Annual Report 2019 3
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SLIGO COUNTY COUNCIL ANNUAL REPORT 2019 071 911 1111 County Hall City Hall [email protected] Riverside Quay Street www.sligococo.ie Sligo Sligo 2 Table of Contents Mission Statement ........................................................................................................................................... 3 Introduction by Cathaoirleach ......................................................................................................................... 4 Introduction by Chief Executive ...................................................................................................................... 5 Unprecedented Investment in Sligo ........................................................................................................... 6 Sligo Selected as 2019 Digital Town ........................................................................................................... 8 Members of Sligo County Council ................................................................................................................... 9 Management Team ....................................................................................................................................... 11 Strategic Policy Committees .......................................................................................................................... 12 HOUSING, CORPORATE & EMERGENCY SERVICES DIRECTORATE ................................................... 13 Introduction ................................................................................................................................................... 14 Housing & Building ........................................................................................................................................ 15 Corporate Services ......................................................................................................................................... 33 Human Resources .......................................................................................................................................... 49 Civil Defence .................................................................................................................................................. 51 Health & Safety .............................................................................................................................................. 51 PLANNING, COMMUNITY & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ................................................................ 52 Introduction ................................................................................................................................................... 53 Development Management .......................................................................................................................... 54 Enforcement of Planning Control .................................................................................................................. 57 Heritage and Conservation Services .............................................................................................................. 58 Community & Economic Development ......................................................................................................... 66 Local Enterprise Office ................................................................................................................................... 83 Sligo Arts Service ........................................................................................................................................... 88 Sligo Library Service and Museum ................................................................................................................. 91 INFRASTRUCTURE, ENVIRONMENT AND FIRE SERVICES DIRECTORATE .......................................... 98 Introduction ................................................................................................................................................... 99 Road Transportation & Safety ..................................................................................................................... 100 Water Quality, Air & Noise Pollution ........................................................................................................... 119 Environmental Service ................................................................................................................................. 121 Veterinary Service ....................................................................................................................................... 130 Fire Services ................................................................................................................................................. 131 FINANCE ...................................................................................................................................... 135 Introduction ................................................................................................................................................. 136 Finance ........................................................................................................................................................ 137 Motor Taxation ............................................................................................................................................ 139 Procurement ................................................................................................................................................ 140 Information and Communications Technology ........................................................................................... 141 APPENDICES ................................................................................................................................ 143 Appendix 1: Conferences Attended By Councillors 2019 ............................................................................ 144 Appendix 2: Staff Retirements in 2019 ........................................................................................................ 145 SLIGO COUNTY COUNCIL ANNUAL REPORT 2019 3 Mission Statement “To maximise economic, social, cultural and community development, deliver efficient and cost effective services in a democratic, accountable and transparent manner in partnership with local communities, voluntary and statutory agencies.” County Hall, Riverside, Sligo, City Hall, Quay Street, Sligo, F91 Y763 F91 PP44 SLIGO COUNTY COUNCIL ANNUAL REPORT 2019 4 Introduction by Cathaoirleach Unprecedented investment in Sligo The unprecedented investment in our county’s roads infrastructure is just one of many reasons to be positive about Sligo’s future. The various projects planned for the coming years shows what can be achieved when key agencies work in dynamic partnership towards a common objective. Taken in conjunction with the progress being made right across our service areas, I believe Sligo County Council is making a real impact on people’s lives, and communities all over the county are energised and Councillor Tom MacSharry enhanced by schemes such as the Town and Village Renewal Cathaoirleach Programme. In addition to the capital roads programme, we are progressing exciting proposals for O’Connell Street and the Stephen Street Cultural Plaza, the Yeats Trail, Armada Centre, Grange, Enniscrone Bath House, Pavilion and Promenade and Greenways. I believe our designation as a centre for economic growth will be the catalyst and driver as we deliver on our status as economic, tourist and cultural capital of the Northwest. Sligo’s many attractions combine to frame that elusive concept known as ‘quality of life.’ - outstanding natural scenery, first class service and hospitality sector, progressive and dynamic third level colleges. Add to that wonderful mix: iconic literary figures, a treasure of ancient monuments, rich musical tradition across all genres, enchanting trails and scenic walkways. Taken in isolation, these jewels would enhance any setting, collectively they mark out Sligo as an optimum location for people in which to live, invest or visit. Sligo County Council looks forward to working with our communities and local agencies to continue to grow and develop our wonderful county. Councillor Tom MacSharry Cathaoirleach SLIGO COUNTY COUNCIL ANNUAL REPORT 2019 5 Introduction by Chief Executive Positioning Sligo to fulfil its potential The outlook for Sligo at the end of another year is promising, a year when investment and growth became more dominant than retrenchment and cutbacks. 2019 marked the fifth year in succession for the Council to return a revenue surplus, amounting to more than €8m over that 5-year period. It also marked a strategic move towards the development of the Council’s land holdings to facilitate the economic growth of Sligo, while retaining a strong focus on innovation and efficiencies to address legacy financial issues and provision of enhanced public services. Ciarán Hayes A significant milestone in this evolution was its’ growth centre Chief Executive designation under the National Planning Framework (NPF) as it signalled a confidence in Sligo’s role as a regional capital, a role that has been supported by a cumulative €250m investment in roads, bridges, housing, water, wastewater and tourism infrastructure projects. Many of these projects address long standing infrastructural deficits that have served to inhibit access, both to the major urban centre and