LONGFORD COUNTY COUNCIL
ANNUAL REPORT 2015 CONTENTS INTRODUCTION
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MEMBERS OF LONGFORD COUNTY COUNCIL
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KEY FUNCTIONAL AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY
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ECONOMIC & COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT, CORPORATE, CULTURAL & RECREATIONAL SERVICES, HUMAN RESOURCES, PLANNING & BUILDING CONTROL SERVICES AND LONGFORD MUNICIPAL DISTRICT
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FINANCE & INFORMATION SYSTEMS
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HOUSING, INFRASTRUCTURE & ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES, EMERGENCY SERVICES, BALLYMAHON MUNICIPAL DISTRICT & GRANARD MUNICIPAL DISTRICT LONGFORD COUNTY COUNCIL 2015 ANNUAL REPORT PAGE 42 2 3
APPENDICES PAGE 56 JOINT ADDRESS BY AN CATHAOIRLEACH & A/CHIEF EXECUTIVE.
INTRODUCTION WE WELCOME THE PUBLICATION OF LONGFORD COUNTY COUNCIL’S ANNUAL REPORT 2015. THE ANNUAL REPORT OUTLINES THE SCALE AND DIVERSITY OF THE ACTIVITIES WITHIN THE COUNCIL AND DEMONSTRATES THE COMMITMENT TO PROVIDING HIGH QUALITY, ACCESSIBLE AND INCLUSIVE SERVICES. Cllr Gerry Warnock, Cathaoirleach The difficult economic situation continues to present huge challenges to the organisation however despite this, the Council’s deficit has been progressively reduced in the intervening years with a small surplus in the Revenue account at the end of 2014, the Council hopes to be in a breakeven position for the year 2015.
Among the noteworthy achievements during the year were:
• The Official Opening of the new Fire Station in Lanesboro. • The adoption by the Elected Members of the Council’s Corporate Plan 2015-2019. • National Bridge Improvement/Replacement works to a value in excess of €1,000,000. • Regional and Local Road Restoration Projects to a value in excess of €3,000,000. Barbara Heslin • Center Parcs Planning Application, a project that is likely to transform Longford’s reputation as a tourist destination. A/Chief Executive • The harmonisation of rates for the former Longford Town Council with the County Council. • Health & Safety Accreditation to OHSAS 18001:2007 Standard as the first local authority countrywide to achieve this accreditation. • 49 Unfinished Housing Estates successfully taken in charge by the Council by the end of 2015. • The appointment of a Regeneration Officer to drive regeneration initiatives for Longford.
Projects carried out by Longford County Council have contributed greatly to the wellbeing of the community at large. The assimilation of the County Enterprise Board functions into the new Local Enterprise Office is now firmly embedded within Longford County Council and forms an integral part of the Organisation’s strategic approach to supporting economic growth and the Council now has a strong remit to support economic and community development going forward.
The new Corporate Plan 2015-2019 will guide the work of the Council during its current term of elected office in accordance with 10 Strategic Objectives reflecting the Council’s mission –
“Longford County Council will lead Economic, Social and Community development by engaging with citizens and communities to improve quality of life and deliver customer focussed quality services.”
The achievements outlined in this Annual Report could not have been accomplished without the collective input of the Elected Members, the Cathaoirleach, the Corporate Policy Committee, Municipal District Committees, Members of the Strategic Policy Committees, the Management Team and Employees of Longford County Council, together with the many voluntary and community organisations with whom the Council interacts. It is only through their continued commitment that the organisation can face these challenges with confidence and their support and co- operation is gratefully acknowledged. LONGFORD COUNTY COUNCIL 2015 ANNUAL REPORT
4 5 Cllr Gerry Warnock, Barbara Heslin Cathaoirleach A/Chief Executive MEMBERS OF LONGFORD COUNTY COUNCIL
BALLYMAHON MUNICIPAL DISTRICT LONGFORD MUNICIPAL DISTRICT
LONGFORD
BALLYMAHON
Mick Cahill Mark Casey Gerard Farrell John Browne Seamus Butler Padraig Loughrey
Pat O’Toole Paul Ross Colm Murray
Mae Sexton Peggy Nolan Gerry Warnock
GRANARD MUNICIPAL DISTRICT
GRANARD
Paraic Brady Micheál Carrigy Luie McEntire LONGFORD COUNTY COUNCIL 2015 ANNUAL REPORT
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John Duffy Martin Mulleady P.J. Reilly The principal services of Longford County Council are provided within the following Directorate structure. The three Directorates cover the areas of:
KEY FUNCTIONAL ECONOMIC & COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT, CORPORATE, CULTURAL & RECREATIONAL AREAS OF SERVICES, HUMAN RESOURCES, PLANNING & BUILDING CONTROL AND RESPONSIBILITY LONGFORD MUNICIPAL DISTRICT
FINANCE & INFORMATION SYSTEMS
HOUSING, INFRASTRUCTURE & ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES, EMERGENCY SERVICES, BALLYMAHON MUNICIPAL DISTRICT & GRANARD MUNICIPAL DISTRICT LONGFORD COUNTY COUNCIL 2015 ANNUAL REPORT
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Copyright Acknowledgements Includes Ordnance Survey Ireland data reproduced under OSi Licence Number 2010/29/CCMA/Longford County Council. Unauthorised Reproduction infringes Ordnance Survey Ireland and Government of Ireland Copyright. ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ECONOMIC & ECONOMIC ENVIRONMENT The local economic environment is showing positive, if limited, signs of recovery. The LEO office continues to support the needs of small businesses and while the retail sector has been distressed for some time the industrial sector has proven itself to be fairly robust. Local employment opportunities are emerging across the industrial landscape and in sectors that were not previously strong within the County such as ICT. There are now 4 or 5 small but dynamic ICT COMMUNITY firms in the County employing software graduates providing opportunities for young graduates to work outside the Councillor Seamus Butler Chairperson, Economic main urban centres. Development and Enterprise SPC The Center Parcs project continued to dominate the economic conversation locally with its potential to deliver well DEVELOPMENT, in excess of 500 jobs when it becomes fully operational. It has the potential to have a transformational impact on the Region impacting positively on many other sectors, particularly tourism.
The Council has launched a Regeneration Programme with a dedicated team looking at enhancing areas of the CORPORATE, CULTURAL & County that are currently considered economic black spots and in 2015 it also introduced a Business Incentive Scheme to give rates rebate on new businesses that occupy vacant units.
The gradual improvement in the national economy provides a degree of confidence in achieving future economic RECREATIONAL SERVICES, growth and the Council are actively engaged in promoting the County as an ideal location for inward investment. Councillor Mae Sexton LOCAL ENTERPRISE OFFICE Chairperson, Planning Local Enterprise Offices (LEOs) were established in April 2014 as a function of local government. They act as the & Development and primary reference point for all queries related to business start-up and small business growth and offer a ‘First HUMAN RESOURCES, Cultural SPC Stop Shop’ service to persons seeking information, advice, guidance or support in relation to micro-enterprise development.
The LEO office works in partnership with a range of other agencies to ensure that people can quickly access the PLANNING & most relevant supports linked to their needs at a particular time and it strives at all times to promote the value of entrepreneurs and entrepreneurship in helping to grow local economies.
The LEO Longford works closely with its target audience to drive the development of local enterprise, placing local small firms at the heart of job creation. It delivers a diverse range of supports in a focussed manner, building close BUILDING CONTROL professional relationships that result in clients repeatedly using the LEO office as a resource.
Ciaran Murphy 2015 was a productive year for LEO Longford. Job numbers in firms supported directly by the LEO Longford office & LONGFORD MUNICIPAL A/Director of Services grew by 76. In addition it approved 31 projects for direct financial assistance during the year. In 2015, LEO Longford ranked in the top ten of the highest Customer Care score and satisfaction ratings (100%) in Ireland. LEO Longford aims to build on this and continue to deliver high quality and multi-varied services and DISTRICT supports to its ever expanding customer and client bases throughout Longford. The LEO continued to roll-out its range of soft support measures to include training, mentoring and in-company supports. In 2015 over 73 participants availed of mentoring support while 331 participants availed of some form of structured training.
These supports were designed to be delivered in a flexible manner and tailored specifically to meet the needs of new and growing enterprises. Dedicated programmes were designed and run to support target groups such as Back to Enterprise Clients, Food Sector, Engineering Sector along with established business up-skilling.
LONGFORD COUNTY COUNCIL The LEO Longford continued to promote Government initiatives designed to stimulate local enterprise particularly 2015 ANNUAL REPORT Employer Job Incentive Schemes and Access to Credit Schemes. In the area of education the LEO Longford 10 continued to support the Student Enterprise Programme as a primary vehicle for instilling an understanding and 11 appreciation of enterprise into our young people. It also continued to support the National Enterprise Awards as a high profile opportunity to highlight the achievements of small businesses and entrepreneurs. COUNTY LONGFORD TOURISM There were a total of 6 meetings of the LCDC in 2015. There are 19 members on the Local Community Development County Longford Tourism, the representative body of all tourism interests within County Longford has an ambitious Committee drawn from 4 Sectors: programme of work to be undertaken between 2016 - 2020. A programme of work outlined in its previous strategy was undertaken from 2010 up to the end of 2015 and following the completion of this work, it undertook a review of SECTOR MEMBERS the tourism sector within the County with a view to determine priority actions and objectives to cover the next period. Local Authority Elected members Cllr. Colm Murray (Chairperson), Cllr Mark Casey, Cllr. Martin Mulleady, Cllr. Gerry Warnock Since 2010, County Longford Tourism developed key tourism infrastructure projects such as the Royal Canal Local Authority Officials Tim Caffrey, Chief Executive Walkway and the South County Cycle Trail. It also delivered a marketing strategy for the County which included a Michael Nevin, Head of Local Enterprise Office new website, developing a social media presence, new promotional materials and maps and they have sought to State Agencies Ms. Grainne Nic Gabhainn, Health Service Executive promote the County through the delivery of walking and waterway festivals. County Longford Tourism continue to Mr. Des Henry, Department of Social Protection operate a full time year round Tourist Information Office in Longford Town and with support from Longford County Dr. Christy Duffy, Longford/Westmeath Education & Training Board Council, they employ a Tourism Officer. Local Community Development Adrian Greene, Manager Longford Community Resources Ltd.
As well as acting as a promoter of all local festivals and events, County Longford Tourism also facilitated the delivery Social Inclusion Seamus Orr, Spring lawn Residents Group of training to tourism providers and has sought to increase the investment in tourism locally by accessing funding Louise Lovett, Longford Women’s Link from as many sources as possible. Highlights from 2015 included the running of the Blueways Festival in Clondra, Community & Voluntary Tess Murphy, Ballinamuck Community Enterprise Society the upgrade of further sections of the Royal Canal Walkway and the continued development of a series of cycling Joe Murphy, Dromard Rural Development Association and driving tourism routes throughout the County. Environmental Interests Ray Hogan, Longford Environmental Alliance Other civic society or local Fintan Mc Gill, Business /Employers sector Separately, Longford County Council was a key partner in the Upper Shannon Blueways project that attracted REDZ Community interests Sean Hannon, Farming/Agriculture sector funding to promote the Blueways brand along our extensive network of waterways. In addition 2015 was the year Seadna Ryan, County Longford Tourism that Center Parcs confirmed its decision to locate its only Irish resort in County Longford, a project that has the Joe Flaherty, Longford Business Forum potential to transform the tourism landscape in the County. Further planning also took place during the year for the proposed Mid-Shannon Wilderness Park that will hopefully materialise once the commercial bogs are exhausted by Bord na Mona. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION NETWORK In 2015, 97 community groups registered with the County Longford While tourism resources are limited at present, different stakeholders involved in tourism are looking forward to a Public Participation Network (PPN). The Secretariat consisting of 9 new chapter where tourism will be better recognised as an economic contributor and will therefore benefit from members, held 16 meetings in 2015 and attended a number of regional greater resource allocations. meetings hosted by the Department of Environment, Community & Local Government and Social Justice Ireland. County Longford has enormous potential as a visitor destination. Naturally scenic with an accessible diverse landscape, the County can currently offer visitors an authentic experience of seeing Ireland at its most natural. The Secretariat is supported by a part time Resource Worker. A work There are some excellent visitor attractions and accommodation options across the County offering visitors a chance plan was agreed for 2015 which included the following areas of work: reviewing the process of electing community representatives through to explore local history and heritage, experience the great outdoors through leisure pursuits, enjoy family time and Members of the Secretariat explore a range of natural waterways including the Royal Canal, River Camlin, and Lough Ree. linkage groups onto Council structures and outside bodies, approving membership applications and the day to day running of the PPN.
CONNOLLY BARRACKS COMMITTEE The following Linkage groups were established in 2015 and community representatives were elected on to the The Connolly Barracks Sub Committee has continued to play an important role in overseeing the possible future following structures: development of the Barracks site, in managing tenancy agreements and in authorising short-term usage of the • Longford Sports Partnership (1) facility. The Committee comprises representatives of local groups currently housed on the site and groups that have • County Longford Heritage Forum (1) an interest in seeing the site developed for the benefit of the citizens of Longford. It includes representatives from • Housing Strategic Policy Committee (3) Longford Historical Society, O.N.E, Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann, ICA as well as elected members and Local Authority • Economic Development & Enterprise Strategic Policy Committee (1) officials. In 2015 the Committee oversaw the REDZ application that resulted in a spend of approximately €200,000 • Infrastructure & Environment Strategic Policy Committee (1) on infrastructural and upgrade works on the site and it is working closely with the newly formed Regeneration Team • Planning and Development and Cultural Strategic Policy Committee (2) within Longford County Council on developing a master plan for the site. • Longford Volunteer Centre(1) • Citizen Information Service (1) COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT • Longford County Childcare Committee (1) Eleven monthly E-bulletin’s were circulated in 2015 as part of the PPN Communication Strategy as well as establishing LOCAL COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE the PPN website and Facebook page. In 2015 the PPN participated and supported the rollout of the Age Friendly Under the Local Government Act 2014, a Local Community Development Committee (LCDC) was established as a Alliance Strategy, The Little Things Campaign (HSE) and Eircode. The PPN widely promoted and participated in the LONGFORD COUNTY COUNCIL committee of Longford County Council. In 2015, The LCDC was responsible for three main bodies of work: Local Economic Community Plan and the Rural Development Programme consultations. 2015 ANNUAL REPORT
12 1. Oversight of the Social Inclusion Community Activation Programme (SICAP) - a 3-year programme funded 13 by the Department of Environment, Community & Local Government (DECLG) and delivered by Longford LONGFORD COMHAIRLE NA NÓG In 2015, the Community and Enterprise Section of Longford County Community Resources Ltd (LCRL) on behalf of the LCDC in Longford. The budget for 2015 was €383,669. Council secured funding from the Office for the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs to enhance Comhairle na nÓg. The Comhairle is 2. Establishing a Local Action Group (LAG) in conjunction with LCRL and submitting an Expression of supported by Foróige and provides a forum for structured input into Interest for the LEADER programme for Longford (part of the Rural Development Plan 2014-2020). A decision–making by young people in the development of local services Local Development Strategy was devised based on extensive consultations. This Strategy has now been Cathaoirleach Cllr. Gerry and policies. Longford Comhairle na nÓg Steering Committee is submitted to the DECLG for assessment before progress can made onto the next stage. The budget for Warnock with the newly chaired by Councillor Mae Sexton and held 4 meetings during 2015. the 5-year programme is €7,597,623.07 elected Comhairle members. The main focus of the meetings is on developing members’ skills and on how to influence policy. The Comhairle consists of 25 members who met 46 times during 2015 – 40 full group 3. Agreeing the actions for the Community Element of the Local Economic & Community Plan (LECP) meetings and 6 subgroup meetings. During the year members participated in a variety of workshops and received a number of meetings and workshops were held with the internal working group over the year. training on committee skills, communication and presentation skills, facilitation, cyber safety, bullying and mental health. The Comhairle’s Annual General Meeting took place on 22 October 2015 in the Longford Arms Hotel. The day was a huge success with 100 young people attending from all the post primary schools and representatives from CORPORATE SERVICES youth groups and organisations around the County. Councillor Seamus Butler, Cathaoirleach of Longford Municipal District and Councillor Mae Sexton spoke at the event and highlighted the importance of young people in making FREEDOM OF INFORMATION REQUESTS 2015 a difference at local and national level. Five workshops were held on the day covering a range of topics including A total of 59 ‘Freedom of Information’ requests were received by Longford County Council during 2015 from a equality, education, community and centenary celebrations and 16 new Comhairle members were elected. Councillor mixed source of business people, journalists, clients and other persons. Gerry Warnock, Cathaoirleach of Longford County Council closed the AGM and wished all the newly elected members well in their new positions on the Comhairle na nÓg for 2015/2016. ACCESS TO INFORMATION ON THE ENVIRONMENT REQUESTS 2015 Five ‘Access to Information on the Environment’ requests were received and processed in 2015. JOINT POLICING COMMITTEES The Joint Policing Committee (JPC) is a body established under the Garda Siochana Act 2005 to serve as a forum where local authority representatives, Oireachtas members and community and voluntary interests work together FRANCHISE A person must be at least 18 years of age on the day the Register comes into force (15th February) and must be with senior Garda Officers to discuss and make recommendations on matters affecting the policing of the County. ordinarily resident at the address at which he/she wishes to be registered on 1st September preceding the coming County Longford JPC is chaired by Councillor Gerry Warnock. The Committee held 3 meetings during 2015 on 6th into force of the Register. A person may be included on a Supplement to the Register if the person reaches 18 years February, 12th June and 11th September. The Committee are working together to develop a 6-year Strategic Plan of age on or before Polling Day and meets the requirements in relation to residence. for County Longford.
Every resident, irrespective of their nationality, who is 18 years or older is entitled to be included on the Register of Electors. NATIONAL PRIDE OF PLACE COMPETITION Pride of Place is a competition which is directed towards recognising improvements by local communities to create The numbers registered to vote on the 2015/2016 Register of Electors were: civic pride in their area. The aim of the “Pride of Place” competition is to encourage best practice, innovation and leadership in providing vibrant sustainable communities that improve the quality of life for all. The nomination LOCAL ELECTORAL AREA NUMBER process to the All Island competition is undertaken through the Local Authorities. Ballymahon 10,388 Granard 10,775 In 2015, Longford County Council nominated 3 entrants; Ballymahon Day and Resource Centre which provides Longford 9,364 activities and supports to older people, Drumlish Enhancement Group which is an umbrella group that seeks to Total: 30,527 improve the physical and social life of Drumlish, and Edgeworthstown District Development Association. Judging took place in September at which each Group was required to make a presentation highlighting the range of activities During 2015, one Supplement to the Register of Electors was prepared in advance of the Marriage Equality / Age of and projects they had undertaken. In November a national Gala Awards ceremony was held in Ennis, County Clare Eligibility for Election to the Office of President Referenda held in May 2015. to celebrate the achievements of the Groups. Edgeworthstown District Development Association won a special national prize. The judges noted the Group’s strategic and collaborative approach and saw it as a fine example of community led development. OFFICIAL LANGUAGES ACT 2003 During 2015, the Irish Language Development Officer undertook many activities in relation to the Irish Language as detailed hereunder. LONGFORD ‘DEAD OF NIGHT’ HALLOWEEN FESTIVAL On Halloween evening, the dark streets of Longford came alive with a riot of colour, music and noise as the 10th • Seachtain na Gaeilge was celebrated in March 2015 by holding a lunchtime celebration of Annual ‘Dead of Night’ festival swung into action. This year there were some fantastic floats that came from Castlerea the Irish language at Longford Branch Library. The event, which was attended by both Festival Committee, which gave a real carnival atmosphere to the event. The parade made its way down St. Mel’s Council employees and members of the public, included music, song and poetry. It was School Avenue and up New Street. There was a great attendance again this year with lots of fun stalls, entertainers decided during that gathering that a Ciorcal Comhrá would be held in the library on the first and large inflatables. The Halloween Evening Festival is the final part of the bigger ‘Dead of Night’ project which Wednesday of each month for one hour at lunchtime to give both Council employees and joins the resources, manpower and expertise of Longford County Council, the HSE, An Garda Siochána, Longford members of the public an opportunity to use the Irish language and to improve their fluency Volunteer Centre and Longford Tidy Towns and includes safe talks in schools, art competitions and lantern making. in the language. The Ciorcal Comhrá, which is coordinated by the Irish Language Development Officer, is running successfully since March and hopefully will continue to meet in 2016. COMMUNITY TOURISM DIASPORA INITIATIVE 2015 • Seachtain na Gaeilge was also marked by holding a series of quizzes in the Irish language The initiative, launched in 2014, builds on the community involvement in four of the branch libraries. The quizzes are always very popular with Primary legacy of The Gathering 2013 and is a joint partnership between school children as they celebrate their knowledge of Irish in a fun manner. IPB Insurance, Fáilte Ireland and Local Authorities. The key objective • In May 2015, Foras Na Gaeilge made available a once-off fund of €35,000 to support libraries of the initiative is to provide support to local and community event around the country for the purpose of organizing literary events with Irish language writers/ organisers and activities or projects that will harness diaspora links authors and to increase the number of Irish language books on library shelves. Each library could for the benefit of local and community tourism going forward. apply for support up to a maximum value of €500 for an event involving one writer/author and up to a maximum value of €1,000 for an event in which more than one writer/author participated. Various types of community events can be considered for funding, The funding was provided to cover the writer/author’s fee and the cost of books only. The Irish but they must be focussed on developing strong diaspora links with
LONGFORD COUNTY COUNCIL Language Development Officer was successful in securing a grant of €500 for an author visit and 2015 ANNUAL REPORT the community. Funding received is directly linked to the number of Ballinamuck Olde Fair Day €200 for the purchase of Irish Language books. A series of workshops were organized by library August 2015 14 overseas visitors the events brings. Funding is a minimum of €500 staff for local schools with Irish language author Niall De Búrca during Children’s Book Week. 15 and maximum of €3000. • During the Bealtaine Festival an entertaining event based around the Irish language was provided for senior citizens in four branch libraries. Tadhg Mac Dhonnagáin, publisher In 2015, Longford County Council approved grant applications to with Futa Fata, author of several books and TV personality led a lively discussion 30 diverse community events and activities, with financial support about the Irish language and the origin of Irish words, phrases and traditions. of €33,000 in total. These ranged from weekend festivals, to • In August 2015 and event entitled “Ár dteanga agus ár nOidhreacht, Ceiliúradh ar ár information nights, community get-togethers, rural life and heritage dTeanga Náisiúnta” which was hosted by Dónall Mac Billing was held in Longford Branch activities and reunion events. Library as part of the celebrations for Heritage Week. Dónall also gave a presentation on multimedia applications in the Irish Language in Longford branch library in July.
Cruthú Arts Festival During 2015 the Irish Language Development Officer, attended an information seminar organised for Irish Language July 2015 Officers by the Irish Language Commissioner’s Office. The seminar included an overview of the Official Languages Act 2003. HEALTH & SAFETY SAFETY INSPECTIONS Achieving workplace safety across a business as diverse as Longford County Council is a challenge. In 2015, Longford County Council continued with the Safety Inspection Program which sets out a programme of Managing health and safety can only be accomplished through the commitment of all employees. work for safety inspections to be completed at fixed and mobile work locations. The Inspections are carried out Longford County Council is committed to providing a safe and healthy workplace through continuous by each Directorate and a report is provided to the Management Team on a quarterly basis. There were 346 safety improvement and includes health and safety as an integral part of business. inspections were carried out during 2015. The Inspections are a useful tool for determining compliance with Health and Safety requirements within the organisation. Any non compliance or issues identified in the Safety Inspections are CERTIFICATION TO OHSAS 18001:2007 added to an Action Tracking List by each section to ensure that all actions identified are addressed and satisfactorily In November 2014, Longford County Council was awarded certification of registration of the closed by each section. Occupational Health and Safety Management System to OHSAS 18001:2007 by the National Standard Authority of Ireland (NSAI). HEALTH AND SAFETY AUDITING In 2015, Longford County Council continued auditing of the health and safety management system. 12 days of OHSAS 18001:2007 is an internationally recognised standard for the management of Occupational auditing were completed in 2015. Auditing is an independent, systematic and thorough review of all elements of the Health and Safety. It is intended to assist Longford County Council to: safety management system. This involved an external auditor collecting information to determine the reliability and • Provide a safe place of work for all employees effectiveness of the safety management system. This is a useful process and assists the County Council achieve its • Comply with legal requirements and objectives of legal compliance by bringing a systematic, disciplined approach to improve the effectiveness of health • Control and manage health and safety risks associated with the work activities of the Council. and safety management through continuous improvement
Longford County Council is the first County Council in the country recommended for certification to As part of the Certification to OHSAS 18001:2007, surveillance audits are carried out by the NSAI. In November OHSAS 18001:2007 for cross organisational processes. 2015, 2 Auditors visited 9 sites in addition to reviewing documentation prepared by each section and the health and The following departments were included within the scope of the audit: safety section. • Building Maintenance • Corporate Services HEALTH AND SAFETY TRAINING • Housing Training is a key element of promoting a positive safety culture and developing good safety procedures on the job. In • Human Resources 2015, 642 places on 93 Health and Safety Training courses were filled by employees of Longford County Council. The • Libraries training courses held included Commercial Vehicle and Road Worthiness Training, Safepass, Lawnmower, Strimmer/ • Roads Brushcutter, First Aid Refresher, Confined Spaces, Safety Representative Refresher Training, Abrasive Wheels • Water Services Refresher, and Safe Use of Herbicides & Pesticides training. • Unfinished Housing Estates
This is a very important achievement for Longford County Council and demonstrates the commitment to the COMMUNICATION AND CONSULTATION The Council consults and communicates with employees using the following methods: management and continuous improvement of health and safety to make Longford County Council a safer place for • Preparation of Risk Assessments and Standard Operating Procedures all employees. • Monthly safety reports; • Line managers’ toolbox talks; The certification to OHSAS 18001:2007 was presented to the Chief Executive Tim Caffrey by Maria McKeon (NSAI) • Safety representatives; in Aras an Chontae on the 14th May 2015. All employees of the Council were invited to the presentation. Guest and • Safety Monitoring Consultative; speakers included Martin O’Halloran, HSA; Chris Gavigan, LGMA; Rosemary Ryan, IPB; Mary Gouldsbury, Health • Committee meetings (in each department); and Safety Officer. • Safety Management Committee meetings; and • Management Team meetings. REGULATORY INSPECTIONS There were no inspections from the HSA in 2015. The Road Safety Authority (RSA) carried out 3 roadside audits and The Safety Monitoring Consultative Committee Meetings were held in each Directorate on a quarterly basis. Each 1 desktop audit in 2015. Committee is chaired by the Director, and includes elected Safety Representatives, Line Managers and the Health and Safety Officer. This process allows for specific safety issues within each Directorate to be discussed. It is a legal SUMMARY OF ACCIDENT/INCIDENTS REPORTS FOR 2015 requirement to have this process in place for addressing health and safety issues and giving safety representatives The reporting of accidents and incidents is an important element of the safety management system and is used as a an opportunity to raise safety issues on behalf of their work colleagues. tool for identifying areas for continuous improvement. Safety Management Team Meetings were held 4 times during the year to address issues raised at the Safety A total of 18 accidents and incidents were reported during the year 2015. Monitoring Consultative Committee Meetings. This meeting is also used evaluate compliance with the health and safety legislation and to review progress on the Annual Programme of Works. The intranet is used as a communication There were 5 Incidents relating to Violence and Aggression experienced by employees in dealing with members tool for up to date content of the Safety Management System. of the public in carrying out their duties. A number of proactive measures have been taken to address this issue including a presentation by An Garda Síochána to Employees of the Council, and training. Longford County Council The Health and Safety Officer attends the Management Team meeting each month and provides an update on LONGFORD COUNTY COUNCIL 2015 ANNUAL REPORT work closely with the Gardai to monitor violence and aggression towards employees. accidents and incidents, operational issues and national developments in Health and Safety. 16 17 SAFETY STATEMENT/RISK ASSESSMENTS The Safety Report is prepared each month by the Health and Safety Officer and circulated to all employees. This is The Safety Statement is a document that every employer and County Council is legally obliged to have and must an effective way of communicating relevant information in relation to Health and Safety matters to all employees and specify how the County Council manages health and safety. There are currently 52 pieces of legislation that apply to contributes to the development of a positive health and safety culture with all employees. Longford County Council for the management of health and safety which can make the safety statement a complex document. CONTRACTORS Longford County Council continues to assess Contractors that work on their behalf in accordance with the Safety, The Longford County Council Safety Statement was updated during 2015 and awarded the ‘Plain English’ mark from Health and Welfare at Work (Construction) Regulations, 2013. Every Contractor completes a Health and Safety the National Adult Literacy Agency. Plain English is a way of presenting information that helps someone understand Questionnaire and this is assessed by Longford County Council to determine their competency and compliance with it the first time they read or hear it. Longford is the first County Council in the country to receive the ‘Plain English’ Health and Safety requirements. There are currently 297 contractor assessments completed, 39 of these contractors mark for the Safety Statement. were reviewed and completed a re-assessment in 2015.
Risk Assessments require completion for all work activities and buildings owned and/or operated by Longford 2015 - WORKPLACE FATALITIES IN IRELAND County Council employees. A continuous programme for the completion, review, update and communication of risk There were 55 people killed in work related accidents last year. Longford County Council remains fully committed to assessments is in place for implementation within all sections of Longford County Council. managing health and safety and will continue to develop the Safety Management System to ensure a safe place of work for all its employees and members of the public. HEALTH AND SAFETY AWARDS 2015 CULTURAL & RECREATIONAL SERVICES This is the first year that Longford County Council entered the Safety Management System for any awards. These awards recognise how organisations manage health and safety. LONGFORD ARTS OFFICE The Council applied for the following awards: MUSIC Support Little Blue Room Little Blue Room is a live music venue established in John Brown’s Bar, Market THE NATIONAL IRISH SAFETY ORGANISATION AWARDS - music Programme Square by a group of volunteers. It is a not-for-profit initiative to support the de- NISO have held safety awards for the last 24 years and these awards have become very important for all velopment of live performances of the spoken work and of music in the County. companies in Ireland. This year more than 120 companies entered the awards including three other Councils. Longford Jazz Club Established on a voluntary basis to host a small number of small-scale live jazz To enter the awards, the Council had to make a submission under 10 sections and provide evidence of events to cater for the local jazz audience. Events are held in the Canal Studio compliance with each of the sections. There were 4 categories of awards and the Council were shortlisted for Backstage. the top category. The Council received the President’s Award for New Entrant which is one of the top awards. Longford Choral Activity Choral music is very strong in Longford. It would not have been possible to win this award without the commitment and input of all employees. • 60 member Longford County Choir, • 30 member Innyside Singers Ballymahon, THE NATIONAL IRISH SAFETY ORGANISATION SAFETY REPRESENTATIVE OF THE YEAR • Cathedral Choir, John Byrne (Water Services) was entered as Safety Representative of the Year 2015 for his long service and his • Tang-Newtowncashel-Scramogue Music Group continued commitment and contribution to the role of Safety Representative. There were over 30 applications • Numerous church choirs. and John was narrowly beaten by a Safety Representative from Coca Cola. • Provided financial and promotional supports to all of these groups. Traditional Music Supported Edgeworthstown-based Se Chairde youth music group in national THE PLAIN ENGLISH AWARDS competition. The Council’s Safety Statement was among the winners of the first ever Plain English awards organised by National Supported County Longford Fleadh Cheoil 2015 Adult Literacy Agency (NALA) and sponsored by leading law form Mason Hayes & Curran. These awards recognise Supported Springlawn Children’s Step Dancing Programme examples of documents that use Plain English that helps someone understand it the first time they read or hear it Supported Sean nos dancing workshops in Longford primary schools Contemporary Music Supported Celtic Chique professional development tour to the USA. THE EXCELLENCE IN LOCAL GOVERNMENT AWARDS Provided financial support to Longford Battle of the Bands. Longford County Council were among the winners at this year’s Excellence in Local Government Awards. These School of Rock Supported this innovative initiative for young rock musicians in partnership Awards recognise best practice in Local Government and allow County Councils to submit examples of good with LWETB. work projects throughout the year. The Council’s Safety Statement application required the Council to provide information on the aims and objectives of the project, the delivery of the project, the communication, innovation and the effectiveness of the project. CREATIVE WRITING/LITERATURE Creative Writing Groups Longford has more creative writers per head of population than any county in Ireland. Some work on a solitary basis but most are involved in the record number of writers groups. The County Arts Office provides a range of services and supports to: • Moate-side Writers Group Granard • Lasrai Writers Centre Lanesborough • Goldsmith Writers Group Ballymahon • Wordsmiths Writers Group Longford • Edgeworth Writers Group Edgeworthstown Anne Skelly Memorial Inaugural memorial bursary to Annaghmakerrig Artists Centre awarded to Bursary emerging Longford Writer Alan McMonagle. Short story Mentoring Established a ten-week creative writing programme in the skills of short story Programme writing in Ardagh Creativity Centre mentored by emerging Longford novelist Alan McMonagle. Respond 1 Created a project whereby; 10 Longford writers were presented with one piece of work by ten Longford artists and were asked to create a literary response to the piece within a given period. The Project resulted in a successful Exhibition, Literary reading and Publication. Poetry Outdoors Engaged Longford Poet to give a number of outdoor poetry workshops in the
LONGFORD COUNTY COUNCIL Saints Island Shannon Callows area of Longford. The Objective was to explore 2015 ANNUAL REPORT the influence of nature on the creative process. 18 Backstage Readings Organised as series of reading by local and outside writers in partnership 19 with the Backstage Theatre. Can you Hear What I See? Literary-fine art project grew out of Respond 1. Poet responded to the abstract painting of a local non-verbal St. Christopher’s student. Result in Publication, exhibition and readings in Longford and Athlone. VISUAL ARTS PAINTING ARTS & IT Charlie Cullen Retro- Charlie Cullen is Emeritus Professor of Painting at the National College of Art www.visuallongford.ie Compiled and uploaded content to promote the visual arts in Longford. spective Exhibition and Design and is Longford’s greatest living artist so it was felt that it was www.longfordmusic.ie Updated and expanded the site which showcases the best of local traditional appropriate that he should be recognised and acknowledged with a life-time music, contemporary music and classical music. retrospective exhibition in the Atrium Gallery. www.longforddigitalarts.ie Convert www.midlandcollegeofphotography.ie to new broadly based digital arts Longford Undergraduate As is the case with most rural counties we lose a very large proportion of our site operated the Expressions International Photography competition through Art Student Exhibition youth to education and employment outside the county. This is an effort to retain this site. some connection between our art students and their home county. www.virtualwriter.ie Up dated and expanded Ireland’s longest running literary website. Cruthu Arts Festival Supported the visual arts programme of this very successful multi-disciplinary www.longfordcoco.ie Drafted proposals to update the content functionality and aesthetics of the Arts Summer festival. Office page on Longford County Council website and synchronised this with the Can You Hear What I See? Two artists were paired in the respond 1 Project Brendan Duffy a painter and non- sites above. Visual Arts & Poetry verbal service user in St. Christopher’s and an Athlone poet continued to work Facebook - County Created a Facebook page for the service as a first step in improving digital collaboratively when the Respond 1 project ended. They produced an exhibition of Longford Arts Services marketing of the Arts Office digital offering. Brendan’s Paintings and a collection of Jackie’s poetry and Longford and Westmeath Arts Offices jointly funded the production of a commemorative chapbook. Culture Night Supported the visual art element of Culture Night Programme. DRAMA Masks Organised an Exhibition of Panting Drawing Photography and Dance performed Artist in Residence Provided funding for the appointment of a Director in Residence who by Longford/Polish artist Angelika Sowul in partnership with The Atrium Gallery. Backstage worked with teenagers and young actors from the region in a production of a Engage Supported the various exhibitions of the new Longford artists collective. Theatre dramatised version of Pat McCabe’s “Frank Pig Says Hello”.
PHOTOGRAPHY ADMINISTRATIVE TASKS Expressions Internation- This has turned out to be the real success of the year. Using our experience in County Arts Development Commenced research and drafting of the next County Arts Development Strategy. al Portrait Photography IT and arts we advertised our portrait photography competition on the internet Strategy 2015-2020 Competition & Exhibition and ran the entire project through the internet. We had submissions from the Arts Council Ap- Prepared a report on programme and project development carried out by the US, Canada, Mexico, Israel, Austria and the UK. The over-all winner was an plication 2016 Arts Office in 2015 and identified projects for development in 2016 in which the American photographer from San Francisco. On the night of the exhibition and Arts Council might consider funding. Awards ceremony we connected with the winner by satellite link. Work Reports Prepared Report annual work programme completed in 2015 and devised a work Longford Schools Photogra- This is Ireland’s largest and longest running schools art educational programme. programme for 2016. phy Programme-2015 It is in its sixth year and involves six of the seven secondary schools in Longford. Midlands Arts & Researched and compiled copy and images for two editions of the Midlands Arts Longford Schools Pho- Each year the Schools Photography participants try to run at least one Culture Magazine & Culture Magazine. tography Publication major project. This year it was a photography publication on a theme of ability/disability entitled; Together we are Stronger. The students organised the project took the photographs sold the books and donated the proceeds to St. Christopher’s.
PUBLIC ART Lanesborough Fire Station Completed the commissioning of a public art feature by Longford artist Ed Walshe to celebrate the opening of the Lanesborough Fire Station. Strokestown Road Complete the commissioning of a public art feature by Leitrim based artists Joe & Patrick Walker on behalf of Cluid as part of the St. Michael’s Road Area Regeneration. To be installed on Tuesday 2nd February 2016.
FESTIVALS Expressions International Established this highly successful on-line international competition Portrait Photogra- Organised exhibition and awards ceremony as part of Crothu 2015. phy Competition [See Visual Arts –Photography]
LONGFORD COUNTY COUNCIL and Awards 2015 2015 ANNUAL REPORT Crothu 2015 Established this multi-disciplinary festival in 2013. Supported: 20 • Visual arts exhibitions 21 • Temporary public art exhibitions • Photography exhibitions Ardagh Fright Fest 2015 Assisted in the establishment of this Halloween festival. Supported • Photographic Exhibition • Gothic literature workshops and readings • Schools project Edgeworth Literary Festival Supported a series of literary readings in this rejuvenated literary event. Goldsmith Summer School Have supported the literary programme of this festival for 20 years. Lough Ree Environmen- Established this event in 2002 have supported the arts festival elements ever tal Summer School since. Culture Night Provided 50% funding towards the cost of the event. National Poetry Day Scheduled a programme of Schools readings by professional poets and adult readings in Ardagh Creativity Centre in the evening. PLAY AND RECREATION CAPITAL PROGRAMME In 2015, 1 new playground was constructed in Newtownforbes. This facility was funded by Longford County Council, Edgeworthstown Library is identified by Longford County Council as the number one priority for library development the Department of Children and Youth Affairs (DCYA) and through fundraising by the local playground committee. when a new Capital funding programme is announced. Longford County Council is working in partnership with The local committee worked closely with Longford County Council in choosing the final design and in the selection Edgeworthstown Development Cooperative who identified a suitable site in the centre of the town for a library. They of the site which was provided by a private landowner. The playground is managed by the Local Authority with the have provided funding for a draft design, cost plan and the Part 8 Planning process has been completed to ensure support of the community. that when funding becomes available the project can be progressed quickly.
National Playday was held on 27th June 2015. There was a great turnout and the afternoon included games, arts and Relatives of the 14 2016 CENTENARY PROGRAMME crafts, farm animals, puppets shows and magic. This event was supported by the DCYA, Longford Volunteer Centre, Longford men and Each Local Authority was asked to organise and coordinate Longford County Childcare Committee, Community Garda, Longford Tidy Towns and many others. women who took part in a county-wide programme of events to commemorate 1916. the Easter Rising 1916, The Library Service was asked by Longford County Council LONGFORD COUNTY LIBRARY, HERITAGE AND ARCHIVES SERVICES at the launch of the to coordinate the programme for the County. A Centenary Ireland 2016 – Longford Longford County Library, Archives and Heritage Service has gone from strength to strength over the past number of Committee was established, chaired by the Cathaoirleach programme at Backstage years with the number of visits recorded to our libraries this year exceeding 200,000 for the first time ever. This has Theatre. and it received a great response to the call for all schools and been achieved through our ongoing commitment to the delivery of a modern, innovative community library service communities to participate in the programme. The sum of and an inclusive public service responsive to the needs of the individuals and communities we serve. €30,000 was allocated by the Department of Arts Heritage and the Gaeltacht with a further €15,000 pledged by Longford County There are 6 branch libraries in the County: Longford, Edgeworthstown, Drumlish, Lanesboro, Ballymahon and Council towards the programme. This funding went towards Granard. Longford, Ballymahon and Granard are now operating on a fulltime basis. Granard and Ballymahon are workshops for schools, signage, small grants to community both housed in beautifully restored old Market Houses and are focal points of community life in those towns. They groups and the preparation of the programme for the year. The host the Municipal District Meetings and Ballymahon also hosts the consultation meetings for Center Parcs. county-wide programme of events was launched in Backstage Theatre in November with a huge attendance and a packed BRANCH LIBRARY PROGRAMME programme of over 60 events planned for 2016. Our branch libraries are a community space accessible to all citizens with library staff supporting and facilitating the many groups and individuals availing of the facilities and services on offer. A host of exciting projects and events including exhibitions, lectures, readings, book launches as well as language, music, art and computer classes were held throughout the year. The library service continues to develop key COUNTY LONGFORD AGE FRIENDLY STRATEGY partnerships with other statutory and community service providers and agencies Longford Library was asked to play a lead role in the development of a County Longford Age Friendly Strategy in the County including Longford Women’s Link (LWL); Longford Older Persons and worked in partnership with other sections of the Local Authority including, Housing, Planning, Environment, Network, Longford Westmeath ETB, Longford Mental Health Association, HSE, and Community and Enterprise etc. as well as other key agencies such as the HSE, Gardaí, Citizens Information, Longford a host of other community groups. Older Persons Network and Age Friendly Ireland to draw up the Strategy. A very successful consultation day for older people which targeted all the active retirement groups, nursing homes and all key stakeholders was held in An ongoing events programme that supports reader development, literacy and June and the Strategy was launched by Declan Nerney in Longford Library in December. The next step in the process learning is rolled out each year for adults and children and over 200 events were is the setting up of an Older Person’s Council in 2016. held in branch libraries across the County throughout the year. These events are promoted on the Library website, on social media, in the local press and local radio. TOWN TWINNING Among the most successful events in 2015 were: The town twinning programme between Longford Town and Noyal Chatillon sur Seiche Britanny, France which celebrated its 18th year in 2015 welcomed a delegation of 26 people from Noyal to Longford in May. The programme • THE BEALTAINE FESTIVAL for older people in May, with over 500 has been very successful because of the great support we receive from host families who welcome complete people taking part in a wide range of events coordinated by the strangers into their homes and after a few days despite language barriers etc. have learned a lot about each others’ Library in partnership with Longford Older Person’s Network, Longford culture, language, education, food, music, traditions etc. and many become good friends. An important part of the Gardaí and Longford/Westmeath Education and Training Board (ETB). programme is the Schools Exchange and in 2015 we facilitated a number of exchanges between students from both • THE SUMMER READING BUZZ is an initiative that encourages Lanesboro-Ballyleague Longford and Noyal over the summer holidays. children to discover the joys of reading for pleasure as well 100 Years of Business, at Lanesboro Library as for study throughout the summer holidays was a great An official twinning agreement between Longford and Huixquilucan Mexico was signed in Longford in March 2015 success this year. Over 2,000 books were read by children when the Cathaoirleach Mark Casey welcomed a small delegation from Huixquilucan, a town on the outskirts from all over the County who took part in the programme. of Mexico City along with the San Patricio Pipe Band to officiate at the signing of the official twinning. This was • THE ANNUAL CHILDREN’S BOOK FESTIVAL ran throughout the month facilitated by the Mexican Ambassador to Ireland to help build stronger economic and cultural links between our of October with the main focus on nurturing a love of reading in children two towns. A small delegation from Longford led by the Cathaoirleach made a return visit to Huixquilucan in May LONGFORD COUNTY COUNCIL 2015 ANNUAL REPORT and young people through author visits, storytelling, and creative writing. and attended a number of meetings with Chamber of Commerce, international businesses and the Irish Embassy in • HERITAGE WEEK was a major event in the calendar of the 22 Luke Baxter and the Innyside Mexico. A followup visit by a delegation of 10 people from Huixquilucan was welcomed to Longford in July. 23 Library, Heritage and Archives services this year with exhibitions Singers, “John McCormack Music and lectures being held in Granard and Longford Libraries Recital”, Ballymahon Library and a very successful Heritage Day in Ballymahon. SHARED SERVICES The Dept of Environment Community and Local Government proposed as part of the Local Government Reform Agenda to reduce the number of library authorities from 30 to 23 and to merge a number of smaller local authorities’ library services including Longford and Westmeath. This will mean one County Librarian leading a single management ICT REPORT 2015 team in either Longford or Mullingar. No further progress has been made on this in 2015. Longford County Library continued to invest in ICT to provide enhanced access to library customers. Due to the increased demand for public internet and WiFI service, we upgraded our public internet booking system to include a self-book option for internet sessions. We continue to promote and increase usage of our self-issue facilities for book STAFF This year we continued our support for people seeking work placements as part of their studies or return to work returns and issues to library customers in our fulltime branches in Longford, Granard and Ballymahon. training programmes and in particular our cooperation with St. Christopher’s TASC job-coaching programme for We continued to liaise with the national Library Management System Implementation Team in preparation for the people with disabilities. The library continues to host three people on the Gateway programme. I wish to acknowledge roll-out of the new system which commenced in 2015. Longford Library is in Phase 3 of this project which will be the cooperation and support of employees in all branch libraries for these programmes and the ongoing cooperation completed in late 2016. This is an important part of the OPPORTUNITIES FOR ALL programme offering library users and flexibility of employees in ensuring that, except on rare occasions, our branch libraries remained open throughout nationwide a wider selection of e-books, e-magazines, e-newspapers and online learning courses in the most cost the year despite severe staff shortages. effective manner. All branch libraries in the County are now using social media to promote services and the library calendar of events to a growing audience. days’ per week until early May 2016.
LONGFORD COUNTY ARCHIVES SERVICE REPORT LONGFORD LIBRARY STATISTICAL REPORT 2015 The County Archives Service had another productive year in 2015. It continued to expand its collections, assist the public and local authority staff with enquiries, and was involved in several outreach activities. NUMBER OF REGISTERED LIBRARY MEMBERS Library Branch Adult Child Student Student Other 2015 Total 2014 Total ARCHIVES ACQUIRED Second Level Third Level The following collections were deposited: Ballymahon 455 518 137 56 18 1,184 1,186 • Various local authority archives from Longford, Ballymahon and Granard Poor Drumlish 46 176 11 3 11 247 320 Law Unions, Longford Rural District Council and Longford County Board of Health and Public Assistance (from County Longford Historical Society); Edgeworthstown 41 179 10 7 5 242 278 • Longford Town Council minutes, 2011-14, and Manager’s Orders, 1999-2013; Granard 265 381 63 43 31 783 874 • Deeds relating to Longford Town (Longford Town Council); Lanesboro 162 379 123 150 22 836 763 • Correspondence and accounts from Longford Gas Company, early 1900s; Longford 1,657 2,104 751 754 86 5,352 4,968 • Carrickedmond ICA Guild minutes, reports and other items, 1980-2001; Total 2,685 3,804 1,112 1,035 174 8,810 8,389 • Longford County Committee of Agriculture items, 1940s.
RECORDS MANAGEMENT NUMBER OF BOOKS BORROWED The Archivist conducted a survey of all Council departments in order to report on present and future requirements Library Branch Fiction Non- Childrens’ Teens Audio Foreign 2015 2014 for records storage. Fiction Language Total Total Ballymahon 5,141 2 ,460 10,399 596 1,364 169 20,129 24,683 Records management continued in the Community and Enterprise Department and work began on the records of Drumlish 954 385 3,711 139 180 2 5,371 5,580 Longford Town Council. Edgeworthstown 417 195 2,806 103 80 ---- 3,601 5,405 Granard 3,276 1,489 6,640 283 1,014 ---- 12,702 10,676 THE CENTENARY OF THE 1916 RISING Lanesboro 3,220 983 5,411 330 226 8 10,178 9,100 As a member of the County Longford Ireland 2016 Committee, the Archivist contributed to planning a programme of events to mark the centenary of the Easter Rising. He conducted research into the Longford men and women who Longford 19,344 16,573 28,401 1,799 5,708 504 72,329 72,819 served in the Rising and spoke at the following events: Total 32,352 22,085 57,368 3,250 8,572 683 124,310 126,209 • The public consultation meeting on the centenary programme, 21st April; • Seminar for primary school teachers, 14th October; NUMBER OF LIBRARY VISITS • Seminar for post-primary school teachers, 20th October; Library Branch 2015 2014 • Seminar on women in the Rising, organised by Longford Women’s Link, 3rd November; Ballymahon 27,272 30,968 • Backstage Youth Theatre Group, 9th November (as part of its work on an original drama production). Drumlish 3,940 4,257 CENTENARY OF THE GALLIPOLI CAMPAIGN Edgeworthstown 1,999 5,595 The Archivist worked with the Heritage Officer in organising a project on Longford soldiers in Gallipoli for transition Granard 19,981 11,593 year classes. Students presented their work at an event in Longford Library on 24th April. Lanesboro 17,161 13,733 Longford 146,319 133,336 OUTREACH AND EDUCATIONAL ACTIVITIES Total 216,672 199,482 The following events took place: • Talk on ‘Re-imagining Longford 1915’ to primary school group, 7th May; NUMBER OF INTERNET SESSIONS • Talk on folklore to Granard Area Historical Society, 21st May; Library Branch Public PCs Wifi Sessions 2015 2014 • Visit to Maynooth University with delegation from Huixquilucan, Mexico, 22nd July; • Talk at the unveiling of two memorials in Granard to those executed in 1798, 6th September; Ballymahon 5,178 741 5,919 6,433 • Visit of transition year class, Moyne Community School, to Library HQ, 23rd September; Drumlish 393 ---- 393 631 • Talk on ‘The 1916 Rising and Longford’ to fifth and sixth classes, St Theresa’s NS, Killoe, 25th November. Edgeworthstown 360 ---- 360 380 Granard 2,289 1,185 3,474 1,368 OTHER ACTIVITIES Lanesboro 3,103 218 3,321 2,396 In October, the Archivist began mentoring a trainee Archivist who is undertaking the MA in Historical Archives Longford 12,335 3,412 15,747 16,305 programme (now accredited as a training programme) at Maynooth University. The work placement continues two
LONGFORD COUNTY COUNCIL Total 23,658 5,556 29,214 27,513 2015 ANNUAL REPORT
24 25 OTHER HERITAGE AWARENESS LONGFORD HERITAGE OFFICE To further awareness of heritage within County Longford, the Heritage Office undertook the following: A number of significant projects were undertaken in County Longford to further the aims of the County Longford Heritage Office and to increase our knowledge and awareness of Longford’s diverse heritage stock and potential • Providing guidance and advice on heritage matters to Local Authority employees and departments. threats to its long-term survival. These included: • Providing support and advice to private individuals, local heritage and community groups in the care and conservation of their heritage. THE BLACK PIGS DYKE RESEARCH PROJECT – PHASE 2 • Providing ongoing support to the Planning Section and to owners and occupiers of historic In 2014, the County Longford Heritage Office worked with the Heritage Offices in Monaghan, Cavan and Roscommon buildings and protected structures, and assessing relevant planning applications. to develop the first stage of a multi-phase research and development project. This continued into 2015, with further • Maintaining Social Media accounts to promote and advance Longford’s heritage. research being carried out, including seeking dating for previously-undated sections of the BPD, in particular the Dunclá in County Longford. Also as part of the 2015 project, a website www.blackpigsdyke.ie was developed to help raise awareness and provide a one-stop-shop for information on the monument. This project is continuing into 2016 LONGFORD HERITAGE FORUM 2015 and beyond. This project was funded by the Heritage Council under its County Heritage Plan Scheme. ORGANISATION REPRESENTATIVE NON-INVASIVE ARCHAEOLOGICAL RESEARCH PROJECT In 2015, a partnership project with the Department of Archaeology in NUI Galway Cllr Páraic Brady was developed to investigate the archaeology of Longford’s two Cistercian Longford County Council Cllr Séamus Butler ecclesiastical sites at Abbeyshrule and Abbeylara. They were chosen as they are Cllr Pádraig Loughrey two daughter houses of very important Cistercian sites, built around the same Department of Arts, Heritage & the Gaeltacht Ms Susan Moles time, but for which there is very little information. The project comprised aerial (National Parks & Wildlife Service) surveys and geophysical surveys of both sites to assess their relationship with the surrounding landscape, and potential physical remains below ground. Dr. Naessens Department of Arts, Heritage & the Gaeltacht Mr Paddy O’ Donovan and Dr. Kieran O’Conor are continuing to review the data found and will publish (National Monuments Service) an academic paper on the finds in 2016. This project was funded by the Heritage Council under its County Heritage Plan Scheme. The Forest Service, Department of Agriculture & Food Mr Jhan Crane
GEOLOGICAL HERITAGE AUDIT OF COUNTY LONGFORD Teagasc Mr Ciaran Beatty (temp) In partnership with the Geological Survey of Ireland, (GSI), a survey of 15 sites of geological interest in County Longford was undertaken. This produced detailed Shannon Regional Fisheries Board Mr Fergus Lynch survey reports on 15 key sites in the County. This project was funded by the Heritage Council under its County Heritage Plan Scheme. Waterways Ireland Ms Jean Errity
Bord na Móna Mr David Fallon HERITAGE WEEK 2015 National Heritage Week programme took place in 2015 from 22nd to 30th of August, and was marked through a Public Participation Network Mr Paddy Howe variety of events throughout the County. These were organised primarily by local groups and heritage organisations to promote awareness of the treasures of their respective areas, with some new and unique events including an County Longford Historical Society Mr Hugh Farrell (Chair) open day on Irish Cob Horses organised by Devine Equestrian and Ballydangan Irish Cobs, a talk by Joe Varley of the Maritime Institute on the Third Earl of Granard, an insight into John Dungan, the sponsor of the first Granard Leo Casey History Group Mr Paddy Egan Harp Festival and a evening on John Henry Patterson, a professional soldier and Zionist. 2015 was undoubtedly the most-successful and best-attended Heritage Week to date. County Longford Tourism Committee Ms Anna Delaney
LONGFORD & THE GREAT WAR COMMEMORATION 1914 – 2014: GALLIPOLI Longford Community Resources Ltd. Mr Adrian Greene The Longford & the Great War Commemoration is a 4-year programme to commemorate World War 1 and its impact on County Longford, at its heart is an online database of known WW1 soldiers, published on www.longfordatwar. Irish Farmers Association Mr Andrew McHugh ie, which was funded by the County Heritage Plan Scheme. In 2015 this focussed on the centenary of the Gallipoli Representative, ASTI/ TUI Mr William O’Meara Campaign, and the offensive at Salonica, with an exhibition on display in the libraries at Longford and Ballymahon.
SWIFT CONSERVATION 2015 The Heritage Officer Programme is a partnership arrangement between The Heritage Council and Longford County Council. Longford Heritage Office assisted in the promotion of awareness and conservation of Longford’s population of swifts.
LONGFORD COUNTY COUNCIL These remarkable migratory birds are found in a number of locations in County Longford, with particularly significant 2015 ANNUAL REPORT colonies at St. Joseph’s Convent in Longford Town and the old Latin School in Moyne. Longford Tidy Towns, funded 26 by the Heritage Council’s Community Grants Scheme 2015, erected a number of birdboxes in Longford Town. A 27 Swifts at Sunset walk with Birdwatch Ireland was organised in Longford town by a local volunteer.
DRAFT COUNTY HERITAGE PLAN A new Draft County Longford Heritage Plan incorporating the County Biodiversity Action Plan was developed and public consultation was invited. This is to be formally adopted and published in 2016. Overall winner - LSP The 4th Longford Sports Awards took place in the Sin Bin, Longford Rugby Sports Awards 2015 Club on Friday 20th November 2015 with Tony Ghee as an excellent and Councillor Martin charismatic MC, along with countless other dignitaries and members of the LONGFORD SPORTS PARTNERSHIP Mulleady presenting the Longford Sports Partnership’s activities for 2015 were guided by Longford Sports Partnership’s strategic plan Award to up and coming sporting public. There was a great turn-out to support our local sporting for sport in Longford: More People, More Sport, More Often (2013-17). It focuses on four key areas: Increasing rugby star, Eoin Corcoran talent. Participation, Supporting Pathways, Management and Leadership and Communication. Longford Sports Partnership in conjunction with the HSE continues to BOARD OF LONGFORD SPORTS PARTNERSHIP facilitate the Playground Markings Initiative which is being rolled out in The Board of Longford Sports Partnership (2015) comprised of representatives from statutory, voluntary and sporting primary schools in Longford. organisations: Stencil Packs (stencils and games booklet) which enable schools to put down playground markings are being offered SECTOR/ORGANISATION MEMBERS FREE to all primary schools in Longford to encourage greater physical activity in young children through Play in the school setting. Elected Representatives Councillors John Browne, Martin Mulleady and Mark Casey Longford County Council Frank Sheridan, Michael Nevin Longford Sports Partnership secured funding on behalf of the Longford County Council and supported National Health Service Executive Clodagh Armitage Recreation Week and Play Day by contributing to various events including an intercultural family day and an outdoor Longford Community Resources Ltd. Councillor Mae Sexton adventure day for young people. This was done in conjunction with local youth agencies. A large number of children Education and Training Board Vacant and young people were involved. Longford Community Gardai Michael Belton January saw Longford Sports Partnership team up with RTE’s ‘Operation Transformation’ to organise a series of County Longford Youth Services Joe Quinn walks as part of a nationwide initiative. This walk saw an enthusiastic and well-spirited bunch striding into the New Longford Sport and Leisure Centre Vacant Year. Participants turned out to enjoy the walk along the Slí na Sláinte route at the canal. St. Christopher’s Services Ltd. Oonagh Flynn The Couch to 3k programme saw students from Ballymahon Mercy Convent, Ardscoil Phadraig Granard, Community & Voluntary Forum Reina Flower Templemichael, Granard Convent and Ballymahon Vocational take part in the five-week programme to increase Sporting Representatives Gerry Reardon, Frank McNamee, Stephen Coy, Joe Maher physical activity levels amongst sedentary teenagers. Older Adults Network Philomena Donohoe Public Participation Network (PPN) John Mimnagh Sportshall Athletics was launched with local teams qualifying for the national competition in Athlone Institute of RAPID Frank Horne Technology. Over 1,000 children participated in these events.
Longford Sports Partnership SIDP (Sports Inclusion Development Programme) officer worked closely with local FUNDING service providers to facilitate a number of programmes including Sportshall Athletics, CycleSafe, Outdoor Pursuits Longford Sports Partnership was successful in securing €176,000 under various streams for sport in the County in 2015. and the Longford Boccia League.
CORE PROGRAMMES COMMUNICATIONS Longford Sports Partnership rolled out the Buntús Generic Refresher programme in primary schools in County Longford Sports Partnership’s Facebook page www.facebook.com/longfordsportspartnership, in addition to its Longford. The programme provides teacher training, a bag of equipment and resource cards, all of which are free to website www.longfordsports.ie and Twitter account @LSPLongford is an excellent way of communicating with the the schools. 36 schools availed of the programme, training a total of 279 teachers and 4,470 children. public. All events, activities and feedback are updated regularly. Longford Sports Partnership also has a weekly news Refresher training was held in 2014 and the beginning of 2015. Courses will continue to run on a regular basis. column in the Sports section of the Longford Leader and distribution lists for schools, sports clubs, local businesses The Club Development and Participation Programme 2015 administered by Longford Sports Partnership assisted 9 and other agencies. clubs in the County. Projects supported include junior club development, coach education and training and projects which increased community usage of facilities. A total of €3,425 was distributed. Successful clubs were - • Inny Kayaking Club • Abbeyshrule Canoe Club Couch to 3k Fun Run • Hawkes Inline Hockey Team • Gort na Cluiche Tug of War • Ardagh Badminton Club • Longford & District Schoolboy League • Longford & Cycling Racing Club • Ardagh United Soccer Club • Ballyforgney Ladies GAA Club LONGFORD COUNTY COUNCIL 2015 ANNUAL REPORT TARGET PROGRAMMES 28 Longford Cycling Tour took place in June as part of 29 National BikeWeek, with participants enjoying the choice of 2 routes around Longford - 110km and 55km. The tour was run in partnership with Longford Cycling and Racing Club. Longford Sports Partnership also supported Bike to Work Day, Cycle to School Day and Cyclesafe workshops. These were run in conjunction with Longford County Council and the Road Safety Authority.
Longford Cycle Tour Participants WORKFORCE PLANNING HUMAN RESOURCES In the context of the Employment Control Framework and the sectoral requirement on Local Government, HR continued to progress work on a Workforce Plan for Longford County Council. The plan will provide the basis for The Human Resources Department is primarily responsible for: ensuring that Longford County Council maintains a workforce structure appropriate to its service requirements.
• Recruitment and Deployment of staff PAYROLL & SUPERANNUATION SHARED SERVICE • Employee Welfare Implementation of the Payroll & Superannuation shared services project for the local authority sector commenced in • Maintenance of HR CORE Management System 2013. The shared payroll service was successfully implemented in Longford County Council in 2014. • Provision of Management Reports (internally & externally) • Payroll & Superannuation Amendments In 2015 HR worked closely with Finance to establish a project team to commence work on verifying and preparing • Time & Attendance recording all employee service data for handover to the shared superannuation service. The superannuation data-readiness • Employee Training and Development project team commenced work in November 2015 with scheduled completion and handover due in June 2016. • Attendance Management • Performance Management • Human Resources Policies and Procedures ATTENDANCE MANAGEMENT • Implementation of Work Experience, Internship and Labour Activation Schemes Longford County Council continued its implementation of the Attendance Management Policy to ensure efficiencies • Equality and Diversity Management in relation to employee attendance. • Industrial/Employee Relations Attendance Management forms part of the Council’s strategy to clarify the contractual obligations of the Council The work of the HR Department is determined by the goals and objectives identified in the Council’s Corporate Plan. and its employees in relation to attendance and also to promote a working environment that motivate employee In 2015 our work continued to be heavily influenced by Government Policy decisions in relation to Public Services. The attendance. HR Department was responsible for the continued coordination and implementation of the terms of the revised Public Service Stability Agreement 2013-2018, Lansdowne Road Agreement (previously Haddington Road Agreement). The time & attendance for all indoor employees is electronically recorded and managed using the Time & Attendance Module of CORE (the integrated ICT HR system). This enables HR to provide up-to-date attendance reports as Key activities in the Council’s HR work programme for 2015 are outlined below: required under the Organisation of Working Time Act 1997.
RECRUITMENT AND SELECTION PERFORMANCE MANAGEMENT & DEVELOPMENT SYSTEM (PMDS) Longford County Council, in common with other public bodies, continued to be subject to the public sector staffing The reinvigoration of the Performance Management and Development System (PMDS) is a commitment of the Local moratorium, as a consequence recruitment remained generally low in 2015 and was restricted primarily to Emergency Authority sector under the terms of the Public Service Stability Agreement. Services. However, we did experience an increase in recruitment activity towards the end of the year. Recruitment statistics for 2015 are outlined below. PMDS requires that strategic and operational plans are developed within every level of the organisation. PMDS provides a structure to improve performance at individual, team and organisational level by means of engaging, Competitions Interview Days Applicants Invited Applicants Attend- Appointments supporting and developing all employees. Advertised for Interview ed for Interview 24 15 88 76 23 IRISH WATER HR continues to work in support of Irish Water and provided assistance with the development of the Annual Service Plan and the ongoing implementation of the Irish Water Programme: The HR Department remained fully compliant with nationally implemented procedures, referring requests to fill identified posts to the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government as exceptions to the moratorium on filling of public service posts. • Attendance at workshop meetings • Provision of relative data to Department of Environment and Irish Water • Liaison with Water Service Transition Office LOCAL AUTHORITY GRADUATE PLACEMENT • Liaison with employees and their representative bodies regarding A national Graduate Recruitment Programme specific to the Local Authority sector was rolled out in 2015. the Irish Water programme and Annual Service Plans • Circulation of job opportunities in Irish Water This scheme facilitated the recruitment of graduates to specific business areas in the Local Authority sector on a 2-year fixed term contract of employment. The aim of the programme is to enable each graduate to develop and demonstrate competence in their chosen area of expertise and it is incumbent on the Local Authority to provide the necessary CHILD SAFEGUARDING Longford County Council has established policies and procedures aligned to both the ‘National Guidelines for the support to ensure the success of the placement. Protection of Children’ and the ‘Children First’ documents. Longford County Council recruited 1 Graduate in 2015 under the terms of the national Graduate Recruitment Programme.
LONGFORD COUNTY COUNCIL LOCAL AUTHORITY LABOUR ACTIVATION SCHEME (GATEWAY) 2015 ANNUAL REPORT “Gateway” is a local authority labour activation scheme to provide short-term work and training opportunities for 30 unemployed people who have been on the Live Register for over 2 years. 31
HR manages the implementation of the Gateway Scheme on behalf of Longford County Council. In 2015 Longford County Council had a total of 5 candidates employed on this scheme and continued to promote participation in Gateway with further 45 placements identified. TRAINING AND DEVELOPMENT Training and development events in 2015 covered in the main areas such as Performance Management, Health & PLANNING & BUILDING CONTROL Safety and machinery/equipment operation. Significant activities undertaken by the Planning Department in 2015 are outlined below. New legislation, guidelines A total of 112 training programmes were delivered to 694 participants over 122 days across all disciplines. Training and the Planning and Development Act, 2000 (as amended) in particular have created ongoing challenges in these courses included the following: times of limited resources.
• Performance Management and Development System DEVELOPMENT MANAGEMENT • Competency Framework The Development Management Section is responsible for the processing of all planning applications in accordance • Confined Spaces with the Planning and Development Act, 2000 (as amended) and the Planning and Development Regulations. • Safe Use of Herbicides & Pesticides Application numbers increased by approximately one-third on 2014 with 231 planning applications received in • Mobile Access Tower 2015. This included a large planning application for the Center Parcs proposal of the development of a Forest • Safe Pass Holiday Village at Newcastle Woods, near Ballymahon. Further information was requested on this application in • First Aid December and a response received in January, 2016. A decision on the application is due late February, 2016. • AED Pre-planning consultations are an integral part of the Development Management process and are utilised on an • Asbestos Awareness ongoing and increasing basis. These meetings are held to provide a higher quality and more transparent planning • Courtroom Skills service to the general public. In 2015, 56 pre-planning meetings were held, in addition to a substantial number of • Environmental Awareness pre-planning meetings with Center Parcs, to facilitate discussion with potential applicants on the issues associated • Safety Representative with their proposals. These meetings are in addition to the many phone and email queries. Pre-planning meetings • Lawnmower are now recorded digitally to facilitate consistency, transparency and seamless integration with the decision- • Driver CPC making process. • Commercial Vehicle and Road Worthiness • Chainsaw Planning applications are now screened for appropriate assessment as required by the Habitats Directive and in • Risk Assessment accordance with the guidelines issued by the Department of Environment, Community and Local Government • Confined Spaces (DECLG). Licence applications under Section 254 of the Planning and Development Act, 2000, principally for • Violence & Aggression roadside signage and planning questions for LEADER funding, are a regular feature of the work carried out in the Planning Department. The Planning Department also processes Part 8 applications and 3 of these were dealt in 2015. A reduced number of Commencement Notices were submitted in 2015. In addition to the significant increase INDUSTRIAL RELATIONS in planning applications, there was also significant demands in other areas of the planning system, most notably in Industrial Relations refers to the collective relationship between employers and employees. The organisation terms of forward planning workload. continues to maintain good industrial relations with active engagement with all stakeholders. The main areas of engagement in 2015 related to issues surrounding the Lansdowne Road Agreement. PLANNING ENFORCEMENT In 2015, the enforcement workload as a result of unauthorised development continued at a steady pace. 20 CONCLUSION complaints were received. This figure does not include and is in addition to ongoing cases from earlier years. During The work programme for the Human Resources Department of Longford County Council remains focussed on the year, 8 Pre-Warning Letters, 15 Warning Letters and 11 Enforcement Notices were issued and 1 case proceeded supporting the entire workforce by promoting best practice in the implementation of Government Policy and to Court. nationally agreed decisions. The Local Authority continues to achieve a reduction in enforcement notices issued and legal proceedings instigated Its challenge is to continue to achieve and maintain efficiencies whilst providing leadership and enabling employees through achieving greater success in negotiation and resolution at pre-warning letter stage. to deal with a rapidly changing work environment. DEVELOPMENT CONTRIBUTIONS Development Contributions are levied in accordance with the Scheme adopted by the Longford County Council under Section 48 of the Planning and Development Act, 2000. Each grant of planning permission contains a condition requiring the payment of a relevant development contribution which becomes payable if and when the development commences. There are many cases where permissions granted have been superseded by alternative permissions on the same site and where permissions granted have not yet been activated. This can sometimes give an inaccurate impression of the amount actually due and owing to the Council.
The Development Contribution Scheme has had a very positive impact on the delivery of infrastructure in Longford since its introduction. It has generated funds for a wide variety of infrastructure, including the acquisition of land, provision of open spaces, recreational and community facilities, amenity and landscaping works, roads, car parks, LONGFORD COUNTY COUNCIL footpaths, water and waste water facilities. 2015 ANNUAL REPORT
32 Significant progress was made in this area over the previous years in the collection of outstanding monies particularly 33 given the difficult economic conditions.
FORWARD PLANNING The Forward Planning Section is responsible for the research, preparation and production of all Development Plans, Local Area Plans and forward looking initiatives. The introduction of recent legislation in respect of the Planning Authority’s forward planning function has led to a marked increase in the workload of the Forward Planning Section in 2015. The economic downturn and slowdown in the construction industry does not affect the forward planning work schedule which is governed by the Planning and Development Act, 2000 and ongoing implementation of national and EU legislation in the planning and environmental arena. In addition, the Forward Planning Section is regularly involved with other projects that require substantial time allocation such as Compulsory Purchase Orders (CPOs), Route Corridor Studies and other projects from local to national level. COUNTY DEVELOPMENT PLAN LONGFORD TOURISM PLANS Longford County Council’s County Development Plan 2015 - 2021 came into effect on 11th March, 2015. The Work on various Tourism Plans for Longford continued in 2015, including: Development Plan sets out an overall strategy for the proper planning and sustainable development of Longford County and consists of a written statement and plans indicating the development objectives, including the social, • The Mid Shannon Wilderness Plan covering South Longford, Lough Ree and the Royal economic, cultural and physical development of the County. Canal. A series of Cycle Loops has been developed as part of this plan. • The proposed Blueway Trail, which will encompass the Royal Canal and is being The review process commenced in 2013 and involved the issue of notification to all statutory prescribed bodies, local developed as a major walking/cycling route from Dublin to Clondra. community and voluntary groups, associations, societies, statutory undertakers and service providers. The general • The Literary Trail covers Mid Longford and will be centred in Edgeworthstown. public were consulted through a campaign of newspaper advertisements, postal notification and public meetings. • The Rebel Longford Trail covers the North County from Granard to Ballinamuck including Ballinalee and Longford Town. Following the consideration of the Manager’s Report on submissions received, the elected members made alterations to the Draft Plan which were subsequently put on display for public consultation through 2014 with the final Chief It is hoped that the development of these Tourism Product initiatives will increase tourism and business to the County, Executive’s Report presented to the members in December 2014. The Plan was subsequently adopted in February as well as attending meetings with Bord Failte to explore how best to market Longford and the Shannon region in 2015 and came into effect in March, 2015. the future.
As part of the County Development Plan review, all zonings and their associated objectives under previous Local LOCAL DIASPORA LOAN FUND Area Plan settlements have been reviewed and updated under the process and are now contained as part of the Under the Connect Ireland Community Action Plan and associated funding approval gained under the Local Diaspora County Development Plan document. Loan Fund, a promotional video showcasing County Longford as a favourable place in which to live, work and transact business was filmed in 2015 and will be released early in 2016. Work on a promotional pamphlet was also initiated. The Longford County Development Plan 2015 - 2021 received the Irish Planning Institute National Planning Award for Plan Making in February 2016. From the outset, Longford County Council strived to ensure that the County Development Plan could be easily interpreted by everyday people. The County Development Plan is considered to REGENERATION A Regeneration Officer was appointed in 2015 as part of a newly formed Longford Regeneration Unit, which be groundbreaking and outstanding as it is the first Plan in the country to obtain the approved Plain English stamp aims to coordinate the physical, social and economic rejuvenation of Longford Town and County. As part of this from the National Adult Literacy Agency (NALA). In awarding Longford County Council winners, it was indicated project, research and preparatory work has been ongoing to identify avenues to bring forward the rejuvenation of that “The judging panel applauds the efforts of Longford County Council... the written statement is concise, highly the Connolly Barracks site and area. This has involved significant consultation with other local authorities that have visual and rich with imagery. The maps are appealing, demonstrative and visually attractive. The Plan comes alive carried out similar processes and also consultation with key stakeholders. Work has also commenced on the site of with stunning images by local photographers which entice and encourage the reader to enjoy the document. The Longford’s first “Stalled Space” opposite the main County Council building. Plan is groundbreaking in the context of social inclusion and represents a significant step in making important public documents accessible to all.” COMMUNITY PLANNING LONGFORD TOWN LOCAL AREA PLAN The Planning Department are heavily involved in community planning in various parts of the County, including Keenagh, Ballymahon and Ballinamuck to assist with local development and community planning initiatives. These The Longford Town Local Area Plan is currently in the pre-draft stage of preparation as provided for under S.20(1) of included assisting Wetlands Heritage Ireland acquire 70 acres adjoining Corlea Trackway Centre for development as a the Planning and Development Act. During 2015, a working group was established and consultations have been held Biodiversity Park in association with Bord na Mona and Longford County Council as well as work on commemoration with internal departments and the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government, Department projects for 1916 and tourism and heritage activities. of Education and Irish Water who are in the process of finalising feedback. A tender process was initiated to engage consultants for the Strategic Environmental Assessment (including flood risk provisions) and Habitats Directive Assessment elements of the process (including Variation of County Development Plan to incorporate relevant plans) MISCELLANEOUS which will run in tandem with and inform policy development. It is anticipated that the formal process will commence The day-to-day workings of the Planning Section require that plans, amendments and variations are prepared, with public consultation early in 2016. sometimes at short notice. These require strict adherence to the relevant legislative provisions, forming a specific set of consultative processes that the Forward Planning Section are continuously streamlining and refining in order to NATIONAL PLANNING FRAMEWORK provide an inclusive, effective and efficient service. Work has commenced on the preparation of the National Planning Framework for which Longford will be making Work commenced on revised County Flooding Maps to record the flooding events of November to December 2015. an input. This will assist with future decision making on planning applications in flood prone zones in the future. There was also a substantial number of various planning queries and information requests. LOCAL ECONOMIC AND COMMUNITY PLAN The Local Government Reform Act, 2014 provides that each local authority shall make a six year Local Economic and Community Plan (LECP) for its area. The purpose of the plan is to identify and implement actions to strengthen and UNFINISHED HOUSING ESTATES Longford County Council places a high priority on tackling problems associated with unfinished housing developments develop the economic and community dimensions of the County. This plan is to consist of two parts: and established a dedicated Unfinished Estates Team to specifically deal with the issue of unfinished housing developments in County Longford. This involves working through issues on the ground, using an array of technical, • An Economic Element procedural, and legislative mechanisms in developing solutions in conjunction with residents, developers, financial • A Community Element LONGFORD COUNTY COUNCIL institutions and receivers. 2015 ANNUAL REPORT The two elements are to be prepared in parallel and adopted by the local authority as a unified plan. This single, 34 During 2015 the Unfinished Estates Team continued with its programme of works which included: 35 integrated economic and community plan will provide the basis for a more coherent, streamlined and co-ordinated approach to service planning and delivery locally. The Planning Section is assisting the Head of Enterprise and • Reducing the number of remaining unfinished developments. Community Officer to prepare and write the Plan. • The process of preparing, overseeing and implementing site resolution plans. • Pursuing enforcement action. Public consultation was held at various stages throughout 2015. The proposed LECP has now entered the 3rd stage, • Cashing-in securities and bonds to access funding to complete public infrastructure. the development of detailed objectives and specific time bound measurable actions and work is underway in this • Taking in charge of completed developments. regard in relation to the drafting of same. • Resolution of one unfinished development through the Unfinished Housing Development Special Resolution Fund.
There were originally 128 unfinished estates within the County and to date, 49 of those have been taken in charge by Longford County Council and a further 17 estates require no further action. UNFINISHED HOUSING DEVELOPMENT SPECIAL RESOLUTION FUND LONGFORD MUNICIPAL DISTRICT This is a special provision to assist in addressing the legacy of unfinished housing developments. The Special The Longford Municipal District was formed following the 2014 Local Government Elections. Six members were Resolution Fund (SRF) was proposed to encourage the resolution of some of the remaining unfinished developments elected to Longford County Council to represent the Municipal District. Following their election these members in the National Housing Development Survey and particularly those developments not likely to be resolved in the simultaneously became members of both Longford County Council and Longford Municipal District. normal way through solely developer/owner/funder action because of the presence of specific financial barriers. The SRF did not replace the predominately developer/funder/receiver driven resolution process but complimented that At the Annual General Meeting of Longford Municipal District held on 24th June 2015, Councillor Seamus Butler was process. elected to the position of Cathaoirleach and Councillor Mae Sexton was elected to the position of Leas Cathaoirleach.
In 2015 one unfinished estate was approved for SRF funding - Mostrim Oaks, Edgeworthstown with funding The members of Longford Municipal District held meetings on the following dates during 2015 - approved for €250,000. • 28nd January, 23rd February, 25th March, 27th May, 24th June, 6th August, 30th September, 28th October and 25th November. PLANNING STATISTICS - 1ST JANUARY TO 31ST DECEMBER 2015 The Members of Longford Municipal District adopted the following during the year - • The Municipal Works budget for 2015. DETAIL NUMBER • St. Mel’s Road Parking Byelaws. Warning Letters issued 4 • Part 8 Extension to Ballymacormack Cemetery. Enforcement Notices issued 2 • Installation of CCTV cameras at Oakvale were approved. • The Members amended the grace period for paid parking, provided Permits for Carers Cases referred to Solicitors to prosecute 1 and free parking permits to residents within the paid parking area over 65 years. Bonds called in 6 Bonds extended 5 The following housing estates were taken in charge during the year - Estates completed by Longford County Council during 2015, using bonds 5 • Dun Darrach, Ard Michael, The Rocks Stonepark and Cluain Ealai, Newtownforbes. Estates with works ongoing at 31/12/2015, using bonds 11 Other items that were highlighted and discussed by the Members were - Site Resolution Plans agreed and works ongoing at 31/12/2015 12 • Control of parking the Department of Social Protection Offices on the Ballinalee Road. Special Resolution Fund applications approved in 2015 1 • Flancare access roadway. Total value of Special Resolution Funding approved in 2015 €250,000 • Traffic Plan for Cathedral Junction. • Improvement works at St. Mel’s Road and Chapel Street. • Parking facilities for buses and coaches in Longford. TAKING IN CHARGE • Parking at Scoil Eimear. 17 estates were taken in charge during 2015 and a further 12 applications were being assessed at 31st December • The Regeneration Programme. 2015. The estates taken in charge during 2015 were:
• The Mill, Clondra • Sliabh Cairbre, Drumlish • An Draighnean, Ballymahon • Granada Drive, Granard • Cluain Doire, Newtownforbes • Dun Darrach, Longford • The Dolmens, Aughnacliffe • Silver Birches, Stonepark • Rockview, Legan • Auburn Park, Edgeworthstown • Thomond Court Access Road, Ballymahon • Sli Corglass, Legga • St John’s, Ballinalee • The Rocks, Stonepark • Ard Michael, Longford • Hawthorn Meadows, Ballymahon • Cluain Ealai, Newtownforbes. LONGFORD COUNTY COUNCIL 2015 ANNUAL REPORT
36 37 FINANCE The main functions of the Finance Section of Longford County Council are to - FINANCE & • Achieve the financial objectives of the Council’s Corporate Plan • Manage the financial affairs of the Council • Ensure that adequate internal controls are in operation to safeguard the assets of the organisation, and to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the accounting records INFORMATION • Ensure as far as possible that value for money is achieved throughout the organisation Ms. Maeve Killian A/Head of Finance SERVICES SYSTEMS • Motor Taxation • Rates/Water Charges/Housing Rents • Higher Education Grants • General Office – processing payments to suppliers and payroll
PAYMENT PRACTICES The provisions of the Prompt Payment of Accounts Act, 1997 and the European Communities (Late Payment in Commercial Transactions) Regulations, 2002 applies to Longford County Council. Systems are in place to ensure that interest penalties are not incurred. Total amount of interest penalties:
Interest Penalties Nil
Every effort is made to ensure compliance with the Act and Regulations and avoidance of interest penalties. However, the procedures can only provide reasonable and not absolute assurance against material non-compliance with the legislation.
INTERNAL AUDIT Internal Audit is an independent appraisal function charged with reviewing activities across all areas within Longford County Council. It objectively examines and reports on management of risks, the adequacy of internal controls and the achievement of proper, efficient and economic use of resources. An Internal Audit Charter sets out the role and responsibilities of the Internal Auditor and Management.
HIGHER EDUCATION GRANTS The Student Support Act, 2011 provides legislative basis for the reform of student grants. The key provision of the Act is the consolidation of the four student grant schemes into a single unified scheme, the establishment of a single grant awarding authority and an independent appeals board. The grant awarding authority known as Student Universal Support Ireland, SUSI, commenced operation for the 2012/13 academic year for new applicants.
The grant scheme for the 2015/2016 academic year is governed by: • Student Support Act, 2011 • Student Support Regulations, 2015 [S.I. 154 of 2015] • Student Grant Scheme 2015 [S.I. 155 of 2015]
HIGHER EDUCATION GRANTS - ACADEMIC YEAR 2015 – 2016 Total number of students in receipt of Higher Education Grants 4 Number of students attending Irish colleges 4 Number of students attending UK colleges (including Northern Ireland) and EU colleges 0
LONGFORD COUNTY COUNCIL EXPENDITURE 2015 ANNUAL REPORT
38 LOCAL GOVERNMENT ACT 2001 – SECTION 142 EXPENDITURE 39 Mayor and Other Allowances €66,000 Entertainment and Associated Expenses €25,400 Representational Payments, Expenses of Members and Representation at Conferences €395,697 Total €487,097
INCOME GENERATION UNIT The Income Generation Unit (IGU) is responsible for the collection of the main income streams for the Council. This includes rates, commercial water charges, rents, housing loans and RAS rents. The unit also operates the cash desk which facilitates customer payments for Council goods and services.
Certificates of compliance are issued by the unit in respect of payment of the Non Principal Place of Residence (NPPR) charge. COMMERCIAL WATER CHARGES MOTOR TAX During 2015, the Income Generation Unit continued to manage customer accounts for commercial water charges on behalf The increase usage of the online motor tax facility continued in 2015. There were no significant developments in of Irish Water until they establish their own billing system. It is envisaged that Irish Water will commence billing and motor tax legislation during the year. Receipts for motor tax locally were down significantly from 2014 (-€967,491). collection of commercial water charges in 2016. This is largely due to the significant increase in online motor tax transactions.
COMMERCIAL WATER COLLECTION Motor Tax Transactions 2015 No of Tranactions Amount Vehicle Licences (Discs) 23,782 €4,800,015 Year Opening Balance Invoiced To Collect Receipts Arrears Collected % Miscellaneous Transactions (Vehicle Registration Certifi- 2013 €1,062,954 €1,688,659 €2,761,613 €1,736,337 €1,015,276 63 cates, Trade Plates etc.) 5,124 €317,583 2014 €1,015,276 €1,514,623 €2,529,899 €1,479,213 €1,050,686 58 Total Motor Tax Transactions 28,906 €5,117,598 2015 €1,050,686 €1,614,09 €2,664,695 €1,471,510 €1,193,185 55
RATES The lower levels of commercial activity continued in 2015. Vacancy rates remained high particularly in the Longford town INFORMATION SYSTEMS area. This has a significant impact on rates collection. INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY DEPARTMENT Longford County Council is committed to the use of information systems to expand and increase the efficiency and Income Generation Unit was involved in a national debt management project which focused on rates arrears. Significant quality of service delivery to the public. The IT Department aims to provide the systems, applications and support for progress was made in reducing the level of arrears owed to the Council and targets in relation to debt reduction and % all other Council departments, ensuring that the necessary equipment and information is readily available to provide collection were achieved. an efficient public service. IT is responsible for the implementation, management, security and maintenance of all IT systems including network infrastructure and system and application delivery. A general revaluation by the Valuation Office of all rateable properties in the County commenced in November 2015. This process will continue in 2016 and 2017 and the revised valuation list will take effect from 2018. NETWORK INFRASTRUCTURE Longford County Council’s ICT network is made up of several complex components which require on-going RATES COLLECTION management, maintenance and monitoring. Responsibility for managing the network also includes maintaining a Year Opening Balance Invoiced To Collect Receipts Arrears Collected % WIFI Network and a Wide Area Network which connects all off-site offices back to Áras an Chonta