Download Annual Report 2008 - pdf - Fingal County Council

annual report 

fingal county council 

2008

ANNUAL REPORT 2008 

Fingal County Council | Annual Report 2008 1

2 

Fingal County Council | Annual Report 2008 

CONTENTS 

Department Page No. 

Mayor’s Introduction 3 

Message from the County Manager 4 

Corporate Affairs 6 

Water Services 27 

Community, Recreation and Amenities 37 

Housing 55 

Architects 59 

Transportation 66 

Environment, Economic and Social Development 75 

Planning 87 

Information Technology 95 

Human Resources 97 

Finance 101 

Front Cover Image courtesy of Derek Knight

MAYOR’S INTRODUCTION 

Is mór an chúis áthas dom mar Mhéara ar Chontae Fhine Ghall an tuarascáil 

bliantúil seo a chur as bhuir láthair. Tugann sé pictiúir éifeachtach ar an méid atá 

déanta ag an údarás áitiúil i rith na bliana 2008. 

Ba bhlian an-ghnóthach é, agus bhí deacrachtaí le sárú ag comhairleoirí agus ag 

oifigí an chomhairle, agus bhí sé de phríbhléid agam bheith mar Cathaoirleach ar 

an gComhairle don tréimhse sin. 

In the course of the year, I had the pleasure of attending a number of significant 

and enjoyable events. Our Council was selected as “Council of the Year” at the Repak Recycling awards, 

and we hosted a successful and well-attended Green Infrastructure Conference in Malahide. The schools 

in Fingal continue to respond positively to the “Green Flag” challenge, and I was delighted to attend a 

number of the flag-raising ceremonies. 

Our Council is at all times pro-active in the delivery of community facilities. I had the pleasure, for 

example, of laying the foundation stone for the long-awaited Mountview Community Centre. The Fingal 

schools model continues to deliver and the proof of this is the new schools which opened in 2008. The 

collaboration between Fingal and the Department of Education & Science will result in state-of-the-art 

post-primary schools with community and sporting facilities included in the contract. 

Sporting excellence has been supported by the Council at a number of levels. Sporting Fingal deservedly 

received an award for its strong community links and now supports a Special Olympics team. The Soccer 

Summer Camps were a great success and we completed the upgrading of our public golf course at 

Corballis. 

The quality of life in Fingal is greatly enhanced by the work of volunteers. It is impossible to put a price on 

the great work they do. In the course of the year, it was my pleasure to host a number of small receptions 

for volunteers to allow for networking and simply to say “thank you”. 

I could go on……………… 

As I write these few words, the economy is in deep recession. The coming year will be an even more 

challenging one for the Council, and I wish all the best to my successor. 

In summation, I would like to thank my colleagues on the Council for their invaluable support during my 

term as Mayor of Fingal. I would also like to pay tribute to the outgoing Mayor, Councillor Alan Farrell, who 

performed his duties with energy and commitment, and represented the Council with dignity, and to my 

most supportive Deputy Mayor, Cllr Joan Maher. I would also like to extend my most sincere thanks to the 

County Manager, Mr David O’Connor, his Directors of Services and of course the staff of Fingal County 

Council for their professionalism and support throughout the year. 

Is mise le meas 

Cllr Michael O’Donovan 

MAYOR OF FINGAL 


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MESSAGE FROM THE COUNTY MANAGER 

2008 was an exceptional year for the global economy. Factors international and 

domestic related to the collapse in confidence in banking influenced a huge change in 

economic outlook and performance between January and December. In Fingal we 

were no less vulnerable to the effects of this change but, for an organisation coping 

with exceptional levels of change throughout its short history from inception in 1994 

this is another that we were willing to embrace using innovation and ingenuity, 

demonstrating resilience in the process, to manage the new circumstances as they 

evolved. 

Fingal continues to develop partnerships with other agencies to ensure the best outcomes socially and 

economically for its citizens. Our work with the Department of Education & Science in developing the 

Fingal Schools Model delivered 9 new schools in the 12-month period September 07 to September 08. 

Many of these are ready for further phases where we will be providing community centres alongside and 

within schools. Indeed, the Fingal Schools Model was recognised with a prestigious Taoiseach’s Award for 

Excellence in Public Service in 2008. 

Other strategic projects which are of great value to the economy of Fingal have progressed well through 

2008. Fingal having the economic advantage of the location of the national airport makes it an effective 

economic gateway not only inwards to the rest of Ireland but outwards to the rest of the world and we as a 

Council continue to support its development and improvement. The construction of Terminal 2 is well on 

its way to completion with an opening date of late 2010. 

IKEA the multinational Swedish retailers will open in mid 2009 and are a very welcome employer in Fingal 

especially in the current economic climate located in the hinterland of Ballymun, a project delivered in 

partnership with Dublin City Council through their subsidiary organisation Ballymun Regeneration. The 

Council has throughout 2008 continued the strategic planning and detailed delivery plans for Metro North 

to Swords, for which the Railway Procurement Agency, with whom we worked in close cooperation to 

enable them to make the Railway Order application on programme in September. The new Damastown to 

Cruiserath Link Road was opened to provide an important infrastructure link between the industrial areas 

of Damastown and Cruiserath/Ballycoolin thus avoiding the need for traffic to use residential areas. The 

new road allows for on road cycling, pedestrian facilitates and improved access to Powerstown Road. 

The restored and extended historic Libraries at Garristown and Malahide were officially reopened in 2008 

allowing the wonderful tradition of free access to books and other educational amenities to continue 

thereby providing a new focus for the local community in each location. As 2008 draws to a close and 

despite the difficult economic climate that we find ourselves in the people of Fingal have a lot to look 

forward to in 2009. The Council plays an important role in the development of sports and recreation in the 

County and the Sporting Fingal Community Trust which is a ground breaking initiative to provide and lead a 

range of programmes through the vehicle of football will be launched in 2009. 

One of the biggest challenges we face over the coming year is employment and Fingal County Council will 

ensure communication at the highest level between employers and government to identify and keep jobs in 

Fingal. 

I wish to thank all the Elected Members of Fingal County Council for their help and support to me and my 

staff and for their commitment to the citizens of Fingal to make the County as our motto says “full of life 

and opportunity” - “lán d’anam is deiseanna”. 

David O’Connor, County Manager

FINGAL COUNTY COUNCIL ELECTORAL MAP 


6 


CORPORATE AFFAIRS DEPARTMENT 

This Department comprises: 

Corporate Services Division 

Citizen Services Division 

Property Services Division 

Workplace Partnership 

Internal Audit Unit 

Law Department 

Mayor Deputy Mayor 

Alan Farrell 

January 2008 

-June 2008 

Michael O’Donovan 

June 2008- 

December 2008 

Peggy Hamill 

January 2008 - 

June 2008 

Joan Maher 

June 2008 - 

December 2008

FINGAL COUNTY COUNCIL 

ELECTED MEMBERS 

BALBRIGGAN ELECTORAL AREA 

Ciaran Byrne, 

(Labour), 41 South Strand, 

Skerries, Co. Dublin. 

(Tel: 8491179 (H), 087 

2273060 Fax: 8495361 

E-Mail: ciaran.byrne@fingalcoco.ie 

SWORDS ELECTORAL AREA 

Clare Daly, 

(Socialist Party), 21 Elmwood 

Drive, Swords, Co. 

Dublin 

(Tel: 8408059 (H), Mobile: 

087 2415576, Fax: 8408059) 

E-Mail: clare.daly@fingalcoco.ie 

David O’Connor, 

(Non Party), “Meadowlands”, 

Ballyboughal, Co. 

Dublin. 

(Tel: 8433691 (H)) 

E-Mail: davidj.oconnor@fingalcoco.ie 

MALAHIDE ELECTORAL AREA 

Peter Coyle, 

(Labour), 8 Burrow Court, 

Portmarnock, Co Dublin. 

(Tel: 8460327(H), Mobile: 

087 2837160) 

E-Mail: peter.coyle@fingalcoco.ie 

Darragh Butler, 

(Fianna Fáil), 17 Highfield 

Close, Swords, Co Dublin 

(Mobile: 087 9595378) 

E-Mail: darragh.butler@fingalcoco.ie 

Robbie Kelly, 

(Green Party), "Shelmalier" 

Windgate Road, Howth, Co. 

Dublin. 

(Tel: Mobile: 087 8110111) 

E-mail: robert.kelly@fingalcoco.ie 

May McKeon 

(Non Party) “Sheemore”, 

Market Green, Balbriggan, 

Co. Dublin. 

(Tel: 8413660 (H), Mobile: 

087 7852644) 

E-Mail: may.mckeon@fingalcoco.ie 

Gerry McGuire, 

(Labour), 1 The Strand, Donabate, 

Co. Dublin. 

(Tel: 8436014, Mobile: 087 

2381980) 

E-mail: gerry.mcguire@fingalcoco.ie 

Eoghan O’Brien, 

(Fianna Fáil), 7 Seabury 

View, Malahide, Co. Dublin 

(Mobile 086 8580562) 

E-mail, 

eoghan.obrien1@gmail.com 

Fingal County Council | Annual Report 2008 7 

Joe Corr 

(Green Party), 13 Kenure 

Crescent, Park Road, Rush, 

Co. Dublin. 

(Tel: 8071188 (O), Mobile 087 

6815811) 

E-Mail: joe.corr@fingalcoco.ie 

Anne Devitt, 

(Fine Gael), Lispopple, 

Swords, Co. Dublin. 

(Tel: 8409728 (H)) 

E-Mail: anne.devitt@fingalcoco.ie 

Alan Farrell, 

(Fine Gael), 42 Biscayne, 

Malahide, Co. Dublin. 

(Tel: 8456500(H), Mobile 086 

8203320) 

E-Mail: alan.farrell@fingalcoco.ie 

Tom Kelleher, 

(Labour), 4 Highfield 

Downs, Swords, Co Dublin. 

(Tel: 8402425 (H)) 

E-Mail: tom.kelleher@fingalcoco.ie

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HOWTH ELECTORAL AREA 

Joan Maher, 

(Fine Gael), 19 Bayside 

Square East, Sutton, Dublin 

13. 

(Tel: 8324840(H), Fax: 

8324840 (H)) 

E-Mail: joan.maher@fingalcoco.ie 

MULHUDDART ELECTORAL AREA 

Ruth Coppinger, 

(Socialist Party), 159 Castlecurragh 

Heath, Mulhuddart, 

Dublin 15. 

(Tel; 8116174, Mobile: 087 

6730187) 

E-Mail: 

ruth.coppinger@fingalcoco.i 

e 

David Healy, 

(Green Party), 54 Páirc Éabhóra, 

Beann Éadair, Báile 

Átha Cliath 13. 

(Tel: 8324087 (H), Mobile : 

087 6178852) 

E-Mail: 

cllrDavid.Healy@fingalcoco.ie 

CASTLEKNOCK ELECTORAL AREA 

Eithne Loftus, 

(Fine Gael), 6 Deerpark Avenue, 

Castleknock, Dublin 

15. 

(Mobile: 087 6223419) 

E-Mail: eithne.loftus@fingalcoco.ie 

Michael O’Donovan, 

(Labour), 70 Delwood Drive, 

Dublin 15 

(Tel: 8220030 (O)) 

E-Mail: michael.odonovan@fingalcoco.ie 

Peggy Hamill, 

(Labour), “Back Lodge”, 

Oatlands, Castleknock, 

Dublin 15. 

(Tel; 8216100, Mobile: 087 

9930009) 

E-Mail: 

cllrpeggy.hamill@fingalcoco.ie 

Michael J. Cosgrave, 

(Fine Gael), 22 College 

Street, Baldoyle, Dublin 13. 

(Tel: 8322554(H) 8395616 

(Baldoyle Office), Fax: 

8390309 (O)) 

E-Mail: michaelj.cosgrave@fingalcoco.ie 

Margaret Richardson, 

(Fianna Fáil), 51 Edgewood 

Lawn, Blanchardstown, 

Dublin 15 

(Tel: 8216867(H), Mobile: 

087 2802223) 

E-Mail: margaret.richardson@fingalcoco.ie 

Mags Murray, 

(Fianna Fáil), 13 Lohunda 

Close, Parkview, Clonsilla, 

D. 15. 

(Tel: Mobile 086 0651419) 

E-Mail: mags.murray@fingalcoco.ie 

Paul Donnelly, 

(Sinn Féin) 7 Lolunda Close, 

Clonsilla, Dublin 15 (Mobile: 

087-1341514) 

E-Mail: paul.donnelly@fingalcoco.ie 

Brenda Clifford, 

(Fianna Fáil), 11 Laraghcon, 

Lucan, Co. Dublin. 

(Tel: 6217972 (H), Mobile 087 

6739275) 

E-Mail: brenda.clifford@fingalcoco.ie

Standing Committees 

Area Committees 

Balbriggan/Swords 

Members of Balbriggan and Swords Electoral 

Areas 

Castleknock/Mulhuddart 

Members of Castleknock and Mulhuddart 

Electoral Areas 

Malahide/Howth 

Members of Malahide and Howth Electoral Areas 

Organisation and Procedure Committee 

(All Members of Fingal County Council are 

Members of this Committee) 

Corporate Policy Group 

Alan Farrell (Mayor) - January 2008 – June 2008 

Michael O’Donovan (Mayor) – June 2008 – 


Margaret Richardson (Chairperson) Transportation 

SPC 

Ciaran Byrne (Chairperson) Planning & 

Development S.P.C. 

David Healy (Chairperson) Environment S.P.C. 

Anne Devitt (Chairperson) Community, Recreation, 

Amenity & General S.P.C. 

Gerry McGuire (Chairperson) Housing S.P.C. 


MEMBERS OF COMMUNITY, RECREATION 

AMENITY AND GENERAL STRATEGIC POLICY 

COMMITTEE 

Councillors 

Anne Devitt (Chairperson) 

Joe Corr 

Alan Farrell 

Peggy Hamill 

Tom Kelleher 

May McKeon 

Darragh Butler 

Eoghan O’Brien 

Non Councilllor Members 

Gerry Buckley 

Joe Moss 

Kevin Quinn 

Miriam Scahill 

Dave Frances 

Gráinne Hawkes (resigned 1/12/08) 

MEMBERS OF ENVIRONMENT STRATEGIC 

POLICY COMMITTEE 


David Healy (Chairperson) 

Michael J. Cosgrave 

Peter Coyle 

Clare Daly 

Peggy Hamill 

Robbie Kelly 

Joan Maher 

Mags Murray 

David O’Connor 


Non Councillor Members 

John Barrett 

John Byrne 

Olivia Byrne 

Gail Eames 

Valerie Henderson 

Christine Smart

10 

MEMBERS OF HOUSING STRATEGIC POLICY 

COMMITTEE 


Gerry McGuire (Chairperson) 

Ciaran Byrne 

Ruth Coppinger 

Joe Corr 

Michael J. Cosgrave 

Paul Donnelly 

Tom Kelleher 


Margaret Richardson 

Eithne Loftus 


Donal McManus 

Nora Sheehan 

Martin Whelan 

Sylvester Grealy 

MEMBERS OF PLANNING AND 

DEVELOPMENT STRATEGIC POLICY 

COMMITTEE 



Ciaran Byrne, (Chairperson) 

Brenda Clifford 

Peter Coyle 

Clare Daly 

Anne Devitt 

Robbie Kelly 

Joan Maher 

May McKeon 




Larry Dunne 

Charlie Kurtz 

Irene Martin 

Ciaran Corcoran 

Christy Taylor 

Tony Whelan 

MEMBERS OF TRANSPORTATION 

STRATEGIC POLICY COMMITTEE 


Margaret Richardson (Chairperson), 



Alan Farrell 

Paul Donnelly 

David Healy 

Mags Murray 

Gerry McGuire 


Eithne Loftus 


Rory Bannon 

Terry Cummins 

Maria Egan-Cowman 

Brendan Doorley 

Jack Kinane 

Garvan Cerasi 

REPRESENTATIVES ON STATUTORY BODIES 

Statutory Bodies, Committees and Organisations, 

to which Fingal County Council elects, nominates 

or appoints persons. 

Audit Committee 

(Seven Appointments – Three Members and Four 

Non-Members) 


Peter Coyle 

Joe Corr 

Joan Maher 

Non-Councillors 

Joe Harford 

Dr. Philip Byrne 

Sean Carey 

Louise O’Donnell

County Dublin Vocational Education 

Committee 

(Nine Appointments—Five Members and Four 

Non-Members) 


Joe Corr 

Tom Kelleher 

Michael Joe Cosgrave 


Joan Maher 

Non-Councillors 

Deirdre Doherty Ryan 

Don Tipping 

Mary Elliot 

Ken Farrell 

Association of City and County Councils 

(Three Members Appointed) 


Michael Joe Cosgrave 

Tom Kelleher 

Joan Maher 

Dublin Regional Authority 

(Five Members Appointed) 



Peggy Hamill 


May McKeon 

Anne Devitt 

EU Operational Committee of the Dublin 

Regional Authority 

(Mayor and One Member Appointed) 





Peter Coyle (appointed 13/10/08) 

Southern and Eastern Regional Assembly 

(Two Members Appointed - Appointments must be 

made from existing reps. on Dublin Regional 

Authority) 


Michael O’Donovan (resigned) 

Anne Devitt 

Margaret Richardson (appointed 8/12/08) 

Fingal County Enterprise Board 

(Four Members Appointed) 


Alan Farrell 

Robbie Kelly 

Gerry McGuire 


Curragha Joint Drainage Committee 

(Two Members Appointed) 


Ciaran Byrne 

Joe Corr 


12 

Irish Public Bodies Mutual Insurances 

Limited 

(One Member Appointed) 

Councillor 

Mags Murray 

Dublin Transportation Office – Advisory 

Committee 



David Healy 

Eithne Loftus 

Local Authority Members Association 



Robbie Kelly 

Dublin Tourism 



Alan Farrell 


Fingal Tourism Limited 

(Two Members - Mayor and One Member 

Appointed) 



Michael O’Donovan (Mayor) - June 2008 – 


Eithne Loftus. 

North Dublin Development Coalition 

(NorDubCo) 


Alan Farrell (Mayor)– January 2008 – June 2008 



Anne Devitt 

Rural Dublin Leader Co. Ltd. 



May McKeon 

Co-operation Fingal 



Ciaran Byrne 

Joe Corr 

Dublin Employment Pact – Strategic Policy 

Group 



Peggy Hamill 

Blanchardstown Area Partnership 

(Three Members Appointed from the Electoral 

Areas covered by Blanchardstown Area 

Partnership viz. Castleknock and Mulhuddart) 


Mags Murray 

Peggy Hamill 


Local Traveller Accommodation 

Consultative Committee 

(Three Members Appointed) 


Anne Devitt 

Clare Daly 

Joe Corr

Blanchardstown Drug Task Force 

(Two Members Appointed—Councillors must 

represent the catchment area covered by the Task 

Force, i.e. Mulhuddart Electoral Area) 




Volunteer Centre Fingal 

(Four Members Appointed: (a) Two members from 

the Castleknock/Mulhuddart Electoral Areas; (b) 

Two members from the Swords/ 

Balbriggan/Howth/Malahide Electoral Areas). 


Robbie Kelly 

Ciaran Byrne 


Mags Murray 

Northside Partnership 

(One Member Appointed – to be selected from 

Councillors representing the Baldoyle region of 

the Partnership area.) 


David Healy 

Joint Fingal and South Dublin Liffey Valley 

Management Advisory Committee 

(Fingal County Council’s Representation: (a) the 

Cathaoirleach of the County Council (b) the 

members of the Castleknock and Mulhuddart 

Electoral Areas and (c) Three Non-Councillor 

Members) 

Mayor: Alan Farrell (January 2008 - June 2008) 

Michael O’Donovan (June 2008 - December 2008) 

Castleknock Electoral Area: 


Peggy Hamill 

Mags Murray 


Eithne Loftus 

Mulhuddart Electoral Area: 





Paul Donnelly 

Non-Councillor Members: 

Mary Eustace 

Bill Hughes 

Jean Horgan 

National Rural Development Forum 



Ciaran Byrne 

Balleally Landfill Liaison Committee 

(4 Members Appointed) 

(2 each from Balbriggan/Swords Electoral Areas) 


May McKeon 

Joe Corr 

Anne Devitt 

Tom Kelleher 

County Heritage Forum 

(5 Councillors Appointed) 


David Healy 

Peter Coyle 


May McKeon 

Vacant 


14 

North Fringe Area Forum 

(Four Members Appointed) 


David Healy 

Joan Maher 

Peter Coyle 


Corduff Property Management Committee 




Regional Health Forum Dublin and North 

East 



Ciarán Byrne 

May McKeon 

Eoghan O’Brien (resigned May 08) 

Joe Carr (resigned 23/6/08) 

Gerry McGuire (resigned 23/6/08) 

Anne Devitt (appointed 11/12/08) 

Mags Murray (appointed 12/5/08) 

Eithne Loftus (appointed 8/9/08) 

Hansfield SDZ Steering Group 

(4 Members from Mulhuddart Electoral Area 

Appointed) 





Paul Donnelly 

Location Fingal 

(1 Member appointed) 


Ciaran Byrne 


Fingal Integrated Transport Group 

(1 Member Appointed) 



Health Stakeholders Forum 



Gerry McGuire 

Alan Farrell 

May McKeon 

Joint Policing Committee 

(Mayor of the Day and 13 Members Appointed) 


Alan Farrell (Mayor) January 2008 – June 2008 

Michael O’Donovan (Mayor) June 2008 – December 

2008 

Michael O’Donovan (all of 2008) 

Mags Murray 

Peggy Hamill 



Tom Kelleher 

Anne Devitt 


Ciaran Byrne 

Joan Maher 

David Healy 

Peter Coyle 

Alan Farrell 

May McKeon 

Fingal Sports Partnership Committee 


Joe Corr 

Alan Farrell 

Tom Kelleher

Number of Council and 

Committee Meetings: 114 

Total of Expenses paid to members 

in respect of attendance at 

meetings of the County Council 

and its Committee: ¤249,409.30 

Representational Payment: ¤412,034.81 

Number of Conferences Attended: 

Abroad 10 

Home 40 

Expenses on Conferences 

Abroad ¤50,068.77 

Home ¤77,948.38 

Mayor’s Annual Allowance: ¤33.335.55 

Deputy Mayor’s Allowance: ¤15,786.98 

CONFERENCES ABROAD 

Conference Asia Pacific Low Cost 

Airline Congress 

Venue Suntec, Singappore 

Theme “5th Annual Asia Pacific Low 

Cost Airline Congress 2008” 

Conference Garden Organics Conference 

Venue Coventry, England 

Theme “Potato Day” 

Conference ACI Airport Service Quality 

and Facilitation 

Venue Shanghai China 


MEMBERS’ EXPENSES AND REPRESENTATION AT 

CONFERENCES IN 2008 

Theme “Partnering for Excellence” 

Conference Airport Cities 2008 World 

Conference and Exhibition 

Venue “Dallas, U.S.A.” 

Conference 18th ACI Europe 

General Assembly 

Venue Carousel Du Louvre, Paris 

Theme “Annual Exhibition and ACI 

Europe Best Airport Awards” 

Conference ACI World/North America 

Conference and Exhibition 

Venue Boston, U.S.A. 

Theme “Making Global Connections” 

Conference ACED Airports – Catalysts for 

Economic Development 

Venue Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia 

Conference Les Rencontres De Stavanger 

Venue Norway 

Theme “The Art of City Making” 

Conference Energy Lets Move On 

Venue CNIT Paris La Defense, France 

Conference Les Rencontre Du Lazio 

Venue Rome, Italy 

Theme “European Regions and Culture”

16 


MEMBERS’ EXPENSES AND REPRESENTATION AT CONFERENCES IN 2008 (continued) 

HOME CONFERENCES 

Conference Kadenza Consultancies Seminar 

for Councillors 

Venue Clonea Strand Hotel, Co. 

Waterford 

Theme “The Local Government Planning 

Services” 

Conference Mid West Regional Authority 

Venue Adare, Co. Limerick 

Theme “Renewable Energy Conference” 

Conference A.M.A.I. Spring Seminar 

Venue Trim Castle, Co. Meath 

Conference Third Sector Forum “Ireland’s 

Newest Immigrants” 

Venue Letterkenny, Co. Donegal 



Venue City West Hotel, Dublin 

Theme “Suicide Prevention” 

Conference Colmcille Winter School 

Venue Letterkenny, Co. Donegal 

Conference Association of County and City 

Councils Annual Conference 

Venue Roganstown, Swords, Co. Dublin 



Venue Silver Tassie Hotel, Milford, Co. 

Donegal 

Theme “Effective Communications for 

Councillors” 

Conference Energie Cities Conference 

Venue County Hall, Cork 

Conference Annual Environmental 

Conference 

Venue Carrigaline, Co. Cork 

Conference Enniscorthy Town Council “1916 

Revolution or Betrayal” 

Venue Riverside Park Hotel, 

Enniscorthy, Co. Wexford 

Conference Conference of the Isles 

Venue Cork City Council, Cork County 

Hall 

Conference T.J. K. Planning Seminar 

Venue Patrick Punch Hotel, Limerick 

Conference Transport Ireland Conference 

Venue Croke Park, Dublin 



Venue Ballyvaughan, Co. Clare 

Theme “Local Government & The 

Environment” 



Venue Castlebellingham, Co. Louth 

Theme “Local Government Housing 

Service” 

Conference Byrne Perry Summer School 

Venue Gorey, Co. Wexford



Venue West Cork Hotel, Skibereen, Co. 

Cork 

Theme “Local Government Planning 

Service” 

Conference Willie Clancy Summer School 

Venue Milltown Malbay, Co. Clare 

Conference Esperanza Enterprises 

Venue Manin Bay Hotel, Ballyconnelly, 

Clifden, Co. Galway 

Theme “Enterprise in the Rural 

Economy” 


Venue Inis Mor, Aran Islands, Co. 

Galway 

Theme “Irish Language Training 

Seminar” 

Conference Cumman Merriman Summer 

School 

Venue Ennis, Co. Clare 

Conference Humbert Summer School 

Venue Ballina, Co. Mayo 

Conference A.M.A.I. Conference 

Venue Sligo 


Venue Manin Bay Hotel, Ballyconnelly, 

Clifden, Co. Galway 

Theme “Energy Efficiency” 





Venue Lord Bagenal, Leighlinbridge, 

Co. Carlow 

Theme “Local Government & 

Sustainable Economic 

Development” 

Conference Drogheda Port Company 

Conference 

Venue City North Hotel, Gormanstown, 

Co. Meath 

Conference Kerry Life Education “Addiction 

Proofing our Communities 

Venue The Malton Hotel, Killarney, Co. 

Kerry 

Conference T.J. K. Conferences 

Venue Patrick Punch Hotel, Limerick 

Theme “Freedom of Information 

Seminar” 

Conference Douglas Hyde Conference “Lost 

in Translation” 

Venue Ballaghadereen, Co. 

Roscommon 

Conference North – South Conference for 


Venue Station Road House, Clifden, Co. 

Galway 

Conference Irish Language Course for 


Venue Connemara Coast, Furbo, Co. 

Galway

18 



Conference The Local Government Budget 

2009 

Venue Carlton Millrace Hotel, Bunclody, 

Co. Wexford 

Conference Anti-Social Behaviour 

Conference 

Venue Carrig Hotel, Carrick-on-Suir, 

Co. Tipperary 

Conference All Island Public Consultation 

Conference 

Venue Croke Park, Dublin 



Venue Silver Tassie Hotel, Letterkenny, 

Co. Donegal 

Theme “Public Relations Skills” 

Conference Information and 

Communications Training for 

Councillors. 

Venue Millrace Hotel, Bunclody, Co. 

Wexford 

Conference LAMA Annual Winter Conference 

Venue Castlebar, Co. Mayo 

Conference Clare Tourism Conference 

Venue Falls Hotel, Ennistymon, Co. 

Clare 



Venue Sligo Park Hotel, Sligo 

Theme “Effective Communications”

Corporate Services Division 

Register of Electors 

The final Register of Electors for 2008/2009 was published on 01/02/08. 

Total number of Electors on the final Register rose to 170,008. 

A Draft Register of Electors for 2009/2010 was published on 01/11/2008. 

Total number of Electors on Draft Register rose to 173,189. 

Edited Register of Electors 

The Edited Register of Electors published on 1st February 2008 contained 16,278 names. 

The Draft Edited Register of Electors published on 1/11/2008 contained 15,961 names. 

School Meals Scheme 

Approximately 2900 children in 10 primary schools in the Fingal Area were catered for on a daily basis 

under this scheme. 

Higher Education Grants 


The Higher Education Grants Scheme 2008 was adopted by Fingal County Council at its meeting on 8th 

September 2008. 

Number of new applications 565 

Number of new grants awarded 304 

Number of renewal applications 699 

Number of renewal grants awarded 534 

Total expenditure for 2008 ¤2,720,109.13

20 


Balbriggan Town Council 

Balbriggan Town Council (Town Commissioners as it was prior to 2002) has a long history of 

service as a Local Authority, which began in 1860. Eight of the current nine councillors took up 

office following the Town Council elections held on 11 June 2004. 

The Council’s present role is to provide civic leadership for the people of Balbriggan, represent their 

concerns and needs with Fingal County Council, Government Departments and other Statutory Bodies and 

to promote the town as a good place to live, work and visit. 

The ongoing growth in Balbriggan and its surrounding area serves to underline the importance of the Town 

Council’s role. It is also important to note the inter- dependency and the need for cooperation that exits 

between Balbriggan Town Council and Fingal County Council in serving the people of Balbriggan. 

The Town Council is represented on the Fingal County Council Strategic Policy Committees and Area 

Committees. The Town Council meets regularly with the Directors of Services in Fingal County Council to 

discuss issues regarding Balbriggan. 

The Town Council Annual Awards are held in October each year which affords the Town Council the 

opportunity of paying tribute to the many people, individuals and groups, who by their actions demonstrate 

and promote pride and community life in the town. The selection of award winners is based on personal 

achievement or team effort in areas such as Sport, Art, Literature, Culture or Community Service. 

The Town Council organises the St. Patrick’s Day Parade in the town and plays an active role in the 

decoration of the town at Christmas in conjunction with the Balbriggan & District Chamber of Commerce. 

The Council prides itself in its involvement with the many community and voluntary groups that seek to 

improve the quality of life in Balbriggan through community and environmental initiatives. 

The Council has nine elected members who are elected for a term of five years: May McKeon (NP), Seán 

Brown (NP), Stephen Kilgallon (GP), Kathleen Hammond (LP), Monica Harford (LP), Ned Pyne (LP), Gertie 

Shields (NP), Larry Dunne (FF), Gerry Buckley (FF). 

The Cathaoirleach and the Leas Cathaoirleach of the Town Council are elected by the members at the 

Annual Meeting of the Council held every year in June/July. The present Cathaoirleach is Councillor Seán 

Brown and the Leas Cathaoirleach is Councillor Gertie Shields. 

The Town Council hold their meetings in the new Town Hall Building at George’s Square. The Town Council 

facilities in the new building comprise an office with public counter, Council Chamber and a large 

conference room capable of holding up to 150 persons and a meeting room suitable for up to 20 persons, 

both of which can be hired by the community at a reasonable charge. 

The Town Manager and Town Clerk deal with the administrative affairs of Balbriggan Town Council along 

with administrative staff seconded from Fingal County Council. The Town Manager is Mr. Peter Caulfield. 

The Town Clerk is Mr. Brian Murray. 

The majority of the Council’s income is provided by town charges included in the Annual Rate Bill paid by 

the town’s business community. 

The Town Council initiated the procedure for an extension of the Town Boundary in July 2008. Following a 

period of public consultation, and receipt of a positive statement of response from the elected members of 

Fingal County Council, a formal application to alter the administrative and electoral boundary of 

Balbriggan was made to the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government in October 

2008. The estimated existing population of the newly proposed Town Council Area is 17,809. A decision in 

respect of the application was awaited at year end.

Citizen Services Division 

Freedom of Information Requests 

Applications received/processed in 

2008 2007 2006 

Applications received during 2008 72 69 70 

Decisions made during 2008 74 64 72 

Applications on Hands at 31/12/2008 4 6 1 

Nature of Information Sought 

Personal (to applicant) 17 18 16 

Non Personal 55 51 54 

Mixed 0 0 0 

Granted 40 42 33 

Part-granted 24 15 23 

Refused 5 4 12 

Transferred 0 0 1 

Withdrawn/Outside FOI 5 3 3 

Appeals 

Appeals to Information Commissioner 1 2 5 

Source of Requests 

Journalists 2 0 1 

Business 11 7 19 

Oireachtas 0 0 0 

Local Authority Members 0 0 0 

Others/General Public 55 60 50 

Staff 4 2 0 

Ombudsman Complaints for 2008 


Complaints received during 2008 14 22 19 

Complaints responded to 14 22 19

22 


Subject of Complaints 

2008 2007 2006 

Planning 2 4 4 

Transportation 4 2 0 

Housing 5 7 11 

Finance 0 2 2 

Water & Drainage 0 0 0 

Community, Recreation & Amenities 0 6 2 

Environment 1 0 0 

Property & Economic Development 2 0 0 

Corporate Affairs 0 1 0 

Citizen Charter Complaints for 2008 

Complaints received during 2007 5 17 10 

Complaints responded to 5 17 8 

Subject of Complaints 

Planning 3 3 1 

Transportation 1 2 1 

Housing 0 4 5 

Finance 0 0 0 

Water & Drainage 0 0 1 

Community, Recreation & Amenities 0 3 0 

Environment 1 3 1 

Property & Ecnomic Development 0 0 1 

Corporate Affairs 0 2 0

Property Services Division 

Lettings and Sales 

Approximately 770 acres of land, which is not under development, was let for tillage and grazing. The 

Council agreed to dispose of approximately 25 acres of land for various purposes during 2008. 

Allotments 

Work on the new allotments at Powerstown and Turvey commenced in 2008. 

Special Projects 

The Programme of Works in respect of the restoration and re-painting of the Metal Bridge at Strawberry 

Beds continued in 2008. 

Workplace Partnership 

The Fingal Workplace Partnership Committee was engaged in the following projects and initiatives during 

2008. 

Organised and celebrated the Service and Loyalty of staff who have completed 25 years in Fingal 

County Council. 

Identified a syllabus of training courses to be undertaken by Indoor and Outdoor staff as part of their 

PMDS development. 

Organised another staff suggestions scheme “Let’s Make it Better” which was the third competition of 

the new Scheme. 

Continued to organise and manage the Return to Learning Programme. 


Supported the introduction of Irish Classes in the Council by assisting in the promotion of the classes 

among staff. 

Facilitated ongoing consultation with staff regarding issues in the Grove Road Offices, Blanchardstown. 

Supported and produced the “Drivers Manual” with the Transportation Department. 

Organised and facilitated a Pilot Summer Camp project for the children of Council Staff. 

Produced a DVD for all staff outlining the Councils ambitious programme of works for the future.

24 


Organised the Health & Safety Week which incorporated the Corporate Health Stands and the 

Children’s competitions and party. Workplace Partnership continues to promote a healthy lifestyle by 

facilitating the holding of office based Weight Watchers clubs. 

Supported the continuing production of the staff newsletter “Inside Out”. 

The Committee also facilitated & supported Working Groups and Sub-Groups in the following Activities 

throughout 2008: 

Communications Task Force. 

Telephone Conversation Policy 

Further Education. 

Business Continuity Planning. 

In addition to addressing the foregoing matters, the Workplace Partnership Committee continued to work 

on implementation of the objectives and goals set out in its action plan in accordance with the National 

Partnership Plan. 

Internal Audit Unit 

The Unit, during 2008 carried out major Audit, Control and Compliance checks in a number of different 

Divisions. These incorporated reports on Economy, Efficiency and Effectiveness within the organisation. All 

these reports included a “Risk Assessment”. In addition the unit;- 

Completed a number of Special Investigations and Audits. 

Continued the facilitation of introduction of Risk Management. 

Commenced a series of Contract Partnership Audit checks. 

Liaised with the Local Government Auditor. 

Provided secretarial support to, and liaised with the Council’s Audit Committee. 

Continued the programme of Staff Training 

Continued the monthly Checking Programme of Cash Locations and Risk Assessed same. 

Submitted and received approval for the 2008 Annual Audit Plan

Law Department 


The Law Department is the Council’s inhouse Solicitor’s Legal Services Department providing a complete 

range of legal services to the Council and to the County Manager and the various Council Departments on 

its statutory functions and duties and also on matters of practice, procedure and interpretation. This often 

involves the operation, interpretation and examination of existing and proposed legislation, regulations and 

EC directives together with the practice and examination of case law precedents, judicial decisions and 

miscellaneous issues on an ongoing basis. 

Litigation: 

The Law Department processed a large volume of legal proceedings last year in the Courts, in the 

Supreme Court, , Circuit Court and District Courts. 

In the District Court it dealt with a considerable volume of Prosecutions in Housing, Rates summonses and 

associated Litigation, Litter Act summonses, Dogs Act summonses, Air Pollution summonses and 

Intoxicating Liquor Bye-Law cases. In the High Court and Circuit Court it was involved in defending and 

settling Employer Liability Claims, Judicial Review proceedings, Section 160 Planning and Development Act 

2000 Proceedings, General Injunctions and Appeals. It also dealt with various Judgements, Judgement 

Mortgages, Satisfaction Pieces and miscellaneous Court proceedings including Rates Collection and 

general Debt Collection. In the Circuit Court the Law Department dealt with Ejectment and Trespass 

Proceedings, Injunctions under Section 160 of the Planning and Developments Act 2000, General 

Injunctions Rates Collection and District Court Appeals. 

Conveyancing: 

The Law Department dealt with Acquisitions and Disposals of Council properties including residential and 

Shared Ownership under Part V of the Planning and Development Act 2000, Equity Buy Outs, disposals of 

properties under AHI under part XI of the Planning and Development Act 2000, Tenant Purchases under 

the Sales Scheme 1995, First Registrations, Loans and Mortgages, Dedications of Open Spaces, 

Commercial Leases of the Council’s Industrial Estates at Coolmine, Balbriggan and Damastown, 

Management Licences and Agreements with various bodies and groups, Licences, general Housing 

matters, Voluntary Housing Schemes and funding for various Clubs and Community Centres.

26 


Oral Hearings and Arbitrations: 

The Law Department also dealt with a number of Oral Hearings and Arbitrations in relation to such 

projects as Dublin Airport Terminal 2, The Second Runway at Dublin Airport, IKEA, landfill at Nevitt, and 

Strategic Infrastructure Act Project on Services Area on M1, amongst others. 

Training: 

The Professional and Legal Technical staff members attended a broad range of C.P.D. and C.L.T. 

Seminars, Training Courses and further in-house training on the Keyhouse Case Management System and 

Dictation. The clerical support team attended in-house training on Customer Care and Agresso. 

General: 

The Law Department has completed PMDS 2008 and will be implementing further phases of the Keyhouse 

Case Management System to include Crystal Reports . There is a continuous and ongoing review of the 

case workload.

WATER SERVICES 

PROJECTS OFFICE 

The Projects Office is responsible for the delivery of the major water and wastewater infrastructural 

projects to meet the long term needs of the County and the Region. 

Headlines 2008 

Leixlip Water Treatment Plant Extension – The tender process was ongoing at the end of 2008. 

Leixlip Ballycoolen Reservoir & Water Tower – commissioning and testing of the 5,000m3 Water 

Tower was continuing at the end of 2008. The Tower was awarded the Best Civil Engineering Project at 

the LAMA Awards. 

Leixlip Ballycoolen Rising Mains – both rising mains completed and brought into operation in 

December 2008. 

Balbriggan Skerries Waste Water Treatment Scheme – Phase 2 work was completed and made 

operational expanding the Plant capacity from 30,000 PE to 70,000 PE. 

Balbriggan Skerries Network Contract – work on this project progressed to planning stage by the end 

of 2008. 

Portrane, Donabate, Rush & Lusk Waste Water Treatment Plant – the tender process is complete and 

5 tenders were received. Tender assessment being carried out in 2008 and into 2009. 

Blanchardstown Regional Drainage Scheme – the Drainage Area Plan and Preliminary Report were 

completed during 2008. Both reports forwarded to the DoEHLG for approval. 

DESIGN OFFICE 


The Design Office is responsible for the design and delivery of water services infrastructure, including 

water supply, wastewater and surface water drainage schemes and flood relief, to meet the ongoing 

needs in the County. The Development Management and Water Pollution Section form part of the Design 

Office. 


Swords North Strengthening Scheme – Lissenhall to Jordanstown - Construction of this watermain 

commenced in April 2008 and is due for completion in 2010. 

Howth Water Supply Phase II – Preliminary report completed for consideration by the DoEHLG. 

Malahide Reservoir Expansion and Augmentation Scheme –Detailed design and tender documents 

completed by year end. 

Ward Water Supply Scheme – Preliminary Report submitted to the DoEHLG for approval. A number of 

sections of main were replaced in 2008 in advance of approval for full Scheme 1 . 

1 Detailed outline of these works in Direct Labour Section

28 


Balbriggan Water Supply Scheme – Consultants engaged to prepare a Preliminary Report for the 

overall Balbriggan Water Supply Scheme. Design of the North West Balbriggan reservoir and 

watermains finalised by year end. 

Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) of the Greater Dublin Strategic Drainage Study (GDSDS) 

Strategy completed in 2008. 

Regional Wastewater Treatment Plant and Orbital Sewer – Scoping document for the project and 

Draft briefing document for the engagement of consultants commenced preparation in 2008. 

Dublin Bay Project Contract No. 5 (Transfer Howth sewage to Sutton Pumpstation) – Works from 

Howth Village to Howth Road are substantially complete as of December 2008. Howth Road to Sutton 

Pump Station was tendered in 2008 and construction will start in early 2009. 

Rolestown Foul Drainage Scheme – Construction of Phase 1 completed and pumpstation connected to 

Swords drainage network. 

Toberburr and Santry Pumpstations – detailed design and tender documents in preparation and 

nearing completion at the end of 2008. 

Rural Wastewater Treatment Plant Upgrading – Temporary upgrading of the Ballyboghil and 

Garristown Plants completed in 2008. Preparation of tender documents for Oldtown and the Naul 

completed in 2008. 

Tolka Flood Relief Works – Works substantially complete in 2008. The replacement of the Mulhuddart 

Bridge, the final element of the project has advanced to tender stage. 

Coastal Zone Protection Scheme – New Flood Extent maps prepared with funding application lodged 

with the OPW for completion of works. 

Fingal East Meath Flood Risk Assessment and Management Study (FEMFRAMS) – Consultants and 

Survey Company appointed in 2008.

DEVELOPMENT MANAGEMENT SECTION 

The Development Management Section advises on the water and drainage requirements for all planning 

applications lodged, including requests for additional information. In addition the Section certifies 

compliance with conditions assesses and certifies offsets and certification of single on site waste water 

treatment systems. The scope of the Section has expanded recently to encompass Quality Control of 

Infrastructure through the setting up of Water and Drainage Engineering Inspectorate. 


Establishment of Engineering Inspectorate October 2008 

Ongoing liaison with Airport T2 developments reports and membership of liaison committee 

Involved in the preparation of Local Area Plans in Lusk, Rush and Hacketstown during 2008. 

No. of Reports completed in 2008 

Reports 1302 

Requests for Additional Information 303 

Compliance Reports 83 

Total 1688 

POLLUTION CONTROL 

The Pollution Control Section is responsible for the issuing of licences in accordance with the Water 

Pollution Acts. It is also responsible for the monitoring of water quality in rivers, lakes and estuarine 

waters in the County and ensuring remedial action is taken where necessary. 


Implementation of the Water Framework Directive progressed with the completion of the Eastern River 

Basin District (ERBD) Draft River Basin Management Plan (RBMP) and Programme of Measures (POM). 

The RBMP and POM were put on public display on 22nd Dec 2008. 

Quality Management System (QMS) for Water Pollution Section completed. 


Farm surveys commenced with 31 farms surveyed by the end of 2008 in the Ward River and Bog of the 

Ring catchments. 

All water pollution applications processed within the 8 week timeframe with the exception where 

additional information was sought. 

Preparation of Oil Spill Contingency Plan which is being examined by the Coastguard at the end of 2008. 

Draft Water Pollution Bye Laws (Wastewater Treatment Systems for Single Houses) prepared and 

brought before the Strategic Policy Committee and Council meetings. Preparations for putting Draft 

Bye Laws on public display commenced.

30 


Key Performance Indicators /National Service Indicators 2 

Complaints concerning water pollution: 

2006 2007 2008 

No. of Complaints/ Incidents received/ identified 70 61 80 

No. investigated 70 61 80 

No. of complaints dismissed 22 1 17 

No of formal enforcement (Section12) procedures taken 7 8 6 

No. of prosecutions initiated 0 0 0 

Prosecutions successfully concluded 0 0 0 

OPERATIONS SECTION 

The Operations Section is responsible for the management and maintenance of the water and 

wastewater network and treatment plants in the County. 

Water Supply: 

Fingal County Council has two treatment facilities at Leixlip and Bog of the Ring which produce a combined 

total of 168 million litres of treated drinking water each day. The water network is managed via a regional 

telemetry system which relays information on reservoir levels, flows and pressures from remote sites and 

together with the Regional Geographical Information System plays a key role in the management of the 

water distribution network. Water is tested regularly at all stages of the treatment process and throughout 

the distribution system to ensure compliance with European and National drinking water standards. 


Continued production of high quality drinking water from Leixlip and Bog of the Ring. Monthly drinking 

water quality results published on the Council’s website for the treatment plants and the distribution 

mains. 

Continued implementation of the new Drinking Water Regulations including a reporting mechanism to 

the EPA. 

High quality management, including reporting to the EPA, of drinking water contamination incidents. 

Leakage Section continued to locate and ensure repair of leaks throughout the County. Further 

substantial drop in recorded Unaccounted-for Water (UFW) levels in 2008. 

Non-Domestic Metering Project Contract for the Dublin Region with Fingal as the lead Authority 

substantially completed in 2008. In Fingal over 5,500 meters have been installed on non-domestic 

premises by the end of the year. 

2 The National Service Indicator for Water Pollution of River Channels was dropped in 2008

Key Performance Indicators 

% of burst watermains repaired and water supply restored within 

2006 2007 2008 

12 Hours 95.56% 93.43% 95% 

24 Hours 1.75% 3.47% 4% 

Greater than 24 Hours 2.69% 3.10% 1% 

% of water samples in compliance with Drinking Water Regulations 

2006 2007 2008 

Leixlip 99.72% 99.72% 100% 

Bog of the Ring 100% 100% 100% 

Distribution Network 99.55% 100% 100% 

Levels of Unaccounted for Water (UFW) 


2006 2007 2008 

UFW 27.29% 23.57% 21.62%

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Drainage Services: 

The Council operates two large wastewater treatment facilities at Swords and Malahide with the 

Barnageera Plant serving the town of Balbriggan and Skerries operated on the Council’s behalf by a 

private operator. In addition the Council operates a number of smaller treatment plants serving 

Portrane and the smaller villages. Wastewater from the Blanchardstown area is treated at Dublin City 

Council’s Wastewater Treatment Facility at Ringsend. The Drainage Service is responsible for the 

provision and maintenance of the wastewater treatment facilities and collection systems and the 

provision and maintenance of public toilets. 


Preventative maintenance programme in effect and ongoing. 

Preliminary investigations, contract documents prepared and tenders received, in conjunction with 

Odour Consultants, for works to be carried out on Swords Wastewater Treatment plant. Works to be 

carried out in 2009. 

Discharge Licence applications lodged with the EPA for the WWTP’s at Rush, Lusk, Portrane/Donabate. 

Major cleaning works carried out on Foul and Surface water drains in the Swords Area and surrounds 

as a result of the flooding from the unprecedented heavy rainfall in August 2008. 

Cleaned the bed and reshaped the banks of the Sluice River at Kinsealy Lane to improve stream flow in 

this area. 

Key Performance Indicators 

% compliance with Urban Wastewater Treatment Regulations 

2006 2007 2008 

Swords WWTP 92.62% 76.80% 71.80% 

Malahide WWTP 95.68% 92.00% 78.85% 

Portrane WWTP 72.00% 77.33% 90.88% 

Villages WWTP 90.98% 91.13% 91% 

2006 2007 2008 

Sewage overflows from Pump Stations 78 75 25

Direct Labour Section 

The Direct Labour Section is responsible for the provision of new or replacement infrastructure either 

directly or through contractors from the Framework Agreement. 


Approx. 21,000 metres in total of watermain replaced in the County in 2008 by combination of small 

water schemes carried out by FCC staff and larger schemes carried out by developers and contractors 

from the Framework Agreement. 

• 5 schemes in the Balbriggan Electoral Area. 

• 3 schemes in the Swords Electoral Area. 

• 1 scheme completed and 1 commenced in the Malahide electoral area. 

• 3 schemes completed in the Howth electoral area. 

• 1 scheme commenced in Mulhuddart Electoral area. 


The completion of three further contracts under the Framework Agreement increased the level of 

watermain replacement in the County by 200% in 2008. 

Interim works replacing Asbestos Cement (AC) mains as part of the Ward Water Supply Scheme. To 

date, Adamstown to Garristown, Palmerstown to Cottrellstown and Oldtown to Fieldstown Bridge were 

completed in 2008. The section from Fieldstown Bridge to the Ward Cross was commenced in 2008 and 

will be completed in April 2009. 

1 major drainage scheme completed in 2008; the replacement of the inlet pipework to Sutton Park foul 

sewer pumping station. A further major drainage scheme to extend the 900mm Airport Road foul 

sewer a distance of 350m on the R132 to serve Terminal 2 was started in 2008. In this contract the foul 

sewer, a 400mm watermain, 300mm gas main and ducting for future networks were included in the 

one excavation to minimise future public disruption on this busy road. 

3 small drainage schemes, 1 each in the Swords, Malahide and Howth Electoral Areas, completed in 

2008.

34 


Length of watermain replaced 

2006 2007 2008 

Metres of watermain replaced 6,539 7,427 20,868 

Direct Labour Crew working on Airport Road Foul Sewer

ADMINISTRATION SECTION 

The Administration Section is responsible for the management of the Water Services communications 

protocol and has responsibility for financial management in the Department. 


A new Water Conservation pilot project implemented in two schools in Fingal– St. Mochtas National 

School and Colaiste Choilim, Swords. 

Ongoing liaison with Earth Tech Irl. Ltd operating the Barnageera Waste Water Treatment Plant. 

Review of the 2004-2009 Development Contribution Scheme commenced in 2008. 

An explanatory leaflet on water charges issued to all non-domestic customers in relation to water 

pricing charging mechanism. 

416 Applications for water and sewer connections processed in 2008. 

A total number of 60 questions, 35 motions and 34 headed items dealt with at Council/Committee 

meetings during 2008. 

The Council’s Communications Protocol implemented during water shutdowns in the following 

locations: 

• Damastown Area, Dublin 15 March 2008 

• Dunsoghly Estate, Cappagh April 2008 

• Garristown, Main Street April, May & July 2008 

• Whitestown Estate, Blanchardstown April 2008 

• Blanchardstown, Main Street August 2008 

• Tyrrellstown, Dublin 15 August 2008 

• Drainage Scheme Old Airport Road August – December 2008 

• Water Discolouration incidents August & December 2008 

• Press releases issued during the year on the following: 

◊ Presence of lead in the Water Network 

◊ The level of water hardness in Fingal. 

◊ Clarification/information on the use of private water filtration systems. 


36 


STRATEGIC POLICY COMMITTEE 

The Environment Strategic Policy Committee (S.P.C.) met five times in 2008. The committee comprises 

Elected Members of the Council in addition to representatives from a range of Sectoral interests including 

I.B.E.C., I.F.A. and the Community and Voluntary Forum representative. 

The principal role of the S.P.C. is the development of policy, which is then referred to a full County Council 

meeting for approval. Committee members also give important consideration to the implementation and 

the effect the policy is having. 

During 2008 Water Services Department presented items on the following issues to the S.P.C. 

Introduction of Septic Tank Bye- Laws, Update Report 

Eastern River Basin District, Draft Programme of Measures and Draft River Basin Management Plan. 

Update on the Green Procurement Implementation Plan. 

Regional SPC Meeting held to consider the final Environmental Report and the SEA Statement for the 

Strategic Environment Assessment on the GDSDS Strategy in May 2008.

COMMUNITY, RECREATION AND AMENITIES 

Community, Culture & Sports Division 

THE COMMUNITY OFFICE 

The Division’s Community Development Officers worked on a variety of programmes and supported a 

wide range of community organisations during 2008. Services provided by the Community Office include 

advisory, grant assistance, estate management, community forum development and support, building and 

financial support of facility provision. A comprehensive support and advisory service is provided to 

voluntary community based organisations throughout the County by a team of field staff who work in close 

liaison and help address the needs expressed by those groups. 

The Five Units within the Community Office were instrumental in the delivery of a number of initiatives, 

activities and events. 

Capital Projects Unit (CPU) 

The CPU has played a significant role in the preparation of business and operational plans and in capacity 

building in community facilities management. In 2008, the Mountview Community Campus was established 

to include the Fortlawn Community Centre, the New Mountview Community/ Sports Centre and the 

Community House in Whitechapel. This will allow a wide variety of community activities to happen within a 

supported and resourced environment. 

During 2008, the CPU has facilitated a number of groups in promoted models of good practice to 

supporting the sustainability of the facility. The Unit also supported communities in the planning, design 

and development stage of new community buildings and the refurbishment of existing buildings. In 

addition to this, ongoing support was given to long established facilities. The CPU worked with 30 groups 

on an ongoing with basis in 2008 

Community Development Unit (CDU) 

The main focus of the Community Development Unit’s (CDU) work is in supporting and enabling community 

and voluntary groups in Fingal to effect change and combat social exclusion within their own communities. 

The CDU works closely with other agencies, statutory and otherwise, who operate in a community 

development context, often in a partnership role .The CDU links with other CRA Divisions and Council 

Departments on many cross-departmental initiatives. The “Team 

Fingal” approach to Estate Management with the Housing Dept and 

the cross-county Safer Halloween Initiative, involving Parks, 

Environment, Corporate Services & Housing, are positive examples 

of this approach at work in 2008. 

In 2008, the Unit delivered 20 presentations for Tenant Induction 

programmes for the Housing Dept. The Unit worked on five Needs 

Analysis reports, supported two Planning for Real projects and 

supported 22 existing and 14 new residents associations and estate 

management groups. Over 10 new groups engaged in the 

development of both communities of need and geographical 

communities were established with the support of the CDU. 


Intergrated School Community facility in Dublin 15

38 


Over twenty groups were supported in funding applications to agencies other than FCC and over 40 were 

supported in accessing Summer Project, Activities and Halloween funding from the Council. 

The CDU were to the forefront in rolling out the Safer Halloween Project to the whole county in 2008 and in 

supporting and launching the Fingal Ethnic Network. The Unit participated in Departmental Initiatives such 

as Memory Makers and Community Group of the Year and provided capacity building courses which 

benefitted over 50 participants in 2008. 

Community Facilities Management Unit (CFMU) 

This Unit was established to support and enable voluntary management committees of community centres 

and campuses to carry out their role effectively in order to ensure that facilities operate in a sustainable 

way. This unit provides information and advice and models of good practice in the areas of policy 

development, financial control, health and safety, staff management, forward planning and sustainability. 

The CFMU has supported community and facilities managers through training, mentoring and capacity 

building. The CFMU is working with all community facilities availing of Fingal County Council’s 

management assistance funding on an ongoing basis. 

The Network Development Unit (NDU) 

The Unit’s role is to encourage, strengthen and support development of networks through ‘Communities of 

Interest’ throughout Fingal. Encouraging greater participation in public decision-making, while acting as a 

catalyst to influence the sustainable development of Fingal. It will involve and empower groups and 

individuals within the community, developing the networks as a resource for the Community and Voluntary 

Sector and acting as an information sharing structure for member organisations. The networks supported 

in 2008 related to the themes of ethnic minority, senior citizens, disability, environment, heritage, 

information and health. Longer established networks were also supported as well as the community 

represtative section of the new Leader partnership. 

Key achievements in 2008 working in partnership to deliver on 3 major projects 

1. A research project entitled ‘A Survey of Minority Ethnic Communities in Fingal’ and the launch of 

published results in ‘Towards an Integrated Community’. 

2. The Launch of the Ethnic Network 

3. The planning and delivery of ‘The Green Infrastructure Conference’ 

Fingal Community & Voluntary Forum 

The NDU also supports work the Fingal Community and Voluntary Forum. This is independent body acting 

at a county level. It strives to represent the interests of the community and voluntary sector in Fingal 

County. The Forum elects community representatives to various local, regional and national decisionmaking 

bodies.

Key achievements in 2008 include 

1. Representation on 16 different statutory based committees. 

2. Participating on subcommittees and working groups related to these committees, for example, 

chairing the SIM Group, working on the Data Sharing Initiative that developed a model for 

organisations to share data on a national basis. 

3. Participating in the development of new community structures for the North County, ’The Leader 

Partnership Company’. Organised and held elections for community representatives to the board. 

4. Published & circulated quarterly Newsletter 

5. On a national basis being involved in securing the continued development and expansion of the 

community & voluntary organisation insurance scheme. 

The Funding, Events and Information Unit (FEIU) 

The FEIU report on all funding application received under the Activities and Capital Funding Programme, 

co-ordinate the Division and some Council events, it is also this Unit’s responsibility to update the 

Division’s information on the web and print media. 

Capital and Activities funding scheme 

Under the Capital and Activities Funding Scheme, Community and Sporting organisations received funding 

for community-based activities and towards the cost of building and refurbishing community facilities. 

Funding Provided to Community and Voluntary Organisations in 2008 

Area Facilities Activities Summer 

funding funding projects Total 

Balbriggan/Swords ¤329,184.00 ¤68,061.78 ¤15,800.00 ¤413,045.78 

Castleknock/Mulhuddart ¤333,400.00 ¤40,182.00 ¤14,600.00 ¤388,182.00 

Howth/Malahide ¤180,000.00 ¤20,557.50 ¤3,200.00 ¤203,757.50 

County (aggregate) ¤842,584.00 ¤128,801.28 ¤33,600.00 ¤1,004,985.28 

Memory Makers 


The 2008 Memory Makers event saw 127 Entries in three categories in the over-55 age group. Entrants 

came from individuals and groups from across the county. Memory Makers provides an opportunity for 

skilled amateur crafts workers and artists to display their work. At the event in May, winners in the 

categories of Crafts, Ceramics, Paintings, Sculpture and Short Stories were given awards and cash prizes

40 


totalling ¤2,300.00. To capture this special event a special catalogue of the exhibits was produced 

“Memory Makers” “Déantóirí Cuimhne” “Reflections and Recollections”2008 . 

Community Group of the Year 2008 

The Community Group of the Year Award takes place in alternate years with the Community Person of the 

Year. 

The Community Group of the Year event celebrates the work of volunteers who make a difference to our 

communities, because of their hard work, dedication and vision. The award, made by the Mayor, shows the 

value that Fingal County Council places on those volunteers and the importance of their work within 

Communities. There are eight specialist categories: Arts, Culture and Heritage, Community Development, 

Community Facilities, Environment, Older People, Representative Groups, Sports and Recreation and 

Young People. 

In 2008, 76 groups were nominated of these, 24 people were shorted listed and the finalists were honoured 

at reception in Draíocht November 2008. 

THE ARTS OFFICE 

Arts Grants 

Fingal County Council’s Arts Office encourages and supports cultural activity within Fingal by offering 

financial support to organised Arts and community groups. In 2008, the Council awarded over ¤46,700 for 

Music, Drama, Visual Arts and Traditional Arts activities in the County. A total of ¤54,500 was awarded to 

Community Arts Festivals and Traditional Music Festivals. A further ¤831,700 was awarded direct to the 

Council’s two Arts Centres, Draíocht in Blanchardstown, and the Séamus Ennis Cultural Centre, Naul. The 

total amount of funding allocated by the Arts Office during the year was ¤1,219,300. 

Cultural Centres 

Fingal County Council continues to preserve cultural life and provide public access to the Arts in Fingal 

through the ongoing development of its two Arts Centres. Both Centres are owned and funded by the 

Council. 

Draíocht is a multi-purpose Arts venue, comprising two theatres, two galleries and meeting facilities. 

The Centre offers a full range of theatre, dance, Visual Arts events and community education and 

outreach programmes. Draíocht is now a vital part of the expanding and diverse cultural life of the 

Dublin 15. During 2008 Draíocht undertook major renovations to the fabric of their building. A new flying 

system was installed in the main auditorium and a new café entitled Betelnut in the foyer. These works 

were undertaken with the support of a State grant. 

The Séamus Ennis Cultural Centre, in Naul, is primarily a traditional music venue, which aims to 

develop and maintain the unique traditions of Fingal and build on the legacy of Séamus Ennis. The 

Centre is open seven days a week and offers the local community a wide range of educational classes 

in the traditional arts and also hosts professional events with musicians and artists from all over the 

world.


Both of these venues offered a range of opportunities to experience a broad variety of Arts activities in 

their local communities during 2008. 

Outreach and Education 

A key objective of Fingal County Council Arts Office is to provide equal access to Arts activity and 

encourage participation in all aspects of the Arts by communities in Fingal. To achieve this effectively, the 

Arts Office has formed partnerships with schools, community groups and relevant statutory bodies to 

provide quality workshops and Artist-in-Residence programmes. During 2008, the Arts Office promoted a 

range of Artist-in-Schools projects in primary and secondary schools, as well as designing events for the 

elderly of the county and those with physical and intellectual disabilities. 2008 was the development of new 

initiatives in the outreach & education programme with year long residencies, this provided opportunities 

for artists and students to develop long term relationships through the artist in schools scheme. 

Other Initiatives 

During 2008, the fifth International Children’s Arts Festival, Spréacha, took place in Fingal. The Arts Office 

and Draíocht combined their expertise and resources to plan this hugely successful event. International 

theatre companies from Europe headlined the event, which took place in Draíocht in June to sell-out 

audiences. 

In 2008, the fifth annual Amharc Fingal (The Fingal View) took place in Draíocht, featuring the work of five 

young Arts graduates from Fingal. The exhibition entitled ‘It’s all in the detail’ was curated and organised 

by the staff of the Council’s Arts Office, and went on display in Draíocht. The Graduate Show will now be an 

annual event, affording newly qualified artists, the opportunity of having their work exhibiting in Draíocht. 

In 2008, the Arts Office commissioned photographer Dianne Whyte to produce a series of works featuring 

various aspects of Fingal. A radical redesign was undertaken to produce a desk calendar. The Arts Office 

also produced the annual Christmas card. 

Public Art 

Not in Alphabetical Order is a Public Arts Publication compiled and written by the Arts Officer and Public 

Art Co-ordinator, featuring a selection of the work in the Fingal County Art Collection. The launch of the 

publication coincided with a major exhibition of the art work at Farmleigh Estate in Dublin 15. 

The second annual Sand Sculpture event took place at Portmarnock. Dutahin Dealbh created the art works 

on the beach and worked on a series of workshops with Portmarnock N.S. The project received National 

Press coverage. 

The third annual Light up Fingal was exhibited at Swords Castle this was a collaboration between artists 

group Bui Bolg, Swords Senior Citizens and Swords Educate Together. A series of workshops resulted in a 

light installation in December on the walls of Swords Castle.

42 


SPORTS DEVELOPMENT SECTION 

The Sports Development Section has been involved in a number of sports and physical activity projects and 

programmes over the last year. Some of these have been highlighted below: 

Sports Conditioning Programme 

The Section continued its Sports Conditioning programme in primary schools 

The programme targets children aged 6 – 9 years, it aims to teach basic sports skills to the children in a 

way that allows them to excel at their own level. This has resulted in these children gaining confidence, 

increasing self esteem and concentrating better during class, in addition to improving their sporting 

abilities. Working in partnership with County Dublin VEC we have secured the employment of a Sports 

Conditioning Coach, who has a joint role, delivering the programme to children while training the teachers 

providing them with the skills and confidence to enable them to incorporate Sports Conditioning in their PE 

lessons. In addition, Sports Conditioning was included in Summer Projects throughout the county. 

School & Youth Sport 

The Section has supported and resourced the Buntús Generic, Buntús Soccer, Badminton, Basketball and 

Golf programmes in primary schools and has rolled out a number of Buntús Start programmes in preschool 

settings. The Section, in the course of 2008, organised Summer Project Sports, a Sports Activity 

Taster Day and Soccer blitzes, Tag Rugby blitzes, indoor cricket league, primary school cross country 

events, school badminton Blitz and a hockey secondary school pilot programme. Designated Areas youth 

sport programmes for the year included Futsal, Girls soccer, and a Primary school swim programme. A 

Late Night Soccer initiative was run in three areas aimed at young adults to encourage them to engage in 

positive pastimes, also, a “kidgloves” project aimed 9 – 13 year old boys to introduce them to the sport of 

boxing. The Section also was responsible for the allocation of Youth Sports Grants from the Irish Sports 

Council. 

Coach Education programme 

The Section supported a range of National Governing Body Coach/Referee Education Courses and 

Emergency Skills (first aid) Training for volunteers. The Irish Sports Council Code of Ethics & Good 

Practice for children’s sport courses was run during the year. 

Activity programme - Support and organisation of Adult Sports Development Programmes 

The Section worked with the Older Adult network to develop a range of Sports activities. Older adult swim 

programmes were run throughout the county. An inter-cultural soccer tournament, Ladies Morning 

Badminton, A Traveller Participation programme and the Fingal Sprint Triathlon also took place during the 

year.

Joint-funded Sports Specific Development 


The Section has jointly funded five Football in the Community Development Officers with the F.A.I., one 

Rugby in the Community Development Officer with the Leinster Rugby, and one part-time Tennis in the 

Community Development Officer in conjunction with Tennis Ireland and a Cricket Development Officer with 

the Irish Cricket Union. 

Women in Sport 

The Irish Sports Council jointly-funded programmes included a camogie blitz, Gaelic for Girls and the 

Exercise Energise, a Secondary Schools programme aimed at girls 12 -14 years who don’t normally 

participate in sport and physical activities. 

Disability Sports 

A research project was carried out and a pilot Training Programme, for people in residential care was run 

in 2008. 

Harmony Cup 

This invitational youth soccer event aimed at community clubs to develop relationships between teams 

from Italy, Spain, Northern Ireland and Fingal. 

Networking and Strategy Development 

The Section attended the Irish Sports Council Local Sports Partnership Network - Quarterly meetings and 

initiated a strategy review and the initial preparation of a Leisure Strategy.

44 


Sporting Fingal 

Sporting Fingal FC was launched during the year. The Sports Section has worked with the Club to create 

and enhance Club community links. The Section has also collaborated with the Club to use football as a 

means of developing closer links with young people and schools. Aside from building a league of Ireland 

team, the club has been active in supporting many initatives amongst the community of Fingal. 

John Giles and young supporters at the launch of Sporting Fingal at Corduff Sports Centre in February 2008. 

The Sporting Fingal squad at the launch of Sporting Fingal at Corduff Sports Centre in February 2008. 

Integrated Community Facilities and Capital Projects Unit 

During 2008, the Unit continued to play a driving role in promoting an awareness amongst developers of 

the importance and commercial benefits of ensuring that the sustainability of new communities, through 

facilities provision, are given sufficient thought in the preparation of plans.

To maximize the benefits from Development Levies for communities, this Unit exists to work closely with 

Planners, Developers, Government Departments, State Agencies and the general community. Facilities 

funded by levies require the community to be partners in the planning, building and management/running 

of integrated community facilities. In this regard, the Unit supports the community through training, 

mentoring and capacity building. During 2007, the Unit has facilitated groups in the development of 

business and operational plans and has promoted models of good practice in facility sustainability. 

The Division was also proactive in encouraging greater community access to and use of school facilities. In 

addition, the Division played a very significant role in assisting the Dept. of Education & Science in the 

delivery of new school buildings by directly negotiating and acquiring a number of new sites in the county. 

In the course of the year, the delivery of 9 new schools was facilitated in the county by the Unit. 

LIBRARIES DIVISION 

Usage of Libraries 

2008 2007 

Items borrowed 1,150.063 1,045,861 

Registered borrowers 86,200 85,074 

Internet Usage hours 102,863 110,294 

Website visits 31,196 26,577 

Performance indicators 

L.1 FCC 2008 2007 2006 

L.2 

Average number of public opening hours per week for 

full time libraries 

Average number of public opening hours per week for 

part time libraries (where applicable) 

Number of registered library members as a % of the 

local population 

48.93 46.1 43.3 

29 3 3 

36% 36% 43.3% 

Number of items issued per head of population(county/city wide) for (a) books (b) other 

items 

(a) 3.84 3.51 4.42 

(b) 0.97 0.87 0.98 

L.4 % of Libraries that offer internet access to the public 100% 88% 100% 

L.5 

Local 

Indicators 

Number of internet sessions provided per 1000 

population 


430.40 461.48 455.77 

2008 2007 2006 

Book fund expenditure per capita ¤7.18 ¤5.83 ¤6.63 

Visits by the public to Fingal Libraries 986,988 826,472 802,542

46 


Garristown Library 

Garristown library opened on the 11th June 2008. 

The original Carnegie library designed by architect Anthony Scott was opened in 1912 and handed over to 

the County Council in 1947 and became a lending library. 

The restoration and extension was designed by Fingal County Council Architects Department and the 

original roof, panelling and windows have been retained. 

Facilities in the library include an Adult, Children’s and Reference area and greatly extended opening 

hours. 

Resources include books, CDs, DVDs, talking books and language courses. Free Internet access on 2 

public access PCs and a photocopying facility is also available 


Rush Library 

Work continued on the new library for Rush with the redevelopment of St Maur’s Church. Work is 

progressing well and the library is due to open in 2009 

Fingal Local Studies/Archives 

Community Group of the Year- Fingal Youth Orchestra, overall 

winner 2008 

Work began on Clonmel House in Swords as Fingal Local Studies and Archives will relocate here in 2009. 

This will allow ease of access to local history material for the people of Fingal

Oral History Collection 

During Heritage Week Fingal County Libraries Oral History Collection was launched in County Hall, 

Swords. 

This collection is an oral recording on seventy-eight CDs of the people of Fingal giving an account of living, 

working or growing up in Fingal. It is hoped to further develop this collection in 2009 

Fingal Healthy Reading Scheme 


Launch of Oral History Collection Mayor of Fingal Councillor Michael O’Donovan, Senior Librarian Jacinta Judge, 

Maurice O’Keeffe & County Librarian Paul Harris 

Fingal County Libraries in association with the Daughters of Charity and the HSE launched the Fingal 

Healthy Reading Scheme in Balbriggan Library in 2008. 

The aim of the scheme is to promote mental health and well being of individuals and families through a 

collection of self help books which will be available in all of Fingal branch libraries. Recommended 

booklists will be available in all Fingal libraries, as well as GP surgeries, health centres and schools 

Assistive Technology Centre 

The Assistive Technology Centre at Blanchardstown Library facilitates the use of information and 

communication technology by children and adults with special needs; children and adults with physical 

and/or intellectual disabilities; and older people. The Centre has specialised equipment, designed to meet 

the needs of individual users and to enhance their learning experience. Internet access is available, as well 

as a wide variety of educational and life skills software. Groups from day care and residential centres and 

from support services and organisations in the Fingal area pre book to use the Centre. It is situated on the 

first floor of the library building and is fully accessible by wheelchair. In 2008, older citizens from the

48 


Fingal area attended introductory computer courses at the Centre and they are now competent in emailing 

and using the internet. 

Galaxy System 

Further enhancements to Galaxy during 2008 included the introduction of online reservations. Library 

users can reserve books from their own homes and pick them up from their local library. Open Galaxy was 

introduced to Malahide library in 2008 and will be introduced to the other branches on a phased basis 

during 2009 

Foreign Language Books 

In response to the growing number of International residents living and working in Fingal, Fingal County 

Libraries continued to enhance its foreign language book collection in 2008. We now provide books for both 

adults and children in a range of languages that include French, German, Italian, Spanish, Lithuanian, 

Polish, Chinese, Czech, Urdu and Russian with Polish being the most popular. 5,733 adult foreign language 

books and 1,392 junior foreign language books were issued in Fingal County Libraries in 2008 

Business Seminars 

Fingal County Enterprise Board held a series of business seminars in Blanchardstown library throughout 

2008 and these seminars were extremely well attended. A wide range of business topics was covered 

including Winning Attitudes and Beliefs for Success, Should I Shouldn’t I Start My Own Business, How to 

Succeed in Life and Business and Lasting Impressions 

Europe Direct Centre 

The Europe Direct Centre at Blanchardstown Library is a local link to Europe for the citizens of Fingal. The 

general public, the business community, educators and students access information free of charge on a 

broad range of topics including travel, finance, the environment, residency, the arts, economic matters and 

education using a dedicated PC, a free telephone service, leaflets, booklets and magazines. 

The main events organised by the Europe Direct Centre in 2008 were: 

A lively debate on the Lisbon Treaty attended by over 200 people. 

The launch of the 2009 Europe Direct calendar featuring the winning photos from an all Ireland 

photography competition. 

‘Make A Book’ workshops for teachers, promoting the positive recognition of cultural and linguistic 

diversity in the Dublin 15 area. 

A colourful exhibition to celebrate Europe Day charting the history of the Eurovision song contest, with 

details of the participating countries and their entries.

Event Highlights of 2008 

1,395 free events and activities were held in Fingal County Libraries in 2008. These events included Adult 

and Junior Book Clubs, Creative Writing Groups for Adults & Children, Parent & Toddler Groups, Business 

Seminars, Photography Groups, Competitions, Quizzes and Exhibitions. 

Free classes were held in libraries throughout the year covering such diverse subjects as Computers, Art, 

Languages, Genealogy, Music and Digital Photography. The major festivals celebrated throughout the year 

included: Finscéal–A Writer’s Trail of Fingal, Library Ireland Week, Seachtain Na Gaeilge, Fingal in Fusion, 

Bealtaine, Heritage Week, Children’s Book Festival and Science Week Ireland. 

The seventh annual literary festival Finscéal - A Writer’s Trail of Fingal took place in 2008. This festival of 

readers’ and writers’ events is organised and co-ordinated by Fingal County Libraries and The Fingal Arts 

Office. All events are free and are held in venues around Fingal to ensure equal access for all. 

Finscéal 2008 was launched in Farmleigh by the Mayor of Fingal County Council Cllr. Michael O’Donovan 

with special guest author & journalist Tom Humphries. 

Events included Writing from Life, Screen Writing workshop, author visit by Booker Prize winner Anne 

Enright, Writing for Children, and a Murder Mystery Day in the beautiful setting of Ardgillan Castle. 

Finscéal concluded with Brought to Book held in the Radisson Hotel featuring well known authors Jill 

Mansell, Sarah Webb, Morag Prunty, Alex Barclay, Ellen McCarthy, Jacinta Mc Devitt, Roisin Meaney, Judi 

Curtin and Mandy Hearty 

Finscéal Brought to Book Alex Barclay, Vanessa O’Loughlin & Ellen Mc Carthy 


Bealtaine is a yearly event to celebrate creativity in older age and it continues to grow every year. Events in 

Fingal County Libraries included poetry reading, storytelling workshops, flower arranging, text messaging 

for over 55’s, acrylic art workshops, Kalooki cards, music, song and dance and card crafts for adults. 

Children’s Book Festival is a nationwide festival of reading and books and one of the most popular library 

events of the year. Fingal County Libraries had a packed programme of events during October and the 

highlights of this year’s celebrations included The Fanzini Brothers Circus Performance, National Print 

Museum, stories with Liam Farrell, limericks and poetry with Paul Tubb, illustrators and authors Oisin

50 


McGann and Niamh Sharkey and authors Judi Curtin, Conor Kostick, Aubrey Flegg, Joe O’Brien, Andy 

Briggs and Julia Golding. 

Science Week Ireland has become a very high-profile event in recent years. The aim of Science week is to 

promote science subjects to children and create a greater awareness of our environment. Hundreds of 

school children visited Fingal County libraries during the week to enjoy Science Live with Michael Moylan, 

Deadly Moons with Deirdre Kelleghan, Magical Science and Engineering Show with Sue McGrath and 

Animal Magic Wildlife and Natural History Road Show. 

PARKS DIVISION 

The Parks Division is principally responsible for the planning, provision and maintenance of some 5,000 

acres (2,000 Ha.) of public open space in Fingal. The Division manages regional and neighbourhood parks, 

historic houses and sporting facilities across the County. 

The Division provides extensive recreational and leisure opportunities for Fingal’s residents and visitors 

alike. It also designs and maintains the median and boundary areas of the motorway network in the 

County. The Division also carries out an advisory/design services for other Council Departments as well as 

carrying out works when requested. 

This wide range of activities reflects the varied needs and demands of the public as well as the diversity of 

natural and manmade amenities available in the county. 

Highlights of 2008 

Playgrounds 

During 2008 playgrounds were 

officially opoened at the following 

locations: 

Seagrange Park, Baldoyle 

Robswalls Park, Malahide 

Malahide Demesne (Upgraded 

Playground) 

Intoxicating Liquor Notices 

A total of 183 Notices were issued 

under the Council’s Intoxicating 

Liquor Bye Laws

Bio-diversity information 

Extensive works were carried out in the Forest of Fingal/Turvey Woods. 

Fingal EU Interreg “Living Coast Living Sea” project was completed in December 2008 

Biodiversity day was held in May 2008 and a DVD entitled “Nature on Your Doorstep” was also launched 

that month. 

An EU Biodiversity Monument was unveiled in Malahide Demesne during May. 

Approximately 40 conservation outings were organised during 2008 

Tree Works 

Full street tree planting programme has been completed during the winter works programme, as well 

as emergency and complaint based remedial works to existing trees. A new tree management system 

Ezy-Tree was expanded during 2008. 

Santry Demesne 

Works continued on the restoration of the Demesne including planting work and the walled garden. 

Liffey Valley Regional Park – St. Catherine’s Improvement Works. 

Works were completed on the provision of a new public car park and new sports changing rooms. 

MalahideDemesne 

New Sports Changing Rooms were completed at Malahide Demesne 

Regional Parks Managed and Maintained:- 

Ardgillan Demesne, Balbriggan 

Malahide Demesne, Malahide 

Newbridge House and Demesne, Donabate 

Ward River Valley 

Tolka Valley 


Liffey Valley Regional Park – St Catherine’s 


52 


Visitor Attractions Provided 

Malahide Castle, Fry Model Railway, (managed jointly with Dublin Tourism) located at Malahide 

Demesne 

Talbot Botanic Gardens situated at Malahide Castle (guided tours provided every Wednesday afternoon 

from April to October) 

Newbridge House, Donabate (guided tours provided from April to October), 

The Traditional Farm, and associated tea rooms operating in Newbridge Demesne attracted a wide 

audience 

Ardgillan Castle, (managed jointly with the Skerries Development and Community Association) a series 

of exhibitions took place throughout the year at the Castle 

The Victorian Walled Garden and Rose Garden and National Collection of Shrubby Potentillas at 

Ardgillan Demesne were open to the public. 

A variety of classes were also held in Ardgillan Castle and gardens throughout the year. 

The Skerries Mills Industrial Heritage Centre and associated tearoom and craft shop facilities 

continued to be popular with both the local community and visitors alike. 

Playgrounds 

Major parkland playgrounds were provided in: 

Ardgillan Demesne 

The Ward River Valley 

Malahide Demesne 

Newbridge Demesne 

Red Island, Skerries 


Millennium Park, Blanchardstown 

Robswalls Park, Portmarnock

Sports Facilities 

A total of 175 pitches were maintained for a range of team sports including Hurling, Camogie, hockey, 

Gaelic, Soccer, Rugby and American football. 

4 all-weather pitch facilities were available in Balbriggan, Skerries, Corduff, Blanchardstown and 

Broomfield, Malahide. 

Cricket grounds were provided at Malahide Demesne and at the Town Park, Balbriggan. 

A Bowling Green administered by the Skerries Bowling Club was in operation in the Town Park, 

Skerries. 

46 tennis courts, 30 of which are floodlit, were maintained at many locations throughout the county 

Golfing facilities 

Golfing facilities were available at :- 

The Elmgreen Golf Centre, Castleknock (18 hole Golf Course, 18 hole Pitch & Putt Course and 24 Bay 

Driving Range) 

Corballis Golf Links, Donabate (public links golf course). Major upgrading works were carried out at 

Corballis Golf Links which included three new golf holes and the realignment of a fourth hole 

Malahide Demesne. (9 hole par 3 Golf Course and Pitch and Putt Course) 

Restoration Projects 


Projects at:- 

Bremore Castle and Church yard, Balbriggan, in association with FÁS, the Skerries Development and 

Community Association and the Balbriggan Cultural and Heritage Society continued during 2008.

54 


Swords Castle, in association with FÁS and Swords Castle Restoration Committee, also continued 

during 2008 with work on the Chapel. 

Anna Liffey Mills, Industrial Heritage Project 

Tree Planting and Civic Decoration 

National Tree Week and National Tree Day events were organised in March with the continued cooperation 

of local schools and the Tree Council of Ireland. 

The annual programme of tree and shrub planting, seasonal bedding and street tree planting and 

maintenance was also carried out. 

Christmas Trees were provided at 15 locations and Christmas Tree Recycling facilities were provided 

countywide. 

Development of Open Spaces 

The taking-in-charge and the basic and refined development of new open spaces continued throughout 

the year. 

Concerts in Parks 

A series of major concerts were held in Malahide Demesne during the summer of 2008

HOUSING DEPARTMENT 

1. Construction 

There were a total of 150 new social housing units provided under our 2008 Construction Programme. 

This Programme also provided a further 296 affordable housing units giving a total of 446 units 

provided in the following schemes: 

Ringfort, Balrothery, 

Flemington, Balbriggan 

Garristown 

St. Brigid’s Park, Blanchardstown 

School Lane, Baldoyle 

Housing construction was ongoing at the following locations: 

School Lane, Baldoyle 

Flemington, Balbriggan 

Garristown, Co Dublin 

Station Road, Portmarnock 

Santry Demesne, Dublin 9 

Oldtown, Co. Dublin 

Main Street, Rush 

376 Affordable/Shared Ownership housing units and 67 Social units were provided under part V of the 

Planning & Development Acts 2000-2002 

Affordable Unit, Hamilton, Castlelands 


56 


2. Housing Stock 

Rental 

At 31st December 2008 the Council had 4,273 properties in its housing stock. 

The rental income from these properties was ¤12,361,626.72, which was an increase of ¤893,683.94 on 

the previous year. 

The net rental arrears were ¤366,627.24 

At 31st December 2008, 2,181 live mortgage accounts yielded payment of ¤14,928,569 

3. Estate Management 

A total of ¤5.3m revenue expenditure was incurred on response maintenance and general upkeep of 

the Council’ housing stock and estates. 9,008 maintenance requests were dealt with during 2008 

representing a 17% increase on 2007. 

14 Tenant Induction Courses were held to assist housing applicants settle into their new homes and 

communities. 

Estate Management attended 72 Residents Association meetings during 2008. 

Capital expenditure of ¤9.9m was incurred on planned maintenance programmes and other 

improvements such as: 

Pre – Let Repairs completed in 191 dwellings. 

Central Heating installation and upgrading in 280 dwellings 

Insulation and Ventilation upgrading in 1045 dwellings 

Painting and joinery works took place in 361 dwellings under the cyclical maintenance programme. 

Works were carried out on 29 Council dwellings to meet the need of people with a disability. 

4. Allocations 

A total of 399 dwellings were allocated to applicants from the housing list. There were 1,282 housing 

applications received. 

The total number of refusals of housing accommodation was 88.

5. Affordable Housing 

There was a total of 823 applicants approved on the Affordable Housing List in December 2008. 

341 affordable homes were sold in 2008, despite difficult market conditions and the current economic 

climate. 

6. RAS 

191 Clients were accommodated through the scheme in 2008, this brings the total number of RAS 

tenants to 269. 

7. Housing Adaptation Grants Schemes for Older People and People with a Disability 

There were 312 private grants approved totalling ¤1,776,770.00. 

8. Traveller Accommodation 

The Council provided the following accommodation to Travellers:- 

Standard Housing 17 

Existing Group Houses 4 

Existing Halting Sites 6 

Other Projects:- 

• Part 8 approved for 10 Group House Scheme at Stockhole. 

• Part 8 Approved for 10 Bay Halting Site at Barnlodge. 

• Part 8 commenced for 10 Group House Scheme at Ardla, Skerries. 


58 


Service Indicators 

H: Housing 

H.1 Housing Vacancies: 

H.2 

H.3. 

H.4. 

2008 2007 2006 

Total number of dwellings in local authority stock 4,273 4,098 3919 

Overall % of dwellings that are let 98.65% 97.83% 98.10% 

Overall % of dwellings that are empty 1.35% 2.17% 1.90% 

% of empty dwellings subject to major refurbishment 

schemes 

0% 0% 0% 

% of empty dwellings unavailable for letting 95% 98.2% 85.30% 

% of empty dwellings available for letting 5% 1.8% 14.70% 

Average time taken to re-let dwellings available for 

letting 

Number of repairs completed as a percentage of the 

number of valid repair requests received 

34 Days 53 Days 28 Days 

98.15% 98.89% 97.5% 

Average time taken to inform applicants of local authority’s 

decision on applications for: 

The shared ownership housing scheme 10.3 Days 26 Days 18 days 

No 

Housing loan schemes 10.3 Days Applications 

Received 

18 Days 

Local authority housing 25 Days 25 Days 1 Day 

H.5 Traveller Accommodation 

Total number of traveller families accommodated as 

a percentage of the targets set in the local traveller 

accommodation programme 

Rev: Revenue Collection 

Rev.1 House Rent 

(a) 

Amount collected at year end as a percentage of 

amount due 

(b) Percentage of arrears: 

78.3% 58% 78.3% 

94.07% 93.43% 92.02% 

4-6 weeks old 9.24% 9.04% 6.72% 

6-12 weeks old 13.57% 16.47% 13.95% 

More than 12 weeks old 61.31% 60.2% 66.96% 

Rev. 2 Housing Loans 

(a) 

Amount collected at year end as a percentage of 

amount due 

(b) Percentage of arrears: 

97% 96.69% 95.32% 

1 month old 13% 12% 13.40% 

2-3 months old 3% 2.5% 2.60% 

More than 3 months 84% 85.5% 84%

ARCHITECTS DEPARTMENT 

The Architects’ Department provided architectural design and quantity surveyor services to all 

departments of the Council during 2008. It also provided technical support for the maintenance and 

building facility management of all Council property. These services included design by the department 

itself and the administration of design services by consultants. The department also provided a service to 

other Council departments in relation to the design and conservation aspects of planning, the management 

of Council property and building procurement generally. 

The work of the department is divided into the following sections: 

1. Civic Buildings, Conservation and Planning 

2. Housing Construction Programme and Housing Maintenance West County 

3. Housing Construction Programme and Housing Maintenance East County 

4. Cost Forecasting, Contract and Financial Management 

1. Civic Buildings, Conservation and Planning 

Civic Buildings 

Mountview Community/Recreation Centre – 

The project commenced on site in 2008 with a proposed completion in early summer 2009. 

Brackenstown Community/Recreation Centre 

Part XI planning process initiated. 


N/E Fingal Swimming Pool / Ballast Pit Site Skerries – 

Competitive dialogue completed. Negotiated dialogue commenced with tenderers with a view to achieve a 

viable alternative scheme. 

Skerries Library – 

Awaiting approval from THE Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government to proceed to 

Stage 2. 

Fingal Sports Academy 

Site feasibility studies were carried out for the project in 2008. A site in Lusk was selected and the Part XI 

planning process was commenced

60 

Rush Library- 


Project started on site November 2007. Fit out contract documents were prepared during 2008. 

Schools Sites – Pilot projects – Enhanced facilities for Community usage. – 

The department was involved in ongoing discussions with the Community Recreation and Amenities Dept 

to explore ways of interacting with a view to progressing the development of schools projects in the Fingal 

area in a more coherent way. The department contributed to the assessment of shared facilities in new 

schools and devised a generic brief to be used in the future. 

Malahide Castle- 

An application for funding from Fáilte Ireland’s grant scheme for upgrading existing tourist sites was 

successfully made. The documentation and design work is a joint project with the Parks, Community and 

Architects sections of the council. 

Mourneview Community Centre. 

An extension was designed with upgraded facilities and Part XI Planning consent was obtained. 

Oldtown Community Hall 

Tender documents were prepared and processed during 2008 and the project commenced on site in 

December. 

Carnegie Library North St. Swords 

Part XI Planning initiated. 

Draiocht Arts Centre 

A new café, box office and upgraded public toilets were designed, tendered and completed on site during 


Swords Metro Plaza 

The department worked with the Planning department and its consultants in the preparation of a Part XI 

planning application. The project was put on public display in December 2008.


Garristown library was shortlisted for an Irish Architecture award by the RIAI IN 2008. 

Conservation 

Advice provided on an ongoing basis to the Planning Department in relation to protected structures and 

planning applications. 

Number of Planning Reports 159 

Number of grant applications processed 23 

Number of Declaration Requests 3 

Number of protected structures listed 800 

Number of Compliance files 27 

The record of protected structures continued to be reviewed on an ongoing basis. 

The Conservation Office has worked with other Council Departments throughout the year. It has advised on 

the management of Historic and Protected Structures in the Councils ownership. It has participated in the 

Heritage Forum. It project managed ongoing investigative works for the restoration of the Metal Bridge at 

Strawberry Beds, Dublin 15 

Planning 


Architectural Reports - 

The Department has written reports on architectural content in respect of significant private developments 

being proposed in the County. 

Dangerous Buildings 

18 new dangerous building inspection files were opened in 2007. 300/350 inspections / re-inspections also 

carried out in 2007

62 


2 & 3. Housing Construction Programme & Housing Maintenance East & West County. 

Social & Affordable Houses 

The Architect’s Department continued the development of mixed tenure schemes in a number of locations 

throughout the County. These schemes featured a number of technical innovations, as part of the policy of 

improved energy efficiency and lower CO2 emissions. In particular the schemes at Oldtown, (highlyinsulated 

timber frame, heat recovery ventilation, enhanced air-tightness and solar panels); Garristown, 

(extruded clay block, wood-pellet boilers); and Station Road, Portmarnock (solar panels, enhanced levels 

of insulation, controlled passive ventilation), sought to provide exemplars of new technologies and reduced 

heating bills for tenants and purchasers. 

Contracts on site during 2008 were at the following locations: Flemington phase 2, Balbriggan; Station 

Road, Portmarnock; Santry Demesne, Santry; Oldtown; Garristown; St. Brigids Park, Blanchardstown; 

Ringfort, Balrothery; Hamilton, Balbriggan; Moyclare and Pobalscoil Neassain, both Baldoyle. 

Garristown Library Malahide Castle 

Feasibility and Planning 

Feasibility studies were carried out for a number of sites throughout the county. Part XI consent was 

received for a 45-house development at Rowlestown. 

Completions – 

Social and affordable houses were completed by contractors under contracts administrated by the 

Architect’s Department or by consultants under the direction of the Architect’s Department in the 

following locations: Flemington, Balbriggan; Ringfort, Balrothery; Hamilton, Balbriggan; Pobalscoil 

Neassain and Moyclare, both Baldoyle.

Purchases – 

13 houses were purchased in 2008. 

Part V Inspections - 

Advice was given and inspections carried out as requested by the Housing Department. 

Voluntary Housing - 

Architectural advice given and / or houses inspected for the Housing Department in respect of projects at a 

number of locations. Ladyswell (Respond) and Malahide (Vincent de Paul) were completed in 2008. Sonas 

(Blanchardstown) and NABCO (Blanchardstown) were commenced. 

Accommodation for Travellers - 

Site assessment was in progress on 8 sites during 2008. 

Construction of a 10 house development is underway at Stockhole Lane. 

Tenders were received for a 10-bay halting site at New Road, Barn Lodge and a 10-unit housing scheme at 

Ardla. 

Environmental improvements were completed at Traveller accommodation sites throughout the county. 

112 maintenance requests were completed during 2008. 

House adaptations for persons with special needs- 

Adaptations completed: 54. 

Mapping Services – 

The Architects Department provided a mapping service for affordable and tenant purchase houses on 

request. 

Way leaves - 

254 way leave reports were carried out. 


64 


Housing Maintenance – 

The number of dwellings in the Council’s stock at the end of 2008 was 4318. 

9008 maintenance requests were dealt with during 2008. 

191 vacant houses were repaired prior to re-letting in 2008, a significant improvement on 2007 

External painting and repairs were carried out to Whitechapel Estate, and similar works were commenced 

at Corduff Estate, Corduff Grove and Corduff Park under the 2008 Cyclical Maintenance Programme. 

Central heating was installed in 163 dwellings. 

Energy Conservation measures were carried out in 1770 houses 

Central heating boiler maintenance carried out in 2138 houses. 

13 tenant induction courses were held for housing applicants moving into their new homes during 2008. 

Building Energy Rating (BER) 

In anticipation of the requirements of the Energy Performance of Buildings Regulations 2006 which 

become applicable to council dwellings on 1st January 2009, the Architects Department has provided 

training for a number of staff as Building Energy Rating (BER) assessors, who are now registered and 

carrying out certification as required. 

4. Cost Forecasting, Contract and Financial Management 

Housing capital projects 

Housing projects managed fully in house by the Architects Department – 

There were 9 projects on site or in maintenance. 42 certificates were issued in 2007 with a total value of 

¤22,832,285.00 

Housing projects managed by the Architects Department in partnership with outside Consultants – 

There were 10 projects on site or in maintenance. 55 certificates were processed to a value of 

¤12,324,126.00. 

Maintenance & Refurbishment managed fully in house by the Architects Department - 

There were 48 projects paid by certificates. 167 certificates were issued to the value of ¤6,221,505.00. 

There were 200 projects paid by invoice to the value of ¤2,000,000.00

Capital Projects managed fully in house by the Architects Department –. 

There were 8 projects on site or in maintenance. 15 certificates were issued to the value of ¤1,555,768.00 

Capital Projects managed by the Architects Department in partnership with outside Consultants – 

There are 2 projects on site or in maintenance. 4 certificates were processed to the value of ¤598,000.00 

Fee applications from outside Consultants – 

(Architects, Engineers, Civil / Structural and Mechanical and Electrical Engineers and Quantity Surveyors): 

Fees were checked and recommended for payment. The number of Consultants dealt with was approx. 37. 

94 no. certificates were issued to a value of ¤2,138,197.00. 

New Government Contracts - 

Submissions were received from 180 consulting firms for inclusion on 21 framework panels under the new 

contracts for each of the following consultants: architects, structural & civil engineers, mechanical, 

electrical & sustainability engineers, quantity surveyors, landscape architects, urban designers and fire 

consultants. The submissions were assessed and frameworks set up. Training courses on the new 

contracts were attended by all professional staff in the department 

Metal Bridge Strawberry Beds Hamilton Competition Photograph 


66 


TRANSPORTATION DEPARTMENT 

The Transportation Department is responsible for the efficient management or movement of people, 

vehicles, animals and goods in a safe, efficient, economical manner from place to place within Fingal via 

the public road network system. A public road means a road over which a public right of way exists and the 

responsibility for the maintenance of which lies with the local authority. It includes any street, lane, 

footpath, square, court, alley, passage, bridge, viaduct, underpass, overpass, flyover, tunnel, weighbridge, 

or toll plaza. It also includes ancillary items such as service areas, emergency telephone, first aid post, 

culvert, arch, gully, railing, fence, lay-by, hard shoulder, island, pedestrian refuge, median, central 

reserve, roundabout, pole, ramp, bollard, pipe, wire cable, sign, signal or lighting forming part of the road. 

The management of Fingal County Council’s Transportation Department is in line with the following main 

policy documents; 

National Development Plan 2007-2013 

Dublin Transportation Office, Strategy 2000-2016 A Platform for Change 

Road Safety Authority – Road Safety Strategy 2008-2012 

Fingal County Council Development Plan 2005-2011 

Fingal County Development Board Strategy – A Strategy For Economic, Social And Cultural 

Development in Fingal 2002 - 2011 

National Sustainable Development Strategy 

Regional Planning Guidelines 

National Spatial Strategy 

Transport 21 

The main pieces of enabling legislation are: 

Roads Act 1993 - 2007 

Road Traffic Acts 1961 to 2008 

Local Government (Planning & Development) Act 2000 - 2007

Transportation Process/Range of Services 

Democratic Process, 

County Council, Electoral 

Area & Strategic Policy 

Committee Meetings 

Public Consultation 

Planning, landuse and 

transportation planning, 

new road design, maintain 

existing road carrying 

capacity while facilitating 

development. Demand 

Management & sustainable 

transport initiatives 

Transportation Process/Range of Services 

Control of road usage, Bye-Laws, signing & 

lining, traffic calming, Intelligent Transport 

Systems, QBCs, Taking in charge, wayleaves, 

road closures, Section 254 Licence for street 

furniture, tourist signage 

Transportation 

Efficient, Safe, Accessible, 

Economical movement of people 

& goods, 

Finance 

Value for money, green 

procurement, agresso system, 

grants, levies, DTO and NRA. 


Safety & Health, Safe 

routes to school schemes, 

school warden service, 

cycle tracks, pedestrian 

ways & crossings, cycle & 

motorcycle & junior 

school warden training 

courses. Road accident 

statistics. Safe Pass & 

safety training 

Operations, repair, 

maintenance & reconstruction 

of network, 

Multi-annual road works, 

annual pavement 

maintenance, flood relief, 

public lighting, 

hedge/boundary, & cleaning 

programmes, Winter 

Maintenance 

The Transportation Department provides a wide range of services for the County of Fingal, including the 

design and construction of new roads, the improvement, maintenance and lighting of existing roads, the 

implementation of traffic management measures and the operation of a road safety section and school 

warden service. The Transportation Department acts as an agent for the National Roads Authority (NRA) 

for the management of the National Road Network which includes the motorways, in Fingal. The 

Department is also responsible for the taking in charge of roads, temporary and permanent closures of 

roads, the making of Bye-laws relating to roads and related areas (e.g. speed limits, parking places etc.).

68 


Road Design and Construction 

This Section is responsible for the preparation of the detailed designs and contract documentation for 

major road schemes throughout the County .The following schemes were under construction during 2008: 

1. Ballycoolin - Cappagh Road Improvement Scheme 

2. Balbriggan - Naul Road to White Hart Lane Link 

The Tyrellstown – Cherryhound Link Road Scheme has received approval from An Bord Pleanala. 

Design and tender documents are being prepared for the Ongar – Barnhill Road, Porterstown Link Road 

and the Swords Metro Quarter Schemes. 

Accessibility, Turnapin Lane Accessibility, Turnapin Lane 

Traffic and Planning Control 

The Traffic Section deals with a wide range of traffic control, traffic planning and traffic management 

issues, 

Forward planning of Transportation and Roads Issues, which includes the maintenance of the 

carrying capacity of the Roads Network. 

Assessing Transportation issues and providing recommendations for the County Development Plan 

and associated Local Area Plans

Assessment of transport implications of planning applications 

Travel Demand Management, the basic principle of which is to promote sustainable alternatives to 

the use of the car, i.e. park and ride facilities, walking, cycling and mobility management plans etc. 

Provision and maintenance of traffic signals 

Signing and paint marking/lining of road network. 

Traffic calming and management schemes, where the objective is to improve pedestrian safety, 

ease traffic congestion, improve accessibility for mobility impaired road users, and effectively 

manage parking. 

Facilitating the provision of the Quality Bus Network (QBC) for the Dublin Transportation Office 

(DTO) 

Traffic Elements in 2008 Details 

Traffic Lights 97 (83 on Remote Monitoring System) 

Pedestrian Lights 80 (70 on Remote Monitoring System) 

Toucan Lights 17 (11 on Remote Monitoring System) 

School Warning Signals 15 

Traffic Counters 14 (all on Remote Monitoring System) 

Quality Bus Network 

Blanchardstown North and South QBC Scheme completed in May 2008. 

N3 Inbound QBC – construction commenced in September 2008. 

Ballycoolin Bus Gate – construction commenced during 2008 

Blakestown Way and Castlekknock QBC Schemes – Preliminary Design and Public Consultation carried out 

during 2008. 

Fingal Cycle Parking Scheme at 4 schools completed during 2008 


70 


Pay and Display 

A Traffic Management Scheme incorporating Pay and Display for Rush was introduced during 2008. The 

Malahide, Balbriggan, Skerries and Swords Pay and Display Schemes continued to operate effectively. 

Planning Control Section 

The Planning Control Section is concerned with the Forward Planning and Planning Control of 

Transportation, Roads Matters and the Roads Network. The section contributes to the Fingal County 

Council Development Plan, Local Area Plans as well as Planning Control. The following table summarises 

the workload of the section: 

Breakdown of Files Received Year 2008 Year 2007 

Permission and Additional Information and Clarification of 

Additional Information 

Transportation Operations 

1373 1804 

Compliance 104 155 

Outline permission 7 5 

Pre-Planning files 3 30 

Retention 52 61 

Public Entertainment Licence 2 2 

Local Area Plans 0 0 

Appeals 3 Not Applicable 

Section 5 Declarations 19 Not Applicable 

Oral Hearings 2 3 

Correspondence 172 281 

TOTAL 1735 2,338 

The Roads Maintenance Section operating from Depots at Balbriggan, Swords and Coolmine undertook an 

extensive Programme of Works throughout 2008 comprising resurfacing, surface dressing, strengthening, 

drainage and flood relief works, remedying defects arising from wear and tear and pot-hole repairs on the 

county roads most in need of repair. Winter maintenance is a sophisticated and integral part of the 

operations programme, spanning from the beginning of November to the end of April. A system of Thermal 

Mapping has been undertaken on the Main road network and based on readings from strategically located

weather stations along the routes, which is fed into the computer system, the local authority carries out 

precautionary salting/gritting accordingly. 

Building Control Section 

The primary purpose of Building Regulations is to provide for the health, safety and welfare of people in 

and around buildings. In addition, the building regulations make provision for the special needs of disabled 

persons in relation to buildings and for the conservation of fuel and energy. 

Under the Building Control Act, 1990 - 2007 the Council is obliged to monitor and carry out inspections in 

respect of all new developments. The primary responsibility for observing the requirements of the Act falls 

on the persons who actually design and construct buildings and on the owners of buildings, who normally 

start this process. The inspection and enforcement powers conferred on Fingal Building Control 

Authorities are essentially supplementary to this primary statutory obligation. 

Fingal Building Control Section carries out random inspections of buildings and if necessary, the related 

design plans, to promote compliance with the Building Regulations. 

In 2008 the core issues were; 

Commencement Notices, 36% of individual buildings were inspected as a percentage of 

commencement notices received 

Applications for dispensation and relaxation. 

Enforcement. 

Inspections – Building Regulations Part A to Part M of Public and Private Buildings. 

Building Energy Regulations monitoring 

Sound Monitoring 

Materials monitoring in foundations 

Taking in charge or taking into maintenance of roads, buildings and services 

Promotion of good practice in building. In 2008 the Building Control Section issued advice notes on 

Sound, Materials used in Foundations, Energy Regulations and Taking in Charge Guidelines and 

Standards. 

Implementing the strategy and protocol for taking in charge 

Disabled persons grants, assessment and recommendations of applications. 


In 2008, 26 estates comprising of approximately 4030 dwellings, and 33km of roads, were taken into the 

charge of Fingal County Council.

72 


Fingal County Council and the National Disability Strategy 

The Disability Act, 2005 strengthened Fingal County Council’s commitment to serving it’s customer. The 

Council adopted the Barcelona Declaration in 2002. The promoting of social inclusion, universal 

accessibility, encouraging the creation by means of good design of a safe and barrier-free environment, 

which is easily negotiable by all our customers is embedded throughout Fingal County Council’s 

Development Plan 2005-2011. 

Another core objective of the Council’s Development Plan in serving all our customers is to enforce the 

Building Regulations, 1991, (as amended) and ensure that developments meet the requirements of the 

guidelines “Buildings for Everyone”, published by the National Disability Authority, August 2002. 

ACCESSIBILITY WORKS FOR 2008 

During 2008 “Fingal Access for All” group met 10 times to promote the objectives set in the “Fingal County 

Council Implementation Disability Plan 2008 – 2010”. Fingal County Council was nominated for a Chambers 

Ireland Award for the “Red Island, Skerries Harbour, Skerries Project”. 

Robswall Pedestrian Accessibility Project was completed 

Disabled Parking Bay Project was completed and the locations can be viewed on the Council’s 

website www.fingalcoco.ie 

The pedestrian crossing upgrade scheme to provide audible pedestrian facilities continued 

The group also contributed to the DOEHLG accessible coaches/bus stops working group 

35 Minor Accessible Works were completed to improve the quality of life for people with disabilities, these 

disabilities included physical, cognitive, sensory, aging etc, 

Fingal County Council will continue to build on these achievements. 

Mechanical and Electrical Division 

The Mechanical Section managed a fleet of 253 vehicles and plant associated with road maintenance and 

environmental services in 2008 and carried out its own vehicle repair service from depots at Swords and 

Coolmine. The section was also responsible for the maintenance of water and drainage pumping stations 

and treatment plants. 

During 2008, the Electrical Section managed the maintenance of approximately 30,500 public lights 

throughout Fingal.

Road Safety Section 

The Road Safety Section managed the School Warden Services. The total number of Wardens employed in 

2008 was 90 fulltime wardens and 30 reserve wardens. Managing and maintaining the School warden 

programme is an important aspect of the Road Safety Programme and this was done in 2008 through: 

Recruitment, training, supervision and administration of Adult School Wardens 

Training and supervision of pupils involved in junior school warden service 

Maintenance and upkeep of school crossing paint markings 

Inspection and maintenance of school crossing street furniture and signage 

Ensuring all crossings comply with the legislative requirements and best practice 

Annual school warden training seminar 

Road Safety in the County in 2008 continued through: 

Schools competition, art competition on road safety, judging and prize giving 

Production of information/campaign materials, leaflets, armbands, rulers and pencils with the 

safety message 

Motorcyclist Training Courses 

Pedal Cyclist training course 

Construction of cycle shelters in schools with grant aid from DTO 

Educational talks in schools 

Junior school warden training course 

Road Safety Week, Walk to School Day 

Road Safety Road Show in Helix Theatre for transition year students 

Promotion of the safe routes to schools and walking bus multi-agency approach 

Gardaí 

DTO 

School teachers 


74 


Roads and Traffic Department Key Statistics 

Road length by category 

2008 2007 2006 

National Roads including 

Motorways 76km 76km 76km 

Regional Roads 219km 219km 219km 

Local Roads 960km 927km 903km 

Service Indicator 

2008 2007 2006 

Cost per sq. m for surface dressing roads 

Percentage of Local and Regional Roads surface 

¤5.2 ¤6 ¤3 

dressed (Per square metre of road) 2.0% 3.4% 4.1% 

Transportation Administration 

The Transportation Department’s Administration Section dealt with 526 Questions and 228 Motions 

brought by the Elected Members at the monthly Area Committee Meetings and 35 Questions and 14 

Motions at full County Council Meetings held throughout 2008. 

During 2008, the Administration Section also dealt with: 

2008 2007 2006 

Wayleave/ Communications / 

Road Opening Licence Applications 

219 636 568 

Temporary Road Closure 28 31 48 

Applications - Taking in Charge Certificate 406 466 531 

Applications - Abnormal Load Permit 771 774 486 

Applications - Pay and Display 847 778 825 

Applications: - Residents permits, Visitor’s discs, Special permits (Malahide, Skerries, Balbriggan, Swords)

Environment Division 

Waste Recycling 

During 2008 a fortnightly green bin collection was introduced on a phased basis to all Fingal County 

Council customers. 

• Acceptance of paper, cardboard, tetra packs, aluminium cans and steel cans. 

• Cost of providing service in 2008 ¤8.5million. 

• Green Bins: 14,315 Tonnes shipped in 2008. 

Newspapers & Magazines 5,497 Tonnes 

Cardboard & paper 6866 Tonnes 

Aluminium Cans 73 Tonnes 

Steel Cans 179 Tonnes 

Tetra Pak 14 Tonnes 

117 Schools serviced with a fortnightly dry recyclable collection. 

• 4,784 apartments serviced with a weekly dry recyclable collection. 

Glass bottles and jars, clothes and drink cans collected at 77 bring banks located throughout Fingal 

plus 4 recycling centres (3 recycling centres from November 2008 following the closure of Balleally 

Civic Amenity). The tonnage collected from Bring banks in 2008 (does not include recycling centres) 

was as follows: 

• 4,201 tonnes of glass. 

• 22 tonnes of aluminium cans. 

• 209 tonnes of clothes. 

Composters sold at a subsidised rate to householders in Fingal County Council. 

• ¤32 for standard compost bin. 

• ¤64 for a rotating compost bin. 

• 4,232 composters sold up to end of year 2008. 


ENVIRONMENT, ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT 

The countywide rollout of the brown bin collection service started early in 2008 and continued 

throughout the year. Tonnage collected through the brown bins throughout 2008 totalled 9,481 

tonnes.

76 


Collection of household waste for disposal in landfill by way of the black bin collection system from 

customers availing of the Fingal bin collection service 

4 Recycling Centres 

Balleally Civic Amenity permanently closed to the public at the end of October 2008 to allow for the 

restoration of the landfill. 3 recycling centres remain in operation at the end of 2008: Balbriggan 

Recycling Centre, Coolmine Recycling Centre (Dublin 15) and Estuary Recycling Centre (Swords). 

Household Waste Collection Service. (Bulky Waste Collection) 2,178 households availed of the 

service in 2008. 

Implementation of the Waste Electronic & Electrical Equipment (WEEE) Regulations 2005 which 

became effective from 13th August 2005 continued during 2008. 

• All WEEE accepted free of charge from households at our 4 recycling centres (small WEEE only 

for Balbriggan). 

• Balleally Civic Amenity, Estuary Recycling Centre and Coolmine Recycling Centre accepting 

WEEE from registered retailers. 

• 1,813 tonnes of WEEE collected at recycling centres in 2008 (compared to 1,599 tonnes in 2007). 

Using results for 2006 census of a population of 239,992, this gives a rate of separate collection 

of 7.55 kg of WEEE per inhabitant at recycling centres. An additional 692 tonnes of WEEE were 

collected directly from Retailers premises in Fingal by European Recycling Platform. 

• 276 retail premises have registered under WEEE regulations in 2008. 

Kilshane Cross Recycling Park 

Collected 

Tonnes 

Recycled / 

Recovered 

Tonnes 

Estuary Recycling Centre 4,916 4,182 

Coolmine Recycling Centre 4,336 3,046 

Balleally Civic Amenity 5,512 1,545 

Balbriggan Recycling Centre 319 319 

• Site Development works were substantially completed during 2008. Ongoing assessment of the 

tenders submitted for the development and operation of the Biological Waste Treatment 

Facility.

Enforcement of Waste Management Act and Regulations 

6 separate prosecutions for breach of the Waste Management Acts 1996 were successful in 2008 

with fines and costs of ¤18,478 being imposed by the Courts. 

102 businesses were inspected for compliance with the Waste Management (Packaging) 

Regulations, 2003. 

21 Companies registered as self-compliers in 2008. 

5 Waste Permits were granted in 2008 for waste recovery facilities under the Waste Management 

(Permit) Regulations, 1998. 

3144 movements of hazardous waste consignments monitored and tracked in accordance with the 

Waste Management (Movement of Hazardous waste) Regulations, 1998. 

50 Waste collection permits have been granted in 2008 under the Waste Management (Collection 

Permit) Regulations, 2007. . 

Fingal County Council was awarded the ‘Local Authority of the Year 2008’ award at the Repak 

Awards during National Recycling Week. Fingal County Council was awarded this prestigious prize 

for significant achievements in the areas of recycling, environmental awareness, enforcement and 

innovation. Fingal County Council is the only local authority in the country to have been a finalist for 

this award every year since the awards scheme was introduced in 2002 and is the first local 

authority to have won the ‘Local Authority of the Year’ award twice, having previously been given 

this award in 2003. 

Waste Disposal 


Weekly collection of household waste for disposal from customers in the Fingal administrative 

area. 

Balleally Landfill in compliance with waste licence issued by the Environmental Protection Agency. 

The capping of the unlined part of Balleally Landfill and Cells 1,2,3 and 4 of the lined extension was 

completed in 2008 

Restoration of Dunsink Landfill is completed and is now in its aftercare phase. 

Proposed landfill at the Nevitt An application to An Bord Pleanála and the Environmental Protection 

Agency was made in 2006. An oral hearing was held in 2006 by the Board and subsequently 

reopened in September and October of 2008 to hear further evidence on archaeology and other 

matters, the outcome is still awaited. An oral hearing was held in March 2008 by the Environmental 

Protection Agency In November the Agency requested additional hydrogeological studies to be 

carried out and to be submitted to the Agency. These are being carried out.

78 


Annual Household Waste charging System 

Encouragement of householders to minimise the volume of waste produced – “Pay by Volume”. 

Adherence to the “Polluter Pays Principle”. 

¤8 each time 240L bin is presented for collection. 

¤4 each time 140L bin is presented for collection. 

In conjunction with the extension of the kerbside recycling collections and in addition to the original 

charging system an annual flat charge of ¤110 per year was introduced, on a phased basis, in June 


Waiver scheme in operation (10,216 Waivers Issued in 2008). 

Environmental Awareness 

Ongoing Public Awareness Campaign to promote and encourage household, business and youth 

waste reduction and recycling. 

Household Composting & Recycling Seminars and Information. 

An Taisce Green Schools Programme - 53 Green Schools in Fingal in 2008, 13 first flags. A total of 

112 flags, 29 new flags in 2008. 

In-house recycling of paper and magazines, batteries and mobile phones and cardboard. 

An Taisce National Spring Clean. 

Repak National Recycling Week. 

Awarded the Local Authority of The Year Award at the 2008 Repak Awards. 

Environmental articles published in each edition of Fingal News. 

LA Environmental Partnership Fund - awarded a total of ¤27,136 in 2008 to 13 local environmental 

projects. 

Education Programme continued in the Estuary Recycling Centre with 10 schools visiting in 2008. 

Resource conservation and waste management workshops 

Anti Litter and Graffiti calendars compiled from winning entries submitted by Fingal County Council 

primary and secondary school students. 

Fingal Cleaner Community Awards

• 326 entrants in 2008. 

• 148 prizes awarded to residents associations, community groups, schools & businesses. 

Litter Control 

Litter Management Section responsible for road sweeping, litter picking, fly tipping removal, bulky 

waste and emptying and replacement of litter bins. 

1,180 fines issued in 2008. 

The Litter Management Plan 2008-2011 was adopted by the Council at its meeting on 10th March 


Litter Freephone No. 1800 20 10 93. 

National Litter Pollution Monitoring System. 

16 abandoned vehicles and 59 burned out vehicles were removed in 2008. Additionally 195 residents 

availed of our service to have their end-of-life vehicle removed. 

Air Quality Control 

Provided on an agency basis by the Health Service Executive (HSE). 

5 air monitoring stations in Fingal measuring air quality. These are located at Cloghran, Swords, 

Malahide Balbriggan and Blanchardstown. 

A new Regional Air Quality Management Plan has being drafted in conjunction with Dublin City 

Council, Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council and South Dublin County Council. 

Sulphur Dioxide, Smoke, PM10, Nitrogen Dioxide, Carbon Monoxide, Benzene & Lead are measured. 

Measurements to date indicate all targets in the Plan are generally met. 

67 complaints re. air pollution received in 2008. 


80 


Noise Control 

Complaints investigated by Environmental Health Officers. 

Notices served where necessary. 

Non-compliance with Notice results in legal proceedings. 

203 complaints re. noise pollution received 2008. 

Residential complaints dealt with directly by householder in District Court under Section 108 of the 

Environmental Protection Agency Act 1992. 

Burial Grounds 

34 Burial Grounds operated and maintained by the Environment Department. 

Works to extend the burial ground in Mulhuddart commenced in 2008 

Beaches & Bathing Water 

48 kilometres (30 miles) of coastline in Fingal. 

9 designated beaches considered to be valuable recreational facilities. 

• Balbriggan, Skerries South, Loughshinny, Rush South, Portrane, Donabate, Malahide, 

Portmarnock, Sutton (Burrow Road). 

• Beach cleaning. 

• Access facilities. 

• Regular monitoring of seawater samples carried out to ensure compliance with EU Regulations. 

63 lifeguards employed at 14 stations from June to early September 2008. 

1 Blue Flag Beach at Balcarrick Beach, Donabate. 

1 Green Coast Award at Rush South Beach.

Dogs & Horses 

Harbours 

100 horses impounded at the Council’s pound in 2008. 

427 dogs seized and 208 surrendered to the Dog Pound in 2008. 

3,093 dogs licensed in Fingal in 2008. 

Following a partial collapse in Balbriggan harbour in 2005 repair works commenced in 2006 and 

completed in 2007. A detailed investigation of options for longer term rehabilitation of Skerries pier 

and Balbriggan harbour is being undertaken. The costs of such repairs are likely to be significant 

and sourcing funding will be difficult. 

IBAL presentation to Fingal in recognition of Howth as winner of IBAL anti-litter league 2008. 


82 


FINGAL COUNTY COUNCIL RECYCLING AND WASTE MANAGEMENT ENVIRONMENT 

PERFORMANCE INDICATORS 2008 

PERFORMANCE INDICATORS 

Waste Arisings (WA) and Recycling 

2008 2007 2006 

Domestic Waste to Landfill 54,458 61,216 64,252 

Tonnage Household Recycled 27,839 25,637 23,238 

Tonnage Composted (Brown Bin) 9,481 3,589 1,969 

Domestic WA from household (landfill & recycling) 91,778 90,442 89,459 

Commercial Waste to Balleally 58,005 61,773 65,819 

Tonnage C&D Waste Recycled at Balleally 0 0 0 

Tonnage Bulky Waste (Coolmine & Estuary) 2,017 1,921 1,426 

Tonnage Thermally Treated (Regional Facility) 0 0 0 

Waste Management Resources (LA) 

No. Civic Amenity 3 4 4 

No. Bring Banks 77 79 79 

Households with Green Bins 86,600 86,093 81,593 

Legislation and Enforcement (LA) 

No. Litter Wardens 6 6 6 

No. Litter Fines issued 1180 1,141 1,240 

No. Litter Fines Paid 712 687 867 

Total Value Litter Fines Paid ¤107,220 ¤99,225 ¤109,665 

Waste Packaging Regulations (e.g. packaging or permit regs) 

No. Businesses member of Repak 355 321 298 

No. Self Compliant Businesses (to Fingal County Council) 21 18 15 

Environmental Resources 

No. Green Flags (Green Schools) 53 40 31 

No. Blue Flag Beaches 1 2 3

ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT DIVISION 

1. Fingal County Council Industrial Parks 

Damastown Industrial Park 

• 38 firms operating within the park 

• 6 site disposals agreed subject to contract. 

• Balance of undeveloped lands being marketed for sale 

Fingal Bay Business Park, Balbriggan Drinan Enterprise Centre, Swords 

Coolmine Industrial Estate 

• 55 small firms operating within 12.14 hectares 

Stephenstown Industrial Park, Balbriggan 

• 7 Companies operating within the Park 

• Urban Design Plan is currently being prepared in accordance with the Stephenstown, 

Clogheder, Clonard Local Area Plan. 

• 10 acres of General Industry Lands to be available for marketing in 2009. 


84 


Bay Business Park, Balbriggan 

• 22 own door units fully occupied and operational. 

• Passport Office and Bridgestone Ireland operating within Park. 

College Business & Technology Park, 

• Joint venture with I.D.A.Ireland 

• The Institute of Technology, Digiweb and a crèche operate within the 93.07 hectares park. 

• Brochure being prepared to market the remaining lands. 

Lanistown, Turvey 

• 40 hectares of Industrial land on the R132 within 1 kilometre of the M1 at Lissenhall. 

• Construction of major logistics development for Tesco complete. 

2. Enterprise Centres 

2 Enterprise Centres operating in Parslickstown and Balbriggan providing start up business and 

training facilities. 

New Enterprise Centre in Drinan, Swords in progress which is due for completion late 2009. 

3. Promotion of Tourism 

Financial support by the Council to the administration and operation of Fingal Tourism and Dublin 

Tourism was continued. 

The Council continued its support of tourism through its membership on the board of Fingal 

Tourism 

Fingal Tourism participated in a programme of trade and consumer fairs, in-store promotions, 

targeted advertising, public relations and direct mailing campaigns, tourism guides and an updated 

tourism website. 

Website address for Fingal Tourism is www.fingal-dublin.com

4. Other Economic Development Projects: 

Nursing Home complete and operating at Elmgreen. 

Planning Lodged for Town Development at New Street, Swords 

Planning permission for Hotel at Elmgreen. Contracts under negotiation 

5. Economic Planning /Marketing and Promotion 


Metro North Economic Corridor: 

The Economic Development Division completed and launched the Economic Development Strategy 

for the Metro North Economic Corridor during May 2008. The Strategy identifies the long term 

economic development opportunities that will arise from the construction of Metro North. The 

Corridor comprises the one kilometre of lands on either side of the proposed Metro North Line, and 

includes the areas of Lissenhall, Swords, Dublin Airport and the City Fringe. Indecon Economic 

Consultants assisted the Council in producing this strategy. The strategy will inform future policy 

decisions for the area. 

The ‘Dublin Fingal – Ireland’s Prime Investment Location’ marketing initiative was successfully 

launched during 2008. This investment brochure which highlights the opportunities and advantages 

to businesses of locating/investing in Fingal was distributed nationally and internationally during 

the year. The brochure was also distributed in China during the Enterprise Ireland Trade Mission to 

China in October 2008. 

The Economic Development Division carried out numerous marketing campaigns that promoted 

Fingal as a business friendly location. The division also continued its support of the Fingal Day of 

Enterprise which proves very popular with existing small businesses and those considering setting 

up new businesses in Fingal. 

The inaugural Fingal Business Incubation Day was held in December 2008, during which, the 

facilities and services available in the County’s many enterprise centres were promoted. 

Fingal Business and Employment Survey 2008: 

The Fingal Skills Observatory, a partnership of 15 local and national development agencies led by 

Fingal Council, carried out the third Fingal Business and Employment Survey which gathered much 

needed information on issues such as business competitiveness, infrastructural requirements, 

future staffing and skills needs. This information will be used to inform future policy decisions that 

will be of concern to Fingal Businesses. 

Commercial Property Listing: 

The web-based Fingal Commercial Property Listing continued to prove popular with Fingal 

businesses. The listing is a free service to Fingal businesses, and lists Commercial and Enterprise 

space, Industrial Units and Lands available to rent, lease or buy in Fingal. This database was added 

to the Fingal County Council website to help businesses find space suitable to their requirements.

86 


6. European Section 

The Edge Cities Network 

The Network was launched in 1996 and brings together towns and cities on the edge of major European 

capital cities. Network partners identified their shared economic and social challenges due to their 

location. Current Network partners are Fingal, Dublin; North Down, Belfast; Ballerup, Copenhagen; 

Getafe, Madrid; Nacka, Stockholm and, a new recruit, Grodzisk, Poland. Our colleagues in the 

Municipality of Getafe, Madrid are the current holders of the presidency of the Network. At the 

Presidency Ceremony in October, Getafe expressed their objectives for their Presidency would include; 

• Extending the Network 

• Consolidate the Network cooperation between partners 

• Develop more common projects with or without EU funding 

Completion of a new web page www.edgecitiesnetwork.org.eu reflects the revitalized activities of the 

Network 

AIREA Project: 

The Airport Regions Conference ARIEA project - Airport Regions E-Learning Academy – is currently 

funded under the EU Funding Programme. The project is in the process of developing a new and 

improved pan-European range of vocational training options for the aviation logistics and airport 

related industries. Its partners are drawn from Sweden, Latvia, Ireland and Spain. 

CSR4U Project: 

Fingal County Council completed it’s involvement in the implementation of the two-year EU funded 

project entitled ‘CSR4U - Mainstreaming Corporate Social Responsibility among SMEs’. The CSR4U 

project demonstrated how responsible corporate practice can benefit all stakeholders in a business 

including employees, suppliers and local communities, as well as making a positive contribution to the 

image and profits of SMEs. Year one of the project had been concentrated in the Fingal area and 

involved the design of a CSR pilot programme. Year two completed the national rollout of the Fingal 

programme at various regional centres throughout the country. 

7. Dangerous Structures/Places/Derelict Sites 

82 properties rendered safe/non-derelict in 2008 

2 properties entered in Derelict sites register at the 31st December 2008

PLANNING DEPARTMENT 

Planning Applications 

The number of planning applications received was 2235, (of which 471 were declared invalid). This 

represents a decrease of 16% on the 2007 figure. This trend reflects the downturn in the economy 

experienced in the latter part of 2008. 

Green Infrastructure Conference 

Major Planning Applications 

The following major applications, which were accompanied by an E.I.S., were submitted. 

F08A/1057 


A seven year permission for development at Pavilions Shopping Centre, Swords. The proposed 

development comprises the construction of Pavilions Phase 3, a mixed-use town centre development. 

F08A/1068 

A five year temporary permission for the construction of an at-grade car park with 3,100 no. spaces 

together with associated internal roads, bus parking, bus shelters, etc., at lands along Collinstown Road 

with vehicular access to the proposed car park from a priority junction on Collinstown Road. 

F08A/1107 

Realignment of St Margaret’s Road from its junction with Sillogue Lane to its junction with Ballymun Road 

R108 and includes modifications to a previously Part 8 proposal. The site is located on the North Ballymun 

Lands and is bounded by the Ballymun United Football Club lands, by the IKEA site and other development 

lands to the east and development lands to the south and Sillogue Lane to the west.

88 


F08A/1217 

Permission to environmentally remediate an area of 1.5 hectares on part of its land at Clonshaugh. The 

area is bounded to the south by the N32 carriageway, to the north and east by IDA lands and by private 

lands to the west. 

F08A/1329 

A ten year planning permission to construct a development incorporating 532 no. dwellings, the Balbriggan 

C-Ring Road and boulevard, a major Class 1 public park and an urban square/civic space. The proposed 

development is located within the northern area of the Balbriggan Local Area Plan (LAP) lands. . This 

development represents Phase 2 of the development of the Balbriggan LAP lands (Phase 1 - Reg. Ref. 

F07A/1249). 

F08A/1425 

To erect 538 dwelling units, local shops and serviced offices, a crèche 909, surface and underground car 

parking spaces, together with, landscaping, roads and infrastructure services on a site in Diswellstown, 

Castleknock, Dublin 15, bounded by Burnell Park, Mulberry Park and housing fronting Carpenterstown 

Road to the North, the M50 Motorway to the East, Diswellstown House (a Protected Structure) and 

Luttrellstown Road to the South and St. Patrick’s School and Diswellstown Roundabout to the West. 

Performance Indicators 

2008 2007 2006 

New Applications Registered 2235 2584 2736 

(471 invalid) (480 invalid) (463 invalid) 

Number of Applications Determined 2116 2241 2332 

% of Grants 75% 82% 79% 

% of Refusals 25% 18% 21% 

% Determined within 2 months 75% 73% 72% 

Number of A applications received 1474 1726 1949 

(326 invalid) (336 invalid) (353 invalid) 

Number of B applications received 761 858 787 

(145 invalid) (144 invalid) (110 invalid)

Variations of the County Development Plan 

1. 

2. 

Lands at Old Golf 

Links Malahide 

Additions to the 

Record Of Protected 

Structures 

3. Lusk 

4. 

Lands at Northwood, 


5. Mulhuddart Bridge 

6. 

Kellystown, Dublin 

15 

Local Area Plan 

Hollywood Rath local area plan amendment - adapted on 11th February 2008. The amendment to this LAP 

was in relation to the detail of the programme for phasing of development. 

Swords Town Plan 

To ensure that the maximum height of proposed dwelling 

units on this Site are regulated 

14/01/08 

Various 14/04/08 

Consolidate the planned growth, Protect and enhance the 

area 

• Rezoning from ‘ST’ to ‘NC’ and ‘ST’ to ‘RS’ 

• Inclusion of local objectives 

Delete Mulhuddart Bridge from the Record of Protected 

Structures 

Rezoning from ‘GB’ to ‘Rs1’ ‘OS’ to ‘SC’ and ‘GB’ to ‘OS’ and 

new local objective 

12/05/08 

20/05/08 

10/06/08 

14/07/08 

7. Swords Vision for emerging City 14/07/08 

8. 

Lands at 

Hacketstown, 

Skerries, (Skerries 

Relief Road) 


To provide for a relief road to the South of lands forming part 

of the Hacketstown LAP 

08/09/08 

Fingal County Council remains committed to producing a comprehensive Town Plan for Swords, the 

primary intention and focus being to incorporate and optimise the opportunities surrounding the arrival of 

Metro North to Swords (Belinstown), by circa 2014. Swords needs a new Town Plan to ensure it can 

properly plan for and deliver future economic prosperity and quality of life for its residents in a sustainable 

way. 

In 2008, a Strategic Vision for Swords (covering the period 2008-2035) was produced, which will assist in 

guiding and directing the preparation of a statutory Plan for Swords. It was considered necessary and 

appropriate to produce this non-statutory vision as an interim guidance document pending the preparation 

of the statutory plans, which have been delayed as a result of DOEHLG requirements in respect of 

Appropriate Assessment, given the potential impact large scale development in Swords could have on the 

Broadmeadow Estuary (a Natura 2000 site).

90 


Further to the DOEHLG guidance issued since February 2008 (re. Natura 2000 sites), work has commenced 

in relation to the required Appropriate Assessment for the Town Plan or any interim LAP in Swords. The 

initial focus of the Council’s work in respect of the Appropriate Assessment relates to the impact of 

wastewater discharge from the Swords WWTP to the Broadmeadow Estuary and secondly the impact of 

human interference (as a result of visitors or an increase in visitors) to the Broadmeadow Estuary. 

Preliminary work in respect of the Appropriate Assessment for Swords will be completed late 2009. This 

will correspond with the publication of the Draft County Development Plan and as such it is likely that the 

Council will take this opportunity to incorporate its Strategic Vision and proposed rezonings for Swords at 

this time. 

In January 2009, following significant consultation and work during 2008, the Planning Authority produced 

the Swords Town Masterplan, in compliance with Objective U01 of the County Development Plan. This 

document offers guidance in respect of urban design and architectural matters in the core town centre 

area of Swords, further advancing and enlightening the public in respect of the Council’s plans for the 

Town Centre, which fully embrace and maximise the opportunities of Metro North (scheduled to 

commence its public enquiry March 2009). 

Enforcement Statistics 

Enforcement 

2008 2007 2006 

Total number of cases subject to 

complaints that are investigated 456 597 605 

Total number of cases subject to 

complaints that are dismissed 323 128 130 

Number of enforcement procedures 

taken through warning letters 280 333 352 

Number of enforcement procedures 

taken through enforcement notices 104 137 96 

Number of prosecutions 28 (39) (34) 

(District – 157) 19 (29) (18) 

(High Court/Circuit 160) 9 (10) (16)

Building Control 

A total of 430 applications for Fire Safety Certificates were received and dealt with during the year. 

Commencement Notices were received in respect of 720 developments. 

Road naming and number schemes were received and approved in respect of 22 schemes. 

Outside Bodies 

In the course of the year the Council was represented by Planning Department staff on the following 

outside bodies: 

Regional Planning Guidelines Technical Working Group 

Airport Regions Conference (ARC), comprising local authorities of the European Union and the 

Accession States having major airports located in their area. The Presidency of ARC is currently 

held by Fingal County Council. 

Dublin Regional Group – 2030 Strategy Integration. 

School Liaison Committee - Department of Education and Science. 

Bonds and Contributions 

Planning and Development Act 2000 – Section 48 Development Contribution Scheme 


A sum of ¤31.79 million was collected under the Scheme and phasing arrangements are either agreed or 

under negotiation in respect of all live applications as provided for by legislation.

92 


Strategic Infrastructure Act 

The Planning and Development (Strategic Infrastructure) Act 2006 made significant changes to the way 

strategic infrastructure developments are determined within the planning system. 

Strategic infrastructure development can generally be described as development which is of strategic 

economic or social importance to the State or a region. It also includes development which will contribute 

significantly to the fulfilment of any of the objectives of the National Spatial Strategy or any regional 

planning guidelines for an area, or which would have a significant effect on the area of more than one 

planning authority. 

To date there has been four developments proposed in the Fingal Council Council area: 

Re-Opening Railway line between Clonsilla and Pace 

Dublin Airport Multi-storey Car Park and Hotel 

Railway Order 2008 Metro North 

East-West Interconnector Project : Rush – Woodland HVDC Underground Cable Route 

Fingal Heritage Plan 

The Heritage Plan is a five year action plan which deals with all aspects of our heritage including our 

wildlife, coast and countryside, our architectural heritage, our archaeology, our local history and culture. 

All of the actions stem from the belief that our heritage sustains and strengthens local communities and 

makes a unique contribution to ensuring a good quality of life for everyone. 

The Heritage Plan is a partnership plan prepared with the active involvement of the Fingal Heritage Forum, 

which represents the wide range of statutory and voluntary organisations concerned with heritage issues 

in Fingal. The Plan was formulated by the Forum and the public also had an opportunity to input to the 

process. The Plan was adopted by the Council in July 2005. 

A total of ¤162,000 was spent by the Council on Heritage Plan projects in 2008. The Council also 

successfully competed for and received funding of over ¤67,000 from The Heritage Council. The 

implementation of the Plan is led by the Council’s Heritage Officer. 

During 2008 work was undertaken on a wide range of projects including the following: 

Fingal Historic Bridges Project: Consultants have been appointed to undertake an engineering, 

archaeological, architectural and ecological survey of 15 Historic Road Bridges in Fingal. The 

resulting report includes detailed baseline information on all the bridges and makes short-, 

medium- and long-term recommendations for their care and conservation. 

Green Infrastructure - Connecting Nature, People and Places. This conference took place on 4th 

and 5th November 2008 in the Grand Hotel, Malahide and brought together practitioners from home 

and abroad to share experience in “green infrastructure” planning and development. Over 270 

delegates attended the Conference from both public and private sectors from all parts of the 

country. A total of 14 invited speakers made presentations over the two day period. Feedback from

oth delegates and speakers has been very positive and there is no doubt that the event was a great 

success. 

Discovering Historic Fingal – A Guide to the Study of Monuments, Historic Buildings and 

Landscapes was published and launched by the Mayor of Fingal, Cllr. Michael O’Donovan and 

County Manager, David O’Connor on 8 December 2008 in County Hall, Swords. Nearly 900 copies 

have been circulated to schools, local historical societies and individuals. 

Historic Landscape Characterisation for Balbriggan and Environs: Consultants were appointed in 

late 2008 and work is ongoing with the consultants to finalise the project. The project is due for 

completion by mid-March 2009. 

Habitat and Species survey of Fingal’s Rivers: An Ecological Study of the Delvin River was 

completed in December 2008. No detailed studies had previously been carried out on the ecology of 

the Delvin River. The study provides baseline ecological data for future monitoring purposes and 

enables the preparation of a list of actions that will protect and improve the river habitat in the 

future. This will also inform the preparation of action plan for Fingal’s rivers in the Fingal 

Biodiversity Action Plan. 

Fingal Historic Graveyards Project: Consultants were appointed in 2008 to survey nearly 60 historic 

graveyards in the County with a view to providing baseline data in relation to the archaeological, 

architectural and cultural heritage of these sites. Work will be completed in early 2009. 

Heritage Week: The Council also supported Heritage Week in the county by providing limited 

support to a number of groups to run events and by advertising events taking place in the county in 

the local press. 

Appropriate Assessments 


On 15th February 2008 the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government issued 

Circular Letter SEA 1/08 & NPWS 1/08 to all planning authorities in relation to the requirements of the 

Habitats Directive (Council Directive 92/43/EEC on the conservation of natural habitats and of wild fauna 

and flora), and the need to provide a high level of protection for sites of international importance for nature 

conservation, namely Special Areas of Conservation (SACs) and Special Protection Areas (SPAs). Planning 

authorities are now required to ensure that all land-use plans (including development plans, local area 

plans and variations to development plans) are screened to fulfil the legal obligations for “appropriate 

assessment” as required by the Habitats Directive, and where necessary to ensure that full “appropriate 

assessment” is carried out. In cases where full “appropriate assessment” is required this also triggers a 

requirement for a Strategic Environmental Assessment to be carried out. 

These new requirements meant that in 2008 several scheduled Local Area Plans were delayed.

94 


Green Infrastructure 

Ireland is known the world over for its landscapes, its countryside and its natural riches, but how many of 

us who live in our growing urban areas have access to high quality natural areas? How many of us realize 

the vital environmental benefits that these areas provide us with? How does green space benefit our 

economy and our communities? A successful conference which addressed these issues took place last 

autumn hosted by Fingal County Council in association with The Heritage Council. Green Infrastructure - 

Connecting Nature, People and Places, took place on 4th and 5th November 2008 at the Grand Hotel, 

Malahide and brought together experts from home and abroad to share experience in “green 

infrastructure” planning and development. 

The term “green infrastructure” recognises that natural areas and green space plays a huge role in our 

lives and delivers many environmental, economic and social benefits to society. For example, a green 

corridor along a river provides a haven for wildlife, controls water pollution and reduces flood risk, as well 

as providing opportunities to enjoy nature and the outdoors. Green infrastructure includes the network of 

parks and open spaces, nature conservation areas, rivers, floodplains, coastal areas, uplands, wetlands, 

woodlands, and open countryside all around us. 

More and more it is being recognised internationally that we need to plan and invest in our green 

infrastructure in the same way we plan and invest in our roads and water services, in our schools and 

hospitals. This kind of innovative approach is about planning for development and for the environment in 

an integrated way so that we create and sustain a high quality of life for all our communities. As one of the 

keynote speakers at the Conference, Prof. Richard Forman of Harvard University said: “We need to mould 

the land so that nature and people thrive”. This is particularly relevant for Fingal, Ireland’s fastest growing 

County, where the pace of economic and residential growth in recent years has been unprecedented. 

The conference outlined a number of practical ways forward from around the world for policy makers and 

showcased a new way of thinking and new creative solutions. The conference, organised by the Planning 

Department, was the first of its kind in Ireland and was attended by over 270 delegates from all parts of the 

Country and from abroad. 

Conference presentations are available at: 

http://www.fingalcoco.ie/Planning/ConservationHeritage/GreenInfrastructure/ 

“Green Infrastructure Conference, Gerry Clabby Heritage Officer of Fingal County Council, Ciaran O’Keeffe, Director, 

National Parks & Wildlife Service, Prof. Richard Forman, Harvard University, Minister John Gormley, Minister for 

Environment, Heritage and Local Government, Councillor Michael O’Donovan, Mayor of Fingal County Council and 

Michael Starrett, C.E.O., Heritage Council.

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY 

Projects 


The Information Technology (IT) Department has been working with various Council departments on a 

number of ongoing major projects and also on various infrastructural and governance issues relating to IT, 

all with a view to improving services to the staff and the citizens of Fingal including: 

The procurement of a new Integrated Housing Application to manage all aspects of the Housing 

business process 

The introduction of the Customer Relations Management system on a pilot basis in the IT 

Department 

The purchase of a module linked to the APAS Planning system to facilitate the management of the 

Housing Part V process 

The purchase of a module linked to APAS Planning system to manage the Building Control 

inspection process 

The changes to the look and feel of the Council’s web site, the introduction of Irish language pages, 

internet photography as well as new analytical software to monitor the effectiveness of the site. 

The extensive use of a new web based application to facilitate the collection of the Annual Refuse 

Charges, over 60 % of revenue in this area is collected in this fashion 

The provision of all of the required links and IT equipment to facilitate the opening of the new 

library in Malahide and the extension of the Internet booking system to additional branches 

The extension of the Document Management System to the Environment Department. 

The extension of the Project Management system to monitor and control all the Council’s capital 

projects and the enhancement of the GIS (Geographical Information System) features of this facility. 

The expansion of the GIS data capture and scope of the Greater Blanchardstown Initiative 

The development of the inter-agency Fingal Data Hub and the co-ordination of all the data sets 

involved

96 

Hardware 


The introduction of the Spatial Intranet 

Application to replace the existing method of 

delivering digital mapping to all areas of the 

Council 

The introduction of Location Publisher to 

facilitate the improvement of digital mapping 

on the Council’s web site 

The continuation of a wide ranging governance 

program to ensure that Information 

Technology complies with the best industry 

practice including the encryption of Council 

owned laptops 

Improvement of Service Provision on the Local 

Area Network (LAN) including the upgrades of 

the primary link between County Hall and the 

Blanchardstown offices, the upgrade of the 

Blanchardstown/Ballycoolen link and the 

introduction of broadband services, where 

available, to remote sites and any staff working 

from home 

The upgrading of existing Payroll and Human 

Resources applications. 

IT Department installed 190 new PCs and 80 

Laptops with the XP/Windows 2000 operating 

system during the year. Most of these were 

part of the cyclical replacement of older 

machines, while the increased number of 

laptops reflects the trend towards mobile 

working. 

The IT Department continued to operate its policy of replacing stand-alone printers with group 

network printers, which provides greater efficiencies for the printing process. 45 new network 

printers were installed in 2008 most of these were replacement of older printers. 

The Council Local Area Network (LAN) and Wide Area Network (WAN) now supports over 1,100 

devices, including PCs, Printers, Plotters, Scanners and Active Equipment in over thirty locations 

throughout the County.

HUMAN RESOURCES 

Recruitment 

Fingal County Council employed 1593 staff (FTE) at the 31/12/2008 as detailed in the following table :- 

Permanent Temporary Total 

Administration 573 12 585 

Professional 144 14 158 

Technical 206 10 216 

Craft 87 - 87 

General Workers 530 17 547 

Total 1540 53 1593 

Total of 32 Recruitment competitions held in 2008. 


NAME GRADE RETIRED 

JOHN MULVANEY INSPECTOR 04/01/2008 

GEORGE GAFFNEY DRIVER 04/01/2008 

GEORGE WALSH DRIVER 25/01/2008 

SEAN RYAN WATCHMAN 31/01/2008 

MICHAEL LYNCH SENIOR PARKS SUPERINTENDENT 01/02/2008 

CHARLIE BROHOON SENIOR EXECUTIVE OFFICER 15/02/2008 

SEAMUS SCULLY TRACTOR DRIVER 15/02/2008 

ELIZABETH KEENAN LIBRARY ASSISTANT 06/03/2008 

MICHAEL O PREY MOBILE LIBRARY DRIVER 31/03/2008 

EILEEN BOLES SCHOOL WARDEN 31/03/2008 

GREG PATTEN ASST. HEAD OF I.T. 14/04/2008 

JAMES MALONE DRIVER 18/04/2008 

PETER SHEEHAN DRIVER 21/04/2008 

MARY MC GUIRK CLEANER 23/04/2008 

PADDY O’REILLY INSPECTOR 29/04/2008

98 


JOSEPH POOLE CARPENTER 06/05/2008 

DERMOT MILNER EXECUTIVE TECHNICIAN 08/05/2008 

JOHN WALSH GENERAL OPERATIVE 16/05/2008 

BILL O’BRIEN SENIOR EXECUTIVE ENGINEER 16/05/2008 

ULTAN MC MANUS CHIEF TECHNICIAN 17/06/2008 

MONICA FARRELL SCHOOL WARDEN 27/06/2008 

SHEILA O’REILLY SCHOOL WARDEN 27/06/2008 

P.J. BYRNE EXECUTIVE LAND SURVEYOR 30/06/2008 

FRANK BEHAN STOREMAN 16/07/2008 

MICHAEL O ROURKE GANGER 30/07/2008 

TONY O’REILLY INSPECTOR 20/08/2008 

PHYLLIS KERNAN SUPERVISOR OF CLEANERS 24/08/2008 

MICHAEL DUNNE DRIVER 01/09/2008 

PATRICK GODDARD CLERICAL OFFICER 05/09/2008 

JOHN CAMPBELL STAFF OFFICER 19/09/2008 

JOSEPH HEFFERNAN ASSISTANT STAFF OFFICER 19/09/2008 

PAUL DOYLE CLERICAL OFFICER 26/09/2008 

PHILIP GILMARTIN DRIVER 01/10/2008 

MARION COAKLEY LIBRARIAN 03/10/2008 

PEGGY FIELDS SCHOOL WARDEN 25/10/2008 

PATRICK DALY WATER INSPECTOR 03/11/2008 

SEAMUS MULDOON FILING CLERK 31/12/2008 

MAUREEN MOLONEY ASSISTANT STAFF OFFICER 31/12/2008

TRAINING 

29 different types of courses run 

206 in-house training days provided 

963 training places availed of for in-house training courses 

Average attendance for in-house training courses was 80% 

120 employees availed of the Staff Education Scheme 

Performance Indicators 

Corporate Health - Percentage of days lost to sickness absence - 4.82% 

Industrial Relations 

Council maintained its good industrial relations record. 


100 


Health & Safety 

The following activities were carried out by the H&S Unit in 2008: 

4 meetings of the Safety Consultative Committee were held 

Section Safety Committees are active in all Departments 

115 safety audits/inspections were carried out; 

The Corporate Safety Statement was revised and issued to all members of staff 

20 Ancillary Safety Statements were prepared or revised 

2 Policy documents were prepared 

6 Safe Operating Procedures were prepared or revised 

12 Hazard Identification and Risk Control Sheets were prepared or revised 

A Lone Worker Alarm System was provided 

The 2nd Safety Representatives’ Annual Conference was held 

5 Fire Drills were monitored 

Safety Training 

The 14 members of the in-house training team continue to provide safety training to members of staff. 8 of 

them were appointed by FÁS as approved Signing and Lighting at Roadworks Instructors. An additional 3 

Manual Handling Instructors were trained. 

7 Different training courses provided 

70 Training days provided 

508 members of staff attended safety training 

Average attendance was 88%

FINANCE DEPARTMENT 

The Finance Department deals with the short and long term financing of the Council’s operations both of a 

Revenue and Capital nature 

This involves:- 

monitoring and controlling income and expenditure in all areas 

arranging borrowing and leasing requirements and 

investment of funds 

The Finance Department also ensures that statutory and financial accounting principles, which apply to all 

money, paid by, or to, the Council are complied with. The Annual Financial Statement (end of year 

accounts) are prepared on the basis of full accruals accounting i.e. expenditure and income and the 

balance sheet. 

The Council’s revenue or day-to-day expenditure is defrayed from sources such as:- 

Commercial Rates 

Government Grants 

various other forms of income such as :- 

• housing rents 

• planning application fees 

• commercial water charges, etc. 


The amount of capital money available is dependent on Government allocations in the areas of Housing, 

Transportation, Water Services and Environmental Services.

102 


Key Developments 2008 

New Costing System: The costing project was completed in 2008 which brought in a new reporting 

format for Annual Budget and Annual Financial Statements for 2008. 

Water Metering Project: Non-domestic water metering now completed. Full handover due by end of 

2009. 

Revaluation: Revaluation Process on schedule for completion by 31 December 2009. Draft 

Valuation Certificates to issue in June 2009. 

Prompt Payment of Accounts Act 1997 

The Prompt Payment of Accounts Act 1997 and the European Communities (Late Payment in Commercial 

Transactions) Regulations 2002 aims to ensure that all Public Bodies and Contractors on public sector 

contracts pay amounts due to suppliers promptly. In the event of a payment not being made within a 30 day 

period from the date of receipt of their invoice, there is an obligation to pay an interest penalty. 

Constant monitoring of the level and nature of outstanding invoices was conducted throughout the year 

and action was taken where appropriate to ensure compliance with the Act. 

In the course of the year 2008 no interest penalties were incurred by the Council. 

Performance Indicators: 

Commercial Rates 

2008 2007 2006 

(Amount collected as % of amount due) 94.97% 96.00% 95.68% 

Commercial Water/Wastewater Charges 

(Amount collected as % of amount due) 78.71% 84.15% 86.22%

CAPITAL ACCOUNT STATEMENT 

FOR YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2008 

Expenditure (Net of Internal Transfers)* 


DRAFT 2008 

¤ 

Housing and Building 145,005,241 105,960,164 

2007 

¤ 

Road Transporation & Safety 82,448,110 78,401,184 

Water Supply & Sewerage 64,867,501 71,835,063 

Development Incentives & Controls 48,019,430 40,942,140 

Environmental Protection 15,588,183 21,320,304 

Recreation & Amenity 56,359,095 22,113,425 

Miscellaneous Services 839,596 2,758,317 

Income (Net of Internal Transfers)* 

413,127,156 343,330,597 

Housing and Building 96,297,588 99,326,606 

Road Transporation & Safety 33,177,241 49,905,543 

Water Supply & Sewerage 42,641,695 44,067,536 




Miscellaneous Services 3,715,879 4,085,631 

312,958,740 416,159,176 

Surplus/(Deficit) for year (100,168,416) 72,828,579 

Balance (Debit)/Credit @ 1st January 74,345,615 1,517,036 

Balance (Debit)/Credit @ 31 December (25,822,801) (74,345,615) 

*Excludes internal transfers, includes transfers to and from Revenue account

104 


REVENUE ACCOUNT STATEMENT 

FOR YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2008 

Expenditure 

DRAFT 2008 

¤ 

2007 

¤ 

Housing & Building 37,244,520 29,351,188 

Roads Transportation & Safety 38,300,050 38,218,503 

Water & Sewerage 48,085,735 45,991,897 




Agriculture, Education, Health & Safety 13,007,713 12,091,657 

Miscellaneous 13,965,643 12,817,922 

Total Gross Expenditure 266,057,677 230,360,231 

Income 

Housing & Building 32,529,706 27,409,563 

Roads Transportation & Safety 13,243,256 13,326,973 

Water & Sewerage 18,180,333 16,440,995 




Agriculture, Education, Health & Safety 11,404,888 10,666,818 

Miscellaneous 6,329,136 6,417,895 

Total Income 112,568,537 107,203,586 

Net Expenditure 153,489,140 123,156,645 

Which is funded by: 

County Rates 124,154,299 104,706,583 

Local Government Fund 33,756,001 32,231,264 

TOTAL 157,910,300 136,937,847 

Surplus/(Deficit) for Year before Transfers 4,421,160 13,781,201 

Transfers from/(to) Reserves (5,638,925) (7,600,907) 

(1,217,765) 6,180,294 

Incoming Balance @ 1st January 16,584,625 10,404,329 

Closing Balance @ 31st December 15,366,860 16,584,623

Download Annual Report 2008 - pdf - Fingal County Council

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