Nollaig/ December 2019

Tuarascáil Mhíosúil ón Phríomhfheidhmeannach Monthly Management Report

PLANNING AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT Pgs. 11-13

PHYSICAL DEVELOPMENT Pgs. 14-26

FINANCE & SUPPORT SERVICES Pg. 5 SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT Pgs. 6-10

RURAL DEVELOPMENT Pgs. 2-4

1 RURAL DEVELOPMENT Strategy 2040 Clare County Council signed contracts with Haley Sharpe market positioning. The project value is €398k + VAT and will be Consultants to prepare a new Cliffs of Moher Strategy 2040. completed over 15 months with key deliverables at scheduled The consultants comprise a multi disciplinary team who will points. Miriam Kennedy, head of confirmed devise the strategy that will inform future developments at the commitment of Fáilte to work with the Council on the Cliffs of Moher Visitor Experience. This is a joint initiative this iconic product and the new strategic path. between Clare County Council and Fáilte Ireland. Chairperson of Cliffs of Moher centre Ltd., Bobby Kerr, said Deputy Mayor of Clare, Cllr. Clare Colleran Molloy, stated that that “The strategy is a critical piece of work in informing what’s the challenge of this Strategy, and its component master plan, is required for this iconic site and dovetails with the Clare strategy to deliver a world class visitor experience utilising best practice ensuring the Cliffs is a driver for tourism in the rest ofthe visitor management and environmental management practices county” to ensure the future of the natural asset is safeguarded. “This is a fantastic opportunity for Cliffs of Moher Visitor Chief Executive Pat Dowling said that the opportunity is to Experience to work with experts who will take a holistic provide adequate facilities onsite while securing a continued perspective to develop the much needed site improvements” contribution to the wider economy, to ensure commercial and environmental sustainability into the future maintaining Geraldine Enright Director.

Kilkee Town has received a WTM World Responsible Tourism Dr. Senan Cooke, Dunhill Ecopark, Ballyphilip, Dunhill, Co. Award for ‘Best for Reducing Plastic Waste’. The Award was Waterford gave a presentation to the Clare Rural Development presented in London to Cllr Cillian Murphy. Forum on 12th November 2019 on Social Enterprise 2 2 RURAL DEVELOPMENT Clare Comhairle na nÓg A wheelchair basketball mini tournament took place recently This event was organised to encourage minority sports and in the fantastic facilities in Gurteen, Co. Clare. Clare Comhairle tackle discrimination. na nÓg and Kilmaley Youth Club joined with Clare Wheelers Basketball Club to learn the basics of the game and to let the young people have a little of the experience of being a wheelchair user. “A really enjoyable day even if I am exhausted” was the verdict of one of the young people. While another said that “we would never had a chance to see what it was like to use a wheelchair if we didn’t get to come today”. James Murrihy of Clare Sports Partnership who sits on the Comhairle Steering Committee said they were delighted to be able to facilitate the event and looked forward to working with Clare Youth Service to help it grow in 2020. He praised the young people from Comhairle na nÓg for coming up with the idea and organising the day. Comhairle na nÓg gives young people a voice in decision making and allows them to take action in areas of importance to them. Visit from Eastern Holland Rural Development staff recently facilitated a study visit by Ms. Anne Marie van Oldeniel-Boerhof. Anne Marie is from a rural region in Eastern Holland. She has a keen interest in rural and community development, in addition to involvement in a variety of voluntary activities in her own region. During her two- day visit, Anne Marie had the opportunity to attend the recent Rural Development Forum. She also observed the November meeting of Clare County Council and a Budget Briefing for Elected Members. Rural Development staff and Anne Marie also had the opportunity to exchange ideas and compare the Irish and Dutch systems of Local Government. International Tourism Awards – Cliffs of Moher shortlisted. The Cliffs of Moher Visitor Experience was among one of the The Mayor of Clare Cathal Crowe added “It’s a fantastic finalists shortlisted at the World Travel Awards in London on achievement for the Clare County Council owned facility to be Tuesday 5th November. Ireland was very successful with two acknowledged at an international level.” visitor attractions listed in the Best Visitor Attraction category. “Recognition at this level highlight the success of tourism • Cliffs of Moher Visitor Experience by Clare County Council development in Co. Clare and provides rationale for future • Dark Sky® Alqueva: A Star Destination by Dark Sky investment and development” Leonard Director of Services Association Rural Development. • Les Villages Nature Paris by Groupe Pierre and Vacances • Sengan-en, Shoko Shuseikan Museum, and Satsuma Kiriko “We are very proud to be on the centre stage of best attractions Glass works Renovation Project by Shimadzu Ltd in the world. Being shortlisted is an affirmation that the Cliffs of • Spike Island by Spike Island Development Company Moher Visitor Experience is world class, this acknowledgment • Warner Bros. Studio Tour London - The Making of Harry gives recognition to the staff who maintain the site meticulously Potter by Warner Bros. Studio Tour London and serve the customer to the highest standards” Geraldine Enright - Director Cliffs of Moher Visitor Experience The Cliffs of Moher is part of the UNESCO and Cliffs of Moher Geopark and is Ireland’s most visited attraction with 1.58 million visitors in 2018.

The Awards celebrate the success of national, regional and city tourist boards and recognises outstanding private sector companies and individuals. Organised by World Tourism Market (WTM) London, along with an independent panel of expert judges, the 15 awards showcase the best in class of the global travel & tourism industry, in front of an audience of 500+ senior industry professionals.

3 3 RURAL DEVELOPMENT Annual Tourism Policy Workshop

The 10th Annual Tourism Policy Workshop took place in Hotel on 22nd November 2019. This event was supported by the Cliffs of Moher Visitor Experience. Clare Association Dinner International Tourism Awards

Mid West Tourism Ball Pictured at the Irish Hotels Federation Mid West Tourism Ball 7th Annual Fundraising Tourism Bally in the Woodlands House Hotel, Adare are: Standing: Joan Tarmey, Tim Madden, Nicola Killeen, Cllr Cillian Murphy, Philomena O’Connell, Cllr Pat Hayes, Deirdre O’Shea; Seated: Cllr Clare Colleran Molloy and Deirdre Power.

4 4 FINANCE & SUPPORT SERVICES CORPORATE SERVICES

Register of Electors

The List of claims are now prepared and will be published this week, Pat Wallace, County Registrar will oversee the Revision Courts for the purpose of hearing claims, objections and the revision and amendment of the several Lists of Voters (Dail, Local Government and European Assembly) for the County of Clare. This will be held in Court 3, The Courthouse, Lifford, , on Wednesday 4th December at 2.30p.m. for all and every voting area of County Clare

PROCUREMENT:

The following tender competitions were published in November 2019 HUMAN RESOURCES

November was a busy month for staff training with many operatives up skilling in the fields of Load Securing, Abrasive Wheel Operation, Location of Underground Services and PHECC First Aid Response.

New this month were a Self Care Workshop for Housing Staff and a Stop Food Waste Workshop for all staff, while online training in Manual Handling, Employee Wellbeing and Children First are regular features on the Learning & Development calendar

The final workshop/information sessions for the Fire Services were delivered in November with the crews from Kilrush and Killaloe stations attending and participating at their respective stations Freedom of Information & Data Protection: Statistics to 30/11/19: There are 14 recruitment competitions currently running • 162 Freedom of Information Requests including Burial Ground Register, Executive Engineer, Technician • 14 Freedom of Information Internal Review applications Grade 1, Temp. Part-time School Warden (Ennis MD and West • 3 appeals to Information Commissioner Clare MD), Senior Executive Technician and Retained Fire • 28 Access Requests (Data Protection) Fighters (Killaloe).

Councillor Cases Application An application has been developed in-house to allow Councillors to make representations in a more efficient manner andto allow both Councillors and staff to record and track the progress on queries/representations lodged. This app is accessible using PowerApps and is free to download on a tablet or smart phone. The App has been loaded on Councillors Phones/Tablets and training is being provided on an individual basis.

When the Councillor logs and saves a case, it will go directly through to ‘Customer Service’ who will set the status to ‘In Progress’ and assign the case to the relevant staff member / group (the assignee), for action and reply. The case will be updated as appropriate and the Councillor can view the status of the case and the last action which was taken, at all times.

The app will provide a good tracking system for Councillors, staff and management, and allow Councillors access and visibility on their representations in one secure location. The Business Review Team are available to assist with any queries in the roll out of the application.

5 5 SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT Housing November saw the completion of two Council direct build schemes at Clonlara and Feakle with 22 household’s allocated new homes in time for Christmas. Also by the end of this month 31 dwellings at Tullyvarraga, Shannon are complete and purchased by Co-operative Housing Ireland (CHI) and are shortly due for allocation by CHI to households nominated by this Council to CHI. The remaining 16 units are due for completion before year end. These developments provide much needed additional accommodation and help reduce our housing waiting list. November is the time of year for claims to the DHPLG so like Santa’s elves we are all extremely busy and focused on the deadline.

The following table indicates the number of people accommodated in social housing in Clare by municipal district:

Social Housing* HAP Ennis 1131 644 Shannon 627 150 West Clare 896 372 Killaloe 338 176 Inter Authority HAP 36 TOTAL 2992 1378 *Includes RAS and long term and short term leased properties The table above does not include properties made available by Approved Housing Bodies in the County.

Update on Capital Projects:`

SHIP Capital No. Current stage Commencement Completion approved Date Date Quilty 18 Under construction by 25th April 2019 Q3 2020 Martins Construction Ltd. Roslevan, Ennis 8 Under construction by 25th April 2019 Q2 2020 K&D Whelan Construction Ltd. Ashline, Ennis 40 Stage 2 approved by DHPLG. Q2 2020 Q4 2021 Part VIII approved. Stage 1 Tenders assessed. Ballaghboy TAU 5 Design process ongoing Q2 2020 Q1 2021 Miltown Malbay 27 Stage 2 submitted to the DHPLG. Q3 2020 Q4 2021 PCD complete. Part VIII in Dec. 2019. Shannon NDFA 51 Contract Award to TORC. Q4 2019 Q1 2021 Shannon MD Councillor’s briefed. Tulla 25 Stage 2 approved by DHPLG. Q3 2020 Q4 2021 PCD complete. Part VIII in Feb. 2020. Newmarket on 18 Stage 1 approved by DHPLG. Q3 2020 Q4 2021 Fergus Stage 2 app. being prepared. Kilmihil 2 Single Stage approved by DHPLG. Q4 2019 Q3 2020 Part VIII approved. Contract about to be awarded. Sixmilebridge 2 Single Stage approved by DHPLG. Q4 2019 Q3 2020 Planning in place. Contract about to be awarded. Scarriff 18 Stage 1 approved by DHPLG. Q3 2020 Q4 2021. Design Team currently been procured. Flood Risk Ass. Consultants appointed.

6 6 SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT

Roslevan 8 Stage 1 approved by DHPLG. Q3 2020 Q4 2021. Design Team currently been procured. Subtotal 222 Cahercalla Phase 2 15 CAS - Stage 4 approved. Contract Q3 2019 Q4 2020 (Cuan an Chlair) signed in August and construction ongoing. Roslevan 2 CALF Turnkey. 2 units delivered at Q1 2018 Q2 2019 (CoOperative end June 2019. Housing Ireland) Bruachlan, Westbury 22 CALF - Property transfer complete, Q4 2019 Q3 2021 (CoOperative CHI to commence procurement of Housing Ireland) design team. Tullyvarraga, 47 CALF Acquisition application Q2 2018 Q4 2019 Shannon approved works nearing (CoOperative completion. Housing Ireland) Gleann Cora, 31 CALF turnkey. To be delivered in Q3 2018 Q4 2020 Newmarket-on- 2020. Fergus (Co-Operative Housing Ireland) Edenvale, Ennis 3 CAS Construction Q2 2020 Q1 2021 (Newgrove Housing Association) Road, Ennis 3 CALF Turnkey (Part V) Q4 2018 Q4 2019 (Cluid Housing Association) Limerick Road, Ennis 2 CALF Turnkey (Part V) Q4 2019 Q4 2020 (Cluid Housing Association) Ballymacaula, Ennis 4 CALF Turnkey (Part V) Q2 2019 Q4 2020 (Cluid) Crusheen, (Part V) 4 CALF Turnkey (Part V) Q2 2019 Q4 2020 (Cluid) Subtotal 133 AHB delivery Total 355

Expressions of Interest office is open to the public from 10.00am to 1pm Monday to The Council is continuing to seek to increase the number of Friday, in the Housing Section, Clare Co Council headquarters social houses being brought into stock, through various delivery on New Road and the HAT team can also be contacted on 065 mechanisms, and continue to invite expressions of interest 684 6291. All people presenting to the HAT office as homeless for the supply of turnkey housing developments, unfinished are being met, their needs assessed and appropriate supports developments, development lands for social/affordable housing will be offered where possible. and long term leasing of multi-unit developments in the towns On 22nd November 2019, the homeless figures indicate of Ennis, Shannon and their environs in County Clare where a occupancy of 12 beds at Laurel Lodge, 60 adults and 49 housing need exists. dependents in emergency accommodation across 22 hotel and B&B providers and 5 adults and 8 dependents in Cusack Lodge Acquisitions family hub. As yearend draws closer we are finalising a number of purchases The interagency Homeless Action Team is focusing on pathways acquired directly by this Council and by a number of Approved and exits from homeless services to accommodation. With the Housing Bodies. It is required that we maximise the drawdown colder darker nights upon us we are focusing in particular on of funding for purchased properties in 2019 as it is expected that rough sleepers. If you are aware of persons rough sleeping in 2020 the number of acquisitions permissible for funding by please make contact with the HAT team. the DHPLG will be further reduced. The Council will be informed of our targets for house purchases early next year. Rebuilding Ireland Affordable Loan 50 number ‘Rebuilding Ireland Home Loan’ applications were Homelessness received in 2019 up to 27th November 2019 and 26 loan The Clare Homeless Action Team (HAT) provides services to applications were granted provisional approval up to this anyone who is homeless or at risk of losing their home. The HAT period. 40 loans were drawn down since the introduction of 7 7 SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT the Scheme in February 2018. The loan scheme offers a fixed for maintenance. The Social Development Directorate will interest rate for credit worthy low to middle income first time enter into a Lease Agreement with Home for Life over a 25 year buyers with a view to making home ownership more affordable. period. There is an option for the occupants to purchase back Under the Mortgage to Rent Scheme a new private company their dwelling after five years if their circumstances improve. called Home for Life (HFL) has entered the market for acquiring We currently have 12 such referrals from the Housing Agency houses which have loans in distress with private financial that we are processing. institutions. They will purchase the relevant dwelling subject to approval of the financial institution, the borrower and also the Housing Refurbishment and Maintenance Housing Agency who co-ordinate the Scheme. The borrowers The management and turnaround of our housing stock to will become tenants of the Council and will remain in their home minimise voids is continuously assessed and hereunder is the and pay a rent to the Council. Home for Life will be responsible activity in this regard:

Period No. of voids/ No. of voids No. of properties Average No. of maintenence casual returned to undergoing vacancy calls vacancies stock refurbishment period (days) November 48* 7 82 130 572

* This figure does not include properties which have become vacant after 1st December nor does it include acquisitions and long-term voids

Planned Maintenance Grant type Approvals Value of This project is continuing at pace with four works contracts issued in works tendered and under assessment. Works under these contracts November will be awarded and commence early in 2020. 2019 Clare County Council is to the fore in relation to the Planned Maintenance of Council stock and in this regard we are working Housing Adaptation 18 388,097 with the DHPLG in the development of the sectoral model for Grant for People with a national role out. We continue to pursue the DHPLG in relation Disability to the expected shortfall in funding for the completion of this Housing Aid for Older 15 88,250 project. People

Grants Mobility Aids Grant 17 84,780 The three grant schemes reopen to all in January 2020. A new streamlined approach is being considered by the Department for 2020 whereby one application form will be used for all 3 Grant Approvals issued 50 €561,127 grant types. There is also reduced timelines proposed for in November 2019 issuing grant approvals and for completion of the work by the applicants. Final details from the Department are awaited. Grant approvals issued in November for Housing Adaptation, Housing Aid and Mobility Aid grants: Cultural Services Clare County Library Local writer & historian Joe Ó Muircheartaigh delivered a talk The importance of a local library in the lives of a community on John Burke and the War of Independence in should never be underestimated. This was seen recently with Library as part of the Decade of Centenaries programme. a great attendance at a coffee morning, held in memory of There was a large audience of over 100 in attendance at local lady Jennifer Hopker in Sixmilebridge Library. The coffee Clare County Library’s second Readers Day event with Joseph morning was made possible by donations from Jennifer’s O’Connor in conversation with Rachael English in Shannon cousins in Australia & Canada. Travel books for Sixmilebridge Library earlier this month. Library were also purchased in Jennifer’s memory.

8 8 SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT A six week course of gardening classes began in Library. workshops in many of the libraries this month. This programme was facilitated by a partnership between Clare County Library, LCETB & Kilkee Tidy Towns.

There were four events in Clare Libraries as part of the “Healthy Clare Museum Ireland” programme this month. Events included a CPR demo There were two public talks in the museum during November. in Kilkee Library, yoga for all age groups in Kilrush & Scariff One on 13th November was a talk and performance of songs Libraries. There were also 4 interactive hand eye co-ordination of Irish independence from Clare, while the other was on the workshops in Kilkee and Kilrush libraries as part of Science history of the Aran sweater. The latter was particularly well Week. An animation workshop and a red carpet showing of the attended with 23 people in the audience. The series of historical short films produced by the Sparks Film Festival were held in and archaeological talks are set to continue in 2020, with Scariff Library. speakers booked for January and February. Clare Museum’s recent acquisition of a painting by Frederic William Burton was A 6 week Upcycling project in Kilkee library with locally based highlighted in local media. artist Krystyna Pomeroy for children began this month. Two New images for the windows of the museum have been Autism awareness workshops with Dr Susan Crawford took designed. place in Scariff Library. This was supported by grant funding from the dormant accounts. The Seven Sisters poets held Poems for A number of objects identified as being state property under a winter evening event in Shannon Library. Clare Haven Services the National Monuments Act 1994 have been declared to the provided an information stand in three of Clare County Library National Museum of Ireland. A number of other items will branches this month. Connections, a new literacy project at be declared in December. The Collection, Loan and Disposal Ennistymon Library, began this month involving members of policies for Clare Museum have been updated where necessary the Syrian community in Ennistymon the aim of which is linking in preparation for presentation to the SPC in early 2020. The cultures through story. Education and Exhibition Policies are currently under review Ennistymon library has collaborated with Scoil Mhainchin and will be completed in early December. The policies are all National School, Poetry Ireland and iBbY Ireland to offer this requirements for accreditation purposes. uniquely creative project for Syrian children and their families. The group which also includes older siblings and parents Sports & Recreation began writing their own stories at the start of an eight week The 9th Irish International Christmas Tree Throwing project on the 7th of November. The workshop facilitator is Championships is being held on Sunday 5th January 2020 in children’s author Debbie Thomas accompanied by illustrator Tim Smyth Park, Ennis with all proceeds of this event to be Tatyana Feeney, both of whom have successfully published and donated to charity. illustrated children’s books with Irish publishers. ENERGY CERTIFICATE AWARD - Active Ennis Leisure Complex Through their written stories and illustrations, families will Active Ennis Leisure Centre have once again demonstrated explore the themes of friendship, heroes, life in Ireland, home, leadership in Energy Efficiency and Carbon Footprint Reduction, food, journeys with references perhaps to the stories and by recieving an DEC efficiency rating of C2. folktales of their native Syria. The objectives of this latest library initiative in the Right to Read programme is to give space for In compliance with Statutory Instrument No. 243 of 2012, large each parent and child to connect and have fun together as a buildings are required to secure and display a DEC. The DEC group as well as improving the participants’ oral literacy and must be accompanied by an Advisory Report which contains writing in English. It is envisaged that this forum for creative recommendations for the cost-optimal or cost-effective expression will help participants emotionally whilst developing improvement of the energy performance of the building. artistic and literacy skills among the group. All stakeholders hope that it will make our new citizens more The DEC and Advisory Report are based on the operational welcome and offer them a special opportunity to find a little annual energy use within the building and a survey of the piece of Syria in County Clare. building.

There were also adult and children’s book clubs, story time and crafts, as part of the “Right to Read” at your library programme, films, computer coding workshops and creative writing 9 9 SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT conjunction with the Clare Local Sports Partnership. • We have launched our ‘new & improve’ swim lesson schedule which runs at ½ hour intervals. These intensive lessons, for beginners, intermediate and advance swimmers are proving extremely popular. • Fitness Programme Returns Our Chair Fitness class resumed this autumn with our regular customers and some new faces participating in this very popular “mobility for all” class, which is coached by our Fitness Instructors here at Active Ennis Leisure Centre. This one hour class is being well attended every Monday morning at 11am at a price of €6.00 Pay-as-you-go, or €3.00 for members.

ACTIVE ENNIS John O’Sullivan Park, Lees Road Cross Country Championships – The Clare National Schools Cross Country finals took place recently on a very wet and windy day in John O’Sullivan Park, Lees Road on 13th November. ESSENTIAL MAINTENANCE Remedial works underway on the installation of artificial Other events: surfaces on conventional pitch goalmouths in Lees Road. This • 28th of October, Red Cross 5K Charity Walk held in honour of work will enable better performance of pitches and allow for volunteer John Kerin. games to go ahead in all weather conditions. • 14th of November, Clare Secondary Schools Cross Count y Finals. 150 teenagers took part on this occasion.

LEISURE CENTRE ACTIVITIES

• Mental Health Week 7th – 11th October, Council Staff were invited to make use of our facilities which are ‘Free of Charge’. There is good participation in this initiative to promote wellbeing. • Swim Programme for Women – 7 weeks of activity to instil confidence, fitness and good technique. There are over 12 ladies in attendance each night. This program is run in 10 10 PLANNING & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT Economic Development development of Shannon Town into the future and to influence and deliver on real change for Shannon Town in order to make Ennis 2040: Work on the Ennis 2040 Economic and Spatial Shannon a more attractive destination in which to live, work Plan continued in November with the consultants engaged in and do business. The master planning exercise will look at the preparation on a Flood Risk Assessment, an Appropriate growth potential, use of derelict and vacant sites within the Assessment and a Strategic Environmental Assessment of the town centre, development potential of key sites at the entrance plan. Once this stage of preparatory work is complete, it is points from the road network and will seek to create a vibrant intended that a Draft Plan will be available for consideration. place for people to meet, recreate and connect with their area. It is intended that the Masterplan will enable the delivery Regional Spatial and Economic Strategy: On November 30th of a high-quality town environment through sustainable the Southern Regional Assembly adopted the Regional Spatial economic growth catering for an expansion of services, retail and Economic Strategy 2019 -2031. All of the strategic objectives and residential demand to meet the growth that the Limerick- for County Clare in the draft RSES have been included in the Shannon Metropolitan Area Strategic Plan and the National adopted document. Planning Framework have identified for Shannon. It is intended that the Shannon Town Masterplan will underpin and act as Forward Planning a catalyst for change adding a new focus to the creation of a strong urban space within the town centre Shannon Town Park: Clare County Council officially opened Cappa Enhancement Strategy: The Forward Planning Section Shannon Town Park, Bóthar Linne, Shannon on Tuesday the and Helena McElmeel Architects are preparing an Enhancement 19th November at 9.00am. According to Liam Conneally, Strategy for Cappa, Kilrush focusing on its connection to the sea, Director of Economic Development and Shannon Municipal District Co-ordinator “The development of the new Shannon Town Park demonstrates the importance of the Council’s European funding opportunities which aim to deliver key facilities for urban-based communities like Shannon. The new town park adds to the amenities of the town and contributes to Shannon’s revitalisation and regeneration. Clare County Council together with the Southern Regional Assembly have, through the European Regional Development Fund, supported the development of the new Shannon Town Park - a key element of the award winning Shannon Town Green Infrastructure Plan”. He added “the Elected Members of the Shannon Municipal District and people of Shannon played a significant role in informing the design of the Shannon Town Park, for example the the pier and the beach. Members of the public have been filling inclusion of a cycle pump track which emerged directly through in an online survey and a very successful public consultation the public consultation process has added a unique and exciting event was held on the evening of 9th October at the Kilrush addition, the only one of its kind in the region”. Members of the Hub. The second round of public consultation, to review the Shannon Municipal District, the Southern Regional Assembly key ideas identified for the area and help inform the next stage and members of the wider Shannon community helped of the strategy, was held on Wednesday 27th November, from celebrate the opening. 5.30pm to 7.00pm at The Kilrush Hub. It is anticipated that the Draft Strategy will be presented early in 2020.

Enterprise Ireland Feasibility Funding – Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs): The Planning Department of Clare County Council were recently awarded funding under the Enterprise Ireland Regional Enterprise Development Fund (Call 3) to undertake a Feasiblilty Study in relation to the potential dvelopment of a Centre of Excellence in relation to aviation and in particular UAVs at Cahiracon, Co. Clare. The Feasilbity Study would establish what projects might have commercial viability at this location in the medium to long term within the UAV – Unmanned Aerial Vehicles fields. The study will work in close consultation with Shannon Airport Authority and the Irish Aviation Authority (IAA). The tender document is currently being prepared and will be placed on e-tenders before the end of march. This study will run until the March 2020. Shannon Town Centre Masterplan: The procurement process for the preparation of a Shannon Town Centre Masterplan is currently underway. The closing date on eTenders for tender submissions is 9th December 2019 and it is anticipated that consultants will be engaged in early 2020. This plan will be delivered on foot of funding secured under the URDF stream in 2018. The purpose of the Masterplan is to guide the 11 11 PLANNING & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT Strategic Integrated Framework Plan (SIFP) for the Shannon Estuary: In 2017, McCarthy Keville O’Sullivan (MKO) was commissioned by the SIFP Steering Group to carry out a bird usage survey of the River Shannon and River Fergus Estuaries Special Protection Area (SPA) comprising the entire estuarine habitat from Limerick City westwards as far as Doonaha in Co. Clare and Dooneen Point in Co. Kerry. However, during this 2017/2018 survey a small area of the SPA remained un-surveyed. The un-surveyed areas included sections of the estuary that were not visible from the shoreline as they were too distant or obscured by islands. The services of McCarthy Keville O’Sullivan were retained in 2019 to survey these previously un-surveyed areas over a 12 month period commencing in July 2019. Count number 4 was successfully completed in November 2019. An interim report will be submitted in December 2019 with Conservation, Archaeology and Built Heritage a summary of work effort completed to date together with a summary of findings. Historic Towns Initiative - The Turret Lodge Kilrush: Restoration Development Management works have been completed to the arch and piers leading into the Vandeleur Estate. Construction work continues at Turret • 100 planning applications were received during the month Lodge on foot of co-funding obtained from The Heritage of November, bringing the total number received to date for Council under the Historic Towns Initiative. It is anticipated that 2019 to 947. all external works will be completed by the end of December 2019. • 27 pre-planning applications were received during the Built Heritage Investment Scheme 2020 (BHIS) and the month of November, bringing the total number received to Historic Structures Fund (HSF) 2020: The 2020 Built Heritage date for 2019 to 298. Investment Scheme (BHIS) and the Historic Structures Fund (HSF) conservation grant schemes were announced by Planning Enforcement the Department of Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht in November. Full details and application forms for applicants and • During the month of November there were 13 new owners of protected structures in Co. Clare are available on complaints received, 8 warning letters issued, 9 enforcement www.clarecoco.ie with a closing date for receipt of applications notices were served and 58 files were closed. of 24th January 2020.

Taking in Charge Heritage and Biodiversity

6 estates were taken in charge during November, 1 in the Ennis Errina-Plassey Canal: A built heritage baseline inventory and Municipal District and 5 in the Shannon Municipal District, this preliminary visual condition survey has been prepared for the brings the number of estates taken in charge in 2019 to 24. Limerick Navigation Errina-Plassey Canal; River Shannon – Drummeen to Parteen Weir; Upstream of Parteen. The primary The statutory process commenced on 4 estates on the 15th purpose of the report is to provide an historical context for the November 2019 and the closing date for receipt of submissions subject study area, identify sites and features of built heritage is the 3rd January 2020. 3 of these estates are in the West Clare interest within the extent of the waterway lands and describe Municipal District and 1 in the Ennis Municipal District. the nature of identified built heritage assets. The inventory also includes a baseline condition rating with respect to the Substantial progress has been made on a number of built heritage asset and this information can then be used as a developments where remedial works were outstanding and baseline with respect to the field condition survey, data analysis, bond monies have been claimed. development options, cost and planning and environmental issues, all of which will form a final assessment. A drone survey • Abbeycourt and Abbeyville, Ennis – remedial works in of the canal will be undertaken and will be a valuable resource these developments are nearing completion and should be for all capturing the condition of the canal at this point of time. finalised in the coming weeks. This initiative is part-funded by the Heritage Council.

• Gort Leamhán and Gort na hAbhana, Ennis – remedial works Biodiversity Resource Manual for all Local Authority Staff: in these developments are substantially complete. The Planning Department are currently developing a bespoke Biodiversity Resource Manual for local authority staff and • Teeronea (Tir an Fhia), Kilkishen – the tender to carry out Elected Members. This is innovative in its approach and is remedial works was advertised on eTenders on Friday 25th capable of being updated over time. The project and manual, October and the closing date for receipt of tenders was which is the first of its kind in Ireland, can be replicated by Friday 15th November 2019. The assessment of tenders is other local authorities across the country. This initiative is part- ongoing. funded by the National Parks and Wildlife Service under the National Biodiversity Action Plan Grant (NBAP) 2019-2021. The Taking in Charge team continues to monitor new developments which are under construction. 12 12 PLANNING & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT In November work continued in identifying functions of the attuned management systems to ensure that the environment local authority that impact on Biodiversity, all Municipal District and biodiversity is safeguarded. offices participated in a workshop looking at gap analysis, staff Reading the Landscape: Forty eight students have participated consultation and training. A questionnaire has also been drawn in the Reading the Landscape training over the past two years up to obtain the views of Clare County Council staff on their provided by Clare County Council and the Limerick Clare requirement for training on biodiversity generally and the staff Education and Training Board with funding from Creative surveys will be underway shortly. All directorates have been Ireland. All the participants have undertaken heritage projects asked to nominate staff to participate in the development of based in their local community. In an effort to capture and this manual. build on these projects, the training has now been expended The aim is to gather the existing and provide additional best- to include for website training (writing for the web, scanning, work practices of the organisation, by implementing adaptive archiving and uploading heritage material to the web), so that management to prevent nature deterioration, ensuring that these valuable heritage projects can be made publicly available biodiversity is a core consideration in the work practices of our to all as part of the Clare Community Heritage Archive Website staff and the implementation of our local authority functions (Clare ICA a heritage portal ‘multi-site’ for County Clare). This into the future. The manual and subsequent training will is a collaborative partnership with support from the National cover all relevant practices and work carried out by the local Museum of Ireland. Two further Reading the Landscape training authority, aiming at its widespread adoption throughout the programmes along with other associated initiatives are planned organisation. It will allow Clare County Council to adopt locally for 2020. LOCAL ENTERPRISE OFFICE CLARE Training: LEO Clare hosted seven different training courses, Women In Business: Local Enterprise Office Clare held a local information evenings and network events in November, Women In Business Networking event on November 21st and attended by over 90 clients. The workshops included Video were joined by guest speaker Carol O’ Reilly who spoke on the Marketing, Advanced SEO, and HR Management and Legislation. topic Broadening Leadership – from Concept to Competence . LEO Clare also commenced and continued a Start Your Own Business and Complete Digital Marketing training programme Shannon Heritage: Local Enterprise Office Clare in conjunction in Roche Ireland, Clarecastle for those employees interested in with the Shannon Heritage Group held an information evening pursuing that option. for local clients to meet the group and discuss techniques in pitching their products in order to have them on Shannon Evaluation Committee (EVAC): LEO Clare held their fifth EVAC Group shelves. Clients also got an opportunity to ask questions meeting of the year in which five companies were approved to buyers and retail displayers. grant aid totalling €148,500. Kilrush Website Grant Information Event: Local Enterprise Shannon Business Advice Clinic: Local Enterprise Office Clare Office Clare hosted an information evening in the Kilrush Digital conducted a one to one Business Advice Clinic in the Shannon hub discussing how local businesses can avail of a website grant Municipal District Office where we provided information worth up to €2,500. The event included local web developers on services that we offer including training, mentoring and who were in a position to answer any potential questions from potential financial support to micro Irish businesses that start future applicants along with a former local business applicant up and also which existing businesses can avail of. who spoke on the process of the grant.

Property Management shed on Council owned property at Bodyke. This has been Quin Road Campus : Construction and refurbishment work is organised by the Killaloe Municipal District office in conjunction progressing well on the upgrade of a building in the Quin Road with the local Tidy Towns Group who will be enhancing this area Business Park in Ennis, which will become the new location for with a new garden on the corner site. the Clare Civil Defence Headquarters. The Contractors, Jada Construction / Kelly RAC Joint Venture have made considerable progress on Phase 1 of this project. It is hoped that external works on construction of boundary wall, re-instatement of new footpath will be completed before Christmas. This is a partnership between Clare County Council and Department of Defence and will strengthen the capacity of Clare Civil Defence to build on their brilliant service to the people of Clare during all events. Relocation of Allotments in Shannon: At the end of November, the allotment holders are clearing out the former allotments at Illaunamanagh and making the move to their new site. While Casual Trading: During November, 2019, the Economic the weather has been very wet recently, it has been agreed that Development Department continued the Council’s policy of further rotavation of the new allotments will be done inthe regulating casual trading under the Casual Trading Act 1995 and Springtime and until then, the fencing of the individual plots will our bye-laws there under. We issued 4 casual trading licences not be carried out. The water connection has been made and as follows - 3 for the Kilrush Horse Fair on the 25th November the boundary fencing has been completed. All of the individual 2019 and 1 for Killaloe Farmers Market on 1st December 2019. allotment agreements have been signed. Bodyke: Demolition work has commenced on a derelict hay- 13 13 PHYSICAL DEVELOPMENT Environmental Awareness Environment Laboratory at Clare County Council on 14th Gardening November 2019. The 24 students were part of a Junior With the arrival of winter and the drop in temperatures, routine Achievement Programme, where Triona Acheson is winter maintenance has commenced around the county, with volunteering to present the Futurewize science education hedge cutting, pruning of shrubs and bedding preparation being programme, which aims to inspire the next generation of completed. The Gardening Section completed maintenance scientists, technologists, engineers and mathematicians in work including tree-planting, bulb-planting and preparation of Ireland. The students observed some of the day-to-day analysis hanging baskets for Spring 2020 displays. Remedial works were in the laboratory and got some hands on experience. Triona also completed in the Public Park in Drumbiggle to improve the delivered classes on climate change and the treatment of general amenity of the area. drinking water and waste water to the students.

Clare Green Festival initiative 2019 A two year programme, which will see the further development of a Clare Green Festival network, was announced this month.

Information sessions for festival group organisers were held at the Templegate Hotel on the 13th of November.

Community Environment Action Fund 2019 A total of 73 community based projects in County Clare were awarded funding under the Community Environment Action Fund 2019, previously known as the Local Agenda 21 River Monitoring Programme 2019 Environmental Partnership Fund. This grant scheme totalling Clare County Council is required to collect 295 river water €25,300 is 50% funded by the Department of Communication samples in 2019. The calendar for sampling was agreed with Climate Action and Environment (DCCAE) and 50% funded by the EPA in December last with the sampling spread evenly over Clare County Council. There was a 50% increase in applications the 12 months. As agreed with the EPA, 11 of the 12 sample this year from 58 applicants in 2018 to 91applicants in 2019. runs have been completed. An average grant of €346 was awarded to successful applicants. Eligible projects supported and complemented national IW SLA environmental policies with priority given to climate change Clare County Council is required to sample and analyse all public and biodiversity projects. water supplies. The level of monitoring required is agreed with Irish Water and is based on the population served. The Ennis Tidy Towns Repair Cafe monitoring is spread evenly throughout the year. The analysis Ennis Tidy Towns first Repair Cafe took place in Glór on results are forwarded to IW in agreed format. Saturday 23rd November. This initiative was supported by the Greener Clare programme and funding received from the EPA Under the IW SLA Clare County Council monitors all discharges Local Authority Prevention Network. Over 100 people attended from public wastewater treatment plants. The analysis results with everything from jackets, laptops, record players, kids toys, are forwarded to IW on a monthly basis. The frequency jewellery, mobile phones, bicycles and lamps repaired. of monitoring is determined by the requirements of the certificates or licences to which the plant must comply. There Library Staff Training Day are 19 plants licensed with 18 being monitored monthly. There An environmental awareness session was presented to all are 12 certified plants, which are for smaller populations whose Library staff outlining the role that libraries play in terms of frequency of monitoring is less. promoting reuse in the community. Group Water Schemes and Small Private Supplies. Shannon Active Retirement Association Clare County Council is the Competent Authority for oversight of A presentation was given to the Shannon Active Retirement private water supplies and undertakes in excess of 270 samples group on the 20th November 2019. The presentation from these supplies each year. The sampling and analysis highlighted the importance of preventing and minimising waste is ongoing throughout 2019. The monitoring programme is at home and in the community, the links to climate action and nearing completion for this year with only a small number the session ended with a recycling demonstration. There was of schemes left to be monitored and exceedances to bere great interaction from the 70 members in attendance. checked.

Clare Green Festival initiative 2019 Discharge Licences. An information session for festival / event organisers was A total of 66 licensed discharges under the Water Pollution given on the 13th of November 2019 at the Templegate Hotel. Act are monitored in 2019. To date all discharges have been Following the information session festival organisers were sampled and inspected on a number of occasions so as to invited to register their interest in participating in the Clare assess compliance with their discharge licence requirements. Green Festival Network and associated training programme. The discharges include quarries, hotels, housing estates and factories. Laboratory & Technical Support Junior Achievement Programme First year science students from Rice College visited the 14 14 PHYSICAL DEVELOPMENT Water and Scientific Services 66% increase in usage.

Water Pollution Complaints: Environment staff has dealt with Metal Collection 87 pollution complaints to date in 2019. The complaints have Limerick Metal Recycling is currently providing this service. The been investigated and 90% have been closed out soon after total tonnage collected for the months of August, September investigation. Enforcement notices/letters were issued under and October was 119 tonnes. This is slightly up on the same the Water Pollution Acts. Further inspections will be carried to period last year where 113 tonnes were collected. ensure that action recommended in the notice is carried out. Limerick Clare Energy Agency Section 4 Discharge Licensed Premises: Inspection reports Clare County Council is participating in an ISO 50,001 certification which include monitoring data are issued for all premises programme in partnership with the Climate Action Regional that are monitored by the laboratory section with 4 licensed Office (CARO). Successful completion of the programme will premises being audited up to the end of November 2019. lead to ISO 50,001 certification. A Stage 1 audit was successfully completed in October and a Stage 2 Audit is scheduled for early National Inspection Programme of Domestic Wastewater December. Treatment Systems Certification to ISO 50,001 will provide a structure for energy (DWWTS): We completed 41 inspections in 2019 of which 41% and emissions management with continuous improvements were compliant and 59% failed. Approximately 32% of the towards targets. failures were due to a failure to de-sludge the DWWTS. Advisory notices were issued to owners of non-compliant systems. Re- Energy Performance inspections will be carried out to ensure that recommended Clare County Council has achieved an energy performance to actions in notices are carried out. date of 12.4% towards the required energy efficiency of 33% by 2020. The percentage improvement is dependent upon the Planning referrals from Planning Department: Planning organisation energy consumed and the performance metric(s). permission referrals for single houses are assessed to check The percentage change is calculated on the Monitoring & that the proposed wastewater treatment plants and percolation Reporting performance tool hosted by the Sustainable Energy areas are in compliance with the EPA Code of Practice 2009 ( Authority of Ireland. A review of the evaluation metrics is being population equivalent <10) . Larger developments which have conducted to ensure the correct performance metric is utilised wastewater treatment plants are also assessed. Site inspection for the 2020 data. The rollout of the public lighting contract will visits are carried out and assessment reports including generate a major improvement in energy performance. recommendations are forwarded to the planning section. A total of 76 reports have been prepared to date this year. In addition Waste Enforcement 82 forestry reports were submitted to the Forestry Service via Planning up to the end of November 2019. The enforcement team continue to respond to waste and litter related complaints with a total of 136 complaints received in Farm Inspections under the Good Agriculture Practice (GAP) November 2019. Of these complaints 89 have been closed. Regulations 2017: Clare County Council carries out inspections Illegal dumping and fly tipping remain the persistent offenders. for the following reasons ; to ensure compliance with the GAP Regulations , following notifications from the DAFM, pollution Dog-fouling continues to be an issue in certain areas of the investigation, 28 farm inspections have been carried outin County. The Council relies on the vigilance of the public to assist November 2019 in the Ballycullinan lake and Cloneen River them in preventing dog-fouling throughout the County. catchments. Of the farmyards inspected 86% were compliant with the GAP Regulations. Advisory letters were issued to the An awareness campaign has commenced relating to the smoky remaining 14% to notify them of non-compliances. coal ban in Ennis, Clarecastle and parts of South-East Clare. The advertisement advises the public and fuel suppliers of their County Clare Lake Sampling Programme 2020 obligations under the Air Pollution Act, 1987 (Marketing, Sale A tender has been prepared and uploaded to e-tenders seeking and Distribution of Fuels) (Amendment) Regulations 1998 to a contractor to do the required lake sampling programme in the 2011. Inspections will take place over the coming months to county in 2020. The closing date is December 13th. ensure compliance with these Regulations.

Waste Management During 2019 to date, over 411 households have been surveyed as part of the Waste Management Bye-laws 2018. The purpose of Bring Banks these surveys is to determine if householders take appropriate Bring banks continue to be well used throughout the county. measures to ensure that waste is stored, managed, presented The Killaloe Bring Bank site has been subject to a number of and collected in a manner so that risk to the environment is dumping incidents in the last number of weeks and the situation minimised. The issuing of fines to individuals under the Litter is being monitored. Pollution Act 1997 remains ongoing, with a total of 37 fines issued in November 2019. The majority of these fines relate to Textile Banks illegal signage throughout the County. Additional textile banks have been added in Cree, Inagh Church car park and Shannon Recycling Centre. The latest monthly The scheduled inspection and monitoring of authorised waste tonnage collected was 15.83 tonnes against 9.52 tonnes which facilities within the county continued as planned during was collected for the same month last year. This represents a November. 15 15 PHYSICAL DEVELOPMENT Annual Service Plan • Gate 2. Environmental Studies Detailed design and planning. The Water Services Department of Clare Co Council continues • Gate 3. Construction stage and handover to deliver the water services function as per the Service Level • Gate 4. Contract closeout Agreement with Irish Water. The monthly KPI’s continue to be monitored by all of the water services teams to achieve Infrastructure Programmes (Capital Projects) - Clare required targets. We have a current KPI compliance rate of 86% Capital Investment Plan (CIP) 2014–2016 Projects: and are within 1% of budget expenditure. (continuing from 2016) Waste Water Treatment Plant Upgrade: Water Conservation Planning Permission has been granted by Clare County Council In November, The Operations team continued water for the proposed works. An appeal to An Bord Pleanala was conservation activity throughout the county reacting to various made by one appellant. A written response to the appeal has increases in demand primarily in Ennis & and Shannon Areas. been submitted to the Bord on the 28th November 2019. The District Metering Area (DMA) Establishment was also carried project will not progress further until a decision is made by An out in tandem with the Find and Fix Team. Repairs were carried Bord Pleanala. This is not due until March 2020. out in the Westbury estate following leak detection by the Find crew during October. Quin Waste Water Treatment Plant Upgrade: Irish Water Contractors carried out DMA establishment in This contract has been awarded under the IW ECI (Early Ardnacrusha DMA and Leak detection in Shannon Banks and Contractor Involvement) framework and is currently under Parteen DMA’s. way. Construction activities are expected to commence in Asset Transfer Project January 2020. 375 water & waste water assets, in Co Clare, have been identified for potential transfer to IW to date. Of these 50 are Clonroadmore Waste Water Treatment Plant Upgrade: non operational assets (prior to January 2014) and as such will A pricing document with drawings for replacement screens not be transferring to Irish Water leaving 325 for transfer. Of including dewatering equipment at both pumping stations has these 325 assets 166 have been surveyed and assessed for been submitted by MEVA (screen supplier) to IW. These are transfer. CE orders have been prepared and issued to IW to currently under review by IW. be included within ministerial orders. To date 166 assets have transferred to IW. Clare Capital Investment Plan 2017–2021 Projects The remaining 159 assets are broken down as follows: Waste Water Treatment Plant Upgrade: • Pending - 31 assets are being prepared for transfer to Irish Currently at Gate 1: Concept design report at draft review Water in the coming months, 7 of which are in the process stage. of subdivision or straight transfer to Irish Water. The Progressing to Gate 2 detailed design and environmental remainder consists of straight assets some of which will evaluation, thereafter advancing to planning in 2020. have to be subdivided by map/plan. Once a consensus has Gate 3: the construction stage, expected to commence before been reached on the remaining assets with both IW and the end of 2021. Clare County Council, a CE order will issue thereafter. Ennistymon Waste Water Treatment Plant Upgrade: • National Special Projects Office (NSPO) – This is a Currently at Gate 1: Concept design report at draft review department within Irish Water dealing with special projects stage. which includes facilitating the Asset Transfers from Local Progressing to Gate 2 detailed design and environmental Authorities - 5 assets are with the NSPO for investigation evaluation, thereafter advancing to planning in 2020. to ascertain if they are to be considered as underground Gate 3: the construction stage, expected to commence before assets. Underground assets are transferred by S.I. 13 of the end of 2021. 2015. Newmarket on Fergus Waste Water Treatment Plant Upgrade: Currently at Gate 1: Concept design report at draft review • Property Registration Authority Ireland – 4 assets have stage. gone to the PRAI to be subdivided. Progressing to Gate 2 detailed design and environmental evaluation, thereafter advancing to planning in 2020. • 3rd Party/Unregistered assets – Of the 159 assets 119 have Gate 3: the construction stage, expected to commence before been identified as 3rd Party Registered lands (102) and the end of 2021. Unregistered Lands (17). Work on these assets is ongoing Shannon (2no projects): which will require first registration initially before they can a) Interim upgrade of the Waste Water Treatment Plant. be transferred to Irish Water. A letter of award for the Shannon Town Wastewater Treatment Plant upgrade was issued to Ward & Burke Construction Ltd, by CAPITAL PROJECTS Irish Water, on Monday 18th November. Construction expected to commence in the Q2 2020. IW’s (& CCC’s) Capital Section is broken down into the following determined at this stage. sub-sections; b) Gate 1 studies, for the agglomeration, have commenced. • Infrastructure Programmes: (major infrastructure projects) Priority has been the interim upgrade of the WWTP. • Capital Programmes: (minor projects) Progressing to Gate 2 - detailed design & planning thereafter. • Network Programmes: (mains replacements / find and fix) Expectation to go to Gate 3 – construction stage – not determined at this stage. Irish Water refers to the different phases of a project as Gates. • Gate 1. Concept Design and data gathering. 16 16 PHYSICAL DEVELOPMENT Clare Untreated Agglomerations Study (UTAS) Projects - the end of 2020 and to be completed by end 2021. (Project period 2017-2021) RPS is the appointed Consulting Engineer. The projects under Capital Programmes: (minor Capital Works) UTAS are progressing through detailed design and planning. Public information sessions were held in Clarecastle, Kilrush Inlet Works Project: and Kilkee during May 2018, and and This is a national project reviewing and ultimately upgrading were completed in September and October 2018 respectively. various inlet receiving structures including storm tanks and Land and wayleave acquisitions processes are at an advanced sludge handling. In Clare the following are within this project; stage for each of the projects within the UTAS programme. • Inagh WwTP • Clareabbey WwTP Kilrush Waste Water Treatment Plant Upgrade: • Miltown Malbay WwTP Gate 2: Planning was granted by Clare County Council on the 1st October 2019. The Clareabbey WWTP inlet works project has been granted Landowner/wayleave/CPO process is near completion. The planning and has moved onto detailed design stage. construction contract for these works has been awarded to EPS National Certificate of Authorisation (NCAP): Ltd under IW ECI (Early Contractor Involvement) framework. This Programme will review all EPA Certified Wastewater plants The expectation is to go to Gate 3, the construction stage, with a P.E. of less than 500 and their impact on receiving waters. before the end of 2020 and to be completed by end 2021. Ballycannon and Kilmihil WWTP’s in Co. Clare have been included in the first round of assessments. RPS has prepared Clarecastle Agglomeration Upgrade: Site Option Reports for both plants which are currently under Under Irish Waters UTAS the waste water collected at Quay review. Rd pumping station will be diverted via a new waste water Francis Street Pumping Station Ennis. pipeline to Clareabby WwTP. The new storm pumps have now been fully commissioned and It was considered but determined not feasible to construct the are integrated with the existing control systems. It is hoped to proposed rising main to Clareabbey WWTP in conjunction with replace the foul pumps in early 2020 under an energy saving the flood relief scheme works. scheme. Gate 2 – detailed design is near completion. Sludge Satellites: Site Investigation works have been completed. Landowner/ Clareabbey WWTP will not be considered under this wayleave/CPO process was concluded via an oral hearing. A programme. section 5 (Planning Act) referral was lodged with the Planning Department. The Planning Department has assessed that Network Programmes Mains Replacement Works the proposed works constitute exempted development. The expectation is to go to Gate 3, the construction stage, in Q1 1. Mullagh -Milltown Malbay Watermains Rehab . The site 2020 and to be completed by Q3 2020. investigation works are completed and the design is now being progressed. The contractor is finalising road opening Liscannor Waste Water Treatment Plant Upgrade: details with the MD office. It is not expected to progress to Gate 2 – detailed design near completion. construction until Q1 2020. Planning submission is expected to be lodged in the coming weeks. Landowner/wayleave/CPO process is ongoing. The Shareridge, working on behalf of Irish Water, have provided expectation is to go to Gate 3, the construction stage, before the following information for watermains replacement works; the end of 2020 and to be completed by end 2021. IW has confirmed that this contract will be awarded under IW ECI 1. Doonbeg Watermains Rehabilitation: This contract is (Early Contractor Involvement) framework. currently on hold by Irish Water due to technical and cost issues associated with the road reinstatement. We hope to Ballyvaughan Waste Water Treatment Plant Upgrade: progress a solution in the coming months. Gate 2 – detailed design ongoing due to site selection considerations which have not concluded. Planning submission Parnell St is expected to be lodged in Q2 2020. Landowner/wayleave/ This watermains replacement project on Parnell street is CPO process is ongoing. The expectation is to go to Gate 3, complete with the remaining works confined to the adjoining construction stage, before the end of 2020 and to be completed laneways. by end 2021. Castlecrine to Kilmurry Kilkee Waste Water Treatment Plant Upgrade: Road opening licence has been paid for this project. No start Environmental studies ongoing – As a part of this process MERC date has been advised to CCC as yet but it is expected to now Consultants Ltd have recently completed a Marine Ecological commence construction in Q1 2020. Survey Report of Intrinsic Bay and its environs at the outfall location in Kilkee, Co. Clare. Main rehabilitation 2020 Programme of Works Gate 2 – detailed design is ongoing which will take into A priority list of projects is now being compiled and CCC are consideration the outputs from all the environmental studies. working with IW to prioritise essential projects for Tranche 5. Planning submission is delayed until the detailed design has been completed. Landowner/wayleave/CPO and site selection process is ongoing. The expectation is to go to Gate 3, construction stage, before

17 17 PHYSICAL DEVELOPMENT

Ballycannon PS to Elton Court (Meelick) Waste Water Pumping Non Service Level Agreement Works. Rising Main We have completed our review of the design options for our A new rising main linking Ballycannon WWTP to Elton court remediation works for the old Ennis Water treatment works Pumping station is now at route selection stage. at Gortaganniv. The preferred option is remove a section of the 140 year old dam to prevent further deterioration of the Castlelake WTP structure. Works are now underway to the old dam structure IW have confirmed that, the Full Options Assessment for and are expected to be completed in the next 2 months. Castlelake is due to commence later this year. The 25-year plan Recent Training Courses for Castlelake WTP should be complete by end Q1 2020

Remedial Action list (RAL).

3 No. sites have been selected in Clare for upgrades Ballymacraven WTP, New Doolough WTP and Corrofin WTP. Tenders should issue for these by the end of 2019.

Water & Waste Water Operations

The following statistics provide an indication of the level of activity / work being carried out by the water and waste water teams throughout the county from 23rd October 2019 up to and including 25th November 2019. The figures do not however reflect the time invested by the teams which is required to resolve each complaint /issue.

• 22 Customer Complaints were dealt with to-date • 1 Emergency Work Order during the timeframe • 307 Reactive Maintenance Work Orders were dealt with and closed out Fire & Building Control Section • 0 Customer Asset Flooding Work Order was received • 176 Service Requests (SR’s) were raised for Field Requests Recent Training Courses and Follow On Work Orders for Reactive Maintenance work • 2 no. 2-day Breathing Apparatus Refresher Course (Clonmel) • 70 Outage Notices were placed on the IW portal during the • Health & Safety Representative Course period • Senior Fire Officers Seminar No major burst occurred in November. A number of minor leaks were repaired in all areas but none of the repairs caused a loss Information Briefing Sessions/Coaching of supply to customers for a significant period of time during Human Resources in conjunction with the Fire Service have the month. now completed the rollout of Information Briefing Sessions and Coaching Sessions for Fire Fighters in all seven stations. The Rural Water Programme briefing sessions included an overview of Corporate Services, Following the publishing of The Department of Housing, Planning Human Resources, Health & Safety, Partnership, Social Club, and Local Government 2019-2021 Rural Water Programme Child Protection and Employee Welfare and Benevolent Fund. on the 14th October the Clare Rural Water Programme are Team Building exercises were provided by Deirdre Murray, working with schemes in looking to progress works awarded Coach. Killaloe and Kilrush Fire Stations completed this course under the programme. Ballynote GWS completed upgrade in November. works in November with a view to a successful Taking in Charge in the new year. Works were also completed on the Killeen and 10 Year Awards Lislanahan GWS’s. 10 Year Awards were presented to Fire Service Personnel during Irish Water has informed the Rural Water programme that a the month. An Cathaoirleach Cllr. Cathal Crowe presented the temporary suspension has been placed on the taking in charge awards to 12 personnel across all Fire Stations in Clare. of group water and group sewerage schemes for the remainder of 2019. This does not apply to orphan group water schemes 1916 Commemorative Medal Ceremonies which are being progressed to taking in charge under the pilot 1916 Commemorative Medal Ceremonies took place in all orphan taking in charge programme. Killeen GWS, Corofin Fire Stations during the month of November. The medals were was taken in charge in September under this process as was awarded to all Fire Service Personnel who were serving at the Ballyconnoe GWS. time of the centenary in 2016. An Cathaoirleach Cllr. Cathal We have received 43no. applications to date in 2019 with respect Crowe awarded the medals to the Fire Service Personnel. to the ‘Grant for the Provision of or Necessary Improvement of an Individual Water Supply to a House’. The Rural Water Team continues to work with group water schemes to ensure their members have a robust and sustainable quality and quantity supply of water available to them. 18 18 PHYSICAL DEVELOPMENT C.I.S.M. Booklet Launch • Club Hurling Championship match in Sixmilebridge • Club Football Championship match in Miltown Malbay Cllr. Cathal Crowe, Mayor of Clare, launched a new Critical • Club Football Championship replay match in Miltown Incident Stress Management Booklet at Shannon Fire Station Malbay on Monday 18th November. The booklet provides guidance to Fire-fighters on how to look after their mental and emotional Members Training & Professional Development wellbeing. Associated Human Resources are contracted by Clare County Fire & Rescue Service to provide support service • 9 new recruits began Recruit Basic Training course to Fire-fighters, either in a group format or on a confidential • Civil Defence Officer’s Association Annual Conference & individual basis. Mr. Joe O’Mahony of Associated Human Trade Show (Mullingar) Resources attended the launch along with Carmel Kirby, • Radiation Monitoring Workshop (Dublin) Director of Services, and the Shannon Crew and their families. • Workshop hosted by the Dept. of the Marine (Loughrea) Cllr. Crowe has also referred to the booklet in his visits to every • IOSH Managing Safely course (Dublin) station throughout the County in November. Mr. O’Mahony • Members of the Severe Weather Response team and has also attended each station throughout the County and members of the Boat crew attended at a training session on provided refresher training to personnel on the supports that the River Fergus are available • National Radiation Monitoring Exercise • Safe Talk course

Major Emergency – Table-Top Exercise

A Table-top Major Emergency exercise was run in Shannon Airport on Thursday 21st November. All Emergency Services had nominees involved in organising the exercise which focused on the post-event phase of a major emergency.

Clare Civil Defence

Operational Duties

Civil Defence provided medical cover for the following events: • Jamboree in the Park County Music Festival in the Showgrounds in Ennis 19 19 PHYSICAL DEVELOPMENT Project Management Office update The Part 8 Planning application for the road is being finalised and is expected to be submitted in the coming weeks. An The updated status of the main projects being worked on in application has not yet been submitted in terms ofthe the past month is as follows: Housing Element of the proposal but we are exploring all possible options and working with the Landowner and other • CFRAMs: Following a tender competition JBA Consulting interested parties in the progression of same. are being appointed as Consulting Engineers to design and develop the Kilkee Flood Relief Scheme. The first Steering • Limerick Northern Distributor Road (LNDR) (Phase 2) – Group meeting is to be held on Tuesday December 3rd Throughout November, the Project Team held meetings and work has already commenced on data gathering and with DTTaS, TII, NTA and other interested parties in regard preparations for the additional surveys that will be required. to sharing, clarifying and prioritising information of mutual The Shannon Town & Environs Flood Relief Scheme Tender importance and benefit between the LNDR project and the documentation has now been completed and is due to go to Limerick Shannon Metropolitan area (L-SMATS) Transport tender in the coming days. Strategy currently in development. This work continues and we await the publication of the NTA Draft L-SMATS in late • Pier Visitor Services Building – Meetings continued January. with key stakeholders throughout the past month. These included landowners, Ferry Operators and the Doolin • N19 Shannon Airport Access Road – Throughout the month, Community Council. Once the area of lands available for a number of workshops and meetings took place involving the development has been finalised, we will be in a position the Project Team, our Consultants Fehily Timoney & Company to develop the detail design and Planning Permission and a range of key stakeholders such as various Utility submission. companies, the Airport Authorities, Industry representatives and the OPW in order to gather the necessary data and • Ennis South Flood Relief Scheme – Work continues at pace information to inform the scheme design. Once completed, in this project. The Ballybeg section is substantially complete the Project will provide a high quality road improvement with only a small number of minor works outstanding. scheme on the N19 National Primary Road between Works on the St Flannan’s College element continues with Drumgeely Roundabout and Knockbeagh Point Roundabout the section along the Tobarteascain road to the St Flannans (for a distance of approx 2.2km) on the approach to the Roundabout completed by Christmas. The next section Airport and it will add significantly to the infrastructure includes a very difficult road crossing at St Flannans Collage facilitating Shannon Airport, Industry in the Region and the roundabout. A Traffic management plan outlining how this wider Shannon community. work is to be done has been advertised in local media and is on public display at present. The date for completion of • N85 Kilnamona Realignment Scheme – Members will be the pipe work in this section is programmed to be Feb/ aware that the original scheme of 3km of road realignment March 2020. Members will be aware of the difficult ground was extended to 4.5km following survey and ground conditions encountered at the Clareabbey end also and our investigation details emerging. We have requested Consultants, Ryan Hanley are currently progressing a revised formal approval from TII to tender for the appointment of design solution for this location. The difficulties experienced Consultants to prepare the design of the extended scheme with the diversion of a major ESB line at Doora Bridge have and it is expected that we will be in a position to appoint been addressed and the Contractor is now completing the them in early March 2020. In parallel, we are engaging in section of piling in soft ground at this location. survey work that will inform the project brief. A meeting to update and receive feedback took place with the Kilnamona • Ennistymon Inner Relief Road & Bridge Crossing (Blakes Development Association during the month. Corner) – Approval of the Total Scheme Budget is expected in the coming days from TII after which, the updated Business • Access to and from UL: – Members will be aware of the two Case will be submitted for their approval to publish the CPO. elements to this work. Firstly, the University is exploring a This is expected in the coming weeks with publication of possible new exit onto the Garraun Road from the Clare same expected in early January. Campus and we are in discussion with them in regard to the progression of same. In addition, the Council has tendered • Killaloe Bridge and By-Pass – Survey and GI Work continues for works that will enhance the toe path along the Canal Bank on site as required while at the same time, we are also to facilitate Pedestrian and Cyclists under the Hinterland working towards finalising the various Landowner Deals by programme. agreement where possible. A number of cases going through the Arbitration process are scheduled for May/June of next • Greenway – The Department have year. We continue to liaise with DTTaS, TII, OPW, IW and the advised that there will be a new funding call in the coming Utility companies in relation to technical compliance and weeks which will assist with the design and planning for statutory consents and the Project Team will be commencing Greenways. We will be making an application under same. the Tender short listing process by year’s end with the While awaiting the outcome of same, we will continue scheme expected to go to tender in early Summer 2020. to work on our objective to deliver the 85 Km long West Clare Railway Greenway from Ennis to Kilkee via Corofin, • Local Infrastructure Housing Activation Fund (LIHAF) – Good Ennistymon, Lahinch, Miltown, Quilty, Doonbeg, Moyasta progress is being made in terms of the design of the roadway and Kilrush. The initial focus is on a 20km length between and water/wastewater infrastructure required to service Kilrush and Kilkee. Clare County Council is very mindful on lands for the development of future housing in Claureen. how such works can impact on landowners and as proposals 20 20 PHYSICAL DEVELOPMENT develop, we will be holding public awareness and consultation • Springfield, Clonlara: Clare County Council, the Office of meetings in the communities affected to see how we can move Public Works and Byrne Looby held a meeting to discuss forward with minimum disruption and taking all the views progress on 27th November 2019. The modelling of the of the stakeholders involved. To this end, a site visit to the Shannon River and the defended section of Springfield Waterford Greenway took place last week with representatives has been completed by McCloys and submitted to Clare from the West Clare MD, Council staff and the IFA. Co Council and the OPW. The results show some slight differences from the CFRAMS results. Assessment of the • Asbestos Remediation Programme – Members will be catchment area north of the Errina canal and the Newtown aware of the further sampling and survey work carried culvert has also been completed by Byrne Looby. The out by our specialist Contractor, Safeway Environmental, pumping requirements and the cost benefit ratio are now in recent months. This data has now being compiled and is being calculated. It is still expected to submit a planning expected from Safeway in the coming week. This will then application in January subject to the proposed scheme be analysed and evaluated by our consultants RPS and a being economically viable. Final report will be prepared and submitted to the EPA in early January where we will be in a position to identify the • Miltown Malbay: Clare County Council has been in contact measures required for permanent remediation. Following with OPW with regard to this submission and they have EPA advice/approval, the necessary actions will be taken. have undertaken to deal with it as soon as resources allow. • Murtyclough: A source of funding needs to be identified for this project other than the OPW. While the OPW will The updated position in regard to the various Coastal and consider funding the element of the scheme that deals with Flood/Storm damaged works is as follows: flooding to dwelling houses they consider that the scheme is essentially a roads project as most of the benefit isto Project Current Situation vehicles travelling the N67. A submission is being prepared Liscannor Bay RPS has completed the draft for the TII. amendments to the Coastal Flood and Erosion Risk Management Study • Villas: A meeting between Clare Co Council and for Liscannor Bay recommended by our Consultants Malachy Walsh and Partners took place the OPW. We are currently assessing on Thursday 28th November to discuss progress on this this and will consult with stakeholders scheme. The design is being finalised. An Archaeological before resubmission. It is expected assessment has been carried out. Screening for Appropriate to resubmit the amended study in Assessment will be carried out in January with an application December. for permission being submitted in the first quarter of 2020. W h i t e s t r a n d OPW have contacted Clare County An application for funding was submitted to the OPW and a (Miltown Malbay) Council and require some further response is awaited. information prior to a decision to provide funding to take the scheme to • Quin Flood Relief Scheme: This scheme was also discussed Detailed Design and Planning. Kilbaha Clare County Council had a meeting at the meeting of the 28th November. Preliminary design with our Consultants Malachy Walsh work has been completed and a number of options have and Partners to discuss progress on the been identified that are technically, environmentally and scheme. The additional work required economically viable. We now propose to consult with the by the OPW is substantial. It is intended local residents before proceeding to the planning process. to submit in February 2020. We are also It is hoped to proceed to planning in February 2020. considering the submission of a minor works application for a section of the TRANSPORTATION scheme. 1. Roadworks Programme and Operations Quilty Consultants Byrne Looby has submitted Work is substantially complete on the Roadworks Programme the additional information required by for 2019. LIS/ CIS projects are complete & funding recouped. the OPW to Clare Co Council. We are Projects have been submitted for approval to the Department currently assessing this information. of Transport, Tourism & Sport for grant funding for 2020 in Subject to any amendments we will be October 2019. submitting it to the OPW shortly. Spanish Point Clare County Council has submitted 2. Public Lighting a response to the OPWs request for The key priorities in relation to public lighting include clarification on a number of issues to complete changeover to LED technology, achievement of the deal with tourist numbers and technical 2020 Carbon footprint reduction target and replacement of design aspects of the proposal. We are supporting infrastructure where required. expecting a positive response to the application. It was announced in late 2018 that the Road Management Flood Relief Schemes: Office (RMO) have been successful in securing €17.5 million in support from the Climate Action Fund for the LA Public Lighting Energy Efficiency Project nationally. This will form part of the The up to date position in relation to each of the areas where funding necessary for the delivery of the project. ARUP were we have been progressing flood relief schemes is as follows: 21 21 PHYSICAL DEVELOPMENT appointed in February and are currently working on the contract documents for Region 1. Clare has confirmed its participation and has signed up to be included in Region 1 of the Local Authority Public Lighting Energy Efficiency Project.

For the benefit of Councillors, the following are the options available to facilitate reporting of public lighting faults:

• Internet: Direct reporting on our website – www.airtricitysolutions.com • Phone: Airtricity Utility Solutions dedicated Call Centre – 1850 372 772 • Local Authority Identification – via Local Authority’s website or Contact number

3. Strategic Transportation

• Limerick Shannon Metropolitan Area Transport Strategy (LSMATS)

The Limerick Shannon Metropolitan Area Transport Strategy is being developed at present by the NTA and the Strategy is to cover all modes of land transport 2018 to 2040. A number of meetings have been held with the Consultants, NTA, TII and Limerick City & County Council. Clare Co Council has supplied background data to the Consultants and the NTA eg a list of Stakeholders to be consulted, traffic data, the Clare Noise Action Plan. Comments have also been returned by the Transportation and Planning sections on the Baseline Conditions Report and the Demand Analysis Report. The NTA has sought transportation issues from various stakeholders that they would like addressed by the LSMATS

4. Road Design Office Projects being developed in 2019

CURRENT PROJECTS

Project Update as of 26th November 2019 N85 Clareabbey Drawings and Feasibility Report for traffic calming and pedestrian/cyclist Roundabout facilities issued to TII. Three options considered. A fourth option ofTraffic signals to be investigated. Report on Section 38 submissions was presented to the May West Clare MD N68 Fahy’s Rd Kilrush meeting. Scheme was not approved. Pedestrian Crossing N68 Shaughnessy’s Cross Feasibility report and costing forwarded to TII. Awaiting response. R462 Cratloe Cross Complete Pedestrian Crossing R458 Newmarket Partially complete on site Junction Draft Drawings and preliminary cost estimates prepared in April. Options include repairing/widening the existing arch bridge, traffic calming, provision of pedestrian crossing and new footpath connection to the main Shannon Heritage carpark on Low Road. Road Design Office staff met with Shannon Heritage and their Consultants. Report prepared on Planning Application P19 365. Five options considered and Option B has been selected by Road Design Office. Low Road Bridge to be repaired in 2020. Funding source to be identified for traffic calming, pedestrian crossing and footpaths. Part 8 to be progressed in early 2020. EuroVelo 1 Design of signage scheme and cost estimates complete. Map and cost estimate available for discussion. EuroVelo1 is a 317km route along existing roads in Clare. The route includes coastal , inland, Burren section, Shannon Estuary section and also travels through Clarecastle, Quin, Sixmilebridge, Meelick and onwards towards Limerick. It has the potential to be a significant tourism generator for County Clare. Consultation has taken place with reps of various cycling clubs. Funding source to be identified. Knockanean NS Road Improvement scheme – design drawing and land maps prepared and issued to Ennis MD. Cost estimate prepared.

22 22 PHYSICAL DEVELOPMENT

N67 Drainage works complete. N67 Public Lighting upgrade costs have been TII HD 17 Sites forwarded to TII Engineer for review. Site visits ongoing on N67, N68, N85. Survey, Design , Costings and Feasibility reports required for all sites. N67 border to Ballyvaughan – topographical surveys substantially complete, design commenced.

N85 Shanaway Rd Manual traffic turning count is complete. Topographical survey complete. Junction, Ennis Drawing complete and issued to TII Road safety Engineer. Awaiting TII input in relation to access to the filling station/One mile Inn property. Feasibility Report complete but cost estimate to be finalised. Landowner meetings have taken place. Awaiting feedback from landowners before feasibility report is issued to TII. Low Cost Safety Schemes 2019 - Progress

L4010/ L8022 Y junction On site nearing completion on a bend L4010 south of Flagmount R478 St Brigid’s Well On site nearing completion L4506 Kilrush rd to Some landscaping works remaining. New trees planted. Limerick Rd Traffic calming Cycling Bus to Ennis National School commenced on the 8th of November - 40 bikes now in the school bike shed. R458 Carmody St/ To be complete late November Drumbiggle Rd, Ennis Pedestrian crossing R469 Ballymacahill Cross Contractor to move from Carmody St project Pedestrian crossing R462 Sixmilebridge Partially complete on site R474 Kilmaley Complete on site Application for Low Cost Lodged with DTTAS on 3rd October 2019 Safety Schemes 2020 Application for Bridge Lodged with DTTAS on 3rd October 2019 Rehabilitation Schemes 2020 Application for Specific Lodged with DTTAS on 3rd October 2019 Improvement Grant 2020 Development – Ongoing reports/meetings/correspondence Planning Apps Pre-Planning Country Pine junction, Tulla Rd, Ennis Ballyallia R471 Junction Shannon Housing at Newpark/Cappahard, Ennis Part 8 Parnell St Gaelscoil , Ennis Gaelscoil , Shannon Housing ,Knockaderry, Ennis Kilrush Sports Facility Limerick Shannon Data issued by RDO to Consultants Jacobs Systra. Metropolitan Area A Cronin reviewed the Baseline Conditions and Policy Context Report and Transport Strategy Demand Analysis Report and reverted to the NTA.

23 23 PHYSICAL DEVELOPMENT

University of Limerick RDO asked to prioritise preliminary design on Larkins Cross including design of access from the Clare road any necessary repairs to Blackwater River Bridge and the Canal Bridge. Prelim network design and cost estimate complete. Milltown Malbay relief Part 8 report complete on housing project Road Ennistimon Relief road - tie Liaison with Planning section in to N85 Proposed demolition and Liaison/meetings with Roche and their Consultants - ongoing remediation of the existing Roche API Manufacturing plant – Traffic and Transport aspects Liaison with NTA regarding Design of a wheelchair accessible bus stop on Bothar Linne, Shannon town has bus stops commenced Liaison with NTA regarding Locations/details to be agreed bus shelters Drehidnagower road Checking of design by Consultants roundabout N19 extension Liaison with Consultants

OTHER PROJECTS on the 2019 Work Programme

Clare Noise Action Plan 2018 Priorities and matrix assessment/ further monitoring. Update of the Road Schedule Housing estate roads to be added

Review of Traffic signals at R463 Westbury Junction LCS 2020 applied for N67 Killimer Church - Review of Traffic Calming Doonbeg village Traffic Calming Car park at Lemanagh Castle R469 - Keevagh road realignment, Quin Road R352/Corrovorrin Junction , Ennis Review of junction options. Application sent in to DTTAS early October for 2020 funding for signalisation of the junction. L4176 Ballybeg Road, Ennis Survey, design of realignment and provision of footpaths. N68 Wilson road and Monvana junctions Request from Area for input N68 McNamees Shop/Garage Request from Area for input N68 investigation of provision of pull in areas Initial approach made to TII R463 Cycle lane scheme Request for a cycle lane scheme from Ardnacrusha towards Limerick City similar to the St Flannan’s Scheme.

24 24 PHYSICAL DEVELOPMENT

Road Safety Remedial Measure 2019 to be commenced Projects Ltd have started work on Site • N67 Hospital Cross Ennistimon ot Lehinch • Killaloe Bypass-Shannon Crossing - Land Registry Compliant • N68 Beneden Maps. 25% completed. • N67 Bend at Lisdeen • Demolition of BrookvilleHouse, Gort Road Ennis, Fitzgibbon Contractors, works Completed Bridge Rehabilitation – Progress • Bindon Court Ennis and No 1 Bindon Street – Construction AA Screening by Doherty Environmental completed on 2019 work complete with building leased to Limerick Institute of grant funded bridges Technology. • Latoon Bridge - Services – Some Services diversions • Speed Limit Review – Signage instillation completed with have been carried out. Eir work cancelled due to Storm snagging to be carried out. Lorenzo. Eir due to be completed 21st/22nd November. • Shannon Allotments – Construction completed and Piers complete. Safety barrier installed. Snags completed. grouping for allotments formed and policy and procedures Retention being paid. • Burren Discovery Trail design completed and documents lodged for Part VIII Planning permission. • Inghid Bridge - Completed • Amenity Trail (Tuamgraney to Killaloe) Design • Quin Bridge - Completed Completed and documents lodged for Part VIII Planning • Ballycorrick Bridge - Completed permission. Holy Island Mountshannon Topographical • Pollagh Bridge - Completed Surveys Progressed. Master Map prepared for Land • Annagh Bridge - Completed ownership Issues. Registry of Deeds Title documents got for • Doorus West Bridge - Completed Aistear Park. • Kelly’s Pass Bridge - due to start 29th Nov- due for • Beach By Laws Maps 2019 Amended and a number of completion before Christmas holidays Changes made. The Maps are in colour and bring much • Aghy Bridge - Completed more clarity to the Bye laws • Caherbarnagh Bridge - Completed • Make my Day examples of various projects that were carried • Goleensallagh Bridge - Completed out recognising that people with disabilities have the same • Cloonanaha South Bridge – due for completion on 29th right to use and enjoy public spaces that we all share. November • Property Asset Management System. • Breaghva Bridge - Completed • Part of the working Group for County Burial Ground and • New Bridge - 98% complete, high water levels preventing amenity Project at Ballaghafadda Kiladysert Road Ennis. works Traffic Counts Surveys carried out. Trial holes investigations • Mountievers Bridge - to be repaired in 2020 done on the land • Sixmilebridge Bridge - to be repaired in 2020 • Electoral Area Boundary Maps for each Municipal District. • Aughaglanna Bridge - due to start on 28th Nov- due for Showing DED and also Townlands. completion before Christmas holidays • Ennis West Mens Shed At Cloughleigh. Planning Application • Barony Bridge - due to start on 28th Nov- due for lodged for Retention of Shed and store. completion before Christmas holidays • Feasibility Study. • Ballyvohan Bridge - due for completion 28th November • Machinery Yard Buildings Beechpark (Survey and cost Estimate). Additional bridges • Headstone & Access to Burial Grounds Applications • New layouts for Ennis Museum/Tourist Office Building prepared and estimated costing completed. • Barrly-Thomous Bridge - Completed • Cliffs of Moher Landslide Monitoring • Stonepark Bridge - Now in 2020 funding application • Reception Area Redesign. Working group presented with • Bunratty Bridge (Low Road) - Now in 2020 funding 3 concepts design`s Final design to be the next stage and application estimated castings’ to be formalised • Gilloge Bridges (three structures) Now in 2020 Specific • Burial Ground contracts awarded and contractor ready to Improvement funding application go on site. Kildrum/Ballycannon plinth project • Bridges notified to RDO by MD Engineers - Inspections • Service Infrastructure Review Kilrush MD ongoing • Life Guard Huts and other huts on Kilkee beech been redesigned. 5. General Design Office – Projects being developed in 2019 • Scattery Island Project • Ennistimon Innovation Centre & Office – Painting, Floor • Public Lighting Inventory on Software being updated. Finishes and Furniture layouts completed. Building ready for tenants. Official opening to be in December/January. Facilities Include Hot Desks, Incubation Units, CO Working space, Full audio visual, High speed Broadband Training and conferencing, Locker storage, Access to Canteen Facilities, Secure fob access to hub. • Ennis Digital Hub Design and planning permission secured. • Cliffs of Moher Footpath Upgrade, Surveys and design Drawings to be prepared for e-tenders. Going to etenders on the 18th-23rd November 2019 • Quin Road Campus – Civil Defence Headquarters. Jada 25 25 Ennis Municipal District

Clarecastle Peoples Park The works on Parnell Street water mains replacement are The Peoples Park in Clarecastle has been completed and scheduled to be completed by the 29th of November. Works received widespread praise. The Project was funded under the have been completed up to Salthouse lane. ORIS. The works included the provision of a new boardwalk and outdoor teaching area, footpath upgrade to encourage and Ennis MD recently resurfaced approximately 1500Msq of new promote movement through the park, signage and bollards, footpath in Drumcliffe cemetery, completing 10 sections. The CCTV, park lighting and a biodiversity area. works were funded by the Rural Directorate and provides greater accessibility for all visitors to the graveyard.

Works have commenced on two new pedestrian crossings at the Junction of Carmody Street and Drumbiggle Road and at Ballymacahill Cross, Tulla road. It is expected that both projects will be completed by early January 2020.

Dropped kerbs and tactile paving were installed at a number of crossing points in Harmony Row to facilitate improved access to the new LIT complex.

Works Programme The cleaning and retexturing of the limestone paving in O’ Connell Street has been substantially completed. The works were carried out by Forbairt MTB Teo. The specialised process employs enclosed captive vacuum shot blasting. Business owners and residents were informed in advance of the works, which took place outside business hours

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