Annual Report. Tuarascáil Bhliantúil

Transcription

1 2015 Annual Report Tuarascáil Bhliantúil

2 2015 Mission Statement To ensure, through collaboration and the provision of strong leadership in partnership with the community, that County Roscommon is an attractive, inclusive, prosperous and vibrant place to live, invest, work and visit.

3 Table of Contents Cathaoirleach s Message 2 Chief Executive s Introduction 3 Elected Members of Roscommon County Council 4 Strategic Policy Committees, SPCs Service Indicators Community and Enterprise, Local Enterprise Office, Arts, Heritage and Tourism 12 Corporate Services 21 Emergency Services 25 Development Incentives and Control 29 Environmental Protection 33 Finance 36 Housing and Building 40 Human Resources 43 Information and Communication Technologies 45 Library Services 47 Roads, Transportation and Safety 49 Water Services 52 Local Community Development Committee Report 54 Councillors Conferences Councillors Committees Annual Report

4 Cathaoirleach s Message It is my privilege as Cathaoirleach of Roscommon County Council to present the Annual Report 2015 which outlines the various services provided by the Council and the initiatives undertaken during the year. A new Corporate Plan for the period was adopted in 2015 which was prepared in consultation with the citizens of the county, the Elected Members, and the Management and staff of Roscommon County Council. The Council s mission statement is to ensure, through collaboration and the provision of strong leadership in partnership with the community, that County Roscommon is an attractive, inclusive, prosperous and vibrant place to live, invest, work and visit. Roscommon County Council, in addition to the delivery of its traditional services, now has a broader role and a much greater responsibility as leader of economic and community development in the county. While this newly enhanced role is at an early stage of advancement, in time it will pave the way for an improved relationship between the Council and the wider community. Paddy Kilduff, Cathaoirleach Roscommon County Council The highlight of the Council s many and varied achievements in 2015 was the completion of the long awaited new Civic Headquarters, Áras an Chontae, which replaced the Council s existing accommodation at the Courthouse. The building reflects the Council s symbolic position in the community and its role in providing a quality service in accessible, convenient and more comfortable surroundings for the people of Roscommon. I wish to commend the staff for their total co-operation in transferring to Áras an Chontae, without disruption or reduction of services. The achievements outlined in the Annual Report could not have been realised without the collective input of the Elected Members, Chairpersons and Members of the Strategic Policy Committees, Municipal Districts, Management Team and staff, together with the support of the many voluntary and community organisations. I wish to express my appreciation to my colleagues, the Elected Members, for electing me to the position of Cathaoirleach and I have found the role both rewarding and fulfilling. I would also like to express my appreciation for the assistance and co-operation which I have received from the Chief Executive, Eugene Cummins and his staff, both indoor and outdoor, and I would like to commend them for their commitment, hard work and loyalty to Roscommon County Council and the citizens of the county. Paddy Kilduff Cathaoirleach Roscommon County Council 2 Roscommon County Council

5 Chief Executive s Introduction The publication of the 2015 Annual Report is an opportunity for Roscommon County Council to highlight its achievements during the year, but more importantly it is a mechanism to list all of the organisation s services and in a way that demonstrates to the people of Roscommon where financial resources have been allocated, and the outcomes that have been achieved. The Annual Report also sets out the outputs of the Council and allows the rate payers and the citizens of the county to make their own assessment of our success or otherwise. For me the Annual Report is also an opportunity to set out my thoughts on the organisation and to express my hopes and plans for community and economic development within the county. I commenced working with Roscommon County Council on 1st October 2015 and my early impressions of a dedicated workforce and of committed and dedicated Councillors have been further strengthened in recent months. Eugene Cummins, Chief Executive Roscommon County Council The last three months of 2015 was a period of significant change for all members of staff and together, with the move to our new Civic Headquarters, will be seen as a defining period in the life of Roscommon County Council, seeing us physically moving from old and disjointed offices to a modern office, connected by a united community of Council staff and also another chance to consider how business might be delivered in a more joined up and consistent way. The new offices always offered a platform for change and the seamless move into them was an early indication of staff s appetite for change and of their willingness to move on in every respect. As we move forward into a new area of public expectation the challenges associated with growing community activity and encouraging economic development will warrant a singular focus from staff, Elected Members and all stakeholders. Our efforts to provide new homes for those on our housing list will also present significant challenges, but also an opportunity to relook at our towns and commence a programme of town centre renewal. I look forward to working with the Elected Members, staff, all of the stakeholders and with the people of Roscommon in a coordinated way where efficiency and transparency define how we conduct our business, as we endeavour to make the county an even better place to live. Eugene Cummins Chief Executive Roscommon County Council Annual Report

6 Elected Members of Roscommon Elected Members of Roscommon County Council Elected Members of Roscommon County Council Boyle Municipal District Cllr. Valerie Byrne Non-Party Cllr. John Cummins Fianna Fáil Cllr. Rachel Doherty Fianna Fáil Cllr. Maura Hopkins Fine Gael Cllr. Michael Mulligan Sinn Féin Cllr. Eugene Murphy Fianna Fáil Roscommon Municipal District Boyle Roscommon Cllr. Domnick Connolly Non-Party Cllr. Michael Creaton Fine Gael Cllr. Nigel Dineen Non-Party Athlone Cllr. Paschal Fitzmaurice Fianna Fáil Cllr. Orla Leyden Fianna Fáil Cllr. Kathleen Shanagher Non-Party Athlone Municipal District Cllr. Ivan Connaughton Fianna Fáil 4 Cllr. Laurence Fallon Non-Party Roscommon County Council Cllr. John Keogh Fianna Fáil Cllr. Paddy Kilduff Fianna Fáil Cllr. John Naughten Fine Gael Cllr. Tony Ward Non-Party

7 Strategic Policy Committees, SPCs Economic Development and Enterprise Support (including Roads and Culture) Strategic Policy Committee Councillors Sectoral Nominations Tony Ward (Chair) Valerie Byrne Michael Creaton Laurence Fallon Maura Hopkins John Keogh Paddy Kilduff Orla Leyden Kathleen Shanagher Brendan Allen Business / Commercial Mary Clifford Community/Voluntary Rebecca Dobson Environmental/ Conservation Mark McGovern Development/Construction Jimmy Murray Agriculture/Farming In 2015, three meetings of the SPC were held. The following matters were discussed: Local Economic & Community Plan adoption of socio-economic goals and high level statement Rates Incentive Scheme Business Enterprise & Innovation Fund development of six town teams Speed Limits Bye-Laws County Roscommon Age Friendly Strategy & Action Plan Housing and Corporate Strategic Policy Committee Councillors Sectoral Nominations John Keogh (Chair) Ivan Connaughton Domnick Connolly John Cummins Nigel Dineen Rachel Doherty Maura Hopkins Eugene Murphy Tony Ward Kieran Compton Development/Construction Una Daly Social Inclusion Sandra Flanagan Trade Union Vincent Moran Community/Voluntary Margaret Mulligan Social inclusion In 2015, three meetings of the SPC were held. The following matters were discussed: Works Programme 2015 Casual Trading Tenant Purchase Scheme Sections 6 to 19 of the Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2014 Anti Social Behaviour Policy on Control of Dogs and Dog Breeding Establishments Annual Report

8 Strategic Policy Committees, SPCs Planning Strategic Policy Committee Councillors Sectoral Nominations Paschal Fitzmaurice (Chair) Valerie Byrne Ivan Connaughton John Cummins Nigel Dineen Rachel Doherty Paddy Kilduff Michael Mulligan John Naughten Tom Connolly Development/Construction Tommy Cooney Agriculture/Farming Eilish Feeley Environmental/Conservation Albert Looby Business /Commercial John Roche Community/Voluntary In 2015, four meetings of the SPC were held. The following matters were discussed: Policy on Taking in Charge of Housing Estates Updates on the Programme of Local Area Plan Preparation Unfinished Housing Developments Building Control Lobbying Act Environmental and Emergency Services Strategic Policy Committee Councillors Sectoral Nominations Laurence Fallon (Chair) Michael Creaton Domnick Connolly Paschal Fitzmaurice Orla Leyden Michael Mulligan Eugene Murphy John Naughten Kathleen Shanagher Eoin Browne Business / Commercial Ger Donoghue Community/Voluntary Teresa Keegan Environmental/Conservation Louis Martin Agriculture/Farming Anthony McCormack Trade Union In 2015, four meetings of the SPC were held. The following matters were discussed: Connaught-Ulster Draft Waste Management Plan Fire Services and Civil Defence Work Programme 2015 Connaught-Ulster Draft Waste Management Plan Chapter 19 Policy Actions and Targets Policy and Advertising Signs Keeping Communities safe A framework for Fire Safety in Ireland Litter Plan Draft Litter Plan Septic Tank Update Roscommon County Council Enforcement Policy on Illegal Waste Activity (Rev. 2015) 6 Roscommon County Council

9 Service Indicators 2015 C: CORPORATE C1: Total number of wholetime equivalent A. The wholetime equivalent staffing number as at 31st December C2: Working days lost to sickness A. Percentage of working days lost to sickness absence through medically certified leave 3.68% B. Percentage of working days lost to sickness absence through self-certified leave 0.23% C3: Local authority website and social media usage A. Total page views of the local authority s website in ,272 B. Total number of followers at end 2015 of the LA s social media accounts (if any) 3724 C4: Overall cost of information and communications technology provision per wholetime equivalent A. All ICT expenditure in the period from 1/1/2015 to 31/12/2015, divided by the WTE no. supplied under the C1 indicator 3,658 E: WASTE / ENVIRONMENT E1: Number / % of households with access to a 3 bin service A. The number of households in an area covered by a licensed operator providing a 3 bin service at 31/12/2015 B. The % of households within the LA area (also as per the 2011 Census) that the number at A represents % E2: Number of environmental pollution complaints closed A. The total number of pollution cases in respect of which a complaint was made during B. The number of pollution cases closed from 1/12/2015 to 31/12/ C. The total number of cases on hands at 31/12/ E3: % of LA area within the 5 levels of litter pollution A. The % of the area within the LA that when surveyed in 2015 was: 1) unpolluted or litter free 2) slightly polluted 3) moderately polluted 4) significantly polluted or 5) grossly polluted 21% 73% 6% 0% 0% Annual Report

10 Service Indicators 2015 F: FIRE SERVICE F1: Cost per capita of the Fire Service A. The Annual Financial Statement (AFS) Programme E expenditure data divided by the population of the LA area per the 2011 Census figures for the population served by the fire authority as per the Risk Based Approach Phase One reports F2: Service mobilisation A. Average time taken, in minutes, to mobilise fire brigades in full-time stations in respect of fire B. Average time taken, in minutes, to mobilise fire brigades in part-time stations (retained fire service) in respect of fire 0 - No Full-Time Fire Stations in County Roscommon 6.67 minutes C. Average time taken, in minutes, to mobilise fire brigades in full-time stations in respect of all other (non-fire) emergency incidents 0 - No Full-Time Fire Stations in County Roscommon D. Average time taken, in minutes, to mobilise fire brigades in part-time stations (retained fire service) in respect of all other (non-fire) emergency incidents 6.75 minutes F3: Percentage attendance times at scenes A. % of cases in respect of fire in which first attendance at the scene is within 10 minutes 25.12% B. % of cases in respect of fire in which first attendance at the scene is after 10 minutes but within 20 minutes 57.82% C. % of cases in respect of fire in which first attendance at the scene is after 20 minutes 17.06% D. % of cases in respect of all other emergency incidents in which first attendance at the scene is within 10 minutes E. % of cases in respect of all other emergency incidents in which first attendance at the scene is after 10 minutes but within 20 minutes 28.70% 60.19% F. % of cases in respect of all other emergency incidents in which first attendance at the scene is after 20 minutes 11.11% H: HOUSING H1: Social housing stock A. The overall total number of dwellings provided by the local authority in the period 1/1/2015 to 31/12/2015; comprising: 66 B. The number of dwellings directly provided, 7 B1. constructed or 6 B2. purchased by the LA in C. The number of units provided under the Rental Accommodation Scheme in D. The number of units provided under the Housing Assistance Payment Scheme in 2015 if operated (or else indicate if the scheme is not yet being operated in the LA) E. The number of units provided under the Social Housing Leasing Initiative (SHLI) (including unsold Affordable Scheme units and NAMA sourced properties and the Mortgage to Rent Scheme) in F. The overall total number of social housing dwellings in the LA at 31/12/2015; comprising: 1726 G. The total number of dwellings directly provided (constructed or purchased) by the LA 1353 H. The total number of units provided under the Rental Accommodation Scheme (RAS) 362 I. The total number of units provided under the Housing Assistance Payment Scheme (HAP) if operated (or else indicate if scheme not yet being operated in the LA) J. The total number of units provided under the SHLI (including unsold Affordable Scheme units and NAMA sourced properties and the Mortgage to Rent Scheme) 0 11 continued > 8 Roscommon County Council

11 Service Indicators 2015 H2: Housing vacancies A. The percentage of the total number of dwellings at H1G that were vacant on 31/12/ % H3: Average re-letting time and cost A. The time taken from the date of vacation of dwelling to the date in 2015 when a new tenancy had commenced in the dwelling, averaged across all units re-let during 2015 B. The cost expended on getting the units re-tenanted in 2015 ready for re-letting, averaged across all units re-let in weeks 10, H4: Housing maintenance cost A. Expenditure during 2015 on the repair and maintenance of housing bought or built by the LA compiled on a continuous basis from 1 January 2015 to 31 December 2015, divided by the no. of directly provided units in the LA stock at 31/12/2015, i.e. data at indicator H1G 576, per unit H5: Private rented sector inspections A. Total number of registered tenancies in the LA area 2715 B. Number of inspections carried out 692 H6: Long-term homeless adults A. Number 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 number of homeless adult individuals in emergency accommodation at the end of J: ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT J1: Number of jobs created A. The no. of jobs created with assistance from the Local Enterprise Office during the period 1/1/2015 to 31/12/ L: LIBRARY / RECREATIONAL SERVICES L1: Library visits and issues A. Number of visits to libraries per head of population for the LA area per the 2011 Census 2.2 B. Number of items issued to library borrowers in the year 189,229 L1: Cost of operating a Library Service A. The Annual Financial Statement (AFS) Programme F data divided by the population of the LA area per the 2011 Census M: FINANCE M1: 5 Year summary of revenue account balance A. The cumulative surplus/deficit balance at 31/12/2011 in the Revenue Account from the Income and Expenditure Account Statement of the Annual Financial Statement (AFS) 99,816 B. The cumulative surplus/deficit balance at 31/12/ ,589 C. The cumulative surplus/deficit balance at 31/12/ ,312 D. The cumulative surplus/deficit balance at 31/12/ ,812 E. The cumulative surplus/deficit balance at 31/12/ ,145 F. The cumulative surplus or deficit at 31/12/2015 as a percentage of Total Income in 2015 from the Income and Expenditure Account Statement of the AFS 0.27% continued > Annual Report

12 Service Indicators 2015 M2: 5 Year summary of % collection levels for major revenue sources A. The individual % figures in the final column of Appendix 7 of the Annual Financial Statement (AFS) for 2011 for: Rates Rent & Annuities Housing Loans 2012: Rates Rent & Annuities Housing Loans 2013: Rates Rent & Annuities Housing Loans 2014: Rates Rent & Annuities Housing Loans 2015: Rates Rent & Annuities Housing Loans 79% 91% 57% 78% 89% 50% 77% 91% 42% 80% 90% 53% 93% 89% 75% P: PLANNING P1: New buildings inspected A. Buildings Inspected as a percentage of new buildings notified to the local authority 24.00% P2: Number / % of Planning decisions confirmed by An Bord Pleanála A. Number of LA planning decisions which were the subject of an appeal to An Bord Pleanála 9 that were determined by the Board on any date in 2015 B. % of the determinations at A which confirmed (either with or without variation) the decision made by the LA P3: % of Planning Enforcement cases closed as resolved A. Total number of planning cases referred to or initiated by the local authority in the period 1/1/2015 to 31/12/2015 that were investigated B. Total number of cases that were closed during C. % of the cases at B that were dismissed under section 152(2), Planning and Development Act 2000 or were closed because statute barred or an exempted development 55.56% % D. % of the cases at B that were resolved to the LA s satisfaction through negotiations 36.84% E. % of the cases at B that were closed due to enforcement proceedings (i.e. remedied in response to a warning letter issued under section 152 of the Act or to an enforcement notice issued under section 154 of the Act or where a prosecution was brought under section 157 or an injunction was sought under section 160 of the Act) 23.68% F. Total number of planning cases being investigated as at 31/12/ P4: Cost per capita of the Planning Service A. The Annual Financial Statement (AFS) Programme D data divided by the population of the LA area per the 2011 Census R: ROADS R1: Ratings in Pavement Surface Condition Index (PSCI) A. The % of (a) Regional (b) Local Primary (c) Local Secondary (d) Local Tertiary roads that have ever received a PSCI condition rating 97.46% 97.68% 96.49% 81.16% B. The % of total regional roads that received a PSCI condition rating during % 10 Roscommon County Council

13 Service Indicators 2015 C. The % of total (a) Regional, (b) Local Primary, (c) Local Secondary and (d) Local Tertiary road kilometres represented by the numbers of kilometres at 31/12/2015 rated in each of the following 4 groupings of the 10 PSCI rating categories; 1-4, 5-6, 7-8 and 9-10 for each road type. (a) Regional Road At 31/12/2015, the % at PSCI rating categories; 1-4 At 31/12/2015, the % at PSCI rating categories; 5-6 At 31/12/2015, the % at PSCI rating categories; 7-8 At 31/12/2015, the % at PSCI rating categories; 9-10 (b) Local Primary Road At 31/12/2015, the % at PSCI rating categories; 1-4 At 31/12/2015, the % at PSCI rating categories; 5-6 At 31/12/2015, the % at PSCI rating categories; 7-8 At 31/12/2015, the % at PSCI rating categories; 9-10 (c) Local Secondary Road At 31/12/2015, the % at PSCI rating categories; 1-4 At 31/12/2015, the % at PSCI rating categories; 5-6 At 31/12/2015, the % at PSCI rating categories; 7-8 At 31/12/2015, the % at PSCI rating categories; 9-10 (d) Local Tertiary Road At 31/12/2015, the % at PSCI rating categories; 1-4 At 31/12/2015, the % at PSCI rating categories; 5-6 At 31/12/2015, the % at PSCI rating categories; 7-8 At 31/12/2015, the % at PSCI rating categories; % 31.08% 21.40% 43.41% 10.03% 66.06% 15.51% 6.08% 16.42% 63.93% 12.72% 3.41% 30.13% 40.20% 7.44% 3.40% R2: Regional road grants works A. Kilometres of regional road strengthened during 2015 using Road Improvement (RI) grants and the RI grant amount and 16.9km B. Kilometres of regional road resealed during 2015 using Road Maintenance (RM) grants and the RM grant amount 2.1km R3: % of Motor tax transactions conducted online A. The percentage of motor tax transactions which are dealt with online (i.e. transaction is processed and the tax disc is issued) 44.12% W: WATER W1: % Drinking water in private schemes in compliance with statutory requirements % Drinking water in private schemes in compliance with statutory requirements 98.60% Y: YOUTH / COMMUNITY Y1: Participation in Comhairle na nóg scheme A. Percentage of local schools involved in the local Youth Council/Comhairle na nóg scheme 100% Y2: Groups associated with the Public Participation Network (PPN) A. The number of organisations included in the County Register at 31/12/2015 and the proportion of those organisations that opted to be part of the Social Inclusion College within the PPN = 16.87% Annual Report

14 Community and Enterprise, Local Enterprise Office, Arts, Heritage and Tourism Community and Enterprise The Community and Enterprise Department provides support for the County Roscommon Local Community Development Committee (LCDC) and also leads Roscommon County Council s involvement with and encouragement of community initiatives, the arts, the Irish language, tourism and enterprise development throughout the county. A conjectural drawing of Rathcroghan Mound one of the Royal Sites of Ireland 12 Roscommon County Council

15 Community and Enterprise, Local Enterprise Office, Arts, Heritage and Tourism Joint Policing Committee Three meetings of the County Roscommon Joint Policing Committee (JPC) were held during The main items discussed at the meetings were as follows: Role and functions of JPC under revised guidelines Development of six year JPC work plan Anti social behaviour in private estates Consultation on Local Economic and Community Plan Crime and detection statistics (public meeting) Cattle theft/rustling (public meeting) Engagement with older members of communities (public meeting) Overview of Garda Victims Services Office (public meeting). Public Participation Network (PPN) The process of recruitment of a resource worker to support the PPN commenced in 2015 and will conclude in early Community and Amenity Grants Scheme A total of 25,000 was allocated to the scheme in 2015 and grants were awarded to 77 projects. The amounts awarded ranged from 150 to 650 tidy towns associations and local development groups were prioritised in line with the scheme. In addition an allocation was also made to the County Roscommon Community Games and the three sub-aqua clubs that are active in search and rescue in County Roscommon. Pride of Place Competition Roscommon County Council nominated four community groups to the 2015 All Island Pride of Place Competition. The groups who represented County Roscommon were; Ballyleague Village Renewal, Cavetown Residents Development Company Limited, Kilteevan Community Development Group and Roscommon Lions Club. The results of the competition were announced on 14th November 2015 at an awards ceremony held in Ennis, Co. Clare. Kilteevan Community Development Group and Roscommon Lions Club were awarded runner-up prizes in their respective categories. Roscommon Social Inclusion Unit (SI Unit) The main objective of the SI Unit is to embed social inclusion in the corporate body of Roscommon County Council and to co-operate with other organisations and agencies throughout the county through structures such as the LCDC. During 2015 the SI Unit participated in a number of social inclusion events and also managed a very successful programme of events during Social Inclusion Week in May. Football Association of Ireland (FAI) Development Officer Roscommon County Council made a contribution towards the salary of the FAI Development Officer who is employed by the FAI to achieve the core objectives of: The promotion of social inclusion through football, particularly in geographic areas of disadvantage Deliver active football development to key target communities Ensuring delivery of integrated football development programmes throughout the community. Annual Report

16 Community and Enterprise, Local Enterprise Office, Arts, Heritage and Tourism MeetWest MeetWest, the largest business networking event in the west of Ireland, was held in the Hodson Bay Hotel on 18th and 19th November Feedback from the many participant companies was very positive and it proved to be hugely successful. MeetWest was nominated for an Excellence in Government Award in the Best Joint Initiative category. Tourism The tourism marketing and promotional work continued in association with the Roscommon LEADER Partnership and this included advertisements, trade events, tourism materials and website development. Work continued on the County Tourism Strategy with consultations with the public and the tourism trade. The strategy will be completed in early The following activities/events took place in 2015: Strokestown Famine Walk from Strokestown to Dublin took place followed by the annual Strokestown Famine Summer School An Irish TV company filmed Rathcroghan for a USA TV Series on hidden places of interest in Ireland The Anton Savage radio show was broadcast from the Hodson Bay Hotel in April promoting County Roscommon Roscommon Community Tourism Network organised the Tourism Showcase in the Abbey Hotel Roscommon in July in conjunction with Roscommon County Council and Roscommon LEADER Partnership Lough Key Forest and Activity Park featured on Ireland AM in May A series of workshops were held in advance of the next phase of the Shannon Blueway project, funded under the Rural Economic Development Zone Pilot Programme. The Shannon Blueway is an innovative, safe and easy way to use a series of on-water and land based trails Roscommon County Council administered the Community Tourism Diaspora Grant of 33,000 to 30 groups and events in the county Nationwide broadcasted a programme on Roscommon featuring Ballaghaderreen, Lough Key, Rathcroghan, Strokestown and the Elphin Windmill Roscommon maintains a strong presence at Knock Airport with a tourism information person on the ground at the airport and coverage in their in-flight magazine. An toifigeach Forbartha Gaeilge The Irish Office promotes the use of Irish within the County Council and in the delivery of its services. Tugann Oifig na Gaeilge tacaíocht d imeachtaí i ngaeilge sa Comhairle Contae agus a cuid seirbhísí. Stand-Up-Paddle Boarding on the Shannon 14 Roscommon County Council

17 Community and Enterprise, Local Enterprise Office, Arts, Heritage and Tourism Study of a Horse Bronze President of the FEI Princess Haya - Part of the McAleese Collection in King House Modern Chinese Blue and White Baluster Jar China - Part of the McAleese Collection in King House Roscommon Arts Office The Arts Office continues to promote the arts, by providing greater opportunity, participation and access to arts facilities, events and activities and by encouraging greater appreciation of the arts generally for people of all ages and backgrounds. A number of important programmes continued to be successful during These included the Artists in Schools Residency Programme, the Literary Development Programme, the continued development of the Roscommon County Youth Orchestra (CRYO) and Roscommon County Youth Theatre (CRYT). Work also began on the new Arts and Disability Programme, the Community Arts Groups Support Programme and a new mentoring programme for artists wishing to gain experience working in schools began in The Visual Arts Programme continued in 2015 with training and support for artists and for the Roscommon Visual Artists Forum. Bookworms, the Children s Literary Festival, took place over the week end of the 12th and 13th June. In July 2015, the Douglas Hyde Conference took place once again in the Border, Midland and Western Regional Assembly (BMW), Ballaghaderreen. The conference was entitled Saving the Notes of Nationality; A Celebration of the Protectors of Irish Heritage and included inputs from Niall de Burca and Kieran O Conor. The Individual Artists Bursary and the Tyrone Guthrie Bursary continued in 2015 with a number of artists receiving bursary awards, which support and help develop their careers as artists. Douglas Hyde Interpretative Centre The burial place of Dr. Douglas Hyde, first President of Ireland, continues to be an important heritage landmark in County Roscommon and continues to attract many visitors including school tours and visits from historical societies. In 2015, the centre continued to develop as a cultural hub within the county with poetry readings, writing workshops and lectures. King House King House continued to attract hundreds of visitors in The venue came alive with a season of cultural events which included music and visual art exhibitions. The Mary McAleese Collection Intertwined was opened in October 2015 and the collection will be exhibited over the coming years. The Boyle Civic Art collection, which is housed in King House, was enjoyed by many visitors throughout the season while the Boyle Arts Festival continued to attract visitors with its extensive programme. The Connaught Rangers Museum, located in King House is attracting increasing numbers of visitors each year, and is of particular interest to those who wish to research the Connaught Rangers, who fought in wars around the world. Annual Report

18 Community and Enterprise, Local Enterprise Office, Arts, Heritage and Tourism Roscommon Arts Centre Visitor numbers for 2015 were just over 12,000 at ticketed events. Within the programme there were 35 theatre performances, 42 children s events, 21 music events, 14 workshops and 26 visual art events. Programme highlights included a new Children s Literary Festival Bookworms in association with the Arts Office and the Library Service, which proved hugely successful. To coincide with this, Monkeyshine Theatre Company was commissioned to produce a short children s theatre piece The Magic Bookshop and plans are now afoot to tour this show both nationally and internationally in Roscommon Arts Centre & Monkeyshine Theatre s Company s The Magic Bookshop which took place in June as part of the inaugural Bookworms Children s Literary Festival The programme of the Roscommon County Council s Visual Art Curator included a number of projects and events that challenged the conventions of working in galleries as well as in off-site situations. Building on partnerships and relationships already established in 2014, programming involved working with nonarts spaces around the county including Strokestown Park House, King House, Lough Key Forest Park and Leitrim Sculpture Centre in a programme that supported the production of work by local and national artists and was witnessed by thousands of people. Roscommon Arts Centre also received additional Arts Council funding of 11,000 to tour Eamon O Kane s A History of Play exhibition, aimed at younger audiences, which was included as part of the international Baboro Children s Festival and at The Model in Sligo. The theatre programme saw the internationally acclaimed Rough Magic Theatre Company make their debut performance in Roscommon and the return of The Abbey Theatre with Me Michael, while the Roscommon Drama Festival, the Lamb Festival, Roscommon Drama Group, Roscommon County Youth Theatre and the Community College Roscommon all contributed a local dimension to our programme. The Lollipops children s festival ran throughout the month of October, both in schools throughout the county and at the theatre and the season of off-site summer music events continued in Strokestown Park House. Roscommon Arts Centre also participated in the national Bealtaine Festival in May and continued the ongoing support to the Elderberries over 50 s dance troupe and to the seasonal programme at King House in Boyle. Roscommon Arts Centre strives to support artists at all stages of their careers through performance, exhibition, commissioning and residency opportunities. As a further support in 2015, an artist hotdesk and reading area in the gallery was provided again, giving artists living in the county free access to video, sound and image editing software, free wifi, books, magazines and informational publications relating to the visual arts. Local Enterprise Office The Local Enterprise Office (LEO), acts as a First Stop Shop for anyone seeking information and support on starting or growing a business. The role of LEO Roscommon is to drive the development of local enterprise, putting local micro and small business at the heart of job creation. LEO supports business start-ups and works to increase the job potential of new and existing micro and small businesses with information, advice, training, mentoring, seminars and selective financial support was a very productive year for LEO Roscommon. Over 42 jobs were created as a direct result of grants approved and increases in existing businesses employing additional staff in County Roscommon. Over 700 enquiries were dealt with in Roscommon and 2015 saw an increase in participants in training courses, mentoring assignments and mentoring clinics. All of these supports were promoted to, made available 16 Roscommon County Council

19 Community and Enterprise, Local Enterprise Office, Arts, Heritage and Tourism National Heritage Week at Deryglad Folk Museum for, and tailored specifically towards the needs of small, micro and start-up businesses in Roscommon. Dedicated programmes were designed and run to support target groups which included the food and craft sector, steel fabrication and women in business. In 2015, LEO Roscommon ranked in the top ten of the highest customer care score and satisfaction ratings (87%) in the country. LEO Roscommon aims to build on this and continue to deliver high quality and multivaried services and supports to its ever expanding customer and client bases throughout Roscommon. Also during the year, LEO Roscommon took part in and supported businesses to attend a wide range of new programmes and events, including Féile na Tuaithe, Blás na héireann and the Speciality and Fine Food Fair (London). MeetWest, the largest networking event in the west of Ireland, was very successfully hosted in Roscommon in conjunction with Roscommon, Galway and Mayo LEO and was attended by 248 businesses. Local Community Development Committee (LCDC) Roscommon LCDC as a committee of Roscommon County Council was established in 2014 as provided for by the Local Government Reform Act The LCDC in Roscommon has 17 members drawn from the public and private sectors. Members include local authority members and officials, people actively working with local development, community development and economic, cultural and environmental organisations. The role of the LCDC is to develop, co-ordinate and implement a coherent and integrated approach to local and community development. The LCDC has a primary responsibility for co-ordinating, planning and overseeing local and community development funding, whether spent by local authorities or on behalf of the State by other local development bodies. Annual Report

20 Community and Enterprise, Local Enterprise Office, Arts, Heritage and Tourism Heritage Office The main role of the Heritage Office is to promote best practice in heritage management, raise awareness of Roscommon s cultural, built and natural heritage, provide advice and information on heritage matters, and implementation of the actions in the County Roscommon Heritage Plan In 2015 Heritage Council funding was secured for four projects: Phase two of the Black Pigs Dyke Regional Project - this included the creation of a website and further archaeological research on the linear earthwork Graveyard Survey Update and Recording this involved a review and update of the 2005 Roscommon graveyard survey and a series of graveyard recording workshops around the county in conjunction with Eacthtra Archaeology with data gathered being uploaded to Mosaics Conservation Project major conservation works to the mosaic on station one and maintenance to the mosaics on the remaining Stations of the Cross memorials in St. Coman s Cemetery, Roscommon. These mosaics are amongst the finest in the country Rindoon Guidebook geophysical and aerial survey were carried out to inform a guidebook for Rindoon deserted medieval walled town, one of the most significant archaeological complexes in the county. Graveyard Recording Training Workshops were held around the county The Heritage Office supported ongoing archaeological research in the county by Dr. Tom Finan and Dr. Susan Curran. The 2015 Heritage Research Bursary was awarded to James Owens BSc as part of his MSc in Plant Ecology at NUI Galway. The bursary report can be viewed on the Heritage section of the website. Photogrammetry image of one of the headstones from St. Coman s Church of Ireland graveyard, Roscommon Roscommon County Council is a partner to the Heritage Council Heritage Map Viewer. 120 Heritage Office news s were sent out to the Heritage Office mailing list. Ten new folklore and oral history recordings were added to the Roscommon Media Archive which is available in all libraries throughout the county. In conjunction with Bat Conservation Ireland the Heritage Office hosted a training workshop for the All Ireland Daubentons Bat Waterway Survey. 18 Roscommon County Council

21 Community and Enterprise, Local Enterprise Office, Arts, Heritage and Tourism Mosaics conservation project cleaning the steel trays The Roscommon 3D Photogrammetry Training Project took place over a five week period. 24 people learned the skills necessary for digital survey using photogrammetry for the purpose of recording Cross Slabs in Co. Roscommon. Images taken under the project have been uploaded to and on the Council website. Roscommon 3D is a citizen science project developed from the Roscommon Cross Slab Project. The 2015 community heritage bursary was awarded to Roscommon Tidy Towns for their Survey of Swift Sites in Roscommon Town. Their bursary report can be downloaded from the Council website. Roscommon County Council participates on the Royal Sites of Ireland Steering Group; two meetings took place in To raise local awareness of Rathcroghan, one of the Royal Sites of Ireland, a conjectural drawing of Rathcroghan Mound was produced with much thanks to Joe Fenwick from NUI Galway and Artist JG O Donoghue. A celebration of Tulsk priory was held during Heritage Week with a launch of the newly conserved Tulsk Priory by Cllr. Paddy Kilduff, Cathaoirleach, a blessing by Monsignor McKeon PP Tulsk, an architectural conservation tour with Fergal McNamara, Howley Hayes Architects, a tour of Medieval Tulsk village with archaeologist Dr. Niall Brady, a day in the life of a Medieval Monk, children s activities in Rathcroghan Visitor Centre and free admission to the Rathcroghan Visitor Centre Interpretative Rooms. Roscommon County Council supported the Irish Walled Towns Network (IWTN) membership of Rindoon on behalf of St. John s Parish Heritage Group. This enabled them to secure funding from the IWTN to carry out essential stabilisation works on this significant deserted medieval walled town. Annual Report

22 Community and Enterprise, Local Enterprise Office, Arts, Heritage and Tourism The Heritage Office administered the Structures at Risk Fund 2015 for County Roscommon. Two applications were sent forward to the Department of Arts Heritage and the Gaeltacht. Neither was successful. It was very disappointing for the county not to obtain any funding under this national architectural conservation scheme. The Heritage Office also administered the Built Heritage Investment Scheme 2015 for County Roscommon. 11 applications were received and all were put forward to the Department of Arts Heritage and the Gaeltacht for funding. Two school screenings of Mote Park a Time a Place were held in Roscommon Arts Centre in November Pupils from nine primary schools attended. Due to demand additional screenings will be provided in Over 60 events took place around the county for Heritage Week The week was a huge success and generated a great atmosphere amongst the communities who participated. Heritage Forum members collaborated on a Notice Nature Biodiversity Marquee event for Roscommon Lamb Festival. This collaborative event was a huge success. The Heritage Forum met four times during the year. The Heritage Office supported several ongoing heritage initiatives around the county and worked with as many communities as it was possible to assist within available resources. National Parks and Wildlife display at the Notice Nature Biodiversity Marquee A celebration of Tulsk Priory 20 Roscommon County Council

23 Corporate Services Corporate Services functions include support services to Council management, organising and servicing meetings of the Council and its sub-committees, Register of Electors, insurances, property management, safety, health and welfare at work, veterinary functions including dog control, civic receptions, customer service and freedom of information. Civic Offices On December 7th staff and services moved from seven disjointed locations to the long awaited new Civic Headquarters at Áras an Chontae. The new Civic Headquarters will enhance the Council s role in providing quality services to the people of Roscommon in accessible, convenient and comfortable surroundings. Register of Electors Under the Electoral Act 1992, 1997 and Electoral (Amendment) Act 2001, two versions of the Register the Edited Register and the Full Register came into force on 15th February Table 1 Register of Electors Council Chamber at Áras an Chontae Dáil Constituency Presidential Electors Dáil Electors Roscommon - South Leitrim Constituency Electors 45,618 47,301 Midlands - North West European Parliament Constituency Electors 47,424 Local Electoral Areas Electors 48,418 Athlone Local Electoral Area 14,376 Boyle Local Electoral Area 17,404 Roscommon Local Electoral Area 16,638 Annual Report

24 Corporate Services Higher Education Grants Student Universal Support Ireland (SUSI) has administered new applicants for Higher Education Grants (HEGs) since Roscommon County Council continues to administer the HEG Scheme for renewal students in third level education until the completion of their current courses. In the 2015/2016 academic year, 16 students were grant aided at undergraduate level with almost 150,000 paid out. Three students were eligible for the Special Rate of Maintenance (Top-Up) Grant. Dangerous Structures and Derelict Sites Dangerous places and structures are governed by primary legislation, Local Government (Sanitary Services) Act A dangerous place means an excavation, quarry, pit or well that is or is likely to be dangerous to any person. A dangerous structure means any buildings, wall or other structure of any kind that is or is likely to be dangerous to any person or property. Three dangerous structure notices were issued during The Derelict Site Act 1990 places a general duty on owners and occupiers of land including statutory bodies and State Authorities to prevent land from becoming or from continuing to be a derelict site. There were 9 derelict sites on the Derelict Site Register as at 31st December Veterinary Functions Roscommon County Council operates a service contract with the Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI), to oversee food safety in 10 slaughterhouses and five stand-alone meat manufacturing plants. The supervision of slaughter is carried out by Roscommon County Council s Veterinary Officer and Temporary Veterinary Inspectors. All animals are inspected ante-mortem and post-mortem and traceability of the animals is verified. In 2015, 2,426 cattle, 7,911 sheep, 399 pigs and 13 goats were slaughtered in local authority supervised slaughterhouses in County Roscommon. Dog Control Under the Control of Dogs Act 1986, responsibility for the control of dogs within the county is undertaken in association with Midland Animal Care with direct contribution from Roscommon County Council. Dog owners are required by law to have a current dog licence which can be purchased from any Post Office at a cost of 20. In 2015 expenditure on dog control services amounted to over 200,000 while the total income from licences was 60, stray/unwanted dogs were handled at Roscommon dog pound and 3,304 dog licences were issued. The Dog Breeding Establishments Act, 2010 requires premises to apply to be included on the Local Authority Register of Dog Breeding Establishments. There were three establishments on Roscommon County Council s register at the end of Health and Safety The Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act, 2005 requires employers, their representative management and employees alike to consider health and safety as a joint responsibility. The 2015 work programme included: Further development and monitoring of the formalised Safety Management System Communication, participation and co-operation enhancement Review and continual update of the Section Risk Registers Delivery of a health and safety training programme Continual co-operation with external parties such as the Health and Safety Authority and Irish Water e.g. implementation of controls on health and safety tracker 22 Roscommon County Council

25 Corporate Services Customer Service Desk at Áras an Chontae Revision and development of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for all sections and further rollout of the Fire Services Standard Operating Guidelines (SOGs) Continual auditing of the Safety Management System by the Heath and Safety Officers through regular inspections of staff and contractor work Occupational Health and Welfare Program development and delivery including VDU assessments, pregnant employee risk assessments and vaccination programme Roll out of lone working panic alarm system to high risk staff. Health and Safety Annual Report

26 Corporate Services Freedom of Information The Freedom of Information Act 2014 provides every person with the right to: Access records held by public bodies Have personal information relating to the person amended where it is incomplete, incorrect or misleading Be given reasons for decisions taken by the public body that affect the person. Under the Act persons have a right to seek access to the following records held by Roscommon County Council: Personal information relating to the person regardless of when it was created All other records created after 21st October Access may however be provided to earlier records if it is required to understand records created after this date. Making a Request A person who wishes to exercise the right under the Freedom of Information Act 2014 to access records held by Roscommon County Council is required to make a valid request. A valid request must: Be made in writing State that the request is being made under the Freedom of Information Act 2014 Contain sufficient particulars to enable the records concerned to be identified. There is no initial fee for making a request to access records. However Roscommon Country Council may charge fees for searching, retrieving and copying records. Requests Received Roscommon County Council received 94 requests in A breakdown of the outcome of these requests is outlined in Table 2. Table 2 Freedom of Information No. of requests undetermined at 1st January No. of requests received during No. of requests granted 53 No. of requests part-granted 26 No. of requests refused 12 No. of requests transferred, withdrawn or dealt with outside of Freedom of Information 1 No. of requests undetermined at 31st December Dermot Earley Bursary Roscommon County Council established an annual sports bursary in honour of the late Dermot Earley. The scholarships afford financial assistance to successful candidates from Roscommon and attending his/her first year in 3rd level education and with an accomplished background in GAA sports. Two awards were made in 2015/2016 academic year to Shehroz Akram and Tríona Kelly. 24 Roscommon County Council

27 Emergency Services Fire Services Roscommon Fire Authority Roscommon County Council is the statutory fire authority for County Roscommon and its Fire Service provide a range of fire safety, enforcement and emergency management services in addition to the operational fire brigade services. Emergency Response Activity The Fire Service were mobilised 488 times to emergency incidents during This includes 34 calls in Counties Galway, Mayo & Sligo also attended by our brigades. Fire Service Operations The fire authority is required to implement a continuous programme of training, including, mandatory refresher training in both core and specialist skills for all fire fighting personnel. Specialist training for retained firefighters continues to be provided within County Roscommon and fire service training courses outside the county as required. Roscommon Emergency Services in action at night Annual Report

28 Emergency Services Community Fire Safety and Enforcement Activity The fire authority processed 52 new applications for Fire Safety Certificates under the building control legislation. Planning referrals for commercial developments, Registration of Firearms & Explosives Stores and Dangerous Substances Regulations Licenses [Petrol Stores] were also dealt with. Notice of applications for licences or certificates of registration is provided for under the Fire Services and Licensing legislation. The fire authority is required to provide fire safety reports on Circuit and District Court licence applications for public entertainment premises. Inspections were also carried out on entertainment premises by Senior Fire Officers during To coincide with the primary schools programme, Roscommon Fire Service launched its National Fire Safety Week 2015 social media campaign on Twitter. The main target audience were smokers with the theme Smoking at Home Can Cause Fatal Fires. There were 33 tweets during National Fire Safety Week resulting in the Roscommon Fire Service Twitter gaining many new followers. Equipment/Fleet Maintenance Roscommon County Council submitted a successful detailed business case to the National Directorate for Fire and Emergency Management who subsequently provided approval of Roscommon County Council s tender and 100% capital funding for the purchase of a replacement Class B Water Tender to the value of approximately 340,000. Civil Defence - Appliances Civil Defence - Operations 26 Roscommon County Council

29 Emergency Services Civil Defence Mission Statement To promote, develop and maintain Civil Defence as an effective volunteer based professional organisation providing emergency response and community support services. Roscommon Civil Defence Roscommon County Council is responsible for the Civil Defence service within the county. The service is delivered by a professionally trained group of volunteers who work under the direction of the Civil Defence Officer. Civil Defence - On the field Annual Report

30 Emergency Services Roscommon Civil Defence is equipped with a fleet of vehicles, which include 4x4 jeeps, rigid inflatable boats, kayaks, ambulances, fire truck, personnel carriers and a mobile catering unit. Persons aged 16 years or over can apply to become a volunteer by contacting the Civil Defence Officer at or may request information via the Civil Defence website, Services Provided First Aid - Provision of a first aid and ambulance service. Search and Rescue - Urban rescue and open country search for missing persons and water based search and recovery. Providing assistance to An Garda Siochána in search and recovery operations. Auxiliary Fire Service - Assist the retained fire fighting service if requested. Welfare - Provision of hot meals, drinks and psychosocial support. Provide assistance and care for homeless or misplaced persons. Communications - UHF / VHF / Marine Band and Tetra radio systems. Assistance during severe weather conditions. Warden: the loing, monitoring and reporting of radio activities in liaison with headquarters and other agencies. Training and Development Weekly training classes for volunteers are ongoing. Roscommon Civil Defence is actively engaged in new developments within Civil Defence including the following; Volunteer Register, Garda Vetting, Child Protection Policies, Vaccination Policy, Health and Safety Policies, Water Awareness, Technical Rescue, Emergency Medical Practitioner, Driver Awareness Training, Manual Handling, People Moving. Civil Defence at the Races (Above on various exercises) 28 Roscommon County Council

31 Development Incentives and Control This programme group covers the functions of the Planning Section under the Planning and Development Acts The three main activity areas are: 1. Development Management the Council s regulatory role in relation to its planning function. Key areas of work include the planning application process, declarations on exempt development and protected structures and certificates under Part V. 2. Planning Enforcement the taking of enforcement action against persons engaged in unauthorised development and unfinished housing developments. 3. Forward Planning the policy role of the Council s planning function. It includes the making and adoption of plans, as well as other ancillary works, where resources permit, such as the production of development guidance. Development Management Table 1 Planning Applications Applications Received Decisions to Grant Decisions to Refuse Refusal Rate 15.5% 13.8% 12% 10.5% 10% 9.5% Number of Appeals Appeals upheld by An Bord Pleanála Eight of the nine RCC decisions appealed in 2015 have been determined. A decision is currently awaited on the ninth decision. Annual Report

32 Development Incentives and Control Planning Enforcement Planning enforcement activities focus on three main areas; enforcement activity, collection of development contributions and resolution of unfinished housing developments. Enforcement Action It is an offence to carry out unauthorised development. In accordance with Part VIII of the Planning and Development Act 2000 (as amended), there are essentially three stages in potential enforcement activity once the planning authority becomes aware of a potential unauthorised development. Table 2 Enforcement Actions Taken Warning Letter 49 warning letters served in 2015 Enforcement Notice 15 enforcement notices served in 2015 Legal Action Two cases of legal action were initiated Resolving Unfinished Housing Developments At the end of 2015 there were approximately 200 housing developments in County Roscommon which had not been taken in charge, the majority of which are unfinished to some degree. Of these, 40 continue to remain on the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government s National Housing Development Survey list The Unfinished Housing Developments team in Roscommon County Council has been working to resolve the unfinished housing developments in the county in a number of ways including: Engaging with relevant parties to agree and implement site resolution plans Pursuing enforcement action for non compliance with planning permission, where it has not been possible to agree a solution The establishment of a framework for the provision of consultant civil engineering services on unfinished housing development site resolution projects. This was established in order to expedite the undertaking of works in unfinished housing developments where bond monies have been paid over to Roscommon County Council. The successfully appointed consultant engineers will be responsible for the procuring and overseeing of works at a number of unfinished housing developments. The first stage of the framework was undertaken in Q4 of 2015, with subsequent stages of the framework, including the undertaking of physical works, scheduled to be undertaken in Roscommon County Council Vernacular house in South Roscommon

33 Development Incentives and Control Cootehall Village North Roscommon Collecting Development Contributions Roscommon County Council levies development contributions on planning applications in accordance with the adopted Development Contribution Scheme Table 3 Development Contribution Scheme Development Contribution Scheme Contributions invoiced (Development Commenced) 1,148, ,315, Contributions received 990, , Annual Report

34 Development Incentives and Control Forward Planning Mapping Forward Planning Following the adoption of the Roscommon County Development Plan in May 2014, a programme of forward planning activity has been on-going to ensure that all Local Area Plans (LAPs) are consistent with the governing plan. The Boyle Local Area Plan and the Lough Key Local Area Plan were both adopted in The statutory programme for both plans ran simultaneously, with the initial public display period of the Draft Local Area Plans commencing in April Both LAPs were adopted at a special meeting of the Boyle Municipal District on 23rd November 2015 and became effective four weeks later. Work was on-going in Q1, Q2 and Q on pre-draft work associated with the preparation of the Draft Monksland / Bellanamullia (Athlone West) Local Area Plan The statutory public display period for the Draft Local Area Plan commenced on 31st October 2015 and ran until 15th December The plan making process will continue into 2016, with the LAP due to come into effect in summer Pre-draft work was also on-going in the latter part of 2015 on the preparation of the Draft Castlerea Local Area Plan The statutory element of the plan making process is anticipated to commence with the public display of the Draft LAP in spring 2016, with the plan becoming effective later that year. 32 Roscommon County Council

35 Environmental Protection Roscommon County Council Environment Section covers a diverse range of functions and services. The principal areas are: Pollution control and water quality management Waste management and enforcement Landfill management Civic amenity site and bring bank management Litter management Environmental awareness. Connacht Ulster Waste Region The Connacht Ulster Region is a new region in terms of managing wastes, and merges a number of smaller historical waste regions. It is one of three regional groups of authorities assembled in the State for the purpose of managing wastes. The Connacht Ulster Waste Plan was published in May This is the first waste plan to cover the geographical area of the Connacht Ulster Region. The new region stretches from Galway in the west, to Donegal in the north and to Monaghan in the north east and in total consists of nine local authorities. The region has appointed Mayo County Council, as the regional lead, to act on behalf of the other authorities with responsibility for the successful implementation of the plan. In addition in late 2015 Waste Enforcement Regional Lead Authorities (WERLA) were selected in each region. Leitrim and Donegal County Council are the joint lead authorities for Connacht Ulster. They will have responsibility for coordinating enforcement action within the region, setting priorities and common objectives for waste enforcement. The National priorities for 2016 will be; Roll out of brown bin Roll out of pay by weight Producer Responsibility Initiative (PRI) for tyres Illegal dumping Fuel laundering. Laboratories The European Communities (Drinking Water) Regulations 2014 specifies the obligations of sanitary authorities and Irish Water for the analysis and monitoring of drinking water. Section 5 of the Environmental Protection Agency (the EPA) Guidance on Analysis sets out the requirements of the regulations for performance of analytical methods and equipment, analytical quality control, staff competency, storage, records of analysis and reporting. Water services authorities may satisfy the regulations and guidance for particular parameters by maintaining accreditation for those parameters in drinking water to the ISO/ IEC Standard General Requirement for the competence of Calibration and Testing Laboratories. The assessment of compliance for this standard is carried out by Irish National Accreditation Board (INAB). Laboratories that carry out analysis for compliance with water quality standards must be accredited for all drinking water parameters by the end of The foregoing regulations and requirements together with the Irish Water prerequisites for laboratories have compelled Roscommon County Council to examine and analyse the current functions of our laboratories and to plan for the future in order to meet the requirements of the regulations, comply with the EPA and to be in a position to provide a cost effective service for Roscommon County Council and our customers. Annual Report

36 Environmental Protection Launch of Anti-Dog Fouling Campaign, Ballyleague Roscommon County Council had prepared a business plan for its laboratory services in Following examination of various options the preferred option was to amalgamate its two laboratories and to provide a comprehensive accredited service to Roscommon County Council, other local authorities, Irish Water and others. This option is being implemented and Roscommon County Council applied to INAB in 2015 with a view to working towards accreditation in National Inspection Plan The purpose of the registration and inspection system for domestic wastewater treatment systems (DWTS) is to protect ground and surface water quality (particularly drinking water sources) from the risks posed by malfunctioning systems. With effect from 26th June 2012 all owners of premises connected to a domestic wastewater treatment system are required to register their systems. The fee for registration is now 50. Inspections under the Water Services Act 2007 (as amended) continued in 2015 and 28 inspections were carried out in accordance with the National Inspection Plan Waste Management and Enforcement A grant of 136,373 was allocated to Roscommon County Council from the Environment Fund to support dedicated and measurable enforcement initiatives. The Enforcement Unit continues to operate and this has resulted in a significant increase in enforcement of the Waste Management and Water Pollution Acts. Waste Minimisation Roscommon County Council was allocated 7,000 by the EPA for waste prevention projects under the Local Authority Prevention Network (LAPN). In November 2015, under this project, Stop Food Waste Challenges were carried out in three locations. This project involved four meetings with each group with the aim of the project being to raise awareness and reduce food waste. At the end of the project there was approximately a 50% reduction of food waste by groups involved. Up-cycling events also took place including workshops by the Revival Roadshow on creating garden furniture from old pallets for Tidy Towns and Men s Shed groups and up-cycling workshops on reviving old furniture using chalk paints for VTOS students and rural men s groups. 34 Roscommon County Council

37 Environmental Protection Landfill Management Roscommon County Council continues to monitor and maintain two closed licences landfills at Ballaghaderreen and Roscommon. Recycling Centres Roscommon County Council continues to operate four recycling centres located at Boyle, Roscommon, Ballaghaderreen and Castlerea. There are 39 bottle banks located throughout the county with textile banks located at 29 of these sites. Litter Management Plan The Litter Pollution Act 1997 (as amended) requires local authorities to make and implement a Litter Management Plan and to review the plan every three years. The draft plan was brought to the November Strategic Policy Committee where it was agreed that the plan should be brought before the full Council in early This plan sets out the objectives of Roscommon County Council to prevent and control litter. It also sets out measures to encourage public awareness and the measures to achieve the objectives of the plan. Environmental Awareness and Anti-Litter Initiatives Green Schools All of the nine secondary schools in the county plus one youth reach school are registered for participation in the programme with An Taisce as well as 98% of primary schools. 90 Green Flags have been awarded, six to secondary schools, 83 to primary schools and one to a crèche. Environmental Competitions Community participation is encouraged through initiatives such as Golden Mile Hedgerow Competition, Tidy Estate Competition, Tidy Cemetery Competition, National Spring Clean, Floral Pride and Irish Business Against Litter. Adopt-a-Bring Bank Scheme Four Tidy Towns groups participated in this scheme and enhanced bring bank facilities, monitored and reported illegal dumping. Adopt a Road Scheme Community groups were invited to adopt a stretch of roadway and undertake a litter maintenance programme in agreement with Roscommon County Council. Seven community groups were shortlisted to participate in Launch of Gum Litter Campaign at Lough Key Forest Park Gum Litter Campaign Roscommon County Council launched its local campaign in Lough Key Forest Park, Boyle along with representatives from Tidy Towns and business people. Anti-Dog Fouling Campaign Roscommon County Council initiated a Dog Fouling campaign in Ballyleague, in partnerships with Ballyleague Tidy Towns. Talking devices with anti-dog fouling messages were placed on poles in the Ballyleague area. Doy bags were also distributed. Spring Clean Approx 100 community groups and schools participated in 2015 Spring Clean which was launched by Roscommon County Council with a number of Tidy Towns committees. CCTV at Bring Banks In response to the problem of littering and illegal dumping Roscommon County Council continues to use CCTV at a number of locations throughout the county, for example at bottle banks, bogs, forests and other problem areas. Annual Report

38 Finance The Finance Directorate is responsible for the following: Financial management and oversight Accounts receivable including motor tax Accounts payable and procurement Internal audit Production and publication of financial information including the Annual Budget and the Annual Financial Statement. Financial Management Roscommon County Council operates a revenue account for day to day current income and expenditure and a capital account for longer term project related income and expenditure such as the provision of infrastructure and assets, such as roads, housing schemes, land and buildings. The level of expenditure for the revenue account for 2015 was 55.5m while for the capital account the expenditure was 30.3m. Key Points related to financial activity of 2015: A deficit of 17k was delivered on the revenue account The capital account reported a cumulative credit balance of 4m The cumulative general reserve at the end of 2015 stands at 150k A combined total of 85.8m for revenue and capital was expended on delivering services to the citizens of Roscommon The payroll function continues to operate through a service level agreement as a shared services hosted by Laois County Council An upgrade to the financial management system was implemented during the year, resulting in the centralization of accounts payable 95% of invoices from suppliers were paid within 30 days during Revenue Collection The table below summaries revenue collection performance since 2011: Table 1 Revenue collection Rates 93% 80% 77% 78% 79% Rent 89% 93% 91% 89% 91% Housing Loans 75% 53% 42% 50% 57% All major income collection areas have improved in 2015 and Roscommon County Council is committed to working with all customers to resolve issues in relation to the payment of Council charges. 36 Roscommon County Council

39 Finance Statement of Comprehensive Income (Income & Expenditure Account Statement) for Year Ended 31st December 2015 The Income and Expenditure Account Statement brings together all the revenue related income and expenditure. It shows the surplus/(deficit) for the year. Expenditure by Division Gross Expenditure 2015 Income 2015 Net Expenditure 2015 Net Expenditure 2014 Housing & Building 6,124,107 6,583,067 (458,960) (19,105) Roads Transportation & Safety 20,190,584 15,657,368 4,533,216 3,862,574 Water Services 7,714,052 8,027,465 (313,413) (435,092) Development Management 5,230,641 1,427,010 3,803,631 3,578,421 Environmental Services 5,806,020 1,061,000 4,745,019 4,436,942 Recreation & Amenity 4,101,429 1,121,117 2,980,312 2,632,975 Agriculture, Education, Health & Welfare 1,045, , , ,508 Miscellaneous Services 5,290, ,272 4,316,336 4,560,407 County Charge Total Expenditure/Income 55,503,087 35,423,388 Net cost of Divisions to be funded from 20,079,699 19,030,630 Rates & Local Property Tax Rates 11,027,824 11,182,951 Local Property Tax 9,107,439 9,107,439 Pension Related Deduction 1,041,279 1,108,793 Surplus/(Deficit) for Year before Transfers 1,096,843 2,368,553 Transfers from/(to) Reserves (1,113,548) (2,351,016) Overall Surplus/(Deficit) for Year (16,704) 17,537 General 1st January , ,312 General 31st December , ,849 Annual Report

40 Finance Statement of Financial Position (Balance Sheet) as at 31st December Fixed Assets Operational 198,406, ,407,012 Infrastructural 1,615,664,454 1,615,664,454 Community 11,551,868 11,553,287 Non-Operational 1,555,000 1,555,000 1,827,178,124 1,816,179,753 Work in Progress and Preliminary Expenses 24,895,204 79,062,428 Long Term Debtors 7,336,492 8,588,933 Current Assets Stocks - 55,190 Trade Debtors & Prepayments 4,611,370 16,737,112 Bank Investments 1,205,436 1,435,696 Cash at Bank 10,272,299 6,911,175 Cash in Transit 50, ,067 16,139,118 25,593,242 Current Liabilities Bank Overdraft - - Creditors & Accruals 10,982,096 15,196,679 Finance Leases ,982,096 15,196,679 Net Current Assets / (Liabilities) 5,157,023 10,396,563 Creditors (Amounts greater than one year) Loans Payable 22,890,563 15,977,008 Finance Leases - - Refundable Deposits 1,204,475 1,351,064 Other 484, ,057 24,579,698 18,181,129 Net Assets / (Liabilities) 1,839,987,145 1,896,046,548 Represented by Capitalisation 1,827,178,124 1,816,179,753 Income WIP 21,402,143 76,642,831 Specific Revenue Reserve 1,723,174 1,723,174 General Revenue Reserve 150, ,849 Other Balances (10,466,441) 1,333,942 Total Reserves 1,839,987,145 1,896,046, Roscommon County Council

41 Finance Revenue Budget Expenditure Housing and Miscellaneous Building 10% Housing and 11% Roads, Miscellaneous Agriculture, Building Transportation Education, 10% 11% Roads, Agriculture, and Safety Health and Transportation Education, 36% Welfare and Safety Health 2% and 36% Welfare 2% Recreation and Amenity Recreation 7% and Amenity 7% Housing and Building 2015 % 6,124,107 11% 36% Water Services 7,714,052 14% Development Management 5,230,641 9% 5,806,020 10% 4,101,429 7% Recreation and Amenity Development Management 9% Development Management 9% 2015 Roads Transportation and Safety 20,190,584 Environmental Services Environmental Services 10% Environmental Services 10% Financial Expenses 6% Financial Expenses Establishment 6% Expenses 1% Establishment Expenses Administration 1% Expenses 4% Administration Expenses 4% Expenditure by Division Agriculture, Education, Health and Welfare 1,045,646 2% Miscellaneous 5,290,608 10% 55,503, % % Total Water Services 14% Water Services 14% Miscellaneous Expenses 1% Miscellaneous Expenses 1% Expenditure Analysis Payroll 45% Payroll 45% Payroll 25,159,388 45% Operational Expenses 23,713,594 43% Administration Expenses 2,278,450 4% Establishment Expenses 457,977 1% 3,393,448 6% 500,231 1% 55,503, % Financial Expenses Miscellaneous Expenses Total Operational Expenses 43% Operational Expenses 43% Annual Report

42 Housing and Building 2015 has seen a continuing change in the manner in which Roscommon County Council carries out its range of housing functions. The reduction in capital funding for construction and acquisition of units has resulted in the main provision of social housing in the county being by way of casual vacancies in the existing Council housing stock and tenancies under the Rental Accommodation Scheme. The other sources of accommodation provision include consideration of long term leasing arrangements where units are required and provision of units through Voluntary Housing Schemes. Assessment of Needs for Housing Accommodation Eligibility for social housing is determined in accordance with the Social Housing Assessment Regulations Allocations of social housing support are made in accordance with the Scheme of Letting Priorities, under Section 21 of the Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act Social Housing Investment Programme (SHIP) Social houses are delivered by a combination of the construction of houses, house purchases or turnkey acquisitions depending on available finance under the SHIP. A total of six houses were purchased during Three houses under construction were completed in A total of 74 local authority houses were allocated in Roscommon County Council Roscommon County Council Housing Development at Manor Valley, Monksland, Athlone

43 Housing and Building Traveller Accommodation The five year Traveller Accommodation Programme was adopted by Roscommon County Council on 27th January Rental Accommodation Scheme (RAS) The Rental Accommodation Scheme is a long term social housing support provided through direct arrangements between the local authority and the private rented sector. In 2015, a total of 69 households have been transferred under the scheme. Total households in the scheme at the end of 2015 are 444. Voluntary and Co-operative Housing by Approved Housing Bodies The voluntary and co-operative housing sector supplements the Council s housing construction programme by providing units of social rental accommodation for general family type needs and persons with specific categories of need. A scheme at The Walk, Roscommon (three units) was completed in A further 10 units in Croghan, Boyle are expected to be completed and occupied in Housing Strategy - Part V In accordance with the provisions of Part V of the Planning and Development Act 2000, as amended, Roscommon County Council adopted The Housing Strategy (subsequently extended to 2008). The current Housing Strategy forms an element of the County Development Plan In 2012 the planning section of the Council prepared a core strategy to include an evidence base to show that the County Development Plan is in compliance with The National Spatial Strategy and the Regional Planning Guidelines. The Housing Strategy was also reviewed in this context. Instruction received from the Department of Environment, Community and Local Government is that whatever agreement is entered into must be cost neutral to the local authority. Enhancement of Housing Stock / Energy Upgrades Work continues on the upgrading of the Council s housing stock with works funded from internal capital receipts and allocations from the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government. Under the 2015 Energy Efficiency Upgrade/Jobs Stimulus Programme Roscommon County Council was allocated 395,396 for the retrofitting of cavity and attic insulation to occupied and vacant local authority stock. A total of 202 houses were upgraded under this scheme in In addition a further 54 houses were refurbished and returned to stock, funded from internal capital receipts. Estate Management The housing liaison officer is employed to improve tenant/landlord relationships, establish best practice in the management and maintenance of housing stock and develop estate management initiatives. Roscommon County Council s Anti Social Behaviour Strategy was adopted on 18th October This strategy sets out measures to promote good estate management. Housing Loans The Housing (Local Authority Loans) Regulations 2009 sets out the requirements and process for the approval of loans by a local authority. Annual Report

44 Housing and Building Roscommon County Council Housing Development at Kilmacananney, Strokestown Sale of Private Sites The Council continues to have available a number of fully serviced sites for sale to first time buyers. The sites are sold at a significant discount from market value and purchasers are allowed to select their own house type subject to planning permission being granted. There are currently 10 sites available to purchase, one at Ardsallaghmore, Roscommon Town and nine at Forest View, Boyle. Tenant Purchase Scheme The Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government announced the ending of the 1995 Tenant Purchase Scheme with effect from the 31st December A new Tenant Purchase (Incremental) Scheme under the Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2014 is expected to commence in Housing Grant Schemes Roscommon County Council provided grant aid under two grant schemes in 2015 with total expenditure of 811, recipients received 523, under the Housing Adaptation Grant Scheme 44 recipients received 287, under the Housing Aid for Older People Grant Scheme. Private Rented Accommodation In accordance with the Housing (Standards for Rented Houses) Regulations 2008 as amended by the Housing (Standards for Rented Houses) (Amendment) Regulations 2009 Local Authorities are responsible for enforcement of statutory regulations for private rented accommodation. Roscommon County Council inspects private rented accommodation on an ongoing basis. A total of 460 dwellings were inspected in 2015 and follow up inspections were carried out to enforce the Standards for Private Rented Houses Regulations. A total of 692 inspections were carried out in Homelessness The West Regional Homelessness Action Plan was adopted by Roscommon County Council on 27th May, Galway City Council is the lead authority in the West Region for Galway City, Galway County, Roscommon and Mayo. 42 Roscommon County Council

45 Human Resources The Human Resources Department promotes and supports a culture of quality customer service through workforce planning, recruitment and selection of staff, training and development, performance management, leadership development, staff welfare, development and delivery of agreed Human Resources policies and procedures, maintenance of a stable industrial relations environment and the creation of an equitable, consultative and supportive working environment. Workforce Planning Roscommon County Council recognises that its employees are the most valuable resource within the organisation. They play a crucial role in the achievement of its corporate and business objectives and are a key resource fundamental to the delivery of change. The Human Resources Department deploys, develops and manages its workforce to meet the challenges of an evolving working environment and to provide an efficient and effective service to the public. The total number of staff employed by Roscommon County Council at the 31st December, 2015 was 485. Performance Management The cornerstone of the Council s Performance Management Development System is its Corporate Plan. The Corporate Plan is the foundation for generating annual service delivery plans, operational plans and personal development plans. The performance management system establishes goals, targets and timeframes to ensure that every employee in the organisation contributes effectively to delivering a quality service to the public. Staff Training and Development Roscommon County Council is committed to the training and development of staff through a diverse range of training and development opportunities, leadership development programmes and further education opportunities to ensure that employees have the knowledge, expertise, competencies and skills, to achieve the Council s goals and objectives. A comprehensive and equitable training and development programme was delivered by the Human Resources Department during Industrial Relations The Human Resources Department works with unions and staff representatives to achieve and maintain positive employee relationships and is committed to the promotion of a good industrial relations environment. Attendance Management The Council s attendance management policy helps to provide for a working environment which maximises and motivates employee attendance. The policy aims to reduce absenteeism and results in improved service delivery and reduced costs. The percentage of working days lost to absenteeism in 2015 was 3.9% Annual Report

46 Human Resources Labour Activation Measures The Council has employed 55 participants on the Gateway Scheme to date. This scheme provides an opportunity for the long term unemployed to develop skills and experience and assist in progressing into mainstream employment. The maximum period of employment for Gateway participants is 22 months. The Council has to date facilitated 25 participants on the National JobBridge Internship Scheme. This scheme is designed to break the cycle where jobseekers are unable to obtain employment without experience either as a new entrant to the labour market or an unemployed person wishing to learn new skills. This scheme provides an opportunity to gain valuable experience to bridge the gap between study and work. The maximum duration of a JobBridge internship is nine months. The Council has facilitated two graduates under the Graduate Recruitment Programme in the areas of Economic Enterprise and Business Development, and Communications and Marketing. A third graduate is employed in the Local Enterprise Office by Enterprise Ireland. The aim is to ensure that at the end of the programme each of the graduates will have enhanced their skills and competencies in their chosen area of expertise. Training Room 44 Roscommon County Council

47 Information and Communication Technologies The Information & Communication Technologies Department (ICT) is headed up by a head of information systems and includes three project leaders, one system developer and one technical support officer. The ICT Department provides technical support for all other Council departments, ensuring that the necessary equipment and information is readily available to provide an efficient public service. ICT is responsible for the implementation, management, security and maintenance of all ICT systems. This includes the provision of software and hardware technical support for over 250 users, database design, web design, GIS services and support, as well as maintenance and backup of external systems such as the Register of Electors. The main priority for the ICT department in 2015 was the fitting out of the new Civic Headquarters with new IT equipment and the transition of staff and services from seven locations to one location. The main objectives were 1. no core downtime and 2. good user experience, these were satisfactorily achieved along with the continued day to day support of all other IT systems and services in the organisation. As part of the move the ICT Department was given the task of procuring new equipment which would enhance the services being provided on our new network. Prior to the procurement of equipment the ICT department was responsible for procuring new infrastructure to be used as part of the Milestone 4 project, this project involved the upgrade of the Council s Financial Management System from Agresso 5.4 to MS4. As part of the preparation for infrastructure installation the ICT Department went to tender and used existing OGP (Office of Government Procurement) frameworks to procure new switches, phones, desktop computers, a managed print service, a Storage Area Network (SAN), servers and ancillary hardware. The new servers and SAN were used to form a new virtual environment using the virtualisation hypervisor VMware. New IT infrastructure equipment installed in a new state of the art server room New micro PC s and flat screens installed for all users Annual Report

48 Information and Communication Technologies Geographic Information Systems (GIS) In addition to ongoing systems maintenance, information management, training and support new developments in the area of GIS and information management in 2015 included: Implementation of a new map based planning application enquiry tool on the Council website The building and implementation of mobile location based apps for use by the environment section staff in viewing and collecting data in the field Linking of the Council s open data portal to the national open data portal (data.gov.ie) to assist in meeting the requirements of the governments national Open Data Strategy Addition of annual budget data to the Council s open data portal Development and implementation of a number of new interactive tourism related cycling and driving route web apps in the Council s map portal Ongoing development of the Council s free MapAlerter service including the availability of a MapAlerter mobile app for members of the public Directing and assisting the Planning Section in meeting its ongoing data requirements under the national MyPlan.ie project. Roscommon Open Data Portal Kingfisher Cycle Route app Website Enhancements to the Council website during 2015 included: New version of water sampling application implemented New Facebook setup Twitter used daily to communicate with the pubic regarding the road works, water stoppage etc. New information portal added. Applications Enhancement and Upgrades: Financial Management System Agresso was upgraded to new version called Milestone 4 (MS4) Labworks applications upgraded from version 5.3 to 5.4. MapAlerter Mobile 46 Roscommon County Council

49 Library Services Title Here Roscommon County Council Library Services provides for the cultural, educational, recreational, learning and information needs of people of all ages throughout the county. The service seeks to provide and develop a comprehensive, modern and accessible service in light of ongoing local government reforms. Service Provision In 2015, the operation of the service through six fixed branch library service points at Roscommon, Boyle, Ballaghaderreen, Castlerea, Strokestown and Elphin, and through the countywide mobile library service continued. Provision of administrative and other operation support services including stock provisions, adult and children s services, local studies, archives, technology, online resources and events management were also catered and administered at the county library headquarters. Maintaining frontline services to the public remained a key objective and service priority and despite the budget challenges opening hours continued to be sustained through the ongoing support and arrangements/assignment of headquarters staff covering the branches and the judicious use of relief staff. Library Development Strategies Preparatory work has begun for a new Library Development Plan in the context of the core services strategies and recommendations as contained in the Opportunities for All: A Strategy for Public Libraries The five year strategy will address the position of public libraries as a key resource in local communities, strengthening their role, delivering a broad range of core services more effectively to meet a diverse spectrum of people s needs in information, learning, literacy, employment skills, business and leisure. In alignment with the programme for local government, the framework of the strategy is based on three overarching national policy areas, economic, social and cultural. Library staff at the launch of our emagazine online service Proposals for the merging of library authorities and new management and service delivery structures for the implementation of shared services in public libraries were outlined under Managing the Delivery of Effective Library Services report in 2014 and discussions continued in Annual Report

50 Library Services Library staff member Dorthe Berg-Gilligan storytelling in Roscommon Library Provision and Improvement A number of maintenance, upkeep and necessary improvement works were undertaken in 2015 in Castlerea Library and Ballaghaderreen Library as part of an ongoing annual programme to improve building attributes. Information Communication Technologies Information communications technologies play a key part in the delivery of library services as a means to modernising and improving access. Preparatory work was continued in 2015 to address system requirements as part of the pre implementation work for the new national single library management system, Sierra. Work also continued in Boyle Library as part of the programme of work in the conversion of branches to Radio-Frequency Identification (RFID) technology. As part of the folklore and oral history project, films were added to the growing collections. Local Authority Records and Archives The library service continued to develop and make accessible a substantial archives and local studies, reference and research service based at the county library headquarters. The local authority carries a statutory responsibility and commitment for the proper management, custody, care, preservation and delivery of all aspects of the archives and local records and their public accessibility. The Roscommon Historical and Archaeological Society Journal was digitised and made available through the branch library network. Library Activities and Exhibitions A substantial programme of events, festival supports, activities and initiatives for people of all ages were delivered in These form an integral part of the strategy for developing and promoting the cultural, information, education and recreational role and function of the service and encouraging public engagement with the service. Other cultural and arts events were in 2015 delivered as part of cross departmental working with the Arts Office, Community and Heritage Office. Highlights of the year included the Summer Buzz children s reading challenge, The Percy French Festival, the Roscommon Cross Slab project, the Dr John Harrison Bicentennial Conference, the Bookworms Children s Literary Festival, the William Wilde Symposium, Heritage Week events and the Siarsceal Festival Roscommon County Council Library Services was delighted to host the Library Association of Ireland (LAI) County and City Librarians Autumn Seminar in Roscommon in October. Performance Measures In 2015, there were a total of 142,495 visits, or footfall to branch libraries, for a variety of purposes reflecting the continued public support. A total of 189,229 items were issued, across all formats through all service points and registered membership increased by 5% to 9, Roscommon County Council

51 Roads, Transportation and Safety Roscommon County Council is responsible for the maintenance and improvement of the regional and local road network in the county. Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) allocates funding to the Roscommon County Council to operate, maintain and improve the national primary and secondary road network in the county. Grants are supplemented by the local authority from our own resources. Table 1 Road class and length in County Roscommon Road Class Length (M) Motorway 20,220 National primary 83,280 National secondary 147,180 Regional 373,140 Local Roads 3,353,550 Total all roads 3,977,370 The Roads and Transportation unit provides the following services under this directorate: Roads and transportation Public lighting Road safety programme Water safety Burial grounds Parks and amenities. Outdoor Gym Equipment - Loughnaneane Park Roscommon Annual Report

52 Roads, Transportation and Safety Roads and Transportation Investment in the county s roads network continued in 2015 covering road reconstruction, road pavement improvements and restoration maintenance work including surface dressing. Other schemes included safety measures at accident blackspots, traffic management, bridge rehabilitation, footpath repairs and training. Table 2 Funding of national and non-national roads in County Roscommon in 2015 Category of Road Budget National Roads 8,849,352 Non-national Roads 11,826,615 Roscommon County Council internal resources (Revenue) 1,922,300 Roscommon County Council internal resources (Capital) 300,000 Total grants 22,898,267 National Road Projects N5 Ballaghaderreen to Longford Project extends from the eastern end of the Ballaghaderreen bypass to the Longford bypass. Engineering Consultants Roughan and O Donovan-Aecom, progressed the project through the planning and design stages i.e. design, environmental reports and appraisal. A strategic overview identified the priority section and concluded that the route length should be developed in two discrete sections namely Ballaghaderreen to Scramoge and Scramoge to Longford. The Ballaghaderreen to Scramoge road project, approximately 35km, reached design stage in 2015 and geometric design, public consultations, ground investigation, environmental surveys and assessments, draft land acquisition and Compulsory Purchase Order (CPO) documents have been completed. TII provided an allocation of 1.5m in N61 Coolteige Phase 1 Road Project involves the realignment and improvement of approximately 2.9km of a section of national secondary road on the northern outskirts of Roscommon town. In 2015 a tree removal contract, a 110kv ESB diversion, a fencing contract to secure the CPO lands and ground investigations contracts were completed. Funding in 2015 was 1.9m. N61 Treanagry and Ratallen Road Improvement Project involves the realignment and widening of 2.7km of national secondary road to type two single carriageway standard comprising 1.2km in the townlands of Ratallen and Runnaboll and 1.5km in the townlands of Cloonshaghan, Treanagry and Knockroe (ED Rushfield) south of Boyle town. Site works are planned to commence in early TII provided an allocation of 2million in N60 Oran Road Realignment Project involves the realignment of approximately 3.4km of the N60 national secondary route including 2.1km of offline construction and 1.3km of online widening to type one single carriageway. Following approval of the members of Roscommon County Council the CPO was published in November 2015 and the An Bord Pleanála CPO oral hearing is scheduled to take place in early The 2015 allocation was 150,000. Non-National Roads Regional and Local Roads Restoration Programme funding totalled over 12m and applies exclusively to the restoration of regional and local road pavements. Specific Improvement Grant Schemes and Bridge Rehabilitation Scheme 2015 allocation was 1.14m for projects: R368 Killukin to Cortober, Boyle Municipal District and operational area L1210 Float Bridge, Ballaghaderreen operational area Bridge rehabilitation various locations. 50 Roscommon County Council

53 Roads, Transportation and Safety Ballyleague Riverside Park Project 2015 Public Lighting Electric Skyline Ltd. was engaged as part of a regional maintenance contract to repair or replace faulty and damaged public lights during Public lighting faults may be loed online by the public at or lo-call or reported directly to Roscommon County Council. The upgrading of the public lighting inventory continued in 2015 within the resources available. Funding for energy and maintenance of public lighting totalled 640,300 in Road Safety Programme Low Cost Safety Improvement Schemes 2015 allocation was 180,000 from the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport to fund six schemes, two in each municipal district of Athlone, Boyle and Roscommon. In line with the Road Safety Authority s Road Safety Strategy for the period , County Roscommon Road Safety Plan was developed by the Roscommon Road Safety Together Committee. The plan outlines a coordinated approach by Roscommon County Council, Gardaí, Health Service Executive (HSE), Road Safety Authority (RSA) and TII to road safety issues and increasing public awareness. The Cycle Training Initiative for national schools was completed by 200 students in 2015 and was subsidised by Roscommon County Council and the RSA. Junior school wardens were trained at national schools in Boyle, Castlerea, Elphin, Loughglynn and Strokestown and all five schools participated in the regional competition held at Coralstown National School, Co. Westmeath, in June Water Safety Programme The Water Safety Programme continued over the summer season in Lifeguards were employed at Castlerea Swimming Pool. Swimming instruction courses for children were provided at Roscommon Leisure Centre during the summer months. Burial Grounds There are over 100 cemeteries in County Roscommon. 35,000 was provided in grant assistance to 85 voluntary groups under the Cemetery Improvement and Maintenance Scheme in 2015 to upgrade and maintain cemeteries. Parks and Amenities The Roads Department oversees the development and maintenance of recreational amenities in County Roscommon including playgrounds, parks and outdoor gym equipment. There are currently 15 playgrounds around County Roscommon, some developed and maintained in conjunction with local communities with inspections organised by Roscommon County Council. In 2015 in Lough Key Forest Park Boyle, a multi use games areas was provided and the construction of the boardwalk commenced as part of the North Roscommon Greenway Scheme. Ballyleague Riverside Park development was completed in This project was co-funded by Roscommon County Council, Fáilte Ireland, Inland Fisheries Ireland, Waterways Ireland and Ballyleague Village Renewal and Tidy Towns Committee. Annual Report

54 Water Services From 1st January 2014 the water and wastewater functions were transferred to Irish Water from City and County Councils and the Department of Environment, Community and Local Government. Roscommon County Council now acts as agents of Irish Water to deliver water and wastewater services under a service level agreement (SLA). The Agreement was signed in December 2013 for a period of 12 years. Annual Service Plan An Annual Service Plan with performance targets for operation, maintenance and capital projects is agreed each year. The 2015 Annual Service Plan contains performance targets for the operation and maintenance of existing water and wastewater schemes and the delivery of capital projects. It was agreed towards the end of 2014 as part of the staff headcount and budget negotiations. The total budget allocated to Roscommon including salaries and wages and operation and maintenance costs was 6.2m. The plan contains 35 performance standards under four categories; customer, compliance, financial and transformation, and imposes a commitment to deliver agreed targets. In 2016 the number of these performance standards will rise to 60. Considerable reorganisation of water services work was carried out during 2014 and 2015 to move from a structure of six engineering areas to two water districts. These districts will focus on the operational delivery of service as well as customer service including facilitating the high level of data collection necessary to prove that performance standards are being achieved. Capital Schemes The planning and construction of all capital schemes is now carried out under the direction of Irish Water rather than the Department of Environment, Community and Local Government and the following treatment plants opened during 2015; Boyle Water Treatment Plant, Ballyfarnon Water Treatment Plant, South Roscommon Water Treatment Plants at Killeglan and Lisbrock and the Roscommon Central Water Treatment Plant. This resulted in the removal of boil water notices on the Boyle and South Roscommon schemes which had affected 14,000 customers. These contracts were originally signed by Roscommon County Council but completed by Irish Water once it became the sanitary authority. The Castlerea Combined Regional and Urban Water Treatment Scheme was commissioned and became operational in Q1 of 2015, removing a further 4,000 customers from a boil water notice. During 2015 construction also began on a temporary treatment plant for the North East Roscommon Water Scheme at Lisheen Lake. The plant is scheduled to be commissioned in Q1 of The permanent treatment plant at Grange Lough will also be constructed during 2016 and is expected to be completed in Q1 of These plants will result in the lifting of the remaining boil water notice which affects approximately 5,000 customers. A rising main and distribution contract of approximately 8km was completed during the year in preparation for these works. 52 Roscommon County Council

55 Water Services Boyle Water Treatment Plant The Roscommon countywide watermain rehabilitation contract commenced in Q4 of 2014 and was completed during It consisted of the replacement of 60km of network and cost 4.59m. An addition was made to the contract to replace the existing 6km of substandard rising main between the new treatment plant at Ballinagard, Roscommon to the existing reservoir at Gallowstown. In addition a substantial programme of minor reactive capital and minor program works were carried throughout the year. Rural Water Programme Design Build Operate Contract Variations and upgrades to the three private group water schemes of Mid-Roscommon, Oran/ Ballintubber and Corracreigh were completed during Polecat Springs Variation Further variation works at the Polecat Springs water treatment plant commenced in mid 2015 and are substantially complete at year end at a cost of 640,500. Upgrade of Group Water Schemes Upgrade works, including water conservation measures were carried out on a number of group schemes with a total grant payment of 192,000. Taking in Charge of Group Water Schemes In preparation for connection to the public supply, upgrade works were carried out in 2015 on group schemes where existing water quality was deficient at a cost of 33,500 which was recouped from the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government. Specific Source Protection Measures This measure assisted seven group water schemes carry out a professional assessment of their water sources. Geological Survey of Ireland was procured at a cost of 3,000 per scheme. Grant assistance of 17,850 (85% funding) was paid and recouped from the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government. Annual Report

56 Local Community Development Committee Report The 17 member Local Community Development Committee Report (LCDC) was approved at a meeting of Roscommon County Council on 26th January A new Vice-Chairperson was elected in February A sub-committee was established in September 2015 to finalise the Draft Local Development Strategy. Six meetings of the LCDC were held during 2015; 16th February, 10th March, 7th May, 22nd July (training day), 10th September and 21st October. Items discussed included the following: Role and function of the LCDC Code of Conduct Standing Orders Annual Report 2014 Volunteering and Community Capacity Building Framework Policy for Local and Community Development in Ireland Local Economic and Community Plan (LECP) Social Inclusion Community Activation Programme (SICAP) Local Enterprise Office activities Local Development Strategy (LEADER) The recommendation of the SICAP Tender Evaluation sub-committee to award the SICAP tender to Roscommon Integrated Development Company Limited was considered and approved by the LCDC in February. In May the LEADER Expression of Interest was agreed for submission to the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government. The LEADER sub-committee was established in September to agree the priorities and objectives for the Draft Local Development Strategy for consideration of the full LCDC. The Draft Local Development Strategy was discussed and agreed in October for submission to the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government. The draft Socio-Economic Statement was considered and approved for public consultation by the LCDC in March and submissions and feedback on the Socio-Economic Statement were considered by LCDC members in May. Members agreed that the Socio-Economic Statement would not be amended as submissions and feedback did not impact on the high-level goals. Consideration will be given to the submissions and feedback in the drafting of the actions to be contained in the LECP. Meetings were held with members and member agencies of the LCDC as part of the larger consultation process in developing objectives and actions for the community elements of the LECP. Work was undertaken to improve coordination of local and community development activity, including engagement arrangements between LCDC and other local structures. The LECP working group met with the North-West Regional Assembly in November 2015 to provide an update on progress on the development of the LECP and to ascertain the requirements of the assembly. A mid-term review of the SICAP programme was undertaken and review approved by the LCDC members. Work was undertaken during 2015 to support a Local Development Strategy, which would be developed by the LCDC as Local Action Group (LAG) and delivered by Roscommon LEADER Partnership as implementing partner. 54 Roscommon County Council

57 Local Community Development Committee Report Membership of LCDC at 31st December 2015 Pillar Agency / Nominating Body No. of Nominees Name of Nominee Statutory Interests 8 Local Government Roscommon County Council Members 3 Cllr Orla Leyden Cllr Laurence Fallon Cllr Eugene Murphy Local Authority Officials Roscommon County Council Executive 2 Mr Eugene Cummins CE Ms Louise Ward, Head of LEO State Agency Galway & Roscommon Education & Training Board 1 Mr David Leahy, CEO State Agency Department of Social Protection 1 Mr Des Henry, Principal Officer State Agency Teagasc 1 Michael Clogher Statutory Interests 9 Local & Community Development Roscommon Leader Partnership Company 1 Ms Martina Earley, CEO Social Inclusion Community and Voluntary Forum 1 Ms. Nora Fahy Public Participation Network 1 Mr Michael Frain Community & Voluntary Roscommon Community Forum 1 Mr Maurice Gannon Roscommon Community Forum 1 Mr Mike Carty Environmental Pillar Environmental Pillar 1 Mr Alan Moran Social, Economic & Community Interests Farming & Agriculture 1 Mr Donal Green Social, Economic & Community Interests Business Representative 1 Mr Benny O Connell Trade Union Representative 1 Mr John Tansey Total Number of Members: 17 Annual Report

58 Local Economic and Community Plan The draft Socio-Economic Statement outlining the high level goals for the Local Economic and Community Plan (LECP) was considered and approved for public consultation by the Local Community Development Committee (LCDC) and the Economic Development and Enterprise Support Strategic Policy Committee (SPC) on 10th March The Socio-Economic Statement was circulated to Municipal Districts, Northern and Western Regional Assembly (NWRA) and key stakeholders in March 2015 with submissions due by 24th April Consultation with the economic and community stakeholder and with Roscommon County Council Members and staff were undertaken in March/April. The submissions and feedback on the Socio-Economic Statement were considered by LCDC members and the SPC in May. Members agreed that the Socio- Economic Statement would not be amended as submissions and feedback did not impact on the highlevel goals. The submissions and feedback were considered in the drafting of the actions to be contained in the LECP. Meetings were held with members and member agencies of the LCDC as part of the larger consultation process in developing objectives and actions for the community elements of the LECP. From June to November consideration of the submissions and the development of economic and community actions were undertaken. The LECP working group met with the NWRA in November to provide an update on the progress on the development of the LECP and to ascertain the requirements of the assembly. Work continued on preparation of Draft LECP taking into consideration advice of NWRA. 56 Roscommon County Council

59 Councillors Conferences Councillors Conferences 2015 Councillors Conferences Conferences/Seminars attended in Ireland by Roscommon County Council in 2015 Date Conference Name Organiser Venue Number of Cllrs attended 6th-8th February Govt s Construction 2020 Strategy Local Govt. Housing Supply Irish Private and Public Bodies (Consulting) Ltd. White s Hotel, Wexford 2 20th/21st February Sustainable Tourism Development Esperanza Enterprises The Connacht Hotel, Dublin Road, Galway 4 26th February Association of Irish Local Government (AILG) Training (Module 1) AILG Welcome Inn, Castlebar 5 12th/13th March AILG Second Annual Conference AILG Nuremore Hotel, Carrickmacross, Co. Monaghan 4 10th/11th April Local Authorities Members Association (LAMA) Spring Training LAMA Ard Rí Hotel, Tuam, Co. Galway 3 15th April Cross Border Tourism Conference Dundalk Chamber of Commerce Crown Plaza Hotel, Dundalk 2 23rd April AILG Training (Module 2) Galway. AILG The Clayton Hotel, Galway 5 8th/10th May Reserved & Executive Functions at Local Govt. Level Irish Private and Public Bodies (Consulting) Ltd. White s Hotel, Wexford 1 15th/17th May The Companies Act 2014 Celtic Conferences Horse & Jockey Hotel, Horse & Jockey. Co. Tipperary 1 16th May AILG Training (Module 3) Sligo AILG Radisson Hotel, Rosses Point Sligo 8 21st May AILG Training (Module 3) Portlaoise AILG Killeshin Hotel, Portlaoise, Co. Laois 1 3rd June National Radon Forum EPA EPA Headquarters, Johnstown Castle, Co. Wexford 2 25th June AILG Training (Module 4) Hodson Bay AILG Hodson Bay, Athlone, Co. Roscommon 6 26th-28th June The Councillors Development Plan A Reserved Function Irish Private and Public Bodies (Consulting) Ltd. White s Hotel, Wexford 7 27th-28th July Planning and Building Regulations Esperanza Enterprises The Connacht Hotel, Dublin Road, Galway 2 Annual Report

60 Councillors Conferences Councillors Conferences 2015 Conferences/Seminars attended in Ireland by Roscommon County Council in 2015 Date Conference Name Organiser Venue Number of Cllrs attended 31st July-1st August Changes to Community Development Esperanza Enterprises The Connacht Hotel, Dublin Road, Galway 1 7th-9th August Regulation of Lobbying Act 2015 Celtic Conferences The Clonakilty Hotel, Clonakilty, Co. Cork 1 7th-9th August Planning & Development (No.2) Bill 2014 Irish Private and Public Bodies (Consulting) Ltd. Silver Tassie Hotel, Letterkenny, Co. Donegal 4 12th-15th August Love and Marriage Revisited Cumman Merriman Ennis, Co. Clare 1 10th September The Housing Debate Dept of Environment, Community & Local Government Maynooth University Campus 2 11th-13th September Government Re-think: on District/Municipal/ Borough/ Metropolitan Irish Private and Public Bodies (Consulting) Ltd. White s Hotel, Wexford 11 1st/2nd October AILG Autumn Seminar (Inchidoney Island) AILG Inchydoney, Clonakility, Co. Cork 9 9th-10th October LAMA Autumn Seminar. The Lobbying Act(Hotel Kilkenny) LAMA Hotel Kilkenny, College Road, Kilkenny 12 23rd/25th October Building & Control (Amendment ) Regulation The Institute of Professional Training Silver Tassie Hotel, Letterkenny, Co. Donegal 13 27th October AILG Training (Module 5) Roads, Transportation and Safety AILG Landmark Hotel, Carrick on Shannon, Co. Leitrim 5 5th November AILG Training (Module 6) AILG Shearwater Hotel, Ballinasloe, Co. Galway 6 12th November Refresh Your Life Seminar IASE Ashling Hotel, Dublin 1 14th November AILG Training (Module 6) AILG Red Cow Hotel, Dublin 1 20th/22nd November Local Authority Budgets 2016 The Institute of Professional Training White s Hotel, Wexford 8 11th-13th December E.U Cohesion Policy Celtic Conferences The Four Seasons Hotel, Carlingford, Co. Louth 5 The total expenditure for members attendance at training and conferences was 53, Roscommon County Council

61 Councillors Committees Councillors Committees Councillors Committees 2015 List of External Bodies on which Roscommon County Council was formally represented by Councillors in 2015 Committee Title Purpose of the Committee Elected Members representing Roscommon County Council Association of Irish Local Government Aontas Rialtas Áitiúil na héireann The Association organises a programme of meetings which help members give voice to current issues in Council life. The AILG is a networking, policy development and training resource for the elected members of Ireland s thirty one County and City Councils. Councillors Connolly, Creaton, Fallon, Hopkins, Mulligan and Naughten Border, Midland and Western Regional Assembly Managing and monitoring the EU funded operational programmes in the BMW Region. Councillors Dineen and Murphy County Roscommon Heritage Forum An advisory body to oversee and advise on the preparation and implementation of the County Roscommon Heritage Plan. Councillor Murphy Galway Roscommon Education & Training Board This committee is responsible for the governance of all educational and administrative services provided by Galway Roscommon ETB. Councillors Connaughton, Mulligan and Shanagher Irish Public Bodies Mutual Insurances Ltd. Committee required as IPB is a mutual company. Councillor Keogh Local Authority Members Association (LAMA) Represents members of the County Councils at County, City and Borough level. An association for the betterment of conditions, education and training for members. Councillor Ward Local Traveller Accommodation Consultative Committee (LTACC) To advise on the provision and management of Traveller accommodation. Councillors Connolly, Cummins and Shanagher Regional Health Forum West To ensure that local elected representatives would continue to have an opportunity to exercise oversight of the health and personal social services now provided by the HSE. Councillors Creaton, Cummins and Dineen Annual Report

62 Councillors Committees Councillors Committees 2015 List of External Bodies on which Roscommon County Council was formally represented by Councillors in 2015 Committee Title Purpose of the Committee Elected Members representing Roscommon County Council River Suck Joint Drainage Committee To oversee the ongoing maintenance of the River Suck Drainage District. Councillors Connaughton, Dineen, Fizmaurice, Kilduff and Naughten Road Safety Together Committee To make the roads in County Roscommon a safer place for all road users. Councillors Connolly, Dineen and Doherty Roscommon Comhairle na nóg Steering Committee Local youth Council, which support children and young people to be heard in the development of local services and policies. The steering committee helps young people to access and engage with the local authority and with decision-making bodies in the county. Councillors Kilduff and Shanagher Roscommon County Council Audit Committee Advising the Council on financial reporting processes, internal control, risk management and audit matters, promoting good accounting practices, ensuring better and more informed decision-making, and improving the focus on value for money throughout the organisation. Councillors Murphy and Ward Roscommon County Council Joint Policing Committee To serve as a forum for consultations, discussions and recommendations on matters affecting the policing of the local authority s administrative area. Councillors Connaughton Connolly, Creaton, Dineen, Doherty, Fallon, Fitzmaurice, Hopkins, Kilduff, Murphy, Naughten, Shanagher and Ward Rural Water Local Monitoring Committee To advise on the operation of and to monitor the implementation of the Rural Water Programme locally. Councillors Cummins, Dineen and Hopkins Údarás na hollscoile Governing Authority, National University of Ireland, Galway Responsible for managing and controlling all of the affairs of the University and is composed of members of the academic staff, the student body and several external members. Councillor Connolly Western Inter-County Rail Committee This committee is committed to the reopening of the Western Rail Corridor. Councillor Dineen, Hopkins and Kilduff 60 Roscommon County Council

63 Chief Executive Eugene Cummins Chief Executive Tommy Ryan Chief Executive (January-September 2015) Management Team Majella Hunt Martin Lydon Pat Murtagh John O Rourke Director of Services, Environment, Water Services and Emergency Services Head of Finance and Planning Acting Director of Services, Roads and Transportation and Community and Enterprise Acting Director of Services, Housing, Corporate Services and Human Resources Senior Officers Derek Caldbeck Desmond O Dwyer Eugene Dwyer Fíona Ni Chuinn Frank Guckian Jim Grogan John Keane Kieran Madden Louise Ward Martin Curley Mary Grier Mary Lindsay Michael Leyden Patricia Bohan Richie Farrell Financial Management Accountant Change Manager, Water Services Transition Office Senior Engineer, Roads and Transportation Senior Executive Officer, Corporate Services Acting Head of Information Systems Acting Senior Engineer, Housing Chief Fire Officer Senior Engineer, Environment and Water Services Head of LEO Senior Engineer, Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) Regional Office Senior Planner Senior Executive Officer, Human Resources Veterinary Inspector Acting Senior Executive Officer, Water Services County Librarian

64 2015 Roscommon County Council Áras an Chontae, Roscommon, County Roscommon, F42 VR98 Tel: +353 (0) Fax: +353 (0)