Leitrim Comhairle Chontae Liatroma

Leitrim County Council Annual Report 2020 1 #LoughMelvin

Vision

Our vision is to build an economically strong, creative and inclusive County Making Leitrim the best place to live, to work, to invest and to visit.

Mission Statement

We will place this vision at the centre of everything we do, and we will ensure that we develop policies, procedures and services that are fair and equitable and that we fulfil our statutory duty in having regard to human rights and equality in the performance and delivery of all our functions.

Leitrim County Council Annual Report 2020 2 #AcresLakeBoardwalk Contents Introduction from An Cathaoirleach and Chief Executive ...... 4 Elected Members of Leitrim County Council ...... 5 Leitrim County Council Strategic Policy Committee’s 2019 - 2024 ...... 6 Leitrim County Council Strategic Objectives and Supporting Strategies from the Corporate Plan 2019 - 2024 ...... 7 Delivering for Our People ...... 8 Housing ...... 8 Veterinary Services ...... 12 Forward Planning and Development Management ...... 13 Fire Services ...... 15 Major Emergency Management ...... 17 Civil Defence ...... 18 Water Services ...... 19 Delivering for Our Places ...... 20 Environment and Climate Action ...... 20 Community Development ...... 23 Library Services ...... 26 Leisure and Recreation (LSP) ...... 28 Arts ...... 30 Delivering for Our Economy ...... 35 Economic Development Unit ...... 35 Local Enterprise Office ...... 37 Tourism Promotion and Development ...... 38 Capital Projects Office ...... 40 Roads Transportation & Safety ...... 43 Our Organisation ...... 45 Corporate Services ...... 45 Human Resources ...... 48 Health and Safety ...... 49 Information Communications Technology ...... 50 Finance ...... 51 Appendix 1 – Statement of Income And Expenditure At Year Ending 31 December 2020 ...... 53 Appendix 2 – Statement of Financial Position (Balance Sheet) At Year Ending 31 December 2020 ...... 54 Appendix 3 – Committee Memberships ...... 55 Appendix 4 – Details Of Conferences/ Seminars Attended By The Elected Members ...... 57 Appendix 5 – Details Of Training Events Attended By The Elected Members ...... 57 Appendix 6 – Corporate Plan Annual Progress Report 2020 ...... 58 Appendix 7 – National Performance Indicators 2019...... 68 Appendix 8 – Local Performance Indicators 2019 ...... 75

Leitrim County Council Annual Report 2020 3

#Glenade Lake

Introduction from An Cathaoirleach and Chief Executive

We welcome the publication of the 2020 Annual Report and are delighted to present and detail the many activities and achievements undertaken and delivered in what has undoubtedly been a challenging year. It is with great pride that we report on our Council’s successes in its’ delivery of a quality and professional service to its customers and the communities that it serves.

Leitrim County Council has evolved as an organisation in 2020. It is evident by the challenges that have been overcome this past year that a solution based, innovative and creative culture exists within the organisation. In addition to a changed work environment and new work practises required to comply with COVID-19 public Health Advice, technological change has been rolled out and has been embraced by the staff. This has ensured that throughout 2020 the organisation has been fit for purpose to deliver for the People, the Places and the Economy of .

The achievements, highlights and progress as set out in the 2020 Annual Report were made possible through the combined efforts of the Elected Members and Staff of this Authority and, together with the many voluntary and community organisations with whom the Council interacts. I wish to thank them for their commitment and dedication to securing our mission, vision, and goals in 2020. We look forward to continuing to deliver high quality services to all our customers and to working with all stakeholders in order to make County Leitrim the best place that in can be for those who choose to live, work, invest and visit our County.

Elected Cathaoirleach Cllr Mary Bohan

Chief Executive Lar Power

Leitrim County Council Annual Report 2020 4

Elected Members of Leitrim County Council

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Leitrim County Council Strategic Policy Committee’s 2019 – 2024

Planning, Economic Development and Infrastructure SPC

Councillors Sectoral Nominations Frank Dolan (Chairperson) Colm McGrath Business/Commercial National Pillar (Chambers Enda McGloin ) Ita Reynolds Flynn Stephen Clancy Construction/Development National Pillar Finola Armstrong McGuire Sean O’ Conlain Environmental/Conservation Pillar (PPN) Brendan Barry Vacant Social Enterprise/Inclusion (PPN) Justin Warnock

Issues considered by the SPC: - Forest Development Plan Policy Development: -Carrick on Shannon Town Economic Plan -Review of Leitrim County Development Plan and -Update on implementation of the Regional Enterprise Plan – preparation of Draft County Development Plan 2021 North West – 2027 and related strategies Review of the -Update on Ireland Hidden Heartlands Shannon Master Plan Development Contribution Scheme -Update on Atlantic Economic Corridor -Leitrim County Heritage Plan -Brexit Supports to SMEs -Review of Leitrim Local Economic and Community Operation Management: Plan -Local Improvement Scheme Review -County Digital Strategy -County Parking Byelaws Economic and Enterprise Development: -Update on Public Lighting Energy Efficiency Programme

Number of Meetings: 4

Housing, Community & Culture SPC Councillors Sectoral Nominations Caillian Ellis (Chairperson) Maura Gallagher (Social Inclusion PPN) Padraig Fallon Vacant (Community/Voluntary PPN) Sean McDermott Aodh Flynn (Cluainin Housing Association) Paddy O’Rourke Voluntary Housing Sector Enda Stenson Sean O Reilly (Cultural/Creative Sector) Mary Bohan Issues considered by the SPC: Love where you Live Awards Housing Grants Community Development – Keeping Well Campaign Housing Programme Peace Programme Housing Needs Assessment Choice Based Letting Scheme Affordable Housing Scheme Public Art Policy Traveller Accommodation Programme Library Service Number of Meetings: 4

Environment, Climate Action and Agriculture SPC Councillors Sectoral Nominations Justin Warnock (Chairperson) Eddie Mitchell (Agriculture/Farming) National Sean McGowan Pillar (IFA) Felim Gurn John Brennan (Agriculture/Farming (Organic Paddy Farrell Interest) Thomas Mulligan Vacant (Business/Commercial) National Pillar Gerry Dolan Jan Melia (Environment Pillar) PPN

Issues considered by the SPC: Update on Water Services Draft Work Programme 2020 and Schedule of Meetings for 2020 Overview of Climate Action at Regional and Consider new Section 26 Fire Service Plan National Level Overview and update on Climate Change Adaptation Plan To consider timeframe for development of Overview and update on Waste Management Planning. funding application around agriculture and Consider Draft Litter Plan climate change Presentation on Water Quality Number of Meetings: 4 Leitrim County Council Annual Report 2020 6

Leitrim County Council Strategic Objectives and Supporting Strategies from the Corporate Plan 2019 - 2024

Leitrim is a unique County offering unparalleled quality of life, a rich and diverse natural environment and strong communities. Our priorities and objectives have been developed and shaped around these county attributes. We will deliver an ambitious programme of development for Our People, Our Places, and Our Economy.

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#GlencarWaterfall

Delivering for Our People

At the heart of County Leitrim are our People. We will focus on delivering outcomes for Individuals, Neighbourhoods and Communities. We will continue to review and improve the services we provide to all residents. We will provide homes and help shape neighbourhoods. We will build and strengthen communities and groups, including a continuing investment in our young people, sport, and recreation. We will support and provide the tools and opportunities for all our people to engage and shape local decision making; and we will ensure we do it all with Dignity, Equality and Respect.

Homes Communities Services

Housing Choice Based Letting commenced in October 2020. 29 Housing Applications and Allocations properties were advertised between October and The net need that was reported as part of the Statutory December 2020 and 182 expressions of interest were Assessment of Housing Need completed in November received. 2020 was 196 households. This was a minimal increase on the 189 number of households on the housing Homelessness waiting list as identified in the 2019 assessment. A total Leitrim County Council continued to assist with the of 208 new housing applications for social housing housing needs of homeless persons and a review of support were received and processed in 2020. 81 homeless services within the County was progressed. offers of accommodation issued to housing applicants During 2020 the housing department responded to 48 for casual vacancies arising within the Council stock. homeless presentations and 10 adults and 4 children The refusal rate on offers of accommodation was 22%. accessed emergency accommodation. 75 new tenancies were established broken down as follows; 42 relets, 5 transfers, 12 regularisations, 14 Implementation of the Housing First programme was acquisitions, 2 Home for Life Mortgage to Rent. progressed in 2020. The Housing First model aims to provide someone who has been long-term homeless, Choice Based Letting (CBL) is a method that can be used with their own secure accommodation as well as for the allocation of Social Housing which is designed providing intensive and specialised tenancy to offer more choice and involvement for applicant sustainment and health and mental health support households in selecting a new home. Available Social services. Leitrim County Council met the target of 3 Housing is let by being openly advertised, allowing households to accommodate under this programme qualified households to apply for available homes. by the end of 2021. One household was Leitrim County Council Annual Report 2020 8 accommodated in 2019 and a further two households purpose of the schemes is to help people to remain were accommodated in 2020. A number of meetings living in their own homes and greatly enhance the of both the Management Group and the wider North living conditions of eligible elderly and disabled West Regional Homeless Forum were held in 2020. household members in our community. The following is a breakdown of grants paid in 2020. Traveller Accommodation Programme (TAP) 2019- 2024 Grant Name Total Amount At the Annual Traveller Census on 30th Nov 2020 there Mobility Aid Grant 17 €56,196 were 73 No. Traveller families registered for Social Housing Aid for Older People 38 €161,919 Housing Support with Leitrim County Council. This is an Housing Adaptation Grant 11 €118,626 increase of one family since the 2019 census. Of these (Disability) 73 families: Total 66 €336,741

No. of 2020 Traveller Census % ➢ Housing Assistance Payment (HAP) Families HAP replaced Rent Supplement for those with a long- Standard Local Authority term housing need. The HAP team worked closely with housing & Traveller Specific the Department of Employment and Social Protection Accommodation incl. 4 to transfer rent supplement recipients to HAP. There families with permanent st 46 63% were 297 active HAP tenancies in Leitrim on 31 housing provided by an December 2020, this includes 101 new tenancies Approved Housing Body (AHB) processed in 2020. in conjunction with the local authority. ➢ Social Housing Leasing Initiative Long Term Rental Contracts 15 20.5% (SHLI)/Rental Accommodation Scheme (RAS) (RAS / SHLI / HAP) Under the above schemes, the Department of Rent Supplement / Involuntary Housing, Planning and Local Government has allocated 12 16.5% Sharing or via Own Resources funding for local authorities to lease residential properties from private landlords on medium to long The Traveller Accommodation Programme (TAP) 2019- term contracts. These properties are then offered to 2024 is a five-year statutory programme carried out by households on the housing waiting list. all Local Authorities and relates to the provision of Local Authority housing / Private Rental ➢ Capital Advance Leasing Facility (CALF) Accommodation and relevant programmes and The CALF Scheme allows the approved Voluntary supports to the Traveller Community. This is the fifth Housing Associations to purchase existing properties Tap programme adopted by Leitrim County Council and lease them back to the Council for social housing since 2000. The target for the current TAP 2019/2024 for a term no less than 25 years. At the end of 2020 is 25 No. units of accommodation over five years. At Leitrim County Council have a total of 13 houses leased the end of December 2020 there were 13 No outputs under this initiative from Approved Housing Bodies, representing 130 % of targets for two years 2019 /2020 Tuath and Respond. and 52% of the targets for the overall five-year programme 2019/2024. ➢ Mortgage to Rent The Mortgage to Rent (MTR) scheme is a government The TAP target for 2020 was 5 No. units of scheme which was introduced in 2012 to help accommodation. From the 1st of January 2020 to 31st homeowners who are at risk of losing their homes due December 2020 Leitrim County Council has achieved 5 to mortgage arrears. It lets homeowners in mortgage No. TAP outputs of Social housing support to the difficulty switch from owning their home to renting Traveller Community (including RAS renewals and their home as social housing tenants. The MTR scheme offers refused) which represents a 100% target is a social housing option only available if one is eligible achievement for 2020. for social housing support and the mortgage is unsustainable. As at 31st December 2020, 5 MTR Housing Supports applications have been fully processed by Leitrim ➢ Housing Grants County Council. Leitrim County Council continued to operate three housing grants schemes for private houses. The

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Housing Stock Please see table below of inspections carried out for ➢ Estate Management and Maintenance 2020. 2020 (1 Jan - 31 Programme INSPECTION STATISTICS At the end of 2020 Leitrim County Council had 984 Dec) houses in its ownership, excluding demountables, Total number of RAS inspections 48 traveller specific accommodation, community houses carried out in 2020 and temporary emergency accommodation houses. A Total number of HAP inspections 148 total of 571 housing maintenance requests were carried out in 2020. received in 2020, 88% of which were completed by COMPLAINTS (i.e. Total number of year end. Under the Council’s 2020 Planned inspections conducted in 2020 as a Maintenance Programme, a program for the result of receiving a complaint 2 installation and the replacement of fire detection and EXCLUDING any already included under carbon monoxide detection devices was completed. No. 1, 2 and 4 in this table). OTHER (i.e. Total number of OTHER The Tenant Liaison Officers (TLOs) continue to work inspections conducted in 2019, 42 with tenants and Residents Associations during 2020 to EXCLUDING any already included under promote good estate management and establish best No. 1, 2 or 3 in this table). practices. Compulsory pre-tenancy courses are given by the TLOs and attended by all new tenants. TOTAL INSPECTIONS/RE-INSPECTIONS 240

➢ Tenant Purchase The Housing Department’s principle services outlined At the end of 2020 Leitrim County Council had received in this 2020 Annual Report are measured through a 15 tenant purchase applications and sold 4 houses number of performance indicators that keep Leitrim under the national Tenant (Incremental) Purchase County Council’s objectives of delivering for our Scheme. People, Places and Economy at the forefront of our decision making process. There are a number of ➢ Disability Strategy and Disability Works to performance indicators within the Housing Services Local Authority Dwellings that include a build target, stock, voids, re-letting The implementation of the Leitrim Housing & Disability times, maintenance costs, private rented inspections Strategic Plan for Housing People with a Disability plan and homelessness. These along with local indicators was progressed in 2020 with new Housing and for improvement works, new tenancies, housing grants Disability Steering Committee membership being and Traveller accommodation provide key information sought and initiated. The new Committee comprises of that allows us to understand the local housing demand local authority staff, key HSE personnel, members from and improve services. the voluntary housing sector and various advocacy groups active within the County. Leitrim County Performance 2017 2018 2019 2020 Council spent €149,698 on medical and disability Indicator related works in 2020 for 27 local authority dwellings H2: % of 5.7% 4.5% 3.3% 2.64% carrying out improvements such as extensions, dwellings installation of level access shower, rails in bathrooms, vacant at ramp access, conversion to oil heating or storage year end heating systems. 70 43 25 47

H3 Average weeks weeks weeks weeks ➢ Private Rented Inspection Programme Re-Letting Leitrim County Council continued its enforcement role Time of standards in private rented accommodation. The restrictions imposed by Covid-19 created difficulty in The restrictions imposed by Covid-19 during 2020 carrying out the private rented inspection programme. created difficulty for the Housing Department in During 2020, 240 inspections were carried out, this carrying out its estate management and maintenance represents a 72.5% completion rate on the targets set work programmes. Restriction in the construction for the year. 116 properties failed on first inspection sector impacted on the delivery of these programmes and 114 Improvement Notices issued to owners of and resulted in a higher average re-letting time than properties identified as having items to be addressed 2019. to meet the private rented standard regulations.

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However, during the Covid-19 restrictions, all housing services were maintained, and the housing Staff showed a willingness to change internal processes and thus created innovated and novel solutions to ensure the housing services were delivered. The results of such innovations were a decline for the fourth successive year in the area of housing voids, 75 new tenancies were created and the introduction of Choice Proposed Single Storey 2-Bedroom Houses at Taobh Tire, Based Letting.

Housing Capital ➢ Turnkey Construction The Housing Capital section continued to deliver on The Housing Capital section secured Social Housing the targets set by the DHLGH under the Rebuilding Units through Turnkey Construction in the villages of Ireland Strategy during 2020. & during 2020. Turnkey Construction also advanced on projects in , ➢ Acquisitions Drumkeerin & Mohill for early delivery in 2021.All Leitrim County Council purchased thirteen houses in these projects had the additional benefit of helping to 2020 under the housing acquisition programme all of complete unfinished estates. which received energy efficiency upgrade works to ensure high levels of comfort for the Local Authority tenants whilst helping to achieve our climate action targets.

➢ Traveller Accommodation Programme (TAP) The Housing Capital Section purchased two houses in Carrick on Shannon during 2020 under the Traveller Accommodation Programme.

3-bedroom Turnkey Houses at Oakgrove, Kinlough

➢ Construction/Turnkey Pipeline The Housing Capital section continued to build a future pipeline of Turnkey projects via the Expression of Interest process and through targeted land acquisition in area of need.

3-bedroom houses under construction at Townparks, Carrick on ➢ Leasing Shannon A total of 5 additional units were secured in 2020 on a Long-Term basis through Long Term Leasing (LTL) and ➢ Direct Build Programme: Construction the Mortgage to Rent (MTR) mechanisms. The construction of 27 no. social houses at Summerhill, Carrick on Shannon continued throughout 2020 for ➢ Partnership with Approved Housing Bodies completion in 2021. (AHB) Leitrim County Council established the Housing Forum ➢ Direct Build Programme: Planning during 2020 with the key Approved Housing Bodies The planning and detailed design of direct build that are active in County Leitrim. projects capable of delivering 33 housing units in Carrick on Shannon, Manorhamilton, & The Housing Capital section produced an opportunity Dromahaire advanced to Part 8 Public Consultation register for the AHB’s from which future projects may stage during 2020. be developed.

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➢ Vacant Homes The Vacant Homes Officer identified approximately Sampling 500 vacant homes in the main towns and villages of Co. Food 50 Leitrim during 2020 and commenced engagement with Water/Environmental 25 the owners of specific properties that can be brought Veterinary Residues 9 back into productive use through the Buy and Renew Carcass 31 or the Repair & Lease schemes. Total 115

Age Friendly Housing Technical Advisor A member of the Housing Capital staff at the appropriate technical level of expertise has participated in training provided by Age Friendly Ireland to enable them to become the local authority specific age friendly Housing Technical Advisor. The Technical Advisor will provide specialist advice to the authority itself, to private sector interests who want to get involved in providing age-friendly housing and to individuals from the public generally. The overall aim is to ensure that older people will ultimately have greater choice by developing a range of housing options that are suited to their needs, so they can plan and, insofar as possible, choose the right home for themselves. Animal Warden Services

This was a challenging for the Animal Warden Service Covid 19 Pandemic Impact due to ongoing Covid-19 restrictions. Contact with the Like all elements of society, the COVID-19 pandemic general public was on a strictly limited basis and the had a significant impact on the Housing Capital section. call-out service was limited. A number of projects due to be completed by end of

2020 had their completion dates extended into 2021. Animal Warden Services New work practices on social housing sites arising from Stray & surrendered Dogs 185 social distancing requirements has led to longer Dogs Re-Homed 150 construction build times. Several of the key products used in the building process have longer lead-in periods Dogs Re-Claimed by Owner 34 from ordering to site delivery. This is due to restrictions Dog licenses Issued 1,667 in the manufacturing process which again is having an General Licenses 3 effect in the overall build timeframe. On contracts that Lifetime dog licenses issued 29 were at the construction stage Contractors are having Stray cats neutered under TNR Programme 52 to be compensated through Ex-Gratia Payments for the Service Requests 283 additional cost associated with implementing COVID 19 safety measures resulting in an increase in the overall The Animal Warden Service received 283 Service cost of the project. requests including 6 dog attacks on persons, 11 dog attacks on livestock, 26 dog fouling complaints, 83 Veterinary Services roaming dogs and 135 animal welfare complaints. Dog licence fee income was €37,400 or 2.6% lower than

2019. There was significant public interest in control of Slaughter Returns stray dogs, livestock worrying and dog fouling. The Sheep 1943 Warden Service carried out 624 service calls at 14 Dog Pigs 111 Waste stations and dispensed 36,000 free dog waste Cattle 708 bags. 22 dog control & dog fouling signs were erected Total 2,762 in the County.

Premises Inspections The Warden and the Veterinary Officer gave 6 radio Meat Inspection 456 interviews, 6 newspaper articles, 2 school visits and Hygiene Inspection 54 issued 1020 leaflets and dispensed 36,000 free dog Sampling Inspections 22 waste bags. Total 532 Leitrim County Council Annual Report 2020 12

Forward Planning and Development • Geological Heritage Audit of County Leitrim Management funded by The Heritage Council. • Public Awareness Programme - ‘Connecting

through Heritage’, funded by The Heritage Taking in Charge Council. Initiatives under this Programme included Significant progress continued to be made during 2020 ‘Harnessing Leitrim’s Oral History’; ‘Leitrim’s by the Planning Department in resolving incomplete Garden BioBlitz’; Leitrim Heritage Podcast series; housing developments to bring such developments to and Leitrim Heritage YouTube series. the required standard to allow them to be taking in • Swift survey of County Leitrim funded under the charge. A total of 13 no. residential developments were National Biodiversity Action Plan Local Authorities taken in charge during the year following the Biodiversity Project Fund. declaration of the roads within these developments as • Bat survey of all publicly accessible Council owned public roads. The undertaking of remedial works within properties funded under the National Biodiversity such estates is being managed by the Capital Projects Action Plan Local Authorities Biodiversity Project Office. Fund.

• Modern Day Mummers funded by Creative The Planning, Capital Projects and Water Services Ireland. Departments are working with Irish Water to transfer responsibility for the maintenance of the piped water services in these estates to the utility company.

Part 8 Public Consultation on Local Authority Own Development Proposals The Planning Department managed the Part 8 public consultation process for 7 Local Authority own developments during 2020. These included the approval of the Mohill Public Realm Improvement Scheme, a new library in Dromahaire, housing schemes in Carrick on Shannon and Manorhamilton and an extension to the Hive, Carrick on Shannon.

Modern Day Mumming - Leitrim

Heritage Week took place virtually in August 2020, with community groups, organisations and individuals from across Leitrim submitting heritage projects online which celebrated both new heritage initiatives and projects which have been carried out over a number of years.

Connecting Through Heritage – Leitrim’s Garden Bioblitz

Heritage The Leitrim Heritage Plan 2020 – 2025 was adopted at the March Council meeting following the second public consultation phase from 15th January to 12th February 2020. The adopted Heritage Plan was translated into Irish and was published in April.

The Heritage Officer secured funding from a number of Connecting Through Heritage – Harnessing Leitrim’s Oral History sources for heritage projects which matched the Forward Planning Heritage Plan objectives and actions. These projects The formal preparation of the review of the existing included: County Development Plan and the preparation of a Leitrim County Council Annual Report 2020 13 new County Development Plan for the period 2022- Corderry, a biomass processing facility at Kiltoghert, 2028 commenced on 17th June. A Strategic Issues Paper and a meteorological mast at Garvagh Glebe. Other was prepared and published as an integral part of the permitted developments of note included a 90 bed pre-draft consultation phase which lasted until 12th Community Nursing Unit for the HSE in Carrick on August. Public information sessions were held in July in Shannon, the extension and refurbishment of the food Carrick on Shannon, Manorhamilton and Ballinamore production facility at Road, and an as public meetings were curtailed arising from the upgrade to Ballinamore Wastewater Treatment public health restrictions in place. Facility. It was also encouraging to see a number of applications submitted to complete existing housing A report on behalf of the Chief Executive summarizing developments and construct new dwellings. These the pre-draft consultation phase which included 43 no. included schemes in Carrick on Shannon, , written submissions and recommended policy content Manorhamilton, Drumshanbo, Rooskey and . was submitted to the Elected Members in October. A workshop was held with the Elected Members in A total of 19 applications for determination on November and the Report was considered at a Council exempt/non-exempt status of a proposed meeting in December. Work is progressing on the development (Section 5 declarations) were received preparation of the draft County Development Plan for over the course of the year. submission to the Elected Members in Q2 2021. In 2020, the Department of Agriculture, Food and the The Planning Authority prepared a draft Renewable Marine referred to this Council 44 no. applications for Energy Strategy as part of the review part funded licenses for tree felling and 30 no. applications for tree through the SECURE Programme. This includes an planting. A further 39 no. applications for Forest Access assessment of the landscape to absorb further wind Roads were referred for comment prior to the energy developments. The Planning Authority has also Department making a decision in respect of same. undertaken a review of the Landscape Character Assessment which was prepared in 2002. This includes a re-examination of designated landscapes and the views and prospects identified in successive County Development Plans.

Development Management A total of 184 no. valid planning applications, including 43 no. applications seeking retention of planning permission and 2 no. applications seeking an extension of duration of planning permission were received during 2020. This decreased slightly from the number of applications received in the previous 2 years (207 no. received in 2019 & 191 no. received in 2018). The level of activity was affected by the impact of the Covid 19 National Planning Awards, held in the Westin Hotel, . Leitrim pandemic. County Council received a Highly Commended Award in the Management and Delivery Category, for the Carrick-on-Shannon Of the valid applications received, 13 no. related to Public Realm Improvement Scheme. The photo (pre-Covid 19) shows applications for commercial developments, 1 Leas Cathaoirleach Sean McGowan and Marie Henry of Dhb application related to community, sporting and Architects accepting the award, together with Chief Executive, Lar Power and Senior Planner, Bernard Greene. educational development with a further 6 no. applications relating to forestry, namely forest access Irish Planning Institute National Planning Awards provision. The proportion of applications relating to The Carrick on Shannon Public Realm Improvement commercial developments is slightly lower than Scheme was nominated by Leitrim County Council for previous years again most likely as a result of the Irish Planning Institute National Planning Awards. uncertainty due to the global pandemic. The project was shortlisted by the Panel of Judges for Of note, there were a number of applications seeking the Design Category and received a commendation in planning permission for renewable energy the Management and Delivery Category. developments: a windfarm consisting of 8 no. turbines at Croagh, ; battery storage units at Leitrim County Council Annual Report 2020 14

Pre-Planning Appeals: The Planning Authority had formal pre-planning 10 no. planning appeals were made to An Bord consultations on 78 no. proposed developments during Pleanála with respect to decisions made by the 2020 which is a decrease on previous years due to the Planning Authority during 2020. 8 of the appeals were Covid 19 pandemic. Every effort was made to decided by the end of 2020 and 1 appeal was accommodate pre-planning meetings through phone- withdrawn. 7 no. of the appeals were determined, calls /e-mail or virtual meetings. confirming the decision made by the Leitrim County Council and 1 of the appeal decisions overturned the The average waiting time of 19.5 days is slightly above decision of the Planning Authority. the target of 15 days, but this can be attributed to the impact of the Covid 19 restrictions and to the Fire Services competing demands of staff resources in meeting all statutory deadlines. Capital projects/Funding

➢ Manorhamilton Fire Station Rhatigan Architects were appointed as the design consultants for the design and construction of the new fire station in Manorhamilton. We prepared a working brief and held a number of design meetings with them to prepare an outline design for the new station and drill yard. The Stage 1 report was prepared and submitted to the Department for approval.

➢ Replacement HP We received capital funding of €88,000 to procure a replacement Hydraulic Platform for Leitrim fire service. The new vehicle was procured in the UK and was imported in March 2020. It was put into operational use in September 2020.

Attending the County Development Plan pre-draft consultation information event in the Bee Park Centre, Manorhamilton in July – Assistant Planners Deirdre Lardner and .

Cost of the Planning Service The cost per capita of the Planning Service has fallen from 30.38 in 2019 to 30.15 by the end of 2020 which is approximating the target of 30 set for the year. This Replacement Hydraulic Platform procured by Leitrim Fire Service in is largely dependent on the fees receipted for the year 2020 which had risen slightly on the previous year. ➢ New Class B appliance Enforcement Leitrim County Council received confirmation from the The Planning Authority investigated or instigated 28 National Directorate for Fire and Emergency no. enforcement cases during 2020 with a further 52 Management that we received approval to procure a no. cases carried forward from the previous years. Of new Class B appliance in the Capital Funding these cases, 34 no. were closed off during the calendar programme announced in late 2020. year leaving a total of 46 no. live cases at year end. Whilst our target of 60% of all cases instigated being ➢ Operational resolved by year end was not reached (43% cases A new Section 26 Fire and Emergency Operations Plan resolved), every effort was made in dealing with the was prepared for approval by the Council members. cases on hand in 2020 but certain cases can be complex This was discussed at SPC level before being approved and slow to resolve. The Covid 19 Pandemic and Level by the full Council in September 2020. 5 restrictions also had an impact for a period on site visits and investigative work during the year.

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Chief Fire Officer Finian Joyce at the BFireSafe stand at the BT Young Scientist Exhibition January 2020 Project partners for BFiresafe@School project

New Online Payment System During 2020, we implemented a new online payment system to process the quarterly payments for firefighters in a more efficient manner. Training was Community Fire Safety - Erasmus+ BFireSafe@School provided at station level to help improve the input of project data. Leitrim County Council Fire Service is the project coordinator for this fire safety project that has secured New e-licensing system €318,000 in funding from Leargas and the National Leitrim Fire service piloted the new e-Licensing system Agency. The project consortium consists of 9 partners developed by the Courts service to handle all licence from 7 EU Countries (Ireland, Belgium, Denmark, applications for the Courts Service. Further Finland, Germany, Lithuania and Spain). The aim of the enhancements are planned to the system in 2021. programme is to develop a new fire safety education programme for post primary schools in Europe. Fire Service Staffing Leitrim County Council ran a very successful The programme content consists of ten modules and recruitment campaign in late 2020 to fill a number of uses innovative digital technology to deliver the firefighter vacancies. programme both online and in class. Work continued Leitrim County Council employs 4 senior officers and 1 in 2020 in translating the programme into 9 European Assistance Fire Officer to run the service for the County languages and in developing the Learning from headquarters in Carrick-on-Shannon. Leitrim Management System to upload all of the content. County Fire service has 5 fire stations throughout the County in Carrick-on-Shannon, Mohill, Drumshanbo, The programme was pilot tested in a number of post Ballinamore and Manorhamilton. The following primary schools around the country and in the number of firefighters were employed as of following schools in Leitrim, namely, 31/12/2020. Vocational School, St. Clare’s Comprehensive School in Manorhamilton and School in Station No. of Firefighters Drumkeeran. Carrick-on-Shannon 12 Mohill 8 It is hoped to extend the programme to all schools in Drumshanbo 8 Leitrim in 2021 and to translate the programme into Ballinamore 9 Irish. As part of the programme, a new Augmented Manorhamilton 6 Reality App called FireSmart AR was developed in 2020. It teaches students how to identify fire safety During 2020 fire service operations were curtailed due risks at home. to the impact of Covid-19. Fire service training was suspended for part of the year. All fire service The app is available from the Apple and Google Play personnel were provided with PPE and were briefed store. To help promote the project, we attended the and kept up to date with Covid 19 protocols at national BT Young Scientist exhibition in the RDS Dublin in and local level. January 2020.

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Leitrim Emergency Incidents in 2020 Major Emergency Management Leitrim fire service attended the following number of emergency incidents in 2020.

Images of the Mass Fatality Unit installed in Drumshanbo Leitrim.

Leitrim County Fire service continued to update our Breakdown of Incidents by Fire Station Major Emergency Plans and Appendices as well as our No. of Directory of Contacts. Leitrim County Council Incidents Total produced a Severe Weather Plan and contributed to Station 2020 Assisting Calls the development of the North West Regional Mass Manorhamilton 69 11 80 Fatality Plan for Covid 19. As a result, Leitrim County Carrick-on- Council procured a refrigerated unit. This was installed Shannon 46 5 51 and commissioned at the Civil Defence facility in Drumshanbo. Mohill 39 10 49

Drumshanbo 42 4 46 Capacity Review Ballinamore 49 1 50 The National Directorate for Fire and Emergency 245 31 276 Management carried out a capacity review on all

aspects of the service in August 2020. Positive Performance Indicators feedback was received, and a final report was issued. Leitrim County Fire service continues to comply with the minimum mobilizing time of 5 mins required for The Cross Border Emergency Management Group retained brigades in the country. All our brigade units The aim of the group is to improve Cross Border are mobilized in a time of just under 5 minutes. Cooperation in emergency management. counties Average time taken, in minutes, to mobilise in respect involved in the Republic. The counties involved in the of fire is 4.41 mins. This is a reduction from the 2019 are those in the North West and figure. Average time taken, in minutes, to mobilise in North East Emergency Management regions while in respect of all other non-emergency incidents is 4.8 the new Council areas making up the mins. This is a small increase from 2019. Western and Southern Emergency Planning Groups

are included.

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Irish Prison • In July / August a number of requests were Service received from the Coastguard to assist boats in Presentation to difficulty on the Shannon. All incidents were Community dealt with by Volunteers without injury to the Forum individuals involved. collected by Civil • Throughout the year Volunteers remained on Defence. standby to respond to requests for assistance

from the Principle Response Agencies in

accordance with the Major Emergency During 2020 the activities of the group were hampered Framework. by the impact of Covid-19. Nevertheless, the group succeeded in completing the Cross Border Notification Covid 19 protocol and provided a briefing for the stakeholders In late March with the arrival of Covid, Volunteers in the Republic of Ireland. The group also produced a commenced training and preparations for possible new Business Plan for the next three years 2021 - 2024. requests for assistance from the Community and the

Principle Response Agencies. Civil Defence Those requests arrived shortly afterwards and Leitrim Civil Defence commenced 2020 with the continued throughout the year. The following is a completion of works associated with the occupation of sample of the type of operations carried out by the new premises in Drumshanbo. Volunteers were Volunteers on a weekly basis. delighted to start the year on a positive note with a facility which would meet all their requirements for ✓ Transport clients to Hospital appointments. storage, training, and operations. Dublin/ /Galway/Roscommon. ✓ Transport clients to GP appointments. ✓ Transport clients to Dental appointments. ✓ Transport clients to Physio appointments. ✓ Shopping requirements for isolated/ vulnerable clients. ✓ Distribution of flowers donated by Irish Prison Service. ✓ Transfer of Nursing Home residents. ✓ Assistance provided at Blood Donation Clinics. ✓ Operational support to National Ambulance Service. ✓ Assistance to other Civil Defence Units with operations. (Donegal/Roscommon.) Civil Defence Headquarters, Drumshanbo ✓ Operation and maintenance of Temporary Mass Fatality Storage Facility at Civil Defence Operations Base. • In January Monaghan Civil Defence requested ✓ Collection and storage of Local Authority P.P.E. assistance with a water-based search for a missing person, which they were conducting Training with An Garda Siochana. The Sonar Team Routine training was impacted by the arrival of Covid responded and assisted our colleagues in and the subsequent restrictions. However essential Monaghan over a 2-day search. training continued.

• In February Leitrim was once again impacted Training was provided to Local Authority Staff in by flooding. The Drone Team carried out a donning and doffing P.P.E. in conjunction with the number of aerial surveys of flooded areas. Health and Safety Officer. Assistance was provided to some elderly residents who were isolated by flood waters. Assistance and transport were provided over a number of days. Leitrim County Council Annual Report 2020 18

Water Services the estimated cost of this GSS and the Grant Funding Multi Annual Rural Water Programme 2019 – 2021 available. The Scheme has been requested to submit The Rural Water Department entered year two of our details of all costs incurred to date by the GSS and we three-year Multi Annual Rural Water Programme. In are awaiting this information from the GSS. 2020, we achieved the following:

Capital Grants paid to Group Water Schemes in 2020 under the Multi Annual Rural Water Programme 2019 – 2021 Capital Grants totalling €151,190.67 were paid by Leitrim County Council in 2020 to Group Water Schemes under the following Measures of the Multi Annual Rural Water Programme.

Measure 5 - Taking in Charge of GWS’s & GSS’s by Measure 8 – Individual wells (private or household Irish Water - Summary 2020 wells) In June 2020, the Department of Housing, Local Number of Schemes allocated Funding 25 (24 Government and Heritage launched the new Private GWS’s & Well Grant Programme. 1 GSS) The Programme saw an increase in funding across a Number of Schemes submitted to Irish 14 (13 range of measures from the previous well grant Water GWS’s & Programme. A total of 7 Individual Well Grants paid in 1 GSS) 2020 in the total sum of €14,194.30. Number of Schemes Taken in Charge by 6 (5 Irish Water GWS’s & Subsidy towards Operational Costs of Group Water 1 GSS) Schemes Funding Spent to Date €19,731. In 2020, a total of 32 Subsidy Applications were 50 processed and paid to Group Water Schemes to a total value of €381,015. Environmental and Public Health Compliance – Breveiga GWS Co-Operative Society Ltd.) Covid 19 This Group Water Scheme remains on a Boil Water The Covid-19 Pandemic resulted in construction works Notice. on some GWS’s being delayed in 2020. The Rural Water • €21,141.83 was paid to the scheme in respect Office of Leitrim County Council was in ongoing contact of source protection and network upgrade with all GWS’s around the County regarding the works completed. operation of their GWS’s during the Pandemic. • Tendering for upgrade works to the Water Treatment Plant was completed and works will This office provided guidance to GWS Committee’s proceed in 2021 subject to Departmental regarding the necessary precautions to comply with approval. public health guidelines and contingency measures needed in order to minimise disruption to water Hartley-Cartown Group Sewerage Scheme supplies should a member of the operations team Leitrim County Council are awaiting a response from contract Covid 19. this GSS Committee regarding a decision on the future of this GSS having regard to the Funding Gap between

Leitrim County Council Annual Report 2020 19

#glenadevalley

Delivering for Our Places

Shaping our landscape and creating our identity are our Places. We will continue to sustain and create great places throughout the county. We will support and develop our towns and villages so that they are vibrant and dynamic spaces today and into the future. We will tackle the challenges faced by environmental and climatic changes. We will seek to develop solutions and identify opportunities for our places that deliver access to services and facilities that meet the needs of our people and communities into the future. We will promote and celebrate the unique nature of individual places and the county as whole; protecting our heritage and providing opportunity and access to the arts, information, lifelong learning and cultural events.

Towns & Villages Environment & Climate Heritage & Culture

Environment and Climate Action

EPA Ambient Air Quality Monitoring The Environmental Protection Agency manages the national ambient Air Quality Monitoring Network. An air quality monitoring station was installed in Carrick- on-Shannon in late 2020. This will be of great benefit to the public in Carrick-on-Shannon town, giving them real time information on air quality.

We look forward to this Air Quality Data being made Air Quality Monitoring Station Carrick on Shannon available to the Public which is in the common good interest and will help to improve people’s public health Anti-Dumping Initiative 2020 and particularly those as risk with asthma, respiratory As part of the 2020 Anti-Dumping Initiative, funding conditions etc. was made available through the Connaught/ Waste Enforcement Regional Lead Authority to Leitrim The data for the Carrick Air Quality monitor is available County Council to carry out a number of projects, on the EPA website: https://airquality.ie/station/EPA- aimed at reducing illegal dumping activities. Each 80. The map updates regularly with the most up-to- project undertaken by Leitrim County Council was date calculated Air Quality Index for Health (AQIH) for based on how it could best tackle the issue of illegal each station. dumping through Education, Enforcement, Abatement and Prevention. A brief synopsis of each project is provided overleaf.

Leitrim County Council Annual Report 2020 20

In a county-wide media campaign, people in and around the Leitrim area were encouraged to drop off their unwanted bicycles to Manorhamilton Civic Amenity Site, Sligo Road, Manorhamilton and also to Mohill Civic Amenity Site, Tullybarden, Mohill. The bicycles were then stored at these locations until collected by local prison services and then delivered to a prison bike workshop at Loughan House Prison in County . There, the bikes were refurbished before their onward journey to Gambia, where children use them to shorten their journeys to school every day. School Bikes for Africa Project forwards the refurbished bikes to people, for who this simple mode of transport can transform their daily lives.

Synopsis of each project under the Anti-Dumping Initiative 2020

Bikes for Africa Leitrim County Council in conjunction with Rotary Club Bulky Household Waste Collection Events Ireland have been recycling bikes from our civic During the 2020 Anti-Dumping Initiative, funding was amenity sites and shipping them to school children and made available through the Connaught/Ulster Waste families in Africa, thanks to Anti-Dumping Initiative Enforcement Regional Lead Authority to Leitrim Funding. County Council to hold Bulky Household Waste Collection events within the County. Leitrim County The project allows the local community to find a good Council held four successful Bulky Household Waste use for quality usable bicycles that are no longer Collection events in Leitrim during September 2020. required and provides life enhancing mobility to school children in The Gambia. It was necessary to select two separate locations in Leitrim to best suit the County’s geographic. The events were held at Lough Rynn Amenity Area, Mohill and Manorhamilton Civic Amenity, Manorhamilton on 12th & 19th September 2020 from 10am to 4pm each day. It was established that the Bulky Household Waste that could be included were: suites of furniture, armchairs, indoor/outdoor dining sets, bikes, mattresses, kitchen and bathroom furniture. The events were widely advertised through social media platforms, local newspaper and local radio stations. A total of 74.9 Tonnes of Bulky Household Waste was collected between Mohill (2 days) and Manorhamilton

Launch of Bikes for Africa Project in Leitrim in August 2020 (2 days). The event ran efficiently and in line with COVID guidelines, with customers co-operating and being very appreciative of this worthwhile initiative.

Leitrim County Council Annual Report 2020 21

report on the review of the plan will be submitted annually to the Council for consideration.

Leitrim County Council engaged in a process of statutory consultation, including discussion at Strategic Policy Committee level and invited public submissions/observations, prior to the replacement of the Litter Management Plan.

Leitrim County Council’s Litter Management Plan 2020- 2023 sets out the objectives and actions required to Site location Prepared for Bulky Household Waste Collection Event – Lough Rynn Amenity Area Mohill implement the plan over the next three years under the following headings. 1. Litter Prevention & Control 2. Public Awareness, Advisory Measures and Youth Education Measures 3. Community & Voluntary Cooperative Measures 4. Enforcement Measures

Image of waste collected at the Bulky Goods Collections events ran by Leitrim County Council in September 2020

Litter Management Plan 2020-2023 Leitrim County Council adopted its Litter Management Plan 2020-2023 at Council Meeting held in September 2020. The quality of the local environment and in particular, its litter management is a visible barometer for the public in judging an area’s attractiveness.

Implementing best practice Dawn of Hope Bridge surrounded in peat litter management Landslide on Shass Mountain is paramount A major landslide occurred at Shass Mountain on 28th to achieving of June 2020, several kilometres north east of the Leitrim County village of Drumkeeran. A large area of upland bog Council’s including forestry moved off the mountain and large mission to quantities of liquefied peat, vegetation and trees make Leitrim a flowed down the mountain. The landslide followed the sustainable, course of the Diffagher river resulting in ecological creative, damage to the river over its entire length between the inclusive Dawn of Hope bridge to Lough Allen. County where individuals, Actions taken at Dawn of Hope Bridge: family and • Council appointed RPS Group to undertake a businesses can risk assessment report of the bridge and flourish. options for reinforcement to prevent collapse. Report completed within days of The Litter appointment. Pollution Act 1997 requires that each Local Authority • New bridge was constructed, abutting the old shall make and implement a Litter Management Plan in structure on the downstream side to support respect of its functional area for a three-year period. A it from collapse.

Leitrim County Council Annual Report 2020 22

• Opening of two public roads LS8423 and the ➢ Shared Space & Services LS8244-2 – this required removal of large quantity of peat and the build-up and Three capital projects under Shared Space & Services: reconstruction of carriageway. Investment of €115,030.47 in • Extensive cleaning of material clogging the Community Centre Peace funding to refurbish sections of the Diffagher river in the low areas, kitchen and lounge area, placing the removed peat in the fields adjacent green room, and community to the roadworks and along the river. hall space. At eight no. different sites water samples were Mohill Library Investment of €263,572 in collected for analyses, at each site the GPS locations Peace funding with match and field measurements were recorded in the funding of €146,458 to build downstream section of the river as it flows towards new extension to the existing Lough Allen. These sites are being monitored and Mohill Library aswell as an water samples analysed monthly by the Environment additional community space, Department. A number of these sites are now showing An Seomra Cairdis. A full significant improvement in water quality parameters refurbishment of the Main tested. Library, Sensory & Meeting Rooms also carried out. Total Number of Pollution Cases’ Refurbishment and Investment of €291,959 to During 2020 Leitrim County Council experienced an new extension to create a new cross- increase in the number of customer complaints relating Sextons House, community hub in to environmental pollution. (631 received in 2020, 405 Manorhamilton Manorhamilton. received in 2019), largely due to lockdown restrictions imposed by Government due to COVID 19 pandemic with many people seeing and exploring more of their locality than ever before and being extra vigilant. Funding through the Anti-Dumping Initiative was set aside to assist in clean-up of illegal dump sites which may have occurred during Covid 19 pandemic given the rise in complaint cases. The funding also allowed for additional monitoring & surveillance of sites following clean up through engagement with Tidy Towns Groups.

Community Development Peace IV Mohill Shared Space – An Seomra Cairdis

Peace IV programme

➢ Leitrim PEACE IV Funding Programme ERDF Government Total € Funding € Match Funding € Building 502,330 88,646.48 590,976.48 Positive Relations Children & 329,084.54 58,075.75 387,158.29 Young Peace IV - Manorhamilton Shared Space – Sexton’s House People Community Hub

Shared 717,229.11 126,569.85 843,798.96 Key Achievements included the development of 3 Space & Steering Committees who have proved themselves Services very capable in developing Actions Plans and Terms of Overall 1,548,643.6 273,292.08 1,821,933.7 Use for the 3 Shared Space Projects. The completion of Funding Mohill and Manorhamilton to an excellent standard

*Additional match funding of €146,458 provided by Leitrim CoCo despite delays due to COVID restrictions. for Mohill Library extension Leitrim County Council Annual Report 2020 23

➢ Building Positive Relations recruiting younger participants from the Six projects were delivered under Building Positive minority faith group as numbers are small and Relations with 236 participants. Support Programme many attend schools outside the County. for Ethnic Minority Communities, Support Programme • Sustainability in other funding streams listed for Minority Faith Communities, Events around below, being used to continue projects started Women’s Suffrage, Rural Women’s Along the Border, under PEACE IV. Remembering Leitrim War Dead Programme and • Continuation of cross border engagement Capacity Building in Kiltyclogher and Cashel. between soccer clubs, especially newly formed under-age girls’ team in Carrick FC. Key Successes: • Development of 4 community gardens in Covid 19 Community Helpline and Response Forum Fenagh, Oaklands Estate, Carrick-on-Shannon, A dedicated Community Helpline was established in Newtowngore & Manorhamilton. March 2020 offering a 7 day per week service to older • Installation of 3 WW1 Memorial benches – two and vulnerable people across Leitrim. The helpline was on the location of our Shared Space capital supported by an online mapping project which outlined projects and one in Carrigallen alongside the all voluntary and statutory agencies that would support 1916 Memorial. people who were cocooning. A network of • Re-invigorate the Leitrim International supermarkets, pharmacies, agencies and volunteers Community Group (LICG) & the Leitrim that provided essential medical, shopping, transport, Intercultural Forum (LIF). befriending, counselling services was established. The • Publishing of the first definitive online List of Community Response Forum is a multi-agency group Leitrim’s War Dead from WW1 which is held by and has supported the 'In this Together', 'Hold Firm' Leitrim Local Studies Library Service. and ‘Keep Well’ programming campaigns. Through • Development of a mobile app and online creativity, arts, sports, reading, heritage, or outdoor resource charting local sites of interest & amenities, the programming encouraged people to historical significance along the border area of staying connected, stay active, creative and eat well Kiltyclogher in Leitrim and Cashel in Co. while minding their mental health. Fermanagh. • The production of 7 unique handmade ‘story 2020 Highlights included: quilts’ depicting small villages on both sites of • Setting up of a daily helpline for older/vulnerable the border in North Leitrim. Each quilt tells a people. story about characters and places in the • Delivery of 3000 wellbeing packs to older people community. across Leitrim. • Message of Hope Campaign to Older and ➢ Children & Young People Vulnerable People in conjunction with primary Programmes under Children & Young People with 499 school children across Leitrim. participants included the following: • Rechargeable Torches issued to 300 older and • Cross-Border exchange project – Open Tender vulnerable people across Leitrim as part of our delivery by ETB/Music Generation Leitrim Light Up Lock Up Campaign. • Peace Learning for Young People – Open Tender delivery by Foróige. • Diversity Project: Conflict, Tolerance & Difference & Diversity Through the Arts - Open Tender delivery by Leitrim County Childcare Committee & the North Connaught Youth Services. • Anti-social Behaviour Programme – Partner Delivery by Leitrim Development Company • Sports 4 Peace – Open Tender delivery by the Centre for Sports Enterprise, Ulster University.

Key Achievements included:

• Meeting cross community targets as the Covid 19 Community Response – Distribution of wellbeing packs to challenge facing Leitrim was in terms of older people across Leitrim Leitrim County Council Annual Report 2020 24

Healthy Ireland Programme Round 3 Key Achievements Funding was approved for Healthy Ireland Round 3 for • 15 students took part in social farming the delivery of the Priority Themes and Community programme. Mental Health Fund. The following was approved for • New Social Farming report launched in rolling out in 2020: September 2020. 1. Priority Themes €72,500 • Social Farming participants from Heslin’s farm 2. Community Mental Health Fund €32,050 in Gortlettragh appeared on Ear to the Ground. 3. Small Grants Fund €30,000 • Two virtual play therapy workshops delivered and supporting equipment purchased. Under the Priority themes, five partners were • appointed to roll out a series of programmes and activities. • Healthy North Leitrim is being rolled out by the Beepark in Manorhamilton - A physical activity and nutrition programming. • Breffni Family Resource Centre ran a series of activities for the residents of Townspark around health screening and providing health and wellbeing packs and programming to residents. • North West Regional Drug and Alcohol forum delivered several initiatives based around early intervention alcohol consumption in adolescents. Social Farming Programme supported by Healthy Ireland • Leitrim Sports Partnership are running a

variety of physical activities for Children and Playgrounds adolescents with additional needs. Drumshanbo Playground was upgraded with €22,500 • Finally, Leitrim County Council ran physical from DCYA Capital Grant for Play & Recreation, and activities for people with mental health issues. 25% match funding from Leitrim County Council.

Funding of €45,000 was from Dept of Justice & Equality Highlights in 2020 to provide a play area for Ballinamore Childcare. This • Over 200 people participated in the Stay Well project will be completed in 2021. Screening early intervention workshops. • Informational Signage around low-risk drinking guidelines in place on 40 Bring banks across Leitrim. • Use Your Brain Not Your Fists promotion reached 6,500 people in the first 57 days. • Over 150 adults and children with additional needs participated in physical and wellbeing activities.

Community Mental Health Fund Leitrim Development Company ran a social farming programme for participants with additional needs Drumshanbo Upgraded Playground while Leitrim Childcare Services rolled out Play Therapy virtual workshops to address anxiety and wellbeing Age Friendly programme – Leitrim Age Friendly issues with pre-school children. Alliance Age Friendly Ireland launched a national website Mohill FRC ran a Brief Intervention support service for https://agefriendlyireland.ie/ where Leitrim’s portal is 12–18-year-olds who are showing early signs of mental now live. Six age-friendly smart tablets, specifically health difficulty. designed for use by older people, were provided to Árus Carolan, Mohill with funding of €3,225 provided via Age Friendly Ireland. Leitrim County Council Annual Report 2020 25

Pride of Place- Local Authorities Programme, Co- €3,000 accounted for €94,491 under Round 2 operation Ireland (Community Centres & Community Buildings). Townspark housing estate (Carrick on Shannon) and Dromahair represented Leitrim in the annual Pride of Under the Covid19 Community Response Fund, Place Awards. This is an all-island competition, hosted €56,393 was distributed to 62 groups while € 30,000 online this year by with 6,000 people was allocated under Healthy Ireland to 14 logging in from the 32 counties. organisations to deliver mental health programmes.

Library Services

One of the highlights of 2020 for the library service was its ‘Open Day’ on Saturday February 29th. All 9 branch libraries across the county were open and members of the public were actively invited to attend a range of events and activities which included 3D Printing Workshops, Science Workshops, Creative Writing Workshops, Puppet Shows, Storytelling, Exercise and Fitness Classes, Art &Craft Workshops as well as demonstrations of library online services and showcasing of local studies material.

All events received very positive engagement and feedback and resulted in a number of new library memberships.

Townspark, Carrick on Shannon – Top Prize in the Urban Neighbourhood Category in the Pride of Place Winners Awards.

Townspark took top prize in the best Urban Neighbourhood category, with judges saying: “This entry concerns an urban neighbourhood that is blessed and fortunate to be served by an extremely diligent and productive group providing an extensive range of services from childcare to healthy eating projects”.

Comhairle na Nóg ICT Capital Funding Funding of €5374.12 was secured from the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth to support on-going delivery of Open Day Art Event at Ballinamore Library Comhairle na nÓg. Laptops and PCs were purchased for an ICT suite based in Drumshanbo. The Comhairle Covid 19 Impact AGM was held virtually in November, and the online Following government advice, all public library services format with breakout rooms produced great feedback in the country had to close their physical buildings to from the 72 young people participating. the public on Thursday March 12th to address the spread of the Covid 19 Virus. This resulted in staff very Community Grants – Covid 19, Community quickly becoming heavily engaged in the promotion of Enhancement, Healthy Ireland library online services and developing a range on online Community funding increased for community groups content for access by library members. During April impacted by Covid 19. Under the Community and May and again in October and November many Enhancement Programme 2020, 107 groups around library staff were also engaged in supporting Leitrim the county were offered funding. Small grants County Council’s Community Helpline. accounted for €53,040 Round 1 and larger grants circa

Leitrim County Council Annual Report 2020 26

June saw the to roll out the very popular ‘Contact and A number of new bespoke shelving units were also Collect’ service whereby library members could purchased for the larger branch libraries in order to request items and collect them from libraries across highlight and promote the broad range of health and the county. It was also possible to offer a limited well-being titles available in the collection. ‘Browse and Borrow’ service in selected branches Decade of Centenaries Funding in the amount of where space and public health guidelines allowed. €10,000 was received to cover the 2020 programme in While the restrictions severely impacted physical visits County Leitrim. The funding was used to cover costs and borrowings the number of online items borrowed associated with the digitisation of local studies material trebled when compared to the previous year with the relating to 1920/21 period and also to develop a number of users of online services doubling in number. Leitrim Decade of Centenaries website www.leitrimdoc.ie Helen and Derval in Carrick-on-Shannon Funding Library preparing for the ‘Contact and Funding secured under the DRCD Small Scale Capital Collect’ Service Works Grant for Public Libraries resulted in a number of upgrade works taking place in Drumshanbo, Mohill ‘Right to Read’ and Manorhamilton Branch Libraries. Dormant Initiative Accounts Funding for Library Supports for All activities Marginalised, Socially Excluded and Disadvantaged under the Communities was used to provide a more sensory National ‘Right friendly space in the recently refurbished Mohill Library to Read’ and also to upgrade a separate Sensory Room for those initiative was with sensory issues. delivered online with library staff engaging in a range of story-time, arts & craft activities, quizzes and competitions for children as part of the ‘Spring into Storytime’, Summer Stars and Children’s Book Festival programmes.

All events under the ‘Healthy Ireland at Your Library’ initiative took place before the closure of library Refurbished Mohill Library buildings in March. These included yoga workshops for children, exercise and fitness classes for adults as well National Age Friendly Strategy as a number of talks on the subject of asthma, COPD As part of the National Age Friendly Strategy and and Arthritis and Osteoporosis. All events proved to be through engagement with the Leitrim Age Friendly very popular and were well attended. Alliance, a focus was placed on understanding and responding to the specific needs of older people. Additional library stock items in large print format as well as audio books on CD were purchased and made available through each library service point.

Stuart Lawn from Fab Lab at the 3D Printing Open Day event in Manorhamilton Library

Open Day Healthy Ireland Event in Kiltyclogher Library with Karen

Leitrim County Council Annual Report 2020 27

Other Highlights in 2020 include: with the number of users doubling in number. The ➢ As part of the government’s Keep Well number of new registrations for Universal Class where campaign, which aims to support people and library members can take the opportunity to undertake communities to mind their physical and mental an online course of study also more than doubled with health Leitrim Library Service partnered with users keen to avail of the e-learning option in terms of five primary schools around the county, in a continuing education and continuous professional ‘Christmas Post’ initiative which involved development. The most popular courses included the children writing letters to residents of Care suite of Microsoft courses such as Word, Excel and Homes in the county. The letters together with Power-point as well as Delegation Skills, Dealing with a book for each resident were delivered to Difficult People and Stress Management. each Care Home just before Christmas. The Online Newspaper and Magazine service ➢ There was also a good reaction to the Council’s PressReader recorded over 83,000 articles read and first online ‘Advent Calendar’ from Leitrim the top 3 online Language Courses taken in 2020 people at home and abroad who enjoyed through Transparent Languages were Portuguese, engaging in the suggested activities which Hungarian and Italian. ranged from making a seasonal wreath to baking mince pies. Leisure and Recreation

➢ Library staff working on the Community Leitrim Sport Partnership had a challenging year Response Helpline used the opportunity to regarding programme delivery but when possible and promote the service to the two Leitrim based within the government and HSE Covid guidelines, we Befriending Services (Leitrim Calling and did deliver some exciting initiatives and including Calling) and included information online physical activity initiatives for many different regarding the service in the Well Being Pack target groups within the community. which was issued by Leitrim County Council. There was a very positive response to this The Leitrim Sports Partnership (LSP) team of four staff resulting in a number of new library members was very proactive in developing memberships. Programmes online where participants could participate in physical activity initiatives within the ➢ An RRDF Application was submitted for a new 5km distances from home or they could engage and library development in Dromahaire. The participate at home. Please see below some examples proposal involves extending the library’s of the Programmes delivered with 3,212 people traditional role with facilities for the digital participating in LSP Programmes in 2020. provision of information and services. Plans include for the incorporation of a digital hub ➢ Education & Training which will facilitate people in interacting, - Safeguarding 1: This course educates participants learning and exploring new and emerging on the implementation of best practice in technologies. protecting the welfare of children involved in sport. We have run a total of 9 Safeguarding1 ➢ Work on projects, in partnership with other courses this year 3 classroom based and 6 online. local authority departments, continued such as Total Participants: 105 (male 64 & female 41) with the Arts Department on the Creative - Safeguarding 2 Club Children’s Officer Training: Ireland Yellow River project and the Cruinniú We ran 2 Safeguarding2 courses this year, 1 na nÓg national day of creativity programme classroom based and 1 online. Total Participants: for young people. 16 (male 4 & female 12) - Sports First Aid: This course is ideal for coaches 2020 Summary - Library Services and volunteers who deal with sports injuries or for With library buildings closed for much of 2020, the those who offer immediate emergency care at service was very focused on assisting members access sporting / training events. We ran 2 Sports First Aid the range of online services from e-books e-magazines Courses this year classroom based. Total and e-newspapers to e-courses and e-language Participants: 14 learning. Usage of these services increased significantly in 2020. There was a threefold increase in the number of e-books and e-audio books borrowed Leitrim County Council Annual Report 2020 28

➢ Athletics Ireland Assistant Coaching Course ➢ Women on the Water This course is an introduction to coaching in three key Women on the Water 2020 commenced with four event areas, Running (Sprints and Endurance), programmes on Tuesday 28th July in Drumshanbo, Jumping (Long Jump) and Throwing (Shot Putt). It Wednesday 29th July in Ballinamore, Thursday 30th July delivered in partnership with Athletics Ireland regional in Lough Rynn and Friday 31st July in and will development officer Dermot McGranaghan. It was run for 6 weeks Total Number: 80 funded through the Volunteer Supports fund. Total participants: 51 participants (16 male, 35 female)

➢ Inclusive All Stars GAA Club CARA Sport Inclusion Disability Course We hosted an online zoom training workshop for volunteers who will be coaching and helping out with our new inclusive GAA club in St Mary’s GAA club. Total 23 males 10 females 10 Total participants: 23 participants (13 male, 10 female). We ran basic child protection courses which were delivered to Gaelic for Mothers and Other participants ➢ National Bike Week Round Up: and their club mates via the Ladies Many groups throughout Leitrim facilitated events to Development programme. Total: 15 participants. support Bike week which took place from 19th- 27th September. ➢ Primary School Sports Hall Athletics programme - Annaduff ICA completed a cycle along the We held Heat 1 in Manorhamilton and Heats 2 & 3 in Blueway. Ballinamore of the countywide primary schools’ - Lough Key Tri Club members and their friends competition The County and National Finals were completed a 225km cycle around county cancelled due to Covid 19. Total number: 878 Leitrim. - Eslin GAA club completed a walk and cycle ➢ BeActive Day in Lough Rynn from their local GAA pitch. On Saturday 26th September we delivered a Be Active - Leitrim Cycling Festival hosted a cycling day celebration of Sport at the Lough Rynn Amenity confidence workshop. Area. Carrick on Shannon Rowing Club members took - Ballinamore Men’s Shed completed a Senior part in a training session in the early morning. Women Cycle along the canal in Ballinamore. on the Water participants took part in a conclusion - St Clares NS Manorhamilton took part in a paddle later in the morning. school cycle with the senior students in the school. Youth Group members took part in a lovely - Bee Park Sports Hub hosted open Spinning cycle around Lough Rynn. Children with additional Sessions in Manorhamilton. needs took part in a movement to music session and - Differeen NS had a talk from the community also took part in an angling session on a boat on Lough Gardai and took part in a recreational cycle. Rynn. Total participants: 91 - Foroige Gamechangers took part in a group cycle on the Blueway. - Gaelscoil Liatroma took part in a Bike Maintenance workshop and school cycle. - Lough Key Tri club hosted an open cycle with the option of a 20K and 40K cycle. - Drumshanbo NS school students cycled the Blueway.

➢ Kayaking Taster Day for children with Down Syndrome We completed a Kayaking taster day with The Leitrim West Cavan Branch of Down Syndrome where the

children/ young adults with Down Syndrome, their

parents and siblings got the opportunity to have lots of

Leitrim County Council Annual Report 2020 29 fun taking part in kayaking lessons in Garadice Lake. We successful. These classes are in six-week blocks had two groups and a total of 12 children with down averaging attendance 10 per class. Disability Inclusion syndrome and in addition their parents/siblings taking Dance Fit Programme, Disability Inclusion Chair part in the sessions over the day. Exercise Programme, Stretch and Flow are just a few of these classes. These received positive feedback. ➢ Chair Exercise and Dance Fit Six-week program for people with disabilities started ➢ December Challenge on the 9th of November with a huge turnout of 68 This initiative involves participants setting a challenge people logging into our zoom sessions. Total for them to achieve during the month of December. Participants 68 (28 males, 40 females) Total: 152 people signed up to complete this challenge

➢ Girls Active Programme Bee Sports Hub Girls Active is a physical activity programme targeting Leitrim Sports Partnership supported the Bee Sports teenage girls in schools in Leitrim. It is a joint initiative Hub which has a woman in sport initiative, nutrition between the Health Service Executive and Leitrim and self-care and home workouts, an investment in Sports Partnership. We have six post primary schools skiing machines and taster sessions with coaches, participating with 127 girls participating on this board meetings and guest speakers, creative writing, programme. Total Number 127 cookery virtual walks and storytelling.

➢ Online Programmes 2020 Performance A series of videos were created by Michelle Fanning, The activity of Leitrim Sports Partnership is delivered Sports Inclusion Development Officer some of which by a team of four staff members and a pool of were Fun Toilet Roll Challenge, Nature Walk, Shoulder extremely committed and talented community sport Exercises, Resistance Band Workout, Chair Exercises coaches. All our activity is overseen and guided by the and Healthy Tips. These videos have been very LSP board. This year had challenges in our mission to successful in reaching out to participants that have facilitate a positive culture of enjoyment in sports and engaged with Leitrim Sports Partnership in the past physical activity. Developing a range of online classes along with developing a new audience. These videos and exercise programmes way a new way to draw in got over 13,115 views. an audience. Visitors to our YouTube and other social media channels have greatly increased and while ➢ Strength & flexibility Programmes maintaining a good relationship with our current We held two 6-week Strength & flexibility programme audience, we have also reached to more people. chair exercise programme with Fenagh Active Age Having access to healthy eating and healthy living group with 5 males and 20 females participating on the programmes have been popular during the lockdown programmes. We held two 6-week Strength & and we have received a great response to the range of flexibility programmes chair exercise programmes with classes and workshops we have to offer such as a Drumkeeran Active Age group with 8 males and 15 workshop in resilience with Sligo based psychologist females participating on the programmes. We held a 6- Shane Martin and a motivation workshop with week Strength & Flexibility Programme with simple Donegal based internationally renowned global chair exercises split into two groups due to Covid endurance athlete Jason Black. regulations in Ballinamore with 10 females in group 1 and 9 females in group 2. Total participants 67. Arts Michelle also 2020 proved to be a very challenging year for the Arts Thanks a million Michelle organized where programmes, venues and galleries were closed for getting these classes a series of overnight, with loss to the livelihoods of those who organised. They're a big hit zoom work in the sector and to the communities they serve. with NLN Manor! Thanks classes for everything. Staff Member NLN ‘Ability While programmes such as Spark, Leitrim Youth Manorhamilton not Theatre, Cruinniú na nÓg and Culture Night continued Disability on a smaller scale, others pivoted quickly in response Inclusive to the crisis and expanded to meet the needs of the Fitness’ sector and the community. based around dance and exercise which have been very

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Community Engagement • Leitrim County Council were successful in a The majority of community engagement initiatives the joint application with Mayo, Donegal and arts office was involved in this year were developed as Roscommon which saw artist Andy Parsons part of Leitrim County Council’s Creative Ireland paint the portraits of 12 elderly people through programme which involve many different departments Zoom. The paintings will be exhibited together and partners. in a virtual gallery for Bealtaine in 2021 before being returned to the sitters. Open Call Projects • Drumsna Community Resource Centre Senior Citizens Group completed the project “Back to the Future”, an online journey through childhood songs and stories with singer Fionnuala Maxwell. • Modern Day Mummers saw dancer Edwina Guckian, singer Fionnuala Maxwell and musician Brian Mostyn visiting elderly cocooners, re-enacting a mumming tradition providing a unique and opportunity to break

the social isolation experienced by some older Artist Andy Parsons paints one his subjects as part of a people in Leitrim. Creative Ireland Creativity in Older Age project with • Magnetise, A Call for Home, was an Roscommon, Sligo, Leitrim and Donegal Local intergenerational performance project Authorities. between six internationally based professional dance artists and two local community groups, • The Organic Centre worked with artist Sarah WILL (Women Living Independently in Leitrim) Lundy to develop a creative environmental and Creative Current Youth Dance. programme focusing on biodiversity, • MuseHyper, a group of 12 young autistic adults sustainability, organic growing, and climate worked with Artist Denise Corbett on a project change. using digital photography to explore their immediate environment. • Web-Spinning was a creative writing project for disabled people living in Leitrim working with Artist Isolde O’Brolcháin Carmody creating stories reflecting their experiences in the current situation. • Leitrim Intercultural Forum Music worked with musicians Ciaran Rock and Brian Sweeney bringing together people of different cultures living in Leitrim to source, learn, write and arrange several songs from different countries including Ireland. • Helena Golden Willow Woman completed online workshops with Carrick ICA and Tidy Magnetise Dance Project Towns groups. • Shannonside Community Childcare Centre and Culture Night artist Kate Murtagh Sheridan are working with For Culture Night this year, onsite events were held in the Museum of County Life to develop a The Dock, St. Georges Heritage Centre, Rainbow project based on Traveller Culture and Identity. Ballroom of Romance, The Glens Centre and Leitrim Sculpture Centre while Leitrim Intercultural Group, The • North Leitrim Men’s Shed worked with actor Dock and Rabbits Riot Theatre Company streamed Paddy McEnaney to write and record a radio online events on the evening. play for broadcast on Ocean FM.

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SPARK Dancer Edwina Guckian produced a film ‘Le Cheile Ona Despite lockdown, artist Amanda Jane Graham Cheile’ featuring 41 young dancers from Leitrim, the continued to work with Image Skillnet in Drumshanbo surrounding counties and from New York dancing developing a series of works that look at hairdressing within 2km of their homes. in Ireland and how it has evolved in our culture over centuries.

Image from the film Le Chéile Óna Chéile by Edwina Guckian with 42 dancers for Cruinniú na nÓg.

Other Programmes • The Dock’s ‘2Km, 3 Locations’ was a project for

‘Romans in Rollers’ by Amanda Jane Graham as part of her SPARK young poeple led by artists David Smith, Anna residency at Image Skillnet in Drumshanbo. Leask, Wayne O Connor and Laura Mahon for young people aged 14-19. Support to Arts Organisations • Artist Crona Gallagher worked with Diffreen We continued to support The Dock, The Glens Centre, National school afterschool group to create a Solas Gallery and The Cornmill Theatre, which adapted stained-glass panel focusing on the natural quickly to providing events and activities online and world. outdoors. A crucial concern for 2021 will be to ensure • North Youth Services are working that venues such as The Dock, which normally with artist Phoebe Dick to develop a street art welcomes over 40,000 visitors per annum with over project. 20,000 people attending 2,300 performances, • Fab Lab Manorhamilton worked with parents workshops and other activities can continue to provide and children to design unique music making for our communities at this time, but more crucially, machines. can emerge intact following the current restrictions and hit the ground running, servicing those Youth Theatre communities and audiences from Leitrim, and visitors Manorhamilton and Carrigallen were able to complete from elsewhere, that we all rely on. their programmes with junior and senior groups combining in-person and online workshops as Children & Young People restrictions permitted. Many initiatives for children and young people that the Arts Office has been involved in this year were also ➢ Cruinniú na nÓg developed as part of Leitrim County Council’s Creative Cruinniú na nÓg continued in 2020 albeit on a smaller Ireland programme that involved different scale, and successes in 2020 included: departments and partners. • Virtual Sustainable Fashion Show with Rabbits Riot Theatre Company. ➢ Creative Ireland Open Call • NATURE NURTURE online exhibition with The Young members of Leitrim Down Syndrome group Dock. completed a digital photography project with artist • ‘Build Your Own Wings’ with artist Crona Anna Leask over zoom, acknowledging the artistic Gallagher. capacity of children and young people with an • Leitrim Organic Centre children’s groups with intellectual disability, specifically Down Syndrome, and artist Sarah Lundy. their family unit. • Dungeons and Dragons workshop with Illustrator and group facilitator, Wayne O’Connor.

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• Design Construction workshop with Fab Lab - 4-part workshop series with Lepus Print for writers Manorhamilton and Mastersons NS. on Professionalizing their Practice. • Mohill Storytelling workshop with Alan - Tax Matters for Artists with chartered accountant Woods and artist Kate Murtagh-Sheridan. John Dempsey (including one to one clinics) • Mudbugs workshops with Leitrim Library - Training for festivals and venues to manage Service. physical events under Covid-19 and how to • Live Music broadcast from The Glens and successfully move events online. masterclass programme with Glen Hansard. - Working online with Kate Wilson, Crona Gallagher • EZxploring Art Workshops with Leitrim Design and Edwina Guckian. House - On-line Studio Tours with Esther Hoad, Edwina Guckian and Natalyia Beyliss. ➢ Music Generation - On-line Studio Tours with Monica Corish, Padraig While most school projects were heavily impacted by Meehan and Kate Murtagh Sheridan Covid-19, instrument tuition continued online as did Musical Lockdown Sessions and Shannon Voices International programmes. Leitrim Youth Trad Orchestra continued Developed marketing material and researched to meet online with their recording of ‘Si Bheag Si potential EU partners and with a view to developing a Mhor’ selected to be played at The Ireland Fund Annual partnership for the Creative Europe Programme in Conference in New York. 2021. Along with, brokered relationships with partners in Sweden and Macedonia. In terms of Evaluation, published report on ‘Career Practice and Development

of Artists in the Creative Frame Network’.

Image from Film the film of Further developed and implemented the REDF project Leitrim Youth Creative Heartlands supporting the film and design Trad Orchestra’s sectors in partnership with Sligo and Roscommon performance County Councils and Local Enterprise Offices. In of Carolan’s addition, developed a partnership with Sligo and Sí Bheag, Sí Roscommon County Councils for WRAP II. Mhór

Social Practice Programme Professional Development Developed and published a comprehensive online In tandem with our Community Engagement toolkit for artists www.socialpracticetoolkit.com. Also, Programme we reconfigured our professional developed a 6-month training programme on Social development programme, Creative Frame, to be Practice in partnership with . entirely on-line. On top of the usual training programme, we rapidly upskilled artists in the use of Creative Sector Jobs Stimulus Programme on-line technologies and developed new ways of As part of Leitrim County Council’s Creative Ireland networking online to enhance peer-learning. Training programme and arising from specific funding provided and Networking undertaken included: through the Government Jobs Stimulus Package,

Leitrim County Council developed and issued three - ‘Filming and Editing on Your Smartphone’ with new programmes to support the sector and those Michael Fortune working in it. - ‘Digital Marketing for Artists’ with Emma Dwyer

- ‘How to Present Your Work to an Audience’ with ➢ Creative Sector Internship Programme for Arts Declan Drohan. Organisations to employ interns for 20 weeks. - Music Capital Scheme seminar in partnership with ➢ Leitrim Creative Sector Co-Support Programme Music Network. providing grants for artists to collaborate. - Wellness and Resilience for Artists with Margaret ➢ Leitrim Creative Sector Tech Voucher Programme Dorgan. for artists to use tech hubs. - Child Protection Training with the National Youth

Council of Ireland.

- Writing proposals (including one-to-one clinics)

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Bursaries Mummers project with Edwina, singer Fionnuala In 2020 Leitrim County Council provided direct grant Maxwell and musician Brian Mostyn visiting elderly aid to 41 individual artists while four further artists cocooners featured on RTE and has gained huge were supported through the Arts Office mentoring national following as a result. programme. In December, a film of Leitrim Youth Trad Orchestra Leitrim Arts Awards playing Carolan’s ‘Sí Bheag, Sí Mhór’ was chosen to be The Arts Office hosted the Creative Frame Christmas shown at The Ireland Fund Annual Conference in New Get Together and Leitrim Arts Awards on-line this year York, while Cate’s Waltz by Youth Orchestra Director which was attended by 50 guests and addressed by Lorraine Sweeney and arranged by Michael Rooney has Director of the Arts Council Maureen Kennelly, Actor had over 20,000 views. Pauline McGlynn and Cathaoirleach, Cllr. Mary Bohan who presented the awards. In December one of the co-support projects that received international attention was a music video Four specially commissioned films on the recipients, filmed in Leitrim by Drumshanbo band, The Vibes, who The Home Place with Brian Leyden, The Organic Centre worked with a filmmaker to create this video. The song with artist Sarah Lundy, Web-Spinning by Isolde called ‘Christmas Feels Different’ was produced by O’Brolcháin Carmody and Back to the Future with Grammy-winning LA-based music producer Greg Wells. Fionnuala Maxwell were also shown. While many in-person activities were not possible this As part of Leitrim County Council’s Creative Ireland year, a corresponding increase in online engagement programme last March Edwina Guckian produced a meant that performance indicators were broadly in line film ‘Le Cheile Ona Cheile’ featuring 41 young dancers with previous years. However, this only accounts for from Leitrim, the surrounding counties and from New direct engagement in activities and does not include York dancing within 2km of their homes. the thousands of new followers and online audiences that online arts events gained last year. On Twitter it was shared by the Minister for the Arts and the Irish Consulate NYC. On Facebook it had over 40,000 organic reach. Later in the year the Modern-Day

Leitrim County Council Annual Report 2020 34

#Ballinamore Pol an Eas

Delivering for Our Economy

Delivering opportunity for all our people and places is our local Economy. Economic development and sustaining economic growth are core to what we do and underpins and drives much of what we deliver, whether it be directly or indirectly. We will focus on building and sustaining the conditions that allow our economy to grow. We will lead, mobilise and support economic development across County Leitrim, maximising our potential. We will capitalise on our strengths, continuing to invest in the county’s strong entrepreneurial culture through the Local Enterprise Office. We will invest and build our Tourism brand, experience and offer, expanding reach, appeal and opportunity. We will seek out and attract inward investment potential by creating and marketing the county as an attractive and viable business location; and

Infrastructure Enterprise Tourism

Economic Development the lead financial partner responsible for maintaining and retaining records of all financial aspects of the programme. Leitrim County Council is also responsible Monthly meetings are held which deal with the general for making payments to project promoters on behalf operation of the LCDC and monitoring of the Local of the LAG. Leitrim Development Company is the Lead Economic and Community Plan (LECP) as well as Implementing Partner with responsibility for programmes which the LCDC is responsible for implementing actions on behalf of the LAG. Leitrim oversight of including, Rural Development Programme Development Company is responsible for – RDP (LEADER element), Social Inclusion Community administration and animation of project applications. Activation (SICAP) programme, Leitrim Peace IV There were 68 Leader claims processed and paid to programme, Healthy Ireland Fund, Community promoters with a value of €1,612,818.22. Enhancement Programme. Information is also provided to the LCDC on other funding streams for e.g., SICAP CLAR, Town & Village and Outdoor Rural Recreational The Social Inclusion and Community Activation Infrastructure Scheme. The following programmes Programme (SICAP) 2018-2022 provides funding to were delivered: tackle poverty and social exclusion at a local level

through local engagement and partnerships between Leader Funding disadvantaged individuals, community originations and LEADER is a community led approach to local public sector agencies. Delivery of the SICAP development delivering EU funding into rural Programme 2020 with a value of €524,650 monitored businesses and communities through Ireland’s Rural and reported to LCDC, Mid-Year Review 2020 and End Development Programme 2014-2020. It promotes of Year Review 2020 presented and approved. social inclusion, poverty reduction and the economic development of rural areas. Leitrim County council is Leitrim County Council Annual Report 2020 35

Rural Development Funding Schemes: Amounts Connection Points (BCPs) are public locations which Secured in 2020 have been selected to receive 150Mb high-speed Funding received under T&V 2020 €645,150.00 internet connectivity in rural and isolated parts of the Funding received under T&V €276,952.77 country. In 2020, twelve locations for Broadband Accelerated Measures Connection Points were identified throughout Leitrim Funding received under CLÁR 2020 €347,597.00 and surveying had commenced toward the end of the Outdoor Rural Infrastructure €464,710.00 year. Additionally, Leitrim County Council was Scheme 2020 successful in securing funding to assist with the provision of IT equipment for each of the twelve BCP Urban & Rural Regeneration Schemes locations. In February 2020, a Category Two application for development costs related to the development and In 2020, Sord Data Systems Ltd was awarded the design of the riverside boardwalk from Carrick on contract to assist with the design, implementation, Shannon to Battlebridge was submitted to the and ongoing support of free public Wi-Fi under the Department. This application was successful and WiFi4EU project. Locations for the Wi-Fi access points €476,033 at a rate of 75% of the cost of the project was had been provisionally identified and surveying had approved. Two Category One applications under RRDF commenced towards the end of 2020. were submitted in 2020, we await the outcome of same. Other Highlights • Ongoing support of Town Teams in Carrick on Purple Flag Shannon, Manorhamilton as well as Chamber of Purple Flag is an accreditation process for night-time Commerce in Carrick on Shannon, facilitating economy similar to the Green Flag award for parks and meetings, identifying actions and support the the Blue Flag for beaches. The Purple Flag standard is groups on the ground to develop their areas and awarded to successful towns for the management of access funding support where possible. their evening and night-time economy. It involves a • Local media were very supportive throughout comprehensive assessment of the town across themes 2020 in promoting the Be Local campaign. such as Well-Being, Movement, Safety, Care, Appeal, Sense of Place and Identity and Planning for the future. Carrick on Shannon, following an external assessment by assessors from the Association of Town and City Management (ATCM) in the UK, again retained its Purple Flag standard for its evening and night-time economy in 2020.

County Promotion – Development & Launch of Ambassador Publication 13 local ambassadors from business and other sectors agreed to be Leitrim Ambassadors to promote County Leitrim as a place to live work and Invest. This publication will now be used as a tool to encourage new businesses to locate in the County. Consideration is being given to a marketing campaign with strong social media focus to be rolled out in the future • Working with Carrick on Shannon Community featuring video footage of ambassadors promoting CCTV committee to deliver a second phase of the Leitrim as a place to live, visit and do business from. town centre community CCTV Scheme in the town. National Broadband Roll out • During 2020, we worked with the Heritage Council Leitrim County Council continued to engage with the and Queens University Belfast on Town Centre Department of Rural and Community Development, Health Checks for Carrick on Shannon, the Department of Communications, Climate Action Drumshanbo and Mohill with a Health Check and Environment and other relevant stakeholders report finalised for all three. while fulfilling its role to assist with the implementation of the National Broadband Plan. Broadband Leitrim County Council Annual Report 2020 36

• Currently finalising a 10-year economic In addition, LEO submitted five applications to development plan for Carrick on Shannon 2020- Microfinance Ireland on behalf of Leitrim businesses. 2030. • Marketing and promotion campaign being Brexit delivered to support the town of Carrick on One to one mentoring continued to be delivered and Shannon while the public realm works are two Prepare your Businesses for Customs workshops ongoing. were delivered. LEO Leitrim began the roll out of the • Successful collaborative study with Coillte Green for Micro as one of the six Brexit Stimulus resulting in Options Report for Glenfarne Wood programmes to be delivered in the border counties. exploring potential for recreation and tourism. • Funding awareness workshops held online giving Student Enterprise Programme information on funding streams and assistance on Six of the seven secondary schools participated in the grant applications. Attended by 50 Student Enterprise Programme in 2019-2020, the representatives across the County. county winner for My Entrepreneurial Journey was • Process initiated to produce Development Damhsa le Cheile in the Junior Category for Lough Allen Framework for Dromahaire based on College, Drumkeeran. Cable Chompers at St. Clare’s collaborative vision of community, business and Comprehensive, Manorhamilton won the Junior residents. Category, Book Worms at St. Clare’s Comprehensive won the Intermediate Category and Spikey Stoppers at St. Clare’s Comprehensive, Manorhamilton won the Senior Category. The National Final took online and Damhsa Le Cheile from Lough Allen College, Drumkeeran, take third place in the My Entrepreneurial Journey’ category and Book Worms” from St. Clare’s Comprehensive School, Manorhamilton took third place in the Intermediate Category. A total of 20 Primary schools engaged in Students and staff from Queens Belfast were in the County in Enterprise Education programmes, the winner was February to carry out research on the ground in relation to the Four Masters National School, Kinlough and runner up Health Check Reports. was St Marys National School, Annaduff.

Leitrim Enterprise Office (LEO) Enterprise Promotion Aine Faughnan, Dromod Boxty was the County winner Financial Supports (Grants) of the National Enterprise Awards in 2020 and Number of Projects Approved* 20 represents Leitrim in the National Final. The network Amount Approved €366,433 of Local Enterprise Offices including Leitrim ran a Covid Supports national #LookforLocal campaign to highlight the Trading Online Vouchers Workshops 9 impact local businesses have and to encourage Trading Online Vouchers Approved 173 individuals to support them in the coming months. This No. of Business Continuity Voucher 151 was a hugely successful campaign for Leitrim with Awards many local celebrities coming out to produce videos No. of Business Approved Funding – 6 for social media, as well on The Six o’ clock show on Micro Enterprise Assistance Fund TV3 with Chef Sham. Training, Mentoring and Networking** Number of Training Courses 45 Winner of County Number of Participants*** 662 Leitrim No. of Businesses received One to one 227 National Mentoring Supports Enterprise Awards *7 were start-up businesses 2020 – ** After the onset of Covid all training moved online and was Dromod available free of charge. Boxty *** Including 4 Start Your Own Business programmes to 50 participants.

Leitrim County Council Annual Report 2020 37

Online Sessions Tourism Promotion and Development During the first lockdown, LEO Leitrim had weekly Facebook Live and Online sessions with a different Tourism in County Leitrim, along with the rest of guest speaker and subject every week, this proved very Ireland, had a challenging year in 2020. With the popular among Leitrim businesses and topics covered outbreak of COVID 19, overseas tourist numbers Getting more from Linkedin, How to write and Publish nationally dropped by approximately 80%. your own book and Making Professional Videos, Government restrictions significantly controlled Getting more from your Website, Brand, Resilience and people's movement to and from Ireland. It was not Wellness etc. until late July that government guidelines allowed the domestic audience to move out of their county to holiday within Ireland.

Activities undertaken pre COVID-19 In January, Leitrim Tourism attended World Holiday Shows in , Belfast and Dublin, to showcase and highlight the tourism offering in County Leitrim. Several tourism providers from the county joined the stand at the various shows, and there was great interest from the attendees at each of the shows.

Leitrim Tourism launched its new Launch of Look for Local campaign Slow Adventure Virtual Reality Leitrim Design House Experience at the Leitrim Design House continued to deliver supports World Holiday Show during 2020. In coping with the effects of Covid-19 on in Dublin. The VR the sector, they focused primarily on three elements: was launched by editor of Travel Extra and was covered by • Continued development of the retail gallery a number of travel writers including Pól O Conghaile, • Improved marketing strategy & increased Travel Writer with the . This national and international profile (PR innovative new experience immerses the user in campaign) cruising, canoeing, cycling and walking on the Shannon • Strengthening of LDH’s digital channels Blueway Leitrim.

They delivered an Online Marketing & Social Media Training Programme as well as the LDH Co-Create Programme, a collaboration process developed for the creative sector.

Leitrim Enterprise Office Performance The targets set out in 2020, were 100% achieved in relation to grants approved, training courses run, and number of Start Your Own Business programmes provided.

The targets for other programmes were overachieved such as Trading Online Vouchers, arising from the change in grant rate from 50%-90% between April and Michelle Whelan, Chief Executive Lar Power, Cllr Enda McGloin and Director of Services Joseph Gilhooly pictured at the VR Launch. December 2020 and the opportunity for a business to apply for a 2nd voucher also. The number of Trade Engagement businesses receiving one to one mentoring also Leitrim Tourism supported the trade throughout the increased exponentially during this time, because of year, advising them of the various supports and grants Covid. available. A weekly ezine was produced to update Leitrim County Council Annual Report 2020 38

Leitrim's tourism providers on what was happening in formed a consortium to apply to the ETC for funding to the industry, both county and nationwide. This was on- conduct an awareness campaign on Slow Adventure on going throughout the year. the island of Ireland. The campaign consisted of three elements Consumer-focused media partnership, digital Meitheal Online campaign and trade activation. Unfortunately, due to Leitrim Tourism attended Virtual Meitheal 2020. COVID 19, this campaign had to be paused. However, Initially scheduled for earlier in the year, this annual the programme's Trade Activation element was able to event took place virtually July 22nd to 24th, and the go ahead as it was an ideal time to engage with tour tourism officer met with over 40 tour operators. The operators and travel agents and present to them the feedback was excellent, and it was interesting to note Slow Adventure experiences in both counties. The that operators reported that over 80% of their clients Trade Activation element began in September with who have had to cancel this year have rebooked for Podcasts and Ezine and an online webinar for American 2021. Clients are looking for destinations away from Tour Operators. Activity providers from both counties the busy cities in rural locations where they can engage took part in all elements and welcomed the with the outdoors and see Ireland as a safe opportunity to connect with the US tour operators and destination. Most interest is coming from small groups travel agents. and FIT travellers who are looking for new destinations. Tourist Information Office The Tourist office operated entirely from July to Radio Campaigns October with a different layout due to COVID 19 - Summer Radio Campaign took place in early requirements and guidelines. Due to the increase in the July, which helped to start the season and domestic market, the office was busy with enquires encourage the visitor to choose Leitrim as a throughout the season. destination to visit. Domestic visitors will tend to choose a coastal location as their first New Website choice; however, when availability was The Tourism team launched a brand-new website live reduced and prices were out of budget, Leitrim on the Leitrim Tourisms Facebook page by became an option for many. The industry in Cathaoirleach Cllr Mary Bohan. The website Leitrim experienced an increase in bookings www.enjoyleitrim.com was designed as a due to the advertising campaign. The season comprehensive, one stop portal for visitors to also saw a major boost and increased in the Leitrim. Created specifically to meet the needs of the cruising sector, with many booking a cruiser for tourist from home or abroad who are looking to visit the first time. the area, the site offers easy navigation, attractive - Autumn Radio Campaign conducted in imagery and information to help the visitor find what September to extend the season; however, they are looking for Leitrim such as: - Plan your restrictions were put in place again in October. visit; What’s on; Brochure & Map downloads and information about the heritage of the Leitrim. Social Media Campaign Extensive social media campaigns were conducted With easier navigation and easy to find information the throughout the year, keeping Leitrim's awareness at new site also offers, an interactive Google map where the forefront of people's minds. These campaigns you can choose places to stay, eat and drink. included several competitions with prizes. Video Production, a video on Leitrim, was produced, which consisted of interviews from various artists and footage from multiple videographers. The video proved successful with additional coverage on all social media channels.

Funding Leitrim Tourism prepared and successfully applied to the LEADER company to secure funding for additional advertising campaigns when the industry would reopen in 2021. European Travel Commission (ETC) - Image of New Tourism website Launch Leitirm Tourism alongside Derry in Northern Ireland

Leitrim County Council Annual Report 2020 39

Media Coverage railway buildings and hard and soft landscaping of the We facilitated a number of journalists and bloggers in former rail yard as a new civic space. Design work 2020 which resulted in the county being featured in a continued in 2020 by design consultants Cooney number of national editorials. These included: Architects. A 230m stretch of the Cavan-Leitrim - Fiona Donnellan for Ireland’s Hidden walking and cycling Greenway extending northwards Heartlands who wrote a great piece on from the site towards the Sports Centre and the staycationing in Leitrim, Community School was completed in 2020. - Eleanore Hutch who did a feature on slow Adventure in Leitrim for TV3’s Elaine Show and ➢ Mohill Public Realm Scheme - Lauren Arthurs for Discover Ireland who stayed Planning approval was obtained for this project in at Ard Nahoo Eco Retreat and visited a number 2020. An application for funding of €2.3m was made of other places in Leitrim. under the RRDF scheme in 2020. We also hosted The Novel Traveller, Michelle Jackson Flood Relief Schemes author, journalist and broadcaster in Leitrim where she Works continued on the €6m Carrick on Shannon Flood visited the new Shed Distillery which featured in her Relief Scheme. Leitrim County Council is the lead weekly broadcast on TV3. We assisted the producers authority for this scheme in conjunction with the OPW of Brite Spark Films who were in Leitrim filming a new and as the scheme series for the UK’s Channel 5. They previously made includes work in Cortober. ‘World’s Most Scenic Railway Journeys’ for the channel Design Consultants, Ryan Hanley, were appointed to and are now making ‘World’s Most Scenic River commence work on the Leitrim Village Flood Relief Journeys’. In Ireland they have chosen to film the Scheme in 2020. Shannon and were in Leitrim a number of weeks to film for the series. SLNCR Greenways • SLNCR Sligo to Greenway - This is a Capital Projects Office 75km greenway from Collooney, Sligo through Dromahaire, Manorhamilton, Glenfarne, Construction contracts were disrupted during 2020 and onto Enniskillen. Funding of due to Covid 19 lockdown restrictions on construction €500,000 was obtained to commence the activities. design and planning process for this Greenway in 2020. Leitrim County Council is the lead Regeneration and Development Fund authority and is working with Sligo County The construction contracts for the Carrick on Shannon Council, and Fermanagh Public Realm Scheme continued in 2020 following & Omagh District Council. approval of €6.5m grant funding for the €8.6m project • The SLNCR Greenway – Manorhamilton to announced in 2018. Boggaun is 4.2km long trail from - The new town centre car park was opened in Manorhamilton town to the GAA grounds at Nov 2020 just in time for the Christmas period. Boggaun. Works were substantially completed - The new boardwalk on the river was nearing on the project in 2020. completion towards the end of 2020. • The SLNCR Greenway – Demonstration Stretch - Construction is ongoing for the new footpaths Dromahaire is the provision of a pedestrian and streets along Main Street, St. Georges Terr bridge at the start of the demonstration and Priests Lane during the year. stretch to allow pedestrians safe passage from the village to the trail. Works were completed Rural Regeneration Development Fund in 2020. ➢ Manorhamilton Public Realm Scheme The new town centre car park was completed in 2020. Carrick on Shannon to Battlebridge Blueway The contractor for the public realm works on the Main This project is to provide a Blueway from Carrick on Street and Old Church St/Big Brae plus the works to Shannon to Leitrim Village and onto Battlebridge to enhance the presentation of the business park was connect with the Drumshanbo Blueway. Funding of selected at the end of 2020. €476,000 was obtained for this Blueway. Tenders for the appointment of a design consultant were ➢ Junction Project in Ballinamore advertised in 2020 to commence the design and The Junction Project in Ballinamore involves the planning process. refurbishment, alteration and extension of the former Leitrim County Council Annual Report 2020 40

Leitrim Way Trail • Landscaping and Enhancement Works to This is the provision of a pedestrian bridge over the Trailer car park area. Yellow River in the middle of the Leitrim Way trail at . It will allow walkers to remain on private Works had to be completed in 2020. The addition of land as opposed to walking on the busy , three new fishing stands will increase the number of R207, as happens at present. Works were substantially angling positions around the lake for match angling completed on the project in 2020. competitions. The improvements will increase the numbers of anglers to fish the lake. Cavan Leitrim Greenway Ballinamore to Corgar is a 2.2km trail from Ballinamore to Corgar Lough. Construction work was ongoing in 2020 on the project, with completion in early 2021 subject to Covid 19 restrictions being lifted.

Carrick on Shannon Destination Towns Funding of €500,000 was secured from Fáilte Ireland for this €800,000 project to enhance the visitor experience within Carrick on Shannon town. Design Consultant DHB Architects appointed, and design works on going. Spectator Viewing area and Fishing stands with Trail completed in 2020. Hartley Bridge Design work was ongoing for a new replacement bridge ➢ 2018 Sports Capital Programme at Hartley over the The Department of Transport Tourism & Sport (DTTAS) awarded Leitrim County Council funding under the Lough Rinn Recreational Facility: 2018 Sports Capital Programme to enhance the Lough ➢ 2018 ORIS Funded Project Rinn Recreational facility. The following works were The Department of Rural and Community complete under this scheme: Development awarded Leitrim County Council under • Supply and installation of piles to lakebed the 2018 Outdoor Recreational Infrastructural Scheme for fixing of the Start Tower (ORIS) – Measure 2 grant funding of €200,000 to Pontoon/Supply and installation of Leitrim County Council to enhance the Lough Rinn pontoon for Start Tower. Recreational Facility. The following works were • Supply and installation of finish Tower complete under this Scheme: Structure including Finish Tower Design & Ancillaries. • Provision of 3 no Fishing Stands consisting • Umpire Boat - RS-CAT-16 and Trailer 1. of two no fishing stands adjacent the All works to be completed by May 2021 as per spectator viewing area and one no fishing conditions of the 2018 Sports Capital stand adjacent the side of caravan park Grant. where people fish. The fishing stand Aerial photo of Completed Finish Tower on Lough Rinn located adjacent caravan park area is designed to be fully wheelchair accessible. • Viewing Area for spectators to view all water-based competitions. This area will also be used as an amenity area for sports enthusiasts and for anglers. • Widen and upgrade trail from Amenity Area along the lakeshore for access to water-based activities for participants and spectators.

Leitrim County Council Annual Report 2020 41

Roads, Transportation & Safety

2020 was a very busy and productive year in the Roads commenced. The next Virtual Public Consultation and Transportation Department with expenditure of Process will be held in the first half of 2021 to display €22 million, notwithstanding the fact that the Route Corridor options. restrictions imposed by Covid-19 caused delays to the commencement of the Roadworks program. National Road Pavement Overlay Schemes – Two major Pavement Overlay Schemes were Works completed in 2020 on National Roads included completed on National Roads in 2021 and these the following: included a six-kilometre-long scheme, on the N4 from Jamestown Junction to the R201 Junction, and a 3.5- Realignment of 1.4km section of N16 at Drummahan Kilometre-long scheme on the N16 from Tomrud to – Following the completion of the Advance Works Tawneymoyle. Contracts, (and the period for the consolidation of the surcharged ground), works on the Detailed Design and In addition to this, three further pavement schemes Tender Documentation for the main Construction were completed on National Roads under the Category Contract were progressed and substantially completed B funding stream and these were at Srangross and in 2020. Approval was obtained from the TII to Munakill on the N16 and at Attirory on the N4. advertise the main Construction Contract for Tender in January 2021 and it is anticipated to have the N4 Fence Retrofitting Contract – successful contractor appointed for the main Under the Retrofitting Scheme to improve Safety on Construction Contract in Quarter 2 of 2021. National Roads, 1.5 km of Fencing along the N4 was retrofitted in 2020 and it is planned to complete a Realignment of N16 at Munakill – In 2020, Phase 1 further 725m on the N4 in 2021. (Concept & Feasibility), was completed. This included undertaking a Constraints Study in order to inform the National Road Safety Inspection Implementation development of possible route options. The first Programme Virtual Public Consultation Process was held to assist Substantial Safety Works were completed in 2020 on with the Constraints study, and all affected landowners the N16 under the HD17 Road Safety Inspection and members of the public were invited to engage with Programme. These included the provision of a footpath the Design Team. at the Garda station, road safety improvements works Phase 2 (Option Selection) is currently in progress and at the Junction of the L21361 at Cornastauck, the a second Virtual Public Consultation process, (which provision of 770 metres of VRS (Safety Barrier) along indicated possible Route Corridor Options), was held, the N16 west of Manorhamilton and the erection of and again all interested parties were invited to engage Driver feedback signs on the N15 at . in the process. A Ground Investigations Contract will be Three Feasibility reports were also submitted to the TII completed in early 2021 and this will be followed by a for future Road Safety works on the N16 at Bee Park, third Virtual Public Consultation Process which will Manorhamilton (Provision of Footpath) and on the N16 indicate the draft Emerging Preferred Route Corridor. at Strabrick Junction (Widening of Junction) and on the N4 at Faulties (Provision of Footpath/Cycleway). Carrick on Shannon By-Pass – A Consultant Team was appointed in early 2020 to carry out Phases 1 – 4 Technical Consultancy Services for the N4 Carrick on Works completed in 2020 on Non-National Roads Shannon to Dromod By-Pass Scheme. Phase 1 (Project included the following: Inception & Feasibility) was completed in 2020 and Phase 2 (Option Selection) of the Planning and Design • 90Km of Non-National Roads were Process was commenced. This included a Virtual Public strengthened in 2020. Consultation event for the Constraints Report in October 2020. Traffic Surveys were also completed in • 85Km of Non-National Roads were surfaced 2020. Leitrim County Council is in the process of dressed in 2020. appointing a Ground Investigation Contractor to carry out the necessary Ground Investigations work within • Drainage Grant – A total of 18 road drainage the study area and Consultations with Landowners schemes were completed in 2020 at a cost of regarding this Ground Investigation Contract have Leitrim County Council Annual Report 2020 42

€455,338 and a further €20,000 was spent on o constructing a new bridge in order to the Drainage districts. reopen the local road, o clearing inundated material from • Bridge Rehabilitation Works – Bridge public roads and from behind the Rehabilitation works was completed on a total bridge, of 12 Bridges throughout the County in 2020 o cleaning road drainage systems and and this included Emergency Works to 3 rediverting streams, providing filters in Bridges in streams and resurfacing local roads North damaged by the landslide and its after- Leitrim. effects. In addition, consultants • Safety Improvement Works were Safety Improvement Works under the Low- appointed, Cost Safety Improvement Works Programme and work was were completed at a total of 9 locations in the progressed County in 2020. on the preparation • Speed Limit Signs and Cycle Safety Signs of the Speed Limit Signs were erected in newly Taken- documentation for a full Stage 2 Appropriate In-Charge Housing Estates and Cycle Safety Assessment, for Bord Pleanala for the Signs were provided at various locations on replacement of the Hartley Bridge on the River Regional & Local Roads. Shannon. Pictured above - Completed works at Annaghveagh Bridge, Tooman • Community Involvement Schemes (CIS) In 2020, a total of 11 roads were upgraded • Specific Improvement Work at under the CIS Programme at a total cost of Gorteendarragh €754,706. A Specific improvement scheme was undertaken on the R281 at Gorteendarragh • 2020 Active Travel Measures Allocation which included realignment of a section of the Funding of €1,049,000 was received by Leitrim Regional road and improvement works on the County Council in September 2020 for 12 Junction layout and the adjoining local roads. Active Travel Schemes for local authorities’ response to Covid-19 challenges and to assist in improving walking and cycling infrastructure, and safety measures for pedestrians and cyclists. Some of these schemes were fully completed in 2021, with the remainder for completion in 2021.

• Climate Change Adaptation Allocations €1,480,000 was received by Leitrim County Council in August 2020 for 5 different Climate

Specific Improvement Works completed on Change Schemes, to address the impact of R281 at Gorteendarragh climate change on the road network. These schemes are currently ongoing and will be • Shass Mountain Landslide completed in 2021. Major Emergency works was carried out in response to the Shass Mountain Landslide. • Local Improvement Scheme (LIS) Programme These works included: This Scheme provides funding for the upgrade o construction of a dam to prevent of Private/Non-Public Roads that comply with further damage to the existing Dawn certain conditions including access to a of Hope bridge, number of different parcels of land. In 2020, o buttressing the existing bridge, there were 9 Local Improvement Scheme

Leitrim County Council Annual Report 2020 43

Projects completed in the county with the The Road Safety Office of Leitrim County 2020 Grant Allocation of €250,000. Council facilitated the provision of the “Drive for Life” Educational Road Safety Programme • Community Hedge Cutting Grant Scheme in the following Secondary Schools in County A total of 29 Hedge Cutting Grants totalling Leitrim in 2020 – Drumshanbo Vocational €8,906, were paid under the 2019/2020 Hedge School (2 Day Programme) & Carrigallen Cutting Grant Scheme. This marked a Vocational School (1 Day Programme). significant increase in the uptake on this Grant • RSA Child Car Seat Checking Service – “Check Scheme and this has continued for the it Fits” – This service visited Carrick on Shannon 2020/2021 Hedge Cutting Grant Scheme. on 1 occasion in 2020. Due to Covid-19 restrictions, the RSA has now introduced a new • Machinery Yard “Virtual Child Car Seat Checking Service” and A new workshop was constructed at the this Service has been promoted by Leitrim Faulties Depot to assist with the repair and County Council (promoted on our Website, maintenance of our plant, and a Plant Social Media, , sent to Gardai replacement program was initiated. and HSE etc.) • Speed Monitoring at identified sites in County • Other Works Leitrim - Leitrim County Council continued to The Roads Department also undertook many carry out speed monitoring at various locations other projects throughout the year with and worked in close liaison with An Garda assistance from funding streams such as Town Siochana in relation to the results. & Village, Clár and ORIS. In some instances, • Driver Feedback Sign - Leitrim County Council projects were undertaken in conjunction with continued to operate the mobile Driver Community Groups. Examples of these works Feedback Sign at different locations in 2020. included upgrades at Amenities, provision of This greatly helps to raise driver awareness footpaths, pedestrian crossings, etc. which improves road safety. Results recorded by this Sign are forwarded to An Garda Road Safety Siochana who follow up with Speed Checks at The Road Safety Working Together Group met on one locations as required. occasion in 2020 (virtual meeting due to Covid-19 • World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic restrictions) in order to review the objectives, set out Victims – This Annual Event took place on in the County Leitrim Road Safety Plan 2016 – 2020. Sunday 15th November 2020. Due to Covid-19 This Group consists of Representatives from Leitrim restrictions, the RSA held a special ceremony County Council, An Garda Siochana, the Road Safety online. Leitrim County Council and other Local Authority (RSA), Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), Authorities held a “Light up for Road Safety” the HSE, Carrick on Shannon Education Centre and Event where communities were encouraged to North Connacht Youth Services. The following light candles in their homes and the Leitrim initiatives were undertaken in respect of Road Safety in County Council Aras An Chontae Building was 2020: - lit up to mark the occasion on Sunday 15th • Promotion of Road Safety – Promotion of November 2020 from 7 – 8 pm. Road Safety on our Website and via Facebook • Leitrim Observer Road Safety Campaign – Due and Twitter and close and ongoing liaison with to Covid-19 restrictions, 2020 was a very the Road Safety Authority in relation to the difficult year to get access to Schools etc. to promotion of Road Safety and Education on promote the Road Safety Message. Road Safety. The annual Transition Year Information Day • “Drive for Life” Programme – This is an which includes Road Safety Workshops had to Educational Road Safety Programme delivered be cancelled. Instead, a Road Safety Campaign to Secondary Schools. The Programme is was promoted on our Website throughout delivered by a Private Company engaged in 2020 and we are currently working on a Road road safety promotion and this Programme is Safety Promotion Piece/Campaign for the a day long programme delivered in Schools Leitrim Observer which will be ran by the around the Country. Leitrim Observer during February 2021.

Leitrim County Council Annual Report 2020 44

#glenadevalley

Our Organisation

In addition to the themes of People, Places and Economy we will focus on delivering continued improvement across our Corporate Functions. These functions are essential to our success and without investment and focus we could not be the best we can be. Local Government is the foundation of democracy and we will continue to enhance local democracy in county Leitrim by supporting our Elected Representatives in their policy making and representational role. We will build our operational and organisational capacity by maximising the potential of our resources and seeking to continually improve as an organisation. We will provide assurance through proactive risk management, health and safety compliance and by demonstrating value for money. All underpinned by strong governance and financial management.

Enhance Local Democracy Build Capacity Provide Assurance

Corporate Services Municipal District Meetings

With the onset of COVID-19 in March of 2020, all Municipal Meetings Annual Special meetings thereafter except for meetings in June and District Meetings Meetings September were held online in adherence with public Ballinamore 9 1 3 health advice issued by the Government. Carrick-on- 10 1 2 Meetings of Leitrim County Council Shannon Manorhamil- 9 1 2 County Council Meetings ton

Annual Meeting 1 Annual Meeting of Leitrim County Council The Annual Meeting took place took place on Friday Bimonthly Meetings 6 26th June 2020 in The Bush Hotel. Councillor Mary Budget Meeting 1 Bohan was elected Cathaoirleach; the fourth occasion Special Meeting 4 which she has served as Cathaoirleach.

County Leitrim have three Municipal Districts – The Agenda and Minutes of Council meetings can be Ballinamore, Carrick-on-Shannon, and Manorhamilton. viewed on the Leitrim County Council website at Each District have 6 Members one of whom is elected www.leitrimcoco.ie. Chairperson of the Municipal District.

Leitrim County Council Annual Report 2020 45

➢ Ballinamore Municipal District: Councillor Ita Reynolds Flynn

➢ Carrick-on-Shannon Municipal: District: Councillor Paddy Farrell

➢ Manorhamilton Municipal District: Councillor Sean McDermott

Special MD meetings were held during 2020 to approve arrangements for holding of the Annual Meeting outside of Aras an Chontae and to adopt revised standing orders. Being mindful of COVID-19 social distancing protocols, Councillor Mary Bohan is passed the Chain of Office from out-going Cathaoirleach Enda McGloin

Corporate Policy Group (CPG) The Corporate Policy Group (CPG) consists of the Cathaoirleach and the Chairpersons of the three Strategic Policy Committees and is supported by the Chief Executive. There were 9 meetings of the Corporate Policy Group during 2020.

Municipal Districts In 2020, the Municipal District of Carrick-on-Shannon held 10 ordinary meetings. Ballinamore and Manorhamilton held 9 ordinary meetings each with the

March meeting for these two MD’s being cancelled due Members of Leitrim County Council at the AGM in June 2020 with to COVID-19. the newly elected Cathaoirleach Cllr. Mary Bohan. Absent from the photo: Cllr Des Guckian.

Audit Committee The committee comprises 2 (two) Elected members and 3 (three) External Members.

The Elected Members appointed to the Committee are Councillor Enda McGloin and Councillor Paddy O’Rourke.

The role of the Audit Committee is to advise the Council on financial reporting process, internal control, risk management and audit matters. A total of 4 meetings were held in 2020. Cathaoirleach Cllr Mary Bohan with Leas Cathaoirleach Cllr Finola Armstrong McGuire and Cllr Ita Reynolds Flynn Cathaorleach of Joint Policing Committee Ballinamore MD, together with Chief Executive Lar Power. The Joint Policing Committee met on 3 occasions in 2020 and progressed actions included in the Joint An Annual Meeting for each of the three Municipal th Policing Committee Strategic Plan. Districts was held in The Bush Hotel on June 26 , 2020. A public meeting was held in on 4th March 2020 At the respective Annual Meetings for each Municipal with the theme of “Assisting Families and Communities District the following members were elected as in dealing with the misuse of drugs”. Cathaoirleach:

Leitrim County Council Annual Report 2020 46

Members Expenses

2020 Payments to Members of Leitrim County Council Cathaoirleach Allowance €20,000.00 (in line with National Regulations) Leas Cathaoirleach €4,000.00 (in line Allowance with National Regulations) Strategic Policy Committee €18,000.00 (in line Chairpersons’ Allowance with National Regulations)

Municipal District €18,000.00 (in line Ms Mary Quinn, Mr Lar Power, Cllr Enda McGloin, Garda Chief Chairpersons’ Allowance with National Superintendent Aidan Glacken, Christina McElenery (Donegal ETB), Regulations) Garda Superintendent Kevin English at the Joint Policing Committee meeting in March 2020. Members’ Representational €312,853.50 Payments Both Leitrim County Council and An Garda Siochana Members’ Annual & €112,921.63 were significant stakeholders in the Leitrim COVID-19 Municipal District Allowance Community Response Forum. Members’ Mobile Phone €3,330.27

Allowance A number of joint initiatives to support older people during the COVID-19 campaign were rolled out. These Total €489,105.40 included the provision of a 24-hour Community Call Helpline, the Christmas Message of Hope - Christmas Register of Electors Cards for older persons, the Light up/Keep Well The Register of Electors for 2020/21 was published on Campaign providing rechargeable torches to older 1st February, 2020. The figures in relation to the Live persons and the provision and distribution of 3000 Register at 2020/2021 were as follows: COVID Well Being packs to older persons. Dáil Constituency Presidential Dáil Strategic Policy Committees Electors Electors Regular meetings of the Economic Development, Sligo/Leitrim 25,682 26,800 Enterprise and Planning SPC; Housing Policy, Social and Cultural Development SPC and Environmental, European Parliament European Potential Transportation and Infrastructural Policy SPC took Constituency Electors European place throughout 2020. Electors Midlands-North West 27,167 1 Several policy matters were progressed and brought to the full Council for adoption, one such example being Local Electoral Areas Local Government Electors the Choice Based Letting Housing Scheme. Ballinamore 9,719 Carrick-on-Shannon 8,995 Cathaoirleach Cllr Mary Manorhamilton 9,022 Bohan with Total 27,736 Chief Executive of In advance of the General Election on February 8th, Leitrim 2020, a Supplement to the Register of Electors was Coouonty Council Lar created. An additional 2,136 electors were added to Power the Register. In addition, there were 1,289 persons removed from the Register, for reasons such as moving out of the area or having recently deceased. The breakdown of deletions per LEA was as follows: Ballinamore LEA: 554, Carrick-on-Shannon LEA: 399, Manorhamilton LEA: 336. Leitrim County Council Annual Report 2020 47

Freedom of Information these desks from the new Customer Services Unit. In Activity under the Freedom of Information legislation line with COVID-19 public health advice, we amended decreased slightly on 2109 with 79 requests received in our customer service model to providing as many 2020. services as possible to customers by remote means, through phone, postal or email queries. Appointments Requests from the media continues to show significant to the office were facilitated in exceptional activity with requests from journalists accounting for circumstances. 49% of all requests received in 2020. A total of 76 FOI requests were cases were determined during the Human Resources calendar year, with 3 requests carried over from 2019 and 6 cases brought forward to 2021. Of those Covid 19 Response determined, 36 were granted in full, 15 were partially Covid 19 provided the primary focus in 2020 in terms granted, 5 were withdrawn by the requestor, 1 was of ensuring robust Business Continuity Planning and withdrawn and handled outside of FOI, 18 cases were supporting and co-ordinating our organizational refused and 1 was transferred to another FOI body. response. Our workforce planning process was critical throughout 2020 in terms of realigning staff resources Communications Office to meet critical business needs, including the Engagement with the local and national media establishment and operation of the 24/7 Community continues to grow year on year. This was reflected with Response Helpline and identifying resources that could media enquiries and requests increasing significantly in potentially be temporarily redeployed across the 2020 by approximately 67% compared to 2019 with public service to support the Covid 19 response. 193 requests in total received from media sources. Implementing and supporting a significant level of ‘working from home’ arrangements, with associated The Council continues to actively promote its activities, policy development and roll out, and HRM system events, and initiatives through its social media support, was a key feature of 2020. channels, namely Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. A strong social media presence with varied content Recruitment & Workforce Planning across all our service areas resulting in a 24% growth While recruitment activity was significantly curtailed in on 2019 in terms of followers, with a total of 14,386 the context of the Pandemic, a total of 23 competitions social media followers across the 3 above named were interviewed and a further 8 competitions were platforms at year end. Social Media proved to be advertised and were at various stages of processing at particularly effective means of communicating during year end. Our interview process has also moved to the COVID-19 pandemic and was used with great affect primarily online. Our overall Staffing Number as at 31st to raise awareness of the Community Response December 2020 was 317 with an additional 44 Helpline and promote the KeepWell campaign. Traffic Retained Fire Fighters. A total of 28 new staff to our website www.leitrimcoco.ie , remains in line commenced work with Leitrim County Council during with previous years with almost 366,000 unique visits the year, on a mix of permanent and temporary to our site. contracts, with a further 9 existing staff having secured permanent appointments and/or promotion. 15 Staff Protected Disclosures left Leitrim County Council employment during the Pursuant to the Protected Disclosures Act 2014, Leitrim year, as a result of contracts ending, resignations to County Council hereby confirms that no request was take up alternative employment etc. There was also 1 received in the period 1st January to 31st December Staff Retirement in 2020. 2020 in accordance with the Act. HR Management System Customer Service The Council’s HR Management System – CORE HRM – The Customer Services Desk in Aras-an-Chontae was provides an end-to-end modular IT solution, with transformed in 2020 to deal with the challenges current modules including Personnel Management, presented by COVID-19. Customer Services, Cash Superannuation, Training, Payroll, Time & Attendance, Office and Motor Tax were merged to form a new Recruitment and Business Intelligence Reporting. Customer Services unit. Additional services from Employees can access their individual employment Planning and Housing were incorporated into this new records, pension calculator, online payslips, training unit. Public access to the Housing and Planning public details and submit leave requests etc with significant desks was retained with customers being referred to

Leitrim County Council Annual Report 2020 48 automation, while the manager dashboard supports approvals, automated reminders and team analytics. Staff Profile at 31/12/20 – 361 (including Retained Firefighters) The Performance Management and Development 120 104 System (PMDS) for staff continued to be closely linked 100 78 80 to the Annual Service Delivery Plan as adopted by the 60 42 43 Members, and the associated Departmental Team 40 18 13 14 1915 20 3 1 4 1 4 0 1 0 1 Plans, in 2020. 0

The Service Level Agreement with the Local Authority Shared Payroll & Superannuation Centre in Portlaoise – MyPay – continued to operate successfully during 2020. Male Female

Staff Learning & Development In the context of Covid 19 our Learning and Health & Safety Development Programme in 2020 was primarily focused on mandatory and statutory training and Covid 19 – Business Continuity Management online initiatives. As with all workplaces, the presence of Covid-19 drove

the agenda for the year. Membership of the Business Employee Assistance Programme Continuity Crisis Management Team demonstrated A new Employee Assistance Programme, providing a that Health & Safety was critical in any decision-making free counselling service and support and advice to Staff process. Stemming from this, a number of working and Elected Members and their immediate families groups were established with a representative from was also procured and rolled out during 2020. the Health and Safety section on each, from here all

aspects of preparation in ‘return to work’ for our Gender Breakdown of Interview Board Members varying departments was achieved. 2020 Most of the work entailed risk assessment of all work processes, the provision of tailored guidance and the implementation & communication of safety measures to mitigate/reduce the risk of Covid-19 transmission. F From data available, it would indicate that workplace 42% M outbreaks were not identified and in cases where a 58% covid positive employee had been present in an area, transmission was minimal & in most cases non-existent M F which would reflect our robust measures, systems & structures but most importantly the remarkable co- operation among staff and crews.

Gender Breakdown of Attendees at Interview Health & Safety Week 2020 In addition, Health & Safety Week was rolled out in the first quarter of 2020. Leitrim County Council’s Safety Management System, and positive mental health was F the focus. In addition to this, free physiotherapy 37% consultations were offered to all staff to raise awareness of the importance of posture while at work.

M Other highlights included significant developments in 63% the Library Services Safety Management System which M F will greatly improve safety standards & performance, the development of Module 2 of the H&S Online briefing focusing on the engineering and technical aspects of Local Authority scheduled for roll out in Q4 Leitrim County Council Annual Report 2020 49 of 2021 and a complete overhaul of the H&S Portal Virtual Council Meetings making it more user friendly for staff requiring safety In tandem with the remote working environment for related paperwork. previously office-based staff, the IT department supported elected members and staff alike, in the Information Communications Technology transition to fully online main Council meetings and Municipal District Meetings.

Remote Working Virtual Recruitment The primary overall achievement in 2020 for the ICT 2020 also saw a change to local authority recruitment Department was the successful deployment and in the transition to virtual interviews with the support support of ICT Services to facilitate the rapid transition of ICT. Over the course of 2020, recruitment has been from an office-based working environment to that of conducted online, with candidates, interview panels one now primarily remote-based. Key deployments for and HR staff alike now familiar with the new this were: technologies. - Upgrade and reconfiguration of a Virtual Private Network to enable the dramatic Remote-based Community Helpline Agents increase remote connectivity. To support the rapid deployment of the Community - Rollout of cloud-based services such as Call 1800 service for Leitrim, IT provided new cloud- Microsoft Teams to support video calls and based phone and customer care systems to enable meetings. remote-based staff handle and record calls as part of - An immediate facilitation and employment of the key support service in the national pandemic a wide variety of devices to meet the surge in response. demand in March and April, followed by a managed consolidation as global IT supply chains recovered. In the course of 2020, mobile computing deployments increased 120% with the rollout of laptops to consolidate one of the more expansive remote working environments per-head in the local authority sector. There was an increase in ICT expenditure in 2020 exclusively linked to pandemic response activities, in particular the facilitation of remote working.

Legacy Hardware and Software Upgrade Programme

Accelerated by the transition to remote working, IT have initiated a substantial programme to upgrade Michael Gunning legacy software to modern cloud-supported systems. oversees the rollout This programme will see Leitrim County Council of laptops to migrate fully to Windows 10 and Office 365 platforms. facilitate Working from Home Requirements There was an increase in ICT expenditure in 2020 arising from Covid exclusively linked to pandemic response activities, in 19. particular the facilitation of remote working.

Leitrim County Council Annual Report 2020 50

Finance Revenue Collection

The Finance Department is responsible for: The Revenue Team is responsible for the collection of the main income streams for the Council. This includes 1. Financial Management and Oversight income from commercial rates, housing rents, housing 2. Accounts Receivable including Motor Tax loans and income from the NPPR (Non-Principle Private 3. Accounts Payable and Agresso Support Residency Charge). In 2020, a total of 1,090 Rate 4. Procurement Invoices to a value of €6,395,576 issued to commercial 5. Internal Audit ratepayers in the County. The table below summarises 6. Production and Publication of Financial collection performance since 2018: Information including the Annual Budget and the Annual Financial Statement Revenue Income % Collection 2018-2020

Financial Activity – 2020 Key Points 2018 2019 2020 Rates 83% 83% 72% In 2020, a surplus of €2,994 was delivered on the Rents 89% 90% 91% Revenue Account. This succeeded in reducing the Housing Loans 63% 65% 70% cumulative general revenue deficit to €256K. Targeted Supports for Ratepayers A combined total Revenue Expenditure of €53.9m was expended on delivering services to the citizens of Co ➢ Rates Waiver Scheme 2020 Leitrim in 2020. This number is inclusive of the Covid- 19 Restart Grant and a 9-month Rates Waiver, which Several Government supports were put in place to are reflected under Development Management and assist the business community arising from the impact Miscellaneous Services, respectively. of Covid 19.

An initial three-month waiver of rates for businesses forced to close due to COVID-19, was announced in May 2020 and this was later extended to provide for a 9-month waiver of commercial rates in 2020.

The waiver was applied to all businesses except for a small number of categories, mainly banks, utilities, large supermarkets and corporates.

A total of €1.73 million in funding was allocated to

ratepayers in Leitrim under the Rates Waiver Scheme.

➢ Rates Restart Grant Scheme

The Rates Restart Grant Scheme was launched on 22nd May 2020 to give direct grant aid to micro and small businesses to help them with the costs associated with reopening and reemploying workers following COVID- 19 closures.

Customers that qualified for the grant were approved with a grant equivalent in value to their rates bill in 2019, with a minimum payment of €2,000 and a maximum payment of €10,000.

Leitrim County Council Annual Report 2020 51

The following Table outlines the number and value of were closed to the public arising from the Level 5 applications processed by Leitrim County Council restrictions that were in place periodically in 2020. under the Rates Restart Grant: The online motor tax service allows customers to Restart Grant Scheme Statistics renew their Motor Tax 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, through the website www.motortax.ie. NUMBER VALUE Applications Procurement Paid 443 €1,247,571 The primary procurement objective for Leitrim County Applications Council is to get optimum value for money in the 33 N/A Rejected procurement of goods, services and works, while complying with all EU Directives, National Legislation, Total 476 €1,247,571 Public Procurement Policy, Circulars and Guidelines.

The key procurement principles incorporate fairness, ➢ Rates Restart Plus Grant Scheme openness, transparency, mutual recognition, non-

discrimination and proportionality. The Council’s In July 2020, as part of range of supports to businesses procurement of goods, services and works facilitates impacted by the Pandemic, the Government launched the development of critical infrastructure, community a new grant – The Rates Restart Grant Plus a new services and improved environmental quality. standalone non repayable grant that was available to all eligible businesses, including those who received a The Procurement Unit, within the Finance Department grant under the original Rates Restart Grant Scheme. of the Council, will continue to collaborate with the Under this grant, the minimum grant available was Office of Government Procurement (OGP) and the €4,000 and the maximum grant available was €25,000. Local Government Operational Procurement Centre As the scheme evolved, and further restrictions were (LGOPC) in order to maximise the use of national imposed on the business community, additional top-up frameworks. grants were also given to applicants.

Procurement within Leitrim County Council is The table below outlines the value of grants paid under decentralised with buyers in all areas of the the Scheme. organisation, and much of the high value procurement

being conducted using the two electronic portals, Restart Grant Plus Scheme Statistics www.etenders.gov.ie and www.SupplyGov.ie. NUMBER VALUE In light on-going events around COVID-19 throughout Applications 2020, the National Oversight and Audit Commission Paid 469 €2,956,216 (NOAC) considered the initial deadline for submission Applications 39 N/A of the Public Spending Code (PSC) Quality Assurance Rejected (QA) return of 29th May 2020 and confirmed its Total 508 €2,956,216 extension to 31st August 2020. Leitrim County Council submitted its QA Report for 2019, to NOAC by this Motor Tax extended deadline, as required under the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform (DPER) PSC. Motor Tax service provision was maintained throughout 2020, and customers were able to submit Details of Leitrim County Council Purchase Orders, for their renewal applications by post when the offices sums in excess of €20,000 are published on a quarterly basis on the Council’s website.

Leitrim County Council Annual Report 2020 52

Appendix 1 – Statement of Income And Expenditure At Year End 31st December 2020

** Unaudited figures subjected to change

Leitrim County Council Annual Report 2020 53

Appendix 2 - Statement of Financial Position (Balance Sheet) At 31st December 2020

** Unaudited figures subjected to change Leitrim County Council Annual Report 2020 54

Appendix 3 - Committee Memberships

Following the Annual Meeting of Leitrim County Council on 7th June 2019, this is a list committee that Leitrim County Council elected members are part of.

Northern and Western Regional Assembly Councillor Justin Warnock Councillor Enda McGloin Association of Irish Local Government The Association of Irish Local Government will be voting delegates at the Annual Conference and will also be the permanent delegates to the Standing Policy of the Association of Irish Local Government for the full five-year term. Councillor Frank Dolan Councillor Ita Reynolds Flynn Councillor Thomas Mulligan Local Authority Members Association Councillor Sean McGowan PEACE IV Partnership Councillor Sean McGowan Councillor Mary Bohan Councillor Sean McDermott Leitrim County Enterprise Fund Limited Councillor Frank Dolan Councillor Justin Warnock Irish Central Border Areas Network Councillor Sean McDermott Councillor Paddy O’Rourke The Cathaoirleach is an ex-officio member Irish Public Bodies Mutual Insurances Limited Councillor Mary Bohan Local Traveller Accommodation Consultative Committee Councillor Finola Armstrong McGuire Councillor Paddy Farrell Councillor Enda Stenson Councillor Thomas Mulligan Councillor Ita Reynolds Flynn Councillor Gerry Dolan Regional Drugs Task Force Councillor Finola Armstrong McGuire Mayo, Sligo and Leitrim Training Board Councillor Mary Bohan Councillor Paddy O’Rourke Councillor Enda Stenson Local Community Development Committee Councillor Felim Gurn Councillor Thomas Mulligan Councillor Paddy Farrell Governing Body of The NUI Galway Councillor John McCartin Library Advisory Committee All Members Regional Health Forum Councillor Paddy Farrell Councillor Felim Gurn Councillor Finola Armstrong-McGuire County Leitrim Local Sports Partnership Councillor Enda Stenson Councillor Sean McGowan Councillor Finola Armstrong McGuire Audit Committee Councillor Paddy O’Rourke Councillor Enda McGloin Leitrim Joint Policing Committee

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Councillor Sean McDermott Councillor Enda Stenson Councillor Finola Armstrong-McGuire Councillor Mary Bohan Councillor Enda McGloin Councillor Paddy Farrell Councillor Thomas Mulligan Councillor Gerry Dolan Councillor Justin Warnock Councillor Padraig Fallon Councillor Sean McGowan Councillor Brendan Barry Councillor Felim Gurn Heritage Forum Municipal District Councillor Date Appointed Ballinamore Paddy O’Rourke 14th June 2019 Ita Reynolds Flynn Carrick-on-Shannon Sean McGowan 14th June 2019 Finola Armstrong McGuire Manorhamilton Sean McDermott 17th June 2019 Felim Gurn Centenary Committee Councillor Ita Reynolds Flynn Councillor Brendan Barry Councillor Paddy O’Rourke Peace IV Committee Municipal District Councillor Ballinamore Gerry Dolan Carrick on Shannon Enda Stenson Manorhamilton Justin Warnock

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Appendix 4 - Conferences/ Seminars Attended By The Elected Members

Below is the number of Conferences/Seminars attended by Elected Members in 2020. No Conferences/Seminars were attended by Elected Members during the following months:- January, March to December 2020 due to COVID restrictions.

# Members Month Details of the Conference/Seminar Location Attended February Celtic Conferences – Health & Safety in the Workplace Cork 2

Appendix 5 -Training Events Attended By The Elected Members

Below is the number of training events attended by Elected Members during in 2020. No Training Events were attended by Elected Members during the following months: - January, April, May, June, September to December 2020 due to COVID restrictions

# Members Month Details of Training Events Location Attended February Association of Irish Local Government – The Development Plan Making Cavan 3 Process February Association of Irish Local Government – The Development Plan Making Waterford 5 Process March Association of Irish Local Government - Climate Action Solving Global 9 Challenges through Local Leadership

July Association of Irish Local Government – Moorhead Report Dundalk 3 August Association of Irish Local Government – Moorhead Report 2

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Appendix 6 - Corporate Plan Annual Progress Report 2020

This report is being presented to the Council in accordance with the requirements of Section 134 of the Local Government Act 2001 as amended. The report sets out in summary fashion progress made in relation to commitments set down in the Council’s Corporate Plan for the period 2019-2024. In reporting on the progress in 2020 it is recognised that there is a relationship and an inter dependency across the Strategic Objectives as set out within the Corporate Plan, and services delivered in one functional area may achieve the requirements of one or more of the Strategic Objectives. The Strategic Objectives as defined within the Corporate Plan are identified as follows;

Delivering for our People Delivering for our Economy Delivering for our Places

Our Organisation

Delivering for our People Housing Delivery Unit: • The Housing Delivery Unit continued to Housing and Building deliver on social housing targets set by the In 2020 the Housing Department continued to Department of Housing, Local Government secure exchequer funding to facilitate and Heritage under the Rebuilding Ireland improvement and reinstatement works as strategy during 2020. follows: • Acquisitions: Leitrim County Council • Casual Vacancies (including Voids): Leitrim purchased thirteen houses in 2020 under County Council continued to invest in the the housing acquisition programme all of social housing stock completing over 50 which received minor upgrades to ensure refurbishments of vacant units. This high levels of energy efficiency and included bringing back into use void units comfort for the Local Authority tenants. based on funding from the Department of • Direct Build Programme: The construction Housing, Local Government and Heritage. of 27 no. social houses at Summerhill, • Planned Maintenance Programme. Under Carrick on Shannon continued throughout the Council’s 2020 Planned Maintenance 2020. The planning and detailed design of Programme, a program for the installation direct build projects capable of delivering and replacement of fire detection and 33 housing units in Carrick on Shannon, carbon monoxide detection devices Manorhamilton, Ballinamore and continued to be rolled out. Dromahair advanced to Part 8 Public • In 2020, works have been substantially Consultation stage during the year. completed on the following grant • Turnkey Construction: The Housing approvals: Delivery Unit secured 14 Social Housing o 26 Disabled Persons Grant Units through Turnkey Construction in the applications villages of Kinlough, Mohill, Drumkeeran o 40 Housing Adaptation Grants for and Newtowngore. These projects had the People with a Disability additional benefit of helping to complete o 15 Housing Aid Grants for Older unfinished estates. The Expression of People Interest process also developed a future o 17 Mobility Aid Grants pipeline for Turnkey projects for 2021 onward. • Leasing: A total of 5 additional units were secured in 2020 on a Long-Term basis Leitrim County Council Annual Report 2020 58

through Long Term Leasing (LTL) and the Water Services Mortgage to Rent (MTR) mechanisms. Leitrim County Council continued to work with • Partnership with Approved Housing Irish Water within the existing Service Level Bodies (AHB): Leitrim County Council Agreement framework during 2020. The following established the Housing Forum during schemes were progressed: 2020 with the key Approved Housing • St George’s Terrace: New watermain Bodies in County Leitrim. Leitrim County commissioned and in service. Council also produced an opportunity • Trunk Main Upgrades: The Water Capital register for the AHB’s from which future Office continued to lobby Irish Water for projects may be developed. rehabilitation works on the South Leitrim • Vacant Homes: The Vacant Homes Officer network. In November 2020, Irish Water identified approximately 500 vacant announced two truck main replacement homes during 2020 and commenced schemes as follows: engagement with the owners of specific o R202 Gortfada to Cornagresha properties that can be brought back into South – 1.4km productive use through the Buy and Renew o R209 Drumlitten – 600m. or Repair and Lease schemes. • N4 to Jamestown AC Main: 4” Asbestos Cement mains rehabilitation project has been approved and site investigation works has commenced on site. Rural Water Programme • Lisnagot Temp Main: The temporary over- Multi Annual Rural Water Programme 2019- ground watermain at Lisnagot has received 2021 approval for permanent installation. • Cloonsarn GWS - Network upgrade works Works are expected to commence on site on this GWS commenced in August 2020. in early November. This project, together with approved • Carrick Water Treatment Plant (WTP): additional works will be completed by year Under the Irish Water Telemetry end. Programme, the main PLC has been • Carrigallen GWS - Works to install 17 upgraded with improvements to a number kiosks, flow loggers and 1 bulk meter are of the associated controls. Design and now complete. Build upgrade works to the disinfection • Leitrim County council has submitted 11 process are ongoing at Carrick on Shannon No. GWS’s and 1 No. GSS to Irish Water for and Glenade WTP’s. takeover. • 4 No. Wastewater Treatment Plant • The following Group Water Schemes are in upgrades: Drumshanbo, Leitrim Village, the process of appointing Consultant Carrigallen and Ballinamore are Engineers in order to survey their schemes, substantially complete with additional civil complete as built drawings and identify works outstanding at Drumshanbo. any upgrade works required in order for • Tullaghan Wastewater Treatment Plant: these GWS’s to be considered for taking in The contract has been awarded for charge by Irish Water. upgrade works at Tullaghan to pump o Aughawillan GWS effluent to West End pump station near o Drumlowan GWS . Works on site are expected to o Glencar GWS commence in November. (1.8km of rising main has already been installed along the N15 as part of a previous contract).

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Fire Service studies library participated in a national In 2020 progress was achieved in the following Open Day. The campaign received good areas: visibility in both traditional and online • The design stage for the development of a media both locally and nationally. new fire station in Manorhamilton has • Following government advice, all public progressed during 2020. library services in the country had to close • Work continued on the development of a their doors to the public in March. While Cross Border Mapping Platform by the physical borrowings understandably Cross-Border Emergency Management dropped during this time the number of e- Group to map emergency management books issued more than trebled. There resources required by all stakeholders was also a marked increase in engagement during a major emergency. on social media in terms of services such as • The Erasmus+ project for the development Pressreader and RBdigital which facilitates of a fire safety education programme for access to a wide range of online second level schools in Europe continued newspapers and magazines. 13 Library during 2020. staff members were also heavily involved Major Emergency Management – Covid 19: in staffing the Community Support Protocols and procedures have been prepared Helpline during this time. Libraries and issued to all HQ staff and crews in stations commenced reopening in June for a in relation to the Covid-19 pandemic. ‘Contact and Collect’ and limited ‘Browse Additional PPE was procured. and Borrow’ service which continued until • Section 26 Plan was adopted by Leitrim further restrictions in October resulted in County Council at the September 2020 the library having to revert to offering e- Council meeting. services only. • The national Right to Read initiative

continued to be offered albeit in a different

format. The ‘Spring Into Storytime’ Civil Defence ‘Summer Stars’ ‘Children’s Book Festival’ • Leitrim Civil Defence have supported and ‘Family Time at Your Library’ events Community Forum initiatives during 2020, and activities were held online with library particularly relating to Covid 19. staff involved in storytelling and art and • Leitrim Civil Defence participated in a craft activities. These sessions proved very number of search and recovery activities popular and received a high number of during 2020, in collaboration with other views on social media. state agencies. • The library was successful in terms of • Leitrim Civil Defence continued to support obtaining substantial extra department the Environmental Section in lake water funding. Over €150,000 was received for sampling in conjunction with the EPA. small capital works in 3 libraries and to support marginalised, socially excluded and disadvantaged communities. There Library was also funding received to support the The 2020 Library programme included the local authority’s 2020 Decade of Centenary following: Programme. • 2020 saw a national promotional campaign • An RRDF application was made for a new in relation to public libraries library development in Dromahair nationwide. The aim of the #takeacloserlook was to highlight and

promote the broad range of services on offer through the public library service. All 9 branch libraries together with the local Leitrim County Council Annual Report 2020 60

Delivering for our Economy programme of events during National Enterprise Week in March. Economic Development o LEO supported the Leitrim Business • Local Community Development Network in the delivery of four Committee (LCDC) networking events as well as 9 o LECP: The Local Community online broadcasts during the first Development Committee (LCDC) and lockdown during 2020. relevant SPC have continued the work of implementation during • Knock Airport: Leitrim County Council 2020. continued to support Ireland West Airport o SICAP: Year five of the Social in 2020 by supporting the sectoral stake in Inclusion Community Activation the Airport. Programme (SICAP) through the • Business Diaspora Engagement: In 2020 LCDCs was completed. The annual the Council continued the implementation action plan for 2021 will be of the Diaspora Strategy. considered by the LCDC in December • Digital Economy: The draft Digital Strategy 2020. is nearing completion in 2020 and will be o LEADER: The LEADER Programme considered by the Members of Leitrim continued during 2020, supported by County Council in early 2021. Leitrim Development Company as • Atlantic Economic Corridor: Leitrim implementing partner and Leitrim County Council is part of a government County Council as financial partner. initiative aimed at development of the western portion of the country. Grant • In 2020 the Local Enterprise Office (LEO) funding was secured to support the were engaged in the following initiatives: establishment of 8 no. enterprise hubs o Supporting the Micro Enterprise throughout the county in 2020. Sector – In 2020 the LEO supported • Destination Towns: Leitrim County Council the Micro Enterprise sector with made an application for funding under this grant supports, training and initiative to Failte Ireland for the town of mentoring Carrick on Shannon. o Covid supports included Business • Continuity Vouchers, Trading National Broadband Plan: 8 no. Online Vouchers and Micro community broadband connection points Enterprise Assistance Funding as will be completed by year end. well as specific online training • Regional Enterprise Plan 2020 – North courses to market your business West: The implementation of this plan was during Covid. progressed in 2020 in collaboration with o Brexit supports including Brexit Sligo and Donegal. Leitrim County Council mentoring and Customs workshops as lead agency appointed a Programme were delivered. Manager and work is ongoing on a o LEO assisted business with Regional Enterprise Plan 2021. applications to Micro Finance • USEFE : 2020 is the 6th year of the USEFE Ireland. jointly funded programme between Bord o Enterprise Education - The Student Na Mona, ESB and the counties of Leitrim, Enterprise Awards were delivered Cavan and Longford. The 2020 work during 2020 at both national and programme included: secondary school level. o Tourism o Enterprise Promotion - LEO ➢ Further development of delivered a successful weeklong Angling Tourism Project including additional

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workshop and capacity - Support the operation of the Carrick on building with the trade Shannon Tourist Office in conjunction with ➢ Ongoing work on the visitor Failte Ireland. Blueway experience with - Support the information units at Knock Waterways Ireland Airport, Glencar and Ballinamore. o Renewable Energy • In 2020 the Council continued to update ➢ Submission of Energy and promote Leitrim Tourism through the Masterplan project development of a new website - application to SEAI enjoyleitrim.com. o Diaspora • In 2020, Leitrim County Council supported ➢ Implementation and roll priority investment areas in tourism based out of Diaspora Strategies upon an open call for projects under the and regional action plan General Municipal Allocation. o Regional Enterprise Development • In 2020, Leitrim County Council continued Fund to support the development of the Hidden ➢ Ongoing work on the Heartlands brand proposition, which implementation of LoCaL overlaps in a collaborative manner with the Digital and Innovation Wild Atlantic brand proposition. Network project under the • Slow Adventure: Work continued in 2020 fund on the Slow Adventure Website under the o Digital Strategies Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands web ➢ Working with county improvement plan. Leitrim County Council partners for the continued engagement with the European development of digital Travel Commission on the ongoing joint strategies campaign on Slow Adventure. • Support: The Council issued weekly newsletters to all of the trade/tourism Tourism providers in the county where they are Leitrim County Council continued to invest in the being kept up to date on tourism matters promotion of County Leitrim as a tourism both county wide and nationally. We are destination during 2020, in collaboration with key also providing weekly updates on COVID 19 partners such as Waterways Ireland, Failte supports available in the tourism industry. Ireland, and Inland Fisheries Ireland. Unfortunately, the Covid 19 pandemic resulted in the cancellation of many events and initiatives. However, resources were realigned to the Roads, Transportation and Safety following initiatives in order to maximise the • The 2020 roads program was agreed by the limited opportunity available over the summer Municipal Districts and rolled out. In and autumn season: addition, funding was also received for - Collaboration with the Tourism Trade to Local Improvement Schemes (LIS) and promote County Leitrim as a Staycation Community Involvement Schemes (CIS) location of choice in 2020. during the year. - Participation in the Destination Recovery • N4 Carrick on Shannon to Dromod By- Taskforce within Hidden Pass: Ove Arup & Partners Ireland (Arup) Heartlands was appointed by Leitrim County Council - Delivery of an Autumn marketing for Phases 1 – 4 of the Design. Phase 1 campaign for Carrick on Shannon in (Project Inception and Feasibility) is now conjunction with the Urban Regeneration complete, and work is ongoing on Phase 2- Project. (Option Selection) in accordance with the

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2019 Project Management Guidelines. As way of; cover letter, information brochure, part of this phase the Public Consultation questionnaire, ads and posters. To date we for the Constraints report was carried out have received over 60 submissions from in October 2020. the public. • N16 realignment scheme at Drummahan: • Leitrim Village Flood Relief Scheme: The Works on detailed Design and Tender for process for the appointment of a design the Main Construction Contract for this consultant is complete and we await Realignment Scheme have progressed approval to proceed from the OPW. during 2020. • Mohill Flood Relief Scheme: The OPW are • Shass Mountain Landslide: The Council currently updating flood maps for Mohill responded rapidly and deployed the which will then allow us to decide on necessary resources to deal with the location of defences. urgent needs arising from this occurrence. • Carrick on Shannon Public Regeneration The Council secured the necessary funding Scheme: Four construction contracts are of approximately €1.2m to install a underway in 2020 at present, namely: replacement bridge at the Dawn of Hope o Reconstruction of Footpaths / and secured the existing bridge which is Roads - Main Street/St George’s operating effectively as a dam. The local Terrace/Approach roads roads impacted have also been resurfaced o Construction of Car Park at Flynn’s and re-opened. The Council continues to Field be an active participant in the multi-agency o Construction of Boardwalk along working group established by the river edge Department of Heritage and chaired by o Lighting of N4 Bridge and Minister Malcom Noonan. Boardwalk at Linear Park • Realignment of the N16 at Munakill: The • Manorhamilton Public Realm Scheme: Consultants continue to progress Phase 2 – Project design has commenced, with (Option Selection) with Public Consultation topographical surveys and site No 2 currently in progress. investigation complete. The tender • N4 Pavement Overlay - Jamestown to process for the construction phase will Masonite Junction: This 6km was fully commence before the end of 2020. completed in early September. • The Junction Project Ballinamore: Project • N16 Pavement Overlay – Tomrud to design has commenced, with ground Tawneymoyle: This contract is scheduled investigations and site investigation for completion by year end. complete. The tender process for the construction phase will commence before the end of 2020. Capital Projects Office • SLNCR Greenway – Sligo to Enniskillen: Leitrim County Council established Capital Leitrim County Council received Projects Office progressed the delivery of confirmation of funding from the elements of the Capital Investment Programme Department of Transport Tourism and 2020 – 2025. In 2020 the Capital Office continued Sport but await terms and conditions of project delivery in the following areas: the grant funding. It is anticipated that • Carrick on Shannon Flood Relief Scheme: tender for a Design Consultant team for Design works have commenced, with data the Scheme will be advertised before year collection, ground investigation and CCTV end. surveys ongoing at present. The 1st Public • SLNCR – Manorhamilton to Boggaun: This Consultation took place with over 3,000 construction contract has been residential and commercial properties substantially completed in 2020. receiving information about the scheme by

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• Cavan Leitrim Greenway – Ballinamore to provided in written form with some virtual Corgar: Construction has been ongoing in meetings facilitated for larger projects. 2020 on this project. • In 2020 to date, Leitrim County Council has • Carrick on Shannon Destination Towns: received 159 no. valid planning The design team has been appointed for applications of which 13 no. were for this project in 2020 and options are been commercial development proposals. generated at present as a basis to proceed Planning permission was granted for a 90- to Part 8 Planning approval. bed nursing home in Carrick on Shannon, • Carrick on Shannon to Battlebridge while applications were lodged for a Blueway: Tender for Design Consultant significant wind farm proposal near team for the Scheme was advertised in Drumkeeran and an integrated tourism 2020 and it is anticipated that the team will development near Leitrim Village. It was be appointed before year end. also notable that there is a return to • Hartley Bridge: Works are ongoing in 2020 applications seeking planning permission to develop a planning application to An for multiple housing developments in Bord Pleanála. Carrick on Shannon, Manorhamilton, • OPW Minor Flood Schemes: In 2020, Dromod and Drumkeeran. approval has been secured from the OPW • The Planning Department have dealt with for a minor flood scheme on the Glenaniff 5 no. Part 8 Public Consultation River at Rossinver involving clearing applications over the course of 2020, 1 no. vegetation for the river. Works to be of which relates to a Public Realm carried out by the OPW. Improvement Scheme for Mohill for which • The Capital Office are in discussion with an application will be made under the Rural the OPW regarding 2 more (possibly 3) Regeneration and Development Fund Minor Flood Schemes in the Dromahaire Scheme 2020. area. • The County Leitrim Heritage Plan 2020- 2025 was adopted at the March Council

meeting and was published in April. The Heritage Officer was approved funding for Delivering for our Places 2 projects through the Heritage Council funding programme to undertake a Forward Planning and Development Geological Survey of Co. Leitrim and a Management Public Awareness Programme of Heritage • Work continued during 2020 on the Events. The Heritage Officer was also preparation a new County Development approved for funding under the National Plan. A Strategic Issues Paper has been Biodiversity Action Plan for two projects – published and the Chief Executives report Undertake a swift survey in Co. Leitrim and has issued for consideration by the Undertake a bat survey of all publicly Members in December 2020 in this accessible Council owned properties. The regard. Heritage Officer was also approved funding • The Council continued to focus on through the Creative Ireland Programme – unfinished housing developments during Mumming in Co. Leitrim. 2020, with a total of 13 Estates taken in charge and over 20 applications in progress. Environmental Services • In 2020 to date, the Planning Department • RMCEI Plan: The Environment Department has received 64 no. formal requests for pre submitted the 2019 RMCEI Report planning advice. Arising from public health together with the 2020 RMCEI Planned measures, most of this advice has been Target Environmental inspections to the EPA in February 2020. The 2020 RMCEI Leitrim County Council Annual Report 2020 64

programme has progressed subject to the Céilí in the Kitchen project which reached an Covid 19 restrictions and the sampling and audience of 1.6 million viewers worldwide. Venues inspection programmes, particularly in the county responded likewise, carefully relating to rivers and lakes is progressing managing physical events in a safe way, reaching well. other communities and audiences online and • National Inspection Program (DWWTS): continuing to support artists to make new work. Notwithstanding Covid 19 restrictions, While the newly formed Music Generation Leitrim Leitrim County Council have completed 17 Youth Trad Orchestra only got to meet twice in no NIP DWWTS inspections to date. real life before lockdown, it still meets weekly • EPA Ambient Air Quality Monitoring online and produced a version of Carolan’s Sí Beag (AAQM): Leitrim County Council installed Sí Mór which has been selected for screening in an air quality monitor in Carrick-on- New York in December as part of the Ireland Funds Shannon during 2020. The unit was Annual Conference. commissioned by the EPA and will give real time information on air pollutant parameters for Nitrogen Dioxide and Nitrogen Oxides and Particulate Matter Community Development (PM10 and PM2.5) • A Healthy Ireland programme of €246,000 • In 2020, the Connacht Ulster Waste is being rolled out in Leitrim for 2020-2021 Enforcement Regional Lead Authority across themes of physical activity, mental (WERLA) delivered priority actions in line health, wellbeing, nutrition, alcohol and with Government policy surrounding tobacco using project partners such as waste enforcement. Leitrim Development Company, North • In 2020, Leitrim County Council worked in Western Drugs and Alcohol Forum, Bee collaboration with LAWCO on River Basin Park, Manorhamilton, Breffni and Mohill Management Planning with ongoing public Family Resource Centres, HSE and Sports engagement and participation in the Partnership for delivery as well, supporting making and application of the River Basin community and sporting organisations Management Plans and Programme of through a small grant scheme for Measures. community mental health. • A Peace and Reconciliation Programme (Peace IV) of € 1.8 million is almost Arts complete. The Children and Young People and Building Positive Relations themes are 2020 proved to be a very challenging year for the now finished with almost 1,000 young arts where programmes, venues and galleries people and adults taking part in the were closed overnight, with loss to the livelihoods programming activities on a local and cross of those who work in the sector and to the border basis. Three Shared Spaces are communities they serve. Programmes such as now complete; Peace Room in Mohill, Spark, Leitrim Youth Theatre, Cruinniú na nÓg and Sextons House in Manorhamilton and the Culture Night continued though on a smaller scale. Community Centre in Kiltyclogher. The However, through Creative Ireland, Leitrim County Shared Spaces will be used in 2021 for Council was able to quickly reconfigure and cross community programming activities. expand its programme to respond to the needs of • The COVID 19 Community Helpline and communities and developed over 30 separate Community Forum were established in projects with different youth groups, active age March in response to the pandemic. A 7 groups, venues and organisations around the day per week, 8 am to 8 pm service is in county. Many of these moved online with some operation with support provided from reaching vast audiences such as a young dancers community and voluntary sector across project with an audience of 120,000 people and Leitrim. Programming of activities under Leitrim County Council Annual Report 2020 65

the ‘In This Together’, ‘Hold Firm’ and ‘Stay Association/Tidy Towns in the population Well’ campaigns are ongoing. category. • The Public Participation Network • The Traveller Interagency Group met continues to grow during 2020 with almost twice in 2020 and action plans are in place 300 groups registered. The dedicated for three core groups; Education, budget provides support to the Accommodation and Health. Representatives and Member groups, developing capacity and enabling participation in policy matters. Our Organisation • Comhairle na Nóg Liatroma continues to

enjoy the support of all second level As an organisation we have had to adapt and schools and youth clubs in Leitrim. The respond quickly to the challenges that arose in ‘Use your Brain Not Your Fist’ workbook 2020 and in particular with the onset of the COVID- and video are being used by the Garda 19 pandemic and the subsequent restrictions. Schools programme nationally. Throughout 2020 we have continued to deliver • Leitrim Age Friendly Alliance and Older our services to the highest possible standards Persons Council are working on the 2017- despite the challenges presented. This has been 2020 Age Friendly Strategy. Some of the achieved by: key achievements in 2020 was the

preparation and delivery of 3,000 • Implementation and continuous review of wellbeing packs to older people across the Business Continuity Plan. Leitrim, the placement of three trio-bikes • Management of staff resources into teams in Nursing Homes, Community Centre’s in or pods to ensure essential services could each Municipal District to support outdoor be maintained in the event of a COVID-19 activities for older people in Nursing outbreak. Homes and the development of age • friendly parking. Provision of mobile technology solutions to facilitate working from home • Funding was secured for playgrounds and arrangements for staff. outdoor recreational facilities from Department of Community and Youth • Enhanced use of technology such MS Affairs to upgrade Drumshanbo and Mohill teams to hold meetings in virtual or online playground and under the Clár environments. programme, to upgrade Mohill Astro Turf • Provision of online training to enable staff pitch. All works are now to avail of features of new technology and complete. Funding from Department of software. Justice was also allocated for a playground • Greater emphasis on delivering e-services at Ballinamore Childcare CLG to support to our customers. For example, the library the integration of refugees into the services has seen a 3-fold increase in community. lending of e-books, with the number of • The Covid 19 Community Response Fund users availing of e-services in the library and Community Enhancement doubling in the past year. Programme provided funding of €204,000 • Development of a staff COVID-19 portal to supporting 166 community groups and keep staff aware of latest COVID-19 sporting organizations during 2020 with information, procedures and protocols. small and large grants. • Enhancement of the Staff Health & Safety • Pride of Place was judged virtually in 2020 Portal to ensure staff had the latest Health with applications from Breffni Community & Safety Standard Operating Guidelines Development CLG and Townspark, Carrick and compliance information. The portal on Shannon in the urban neighbourhood also acts as a central repository for all category and Dromahair Development Leitrim County Council Annual Report 2020 66

Health & Safety and COVID-19 compliance checks that are carried out. • Rollout of Modern.Gov App and new Councillors Extranet to provide greater support to elected members in regard to management of Council and Committee meetings. • Procurement of Employee Assistance Service to provide free counselling service and supports to staff and their families.

Leitrim County Council has evolved as an organisation in 2020. It is evident by the challenges that have been overcome this past year that a solutions based, innovative and creative culture exists within the organisation. In addition to a changed work environment and new work practises required to comply with COVID-19 public Health Advice, technological change has been rolled out and has been embraced by the staff. This has ensured that throughout 2020 the organisation has been fit for purpose to deliver for the People, the Places and the Economy of County Leitrim.

Conclusion The foregoing achievements were made possible through the combined efforts of the Elected Members and Staff of this Authority and, together with the many voluntary and community organisations with whom the Council interacts. I wish to thank them for their commitment and dedication to securing our mission, vision, and goals in 2020. We look forward to continuing to deliver high quality services to all our customers and to working with all stakeholders in order to make County Leitrim the best place that in can be for those who choose to live, work, invest and visit our County.

Yours sincerely,

Lar Power Chief Executive

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Appendix 7 – National Performance Indicators 2019

Topic Indicator Value H HOUSING H1 Social Housing Stock A # of dwellings in the ownership of Local Authority at 1st January 952 B # of dwellings constructed (B1) or purchased (B2) during year 23 C # Local Authority dwellings sold in year 8 D # Local Authority dwellings demolished in year 0 E # dwellings in the ownership of Local Authority at 31st December 967 # Local Authority owned dwellings planned for demolition under Dept. HPLG approved F 0 scheme H2 Housing Voids A % of the total # Local Authority owned dwellings that were vacant at year end 3.31% B # dwellings within the overall stock that were not tenanted at year-end 32 H4 Housing Maintenance Cost €1,620.24 per Expenditure during year on the maintenance of Local Authority Housing, divided by the # A unit based on dwellings in the Local Authority stock at year end 967 units Expenditure on maintenance of Local Authority stock compiled for this year, including planned maintenance and expenditure that qualified for grants, such as SEAI grants for B energy efficient retrofitting works or the Fabric Upgrade Programme but excluding €1,566,772.73 expenditure on vacant properties and expenditure under approved major refurbishment schemes (i.e., approved Regeneration or under the Remedial Works Schemes) H3 Average Re-letting Time and Cost Time taken from the date of vacation of dwelling to the date in year when the dwelling is A 25 re-tenanted, averaged across all dwellings re-let in year The cost expended on getting the dwellings re-tenanted in year ready for re-letting, B €11,419.60 averaged across all dwellings re-let in year # dwellings that were re-tenanted on any date in year (but excluding all those that had C been vacant due to an estate-wide refurbishment scheme). Date of re-tenanting is the 48 date the keys have been issued to the tenant # weeks from the date of vacation to the date the dwelling is re-tenanted. (Date of D 24.92 vacation is the date the keys are handed back) Total expenditure on works necessary to enable re-letting of the dwelling using direct cost E €548,140.64 calculations (see explanatory notes) H5 Private Rented Sector Inspections A # registered tenancies in the Local Authority area at the end of June 2019 1,649 B # of rented dwellings inspected 219 % of inspected dwellings that were found not to be compliant with the Standards C 81.28% Regulations D # of non-compliant dwellings that became compliant during the year 85 H6 Long Term Homeless Adults # of Adult individuals in emergency accommodation that are long-term (i.e. 6 months or more within the previous year) homeless as a % of the total # homeless adult individuals in 0 emergency accommodation at the end of year # of Adult individuals classified as homeless and in emergency accommodation on the 0 night of 31 December as recorded on the PASS system

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The number out of those individuals who, on 31st Dec, had been in emergency accommodation for 6 months continuously, or for 6 months cumulatively within the 0 previous 12 months

Topic Indicator Value R ROADS R1 Ratings in Pavement Surface Condition Index PSCI % Regional road kilometres that received a PSCI rating between 1/1/2019 and 31/12/2019 76.00% % Local Primary road kilometres that received a PSCI rating between 1/1/2019 and 57.00% 31/12/2019 % Local Secondary road kilometres that received a PSCI rating between 1/1/2019 and 48.00% 31/12/2019 % Local Tertiary road kilometres that received a PSCI rating between 1/1/2019 and 48.00% 31/12/2019 % Total Regional Road kilometres with a PSCI rating 1-4 0.17% % Total Regional Road kilometres with a PSCI rating of 5-6 28.24% % Total Regional road kilometres with a PSCI rating of 7-8 41.65% % Total of Regional road kilometres with a PSCI rating of 9-10 29.72% % Total Primary Road kilometres with a PSCI rating of 1-4 1.66% % Total Primary kilometres with a PSCI rating of 5-6 30.84% % Total Primary kilometres with a PSCI rating of 7-8 45.35% % Total Primary kilometres with a PSCI rating of 9-10 20.66% % Total Secondary road kilometres with a PSCI rating of 1-4 5.43% % Total Secondary road kilometres with a PSCI rating of 5-6 45.54% % Total Secondary road kilometres with a PSCI rating of 7-8 32.72% % Total Secondary road kilometres with a PSCI rating of 9-10 15.14% % Total Tertiary road kilometres with a PSCI rating of 1-4 17.71% % Total Tertiary road kilometres with a PSCI rating of 5-6 41.96% % Total Tertiary road kilometres with a PSCI rating of 7-8 22.09% % Total Tertiary road kilometres with a PSCI rating of 9-10 7.32% R2 Regional Roads Grants Works Kilometres of regional roads strengthened* during 2019 and the amount expended on that 17.5 KM A work. €1,886,569 4.60km B Kilometres of regional road resealed* during 2019 and the amount expended on that work. €182,750 Kilometres of local road (i.e., total of primary, secondary and tertiary) strengthened during 67.9Km C 2019 and the amount expended on that work. €3,967,406 48.40 Km D Kilometres of local road resealed during 2019 and the amount expended on that work. €1,062,246 R3 % of motor tax transactions conducted online Percentage of motor tax transactions which are dealt with online (i.e. transaction is processed A 69.85% and the tax disc is issued).

Topic Indicator Value W WATER SERVICES W1 % of Private Drinking Water Schemes in compliance with statutory requirements % of Private Drinking Water Schemes in compliance with statutory requirements 98.85%

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W2 Percentage of registered group schemes audited % of Private Drinking Water Schemes in compliance with statutory requirements 22.20% A No. of Audits carried out in the year 6 B Total no. of Registered Schemes in the year 27

Topic Indicator Value E ENVIRONMENT E1 Number of households in an area covered by a licensed operator providing a 3-bin service No. Households based on 2016 census who are situated in an area covered by a licensed A 7,941 operation providing a 3 Bin Service at end of year. B % of households within the LA that the number at A represents - based on 2016 Census 64.02% E2 Pollution Complaint Cases Total Number of pollution cases carried forward from previous year 52 A Total number of pollution complaint cases 405 B Number of pollution cases closed during the year 425 C Total number of cases on hand at year-end 32 Number of pollution cases in respect of complaint during the year 405 Number of pollution cases where no investigation warranted, or investigation finalised 0 Number of pollution cases that arose in 2019 not finalised 24 E3 Litter Pollution A % of area unpolluted by litter 2% B % of are slightly polluted by litter 89% C % of area moderately polluted by litter 10% D % of area significantly polluted by litter 0% E % of are grossly polluted by litter 0% E4 % of Schools Awarded Green Flag Status % of schools that have been awarded/renewed green flag status in the two years to 45.45% 31/12/2019 E5 The cumulative % of energy savings achieved by Year End relative to baseline year (2009) E5 The cumulative % of energy savings achieved by Year End relative to baseline year (2009) 18.48%

Topic Indicator Value P PLANNING P1 New Buildings Inspected Buildings Inspected as a percentage of new buildings notified to the local authority 15.38% Total # of new buildings notified to the Local Authority 52 # of new buildings notified to the Local Authority that were the subject of at least 1 inspection 8 P2 Number of Planning decisions confirmed by An Bord Pleanála A. Number of planning decisions subject of appeal to An Bord Pleanala determined by board A 3 in 2019. B. % of the determinations at A which confirmed (with or without variations) the decision B 66.67% made by the LA. C C. Number of determinations confirming the LA's decision with or without variation. 2 P3 % of Planning Enforcement cases closed as resolved % of Planning Enforcement cases closed as resolved 48% A Total number of planning cases (as opposed to complaints) referred to or initiated by the local 41 authority in the period 1/1 to 31/12 that were investigated B Total number of cases that were closed during year 49

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C The number of cases at B that were dismissed under Section 152 (2), Planning and 26 Development Act 2000. D The Number of the cases at B that were resolved to the LA’s satisfaction through negotiations 23 E of the cases at B that were closed due to enforcement proceedings 0 F Total number of planning cases being investigated as at 31/12. 52 P4 Cost per Capita of the Planning Service The Annual Financial Statement (AFS) Programme D data divided by the population of the LA A 36.93 area per the 2016 Census. P5 % of Fire Safety Certificates processed. The percentage of applications for fire safety certificates received in the year that were A 77% decided (granted or refused) within two months of their receipt The percentage of applications for fire safety certificates received in the year that were B 20% decided (granted or refused) within an extended period agreed with the applicant The total number of applications for fire safety certificates received in the year that were not 35 withdrawn by the applicant. The number of applications for fire safety certificates received in the year that were decided 27 (granted or refused) within two months of the date of receipt of the application The number of applications for fire safety certificates received in the year that were decided 7 (granted or refused) within an agreed extended time period

Topic Indicator Value F FIRE SERVICES F1 Cost per Capita of the Fire Service A. The Annual Financial Statement (AFS) Programme E data expenditure divided by the A population of the LA area per the 2016 Census figures for the population served by the fire €70.71 authority as per the Risk Based Approach Phase One Reports. B B. Programme E data €2,246,258 C. the population of the LA area per the 2016 Census figures for the population served by the C 32,044 fire authority as per the Risk Based Approach Phase One Reports. F2 Service Mobilisation B. Average time taken, in minutes, to mobilise fire brigades in Part-Time Stations (Retained B 4.52 mins Fire Service) in respect of fire. D. Average time taken, in minutes, to mobilise fire brigades in Part-Time Stations (Retained D 4.40 mins Fire Service) in respect of all other (non-fire) emergency incidents F3 Percentage of Attendances at Scenes A A. % of cases in respect of fire in which first attendance at the scene is within 10 minutes 41.98% B. % of cases in respect of fire in which first attendance at the scene is after 10 minutes but B 48.15% within 20 minutes C C. % of cases in respect of fire in which first attendance at the scene is after 20 minutes 9.88% D. % of cases in respect of all other emergency incidents in which first attendance at the scene D 42.48% is within 10 minutes E. % of cases in respect of all other emergency incidents in which first attendance at the scene E 44.25% is after 10 minutes but within 20 minutes F. % of cases in respect of all other emergency incidents in which first attendance at the scene F 13.27% is after 20 minutes Total number of call-outs in respect of fires from 1/1/2019 to 31/12/2019 81 Number of these fire cases where first fire tender attendance at the scene is within 10 34 minutes Number of these fire cases in which first fire tender attendance at the scene is after 10 39 minutes but within 20 minutes Number of these fire cases in which first fire tender attendance at the scene is after 20 8 minutes Leitrim County Council Annual Report 2020 71

Total number of call-outs in respect of all other emergency incidents (i.e. not including fire) 113 from 1/1/2019 to 31/12/2019 Number of these non-fire cases in which first fire tender attendance at the scene is within 10 48 minutes Number of these non-fire cases in which first fire tender attendance at the scene is after 10 50 minutes but within 20 minutes Number of these non-fire cases in which first fire tender attendance at the scene is after 20 15 minutes

Topic Indicator Value L LIBRARY L1 Library Visits and Issues A. Number of Library Visits per head of population 4.23 A (a). Number of library visits during the year 135,554 B. Number of items issued to library borrowers during the year 91,691 C. Number of Registered Library members per head of population 5,932 L2 Cost of operating a Library Service A. The Annual Financial Statement (AFS) Programme F data divided by 1,000 population of 34.69 the LA area per the 2016 Census. B. The annual cost per capita expenditure on collections during the year €77,723.26 C. AFS Programme F data €1,111,911.00 D.2016 Census Figure 32044

Topic Indicator Value Y YOUTH AND COMMUNITY Y1 Participation in Comhairle na nÓg Scheme A. Percentage of local schools and youth groups involved in the local Youth A 100% Council/Comhairle na nÓg scheme Total number of second level schools in The LA area at year end 7 Number of second level schools in the LA area from which representatives 7 attended the local Comhairle na nÓg AGM held in 2019 Y2 Groups associated with the Public Participation Network A. The number of organisations included in the County Register at 31/12/2019 and 25.05% part of Social A the proportion of those organisations that opted to be part of the Social Inclusion Inclusion Pillar (261 College with the PPN. Registered) Total number of registered organisations that opted to join the Social Inclusion 3 Electoral College when registering for the PPN in the year Total number of those organisations that registered for the first time in 2019 44 Number of organisations included in the County Register and the proportion who 65 opted to be part of the Social Inclusion College within the PPN

Topic Indicator Value C CORPORATE SERVICES C1 Total Number of WTEs The wholetime equivalent staffing number as of 31 December 2019 (consistent with figures 288.99 provided to D/ECLG by way of staffing returns for December 2019) C2 Working Days lost to Sickness A Percentage of paid working days lost to sickness absence through medically certified leave 3.3% B Percentage of paid working days lost to sickness absence through self-certified leave 0.28% C Number of working days lost to sickness absence through medically certified leave 2197.80 Leitrim County Council Annual Report 2020 72

D Number of working days lost to sickness absence through self-certified leave 216.6 Number of unpaid working days lost to sickness absence included within the total of medically E 33.3 certified sick leave days – Number of unpaid working days lost to sickness absence included within the total of self- F 3.8 certified sick leave days C3 Total page views of the Local Authority website Total page views of the LA website 393,625 Total number of social media followers following the LA on social media sites 11,635 C4 Overall cost of ICT provision per WTE A All ICT Expenditure in the period divided by the WTW @ C1. €3,774 B Revenue Expenditure 1,090,628 C Wholetime equivalent 288.99 C5 Overall cost of ICT C5 Overall cost of ICT as a proportion of Revenue Budget 2.54% C5 Total Revenue expenditure in year before transfers to/from Reserves 42,865,032

Topic Indicator Value M FINANCE M1 5 Year summary of Revenue Account balance A The cumulative surplus/deficit balance at 31/12/2015 -1,324,122.00 B The cumulative surplus/deficit balance at 31/12/2016 -266,479.00 C The cumulative surplus/deficit balance at 31/12/2017 -264,105.00 D The cumulative surplus/deficit balance at 31/12/2018 -260,640.00 The cumulative surplus or deficit at 31/12/2019 as a percentage of Total Income in 2019 E 0.60 from the Income and Expenditure Account Statement of the AFS* F Revenue Expenditure per Capita in 2019 1,338 Revenue Expenditure per capita in year excluding significant out of county/shared service G 0 expenditure The 2019 Total Income Figure from the Income and Expenditure Account Statement of the AFS 43,026,998 The 2019 Total Expenditure figure on the Income and Expenditure Account Statement (i.e. excluding transfers) of the AFS* 42,865,032 M2 5 Year summary of % collection levels for major revenue sources Collection level of rates from the Annual Financial Statement for 2015 79% Collection level of rents and annuities from the Annual Financial Statement for 2015 86% Collection levels for housing loans from the Annual Financial Statement for 2015 65% Collection level of rates from the Annual Financial Statement for 2016 81% Collection level of rents and annuities from the Annual Financial Statement for 2016 88% Collection levels for housing loans from the Annual Financial Statement for 2016 63% Collection level of rates from the Annual Financial Statement for 2017 82% Collection level of rents and annuities from the Annual Financial Statement for 2017 88% Collection levels for housing loans from the Annual Financial Statement for 2017 64% Collection level of rates from the Annual Financial Statement for 2018 83% Collection level of rents and annuities from the Annual Financial Statement for 2018 89% Collection levels of housing loans from the Annual Financial Statement for 2018 63% Collection level of rates from the Annual Financial Statement for 2019 83% Collection level of rents and annuities from the Annual Financial Statement for 2019 90% Collection levels of housing loans from the Annual Financial Statement for 2019 65%

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Topic Indicator Value J ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT € J1 No. of jobs created The no. of jobs created with assistance from the Local Enterprise Office during the period 1st 27 Jan to 31 Dec J2 Trading Online Vouchers The number of trading online voucher applications approved by the Local Enterprise Office in A 13 the year B The number of online-trading vouchers that were drawn down by year-end 5 J3 Mentoring Receipts A The number of mentoring participants who received mentoring during the year 185 J4 Tourism A Does the local authority have a current tourism strategy? Yes B Does the local authority have a designated Tourism Officer? Yes

Figures may be subject to change if an Audit Query is raised in the review of the data by the LGMA or NOAC.

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Appendix 8 – Local Performance Indicators 2019

Ref HOUSING IMPROVEMENT WORKS Position at 31/12/2019 LOC1 # of units upgraded under Improvement Works 91 Units LOC2 New tenancies created from 1st Jan 2019 to 31st Dec 2019 68 LOC3 # of private Housing Adaptation Grants Paid 39 LOC4 % achievement Traveller Accommodation Programme targets 2014 -2018 8 No. Units delivered = 32% WATER SERVICES LOC7 % Unaccounted for Water 48.12% ENVIRONMENT LOC6 % Schools participating in Green Schools 100.00% PLANNING LOC5 # of formal pre planning enquiries 20 LOC5 Average waiting time (in working days) 14.6 Days YOUTH AND COMMUNITY LOC8 Participation in sport (Leitrim Sports Partnership Events/Activities) 10,265 No. of visitors to local authority facilitated leisure facilities per 1,000 LOC9 105.933 population directly provided by the LA No. of children's playgrounds per 1,000 population directly provided by the LOC9 0.62414 LA LOC10 No. participating in Arts Activities 17460 CORPORATE SERVICES LOC11 % of customer contacts closed within 4 weeks 79.93% FINANCE LOC12 % Suppliers paid within 15 days 94% LEITRIM ENTERPRISE OFFICE LOC13 # of start-ups through LEO/local services 12 LOC14 # of grants approved LEO 19 LOC16 # of participants on Start your Own Business Courses 40 LOC17 Business Vacancy Rate 16.70% TOURISM LOC18 # of page visits to Tourism Website (www.enjoyleitrim.ie) 392,890 LOC18 # of Facebook Likes 17,959 LOC18 # of Twitter Followers 3,890 LOC19 # of visitors to Glencar Waterfall 86,070 LOC19 # of visitors to Costello Chapel 37,776 LOC19 # of visitors to the Lime Kiln in Fenagh 1,718

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Table 2

www.leitrimcoco.ie

LEITRIM COUNTY COUNCIL

Aras An Chontae

Carrick on Shannon

Co. Leitrim

Tel: +353 (0) 71 96 20005

Email: [email protected]

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