towns behaviors and reducing waste. Groups, Community Groups, Adopt a Road Groups and Schools, sporting groups etc., were contacted to Bulky Household Waste Collections provide details on the campaign and materials were During the 2019 Anti Dumping Initiative, further provided to groups that signed up. A media campaign funding was made available from DCCAE to local ‘April Springs a Lovely Leitrim’ – was launched with authorities to hold Bulky Household Waste Collections radio interviews, billboard and newspaper in their localities. It was necessary to select two advertisements. In building these positive working separate locations in Leitrim to best suit the County’s relationships and through team effort, it resulted in geographic. Bulky Household Waste Collections were 56 community groups across Leitrim signing up to the held in Manorhamilton (Civic Amenity Site) and Mohill campaign and 3 additional Adopt a Road Groups being (Civic Amenity Site) during August 2019. A total of established. It ultimately led to a very successful 77.64 tonnes of National Spring Clean Campaign in Leitrim with Bulky Household approximately 3 tonnes of litter being collected across Waste was the County. collected between Mohill (56.46T) and Manorhamilton (21.18T). The event ran efficiently with customers co-operating and being very appreciative of this worthwhile initiative. Waste Collected in both Civic Amenity Sites

Household Hazardous Waste Collection Day Leitrim County Council held a Household Hazardous Waste Collection Day on Saturday 26th January and Advertisement used in the 2019 National Spring Saturday 19th October in Manorhamilton and Mohill at Clean Media Campaign its Civic Amenity Sites, respectively. Leitrim County Council created awareness that common household Waste Management Education Programme items such as cooking oil and detergents can be Through the 2019 Anti Dumping Initiative, funding considered hazardous if not treated with proper care was made available for Leitrim County Council to organize a Waste Management Education day which and consideration. The collection days were an st opportunity for people to dispose of such waste items was held on the 1 of November, 2019 in Mohill, safely. A total of 9.56 tonnes (5.44 tonnes for County Leitrim.

Leitrim County Council Annual Report 2019 25

Leitrim County Council thought it would be beneficial Monitoring and Surveillance Equipment to hold an information day in An advanced flight training course over 2 days was improving awareness regarding undertaken by 4 members of staff for our Inspire II waste management, tackling Drone. The Drone training allowed Leitrim County waste issues at the source and Council Waste Enforcement Staff to become fully providing assistance and guidance licensed and certified Drone Pilots. to members of the public who typically find waste management difficult or expensive. On the day, assistance and guidance was provided on the civic amenity site, with complimentary tickets to the civic amenity site provided to attendees. Use of the brown bin and the importance of this bin was explained to attendees, and a number of home composting bins were available as prizes on the day. Alternative, low waste products were also available to attendees on the day i.e. solid shampoo and conditioner bar samples, so that the public could be educated as to products which generate less household waste. This information day was advertised in the Local Drone photos of Waste disposal on Apartment Newspaper, Leitrim County Councils Website and Balcony social media sites. On the day there was a number of Environmental Staff available for any queries and This enabled Waste Enforcement Staff to view numerous handouts available with all information in inaccessible locations, remote areas, and dangerous relation to waste management. This was a great or contentious sites in a safe and swift manner. The success with both Tenants and non-Tenants dropping drone has also assisted with presenting illegal in for a chat. dumping cases in court and has aided with successful prosecutions under the Waste Management Act. Low Waste Products such as Waste/Litter Education for In House Staff Solid Shampoo & Staff were advised through staff notice Conditioner boards/emails/screen savers, etc. to take greater caution when recycling and disposing of general waste. They were reminded to be careful of segregation practices when using the new bins. CCTV Campaign & Signage Signage was procured and strategically place above Possible locations for CCTV were identified by the each bin to prevent any confusion. Following the Community Wardens and 9 Bring Banks Sites were successful pilot of the new segregation system it has selected, 3 in each Municipal District. now been rolled out to all other Council buildings. This has resulted in our Waste Collectors advising Leitrim A private company carried out the covert CCTV County Council that there is a significant improvement surveillance on behalf of Leitrim County Council. in our waste segregation practices. CCTV equipment and signage was installed and ongoing monitoring of sites took place over a 4 week Dough Mountain Clean Up period. A remote site in North County Leitrim, which is part of the Dough/Thur Natural Heritage Area, had been used As a result of this footage 48 Litter fines were issued as a dumping ground for many years. As part of the and a number of warning letters. One of the main Anti Dumping Initiative 2019, this site was identified reasons for these fines identified was where as being a priority for a cleanup, given its importance individuals had recycled but then proceeded to leave to tourism, wildlife and the Natural Heritage Area their boxes/bags, etc. behind them. status. Due to the inaccessibility of the remote location, it was difficult to source a suitable sub contractor to carry out these works.

Leitrim County Council Annual Report 2019 26

Works commenced in September 2019. The clean up homeless presentations and 10 adults and 13 children resulted in the successful removal of up to three accessed emergency accommodation. tonnes of illegally dumped waste. Implementation of the Housing First Programme was The case resulted in public outrage at the ongoing progressed in 2019. The Housing First model aims to problem of illegal dumping, and it was also successful provide someone who has been long-term homeless, in advertising the fact that Leitrim County Council with their own secure accommodation as well as have sourced and are using covert cameras – which providing intensive and specialised tenancy can be used at remote illegal dumping hotspots such sustainment and health and mental health support as this. services. One household was accommodated by Leitrim County Council under this Programme in 2019. A number of meetings of both the Management Group and the wider North West Regional Homeless Forum were held in 2019.

Traveller Accommodation Programme (TAP) The Annual Traveller Census was conducted on the 30th November and statistics confirm there were 72 Traveller families registered for Social Housing Support with Leitrim County Council. This is a decrease of 4 families since the 2018 census. Of these 72 families: No. of Dough Mountain Clean Up 2019 Traveller Census % Families Housing Standard Local Authority 47 65% The objective of the Housing Section is to provide and housing (RAS / SHLI / HAP) maintain good quality safe homes and neighborhoods Long Term Rental Contracts 14 19.5% Rent Supplement / Involuntary that people want to live in. This is achieved through 11 15.2% utilising the various social housing options and Sharing or via Own Resources managing and maintaining the council’s housing stock and facilitating the development of sustainable The Traveller Accommodation Programme (TAP) 2019 communities. - 2024 is a five year statutory Programme carried out by all Local Authorities and relates to the provision of Housing Applications & Allocations Local Authority housing/private rental The net need that was reported as part of the accommodation and relevant social supports to the Statutory Assessment of Housing Need completed in Traveller Community. The target for the current TAP June 2019 was 189 households. This was a significant 2019/2024 is 25 units of accommodation over five decline on the numbers on the housing waiting list years. From the 1st of January 2019 to 31st December compared with 304 households identified in 2018. 2019 Leitrim County Council has achieved 16 TAP A total of 230 new housing applications for social outputs of Social housing support to the Traveller housing support were received and processed in 2019. Community (including RAS renewals and offers 104 offers of accommodation issued to housing refused). applicants for casual vacancies arising within the Council stock. The refusal rate on offers of Housing Supports accommodation was 34%. 68 new tenancies were  Housing Grants established and a further 13 transfer applications Leitrim County Council continued to operate three were accommodated. housing grants schemes for private houses. The purpose of the schemes is to help people to remain Homelessness living in their own homes and greatly enhance the Leitrim County Council continued to assist with the living conditions of eligible elderly and disabled housing needs of homeless persons and a review of household members in our community. The homeless services within the County was progressed. following is a breakdown of grants paid in 2019: During 2019 the housing department responded to 46

Leitrim County Council Annual Report 2019 27

Compulsory pre-tenancy courses are given by the Grant Name Total Amount TLOs and attended by all new tenants. Mobility Aid Grant 10 €74,323 At the end of 2019 Leitrim County Council had Housing Aid for Older People 6 €23,230 received 12 applications and sold 6 houses under the Housing Adaptation Grant 23 €95,868 national Tenant (Incremental) Purchase Scheme. (Disability) Total 39 €193,421  Disability Strategy & Disability Works The implementation of the Leitrim Housing &  Housing Assistance Payment (HAP) Disability Strategic Plan for Housing People with a HAP replaced Rent Supplement for those with a long Disability plan progressed new Housing and Disability term housing need. The HAP team worked closely Steering Committee membership being sought and with the Department of Employment and Social initiated. The new Committee comprises of local Protection to transfer rent supplement recipients to authority staff, key HSE personnel, members from the HAP. There were 254 active HAP tenancies in Leitrim voluntary housing sector and various advocacy groups on 31st December 2019, this includes 93 new active within the County. tenancies processed in 2019. Leitrim County Council spent €202,576 on medical and  Rental Accommodation Scheme (RAS) disability related works for 22 local authority Under the Social Housing Leasing Initiative dwellings carrying out improvements such as (SHLI)/Rental Accommodation Scheme (RAS), the extensions, installation of level access shower, rails in Department of Housing, Planning and Local bathrooms, ramp access and conversion to oil or Government has allocated funding for local storage heating systems. authorities to lease residential properties from private landlords on medium to long term contracts. These  Private Rented Inspection Programme properties are then offered to households on the Leitrim County Council continued its enforcement role housing waiting list. 9 SHLI/RAS contracts were of standards in private rented accommodation with procured. 277 inspections carried out, this represents a 111% completion rate on the targets set for the year. 178  The Capital Advance Leasing Facility (CALF) properties failed on first inspection and 122 This scheme allows the approved Voluntary Housing Improvement Notices issued to owners of properties Associations to purchase existing properties and lease identified as having items to be addressed to meet the them back to the Council for social housing for a term private rented standard regulations. no less than 25 years. At the end of 2019 Leitrim County Council have a total of 13 houses leased under 2019 Inspection Statistics 2019 this initiative from Approved Housing Bodies, Tuath Total number of RAS inspections carried 12 and Respond. out in 2019) Total number of HAP inspections carried 201 Housing Stock out in 2019)  Estate Management and Maintenance COMPLAINTS (i.e. Total number of Programme inspections conducted in 2019 as a result of At year end Leitrim County Council had 968 houses in receiving a complaint EXCLUDING any 1 its ownership, excluding demountables. A total of 571 already included under Question No. 1, 2 housing maintenance requests were received, 90% of and 4 in this table) which were completed. Under the Council’s 2019 OTHER (i.e. Total number of OTHER Planned Maintenance Programme, a Programme for inspections conducted in 2019, EXCLUDING 63 the installation and the replacement of fire detection any already included under Question No. 1, and carbon monoxide detection devices was 2 or 3 in this table) completed. Total Inspections and Re-Inspections 277

 Tenant Purchase Leitrim Pony Riding Course The Tenant Liaison Officers (TLOs) continue to work The aim of the project is to introduce young people with tenants and Residents Associations to promote from Traveller and disadvantaged backgrounds aged good estate management and establish best practices. between 11-17 to horse-riding, horse management skills and animal welfare. Leitrim County Council Annual Report 2019 28

A total of 36 children took part in 2019. Participating achieving maximum efficiency with the resources children were most referred from Leitrim available to us. Development Company, Leitrim County Council’s Traveller Liaison Officer, TUSLA and North Connaught Housing Delivery Unit Youth Services. The Programme was carried out over During 2019 Leitrim County Council established a a ten week period commencing in June 2019. For the Housing Delivery Unit within the Housing Section with annual field trip this year the children attended pony- the remit of achieving the social housing delivery camps in Donegal Equestrian Centre and Lough Gara targets of 156 units between 2018 and 2021 set by Adventure Centre, Boyle, Co Roscommon. the Department of Housing Planning and Local Government (DHPLG) under the Rebuilding Ireland strategy.

The Housing Delivery Unit is developing a pipeline of projects appropriate for County Leitrim post 2021 with the primary focus on new builds. Sixteen new social housing unit were delivered under two separate

Leitrim County Council Cathaoirleach, Mr Enda Turnkey projects at Knockmacrory, Rooskey and McGloin presented the participants with Certificates Radharc an Bhaile, Drumshanbo during 2019 with a of Achievement at a graduation ceremony in total value in excess of €2.8 million. Moorlands Equestrian Centre Drumshanbo

Housing Services Progress The Housing Department’s principle services are measured through a number of performance indicators that keep Leitrim County Council’s objectives of delivering for our People, Places and Economy at the forefront of our decision making process.

There are a number of performance indicators within the Housing Services that include a build target, stock, voids, re-letting times, maintenance costs, private rented inspections and homelessness. These along with local indicators for improvement works, new tenancies, housing grants and Traveller 9 Social Homes at Radharc an Baile, Drumshanbo accommodation provide key information that allows us to understand the local housing demand and Leitrim County Council working in partnership with improve services. In 2019 the Housing Department Tuath Housing delivered 10 houses at Cnoc an Luir, met its targets in relation to its performance Drumshanbo during 2019 and will continue to work indicators and achieved a decline for the third collaboratively with all the Approved Housing Bodies successive year in the area of Housing Voids and in 2020 to increase the overall delivery of social Average Re-Letting Times. housing units in County Leitrim.

Performance Indicator 2017 2018 2019 Speaking on the occasion of Minister Eoghan H2: % of Dwellings Vacant 5.7% 4.5% 3.3% Murphy’s visit to County Leitrim the Cathaoirleach of at year end Leitrim County Council, Cllr. Enda McGloin stated that H3: Average Re-Letting 70 43 25 ‘’I am delighted to welcome Minister Murphy to Time in weeks County Leitrim and to accompany him to a number of the social housing projects that are commencing or The performance improvement was as a result of have been recently completed. The provision and more proactive and collaborative focus on improving maintenance of good quality safe homes is a core our work processes within the areas of managing objective of the Councils vision for County Leitrim over vacant stock and maintenance for re-lets and the coming years. The elected members of Leitrim County working in conjunction with the Executive are

Leitrim County Council Annual Report 2019 29 determined to meet the overall targets set for County Department of Housing, Planning & Local Leitrim by the Ministers Department under the Government (DHPLG) funding of €1.75 million was Rebuilding Ireland Strategy. It is my intention as secured for the delivery of 9 x 2 bedroom units at Cathaoirleach that Leitrim County Council will work Church Lane, Ballinamore under a Turnkey project collaboratively with other key stakeholders in the with construction to commence early 2020 and a Housing sector and ultimately deliver for those who completion date of December 2020. require assistance in securing lifelong homes for themselves and their families’’. Stage 1 approval has also been received from the DHPLG for an additional 3 new build projects which will deliver a further 27 homes during 2022 in Manorhamilton, Ballinamore and Carrick on Shannon. The Housing Delivery Unit acquired 7 individual properties during 2019 in areas of high need and completed refurbishment works on a number of properties purchased in 2018.

Vacant Homes There was a renewed emphasis this year by the Vacant Homes Officer, identifying vacant homes that can be brought back into productive use through the Minister Eoghan Murphy T.D with Cathaoirleach Buy and Renew or the Repair & Lease schemes with Enda McGloin and staff from the Housing Section of over 500 homes identified and ownership ascertained Leitrim County Council at the official opening of 7 on over 300 homes. Homes at Knockmacrory Heights, Rooskey.

The Housing Delivery Unit achieved the DHPLG Construction work commenced at the Pairceanna an Targets of 40 units for 2019 and is on course to Bhaile development in Townparks, Carrick on achieve the 2018 - 2021 target of 156 units under the Shannon which consists of 27 units comprising of the Rebuilding Ireland Strategy. The Housing Delivery Unit below. The scheme which is being constructed by exceeded both the build (23) and acquisition targets Kilcawley Construction Ltd. has a construction (7) but was unable to achieve the leasing target (10) budget of approximately €6 million and will be despite seeking expressions of interest on a number substantially complete by the end of 2020. of occasions. During 2019 the Housing Delivery Unit

worked on creating a future pipeline of build projects Type of Dwelling - Pairceanna an Constructed which is in line with the DHPLG policy of focusing on Bhaile development build rather than acquisitions into the future. 2 Bed - Semi-detached, single storey 6 2 Bed - Detached, single storey 1 Water Services 2 Bed - Semi-detached, two storey 12 Multi Annual Rural Water Programme 2019 – 2021 3 Bed - Semi-detached, two storey 8 The Department of Housing, Planning & Local

Government introduced a new 3 year Multi Annual Rural Water Programme in 2019 covering the period 2019 – 2021. In March 2019 Leitrim County Council submitted a large Programme of Works for Funding under this 3 Year Programme. In October, 2019 Allocations of Funding under this 3 Year Programme were received from the Department. Details as follows:  Measure 1 Source Protection - 2 Group Water Schemes were submitted and approved for funding Sod Turning for the Development of 27 Social Houses under this Measure to a total value of €5,100 at Pairceanna an Baile, Townparks, Carrick on  Measure 2 Environmental & Public Health Shannon performed by Minister Eoghan Murphy T.D Compliance - 3 Group Water Schemes were on 16th December 2019. submitted and approved for Funding under this Measure to a total value of €668,514

Leitrim County Council Annual Report 2019 30

 Measure 3 Enhancement of Existing Group Water notified to all GWS’s in the County. A total of 32 Schemes including Water Conservation - 11 Group Subsidy Applications were processed and paid to Water Schemes were submitted for Funding under GWS’s to a total value of €348,197 this Measure. 7 GWS’s were approved for Funding under this Measure to a total value of €150,866 Well Grants  Measure 5 – Transition of existing Group Water A total of 6 Individual Well Grants were paid, the total Schemes and existing Group Sewerage Schemes sum of €11,453 to Public (Irish Water) Sector – i.e. Taking in Charge of GWS’s and GSS’s by Irish Water - Leitrim Taking in Charge - Group Water Schemes (GWS) County Council submitted a total of 25 GWS’s and Leitrim County Council submitted a total of 25 GWS’s 1 GSS for Funding under this Measure for Taking in to the Department for Funding under the Multi Charge of these Schemes by Irish Water. Funding Annual Rural Water Programme for Taking in Charge Approval for the Take Over of 24 GWS’s and 1 GSS of these GWS’s by Irish Water. Since then, a number was received to a total value of €1,042,365 of other GWS’s have submitted applications for Taking  Measure 6 (a) Community Water Connection in Charge by Irish Water. In order to be considered for Networks (New Water Connections to the Irish Taking in Charge by Irish Water, the relevant GWS Water Network) - Leitrim County Council must meet all the criteria laid down by Irish Water for submitted 3 Applications for new Water Taking in Charge. In 2019, Leitrim County Council Connections to the Irish Water Network. These 3 submitted 2 GWS’s and 1 GSS to Irish Water for Taking Applications were approved for funding to a total In Charge approval. To date, Irish Water have not yet value of €77,350 confirmed that these Schemes are now in their  Measure 6 (b) Community Wastewater Charge. Leitrim County Council are continuing to Connection Networks (New Wastewater work with all of these Schemes in order to progress Connections to the Irish Water Wastewater their Taking In Charge Applications. Network) - Leitrim County Council submitted 17 Applications for new Wastewater Connections to Environmental and Public Health Compliance - the Irish Water wastewater network (New GSS’s). Breveiga GWS Co-Operative Society Ltd. (Formerly 3 of these Applications were approved for Funding known as Cornashamsogue GWS) to a total value of €183,619, these are the This GWS remains on a Boil Water Notice. Significant following proposed GSS’s (Ballynamoney, Source Protection Works and Network Upgrade Works Rossinver & Tully GSS) were completed on this Scheme in 2018 & 2019. In total, an Allocation of €2,127,814 was received by Leitrim County Council have been sampling the Water Leitrim County Council under the above 3 Year from this Scheme on an ongoing basis in order to Programme. determine the optimum treatment process for this Scheme. The Department in their Funding Allocations Capital Grants to Leitrim County Council under the Multi Annual A total of €8,615 was paid by Leitrim County Council Rural Water Programme 2019 – 2021 allocated to the following GWS and GSS under the Multi Annual funding to this Scheme for interim works to the Rural Water Programme 2019 – 2021: Treatment Plant and also funding to connect the  Measure 3 Enhancement of Existing GWS’s Scheme to the Public Water Supply. This Scheme will including Water Conservation - Grant of €7,821 require further significant network upgrade works in paid to Carrigallen GWS order to reduce levels of unaccounted for water on  Measure 5 – Transition of existing GWS’s and the Scheme and also interim works to the Treatment existing GSS’s to Public (Irish Water) Sector – i.e. Plant in order to enable the Boil Water Notice to be Taking in Charge of GWS’s and GSS’s by Irish Water removed. However, the connection of this GWS to Grant of €794 paid to Ballinaglera GSS the public water network is seen as the long term solution required for this GWS and the bulk of funding Subsidy Payments allocated by the Department to this GWS is to be Group Water Schemes are eligible for an annual targeted towards connecting this scheme to the public Subsidy payment toward the operational costs of water network. running and maintaining the GWS. New Subsidy Terms & Conditions were introduced by the Hartley-Cartown Group Water Scheme Department in late 2018 to apply to all Subsidy Planning Approval for the Hartley-Cartown GSS was Applications in respect of 2018 and beyond. In 2019, granted by Leitrim County Council in January 2019. details of the new Subsidy Terms & Conditions were The preparation of a detailed Design for this GSS Leitrim County Council Annual Report 2019 31 progressed and Quotations were sought and to 1650 and the number of lifetime dog licenses approved for the Site Investigations Contract. Before increased by 38% to 33. proceeding to commence Site Investigations, an up to date Cost Estimate for the full Construction of this GSS Education of youth groups and dog owning members was obtained from the Consultants engaged by the of the public, remains a key strategy in the overall GSS Committee for the design of this Scheme. This control of dogs, a concerted effort was made to Cost Estimate was forwarded to the Department for establish working relationships primary and post their consideration and approval. The matter is primary schools through educational talks and currently with the Department as to whether this GSS practical workshops. The Dog’s Trust / Leitrim County can proceed based on the estimated costing/s Council Responsible Dog Ownership Programme was submitted for this Scheme in 2019. delivered to 160 school-children in 2019.

Veterinary Services Neutering and Re-Homing Cats Slaughter Returns The problem of stray and feral cats continues to Sheep 2274 increase especially in housing estates. Leitrim Animal Pigs 93 Wardens successfully trapped, neutered and returned Cattle 720 84 stray and feral cats in 2019 thereby helping to reduce a major animal welfare and public health threat. Premises Inspections and Sampling

Food & Water Samples 49 Horse-Riding and Animal Welfare Programme Environmental & Carcass Swabs 61 Sixty-two children aged between 12 and 17, many Premises Inspections 99 from disadvantaged background successfully completed two Leitrim County Council Horse-Riding Control of Dogs and Animal Welfare Programmes in 2019. The Last year has proved to be one of the lowest on participants developed an excellent range of skills in record for the intake of stray dogs into the Leitrim horse-riding and responsible ownership of horses, Dog Shelter with an 11% decrease. The wide reach of donkeys and dogs. social media helped the dog warden service reunite many pets with their owners within a few days. This modern day notice board has helped facilitate the return and re-homing of many family pets. The Leitrim Dog Warden Service successfully re-homed 183 dogs in 2019.

Horse-Riding and Animal Welfare Programme

Animal Warden Services Stray & surrendered Dogs 200 Dogs Re-Homed 183 Dogs Re-Claimed by Owner 44 Dog licenses Issued 1,650 Lifetime dog licenses issued 33 On-the-spot fines issued 9 Service Requests 407 Dogs Neutered or vouchers issued 116 Stray dog and kittens that were re-homed Dogs Micro-Chipped and Registered 123 School Children reached 160 The National Dog Licensing system is now fully Stray Horses impounded 10 operational in Leitrim, all dog licenses are registered Participants in Horse-Riding 62 to the owner and immediately linked to the owner’s Programmes Eircode at point-of-sale. Licenses may be purchased either in the Post office or online at www.licences.ie The number of annual dog licenses increased by 18%

Leitrim County Council Annual Report 2019 32

Library Services Reading and Literacy was to the forefront with all libraries running the national Right To Read initiative. During 2019, Leitrim Library Service delivered on the Programmes such as ‘Spring into Storytime, Summer strategic objectives as set out in the national library Stars, Children’s Book Festival and Family Time at your strategy ‘Our Public Libraries 2022’ aimed at Library supported and developed literacy skills, establishing the library as the trusted ‘go to’ place in reading creativity and innovation. Almost 600 children the community for guidance and support in areas across the County signed up for the very popular such as reading and literacy, lifelong learning, Summer Stars Programme. business and employment, healthy living and well- being. The library is a centre of community and cultural activity promoting a welcoming space for individuals and communities, celebrating diversity and fulfilling personal development. Ms. Emma Clancy left her position as County Librarian to take up the position of Cavan County Librarian and Ms. Pauline Brennan was appointed as the County Librarian for Leitrim.

Library Fines were eliminated in January 2019. This has been significant in terms of removing a barrier to library usage and has resulted in an increased use of the library service and increased library membership The annual Right to Read Award was presented to and has also seen the return of long overdue items. Caroline Farrell, Right to Read Co-ordinator, by Mr.

Seán Canney, Minister of State for Community A number of digital classes were provided and there Development, Natural Resources & Digital was increased use of the range of online resources in Development at an event in the LGMA to mark the particular e-books and e-magazines and Wi-Fi was huge work being done by Leitrim Library service in extended to Carrigallen and Kiltyclogher Branch the area of literacy and reading development. Libraries.

Other Key Achievements in 2019 included: Healthy Ireland at your Library  Under the Work Matters initiative some work was This Programme saw all branch libraries engaged in a done in terms of developing partnerships and comprehensive Programme of events and activities working collaboratively with MSLETB, in particular which included a visit from the Irish Heart Foundation the Adult Guidance Information officer in County Mobile Unit to Manorhamilton Library. A wide Leitrim. ranging number of presentations took place on a number of topics as well as fitness classes for children and adults.  A number of events and activities took place to mark ‘World Book Day’, Seachtain na Gaeilge, Engineer’s Week, Bealtaine, Cruinniú na nÓg, Heritage Week, Culture Night, Science Week ensuring that the library was seen as an active and vibrant focal point in the community. Branch libraries across the County continued to facilitate book clubs, writing groups, parent and toddler groups, English and Irish language groups and Art & Craft Sessions.

 A wide range of book launches, exhibitions and book displays took place around the County. The purchase of specific book club titles for adults and class reader sets for primary school children Healthy Ireland at your Library ensured that the focus on reading remained as a core library service and titles were made available Supporting Literacy for loan across the library network.

Leitrim County Council Annual Report 2019 33

 Funding was secured and work commenced on the  Funding was received under Dormant Accounts addition of a ‘Peace Room’ to Mohill Library as part Funding for an outreach project which engaged of a Cross Border Peace IV Shared Space Project. with the Syrian community in Drumshanbo and This will greatly enhance the library as an pre-schools in both Manorhamilton and Carrigallen interactive community space. with the aim of engaging parents and children in fun activity based events which assisted in Library Objectives language and literacy development. The number of visits, issues, membership figures and the cost of operating the library service are the key  Class visits from pre-schools, primary and second library performance indicators. 19% of County level schools around the County continued to grow Leitrim’s population are library members which is in number and library staff ensured that these above the national average of 16%. However, usage visits were both enjoyable and productive in terms is not synonymous with value or benefits to users. of the promotion of reading as a fun activity and Delivering value and benefit together with customer supporting project research. satisfaction are hugely important. The Library service aims to enhance the user experience in a number of ways by ensuring that the focus is shaped by local needs and that community expectations of are met. The overall aim is to increase membership figures in line with targets set out in the national public library strategy and increase usage of the service throughout the County. Ensuring that the library continues to offer a high quality service and continues to engage with library stakeholders will contribute to measuring outcomes and impact on users. Anyone for Science Library Staffing  A revised model of service delivery was introduced While the closure of Mohill Library for refurbishment in late 2019 which combined ‘public hours’ with together with ad-hoc closures of libraries as a result ‘scheduled hours’ across the library network which of limited staffing resources had an effect on the aimed to both meet and support the needs of number of items issued and visitor numbers in 2019, communities. During scheduled hours, libraries there was an increase in the percentage of members facilitated a range of computer classes, visits, talks accessing library online services, in particular e-books and demonstrations where staff made the library and e-magazines. space available to a wide number of community groups in a targeted way Leisure and Recreation Leitrim Sports Partnership (LSP) had another very  A copy of an original John McGahern Manuscript successful and busy year delivering education and was purchased. The 6 page Holograph Manuscript training initiatives and Programmes to the many was McGahern's contribution to a book called ‘32 different target groups in Leitrim. Some examples of Counties’, which was edited by Donovan Wylie and the Programmes delivered in 2019. published in 1989. The Manuscript is on permanent display in Ballinamore Library and has  First Aid Courses - LSP completed 4 full-day First received huge interest in it, resulting in many new Aid courses patrons visiting the Library.  Leitrim Swim Weeks - Delivered in Drumshanbo Pool, Gulladoo, Rossinver and Keeldra Lake in July  Leitrim Library Service was involved in the with 678 children participating organising and hosting of the launch of ‘Leitrim  The Shannon Splash - This event went ahead in History and Society: interdisciplinary essays on the Carrick on Shannon, along with the rowing club history of an Irish County’. Copies of the and in partnership with Swim Ireland. We had 38 publication, which was launched by Mr. Bryan children that took part from 5 different youth Dobson, were made available for consultation and groups throughout Leitrim. This event involved loan through the branch library network. water safety, water polo, jumping and diving and kayaking.

Leitrim County Council Annual Report 2019 34

 Zumba Dancing - In conjunction with “Childhood Leitrim (Manorhamilton) with 17 participants in Days”, we have completed a fun dancing and Fenagh and 21 participants in Manorhamilton. physical activities for 14 people with disabilities;  A team representing Leitrim competed at the 2019 ages 9 – 18 years in the Mayflower Drumshanbo. National Go for Life Games held in Dublin City  Swim 4 All Programme - We completed two x 6 University in June. This is the second year that week Programmes in the Aura Leisure centre, Leitrim competed in the national finals and the Carrick on Shannon for young children with a participants were from many different Active Age disability to learn to swim. Groups around the County. Now in its eighth year,  Sports Leadership - This is a practical qualification it has grown to become one of the biggest social in which learners must demonstrate their ability to sports events for older people in Ireland. lead others in simple sport/activity sessions. This course is rolled out with young adults and TY groups. There were 3 Sports Leadership courses completed in 2019, 2 with St Clares Comprehensive School in Manorhamilton and one with the students in Leitrim Training Centre. A total of 51 students took part in this Programme and have now gained a level 1 qualification in Sports Leadership through Sports Leaders UK. Women on Wheels Cycling Programme

Girls Active Programme

 Exercise to Music - A Programme held in Autism Bike Week 2019 Unit in Drumshanbo National School, we received feedback whereby the children really enjoyed  Women on Water Programme - Was a Kayaking dancing to the music. The children all participated specific event that was enjoyed by the participants with smiles on their faces and dancing to the and considered a great way to promote the music. waterways of Leitrim.  Women on Wheels - Leitrim Sports Partnership Manorhamilton Sports Hub Launch completed a 8 week cycling Programme for women Leitrim Sports Partnership secured funding from Sport in Carrick on Shannon with 21 women engaged and Ireland and dormant accounts fund to set up the participating on this Programme. In September as Sports Hub in the Bee Park, Manorhamilton. We a follow up Programme, Leitrim Sports Partnership launched the sports Hub in September and provided a completed two 4 week cycling Programmes in festival of multi sports and opportunities for the Carrick with 11 cyclists and in Kinlough with 13 community. e.g. Community Walk, Cycling for cyclists participating on the Programme children, table tennis, Parkour, Inclusive games, Pickle  Learn to Cycle - Leitrim Sports Partnership and the ball demonstration and games, Gym and spin demo, Leitrim West Cavan Branch of Down Syndrome tag rugby, soccer blitz, GAA blitz and open tennis Ireland took part in a education and training sessions. workshop to enable parents to set up a cycling training Programme for children involved in the Bee Park Sports Hub has made the following group. We had 11 parent and adults that differences locally, Basketball the take-up by our non- completed the training Programme. national Community has been very impressive, the  Go For Life Games - Workshops with the Active engagement by our local Schools in targeting Children Age Groups in south Leitrim (Fenagh) and North not usually engaged in any sporting activity. We have Leitrim County Council Annual Report 2019 35

TY students trained up as coaches, and in turn Programme could be completed in accordance with coaching Children in many different sporting activities. E.P.A. requirements. This assistance involves Sports Hub provided the Bee Park with spin bikes transporting technical staff by boat to designated where about 120 participants are attending spin testing sites. Civil Defence also remained available to classes weekly, Chess a non-active past time has assist with water based environmental incidents. resumed in the Bee Park Centre with about 120 Children participating weekly!! Annual training with the Department of Agriculture was completed so that Volunteers could be available Leitrim Sports Partnership Staffing to assist Department Staff in the event of any Avian The Leitrim Sports Partnership performance indicator Flu incidents involving wildfowl recovery. was to engage over 12,000 children, teenagers, families, men, women, older adults and people with In October 2019 Civil Defence relocated to new disability. In total we had a total of 12,696 people premises in Drumshanbo. This new location has participating on the LSP Programmes which is increase resulted in additional storage space for vehicles and from last year. equipment and improved welfare and training facilities for Volunteers. This year the LSP recruited two full time members of staff, Patricia Forde our CSDO (Community Sport Fire Services development officer) and Michelle Fanning our SIDO Leitrim Fire Service progressed and completed a (Social Inclusion Development officer). Having the two number of capital projects during 2019. A new, state sports development officers working on Programme of the art, fire station was completed and opened in delivery increases are capacity to engage more target Ballinamore. groups and delivery more and varied Programmes and education and training initiatives in the community. A refurbishment and extension project was completed to Drumshanbo Fire Station providing a substantial Civil Defence improvement to the facilities available. The Leitrim Civil Defence carried out an extensive training completion of both fire station projects is a welcome Programme during 2019, both locally and in sight providing valuable and much needed resources conjunction with Civil Defence HQ in Roscrea. This to our dedicated fire fighters and ensuring the training ensured that Civil Defence were in a position delivery of a modern and highly capable fire service in to respond to requests for assistance from the their respective areas for decades to come. Principle Response Agencies. Although there were no requests for assistance for any major incident during Significant ground has been made on the the year Volunteers assisted at a number of Manorhamilton Fire Station project with the new site community based events. boundary now marked and progressed to design and tender stage. First Aid and Safety Boat assistance was provided at a number of events to include: Leitrim Fire Service also saw the  Tony McGowan Run Drumshanbo arrival of two new Ford Ranger  Scout Event, Aughnasheelin vehicles now on the run in Mohill  Lough Rinn Charity Cycle and Ballinamore Fire Stations.  Darkness in to Light The funding for the Rangers was  Carrick Carnival Festival recouped from the Department  Special Olympic Kayak event of Housing, Planning and Local Government. The  Stony Woods Festival Kiltyclogher Rangers provide a vital traffic management role at  Charity Kayak event Garadice road based incidents reducing the risk to our Firefighters whilst they work to rescue and protect the  Carrick on Shannon Regatta public.  Ballinamore Agricultural Show

 Mohill Agricultural Show National Fire Safety Week  Leitrim Sub Aqua Charity Swim Starting from October 7th the theme being “Safer  Christmas Day Charity Swim Together”. The Campaign sought to ask members of

our communities to visit vulnerable relatives, Assistance was provided during 2019 to the neighbors and friends and ensure they are mindful of Environment Section in order that the Lake Sampling Leitrim County Council Annual Report 2019 36 fire safety, have working smoke alarms and have an callouts serviced by Leitrim brigades. It is expected escape plan in the event of fire. that the average time for the first fire appliance to mobilise from any Fire Station should be as quick as conceivably possible for each of the five retained stations within County Leitrim. The current average time of 4.73 mins was recorded for 2019. Every effort will continue to maintain achieving the target of 5 minutes for retained station mobilisations.

Leitrim Emergency Incidents in 2019 Type of incident Total 2019 Refurbishment and extension project was completed Chimney Fires 30 to Drumshanbo Fire Station Other Domestic Fires 28 Non Domestic Building Fires 13 A local Programme of activities was undertaken in Road Traffic Collisions 42 Leitrim including visits to primary schools in the area Vehicle fires 12 and the fire safety message was presented at each fire Bog / Forest /Gorse / Grass 13 station and at prominent road side locations. Storm Damage / Flooding 3

Miscellaneous Special Service Calls 10 Firefighters from Leitrim Fire Service, in conjunction False Alarms (Good Intent) 12 with the National Retained Firefighters Association False Alarms (Malicious) 19 took part in a collection for Aoibheann’s Pink Tie, a Total 246 National Children’s Cancer Charity raising over €2000 to support the building of short stay accommodation Breakdown of incidents by type 2019 for the families of children receiving cancer treatment A pie chart analysis of the incidents for 2019 gives the at the new children’s hospital. following breakdown by incident type:

Fire Service Staffing Leitrim County Council employs 4 Senior Fire Officers and 1 Assistant Staff Officer to run the service for the County from headquarters in Carrick-on-Shannon. Leitrim County Fire Service has 5 Fire Stations with the following number of retained fire-fighters employed as of 31/12/2019: Station No. of fire-fighters Carrick-on-Shannon 11 Mohill 8 Ballinamore 8

Drumshanbo 7 Breakdown of Incidents by Fire Station Manorhamilton 8 Each fire brigade unit covering Leitrim responded to

the following number of emergency callouts in 2019. Retirements during 2019 include Station Officer David A comparison with other years is also included. Gordon from Mohill Brigade along with Firefighter

Michael Duignan from Carrick on Shannon Brigade.

Emergency Incidents Leitrim Fire Service provides an emergency response service to Leitrim and part of north Roscommon by agreement with Roscommon County Council. Fire brigades in the adjoining counties of Donegal and Cavan (Bundoran, Killeshandra, Dowra and Ballyconnell) also provide first attendance cover to parts of Leitrim. In 2019 there were a total of 229 emergency incidents in Leitrim generating 246

Leitrim County Council Annual Report 2019 37

Station 2019* 2018* 2017* meetings. The VHF radios for use at the Local Manorhamilton 50 71 51 Coordination Centre, Crisis Management Team and Carrick-on-Shannon 70 61 57 Onsite Coordination Centre were retired and replaced with TETRA radios providing reliable and secure Mohill 55 65 64 communications over the County and beyond. Drumshanbo 41 39 35 Ballinamore 30 41 50 The Cross Border Emergency Management Group *Number of Incidents The Cross Border Emergency Management Group was established a few years ago in order to promote cross Leitrim Fire Service carried out a total of 114 border cooperation in emergency management. All inspections under the following Acts in 2019, namely the principal response agencies on both sides of the border (Fire/Local Authorities/Police/Health Service/  Fire Services Act 1981 (Section 24) Ambulance/Coastguard) are represented on the  Indoor Licensing Bill, 2003 Group. The purpose of this group is to act as a multi-  Building Control Act, 1990 & 2014 agency group for agencies involved in emergency  Local Government Planning and Development Acts, management on a cross-border basis. 1963 - 2001  Dangerous Substances Act, 1972 Leitrim County Council Chief Fire Officer Finian Joyce  Intoxicating Liquor Acts, 1833 and 1988 is the Republic of Ireland Joint Chair of the group.  Dance Halls Act, 1935 and 1977  Gaming and Lottery Act, 1956  Registration of Clubs Acts 1904 and 1981

Area Of Operation In the Republic of Ireland the counties involved include those in the North West and North East Regional Emergency Management regions while in Northern Ireland the new Council areas making up the Western and Southern Emergency Planning Groups that touch the border are included. The area covered by the Cross Border Group is highlighted in the image.

During 2019 the group succeeded in finalising the Cross Border Risk Assessment and the Cross Border Notification Protocol aimed at alerting agencies on both sides of the border of the possibility of a major Leitrim Fire Service achieved their minimum emergency arising. These documents were approved performance standards for Building Control for the at national level by the National Steering Group for year of 2019 with over 15% of all new buildings Emergency management. notified to the local authority inspected and 77% of all fire safety certificates received in the year decided ERASMUS & BFIRESAFE@SCHOOL within two months of receipt. Leitrim County Council is the project coordinator of the BFIRESAFE@SCHOOL project that was successful Major Emergency Management in securing funding of approximately €320,000 from Leargas the National Agency for this project. The A successful Programme of work was conducted in the project commenced in October 2018 and will finish in North West Region for 2019 and Leitrim County April 2021. Nine partners from 7 EU countries Council staff played an integral role in overseeing and (Ireland, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, Germany, delivering this work. Leitrim County Council staff Lithuania, Spain) and associate partners from 23 EU attended a Training Course for Onsite Coordinators countries are cooperating together in the Erasmus+ project called ‘BFireSafe@School’. The aim is to Considerable work was carried out on updating plans, develop a fire safety education Programme to assessing current readiness and reviewing training increase fire safety awareness among pupils in post needs, along with regular attendance at regional primary schools in Europe by sharing best practice and Leitrim County Council Annual Report 2019 38 using innovative digital learning methods. The new fire safety training Programme (consisting of classroom lessons and online training) will be developed in 9 European languages and will be available to teachers and pupils aged 13 – 17 all over Europe later in 2020. The highlight of the project during 2019 was the launch of the pilot project by Eoghan Murphy TD Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government. The pilot project was carried out in 14 post primary schools around Ireland including three schools in Leitrim, namely, Carrigallen Vocational School, St. Clare’s Comprehensive School, Manorhamilton and Lough Allen College, Drumkeeran.

For further information check out the BFireSafe@School website www.bfiresafeatschool.eu or the Leitrim County Council website or follow the project on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn and YouTube.

Chief Executive Lar Power, Director of Services, Vincent Dwyer, Chief Fire Officer, Finian Joyce with pupils and teachers from Leitrim schools at the pilot project launch in Dublin

Leitrim County Council Annual Report 2019 39

Maximising Operational and Organisational Capacity

To maximise the potential of our Human, Financial and ICT resources to optimise organisational capacity and performance and ensure high quality services and information tailored to meet the needs of all our customers.

Corporate Services Following the Local Elections of May of 2019, the newly elected council met for the first time in June 2019 when the Annual Meeting took place. Councillor Enda McGloin was elected Cathaoirleach. The Agenda and Minutes of Council meetings can be viewed on the Leitrim County Council website at www.leitrimcoco.ie Members of Leitrim County Council 2019-2024 with Senior Management. Absent from picture; Cllr Des Meetings of Leitrim County Council Guckian and Cllr Caillian Ellis County Council Meetings Bi Monthly Meetings 6 Municipal Districts Annual Meeting 1 In 2019, the Municipal Districts of Ballinamore, Budget Meeting 1 Carrick-on-Shannon and Manorhamilton held 9 Special Meeting 1 ordinary meetings each and an Annual Meeting. The General Municipal Allocation for Municipal District Municipal District (MD) Meetings Works for was adopted by each Municipal District. Ballinamore MD Meetings 9 At the respective Annual Meetings for each municipal Ballinamore Annual Meeting 1 district the following members were elected as Carrick-on-Shannon MD Meetings 9 Cathaoirleach: Carrick-on-Shannon Annual Meeting 1 Manorhamilton MD Meetings 9 Municipal District Cathaoirleach Manorhamilton MD Special Meeting 1 Ballinamore Paddy O’Rourke Manorhamilton Annual Meeting 1 Carrick-on-Shannon Finola Armstrong McGuire Manorhamilton Mary Bohan Corporate Policy Group (CPG) The Corporate Policy Group (CPG) consists of the Audit Committee Cathaoirleach and the Chairpersons of the Strategic The committee comprises 2 (two) Elected members Policy Committees, and is supported by the Chief and 3 (three) External Members. The Elected Executive. The Corporate Policy Group met on 6 Members appointed to the Committee are Councillor occasions in 2019. Enda McGloin and Councillor Paddy O’Rourke. The role of the Audit Committee is to advise the Council on financial reporting process, internal

Leitrim County Council Annual Report 2019 40 control, risk management and audit matters. A total time. Councillor Enda McGloin and Councillor Thomas of 4 meetings were held in 2019. Mulligan were re-elected to the council following a 5 year absence. Out-going councillors Caroline Mulvey Joint Policing Committee and Seadhna Logan were unsuccessful in their The Joint Policing Committee met on 3 occasions in attempts to get re-elected. The results of the 2019 2019 and progressed actions included in the Joint Local Elections are shown in Appendix 10. The first Policing Committee Strategic Plan. A public meeting meeting of the newly elected council took place in was held in March 2019 with the theme of Aras an Chontae on 6th June 2019. ‘Community Engagement and Policing. The Telesis Property Marking machine was launched at this meeting.

Councillor Enda McGloin receives the chain of office from out-going Cathaoirleach Sean McGowan

Members Expenses Payments to Members of Leitrim County Council * in line with National Regulations Cathaoirleachs’ Allowance €20,000* Launch of Telesis Property Marking machine at JPC Public Meeting Leas Cathaoirleachs’ Allowance €4,000* Strategic Policy Committee €18,000* Strategic Policy Committees Chairpersons’ Allowance Regular meetings of the Economic Development, Municipal District Chairpersons’ Enterprise and Planning SPC; Housing Policy, Social €18,000* Allowance and Cultural Development SPC and Environmental, Transportation and Infrastructural Policy SPC took Members’ Representational Payments €308,024 Members’ Annual & Municipal District place throughout 2019 and a number of policy €111,629 matters were progressed and brought to the full Allowance Council for adoption. Members’ Mobile Phone Allowance €2,836 A new Strategic Policy Committee Scheme was also Total €482,489 adopted following the Local Elections with the new

SPC’s, which will be established early in 2020, Register of Electors reconfigured as follows: Planning, Economic The Register of Electors for 2019/20 was published on Development and Infrastructure SPC; Housing 1st February, 2019. The figures in relation to the Live Community and Culture SPC and Environment, Register at 2019/2020 were as follows: Climate Action and Agriculture SPC.

Presidential Dáil Local Elections 2019 Dáil Constituency Electors Electors The Local Elections were successfully held in May th Sligo/Leitrim 25,036 26,093 2019, with polling taking place on Friday May 24 and the count being conducted over the weekend of th Potential 25/26 May in The Bush Hotel, Carrick-on-Shannon. European Parliament European European Out-going councillors Sinead Guckian and John Constituency Electors Electors McCartin did not contest the Local Elections. Fourteen of the out-going councillors were successful in Midlands- North West 26,305 484

retaining their seat on the council for the 2019-2014 term. Councillor Ita Reynolds-Flynn and Councillor

Paddy Farrell were elected to the council for the first Leitrim County Council Annual Report 2019 41

Local Electoral Areas Local Government Electors Protected Disclosures Ballinamore 9,470 Pursuant to the Protected Disclosures Act 2014, Carrick-on-Shannon 8,761 Leitrim County Council hereby confirms that no Manorhamilton 8,788 request was received in the period 1st January to 31st Total 27,019 December 2019 in accordance with the Act.

In advance of the Local Elections in May 2019, a Customer Service supplement to the Register of Electors was created. The Customer Services Desk in Aras-an-Chontae as An additional 1,619 local electors were added to the well as the public desks in Planning, Finance, Housing register as follows: Ballinamore LEA: 741, Carrick-on- and Water Services continued to provide front-line Shannon LE: 465, Manorhamilton LEA: 413. services to the public. In 2019 the Customer Service Desk in Aras an Chontae Freedom of Information received an average of 1830 phone calls per month Activity under the Freedom of Information legislation into the organisation. In addition the Customer increased by approximately 10% on 2018 with 106 Services Desk dealt with an average of approximately requests received in 2019. Requests from journalists 35 queries per day from individuals who presented in increased by 15% in 2019 accounting for 58% of all person. requests. A total of 104 cases were determined during the year, with one case cared over from 2018 and 3 Performance Indicators cases brought forward to 2020. Of those determined, The increase on both social media and website activity 57 were granted in full, 18 were partially granted, 3 was as a result of more proactive focus and publishing were withdrawn by the requestor, 2 were withdrawn news items on the website, an increase in job and handled outside of FOI and 24 cases were opportunities which were displayed on the website refused. and an overall greater emphasis on publishing information about our services and actives on our Communications Office social media channels. The Media Liaison Officer continued to engage with the local media to promote the activities and services provided by the Leitrim County Council. This was achieved through issuing press releases and statements as required and handling media enquiries and requests from the local and national print, online and broadcasting media. Media enquiries and requests increased in 2019 by approximately 42% compared to 2018 with 115 requests from media sources. In 2019 the Council actively promoted its activities, events and initiatives through increased usage of social media channels, namely Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. The increased social media presence Laura & Michelle, Customer Service Representatives resulted in a 44% growth on 2018 in terms of followers, with a total of 11,635 social media Human Resources followers at year end. Social Media was used to great Recruitment & Workforce Planning effect during the Local Election Count on May 25 & 26 Our workforce planning process has continued when significant numbers of people followed the throughout 2019 with a view to streamlining count declarations which we broadcast live on operational processes and to assist in making the best Facebook. use of available staff resources. The increase in social media followers has also resulted in an increase in traffic to our website Recruitment activity continued to be significant in www.leitrimcoco.ie with a 14% increase in traffic on 2019 with 44 competitions interviewed and a further 2018, with almost 394,000 unique website visits in 12 competitions advertised and at various stages of 2019. processing at year end.

st Our overall Staffing Number as at 31 December 2019 was 309 with an additional 42 Retained Fire Fighters. Leitrim County Council Annual Report 2019 42

A total of 59 new staff commenced work with Leitrim Leitrim County Council Employee Gender Breakdown County Council during the year, on a mix of permanent and temporary contracts, with a further 16 existing staff having secured permanent appointments and/or promotion.

31 Staff left Leitrim County Council employment during the year as a result of contracts ending, resignations to take up alternative employment etc. There were also 4 Staff Retirements in 2019 and 1 Death in Service (R.I.P). Breakdown at year end including 351 Retained Fire-

fighters Interview Gender Breakdown

Staff Learning & Development A comprehensive Learning and Development Programme was implemented in 2019 which is complemented by the Staff Education Scheme, providing support to staff members pursuing further education opportunities. A new Employee Assistance Programme was also procured and rolled out during Interview 2019 Board Members Attendees at Interviews Finance HR Management System The Finance Department is responsible for the CORE HRM provides an end to end modular IT following: solution, with current modules including Personnel  Financial Management and Oversight Management, Superannuation, Training, Payroll, Time  & Attendance, Recruitment and Business Intelligence Accounts Receivable including Motor Tax Reporting.  Accounts Payable and Agresso Support Employees can access their individual employment  Procurement records, pension calculator, online pay slips, training  Internal Audit details and submit leave requests etc with significant  Production and Publication of Financial automation, while the manager dashboard supports  Information including the Annual Budget approvals, automated reminders and team analytics. and the Annual Financial Statement

The Service Level Agreement with the Local Authority Key Points related to financial activity of 2019 Shared Payroll & Superannuation Centre in Portlaoise, In 2019, a surplus of €1.5k was delivered on the MyPay continued to operate successfully during 2019. Revenue Account. This succeeded in reducing the cumulative general revenue deficit to €259K. A The Performance Management and Development combined total Revenue Expenditure of €42.9m was System (PMDS) for staff continued to be closely linked expended on delivering services to the citizens of to the Annual Service Delivery Plan as adopted by the County Leitrim in 2019.

Members, and the associated Departmental Team Actual Expenditure 2019 (Unaudited) Plans, in 2019. Division/Area Expenditure

Housing and Building €4,527,645

Road Transport and Safety €19,582,009

Water Services €3,232,773

Development Management €4,553,642

Environment Services €4,679,710

Recreation and Amenity €2,965,660 Agri, Education, Health & Welfare €508,304 Miscellaneous Services €2,815,289 Total: €42,865,032 Leitrim County Council Annual Report 2019 43

discrimination and proportionality. The Council’s procurement of goods, services and works facilitates the development of critical infrastructure, community services and improved environmental quality.

The Procurement Unit, within the Finance Department of the Leitrim County Council, will continue to collaborate with the Office of Government Procurement and the Local Government Operational Procurement Centre in order to maximise

the use of national frameworks. Procurement within In 2019, a total of 1,090 commercial rates customers Leitrim County Council is decentralised with buyers in received their rates demands to the value of all areas of the organisation, and much of the high €5,454,979. The table below summarises revenue value procurement being conducted using the two collection performance since 2017: electronic portals, www.etenders.gov.ie and

www.SupplyGov.ie. Table 1 Revenue collection 2017-2019

Revenue Income % Collection 2017-2019 In May 2019 Leitrim County Council submitted its Year Rates Rents Housing Loans Quality Assurance Report for 2018, to the National 2017 82% 88% 64% Oversight and Audit Commission (NOAC), as required 2018 83% 89% 63% under the Department of Public Expenditure and 2019 83% 90% 65% Reform (DPER) Public Spending Code. Details of Leitrim County Council Purchase Orders, for sums in In 2019, there was a 1% increase in housing rent excess of €20,000 are published on a quarterly basis collection compared with the 2018 figures increasing on the Council’s website. from 89% to 90%, housing loan collection increased in 2019 by 2% overall from 63% to 65%. The % collection Information Communications Technology for commercial rates in 2019 was 83% which was in As part of the Local Government Management line with the collection figure achieved in 2018. The Agency’s (LGMA) change of focus from operational Revenue Team engaged with customers on an support to strategic planning, Leitrim Co. Council and ongoing basis to assist customers in difficulties and to seventeen other Local Authorities embarked on a maximise income collection across all revenue project to build their own self managed networks streams. thereby enabling the LGMA to proceed with their

plans. This was very complex and time consuming Motor Taxation process which necessitated the migration of every IT During 2019 a total of 39,001 vehicle licence entity to the new network. transactions were processed for Leitrim which represented an increase of 2.02% on 2018 Hyper Converged Infrastructure transactions. The details are as follows: In late December 2018 Leitrim Co. Council awarded a • Motor tax counter transactions –11,269 (28.89%) contract to Procloud Ltd, Boyle, Co. Roscommon to • Motor tax postal transactions ‐ 1,829 (4.69%) upgrade the existing data centre to a Hyper • Online transactions ‐ 25,903 (66.42%) Converged Infrastructure (HCI) with Cloud Disaster

Recovery (DR). This system was successfully The online motor tax service allows customers to implemented in 2019 and will enhance the security, renew their Motor Tax 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, availability and integrity of electronic data held by the through the website www.motortax.ie. Local Authority.

Procurement The primary procurement objective for Leitrim County Council is to get optimum value for money in the procurement of goods, services and works, while complying with all EU Directives, National Legislation, Public Procurement Policy, Circulars and Guidelines. The key procurement principles incorporate fairness, openness, transparency, mutual recognition, non- Leitrim County Council Annual Report 2019 44

WiFi4EU keeping on trend with the latest technology, delivery In 2019 Leitrim Co. Council ICT Dept played a of the safety message within the organisation went significant role in preparing tender documents for the electronic by means of online safety briefings. provision of free public WiFi as part of the WiFi4EU Programme. This will see the installation of ten access Reacting to the high fatality rates within Ireland points in each of the towns, Carrick on Shannon, involving moving plant and machinery, a vigorous Manorhamilton, Mohill and Ballinamore. Plant Familiarisation Programme was established which involved a very successful coordinated effort by CCTV Leitrim County Council, site contractors and plant Leitrim Co. Council ICT Dept also facilitated the suppliers. Safety in Excavations and Management of implementation of a new CCTV system in Carrick on Over ground and Underground Services was the focus Shannon. Under the terms of the funding agreement of Safety Week for our outdoor crews, this reinforced and the General Data Protection Regulations (GDPR), the dangers associated with this type of work while Leitrim Co. Council is designated as the Data also giving us the opportunity to introduce further Controller of all video data captured. All data is protocols to ensure ultimate protection to our staff, securely stored at the Co. Council offices in Carrick on contractors and members of the public. 2019 was a Shannon. very positive year regarding accidents where only one reportable accident was recorded for the 12 month Microsoft Office 365 period. Non conformances relating to plant and Leitrim Co. Council ICT Dept also machinery also significantly reduced reflecting carried out a pilot implementation of optimistically on our efforts. Microsoft Office 365 in 2019. This was to evaluate the functionality of the Other highlights included significant developments in platform in the context of an increasingly mobile the Water Services Section greatly improving safety workforce. standards & performance, establishment of firm service contracts for Emergency Lighting, Fire Alarm ICT Support Information Volume Testing & Extinguisher Servicing in all Local Authority Logged Support Calls 3,947 Facilities and development/revision of Safety Setup of New Staff 43 Statements throughout the organisation. Internal Staff Moves >50

Other Key Achievements

 Provided ICT support to Cllrs and visitors  Upgrade of PCs from Windows 7 to Windows 10  Networked new offices in Summerhill  Networked new Fire Station in Ballinamore

 Provided ICT services for Local Elections

In 2019 both the number of social media followers and the visits to the Local Authority website increased. This can be attributed to an active engagement by the Local Authority with social media platforms and that 2019 was a local election year

ICT Budget The overall cost of ICT as a proportion of the Revenue Budget has increased in 2019 due primarily to the extensive upgrading of our data centre infrastructure.

Health and Safety

As we strive for continuous improvement in our robust Safety Management System all the while

Leitrim County Council Annual Report 2019 45

Appendix 1 – Statement of Income And Expenditure At Year End 31st December 2019

** Unaudited figures subjected to change

Leitrim County Council Annual Report 2019 46

Appendix 2 - Statement of Financial Position (Balance Sheet) At 31st December 2019

** Unaudited figures subjected to change

Leitrim County Council Annual Report 2019 47

Appendix 3 - Committee Memberships

Following the Annual Meeting of Leitrim County Council on 7th June 2019, this is a list committees that Leitrim County Council elected members are part of.

Northern and Western Regional Assembly Councillor Justin Warnock Councillor Enda McGloin Association of Irish Local Government The Association of Irish Local Government will be voting delegates at the Annual Conference and will also be the permanent delegates to the Standing Policy of the Association of Irish Local Government for the full five year term Councillor Frank Dolan Councillor Ita Reynolds Flynn Councillor Thomas Mulligan Local Authority Members Association Councillor Sean McGowan PEACE IV Partnership Councillor Sean McGowan Councillor Mary Bohan Councillor Sean McDermott Leitrim County Enterprise Fund Limited Councillor Frank Dolan Councillor Justin Warnock Irish Central Border Areas Network Councillor Sean McDermott Councillor Paddy O’Rourke The Cathaoirleach is an ex-officio member Irish Public Bodies Mutual Insurances Limited Councillor Mary Bohan Local Traveller Accommodation Consultative Committee Councillor Finola Armstrong McGuire Councillor Paddy Farrell Councillor Enda Stenson Councillor Thomas Mulligan Councillor Ita Reynolds Flynn Councillor Gerry Dolan Regional Drugs Task Force Councillor Finola Armstrong McGuire Mayo, Sligo and Leitrim Training Board Councillor Mary Bohan Councillor Paddy O’Rourke Councillor Enda Stenson Local Community Development Committee Councillor Felim Gurn Councillor Thomas Mulligan Councillor Paddy Farrell Governing Body of The NUI Galway Councillor John McCartin Library Advisory Committee All Members Regional Health Forum Councillor Paddy Farrell Councillor Felim Gurn Councillor Finola Armstrong-McGuire County Leitrim Local Sports Partnership Councillor Enda Stenson Councillor Sean McGowan Councillor Finola Armstrong McGuire Audit Committee Councillor Paddy O’Rourke Councillor Enda McGloin Leitrim Joint Policing Committee

Leitrim County Council Annual Report 2019 48

Councillor Sean McDermott Councillor Enda Stenson Councillor Finola Armstrong-McGuire Councillor Mary Bohan Councillor Enda McGloin Councillor Paddy Farrell Councillor Thomas Mulligan Councillor Gerry Dolan Councillor Justin Warnock Councillor Padraig Fallon Councillor Sean McGowan Councillor Brendan Barry Councillor Felim Gurn Heritage Forum Municipal District Councillor Date Appointed Ballinamore Paddy O’Rourke 14th June 2019 Ita Reynolds Flynn Carrick-on-Shannon Sean McGowan 14th June 2019 Finola Armstrong McGuire Manorhamilton Sean McDermott 17th June 2019 Felim Gurn Centenary Committee Councillor Ita Reynolds Flynn Councillor Brendan Barry Councillor Paddy O’Rourke Peace IV Committee Municipal District Councillor Ballinamore Gerry Dolan Carrick on Shannon Enda Stenson Manorhamilton Justin Warnock

Leitrim County Council Annual Report 2019 49

Appendix 4 - Conferences/ Seminars Attended By The Elected Members

Below is the number of Conferences/Seminars attended by Elected Members in 2019. No conferences/seminars were attended during the following months - February, March, April, May, August and November 2019.

# Members Month Details of the Conference/Seminar Location Attended Celtic Conferences -Retirement Entitlements and Taxation January Cork 1 Benefits for Councillors June Sean MacDiarmada Summer School 2019 Leitrim 6 July McGill Summer School Donegal 1 September La Touche Legacy Seminar 6th Festival of History Wicklow 1 October Celtic Conferences - À Practical Guide to Budget 2020 Louth 3 October Celtic Conferences -Ireland and Plastic Waste Cork 3 December Celtic Conferences -First Time Home Buyers Incentives Louth 1

Appendix 5 -Training Events Attended By The Elected Members

Below is the number of training events attended by Elected Members during in 2019. No Training Events were attended by Elected Members in April, May, June August and December 2019.

# Members Month Details of Training Events Location Attended Association of Irish Local Government (Draft Regional Spatial & Economic January Roscommon 3 Strategies) Association of Irish Local Government Conference 2019 (120 Years of Irish February Longford 5 Local Government 1899 -2019) March LAMA 2019 Spring Seminar Training (Councilors Promotions through Media) Leitrim 10 March Association of Irish Local Government (The Marine Spatial Planning) Wicklow 3 Association of Irish Local Government ( Induction Training for Elected July Westmeath 11 Members) Association of Irish Local Government (Induction Training for Elected July Tipperary 1 Members) Association of Irish Local Government (Climate Change and Planning, New September Monaghan 13 Challenges for Local Authorities) October Association of Irish Local Government (The Planning Process, the Elected Limerick 1 Member and the Office of the Planning Regulator) Association of Irish Local Government (The Planning Process, the Elected October Louth 6 Member and the Office of the Planning Regulator) October LAMA 2019 Autumn Training Seminar (Biodiversity & Sustainability ) Clare 7 Association of Irish Local Government (Climate Action, Local Authority November Westmeath 4 Response) Association of Irish Local Government (Climate Action, Local Authority November Cork 4 Response)

Leitrim County Council Annual Report 2019 50

Appendix 6 - Corporate Plan Annual Progress Report 2019

Corporate Plan National Ploughing - LEO supported one client to This report is being presented to the Council in attend the Enterprise Zone. accordance with the requirements of Section 134 of A number of Women in Business Networking Events the Local Government Act 2001 as amended. The took place during 2019. report sets out in summary fashion progress made in In 2019, under the WISE Programme, of which Leitrim relation to commitments set down in the Council’s County Council was the Irish partners, the LEO Office Corporate Plan for the period 2014-2019. The report co-ordinated 10 work placements of 4 weeks with specifically highlights the progress made during 2019 female led Irish businesses (of which 5 were in County and follows the same format as the Corporate Plan Leitrim) under the ERASMUS project. itself. LEO Leitrim successfully delivered the IBYE Programme in Leitrim and co-ordinated and hosted Economic Development the regional final for counties Longford, Sligo and Local Community Development Committee (LCDC) Donegal. LEO Leitrim successfully produced a beautiful, Leitrim LECP: The Local Community Development Committee Photography book, which was launched in October. (LCDC) and relevant SPC have continued the work of implementation during 2019. Brexit: A specific Brexit fund was allocated to the LEO SICAP: Year four of the Social Inclusion Community which has assisted in supporting SMEs to become Activation Programme (SICAP) through the LCDCs was Brexit ready along with various awareness events etc. completed. The annual action plan for 2020 has been considered by the LCDC and submitted to the Town Teams: Leitrim County Council continued to Department. engage with Town Teams. In this regard the Council LEADER: The LEADER Programme continued during have supported Ballinamore and Manorhamilton in 2019, supported by Leitrim Development Company as the development / update of town strategies, while implementing partner and Leitrim County Council as Mohill have also completed a town plan. financial partner. The LCDC was delighted to achieve the allocation of an additional €500,000 to the Purple Flag: The Council in close co operation with the Programme in late 2019. Chamber of Commerce applied for and successfully The LCDC also had an oversight role in relation to the retained purple flag status for Carrick on Shannon, PEACE Programme, Healthy Ireland Programme and during 2019. the Community Enhancement Programme. Business Diaspora Engagement: The preparation of a Diaspora Strategy was completed in 2019, while Enterprise Development preliminary work has commenced on the The Local Enterprise Office (LEO) were engaged in the implementation of same. following initiatives: HLAG: The High Level Advisory Group met during Support Micro Enterprise Sector: In 2019 the LEO 2019 and provided support and engagement with supported the Micro Enterprise sector with grant Leitrim connected people in Ireland and abroad. supports as well as training and mentoring. In 2019 the LEO Office rolled out a series of Brexit SECURE: SECURE has been a 3 year (2016 – 2019) supports including Brexit breakfast, Brexit mentoring, transnational project to help build the capacity of Brexit Scorecard and Customs Export and Import partner organisations to deploy successful energy Procedures. efficiency and renewable energy technologies and solutions in housing and public infrastructure. This Enterprise Education: The Student Enterprise Awards project was successfully completed during 2019. were delivered during 2019 at both national and Tourism: Further development of Angling Tourism secondary school level. Project including additional workshop and capacity building with trade Enterprise Promotion: LEO delivered a successful Ongoing work on the visitor Blueway experience with week long Programme of events during National Waterways Ireland Enterprise Week in March. Sponsorship of international journalists visiting Ireland LEO supported the Leitrim Business Network in the to promote angling in the USEFE region delivery of four networking events during 2019. Preparation of a regional pike angling competition

51 Leitrim County Council Annual Report, 2019 Sponsorship for attendance at international trade In 2019, Leitrim County Council supported priority shows investment areas in tourism based upon an open call for projects under the General Municipal Allocation. Renewable Energy: Stakeholder Event with Sustainable Energy Communities. Completion of Leitrim County Council continued the development of Biomass Supply Chain project application with IT Sligo. the Slow Adventure Tourism concept during 2019. Submission of Energy Master plan project application to SEAI In 2019 Leitrim County Council supported the development of the Hidden Heartlands brand Diaspora: Implementation and roll out of Diaspora proposition, which overlaps in a collaborative manner Strategies and regional action plan. Organisation of a with the Wild Atlantic brand proposition. regional Jobs Fair, to attract the Diaspora back to the region Recreation and Amenity Leitrim County Council has worked actively with Regional Enterprise Development Fund: Ongoing Community Groups, Town Teams and various work on the implementation of LoCaL Digital and stakeholders in the pursuit of funding and delivery of Innovation Network project under the fund key projects for the County under the Town and ‘Enterprise Through Energy’ submitted under Stream Village Schemes, The Clár Programme, Rural 2 of the REDF Recreation. The Council will continue to prioritise the development of recreation and amenity infrastructure ‘Enterprise Through Energy’’ feasibility study funding within the County as a means to support economic submitted under the fund development and in particular, support the ongoing development of our tourism product. Digital Strategies Working with County partners for the development of Infrastructural Development digital strategies Major Capital Projects Networking Digital Agenda Breakfast Briefing held Leitrim County Council established a Capital Projects with businesses across the region with address from Office in mid-2019 to prioritise the delivery of the Minister of State for Natural Resources, Community Strategic Capital Investment Programme 2020 – 2025. Affairs and Digital Development The Capital Projects Office (CPO) have progressed the following projects in 2019: Tourism Flood Relief Schemes Leitrim County Council continued to invest in the Carrick on Shannon Flood Relief Scheme – Consulting promotion of County Leitrim as a tourism destination Engineers will commence design of the project in late during 2019, in collaboration with key partners such 2019. as Waterways Ireland, Fáilte Ireland, and Inland Leitrim Village Flood Relief Scheme – The tender Fisheries Ireland. The following promotional events process is currently ongoing in collaboration with the were delivered during the year to date: OPW for the appointment of Consulting Engineers to  Attendance at holiday show - Dublin commence project design.  Carrying out advertising campaigns through social Mohill Flood Relief Scheme – This will run in parallel media with Leitrim Village above.  Hosting of media and tour operator visits to the County Carrick on Shannon Public Regeneration Scheme  Support the operation of the Carrick on Shannon The Capital Office are facilitating the detailed design Tourist Office in conjunction with Fáilte Ireland phase of this project which will include 4 construction  Support the information units at Knock Airport, contracts. Design stage is at completion with Glencar and Ballinamore tendering commenced for the delivery of the majority  of the scheme in 2020. In 2019, the Council continued to update and promote Leitrim Tourism through enjoyleitrim.com. Manorhamilton Public Realm Scheme The procurement process was commenced in 2019 for the design phase of the project with a detailed

52 Leitrim County Council Annual Report, 2019 funding application submitted to the Rural preparation for takeover by Irish Water and await Regeneration Development Fund. announcement of

SLNCR Water Services The Capital Office continued in 2019 to support the Leitrim County Council continued to work with Irish development of demonstration stretches along this Water within the existing Service Level Agreement route in collaboration with local community action framework during 2019. The following schemes were groups. progressed: North Leitrim Regional Water Supply Scheme Phase Drumshanbo Blueway 11 construction is now complete. The plant is been The extension of the Blueway from Acres Lake to the operated by the Contractor for a period of 12 months. Drumshanbo Canal has been progressed to Manorhamilton and Mohill Wastewater Treatment construction in 2019. Plant will be completed by year end after which the Contractor will operate for a period of 12 months. Roads, Transportation and Safety Works have been substantially completed on the The 2019 roads Programme was agreed by the upgrade of 4 no wastewater treatment plants during Municipal Districts and rolled out. In addition funding 2019, namely Drumshanbo, Leitrim Village, Carrigallen was also received for Local Improvement Schemes and Ballinamore. (LIS) and Community Involvement Schemes (CIS). The Water main Refurbishment: Works are substantially allocation delivered 12 LIS schemes, while 19 CIS complete on the replacement of 2.3km of water main schemes were supported. at Ballinamore, while 1.25km of cast-iron main has been replaced at Glebe St, Mohill. N4 Carrick on Shannon to Dromod By-Pass. The Find and Fix: Works on the Carrick area will be Regional Design Office (RDO) have commenced completed in late 2019. preparation of the tender process for the appointment of Consultancy Services to facilitate the High Quality Sustainable Living progression of the overall scheme. Environment

N16 realignment scheme at Drummahan. Works on Environment the advanced earthworks contract are ongoing with In 2019, the Environment Department continued to anticipated completion by year end. carry out all inspections as required under the Work in 2019 has been ongoing on the following new Recommended Minimum Criteria for Environmental overlay schemes: Inspections (RMCEI) as approved by the N4 Carrick on Shannon - Completed Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) including farm N4 Jamestown Drumsna - Due to commence surveys, waste water discharge licenses and Domestic N16 Manorhamilton - Commenced Waste Water Treatment System inspections under the

EPA National Inspection Plan. The Council continued to support the Tidy Towns

Committees across the County with financial support National Inspection Programme: Leitrim County through the GMA and assistance from the area Council carried out 25 inspections on domestic structures on an ongoing basis. wastewater treatment systems in line with the EPA The County Leitrim Road Safety Plan 2016 – 2020 was National Inspection Plan 2018 – 2021. published in 2016. The Road Safety Working Together

Group continued to meet in 2019. In 2019, the WERLA delivered priority actions in the

following areas: Rural Water Programme  Enforcement of Household Waste Management A new Multi Annual Rural Water Programme has been Legislation announced commencing in late 2019 for the period 2019 – 2021. Leitrim County Council has made  Waste Tyres detailed funding submissions in this regard. The  End of life vehicles multiannual Programme for the County was  Illegal dumping activities in particular the dumping announced recently with approval received to a value of construction and demolition waste and fly €2.13m for works to 18 schemes and approval for tipping works to a further 27 schemes in relation to  Packaging, with a focus on very large operators

53 Leitrim County Council Annual Report, 2019 In 2019, Leitrim County Council worked in Work continued on the development of a Cross collaboration with LAWCO on River Basin Border Mapping Platform by the Cross Border Management Planning with ongoing public Emergency Management Group to map emergency engagement and participation in the making and management resources required by all stakeholders application of the River Basin Management Plans and during a major emergency. Programme of Measures. The Erasmus+ project for the development of a fire In September 2019, Leitrim County Council adopted a safety education Programme for second level schools Climate Change Adaptation Strategy for the County. in Europe continued during 2019, with the launch by Minister Eoghan Murphy of the pilot phase of the Planning & Sustainable Development BFireSafe@School Programme in the Customs House Work was delayed in 2019 on the commencement of in August 2019. a new County Development Plan, pending the completion of the Regional Spatial and Economic Civil Defence Strategy. However significant preparatory work was Leitrim Civil Defence participated in a number of completed during the year. search and recovery activities during 2019, in collaboration with other state agencies. The Council continued to focus on unfinished housing Leitrim Civil Defence continued to roll out training developments during 2019, with a total of 37 Estates nationally to counties who are using the sonar system taken in charge during 2019. for water based searches as developed by Leitrim Civil Defence. Leitrim County Council have progressed the development of a new Heritage Plan during 2019. The In line with the Civil Defence National plan to increase pre planning process continued in 2019. drone team coverage, Leitrim Civil Defence have successfully trained a drone team to support Civil In 2019 to date, the Planning Department have Defence activities within the County. received 70 requests for pre planning advice with 42 meetings facilitated to discuss pre planning where In 2019, Leitrim Civil defence nominated a Volunteer necessary. who underwent training as a search dog handler. Leitrim Civil Defence continued to support the In 2019 to date, Leitrim County Council has received Environmental Section in lake water sampling in 158 valid planning applications of which 21 were conjunction with EPA. considered commercial development proposals with a further 9 relating to forestry entrances Quality Housing In terms of meeting housing needs the Council The Planning Department also dealt with 4 Part 8 continued to address the housing need of approved Public Consultation applications, 2 of which relates to housing applicants on the Housing Waiting List. In projects for which applications were subsequently 2019, 63 new tenancies were created in standard local made for Ballinamore and Manorhamilton under the authority accommodation, this figure is inclusive of 8 Rural Regeneration and Development Fund Scheme transfers and 9 RAS/SHLI contracts which were 2019. negotiated. 254 households were in receipt of HAP payments. Emergency Services The Statutory Assessment of Housing Need was Fire Service completed in June 2019, which required a detailed In 2019 progress was achieved in the following areas: review of all approved housing applicants. On Leitrim Fire Service took delivery of two new 4x4 completion of the detailed assessment the net need vehicles in September 2019 identified was 189 households deemed qualified for and in need of social housing support. The Consulting Engineers were appointed to progress the implementation of the Leitrim Housing & Disability planning stage for the development of a new fire Strategic Plan for Housing People with a Disability plan station in Manorhamilton. was progressed in 2019 with new Committee membership being sought and initiated. Work was completed to extend the fire station in Drumshanbo. 54 Leitrim County Council Annual Report, 2019 Under the Traveller Accommodation Programme 2014 social houses at Summerhill, Carrick on Shannon was to 2018 the target for delivery has been set at a total also awarded in September 2019. 46 outputs over the life-time of the Programme. 56 Partnership with Approved Housing Bodies (AHB): outputs were achieved to end of June 2019 which Tuath Housing in partnership with Leitrim County equates to 118 % delivery rate. The Local Traveller Council delivered 10 Social Housing Units at Cnoc an Accommodation Consultative Committee met in 2019 Luir in Drumshanbo during 2019. and monitored the implementation of the Traveller Accommodation Programme and other matters Vacant Homes arising. The new TAP 2019-2024 was formally There was a renewed emphasis by the Vacant Homes adopted on 2nd September 2019 and sets a target of Officer in identifying vacant homes that can be 25 outputs over the life-time of the Programme. brought back into productive use through the Buy and Renew or the Repair & Lease schemes. In 2019 the Housing Department continued to secure exchequer funding to facilitate improvement and re- An Inclusive County instatement works as follows: A Peace and Reconciliation Programme of € 1.8  Casual Vacancies (including Voids): Leitrim County million has been agreed for implementation in County Council continued to invest in the social housing Leitrim over the period 2018 - 2020. The Programme stock completing over 40 refurbishments of vacant has three themes; units. This included bringing back into use void  Children and Young People units based on funding from the Department of  Building Positive Relations Housing, Planning and Local Government.  Shared Spaces  Planned Maintenance Programme. Under the Council’s 2019 Planned Maintenance Programme, The Public Participation Network continues to grow a Programme for the installation and the during 2019 with 293 groups registered. The replacement of fire detection and carbon dedicated budget provides support to the monoxide detection devices was completed. Representatives and Member groups, developing capacity and enabling participation in policy matters. In 2019, works have been substantially completed on the following grant approvals: Comhairle na Nóg Liatroma continues to enjoy the  18 Disabled Persons Grant applications support of all second level schools and youth clubs in  9 Housing Adaptation Grants for People with a Leitrim. They launched a ‘Use your Brain Not Your Disability Fist’ work book in late 2019 which highlights the  20 Housing Aid for Older People effects a serious assault. The theme for 2019 was  9 Mobility Aids Grants “understanding apprenticeships”

Housing Delivery Unit Leitrim Age Friendly Alliance and Older Persons A Housing Delivery Unit was established within the Council are working on the 2017-2020 Age Friendly Housing Section during 2019 with the remit of Strategy. Some of the key achievements in 2019 achieving the social housing delivery targets set by the included the development of walk-ability study and DHPLG under the Rebuilding Ireland strategy. The introduction of age friendly business scheme in following actions were delivered during the year: Mohill.

Acquisitions Pride of Place had applications from Fenagh in the Leitrim County Council purchased ten houses in 2019 Population Category, Drumkeerin friendship club in under the housing acquisition Programme all of which the age friendly initiative and Ballinamore Tourism in received minor upgrades / remedial works to ensure the community tourism initiative. high levels of energy efficiency and comfort. Further units were also purchased by Approved Housing Love Where you Live Awards were held in conjunction Bodies under the CALF funding stream during 2019. with the PPN. The awards received a large number of entries with 250 people attending the awards Capital Construction Programme ceremony in October. Sixteen new social housing units were delivered under two separate Turnkey projects at Knockmacrory, The Community Enhancement Programme Rooskey and Radharc an Bhaile, Drumshanbo during SUPPORTED OVER 100 Community groups and 2019. A contract for the construction of a further 27 sporting organizations DURING 2019. 55 Leitrim County Council Annual Report, 2019 with 60 new artists joining this year bringing current The Traveller Interagency Group met quarterly in membership to 350 artists. 2019 and action plans are in place for three core groups; Education, Accommodation and Health. The SPARK Programme in partnership with Leitrim LEO fosters collaboration between artists and Sports and Recreation businesses, and this year included Merenda as well as The Council’s sport, recreation and community Image Skillnet and Leitrim Organic Farmers department continued to deliver, in conjunction with Cooperative in Drumshanbo and FitKicks in Mohill. the Leitrim Sport Partnership, an ever expanding range of sports and recreational activities and The Glens Centre and Leitrim Sculpture Centre remain participation initiatives to the local and disadvantaged vital elements of the cultural infrastructure to North communities with particular emphasis on low Leitrim. Leitrim County Council work closely with both participation group in partnership with key venues as well as working with the Cornmill Theatre in shareholders and partners. The Sports Partnership Carrigallen and Solas Gallery in Ballinamore. delivered many multi sport participation initiatives to primary, secondary schools, local communities, local Culture Night continues as a valuable platform for sports clubs, disabilities groups and specific target venues throughout the County to build their audience groups throughout Leitrim. and to provide opportunities for people to try something new. The LSP secured funding through Sport Ireland Two of Ireland’s best-loved authors, Marian Keyes and Dormant accounts fund for capital and Programme Michael Harding, were special guests at this year’s funding for a Community Sports and physical activity Iron Mountain Festival. They were joined by Professor hub in Manorhamilton, Urban Outdoor Adventure Luke Gibbons who gave the inaugural John McGahern Initiative (Horse Riding and Animal Welfare Lecture and celebrated actor Adrian Dunbar. Programme), Youth Leadership and Sports Inclusion The Arts Office is a key partner in Leitrim Dance Disability Capital Project and this funding along with Project which invites leading national and Sport Ireland core funding, and healthy Ireland international dancers to Leitrim to provide funding is a welcome investment to Leitrim Sports professional development training for dancers from Partnership and sport and physical activity in Leitrim. Leitrim, elsewhere in Ireland and internationally. Children and Young People. Membership of Youth Arts Theatre grows each year, far exceeding the national In 2019 Leitrim County Council published its Arts Plan average, with five groups in Carrigallen including for the period 2019-2022 with a mission “to nurture Bright Sparks, a group specifically for children with and foster the arts in all its diversity; to embrace and additional needs, while there are three groups at full welcome new ideas; to create the conditions to help capacity in Carrick on Shannon and two in turn those ideas into reality; and to embed the arts Manorhamilton. and creativity into all aspects of the social, economic Leitrim County Council is a founder and key partner in and cultural life of Leitrim.” The plan has three Music Generation Leitrim, which is led by MSLETB. priorities - Community Engagement, Professional The project is part of Music Generation - Ireland’s Development and Children & Young People. national music education Programme. Each year The Dock welcomes over 40,000 visitors with over 20,000 people attending 2,300 Library performances, workshops and other activities In 2019 Leitrim Library Service was at the heart of annually. Investment in the centre helped ensure that communities focussing on its 3 strategic Programmes it could be sustained as the cornerstone of the Reading and Literacy Development, Learning and County’s cultural infrastructure. Information and Community and Culture. Library staff worked to support community life and individual self- Creative Ireland In addition to one day Programme of development by offering a wide range of resources events for children - Cruinniú na nÓg - the council and services for work, leisure, learning and creativity, managed 19 medium and long-term projects with online and in-library. There was a particular emphasis communities all over the County including Mens this year on working with new communities within the Sheds, Intercultural Groups and Arts Centres. County, in particular the Syrian Community. Creative Frame supports professional and emerging practitioners from all performing and visual arts and The Library Services worked on implementing the 4 design disciplines. Membership continues to grow strategic objectives of the national public library 56 Leitrim County Council Annual Report, 2019 strategy ‘Our Public Libraries 2022 – Inspiring, March 2019 in Carrick-on-Shannon with the theme of Connecting and Empowering Communities’ by ‘Community Engagement and Policing”. spreading information and literacy skills, promoting the library service as a key community resource, Local Elections were held on the 24th May 2019 and seeking to increase library membership and usage by the first meeting of the new Council took place on 6 individuals and communities and continuing June 2019. investment in upgrading technology and facilities. A new Strategic Policy Committee Scheme was also adopted following the Local Elections with the new Continued the promotion of the Healthy Ireland at SPC’s, which will be established early in 2020, your Library initiative across the library network by reconfigured as follows: Planning, Economic increasing the core collection of health-related book- Development and Infrastructure SPC; Housing stock and organisation of a wide-ranging Programme Community and Culture SPC and Environment, of events, presentations and workshops in each of the Climate Action and Agriculture SPC. branch libraries. Staff Learning & Development Rolled out the 4 initiatives under the Right To Read The workforce planning process has continued Programme, Spring into Storytime, Summer Stars, throughout 2019 with a view to streamlining Children’s Book Festival and Family Time at your operational processes and to assist in making the best Library and continued to promote library services to use of available staff resources. Recruitment activity Primary and Second-Level schools around the County. continued to be significant in 2019 with 41 competitions interviewed and a further 10 Progressed the Work Matters at your Library competitions advertised and currently at various Programme by engaging with local partners and stages of processing. A total of 54 new staff advancing the joint protocol with MSLETB. commenced work with Leitrim County Council during the year, on a mix of permanent and temporary Implemented the upgrading of ICT services and contracts, with a further 12 existing staff having extended wifi facilities to include 2 of our smaller secured permanent appointments and/or promotion. branch libraries. The Performance Management and Development Offered a varied cultural Programme which included System (PMDS) for staff continued to be closely linked readings, performances and exhibitions. This was to the Annual Service Delivery Plan as adopted by the supported and enhanced by Leitrim County Council’s Members, and the associated Departmental Team Culture and Creativity Strategy and Decade of Plans, in 2019. A comprehensive Learning and Commemoration Programme. Development Programme was implemented in 2019 which is complemented by the Staff Education Maximising Operational and Scheme, providing support to staff members pursuing Organisational Capacity further education opportunities. The staff mentoring Programme continued and a new Employee

Assistance Programme was also procured and rolled Supporting the Elected Member out during 2019. The three Municipal Districts of Ballinamore, Carrick- on-Shannon and Manorhamilton continued to operate The Service Level Agreement with the Local Authority in 2019 and held monthly meetings and they also Shared Payroll & Superannuation Centre in Portlaoise adopted the General Municipal Allocation for – MyPay – continued to operate successfully during Municipal District Works. Regular meetings of the 2019. Economic Development, Enterprise and Planning SPC;

Housing Policy, Social and Cultural Development SPC Health and Safety and Environmental, Transportation and Infrastructural Leitrim County Council continues to implement a Policy SPC took place throughout 2019 and a number robust Safety Management System spanning all areas of policy matters were progressed and brought to the of the organisation. The delivery of the safety full Council for adoption. The Joint Policing message is channeled through our new online facility Committee also met in 2019 and progressed actions enabling current staff members to complete safety included in the Joint Policing Committee Strategic information sessions at a time convenient to their Plan. A public meeting of the JPC was also held in schedule. New entrants complete their briefing prior to their start date ensuring possession of an overall 57 Leitrim County Council Annual Report, 2019 knowledge of our safety culture from day one. The quality services to all our customers and work with all focus in 2019 was on Plant and Equipment Safety, stakeholders in order to develop County Leitrim as a which involved the up skilling of internal staff and vibrant and attractive County for people to live, work, influencing a better service from Plant Hire invest and visit Companies through various communication channels. Non-conformances as a result of safety inspections Yours sincerely, Lar Power continue to reduce demonstrating our commitment to Chief Executive strive for continuous improvement. The Wellbeing aspect of 2019 focused on Bowel Screening which proved to be a very popular initiative.

Managing Risk & Resources Leitrim County Council continued to adopt a prudent approach to expenditure during 2019, resulting in the delivery of services within budget. Leitrim County Council has prepared a Corporate Risk Register in collaboration with the Audit Committee and each Directorate within the Local Authority. The Audit Committee has an advisory role in promoting good accounting practices and improving the focus on value for money throughout the organisation. In this regard, the Committee provided oversight to the ongoing activities of the Internal Audit function during 2019.

Quality Customer Services In 2019, the Quality Assurance Group continued their role in the review of the National and Local Performance Indicators. All data was compiled, validated and submitted to the LGMA in advance of the deadline for submission of data on the National Performance Indicators in April, 2019. The extended Quality Assurance Group and the Management Team also met to review and analyse the data relating to the National & Local Performance Indicators for 2019.

The Social Media Group continued to ensure maximum use of the Council’s social media accounts on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, promoting the wide range of activities occurring across all service areas. The number of followers on the Council’s social media channels continues to grow.

Conclusion The foregoing achievements were made possible through the combined efforts of the Elected Members and Staff of this Authority and, as the Council reaches the end of the implementation period for the Corporate Plan 2014 - 2019, I wish to sincerely thank the Members – current and former – and Staff for their efforts and support in achieving very considerable progress over the period of this Plan notwithstanding the extremely challenging operating environment. I look forward to similar progress being made in the context of the new Corporate Plan for the period 2019-2024 as we continue to to deliver high 58 Leitrim County Council Annual Report, 2019 Appendix 7 Local Elections 2019 Expenditure and Donations in respect of each Candidate

Local Authorities are required in their Annual Report for 2019 to include the aggregate details of election expenditure in respect of each candidate, designated person and third Party, as well as details of donations exceeding €600

Total Expenditure Name 2019 Donations Exceeding €600 € Brendan Barry 1,781.00 None Caillian Eillis 1,065.80 None Caroline Mulvey 1,325.00 None Denis O’Brien 293.61 None Enda McGloin 3,496.55 None Gerry Dolan 2,970.00 None Ita Reynolds-Flynn 2,825.00 None Oisin O’Dwyer 379.79 None Paddy O’Rourke 4,631.00 None Pat Gilhooley 2,334.32 None Sean Wynne 1,250.00 None Denis O’Brien 1,055.19 None Des Guckian 400.00 None Enda Stenson 750.00 None Finola Armstrong-McGuire 2,104.95 None Fintan Cox 3,678.93 None Leslie O’Hora 1,814.34 None Paddy Farrell 3,000.00 None Seadhna Logan 1,721.00 None Sean McGowan 5,019.89 None Thomas Mulligan 2,800.00 None Yvonne Hollidge 3,583.36 None Blaithin Gallagher 1,582.00 None Felim Gurn 2,581.63 None Frank Dolan 4,041.00 None Jamie Murphy Nil None John Joe Dowdican 4,050.00 None Justin Warnock 1,871.47 None Mary Bohan 6,606.00 None Padraig Fallon 2,914.60 None Sean McDermott 2,648.75 None

59 Leitrim County Council Annual Report, 2019 Appendix 8 – National Performance Indicators 2018

Topic Indicator Value H HOUSING H1 Social Housing Stock

A # of dwellings in the ownership of Local Authority at 1st January 939 B # of dwellings constructed (B1) or purchased (B2) during year 23 C # Local Authority dwellings sold in year 10 D # Local Authority dwellings demolished in year 0 E # dwellings in the ownership of Local Authority at 31st December 952 # Local Authority owned dwellings planned for demolition under Dept. HPLG approved F 0 scheme H2 Housing Voids

A % of the total # Local Authority owned dwellings that were vacant at year end 4.50% B # dwellings within the overall stock that were not tenanted at year-end 43 H4 Housing Maintenance Cost

€1,424.95 per Expenditure during year on the maintenance of Local Authority Housing, divided by the # A unit based on dwellings in the Local Authority stock at year end 952 units Expenditure on maintenance of Local Authority stock compiled for this year, including planned maintenance and expenditure that qualified for grants, such as SEAI grants for B energy efficient retro-fitting works or the Fabric Upgrade Programme but excluding €1,356,553.19 expenditure on vacant properties and expenditure under approved major refurbishment schemes (i.e. approved Regeneration or under the Remedial Works Schemes) H3 Average Re-letting Time and Cost

Time taken from the date of vacation of dwelling to the date in year when the dwelling is A 43 re-tenanted, averaged across all dwellings re-let in year The cost expended on getting the dwellings re-tenanted in year ready for re-letting, B €14,025.93 averaged across all dwellings re-let in year # dwellings that were re-tenanted on any date in year (but excluding all those that had C been vacant due to an estate-wide refurbishment scheme). Date of re-tenanting is the 43 date the keys have been issued to the tenant # weeks from the date of vacation to the date the dwelling is re-tenanted. (Date of D 43 vacation is the date the keys are handed back) Total expenditure on works necessary to enable re-letting of the dwelling using direct cost E €640,803.14 calculations (see explanatory notes) H5 Private Rented Sector Inspections

A # registered tenancies in the Local Authority area at the end of June 2017 1,687 B # of rented dwellings inspected 175 C % of inspected dwellings that were found not be compliant with the Standards Regulations 82.86% D # of non-compliant dwellings that became compliant during the year 29 # of rented dwellings that were the subject of at least one inspection for compliance with E the Regulations applicable to private rented accommodation that was carried out in the 132 year # of dwellings inspected in during the year that were found not to be compliant with the F 145 Housing (Standards for Rented Houses) Regulations # of dwellings, that had been found not to be compliant with the Standards Regulations at G an inspection in the year or previously, that were determined by the Council to have 175 become compliant during the year

60 Leitrim County Council Annual Report, 2019 H6 Long Term Homeless Adults

# of Adult individuals in emergency accommodation that are long-term (i.e. 6 months or more within the previous year) homeless as a % of the total # homeless adult individuals in 0

emergency accommodation at the end of year # of Adult individuals classified as homeless and in emergency accommodation on the 0 night of 31 December as recorded on the PASS system The number out of those individuals who, on 31st Dec, had been in emergency accommodation for 6 months continuously, or for 6 months cumulatively within the 0 previous 12 months

Topic Indicator Value R ROADS R1 Ratings in Pavement Surface Condition Index PSCI % Regional road kilometres that received a PSCI rating between 1/1/2017 and 31/12/2018 99.70%

% Local Primary road kilometres that received a PSCI rating between 1/1/2017 and 31/12/2018 74.70%

% Local Secondary road kilometres that received a PSCI rating between 1/1/2017 and 76.30% 31/12/2018 % Local Tertiary road kilometres that received a PSCI rating between 1/1/2013 and 85.40% 31/12/2018 % Total Regional Road kilometres with a PSCI rating 1-4 2.30%

% Total Regional Road kilometres with a PSCI rating of 5-6 24.40%

% Total Regional road kilometres with a PSCI rating of 7-8 20.70%

% Total of Regional road kilometres with a PSCI rating of 9-10 52.40%

% Total Primary Road kilometres with a PSCI rating of 1-4 2.10%

% Total Primary kilometres with a PSCI rating of 5-6 27.40%

% Total Primary kilometres with a PSCI rating of 7-8 41.50%

% Total Primary kilometres with a PSCI rating of 9-10 26.00%

% Total Secondary road kilometres with a PSCI rating of 1-4 4.90%

% Total Secondary road kilometres with a PSCI rating of 5-6 39.50%

% Total Secondary road kilometres with a PSCI rating of 7-8 35.60%

% Total Secondary road kilometres with a PSCI rating of 9-10 17.70%

% Total Tertiary road kilometres with a PSCI rating of 1-4 13.50%

% Total Tertiary road kilometres with a PSCI rating of 5-6 38.10%

% Total Tertiary road kilometres with a PSCI rating of 7-8 24.70%

% Total Tertiary road kilometres with a PSCI rating of 9-10 10.50%

R2 Regional Roads Grants Works Kilometres of regional roads strengthened during 2018 13.7km A Amount expended on that work €1,585,085 Kilometres of regional road resealed during 2018 5.858km B Amount expended on that work €259,785 Kilometres of local road (i.e. total of primary, secondary & tertiary) strengthened during 2018 89.9km C Amount expended on that work €3,938,458 Kilometres of local road resealed during 2018 45,655km D Amount expended on that work €850,201 R3 % of motor tax transactions conducted online Percentage of motor tax transactions which are dealt with online (i.e. transaction is processed A 62% and the tax disc is issued)

61 Leitrim County Council Annual Report, 2019 Topic Indicator Value W WATER SERVICES W1 Private Drinking Water Schemes A % of Private Drinking Water Schemes in compliance with statutory requirements 96.79%

Topic Indicator Value E ENVIRONMENT E1 Waste Management Services – Licensed Operator providing a 3 bin service # of households based on 2016 census who are situated in an area covered by a licensed A 8194 operation providing a 3 Bin Service at end of year B % of households within the Local Authority that the number at A represents (2016 Census) 66.00% E2 Pollution Complaint Cases Total # of pollution cases carried forward from previous year 68

A Total # of pollution complaint cases 522 B # of pollution cases closed during the year 470 C Total # of cases on hand at yearend 52 # of pollution cases in respect of complaint during the year 522

# of pollution cases where no investigation warranted or investigation finalised 0

# of pollution cases that arose in 2018 but not finalised 52

E3 Litter Pollution A % of area unpolluted by litter 27.80% B % of area slightly polluted by litter 72.20% C % of area moderately polluted by litter 0% D % of area significantly polluted by litter 0% E % of area grossly polluted by litter 0% E4 % of Schools Awarded Green Flag Status The % of schools that have been awarded green flag status 52.27%

Topic Indicator Value P PLANNING P1 New Buildings Inspected Buildings Inspected as a percentage of new buildings notified to the local authority 15.80%

Total # of new buildings notified to the Local Authority 19

# of new buildings notified to the Local Authority that were the subject of at least 1 inspection 3

P2 Number of Planning decisions confirmed by An Bord Pleanála A # of planning decisions subject of appeal to An Bord Pleanála determined by board in 2018 4 % of the determinations at A which confirmed (with or without variations) the decision made B 75% by the Local Authority C # of determinations confirming the Local Authority's decision with or without variation 3 P3 % of Planning Enforcement cases closed as resolved 50% % of Planning Enforcement cases closed as resolved (37 out of 74) A Total # of planning cases (as opposed to complaints) referred to or initiated by the local 68 authority in the period 1/1 to 31/12 that were investigated B Total # of cases that were closed during year 32 C % of cases at B that were dismissed under Section 152 (2), Planning and Development Act 37.5% 2000 D % of the cases at B that were resolved to the Local Authority’s satisfaction through 59.4% negotiations E Of the cases at B that were closed due to enforcement proceedings 3.1%

62 Leitrim County Council Annual Report, 2019 F Total # of planning cases being investigated as at year end 60 P4 Cost per Capita of the Planning Service The Annual Financial Statement (AFS) Programme D data divided by the population of the A 30.88 Local Authority area per the 2016 Census. P5 % of Fire Safety Certificates processed. % of applications for fire safety certificates received in the year that were decided (granted or A 70.97% refused) within two months of their receipt % of applications for fire safety certificates received in the year that were decided (granted or B 12.90% refused) within an extended period agreed with the applicant Total # of applications for fire safety certificates received in the year that was not withdrawn 31 by the applicant. Total # of applications for fire safety certificates received in the year that were decided 22 (granted or refused) within two months of the date of receipt of the application # of applications for fire safety certificates received in the year that were decided (granted or 4 refused) within an agreed extended time period

Topic Indicator Value F FIRE SERVICES F1 Cost per Capita of the Fire Service The Annual Financial Statement (AFS) Programme E data expenditure divided by the A population of the Local Authority area per the 2016 Census figures for the population served 67.56 by the fire authority as per the Risk Based Approach Phase One Reports B Programme E data €2,164,886 The population of the Local Authority area per the 2016 Census figures for the population C 32,044 served by the fire authority as per the Risk Based Approach Phase One Reports. F2 Service Mobilisation Average time taken, in minutes, to mobilise fire brigades in Part-Time Stations (Retained Fire B 4.79 mins Service) in respect of fire Average time taken, in minutes, to mobilise fire brigades in Part-Time Stations (Retained Fire D 3.96 mins Service) in respect of all other (non-fire) emergency incidents F3 Percentage of Attendances at Scenes A % of cases in respect of fire in which first attendance at the scene is within 10 min 44.90% B % of cases in respect of fire in which first attendance at the scene is >10 min but <20 min 38.78% C % of cases in respect of fire in which first attendance at the scene is >20 minutes 16.33% % of cases in respect of all other emergency incidents in which first attendance at the scene is D 41.18% within 10 minutes % of cases in respect of all other emergency incidents in which first attendance at the scene is E 41.91% >10 min, <20 min % of cases in respect of all other emergency incidents in which first attendance at the scene is F 16.91% >20 minutes Total # of call-outs in respect of fires in 2018 98

- # of these fire cases where first fire tender attendance at the scene is within 10 minutes 44

- # of these fire cases in which first fire tender attendance at scene is >10 & <20 min 38

- # of these fire cases in which first fire tender attendance at the scene is >20 minutes 16

- Total # of call-outs in respect of all other emergency incidents (i.e. excluding fire) for 2018 136

- #of these non-fire cases in which first fire tender attendance at the scene is within 10 min 56

- #of these non-fire cases, where first fire tender attendance at the scene is >10 & <20 min 57

- # of these non-fire cases in which first fire tender attendance at the scene is >20 minutes 23

Topic Indicator Value L LIBRARY

63 Leitrim County Council Annual Report, 2019 L1 Library Visits and Issues A % of Library Visits per head of population 4.65 B # of items issued to borrowers during the year 75,925 C # of library visits during the year 149,023 D # of items issued to library borrowers during the year 75,925 L2 Cost of operating a Library Service The Annual Financial Statement (AFS) Programme F data divided by 1,000 population of A 44.67 the Local Authority area per the 2016 Census B AFS Programme F data €1,431,294.10 C 2016 Census Figure 32044

Topic Indicator Value Y YOUTH AND COMMUNITY Y1 Participation in Comhairle na nÓg Scheme % of local schools and youth groups involved in the local Youth Council/ Comhairle 100 % of Schools & A na nÓg scheme 9.5 % of Youth Clubs Total # of second level schools in The Local Authority area at year end 7

# of second level schools in the Local Authority area from which representatives 6 attended the local Comhairle na nÓg AGM held in 2018 Y2 Groups associated with the Public Participation Network 29.4% part of Social # of organisations included in the County Register at year end & the proportion of A Inclusion Pillar (262 those organisations that opted to be part of the Social Inclusion College with PPN Registered) Total # of registered organisations that opted to join the Social Inclusion Electoral 8 College when registering for the PPN in the year Total # of those organisations that registered for the first time this year 48

# of organisations included in the County Register and the proportion who opted 77 to be part of the Social Inclusion College within the PPN

Topic Indicator Value C CORPORATE SERVICES C1 Total Number of WTEs The whole time equivalent staffing number as at year end (consistent with figures provided to 258.7 D/ECLG by way of staffing returns for yearend) C2 Working Days lost to Sickness A % of paid working days lost to sickness absence through medically certified leave 3.12% B % of paid working days lost to sickness absence through self-certified leave 0.29% C # of working days lost to sickness absence through medically certified leave 1868.1 D # of working days lost to sickness absence through self-certified leave 172.7 # of unpaid working days lost to sickness absence included within the total of medically E 49.1 certified sick leave days # of unpaid working days lost to sickness absence included within the total of self-certified F 1 sick leave days C3 Total page views of the Local Authority website Total page views of the Local Authority website 345,891

Total number of social media followers following the Local Authority on social media sites 8,064

C4 Overall cost of ICT provision per WTE A All ICT Expenditure in the period divided by the WTW at C1 €3,890 B Revenue Expenditure 1,006,449 C Whole time equivalent 258.7

64 Leitrim County Council Annual Report, 2019 All ICT expenditure calculated in C4 as a proportion of Revenue Expenditure 2.6124%

Topic Indicator Value M FINANCE M1 5 Year summary of Revenue Account balance A The cumulative surplus/deficit balance at 31/12/2014 -€1,426,331 B The cumulative surplus/deficit balance at 31/12/2015 -€1,324,122 C The cumulative surplus/deficit balance at 31/12/2016 -€266,479 D The cumulative surplus/deficit balance at 31/12/2017 -€264,105 E The cumulative surplus/deficit balance at 31/12/2018 -€260,640 The cumulative surplus or deficit at 31/12/2018 as a percentage of Total Income in 2018 F -0.67% from the Income and Expenditure Account Statement of the AFS* G Revenue Expenditure per Capita in 2018 1204 2018 Total Income Figure from the Income & Expenditure Account Statement of the AFS €38,815,087

2018 Total Expenditure figure on the Income & Expenditure Account Statement (i.e. €38,565,368 excluding transfers) of the AFS* M2 5 Year summary of % collection levels for major revenue sources Collection level of rates from the Annual Financial Statement for 2014 60% Collection level of rent and annuities from the Annual Financial Statement 2014 87% Collection level of housing loans from the Annual Financial Statement for 2014 60% Collection level of rates from the Annual Financial Statement for 2015 79% Collection level of rents and annuities from the Annual Financial Statement for 2015 86% Collection levels for housing loans from the Annual Financial Statement for 2015 65% Collection level of rates from the Annual Financial Statement for 2016 81% Collection level of rents and annuities from the Annual Financial Statement for 2016 88% Collection levels for housing loans from the Annual Financial Statement for 2016 63% Collection level of rates from the Annual Financial Statement for 2017 82% Collection level of rents and annuities from the Annual Financial Statement for 2017 88% Collection levels of housing loans from the Annual Financial Statement for 2017 64% Collection level of rates from the Annual Financial Statement for 2018 83% Collection level of rents and annuities from the Annual Financial Statement for 2018 89% Collection levels of housing loans from the Annual Financial Statement for 2018 69%

Topic Indicator Value J ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT J1 No. of jobs created # of jobs created with assistance from the Local Enterprise Office during 2018 24

J2 Trading Online Vouchers A # of trading online voucher applications approved by the Local Enterprise Office in 2018 11 B The no. of online-trading vouchers that were drawn down by year-end 6 J3 Mentoring Receipts A # of mentoring participants who received mentoring during the year 101 J4 Tourism A Does the local authority have a current tourism strategy? Yes B Does the local authority have a designated Tourism Officer? Yes

Figures may be subject to change if an Audit Query is raised in the review of the data by the LGMA or NOAC.

65 Leitrim County Council Annual Report, 2019 Appendix 9 – Local Performance Indicators 2018

Ref HOUSING IMPROVEMENT WORKS Position at 31/12/2018 LOC1 # of units upgraded under Improvement Works 237 Units LOC2 New tenancies created from 1st Jan 2018 to 31st Dec 2018 63 LOC3 # of private Housing Adaptation Grants Paid 45 LOC4 % achievement Traveller Accommodation Programme targets 2014 -2018 185.7% - 13 outputs WATER SERVICES LOC7 % Unaccounted for Water 46.33% ENVIRONMENT LOC6 % Schools participating in Green Schools 100.00% PLANNING LOC5 # of formal pre planning enquiries 85 LOC5 Average waiting time (in working days) 14.46 YOUTH AND COMMUNITY LOC8 Participation in sport (Leitrim Sports Partnership Events/Activities) 12294 # of visitors to Local Authority facilitated leisure facilities per 1,000 LOC9 5.266 population directly provided by the Local Authority # of children's playgrounds per 1,000 population directly provided by the LOC9 0.62414 Local Authority LOC10 Number participating in Arts Activities 18085 CORPORATE SERVICES LOC11 % of customer contacts closed within 4 weeks 86.65% FINANCE LOC12 % Suppliers paid within 15 days 93% LEITRIM ENTERPRISE OFFICE LOC13 # of start-ups through LEO/local services 12 LOC14 # of grants approved LEO 21 LOC16 # of participants on Start your Own Business Courses 41 LOC17 Business Vacancy Rate 15.60% TOURISM LOC18 # of page visits to Tourism Website (www.enjoyleitrim.ie) 197000 LOC18 # of Facebook Likes 13850 LOC18 # of Twitter Followers 3620 LOC19 # of visitors to Glencar Waterfall 79448 LOC19 # of visitors to Costello Chapel 44772 LOC19 # of visitors to Glenade Car Park 4047 LOC19 # of visitors to the Lime Kiln in Fenagh 2344

66 Leitrim County Council Annual Report, 2019 Appendix 10 – 2019 Local Election Results – Carrick on Shannon Constituency

67 Leitrim County Council Annual Report, 2019 Appendix 10 – 2019 Local Election Results – Manorhamilton Constituency

68 Leitrim County Council Annual Report, 2019 Appendix 10 – 2019 Local Election Results – Ballinamore Constituency

69 Leitrim County Council Annual Report, 2019