Annual Report 2018.Pdf
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2018 ANNUAL REPORT 2018 ANNUAL REPORT CONTENTS 06. INTRODUCTION Cathaoirleach’s Welcome 20. STRONG ECONOMY Economic Development & Enterprise 52. QUALITY OF LIFE Housing 96. QUALITY OF ENVIRONMENT Environment 120. MUNICIPAL DISTRICTS Carrick-on-Suir Municipal District 182. ORGANISATIONAL MATTERS Corporate Services 202. FINANCIALS Finance 218. APPENDICES Schedule of Committee Appointments 2014-2019 06. 08. 10. 12. 1 7. INTRODUCTION Cathaoirleach’s Message from Tipperary in Members of Senior Welcome Chief Executive context - Vision Tipperary Management Statement County Council Team 20. 24. 26. 44. STRONG ECONOMY Economic Tourism Roads, Planning & Development Transportation, Development & Enterprise Health & Safety 52. 60. 72. 78. 82. 86. 90. QUALITY OF LIFE Housing Social Inclusion Tipperary Arts Tipperary Tipperary Library Services & Community Sports Heritage Office Museum Development Partnership 96. 106. 108. 114. 116. QUALITY OF ENVIRONMENT Environment Fire & Rescue Water Services LAWCO Civil Defence Service 120. 128. 152. 164. 172. MUNICIPAL DISTRICTS Carrick-on-Suir Cashel - Clonmel Nenagh Templemore - Municipal Tipperary Borough District Municipal Thurles District Municipal District Municipal District District 182. 190. 194. 196. 198. ORGANISATIONAL MATTERS Corporate Human Information Sports & Social Protected Services Resources Technology (IT) Disclosures 202. 210. 212. FINANCIALS Finance Motor Taxation Francaise Section 218. 224. 226. 228. 232. 242. 243. APPENDICES Schedule of Strategic Policy Organisation Staff Structure Performance Conference and Training Committee Committees Structure Indicators 2017 Seminars Appointments 2014-2019 INTRODUCTION 6. TIPPERARY COUNTY COUNCIL Introduction FOREWORD CATHAOIRLEACH CLLR MATTIE RYAN I was greatly honoured to be elected as Cathaoirleach of Tipperary County Council on 25th June 2018 and to represent Tipperary as its first citizen in the final year of the first Council elected to serve on an all-county basis. During my term I have had the privilege to meet communities In September 2018 I had the opportunity of seeing first- and individuals across Tipperary and wider afield, to attend hand the wonderful work done by the Library Service events celebrating the past and the present and show-casing when I attended Cashel Library Young Readers Awards. the rich talents that are in such abundance in our Premier The county’s continued commitment to enterprise was County. I met young and old, celebrities and unsung apparent at the Bank of Ireland National Enterprise heroes, business people, politicians, sports clubs and many Towns Awards in Kilkenny in November 2018 where more – all of whom combine to make us what we are. there were a number of Tipperary recipients honoured. There have been many significant events that I look back The continued investment in our county was evident with on with pride, but none more so that in October 2018 when I a number of contract signings, including some within accepted the Supreme Award for Health & Safety on behalf of my own Nenagh Municipal District, such as the N52 the Tipperary Fire & Rescue Service in the National awards Borrisokane Streets Improvement Scheme and the R498 jointly organised by the National Irish Safety Organisation Knockalton Realignment. And the welcome news that An (NISO) and the Northern Ireland Safety Group. This award Bord Pleanála has granted permission for Newport Town reinforces their status as safety leaders across the country and Park & Play Facilities assures me that there will be continued is testament to the high quality service provided to the public. significant investment. The new state of the art offices in Carrick-on-Suir, which I had the pleasure of officially opening, demonstrate the commitment to providing facilities which allow the public to access the Council’s services. 2018 ANNUAL REPORT 7. Introduction As a member of the Southern Regional Assembly I have At national level I had the unique opportunities to had the opportunity to see first-hand the work put in by the be present during the papal visit to Ireland and at Planning Section of Tipperary County Council to ensure the Presidential inauguration. I also attended at the that the needs of Tipperary are recognised in the Regional US Embassy in the Phoenix Park in July 2018 for the Spatial and Economic Strategy. This will be one of the most Independence Day celebrations. Remembering the past important policies that will impact on Tipperary in the was an intrinsic part of the year with events such as future. It will inform our County Development Plan and will the National Day of Commemoration in Dublin in July be crucial to supporting our towns, villages and rural areas. 2018, the centenary commemorations at Soloheadbeg, the opening of the Thomas MacDonagh Garden of No words can convey the importance of the contribution Remembrance in Cloughjordan and the 120th Anniversary made by community groups across the county – from the of the Local Elections at the Custom House. individual who maintains a green area on his own doorstep to the dedicated tidy towns committees and development As in any year there were also moments of sadness. It was groups, the residents’ associations and burial ground with great regret that we learned of the deaths of Cllrs. Eddie committees, the Men’s Sheds projects, the festival committees, O’Meara and John Fahey. Both were true friends to us all and the first responders and community alert groups. It is were held in the highest esteem by all their fellow Councillors. wonderful to see these groups receiving recognition and They will be sadly missed. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam. the high marks obtained by the tidy towns groups across the county shows an enthusiasm for the protection of the I would like to thank my fellow Councillors in Tipperary environment and promotion of bio-diversity, as well as County Council for their invaluable support during my enhancing the presentation of our towns and villages. I term as Cathaoirleach of Tipperary. A special word of was delighted that Birdhill, who had the previous year thanks to my Leas-Chathaoirleach, Michael Murphy. I pay won the overall national Tidy Town’s award, were chosen tribute in particular to those members who have decided in 2018 to represent Ireland in the Communities in Bloom not to contest the local elections in 2019 and want to wish Competition in Canada and to have their efforts recognised them well in the future. I also wish all the candidates the in receiving the International Award for Best Floral Display. best of luck as they face the electorate and I know that they will play their part in continuing the development The launch of ‘Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands’ brand is of major and promotion of the county in the years ahead. significance to Tipperary and gives us an opportunity to showcase the wealth of heritage, landscape, lakes and rivers, A word of thanks to the media who attend our meetings and mountains, culture and stories we have to offer. We need to report to the general public on what is happening in the promote our hidden jewels and to ensure that the work of county. It was a particular pleasure for me to have ‘Down the Tipperary Tourism Company, the Lough Derg Marketing Your Way’ broadcast from my own home during my time Group and those involved in the provision of accommodation, as Cathaoirleach and it gave me the opportunity to give catering and facilities in the tourist industry are supported an insight into rural Ireland and the challenges facing it. and developed so that the message ‘Tipperary – time to take it all in’ resounds nationally and internationally. I would also like to express my appreciation and gratitude to Mr. Joe MacGrath, Chief Executive for his guidance and Tipperary is very much to the fore in the area of ‘green support throughout the year. Finally, thank you also to all energy’ and combating climate change. The annual ‘Energy the staff of the Council at all levels, indoor and outdoor for in Agriculture’ event at Gurteen College is testament to all your hard work in delivering a wide range of services. this and each year the level of participation increases. The on-going work on the preparation and implementation I look forward with pride to seeing Tipperary of the Local Climate Change Adaptation Strategy will continue to lead as ‘The Premier County’. ensure that Tipperary County Council plays its part in having the policies in place to ensure that there is an Is Mise le Meas, increased focus on the environment and sustainability. Cllr Mattie Ryan Cathaoirleach 8. TIPPERARY COUNTY COUNCIL Introduction MESSAGE FROM CHIEF EXECUTIVE JOE MACGRATH Some of the highlights for 2018 under our 3 strategic themes include: Strong Economy Throughout the year, the Council continued our focus on measures, programmes and projects • In March 2018, a new 3 year marketing plan for Tipperary which support local economic, social and cultural Tourism ‘Tipperary Time to Take it development. Notwithstanding the challenges of all in’ was launched at a Tipperary Tourism annual event. Tourism budgetary constraints across all Directorates, I plays a significant role within the am delighted to report continued progress with economy of County Tipperary many achievements across all of our services. with over 440,000 domestic and international visitors investing over €111 million into the County; The following were key initiatives achieved during 2018: • Support Funding was made available to encourage Tipperary’s Best Young • The Council achieved all targets set