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Do: Baill Comhairle Chontae Uíbh Fhailí
To: Each Member of Offaly County Council Tuairisc mhíosúil bainistíochta a bhreithniú i gcomhair tionóil mí Bealtaine
Monthly Management Report for consideration at the May REPORT AT A GLANCE 2021 Monthly Meeting. Offaly Libraries have re-opened!!!
EXECUTIVE FUNCTIONS - A schedule of Chief Executive Orders is included with the Council Agenda. FINANCE - Appendix 1
DATES FOR YOUR DIARY
Outdoor Seating & Accessories for Tourism & Hospitality Business The scheme is being administered by the tourism team and is open for applications until 30th September 2021. More information is available in the Tourism section of this report. Offaly Libraries are delighted to
announce that our library buildings have re-opened to the public for Browsing Cruinniu 2021 Services and Contact and Collect As part of Cruinniu 2021, Offaly Libraries are Services since Monday, 10th May. On hosting a “Writing for Wellbeing for Teens” course with Elizabeth Murray. It is a 4-week 17th May our national request system will course running from Saturday 22nd May to be switched back on. Saturday 12th June inclusive. Email [email protected] to book a place. In line with other sectors during this Phase, this is a gradual return to library services, bearing current public health guidance in mind at all times, and subject to review. In preparation for the reopening, we worked diligently to ensure safety protocols and appropriate preventative measures are in place.
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The Department of Rural and Community PLANNING Development announced a call for TVR 2021 funding on 3RD May, 2021. To To Total Applications will be developed and end end 2020 prepared by Regen Team in the Planning April April 2021 2020 Section in conjunction with other relevant Planning 263 157 674 sections, community groups and Applications stakeholders for the closing date in July, Extensions of 6 1 12 2021 Duration Applications & Assessments Offaly County Council will advertise for Warning Letters 2 (1) 2 (1) 14(6) expressions of interest on potential projects and (Enforcement from community groups in the coming Notices) issued week. The measures that will be supported in 2021 include Development Management tackling dereliction and bringing Planning Applications to date in 2021 vacant properties back into use, reflect a 67% increase on 2020. The first marketing campaigns to attract four months’ applications are on a par with remote workers, the first six months of 2020. Applications investments in green spaces, parks for Pre-Planning have increased by almost and recreational amenities, 60% on previous years. shop front and streetscape improvements, and Forward Planning night-time economy projects During the month of April, a schedule of Meetings was arranged by Municipal District to discuss the contents of the Chief ROADS Executive report on submissions received Roads Programme 2021: All construction on the draft Offaly County Development works commenced on the 4th May and Plan 2021-2027. The members are Roads and the three MDs are progressing considering the Report on the submissions from planning, design and procurement of received in advance of Special Council schemes for 2021 to appointing Contractors Meetings scheduled for May. and works commencing throughout the County. REGENERATION Outdoor Recreational Infrastructure Offaly Grand Canal Greenway Scheme (ORIS) Offaly County Council has completed The Department of Rural and Community 30km of the Grand Canal Greenway in Development announced a call for ORIS Offaly. 76km from Edenderry in the East of 2021 funding on 29th April, 2021. the County to Lough Boora parkland in the Applications will be developed and West and extending to the County prepared for Measure 2 and 3 by Regen Boundary in Shannon Bridge will be Team in the Planning Section in complete by 2023. The construction of the conjunction with other relevant sections, Greenway from Pollagh to Turraun, a community groups and stakeholders for the distance of 3.3km, and Ballycommon to the closing date in July, 2021. County Boundary, a distance of 7.5km was Town and Village Renewal Scheme completed in April. The link from
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Ballycommon to Daingean will be completed by June. Wood of O through Bracklin Bog (north end)
Offaly Greenway Pollagh to Turraun Pollagh East End
Bracklin Little Near County Boundary
ENVIRONMENT AND WATER SERVICES Offaly Greenway Pollagh to Turraun Environment Turraun West End Litter & Waste Management
EWS received and investigated 606 Offaly Greenway Ballycommon to County environmental complaints to the end of Boundary April 2021. EWS supported An Taisce in their annual National Spring Clean which took place during April 2021. Local communities registered on line, bags and pickers were available from the Environment Section with collected/bagged litter disposed of by OCC litter wardens. In 2020, An Taisce estimated that 2,900 tonnes of litter was collected nationwide. Wood of O through Bracklin Bog (south EWS continues to support schools in their end green schools and work with An Taisce to
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deliver the Green Schools Programme in an Private Schemes. We will continue to be effective manner remotely. provided with professional advice from and In relation to the Community Action Fund, consultation with the Environmental Health the deadline for the 2019/2020 projects has Team in the HSE. been extended by the DCCAE until June 2021. E&WS has completed the vast Burial Grounds majority of projects and will have The tender documents for the extension of completed all projects by the deadline. Kilreaghan Cemetery in Ferbane are due to be issued in May 2021, and tender An application for funding has been made documents for the extension of Kilcoursey to the Department under the 2021 Anti- in Clara will issue in June. Dumping Initiative. Climate Action Water Services Decarbonisation Zone: Tullamore Town Wastewater was nominated as the initial Consultants are to be appointed shortly for decarbonisation zone in County Offaly. A the upgrade of the Edenderry WWTP Plant, positon paper was submitted to the this project will be led by Irish Water. Department for their consideration, and we Funding was announced for the upgrade of await their response and feedback. Rhode WWTP under the Irish Water Small Climate Action Training: Training of all Town and Village Growth Programme. staff in the council is ongoing, with the Grade 6 staff and equivalents having Water completed their training. The Grade 5 staff On the 21 April 2021, IW announced that will now commence training. more Offaly householders can now benefit Climate Action Steering Group: This from Irish Water’s free leak repair service cross departmental multidisciplinary group following approval by the Commission for continue to meet on monthly basis, some of Regulation of Utilities (CRU) to extend the the items being actioned by the group at the scheme. moment as well as the bigger infrastructural Watermain rehabilitation works have projects of Active Travel, Flooding and recently been completed at Lakeview Clara Tullamore Living River project, include: and Fahey, Rhode. Works are ongoing at Cork Hill, Clara, and Rhode village. Works Libraries are about to start at O’ Moore Street in Grow It Forward Tullamore.
Rural Water Programme Annual subsidies application forms for Group Water Schemes have been sent to the relevant Group Water Schemes on 01/04/21 and are due to be returned to Offaly County Council by Friday, 25/06/21. We will Offaly Libraries led out on the Grow It commence work on the subsidy payments Forward campaign with the distribution of as we receive the completed applications. 830 seeds kits during April. This programme is the lead activation of the Due to staff changes in the HSE we have eating well pillar under the government’s agreed to take over the sampling of Small Keep Well 2020-21 campaign during
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Covid-19 with key community partnerships Housing [email protected] of Libraries Ireland and GIY. Inspections – HAP, Leased, Due to positive community response, the Private, etc. library received an additional 80 seed kits. General [email protected] Each kits comprises of 5 packets of seeds Enquiries, (tomatoes, beetroot, carrots, peas and Maintenance oriental greens), 10 gift labels (for sharing) Issues, etc. RAS & [email protected] and a growing guide. The objective of the Leasing campaign is to encourage people to share Enquiries some part of the growing process with 9 Housing [email protected] other people. This can include sharing seeds Adaptation with your neighbours, giving some Grants for Older seedlings to your friends or cooking a meal People and for your family. So send an email to People with [email protected] and collect a Disability your seeds from your local library from the Scheme 10th May. Anti-Social [email protected] Behaviour
IT Section Are running a pilot of moving users to a April Housing Update: single device (laptop with docking station There are 529 on the Social Housing and VPN access from home) This will save List awaiting housing support at the on the amount of desktop pc’s in use and end of April 2021. hugely reduce power consumption for each A further 849 active tenancies are user. currently being supported under the Promoting using MS Forms and Housing Assistance Payments Submit.com for changing business (HAP) Scheme, 6 signed up for processes in the Co. Council, which will HAP and 8 exited from HAP in reduce paper usage. April. The Council has nominated 27 HOUSING families to Tuath Housing for allocating to the recently completed Covid-19 – Housing houses at Killane Drive, Edenderry. The Housing Section continued to provide At the end of April 20 single people critical essential services as outlined in the and 4 families were being supported Government Roadmap during the Covid-19 in emergency accommodation. level 5 restrictions. To assist us in 9 Rebuilding Ireland Home Loans streamlining service delivery we encourage applications have been received in the use of the following email addresses: 2021. 1 has been approved, 2 declined and the remainder awaiting Service Email Address HAP [email protected] decision. Overall 15 RIHLs have Enquiries been drawn down since the Rebuilding [email protected] commencement of the programme. Ireland Home Loans
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2021 Rent Review will be submitted to the Department The Housing Section have commenced a in early Q3, 2021. Rent Review of Local Authority housing Moneygall (4 units) – received units. The majority of Local Authority Stage 2 approval in July 2020 and housing tenants completed and submitted the members approved the Part 8 the required documentation by 30th April. planning at the October Council However, all outstanding returns should be meeting. Stage 3 application (permission to proceed to Tender) to immediately submitted to the Housing be submitted to the Department in Section. Rent review queries can be May 2021. emailed to [email protected] Beechgrove Belmont (7 units) – Housing Stock – Number, Maintenance received Stage 2 approval in July & Repair: 2020 and the members approved the Part 8 planning at the November Total housing stock at end of April Council meeting. Stage 3 2021 is 1,933. application will be submitted to the 231 maintenance calls were Department in May 2021. logged in April. In accordance Sr. Senan, Edenderry (4 Units) – with current Covid-19 restrictions received Stage 2 approval in August only emergency repairs are 2020, and Part 8 planning was currently being responded to. approved by the Elected Members €476,000 announced for further at the December Council meeting. retrofit works under the national Stage 3 is currently being prepared retrofitting scheme whereby a for submission and is expected to be number of voids will be targeted. lodged with Department in June Housing Capital Programme Update: 2021. Banagher, Kylebeg (18 Units) – 4 Raheen, Clara development (38 No. valid Tenders were returned on units) – received Stage 2 approval April 22nd last. The project Quantity on 21st August 2020; Currently in Surveyor is currently preparing the the Part 8 planning process, closing Tender Report for the Stage 4 date for submissions was 11th approval application to the March 2021; 53 no. were received. Department and requesting The Chief Executives Report will be permission to appoint the most presented at the May Council advantageous tenderer. It is hoped meeting. that to commence works in June Dargan Drive, Chancery Lane (20 2021. Units) – received Stage 1 approval Circular Road, Daingean (9 units) - in April 2020. The Design Team Stage 3 approval was received in have been appointed and initial March 2021. Works Tender will meeting held. Following the lifting issue on www.etenders.gov.ie in of Covid-19 restrictions the June 2021. required site investigations were Circular Road, Daingean, Site 2 (9 completed in late April 2021. On Units) – Stage 1 approval receipt of the this report the Stage 2 application was made to the application can be prepared and it Department in April 2021 for the
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site adjoining the OCC housing site Sofia Housing: Stage 2 approved on Circular Road. (39 units) at Presentation Lands, Sycamore Drive, Ballycumber (8 Portarlington. Stage 2 submission Units) – Stage 1 approval was made in October. Sophia application lodged to the Housing have lodged a planning Department in April 2021. application for the development in recent days. Vacant Houses Initiatives: Sofia Housing, in a joint initiative 1 Newbridge Street, Birr: with Midlands Simon Community, Refurbishment of derelict dwelling acquired Clonamore Hotel in Q3, to provide retrofitted 3-bedroom 2020. The facility will be developed dwelling. An external design team as an enhanced centre for the is appointed and Stage 2 provision of supported departmental approval was received accommodation for homeless in October 2020. Stage 3 will be people. Under the terms of a lodged in Q2 2021. landmark agreement Midlands 4 Hillview, Holly Park, Birr: Stage Simon Community will operate the 1 application was submitted to the facility, with a team of qualified Department on 22nd December 2020 social care workers providing to refurbish the existing derelict support on a 24/7 basis. Following dwelling. Departmental decision is refurbishment, the facility will pending. provide professional supports for up 121 Lakeview, Clara: Stage 1 to 17 people. submission in May 2021. 3 x Compulsory Purchase Orders Turnkey Developments/Part V: (CPOs) complete in 2021, An Main Street Daingean (8 Units): application for funding for their Site has resumed construction refurbishment has been submitted to MacGregol, Birr: (12 Units) – All the department. 12 Units are now complete 6 Turnkey Schemes (82 units) Approved Housing Bodies Schemes: [Mucklagh 8 units; Bog Road, Cluid Housing Association: Portarlington - 28 units; Woodfield, Construction on the 26 units has re- Birr - 34 units; Walsh Island - 4 commenced with completion date units; Tullamore – 5 units; projected for February 2022 Cloneygowan – 3 units] received Tuath: Killane Drive, Edenderry (27 departmental approval in December units) – Houses completed and 2020. Construction has resumed on Housing have forwarded all schemes that had started prior to nominations to Tuath Housing in lock down. May 2021 4 No. Part V units in Silverbrook Oaklee: Clonminch, Tullamore (19 Drive, Tullamore are complete units) – Contractor is appointed and will start in May 2021 Housing Grants Oaklee: Kearney’s Field (41 Units) The Department has advised that – Contractor is appointed and will €1,368,805, of which €273,761 is to be start in May 2021 provided from Offaly County Council own revenues, will be made available for private
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housing grants, i.e., Housing Adaptation helping those who are vulnerable and who Grants for Older People; People with a need help accessing essential services or a Disability Scheme and Mobility Grants. listening ear. The Helpline number for Funds are being allocated to qualified Offaly is FREEPHONE: 1800 81 81 81. A households and under the current Covid-19 dedicated team of Community & Culture restrictions works should proceed if the staff answer queries, with two staff working householder agree to these works each weekend. progressing with the approved contractor. Staff are following up with households who The number of calls increased slightly in were awarded grants to ascertain the status April 2021 due to the roll out of the of the work programme. vaccination programme. There has been 1 call to the Helpline up to 6th May 2021. Disabled Person’s Grants The Council received notification from the The breakdown of monthly Helpline calls Department for a significantly increased to date is as follows: funding for Disabled Persons works on Month Number % Local Authority housing units for 2021. April 312 60.1 €790,556 has been approved for works, of May 93 17.9 which €79,056 is to be provided from June 19 3.7 Offaly County Council own revenues. July 8 1.5 August 8 1.5 Retrofit Programme September 7 1.3 th The Council received notification on 8 October 9 1.7 September that €3.3m was being awarded Nov 3 0.6 to Offaly for the ‘Just Transition for the Dec 8 1.5 Midlands Region’ programme. Jan-21 19 3.7 Lot 1&2, Birr: The Works tender is Feb-21 11 2.1 currently on www.etenders.gov.ie with a Mar-21 9 1.7 st return date of 21 May 2021. A contractor Apr-21 13 2.5 will be appointed in June 2021 to carry out Total 519 100 the retrofit works on 35 houses. Lot 3&4, Tullamore: The appointed consultants are arranging surveys on the 42 The breakdown of calls received during April is: Vaccination process/Transport to houses in Tullamore. vaccination 10 Other/general 3 Lot 5&6, Edenderry, Daingean, Clara, Ferbane, Shannonbridge, Cloghan: The Offaly Community Response Forum tender has been awarded to consultants to The interagency Community Response carry out surveys of 47 houses in May 2021. Forum has met 20 times since the first meeting on 30th March 2020. The role of the Forum is to lead the co-ordination of LOCAL & COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT community supports and resilience, helping Offaly Covid-19 Community Response vulnerable members of the community or Helpline those living alone to get deliveries of groceries, medicine and fuels and to have The Offaly Community Call Helpline has social contact during the pandemic. operated since 30th March 2020. It operates from 9.00am to 5.00pm, 7 days per week
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The most recent meeting was held on the We continue to provide 22nd April 2021. The HSE reported on the information on Social Media opening of the vaccination centre in the platforms in relation to Covid-19 Tullamore Court Hotel in early May and Updates and the Community progress made with online registration by Helpline supports. age group. Comhairle na nÓg Local Community Development Comhairle na nÓg held several talks online Committee (LCDC) in April. On the 6th April an information No LCDC meeting was held in April talk with Rory O’ Connor of ‘Rory’s however LEADER projects approved at a Stories’ was held. This was a very previous stage are progressing as normal enjoyable experience for the Executive through claim stage to payment. In April a members as Rory spoke of his experience total of 5 LEADER grants were paid out of being a teenager and his time in school. totalling €74,044.34. All of the Executive received signed copies of Rory’s book. Public Participation Network PPN Elections were ratified and 7 On the 7th April Comhairle na nÓg new Reps elected. Two meetings members invited Elaine Butler of ‘Zero were held in April to welcome our Waste’ to speak with them and educate new reps and discuss the role of them on waste as part of their current the PPN representative. This also project. The current project they are gave sitting PPN reps an working on is to help make secondary opportunity to share information. schools in Offaly ‘single use plastic free’ Information packs were emailed to and design an app which will help schools all new reps following the achieve this. meeting. The Department of Rural and On the 28th of April the Executive held a Community Development has meeting with Sue Adams commissioned Social Justice www.educationforsustainability.ie to Ireland, with the support of discuss their project and to learn more about Waterford Institute of the environment and plastic waste. Technology, to develop a comprehensive training course for On the 7th April four of the Executive PPN stakeholders. This training Caitlin Guinan, Ruth Egan, Grainne programme has been offered to all Hannigan and Glory Omoruyi attended the of our PPN representatives. The National Networking Event held online for course demonstrates the Comhairle na nÓg members. Department’s commitment to supporting PPNs nationally and Offaly Community Recognition Awards addressing their needs. Five of the 2021 Offaly PPN reps are availing of Offaly County Council has been working in this opportunity. partnership with the Offaly Independent to Green Offaly launched their prepare for the launch of the Offaly website on 22nd April (Earth day). Community Recognition Awards 2021 in Fortnightly email continues to be early May by the Cathaoirleach Councillor issued to all PPN members. John Carroll. The aim of the awards is to
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acknowledge the outstanding community on a specially designed webinar in the efforts that individuals and groups have format of a Show and Tell. Giving the delivered in County Offaly in the past year. artists the opportunity to promote their Nominations and entries will be welcome in work online. the following Categories: Community Collaboration Capital Projects Award Tullamore Art Centre Above and Beyond Award Individual Impact Award Digital Supports Award Social Inclusion Award Business Champion Award Climate Action Award
Pride of Place The Offaly entries to the Pride of Place competition 2020 will also be recognised. Full details will be available on www.offaly.ie on social media and at www.offalyindependent.ie Work continues with regards to the development of the Arts Centre. The Arts Office have commissoned the development Arts Office of a stand-alone curated project – based on Lough Boora The Report funded by the Arts Council the re-ignition of the Tullamore Foundation under the Invitation to Collaboration Festival. The programme has started, will scheme, in partnership with Mayo County have the aim to re-engage an audience / Council and Visual Artists Ireland is in the local community participation in advance final stages of production, a number of of the Art Centre opening. Curator Brendan presentations of the document have been Fox has initiated a project titled Museum of held with more to follow. Everyone (MOE). MOE is a fascinating and exciting new arts endeavour which is
embedded in the community of Tullamore Public Art Plans for the launch of Jessica Traynor’s which aims to entice and revitalise passion for our local arts while we eagerly await the public art project are currently on hold – a anticipated construction completion of the launch date is under discussion. Arts Centre MOE and will see an array of artists facilitating online workshops, talks, Artist Supports devising offsite projects and working within the Tullamore community in numerous settings over the coming months.
Online Communications We engage public and artists through our online and social platforms, Facebook, Offaly’s professional artists were supported twitter and our extensive email distribution database. We continue to advise artists and through a collaboration with Visual Artist Ireland. Six artists local to Offaly presented
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the public on opportunities, achievements Offaly Culture Night 2021 and online events. There will be a number of direct art commissions for Culture Night 2021. A To celebrate National Poetry Day, Offaly commission brief has been circulated to all Arts Office hosted an online live poetry local professional artists. Closing date for reading Zoom event. proposals in May.
Hullabaloo! Offaly Children’s Arts Festival Planning has begun for the 2021 festival. A call has been advertisted for proposals for workshops and performances during the festival. Closing date is beginning of June
Youth Arts Forum FilmOffaly Offaly Arts is continuing to work with a Offaly Film Commission has decided to Youth Arts Facilitator in the establishment change the specifications for the of a Youth Arts Forum. The forum is now FilmOffaly Short Film Award 2021 – this meeting once a month. year the award of €10,000 will go to a commissioned short film that responds to SPORTS the unique circumstances that we are facing Funding and allows for a mentorship element for Offaly Sports Partnership launched a Offaly Film Professionals within its Covid-19 Impact On Sport Grant for sports creation. clubs in Offaly in April. The grant is designed to address the impact that Covid- 19 has had on organised sport in Co Offaly; and to provide some small support to sporting clubs / organisations to alleviate some of the losses that they have incurred. Applications should be submitted online at https://offalycoco.submit.com/show/85 by close of business on Monday, 17th May.
Education & Training The FilmOffaly Short Film Award 2021 Safeguarding 1 and 2 delivered was evaluated and awardees are Offaly online via Zoom in April production company Mixed Bag Media Sport inclusion & Disability FilmOffaly Script Mentoring: A call is awareness training undertaken by currently out for both mentors and script Edenderry GAA as a precursor to mentees for this scheme Closing date is in the establishment of a GAA for all May 2021. section in the club The FilmOffaly Award 2020 The Passion finalised the post production of their film Programmes and the film has been submitted to this While the majority of Offaly Sports years film festivals. Partnership’s programmes are continuing online; planning is underway with regard to
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the return of face to face provision of Football to further develop physical activity programmes in keeping participation in the sport in Offaly. with the Government’s “Recovery and Walking football – working with Resilience: The Path Ahead” plan the FAI, Eoghan Pernot is continuing to look into re- Schools programmes establishing walking football in the Offaly Sports Partnership is county when the easing of preparing for a return face to face restrictions allows for same in the provision of physical activity hopes that a summer walking programmes in schools. 22 schools football league for 30 – 55 year olds have signed up to a Spring /Summer can take place. fitness programme; and a tutor training day has been held in Sports Inclusion Development Programme advance of the commencement of Jean Brady continues to support the programme in May. online delivery of physical activity A physical activity resource with a supports for disability services and focus on integration through PE and SEN classes / schools. sport has been developed for Jean recently attended CARA’s publication and dissemination online “Accessibility & the Great among schools in September 2021. Outdoors” training programme and This resource has been funded via an online open day with IWA Sport Communities’ Integration Funding in relation to the promotion of IWA provided by the Dept. of Children, Sport opportunities for people with Equality, Disability, Integration & disabilities in the county. Youth. Women in sport Community Sports Development The online strength & conditioning Programme programme for women in sport continued Offaly’s Longest Day 2021 – 1,700 in April. participants have expressed an interest in participating in the HEALTHY OFFALY Longest Day Challenge 2021. 2,000 The work of Healthy Offaly continued diaries have been ordered for apace in April. Presentations were made by dissemination in May to the Healthy Offaly Coordinator, Dermot participants. Egan, to the Birr and Edenderry Municipal Older adults / women – online District meetings on 12th and 14th April dance classes for 20 older adults and respectively. Feedback on the work of women aged 35 – 55 years are Healthy Offaly was very positive from the continuing. Birr and Edenderry Councillors who were Ballycumber Ramblers – grateful for the information provided. discussions are underway in relation to the establishment of a The main focus in April has been recreational walking group in progressing the Community Resilience Ballycumber. Fund ‘Keep Well’ actions. The delivery of Ladies Gaelic – Denise Coghill is the newsletter promoting the ‘Keep Well’ working with Ladies Gaelic programme has been completed and the funding of the ‘Chatters & Matters’ radio
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show has concluded though the radio show market and in time the international will continue to be aired each Sunday market morning. Also fully delivered is the Library’s Crafty Mosaic bag action and the Action plan together and establish Nature awareness podcast series organised more innovative ways to present by Heritage section of Offaly County and lead out on selling the Slieve Council. Other important publicity Bloom as a new destination in initiatives being rolled out under the ‘Keep Ireland’s Ancient East, Well’ banner is successive newspaper articles advertising all Covid-19 alleviation Participate in cooperative measures under the CRF. This has been partnerships, collaborative continuing throughout the month and will messaging, communications, and proceed into May and June also. optimised online presence.
Projects well progressed and ongoing are Outdoor Seating & Accessories for Munitir na Tire’s Community Register, Tourism & Hospitality Business Offaly Heritage’s Know your 5K, the The new Outdoor Seating and Accessories Library’s Family Support/Life Skills for Tourism and Hospitality Business Programme, the Care packs initiatives Scheme from Offaly County Council being run by OLDC, North Offaly and Fáilte Ireland provides financial Development Network and Shannonbridge support to tourism and hospitality Community Services ‘Meals On Wheels’ businesses to purchase or upgrade action. Partners of projects that have not equipment for outdoor seating, increasing commenced fully due to Covid-19 outdoor dining capacity. restrictions have been contacted to consider The Scheme allows such businesses to alternatives if their projects cannot proceed rethink their outdoor spaces and create and these actions will be monitored closely outdoor dining experiences, allow for in the coming weeks. All partners, however, greater use of such spaces and help towards are confident of being able to complete their business growth in our communities. projects as restrictions continue to ease. The scheme is being administered by the tourism team and is open for applications th TOURISM until 30 September 2021.
Slieve Bloom Destination Development Programme LOCAL ENTERPRISE OFFICE The Failte Ireland destination development The Local Enterprise Office Offaly team programme for the Slieve Bloom region continues to work remotely and provides a recently came to successful conclusion. full service to new and existing enterprises Participants were treated to a suite of 4 in Offaly. The LEO team are providing online training sessions specifically tailored much needed assistance to deal with the for key products and services in the Slieve unprecedented numbers of business owners Bloom region. Each session included a contacting the Local Enterprise Office. facilitated discussion with industry experts; Developing saleable experiences Economic Development for immediate increased sales and Co-Working Hubs revenues into the B2C domestic LEO Offaly continued its work in developing The Junction Business
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Innovation Centre. The Junction is ideal for programme to green your business. The remote workers (working one or more days Green for Micro programme is an initiative away from the main office), and for those from the Local Enterprise Offices, with setting up or growing their own business. support from Enterprise Ireland, being Services include: hot desk facilities and rolled-out nationwide to help prepare small office space, IT training facilities and businesses for the low carbon, more training, industry focused events, and resource efficient economy of the future. It industry-led research projects. Just now available to businesses across Offaly Transition Fund Provisional offer to extend via the Local Enterprise Office. 25J by converting the warehouse. With the help of a Green Consultant, small E-Hive, situated in Edenderry MD Town businesses with up to ten employees can get Hall has over 20 desks in a co-working free advice and technical support on environment, meeting rooms, and event resource efficiency, how to better space for workshops. The hub features understand their carbon footprint and how affordable hot desk facilities, meeting to implement an environmental rooms and high speed internet access and is management system to reduce costs and supported by LEO Offaly and Offaly lower greenhouse gas emissions. Innovation & Design Centre CLG. The To find out more about the new Green for Junction and E-Hive are busy, with Micro programme, contact LEO Offaly or increasing numbers of people looking to go to www.LocalEnterprise.ie/Green for take desk/office space in the co-working more information. hubs. STREAM Creative Suite in Birr provides a New Frontiers Phase 1 – Applications central location and space, where research Open and education meets business. I-LOFAR New Frontiers is an Enterprise Ireland provides a unique opportunity to access big programme aimed at supporting the data in real time. This data can be utilised establishment and growth of technology or for training purposes and for proving knowledge intensive ventures that have the algorithms for many sectors. Professors and potential to trade internationally and create researchers of universities affiliated with employment in Ireland. the international LOFAR network together Phase 1 lasts approximately six weeks and with Software Developers and Data is part-time in nature – typically entailing Analysts from companies operating within one evening session per week and normally or in cooperation with companies based in includes a weekend boot camp. the Midland Region will have the The Phase 1 programme will introduce you opportunity to use the STREAM Creative to relevant start-up strategies, challenge Suite – either through regular hot desk your business idea and encourage you to usage or through the establishment of a base demonstrate market validation of your there. In collaboration with AIT and DIAS, proposed product or service. The goal is to there will be upcoming virtual training and see if you have a viable idea worth taking events in data analytics. forward and to learn the fundamentals of entrepreneurship. Upcoming Events and New Initiatives Participants who complete Phase 1 will be The Green for Micro programme encouraged to apply for Phase 2 of New Offaly’s small businesses are being Frontiers. For more information, please encouraged to become more sustainable contact Nick Allen, Programme Manager, this year following the launch of a new
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at: 090-6483043 or email [email protected]. BREXIT – Information for Businesses Applications are open until May 13th 2021. With Brexit now upon us, LEO Offaly continues to provide a range of training Engenuity Midlands Engineering supports, mentoring and initiatives to help Network business deal with the reality of BREXIT. Engenuity is for any Midlands engineering firm with an ambition to grow their Ready for Customs Grant business. Engenuity enables access to a This new grant provides companies with range of unique supports, and is enabling financial assistance to cover the costs of networking of business owners throughout taking on much needed additional customs the Midlands Region. Engenuity Midlands clearance staff. This is a cash limited Engineering Network is an initiative of the scheme of up to €20m, with the following Midland LEOs. New members are financial support available: welcome, for more information, visit A grant of €9,000 to support the www.midlandsengineering.ie. recruitment or redeployment of a full-time1 employee into a Food eirEEN Meet the Buyer & dedicated customs role. Matchmaking Event A grant of €4,500 to support the Enterprise Europe Network, in conjunction recruitment or redeployment of a with the Local Enterprise Offices in Ireland, part-time2 employee into a is hosting Food eirEEN, a virtual food dedicated customs role. “Meet the Buyer” event which offers participants a unique opportunity to engage GradStart scheme now available for in face-to-face virtual sales meetings with LEO clients senior food buyers from throughout Ireland The GradStart scheme is a 24-month and the EU. graduate placement programme with It is expected that in excess of 25 food funding of up to €30k (€15k per year). buyers, and 100 supplier companies, will Local Enterprise Office client companies attend the event, and we would be delighted with at least 5 full time staff can apply for if you could join us for what promises to be the GradStart programme. an unrivaled opportunity to grow your The objective of GradStart is to assist business. Participation at Food eirEEN is indigenous companies to scale and grow FREE of charge! Register at https://food- their businesses through the introduction of eireen-meet-buyer.b2match.io/ before 2nd good graduate talent (with a minimum June 2021. Level 6 degree qualification) to deliver clearly defined projects. Climate Enterprise Action Fund The new Climate Enterprise Action Fund Innovation Vouchers - open call supports Irish companies to build the Open call for applications continues for capabilities required to deliver sustainable 2021. The Innovation Voucher initiative products, services and business models. was developed to build links between There is a range of financial supports reflect Ireland's public Knowledge Providers (i.e. the needs of companies at different stages higher education institutes, public research of their decarbonisation and sustainability bodies) and small businesses. Innovation journey. For further information visit Vouchers worth €5,000 are available to https://globalambition.ie/climate- assist a company or companies to explore a enterprise-action-fund/
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business opportunity or problem with a Tax, How to create marketing videos on a registered knowledge provider. budget and Start your Own Business course, Mentoring Sessions with Bobby Apprenticeship Incentivisation Scheme Connolly. These courses are aimed at those The Apprenticeship Incentivisation interested in starting their own business or Scheme, delivered by SOLAS, provides growing their business. Most of the courses financial support for apprenticeship have been fully booked and have received employers who take on apprentices on excellent feedback. national apprenticeship programmes. Apprenticeship employers are eligible for a Remote Mentoring Sessions €3,000 payment for each new apprentice. The Local Enterprise Office Offaly has a number of free mentoring sessions to assist COVID 19 Supports businesses through the Covid-19 crisis. COVID-19 Online Retail Scheme Please contact us to arrange a mentoring The new €5 million COVID-19 Online session. The types of mentoring available Retail Scheme is open to eligible Irish- are Business, Finance, Banking Supports & owned retail enterprises that had 10 or more Advice, Human Resources, Social Media employees on or before 29 February 2020 Strategy and Microfinance Loans. (or have grown to this level since then) and have the potential to sustain or create jobs, Financial Supports Overview generate growth in online transactions and Some financial supports that may be with an ambition to internationalise their available to Offaly businesses are listed business in the future. Successful applicants below. Further information on all of these will receive a grant ranging from €10,000 supports is available on to a maximum of €40,000 - covering up to https://www.localenterprise.ie/Offaly/Fina 80% of project costs. The scheme closes at ncial-Supports/ 12 noon on 25 May 2021. Feasibility, Research and Development: Tourism Business Continuity Scheme a. LEO Feasibility Grant Fáilte Ireland’s Tourism Business b. Agile Innovation Fund (Enterprise Continuity Scheme supports tourism Ireland Scheme open to LEO businesses not eligible for the COVID Clients) Restrictions Support Scheme (CRSS) payment or previous Fáilte Ireland Business Start-Ups: continuity grant schemes. Funding under its a. Priming Grant Strategic Tourism Transport Business b. Microfinance Loan Scheme Continuity Scheme is open to eligible tourism transport operators. Please visit the Business Expansion: Business Continuity Scheme at a. Business Expansion Grant www.failteireland.ie. b. Microfinance Loan Scheme c. GradStart Scheme (Enterprise Remote Training Sessions Ireland Scheme open to LEO Booking is now available for a number of Clients) Online courses such as Start your Own d. Ready for Customs Grant Business Course, Digital marketing for ((Enterprise Ireland Scheme open to Business, COVID-19 Government LEO Clients) Supports for business, A Layman's Guide to e. Trading Online Voucher
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Additional financial supports from other LIBRARY SERVICES agencies include: 1.InterTrade Ireland Start To Plan Offaly Libraries have re-opened!!! Voucher Scheme Our libraries are offering Print & Collect InterTrade Ireland offers 100% financial services for self-service printing /scanning / support up to €2250 (inclusive of VAT) photocopying where building health and towards professional advice in relation to safety arrangements allow. During this first Brexit matters. This support can help your phase of re-opening libraries are unable to business get advice on specific issues such offer PC access, study space or leisure as movement of labour, goods, services and seating but look forward to reinstating these currency management. For more services in a graduated way over the information, visit coming months and always in line with www.intertradeireland.com. Government guidelines.
2.SBCI Brexit Loan Scheme The Brexit Loan Scheme can provide affordable financing to businesses that are impacted by Brexit. The Scheme is delivered by the Strategic Banking Corporation of Ireland (SBCI) through commercial lenders and will make €300 million available to eligible businesses with up to 499 employees at an interest rate of 4% or less. The loans are available through AIB, Bank of Ireland and Ulster Bank. Loans will range from €25,000 to €1.5 million per eligible business, with Bealtaine at Home unsecured loans up to €500,000 and terms Offaly Libraries Bealtaine Festival 2021 is ranging from 1-3 years. For more an exciting programme with a collection of information, please visit www.sbci.gov.ie crafts including paintings, crochet, knitting, gardening, and baking from many of our 3.InterTrade Ireland: Support towards crafters around the county who have kept employing a full-time sales person very busy over the Covid-19 year. The Many businesses face the challenge of people of Offaly have been kindly funding and recruiting a dedicated submitting photos of their work. Here is just professional to win sales in the cross-border a small selection. market – and, here again, Acumen can help. Offaly libraries also welcomed Offaly GAA Acumen will fund up to 50% of the cost of legend Joe Dooley and GAA referee Brian a Sales Person’s salary in the first year. The Gavin chatting about growing up around maximum cost covered can be up to GAA and all the great times gone by. Joe €37,500/£30,000 with Acumen paying up and Brian have contributed a lovely to €18,750/£15,000. For more information, interview to our ‘Down Memory Lane’ visit www.intertradeireland.com. piece as part of our Bealtaine 2021 festival.
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Check our full collection of Bealtaine So far this month there have been 12 events videos on Facebook here. with over 90 participants. We even made the front page of the Offaly Topic recently! Attendance at all events is Free of Charge but places must be booked on Eventbrite, link to book is here.
Interim Library Development Plan – Public Consultation Offaly Library Service is preparing an Interim Library Development Plan 2021 - 2023. During April as part of the consultation process a public survey, a school’s specific survey and some online focus groups have progressed. We are busy collating the data and proceeding towards Offaly Libraries: Supporting Parents the next steps in preparing the plan, which Offaly Libraries will map library development objectives Supporting into 2023 and line with National Public Parents Library Strategies. Offaly Libraries have been running Free Music Streaming a series of In the first year, our music streaming parenting talks to service was very popular with 8,776 songs help support downloaded or streamed. This is a free parents and also service offering access to 15 million songs, professionals including Sony’s Music catalogue of working with children and young people. legendary artists and over 40,000 music These events have been organised by videos to registered Offaly library Offaly Libraries as part of the Keep Well members. Campaign and funded by the Community Resilience Fund.
Each month, new featured playlists, albums, songs, music videos, audiobooks and artists are introduced. Users have three hours unlimited ad-free streaming per day and up to three free downloads per week! Research shows there are many positive benefits to listening to music for everyone and these include improving focus on work or study, to lifting or improving your mood, to boosting confidence, to relax, decreasing anxiety, managing stress and a great form of expression.
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So try our Free Music Streaming – Earth Week 2021 rediscover your childhood favourites, throw Offaly Libraries are excited about some shapes and create happy memories. upcoming Earth Week from May 31st to June 5th Offaly Online Bookclubs which is Our third online World bookclub meeting Environment was held on Day 2021. Thursday 6th May We have via Zoom. The organised a book was ‘The whole host of Other Woman by videos and Sandie Jones’ activities such which stimulated a as a mindful lively discussion walk to upcycling, arts and crafts, story and was rated 2.5/5 times, nature blogs and much more. To by the members. view these videos, keep an eye on Offaly New members are Libraries’ Facebook page. welcome to consider our next book, ‘Stay With Me by Ayobami Adebauyo’ which Sign up for our Library Newsletter was a shortlisted BAILEYS Women’s Prize A quick reminder that the best way to keep for Fiction 2017. Our book club will meet up to date with library programmes, again on Thursday 3rd June @ 7pm. developments and new services is via our Download ‘Stay With Me’ from Library Newsletter subscribe here; Offaly Borrowbox and get in touch with Libraries Newsletter [email protected] if you would like to join us for the next meeting in Spring Into Storytime 2021 June. Offaly Libraries organised a host of virtual events and activities, all based around Work Matters at Offaly Libraries reading and listening to stories, which We had a very successful series of families enjoyed at home. We have 31 lunchtime webinars with over 60 attendees episodes of storytimes on Facebook that in total. The feedback was excellent and we can be enjoyed at any time. There have been will be running another series in the over 2,700 views of these videos to date. autumn. The total engagement on Facebook over the You can watch all three webinars on the Spring Into Storytime festival has been over Offaly Libraries’ YouTube channel. 35,000!
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We also hosted live Zoom to the Library As part of our Crinnniú na Nóg events to schools in Birr, Edenderry and celebrations, Offaly Libraries are delighted Tullamore in April with 268 participants to welcome back Offaly Libraries Comic across the 3 MDs. Con. The event was an outstanding success There are also two lovely Spring Into in 2019 and we are very excited about Storytime blogs from Edenderry and another brilliant festival for 2021. Daingean libraries; Using Picture Books to With a programme full of virtual events, Promote Language Development and From including workshops, tutorials, discussions Picky Eaters to Tricky Teens – Lauren and competitions, it’s sure to keep the Child has got it Covered! whole family entertained. For details on how to book your place for workshops, Coming soon to Offaly Libraries enter our competitions and join in on the Cruinniú na nÓg 2021 day, keep up to date with our website and This year, Cruinniú na nÓg will take place social media. on Saturday 12th June. Summer Stars 2021 This is a special Summer Stars day of creativity is the public for children library from 0-18 years national old. It will be a summer jam-packed day reading of activity with programme for children and this year it 39 workshops launches on the 14th of June. All children including some developmental throughout Offaly are invited to join the programmes including Writing for adventure and enjoy the fun and pleasure of Wellbeing, Animations workshop using reading and writing over the summer. Blender and Printmaking with Aidan Summer Stars is non-competitive reading Byrne. There is something for everyone initiative. Every child who reads even one including Cool Food Workshops, Clayotic book is rewarded for completing the Art, Comic writing, willow weaving, programme – and it’s all free! ceramic workshops and much more. Activities for Summer Stars 2021 will Our pre-recorded videos will be available include Online Storytimes, Crafts and on our Facebook page. Workshops will be Quizzes. Keep an eye on all our social online via Zoom. Booking will be available media platforms or sign up to our newsletter via Eventbrite from 17th May. for details of all these fun events.
First 5 Little Library Initiative The First 5 Little Library Initiative is a collaborative project between the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth (DCEDIY), the Department of Rural and Community Development (DRCD) and the Local Government Management Agency (LGMA). The project aims to support the development of ‘little libraries’ in early
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learning and care settings and encourage a love of books and reading among our youngest children. Under this initiative, early learning and care settings will be invited to collect a free book bag along with other resources from their local Offaly library branch. This initiative will encourage membership and use of the library network among early learning and care services and among young children and their families and support the early learning and care services and families in use of this resource. It will also encourage ongoing collaboration between early learning and care services and libraries, and support families in establishing or developing the practice of reading.
Anna Marie Delaney, Chief Executive
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Appendix 1 Revenue Account Grant Income & Payroll Summary to 30th April 2021
Full Yr Budget Preliminary Value to % Year To OFFALY COUNTY COUNCIL 2021 €m April 2021 €m Date
Payroll costs 28.03 8.52 30.4%
Grants and Subsidies Income 38.24 12.96 33.9%
OCC to 30th April 2021 Rates Rents Loans €m €m €m Opening Balance Jan 1, 2021 3.35 0.57 0.19
Invoices/Adjustments 11.58 2.07 0.18
2021 Cash Collected to end of April 1.95 2.15 0.19
Closing Balance April 30th , 2021 12.98 0.50 0.18
2020 Cash collected to April 3.27 2.13 0.29
% Collection at this point in 2020 60% 101% 66%
Bank Overdraft to 30th April 2021
Number of days Overdrawn in Bank year to date 19 16%
Overdraft Interest and non-conforming charges to April 30th 2021 YTD €6,985
Bank Administration and transactional charges to April 30th 2021 YTD €8,815
17TH MAY 2021 Appendix