Chief Executive Monthly Management Report October 2020

October Chief Executive Monthly Management Report

for the period 1st – 31st October 2020

Prepared in accordance with Section 136 (2) of the Local Government Act, 2001 as inserted by Section 51 of the Local Government Act, 2014 FINANCE, WATER SERVICES, ENVIRONMENT & EMERGENCY SERVICES

Revenue Account

Water Services Department

Maximo: Asset Management

There was a total of 522 No. Work Orders for the month of October 2020. Breakdown as follows:

Work Orders # LA Complaints 6 Planned Leak Detection 26 New Connections Water 11 New Connections (Waste Water) 6 First Fix Repairs 9 First Fix Surveys 12 Emergency Work Orders 1 Drinking Water RM 68 Waste Water RM 30 Contractor Related Work Orders 353

Unaccounted for Water UFW is now 44.8% or 6007 m³/Day

Irish Water Capital Programmes and Projects

Water Networks Portfolio Programme Frameworks (Farrans Construction Ltd) Pipeline Rehabilitations

- St George’s Terrace New watermain commissioned and in service, minor snag work outstanding.

- Trunk Main Upgrades: Irish Water have approved for replacement two sections of very troublesome Asbestos Cement watermains at Gortfada on the R202 and Drumlitten on the R209. Works are expected to commence on site in early 2021. Leitrim County Council Capital Office continue to push for further trunk main replacement works.

- N4 to Jamestown AC Main 4” Asbestos Cement mains rehabilitation project is well underway with over 200m of new 125mm PE watermain piping in the ground.

- Lisnagot Temp Main The temporary over-ground watermain at Lisnagot have received approval for permanent installation. Works expected to commence on site in late November. It is also proposed that a 110m section of public watermain at Vistamed, Castlecarra is removed from private property and re-laid in the public road.

Find & Fix Water Conservation Farrans leak detection and repair works are complete in Rooskey to Finnalaghta, and Kilnagross to Tooman’s DMA’s and they have now progressed to Ballinamore town. Leakage reduction targets have been achieved in all DMA’s to date. Farrans are also continuing with pressure logging assessments of the troublesome AC trunk mains in South Leitrim.

LCC Direct Labour Find and Fix crew The Leitrim County Council direct labour water conservation team have recently completed Corriga to Carrigallen DMA and are now mobilised in ‘Gortfada to Drumkeilvy’ DMA and ‘Drumkeilvy to Annaghmacullen’ DMA. Leakage reduction targets have been successfully met in all District Metering Areas.

Back Yard Services  Rossinver back yard services project complete with minor snagging outstanding.  Lahard, Ballinamore complete.  Rockwell Park, Drumshanbo is now complete.  Mc Dermott Terrace, Manorhamilton is well progressed with a completion date of early December.

Metering Programme  Upgrades to Telemetry equipment and Civil works has been progressed at 12 nr sites across the County and LCC Capital office continue to apply for additional sites to be included.

Disinfection Programme - Veolia Contractors Design & Build upgrade works to the disinfection process are ongoing at Carrick on Shannon & Glenade WTP’s with commissioning works planned for Carrick WTP throughout October and November.

Carrick WTP Under the Irish Water Telemetry Programme EMR have now upgraded the main PLC at Carrick WTP and improved a number of the associated controls enhancing the troubleshooting process and providing a more streamlined system. 4 No. WWTP Upgrades: All Projects Drumshanbo, Leitrim Village, Carrigallen and Ballinamore are substantially complete with additional Civil works outstanding at Drumshanbo. Snagging works also remain outstanding. IWSS (Inlet Works, Storm & Sludge) Programme: Ballinamore and Leitrim Village WWTP have been approved for upgrades to their inlet works and tendering has been progressed. Irish water to revert with a timeline for works. Tullaghan WwTP: The contract has been awarded for upgrade works at Tullaghan WwTP to pump effluent to West End pump station near Bundoran. The project kick-off meeting has been held in early October and the contractor is developing their design submission with the aim of mobilising to site in late November. Small Towns and Villages Growth Programme (STVGP): Under the STVGP €2.75m funding has now been approved for improving treatment capacity at 4 nr WwTP’s (Mohill, Carrigallen, Dromod & Leitrim Village). The next meeting with Irish Water to discuss the extent of works and the cost breakdown is planned for Nov 11th.

Capital Investment Plan

Upgrade of Drumshanbo Waste Water Treatment Plant – Pumping Station - Atkins Consulting Engineers This project is included in Irish Waters’ Capital Investment Plan for 2017-2021 and is bundled with 5 similar WWTP’s in County Cavan. These works are to be delivered in the period of this CIP 2021 – 2025.

Carrick on Shannon Water Treatment Plant – Future planning Irish Water is developing a “National Water Resource Plan” which will consider provision for future demand. We continue to meet with Irish Water to highlight the future for Carrick on Shannon water treatment plant to ensure it is extended to meet the growing future demand in the South Leitrim Regional Water Supply Scheme.

Environment Department

RMCEI Plan

The COVID-19 pandemic had resulted in emergency call out inspections only to be completed in the Lock down period. With the second Lock down period now in place under Level 5 Restrictions in place from Thursday 22nd October 2020 to start December 2020 restrictions are again in place and only WFD Lake and River sampling along with Emergency inspections will only take place during this period. We will be carrying out the remainder of Target inspections for the remainder of the year when Lock down is lifted where feasible and taking all Public Health guidelines and advice and if any further restrictions are to be put in place in the event of a further lock down.

National Inspection Program (DWWTS)

We are due to carry out 23 No NIP DWWTS inspections under the EPA programme of inspections for 2020. We have 17 no NIP DWWTS completed to date. These are currently on hold due to the Level 5 Restrictions in place. An EPA 5

Workshop is to take place in November 2020 with Local Authorities and a decision should be made regards the remainder of inspections at a National level. Where Advisory Notices were issued there will be ongoing verification inspections where works were due to be completed and re-inspections as requested to facilitate grant payments. COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in emergency call out inspections only to be completed in the Lock down period.

River Basin Management Plan for Ireland (2018 – 2021)

COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in emergency call out inspections only to be completed in the Lock down period.

The Border Regional Water and Environment Management Committee (BRWEMC) Meeting was held by Zoom technology and attended by various stakeholders on Wednesday 28th October 2020 with a good attendance from all agencies. The Border Regional Operational Committee (BROC) meeting took place also by Zoom technology on Tuesday 27th October 2020. This was a very successful meeting and workshop where the Catchments manager of LAWPRO gave a detailed presentation on new Priority Areas for Action to be selected for the new 2022-2027 RBMP. There was 50 no staff from various agencies represented at the online meeting.

The new 2022-2027 River Basin Management Plan is expected to be published in December 2021.

All RBMP workshops are now cancelled due to the COVID-19 Pandemic and the Environment Department has submitted proposed Priority Areas of Action for Leitrim under the new proposed 2021-2027 RBMP. All were adopted by representatives at the BROC and BRWEMC meetings.

The Environment Department continue to work closely with EPA/LAWPRO staff on the various PAA desk top studies and the various queries raised by them and return associated reports to the Local Catchment Assessment Team.

EPA Ambient Air Quality Monitoring (AAQM)

The Environmental Protection Agency manages the national ambient air quality monitoring network. It is proposed to install an air quality monitor in Carrick-on-Shannon by end of year 2020. Works were ongoing in late 2019 and close collaboration with LCC/EPA staff in selecting an optimum location for this unit. The location of the EPA AAQM unit is now agreed with the EPA and ESB and will be located in Leitrim Country Council lands adjacent to footpath along the ring road and within 27m from Shannon Lodge roundabout. The civil works were completed by Carrick area Roads staff. The unit was delivered to Leitrim and it is now installed. The unit was commissioned by the EPA on Friday 23rd October 2020 and all instrumentation installed. The EPA hope to have it Live streaming on their Web site in November 2020. This EPA unit should be up and running by end of year. This will be of great benefit to the public in Carrick-on-Shannon town, giving them real time information on the following air pollutant parameters.

Emergency Works – Dawn of Hope Landslide:

The Environment Department is monitoring Water quality in the Diffagher River and liaising with Inland Fisheries Ireland staff regards water pollution from the Bog landslide. The Environment Department have done Drone footage and shared it with other relevant stakeholders regards the landslide. We have also worked with third level institutions Maynooth University/Trinity College Dublin and UCD regards their Aerial Drone footage and geophysical surveys carried out on site. Works will continue to monitor Water quality from the Diffagher River to Lough Allen which is a Priority Area of Action under the 2018-2021 River Basin Management Plan until year end 2020.

VETERINARY SERVICES

Slaughter Returns

Cattle 64 Sheep 203 Pigs 3

Premises Inspections

Premises Inspections 2 Food Samples 0 Environmental Swabs 0 Water Samples 0 Veterinary Residue Samples 0 Carcass Swabs 5

Dog Warden Service Activities

Stray Dogs 4 Surrendered Dogs 6 Dogs Re-Homed 11 Dogs Re-Claimed by Owner 4 Dog Deaths 0 Dog Euthanized 0 Service Requests 32 Dog Licence Inspections 0 Dogs Neutered 4 Neutering Vouchers Issued 2 Dogs Micro-Chipped and Registered 4 Fines Issued - Dogs 0 Stray Horses seized 0

CIVIL DEFENCE

 On 14th October, a patient was transported to St Vincent’s Hospital Dublin from the Cloone area for an appointment.  On 21st October, a patient was transported for a GP appointment in the Carrick on Shannon area.  On 23rd October, a patient was transported to the Mater Hospital Dublin form the Drumkeerin area for an appointment.  On 27th October, a patient was transported to Galway Hospital from the Kilclar area for an appointment.  On 29th October, a patient was transported to Sligo Hospital from the Mohill area for an appointment.  On 30th October, a patient was transported to the Mater Hospital Dublin from the Drumkeerin area for an appointment.  Civil Defence Volunteers remained on standby during the month to provide assistance to the Principle Response Agencies and the Community Response Forum.

FIRE SERVICE

Capital Programme Fire Stations Manorhamilton FS Stage 1 report being evaluated. Response being prepared for Rhatigan Architects. Recoupment of capital funding Recoupment of capital funding for Ballinamore and Drumshanbo fire station projects has been received from Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government.

Fire Service Training The following training was delivered in October 2020 Recruits Course – 2 no. CFBT Refresher training – 20 no. 7

Building Control activity Received Valid Granted Completed Commencement Notices 7 7 - Fire Safety Certificates 2 0 0 Regularisation Certificates 0 Disabled Access Certificates 2 1 1 Completion Certificates 0 0 Fire Safety Act / Planning Inspections 5 Building Control Inspections 9

Major Emergency Management – Covid 19 Updates on Protocols and procedures have been issued to all HQ staff and crews in stations in relation to the Covid- 19 pandemic. Additional PPE procured. Weekly staffing reports sent to the Department.

Section 26 Plan Plan as adopted by the Council to be forwarded to the Department.

Recruitment Campaign for retained firefighters A recruitment drive for 5 vacancies in 3 stations was prepared.

Licensing Licencing applications were received both online as part of the new eLicencing system and in hard copy format in advance of the licensing courts. A number of licensing applications are still ongoing.

Erasmus BFireSafe@School project A number of online meetings were held with all partners to discuss progress on elements of the project. Work also progressed on preparing the application for a possible six month extension to the project due to Covid 19.

Severe Weather Plan First draft of Severe Weather Plan for Leitrim County Council has been prepared and circulated for comment.

Fire Service Budget Work also took place in preparing the fire service budget for 2021.

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT, PLANNING, AND INFRASTRUCTURE

LOCAL ENTERPRISE OFFICE (LEO)

Training Interest in training has remained strong, courses ran during October include Revenue Online Services, Instagram for Business, HACCP & Food Safety, Start your Own Business, Prepare your Business for Customs, Trading Online Voucher workshop and How to create a Marketing Video using your smartphone. Training continues to be available online and free of charge.

Mentoring One to one mentoring continues to be strong particularly in relation to finance and marketing. Website reviews and Social Media reviews are currently on offer also.

Microfinance Ireland There is ongoing interest in MFI Ireland loans and LEO Office facilitates applications to the scheme from Leitrim based businesses, who can apply for loans up to €25,000 for a three-year term with no repayments and no interest due for the first six months of the loan.

Trading Online Voucher The scheme is growing in demand in Leitrim, with many new businesses online in 2020. The rate of support of 90% up to €2,500 was extended until end of year.

Brexit With Brexit back in focus, LEO is delivering Customs training programmes and offering one to one Brexit mentoring to businesses. LEO office is also contacting all businesses on their portfolio to outline the supports available.

Micro Enterprise Assistance Fund Applications to the Micro Enterprise Assistance Fund are being managed through the Local Enterprise Office. It is open to those who meet the criteria and were not eligible for the COVID-19 Restart/Restart Plus Grant or similar COVID-19 business restart grants from other government departments.

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

Carrick on Shannon Chamber No meeting of Carrick Chamber heads in October, ongoing liaising with members on the marketing and promotion campaigns particularly in light of Covid restrictions.

Marketing and Promotion Campaign – Carrick on Shannon #belocal Campaign commenced Oct 7th, planning for Christmas Campaign & possible virtual event with the Chamber.

Economic Development Plan for Carrick on Shannon – Community consultation. Presentation on progress of the plan and outline of actions within the themes at the Economic SPC on Oct 21st, 2020.

Clar/ORIS/ Town and Village Projects 2017 -2019 Ongoing follow up with Town and Village projects from 2017, 2018 and 2019 to check progress and offer support in submitting claims. Processing of claims for payment.

2020 Funding Schemes & Potential Applications Meetings and discussions around potential projects for 2020 funding schemes, ORIS, Town and Village & Clar, Coillte, Town Teams, and ongoing follow up on projects that didn’t progress in 2019.

Round 3 Accelerated Town and Village. We received notification from the Dept on Oct 12th that 3 of the 5 projects submitted under round 3 of the Town and Village accelerated scheme were successful, including Tullaghan, Leitrim Village and Glenfarne. 9

Outdoor Recreation Scheme The closing date for receipt of Measure 2 and Measure 3 applications was Oct 16th. 3 Measure 2 applications, for Fowley’s Falls, Sheemore and Drumshanbo will go forward from Leitrim County Council in Nov 2020. One Measure 3 application for the Greenway in Ballinamore, Corgar to Aughawillan stretch will go forward from Leitrim County Council in November also.

National Broadband Plan Ongoing discussions and planning around Broadband connection points and launch day.

Town Centre Health Checks Town Team members from Carrick on Shannon, Mohill and Drumshanbo attended a zoom workshop on Oct 20th with LCC staff and the team from Queens University giving an overview on the Town Centre Health Checks for each Town, members were given until the end of October to revert with any further comments.

TOURISM

Destination Marketing. - Work is now complete on both the Canal Promotions project and the Sliabh an Iarainn Visitor Centre Project. - Continued to provide assistance on the Rainbow Experience at the Ballroom of Romance in Glenfarne.

Slow Adventure - Ongoing work on the Slow Adventure Website under the Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands web improvement plan. - Continued to work with the European Travel Commission on the ongoing joint campaign on Slow Adventure.

Support We continue to send out a weekly newsletter to all of the trade/tourism providers in the county where they are being kept up to date on tourism matters both County wide and nationally. We are also providing weekly updates on COVID 19 supports available in the tourism industry.

Digital Marketing - Updates were carried out on the Leitrim Tourism Website along with the Slow Adventure Ireland website. - Specific social media campaign to highlight Slow Adventure was carried out in October.

Tourist information We continue to support the Tourist Office in Ballinamore and Tourist information points at Glencar Waterfall and Sliabh an Iarainn Visitor Centre.

DEVELOPMENT MANAGEMENT

Taking in Charge In July, the Planning Authority advertised the intention of the Local Authority to declare the roads within a further 13 no. housing developments as public roads and to then take the housing developments into the charge of the Local Authority. These were declared public roads at the respective October Municipal District meetings. Capital Projects Team will appoint contractors in the first 3 of these estates with works in a further 3 at tender assessment stage.

Pre Planning 2 no. pre planning enquiries were received during the month of October in addition to enquiries received and replied to through e-mail.

Development Management 28 no. valid planning applications were received in October. 2 no. seek permission to construct houses served by wastewater treatment systems with a further 4 no. proposing to replace existing houses served by an individual wastewater treatment system. There is also an application seeking to construct a house served by a foul sewer and one seeking to replace a house also served by a foul sewer. 9 no. applications submitted were deemed invalid. Except for 2 no., all others have been re-submitted and are now valid. 10

17 no. final decisions on planning applications were made during October, all of which were granted planning permission. In addition, a request for Further Information issued with respect to 11 no. applications whilst a response to Further Information was received with respect to a further 5 no. applications during the month.

Forward Planning 45 no. submissions were received by the Planning Authority during the pre-draft public consultation phase of the County Development Plan preparation. The Chief Executive’s report summarizing the issues raised, providing an opinion to the issues raised and stating the Chief Executive’s recommendations on the policies to be included in the draft County Development Plan was submitted to the Elected Members for their consideration by 7th October. Work is also progressing on the preparation of the draft Core Strategy, the Housing Strategy, the Retail Strategy and other sections of the draft Development Plan.

Heritage The Heritage Council funded projects for 2020 have been completed. The Geological Heritage Audit of Co. Leitrim is complete including the full audit report, 33 no. individual site reports and GIS dataset. All initiatives under the Public Awareness Programme, using the branding ‘Connecting Through Heritage’ are complete. These included ‘Harnessing Leitrim’s Oral History’, Leitrim Garden BioBlitz, Leitrim Heritage Short Film Series & Leitrim Heritage Podcast Series.

The National Biodiversity Action Plan funded biodiversity projects have been completed. The Leitrim Swift Survey report has been submitted identifying strong populations in 10 different locations. The Bat Survey of all Council owned properties which are publicly accessible has been completed. In addition to a bat survey report, guidance has also been produced on how best to manage bats in certain buildings.

The Creative Ireland funded Leitrim Mumming Project continued in October and focused on well-being, celebrating the Leitrim Mumming traditions with Mumming performances being carried out outside the homes of elderly members of the community who have been self-isolating.

ROADS

 Shass Mountain Landslide The works on the Dawn of Hope bridge is completed and the local roads will be resurfaced in November.

 Climate Change & Active Travel Measures Allocations Works on these schemes are ongoing with a view to having them fully completed by Q1 2021.

 Carrick on Shannon By-Pass Phase 1 (Project Inception and Feasibility) is now complete, and work is ongoing on Phase 2 - (Option Selection) of the Planning and Design process in accordance with the 2019 Project Management Guidelines. The Virtual Public Consultation event for the Constraints report ran from the 5th October to the 23rd of October, and the consultants are now working on the report.

 Road Crews continuing to carry out routine maintenance works.

 Annual Area Roads Programme Works are substantially completed.

 Road Crews carrying out Winter Maintenance Works as necessary.

 Pavement Overlays N4 Pavement Overlay - Jamestown to Masonite Junction This 6km of Pavement Overlay of the N4 at Jamestown was fully completed in early September. N16 Pavement Overlay – Tomrud to Tawneymoyle Works on this N16 Pavement Overlay Scheme commenced in early September. Road resurfacing works have now been completed and accommodation works are expected to be completed early in November.

 Re-alignment of N16 Realignment of the N16 at Drummahon – Works on the detailed Design and Tender documentation for the Main Construction Contract for this Realignment Scheme are currently in progress. Due to COVID-19 restrictions and resource issues, the tender process was delayed. It is expected tenders for the main contract will be advertised very soon and once approved by the TII, its hoped that the contractor would be appointed early 2021. Realignment of the N16 at Munakill – Phase 2 - Stage 1 Options drawing and assessment report have been agreed. Consultants are now proceeding to Stage 2 of Phase 2. Agreed Programme for Public Consultation No. 2 expected to be complete by mid-December.

Bridges on Non National Roads North Leitrim Meenagraun Bridge - 100% complete- Rock armour installed and approach walls repaired . Aghnahaha Bridge – 100% complete – stone arch built. Leckenarainey Bridge – Contract awarded, derogation licence granted. Contractor & IFI to be on site shortly to remove crayfish before works commence. Rehabilitation works have been delayed due to high water levels. Gortnacorkoge Bridge –100% complete –Concrete culvert installed by Area Office. Aghaderrard East Bridge – Work have commenced are works are approx. 80% complete.

South Leitrim The following Bridges in South Leitrim have been approved for Funding in 2020 – Battle Bridge - 20% complete. Difficulty with this project due to high water levels of the Shannon and strong flows in-stream. Because of this we are putting a temporary road closure in place to allow all out–stream works to be completed over a 4 week period (to be completed by the end of November) and in-stream works will be completed in the early season next year when water levels have reduced. Drumloughan School Bridge – 100% complete - Vegetation removed, abutment repaired, re-grouted, Parapets have been repaired and concrete rubbing strips installed. Drumdarkin Bridge - 30% Complete. Upon de-watering of Drumdarkin bridge, the extent of the deficiencies on the Bridge was fully exposed. The entire barrel was in such condition that the only viable option was to replace it with a box culvert. These emergency works are currently ongoing with culvert ordered and derogation licence submitted to IFI. It is expected that the culvert will be delivered to site week commencing 9th November 2020. Drumboher Bridge - 100% Complete with the exception of resurfacing of road. Required emergency repair after the arch partially collapsed. This resulted from a structural crack to the inside of the arch carrying across the bridge. Repair works included installing a concrete saddle across the entire bridge, rebuild arch and parapets and re-surfacing of road (re-surfacing is to take place at same time as works at Drumdarkin Bridge). Annaghveagh Bridge, Toomans –Works are now 90% complete with leaning walls repaired and rubbing strips being installed. The entire bridge has had vegetation removed, it has had all joints re-pointed and the barrel grouted. In stream works will be complete in the early season next year when water levels have reduced to safer levels for completion of remaining in-stream works. Millpark Bridge – 100% complete. Concrete skirting installed, bridge has had stone work re-pointed and parapet walls plastered. Concrete rubbing strips have also been installed. Killbracken Bridge -100% Complete. Additional works were required here due to the discovery of bulging walls following the removal of vegetation.

 CLAR Programme 2019 The following Schemes have been completed under the CLAR Programme 2019: - Fatima NS Cloone - Pedestrian crossing and upgrade of road markings – Works are now complete. - Carrigallen Vocational School – Construction of a pedestrian crossing at Carrigallen Vocational School – Signage remaining. Works are 100% complete - Shannonside Community Childcare Centre – Pedestrian crossing, Road Markings and Signage – Works are 100% complete. - Kiltyclogher Sensory Garden – Works are now complete.

 Local Improvement Schemes (LIS) The 2020 Funding Allocation for LIS’s is €250,000. A total of 9 No. Local Improvement Scheme Projects will be completed in 2020 with this Funding Allocation. Works on these Schemes are currently in progress.

 Community Involvement Schemes (CIS) The Grant Allocation for 2020 for Community Involvement Schemes is €641,500. A total of 11 No. CIS Schemes will be completed in 2020 - 3 No. CIS Schemes in Manorhamilton MD, 5 No. CIS Schemes in Ballinamore MD and 3 No. CIS Schemes in Carrick on Shannon MD. Works on these 2020 CIS Schemes are currently underway. This Scheme remains open to new applicants - applicants may apply by completing and submitting the CIS Application Form which is available from the Leitrim County Council Website -www.leitrimcoco.ie.

 Hedge Cutting Grant Scheme 2020/2021 The Hedge Cutting Grant Scheme is now open for new applicants until 29th January 2021.

No. Of Hedge Cutting No. Of Hedge Cutting No. Of Hedge Cutting No. Of Hedge Cutting Applications Received in Applications Provisionally Applications deemed Grants paid up to 2020/2021 Approved in 2020/2021 Ineligible/Not 31.08.21 /Waiting on EFT Proceeded with 11 1 1 0

 Services in Charge Queries No. of Services in Charge Queries processed in Cumulative No. of Services in Charge Queries October, 2020 processed in 2020 Year to Date 38 No. 218 No.

 Abnormal Load Permits No. of Abnormal Load Permits processed in October, Cumulative No. of Abnormal Load Permits processed 2020 in 2020 Year to Date 2 No. 30 No.

RURAL WATER PROGRAMME

Capital Works - Measure 3 - Multi Annual Rural Water Programme 2019-2021 (85% Grant Funding)  Cloonsarn GWS - Network upgrade works on this GWS commenced in August 2020 and are 75% complete at present. Additional works have also been approved and it is expected that these Contract works including the additional works will be completed by the end of 2020. Grant Payment has issued to the GWS for 85% of the cost of the works completed to date.  Carrigallen GWS - Works to install 17 kiosks, flow loggers and 1 bulk meter are now complete. Grant Payment of 85% of the Cost of these Works has been paid to the GWS.  Breveiga GWS – Final Grant Payments (85% Grant Funding) in respect of Consulting Engineers Costs and Contractors Retention Payment have issued to the GWS in respect of significant Network Upgrade Works completed on this Scheme between 2018 and 2020.  Mullawn Drumaweel GWS – A Contractor is currently in the process of being appointed to complete minor upgrade works on this GWS and these works will be commencing in December 2020.

Transition of Group Water Schemes to Irish Water - Measure 5 - Multi Annual Rural Water Programme 2019-2021 All required documentation in relation to the Taking in Charge of the following GWS has been forwarded to Irish Water in October 2020 for approval.  Aughavas GWS To date this office has submitted 11 No. GWS’s and 1 No. GSS to Irish Water for takeover.

The following GWS’s received Grant payments in October 2020 under Measure 5 of the Multi Annual Rural Water Programme – Transition of GWS’s to Irish Water (100% Grant Funding)

 Glenboy Glenfarne GWS – 100% Grant Funding paid in respect of legal fees for wayleaves/land transfers completed to date as part of Application for Taking in Charge. Further legal issues (wayleaves/land transfers) need to be resolved before this GWS can be submitted to Irish Water for Taking in Charge.  Esker GWS - 100% Grant Funding paid in respect of network upgrade works completed as part of application for Taking in Charge. This GWS was submitted to Irish Water for Taking in Charge in July 2020.

The following Group Water Schemes are in the process of appointing Consultant Engineers in order to survey their schemes, complete As Built drawings and identify any upgrade works required in order for these GWS’s to be considered for Taking In Charge by Irish Water.

 Aughawillan GWS – Consulting Engineer currently in the process of being appointed.  Gorvagh Drumlowan GWS – Awaiting Quotations  Glencar GWS – Awaiting Quotations

Subsidy Payments to GWS’s 4 No. Subsidy Payments were made to GWS’s in October 2020 in respect of the Operational Costs of running the respective GWS. To date a total of 32 GWS’s have received Subsidy Payments in 2020.

Hartley Cartown GSS – Leitrim County Council is in communication with the GSS Committee regarding a decision on the future of this GSS having regard to the Funding Gap between the estimated cost of this GSS and the Grant Funding available. The Scheme has been requested to submit details of all costs incurred to date by the GSS and we are awaiting this information from the GSS.

CAPITAL PROJECTS OFFICE

Carrick on Shannon Flood Relief Scheme Ryan Hanley Consulting Engineers have been appointed design consultant for this project. Design works have commenced. Data collection is complete. Surveys including ground investigation and CCTV surveys are being organised. Topographical surveys underway. Environmental walk over surveys complete.

The 1st Public Consultation took place. In excess of 3000 residential and commercial properties having revived information about the scheme by way of; cover letter, information brochure, questionnaire, ads and posters. To date we have received over 60 submissions from the public.

Leitrim Village Flood Relief Scheme Four tenders received for the contract for a design consultant. Recommendation is with the OPW for their approval.

Mohill Flood Relief Scheme OPW have decided to update the flood maps for Mohill which will then allow us to decide on location of defenses.

Carrick on Shannon Public Regeneration Scheme Four construction contracts will be undertaken  Reconstruction of Footpaths and Roads Main Street/St George’s Terrace/Approach roads  Construction of Car Park at Flynn’s Field  Construction of Boardwalk along river edge  Lighting of N4 Bridge and Boardwalk at Linear Park Works are ongoing on the construction contracts for Flynn’s Field Car Park, Boardwalk and Street Works.

Manorhamilton Public Realm Scheme Dhb Architects have been appointed as design team for this project. Design work has commenced. Topographical surveys complete. Site Investigation Contract complete. Expect to advertise construction tender in November.

The Junction Project Ballinamore Cooney Architects have been appointed as design team for this project. Site investigation works for the buildings and Ground investigation works complete. Short listing complete of suitable contractors. Expect to issue tender documents for construction contract in November.

SLNCR Greenway – Sligo to Enniskillen Leitrim County Council received confirmation of funding from the Department of Transport Tourism and Sport to bring this project through the Planning Process, Detailed Design and get the project ready for construction. Awaiting terms and conditions of grant funding. Tender for Design Consultant team will be advertised in November.

SLNCR – Manorhamilton to Boggaun Construction contract is now substantially complete. Road markings and snags remain outstanding.

Cavan Leitrim Greenway – Ballinamore to Corgar Works are ongoing. Construction on section completed by Leitrim County Council area staff complete. Contractor to complete remainder.

Leitrim Way The bridge has been placed. Works ongoing to complete the approach ramps/steps.

Carrick on Shannon Destination Towns Funding of €500,000 has been received from Fáilte Ireland for this project. Total budget is €760,000. Design team has been appointed for this project. We are currently working on options. Once agreed we will proceed to Part 8 Planning approval.

Carrick on Shannon to Battlebridge Blueway Leitrim County Council has received funding under the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund to bring this project through the planning process and up to detailed design to get it ready for construction. Tender for Design Consultant team for the Scheme was advertised. Tenders due in November.

Hartley Bridge Works are ongoing to develop planning application to an Bord Pleanála. Archaeology Investigations and Ground Investigation contracts are complete. Further Archaeology Investigations underway. We expect to take the Project to an Bord Pleanála with a submission to their office in November.

OPW Minor Flood Schemes This office is in discussion with OPW regarding 2 more (possibly 3) Minor Flood Schemes in the Dromahaire area, and possible options to relive flooding in the area. Application has been made & approved by OPW for a minor flood schemes on the Glenaniff River at Rossinver involving clearing vegetation for the river. Works to be carried out by OPW.

Lough Bran Funding has been approved from Inland Fisheries to provide extra fishing stands at Lough Bran and upgrade access road. Environmental assessment reports to be completed.

HOUSING, CORPORATE SERVICES, COMMUNITY AND CULTURAL SERVICES DIRECTORATE

HOUSING

Housing Allocations

Offers issued to 31st Offers Acceptance Rate Offers refused Refusal Rate Awaiting Reply October 2020 accepted 10 8 80% 2 20% 0

New Tenancies created from 1st October to 31st October 2020. Existing tenants transferred to alternative New Tenants (1st time allocation) accommodation to 31st October 2020 0 5

Traveller Accommodation Programme 2019-2024 – Progress Report at 31st October 2020

Accommodation Type 2019/2024 Outputs achieved at 31st October 2020 Targets Group Housing Scheme – Existing 2 Service Block – Existing Local Authority Standard Housing 3 Rental Accommodation Scheme (incl. 3 (Including Renewals) renewals) Long Term Leasing (incl. renewals)

Housing provided by Approved Housing Body under CAS Scheme Housing Assistance Payment (incl new family formations) Totals

5 8

Private Rented Inspection Programme

Overall target for delivery in 2020 No of inspections completed to 31st % Complete October 2020 Target - 331 67.67% Total – 224

HOUSING GRANTS

NOTE: HGD = Housing Adaptation Grant; MAG = Mobility Aids Grant; HOP = Housing Aid for Older People

2020 Allocation - €549,373.00 (80% of allocation - €439,498.40) €549,373.00

01/01/2020 – 31/10/2020 GRANT NO VALUE

PAID 2020 HGD 7 €57,933.85

MAG 11 €36,796.00

HOP 30 €129,347.15

TOTAL 48 €224,077.00 €224,077.00

Approved not paid 1 HGD 12 €187,469.00

MAG 13 €46,684.00

HOP 28 €138,136.43

TOTAL 53 €372,289.43 €372,289.43

Applications Rec'd Not Yet Approved 2 Estimated HGD 16 €120,000.00

(Averaged @ €2,000 / Grant) MAG 10 €45,000.00

HOP 19 €80,000.00

TOTAL 45 €245,000.00 €245,000.00 €841,366.43

Available Balance: €-291,993.43

HOUSING CAPITAL

 LA Construction Final Accounts Awaiting approval from DHPLG for Total value of 219k for House & Extension at Tamlaght, Mohill and Taobh Tire Stage 2 (7 Houses).

 LA Construction Projects Autumn View, Summerhill, Carrick on Shannon Project progress includes Earthworks 100% complete, Retaining walls 70%, Drainage 90%, External Works 5%, Overall House Construction 57% complete. Current programme delivery date is March 2021.

 LA Projects at Planning/Design Stage

1 Includes applications approved in 2019, not yet paid 2 Includes applications received in 2019, not yet approved 17

Further minor revisions made to Part 8 Planning Documentation for Manorhamilton (5 Units), Ballinamore (10 Units) & Carrick on Shannon Projects (12 Units) with Part 8 to be advertised in November 2020.

 Single Stage Approval project Single Stage Application for 2 No. 2 bedroom Units at St. Patricks Park sent to DHPLG on 14/09/2020 and awaiting approval. Preparation of Part 8 Planning Documentation ongoing.

 Dromahair Open Library & Age Friendly Housing Proposed Part 8 for Dromahair Library went on public display on 7th October 2020. Proposed social housing drawings and documentation further developed and revised during October. Submission of proposal to DHLGH envisaged in December 2020.

 LA Turnkey Projects Status of Approved Turnkey Projects Project Units Status Delivery Date Ballinamore 9 Construction Ongoing March 2021 Newtowngore 2 Construction Ongoing November 2020 Kinlough 5 Construction Ongoing October 2020 Mohill 5 Construction Ongoing December 2020 Drumshanbo 5 On Hold-Legal Issues July 2021 Drumkeeran 2 Construction Ongoing November 2020

Turnkey Projects Awaiting DHLGH Approval Project Units Status Submission Delivery Date Date Manorhamilton 4 Awaiting DHLGH Approval 2/10/2020 December 2021 Carrick on Shannon 2 Awaiting DHLGH Approval 23/10/2020 January 2021 Manorhamilton & 2 Awaiting DHLGH Approval 28/10/2020 January 2021 Carrigallen

 Acquisitions 2 No Units progressed to sale agreed/sale closed during October 2020 at 23 Church Manor and 33b Oakfield Manor, Kinlough bringing the total to 15 during 2020 (13 funded under SHIP, 2 funded under TAP).

 Maintenance & Refurbishment Contractor Tender Refurbishment Works advanced on 53 St, Patrick’s Park Carrick on Shannon and No. 12 Drum Cala, Dromod during October 2020.

COMMUNITY

Peace IV Manorhamilton Shared Space  Construction is now near completion. Final snagging is taking place.  Quotes have been sought and assessed for programming and we are currently in the process of finalising appointment of a facilitator to deliver a series of virtual activities. These are due to take place from November through December

Mohill Shared Space  Extension works and main Library works are complete are complete & final snagging has taken place.  We will be seeking quotations for programming and again this will be mainly virtual. The Steering Committee have given their recommendations at the last meeting and these activities will be included in the Terms of Reference.  Signage and a plaque outlining the turret are due to be installed in the coming weeks.

Finals reports for claims for Children and Young People and Building Positive Relations programmes have been submitted and Claims are ongoing for the Shared Space programme.

Funding Schemes

Covid 19 Emergency Payments The total allocation for Leitrim was €56,393.00. 62 applications were received in total with a drawdown of approx. 84% (€47,155) of funds to date. Outstanding applications have been contacted re the deadline of 31st October 2020 and have committed to submitting claims in the coming weeks.

CEP (Community Enhancement Programme – Round 1) The total allocation for Leitrim was €53,040 and a total of 92 applications were received with 74 deemed eligible. To date, €34,244.56 has been drawn down of the funding. Final claims must be made by 14/11/20.

CEP (Community Enhancement Programme – Round 2 – Community Centers & Community Buildings) The total allocation for Leitrim was €94,491. 54 applications were received. 30 applicants were offered funding of €3,149 each as follows:

Age Friendly We are working with the Older Persons Council to develop a training programme on Zoom to build capacity within the group. We are also working on programming to support the Stay Well Campaign.

Healthy Ireland (€240K) Programming for 5 priority themes, Community Mental Health fund and Community Engagement have resumed virtually with all face to face programming placed on hold due to level 5 restrictions. The government launched a new campaign Resilience and Wellbeing on the 29th of October, various partners such as Sport Ireland, Creative Ireland, LGMA and Healthy Ireland will be involved in the implementation of this campaign digitally and personally. Further details to be announced in coming weeks.

COVID 19 Community Well Being Helpline The Community Wellbeing Helpline has increased its service to as a 7 day per week service, Monday through Sunday, 8 am to 8 pm. Calls are stilling coming in on a daily basis but at a low level.

PPN

PPN Re-Registration: The campaign to attract further registrations to the PPN remains open and numbers continue to increase. As of October, the total number of groups registered was 289.

Communications: Communications across all social media outlets, emails, continued during October. The 289 member groups received daily emails with the latest information from groups as organizations such as the HSE, Healthy Ireland, Leitrim County Council. Four Facebook posts per day were and continue to be posted at 10am, 12 noon, 2pm and 4pm. The PPN website is also being constantly updated. The website had 740 visitors during the month of October.

Vacancies on Various Committees LOCAL COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE - One Social Inclusion Rep SPORTS PARTNERSHIP - Two vacancies exist: 1 x Active Age Rep,1 x Community Rep PEACE IV PARTNERSHIP - One Social Inclusion Rep LEADER EVALUATION COMMITTEE - One rep from the Carrick-on-Shannon MD SPC HOUSING COMMUNITY AND CULTURE - One Voluntary and Community Rep SPC ECOMONIC DEVELOPMENT, ENTERPRISE & PLANNING - One Social Inclusion Rep

The Secretariat are aware of these vacancies and it is hoped to extend a call for nominations in the near future.

ARTS

New and ongoing Community Engagement Initiatives and projects that completed in October  Modern Day Mummers: Dancer Edwina Guckian, singer Fionnuala Maxwell and musician Brian Mostyn visit elderly cocooners, re-enacting a mumming tradition whilst combatting social isolation.  The Home Place: Author Brian Leyden is working with active age groups using Zoom or WhatsApp to host readings where participants listen to Brian read and the books with him and each other.  Conversations in Portrait: Leitrim Mayo, Donegal and Roscommon County Councils host artist Andy Parsons as he paints the portraits of 12 older people cocooning at home using Zoom.  Moving the Feather: Artist Crona Gallagher is working with Diffreen National school afterschool group to create a stained glass panel.  Helena Golden has completed the first phase of online weaving workshops with Carrick ICA and has now commenced a second series of workshops with Carrick Tidy towns.  Shannonside Community Childcare Centre and artist Kate Murtagh Sheridan continue to collaborate with the Museum of County Life in Castlebar to develop a project based on Traveller Culture.  North Connacht Youth Services are working with artist Phoebe Dick to develop a street art project.

 Leitrim Cycling Festival are developing a project with artists Laura McMorrow and Natalia Beylis, working with visual and sound art, using technology from a previous mapping project of Kiltyclogher.  Leitrim Sculpture Centre: ‘Discovering the Art of Ceramics’ with members of the North Leitrim Women’s Centre and ‘What Gives Me Joy’, a film project with Manorhamilton 24/7 Carers Group.  North Leitrim Men’s Shed and Exit does Theatre are translating their stage theatre play into a radio play for broadcast the play on Ocean FM. Professional Development Initiatives

 Creative Sector Jobs Stimulus Programme As part of Leitrim County Council’s Creative Ireland programme and arising from specific funding provided through the Government Jobs Stimulus Package, Leitrim County Council developed and issued three new programmes to support those working in the sector. o Creative Sector Internship Programme offering Leitrim based Arts & Culture Organisations to opportunity to employ an intern for 2 days per week for 20 weeks. o Leitrim Creative Sector Co-Support Programme providing grants to Leitrim based professional practitioners in the culture and creativity sector to avail of any service provided by another Leitrim practitioner that will demonstrably contribute to the applicant’s practice, enhance their work, or assist in the promotion of their work. o Leitrim Creative Sector Tech Voucher Programme providing grants to Leitrim based professional practitioners from the culture and creativity sector to avail of any service provided by any of Leitrim’s Enterprise Centre  Artists Training & Events o Hosted online training on writing proposals and one-to-one clinics. 14 participants. o Developed and published an online social practice toolkit (www.socialpracticetoolkit.com) and developed a 6-part workshop series in partnership with Cork City Arts Office. o Developed 4-part workshop series for writers on with Lepus Print. o Organised training event for festivals and venues to manage physical events under Covid-19 and how to successfully move events online.  Partnership o Established a partnership with the Swedish Artists Network Konsnarsentrum Ost in Stockholm with a view to developing an EU partnership programme in 2021.

LEITRIM SPORTS PARTNERSHIP

Safeguarding 1 course Total: 30 (13 males, 17 females) We have delivered 3 safeguarding 1 course online during the month of October on the 1st, 6th and 15th.

Paddles Up Programme Total: 24 (13 male, 11 female) Transition Year Students from Ballinamore Community School began a beginners kayaking programme on the canal in Ballinamore.

Disability Inclusion Cycling along the Blueway Day 1 Total 8: (3 male, 5 female) Cycling on the 5th of October with Ballinamore Rehab & National Learning Network

Disability Inclusion Cycling along the Blueway Day 2 Total 10: (6 male, 4 female) Cycling on the 14th of October with Ballinamore Rehab & National Learning Network

Outdoor Inclusive movement to music for positive physical and mental health programme in Ballinamore Two small groups group’s of ladies social distancing exercising outside Group 1 Total 9: (9 female) Group 2 Total 5: (5 female)

Resource pack for families Exercise tips, motivational quotes and positive mental health quotes sent to packs Breffni FRC.

Resource pack for kids Physical Activity worksheets and ideas sent to all primary schools including ways on including kids with disabilities.

Older Adults Exercise Plan Older Adult Home exercise plan sent to all nursing homes, residential care homes and disability centres. The following disability programmes all continued in October and adapted in line with the restrictions:  Disability Inclusion Outdoor Dance & Social Walking Programme  Outdoor Tennis program  Zoom chair exercises programmes

LIBRARY SERVICES

 The month of October, unfortunately, saw yet another interruption to our service. On Thursday October 22nd Level 5 restrictions forced library services nationwide to revert to offering e-services only. The first 3 weeks of the month, however, saw the highest use of both the ‘Browse and Borrow’ and ‘Contact and Collect’ services since libraries reopened in July. There was also continued demand by library members in terms of access to PC use, printing and photocopying services.  The use of library online services increased with both e-books and e-audio books continuing to prove a popular choice with an increase in the number of active users and items borrowed.  The Decade of Centenaries Committee met on Wednesday October 14th and elected Cllr. Paddy O’Rourke as Chairperson. The 2020 Plan was discussed and reviewed and consideration was given to plans for 2021.  Plans for the new library development in Dromahair were issued for Part 8 consultation.  €19,500 in funding was secured from the Department of Rural and Community Affairs under Dormant Accounts Fund for Library Supports for Marginalised, Socially Excluded and Disadvantaged Communities. This funding will be used to provide sensory equipment and services throughout the branch network.

SIGNED BY THE CHIEF EXECUTIVE

Signed: ______Date: 12th October 2020 Lar Power, Chief Executive