Management Report to Council
O COMMUNITY AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
O WATER SERVICES AND ENVIRONMENT
O HOUSING
O HUMAN RESOURCES/CORPORATE SERVICES
September 2017 1 | Page
COMMUNITY AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT DIRECTORATE
Economic Development Action Area Update Town Business The 2017 scheme for the enhancement of shops and business premises Premises in towns offered a total of €20,000 to the 5 MD’s in April 2017. Enhancement Scheme Applications are being processed and the works are underway in most towns.
Retail-Commercial To date the Commercial Incentive Scheme has attracted 21 enquiries in Incentive Scheme 2017 2017, across all 5 MD’s. Most are start-up and will not be eligible for grant payments until they are in business at least 6 months. The information portal at www.tipperarycoco.ie/cis is the first point of contact for the scheme. An attempt to publicise the scheme is underway with an email campaign to Auctioneers and Solicitors across the county reminding them of the existence of the Incentive Scheme. In addition radio adverts will be broadcast for a number of weeks on both TIPP FM and Tipperary Mid West during September and October.
Retail Town Centre Current work is now focused on Thurles. A group has been working on a Initiative common approach to improving the footfall to the town centre. A survey will be carried out by teams of transition year students from all schools in the town and this will inform the actions necessary to address the findings. Work will follow to create a brand for the town and to enhance the marketing effort and online presence.
The potential of Thurles branded as a town of Sport will be considered alongside a review of the tourism offering in the town and how it might fit within the ‘Irelands Ancient East’ proposition.
Finally a dedicated promotion of the Online Trading Vouchers is underway in conjunction with the county’s Chambers of Commerce.
Retail Shop Local A marketing effort is being developed to promote more local shopping. Campaign This includes a new sticker to be distributed to all the shops across the county. In line with this an online marketing campaign to further drive the message will be undertaken through the business representative bodies in each town. Fitzpatrick’s Design are working on the stickers and promotional artwork currently and the campaign will commence in the run up to the pre-Christmas spend.
Retail Christmas The Christmas Retail Support Grant Scheme will be opened again for the Support Grant 2017 Christmas period. Full details of the scheme will be circulated in due course to all stakeholders.
Digital Media/Gaming Work is ongoing with LIT Tipperary on the Feasibility study to assess the Corridor potential of a pilot Digital Hub / seat ready Studio in Clonmel funded by the EI, LEOs Competitive Funds. The study is due for completion shortly and may lead to the establishment of a pilot studio by the 30 November deadline.
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Broadband The National Broadband Plan procurement process is being managed intensively by the Department of Communications, Climate Action and Environment and following a competitive dialogue process, bidders were invited to submit their Detailed Solutions by September, 2017 (stage 4) The Detailed Solutions stage of the procurement process is the final stage before moving to Final Tenders. In April 2017 the Department announced the publication of an updated National Broad Plan High Speed Broadband Map following a Commitment Agreement with Open Eir. The updated Map identifies locations and premises as being within Amber, Blue and Light Blue Area (s) The County Tipperary Coverage Statistics are as follows; AMBER areas - which are the target areas for the State Intervention of the NBP and includes for 30,428 Premises in County Tipperary. This figure will reduce as rural broadband is rolled out. LIGHT BLUE areas - the Open Eir commercial rollout to this area is primarily Fibre to the Home (FTTH) and includes for 15,838 Premises in County Tipperary. These deployment works have commenced with project completion date set for December 2018. BLUE areas - where commercial operators are delivering or have indicated plans to deliver high speed broadband services. Operators are continuing to enhance their services in these areas to improve access to high speed broadband and includes for 38,048 Premises in County Tipperary. The development of a Digital Strategy has commenced. This strategy will identify the role that broadband can play in the future economic and social development of the County and also the role that Local Authorities and relevant Stakeholders can play to facilitate same.
Telecoms operators have recently put in place nominated points of contact within their organisations, and in conjunction with Tipperary County Council, these structures are streamlining and improving engagement and assisting in removing impediments to the rollout of telecoms infrastructure.
The Department of Communications, Climate Action and Environment and the Department of Rural and Community Development are working with mobile operators and Tipperary County Council on a pilot project to identify specific mobile phone blackspot areas, ascertain why these issues are arising, and identify solutions to improve the coverage in the area.
Open Free Public Wi-Fi is now available in Gladstone Street, Mitchell Street and parts of Sarsfield Street, O’Connell Street, Clonmel, County Tipperary as provided by Virgin Media Ireland.
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Enterprise / LEO Selective Financial Intervention; to date LEO Tipperary has processed 26 applications for grant aid and approved 20 grants with a total value of €454,261 which will leverage a projected investment of €1,878,355 in the county. Grants approved will yield 79 full time equivalents at an average cost per job of €5,750. Grants approved include; • 3 Feasibility Study Grants valued at of €45,000 with a projected investment of €146,602. • 4 Priming Grants valued at €78,000 with a projected investment of €365,061. • 13 Business Expansion Grants valued at €331,261 with a projected investment of €1,366,692.
In the current year to date Grants of €173,463 have been paid out to 25 projects.
Work is underway with up to 90 small firms involving an on-site Annual Business Review and health check to determine status, development requirements and job creation potential. The LEO is hoping that the provision of targeted supports will encourage performing clients to scale their enterprise over the next 12 months. LEO Innovation Tipperary received 22 applications (7th highest level in the Country) under Investment Fund the new LEO Innovation Investment Fund. LEOs in the Mid West will now select a cohort (min 10 max 15) to participate on the regional investor ready programme. This is a competitive funding process which means that the best applicants will compete for a pot of 7 €25k investments. Selection criteria to pitch for an investment of €25k has been set by Enterprise Ireland in conjunction with DJEI. The geographic spread of applicants; Thurles 5, Nenagh 6, Clonmel 5, Carrick on Suir 3, Cashel-Tipperary 3. Entrepreneurial and In terms of Entrepreneurial and Capability Development, from January to Capability Development end of August, 897 individuals have participated in 69 separate training and management development initiatives including 480 female and 417 males. 243 students have participated in Student Enterprise Programmes.
The Autumn calendar of training programmes and entrepreneurial and capability development measures is now available for circulation to business interests. A number of new measures such as LEAN, specialist Clinics and a tool kit have been introduced to address the potential impact of Brexit on local firms.
15 On Line Trading Vouchers worth €31,272 have been allocated from an annual allocation of 36. A higher level of take up by the retail sector is required in Tipperary.
4 Microfinance loans worth €55k have been approved to date for projects that fall outside of standard bank lending criteria.
6 Tipperary Firms were funded to exhibit at Energy in Agriculture held in Gurteen College in August. The event organised by Tipperary Co Co, Teagasc, Tipperary Energy Agency, IFA and Gurteen College provided an excellent showcase and PR opportunity for local firms to promote their products and services in a niche growth sector. The LEO also provided an information stand to service enquiries.
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IBYE The 2017 Irelands Best Young Entrepreneur Competition is now open to potential and existing entrepreneurs in Tipperary under the age of 35. An investment fund of €50,000 is available together with funding in excess of €23,000 to run a boot camp and related promotion. NWED National Women’s Enterprise Day - a regional initiative involving Tipperary, Limerick and Clare will take place at the Lakeside Hotel, Ballina on 12 October. This year’s keynote address will be delivered by Dragon’s Den Chanelle Mc Coy and the event is expected to attract over 100 female entrepreneurs to Tipperary. The theme for this conference which will feature presentations, case studies and networking is “New Markets”.
South East Micro Food South East Micro Food initiative; 14 Companies travelled to New York in initiative June to attend the New York Fancy Food Fair, tour speciality food stores in Manhattan and participate in meetings with an Bord Bia. The trade mission was led by LEO Tipperary and funded under the LEOs competitive Funds secured in 2016.
Entrepreneurship The Entrepreneurship Strategy for Tipperary is now ready for Strategy consideration by the Economic Forum and SPC. The recommendations will address unemployment blackspots, actions to boost start ups, increased focus on inculcating a stronger enterprise culture and brokering greater stakeholder engagement. This will be the first all county strategy focussing on the promotion of entrepreneurship in Tipperary.
County Based Craft A first draft of the Craft Strategy is under consultation currently with the Industry Strategic Plan agencies, craft makers and the SPC for Economic and Enterprise Development. This is expected to be finalised over the coming weeks and for the first time Tipperary will have a co-ordinated plan for the promotion and development of the Craft sector.
Study of Training & The Study of Training & Development Needs of firms employing 10 plus development Needs in staff commissioned by LEO and Tipperary ETB is now complete and the the County for firms report will be reviewed by both the Economic Forum and Economic SPC employing 10+ staff in due course. A separate study of the training and development needs of the tourism sector (which employs predominantly less than 10 staff) is ongoing with findings expected towards end of September.
AgTech Symposium & The Local Enterprise Offices in the South East Region, including Strategy Tipperary, Kilkenny, Carlow, Wexford and Waterford, coordinated a forward thinking AgTech Symposium held in Thurles in July. The inaugural Agricultural Technology initiative was funded under the Action Plan for Jobs LEO Competitive Funds. Other key stakeholders involved in the event include Enterprise Ireland, Teagasc, The Department of Agriculture, Institutes of Technology, Agriforvalour, TSSG and WIT. Almost 140 delegates attended the conference which included farmers, engineers, AgTech companies, investors, entrepreneurs and those with an interest in emerging technologies for agriculture. The Government’s Action Plan for Jobs identified the potential of the Agri-Food and Ag-Tech Sectors as key drivers of economic recovery and job creation in Ireland and this symposium explored how the potential of AgTech in particular, can be maximised for the region. A follow up initiative is required to inform a strategy to capitalise on AgTech in Tipperary and its neighbouring counties. 5 | Page
Food Centre Of The Feasibility Study undertaken by CHL and commissioned by Excellence Tipperary Culinary Delights and jointly funded by The Company and Enterprise Ireland under the Community Enterprise Centre Scheme is close to completion. An application under the next Government Regional Enterprise Development Fund call in March is proposed.
Funding – REDZ 2017 Three Projects are underway currently and all are on schedule to be completed by November 2017. The projects are as follows: REDZ 16/17 River Suir Blue Way €314,142 (Grant Element - €200,000) Development of River Suir Community Sports Hub in Ardfinnan & progression of the Sports Hub in Clonmel contributing to the development of the River Suir Blueway. Approximately 65% of this grant has been drawn down. REDZ 16/17 Munster Vales - €499,026 (Grant Element - €399,221) This project encompasses a series of interventions which focus on fostering economic development and entrepreneurship through the development of natural resources across the Munster Vales area. This includes research, feasibility studies, infrastructural development and the assignment of tourism marketing expertise to create and maximise tourism business opportunities, stimulate alternative farm enterprise, provide supplementary income opportunities and ultimately maximise the Munster Vales tourism value proposition. Approximately 10% of this grant has been drawn down. REDZ 16/17 Lisheen Bio Economy - €125,000 (Grant Element - €100,000) Project involved a feasibility study which has the potential to transform the mid Tipperary area. The scope of this study is to assess the viability of repurposing the Lisheen lead and zinc mining site for production of bio- based chemicals through new forms of cooperation among industry, research and agriculture, leading in time to the creation of over 1,000 jobs in the region. Approximately 83% of the grant has been drawn down.
Irish Bioeconomy The Irish Bioeconomy Foundation CLG has applied to Enterprise Association Ireland’s REDF (Regional Enterprise Development Fund), seeking the maximum under ‘Stream 1’ of the funding call. The total value of the project is €6.25m of which €5m would be funded through Enterprise Ireland over a three period if the application is successful.
REDZ 2015 The remaining element of Nenagh REDZ project, the Nenagh Ormond way is now complete and the final NTO report imminent at which stage the balance of the grant €15k can be released. Grants totalling €375k will then have been paid out to 4 REDZ leveraging a spend in excess of €.5M over the period 2016/2017 in Tipperary.
MOU with LCDC & Local The LEO has produced a local protocol and memorandum of Development understanding for the period to 2020 to be signed with the 2 Local Companies Development Companies and LCDC that will maximise available funding for Tipperary, eliminating duplication of effort and resources over the term of the RDP programme. Tipperary Tourism Tipperary Tourism is currently coordinating familiarisation trips for Travel Journalists including the following confirmed publications; the Sunday Business Post, the Sunday Independent, the Irish Examiner, the Irish Daily Star, Her.ie. and TUI. with more trips in the planning stages. This 6 | Page
will raise the profile of Tipperary as a tourism destination in the domestic and foreign markets and will influence our target markets to choose Tipperary for their next trip. Please follow Tipperary Tourism on Facebook and Twitter for updates on all reviews.
Tipperary Tourism has applied to South Tipperary Development Company for LEADER funding for the delivery of a range of marketing projects.
A Training and Development Needs Analysis of the tourism sector in the county has recently been commissioned and Marla appointed and the research will be completed by the end of September.
Munster Vales Plans are advancing to hold the official launch of Munster Vales to the media and general public in Lismore Castle, Lismore, Co. Waterford on October 5th at 6pm. Minister for Tourism and Sport, Mr. Brendan Griffin TD has been invited to perform the launch.
Lough Derg A Taste of Lough Derg 2017, the festival of food taking place around the lake continues with 30 events taking place around the lake between May and September. More details on www.discoverloughderg.ie. Lough Derg Marketing benefitted from CEDRA support this year towards event management and PR activities.
Tholsel Fethard June and July has seen a steady flow of visitors to the Fethard Horse Country Experience. By mid August, in excess of 3,000 visitors had been through the centre. The annual first year target is for 5,000 visitors so the project is well on target. Visitors are coming from all countries around the world.
Cultural Section
Action Area Update Heritage: Heritage Plan Actions River Suir Heritage Audit is progressing between Knocklofty and Cahir. A citizen science element will be introduced to this year’s audit to encourage local participation.
Tipperary, Galway and Clare film project is also underway with 3 short films being shot on aspects of the heritage of Tipperary. In total 9 shorts (3 from each county) will be completed by end of year.
Funding Following on the success of last year’s Co-Operation project with Education Officer in County Museum and Friends of the Friends of the Walls of Derry and the production of a handling collection in relation to the sieges of Clonmel and Derry, we have been successful in securing additional funding this year to develop an educational pack on this topic. Funding has been secured to host a conference on 30th September in Cashel on Historic Properties Maintenance; this is another collaborative project with County Museum and Planning.
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Creative Ireland Creative Ireland Action Plan 2017 has been published and work is beginning on the Creative Ireland 5 year strategy for the county.
A Community grant scheme was opened in June and 20 projects across the county were awarded funding for a variety of Creative projects. Heritage Week Over 80 events were held across the county for Heritage Week 2017 which took place on the last week in August. Theme for this year is ‘Notice Nature’.
National Famine National Famine Commemoration will take place in Famine Warhouse Commemoration 2017 1848 in Ballingarry on 30th September.
The Taoiseach will be in attendance on the day and will give the key note speech.
An inter-departmental steering group is working on the local element of the ceremony and a programme of events in the week leading up to event.
Tipperary County Museum:
Maintenance of MSPI 10th Anniversary Awards ceremony – Museum received its Museum’s Full Maintenance of Accreditation on July 11th 2017.This accreditation takes 7 accreditation with years to be awarded. Cathaoirleach Cllr. Dr. Phyll Bugler attended the Heritage Council event with Sinead Carr C&E Director.
Tourism product: The final draft of the feasibility study completed further meetings Westgate, Museum, scheduled with team in Sept 2017. River Suir & Bulmers Friends of Culture Report will be drafted by the beginning of September to discuss ways forward.
Festival Cluain Meala Took place 5th – 13th August and was a tremendous success welcoming record visitor numbers over the two weekends.
Gallery Redevelopment New material identified to be placed in display cases before end September.
Temporary Exhibitions 1. ‘History of the Hair Hurling Ball’ travelled to Clare Co Museum in 2017 July 2017. 2. Cathaoirleach Cllr. Dr. Phyll Bugler launched ‘A Message in Time’ with over 150 guests in attendance: A Postcard inspired exhibition currently being devised opening July 3rd 2017: Investigating the written word Museum working closely with Clonmel Junction Festival. Includes collaborations with An Post, L.I.T, W.I.T, Artists Katie Hanlan, Lay of the Land & Graffiti Artist James Earley, Local schools and Community groups county wide. 3. A scheduled education & temporary exhibition programme will accompany the exhibition - ongoing.
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Education Planning 1. Planning Lecture Series 5 – Themed around ‘Farm, Field & 2017: Fireside’ Investigating changing patterns of land ownership from approx 1800s – 1970s. Commencing Sept 2017 – May 2018. 2. Working on Education/Outreach Projects for Postcard exhibition – partners include Heritage Office, Planning Section, LIT, Tipperary Tourism, WIT, Twinned Towns, local schools, An Post etc. 3. Summer Camp advertised 18th – 21st July. 4. Planning Culture Night. 5. Autumn & Winter events.
Recent Acquisitions: A Significant donation of Rare Books has been donated to TCM by an anonymous donor. H&S 1. OHSAS - Weekly meetings are ongoing with staff. 2. Building maintenance works are ongoing.
Conservation Victorian Costume with conservator in Dublin, due back Sept 2017 ready to display.
Building Maintenance New Electrical board installed to accommodate the Swimming pool & museum.
Irish Museums Marie McMahon Curator appointed Director on IMA. Designated to Association (IMA) develop an Education Strategy & SMP for Irish Museum Sector.
NMI 1. To discuss access to Derrynaflan Chalice research, images and structure to recreate a replica of the Derrynaflan Chalice –NMI requires a Feasibility of the Derrynaflan Chalice to examine techniques, equipment /tools & materials before application can move forward. This output is required when completing the Tender documentation. 2. To view Tipperary archaeological material in Swords for loan – booked in Sept to view.
Local Authority Museum Looking at Museum staffing structures within LA’s across Ireland. Network (LAMN) Creative Ireland Museum received €10k and commissioned three pieces of work: • Lay of the land Textile sculpture – on display @ TCM • Katie Hanlan Textile piece – on display@ TCM • James Earley Graffiti on Channon’s gable wall, Clonmel – completed
Famine Commemoration Museum supporting an inter-departmental steering group on the local element of the ceremony and a programme of events in the week leading up to event.
Funding Investigating various strands of funding: 1. Creative Ireland – €10,000 2. Heritage Council Walled Towns Day – Received €8k FCM 3. Local & Regional Museum Funds: Mid May 2017 - €8k awarded 4. Heritage Council Conservation Fund – Mid May 2017 €3800 awarded STDC: Proposal to create a Replica Derrynaflan Chalice & Replica Coin Hoard has passed EOI phase. Museum assisting both groups to progress their projects. 9 | Page
WATER SERVICES AND ENVIRONMENT DIRECTORATE
1. Irish Water Service Level Agreement and Annual Service Plan While responsibility for water services has passed to Irish Water since 01 January 2014, local authorities remain very involved in the sector, acting as agents of Irish Water in relation to the operation and maintenance of services. This transition means that local authorities operate under Service Level Agreements with Irish Water. Irish Water sets the level of service, in light of its contract with the economic regulator, and driving efficiencies and accelerated investment. In conjunction with the Service Level Agreement, an Annual Service Plan is prepared each calendar year through a joint planning process between the Council and Irish Water.
2. Capital Projects On 13 May 2014 Irish Water published its Proposed Capital Investment Plan (CIP) for 2014 to 2016. Investment is prioritised where it can deliver the most urgently needed improvements in drinking water quality, leakage, water availability, wastewater compliance, efficiencies and customer service.
Irish Water has submitted its proposed Investment Plan 2017-2021 to the Commission for Energy Regulation (CER). On 12 December 2016, the CER published its decision paper on the Irish Water Allowable Revenue for the period from 01 January 2017 to 31 December 2018, which incorporates the Investment Plan as it relates to that period. Formal publication by Irish Water of the Investment Plan is awaited.
In 2017, IW restructured the delivery of the CIP into two streams:
(1) Infrastructure Portfolio which includes major water and wastewater projects, both treatment plants and networks; and (2) Capital Delivery which includes the implementation of a large number of smaller interventions that will target specific areas or bundles of assets.
Irish Water Infrastructure Projects – Tipperary
A. Schemes in Current scheme Contract Name Consultant Contractor Construction Status
Fethard RWSS Network David Walsh Scheme Water Conservation Rehabilition and Advance Ryan Hanly Civil substantially Stage 3 Fethard RWSS Fethard Sewerage Engineering complete. Scheme Scheme Clonmel Town & Rural Graigue Watermain and Nicholas Wills Brothers substantially WSS (Advance Works) Borehole Contract No. 3 O'Dwyer complete. Water Conservation Water Conservation Contract ongoing. JB Barry Balfour Beatty Stage 3 Nenagh Town Stage 3 Nenagh Town Nenagh Sewerage Nenagh Wastewater Contract ongoing. JB Barry Balfour Beatty Scheme Network Advanced Works Scheme Thurles RWSS Contract Clodiagh Intake Advanced Nicholas Glan Agua substantially 2 (WTP & pipelines) Works O'Dwyer Limited complete. 10 | Page
B. Review Scope and commence construction Contract Name Current scheme Status (IW Reviewing) Nicholas O’Dwyer Consultant Clonmel Town & Rural WSS Storage North of Clonmel and appointment. CPO submitted by IW (Advance Works) Pipelines to ABP on 18 August 2017. Contract at tender. Nicholas O’Dwyer Consultant Thurles RWSS Contract 2 DBO Thurles RWSS Contract 2 DBO appointed. Grant of permission Water Treatment Plant and WTP and Abbey Road pipelines issued by TCC on 01 May 2017. pipelines Project at tender. M&E Works Ballylooby Springs JB Barry Consultant appointed. Ardfinnan RWSS/Burncourt including Drumroe and Kilroe Design review ongoing. RWSS Reservoirs
Clonmel Town and Rural WSS - Clonmel Town & Rural WSS (EIS Nicholas O’Dwyer Consultant WTP, Reservoirs, Intake Works and Water Abstraction Order) appointed. Design ongoing. and Pipelines DBO Contract Jacobs Engineering Consultant Roscrea Sewerage Scheme Drainage Area Plan appointed. Preliminary surveys ongoing. Jacobs Engineering Consultant Thurles Sewerage Scheme Drainage Area Plan appointed. Preliminary surveys ongoing. ARUP Engineering Consultant Nenagh Sewerage Scheme WWTP and Network Upgrade appointed.
Water Conservation Stage 3 Burncourt Watermain Network IW reviewing. Burncourt RWSS Rehabilitation
Grangemockler Sewerage WWTP and Network Scheme IW reviewing.
C. Continue Planning and Business Case Review Contract Name (IW Reviewing)
Fethard Sewerage Scheme Fethard Sewerage Scheme IW reviewing.
Ballina / Killaloe Sewerage WWTP and Network Upgrade IW reviewing. Scheme
Templemore Sewerage Scheme Network Upgrade IW reviewing.
Borrisoleigh Sewerage Scheme WWTP Upgrade IW reviewing.
As part of the Investment Plan 2017-2021, IW has notified TCC that it is commencing the procurement of consultants for Ballina WWTP, Newport WWTP, Cashel WWTP, Fethard WWTP, Cahir WWTP and Tipperary WWTP with a target start date of Q4 2017.
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Networks Portfolio Delivery:
IW has established a new contractor framework to replace the existing frameworks. The new framework will be regionally based. IW has recently appointed Shareridge Ltd. for the mid- west region, which includes Tipperary, and it is envisaged that this contractor will mobilise shortly and commence works in Q4 2017. The scope of services covered by this framework includes the following: • new watermains and service laying; • below ground network rehabilitation work; • backyard lead replacement; • District Metering Area (DMA) establishment; • pressure reducing valve (PRV) works; • minor works to include leak repair, public side lead works and metering; and • first fix.
Tipperary has been nominated as the LA to start the water network regional contractor for the mid-west region (which also includes Limerick and Clare). Following a workshop in February 2017, IW Water Conservation has put together an initial package of work (12-15 km) for consideration for watermain rehabilitation. The initial locations to be assessed are:- • Crotty’s Lake trunk watermain to Carrick-on-Suir (located in Co. Waterford); • Dundrum to Coolough; • Lackmore, Rearcross; • Outrath - New Inn; and • Ballina.
Once confirmed, a works package will be prepared by IW for the Asset Delivery section to progress through the IW Regional Capital Offices.
Note:
Further information on the above will be contained in the Water Services Briefing Note, to be presented to each September 2017 District meeting.
3. Irish Water Minor Capital Programme
This ongoing programme is designed to prioritise spending as effectively as possible, to identify where funding is most needed through a focus on specific asset condition and performance, identifying root causes of problems and addressing these. The programme addresses issues such as water quality, water availability, health and safety, regulatory compliance (EPA), public health and environmental risk, energy efficiency and maintaining levels of service through addressing underperforming assets. All Minor Capital Programme projects put forward by Tipperary County Council are reviewed by IW before approval.
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4. Rural Water Programme
Responsibility for the Rural Water Programme rests with the Council. It covers the following matters: (i) group water schemes; (ii) group sewerage schemes, the provision of which requires the active participation of the householders concerned; (iii) the administration of grants for the provision or necessary improvement of an individual water supply to a house (well grants); (iv) the administration of grants payable under the Domestic Lead Remediation (Financial Assistance) Regulations 2016; and (v) the administration of grants payable under the Domestic Waste Water Treatment Systems (Financial Assistance) Regulations 2013 (it should be noted that the site inspections, etc. are carried out by Environment Section). By letter, dated 13 June 2017, the then Department of Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government informed Tipperary County Council of its interim allocation for 2017 as follows:
(i) Measure 2 (block grant based allocation) (excluding capital replacement costs): €224,229 (based on 75% of amount recouped to TCC whereas TCC sought €508,110); (ii) Measure 4(b) (publicly and privately sourced group water schemes which wish to be taken over by Irish Water): €18,000 in respect of Clonmore South, Cahir; and (iii) Measure 5(c) (projects in the rural water sector to support Water Framework Directive objectives, including raising awareness): €10,450 (awareness visits at national schools, GAA clubs, sports committees and community halls).
The taking-in-charge of Drombane Group Water Scheme has been put forward to the current Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government for consideration as a pilot taking- in-charge project
Progress on the above work programme will be reviewed by the Rural Water Committee at its next meeting on 10 October 2017. A scheme to assist low income households with the replacement of lead pipes in their homes has been introduced by the current Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government. It is intended for principal private residences only and applications will require evidence of household income, receipts and certificates for the works completed as well as tax clearance certificates for the contractors. As the scheme falls under the Rural Water Programme, it is administered by Water Services, Civic Offices, Nenagh. To date, a grant has been paid to 1 applicant.
5. Non Domestic Water Billing
The migration of non-domestic water account data and billing from this Council to Irish Water took place in the week following 23 November 2016. All non-domestic customers will have received correspondence from Irish Water and this Council in relation to this transfer. All payments will now be made to Irish Water and all customer contact will go through its call centre. Meter reading and an amount of post migration support will continue to be undertaken by this Council. Charges for non-domestic (referred to by Irish Water as business) customers, credit terms and the frequency of billing will remain unchanged while this transition is taking place. Bills will now be issued by Irish Water directly as they fall due. Any customer with a query in relation to the process can contact Irish Water on 1850 778 778 (a dedicated non-domestic telephone number).
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6. Dedicated Telephone Line for Councillors
A dedicated telephone line for councillors has been put in place by Irish Water. This service, available at 1890 178 178, is operational from 9.00 am to 5.30 pm, Monday to Friday. It is recommended that councillors would ask for a reference number for their enquiry. Irish Water has provided the following information:
Irish Water Councillor Engagement We are continuing to offer councillors an enhanced service: By telephone: A dedicated telephone number for councillor queries 1890 178 178, available Monday to Friday, 9.00am – 5.30pm
By email: A dedicated email address [email protected].
Drop-In Clinics Irish Water clinics have been held in each local authority. Invitations will issue by email from Irish Water with the date, time and location of each clinic at least one week in advance. For convenience, each clinic with Tipperary County Council is held from 09.00 am to 10.00 am on the day the Council holds its monthly meeting. For those councillors without an email address, Irish Water will endeavour to contact you by phone or post.
Councillor Drop in Clinics in Tipperary To date, 15 no. councillor clinics have been hosted by Irish Water, with Water Services staff also in attendance, as follows: 1. County Library headquarters, Thurles on 17 December 2014; 2. Civic Offices, Nenagh on 03 February 2015; 3. Water Services, Clonmel on 18 March 2015; 4. Civic Offices, Clonmel on 13 April 2015; 5. Civic Offices, Nenagh on 11 May 2015; 6. Civic Offices, Clonmel on 13 July 2015; 7. Civic Offices, Clonmel on 14 September 2015; 8. Civic Offices, Nenagh on 12 October 2015; 9. Civic Offices, Nenagh on 11 January 2016; 10. Council Chamber, Parnell Street, Clonmel on 08 February 2016; 11. Civic Offices, Nenagh on 09 May 2016; 12. Civic Offices, Clonmel on 12 September 2016; 13. Civic Offices, Nenagh on 10 October 2016 (special clinic in relation to non-domestic billing migration); 14. Civic Offices, Clonmel on 13 February 2017; and 15. Civic Offices, Nenagh on 08 May 2017.
It is anticipated that Irish Water will host its next councillor clinic as follows: Date: Friday, 15 September 2017 Time: 09.00 to 10.00 am Venue: Clonmel Borough District meeting room, Middle Floor, Civic Offices, Clonmel
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ENVIRONMENT
Environment Protection Services WFD 432 inspections of the catchments and 23 investigative assessments were completed. /Catchment Staff participated in a number of public awareness events in association with LAWCO. A report outlining our observations and comments on the River Basin Management Plan was submitted to the Department. Section 4 Section 4 Discharge Licence inspections = 40 Licences Farm 19 Farm Inspections under GAP regulations and 24 other Farm Inspections completed Inspections Nutrient 24 Nutrient Management Plans were submitted for approval. Management RMCEI A review of the RMCEI Work Programmes was carried out in July and a report compiled
Air/Noise 19 Routine Air related Inspections Pollution • 2 Smoky Coal • 2 Solvent ( Dry Cleaners) 2 Certifications • 9 Deco Paints Reg Vehicle Refinishers 4 Certifications • 6 Petroleum Vapour Inspections 2 Certificates issued
Planning To date 69 Planning Referral Reports were submitted to Planning referrals DWWTS 14 Inspections were completed to date Community Services A draft of the 2017–2020 Litter Plan for the County is currently being prepared. Local Agenda 21 – 41 projects were approved and shared a fund of €36,011. Tidy Schools – 44 entries were received and €8,200 was awarded in prizes. Green Schools – 40 schools registered. Assisted the Tipperary Traveller Horse Owner Association in organising the Horse Sulky Drive. Freedom of Information Requests – 11 completed Veterinary Services Control of Total Carrick Cashel Clonmel Nenagh Thurles Horses on Suir Tipperary Templemore Queries processed 72 5 24 19 7 17 Horse Pickups 35 3 11 7 2 12 Horses seized 53 4 20 11 2 16
Abattoirs 450 visits to Abattoirs. Cattle = 1,198, Sheep = 3,518, Pigs = 488, Goats = 7, Deer = 1,323
Dogs 4088 licences issued. Licences
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Litter Enforcement Total Carrick Cashel Clonmel Nenagh Thurles on Suir Tipperary Templemore
Fines Issued 66 1 8 5 35 17
Gateway 36 site clean-ups carried out in the Nenagh & Templemore & Thurles districts
Illegal Cleanups 12 large clean-ups completed.
Waste Management Garages Tyre Inspections - 44 Tyres/Waste Battery Inspections - 32 Tyres Garage Site inspections - 45 WEEE Inspections - 43 Plastic Bag Levy Inspections - 5 Tyre Clean-up Project – Completed. Burning To date 119 Burning Declarations approved. Inspections Abandoned 39 vehicles removed. Vehicles Removal of 26 animal carcasses removed. Carcasses CCTV 43 locations installations Litter Pollution Commenced Surveys ATM Surveys Completed and returned to Department.
Anti Dumping Phase 1 of the Anti Dumping Initiative completed – river clean-ups at Nenagh, Initiatives Clonmel and Carrick on Suir. Phase 2 Initiative - 5 projects approved - Knockmealdown, Glengoole, Moyne and Clonmel Greenway. Commenced - to be completed by end of October. Public Awareness Working with the Cashel Zero Waste Initiative. The environment information trailer was in attendance at the Clonmel Show, Bansha Show, Dualla Show, Nenagh Show and Carrick-on-Suir Clancy Festival. Infrastructure & Maintenance Burial Ground Works ongoing at Boher & Cragg burial grounds Capital Repairs to walls completed at Fennor, Toem, Cloughprior and Holyford Maintenance Landfill Sites Restoration works and risk assessments at old landfills are progressing. Civic Amenity The upgrade of the Roscrea CAS is progressing and consultants were appointed to prepare tenders for the Nenagh CAS. Dono Roscrea Nenagh Wallers Lot Carrigeen hill Visits 6,416 18,655 39,264 14,147 12,664
Dangerous/ The following notices were issued: Derelict Sites Section 8 (2) = 10 ; Section 8 (7) = 2 ; Section 3 = 4 ; Section 8 (4) = 4 notices H&S 11 H&S Inspections completed
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Complaints Description Tipperary Thurles Nenagh Clonmel Carrick on Cashel Templemore Suir
Open Closed Open Closed Open Closed Open Closed Open Closed Air 4 7 4 6 4 12 6 10 1 1 Derelict Sites 3 0 1 2 4 4 1 1 0 0 Dog Control 1 140 0 114 0 127 2 84 1 46 Litter 5 107 7 135 11 291 38 101 18 62 Noise 4 2 1 0 1 2 2 2 2 1 Veterinary 1 22 0 13 2 11 1 25 0 4 Waste Enforcement 1 32 2 16 3 17 16 24 10 15 Water 3 3 8 4 5 9 5 11 1 5 Complaints Open 22 23 30 71 33 Complaints Closed 313 290 473 258 134 Total Received 335 313 503 329 167
Waste Enforcement Waste Facility Applications - WFP applications received= 5 Permit (WFP) / Certificates of Reg permit application received = 2 Certificate of Registration Inspections – Waste Facility Permit Inspections = 21 (CoR), Certificates of Reg Facility Inspections = 8 applications/ TFS Inspections with Dublin City Council = 4 inspections LA Certs. of Reg Sites = 50 Packaging Certificate of Renewal of Registration applications from major producers self- applications complying =3 Inspections Certificate of Renewal of Registration granted.=2 Site Inspections =2 Hazardous Waste inspections =8 Food Waste Household Waste Surveys = 25 Management Brown Bin Waste Collectors to Households = 6 Commercial Food Inspections = 9 Farm plastics Farm Plastic Retailers inspected = 12
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HOUSING DIRECTORATE
Housing Construction
Stage 1 = Preliminary Address No of Houses Current Status design
Stage 2 = Detailed design
Stage 3 = Tender Stage Stage 2 application Glencarrick, Roscrea 10 submitted to Department Lacey Avenue, 3 complete, 4th Templemore 4 complete this month Mitchel Street, Thurles 1 Part 8 advertised. Approval to proceed to Gortataggart, Thurles 2 tender Cloughjordan 3 Part 8 being prepared Works nearing Cabragh Bridge Traveller completion in coming Accomodation 6 weeks Gortnahoe 5 Part 8 advertised. Flood Impact study Wallers Lot, Cashel 10 commenced Stage 3 Being Prepared, Glenconnor, Clonmel 26 Architects appointed Architect to be appointed Borrisoleigh 12 September 2017 Architect to be appointed Templetuohy 6 September 2017 Mill Road Thurles 27 Stage 2 submitted Knockanrawley, Tipperary 25 Stage 2 submitted Mulcair View, Newport 9 Stage 2 submitted Stage 1 Approved June Strylea Fethard 10 17 Stage 2 to be submitted Borrisokane 17 September 2017 Stage 2 to be submitted Cahir 8 September 2017
**Total funding allocation for above schemes is €29.4 m - 181 Units Part VIII Planning As Rebuilding Ireland is a County Wide Programme, Part VIII Planning proposals will be brought before the full Council for consideration.
Adverts were placed in the media and County Council website for the supply of housing units by Developers/AHB's and also to promote the Repair and Leasing Scheme. 9 responses were received and these are currently being evaluated. 18 | Page
Other Schemes Submitted to Department
Local Infrastructure Lands at Ardgeeha Housing Activation Fund 20 approved - €0.78m Approved
Joint Ventures to demonstrate Cost Lands at Glenconnor Effective Design West Awaiting decision
Capital Assistance Scheme 2015 - 2017 13 acquisitions Completed 20 construction Design Stage 19 Construction(Stanwix House, Thurles) Stage 1 approved 12 Houses at Being purchased by CALF Scheme Ashbury, Roscrea Cluid 15 Houses at Mill House Carrick On Being purchased by Suir Oaklee
Energy Efficiency
261 houses in Clonmel MD tendered - Contractor Allocation €3.1m appointed 1058 Additional Houses - Tenders being assessed
House Purchases
Completed 2017 27
RAS & Leasing
RAS 2017 49 LTL 2017 20
Housing Assistance Payment
Approved 2017 525
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Grants Grant Schemes are now open for new applications
Grants 2017 BUDGET Total Grants Approved Number 3,032,731 HOUSE ADAPTION GRANT PEOPLE WITH A 1,701,191.00 140 DISABILITY-HGD
MOBILITY AIDS GRANT (MAG) 180,008.87 42
HOUSING AID FOR OLDER PEOPLE (HOP) 336,149.75 79
TOTAL 2,217,349.62 261
Vacant Houses 2017
Number Completed 89
Approved Housing Applicants and Vacant Houses Statistics
Approved District Applicants Vacant Houses
Carrick 343 23 Cashel/Tipperary 559 25 Clonmel 753 30 Templemore/Thurles 673 26 Nenagh 732 30 Total 3,060 134
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HUMAN RESOURCES/CORPORATE SERVICES DIRECTORATE
CORPORATE SERVICES
The Corporate Services Directorate incorporates a wide variety of centrally provided services. It contains the following: (i) Meetings of the Council; (ii) Customer Services; (iii) Local Elections; (iv) Property Interest Register; (v) Franchise (Register of Electors); (vi) Higher Education Grants; (vii) Insurance; (viii) Freedom of Information/Ombudsman Complaints;
The Directorate works with other departments on: • Customer Care; • Freedom of Information Requests/Ombudsman Complaints; • Data Protection Queries; • Access to Information on the Environment Requests;
1. Corporate Plan: • Progress on the key objectives of the Corporate Plan is recorded in the Council’s annual report for 2016 as adopted by the Council at its meeting held on 12th June 2017; 2. Service Delivery Plan: • The Tipperary County Council Service Delivery Plan for 2017 was approved by the Council at its meeting held on 8th May;
3. Performance Indicators: • NOAC carried out an audit on 21st June in relation to the validation of the Council’s 2016 data. Mr John Buckley and Ms Connie Hanniffy from the Commission along with Mr Paul Furey from the NOAC Secretariat attended. • The audit focused on the following performance indicator returns: o H3 – reletting times and cost; o R1 – all the road mapping data in the tables 5-9 of the 2016 report; o P5 – applications for fire safety certificates; o C2 – certified and un-certified sick leave; o C3 – website page views and social media followers; • The report preparation for the 2016 Performance Indicators is now very far advanced and the Council will be notified as soon as it is published by NOAC.
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4. Annual Report 2016: • The Annual Report for the Council as required under Section 221 of the Local Government Act 2001 was considered and adopted by the Council at its meeting held on 12th June 2017 in relation to the performance of its functions during 2016, a copy of which is now available to view on the Council’s website. 5. Property Management: • Property Manager o Property is of strategic importance to the Council as it contributes to the Councils’ core service objectives, and secondly there is a legal obligation to maintain a Register of Council lands. In order to delivery effectively in these areas the council must have control of a multi-faceted portfolio of property, to enable the council to be responsive and pro-active in delivering a varied economic, social and environmental service.
o In this regard, the newly appointed Property Manager, Paul Morris will be responsible for: A clearly defined strategy for property management Draft policies and proactive approach to obtain optimum value from the property whether it is social, economic or financial. Devolve property management budgets to districts and sections to ensure that council owned property is maintained correctly Property held for a specific purpose will be regularly reviewed. Oversee and ensure that the PIR, the Fixed Asset Register and Schedule of Insurances are being kept up to date and reconciled with each other, Manage leases/rents and sales/acquisitions of land and property; Annual review of “non – operational” or unused property, with a view to determining whether certain properties should be sold or let. Draft policy required on Maintenance and Security issues. Monitor progress in relation to National Asset Management Delivery Plan. Preparation of an annual Asset Management Report on the following : . Progress on the reconciliation process between property, fixed assets and the Schedule of Insurances; . Progress on lettings including details of property let, vacant property etc . A Plan outlining the focus of the Property manager for the year ahead’
• Kickham Barracks Master Plan Update: o Council currently examining the feasibility of a financial vehicle which would allow the necessary funds for the development of the entire site to be raised and repaid, in a way which is consistent with the legal, economic, financial and fiduciary constraints of each stakeholder and which is consistent with accounting best practice and reporting requirements both now and in the future. o Meetings continued to be held during June/July with reps of LIT & ETB in relation to progressing above. o Huts 4/5 were demolished on site during 2017 to facilitate the transfer of the proposed Garda site to the OPW;
• Disposal of land o Sale of 0.82 Hectares at Coolnamuck Road, Carrick-on-Suir, County Tipperary to Carrick United. The sale will be initially via leasehold with five payment of €6,000 over five years and on receipt of final payment the freehold will be granted to Carrick United. A condition of the leasehold is that within the leasehold period, the land be made available should a school proceed on the adjacent site.
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6. Audit Committee: • The audit committee met on the 5th September 2017. The following items were discussed: Update on Housing Strategy from Director of Services. Clare Curley gave an update on the housing programme. This was followed by a very considered debate on challenges facing Housing section into the future. The audit committee asked that Clare would return in October to give an update on the recent VFM and NOAC Housing reports. Noirin O Dwyer gave an update on progress made on implementing audit recommendations, and on progress made on Internal Audit Plan 2017 and completed reports including a internal audit Report on Purchase Cards. Liam McCarthy gave an update on Implementation of Recommendations from ICT Back Up and Disaster Recovery Audit Report. A copy of the management Report to Council- July 2017 was presented to the committee and Liam McCarthy gave a summary of the Finance report contained therein An update was provided on the items raised in the P2P Audit Report - specifically regarding Commitments on Agresso- Liam McCarthy Liam McCarthy gave a summary of the Unaudited AFS 2016 - Pat Slattery provided an update on recent correspondence with NOAC, specifically reply to letter from John Buckley chair of the Financial Performance sub-group of NOAC.
Table of Agreed Actions: No Action Timeline 1 Housing to brief the Committee on NOAC Report No. 10 – Rented 24th October 2017 Houses Inspections Report. What progress has been made in addressing the recommendations in the report in TCC? Clare Curley to return to brief the Committee on Housing Strategy and the implementation points from the VFM No.29 report. 2 The next meeting of the audit committee would be held in the new 24th October 2017 HYDRA suite in the Fire Station (if possible) 3 Liam McCarthy to circulate auditor’s report on the AFS 2016 to the 24th October 2017 Committee in advance of October AC meeting ( if available ). 4 Local Government Audit would be invited to attend next meeting 24th October 2017 5 Water Services and Planning staff to provide an update on the 24th October 2017 progress being made regarding taking in charge of unfinished housing estates. 6 Sinead Carr to return in late 2017 to brief the Committee on the Q4 2017 progress being made regarding structures within C&E 7. Liam McCarthy to bring a copy of the Manager’s Report presented ongoing to County Council every two months in respect of Financial Updates.
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7. Information Requests • FOI / Data Protection / Access to Information on the Environment / Ombudsman Freedom of Information Requests 77 Data Protection Requests 6 Period to 31/08/2017 AIE Requests 6 Ombudsman Cases 10 Total Requests 2016 99
• Insurance Public Liability Claims 64 Period to 31/08/2017 Pothole Claims 44 Total Claims 108
8. Coroner Service • Provision of Funeral Director Services This Council invited tenders in early 2017 for the provision of Funeral Director Services to the Coroners for North & South Tipperary whereby it is intended to form a panel of undertakers per Municipal District to provide the required services in accordance with the directions of both Coroners, Mr. Paul Morris and Mr. Joseph Kelly. Following completion of a tender evaluation process in May 2017, a total of eight funeral Directors have been selected for inclusion across the 5 Municipal District panels for a period of 2 years effective from 1st June 2017.
All requests for Funeral Directors Services issue at the direction of the relevant coroner to the undertaker from the relevant Municipal District Panel on a cascade system having regard to location, availability to provide the required services and in certain extenuating circumstances, the preference of the family concerned.
9. Register of Electors: 1 Closing date for receipt of data from Revenue Collectors Mid October 2 Draft Register has to be published on this date. 1st November 3 Closing date for receipt of any claims for corrections to the Draft 25th November Register and receipt of Postal & Special Vote applications. 4 List of Claims has to be published by this date. 30th November 5 Claims courts to be held for any corrections submitted Mid December 6 Live Register has to be published on this date. 1st February 7 Live Register comes into force. 15th February
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Joe MacGrath Chief Executive Tipperary County Council
September 2017
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