Minutes of Meeting of the Development Committee of Mid Ulster District Council held on Thursday 16 April 2015 in Cookstown District Council Offices

Transcription

1 Minutes of Meeting of the Development Committee of Mid Ulster District Council held on Thursday 16 April 2015 in Cookstown District Council Offices Members Present In the Chair, Councillor Monteith (Vice Chair) Councillors Clarke, Dillon, Elattar, McEldowney, McNamee, Molloy, O Neill, T Quinn (7.04pm), Reid, G Shiels and J Shiels Officers in Attendance Mr Tohill, Chief Executive Ms Campbell, Director of Culture and Leisure Mr McCreesh, Director of Business and Communities Mr Browne, Head of Tourism Mr Glavin, Head of Leisure Mr Hill, Head of Parks Ms Linney, Head of Community Services Mr McCance, Head of Arts & Culture Ms McKeown, Head of Economic Development The meeting commenced at 7pm D52/15 Apologies Agenda Item 3: Torrent Valley Initiative Ms Aisling McElhone Agenda Item 4: Harps Cycling Club Messrs Bloomer & Eastwood Councillors Burton, Forde, McAleer and Wilson D53/15 Declaration of Interests The Chair, Councillor Monteith reminded members of their responsibility with regard to declarations of interest. Declaration of Interest Councillor Molloy declared an interest in Linden Foods mentioned in the presentation and Councillor Reid declared an interest in Skea Eggs again mentioned in the presentation. D54/15 Deputation on Torrent Valley Initiative Councillor Quinn entered the meeting at 7.04pm 1 Development Committee ( )

2 The Chair Councillor Monteith welcomed Ms Aisling McElhone to the meeting. Ms McElhone delivered a presentation on the Torrent Valley Artisan Food Hub Proposal making reference to the undernoted: Torrent Valley Artisan Food Hub would Assist local businesses to grow and become more competitive and innovative; Strategically position Mid Ulster as a place to do business; Expand and develop the tourism sector in the region; and Ensure that local infrastructure meets business needs. Ms McElhone advised that a recent audit highlighted that workspace within a 30 mile radius of Donaghmore was at 90% capacity and made reference to the creation of food labs to support the growing local food supply chain. It would also develop indigenous SME clusters around key firms, increase the contribution of green and social economy and strengthen demand for agri-food products. The geographical position of Donaghmore its close proximity to all major vehicular arteries from east to west, airports and its accessibility to the ROI was emphasised. It was further stated that the hub would be on the doorstep of the end to end food chain making it a unique location to harness innovative food ventures that would benefit the whole food business economy with a 20,000 sq foot of quality and accessible workspace. In relation to increasing tourism Ms McElhone highlighted statistics regarding farmers markets and stated that Food NI had advised that there was massive opportunity for high quality Farmers Markets. It was also noted that the project would create job opportunities for all skill levels and encourage business start-ups noting that Donaghmore was within 10 miles of 9 rural and urban areas with high deprivation and that one job created in the industry led to two in the wider economy. Ms McElhone advised that Northern Ireland had broken all records in the Great Taste Awards and was at the same level of London. Outlining the way forward Ms McElhone stated that TVI Ltd had proven their ability to deliver successful project through Torrent Valley Business Parks and that for the current project land together with planning permission had been acquired and with financial aid was ready to commence the indicative cost being 1million. It was noted that the proposal met a wide range of recommendations and strategies including NI Economic Strategic Plan, NITB Food Tourism Strategy to 2020, draft RDP Plan together with DARD, DETI & DEL corporate plans In response to Councillor Reid s question regarding Flavour of Tyrone and the Farmers Market, Ms McElhone advised they had not approached groups as they wanted to manage expectations and engage with Council to see where the plan would fit. Councillor Dillon asked if any funding had been sourced to which Ms McElhone advised that no funding had been secured to date that the group sought the backing of the Council and they were awaiting Rural Development funding together with ESMEE. 2 Development Committee ( )

3 Councillor G Shiels asked if the group had approached ESMEE to which Ms McElhone advised that they don t fund capital build projects their funding would be applicable after project was built. Councillor Molloy stated that he would be supportive of the project as there was a market for an Artisan Food Hub. The Chair, Councillor Monteith stated that he would be supportive of the project, thanked Ms McElhone for the presentation following which she withdrew from the meeting at 7.19pm. D55/15 Deputation from Harps Cycling Club on Proposal for a Bike Skills Park The Chair Councillor Monteith welcomed Mr Eastwood and Mr Bloomer as representatives of Harps Cycling club to the meeting. Mr Eastwood gave a background to the club and statistics highlighting the growth of cycling as a sport. Mr Eastwood then outlined the proposal for a Bike Skills Park within the Mid Ulster District drawing attention to: What is a Bike Skills Park? Designated area to hone and/or develop bike handling skills; Safe, fun environment to ride bicycles; Suitable for all ages, skill levels and all types of non-motorised bikes; Allows riders to progress through a variety of skill levels; A dynamic self-taught environment. Benefits of a Bike Skills Park Health benefits including tackling obesity; Social benefits ie reducing anti-social behaviour; Economic cost effective urban provision for all wards/demographics complimenting out-of-town facilities; Community developing an inclusive partnership programme designed for all ages especially young families; Cultural benefits. Suggested Sites for Bike Skills Park Fairhill Football pitches; Cabin Wood; Old Railway Yard Behind Westbury & Adair housing developments; MUSA Loughry campus Beechway football pitches Coolnafranky or Monrush communal grass areas. 3 Development Committee ( )

4 Mr Eastwood highlighted the next steps to progress the project to include gaining commitment from the council, identifying relevant agents to form a steering committee, agreement of timeline, location, funding and budget and further emphasised that it should be a partnership project led by the Council. With regard to costs Mr Eastwood stated that it could be as small or large a project as Council wished and advised that the former Craigavon Borough Council had established a medium size project at a cost of 100k. In response to Councillor J Shiels questions Mr Eastwood advised that there are 13 cycling clubs in the MUDC area and he would be keen to have them all engaged, that the facility would be free to use and as it would be a Council facility it would be maintained by Council staff. Councillor G Shiels left the meeting at 7.42pm Councillor Reid asked if Council would be liable for insurance costs and stated that if using the Fairhill site he would not be in favour of using a football pitch site if it would hinder football, he also recalled an earlier presentation regarding a skate boarding facility and asked if it could all be incorporated in the one facility to attain value for money. In response Mr Eastwood stated that all cyclists wear the required protective clothing and as it was not a contact sport he was unaware of any additional insurance costs. Regarding inclusion of a skating facility Mr Eastwood stated that it would be ideal to have a mixed use facility to include park benches etc. Councillor G Shiels returned at 7.46pm Regarding the use of a football pitch site at Fairhill Mr Eastwood advised that the club would want the proposed facility to compliment any existing facilities and that football pitches were also provided at Mid Ulster Sports Arena. Councillor Reid suggested that it could perhaps have a membership register for usage and people provide their own insurance. The Chair, Councillor Monteith stated that if it were the case that people provided their own insurance no one would use the facility. Councillor McNamee stated that he would be supportive of a bike skills park and perhaps funding could be sourced through Peace funding for same stating that extending Mid Ulster Sports Arena would be a possibility. Councillor Molloy stated that he was a member of a cycling club within the district and would encourage the project to bring people back to sport and discourage the x-box and car culture. Councillor Clarke expressed a keen interest in the project especially in introducing children at a young age to cycling in a safe environment that was accessible for all. Councillor T Quinn stated he was very impressed by the presentation, would be supportive as all young people were not participants in team sports and that the main benefits particularly reducing anti-social behaviour and health benefits would be welcome. The Chair, Councillor Monteith thanked Mr Eastwood for the presentation stating that Council would consider same. 4 Development Committee ( )

5 D56/15 Receive and confirm minutes of the Development Committee meeting held on Thursday 5 March 2015 Proposed by Councillor McNamee Seconded by Councillor J Shiels and Resolved That the minutes of the meeting of the Development Committee held on Thursday 5 March 2015 (items D32/15 to D45/15 & D51/15), were considered and signed as accurate and correct. Matters for Decision D57/15 Draft Ulster Scots Policy The Chair, Councillor Monteith advised that the draft Ulster Scots Policy was to be considered by the Policy and Resources Committee and thus removed item from agenda. D58/15 Forest Service Memorandum The Chair, Councillor Monteith drew attention to the report regarding the creation of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Mid Ulster District Council and Department of Agriculture and Rural development (Forest Service NI) in order to (i) (ii) (iii) (iv) provide harmonisation of existing Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) held by former Cookstown and Magherfelt Council areas and to realign with Mid Ulster District Council s corporate objectives. pursue the creation of Licence Agreements to facilitate the development of a children s nature play trail in Parkanaur Forest Park. pursue the creation of Licence Agreements for the Clogher Valley Long Distance Mountain Bike Trail. A 38km circular route along country lanes, minor roads and through Fardross, Mullaghfad, Crocknagrally and Jenkin forests. initiate a scoping study of forest, countryside recreation facilities and development opportunities in Mid Ulster District Council area to include destination hubs at Davagh and Drum Manor Forest Park, Traad Point and Parkanaur Forest Park. The report detailed that both Cookstown and Magherafelt Council s signed Memorandum s of Understanding (MoU s) with DARD (Forest Service NI). These over-arching agreements provided the way to obtain specific licence agreement for individual project delivery on lands owned and managed by Forest Service NI. Schemes such as Davagh Forest Mountain Bike Trails and Sperrin s Walking Trails in Derrynoid, Iniscarn and Moydamlaght forests were referenced. Dungannon Council had progressed project plans with Forest Service in Parkanaur and Clogher Valley, which have now passed over to Mid Ulster District Council. The report outlined the key issue that Mid Ulster District Council must consider a best practice approach and harmonise the current agreements to reflect a single Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the new council area. This when completed will permit the creation of works and licence agreements required to facilitate approved 5 Development Committee ( )

6 development on forestry lands. Referring to resource implications it was noted in the report that (a) there are no legal fee s associated to the renewal of the Memorandum of Understanding and Licence Agreements; (b) Funding is in place for the Parkanaur and Clogher valley Long Distance Mountain Bike Trail projects. (c) existing staff resources are sufficient to deliver on identified outcomes; (d) that the basis for professional/consultancy support was that Outdoor Recreation NI (ORNI) are engaged through a current Service Level Agreement to Mid Ulster District Council to assist and deliver on both the Parkanaur and Clogher Valley projects and to conduct the Mid Ulster District Council Forest and Countryside Recreation audit. The Chair, Councillor Monteith outlined the recommendations and sought Members comments: Councillor McNamee sought clarification as to why Pomeroy and Drumcairn Forest were not included. In response the Head of Parks advised that within the scoping study of forest, countryside recreational facilities and development opportunities such forests would be included. Proposed by Councillor McNamee Seconded by Councillor Dillon and Resolved That it be recommended to the Council (i) (ii) To create single MoU for Mid Ulster District Council and engage with Forest Service NI to establish Licence Agreements to facilitate development of initial projects in Parkanaur Forest Park and Clogher Valley region; and to approve a scoping study/audit of Forest and Countryside Recreation potential in Mid Ulster District Council area. D59/15 Procedural Arrangements for Control of Legionella The Chair, Councillor Monteith drew attention to the report regarding the procedural arrangements for control of legionella which detailed that Legionellosis is a collective term for disease caused by legionella bacteria. The related bacteria are common in natural water sources such as rivers, lakes and reservoirs, usually in low numbers, and in natural water systems such as rivers and ponds. Conditions are rarely conducive for people to catch the disease from these sources. Bacteria may also be found in purpose-built water systems such as cooling towers and hot and cold water systems. If conditions are favourable, the bacteria may multiply, and it is therefore important to control the risks by introducing appropriate measures. 6 Development Committee ( )

7 The report outlined that Mid Ulster Council recognising its duty of care to its staff, customers and visitors must set in place a procedure as undernoted: Ensure adequate and effective control of water systems throughout the Council premises in order to minimise the risk of Legionellosis. To protect the health and safety of staff, visitors and contractors through a clear process of risk identification, assessment and control, so far as is reasonably practicable. Control the bacteria growth within Council buildings and prevent employees and visitors being exposed To allow the Council to fully comply with the Management of Health and Safety Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2000 as amended in 2006 and the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2003 and Health and Safety (Consultation with Employees) Regulations (Northern Ireland) This procedure is part of a suite of procedures that together make up the Councils approach to health and safety. The Chair, Councillor Monteith sought approval for the procedural arrangements relating to the control of legionella. Proposed by Councillor J Shiels Seconded by Councillor Molloy and Resolved That it be recommended to the Council that approval be granted for the procedural arrangements relating to the control of legionella. D60/15 Draft Response on Proposals for an Irish Language Bill The Chair, Councillor Monteith drew attention to the report regarding consultation response on Proposals for an Irish Language Bill. The report outlined that DCAL recently published a consultation document on proposals for the Irish Language Bill. DCAL believes that the Acht na Gaelige is necessary to protect the unique nature of the Irish Language as well as promoting social justice and equality. The report detailed that the consultation document contains a wide range of proposals and provisions. The purpose of the consultation is to allow the public to see the range of provisions which Acht na Gaelige might contain. The experience of other jurisdictions demonstrates that legislation is necessary to protect indigenous minority languages. Welsh and Scots Gaelic are both protected languages in Wales and Scotland. DCAL consider that legislating will be an effective way of protecting the Irish Language. The Chair drew attention to the consultation response a copy of which was provided in the report and sought Members comments. Councillor J Shiels stated that he disagreed with this and that there was no point in the Committee discussing it as it would not go through Stormont. 7 Development Committee ( )

8 Councillor Dillon stated that it would be remiss of the Council not to respond to any consultation irrespective of its content and that the Council was not in a position to anticipate what would happen in the assembly as a day was a long time in politics. Councillor McNamee stated that the Welsh protect their language, the Scots protect theirs and others should do likewise. Councillor Clarke stated that the consultation referred to more than just the Irish language drawing attention to Part 8 Place Names he indicated that Council should respond stronger regarding townlands emphasising that it was key to retain townlands in addresses noting that at the last election the electoral registers had eliminated townlands. Proposed by Councillor Clarke Seconded by Councillor McNamee That Council strengthen its comments in its response regarding place names and townlands at Part 8 Place Names of the document Consultation on Proposals for an Irish Language Bill. As all Members did not agree a vote was taken: For 9 Against 3 Resolved That it be recommended to the Council that in the response to the document Consultation on Proposals for an Irish Language Bill that comments be strengthened regarding place names and townlands at Part 8 Place Names. The Chair, Councillor Monteith subject to the foregoing sought approval for the response to the Consultation on Proposals for an Irish Language Bill. Proposed by Councillor Molloy Seconded by Councillor Quinn That approval as sought be granted. As all Members did not agree a vote was taken: For 9 Against 3 Resolved That it be recommended to the Council that the response to the Consultation on Proposals for an Irish Language Bill be approved with comments strengthened at Part 8 Place Names. D61/15 Development & Regeneration Update The Chair, Councillor Monteith drew attention to the report regarding development and regeneration update. The report outlined progress on key activities as undernoted: 8 Development Committee ( )

9 Mid Ulster Local Economic Development Plan ( ) - Amendments are currently being made to the first Draft of Mid Ulster Council s Economic Development Plan, following input from Members at a recent meeting. The revised Draft Plan would be available by mid-april 2015, after which it is planned to re-engage with key stakeholders and businesses through a series of workshops in Cookstown, Dungannon and Magherafelt to present the Draft Economic Development Plan and seek views on the proposed actions. The provisional dates for these consultation events are; Tuesday 28 th April 2015 from 7pm-9pm - Burnavon Theatre, Cookstown Wednesday 29 th April 2015 from 7pm-9pm The Bridewell, Magherafelt Dungannon s event date/venue to be confirmed. Following the business consultations as above, a facilitated workshop will be held with Members to attain their views and input, prior to completing and launching the Mid Ulster Economic Development Plan in May Mid Ulster Town Centre Action Plans Town Centre Events A comprehensive Town Centre Action Plan for 2015/16 will be presented for consideration to the May 2015 Development Committee. The report will contain a series of proposed projects and costings for the towns of Cookstown, Dungannon, Magherafelt and Coalisland. However, in advance of presenting this the following, two events are proposed: Magherafelt Never Felt Better Day 25 April 2015 This is a promotional day organised in Magherafelt to attract shoppers to Magherafelt Town Centre. During the Never Felt Better day users of the town app can get bargains from local participating business. Fun and games are also planned in the town centre. The event costs 1,000 and provision has been made for such in Council s town centre budget. Cookstown Continental Market May This is Cookstown s signature town centre event each year drawing in footfall last year of 25,000 people over the course of three days. The event costs 25,000, of which 20,000 has been provided for in Council s town centre budget. Further income of 5,000 will emanate from Market Place Europe (the event organisers). Event funding relates to expenses such as advertising/promotion, hire of equipment, street entertainment, etc. Council approval is sought with immediate effect to fund the two events detailed above costing 21,000 where provision has already been made from within Council s town centre budget. Further events are planned across the four towns throughout the year, and details will be included in the Town Centre Action Plan to be presented to the Development Committee in May Regional Bidding Plan for South West Cross Border Region 9 Development Committee ( )

10 South West College requested that Council co-fund the development of a joint bidding plan to avail of imminent EU funding opportunities for the cross border south west region. This plan will provide a strategic context for bids, maximise economies of scale and prevent overlap. It is anticipated the plan may include; Activities and priorities of partner organisations Opportunities for collaboration Profile of the region and opportunities/challenges Development of specific project ideas Assessment of suitable EU funding streams Potential partners include; IT Sligo, Cavan Innovation and Technology Centre, Fermanagh and Omagh District Council, Mid Ulster Council and South West College To ensure joint ownership of the plan, each participating organisation is requested to financially contribute up to 2,000. The report further detailed the resource implications as follows in relation to Mid Ulster Town Centre Action Plan and Regional Bidding Plan for South West Cross Border Region: 1 Mid Ulster Town Centre Action Plan Town Centre Events the financial implications include provision of 21,000 funding already included in Council s town centre budget to organise the following two town centre events during April and May 2015 ie Magherafelt Never Felt Better Day 25 April 2015 ( 1,000) and Cookstown Continental Market May 2015 ( 20,000); It is envisaged that the human resources required for both events will be met within Council. Market Place Europe (event managers of Cookstown Continental Market) will provide staff on-site to manage/co-ordinate/provide security, and the costs for this are entirely borne by Market Place Europe. 2. Regional Bidding Plan for South West Cross Border Region the financial implications include funding of up to 2,000 sought from Council for the development of a Regional Bidding Plan for the South West Cross Border Region. No additional human resources would be required. It was noted that Partnership working within a more strategic context will provide greater opportunities to maximise economies of scale and prevent overlapping EU bids from the region. The Chair, Councillor Monteith sought approval for the recommendations Proposed by Councillor McNamee and Seconded by Councillor Quinn and Resolved That it be recommended to the Council that (i) Mid Ulster Town Centre Action Plan Planned Events - to proceed with immediate effect with the organisation of two town centre events in April and May 2015 at a cost to Council of 21,000 from MUC s town centre budget ie Magherafelt Never 10 Development Committee ( )

11 Felt Better Day 25 April 2015 ( 1,000) and Cookstown Continental Market May 2015 ( 20,000) (ii) Regional Bidding Plan for South West Cross Border Region - to contribute funding of up to 2,000 towards the development of a Regional Bidding Plan for the South West Cross Border Region from Council s economic development budget. D62/15 Transfer of Invest NI Letters of Offer and ERDF Programme The Chair, Councillor Monteith drew attention to the report which referred to the transfer of the existing Letters of Offer between Invest NI and Cookstown, Dungannon and Magherafelt Councils for the delivery of the current Local Economic Development Programmes to the Mid Ulster District Council and also which provided an update on the ERDF Investment for Growth & Jobs Programme ( ). The report detailed that Invest NI had advised Councils that with the new Council structures coming into effect on 1 April 2015, approval is required from Mid Ulster District Council to accept responsibility for the completing the delivery of each Council s current Local Economic Development Programmes (as outlined below). Cookstown District Council: - Business Elevate Programme - Resource Efficiency Programme - Tender Programme - Fastrack to Finance Programme Dungannon and South Tyrone Borough Council: - Innovation & Business Growth - Graduate to Enterprise - E-Marketing - E-Procurement - Creative Industries - Construction Development - Tourism 3 - Former Programmes (Tourism 2, Innovation & Creativity Programme and Enterprise & Business Magherafelt District Council - Enterprising Magherafelt - Food Business Development Programme - Magherafelt Online - How to Win Public Sector Contracts - Succession Planning for Family Business Programme - Introduction to Supply Chain Management Programme Within the report reference was made to the letter from Invest NI dated 23 March 2015 which provided an update on the ERDF Investment for Growth and Jobs Programme ( ) and associated funding allocations per district council area. 11 Development Committee ( )

12 The report further detailed that Mid Ulster District Council must now formally accept responsibility to complete the legacy economic development projects emanating from the former Cookstown, Dungannon & South Tyrone and Magherafelt District Councils and that a Novation Agreement must be signed and returned to Invest NI. The report noted that no additional financial commitments other than those already included for the delivery of the programmes in the 2015/6 budget. The Chair, Councillor Monteith sought approval for the signing of the Novation Agreement from Invest NI. Proposed by Councillor J Shiels Seconded by Councillor Clarke and Resolved That it be recommended to the Council that the Novation Agreement from Invest NI be approved for signing. D63/15 Regional Start Initiative and NI Business Start Programme The Chair, Councillor Monteith drew attention to the report which provided Members with an update on the transfer of functions process in relation to the Regional Start Initiative and Social Entrepreneurship Programme. It advised that the Northern Ireland Executive had agreed, as part of Local Government Reform, to transfer a number of Economic Development functions to Councils; functions transferring are Enterprise Awareness, Start-up Provision and Social Entrepreneurship Programme. Key issues highlighted in the report were as follows: - All 11 Councils agreed to the rolling forward of the Regional Start Initiative and Social Entrepreneurship Contracts (Mid Ulster District Council agreed this on 25 September 2014) and as such there is the requirement for Councils to repay from the transferring budgets Invest NI costs relating to each of these Programmes for the periods outlined. - DETI had now written to all 11 Council to advise the Transferring Function Budgets and Targets (Mid Ulster s budget is 304,409 and target is 210 jobs promoted, by the year ending March 2016). - Invest NI /DETI have now re-issued Councils with revised Service Level Agreement comprising the Social Entrepreneurship Programme (to July 2015). To cover the costs of lead in support to 2 groups and aftercare support of 17 days to 3 groups. Regional Start Initiative (to October 2015). This is for the creation of an estimated 219 Business Plans. Start-up Provision after October Officers from 11 Councils met in February 2015 to discuss the future delivery process and structure of the Provision (post October 2015). It was agreed that, in order to supplement each Council s transfer of functions budget to deliver this Programme, work should begin on preparing an Application to be ready to submit to the new Growth and Jobs Programme when it opens. To assist with this an independent Economic Appraisal should be 12 Development Committee ( )

13 commissioned on behalf of the 11 Councils (led by Belfast City Council) to scope the business start and enterprise provision and enable Councils to define future delivery and the support offer to be made by them post October Regional Start Provision Marketing Costs - In March 2015, Invest NI advised the 11 Councils that the cost of the marketing of the Regional Start Programme (which will continue to be managed by Invest NI until 22 October 2015) would be incorporated into the costs of the Service Level Agreement. This includes a comprehensive TV, radio and digital campaign tailored to meet seasonal variations totalling approximately 198,262 for 7 months. Invest NI have also included costs of editing/re-scripting materials to take account of promoting Councils new role in this Programme. The final cost per Council has yet to be confirmed by Invest NI and will also depend on the number of Councils who agree to contribute to this (one has already signalled it does not wish to provide a contribution to this). Based on Reports provided from Invest NI it is anticipated that the cost to Mid Ulster District Council may be up to a maximum of 22,000 for the 6 month period ending October Invest NI had advised that this level of marketing activity is necessary in order to generate the requisite level of inquiries (1,000 per month) to enable the regional Business Plan and Jobs Promoted targets to be achieved. New Regional Start Programme Mid October 2015 onwards - Council received correspondence from Dr T Donaldson, Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council, who are leading on the procurement and contract management of the new Regional Start Initiative Programme (former Business Start Programme) from mid October 2015 onwards. The letter advised that a working group led by Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council had been established to progress the new programme and has drafted an indicative procurement timetable which sets out some of the key steps that need to be taken by the participating Councils in order that the new Council led programme is procured and awarded within the required timeframe. The correspondence sought a response in relation to the following two points; 1. MUC s intention to participate on the new Northern Ireland wide business start programme, 2. And if yes, that the required Council approvals are in place to support this decision. Whilst it is very commendable to advance efforts to develop the new Regional Start Initiative Programme at an early stage, MUC must also be mindful that an economic appraisal has been commissioned to review the existing Programme, the results of which will be available in May This appraisal will provide guidance to Councils on future proposed delivery models ie 11 Council model vsub-regional model, new/revised programme content, and therefore, MUC may wish to consider agreeing in principal to be part of a future Regional Start Initiative Programme but not make any further commitments until such times as the findings from the economic appraisal are available to consider. It is also 13 Development Committee ( )

14 recommended that within the timeframes provided by Lisburn and Castlereagh City Council, additional time be built-in between the availability of the economic appraisal and issuing tender documents (both of which are dated 14 May 2015). The report outlined economic appraisal detailing that on 5 March 2015, Council agreed to commit up to 2,730 (plus vat) towards the appointment of a service provider to conduct an Economic Appraisal for all 11 Councils (process led by Belfast City Council) to inform the delivery of future start up provision. Following the procurement process, Belfast City Council had confirmed they appointed EKOS to conduct the Appraisal and the final contribution required from each Council is 2,546 (plus vat). The Appraisal will be completed in May Regarding the Regional Start Up Programme marketing costs it was noted that if Council agreed to the continuation of the regional Go For It Programme aforementioned up to a maximum of 22,000 may be required from Council s Transferring Functions budget for 2015/16 for the period of the Service Level Agreement ending October The Chair, Councillor Monteith sought approval for the recommendations detailed in the report. Proposed by Councillor Molloy Seconded by Councillor Clarke and Resolved That it be recommended to the Council that (i) (ii) (iii) To approve the Service Level Agreement with DETI / Invest NI (revised by Invest NI and re-issued 23 March 2015) on behalf of Mid Ulster District Council; To make provision from the Transferring Functions Budget for 2015/16 of 304,409 of up to a maximum of 22,000 towards the continuation of the comprehensive Go for It Marketing campaign to 22 October 2015 (managed by Invest NI as detailed in the Service Level Agreement), subject to further details being confirmed by Invest NI in the coming weeks; Respond to Dr T Donaldson, Lisburn and Castlereagh City Council to advise that MUC agree in principal to be part of a future Regional Start Initiative Programme but not make any further commitments until the findings from the economic appraisal are available to consider. It is also recommended that additional time be built-in between the availability of the economic appraisal and issuing tender documents (both of which are dated 14 May 2015) to allow Councils to consider/review the recommendations. D64/15 Rural Development Programme The Chair, Councillor Monteith drew attention to the report which provided an update on the new Local Action Group formation process in Mid Ulster relating to the NI Rural Development Programme. The report detailed that the LAG 14 Development Committee ( )

15 Formation process was now complete with the election of social partners and nomination of elected members to a 25 member LAG Board. It further detailed that SWARD (South West Action for Rural Development) received an allocation of 20.5 million under the current RDP ( ) that included administration funding. Of the 17.1 m allocated against project funding, spend has now exceeded 17m and that an exit strategy had been drafted that would be implemented for programme closure activities. The report highlighted the undernoted: (i) Both social partner and elected member representation to the new Local Action Group Board for Mid Ulster is now complete. (ii) The LAG Board members met on 31 st March and nominated Council as its administrative and financial lead for the forthcoming Rural Development Programme. The Rural Development Council will now assist the LAG Board to complete an application form for submission to DARD before the end of April for formal appointment as the LAG for Mid Ulster. (iii)on appointment, DARD would issue guidance notes and a template to assist the LAG in developing an interim local rural development strategy. The content of the strategy is likely to contain: Analysis of need Description of the strategy its purpose and priorities Arrangements for administration/delivery Arrangements for communications and publicity Co-operation activities Financial plan and outputs (iv)council staff would assist the LAG in the preparation of its local strategy and thereafter with administrative functions in the delivery of the strategy on the ground, similar to the current arrangement with SWARD. (v) Governance and contractual arrangements between DARD, the LAG and Council are currently being discussed. (vi) The RDP programme submission document submitted by DARD to the European Commission is currently under review but expected to be signed off late June. Following sign off there will be a period of animation and publicity before calls for applications can open. If there are no delays with sign off, its possible calls for application may open September/October The Chair, Councillor Monteith sought Members comments. Councillor Dillon sought clarity in relation to rural broadband as to whether there was opportunity to apply for funding to accommodate rural broadband as people in rural areas should have broadband the same as everyone else. Councillor Dillon suggested that Council send a letter to the Minister of Department of Enterprise Trade and Industry to request assistance for rural broadband. 15 Development Committee ( )

16 Councillor Clarke concurred with comments stating that prior to this an area had been provided with a wireless system but couldn t guarantee 100% coverage through rural blackspots and not spots. Councillor Clarke further stated that DARD had a broadband fund and the Rural Development programme should not be used to provide this. Councillor Elattar concurred with comments and stated that at Sixtowns a very rural community it was near impossible to start up business as the infrastructure is simply not there. Councillor Elattar asked if the Council would be doing anything to seek broadband for such areas. The Director of Business & Communities stated that all points were very relevant with regard to not spots and lack of rural broadband and that it was very much on the radar together with mobile telecommunication not spots with people travelling through the region unable to get any network coverage. The Director advised that two of the previous Councils had done a lot of scoping regarding not spots and that similar was being done for Magherafelt area and would be fed through to British Telecom (BT). The Director further advised that two super council areas had telecoms provision for super connected broadband and were making an offer to other Councils to buy into their connectivity for a fee and that it was hoped to present a report to the meeting in May. The Director advised Members that the former Cookstown Council had lobbied extensively regarding rural broadband and that it would be wise to get DETI back on board from a Mid Ulster perspective as no Council could resolve the problem alone but that it was imperative to have BT on board also. Councillor Elattar welcomed this especially for the Sixtowns area. Councillor Reid stated that Council needed to both lobby extensively and seek funding stating that green boxes were being added into Torrent area yet in Stewartstown it was impossible to get access to even a mobile phone network. The Chair, Councillor Monteith stated that in the southern region of the District roaming charges were a major issue and that the governments in the European Union had opted not to ban them even though the European Union itself had stated they should be abolished. Proposed by Councillor McNamee Seconded by Councillor Reid and Resolved That it be recommended to the Council (i) (ii) to engage initially with British Telecom with regard to broadband and mobile telecommunication coverage within the Borough in order to eliminate notspots throughout the region; to lobby Department of Enterprise Trade and Industry with regard to broadband and mobile telecommunication coverage. 16 Development Committee ( )

17 Declaration of Interest Councillors Dillon and Reid declared an interest in Coalisland & Dungannon Neighbourhood Renewal Partnership D65/15 IPB Pride of Place Awards The Chair, Councillor Monteith drew attention to the report seeking approval for the submission of the Coalisland & Dungannon Neighbourhood Renewal Partnership nomination to the IPB Pride of Place Awards IPB Pride of Place is an all-island competition that acknowledges the work that communities are doing all over the island of Ireland. The nomination will profile good integrated partnership working at a local community level, and also raise the profile of Mid Ulster Council at the awards ceremony. The Pride of Place awards are about recognising the pride of people working within local communities to make their areas a better place for all to live. It also recognises innovative projects that are developed from within communities in partnership with government. Entry is by way of council nomination only and the deadline for applications is 1 May Key issues highlighted in the report included: The category proposed for submission under the Pride of Place Award is the urban neighbourhood/villages category. The submission would nominate the work of the Neighbourhood Renewal Partnership under the two main areas of Youth Engagement and Community Health. The project to be nominated under Youth Engagement is the Coalisland & Dungannon Neighbourhood Renewal Youth Education project which includes; 1. Summer Schemes in Coalisland and Dungannon (with over 80 young people involved in volunteering/assisting with delivery to over 400 youth). 2. Traveller Youth Home Work Club in Coalisland. 3. Youth Diversionary Project in Coalisland (engaging vulnerable young people in youth development through targeting those who are vulnerable to involvement in anti-social behaviour and drugs and alcohol misuse). 4. Going Places Skills Programme in Coalisland and Dungannon (delivery of training and professional skills to unemployed people). 5. Vocational Education Programme Coalisland (providing vocational training to those in Key Stage 3 & 4 in schools who are at risk of dropping out ). All of the above are delivered through a partnership approach between Council, local community, local youth clubs, An Tearmann, SELB, South West College and post primary schools. 17 Development Committee ( )

18 Project to be nominated under Community Health is the Coalisland & Dungannon Neighbourhood Renewal Community Health programme which includes; 1. Cancer Care (provision of support to those affected by cancer). 2. Drug & Alcohol Prevention (provision of outreach and tailored programmes to young people and parents on the effects of substance misuse). 3. Mental Health Project (delivery of mental health support initiatives/therapies and befriending sessions to those directly affected by suicide). All of the above are delivered through partnership approach between Council, local community, LILAC Cancer Care, Breakthru, Niamh Louise Foundation. The report detailed that the cost for nomination was 1000 and that Mid Ulster Council officer resource would be required to operate as a Liaison Officer to submit application, liaise with Pride of Place, to co-ordinate the judging and support the Partnership and community in the presentation and profiling of projects. The Pride of Place Award would not only provide an opportunity to promote Neighbourhood Renewal projects of good practice but also provide a platform for Mid Ulster Council to meet with other key agencies and funders. Proposed by Councillor Dillon Seconded by Councillor Reid and Resolved That it be recommended to the Council that approval for the nomination for Coalisland & Dungannon Neighbourhood Renewal Partnership Projects to the IPB Pride of Place awards Nominations to go forward under the Youth Engagement and Community Health be granted. Declaration of Interest Councillor Elattar declared an interest in the Charles Thomson Society. D66/15 Strategic Tourism Opportunities for Mid Ulster The Chair, Councillor Monteith drew attention to the report which outlined details of a visioning meeting held with Tourism Northern Ireland and Chief Executives of the 11 new Councils; details of a visioning meeting held with Tourism Northern Ireland and Council officers of Mid-Ulster District Council on 13 th March 2015; and proposals for the development of tourism and core themes/opportunities for Mid-Ulster District Council. The report advised that a workshop had been held on the morning of Friday 23 January 2015 in Lisburn and was attended by Chief Executives representing all councils. The purpose of the workshop was, to involve the Chief Executives of the 18 Development Committee ( )

19 new District Councils in establishing a vision for tourism in the context of Local Government Reform and Community Planning. The key challenges presented in the presentations were: Establishing a new vision and strategy in partnership with the new councils. Developing an agreed, strategic, central development framework that will inform and guide the development of local plans through Community Planning Redefining partnership working relationships Further to this visioning workshop officers of Tourism NI had met with officers of Mid- Ulster District Council on Friday 13 March in Cookstown to discuss the key themes for the development of tourism in Mid-Ulster District Council. At both meetings Tourism NI made a very clear case that Mid Ulster Council will have to have a unique marketable offering that needs to be packaged, promoted and sold to a much wider and deeper international market place and outlined the economic benefits that could be gained. The case made to councils was to establish a central development framework including: A focus on four main themes o Living Legends o Unique Outdoors o Cultural & Creative Vibe o Coasts and Lakes Alignment with each theme based on competitive strengths/usps Developing a critical mass of experiences under each theme Encouraging Naturally NI experiences developed in the areas of food & drink, people & stories and talents & crafts. The core message being presented to all Councils were as follows:- Tourism NI & Mid-Ulster District Councils should share responsibility for and work in partnership to develop tourism at central and local levels. Each council should think about best fit and best opportunity need to internationalise to attract growing visitor numbers. The best way to serve all councils is to maintain a strong central presence and establish a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with each Council that reflects local needs. One size does not fit all the model of engagement/partnership depends on where each council and its tourism offering is in the development life cycle, i.e. how mature or developed is the product capability or critical mass of the industry. Key issues highlighted in the report referred to the meeting on Friday 13 th March aforementioned when Tourism NI suggested three core opportunities/themes that they felt would present Mid-Ulster District Council with a tourism offering that would 19 Development Committee ( )

20 be suitable for the MUDC development life cycle. Along with the core themes TNI presented facts, figures and insights that would be a useful baseline for the development of MUDC Tourism Strategy. Three core opportunities/ themes highlighted are as follows:- 1. Seamus Heaney Country 2. Outdoor Activities Hub 3. Linkages with Irish Heritage Experiences (O Neills) Other considerations noted in the report emphasised that in terms of the development of core opportunities and themes further consideration should also be given to other developments, such as Events, Dark Sky Project, Flavour of Tyrone, Outdoor Parks and Forest Recreation in all our Forests especially Davagh Forest Mountain bike trails and walking trails. Head of Tourism stated, in progressing the opportunities Council would establish a working Memorandum of Understanding following which a working group would be established. In response to Councillor Clarke s comments regarding the archaeology/ heritage project the Head of Tourism advised it would be included in theme 3 - Linkages with Irish Heritage Experiences. The Director of Business & Communities stated that the Memorandum of Understanding would permit Council to set a base identifying core opportunities/themes and provide an excellent starting point. Councillor Molloy stated that throughout the district there was a lack of places to stay especially in rural areas for example guest houses, cottages etc are needed as a priority. Concurring, Councillor T Quinn stated that people staying in hotels, guest houses etc would be spending money and that Council needed to support people endeavouring to provide accommodation. Councillor T Quinn also made reference to tourism gems which should be developed such as Captain Felix Donnelly buried outside Moneymore who fought in the American Civil War and Dean Swift who wrote Gullivers Travels at Loughry. Councillor McNamee stated that there was also a need for more hostel style accommodation. Councillor Reid concurring with previous comments stated that there was currently no hotel in Dungannon and often people had to be sent to other towns for hotel accommodation. Councillor Reid also stated that often tourists want bed and breakfast accommodation that legislation requirements prevented people becoming B&B providers and Council should try to soften the approach of Tourism NI regarding requirements. Making reference to the centenary of the First World War together with the proposed Heaney Centre, Councillor Reid emphasised that Council should go forward on the right foot and make tourism attractive to all of the community. The Chair, Councillor Monteith agreed making reference to the centenary of the 1916 rising highlighting that the proclamation had been signed by a Dungannon man, Thomas Clarke. Commenting further the Chair stated that the Council should be ready to capitalise on this and that currently Dungannon, the largest town in Mid 20 Development Committee ( )

21 Ulster had no hotel and that a workshop should be held in May or June to focus on strategic discussion. Councillor Elattar stated that the Heaney Centre was promoting poetry which was for everyone and made reference to a delegation from America which visited Upperlands, Maghera last year as Charles Thomson Society had been one of the first signatories of American Independence and stated that one of the comments the American tourists had made was that they were visiting the area just for one day as they were based in Belfast. Councillor Dillon concurring with previous comments stated that Council was aware of accommodation issues and suggested that Council should go out to areas asking what they have to offer tourism emphasising that tourists wouldn t come to the area to see one thing but that there was massive potential to promote a package of tourist attractions which would provide massive increase of visitors. The Head of Tourism advised that he had spent a day visiting attractions companies had to offer and stated that he was blown away with what the district had to offer but stated companies were waiting for Council to take the lead. The Chief Executive stated that he welcomed the discussion and that it was recognised that there was potential for tourism growth endorsed by all parties. The Chief Executive stated that an all Member workshop should be organised to discuss issue and that Council should walk before it runs as it was imperative to get the approach right and if so hotel provision could be attracted back to Dungannon. The Chief Executive further stated that Officers would take the matter forward and perhaps invite Tourism NI to Council to advise how to drive tourism forward. Councillor O Neill concurred with the comments and Councillor Molloy stated that Council should also lobby relevant bodies, regarding the Lough Neagh being in private ownership. Proposed by Councillor O Neill Seconded by Councillor Quinn and Resolved That it be recommended to the Council (i) (ii) to establish a working Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Tourism Northern Ireland; that an all Member workshop to discuss tourism be held within the next eight weeks. D67/15 Events April to June 1015 The Chair, Councillor Monteith drew attention to the events calendar for April to June 2015 details of which had been included with the report. It was noted that Council organised Events and Festivals are a positive economic and social driver and they had been recognised within Northern Ireland s tourism strategies. Events and festivals generate an array of economic and social impacts and will play a key role in Mid-Ulster District Council. They provide an opportunity to 21 Development Committee ( )

22 generate additional visitors and revenue and create and enhance a positive image and reputation and contribute to civic pride. All three Councils had delivered high quality events over the years and these events have been cited as a major contributor to enhancing districts. In the 2015/16 Mid-Ulster District Council would be responsible for directly organising and delivering 41 events and different departments within the Council had been involved in the planning and delivery of them. In order to present a clear understanding to Council of the financial commitment, events planned and financial commitment the undernoted table of events was presented. Name of Event Never Felt Better Day Location of Event Magherafelt Town Centre Date of Even t 25th April Department responsible Economic Development Budget for Event Description 1,000 A promotional day to drive more business in Magherafelt Town Centre. During the Never Felt Better day users of the town app can get bargains from local participating business. With fun and games in the Centre of the town. Cookstow n Continenta l Markets Felix Triathlon Super Sprint Series Cookstown Town Centre Dungannon Leisure Centre 8th, 9th & 10th May 16th May, 20th June, 22nd Augu st Economic Development Leisure Services 25,000 Cookstown Town Centre This is a weekend like no other. With 40 international traders descending on Cookstown from 15 countries, they will bring with them a fresh and cosmopolitan charm to the town centre and create a tremendous buzz of activity and excitement. The event attracted more than 25,000 people to Cookstown over 3 days last year. 1,000 A 3 day sprint triathlon series run over the summer. 22 Development Committee ( )

23 World Culture Maghera 10K Burnavon Maghera 17th May 19th May Arts and Culture Leisure Services 5,000 World Culture Day Burnavon, Cookstown A celebration of World Culture Day will bring Cookstown to life in an explosion of colour, music and rhythm for everyone to enjoy. 1,200 Annual 10k race which attracts runners from all over Ireland. In the past this event has attracted up to 300 runners. Teddy Bears Picnic US Grant Ancestral Homestead 1st - 5th June Tourism 5,000 Bring along you Teddy bear and Picnic for an enjoyable day of fun and games. Cookstow n Comedy Festival Straw Festival Cookstow n Retail Week Burnavon 4th - 6th June Meadowbank sports Arena Cookstown Town Centre 6th June 20th - 27th June Tourism 10,000 Cookstown Comedy Festival Burnavon, Cookstown After the hugely successful 2013 & 2014 Cookstown Comedy Festival, the town prepares itself for the 2015 Cookstown Comedy Festival Tourism 10,000 The annual free family fun day, with games, face painting, bouncy castles, art, crafts and Economic Development much more. 5,000 Cookstown Retail week Cookstown Town Centre Many special offers will be available in participating stores throughout the week, so don t miss this opportunity to call in and pick up a bargain. Free Family Fun Day Mid Ulster Sports Arena June Leisure Services 3,000 Free Family Fun Day Mid Ulster Sports Arena, Cookstown A great day out with something for all the family from face painting, arts & Crafts, sporting activities, bouncy castles etc. 23 Development Committee ( )

24 It was noted that as all budgets had been previously agreed as part of the budget transfer that for each event they were the same as the previous years. Proposed by Councillor McNamee Seconded by Councillor O Neill and Resolved That it be recommended to the Council that Members note the events. Councillor J Shiels advised that the Cultural Events was the same weekend as the Northwest 200 and in response the Head of Arts and Culture stated that officers would establish if the event could be put back to the 23 May. For Information D68/15 Update on Progress of Irish Language Policy The Chair, Councillor Monteith advised that the update on progress of Irish Language policy was to be considered by the Policy and Resources Committee and thus removed item from agenda. CONFIDENTIAL BUSINESS Proposed by Councillor McNamee Seconded by Councillor Clarke Resolved That items D 69/15 D71/15 be taken as confidential business. D72/15 Duration of Meeting The meeting was called for 7pm and ended at 8.40 pm CHAIR DATE 24 Development Committee ( )

25 Subject: Reporting Officer: Benburb Community and District Association Nigel Hill, Head of Parks 1 Purpose of Report 1.1 Approval is sought to engage and co-partner Benburb and District Community Association in their efforts to secure Space and Place funding for healthy village project 2 Background 2.1 Benburb & District Community Association are seeking Council support in delivering the space and place lottery funded programme; to develop a walk to fitness trail on Council Parklands within Benburb Village. This will include the following; Walkway(s) around perimeter to include potential for wildlife/ seating/ picnic areas/ fitness pods. Fencing of existing football pitch for health and safety of park users. Potential fund to be secured 100k The Association has been invited to stage 2 of the programme and are seeking approval from Council to carry out construction on the land. They also ask that Council assume liability and maintenance for the works when completed. This will allow us realise our ambition to support Council in improving facilities in our local area. 3 Key Issues The Council is being asked to support a community partnership in relation to the proposed development of the facilities and to be involved in the initial designs and implementation stages of the project The project will require a schedule of works to be completed under licence in relation to the project. Council is being asked to undertake insurance and maintenance responsibility for the facilities on completion.

26 4 Resource Implications 4.1 Financial No financial contribution to project requested/match funding. Future maintenance and insurance costs would be incorporated within existing budgets Human Resources Existing staff resources sufficient to deliver on identified objectives. Basis for Professional/ Consultancy Support None Other None. 5 Other Considerations 5.1 None 6 Recommendations 6.1 To engage and co-partner with Benburb and District Association in relation to the Space and Place development project. Provide support and advice through the application process. To undertake insurance and maintenance responsibilities on completion of a successful project. 7 List of Documents Attached 7.1 Appendix - Design Proposal 2

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28 Subject: Reporting Officer: Northern Ireland Fly Fishing Association Nigel Hill, Head of Parks 1 Purpose of Report 1.1 Consideration of a request from Northern Ireland Fly Fishing Association to host an International Fly Fishing Competition at Dungannon Park Lake Fishery 2 Background 2.1 Northern Ireland Fly Fishing Association (NIFFA) participate in international fishing competitions that include matches involving visiting teams from England, Scotland, Wales, Republic of Ireland and Isle of Man. The Park Lake has hosted one event in Key Issues 3.1 NIFFA has requested Mid Ulster District Council to reserve the Park Lake on Saturday 13 th June for a home leg match between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland with a practice day on Friday 12 th June NIFFA have requested a contribution in kind that would provide the use of the lake for free over the two days and that access would be restricted in favour for the visiting competitors. NIFFA have indicated that it is customary for teams to display their national emblems as part of the international flavour of the event.

29 4 Resource Implications Financial The proposal to reserve (without cost) the lake for the visiting competitors would have an impact on income and on the visit patterns of local weekend anglers. Human Resources Existing staff resources adequate to accommodate demand Basis for Professional/ Consultancy Support None. Other None 5 Other Considerations 5.1 What positive PR opportunity could be gained to compensate or offset the loss of income as a result of hosting the event and incurring the associated expense 6 Recommendations 6.1 Present a proposal to NIFFA offering to host the event based on limiting the burden of cost on the Council and maximising the PR opportunity associated to the International Event. This should include for no restrictions on local visiting anglers on the practice day and a concessionary rate of 50% applicable to the visiting competitors over both practice day and day of the competition. All event PR associated to the venue will be approved and managed through the Councils Communications team. 7 List of Documents Attached 7.1 Appendix - Northern Ireland Fly Fishing Association correspondence 2

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31 Subject Reporting Officer General Economic Development Update Fiona McKeown, Head of Economic Development 1 Purpose of Report 1.1 To provide Members with an update on key activities related to economic development. 2 Background 2.1 Work is progressing on; Mid Ulster Economic Development Plan ( ) Broadband Investors in People 3 Key Issues A number of key activities have been progressed as follows; 3.1 Mid Ulster Local Economic Development Plan ( ) A summary document was prepared to set out the proposed activities to be undertaken within Mid Ulster s Economic Development Action Plan ( ). Actions have been grouped under the following four thematic headings; Economic Growth / Sectoral Diversification Employability and Skills Town and Village Regeneration Infrastructure and Connectivity Three business workshops were held on 28 th, 29 th and 30 th April 2015 in Cookstown, Magherafelt and Dungannon areas to present the feedback received from businesses during the Community Planning and Economic Devleopment Plan consultations. Ninety four people attended the events, including sixty four businesses.

32 Pictured at the business event in Dungannon on 30 th April 2015 are (L-R) Shirley Smyth (Professional Travel), Cllr Kim Ashton, Vice Chair (Mid Ulster Council), Linton McKeown (Ideal Furnishings), Cllr Frances Burton, Chair (Mid Ulster Council Development Committee) and Stephen Mohan (Cuba). 3.2 The next and final phase of the consultation process involves organising a meeting with all Councillors in early May 2015, to receive and take on board any final comments, before moving on to finalise and Economic Development Plan and launch it in June Broadband Correspondence has been issued to senior officials in the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment, inviting them to meet with Mid Ulster Council at the earliest possible opportunity to discuss ongoing problems associated with broadband not-spots across Mid Ulster and receive an update on the rollout of DETI s Broadband Improvement Project. Investors in People The former Dungannon and South Tyrone Borough Council had paid a financial contribution to the Department of Employment and Learning to deliver an Investors in People Programme to businesses in the Dungannon/South Tyrone area. The programme seeks to assist seven businesses to; 1. Improve business processes 2. Compete and succeed through improved people performance 3. Give businesses a competitive edge The assistance will be delivered through five workshops focusing on; Strategic Planning Effective Management Culture & Communication Developing People Managing Performance

33 The 7 businesses which are successful in gaining a place on the programme will each receive up to 3.5 days mentoring with preparation for an assessment to achieve the Investors in People Standard As this programme has not commenced as yet, it is proposed to open the programme to receive applications from interested businesses across the wider Mid Ulster District Council area. If Members are in agreement, the Programme will be formally launched in Mid Ulster in June Resource Implications No financial cost to Mid Ulster Council funding contribution already paid by Dungannon and South Tyrone Borough Council in 2014/15. 5 Other Considerations 5.1 None 6 Recommendations 6.1 Members are requested to consider extending the reach of the Investors in People Programme to across Mid Ulster to allow all businesses in the district to apply to the programme. 7 List of Documents Attached N/A

34 Subject Reporting Officer Super Connected Broadband Proposal to Councils from Belfast City Council for the period 1 April 2015 to 31 March 2016 Fiona McKeown 1 Purpose of Report 1.1 To provide Members with an overview of the Super Connected Broadband Proposal and request Mid Ulster District Council approval to sign up to this initiative. 2 Background 2.1 The Belfast Connection Vouchers Scheme (BCVS) is part of the Super Connected Belfast Programme, which is funded by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS). The Scheme allows small to medium sized enterprises and social enterprises within the Belfast City Council area to apply for grants (vouchers) of up to 3,000, to obtain high-speed broadband connections. The aim is to stimulate economic growth by helping businesses to overcome the cost of installing high speed broadband, and also improve the overall fibre infrastructure in the city making it a more desirable location to invest. The Scheme has been operational since December 2013 and was due to cease on 31 March 2015, having delivered over 1.5 million in grants to almost 800 organisations; it is estimated that each voucher contribute to the creation of 3 jobs and 133,000 in turnover for each business over 3 years. Government has now decided to allocate 40million to extend the Scheme until March As a consequence, Belfast City Council is proposing to extend the Scheme throughout NI and manage it on behalf of Councils (via a Service Level Agreement, attached) to ensure that businesses across the region can access this support. 3 Key Issues 3.1 Extension of Scheme to other areas in Northern Ireland Belfast City Council has requested approval from the Department of Culture, Media and Sport to expand the Scheme regionally. All of the new Councils have expressed an interest in being a part of this Scheme to ensure businesses in their area can access this support. 3.2 Mid Ulster District Council responsibilities Councils will be responsible for marketing and stimulating demand in their respective areas. Belfast Council advised that the work of both generating applications and leading applicants through to completion was challenging but have offered to make their learning available to Councils to help ensure business

35 update is maximised. 4 Resource Implications Financial Belfast City Council have advised Councils there are several costs that need to be covered in order to allow the current system to accommodate the new council areas such as Experian business data, rebranding, and hosting. This will necessitate an initialisation charge of 8,000 per Council (breakdown covered in document attached). Belfast City Council will meet the ongoing administration cost to deliver an extended voucher scheme by claiming ten per cent of the value of the grants from DCMS meaning that there are no other costs to each council. This will cover both the costs for processing applications, enquires and reporting requirements. Human Resources Basis for Professional/ Consultancy Support Other None 5 Other Considerations 5.1 None 6 Recommendations 6.1 To make provision from Council s Business and Community Budget for the financial year 2015/16 of up to 8,000 towards the costs of Scheme administration, processing applications, enquiries and reporting requirements. 7 List of Documents Attached 7.1 Appendix 1 Belfast City Council Proposition Paper for NI Councils (dated 26 March 2015)

36 Belfast City Council Proposition Paper for NI Councils (26 March 2015) APPENDIX 1 Super Connected Broadband Proposal Belfast Connection Vouchers Scheme Relevant background information The Belfast Connection Vouchers Scheme (BCVS) is part of the Super Connected Belfast programme. The Super Connected Belfast programme is funded by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS). The voucher scheme allows small to medium sized enterprises (SMEs) and social enterprises within the new Belfast City Council boundary area to apply for grants of up to 3,000, to obtain high-speed broadband connections. The overall aim of the scheme is to stimulate economic growth in the city by not only helping existing organisations overcome the cost of installing high speed broadband, but also by improving the overall fibre infrastructure in the city making it a more desirable location to invest. The scheme has been operational since December 2013 and was due to cease on the 31 st March During that time the Belfast voucher scheme has provided over 1.5 million in grants to almost 800 organisations. The benefits to these organisations and to the city can be huge. From the information provided by applicants, it has been estimated that each voucher will contribute 3 jobs and 133,000 in turnover for each business over 3 years. Current Situation On 3rd December 2014, as part of the Autumn Statement by the Chancellor of the Exchequer George Osborne MP, a decision was taken to extend the voucher scheme until March The government has allocated up to 40 million to extend the scheme to March 2016 and has made the scheme available to 28 more cities none of which are in Northern Ireland. Vouchers will be available on a first come, first served basis. The new 40 million fund will be administered by DCMS centrally. Given the impact that the scheme is having on businesses, Belfast City Council will continue to operate the scheme until March 2016 as agreed at SSP&R on 30 th January Belfast City Council already has a well established programme for generating demand and processing applications. This is made up of a marketing strategy, a dedicated team of staff helping organisations, and back office and online IT systems that manages the application and approvals of vouchers. This has led to a very successful scheme and the extension of the deadline to March 2016 allows the council to build on these successes. Belfast City Council currently provides administration and application support for the Derry City Council voucher scheme. Talks are ongoing to continue this support, allowing Derry City Council to extend its scheme also. Belfast City Council has also been invited to submit plans to expand its intervention area. This means that Belfast City Council may submit plans to extend the scheme beyond its current boundary into other council areas. However, the scheme is very much a demand led project, and as such, there needs to be a demonstrable demand from businesses, charities and social enterprises in every area in which the scheme intervenes. Anecdotal evidence suggests that there is significant demand across the region. Following a recent radio campaign by DCMS on local stations, the Belfast team received a number of enquiries from organisations outside Belfast about our grants. Broadband suppliers have also indicated that there is a large demand from organisations outside of the current intervention

37 areas for services that could be funded through this scheme that would otherwise be unaffordable. At a meeting on the 23 rd February 2015, facilitated by DETI and DCMS, our officers presented the scheme to Economic Development Officers from each of the new council authorities. The presentation focused on the many benefits that SMEs are realising after receiving their vouchers. At the meeting, DCMS invited all councils to submit outline proposals for the scheme to expand into their areas supported by the current BCC scheme. We are delighted to say that all of the new councils have subsequently expressed an interest and have submitted proposals for the expansion, meaning that businesses across the region could benefit. Should we receive permission from DCMS to expand regionally, there are several costs that need to be covered in order to allow the current system to accommodate the new council areas such as Experian business data, rebranding, and hosting. This will necessitate a small initialisation charge of 8,000 (breakdown covered in Appendix 1). However, Belfast City Council will be able to meet the ongoing administration cost to deliver an extended voucher scheme by claiming ten per cent of the value of the grants from DCMS meaning that there are no other costs to each council. This will cover both the costs for processing additional applications, enquires and reporting requirements. An SLA will also be distributed to each council for signing clarifying roles and responsibilities. A draft SLA is contained in Appendix 2. Effort in stimulating demand for the voucher scheme in each council area will be necessary to make the scheme successful and will be the responsibility of the relevant council authority. Belfast has found the work of both generating applications and leading applicants through to completion challenging. We are happy to make our learning available to neighbouring Councils to help create a successful scheme if a decision is taken to extend the scheme into other council areas.

38 APPENDIX 1 Proposed costs for each council COSTS Project initialisation fee 8,000 Includes: System setup: - Rebranding - Report customisation - Letter template reconfiguration - T&C redrafting and approval - Application form changes Postage costs (two items per voucher) Experian data SLA Supplier briefing and communications Audit approval Administration Admin costs to be covered by voucher claims 0 Total administration cost for each council 8,000

39 APPENDIX 2 Example SLA SERVICE LEVEL AGREEMENT SUMMARY SUPPLIER USER Belfast City Council PERIOD SERVICE(S) Connection Vouchers Scheme

40 Provision of Management for Connection Vouchers Scheme Service Level Agreement 1. PARTIES TO THE AGREEMENT The parties to the agreement are [x], (hereinafter called the Service User ) and Belfast City Council, Digital Services Section, (hereinafter called the "Service Provider ) 2. OBJECTIVES OF THE AGREEMENT This Service Level Agreement sets out the range of technical and administrative support services to be delivered by the Service Provider, the expected performance in delivery of such services and the charging of services to the Service User. Whilst this agreement sets out the full range of services available from the Service Provider, it is acknowledged that the Service User may have or may make arrangements for the provision of any of those services from an alternative source. Such changes will be communicated to the Service Provider no later than 31 days before the proposed change, and be subject to the payment terms contained in Sections 5(i) and 5(x). The Service Provider will retain the right to terminate the contract by giving 31 days notice and shall be entitled for payment for all services provided under this Agreement prior to the date of Termination in accordance with the payment terms contained within Section 5(x). 3. DEFINITION OF SERVICES The Service User requires the provision of a comprehensive and quality service in respect of the management of the Connection Vouchers Scheme, examples are given below, but are not intended to be exhaustive (all of which are hereinafter referred to as "the CVS. (i) Develop a CVS online management platform with appropriate branding (ii) Adopt process and procedures as detailed in Belfast Connection Voucher Scheme Process and Procedures document (iii) Membership of Project Board a. Attendance at monthly meetings b. Update on progress/ issues arising etc (iv) Generate DCMS Metrics/ reports a. DCMS CVS Reporting Pack b. Fraud Report c. Progress report 4. DURATION OF AGREEMENT This Service Level Agreement will commence on [x] and will cease on [x]. The terms and conditions of this agreement may be extended by mutual consent of the parties. The Service User undertakes to indicate to the Service Provider, not later than 31 days before the termination of this agreement, whether it wishes to extend the duration of the agreement, the period of extension to be agreed with the Service Provider.

41 SERVICE PROVISION REQUIREMENTS (i) Instructions to the Service Provider Responsibility for the referral of voucher applications to the Service Provider and all demand stimulation activities lies with the Service User. There shall be no restriction on which officers within the Service User as can provide instructions. The Service User will ensure that such instructions have been approved at the appropriate level and that all matters relevant to the instruction have been provided to the Service Provider. The Service Provider will be supplied with a list of principal personnel and advised of any changes to same during the Agreement period. Standard instructions and requests for information must be communicated to the Service Provider via the following methods: connectionvouchers@belfastcity.gov.uk Phone: Non-standard instructions that are outside of the scope of the project will be subject to the costs highlighted in section 5(ii) and must be communicated in writing to the Service Provider Project Manager John-Paul McGonigle (ii) Finance (iii) Disbursements (iv) Specialist Advice Where circumstances arise in which a specialist or agent is required, prior approval of the Service User must be obtained before appointment. All fees for such specialists shall be passed to the Service User for payment. (v) Deliverables The Service User recognises that the Service Provider must be aware of all matters relevant to their instructions in order to provide the CVS and the Service User shall accordingly provide full instructions with copies of all relevant supporting documents to the Service Provider. The Service User will ensure that the Service Provider is made aware, as soon as possible, of any change in circumstances affecting the instructions of the Service Provider. (vi) Performance Expectations and Service User Feedback The Service Provider will: (i) Facilitate weekly/ monthly reports (ii) Attend monthly project Board Meetings (if required) to provide summary feedback on progress and review response times and timescales for the processing of vouchers; (iii) Ensure that requisitioned work is progressed in a timely manner; (iv) Ensure that any undue delay in the Service Provider's ability to progress work as agreed shall be communicated to the Service User immediately and a plan to progress the work shall be formulated and agreed between the Service Provider and the Service User; (v) Provide the following functions in accordance with that laid out in Appendix 1: Allow all applicants access to apply seamlessly via link from either the Service User or DCMS web sites. Process applications through from start to final payment.

42 Deal with any inquiries and challenges or pass these through to the Service User where appropriate. Chase up on incorrect or incomplete applications via the phone and as per Belfast applications. The Service Provider will rely on the Service User to carry out all aspects of this work which requires direct contact and will support this activity via specific reports. Make payments to Suppliers and prepare financial reports as required by DCMS Invoice the Service User as detailed in Section 5. (x). Advise the Service User on any DCMS change controls, how they are to be implemented and any changes they need to make to their operation Further meetings may be requested by either party at any time during the Agreement period. (vii) Fluctuations Other than by agreement between the Service Provider and Service User this Agreement may not be amended during the relevant period. Exceptionally, if the percentage pays rise or inflation rate exceeds the estimate by more than two percentage points, revised rates may be levied by agreement. (viii) Disputes and Dispute Resolution Any disputes in respect of provision of CVS that cannot be resolved at the commissioning point of contact shall be communicated to the Project Lead and Programme Manager (of the Service User) for resolution. (ix) Client Care (i) In respect of non-routine matters the Service Provider will provide the Service User with the following information: Details of the work to be undertaken on behalf of the Service Provider The Service User acknowledges that it will be responsible for those functions pertaining to: o Demand stimulation o On site visits for audit and anti-fraud checks (ii) Complaints will be dealt with in the line with relevant council Corporate Complaints Procedure. (x) Payment 5. TRANSFER & SUB CONTRACTING The Service Provider is not permitted to transfer or sub-contract the technical and administrative management of the CVS to another provider without the consent of the Service User. 6. BUDGET 7. CONTACT POINTS The contact points for this Service Level Agreement are:- (I) Project Lead (II) Programme Manager

43 Subject Mid Ulster Town Centre Action Plans (2015/16) Reporting Officer Fiona McKeown, Head of Economic Development 1 Purpose of Report 1.1 To present a comprehensive Town Centre Action Plans for the towns of Cookstown, Dungannon, Magherafelt and Coalisland for 2015/16. 2 Background 2.1 Town Centre regeneration and revitalisation is a key priority that has been identified in the Draft Mid Ulster Economic Development Plan. The three legacy Councils have delivered a number of programmes benefitting the four town centres in recent years and this action plan addresses the key priorities for the four town centres in 2015/16, building upon the good work which has already been completed. 3 Key Issues 3.1 The Draft Action Plan aims to prioritise the development of integrated, cohesive and comprehensive Town Centre activities for 2015/16. The initiatives proposed address the key town centre issues highlighted to Mid Ulster Council through the recent Community Plan and Economic Development Plan consultation processes and indeed are a strategic fit with the recently published Masterplans/Comprehensive Development Plans for the four main towns of Cookstown, Dungannon, Magherafelt and Coalisland. The proposed Town Centre Action Plan contained on Appendix 1, lists a variety of initiatives under the four main thematic headings as set out below; 1. Marketing and promotion 2. Business support and investment 3. Key events 4. Physical regeneration & improving infrastructure. These key priorities have been used to develop a number of projects that will address these needs under the following aims: To maximise the profile of the four town centres and reinforce the existing town centre brands. To support the growth and development of a competitive retail sector across Mid Ulster. To develop and deliver a number of key events that adds vitality and vibrancy to the four town centres. To improve the townscape quality of the four town centres

44 4 Resources 4.1 Financial 609,587 Programme Costs from Town Centre Budget. These funds will be used as a mechanism to attract further funding leverage, where possible. 4.2 Human Existing staff resources Basis for Professional/ Consultancy Support N/A Other None 5 Other Considerations 5.1 None 6 Recommendations 6.1 Members are asked to consider approving the projects contained within Mid Ulster s Town Centre Action Plans 2015/16. 7 List of Documents Attached 7.1 Appendix 1 - Mid Ulster Town Centre Action Plans 2015/16.

45 Appendix 1 Draft Mid Ulster Town Centre Action Plans 2015/16 May 2015

46 Contents Section Title Page No. 1.0 Introduction Mid Ulster Town Centres Town Centre Governance Arrangements Key Achievements Key Priorities Action Plan Conclusion 28 Appendix 1 Town Centre Projects & Budget 29 Appendix 2 Town Centre Events 31 1

47 1.0 INTRODUCTION The Role/Importance of Mid Ulster Town Centres Mid Ulster town centres play a key role that extends far beyond places in which people shop and transact business. They are at the heart of the communities they serve. The importance of town centres is therefore not simply their commercial viability but also their contribution as a location for jobs, services, community development, marketing and promotion. It is widely accepted that a measure of the success of a Council Area is of the economic and physical wellbeing of its key towns. The value of town centres as economic drivers was first highlighted in DSD s Report on the Reinvigoration of Town Centres (1999) by EDAW. The report recommended a number of actions for local district councils including the establishment of a Town Centre Partnership and development of a Town Centre Strategy. At different stages over the last 15 years all three legacy Councils have identified Town Centre Regeneration as a key programme in their Economic Development Plans and have subsequently allocated financial and staff resources to support this. Town Centre Regeneration remains an important cornerstone for the economic development of Mid Ulster over the next decade. Widespread consultation has already been conducted through the preparatory work to create a new Community Plan and Economic Development Plan for Mid Ulster. The feedback received clearly demonstrates the need to build on the good work completed in our town centres already to keep them healthy and vibrant and act as key economic drivers for our region. To achieve this goal, Town and Village Regeneration has been identified as a key priority within Mid Ulster s Draft Economic Development Plan ( ). The years since the financial crisis of 2008 have seen a new wave of interest in the future of town centres and high streets. Prompted by a number of high profile store closures and regular headlines about empty shops, the government commissioned the Portas Review An independent review into the future of our high streets (2011), which re-iterated the need for investment and a co-ordinated approach to the management of town centres. The Department for Social Development (DSD) followed suit in 2012 by establishing a Task Force to review the situation in Northern Ireland and the support provided by the department to the regeneration of city/town centres. The report recommended the continued presence of Town centre teams/partnerships to provide local leadership and to develop the local vision and help to improve the coordination of city and town centre management. In 2013, DSD published its Urban Regeneration and Community Development Framework, and one of its policy objectives is: To strengthen the competitiveness of our town and cities. It is widely accepted that the future landscape of town centres and the high street has changed from traditional commercialism toward greater social and public uses and activity i.e. a multifunctional centre. Despite the challenges and added 2

48 pressures it is vitally important for Council to continue to work together in partnership to develop and improve our town centres through effective Town Centre Management and Regeneration (TCM). What Is Town Centre Management (TCM)? The Association of Town Centre Management (ATCM) defines TCM as: a coordinated pro-active initiative designed to ensure that our town centres realise their natural roles both as prosperous locations for business and investment, and as focal points for vibrant, inclusive communities. In nearly all instances the initiative is a partnership between the public, private and community sectors and brings together a wide-range of key town centre stakeholders. In keeping with recognised best practice, both ATCM and DSD recommend that at a strategic level an effective, integrated partnership between district councils, the private sector and the local community is best placed to deliver the objectives required for making town and city centres vibrant and viable (with Councils a lead stakeholder in this arrangement). However, there is no standardised approach as each town centre is different and the approach will vary depending on the circumstances. Role of Town Centre Management/Regeneration The clear recommendation for all towns is the need to establish a strong local strategy which takes into account a holistic view of the local centre. Town Centre Masterplans have been completed for Cookstown, Dungannon and Magherafelt and a Development Framework Plan is currently being finalised for Coalisland. As stated earlier all three legacy Councils have established Town Centre regeneration within their respective Economic Development units and a common approach has been designed into the Mid Ulster District Council structure. For a town centre to grow and realise its vision, it needs co-ordinated management, and Town Centre Regeneration staff play an important role being the focus point for the implementation of the strategy and action plan. Their role varies but it is essentially to bring together the various stakeholders within the partnership to drive forward and deliver the revitalisation of the town centre/s in a co-ordinated manner. Staff work with partners to create a town centre where shopping, working, living, doing business and spending leisure time are pleasant experiences. Some of the common themes that staff work towards include:- Strategy and vision development, implementation, monitoring and evaluation. Building relationships with town centre businesses and keeping them informed of developments. Advising and lobbying on key policy areas affecting town centres. Sourcing external funding from both public and private sectors. Delivering events that add vibrancy and footfall. Marketing and promotion activities. 3

49 Developing and delivering business support programmes. Seeking investment opportunities and working to bring vacant/derelict sites back into productive use as a way of regenerating town centres. Improving the streetscape and environmental quality of town centres. Market research Organising ad hoc projects which help support a clean, attractive and vibrant town centres. Unique, but connected - all four of the Mid Ulster town centres are unique with their own distinct personalities, but they also face many of the same challenges. There is now an opportunity for staff to come together to learn and work with each other to develop the town centres. Working collaboratively also offers scope for identifying joint projects, common synergies and economies of scale. Why is it important that our town centres flourish? The four town centres in Mid Ulster are at the heart of their local communities; they are economic drivers and major employment generators and their success is essential to a viable and robust economy in Mid Ulster. The four town centres host 1163 businesses and employ approximately 2000 people. If the retail offering declines, citizens will shop in neighbouring towns leading to fiscal leakage out of the local economy. Retailing, unlike other business sectors is often overlooked in times of economic downturn. Retailers not only provide jobs and investment but a vital service to the community. What is needed now? Support to continue to deliver a Town Centre Regeneration Programme to develop a better retail experience for shoppers in the four Mid Ulster towns. What will be the benefits to the whole District? The flow of spend by shoppers in town centres generally remains in the Mid Ulster District area, therefore contributing to a healthier local economy. Rates revenue is maintained, ensuring that all Council support services and amenities can be delivered to all citizens throughout the District. Opportunities will be explored to secure additional external money and in kind support towards the town centre regeneration programme. A positive experience will enrich civic pride among residents and business owners. The importance of town centres is therefore not simply their commercial viability but also their contribution as a location for jobs, services, community development, marketing and promotion. 4

50 Much work has been completed to date, and much is being achieved for the town centres through Mid Ulster Council working constructively in partnership with government, public, private, voluntary and community sectors to deliver improved and sustainable services, investment and infrastructure. 5

51 2.0 MID ULSTER TOWN CENTRES All four town centres have a strong focus on independent family run businesses that are long established in the respective towns, complimented by a range of high street names that caters for the needs of shoppers of all ages. The vacancy rates of each of the towns are significantly below the current Northern Ireland average of 17.7%. Cookstown Cookstown is a principal administrative centre, with a population of over 12,000. The town centre hosts approximately 370 businesses, employing 634 people. There are over 100 different business types, of which 66% are independents. The most recent retail floor space study (2013) within Cookstown town centre was estimated to be 43,530 sqm gross with a good range of choice shopping facilities and strong mix of predominately independent retailers. In 2014, the vacancy rate in Cookstown was 12.6%, which compares favourably to the NI average of 17.7%. Dungannon Dungannon has a population of over 16,000 and its town centre has a significant concentration of retail, service and other business uses. The town centre is complimented by retail developments at Beechvalley, Oaks Road and the Linen Green at Moygashel. The town originated as a market town, and it has evolved to become an important industrial / construction and engineering hub. The food processing industry provides a major employment base for the area the Neighbourhood Renewal area is located to the South and West of the town centre. The town centre hosts approximately 330 businesses of which 95% are independents. It employs approximately 600 people, with the vacancy rate currently sitting below the UK average at 13%. Magherafelt Magherafelt is a key service centre for its predominantly rural hinterland and as a result Magherafelt Town Centre is the hub for local retailing and service provision. Magherafelt provides a wide range of uses including, but not limited to, residential, employment, commercial, retail (convenience, comparison and bulky), local government, commercial leisure, health care and education (primary, secondary and vocational).comparison retail is the dominant retail and service use type in Magherafelt Town Centre (31.3% of units) followed by leisure services (16.2%), retail services and financial/business services (both 14.3% each) and convenience retail (6.6%). There are 320 businesses located in Magherafelt town centre. The vacancy rates for Magherafelt are 12.6% significantly below the Northern Ireland average of 6

52 17.7%. The retailer profile of Magherafelt is underpinned by local, independent retailers. Multiple retailers are primarily concentrated in Meadow Lane Shopping Centre which is strategically located in the town centre area. Out of town centre convenience retailers primarily comprise Lidl on the Castledawson Road and Tesco s on the Ballyronan Road. Coalisland Coalisland has a population of over 6,000. The mining of coal began in the early 18 th century and was the underlying reason for both the town s growth and the development of communications. The pattern of residential development had been fragmented in the past by the history of mineral works and extraction, which still shapes current development. The land to the West, North and North East is largely constrained by mineral reserve areas or former mine workings. Today, Coalisland is an industrial and local service centre, although many of its higher order services continue to be provided by Dungannon. The town provides a convenient and compact centre with a range of local retail outlets complemented by restaurants, cafes, bars and services. A large area of the town centre forms part of the designated Neighbourhood Renewal Area which is an area of recognised social and economic disadvantage. The Coalisland Canal, an historic waterway, is an interesting and locally important feature of the town and once linked the Tyrone Coalfields with Belfast. The town centre hosts approximately 167 businesses, all of which are independents. It employs approximately 300 people, with the vacancy rate currently sitting below the UK average at 10%. 7

53 3.0 TOWN CENTRE GOVERNANCE ARRANGEMENTS Currently all four towns have a Town Centre grouping which is involved in the delivery of town centre initiatives. The governance arrangements for each of these are set out below: Cookstown Town Centre Forum Cookstown Town Centre Forum was established in 2002 to develop a partnership approach for the development and delivery of key town centre initiatives. The Forum meets at regular intervals throughout the year and is serviced by the Town Strategy Manager and Chaired by one of the Town Councillors. Cookstown Town Centre Forum was initially established in It currently has 23 serving members representative of the statutory, private, community and voluntary sectors, details of which are outlined in the table below. Organisations within each sector were requested to submit nominations for representatives on the Town Centre Forum. Nominations were received for each sector and an acceptance notice was forwarded to each individual requesting their commitment to become members of the Town centre Forum. Current Membership Council Town Centre Councillors Cllrs Wilson, Buchanan, Glasgow, Quinn, McNamee, Bell, Mallaghan Mid Ulster Council Community Head of Community Development Development Section Transport NI Robin Cuddy Department of Social Development Patrick Anderson Planning NI John Monaghan Translink Robert McGill PSNI Daniel Walsh Chamber of Commerce Raymond McGarvey Tenants Association Bernie Sonners Vintners Tom Jebb Large Supermarket Stacy McMullan (ASDA) Brian McCallion (TESCO) Independent Retailer T P Sheehy John McConnell Professional Sector Jim Eastwood Property Developer Sean McMahon Disability Forum Ursula Marshall 8

54 Dungannon Regeneration Partnership Dungannon Regeneration Partnership (DRP) was established by Dungannon and South Tyrone Borough Council in 2000 with a remit to revitalise and reinvigorate Dungannon town. DRP is a company limited by guarantee and comprises of representatives from the public, private and community/voluntary sectors. DRP has been highlighted as an example of best practice in partnership working by DSD and is serviced by Council staff. DRP delivers the town centre regeneration programme in conjunction with the Dungannon and South Tyrone Borough Council and works within the Council s policies and procedures. A Strategy and Action Plan would be developed and submitted to the Council for approval. The partnership meets on a monthly basis throughout the year and is currently carrying out a strategic review considering its future role, priorities and membership in light of local government reform. Its current vision is:- In 2020 Dungannon will be a safe, attractive, vibrant, progressive and welcoming market town with a strong retail sector where partners work in cohesive harmony for the benefit of all traders, residents, workers and visitors. Dungannon Regeneration Partnership (DRP) was established in 2000 with representatives of the statutory, private and community/voluntary sectors. The six Dungannon town councillors are automatically nominated onto the partnership. At its inception the Council invited representation from a number of local groups and organisations with a stake-holding interest in the town centre. Current Membership Dungannon Town Councillors Cllrs Ashton, Cuddy, Cuthbertson, Molloy, Monteith and Versani Department for Social Development Dungannon Traders Association Dungannon Enterprise Centre South West College Professional Services Sector Banking Sector Community Sector Public Sector Patrick Anderson Stephen Mohan, Caroline O Neill Brian MacAuley Dermott Rodgers Niall Maneely, Chris Morgan, Brenda O Hare Fergal McCusker (Bank of Ireland) Tom Stewart Bronwyn McGahan* (MLA), Maurice Morrow (MLA)*. *Previous Dungannon Town Councillors who agreed to continue to serve on the partnership. 9

55 Magherafelt Town Centre Forum Magherafelt Town Centre Forum was established in 2010 as a means of improving communication between Council and traders in Magherafelt town centre. The Forum s main roles are to: Stimulate and revitalise the Town Centre; Identify funding opportunities; Act as an umbrella to facilitate the delivery of projects and initiatives by ensuring a strong, positive and coordinating vehicle to deliver the regeneration of the Town Centre; Identify and deliver new initiatives that support town regeneration; and Lobby and influence other statutory bodies on issues pertinent to the Town Centre e.g. car parking, traffic flow, derelict/run down derelict properties. Magherafelt Town Centre Forum comprises of 6 representatives from Magherafelt Chamber of Commerce, 6 Magherafelt Town Councillors, 1 DSD representative, 1 Transport NI representative and Magherafelt District Council Good Relations Officer. Current Membership Magherafelt Town Centre Councillors Cllrs Bateson, Campbell, Elattar, McFalone McLean & Shiels Magherafelt Chamber of Commerce DSD Transport NI Good Relations Officer (MDC) Mr Ian Henry, Mrs Anne Gribben, Mr Robin Kennedy (Chairperson), Dr Jack Keatley, Mr James McCabe, Mr Patrick Cassidy Mr Patrick Anderson Mr Robin Cuddy Mr Sean Henry 10

56 Future Function of Town Centre Partnerships The current town centre groupings have played a vital role in the delivery of town centre regeneration activities in the three legacy Councils. The current arrangements in place across the Mid Ulster District are broadly similar with the exception of Dungannon which operates a more formal arrangement currently. It is vital that the town centre partnerships continue to act in an advisory capacity, playing a fundamental role in the development and delivery of key town centre initiatives. One of the key activities to carry out as part of the action plan is to carry out a review of the current governance arrangements and look at a suitable model for future delivery. 11

57 4.0 KEY ACHIEVEMENTS The three legacy Councils have delivered a number of programmes benefitting the four town centres in recent years as detailed below. 292 Shop Front Improvement Schemes 54 Businesses benefitted from Business Support Programmes 96 Vacant Unit Animation Schemes Free Wi-Fi in 4 Town Centres 9 Opportunity Sites Developed 6.1m Investment in Physical Regeneration Projects 59 Housing Units developed through the LOTS Scheme 39,000 People attending Town Centre Events Coalisland Since the establishment of Coalisland Town Centre Steering Group: Impact Currently finalising Town Centre Development Framework and Action Plan following consultation exercise with community groups and traders. Refurbishment / painting of 43 shop frontages through a Shop Front Improvement Programme levering private investment of 23, Over the last 1½ years 34 businesses have received individual business mentoring, training and development support. 5 key town centre properties received improvements through DSD funding. 51 properties in the town centre have received window images/displays or shutter art Installation of Free public Wi-Fi in the Town Centre Annual festive Window Dressing Competition. Cookstown Since the establishment of the Cookstown Town Centre Forum Impact Six of the seven Opportunity Sites identified in the Cookstown Area Plan have been developed. 88 new businesses established raising the number of town centre businesses to

58 Commercial/Retail Space has increased by 327,680 sq. ft. 3,329, has been invested into the town centre of which Council financed 687, external funding leveraged was 2,642, Physical Regeneration Refurbishment of 48 Shop Fronts and 6 Paint Schemes through the Shop Improvement Schemes 43 new housing units created through Cookstown Living Over the Shops Scheme 11 town centre derelict properties received improvements through the Dereliction Scheme 4 (derelict) retail properties have been refurbished to allow them to be occupied by new tenant businesses 7 vacant properties in the town centre have received window displays or shutter art Marketing & Promotion Development of Cookstown Town Centre Branding Cookstown Looking Good Looking Great which has been reinforced through a variety of media and provides a strong message to promote Cookstown. First Town in the West of Northern Ireland to have a Wi-Fi enabled Town Centre 44 new branded street banners have been installed Distribution of 60,000 branded Cookstown long-life jute bag. Social Media engagement with over 200,000 people Best Christmas Lights in Northern Ireland Best Kept Town Award (Northern Ireland Award) 2010 & 2011 Ireland s Best Kept Large Town Award (All Ireland Award) 2011 and 2013 Dungannon Since the establishment of Dungannon Regeneration Partnership: Impact One key opportunity site at Ann Street purchased by the Council at 575k 2.3M investment in Public Realm (Phase 1) completed. 95% of businesses are independents within the town centre. Vacant retail property rate has not increased above NI average. Over last 4 years 20% of town centre businesses have benefitted from individual business mentoring, training and development support. Spot Check Mystery Shop Assessment of all town centre businesses found that the level of customer care currently offered is very good with 66% of those mystery shopped receiving at least 80% score. Physical Regeneration Refurbishment / painting of 125 shop frontages through the Shop Improvement Programmes levering private investment of 587,558 13

59 6 properties in Northland Conservation Area enhanced through delivery of Townscape Heritage Initiative. HLF s capital investment of 47,100 has levered a total of 218,342 into the Conservation Area 16 new housing units created through Dungannon LOTS Scheme. 6 town centre derelict properties received improvements through the DOE and DSD funding towards dereliction. First virtual High Street in N.Ireland at 4-36 Perry Street (13 run down properties) which spawned numerous virtual shops in town and village across the province. 25 properties in the town centre have received shutter art. Marketing, Promotion & Events Development of new Dungannon Town Centre Branding including slogan shop local.. shop smart for local campaigns. First Town Centre in the West of Northern Ireland to have a Free Wi-Fi enabled system. Delivery of seasonal advertising campaigns and regular events calendar. Social Media engagement with 3,000 likes on DungannonLife Facebook. The Gannonball Run was included in the Sunday Times Top 35 Bank Holiday Monday events to go to in August 2009 Magherafelt Impact Three of the seven Opportunity Sites identified in the Magherafelt Area Plan have been developed with one part developed and one almost ready to start. 530,000 external funding has been leveraged into the town centre an additional 125,00 private sector investment has been matched to this amount 75% of businesses are independent retailers within the town centre 20 businesses benefitted from Retail Therapy Programme Physical Regeneration 93% of properties on Queen Street benefitted from the Revitalise Project which led to a 33% reduction in vacant units and 68% increase in footfall. Outline design for Magherafelt Public Realm Scheme completed. Rainey Street Revitalisation Project benefitting 57% businesses. Marketing & Promotion Development of Never Felt Better Brand for Magherafelt Town Centre First Augmented Reality App developed to promote businesses in Magherafelt 14

60 Development of marketing strategy and marketing materials for Magherafelt town centre Free Wi-Fi installed in Magherafelt town centre Successful Speciality Christmas Market established 15

61 5.0 KEY PRIORITIES The key priorities facing the four town centres in the Mid Ulster District Council area have been grouped under four areas; marketing and promotion, business support and investment, events, and physical regeneration & improving infrastructure. Marketing & Promotion Continuing to promote each town s brand identity and identify opportunities for joint collaboration. Increasing visitor footfall and spend in town centre shops. Promoting Shop Local Initiatives to encourage customer loyalty Investigating potential sources of external financial support. Ongoing promotional campaigns during Public Realm Projects. Business Support and Attracting Investment Multi-channel trading and need to provide support for Retailers to develop online presence and social media activity. Assisting retailers through business development and skills training. Attracting retail investment both new and existing businesses to the town centres. Progressing opportunity sites that remain undeveloped Improving links with council and businesses needs to be a two way process. Contributing to the development of an overarching car parking policy / strategy. Developing the capacity of Castle Hill car park in Dungannon town centre. Investigating potential sources of external financial support. Events Continue to develop and implement high quality signature events in the four town centres to help attract footfall and spend. Maximising the use of civic and shared spaces for events Investigating potential sources of external financial support. Physical Regeneration / Improving Infrastructure Continuing to progress the delivery of Public Realm Schemes in Cookstown, Dungannon and Magherafelt. Exploring the potential for a Public Realm Scheme in Coalisland. Tackling run down and deteriorating shop frontages, internal structures, accessibility to buildings and ground floor layouts Addressing the number of vacant and derelict building in town centres Progressing a development brief for Ann Street Development Site Opportunity. Identifying Opportunity Sites to be included in Area Plans. 16

62 Progressing the development of undeveloped opportunity sites in each of the four town centres. Addressing poor signage throughout the town centres for linkages to car parks, access routes and retail areas Investigating potential sources of external financial support. 17

63 6.0 ACTION PLAN This Action Plan will aim to prioritise the development of integrated, cohesive and comprehensive Town Centre activities for 2015/16. The action plan will aim to: Encompass all relevant strands of work including town centre management; Engage all relevant people and partners; Identify and accommodate gaps, emerging needs and priorities; Provide a singular and strategic focus for all who have a part to play in town centre management, now and in the future. Following on from the key priorities identified, the action plan has four themes which represent key areas to be addressed in order to deliver the Action Plan: Marketing & Promotion Physical Regeneration / Improving Infrastructure Business Support / Attracting Investment Town Centre Events 18

64 1. Marketing & Promotion Aim To maximise the profile of the four town centres and reinforce the existing town centre brands. Objectives To encourage a co-ordinated approach to the marketing of the four town centres across Mid Ulster. To raise the profile of the town centres to encourage increased footfall and spend. To reinforce the brands of the town centres To encourage people to support town centres during Public Realm Schemes Actions Project 1.1: Seasonal Marketing Campaigns Project 1.2: Shop Local Campaigns Project 1.3: Promotional campaigns during Public Realm Schemes Inputs Key Personnel: Town Centre Officers Marketing & Communications Team Town Centre Forums/Regeneration Partnerships Budget: 80,000 Outputs Project 1.1: Seasonal Marketing Campaigns Establish key dates to carry out 1 seasonal marketing campaign for each town Carry out 4 seasonal marketing campaigns across the district Project 1.2: Shop Local campaigns Implement 1 joint shop local campaign in each town for Small Business Saturday (December 2015) 19

65 Project 1.3: Promotional Campaigns during Public Realm Schemes Carry out ongoing promotional campaigns pre, during and post Public Realm schemes. Outcomes Contribute to increased footfall across the towns in Mid Ulster Contribute to increased visitor numbers to the towns in Mid Ulster Contribute to increased traffic to Mid Ulster Council s social media channels Direct marketing of retail proposition at key periods in retail calendar for each settlement. Milestones On-going communication and engagement with stakeholders through Town Centre Forums to monitor progress Engage with retailers to secure buy in Each campaign to adhere to spend profile Routine monitoring of project measured against objectives and budget profile Completion of evaluation Evaluation Evaluation of project to include monitoring of outputs and outcomes. 20

66 2. Business Support / Attracting Investment Aim To support the growth and development of a competitive retail sector across Mid Ulster. Objectives To facilitate the growth of the retail offer in the four town centres. To provide support for existing and new businesses within the four town centres. To attract investment to the 4 town centres through the identification and development of opportunity sites. To improve the customer experience in the 4 town centres To lobby central government on issues relating to town centre development To ensure the continued physical vibrancy of towns as places to shop and visit. Actions Project 2.1: Baseline studies in four town centres. Project 2.2: Promotion of investment opportunities in the four town centres. Project 2.3: Provision of free Wi-Fi in the town centres Project 2.4: Provision of digital / e-commerce support to retailers in the four town centres. Inputs Key Personnel Town Centre Officers Economic Development Staff Planning Service Town Centre Forums/Regeneration Partnerships Budget 103,552 Outputs Project 2.1: Baseline Studies in four town centres To carry out a baseline study in each of the 4 town centres. 21

67 To commission a Retail Capacity Study for Dungannon to establish gaps/capacity to support additional retailing/services (in association with Planners). To update the Retail Capacity Studies for Cookstown and Magherafelt to establish gaps/capacity to support additional retailing/services (in association with Planners). Project 2.2: Promotion of investment opportunities in the four town centres Map the existing investment/opportunity sites in each of the 4 town centres Development of an investment brochure highlighting investment opportunities within the 4 town centres. Promotion of the 4 town centres on a Foreign Direct Investment App for Mid Ulster. Promotion of the Town Centre First Concept and work closely with Planning on development and area planning. Development of a pilot Creative Shops Programme in at least one town in the district. Project 2.3: Provision of free Wi-Fi in the 4 town centres town centres Continue to maintain free Wi-Fi in the four town centres. Project 2.4: Provision of digital / e-commerce support to retailers in the four town centres Develop and deliver a business support programme for up to 40 retailers in the four town centres by 31 March Outcomes To improve and grow the retail offer in the four towns across the Mid Ulster district. To promote investment in the four towns across the Mid Ulster district. To improve the customer experience in the four towns across the Mid Ulster district. Maintain or reduce the current joint vacancy rates in the four town centres by 31 March

68 Baseline studies of the four town centres completed. Retail capacity studies of the three main towns completed. Development of an Investment Brochure to promote town centre opportunity/investment sites. A pilot Creative Shops Programme developed in one town in the district. Ongoing communication and engagement with Town Centre Stakeholders. Milestones On-going communication with stakeholders through Town Centre Forums/Regeneration Partnerships to monitor progress. Each project to be delivered on time and within budget. Routine monitoring of projects measured against objectives and budget profile. Completion of an evaluation Evaluation Evaluation of project to include monitoring of outputs and outcomes 23

69 3. Town Centre Events Aim To develop and deliver a number of key events that adds vitality and vibrancy to the four town centres. Objectives To attract footfall and increase spend in the town centre To enhance the overall visitor experience To engage retailers in town centre events To explore opportunities for external funding To animate public and shared spaces in town centres To increase civic pride in the towns in Mid Ulster as a result of the events Actions Project 3.1 Develop a comprehensive calendar of events for each town centre that complements each other. Inputs Key Personnel: Town Centre Staff Tourism & Events Staff Town Centre Forums/Regeneration Partnerships Local Traders Budget: 110,000 Outputs Project 3.1 Develop a comprehensive calendar of events for each town centre that complements each other. Series of events developed throughout the year in the four town centres Source external funding opportunities to develop current events and deliver new events Outcomes Increased footfall across the towns in Mid Ulster as a result of the events. Increased visitor numbers to the towns in Mid Ulster as a result of the events Increased profile of the towns in Mid Ulster across the region 24

70 as a result of the events Increased engagement with town centre businesses as a result of the events Milestones On-going communication with stakeholders through Town Centre Forums/Regeneration Partnerships to monitor progress. Each event to be delivered on time and within budget. Routine monitoring of event measured against objectives and budget profile. Completion of evaluation Evaluation Evaluation of project to include monitoring of outputs and outcomes. 25

71 4. Physical Regeneration / Improving Infrastructure Aim To improve the townscape quality of the four town centres Objectives To deliver a public realm scheme in each of the town centres. To deliver physical regeneration improvements to properties in the four town centres. To maximise funding opportunities from external sources Actions Project 4.1: Public Realm Schemes Project 4.2: Physical Regeneration Improvements Scheme Project 4.3: Development of Opportunity Sites Inputs Key Personnel: Town Centre Officers Technical Services Officers Department for Social Development Central Procurement Directorate Planning Service Town Centre Forums/Regeneration Partnerships Local Traders / Developers Budget 8.15m Capital Projects ( 4.5m DSD) 308,035 Outputs Project 4.1: Public Realm Schemes To work in partnership with DSD, Town Centre Forums/Regeneration Partnerships and Local Traders to deliver 3 public realm schemes in Cookstown, Dungannon and Magherafelt. 26

72 Project 4.2: Shop Improvements Scheme To develop and deliver a shop improvement scheme for the four towns in the Mid Ulster District to improve their internal layouts and/or upgrade shops frontages. Source external match funding to increase the capacity of the scheme. Project 4.3: Development of Opportunity Sites To explore options/prepare development brief for the Ann Street Project, Dungannon Outcomes Enhanced townscape quality in the four town centres in the Mid Ulster District Improved pedestrian experience in the four town centres in Mid Ulster district Enhanced properties for business owners in the four town centres in the Mid Ulster district. Development of opportunity sites to increase investment across the Mid Ulster District Milestones On-going communication with stakeholders through Town Centre Forums to monitor progress. Each project to be delivered on time and within budget. Routine monitoring of project measured against objectives and budget profile. Completion of evaluation Evaluation Evaluation of project to include monitoring of outputs and outcomes 27

73 7.0 Conclusion The proposed Town Centre Action Plan for 2015/16 outlines how Mid Ulster Council s Economic Development Unit will work on a cross-departmental basis with other Council sections and in partnership with external stakeholders to deliver vibrant, sustainable town centres in the Mid Ulster Council area. This Action Plan has been developed from the findings arising from the recent Community Planning and Economic Development consultations. This document sets out the framework through which town centre regeneration projects will be delivered during 2015/16. We still strive to build upon the good work completed in our town centres to date and continue to build upon the strong linkages developed over the last decade with internal and external partners to successfully deliver the range of actions contained within the Plan, as summarised under the following themes; 1. Marketing & Promotion 2. Business Support and attracting Investment 3. Town Centre Events 4. Physical Regeneration / Improving Infrastructure Throughout the delivery of the Action Plan officers will seek to source external funding where possible to maximise opportunities available to develop our town centres. Fiona McKeown Head of Economic Development Mid Ulster District Council 1 May

74 Appendix 1 Town Centre Action Plan 2015/2016 Indicative Activity Timeframe Delivery Organisation 1.1 Seasonal Marketing campaigns 1.2 Shop Local Campaigns 1.3 Promotional Campaigns during Public Realm Schemes 2.1 Town Centre Baseline & Retail Capacity Studies 2.2 Promotion of investment opportunities in the four town centres 2.3 Provision of Free Wi-Fi in town centres 2.4 Provision of digital / e- commerce support to retailers in the four town centres By 31 March 2016 By 31 March 2016 By 31 March 2016 MUDC MUDC Planning/Town Centre Officers MUDC Funding Source / Budget MUDC 80,000 MUDC 15,000 MUDC 10,000 Ongoing MUDC MUDC By 31 March 2016 MUDC 18,552 MUDC 60,000 Target 4 seasonal marketing campaigns (1 in each town) Implement 1 joint shop local campaign for each torn for Small Business Saturday Undertake a baseline study of the four town centres. Update Cookstown & Dungannon s Retail Capacity Studies and commission a new Retail Capacity Study for Dungannon Map current investment/ opportunity sites in the four town centres. Create an investment brochure to promote same. Develop a pilot Creative Shops Programme in one town centre. Continue to maintain free Wi-Fi in the four town centres Develop and deliver a business support programme to 40 retailers in the four town centres 29

75 Indicative Activity Timeframe Delivery Organisation 3.1 To develop a comprehensive calendar of events for each town centre By 31 March 2016 MUDC Funding Source / Budget MUDC 110,000 Target Series of events developed and running throughout the year in the four town centres 4.1 Public Realm Schemes By 31 March 2016 MUDC DSD CPD MUDC / DSD 8.15m DSD / MUDC Capital Budget Assist in the delivery of three public realm schemes in Cookstown, Dungannon and Magherafelt 4.2 Physical Regeneration Improvements Schemes 4.3 Development of Opportunity Site By 31 March 2016 MUDC MUDC 243,035 Ongoing MUDC MUDC 65,000 Ann Street, Dungannon MUDC Capital Budget To develop and deliver a physical regeneration improvement scheme (including internal and external works to business premises) across the four towns in the Mid Ulster District To explore options/prepare development brief for the Ann Street Project, Dungannon Sub Total: Programme Costs * 601,587 Sub Total: Staff Costs 225,530 Sub Total: Office Costs 13,675 Grand Total 840,792 * Programme Costs excludes Public Realm Scheme. 30

76 Appendix 2 Town Centre Events Programme 2015/2016 Event Month Budget Attendance Cookstown Continental Market May 20,000 (plus 5,000 income from Marketplace Europe) 25,000 Cookstown Retail Week June 5,000 4,000 Small Business December 4,000 2,000 Saturday Cookstown Cookstown Christmas November 10,000* 3,500 Lights Switch On Cookstown Comedy June 10,000* 4,000 Festival Easter Eggstravaganza April 6,000 2,000 Dungannon Halloween Spooktacular October 15,000 4,000 Dungannon Summer Event / August 6,000 1,500 Gannonball Run Heels on The Hill September 6,000 1,000 Dungannon Dungannon Festive December 11,000 8,000 Food Fayre Christmas Countdown December 5,500 2,000 Programme Dungannon Christmas Switch on / December 14,000 2,000 Santa s Pageant Dungannon Small Business December 3,500 2,500 Saturday Dungannon/ Coalisland Halloween in Coalisland October 8,000 4,000 Christmas in Coalisland December 6,000 2,500 (inc window dressing competition) Magherafelt Christmas November 20,000* 30,000 Speciality Food Market Magherafelt Style November 4,000* 1,000 Festival Magherafelt Never Felt Better Days / Small Business Saturday March, June & December 4,000* 4,000 Events marked with * are paid from Tourism Budget. 31

77 Subject Blackwater Regional Partnership EU Funding Applications Reporting Officer Contact Officer Fiona McKeown, Head of Economic Development Chris McCarney 1 Purpose of Report To update members on the achievements to date of the Blackwater Regional Partnership and potential opportunities for development To give permission for Blackwater Regional Partnership to allocate staff time and technical assistance to develop potential applications for the EU INTERREG programme and EU LIFE+ Programme 2 Background The Blackwater Region - comprises the catchment area of the River Blackwater and the route of the Ulster Canal. The core area is a V shape starting at the SW corner of Lough Neagh at Maghery taking in the City of Armagh, Monaghan town and Clones on the southern side and the Clogher Valley on the northern side. The Blackwater Regional Partnership was established 20 years ago by Dungannon & South Tyrone Borough Council, Armagh City & District Council and Monaghan County Council to address development needs and economic opportunities of this cross border area. The Blackwater Regional Partnership is made up of four councillors from each of the 3 councils. The three councils contributed 20,000 per year into a central budget to cover the operational expenses of the Partnership. The administration, staff and financial management services are provided to the cross border body by Mid Ulster Council. Achievements: The NI wide PLATO initiative was developed in the Blackwater Region. Funding was secured for the very successful M:TEK and A:TEK buildings in Monaghan and Armagh. Over the last 20 years, 5million was secured and invested in the region through INTERREG, PEACE and Heritage Lottery Funds. Opportunities: Over the last two years, the Blackwater Regional Partnership has been looking at future opportunities for the region and have identified the following opportunities:

78 1. Development of a greenway along the towpath of the Ulster Canal from Clones to Portadown. Funding opportunity: INTERREG V 2. Practical conservation projects to protect the valuable environmental habitats on Sliabh Beagh. Funding Opportunity : INTERREG V 3. A demonstration environmental project on Sliabh Beagh to protect the habitat for the endangered bird of prey The Hen Harrier. Funding Opportunity : LIFE+ 4. Practical conservation projects and education programme to improve the water quality and the angling product on the River Blackwater and its tributaries. Funding Opportunity : INTERREG V All four projects are key infrastructure projects that will improve the tourism, environmental and recreational product for visitors to the region and facilitate the creation of new farm diversification and activity tourism businesses and employment. All four projects deliver on targets outlined in a review of the Strategic Plan for Blackwater Regional Partnership developed and approved by the Partnership in Feb In recent meetings with SEUPB and LIFE+ Unit in Dublin, the projects appear to fit very well into the actions and criteria for the INTERREG and LIFE+ programme objectives. 3 Key Issues Lead Partner Role These potential projects can be developed and worked up by the Blackwater Regional Partnership on behalf of all three councils. No decision has been made on which of the councils or indeed a third party may take legal responsibility to be the lead partner in any of the potential applications. Match Funding For all four applications it is appropriate to request match funding from a range of statutory organisations such as - NI Forest Service, Coillte, Waterways Ireland, NIEA, DARD, National Parks & Wildlife Service. However there are a lot of technical considerations that need to be researched before a successful application can be made and a realistic estimate of the match funding required.

79 3.3 Technical Assistance The development and feasibility work on the projects needs to start very soon if there is to be any chance of securing investment for this rural region. Examples of this technical work are: - Identification of landowners along the route of the proposed greenway Identification of practical projects, costs and results that could be delivered on Sliabh Beagh within the criteria of the LIFE+ or INTERREG programmes 4 Resource Implications 4.1 Financial Quotation secured for a facilitator Martin Davies, to work with key stakeholders to investigate practical conservation projects on Sliabh Beagh. The facilitator has already managed and delivered a successful LIFE project in Scotland and is used by the LIFE+ unit in Dublin to help groups develop funding applications. His fee for two day workshop is 995. Hire of meeting venue for two day workshop room hire, lunches etc for 10 people is estimated at 570. Budget for land registry searches, printing an information brochure for landowners and GIS operator to produce landowner maps for the proposed route of the Ulster Canal Greenway is estimated at 4,000. These costs can be met from savings achieved within the existing Blackwater budget Human resources The project will require management and administration time from the Heritage Officer and Administrator based in Moy. No additional staff resources are required. The two staff are already covered within the existing staff complement allocated to BRP by Mid Ulster for Assets and other implications NA 5 Other Considerations 5.1 NA

80 6 Recommendations 6.1 An overall budget of 6,000 is allocated at this stage to work up potential applications for INTERREG and LIFE+ on behalf of Mid Ulster Council, Monaghan County Council and Armagh Banbridge Craigavon Councils. The Blackwater Heritage Officer is permitted to spend time working up potential applications on condition that core job objectives continue to be met. 7 List of Documents Attached 7.1 NA

81 Subject Reporting Officer Contact Officer Blackwater Heritage Project Fiona McKeown, Head of Economic Development Chris McCarney 1 Purpose of Report To update members on the Heritage Lottery project delivered by the Blackwater Regional Partnership. To give permission for Blackwater Regional Partnership to procure publishing services for a quality book on the Ulster Canal and an exhibition illustrating Life on the Ulster Canal 2 Background 2.1 The Blackwater Heritage Project The Blackwater Regional partnership secured 70,000 from the Heritage Lottery Fund to deliver an engagement programme with local community groups and school to inform and educate them on the rich heritage on their doorstep provided by the River Blackwater and the Ulster Canal. 3 Key Issues Publish a Book on Ulster Canal It is proposed to publish a coffee table book on the Ulster canal. The format of the book is based on By the Shores of Lough Neagh written by Brian Cassells which has sold over 1,000 copies in the last few years. Canal Exhibition It is proposed to develop a mobile exhibition Life on the Ulster Canal that will be hosted in community venues along the route of the Ulster Canal. The exhibition will include two display stands, old artefacts and samples of cargo hauled along the canal. 4 Resource Implications 4.1 Financial The estimated cost of publishing the book and initial publicity has been costed at 7,500 for 1,500 copies. It expected that at least 500 copies will be sold at 10 each which will leave a shortfall of 2,500. The Heritage Lottery Fund has agreed that at least 2,500 can be claimed from the Heritage Lottery Fund as part of the community engagement project.

82 The estimated cost of the canal exhibition is 3,300 to include graphic design and publicity The Heritage Lottery Fund has agreed that all of this cost can be claimed from the Heritage Lottery Fund as part of the community engagement project Human resources The project will be managed by the Blackwater Heritage Officer within the 16 hours per week already funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund. Assets and other implications NA 5 Other Considerations 5.1 NA 6 Recommendations 6.1 Mid Ulster Council consider approving the procurement of publishing a book on the Ulster Canal and the development of an Ulster Canal Exhibition on the assurance that at least 500 books are sold and there is no nett cost to the Mid Ulster Council. 7 List of Documents Attached 7.1 NA

83 Subject Reporting Officer Proposal received from Dungannon and Cookstown Business Education Partnership in relation to funding for 2015/16 Fiona McKeown, Head of Economic Development 1 Purpose of Report 1.1 To provide members with an overview of the Business Education Partnership s request for funding of 32,945 and how it should be addressed. 2 Background 2.1 The Dungannon and Cookstown Business Education Partnership (BEP) was formed in 1997 to promote greater co-ordination of business/education links in the two Council areas. 3 Key Issues 3.1 For a number of years the BEP has received core funding from the Department of Education, with match funding for the delivery of eight programmes being provided by Dungannon and Cookstown Councils. Mid Ulster District Council has received a funding request from the BEP for the year 2015/16. Main issues arising comprise: : BEP are proposing to expand their programme to include schools in the Magherafelt District (i.e. to cover the Mid Ulster area) targeting up to 5,000 students The programme of six proposed activities includes those programmes previously delivered in Dungannon and Cookstown (previously eight) In previous years total costs were in the region of 23,600 (with Dungannon and Cookstown Councils contributing up to 55% of costs). However, due to no further funding being provided from the Department of Education this request is for 100% of all costs (part time salary, office costs and programme delivery costs), totalling 32,945.

84 4 Resource Implications Financial Request from Council is for 34,945 (i.e.100% of organisation s total annual costs for the financial year 2015/16) Human Resources None Basis for Professional/ Consultancy Support None Other None 5 Other Considerations 5.1 None 6 Recommendations Previously, Councils in Dungannon and Cookstown provided contributions to this organisation to undertake similar initiatives to strengthen linkages between schools and businesses. However given the proposed increase in funding requested and the requirement for Mid Ulster District Council to become the sole funder, it is recommended that in line with programmes of this scale, even whilst strategically fitting with Council's draft LED Plan, this programme should be tendered openly to test the market and seek value for money in the future. To respond to BEP to advise that Council plans to tender for the delivery of preenterprise type initiatives. 7 List of Documents Attached 7.1 Appendix 1 Dungannon and Cookstown Business Education Partnership s Business Plan Proposal for 2015/16

85 Appendix 1 Business Education Partnership Funding Proposal To Mid Ulster District Council 28 April 2015 Submitted by: Martina Campbell Development Manager Business Education Partnership Dungannon Enterprise Centre 2 Coalisland Road Dungannon Co.Tyrone martina@dcbep.co.uk

86 HISTORY, AIMS & OBJECTIVES Background Business Education Partnership (BEP) was formed in 1997 to promote greater coordination of business/education links in the area. It is a limited company with charity status, with membership drawn from the postprimary schools, Colleges, Loughry Campus, District Councils and local business. BEP programmes and activities are managed and co-ordinated by Martina Campbell, Development Manager. Its aim is to promote business education activity, better prepare young people for the world of work whilst avoiding duplication and reduce fragmentation in business education activity. The local schools are all members of BEP and are all active participants. The business representatives afford much commitment and expertise to the group.. Mission Statement To promote and develop sustainable partnerships between education, businesses and the wider community that will improve the education, personal development, employment opportunities and achievements of young people and help secure the economic well being of Mid Ulster area. Objectives To promote understanding and co-operation between education and industry. To ensure equality of access of all young people to programmes and activities of the partnership. To deliver a co-ordinated programme of business education activity by pooling resources and efforts of both the business and education community. To enhance and add value to the educational experience of young people in the area. To provide a forum for employers to communicate skills requirements to schools. To ensure that young people develop the personal skills and attitudes to success in working life and foster an enterprising attitude. To enhance the delivery of the school curriculum by engaging the business world in close contact with local schools. To promote mutual understanding and diversity by delivering programmes engaging all young people in an interactive environment. To promote teamwork, leadership and citizenship amongst young people. 2

87 MEMBERSHIP OF THE BUSINESS EDUCATION PARTNERSHIP Office Bearers CHAIR Brian MacAuley Dungannon Enterprise Centre SECRETARY Martina Campbell BEP TREASURER Maria Hackett South West College DIRECTORS Mark Thompson Drumglass High School Jill Cush South West College Paul McCreedy Mid Ulster District Council Jim Eastwood Cookstown Enterprise Centre Business Members The following local businesses participate in BEP s programme of activities. ASDA Bank of Ireland Cavanagh/Kelly CDE Global Chieftain Trailers Classic Marble Copeland Cookstown Enterprise Centre Concept NI Dale Farm Danske Bank Dungannon Enterprise Centre Dunbia Firs Nursing Home First Trust Bank Fivemiletown Creamery Foyle Food Group FPM Accountants Grafton Recruitment Greiner Packaging Innotech Centre Keystone Lintels Lafarge Mallaghan Engineering McAvoy Group Mid Ulster District Council MJM Training Moy Park Powerscreen PWC QUB Rocwell Rotary Club Rutledge Recruitment & Training Sainsburys Steelweld STEP Tesco Todd s Leap The Workspace Group Ulster Bank UUJ Vion Food Group Local businesses, from a broad range of sectors, make a significant contribution to the work of the BEP. BEP have been delivering business education programmes in Dungannon and Cookstown for the past 18 years and look forward to developing links with businesses in Magherafelt through these proposed programmes. 3

88 Education Members Mid Ulster Area Primary Schools Post-Primary Schools Dungannon & Cookstown ALC Magherafelt Learning Partnership Construction Industry Training Board Education Authority Engineering Training Council Loughry Campus Northern Regional College Southern Regional College South West College STEM Centre 4

89 Proposed Programme of Activities It is proposed to deliver a range of activities to promote business education links: 1. Interview Skills Programme 2. Enterprise Programme 3. BEST Event 4. Careers Convention 5. STEM Days - Post-Primary 6. Primary 7 Into Local Industry BEP would like to formally request financial assistance of 32,945 from Mid Ulster District Council, which would allow us to deliver our proposed programme of activities for 2015/2016 to over 5,050 students from the Mid Ulster Area. These innovative programmes, not only, will promote business education links between the three former district council areas Cookstown, Dungannon and Magherafelt, creating improved links between the schools and businesses alike, but importantly, over 5000 local students will benefit from the six programmes. At a cost of only 6.50/student to cover delivery, transport, catering (Primary Celebration events only) etc. this suite of activities offers a truly cost-effective way to enhance learning and promote business links in the local area. Each programme will encourage students to remain in education and prepare them for the world of work: Promote business education links through all programmes Promote Enterprise to young people Help students prepare for job interview - application forms, CVs, interview techniques. Encourage students to choose STEM subjects and research careers in STEM areas Primary 7 Programme to raise awareness of local industry Help young people gain access to information on careers and local employment opportunities to help their employment prospects Support young people to improve their employability skills Due to cutbacks in Department of Education schools do not have the resources to provide these programmes. 5

90 These programmes will have a positive economic impact on the Mid Ulster area, encouraging young people to access the employment opportunities available locally and promoting local businesses. Local businesses have the opportunity to mould future employees by guiding them on the qualifications and skills required for their particular sector encouraging young people to continue their education and seek employment in the Mid Ulster area. Programmes will promote careers in food, engineering, construction and technology to link with the skill requirements of local industry. A summary of each of the activities is as follows Activity Title Project Outline Outcomes Curriculum Link Interview Skills Programme All students should leave school with the knowledge of how to perform effectively at interview. Students will receive advice on how to write a CV, complete application forms and develop their interview techniques. Year 12 students from each participating school will have the opportunity to take part in a one-day session of interview skills delivered by Loughry Communication Students. Each student will receive a mock interview with a local employer. Learning for Life and Work - Careers Management No of students approx

91 Activity Title Enterprise Programme Project Outline Workshops: Business Idea. Customer Needs & Wants Promoting Your Idea Interactive Quiz Outcomes Curriculum Link Year 8 students from each participating school will have the opportunity to take part in an Enterprise Programme delivered by The Workspace Group, Dungannon and Cookstown Enterprise Centres Learning for Life and Work - Employability No of students approx. 800 Activity Title Project Outline Outcomes Curriculum Link Business Enterprise & Skills Training Event Presentations related to Business Studies topics Students will improve their knowledge and skills related to Business Studies through local industry exemplars. Curriculum links to e.g. Business Planning, Production, Marketing, Finance. GCSE Business Studies No of students 100 Activity Title Project Outline Outcomes Curriculum Link No of students Careers Convention Careers Convention Inform students of opportunities available in the local area Inform students of the qualities and skills required in STEM sectors Engage local business people to promote their companies/sectors to young people Careers / Learning for Life and Work / STEM approx

92 Activity Title Project Outline Outcomes Curriculum Link STEM Activity Days (post-primary schools) To raise young people s awareness of STEM careers Year 10 students from each school will have the opportunity to take part in a one-day session delivered by STEM Centre: Titanic / Director s Cut / CSI:NI / World War 1 / Prepare to launch Science, Technology, Engineering, Maths No of students 690 Activity Title Project Outline Outcomes Primary 7 s Into Local Industry The programme will consist of 4 sections: Research into company Company visit Class Project Celebration Event and presentation of projects Raise awareness of local companies and career opportunities No of students 300 Curriculum Link Employability 8

93 OUTPUT Activities No. of participating businesses No. of participating schools No. of participating students Interview Skills Enterprise Programme BEST Event Careers Convention STEM Days - Post-Primary Primary 7 Into Local Industry

94 COSTS AND FUNDING FOR BEP April 2015 April 2016 Costs Proposed Funding BEP Programmes: Interview Skills Programme 1,000 Enterprise Programme 2, days BEST Event 1,000 Careers Convention 3,600-2 events STEM Days (post-primary) 3, days Primary School Programme 3,500 - one per area (3 events) PR- Photographer 500 Admin/Mgmt. Costs 13,000 Inland Revenue 1,500 Accounts 895 Mid Ulster District Council 32,945 Office Expenses Rent, Insurance, Internet, Phone 2,500 32,945 Total 32,945 10

95 Subject: Specification for Tourism Strategic Plan for Mid Ulster District Reporting Officer: Michael Browne, Head of Tourism 1 Purpose of Report 1.1 To present to Council a specification to procure a business consultancy to develop a 5 year ( ) strategic plan for Mid Ulster District Council. 2 Background The overall aim of this project is to develop A Tourism Strategic Plan ( ) for the new Mid Ulster District Council area. This will include an overview of Tourism activities throughout the region and highlight the potential opportunities which may be exploited and identify the gaps that have been identified by Tourism Northern Ireland & Tourism Ireland. The core opportunities are as follows, Heaney Country, Outdoor Activities Hub and linkages with the local and wider heritage experiences which also includes artifacts, architecture, and cultural landscapes. A key priority for Mid Ulster District Council is the development of a Tourism Strategic Plan ( ) and to proactively address and support the areas tourism needs of the area. Tyrone & Sperrins and Lough Neagh and its Waterways are two of the nine key tourism destinations for which destination management plans have been developed over the last 5 years. The Mid Ulster District Council boundary straddles, through its geographic positioning and both of these tourism destinations and what they have to offer will be consider in the tourism strategic plan. The Mid Ulster District Council has agreed with Tourism NI that the three opportunities for the development, which are Heaney Country, Outdoor Activity Hubs and Linkages with local and wider heritage experiences including the many archaeological sites in Mid Ulster. The strategic plan should identify these core opportunities. The strategic plan will take into consideration other tourism development projects which include the Dark Sky project, the Blanket Bog project which is located in the Sperrin Mountains, Forest Recreation, Tullaghoge Fort/O Neills development and the opportunity to open the Ulster Canal and develop a Greenways project in Mid Ulster which links into the rest of Ireland s Greenway scheme, Lough Neagh and its waterways. The plan will

96 also include the tourism opportunity from event tourism. Other opportunities may be highlighted during the development of the strategic plan. The designation of Year of Food 2016 by Tourism NI and the work of Flavour of Tyrone to date in terms of marketing the region and development of trade support and training must also be integral in planning the way forward. Priorities within and in addition to the scope of the existing Destination Managements Plans taking cognizance of experiential tourism and the five current TNI development themes - Coasts and Lakes, Unique Outdoors, Living Legends, Creative Vibe and Naturally NI. The above themes should also relate to the new TNI Market segments. Tourism Ireland market segmentation should also be analysed and form part of the final action plan in outlining key segmentation for tourism in Mid Ulster as part of the Marketing Plan. 3 Key Issues Mid Ulster District Council will require the successful tourism related business consultancy to deliver the follow:- A prioritised Strategic Plan ( ) on how the Mid Ulster District Council can meet, develop, support and grow the tourism sector in Mid Ulster in a unique and innovative way, which is demand-driven and create economic opportunities for investment.. The Council are seeking to profile the tourism sector in the Mid Ulster District Council area. The Plan should set and verify baselines and reference key indicators including current visitor numbers, revenue, bed nights, employment etc. and set annual key performance targets from Currently Tourism NI have identified the baseline for Tourism in the Mid Ulster region compared to the rest of NI at 3% of the total market spend and overnight trips. Identify key marketing opportunities for the tourism sector in the Mid Ulster District Council area through the development of a marketing action plan for Profile as a key aspect of this plan the PR and Marketing of the Heaney Centre and Heaney Country projects Identify an effective partnership delivery approach for the Mid Ulster District Council Tourism Action Plan. This model should focus on partnerships with the private, public, community and voluntary tourism sectors and their specific roles. Investigate the opportunities and make recommendations for new events in the region and any funding opportunities available

97 To analysis the current Visitor Servicing provision and identity gaps highlighting best practice examples, make recommendations how this can be implemented citing best practice and identifying funding opportunities for delivery. Provide a full action and marketing plan, with costs referencing Mid Ulster District Council to all funding opportunities available to successfully deliver. 4 Resource Implications 4.1 Financial Mid Ulster District Council has agreed to allocate 10,000 for the development of a Tourism Strategic Plan. 4.3 Human resources Will require the Mid-Ulster District Council tourism team to work closer with officers from Tourism NI. 5 Other Considerations 5.1 None 6 Recommendations 6.1 That Mid Ulster Council approves the specification to procure a tourism related business consultancy to develop a 5 year tourism strategic plan. 7 List of Documents Attached 7.1 Appendix 1: Specification for Mid Ulster District Council Strategic Plan

98 Appendix 1. SPECIFICATION FOR MID ULSTER TOURISM STRATEGIC PLAN SPECIFICATION PREPARED BY REFERENCE NUMBER QUERIES REGARDING THE CONTENT OF THIS SPECIFICATION SHOULD BE DIRECTED TO The Procurement Unit, Council Offices, 15 Circular Road, Dungannon, Co Tyrone, BT71 6DT SUBMISSIONS TO BE RETURNED NO LATER THAN 12 Noon on 1

99 CONTENTS 1.0 Introduction 2.0 Scope of Work or Service 3.0 Background 4.0 Service Conditions and Environmental Factors 5.0 Statement of requirements 6.0 Evaluation/Assessment Criteria 7.0 Timescale 8.0 Return of Submission 9.0 Form of Tender 10.0 Terms & Conditions of Contract 11.0 Fair Employment Declaration 12.0 Data Protection Declaration 13.0 Non-Collusion Certificate 14.0 Freedom of Information Statement 2

100 1.0 INTRODUCTION Mid Ulster District Council, formed in April 2015 now wishes to appoint a suitably qualified organisation to prepare a Tourism Strategic Plan for Mid Ulster District Council ( ). For the purposes of this project, Mid Ulster District Council will lead in terms of procuring a suitably qualified organisation to undertake the work, issuing contract documents and making payments. 2.0 SCOPE OF WORK/SERVICE REQUIRED The overall aim of the work is to develop A Tourism Strategic Plan ( ) for the new Mid Ulster District Council area (see map below). This will include an overview of Tourism activities throughout the region and highlight the potential opportunities which may be exploited and identify the gaps that have been identified by Tourism Northern Ireland. The opportunities are as follows, Heaney Country, Outdoor Activities Hub and linkages with the local and wider heritage experiences which also includes artifacts, architecture, and the cultural landscapes of Mid Ulster District. These will fit within Tourism Northern Ireland s Strategic pillars whilst identifying experiential tourism projects. 3.0 BACKGROUND A key priority for Mid Ulster District Council formed in April 2015 is the development of a Tourism Strategic Plan ( ) and to proactively address and support the areas tourism needs of the area. 3

101 Tyrone & Sperrins and Lough Neagh and its Waterways are two of the nine key tourism destinations for which destination management plans have been developed. The Mid Ulster District Council boundary straddles, through its geographic positioning, both of these tourism destinations. The Mid Ulster District Council has agreed with Tourism NI that the three opportunities for the development, which are Heaney Country, Outdoor Activity Hubs and Linkages with local and wider heritage experiences. The strategic plan should identify these core opportunities. The plan will take into consideration other tourism development projects which include the Dark Sky project, the Blanket Bog project which is located in the Sperrin Mountains, Forest Recreation, Tullaghoge Fort/O Neills development and the opportunity to open the Ulster Canal and develop a Greenways project in Mid Ulster which links into the rest of Ireland s Greenway scheme, Lough Neagh and its waterways, including the opportunities from event tourism. The designation of Year of Food 2016 by Tourism NI and the work of Flavour of Tyrone to date in terms of marketing the region and development of trade support and training must also be integral in planning the way forward. Priorities within and in addition to the scope of the existing Destination Managements Plans should take cognizance of experiential tourism and the five current TNI development themes - Coasts and Lakes, Unique Outdoors, Living Legends, Creative Vibe and Naturally NI. These should also relate to the new TNI Market segments. Tourism Ireland market segmentation should also be analysed and form part of the targeting in final action plan and Marketing plan. STATEMENT OF REQUIREMENTS The successful tenderer will be required to prepare a Mid Ulster Tourism Strategic Plan which will include: A prioritised Strategic Plan ( ) on how the Mid Ulster District Council can meet, develop, support and grow the tourism sector in Mid Ulster in a unique and innovative way, which is demand-driven and create economic opportunities for investment. This plan should build on current Destination Management Plans and other relevant Visitor/Regeneration and Economic Development Strategies at a local and national level. The Report should profile the tourism sector in the Mid Ulster District Council area. The Plan should set and verify baselines and reference key indicators including current visitor numbers, revenue, bed nights, employment etc. and set annual key performance targets for Currently Tourism NI have identified the baseline for Tourism in the Mid Ulster region compared to the rest of NI at 3% of the total market spend and overnight trips. Identify key marketing opportunities for the tourism sector in the Mid Ulster District Council area through the development of a marketing action plan for Profile as a key aspect of this plan the PR and Marketing of the Heaney Centre and Heaney Country projects. Identify an effective partnership delivery approach for the Mid Ulster District Council Tourism Action Plan. This model should focus on partnerships with the 4

102 private, public, community and voluntary tourism sectors and their specific roles. With specific reference to Flavour of Tyrone and existing partnership delivery bodies. Identify opportunities for trade development, highlighting training needs and best practice across the region in associated with economic development unit, regional, national and all Ireland trade development opportunities and programmes. IE Tourism NI, Tourism Ireland. Investigate the opportunities and make recommendations for new events in the region and any funding opportunities available. To analysis the current Visitor Servicing provision and identity gaps highlighting best practice examples, make recommendations how this can be implemented citing best practice and identifying funding opportunities for delivery. Provide a fully cost action and marketing plan referencing MUDC to all funding opportunities available to successfully deliver. STAGE 1: RESEARCH & CONSULTATION Carry out a desktop review of existing strategies applicable to the region including but not limited to: Lough Neagh & its Waterways Destination Management Plan Tyrone & The Sperrins Destination Management Plan Draft Tourism Strategy for Northern Ireland to 2020 Event Strategic Vision to 2020 Flavour of Tyrone Programme Tourism Ireland Mid Ulster District Council Corporate Plan Mid Ulster District Council Economic Development Plan Mid Ulster District Council Community Plan Other Strategies / Action Plans being developed by the Mid Ulster District Council for example the Mid Ulster Local Economic Development Report and Action Plan ( ). Hunter Review Tourism NI Visitor Servicing Minimum Standards Tyrone and Sperrins Product Clustering Report O Neill s Development Outdoor Recreation Mountain Bike Baseline Report All other relevant documentation Consultation Process As part of the consultation process, the successful tenderer will be required to engage/consult with the following key stakeholders, as a minimum. Mid Ulster District Council elected members Mid Ulster District Council Officers Tourism NI Local Trade Flavour of Tyrone ORNI 5

103 Lough Neagh Partnership Tyrone & Sperrins Joint Steering Committee Transport NI Forest Service NI NIEA Tourism Ireland National Trust DCAL DARD All other relevant parties STAGE 2: ANALYSIS OF FINDINGS & DEVELOPMENT OF REPORT AND ACTION PLAN Analyse the results/findings from the consultations and desk top research, to identify relevant support and actions required to meet the needs of the regional tourism sector. The proposals should identify the gaps in provision and recommend priorities for action. Develop a 5 year Tourism Action Plan including a Marketing Plan ( ). The prioritised Action Plan should clearly identify key objectives, the proposed initiatives, delivery organisation indicative costing s, key performance targets, outputs and timescales, together with a robust guide on proposed sources of future funding at EU, National, Regional, Sub-Regional and Cross-Border levels to deliver such initiatives. The Tourism Action Plan should review existing tourism delivery mechanisms and propose options for an integrated partnership delivery model that will deliver the plan over the 5 year period. The Council will organise a formal Launch of the Mid Ulster Tourism Action Plan ( ) and the successful tenderer will be required to attend and present the key findings of the Plan to key stakeholders. It is envisaged that at least one other similar presentation will be required to be delivered to Councillors. Project Steering Committee This will comprise of representatives from Mid Ulster District Council. The successful company will be expected to meet the Head of Tourism on a monthly basis and provide verbal and written Update Reports as necessary throughout the duration of the project. Venues 6

104 The successful tenderer will be expected to meet the cost of the room hire, refreshments and any materials to be provided at any consultation events they are delivering. The commissioning Councils may be in a position to provide venue space for some events. However, it may be appropriate to conduct consultation sessions in premises other than Council property. Materials All materials should be budgeted for within the tender bid. Travel and Subsistence All travel and subsistence should be budgeted for within the bid. Post Project/Programme Evaluation/ Implementation Applicants should note that, in order to ensure independence and objectivity in the evaluation process, individuals or organisations which carry out, or are involved in this assignment/appraisal will not be considered eligible to tender for any future implementation/evaluation exercises related to this. This will apply to any individuals who become self employed or work for another organisation. 7

105 4.0 EVALUATION/ASSESSMENT CRITERIA Quotation submissions will be evaluated on the quality and costs of the service with certain scores and weightings applied to achieve the most economically advantageous tender. Criteria as follows: - Pre- Qualification Criteria Yes No Cost must not exceed budget Companies should provide evidence that the following insurance cover is held or can be obtained: Employers liability insurance value 5million Public liability insurance value 5million Personal indemnity insurance value 1million If your tender submission fails to meet any of the above Pre-Qualification Criteria your tender will automatically be disqualified at this stage. If your submission successfully passes this stage it will be scored as follows:- Qualitative Assessment Criteria (80%) METHODOLOGY Using a maximum of SIX A4, single sides of paper, using Font Size 12, Arial, prepare a detailed description of how each requirement in Section 4 will be met. PROJECT RESOURCES Using a maximum of EIGHT A4 single sides of paper, using Font Size 12, Arial, (to include Gantt Chart), provide details of: Score Total of 40 5 (x8.0) Total of 40 assigned as follows The management structure of the organisation. The qualifications and skills of each member of the consultant team (do not include CV s). The proposed roles and responsibilities against the number of days allocated by each member of the consultant team, outlining their availability and commitment to deliver an exemplar project. 5(x1.0) 5(x2.0) 5(x2.0) 8

106 A Gantt Chart (1 No. Max. A4 size colour page), clearly identifying the key tasks, milestones and proposed resources allocated to the project. The Chart should be structured on a two weekly basis. 5(x1.0) All potential risks associated with the management and delivery of the project highlighting contingency plans to deal with potential risks. Quality control mechanisms to be used throughout the project. 5(x1.0) 5(x1.0) Cost Assessment Criteria (20%) COST this section will be assessed against the following 3 criteria: Score Total of 20 assigned as follows: Price (including expenses and including Vat). The price should match that provided on the Form of Tender. Tenderers must ensure their bid is within the prescribed range of up to a maximum of 10,000 (including expenses and excluding Vat). Average Consultancy Daily Rate (based on 7 hr day) Number of Consultant Days Assigned Please return the following documents with your submission in order for the panel to assess the cost criteria detailed above. Form of Tender (page 12) Schedule of Quantities and Costs (page 13) Schedule of Consultants, Tasks, Rates and Costs (page 14). This schedule will not form part of the evaluation criteria but must be completed for information purposes only. Tenderers should not exceed the specified page limits (as outlined above) when completing their tender. Any information provided in excess of the stated maximum allowance will be disregarded. 9

107 Each of the Tender assessment criteria will be assessed in isolation of each other. No marks will be awarded for a particular section where information is contained elsewhere in the submission. To ensure consistency, the evaluation team will also mark each award sub category according to this scale: - Assessment Score 0-5 Reasons to award this score based on evidence provided and against the criteria include Unacceptable 0 The response in this sub category fails to meet the requirement. There is a high risk that this service provider, in this sub category, could jeopardise the success of a project if awarded. No evidence provided against this sub category Reservations 1 The response in this sub category is compliant, but with reservations. Weakness and/or risks in this sub category outweigh strengths. Compliant 2 Compliant response in this sub category, but lacks sufficient detail to award a higher mark. Strengths in this sub category outweigh weaknesses. Good 3 Indicates a convincing response in this sub category with no weaknesses. Proposal demonstrates that in this subcategory the service provider will provide good quality products/ services. Very Good 4 Indicates a very good response in this category with no weaknesses. Proposal demonstrates that in this category the service provider will provide very good quality products/ services. Excellent 5 Indicates an excellent response in this sub category with no weaknesses. Proposal demonstrates that this service provider will provide an outstanding service in this subcategory. Organisations must obtain a score of at least 2 in each award sub-category 10

108 5.0 TIMESCALE / COSTS A tender submission should be supplied by time and date. An outline of the assessment process and final report submission process is listed below:- Public Advertising? Belfast Telegraph/Website Latest Date for Receipt of Queries? at 12 noon ed to The Procurement Unit Denise.mcguckin@dungannon.gov.uk Tenders Closing Date? Panel Meet? Appointment of Consultants? Mid Term Report submitted? Final Draft Report submitted? Final Report submitted COSTS A pre-submission budget for the entire assignment is estimated at up to a maximum of 10,000 (including expenses and excluding vat). Should a joint proposal be submitted the lead organisation should be clearly identified. 6.0 RETURN OF SUBMISSION Full documentation must be returned to the Chief Executive in a plain sealed envelope endorsed TENDER FOR CONSULTANTS MID ULSTER TOURISM STRATEGY PLAN to be received at the Council Offices, 15 Circular Road, Dungannon, BT71 6DT, no later than 12 NOON ON FRIDAY?? Late Tenders will not be considered. Faxed or ed tenders will not be accepted. All prices must be exclusive of Vat, inclusive of expenses, and be in pounds sterling. Tenderers should provide FIVE bound copies of their tender submission and include an electronic copy of their submission on disk/cd in Microsoft Word format 11

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110 FORM OF TENDER Part 1 Reference Number Quotation for MID ULSTER TOURISM ACTION PLAN I/we hereby offer to provide the above mentioned goods/services as detailed in the attached specification and invitation to Quote for the sum of (exclusive of VAT). I/we have ready and understand the Terms and Conditions of Contract and the supplementary statements and policies and agree: - To the terms and conditions set in this Quotation, to any additional terms and conditions set out in the specification, that having completed this form a binding contract shall be made by this Quotation and our acceptance thereof. Signature Date Address Telephone Number Fax Number VAT Registration Number Notes/instructions to Tenderers Quotation prices must reflect all circumstances affecting, or likely to affect, the provision of the goods/services. Completed Tenders should be addressed to the Chief Executive at, The Council Offices, 15 Circular Road, Dungannon, Co. Tyrone, BT71 6DT in a plain sealed envelope endorsed To be received no later than 12 noon 13

111 9. SCHEDULE OF QUANTITIES AND COSTS Part 2A Reference Number Quotation For MID ULSTER TOURISM ACTION PLAN COMPANY NAME Description of Goods Quantity Unit Cost (Exc Vat) Costs (up to a maximum of 10,000 including expenses and excluding Vat), broken down as follows: Total Cost (Exc Vat) Stage 1 Costs Stage 2 Costs Average Daily Rate for Consultant Team (based on a 7 hour day) Total Number of Consultant Days Assigned days TOTAL DAYS AND COSTS (Exc Vat) days OFFICE USE ONLY Opened by Date Time 14

112 10. SCHEDULE OF CONSULTANTS, TASKS, RATES & COSTS Part 2B Reference Number Quotation For MID ULSTER TOURISM ACTION PLAN COMPANY NAME The information provided below WILL NOT form part of the cost evaluation but must be completed for information purposes only Consultant Name Key Tasks State No. of Days / Quantities Daily Rate ( ) (7 hr day) Total cost ( ) (exc Vat) OVERALL TOTAL DAYS & COSTS (Exc Vat) days OFFICE USE ONLY Opened by Date Time 15

113 TERMS & CONDITIONS FOR QUOTATIONS/TENDERS PLEASE READ THE FOLLOWING TERMS AND CONDITIONS CAREFULLY BEFORE YOU SUBMIT A TENDER/QUOTATION TO THE COUNCIL DEFINITIONS 1. In this agreement the following terms shall have the following meanings: Contract means the contract to provide the services goods detailed in this document and specifications Contractor means and/or their representatives Contractor Representative means the person or persons from time to time nominated by the Contractor and notified in writing to the Supervising Office, and authorised to act in the capacities stated on behalf of the Contractor. Council means Mid Ulster District Council. Person means any natural or juristic person or individual, firm, partnership or body corporate. 2. LEGISLATION The Contractor shall note and make himself aware of all legislation that relates to this contract. It is a requirement of this contract that the services are carried out in accordance with all relevant legislation. Failure to comply with current and future relevant legislation shall lead to the determination of this contract. 16

114 3. HEALTH AND SAFETY AT WORK 3.1 The Contractor shall at all times take such precautions as are necessary to protect the health and safety of his own employees, other employees including the Council s employees, and all other persons including members of the public, and shall comply with the requirements of the Health and Safety at Work (NI) Order 1978, and any amendment or re-enactment thereof, and of any other Acts, Regulations or Orders pertaining to the health and safety of employed persons. 32 The Council shall be empowered to suspend the provision of the Service or part thereof in the event of non-compliance by the Contractor with Condition 3 or with his legal duties in health and safety matters. The Contractor shall not resume provision of the Service or such part until the Supervising Officer is satisfied that the non-compliance has been rectified. 4 CONTRACTOR S EMPLOYEES The Contractor shall employ only persons who are careful, skilled, honest, experienced, and suitable qualified for the work required in terms of this contract. 5 DELIVERY OF GOODS/SERVICES The Contractor shall be responsible for any expenses incurred to deliver any incorrectly delivered (subject matter) to the correct delivery point or return any items delivered in excess of the quantity specified in the order. The Goods shall be delivered by the Contractor, carriage paid in such quantities, in such manner, at such times and to such places as the Council named in the Contract may order in writing from time to time, being times and places within the period and localities specified in the Contract. Delivery dockets must always be produced and signed for by a member of staff from Mid Ulster District Council. The Contractor shall adequately pack and protect the (subject matter) against damage and deterioration and deliver them not earlier or later than the time or times specified in the order at the delivery point or points specified in the order or as the council directs. 6 PAYMENT FOR GOODS/SERVICES/INVOICES 17

115 Payment for materials supplied shall be made upon Verification of receipt of goods/ services to the specification indicated in the tender. Payments will be issued monthly on the second Tuesday following the month end. Invoices, quoting official Order Numbers, should be submitted by Contractors/Suppliers not later than one week prior to the month end. The Council reserves the right to withhold payment of any Invoice where further details, checking, etc. are required before payment can be certified. Invoices should be submitted to the: - Finance Department, Mid Ulster District Council, Circular Road, Dungannon, Co Tyrone, BT71 6DT The Council reserves the right to require production of copies of Supplier s Invoices for any materials supplied under this Contract. The Council may also request timesheets to validate labour claims. 7 BS STANDARDS All materials must comply with the latest BS where applicable, and the Contractor/Supplier shall be deemed to warrant and guarantee in his tender document that the latest BS has been considered in the tender price. Certificates, samples and tests for the various materials shall be deposited and/or carried out as directed by the Purchasing Officer at the Contractors/Supplier s expense. Any materials not conforming to BS and appropriate tests will be rejected and the Purchasing Officer shall have the power to make a compensating reduction in the contract price for any materials already used, which are found not to be in accordance with these tests. 8 SPECIFICATION The Goods shall be of the quantity and kinds described and equal in all respects to the descriptions, specifications, patterns and Contractors samples which form part of the Contract or are otherwise relevant for the purpose of the Contract. No inspection or test or failure to inspect or test shall constitute acceptance of the (subject matter). 9 FAILURE TO SUPPLY GOODS IN GOOD CONDITION The supply of materials, etc. in accordance with the Specification and to the 18

116 satisfaction of the Council s Purchasing Officer shall be deemed to be the essence of the contract and should the contract fail in that respect the Purchasing Officer may obtain the necessary amount of material from any other source and the difference between the price, if any, of the materials so procured and the tender price, shall be paid by the Contractor/Supplier the amount of the claim to be certified by the Purchasing Officer. Where samples are required they shall be supplied, clearly marked so as to be easily identified, and forwarded as directed. The Council s representative and any government department shall be entitled on the council s authority to inspect or test the (subject matter) at any reasonable time at the premises of the Contractor. The Contractor shall grant to the council a right of access to the premises for the purpose of understanding such inspection test of the (subject matter). 10 REJECTED GOODS/MATERIALS If any (subject matter) do not conform to the contract on any grounds at all (including without limitation by reason of quality or being unfit for the purpose for which they are required) the council shall be entitled at its discretion without prejudice to any other remedy to exercise any one or more of the following rights: - reject the (subject matter) in whole or in part; - permit the Contractor to replace, repair or reinstate the (subject matter) so that they conform to the contract; and - carry out or have carried out at the Contractor s expense such work as is necessary to conform the (subject matter) to the contract. Rejected goods or materials are to be removed by and at the expense of the Contractor/Supplier within seven days after notice of rejection, and if not taken away the Council may cause same to be removed and charge the Contractor/Supplier with all expenses incurred in such removal. 11. LABOUR/WAGES The Contractor shall not assign or underlet the Contract, and must pay all their employees the standard rate of wages in the district, and must also observe the 19

117 hours of labour as well as the aforesaid rate of wages recognised by the Association of Employers and the Local Organised Bodies of Workers in the various trades in the district and must adhere to Trades-Union principles in every respect regarding their particular trade or business, and if required must produce satisfactory proof of compliance with said conditions. 12. RACE RELATIONS The Contractor shall not engage in exploitative practices of vulnerable groups including migrant workers. This includes racial discriminatory practice and racial harassment. In the event of any employment practices by a contractor being deemed by an Industrial Tribunal as unlawful discrimination under the Race Relations (NI) Order 1997 (as amended 2003) the Council reserves the right to refuse, suspend or cancel contracts and not consider further tenders from the said contractors. 13. FREEDOM OF INFORMATION The Council is Subject to the terms of the Freedom of Information Act Tenderers should be aware that the information provided in the completed tender and Contractual Documents could be disclosed in response to a request under the Freedom of Information Act. We will proceed on the basis of disclosure unless an appropriate exemption applies. No information provided by Tenderers will be accepted in confidence and the Council accepts no liability for loss as a result of any information disclosed in response to a request under the Freedom of Information Act. 14. PASSING OF RISK Risk in the (subject matter) shall not pass to the council until delivery. 15. CONFLICT OF INTEREST Tenderers should declare that they do not have any conflict of interest in connection with the contract, a conflict of interest could arise in particular as a result of economic interests, political or national affinities, family or emotional ties, or any other relevant connection or shared interest. 16. JOINT TENDERS Joint Tenders or Tenders from consortia will be accepted. The nature and 20

118 organisation of such Tenders is at the discretion of the Tenderers. In any event, such tenders will be treated no differently from any other type of Tender, each being assessed on its own merits in relation to the evaluation and award criteria contained in these specifications. 17. SUBCONTRACTING Any intention to subcontract part of the contract must be clearly stated in the Tender. In any case, the main contractor retains sole responsibility for the contract. 18. NON AWARDS Initiation of a Tendering procedure imposes no obligation in Mid Ulster District Council to award a Contract. The Council is not liable for any compensation with respect to Tendering parties whose Tenders have not been accepted. Nor shall it be so liable if it decides not to award the Contract. 19. CONTRACTOR TO SATISFY HIMSELF ON MATTERS RELATING TO THE CONTRACT The Contract shall be deemed to have made all necessary inspections, surveys measurements and enquiries to satisfy himself as to the correctness and sufficiency of his rates and prices to cover all his obligations in terms of this contract. 20. DAMAGE The Contractor shall ensure that no damage is occasioned to any property by reason of his conduct of the works. Any damage caused by the Contractor to any property shall be made good at the Contractor s expense and that to the reasonable satisfaction of the Council. Failure of the Contractor to repair such damage may mean the Council shall effect such repairs as necessary and deduct the cost of such from any monies owed to the Contractor by the Council. 21. AGENCY 21.1 The Contractor is not, and shall in no circumstances hold himself out as being the servant or agent of the Council The Contractor is not and shall in no circumstances hold himself out as being authorised to enter into any contract on behalf of the Council, or in any other 21

119 way to bind the Council to the performance, variation, release or discharge of any obligation The Contractor has not and shall in no circumstances hold himself out as having the power to make, vary, discharge or waive any by-law or regulation of any kind The employees of the Contractor are not and shall not hold themselves out to be, and shall not be held out by the Contractors as being servants or agents of the Council for any purpose whatsoever. 22. INJURY TO PERSONS AND PROPERTY AND COUNCIL INDEMNITY 22.1 The Contractor shall be liable for, and shall indemnify the Council against any expense, liability, loss, claim or proceedings whatsoever arising under any statute or at common law in respect of personal injury to, or the death of, any person whomsoever arising out of or in the course of, or caused by, the carrying out of the contract, and the supply of any goods or services by the contractor unless due to any act of neglect of the Council or of any person for whom the council is responsible The Contractor shall be liable for, and shall indemnify the Council against any expense, liability, loss, claim or proceedings in respect of any injury or damage whatsoever to any property heritable or movable, real or personal in so far as such injury or damage arises out of, or in the course of, or by reason of, the carrying out of the contract, and the supply of any goods or services by the contractor unless due to any act of neglect of the Council or of any person for whom the Council is responsible. 23. INSURANCE AGAINST INJURY TO PERSONS AND PROPERTY 23.1 The Contractor shall hold, and continue to hold during the contract period 10m of Employers Liability Insurance and 5m of Public Liability Insurance evidence of which must be produced to the Council prior to the start of the Contract Without prejudice to his liability to indemnify the Council in terms of previous conditions, the Contractor shall maintain, and shall cause any domestic subcontractor to maintain such insurances as are necessary to cover the liability of the Contractor or as the case may be, the sub-contractor, in respect of or arising out of or in the course of or caused by the carrying out of the contract not due to any act or neglect of the Council or of any person for whom the Council is responsible and in respect of injury or damage to property, heritable or movable, 22

120 real or personal, arising out of or in the contract and caused by any negligence, omission or default of the Contractor, his servants, or agents or, as the case may be, of such sub-contractor, his servants or agents The insurance in respect of claims for personal injury to, or the death of, any person under a contract of service or apprenticeship with the Contractor or the sub-contractor as the case may be and arising out of and in the course of such person s employment shall comply with the Employer s Liability (Defective Equipment and Compulsory Insurance) Act 1972 and any statutory orders made there under or any amendment or re-enactment thereof As and when he is reasonably required to do so by the Council, the Contractor shall produce and shall cause any sub-contractor to produce for inspection by the Council documentary evidence that the insurances required by this contract are properly maintained, but on any occasion the Council may (but not unreasonably or vexatious) require to have produced for its inspection the policy or policies and premium receipts in question Should the Contractor or any sub-contractor make default in insuring or in continuing or in causing to insure as provided for in this contract, the Council may themselves insure against any risk with respect to which the default shall have occurred and may deduct a sum or sums equivalent to the amount paid or payable in respect of premiums from any monies due or to become due to the Contractor, or such amount shall be recoverable from the Contractor by the Council as a debt. 24. ENCUMBRANCES The Contractor shall not create any lien, charge, or other encumbrances on any plant, material, or asset which is the property of the Council, nor assign this agreement or any interest therein. 23

121 25. PATENT RIGHTS AND ROYALTIES The Contractor shall not in connection with the contract, use, manufacture, supply or deliver, any process, article, matter or thing, the use of which would be an infringement of any patent or patent rights, and the Contractor shall indemnify the Council from all proceedings, damages, costs, charges, expenses, loss and liability, which the Council may sustain, incur or be put to, by reason or in consequence, directly or indirectly, of any breach of this provision (whether wilful or inadvertent) and against which the payment of any royalties or other monies which the Council may have to make to any person or body entitled to patent rights in respect of any process, article, matter or thing used, manufactured, supplied or delivered by the Contractor in connection with the Contract. 26. GENERAL REQUIREMENT TO PAY TAXES ETC. The Contractor shall at all times be fully responsible for the payment of all income or other taxes, national insurance contributions, or levies of any kind, relating to or arising out of the employment of any person employed by the Contractor, in terms of this contract, and shall fully and promptly indemnify the Council in respect of any liability of the Council in respect thereof. 27. GENDER, SINGULAR AND PLURAL The masculine includes the feminine, and in the case of a limited company the indefinite article, and the singular includes the plural and vice versa where the context requires. 28. GOVERNING LAW This Contract shall be bound by the parties hereto shall comply and act in accordance with E.E.C Directives and the Laws of N.I., and the parties hereto shall accept any ruling of the Courts of Northern Ireland. 29. WARRANTY The Contractor shall, at its own expense, make good any defects which under proper use appear in the subject matter during a period beginning on their delivery and ending 6 months after their delivery, use or other defects period stipulated by the Council in the Order. 24

122 30. LOSS AND INDEMNITY The Contractor shall compensate the Council in full in demand for all loss, damage, or injury to the Council, any claim in respect of loss, damage, or injury made against the Council by third parties and any costs and expenses including legal and other professional adviser s fees, all economic loss (including loss of profit whether direct or indirect), loss of future revenue, reputation or goodwill or anticipated savings) which result from the Contractor s failure to comply with the Contract (whether negligent or otherwise) and in particular resulting from any defect in the (subject matter) or their materials, construction, workmanship or design or any claim that any (subject matter) prepared or supplied under the Contract infringe or are alleged to infringe the rights of any third party claimed under or in connection with any patent, registered design, copyright or breach of confidence. The Contractor / Supplier shall be liable for and shall indemnify the council against loss, liability, claim on proceedings, in respect of any injury or damage whatsoever to any property real or personal in so far as such injury or damage arises out of any negligence, omission or default of the Contractor/Supplier, his servant or agents or of any Sub-Contractor employed by him. 31. STATUTORY AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS The Contractor undertakes that the (subject matter) are safe and without risk to health when properly used and comply in all respects with all legal obligations in force at the date of delivery. The Contractor shall supply in respect of the (subject matter) such information about the use of them as is required by the Legal Obligations and enables the Council to comply with them so far as it is required by law to do so and proper evidence of all tests and examinations and research made in compliance with the Legal Obligations. 32. CONFIDENTIALITY The Contractor shall both during this Contract and after its termination keep confidential and not (except as authorised or required for the purposes of this Contract) use or disclose or attempt to use or disclose to any person any of the information. 33. TERMINATION 25

123 The Council reserves the right to review the contract at any time and obtain further competitive prices for materials or obtain materials from other sources if it is cost effective to do so or is in the interests of the Council. At any time during the contract period the Council may terminate the contract, either totally or partially, by one calendar months notice to the contractor and at the end of the month the Contract or such part thereof as is specified in the notice shall in all respects cease and determine without prejudice, however, either, where partial determination only is affected by the notice to the continuance and validity of the contract for the goods not affected by the notice or generally to the rights or obligations of either party to the Contract which may have accrued prior to the date of determination. In the event of such termination the Council shall be at liberty to employ any other Contractor to carry out the terms of the Contract, and may deduct from any monies, then or thereafter due to the Contractor by the Council, any sums of money they may pay to such substituted Contractor and all expenses they may be put to by reason of the default of the Contractor in the performance of this Contract. If the council terminates the contract the contract shall return to the council all payments made and if the council rejects any (subject matter) the Contractor shall return all payments already made for the rejected (subject matter). Where on termination the council elects to keep or take any (subject matter) it shall account to the Contractor for them at a proportion of their price on their value to the council whichever is less but otherwise no compensation shall be payable to the contractor on termination on rejection. 34. COMMERCIAL SENSITIVITY The Council undertakes to use its best endeavours to hold confidential any commercial sensitive information provided in the Tender submitted, subject to the Council s obligations under law, including the Freedom of Information Act If a Tenderer considers that any of the information submitted in the Tender should not be disclosed because of its commercial sensitivity or confidentiality, then this should be stated with the reasons for considering the information confidential or likely to prejudice commercial interests if disclosed to the public. 35. INSOLVENCY 26

124 The Council may at any time by notice in writing summarily determine the Contract without compensation to the Contractor in any of the following events: - If the Contractor has an administrative receiver, as defined in the Insolvency (NI) Order 1989 appointed If the Contractor becomes bankrupt or makes a composition or arrangement with his creditors, or has a winding up order made. If the Contractor defaults in any of its obligations under the contract, becomes insolvent, has receiver appointed of its business, becomes compulsorily or voluntary wound up, becomes bankrupt or makes a composition or arrangement with his creditors or if the council bona fide believes that any of such events may occur the council shall be entitled at its discretion without prejudice to any other remedy, to suspend the performance of or terminate the contract and in the event of termination to keep or take possession of any (subject matter) or any items belonging to the council any to enter any contractor for that purpose. 36. EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES Mid Ulster District Council is an Equal Opportunities employer and applies an Equal Opportunities policy in all Tendering processes. The Council welcomes applications from all sections of the community and considers it essential that all organisations wishing to provide services on behalf of the Council are able to demonstrate that all reasonably practicable steps are taken to allow equal treatment in employment and service delivery for all. 37. DATA PROTECTION Contractor/Supplier must acknowledge the Data Protection Act Each party undertakes to abide by and ensure that its employees, representatives and agents abide by the provisions of the Data Protection Act 1998 and warrants that it shall duly observe all its obligations under the Data Protection Act 1998 which arise in connection with its tending for or performance of its obligations under this agreement. 38. ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT The Council have implemented an environmental management system, which is externally certified to the International Standard ISO As a Contractor working on site or providing a service to the Council, the contractor needs to, 27

125 support the policy, help the council achieve environmental objectives and targets, follow any procedures in the environmental management system that are relevant to the Contractor s activities and comply with legislative requirements at all times. 39. GENERAL The Council does not bind itself to accept the lowest or any Tender and accepts no responsibility for lost or incomplete Tenders. FAIR EMPLOYMENT AND TREATMENT (NI) ORDER The Fair Employment and Treatment (Northern Ireland) Order 1998 ( the order ) provides inter alia that a public authority shall not accept an offer to execute any work or supply any goods or services where the offer is made by an unqualified person in response to an invitation by the Public Authority to submit offers. It also provides that as the Public Authority are responsible, all such steps shall be taken, to ensure that no work is executed or goods or services supplied by an unqualified person for the purposes of such contracts as are nominated above. 2 An unqualified person is either:- 28

126 (a) (b) An employer who, having been in default in the circumstances specified by the Order, has been served with a notice by the Equality Commission stating non qualification for the purpose of the Order. An employer who, by reason of connection with an employer on whom a notice has been served to that effect, has also been served with such notice. 3 Contractors executing work for the Council shall not engage in exploitative practices of vulnerable groups including migrant workers. This includes racial discriminatory practice and racial harassment. In the event of any employment practices by a contractor being deemed by an Industrial Tribunal as unlawful discrimination under the Race Relations (NI) Order 1997 (as amended 2003) the Council reserves the right to refuse, suspend or cancel contracts and not consider further tenders from the said contractors. 4 Mid Ulster District Council has an obligation under the Order and therefore it shall be a condition of tendering that any contractor must not be an unqualified person within the provisions of the Order. DECLARATION & UNDERTAKING TO BE SIGNED BY ALL MAIN CONTRACTORS AND NOMINATED SUB-CONTRACTORS TENDERING FOR THE EXECUTION OF WORKS OR THE SUPPLY OF GOODS AND SERVICES I/We hereby declare that I am/we are NOT unqualified for the purposes of the Fair Employment and Treatment (Northern Ireland) Order I/We undertake that no work shall be executed or goods or services supplied by an unqualified person for the purposes of any contract with Mid Ulster District Council to which the above Order applies. For and on behalf of Signed Position Date DATA PROTECTION DECLARATION The Data Protection Act 1998 gives individuals the right to access personal data which is being held by Mid Ulster District Council. It provides a framework to ensure that personal data is handled in accordance with all the provisions in the Act. All contractors, consultants, partners or other servants or agents of the Council who are users of personal data supplied by the Council will be required to confirm that they will abide by the requirements of the Act. The Council will require that they enter into a contract, which obliges them to: - Ensure that they and all their staff who have access to personal information held or possesses of us on our behalf are aware of their duties and responsibilities under the 29

127 Act. Any breach of any provision of the Act will be deemed as being a breach of any contract between the Council and that individual, company, partner or organisation. Ensure that they only act on our instructions with regard to the processing of personal information we supply them. Ensure that they have adequate security around personal information supplied to them, and in particular, will take appropriate organisational and technical steps to ensure that there is no loss, damage or destruction to such information. Allow data protection audits by the Council, of information held on its behalf (if requested). Indemnify the Council against any prosecutions, claims, proceedings, actions or payments or compensation or damages, without limitation arising out of any breach of the Act by them. DECLARATION & UNDERTAKING TO BE SIGNED BY ALL MAIN CONTRACTORS AND NOMINATED SUB-CONTRACTORS TENDERING FOR THE EXECUTION OF WORKS OR THE SUPPLY OF GOODS AND SERVICES I/We of (insert address) hereby declare that I am/we are in acceptance of the requirements of the Data Protection Act 1998 as detailed above. For and on behalf of Signed Position Date NON-COLLUSION CERTIFICATE The essence of competitive tendering is that the client shall receive bona fide competitive tenders from all firms tendering. In recognition of this principle, we certify that the tenders enclosed are bona fide tender, intended to be competitive, and that we have not fixed or adjusted amounts of the tenders by or under or in accordance with any agreement or arrangement with any other person. We also certify that we have not done and we undertake that we will not do any time before the returnable date for this tender any of the following acts: - 30

128 (a) communicating to a person other than the person calling for these tenders the amount of the tender herewith submitted; (b) entering into any agreement or arrangements with any person that he/she shall refrain from tendering or as to the amount of any tender to be submitted, and (c) offering or paying or giving or agreeing to pay or give any sum of money or consideration directly or indirectly to any person for doing or having done or causing or having caused to be done in relation to any other tender or proposed tender for the said work any act or thing of the sort described above. (d) We accept that any breach of the above is likely to lead to the termination of any Contract with Mid Ulster District Council should we be successful. Name: (BLOCK CAPITALS) Signed: On behalf of: Date: Name of Tender/Quotation: THIS CERTIFICATE MUST BE SIGNED, COMPLETED AND RETURNED WITH THE TENDERS/QUOTATIONS SUBMISSION FREEDOM OF INFORMATION STATEMENT The Council undertakes to use its best endeavours to hold confidential and commercially sensitive information provided in the tender submitted, subject to the Councils obligations under law, including the Freedom of Information Act (2000). If a Tenderer considers that any of the information submitted in the Tender should not be disclosed because of its commercial sensitivity or confidentiality, then this should be stated with the reasons for considering the information confidential or likely to prejudice commercial interests if disclosed to the public. The Council will then consult with the 31

129 Tenderer in considering any request received under the Freedom of Information Act 2000 before reply to such a request. We endeavour to have a written reply to your request within 20 working days. As a Tenderer/Contractor to the Council, you should be aware that the Council will have obligations and responsibilities under the Freedom of Information Act to provide on request access to recorded information held by it. One of the consequences of these statutory responsibilities is that information that the Council holds about your organisation may be subject to disclosure, in response to a request, unless one of the various statutory exemptions applies. If you consider that any of the information submitted/to be submitted in the Tender or Contract documents should not be disclosed because of sensitivity, then that information should be specified in a schedule together with full reasons as to why you consider it to be likely to prejudice the commercial interest of your company of a trade secret or information, the disclosure of which would constitute an actionable breach of confidence, together with a reasonable timescale during which that information should not be disclosed. Mid Ulster District Council will consult with Tenderers, where it is considered appropriate, in relation to the release of controversial information. Tenderers will be notified by the Council of any disclosure of information relating to them. 32

130 Subject: Reporting Officer: Carland Crane Project Nigel HiLL, Head of Parks 1 Purpose of Report 1.1 Consideration of a request from Carland Area Regeneration Association for Mid Ulster District Council to accept maintenance and insurance responsibilities for the Carland Crane Industrial Heritage Project. 2 Background 2.1 Carland Area Regeneration Association awarded HLF grant of 12,000 for industrial heritage Project. An industrial crane dating from around 1830, and which signifies the remnants of an important quarry in Carland, was restored and placed in the townland of Carland. Until it closed, the quarry was the main employer in the area and played a significant part in local life post famine so the local community were keen to record and celebrate this important aspect of their heritage. The history of Carland stone and stonemasonry will also be explored and a DVD or booklet produced to record the restoration of the crane from start to complete. 3 Key Issues Dungannon Council had agreed to support community partnership in relation to local industrial heritage projects. Dungannon Council previously agreed to undertake insurance and maintenance responsibility for the industrial art piece (Crane) on completion of the project. Carland Area Regeneration Association will acknowledge Council support and host a formal launch of the project

131 4 Resource Implications 4.1 Financial Periodic inspection and maintenance costs Human Resources Existing staff resources deployed to coordinate and carry-out the necessary maintenance tasks Basis for Professional/ Consultancy Support None. Other None 5 Other Considerations 5.1 None 6 Recommendations 6.1 To support local community group efforts to recognise their identity and heritage by undertaking the insurance management responsibility for the Carland Crane Project 7 List of Documents Attached 7.1 Appendix - Carland Area Regeneration Association correspondence 2

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134 Subject: Reporting Officer: Reservoirs Bill and Audit Nigel Hill, Head of Parks 1 Purpose of Report 1.1 To inform members of Council s role and responsibilities in relation to the Reservoir Bill and current Audit requirements. 2 Background 2.1 The Northern Ireland Assembly is presently considering the Reservoirs Bill and it is expected to be enacted later this year. The legislation will regulate reservoirs in Northern Ireland capable of holding 10,000 cubic metres or more of water above the natural level of surrounding land in order to protect the public, economic activity, the environment, cultural heritage from the risk of flooding from reservoir failure. There are in the region of 130 reservoirs in Northern Ireland that will be affected under the scope of the legislation. There are two such reservoirs currently under the responsibility of Mid Ulster District Council, Dungannon Park Lake and Ballysaggart Lough. 3 Key Issues The Council will be required to provide evidence of the current condition surveys and related information of actual capital expenditure carried out along with estimates of any future works required in the interests of reservoir safety. Any surveys and reports older than six years will not be admissible. Based on the requirements placed on the Council it will be necessary to commission suitably qualified structural engineer consultants to conduct the condition surveys. The Council is in possession of a current survey for Dungannon Park lake (RPS 2010), which is scheduled for review this year. It would be advisable to complete both pieces of work in order to satisfy the requirements of Rivers Agency and to inform Council to any current and future liabilities associated to their reservoir locations.

135 4 Resource Implications 4.1 Financial Quotations will be sought for the necessary surveys and reports for two locations, Dungannon Park Lake and Ballysaggart Lough Human Resources Existing staff resources sufficient to coordinate the required response to Rivers Agency request. Basis for Professional/ Consultancy Support Reservoir safety legislation will require inspections (safety reviews) to be conducted by Qualified Civil Engineers to supervise and certify the completion of any safety reports. Other Periodic reviews to be conducted with in every six years. 5 Other Considerations 5.1 None 6 Recommendations 6.1 To conduct the necessary structural surveys and submit along with supplementary information to Rivers Agency within an agreed time frame. 7 List of Documents Attached 7.1 Appendix: Rivers Agency correspondence 13 th February

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138 Subject: Culture and Arts Progress Report Reporting Officer: Tony McCance, Head of Culture and Arts 1 Purpose of Report 1.1 To update Members of the progress being made in Culture and Arts Services and highlight events that will be occurring in the future. 2 Background Mid Ulster District Council recognises the important role that Culture and 2.1 Arts plays in today's society and that the availability of accessible, high quality culture and arts provision can enhance the quality of life and wellbeing of the local community. The Culture and Arts facilities and programmes provided in Mid Ulster are designed to maximise participation in from all sections of the community and provide pathways that enable every resident within the Mid Ulster area to maximise their enjoyment, aspirations and quality of life. 3 Key Issues 3.1 Full details of key elements Culture and Arts Service provision in the last month is included in Appendix 1. A summary of key highlights is provided below: Events a range of Easter events were held in both the Burnavon and Ranfurly House. The auditorium in the Burnavon had an average occupancy rate for April of 82%. Programmes and workshops An Arts and Cultural Development Programme and Irish Language Development Programme were delivered that included floral art, language courses and educational activities. Exhibitions A sense of our past exhibition facilitated by RNIB was held in the Burnavon. Samples of work from various centres that participate in the Disability Stakeholders programme throughout Dungannon are currently on display in Ranfurly House.

139 4 Resource Implications 4.1 Financial N/A 4.2 Human resources N/A 4.3 Assets and other implications N/A 5 Other Considerations 5.1 None 6 Recommendations 6.1 Members are asked to note activities being undertaken in Culture and Arts Services. 7 Documents Attached 7.1 Appendix 1 Key elements of Culture and Arts Service provision in the last month

140 Appendix 1 Burnavon Arts & Cultural Centre Events Leading into April 2015 as part of the Easter events, a Family Fun Day was held in the Burnavon. All activities were offered free, with the specific target to engage with the local community, demonstrate the type of activities and events which the Burnavon (Culture & Art Services) offer and to foster and build customer relations. Funding was sourced via Town Centre Forum (DSD to link into town centre activity). The following activities / workshops were delivered. Jumping Clay Louise Byrne Easter Arts Easter Cupcake workshop Jolly Sands Plant & Sow Demos Face painting & Balloon Modelling & Walkabout characters Circus Skills Workshops Jim & Dr Nick I Prince (Mime show) Punch & Judy Puppet Show Captain Wonder Caricaturist Buskers (town centre) Saxophone Lounge (street entertainment) Jazz Guitarist (street entertainment) Easter Egg Hunt (town centre local shops) Auditorium Performances There were 9 performances held in April; (82% average occupancy rate for April). Philomena Begley 9 th April 97% attendance Johnny Cash Tribute 9 th April 100% attendance Cookstown Folk Club 10 th April 89% attendance Foyle Film Festival 14 th April 100% attendance Cookstown Youth Choir with Peter Corry 17 th April 71% attendance Talon 19 th April 56% attendance South West College 23 rd April 66% attendance The Big th April 56% attendance Tommy Flemming 25 th April 100% attendance Workshops / Classes (Irish Language Development Programme & Arts & Cultural Development Programme)

141 Irish Diploma continues to be delivered on Monday and Wednesday evening weekly. The Diploma is delivered in partnership with University of Ulster (operating to full capacity). Ranganna Irish Improvers Language Course re-commencing Tuesday 14 th April for 6 weeks. (10 registered). Easter Floral Art Wednesday 1 st April (operating at full capacity). Watercolour 6 week course commencing 13 th April (operating at full capacity). Conferences / Meetings 7 conferences / meetings were held in the Burnavon during the month of April generating additional income for the facility. Support Services (weekly activities) South West College A partnership agreement exists between The Burnavon and South West College (Performing Arts Section). This arrangement permits students to use the auditorium every Monday to gain experience in sound, lighting, stage management and performances which forms part of their course. This continued every Monday in April. In return the Burnavon are permitted to use College facilities for overflow of programmes and classes free of charge. Cookstown Folk Club Supported by Culture & Arts the Folk Club has over 40 talented members who perform at a variety of events throughout the year included the Ulster and All Ireland Fleadh representing Cookstown. They recently performed their first solo concert in the Burnavon on 11 th April to a near capacity audience and have recently participated in the Derry Fleadh. Financial support has been allocated to this group within the 2015/16 Arts & Cultural Development programme. The Folk Club meet and rehearse in the Burnavon every Tuesday evening and will continue during April. Burnavon Writers The Burnavon Writers group continues to meet fortnightly at the Burnavon during April. The group has recently taken part in the production of a DVD of writings with partners Monaghan Poetry and Songwriters Groups and Lough Neagh Poets. Financial support has been allocated to this Group within the 2015/16 Arts & Cultural Development programme.

142 Superstars Club Musical Theatre Group The Superstars Club Musical Theatre Group as an organisation set up within Cookstown to provide support and services to young adults with disabilities. Currently the Musical Theatre Group rehearses every Wednesday evening in the Burnavon and are working towards staging their second performance A Greek Wedding in June Financial support has been allocated to this Group within the 2015/16 Arts & Cultural Development programme. Traditional Music in Schools Project Financial support has been allocated within the 2015/16 year to continue this programme. Currently 11 schools within the old Cookstown District boundaries are involved with the programme (200 pupils involved learning to play a musical instrument). Léigh Leat Reading Group The Irish Language Reading Group continues to meet every Tuesday in Cookstown Library. This group gives speakers and learners the opportunity to read in the Irish Language. Financial support has been allocated to this Group within the 2015/16 Irish Language Development programme. Exhibitions 2 nd April 30 th April RNIB A Sense of Our Past During the month of April the Burnavon facilitated the RNIB A Sense of Our Past exhibition which included a launch event on 2 nd April attended by the Chair of Mid Ulster District Council. As part of the exhibition, RNIB contributed 5 pen friend devises and provided training to staff which can be used for further exhibitions allowing the Burnavon to engage with patrons with visual difficulties, on an ongoing basis. Easter Activities in Ranfurly House Free Easter Arts activities were offered throughout Ranfurly House on Saturday 4 th April from 10am to 4pm. Attendance and feedback was excellent. Classes/workshops The new period of arts classes/one day workshops will run from April to August Evening classes are programmed to run where possible three per evening maximising the use of the building. Guitar classes recommenced on Monday 13 th April 7pm to 9pm. These classes have proved very popular since first offered in

143 September Adult Pottery commenced on Monday 27 th April, pottery classes have also proven very popular since the centre opened in October B Dramatic Childrens drama club recommenced on Saturday 25 th April. Remaining evening classes are programmed to commence in May with Saturday workshops taking place throughout May, June & August. Events in the Square Box Attendance at events in the Square Box has decreased in recent months, this may be due to the lack of an alcohol license. The Celtic Soul event has been rescheduled to the autumn programme. Disability Arts Parkanaur College have commenced their 8 week dance project with tutor Sheena Kelly. They will be using the Square Box for part of this programme (evenings). Beacon House have commenced a 6 week glass painting project in their centre with artist Nicola Bernie. Dungannon Dance Inclusive Project This group is made up of adult dancers, with disabilities, within Dungannon who have displayed a talent/interest and show potential to progress in this art form. They practice under the guidance of tutor Sheena Kelly on a Tuesday evening in Ranfurly House, Square Box. The concept is to offer them the opportunity to perform on occasions were appropriate as a support act in Ranfurly House. To date their performances include: the Oaks Shopping Centre on Saturday 13 th December; Support act at An Evening of Music and Song by the East Timorese Choir on Saturday 21 st March. The highlight for the group was their performance for His Royal Highness the Duke of Gloucester in Ranfurly House on Wednesday 11 th March. Dungannon History Forum History Forum members hold their monthly meetings in Ranfurly House. They make a valuable contribution in advising the monthly history talks featured in the Events Guide. The talk held in the Square Box on Friday 17 th April on Private Robert Morrow VC. Newmills was delivered by Mr. Richard Doherty. This talk was programmed for April to commemorate 100 years from his death in WW I. Dungannon Arts Forum The Dungannon Arts Forum supported the Heroes on the Hill Project, a six week intercultural project delivered by Dance United NI and South Tyrone Empowerment programme STEP. The key funder for this project was Arts Council NI.

144 Practice sessions took place in the Dungannon Youth Resource Centre with the final performances taking place in the new performance space in Market Square, two performances on Saturday 11 th and two on Sunday 12 th April. These performances created a brilliant and very colourful atmosphere in Market Square for the public to enjoy. Education During April 2015, 147 pupils have participated in education activities at The Hill of The O Neill & Ranfurly House Arts & Visitor Centre: Four Year 9 classes from St Patrick s Academy participated in guided tours with the Education Officer around The Flight of The Earls and The Plantation of Ulster exhibition, and they then progressed on to The Hill of The O Neill. In March 2015, four other Year 9 classes had also taken part in the same tours, making a total of eight. These visits have now become an annual event for this Dungannon School. On 23 rd April, 26 P2 pupils and 3 staff from Bush Primary School and 28 P2 pupils and 4 staff participated in a local history project with the Education Officer. This was part of a cross community project which the two schools have participated in during this academic year. Many of their events, including this one, have been facilitated by the Education Officer, and a good working relationship has developed with these schools which can be built on in the future. Easter Treasure Trail An Easter Treasure Trail for children was held in Ranfurly House Arts & Visitor Centre as part of the Centre s Easter activities for families. 47 children participated. Tullaghoge Fort Development Archaeologists have returned to the site on Monday 27 th April to complete Archaeological exploratory digs in location of the proposed car park. Tree felling has been completed onsite in preparation of the project development. World Culture Day The Burnavon is hosting an event on Thursday 21 st May to Celebrate World Culture Diversity Day from 10am 2pm. Local primary schools are invited to attend and experience dance, music, art and crafts from different countries around the World. As part of World Culture Day the Burnavon is hosting the Belonging Exhibition, which is currently on show in Belfast City Hall. The photo exhibition looks at life of migrants in Northern Ireland and will involve organising a local photoshoot for local migrants who will then form part of the exhibition. An event for local migrants will

145 be held on the evening of 21 st May where local culture will be exhibited and migrants given the opportunity to become involved. An invitation is extended to all Mid Ulster District Councillors. Re-imaging Communities Projects are ongoing on behalf of Loup Women s Group and Parkview Resident s Group Pomeroy (funded through the Arts Council of NI) for the installation of Public Art in these areas. The appointed artist is currently completing fabrication of the work/design to be completed by June. Ranfurly Exhibition The April exhibition in Ranfurly House temporary exhibition space includes samples of work from the various centres that participate in the Disability Stakeholders programme throughout the Dungannon area. Schools Arts Project The Schools Art project delivered in Ranfurly House led by artist Brian Donaghy finished early April. The then Mayor, Councillor Rodger Burton visited the students involved to congratulate them and to commend them for their commitment after school. This art work will be displayed in the area outside the arts studio, in front of the stone wall. Market Square Public Art Project The Market Square public art sculpture was launched on the 11 th March. A booklet has been designed to give some background information on the public art piece and what it represents. Promotions Hill of The O Neill & Ranfurly House Arts & Visitor Centre will be promoted at the Balmoral Show this year, located beside the Flavour of Tyrone stand.

146 Subject Leisure Services Progress Report Reporting Officer Liam Glavin, Head of Leisure 1 Purpose of Report 1.1 To update Members of the progress being made regarding activities in Leisure Services and highlight events that will be occurring in the future 2 Background Mid Ulster District Council recognises the important role that leisure plays 2.1 in today's society and that the equitable availability of accessible, high quality sport and leisure provision can enhance the quality of life, health and wellbeing of the local community. The facilities and programmes provided in Mid Ulster are designed to maximise participation in sport and leisure activities from all sections of the community and provide pathways that enable every resident within the Mid Ulster area to maximise their healthy, sporting abilities, aspirations and potential. 3 Key Issues 3.1 Full details of key elements of Leisure Service provision in the last month is included in Appendix 1. A summary of key highlights is provided below: In conjunction with the Southern Sports Partnership a comprehensive Coach Education programme has just been completed in the Mid Ulster area. A range of generic and sports specific courses were successfully delivered. A comprehensive programme of activities took place over Easter which included an IFA Easter camp, 50+ exercise activities, football camps etc. A spring fitness programme commenced on the 1 April in Dungannon Leisure Centre and the swimming programme continued with classes available for up to 500 customers. The free weight area in Meadowbank Sports Arena has been refurbished and the Couch to 5K programme has been very successful. A second Cancer rehabilitation programme in conjunction with Charis has been launched in Cookstown Leisure Centre. A range of events and activities will be provided in Leisure Service across Mid Ulster in future months. A summary is included in Appendix 2.

147 4 Resource Implications 4.1 Financial N/A 4.2 Human resources N/A 4.3 Assets and other implications N/A 5 Other Considerations 5.1 None 6 Recommendations 6.1 Members are asked to note activities being undertaken in Leisure Services and the events that will be occurring in the future. 7 Documents Attached Appendix 1 Key elements of Leisure Service provision in the last month. Appendix 2 Future events and activities to be provided in Leisure Services

148 Appendix 1 Key Elements of Leisure Service Provision in the last month Sports Development Coach Education In conjunction with the Southern Sports Partnership a comprehensive Coach Education programme has just been completed in the Mid Ulster area. A range of generic and sports specific courses were successfully delivered, these included: Safeguarding Children & Young People Designated Officer First Aid o IFA Level 1 o IFA Futsal o GAA Award 1 The Sports Academy squads for are underway with the Hockey squad taking place at Cookstown High School and Netball at the new indoor at the Mid Ulster Sports Arena. The squads are made up from representatives across the Mid Ulster area and will undergo 12 weeks of specialist coaching before competing in a tournament. Mid Ulster Sports Arena (MUSA) MUSA remains busy at present with various team bookings, schools events and casual users. All pitches are in a good state of repair due to a rigid maintenance programme by the groundsman and some positive comments have been received from users on the general upkeep of the facilities. Recent Events have included: Mid Ulster Model Farm and Tractor Show 3,000 Ulster Youth Rugby Finals (9 matches played) 1,000 Game of Three Halves Flames Event Harps Cycling Club 200 Tri County Finals Days 800 Northern Ireland Womens Football Association (NIWFA) Fifa Roadshow 200 Irish FA Referees Training - 50 IFA Centre of Excellence - Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday evenings and Sundays (until the end of June) (60 per night) - training camps planned for the summer months dates to be confirmed Acorn Athletics - Couch to 5K programme with approximately 200 participants every Tuesday and Thursday evening Park Run - each Saturday morning at 9.30am (50 each week)

149 Active Communities Following the latest review meeting and report from Sport NI, the Mid Ulster Consortia are on target to achieve all its Key Performance Indicators & the coaches continue to perform exceptionally well. This continues to be a major participation programme with 1,627 people taking part in the programme and almost 235 hours of physical activity delivered since the start of March. Please see the table below for a complete breakdown: 1. Total number of full time equivalent coaches/leaders employed: 7 2. Total number of participants: 1, Number of participants that are female: 915 3a. % of participants that are female: Number of participants that have a disability: 337 4a. % of participants that have a disability: Number of participants that are older people: 294 5a. % of participants that are older people: Total No. of coaching hours: These figures were recorded through the many schools and community/club programmes delivered from across the area. A new Active Communities coach for females namely Paula Black has just been appointed and will take up post at the beginning of April. This will bring to 8 the number of coaches working across the Dungannon area with specific activities being delivered in Cookstown Swimming, Dungannon GAA and Magherafelt Multi Skills including racquets. Northern Partnership for Physical Activity (NPPA) With successful funding bids from both Cookstown & Magherafelt District Councils to the Northern Partnership for Physical Activity additional Outdoor Gym equipment will be erected at the Mid Ulster Sports Arena and Meadowbank Sports Arena. Easter Programme Within the Cookstown area a comprehensive programme took place over the Easter holidays, activities are as follows: Activity Venue / Dates Easter Scheme Cookstown Leisure Centre 7th - 10th April IFA Easter Camp MUSA 8th - 10th April Gaelic Football Camp MUSA 8th - 10th April Girls Football Camp MUSA 8th - 10th April 50+ Exercise Activities Cookstown Leisure Centre 9th April Multi Skills Moneymore Recreation Centre 10th April Gaelic Football Camp Moneymore Recreation Centre 9th April Soccer Camp Moneymore Recreation Centre 9th April

150 Cage Sports Over 145 children took part in an extensive Cage Sports Programme that was delivered in estates and communities throughout the district. The young people involved thoroughly enjoyed playing a range of sports and mixing with people from different areas and backgrounds. Activities including 2 v 2 Soccer, Basketball, GAA and Hockey took place in the following areas: Coagh Kileenan Ardboe Pomeroy Stewartstown Moneymore Holy Trinity College Cookstown High School Mid Ulster Sports Arena Mid Ulster District Council Sporting Grants All current Sports Development contacts have been notified via regarding the new grant opportunities. Southern Sports Partnership The Sports Academy squads have either completed their 12 weeks coaching or due to complete their final sessions due to weather cancellations early in the year and will now take part in a series of competitive opportunities. Physical Activity Referral Program (PARP) New to post Don Taffe continues to carry on the already established Physical Activity Referral Program. The report for quarter 4 has been submitted to the PHA. Health Related Projects Couch to 5K, Travellers Swim Program, Strength & Balance and 16+ all continue. The cycling programme will commence in spring. School Swimming Restarting after the Easter holidays there are 38 pre-booked 30 minute sessions of school swimming. Accounting for 374 children. Reduction of Services With the loss of the Investing for Health Officer Elaine Devlin we now have no access to the Cookit or Weigh to Health Programs and support with other health related projects.

151 Leisure Facility Based Activities Cookstown Leisure Centre Easter Scheme 2015: Tuesday 22 nd 25 th April The annual Easter scheme again was slow to start but as the week went on the numbers increased to 229 visits. Activities included: Indoor Football, Dodge ball, Table Tennis, Basketball, Uni Hockey, Volleyball, Badminton, Playshack, Treasure hunt in Playshack, Ten Pin Bowling, Dance Mats, Arts & Crafts, Face Painting, Swimming, Flume Sessions, Board games, organised games and activities in the main hall e.g. time bomb, duck goose, crusts and crumbs. Cookstown Leisure Centre Drop-In Classes and Courses The Drop-In Classes are offered to the general public and also to Total Evolve Members as part of their membership package. The classes are continually under an internal review to monitor usage and to amend and update the programme on offer. At the start of the April to June Programme some previous classes were cancelled when not performing or rescheduled. Currently there are three 06.30am early morning classes offered to coincide with the earlier Fitness Suite and pool openings and there is a total of sixteen drop-in classes per week on offer. There are a range of styles and intensities to suit users from the Beginner to the more Advanced. Classes on offer include 60+ Aerobics, Aqua Fit, Circuits, Boxercise, Kettlebells, Lift & Sculpt, Zumba and Combination classes. Enrolment based courses are also available for Hatha Yoga, Jive Dance and Recreational Gymnastics. Moneymore Recreation Centre Moneymore Recreation Centre held Easter Sports Camps on Thursday 9 th & Friday 10 th April A Gaelic Football Camp had to be cancelled due to poor numbers. A Soccer Camp did go ahead on Thursday 9 th April 2015 (2pm-3pm) and nine children attended and had an excellent time. On Friday 10 th April 2015 (10am-12pm) a Multi Sports Camp was held and 8 children attended. Active Community Coaches from MUSA were in charge of these sessions. The sessions were advertised through Facebook and around all the local school. The good weather over Easter might have had an impact on the numbers. Last Easter our Camps were the same but the Summer Camps were excellent, all camps were for boys & girls aged 6-12 years old. Dungannon Leisure Centre Fitness Classes/Courses The Spring Programme started on the 1 st April. The programme comprises of a range of fitness classes including Circuit Training, Step Aerobics, Pilates, Totally Toned, Yoga, Ladies Cardio Box and the Ultimate Worx. Spinning classes are also available Mondays, Tuesdays and Friday.

152 Dungannon School of Aquatics The swimming programme continued with classes available for all ages with 478 customers enrolled. The Masters Swim class (which does not require booking) continues to be very popular with an average of 30 attending three times per week. The Elite swimmers coaching class has an average of eight per session. In addition to the Centre based programme the pool is hired to facilitate an aqua babes class with an average of 10 families attending. During Easter week fifteen four day one-to-one swimming lessons were organised as well as an intensive Pool Lifeguard training course, all 11 candidates successfully obtaining their award. Dungannon Leisure Centre In-house Clubs A number of local clubs and organisations continue to hire the facilities these included gymnastics, martial arts, 50+ club, Special Olympics, Fit4U, Basketball Club, Dungannon Amateur Swimming Club, Cheerleading class, Dance class and Sub aqua club. Gortgonis Fitness Suite Currently 70 regular and 20 casual members use the facility. Two groups are booked for programmed activities, Oakridge Special Needs Group who use the facility twice weekly and the Health and Safety programme for female members of the Travelling Community (organised through STEP). Meadowbank Sports Arena All areas of the Arena continued to be well used during April. The following items are of particular note: The Free Weights Area on the top floor has been refurbished. This has been assisted by the Technical Services Department; and funding for new equipment from The Northern Partnership for Physical Activity (NPPA). The project has significantly improved both the quality of the facility, and the health and safety of the area. The improvements have been very well received by our customers. The Acorns Athletic Club Couch 2 5K Programme which has been funded by the Public Health Agency (PHA) has surpassed all expectations. The current programme of sessions commenced during the month with over 300 enthusiastic participants registering on the opening night. This level of success creates its own challenges with the Athletics Track almost completely filled! The Acorns Athletic Club are to be highly commended for their success in this venture. New Outdoor Gym equipment, which has also been funded by PHA, arrived on site towards the end of the month. It has been constructed and it is planned that this equipment will be coming into operation in early May when it has been installed and secured on an appropriate surface/base. An official opening for this equipment will be arranged in due course.

153 During the month the Arena hosted a 5 Mile Road Race organised by Sperrin Harriers; facilitated IFA Youth Development Squad Sessions on the 3G Pitch; and a Primary Schools Gaelic Football Blitz in the Indoor Arena. Maghera Leisure Centre Like Meadowbank Sports Arena Maghera Leisure Centre remained well used during April. The following items are of particular note: The Centre s wide programme of classes and activity sessions really breathe the heart and soul into the centre. Classes commence at the centre at 6.30am with Boot Camps which believe it or not are well attended! Classes and sessions are scheduled from then throughout the day at times to suit the needs of our customers. The Centre s versatility is highlighted by the following selection of regular bookings: Mid Ulster Floral Art Society, Maghera Gardening Group, Magherafelt Advice Centre, Network Personnel, and a Baby Massage Course (organised by Cookstown Community Services Sure Start programme. The Centre s refurbished Cardio Theatre opened during the month. This involved the installation of brand new, state of the art cardio equipment (e.g. treadmills, static cycles, cross trainers, rowers etc.); structural work and redecoration. The staff moved heaven and earth to minimise disruption to customers by maintaining a service during the work and deserve credit and a mention for their efforts. The new facility has gone down very well with customers and an official opening is being planned. The refurbishment work to Soccer Pitch 1 at the Centre has progressed well with seeding now completed. New fencing will follow soon to complete the project. However this cannot be fully finished until after the pitches first cut. The Centre s Annual 10K Road Race is scheduled for May. This event usually attracts 200/250 participants and preparations are proceeding well. Tobermore Golf Centre An Easter Children s Golf Camp was organised at the Centre with Golf Coaching from resident Golf Professional, Tony Mulholland. Tony has also regular sessions programmed with the local Special Olympics Group, which commenced at the end of the month. The Centre s new golf teaching equipment is now fully operational. The Trackman equipment is the most accurate radar launch monitor currently available and is used by the majority of the world s top golfers and coaches. The Academy Par 3 Golf Course, Putting Green and Short Game Practise Area reopened during the month. They were well used during as local golfers took advantage of the good weather.

154 Mill Park The Tennis Courts in Mill Park have now been refurbished. They have reopened to the public, though there is still some minor work to be completed. The Rivers Agency have now completed work on site which had held back the completion of the Outdoor Gym Equipment Project at the Park. The remaining construction work was completed at the end of the month with the last 2 pieces of equipment being fitted. Cancer Rehabilitation Cookstown Leisure Centre has launched its second Cancer Rehab programme in conjunction with Charis, 8 local practices and other cancer stakeholder groups in the district. This 12-week physical activity programme aims to provide people living with and beyond cancer the opportunity to engage in a group-based physical activity. This programme will be tailored to the needs of each person in the group and will be provided in a friendly, comfortable and safe environment. The Northern Trust has financially supported the initial pilot in November and this follow up. Rock n Go Mobile Climbing Tower The Rock n Go Mobile Climbing Tower will be used across all MUDC site sover the Spring/Summer/Autumn season. Further details to follow Davagh Forest Rough Riderz Ireland's 1 st Taster day at Davagh Forest Trails It is proposed to develop the Stream Trails to accommodate gravity mountain bikes (used by Cyclists with a disability). Rough Riderz Ireland shall be requesting a few minor modifications to the exit of the trail to allow the gravity bikes to exit safely. There are a few issues which still need dealt with such as, insurance cover, risk assessments and procedure changes before final approval is sought. If agreed by MUDC it is planned to bring this development to the Disability Forum and to seek funding for the modifications to the trail.

155 Appendix 2 - Future events and activities to be provided in Leisure Services Events at Davagh Forest Trails with Closures and Restrictions for 2015 Date Time Event Trails 2 nd May th May th May, 23 rd June, 21 st July, 25 th August, 22 nd Sept th July th June th June am to 5.30 pm 12 noon to 2.00 pm 7.00 pm to 8.30 pm 12 noon to 2 pm 9.00 am to 5.00 pm 9.00 am to 5.00 pm Cookstown Motor Club Rally Magherafelt and Sperrin Harriers 10 mile Trail Race East Tyrone CC MTB TT league O Brien Challenge in association with Sperrin Harriers Davagh Enduro Davagh Enduro Closed Closed Restrictions on the Red Trails Closed Restrictions On the red Trails Closed Trailhead and Play park Closed Open Open Open Open Open but restricted parking Events Sports Development staff are involved in the organising and delivery of the following events: Tour of Ulster and Circuit of Cookstown May MUSA Fun Day - 27 June Lough Neagh Triathlon - 15 August IFA National Youth Finals - 4 May 2015 Mid Ulster Pipe Band Competition - Saturday 6 June at MUSA Wheelie Active Club Monday evenings - 11 May to 15 June 2015 Possible Set up of new Special Olympics Club Ulster Colleges and Ulster Vocational Schools Tournaments - May 2015 Ulster Colleges Ladies Tournament - May 2015 St Patricks Academy Dungannon, Primary Schools Tournament May 2015 Street League 1 June to 4 July 2015 (24 teams) Pitches at Beechway and Moneymore will close shortly for maintenance. Moneymore pitch is currently being used for a tent mission and will close when this finishes. Fairhill will be used for the street league from 1 June to 4 July therefore will close for maintenance on Monday 6 July 2015.

156 Other Events include:- Dungannon Fheis 28 th :April 2015 Felix Triathlon Super Sprints Series taking place on the 16th May, 20th June and the 22nd Aug and the Primary Schools Swimming Gala taking place on the 3rd June. Tobermore Golf Centre Dates of upcoming activities. Beginning Tuesday 26th May: Short-Game, 6-weeks, 7 9 pm 30th June 2nd July Junior Golf Camp, Beginning Tuesday 21st July: Beginners Course, 6-weeks, 7 9 pm Beginning Thursday 23rd July: Short-Game, 6-weeks, 7 9 pm 28th July 30th July: Junior Golf Camp, th August 13th August: Junior Golf Camp, th August 27th August: Junior Golf Camp, Beginning Thursday 3rd September: Improvers Course, 6 weeks, 7 9 pm

157 Subject: Reporting Officer: Update on the Sports Facility Strategy for Northern Ireland Liam Glavin, Head of Leisure 1 Purpose of Report 1.1 To update members on the progress of the Sport Northern Ireland (SNI) led Sport Facility Strategy for Northern Ireland. 2 Background 2.1 Sports Facility Strategy for Northern Ireland In September 2014 following an in-year cut to their budget SNI asked all twenty six Councils to match fund a previously tendered Northern Ireland Facilities Strategy. This was agreed by all Councils The total cost of the project was 120,000 with 60,000 being funded by SNI and 60,000 by Councils. Following agreement from Cookstown, Dungannon and Magherafelt Councils each contributed 1,833 to the match funding. The project will identify a National Sports Facility Strategy plus eleven individual Local Strategies for each Council area. The consultants involved in writing the strategies are: Strategic Leisure, 4 Global, V4 Services and Neil Allen Associates.

158 3 Key Issues 3.1 Consultations On a National level the above consultants are meeting with Local Authorities, Sports Governing Bodies, relevant Government Departments and other stakeholders (full details still to be provided) All Councils have already submitted details of existing local sporting and leisure facilities into a Data Hub. On a Council level, consultations will be carried out by Rachel Fowler, Managing Director of Strategic Leisure. Ms Fowler is proposing to consult with the following stakeholders in each legacy area: Elected Members; Council Officers including Planners; Sports Governing Bodies; Key Sporting Clubs - those who have facilities, whether they are already used by the community and particularly if there is potential for them to be used; Key local Secondary Schools - on same basis as above; and Key local groups/organisations/individuals who can influence/help resource/input into the development of future facility provision eg Health, Education, PSNI, Community/Voluntary organisations Ms Fowler will also review all other local strategic documents such as information collected as part of the Community Planning process. Ms Fowler is proposing the following consultations: 1 session for Elected Members perhaps before an existing meeting 1 daytime session for Council Officers including Planners 1 daytime session for key local groups/individuals, schools, sports clubs, community/voluntary organisations in each legacy area 1 evening session for key local groups/individuals, schools, sports clubs, community/voluntary organisations in each legacy area 4 Resource Implications 4.1 Financial There are no financial implications as costs have been paid by legacy councils. Human Resources N/A Basis for Professional/ Consultancy Support N/A Other 2

159 None 5 Other Considerations 5.1 N/A 6 Recommendations 6.1 Members are asked to note progress on development of the Sports Facility Strategy for Northern Ireland and propose a convenient time for member consultation. 7 List of Documents Attached N/A 3

160 Subject Reporting Officer Community Development Update Claire Linney, Head of Community Development 1 Purpose of Report 1.1 To update on progress relating to the Community Development Section. 2 Background 2.1 The Community Development Section is responsible for: Community Support (Community Centres, Capacity Building, Funding Opportunities, Village and Community Plan Engagement) Grants Advice Provision Good Relations Peace IV& EU Social Funding PCSP DSD Neighbourhood Renewal Community Planning (facilitation for Council) 3 Update 3.1 Community Support The Community Support team is currently supporting the community and voluntary sector in developing grant applications and are also compiling a database of areas for support with the development of a village plan; if any members are aware of areas that would like support please let us know. Council has received informal notice from the DSD Voluntary and Community Unit that there has been a cut in the Community Support Fund budget to Council. The cut is set at 20% across the full Community Support Fund however the Unit has taken a decision to protect the contribution to advice services therefore the Council Community Support General Fund has a proposed cut in funding of 43% equating to 42,000 (previous 96,000 to proposed 54,000). Officers have requested an urgent meeting with the Unit and a further update will be presented to members at Committee Grants There are nine grant funds open at present and these will close on Friday 8 th May at 4pm. There are 14 officers listed within the grants guidance to provide direct support to Groups. Grant clinics were held in Dungannon Office, Cookstown Office and Magherafelt Office and there was a good turnout with over 160 people. Advice Provision Monitoring reports for are still outstanding and these are pending, before confirmation of funding. Good Relations The Plan is currently being finalised with OFMDFM for proposed funding. OFMDFM budgets have been cut and these will be applied to Council. Salaries are being protected ( 162,000) however the programme funding is anticipated to be in region of 90,000 with a future proposed contribution pending the June finance monitoring round outcome of a further 60,000. The programme budget was previously 148,000 with further contribution of 49,000 in December finance monitoring round (Dungannon 44%, Cookstown 28%, Magherafelt 28%). A meeting is to take place with CRC to guide on the future Plan which will be brought to a future Committee.

161 3.5 Peace IV and EU Social Funding Peace IV funding for Councils is currently in planning and it is anticipated that this will be formally available and launched in July/August EU Social funding Links are established with NI European Funding Forum and the main fund for social development is Erasmus and opportunities are being explored PCSP The PCSP Plan is currently being finalised at a strategic level with DoJ and the Policing Board to be developed into an action plan for interim activity May June and then with the Partnership when established in June (as advised by NI Policing Board). Neighbourhood Renewal The Neighbourhood Renewal Programme in partnership with DSD is ongoing for 2015/16; development of the programme post 2016 is to commence. The Neighbourhood Renewal project has been submitted to the Pride of Place awards. The Awards Ceremony date has been issued pre assessment for diaries for the 14 th November in Co Clare; further information will be provided in due course. Community Planning An event with proposed statutory agencies is being planned for May to present the statistical analysis and community consultation responses. Sessions with the community are being planned for June. The DoE legislation and guidance are still pending final approval by the Department. 4 Resource Implications Financial Consideration of the Community Support Programme Funding pending further clarity on this with DSD. Human resources Current Staff Complement. 5 Other Considerations 5.1 None 6 Recommendations 6.1 To note the update on Community Development as outlined above.. 7 List of Documents Attached 7.1 None

162 Subject Northern Ireland Rural Development Programme Reporting Officer Contact Officer Adrian McCreesh, Director Eamon Gallogly 1 Purpose of Report 1.1 To provide an update to members on the new Local Action Group formation process in Mid Ulster relating to the NI Rural Development Programme. 2 Background 2.1 Local Action Group formation The LAG formation process is now complete with the election of social partners and nomination of elected members to a 25 member LAG Board m has been allocated to the Mid Ulster District Council area for the delivery of LEADER elements of the RDP by the LAG. The LAG has appointed Mid Ulster District Council as its administrative and financial lead in the development and implementation of its local rural development strategy for the area. 3 Key Issues A second meeting of the LAG, facilitated by Council staff, was held on Monday 27 th April to continue background preparation work. A draft Articles of Association has been discussed and once finalised the LAG will be incorporated as a Company Limited by Guarantee. The LAG has now completed an application for submissions to DARD for formal appointment as the LAG for Mid Ulster. It is envisaged that DARD will assess LAG formation applications before the end of May. On approval of the application and appointment, DARD will issue guidance notes and a template to the LAG allowing for development of an interim local rural development strategy to commence. Council will assist the LAG in the preparation and animation of its local strategy through a service level agreement (SLA) with DARD. The scope of the services to be provided under this SLA will include assisting the LAG in the identification of rural needs and priorities through further additional consultation as required with rural communities and stakeholders but also drawing on the findings of consultation already completed on community planning and Councils economic development strategy.

163 The SLA will also cover a period of animation prior to the opening of calls for applications which the LAG will use to promote the strategy and funding opportunities available to rural areas. It is envisaged that the strategy preparation and animation process will cover the period June October Update on RDP approval Initial observations and comment from the EU on the RDP submission document were received by DARD on 31 st March. DARD officials are commencing a series of negotiations and discussion with the EU and are working towards June 15 for sign off or to reach letter of comfort stage to allow programme activities to move forward. 4 Resource Implications Financial NA. Human resources NA Assets and other implications NA 5 Other Considerations 5.1 NA 6 Recommendations 6.1 NA 7 List of Documents Attached 7.1 NA

164 Subject Reporting Officers Community Development, Economic Development, Tourism Service Improvement Plans Director, Business & Communities Head of Community Development Head of Economic Development Head of Tourism 1 Purpose of Report 1.1 To receive Service Improvement Plans for the services of Community Development, Economic Development and Tourism. 2 Background Part 12 of the Local Government Act 2014 places a general duty on all Councils secure continuous improvement through the undertaking and exercise of its functions. In working towards this across Council s suite of services this paper provides Service Improvement Plans for the services which fall within the remit of this Committee. Service Improvement Plans have also been prepared for other Services across the Council and will be presented to other Committees as appropriate. 3 Key Issues 3.1 The Improvement Plans have been compiled in line with the Local Government Act 2014 containing improvement objectives which make a contribution towards one or all of the following, as detailed in the Act: Strategic Effectiveness Service Quality Service Availability Fairness Sustainability Efficiency Innovation 3.2 Service improvement objectives, as presented, also link to at least one of the council s corporate themes, demonstrating their contribution to the delivery of Council s Corporate Plan. The themes are: Delivering for Our People Creating Growth Building Unity Sustaining our Environment