Budget 2013 adopted - Final - Offaly County Council

OFFALY COUNTY COUNCIL 

LOCAL AUTHORITY BUDGET 

AND 

EXPLANATORY TABLES 

2013 

FOR THE YEAR ENDING 31 ST 

DECEMBER 2013 

(ADOPTED DECEMBER 17 TH 2012)

Offaly County Council 

Adjustment by Elected Members to Draft Budget 2013 

(Adopted December 17th 2012) 

Additional Expenditure/ (Expenditure Reductions) € 

Housing Housing Adaptation Grant (20,000) 01340002 A09 

Housing Mobility Aid Grant 20,000 01340003 A09 

Housing Housing Aid for Older People Grant 250,000 01390008 A09 

Water Services Water Metering Cost savings (10,000) 03110007 C03 

Water Services Water Bad Debts provision (10,000) 03140003 C03 

Central Management Charge Interest Savings Corporate (10,000) ZCB30001 CB 

Miscellaneous Services Rates Vacancy Provision (20,000) 08310003 H03 

200,000 

Additional Revenue/ (Revenue Reductions) 

Housing Housing Adaptation Grant (16,000) 01390006 A09 

Housing Mobility Aid Grant 16,000 01390007 A09 

Housing Housing Aid for Older People Grant 200,000 01390008 A09 

200,000 

Note : These adjustments are reflected in Tables A to F and Appendix 1

Also in September 2012, we were further advised that a reduction of 1% of our local government 

fund would be deducted if we did not achieve 60% compliance rate and .5% deduction if we did 

not reach 65%. At today's date we have achieved marginally in excess of 60%. The effect of this 

is a further reduction of €60,824 in addition to the €386,784 referred to above. Total reduction 

will be €447,608. 

I have referred before in my previous reports to: 

• Our high dependency, as a small rural local authority, on funding from the Local 

Government Fund (LGF). The LGF accounts for 63% of our net expenditure requirement 

as compared to 23% in large urban authorities in our major cities. 

• In addition, at the direction of our members, to assist existing businesses and stimulate 

economic development, we have kept our rateable valuation multiplier at a low-level. It 

has not been increased for five years, and is one of the lowest in the country. 

• Outlined the substantial reduction that had been taken from our LGF allocation since 

2008 which at the time equated to a 24% reduction. The additional reductions above have 

increased this cumulative reduction to 27% percent. (See table 1 below.) 

• We have reduced staff numbers by 27% since 2008. 

We have reached a situation where almost all the costs that are in our budget are 

nondiscretionary and the scope for reducing them further is very limited. We have statutory, 

environmental and other costs that we must meet. 

In addition, as previously advised, we are anticipating an accumulated deficit of circa €5 million 

at the end of this year. In order to exercise proper financial management, we have made 

provision in our budget to amortise this deficit over 10 years. 

We have endeavoured, to maintain services that are vital to the functioning of the County. We 

have, however, reached the stage where it is no longer sustainable. There will be reductions in 

services in order to keep within our financial budget. 

In the context of the above reduction in funding, difficult choices had to be made. I remind 

members that the provisions of Section 16 of the Local Government Act 2001, in particular, 

requires the Local Authority in discharging its functions to have regard to the resources available 

to it, the need to maintain essential services, and to ensure that a reasonable balance is achieved 

between its functional priorities. 

In the context of the above it is essential now more than ever to put local government funding on 

a secure, equitable and stable basis. 

Notwithstanding such constraints, I wish to acknowledge the continued commitment and 

flexibility shown by staff in serving the public to the best of their ability.

Table 1 Local Government Funding 

Our Local Government fund notified on circular Fin 13/2012 is €12,095,491 a reduction of 

0.57% on last year’s original allocation. 

I am pleased that the reduction at .57% is significantly less than we had been anticipating. While 

funding is difficult, I'm grateful that the reduction has been minimised. I would like to thank the 

DECLG Finance personnel who engaged with us recently on a financial review of Offaly County 

Council. It was a very useful meeting in that information and views were shared by both parties, 

which is always very useful in enhancing mutual understanding. 

Offaly County 

Council Year 2008 2009 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 

Reduction 

to date 

Gross LG Fund 

Allocation €'000 €k 17222 16227 15705 15388 14139 13139 13028 €4.194m 

Gross LG Fund % 

2008 = Base 100% % 100 94 91 89 82 76 76 

Less: Staff Pension 

Levy Deduction €k 

987 987 974 933 

Net Receipt from LG 

Fund €k 17222 16227 15705 14401 13152 12165 12095 €5.127m 

Net Receipt % 2008 = 

Base 100 % 100 94 91 84 76 71 70 

Household Charge 

The Local Government (Household Charge) Act 2011, provided for in the introduction from 

January 1, 2012 of a household charge of €100 to fund local services, as set out in the EU/IMF 

Programme of Financial Support for Ireland. This also provided for the funding of €160 million 

from the charge for the local authority sector. This replaced the previous €160 million Exchequer 

contribution to the Local Government Fund. The LGF is now compromised of funding from 

Motor Tax receipts and the Household Charge.

Currently the compliance level in Offaly is 60.55%. I wish to thank the households who have 

paid this charge and are helping to fund service provision in the County and I would encourage 

those who have yet paid, to pay to do so. It is important in the interest of fairness, to those that 

have paid, that non-payers continue to be followed up as part of the move to the new property 

tax. 

Local Government Efficiency Review 

The report of the Local Government Efficiency Review Group was issued in July 2010. The 

report made many valuable recommendations on expenditure control, which we are focusing on 

at a local level where relevant. There are a number of important recommendations in the report 

with regard to improving Local Authority/Local Government income. These include proposals: 

to incentivise online motor tax applications; eliminate the "off the road" facility for car owners 

which is a self declaration process; social housing rents due to local authorities should be 

deducted directly from social welfare payments; planning fees should be increased with the aim 

of moving towards full cost recovery; levying of property and domestic water charges should be 

progressed as a matter of urgency. 

The implementation of the above recommendations on income generation can only be taken at 

national level. It is essential that local government is adequately funded to provide the range of 

services and enforcement duties that we are required to provide to a standard which complies 

with statutory obligations. To date the only implementation from the above is the levying of the 

"Household Charge" which was implemented in 2012. The remaining proposals should be 

implemented quickly and any additional revenue raised as a result made available to local 

authorities. 

The July 2012 the Interim Report to the Minister for DECLG and the Local Government 

Efficiency Review implementation Group by the County and City Managers Association 

(CCMA) reveals that the local government sector has responded more quickly and efficiently to 

the State's financial crisis than any other public sector organisation in Ireland. 

The report also demonstrates the CCMA's commitment to the Government's Reform Agenda as 

evidenced by the very significant efficiency gains and reductions in expenditure and staff 

numbers. Furthermore, commercial rates have not been increased during the period. 

In addition, the report details a strong track record in sharing services and reducing costs to 

greater efficiencies across 34 separately constituted public authorities in a manner not visible 

elsewhere in the public service. The savings achieved in the local government sector (2008 – 

2012) total €830 million detailed on the Table 2 below. 

Table 2 

Revenue Payroll savings €237m 

Non Pay Expenditure Savings €407m 

Agency Services Division G 

€ 92m 

TOTAL REVENUE SAVINGS €736m 

Capital Payroll Savings 

€ 94m 

TOTAL SAVINGS €830m

Change Management 

Offaly Local Authority is committed to meeting the challenges of the future. In that context we 

have embarked on a change management process. A Change Management Team has been 

established. It has been charged with the responsibility to translate the revised corporate 

priorities of the Council into tasks and services which will be provided by the authorities. The 

team has been established to make recommendations (subject to the approval by the 

Management Team), be responsible for delivery of actions and take on a monitoring role to 

ensure that are necessary tasks/actions/services are progressively removed/implemented. 

The organisation values it staff highly and is committed to change through open discussions and 

consultation with staff, management and elected members 

Public sector Agreement 

The Public Sector Agreement (‘Croke Park’) outlines a process to manage change across the public sector 

up to 2014. It has proven to be effective in facilitating achievement of significant change and efficiencies 

in Offaly County Council and across the local government sector within a climate of stable industrial 

relations. Offaly County Council reported savings of over €1.5 million arising from its second Local 

Action Plan under the Public Service (Croke Park) Agreement for the period April 1 st 2011 to March 31 st 

2012. The Council continues to progress further efficiency measures under this agreement under both 

local and national action plans. Despite a decline of 27% in staff numbers since 2008, our staff has shown 

a continued commitment to serving the people of the county through flexibility, adaptability and 

increased productivity. I wish to acknowledge their co-operation and that of staff interests in achieving 

this. Discussions have commenced nationally on the issue a further agreement with the aim of securing 

further significant savings in public sector pay. 

Commercial rates 

I am not proposing any increase in commercial rates in 2013. This is the fifth year in a row in 

which no increase is proposed. It is worth reminding members that our multiplier is one of the 

lowest in the country. 

We acknowledge that commercial businesses are experiencing a difficult economic situation. 

We are continuing to endeavour to accommodate ratepayers who are experiencing difficulties 

with flexible payment arrangements to suit their cash flow situation. 

Financial Management 

We have applied effective controls to the use and application of our resource base. This includes 

expenditure controls and strengthened debt collection measures. 

We have continued the practice of bringing a quarterly financial update to our elected members 

and the DECLG in the context of their requirement to report to the EU/IMF. This has entailed 

more detailed analysis been provided to them on areas of: Revenue Expenditure; Capital 

Expenditure; Balance Sheet Debt Collection; Loan Repayment Schedules; etc. We have met all 

deadlines with regard to these returns. We have continued to keep the elected members advised 

on a quarterly basis of our financial performance

Road grants 

YEAR NRA (national roads) DOT (non national roads.) TOTAL AMOUNT 

2008 1,094,387 (maintenance0 

31,626,000 (improvements) 

2009 951,979 (maintenance) 








11,249,649 43,970,036 

8,180,699 39,732,678 

8,161,462 15,867,595 

7,522,039 12,700,191 

7,188,053 11,729,309 

The above table illustrates the decline in road grants 2008-2012. 

Commercial Water 

There is a legal requirement on us to recover the full economic cost of providing water and 

sewerage services to the commercial sector. This service is no different to any other utility 

service that is provided. 

In 2011 we have continued to engage with customers with regard to the collection of monies 

outstanding and the updating and improvement of our customer database. We have continued to 

make substantial improvement in our rate of collection of charges for the above. We continue to 

engage and assist in any way we can customers are having difficulty meeting their payment by 

facilitating them with an arrears management plan. Regretfully in some cases we have had to 

implement our disconnection policy to collect monies outstanding. We will continue to develop 

this area in 2013 anticipate that our collection rates will improve significantly. 

Irish Water 

A government decision has been taken to set up a Water Utility, Irish Water. Offaly County 

Council in conjunction with the CCMA/DECLG is seeking to manage the transition process 

around this proposal. Over the course of 2013 we will monitor and advise on the impacts of this 

program. While the establishment of Irish water is imminent, it is likely, during the transition 

process, that Offaly County Council will continue to deliver water and drainage services for a 

number of years under a Service Level Agreement. 

Conclusion 

Previous years have been very challenging. I envisage that 2013 will be even more difficult. We 

have reached the stage where there will be a reduction/diminution in services due to diminished 

financial and staff resources. My previous paragraphs on reduction in local government funding 

and staffing levels have detailed the situation. 

We have prudently managed our finances to date. In order for us to comply with the legal 

requirement to provide a balanced budget we have had to take some very major decisions. The

6 December 2012 

Circular Fin 13/2012 

Head of Finance 


LGF General Purpose Grant Allocations 2013 

A Chara, 

I am directed by the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government to 

inform you that the provisional General-Purpose Grant allocation from the Local Government 

Fund for Offaly County Council for the year 2013 is €12,095,491. This is a change of - 

0.57% on the original allocation from the Local Government Fund in 2012. 

Non-Principal Private Residence Charge 

As announced in the context of Budget 2013, the Non-Principal Private Residence Charge 

will remain in existence for 2013 but will not be in place for 2014. 

Household Charge and Local Property Tax (LPT) 

The Household Charge will not be continued in 2013 and will be replaced by the new Local 

Property Tax (LPT). The LPT will become operational on 1 July 2013 resulting in a half year 

LPT charge in 2013. A full year charge will apply from 2014 onwards and the LPT will be 

administered by the Revenue Commissioners. The Revenue Commissioners will take 

responsibility for the collection of outstanding 2012 Household Charges from 1 July 2013. 

Rates and local charges 

The General-Purpose Grant allocation continues to provide a very significant contribution 

towards the current expenditure needs of your authority for 2013. As part of a range of 

measures to aid economic recovery, the Minister is clear on the need for continued reductions 

in commercial rates over the coming years and again requests that local authorities exercise 

restraint or, where possible, reduce commercial rates and local charges for 2013, in order to 

support competitiveness in the economy, nationally and locally, and to protect the interests of 

communities. Local authorities have responded positively to previous requests in this area 

and, in light of the current, challenging environment for business, it is strongly urged that, at 

a minimum, restraint be continued.

GGB and Budgetary Control 

The ninth Troika review of the EU/IMF Programme of Financial Support for Ireland requires 

that the Departments of the Environment, Community and Local Government and Public 

Expenditure and Reform ensure that the local government sector continues to be managed in 

balance over the medium term and, in particular, that General Government Balance (GGB) 

neutrality is achieved in 2013. This requires that local authorities strictly adhere to the 

stipulations of Circulars LGF 03/09 and 03/10 in terms of ensuring balanced revenue and 

capital accounts in 2013. Authorities should be aware that both Departments and the Troika 

will be closely monitoring individual local authority quarterly GGB and financial returns in 

2013. Adopted 2013 Budgets should be framed on the most highly prudential basis possible 

and provide for dealing with any contingencies that may arise in the year. 

Queries on Allocations 

Queries in relation to this circular may be made to the relevant personnel set out in the 

Appendix attached. 

Mise, le meas, 

_____________________ 

Colm Lavery 

Principal Officer 

Local Government Finance

Budget 2013 

Budget 2013 - Head of Finance Report 

Compiling the 2013 budget has proven very challenging as new areas of savings have still to 

be identified to compensate for falling revenues for the fifth successive year. The chart below 

shows the Local government fund to be 23% of Offaly County Councils’ total revenues. Since 

2008 the LGF has been reducing steadily. As other revenue sources contract it is necessary to 

find cuts to expenditure in order to present a balanced budget. The significant adjustments are 

in the order of €1.4m in the 2013 budget , (See Balancing the budget) . Identifying these cuts 

in an already diminished operational budget was a major challenge in the 2013 budget, and 

has left a lot of areas with a minimal non pay budget. 

Offaly County Council Estimated Sources of Funding 2013 

Local Government 

Fund 

23% 

County Charge 

4% 

Grants and 

subsidies 

20% 

Rates 

14% 

Goods and 

services 

39% 

The above chart outlines our funding structure. As a small local authority we are 

heavily dependent on income from the DECLG Local Government Fund which 

accounts for 23.35% of our income. 

Local Government Funding 

Offaly County 

Council Year 2008 2009 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 

Reduction 

to date 

Gross LG Fund 

Allocation €'000 €k 17222 16227 15705 15388 14139 13139 13028 €4.194m 

Gross LG Fund % 

2008 = Base 100% % 100 94 91 89 82 76 76 

Less: Staff Pension 

Levy Deduction €k 

987 987 974 933 

Net Receipt from LG 

Fund €k 17222 16227 15705 14401 13152 12165 12095 €5.127m 

Net Receipt % 2008 = 

Base 100 % 100 94 91 84 76 71 70 

The above table details our LG funding 2008 – 2012. As a small local authority we are 

heavily dependent on income from the DECLG Local Government Fund which accounts for 

1

24% of our income. Gross LG Fund allocation is down 24% and net LG Fund receipt is 

down 29%. The significant reduction in income from this source since 2008 has a major 

impact on our budget. 

In addition, between 2008 and 2011 we have had to make substantial cuts in our expenditure. 

It has resulted in the fact that almost all of our expenditure is now nondiscretionary. This has 

exacerbated the difficulty we have had in identifying areas to further reduce expenditure. 

Budget Adjustment 2012 

In order to balance our original 2012 budget we had to reduce expenditure by €4.2 million. In 

July 2012 we had to further reduce budget expenditure by €1.4 million in order to adjust for 

reduced water/sewage income and the costs of lump sum/retirement gratuities to retiring staff. 

Reduction in Local Government fund 2012 

In addition, also, in July we were notified by the Department for Enterprise, Community and 

Local Government (DECLG) that our local government fund was being reduced by a further 

€386,784 due to low payment compliance with the household charge. 

Also in September 2012, we were further advised that a reduction of 1% of our local 

government fund would be deducted if we did not achieve 60% compliance rate and .5% 

deduction if we did not reach 65%. At today's date we have achieved marginally in excess of 

60%. The effect of this is a further reduction of €60,824 in addition to the €386,784 referred 

to above. Total reduction will be €447,608. 

Financial Performance 2010/11 

The 2011 Annual Financial Statement was completed and submitted to the DECLG on 

schedule. A deficit of €2,172 k was returned on an overall expenditure of €69m, equivalent to 

3.1%. Offaly County Council has an accumulated deficit of €4.071m at December 31, 2011. 

Tackling accumulated Revenue deficit. 

As previously advised, we are anticipating an accumulated deficit of circa €5 million at the 

end of this year. In order to exercise proper financial management, we have made provision in 

our budget to amortise this deficit over 10 years. We have a term loan would repayments of 

€660,000 per annum finishing in December 2012. As advised to you at 2012 budget 

discussions we are strongly recommending that this €660,000 be reserved as a provision to 

reduce the deficit. 

The accumulated deficit is a significant contributory factor to a worsening cash flow situation. 

In that context it is essential that we tackle this deficit and reduce it as quickly as possible. 

Failure to do this will lead to severe cash flow difficulties and possible future funding 

approvals etc. 

2

Balancing the Budget 

With a diminishing element of non pay budget from successive years of budget cuts , arriving 

at a balance budget proved particularly challenging. The table below shows the significant 

movements in certain budget headings made to balance the 2013 budget. 

This table summarises the significant movements in expenditure budget 

allocations and income from the 2012 budget 

Movements in Income 

Water Income Adjustment 1,000,859 

Reduction in Arts Council Income Support 21,000 

Reduction in PRD income 54,430 

Reduced net income from Vet service 55,735 

Reduced Tapping fee income 65,000 

Reduced fire income 71,662 

Reduction in water quality bud incomes 72,000 

LGF Income cut 69,324 

Reduction in Budget Incomes 1,410,010 

Movements in Expenditure 

Non pay June 2012 cuts -1,422,354 

2013 Gratuities provided 138,126 

Additional provision for Rent card charges 20,000 

Reinstatement of drainage budget 30,000 

Additional cost JIS scheme 40,000 

Additional Water Net metering costs 45,000 

Additional Overdraft Interest 150,000 

Additional rates vacancy provisions 222,519 

Other Various Expenditure/ Income movements 337,787 

Additional Allocation County Roads 67,266 

Additional Allocation Housing repairs 80,000 

Additional Allocation Library 10,000 

Employee Pay savings -337,468 

Reduce op costs in landfill/ Env initiatives -58,749 

Additional water Bad Debt Provision 20,000 

Reduction in net allocation for DPG's -75,000 

Interest savings Corporate -582,276 

Interest savings Environment -94,861 

Environment Term loan saving -660775 

Provision for Debit Balance 660,775 0 

Net Reductions in Budget Expenditure -1,410,010 

3

Capital Budget/Development Contributions Report 

The above report which is included in the budget book (blue pages) highlights: 

There is a need for capital expenditure of €117m over the next three years. 

Funding of this expenditure requires an estimated €34.2 million from development 

contributions. We currently have €6.3 million in our development contribution fund. We are 

anticipating substantially reduced receipts of €0.9m over the next three years. This means 

that there is an anticipated shortfall of €26.9 million. This shortfall will restrict our ability to 

undertake many of the capital projects which are necessary. Projects will have to be 

deferred/prioritised taking account of funds that are available. 

Central Revenue Collection Department 

This is a relatively new section in Offaly County Council and it manages the collection of 

income streams of Rates, Water, Housing rents and miscellaneous receivables. 

The section continues to work effectively. We have improved water cash collection 

percentages from 29% in 2009 to a target 65% in 2012. This is a substantial improvement and 

compares very favourably if not better than similar sized local authorities. In addition we are 

maintaining our rates collection percentage at 92/93%, which, is good in the context of the 

current economic/commercial climate. We are endeavouring to communicate and assist our 

customers to make payments by being flexible and an understanding their financial situation. 

In addition in 2013 with regard to water, the council may conduct a review of the water 

pricing applied to all water customers, to ensure compliance with national water pricing 

policy. 

Household Charge/ Protect our Water 

Finance Department staff engaged directly with the public relating to the above charges. This 

involved receiving money, dealing with queries and forwarding information and payments to 

the central bureau in Dublin. There was a significant amount of work and pressure involved in 

this process, which, was done from within existing Finance resources. I would like to thank 

and complement the staff for their work and the courteous and efficient way they dealt with 

members of the public. 

Relevant Contract Tax (RCT) 

The Revenue Commissioners initiated a new process for the accounting and collection of tax 

from subcontractors. This involved the testing and implementation of new computerised 

systems and procedures for the process. It also involved training staff in sections on the new 

procedures. The implementation of this new process will add additional work to the Accounts 

Payable section and other sections in the organisation. This work was completed on schedule 

from within existing Finance staff resources. 

Motor Taxation 

New Driving Licence arrangement 

From January 2013 driving licences will be issued by the Road Safety Authority (RSA). 

From January to September 2013 there will be a transition period. There are many challenges 

and issues regarding this transition period. These have been raised at national level by the 

CCMA and the Authorised Officers group. 

4

In 2013 we anticipate that our Vehicle taxation activity will be the same as 2012, as the 

volume of cars on the road remained relatively static. However we have noticed an increase 

in declaration of vehicles off the road and people taxing their vehicles quarterly, resulting in 

an increasing workload. 

There are a number of important recommendations in the 2010 report of the Local 

Government Efficiency Review Group with regard to improving Local Authority/Local 

Government income. These include proposals: to incentivise online motor tax applications; 

eliminate the "off the road" facility for car owners which is a self declaration process. To date 

these recommendations have not been implemented by Government. 

Despite our efforts in encouraging the public through the motor tax staff, and information 

leaflets, we continue to have have an increasing proportion of the public taxing their vehicles 

on a quarterly basis. More than 50% of discs are issued quarterly. 

In 2012 the volume of transactions has remained constant but the value of individual licences 

has reduced as the prevalence of low emission cars increases. Motor Tax processes 

approximately €10m in cash/credit card activity without any serious discrepancy. This has 

been achieved with reduced staff levels and is a credit to the resilience and ability of the staff 

in that department. 

In 2012, on-line activity has slightly increased from 2011 levels to approximately 38% of 

total activity. This is the subject of ongoing promotion through the branch library network, 

Finance Dept. Corporate Plan/Business Plan - Key Achievements 

The primary role of the Finance Department is to assist in achieving the strategic priority of 

developing and delivery quality services with particular regard to Financial Management and 

Value for Money. 

The Finance Department Business Plan focuses on identifying areas for 

maintenance/improvement in the following work areas - Management Accounts, Annual 

Financial Statements, Budgeting/Costing, Financial Management Systems, Motor Taxation 

Office, Billing and Revenue Collection, Accounts Payable, Payroll/Superannuation, Fixed 

Assets Register, Housing Loans, Treasury Management and Insurance. 

Key achievements during 2012 

• Respond to growing demands internally and externally for financial information and 

analysis, while maintaining existing tasks/demands. 

• The 2011 Annual Financial Statements for Offaly were submitted in accordance with 

the Department’s deadline. 

• Further progress in the role of the Central Revenue Collection Section - see separate 

note 

• Continue to promote the concepts of Value for Money and budgetary control. 

• Provide ongoing support for internal staff on the use of financial management 

systems. 

• Develop further budgetary control awareness in line management with budgetary 

responsibility 

• Develop an awareness of financial risks through good communication of financial 

issues. 

• Implementation of the new RCT system. Bee separate note. 

• Heightening of the awareness of cash collection in the organisation 

5

Service Priorities 

The majority of tasks in the Finance Department are performed to very strict statutory/ 

DECLG/Revenue Commissioners dictated deadlines. There is little option for us to 

postpone/defer tasks in our work plan. 

The resources of the Finance department have been severely impacted by the establishment of 

new domestic charges in 2012 and continuing demands arising from the broadening of the 

national taxation base. In addition the Public service staffing restrictions impair our capacity 

to respond to ad hoc changes in regulation. 

As Finance is a technical area in which statutory and revenue demands are paramount this 

restriction in trained personnel is having a critical effect. The service delivery issues are being 

examined at the moment with a view to focussing on priority areas that generate cash and 

keep the organisation functioning. With this level of diminution of staff resources, changes to 

front line services are inevitable. 

2013 Priorities 

Subject to the forgoing paragraph and the deteriorating economic situation are our priorities in 

2012 will be continue to be 

• To endeavour to meet deadlines as indicated in the above paragraph. 

• To maintain our existing services and levels of internal control. 

• To continue to focus the organisations’ attention on budgetary control and value for 

money. 

• Enhance the effective collection policy of all amounts receivable by Offaly County 

Council. 

• Maintain the value of the asset base of Offaly County Council. 

• Further develop the awareness of any financial risks throughout the organisation. 

• Continue to respond to the demands of new income streams instigated by central 

government’s broadening of the tax base. 

• Planning for the financial control and financial accounting and administrations 

aspects of “Putting People First” 

Declan Conlon 

Head of Finance 

7 December, 2012 

6

Local Authority Annual Rates on Valuation (ARVs) 2000 - 2012 

Local Authority Name 

ARV % Change 

2012 over 2011 2012 2011 2010 2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 2004 2003 2002 2001 2000 

Kerry County Council 0.00% 80.35 80.35 80.35 80.35 78.93 75.90 73.40 70.07 66.73 63.56 60.53 57.12 54.92 

Wicklow County Council 0.00% 76.78 76.78 76.78 76.78 75.35 71.76 68.41 64.84 61.17 57.71 53.53 49.80 45.68 

Cork County Council 0.00% 74.75 74.75 74.75 74.75 74.75 71.30 68.60 65.35 61.75 57.50 53.50 50.70 48.25 

Roscommon County Council 0.00% 74.38 74.38 75.13 76.66 76.28 73.35 70.53 66.54 63.37 59.22 54.33 50.78 47.24 

Clare County Council 0.00% 72.99 72.99 72.99 72.99 70.31 67.61 64.61 61.24 57.83 54.62 51.04 47.48 44.42 

Wexford County Council 0.00% 71.52 71.52 71.52 71.52 69.10 65.81 64.52 62.03 59.08 56.27 52.34 48.69 44.67 

Waterford County Council 0.00% 69.92 69.92 69.92 69.92 68.21 66.24 63.70 61.26 58.33 55.55 51.46 47.88 44.75 

Donegal County Council 0.00% 69.70 69.70 72.23 74.46 74.46 72.29 69.85 67.82 64.59 61.51 58.30 55.52 52.38 

Meath County Council 0.00% 69.62 69.62 69.62 69.62 68.27 65.05 61.96 59.12 53.25 49.76 46.51 43.47 39.88 

South Dublin County Council 0.00% 69.48 69.48 69.48 69.48 69.48 69.48 66.97 64.09 61.04 58.13 55.36 52.23 48.90 

Dun Laoighaire Rathdown County Council 0.00% 69.20 69.20 69.20 70.61 68.72 67.37 67.37 66.05 64.44 62.72 58.67 54.58 51.56 

Kildare County Council 0.00% 68.95 68.95 70.36 70.36 69.12 66.44 63.99 61.56 58.36 54.80 50.98 47.43 43.51 

Mayo County Council 0.00% 68.76 68.76 68.76 70.16 70.16 68.28 65.97 63.43 60.12 57.54 54.28 51.09 49.13 

Fingal County Council 0.00% 68.64 68.64 68.64 68.64 66.32 63.92 61.46 59.10 56.83 54.72 52.11 49.63 47.27 

Galway County Council 0.00% 66.59 66.59 66.59 66.59 65.61 62.61 60.79 58.45 54.12 51.54 44.52 41.41 37.99 

Carlow County Council 0.00% 66.47 66.47 67.14 67.82 66.82 63.34 60.62 58.01 55.25 52.62 49.18 45.96 42.16 

Longford County Council 0.00% 66.01 66.68 67.35 68.03 67.36 65.24 63.34 62.10 59.70 55.80 51.19 48.00 46.00 

Laois County Council 0.00% 64.63 64.63 64.63 64.63 64.63 62.14 60.32 57.45 54.20 51.13 46.48 43.24 39.67 

Sligo County Council 0.00% 64.43 64.43 64.43 66.08 66.08 63.97 61.93 59.66 56.87 54.32 50.77 47.23 44.98 

Leitrim County Council 0.00% 62.15 62.00 62.15 62.78 62.78 60.08 58.05 56.64 53.42 51.37 48.46 45.50 43.34 

Limerick County Council 0.00% 59.92 59.92 59.92 60.22 60.22 60.22 58.04 56.08 53.16 50.67 46.96 43.69 40.08 

North Tipperary County Council -1.01% 59.53 60.13 60.73 63.93 63.93 61.67 60.46 58.42 56.17 53.68 49.70 46.23 43.21 

Cavan County Council 0.00% 56.85 56.85 56.85 56.85 56.85 54.14 51.56 49.10 46.76 44.53 41.81 38.89 36.69 

South Tipperary County Council 0.00% 56.77 56.77 56.77 56.77 55.12 53.00 50.96 49.00 47.11 44.86 41.93 39.18 36.62 

Offaly County Council 0.00% 56.77 56.77 56.77 56.77 56.77 54.06 51.48 48.12 45.39 43.23 39.30 37.08 34.98 

Monaghan County Council 0.00% 56.20 56.20 56.20 56.20 56.20 54.03 52.01 50.49 48.94 46.46 43.22 40.35 38.21 

Louth County Council 0.00% 55.08 55.08 55.08 56.79 55.40 53.00 50.00 47.61 45.34 43.18 41.12 38.25 36.43 

Westmeath County Council 0.00% 52.27 52.27 52.27 52.27 51.75 50.24 48.31 46.90 44.87 41.93 39.00 37.13 35.36 

Kilkenny County Council 0.00% 52.05 52.31 52.31 52.31 52.31 49.82 47.90 45.62 43.04 40.61 36.42 33.88 31.08

TABLE A - CALCULATION OF ANNUAL RATE ON VALUATION FOR THE FINANCIAL YEAR 2013 


Summary by Service Division Expenditure Income 

Estimated 2013 

Net Expenditure 

Estimated 

2012 Net 

Expenditure 

Gross Revenue Expenditure & Income 

€ € € % € % 

A Housing and Building 6,520,563 6,110,460 410,103 1.8% 450,900 2.0% 

B Road Transport & Safety 14,614,285 11,389,848 3,224,437 13.8% 3,164,228 13.7% 

C Water Services 10,312,772 3,482,848 6,829,924 29.2% 6,455,004 28.0% 

D Development Management 3,037,569 294,132 2,743,437 11.7% 2,997,111 13.0% 

E Environmental Services 6,302,231 1,939,492 4,362,739 18.6% 5,372,942 23.3% 

F Recreation and Amenity 2,621,361 442,742 2,178,619 9.3% 2,181,973 9.5% 

G Agriculture, Education, Health & Welfare 2,432,082 2,057,575 374,507 1.6% 345,685 1.5% 

H Miscellaneous Services 9,672,526 6,394,630 3,277,896 14.0% 2,067,152 9.0% 

55,513,389 32,111,727 23,401,662 100.00% 23,034,995 100.0% 

Minus County Charge 2,078,800 2,078,800 

Provision for Debit Balance 660,775 

Adjusted Gross Expenditure & Income (A) 55,513,389 32,111,727 21,983,637 20,956,195 

Provision for Credit balance 

Local Government Fund /General Purpose Grant 12,095,491 12,164,815 

Pension Related Deduction 932,719 987,149 

13,028,210 13,151,964 

Amount of Rates to be Levied C=(A-B) 8,955,427 7,804,231 

Net Effective Valuation (D) 157,761 137,481 

General Annual Rate on Valuation (C)/(D) 56.7658 56.7658 

1

Table B: Expenditure and Income for 2013 and Estimated Outturn for 2012 

2013 2012 

Expenditure Income Expenditure Income 

Division and Services 

Adopted by 

Council 

Estimated 

by Manager 

Adopted by 


Estimated 

by Manager 

Adopted by 


Estimated 

Outturn 

Adopted by 


Estimated 

Outturn 

€ € € € € € € € 

A 

Housing and Building 

A01 Maintenance & Improvement of LA Housing Units 1,097,489 1,097,489 2,861,830 2,861,830 1,020,795 1,020,795 2,860,046 2,860,046 

A02 Housing Assessment, Allocation and Transfer 292,373 292,373 9,922 9,922 288,800 288,800 8,908 8,908 

A03 Housing Rent and Tenant Purchase Administration 523,555 523,555 16,255 16,255 588,424 588,424 14,593 14,593 

A04 Housing Community Development Support 138,183 138,183 3,297 3,297 142,436 142,436 2,960 2,960 

A05 Administration of Homeless Service 69,984 69,984 11,689 11,689 72,892 72,892 11,516 11,516 

A06 Support to Housing Capital Prog. 1,475,125 1,475,125 751,191 751,191 1,481,940 1,481,940 747,414 747,414 

A07 RAS Programme 1,567,376 1,567,376 1,423,263 1,423,263 1,572,282 1,572,282 1,422,418 1,422,418 

A08 Housing Loans 516,981 516,981 410,357 410,357 519,448 519,448 410,172 410,172 

A09 Housing Grants 710,801 710,801 503,740 503,740 1,839,868 1,839,868 1,603,357 1,603,357 

A11 Agency & Recoupable Services 128,696 128,696 118,916 118,916 121,197 121,197 115,798 116,998 

A Division Total 

6,520,563 6,520,563 6,110,460 6,110,460 7,648,082 7,648,082 7,197,182 7,198,382 

2





Adopted by 


Estimated 

by Manager 

Adopted by 


Estimated 

by Manager 

Adopted by 


Estimated 

Outturn 

Adopted by 


Estimated 

Outturn 

€ € € € € € € € 

B Road Transport & Safety 

B01 NP Road - Maintenance and Improvement 248,418 248,418 96,625 96,625 282,469 282,469 157,916 157,916 

B02 NS Road - Maintenance and Improvement 3,439,553 3,439,553 3,169,976 3,169,976 4,512,949 4,512,949 4,233,547 4,233,547 

B03 Regional Road - Maintenance and Improvement 3,480,571 3,480,571 3,126,628 3,126,628 3,600,074 3,600,074 3,198,301 3,198,301 

B04 Local Road - Maintenance and Improvement 5,049,958 5,049,958 3,763,631 3,763,631 5,297,770 5,297,770 4,009,660 4,009,660 

B05 Public Lighting 476,511 476,511 6,297 6,297 481,639 481,639 227 227 

B06 Traffic Management Improvement 121,380 121,380 3,272 3,272 133,937 133,937 3,199 3,199 

B07 Road Safety Engineering Improvement 793,384 793,384 521,931 521,931 779,239 779,239 521,798 521,798 

B08 Road Safety Promotion & Education 70,359 70,359 2,250 2,250 77,546 77,546 2,199 2,199 

B09 Car Parking 79,181 79,181 27,010 27,010 20,945 20,945 20,945 20,945 

B10 Support to Roads Capital Prog 454,008 454,008 16,021 16,021 527,783 527,783 15,662 15,662 

B11 Agency & Recoupable Services 400,962 400,962 656,207 656,207 505,540 505,540 892,209 892,209 

B Division Total 

14,614,285 14,614,285 11,389,848 11,389,848 16,219,891 16,219,891 13,055,663 13,055,663 

3





Adopted by 


Estimated 

by Manager 

Adopted by 


Estimated 

by Manager 

Adopted by 


Estimated 

Outturn 

Adopted by 


Estimated 

Outturn 

€ € € € € € € € 

C Water Services 

C01 Water Supply 4,547,233 4,547,233 1,018,871 1,018,871 5,081,952 5,081,952 1,722,793 1,722,793 

C02 Waste Water Treatment 4,330,685 4,330,685 668,491 668,491 4,611,692 4,611,692 1,025,946 1,025,946 

C03 Collection of Water and Waste Water Charges 300,639 300,639 5,591 5,591 180,065 180,065 586 586 

C04 Public Conveniences 51,843 51,843 435 435 50,635 50,635 408 408 

C05 Admin of Group and Private Installations 806,506 806,506 600,840 600,840 833,681 833,681 600,040 600,040 

C06 Support to Water Capital Programme 274,434 274,434 25,802 25,802 310,375 310,375 24,195 24,195 

C07 Agency & Recoupable Services 1,432 1,432 1,162,818 1,162,818 (76,610) (76,610) 1,162,818 1,162,818 

C Division Total 

10,312,772 10,312,772 3,482,848 3,482,848 10,991,790 10,991,790 4,536,786 4,536,786 

4





Adopted by 


Estimated 

by Manager 

Adopted by 


Estimated 

by Manager 

Adopted by 


Estimated 

Outturn 

Adopted by 


Estimated 

Outturn 

€ € € € € € € € 

D Development Management 

D01 Forward Planning 592,042 592,042 23,394 23,394 574,350 574,350 21,937 21,937 

D02 Development Management 1,314,277 1,314,277 207,584 207,584 1,518,218 1,518,218 204,140 204,140 

D03 Enforcement 261,837 261,837 16,861 16,861 260,304 260,304 16,496 16,496 

D04 Industrial and Commercial Facilities 110,473 110,473 4,551 4,551 76,413 76,413 166 166 

D05 Tourism Development and Promotion 36,908 36,908 767 767 36,089 36,089 719 719 

D06 Community and Enterprise Function 337,448 337,448 2,675 2,675 363,828 363,828 2,508 2,508 

D07 Unfinished Housing Estates - - 

- 

- - - 

- - 

D08 Building Control 69,622 69,622 5,664 5,664 66,731 66,731 5,311 5,311 

D09 Economic Development and Promotion 94,593 94,593 502 502 163,007 163,007 470 470 

D10 Property Management - - 

- 

- - - 

- - 

D11 Heritage and Conservation Services 177,019 177,019 30,134 30,134 181,123 181,123 29,885 29,885 

D12 Agency & Recoupable Services 43,350 43,350 2,000 2,000 40,680 40,680 2,000 2,000 

D Division Total 

3,037,569 3,037,569 294,132 294,132 3,280,743 3,280,743 283,632 283,632 

5





Adopted by 


Estimated 

by Manager 

Adopted by 


Estimated 

by Manager 

Adopted by 


Estimated 

Outturn 

Adopted by 


Estimated 

Outturn 

€ € € € € € € € 

E Environmental Services 

E01 Landfill Operation and Aftercare 864,371 864,371 24,938 24,938 1,775,375 1,775,375 37,435 37,435 

E02 Recovery & Recycling Facilities Operations 238,369 238,369 159,782 159,782 233,684 233,684 153,213 153,213 

E03 Waste to Energy Facilities Operations 21,380 21,380 319 319 21,145 21,145 239 239 

E04 Provision of Waste to Collection Services 519,845 519,845 733,476 733,476 100,000 100,000 625,000 625,000 

E05 Litter Management 327,253 327,253 16,985 16,985 329,899 329,899 19,345 19,345 

E06 Street Cleaning - - 

- 

- - - 

- - 

E07 Waste Regulations, Monitoring and Enforcement 491,262 491,262 318,327 318,327 580,180 580,180 323,017 323,017 

E08 Waste Management Planning 10,841 10,841 1,768 1,768 25,267 25,267 1,323 1,323 

E09 Maintenance of Burial Grounds 54,974 54,974 45,188 45,188 177,313 177,313 47,015 47,015 

E10 Safety of Structures and Places 382,987 382,987 100,430 100,430 369,127 369,127 105,114 105,114 

E11 Operation of Fire Service 2,758,212 2,758,212 361,874 361,874 2,759,250 2,759,250 432,016 432,016 

E12 Fire Prevention 241,776 241,776 91,130 91,130 238,599 238,599 90,845 90,845 

E13 Water Quality, Air and Noise Pollution 387,190 387,190 84,775 84,775 786,642 786,642 198,976 198,976 

E14 Agency & Recoupable Services 3,771 3,771 500 500 10,499 10,499 500 500 

E Division Total 

6,302,231 6,302,231 1,939,492 1,939,492 7,406,980 7,406,980 2,034,038 2,034,038 

6





Adopted by 


Estimated 

by Manager 

Adopted by 


Estimated 

by Manager 

Adopted by 


Estimated 

Outturn 

Adopted by 


Estimated 

Outturn 

€ € € € € € € € 

F Recreation and Amenity 

F01 Leisure Facilities Operations 88,080 88,080 22,604 22,604 51,645 51,645 168 168 

F02 Operation of Library and Archival Service 1,979,147 1,979,147 85,000 85,000 1,877,775 1,877,775 70,000 70,000 

F03 Outdoor Leisure Areas Operations - - 1,000 1,000 195,160 195,160 63,324 63,324 

F04 Community Sport and Recreational Development - - 

- 

- - - 

- - 

F05 Operation of Arts Programme 318,748 318,748 140,413 140,413 283,276 283,276 93,811 93,811 

F06 Agency & Recoupable Services 235,386 235,386 193,725 193,725 278,022 278,022 276,602 276,602 

F Division Total 

2,621,361 2,621,361 442,742 442,742 2,685,878 2,685,878 503,905 503,905 

7





Adopted by 


Estimated 

by Manager 

Adopted by 


Estimated 

by Manager 

Adopted by 


Estimated 

Outturn 

Adopted by 


Estimated 

Outturn 

€ € € € € € € € 

G Agriculture, Education, Health & Welfare 

G01 Land Drainage Costs 271,177 271,177 421 421 238,989 238,989 227 227 

G02 Operation and Maintenance of Piers and Harbours - - 

- 

- 887 887 

- - 

G03 Coastal Protection - - 

- 

- 318 318 

- - 

G04 Veterinary Service 324,149 324,149 251,303 251,303 348,926 348,926 272,275 272,275 

G05 Educational Support Services 1,836,663 1,836,663 1,805,751 1,805,751 1,949,315 1,949,315 1,920,180 1,920,180 

G06 Agency & Recoupable Services 93 93 100 100 32 32 100 100 

G Division Total 

2,432,082 2,432,082 2,057,575 2,057,575 2,538,467 2,538,467 2,192,782 2,192,782 

8





Adopted by 


Estimated 

by Manager 

Adopted by 


Estimated 

by Manager 

Adopted by 


Estimated 

Outturn 

Adopted by 


Estimated 

Outturn 

€ € € € € € € € 

H Miscellaneous Services 

H01 Profit & Loss Machinery Account 1,353,600 1,353,600 1,251,704 1,251,704 1,474,510 1,474,510 1,250,590 1,250,590 

H02 Profit & Loss Stores Account 2,544,711 2,544,711 2,409,221 2,409,221 2,623,836 2,623,836 2,408,886 2,408,886 

H03 Adminstration of Rates 2,031,962 2,031,962 56,795 56,795 661,937 661,937 54,127 54,127 

H04 Franchise Costs 3,030 3,030 

- 

- 16,829 16,829 

- - 

H05 Operation of Morgue and Coroner Expenses 181,328 181,328 

- 

- 202,613 202,613 

- - 

H06 Weighbridges 3,500 3,500 4,000 4,000 3,500 3,500 10,000 10,000 

H07 Operation of Markets and Casual Trading 2,367 2,367 4,000 4,000 2,614 2,614 2,500 2,500 

H08 Malicious Damage - - 

- 

- - - 

- - 

H09 Local Representation & Civic Leadership 793,750 793,750 

- 

- 654,028 654,028 

- - 

H10 Motor Taxation 775,847 775,847 23,904 23,904 855,003 855,003 22,651 22,651 

H11 Agency & Recoupable Services 1,982,431 1,982,431 2,645,006 2,645,006 1,951,877 1,951,877 2,630,841 2,629,641 

H Division Total 

9,672,526 9,672,526 6,394,630 6,394,630 8,446,747 8,446,747 6,379,595 6,378,395 

Overall Total 55,513,389 55,513,389 32,111,727 32,111,727 59,218,578 59,218,578 36,183,583 36,183,583 

9

Name of Town 

Net Effective Commercial Valuation (Edenderry) = 14,265 

TABLE C: CALCULATION OF THE ANNUAL RATE ON VALUATION 


Money Demanded 

Irrecoverable rates and 

cost of collection 

Total Sum to be 

raised (Sum of 

Col 3 & Col 5) 

Annual Rate on 

Valuation to meet 

sum required in Col 

6 

Estimated Adopted Estimated Adopted 

Col 2 Col 3 Col 4 Col 5 Col 6 

€ € € € € € 

Edenderry 24,863 24,863 0 0 24,863 1.7430 

TOTAL 24,863 24,863 0 0 24,863 1.7430 

10

Table D 

ANALYSIS OF BUDGET 2013 INCOME FROM GOODS AND SERVICES 


Source of Income 

€ € 

Rents from houses 2,720,024 2,720,024 

Housing Loans Interest & Charges 936,829 

936,829 

Parking Fines &Charges - 

- 

Commercial Water 1,615,415 2,616,274 

Domestic Waste Water - 

- 

Commercial Waste Water - 

- 

Planning Fees 186,300 

201,299 

Sale/leasing of other property/Industrial Sites 3,000 

1,200 

Domestic Refuse Charges - 

- 

Commercial Refuse Charges 82,500 

75,000 

Landfill Charges 15,000 

30,000 

Fire Charges 260,000 

360,000 

Recreation/Amenity/Culture - 

- 

Library Fees/Fines 85,000 

70,000 

Agency Services & Repayable Works 3,758,969 3,841,846 

Local Authority Contributions 1,443,556 1,437,610 

Superannuation 724,768 

650,674 

NPPR 650,000 

650,000 

Other income 8,627,994 9,211,094 

Total Goods and Services 

21,109,355 

22,801,850 

11

Table E 

ANALYSIS OF BUDGET 2013 INCOME FROM GRANTS AND SUBSIDIES 

Department of Environment, Community and 

Local Government 


€ € 

Housing & Building 2,094,542 3,194,542 

Road Transport & Safety 3,086,923 3,159,485 

Water Services 400,000 

400,000 

Development Management 24,132 

24,132 

Environmental Services 61,700 

61,700 

Recreation & Amenity - 

- 

Agriculture, Education, Health & Welfare - 

- 

Miscellaneous Services - 

- 

Sub-total 

5,667,297 

6,839,859 

Other Departments and Bodies 

NRA & DoT 3,232,528 4,358,152 

Arts, Sports and Tourism - 

- 

DTO - 

- 

Social and Family Affairs - 

- 

Defence 73,039 

81,042 

Education and Science 1,805,670 1,920,180 

Library Council - 

- 

Arts Council 68,000 

63,500 

Transport and Marine - 

- 

Justice Equality and Law Reform - 

- 

Agriculture Fisheries and Food - 

- 

Non Dept HFA and BMW - 

- 

Other Grants & Subsidies 155,838 

119,000 

Sub-total 

5,335,075 

6,541,874 

Total Grants and Subsidies 

11,002,372 

13,381,733 

12

TABLE F 

EXPENDITURE 

AND 

INCOME 

BY 

SUB-SERVICE 

DETAIL

Table F: Expenditure and Income for 2013 and Estimated Outturn for 2012 



Division, Services and Sub Services 

Adopted by 


Estimated 

by Manager 

Adopted by 


Estimated 

by Manager 

Adopted by 


Estimated 

Outturn 

Adopted by 


Estimated 

Outturn 

€ € € € € € € € 

A 

A01 

Housing and Building 

Maintenance & Improvement of LA Housing Units 

A0101 Maintenance of LA Housing Units 400,582 400,582 2,713,784 2,713,784 320,583 320,583 2,713,784 2,713,784 

A0102 Maintenance of Traveller Accommodation Units 38,783 38,783 

- 

- 37,892 37,892 

- - 

A0103 Traveller Accommodation Management 182,082 182,082 130,595 130,595 181,443 181,443 130,595 130,595 

A0104 Estate Maintenance - - 

- 

- - - 

- - 

A0199 Service Support Costs 476,042 476,042 17,451 17,451 480,877 480,877 15,667 15,667 

A01 Service Total - A01 

1,097,489 1,097,489 2,861,830 2,861,830 1,020,795 1,020,795 2,860,046 2,860,046 

A02 

Housing Assessment, Allocation and Transfer 

A0201 Assessment of Housing Needs, Allocs. & Trans. 205,629 205,629 

- 

- 189,653 189,653 

- - 



292,373 292,373 9,922 9,922 288,800 288,800 8,908 8,908 

A03 

Housing Rent and Tenant Purchase Administration 

A0301 Debt Management & Rent Assessment 81,480 81,480 

- 

- 126,564 126,564 

- - 



523,555 523,555 16,255 16,255 588,424 588,424 14,593 14,593 

13





Adopted by 


Estimated 

by Manager 

Adopted by 


Estimated 

by Manager 

Adopted by 


Estimated 

Outturn 

Adopted by 


Estimated 

Outturn 

€ € € € € € € € 

A04 

Housing Community Development Support 

A0401 Housing Estate Management 56,944 56,944 

- 

- 57,167 57,167 

- - 

A0402 Tenancy Management 16,971 16,971 

- 

- 16,376 16,376 

- - 

A0403 Social and Community Housing Service - - 

- 

- - - 

- - 



138,183 138,183 3,297 3,297 142,436 142,436 2,960 2,960 

A05 

Administration of Homeless Service 

A0501 Homeless Grants Other Bodies 10,000 10,000 10,000 10,000 10,000 10,000 10,000 10,000 

A0502 Homeless Service 33,445 33,445 

- 

- 33,674 33,674 

- - 



69,984 69,984 11,689 11,689 72,892 72,892 11,516 11,516 

A06 

Support to Housing Capital Prog. 

A0601 Technical and Administrative Support 92,442 92,442 

- 

- 79,180 79,180 

- - 

A0602 Loan Charges 714,248 714,248 714,248 714,248 714,248 714,248 714,248 714,248 



1,475,125 1,475,125 751,191 751,191 1,481,940 1,481,940 747,414 747,414 

14





Adopted by 


Estimated 

by Manager 

Adopted by 


Estimated 

by Manager 

Adopted by 


Estimated 

Outturn 

Adopted by 


Estimated 

Outturn 

€ € € € € € € € 

A07 

RAS Programme 

A0701 RAS Operations 1,397,163 1,397,163 1,415,000 1,415,000 1,396,567 1,396,567 1,415,000 1,415,000 

A0702 Long Term Leasing - - 

- 

- - - 

- - 



1,567,376 1,567,376 1,423,263 1,423,263 1,572,282 1,572,282 1,422,418 1,422,418 

A08 

Housing Loans 

A0801 Loan Interest and Other Charges 423,475 423,475 408,548 408,548 423,475 423,475 408,548 408,548 

A0802 Debt Management Housing Loans - - 

- 

- - - 

- - 



516,981 516,981 410,357 410,357 519,448 519,448 410,172 410,172 

A09 

Housing Grants 

A0901 Disabled Persons Grants 669,542 669,542 500,000 500,000 1,793,725 1,793,725 1,600,000 1,600,000 

A0902 Loan Charges DPG/ERG - - 

- 

- - - 

- - 

A0903 Essential Repair Grants - - 

- 

- - - 

- - 

A0904 Other Housing Grant Payments - - 

- 

- - - 

- - 

A0905 Mobility Aids Housing Grants - - 

- 

- - - 

- - 



710,801 710,801 503,740 503,740 1,839,868 1,839,868 1,603,357 1,603,357 

15





Adopted by 


Estimated 

by Manager 

Adopted by 


Estimated 

by Manager 

Adopted by 


Estimated 

Outturn 

Adopted by 


Estimated 

Outturn 

€ € € € € € € € 

A10 

Voluntary Housing Scheme 

A1001 Technical Support - - 

- 

- - - 

- - 

A1002 Maintenance of Voluntary Housing Schemes - - 

- 

- - - 

- - 

A1003 Loan Charges - - 

- 

- - - 

- - 

A1099 Service Support Costs - - 

- 

- - - 

- - 


- - 

- - 

- - 

- - 

A11 

Agency & Recoupable Services 

A1101 Agency & Recoupable Service 110,000 110,000 117,760 117,760 110,000 110,000 114,760 115,960 



128,696 128,696 118,916 118,916 121,197 121,197 115,798 116,998 

A Division Total 

6,520,563 6,520,563 6,110,460 6,110,460 7,648,082 7,648,082 7,197,182 7,198,382 

16





Adopted by 


Estimated 

by Manager 

Adopted by 


Estimated 

by Manager 

Adopted by 


Estimated 

Outturn 

Adopted by 


Estimated 

Outturn 

€ € € € € € € € 

B 

B01 

Road Transport & Safety 

NP Road - Maintenance and Improvement 

B0101 NP - Surface Dressing 2,648 2,648 

- 

- 2,648 2,648 

- - 

B0102 NP - Pavement Overlay/Reconstruction - - 

- 

- - - 

- - 

B0103 NP - Winter Maintenance 58,654 58,654 

- 

- 90,000 90,000 

- - 

B0104 NP - Bridge Maintenance (Eirspan) 2,000 2,000 

- 

- 2,000 2,000 

- - 

B0105 NP - General Maintenance 19,115 19,115 90,694 90,694 49,241 49,241 152,118 152,118 

B0106 NP - General Improvements Works 8,229 8,229 

- 

- 8,229 8,229 

- - 

B0199 Service Support Costs 157,772 157,772 5,931 5,931 130,351 130,351 5,798 5,798 

B01 Service Total - B01 

248,418 248,418 96,625 96,625 282,469 282,469 157,916 157,916 

B02 

NS Road - Maintenance and Improvement 

B0201 NS - Surface Dressing 98,721 98,721 

- 

- 106,077 106,077 

- - 

B0202 NS - Overlay/Reconstruction 2,572,557 2,572,557 

- 

- 2,580,000 2,580,000 

- - 

B0203 NS - Overlay/Reconstruction – Urban - - 

- 

- - - 

- - 

B0204 NS - Winter Maintenance 68,903 68,903 

- 

- 205,000 205,000 

- - 

B0205 NS - Bridge Maintenance (Eirspan) 3,611 3,611 

- 

- 3,000 3,000 

- - 

B0206 NS - General Maintenance 298,042 298,042 3,141,834 3,141,834 239,040 239,040 4,206,034 4,206,034 

B0207 NS - General Improvement Works 100,000 100,000 

- 

- 1,072,917 1,072,917 

- - 



3,439,553 3,439,553 3,169,976 3,169,976 4,512,949 4,512,949 4,233,547 4,233,547 

17





Adopted by 


Estimated 

by Manager 

Adopted by 


Estimated 

by Manager 

Adopted by 


Estimated 

Outturn 

Adopted by 


Estimated 

Outturn 

€ € € € € € € € 

B03 

Regional Road - Maintenance and Improvement 

B0301 Regional Roads Surface Dressing 252,834 252,834 

- 

- 327,499 327,499 

- - 

B0302 Reg Rd Surface Rest/Road Reconstruction/Overlay 1,077,923 1,077,923 

- 

- 1,099,875 1,099,875 

- - 

B0303 Regional Road Winter Maintenance 201,824 201,824 

- 

- 217,150 217,150 

- - 

B0304 Regional Road Bridge Maintenance - - 

- 

- 5,789 5,789 

- - 

B0305 Regional Road General Maintenance Works 1,552,988 1,552,988 3,086,923 3,086,923 1,209,171 1,209,171 3,159,485 3,159,485 

B0306 Regional Road General Improvement Works - - 

- 

- 300,000 300,000 

- - 



3,480,571 3,480,571 3,126,628 3,126,628 3,600,074 3,600,074 3,198,301 3,198,301 

B04 

Local Road - Maintenance and Improvement 

B0401 Local Road Surface Dressing 937,740 937,740 

- 

- 982,500 982,500 

- - 

B0402 Local Rd Surface Rest/Road Reconstruction/Overlay 2,243,264 2,243,264 

- 

- 2,479,356 2,479,356 

- - 

B0403 Local Roads Winter Maintenance - - 

- 

- - - 

- - 

B0404 Local Roads Bridge Maintenance - - 

- 

- 7,310 7,310 

- - 

B0405 Local Roads General Maintenance Works 1,100,190 1,100,190 

- 

- 1,033,906 1,033,906 

- - 

B0406 Local Roads General Improvement Works 401,144 401,144 3,582,148 3,582,148 392,690 392,690 3,861,855 3,861,855 



5,049,958 5,049,958 3,763,631 3,763,631 5,297,770 5,297,770 4,009,660 4,009,660 

18





Adopted by 


Estimated 

by Manager 

Adopted by 


Estimated 

by Manager 

Adopted by 


Estimated 

Outturn 

Adopted by 


Estimated 

Outturn 

€ € € € € € € € 

B05 

Public Lighting 

B0501 Public Lighting Operating Costs 405,000 405,000 

- 

- 467,000 467,000 

- - 

B0502 Public Lighting Improvement - - 

- 

- - - 

- - 

B0599 Service Support Costs 71,511 71,511 6,297 6,297 14,639 14,639 227 227 


476,511 476,511 6,297 6,297 481,639 481,639 

227 227 

B06 

Traffic Management Improvement 

B0601 Traffic Management - - 

- 

- - - 

- - 

B0602 Traffic Maintenance - - 

- 

- - - 

- - 

B0603 Traffic Improvement Measures - - 

- 

- - - 

- - 



121,380 121,380 3,272 3,272 133,937 133,937 3,199 3,199 

B07 

Road Safety Engineering Improvement 

B0701 Low Cost Remedial Measures 516,000 516,000 516,000 516,000 516,001 516,001 516,000 516,000 

B0702 Other Engineering Improvements - - 

- 

- - - 

- - 



793,384 793,384 521,931 521,931 779,239 779,239 521,798 521,798 

19





Adopted by 


Estimated 

by Manager 

Adopted by 


Estimated 

by Manager 

Adopted by 


Estimated 

Outturn 

Adopted by 


Estimated 

Outturn 

€ € € € € € € € 

B08 

Road Safety Promotion & Education 

B0801 School Wardens - - 

- 

- - - 

- - 

B0802 Publicity and Promotion Road Safety - - 

- 

- - - 

- - 



70,359 70,359 2,250 2,250 77,546 77,546 2,199 2,199 

B09 

Car Parking 

B0901 Maintenance and Management of Car Parks 20,945 20,945 20,945 20,945 20,945 20,945 20,945 20,945 

B0902 Operation of Street Parking - - 

- 

- - - 

- - 

B0903 Parking Enforcement - - 

- 

- - - 

- - 

B0999 Service Support Costs 58,236 58,236 6,065 6,065 - - 

- - 


79,181 79,181 27,010 27,010 20,945 20,945 20,945 20,945 

B10 

Support to Roads Capital Prog 

B1001 Administration of Roads Capital Programme 224,084 224,084 

- 

- 261,634 261,634 

- - 



454,008 454,008 16,021 16,021 527,783 527,783 15,662 15,662 

B11 


B1101 Agency & Recoupable Service 278,894 278,894 651,598 651,598 415,000 415,000 887,704 887,704 



400,962 400,962 656,207 656,207 505,540 505,540 892,209 892,209 

B Division Total 

14,614,285 14,614,285 11,389,848 11,389,848 16,219,891 16,219,891 13,055,663 13,055,663 

20





Adopted by 


Estimated 

by Manager 

Adopted by 


Estimated 

by Manager 

Adopted by 


Estimated 

Outturn 

Adopted by 


Estimated 

Outturn 

€ € € € € € € € 

C 

C01 

Water Services 

Water Supply 

C0101 Water Plants & Networks 3,096,081 3,096,081 

- 

- 3,420,595 3,420,595 

- - 

C0199 Service Support Costs 1,451,152 1,451,152 1,018,871 1,018,871 1,661,357 1,661,357 1,722,793 1,722,793 

C01 Service Total - C01 

4,547,233 4,547,233 1,018,871 1,018,871 5,081,952 5,081,952 1,722,793 1,722,793 

C02 

Waste Water Treatment 

C0201 Waste Plants and Networks 3,517,117 3,517,117 638,089 638,089 3,742,977 3,742,977 997,438 997,438 

C0299 Service Support Costs 813,568 813,568 30,402 30,402 868,715 868,715 28,508 28,508 


4,330,685 4,330,685 668,491 668,491 4,611,692 4,611,692 1,025,946 1,025,946 

C03 

Collection of Water and Waste Water Charges 

C0301 Debt Management Water and Waste Water 248,969 248,969 

- 

- 174,142 174,142 

- - 

C0399 Service Support Costs 51,670 51,670 5,591 5,591 5,923 5,923 586 586 


300,639 300,639 5,591 5,591 180,065 180,065 

586 586 

C04 

Public Conveniences 

C0401 Operation and Maintenance of Public Conveniences 36,050 36,050 

- 

- 34,440 34,440 

- - 

C0499 Service Support Costs 15,793 15,793 435 435 16,195 16,195 408 408 


51,843 51,843 

435 435 50,635 50,635 

408 408 

21





Adopted by 


Estimated 

by Manager 

Adopted by 


Estimated 

by Manager 

Adopted by 


Estimated 

Outturn 

Adopted by 


Estimated 

Outturn 

€ € € € € € € € 

C05 

Admin of Group and Private Installations 

C0501 Grants for Individual Installations - - 

- 

- - - 

- - 

C0502 Grants for Water Group Schemes - - 

- 

- - - 

- - 

C0503 Grants for Waste Water Group Schemes - - 

- 

- - - 

- - 

C0504 Group Water Scheme Subsidies 635,257 635,257 588,000 588,000 637,665 637,665 588,000 588,000 



806,506 806,506 600,840 600,840 833,681 833,681 600,040 600,040 

C06 

Support to Water Capital Programme 

C0601 Technical Design and Supervision 41,997 41,997 

- 

- 55,784 55,784 

- - 



274,434 274,434 25,802 25,802 310,375 310,375 24,195 24,195 

C07 


C0701 Agency & Recoupable Service - - 1,162,818 1,162,818 - - 1,162,818 1,162,818 

C0799 Service Support Costs 1,432 1,432 

- 

- (76,610) (76,610) 

- - 


1,432 1,432 1,162,818 1,162,818 (76,610) (76,610) 1,162,818 1,162,818 

C Division Total 

10,312,772 10,312,772 3,482,848 3,482,848 10,991,790 10,991,790 4,536,786 4,536,786 

22





Adopted by 


Estimated 

by Manager 

Adopted by 


Estimated 

by Manager 

Adopted by 


Estimated 

Outturn 

Adopted by 


Estimated 

Outturn 

€ € € € € € € € 

D 

D01 

Development Management 

Forward Planning 

D0101 Statutory Plans and Policy 409,525 409,525 

- 

- 357,349 357,349 

- - 

D0199 Service Support Costs 182,517 182,517 23,394 23,394 217,001 217,001 21,937 21,937 

D01 Service Total - D01 

592,042 592,042 23,394 23,394 574,350 574,350 21,937 21,937 

D02 

Development Management 

D0201 Planning Control 720,628 720,628 152,300 152,300 852,302 852,302 152,299 152,299 



1,314,277 1,314,277 207,584 207,584 1,518,218 1,518,218 204,140 204,140 

D03 

Enforcement 

D0301 Enforcement Costs 214,351 214,351 11,000 11,000 203,573 203,573 11,000 11,000 



261,837 261,837 16,861 16,861 260,304 260,304 16,496 16,496 

D04 

Industrial and Commercial Facilities 

D0401 Industrial Sites Operations - - 

- 

- - - 

- - 

D0402 Provision of Industrial Sites - - 

- 

- - - 

- - 

D0403 Management of & Contribs to Other Commercial Facs - - 

- 

- - - 

- - 

D0404 General Development Promotion Work 72,393 72,393 

- 

- 70,605 70,605 

- - 

D0499 Service Support Costs 38,080 38,080 4,551 4,551 5,808 5,808 166 166 


110,473 110,473 4,551 4,551 76,413 76,413 

166 166 

23





Adopted by 


Estimated 

by Manager 

Adopted by 


Estimated 

by Manager 

Adopted by 


Estimated 

Outturn 

Adopted by 


Estimated 

Outturn 

€ € € € € € € € 

D05 

Tourism Development and Promotion 

D0501 Tourism Promotion 14,880 14,880 

- 

- 12,862 12,862 

- - 

D0502 Tourist Facilities Operations - - 

- 

- - - 

- - 

D0599 Service Support Costs 22,028 22,028 767 767 23,227 23,227 719 719 


36,908 36,908 

767 767 36,089 36,089 

719 719 

D06 

Community and Enterprise Function 

D0601 General Community & Enterprise Expenses 227,573 227,573 

- 

- 234,821 234,821 

- - 

D0602 RAPID Costs - - 

- 

- - - 

- - 

D0603 Social Inclusion - - 

- 

- - - 

- - 



337,448 337,448 2,675 2,675 363,828 363,828 2,508 2,508 

D07 

Unfinished Housing Estates 

D0701 Unfinished Housing Estates - - 

- 

- - - 

- - 

D0799 Service Support Costs - - 

- 

- - - 

- - 


- - 

- - 

- - 

- - 

D08 

Building Control 

D0801 Building Control Inspection Costs 500 500 

- 

- 500 500 

- - 

D0802 Building Control Enforcement Costs 1,000 1,000 

- 

- 1,000 1,000 

- - 



69,622 69,622 5,664 5,664 66,731 66,731 5,311 5,311 

24





Adopted by 


Estimated 

by Manager 

Adopted by 


Estimated 

by Manager 

Adopted by 


Estimated 

Outturn 

Adopted by 


Estimated 

Outturn 

€ € € € € € € € 

D09 

Economic Development and Promotion 

D0901 Urban and Village Renewal 90,910 90,910 

- 

- 158,616 158,616 

- - 

D0902 EU Projects - - 

- 

- - - 

- - 

D0903 Town Twinning - - 

- 

- - - 

- - 

D0904 European Office - - 

- 

- - - 

- - 

D0905 Economic Development & Promotion - - 

- 

- - - 

- - 

D0999 Service Support Costs 3,683 3,683 502 502 4,391 4,391 470 470 


94,593 94,593 

502 502 163,007 163,007 

470 470 

D10 

Property Management 

D1001 Property Management Costs - - 

- 

- - - 

- - 


- 

- - - 

- - 


- - 

- - 

- - 

- - 

D11 

Heritage and Conservation Services 

D1101 Heritage Services 95,785 95,785 26,132 26,132 90,508 90,508 26,132 26,132 

D1102 Conservation Services - - 

- 

- - - 

- - 

D1103 Conservation Grants - - 

- 

- - - 

- - 



177,019 177,019 30,134 30,134 181,123 181,123 29,885 29,885 

25





Adopted by 


Estimated 

by Manager 

Adopted by 


Estimated 

by Manager 

Adopted by 


Estimated 

Outturn 

Adopted by 


Estimated 

Outturn 

€ € € € € € € € 

D12 


D1201 Agency & Recoupable Service 43,350 43,350 2,000 2,000 40,680 40,680 2,000 2,000 


- 

- - - 

- - 


43,350 43,350 2,000 2,000 40,680 40,680 2,000 2,000 

D Division Total 

3,037,569 3,037,569 294,132 294,132 3,280,743 3,280,743 283,632 283,632 

26





Adopted by 


Estimated 

by Manager 

Adopted by 


Estimated 

by Manager 

Adopted by 


Estimated 

Outturn 

Adopted by 


Estimated 

Outturn 

€ € € € € € € € 

E 

E01 

Environmental Services 

Landfill Operation and Aftercare 

E0101 Landfill Operations 498,654 498,654 15,000 15,000 1,446,175 1,446,175 30,000 30,000 

E0102 Contribution to other LAs - Landfill Facilities - - 

- 

- - - 

- - 

E0103 Landfill Aftercare Costs. - - 

- 

- - - 

- - 

E0104 Provision of Landfill (financing/loan costs) - - 

- 

- - - 

- - 

E0199 Service Support Costs 365,717 365,717 9,938 9,938 329,200 329,200 7,435 7,435 

E01 Service Total - E01 

864,371 864,371 24,938 24,938 1,775,375 1,775,375 37,435 37,435 

E02 

Recovery & Recycling Facilities Operations 

E0201 Recycling Facilities Operations 22,159 22,159 

- 

- 50,000 50,000 

- - 

E0202 Bring Centres Operations 30,000 30,000 133,500 133,500 35,000 35,000 133,500 133,500 

E0203 Provision of Bring Centres (financing/loan costs) - - 

- 

- - - 

- - 

E0204 Other Recycling Services - - 200 200 - - 200 200 



238,369 238,369 159,782 159,782 233,684 233,684 153,213 153,213 

E03 

Waste to Energy Facilities Operations 

E0301 Waste to Energy Facilities Operations - - 

- 

- - - 

- - 

E0399 Service Support Costs 21,380 21,380 319 319 21,145 21,145 239 239 


21,380 21,380 

319 319 21,145 21,145 

239 239 

27





Adopted by 


Estimated 

by Manager 

Adopted by 


Estimated 

by Manager 

Adopted by 


Estimated 

Outturn 

Adopted by 


Estimated 

Outturn 

€ € € € € € € € 

E04 

Provision of Waste to Collection Services 

E0401 Recycling Waste Collection Services - - 

- 

- - - 

- - 

E0402 Organic Waste Collection Services - - 

- 

- - - 

- - 

E0403 Residual Waste Collection Services - - 

- 

- - - 

- - 

E0404 Commercial Waste Collection Services - - 

- 

- - - 

- - 

E0405 Provision of Waste Collection Equip costs - - 

- 

- - - 

- - 

E0406 Contribution to Waste Collection Services - - 

- 

- - - 

- - 

E0407 Other Costs Waste Collection 431,935 431,935 726,400 726,400 100,000 100,000 625,000 625,000 

E0499 Service Support Costs 87,910 87,910 7,076 7,076 - - 

- - 


519,845 519,845 733,476 733,476 100,000 100,000 625,000 625,000 

E05 

Litter Management 

E0501 Litter Warden Service 102,718 102,718 

- 

- 83,921 83,921 

- - 

E0502 Litter Control Initiatives 2,766 2,766 6,500 6,500 (30,336) (30,336) 11,500 11,500 

E0503 Environmental Awareness Services 12,000 12,000 

- 

- 10,000 10,000 

- - 



327,253 327,253 16,985 16,985 329,899 329,899 19,345 19,345 

28





Adopted by 


Estimated 

by Manager 

Adopted by 


Estimated 

by Manager 

Adopted by 


Estimated 

Outturn 

Adopted by 


Estimated 

Outturn 

€ € € € € € € € 

E06 

Street Cleaning 

E0601 Operation of Street Cleaning Service - - 

- 

- - - 

- - 

E0602 Provision and Improvement of Litter Bins - - 

- 

- - - 

- - 

E0699 Service Support Costs - - 

- 

- - - 

- - 


- - 

- - 

- - 

- - 

E07 

Waste Regulations, Monitoring and Enforcement 

E0701 Monitoring of Waste Regs (incl Private Landfills) 34,608 34,608 

- 

- 75,988 75,988 

- - 

E0702 Enforcement of Waste Regulations 214,208 214,208 301,213 301,213 261,042 261,042 310,213 310,213 



491,262 491,262 318,327 318,327 580,180 580,180 323,017 323,017 

E08 

Waste Management Planning 

E0801 Waste Management Plan - - 

- 

- - - 

- - 

E0802 Contrib to Other Bodies Waste Management Planning - - 

- 

- - - 

- - 



10,841 10,841 1,768 1,768 25,267 25,267 1,323 1,323 

E09 

Maintenance of Burial Grounds 

E0901 Maintenance of Burial Grounds 33,446 33,446 45,000 45,000 34,167 34,167 45,000 45,000 

E0902 Provision of Burial Grounds - - 

- 

- - - 

- - 

E0999 Service Support Costs 21,528 21,528 188 188 143,146 143,146 2,015 2,015 


54,974 54,974 45,188 45,188 177,313 177,313 47,015 47,015 

29





Adopted by 


Estimated 

by Manager 

Adopted by 


Estimated 

by Manager 

Adopted by 


Estimated 

Outturn 

Adopted by 


Estimated 

Outturn 

€ € € € € € € € 

E10 

Safety of Structures and Places 

E1001 Operation Costs Civil Defence 123,774 123,774 77,039 77,039 131,777 131,777 85,042 85,042 

E1002 Dangerous Buildings 10,488 10,488 

- 

- 10,425 10,425 

- - 

E1003 Emergency Planning 81,640 81,640 

- 

- 77,991 77,991 

- - 

E1004 Derelict Sites 913 913 9,813 9,813 913 913 9,813 9,813 

E1005 Water Safety Operation 4,300 4,300 

- 

- 4,300 4,300 

- - 



382,987 382,987 100,430 100,430 369,127 369,127 105,114 105,114 

E11 

Operation of Fire Service 

E1101 Operation of Fire Brigade Service 2,203,753 2,203,753 

- 

- 2,222,265 2,222,265 

- - 

E1102 Provision of Buildings & Equipment - - 

- 

- - - 

- - 

E1103 Fire Services Training 132,500 132,500 82,000 82,000 132,500 132,500 100,000 100,000 

E1104 Operation of Ambulance Service - - 

- 

- - - 

- - 



2,758,212 2,758,212 361,874 361,874 2,759,250 2,759,250 432,016 432,016 

30





Adopted by 


Estimated 

by Manager 

Adopted by 


Estimated 

by Manager 

Adopted by 


Estimated 

Outturn 

Adopted by 


Estimated 

Outturn 

€ € € € € € € € 

E12 

Fire Prevention 

E1201 Fire Safety Control Cert Costs - - 

- 

- - - 

- - 

E1202 Fire Prevention and Education 4,000 4,000 

- 

- 4,000 4,000 

- - 

E1203 Inspection & Monitoring of Commercial Facilities - - 

- 

- - - 

- - 



241,776 241,776 91,130 91,130 238,599 238,599 90,845 90,845 

E13 

Water Quality, Air and Noise Pollution 

E1301 Water Quality Management 277,629 277,629 83,000 83,000 395,096 395,096 155,000 155,000 

E1302 Licensing and Monitoring of Air and Noise Quality 10,500 10,500 

- 

- 10,500 10,500 

- - 



387,190 387,190 84,775 84,775 786,642 786,642 198,976 198,976 

E14 


E1401 Agency & Recoupable Service 3,771 3,771 500 500 10,499 10,499 500 500 

E1499 Service Support Costs - - 

- 

- - - 

- - 


3,771 3,771 

500 500 10,499 10,499 

500 500 

E Division Total 

6,302,231 6,302,231 1,939,492 1,939,492 7,406,980 7,406,980 2,034,038 2,034,038 

31





Adopted by 


Estimated 

by Manager 

Adopted by 


Estimated 

by Manager 

Adopted by 


Estimated 

Outturn 

Adopted by 


Estimated 

Outturn 

€ € € € € € € € 

F 

F01 

Recreation and Amenity 

Leisure Facilities Operations 

F0101 Leisure Facilities Operations - - 

- 

- - - 

- - 

F0102 Provision/Improvement of Leisure Facilities - - 

- 

- - - 

- - 

F0103 Contribution to External Bodies Leisure Facilities 50,000 50,000 

- 

- 50,000 50,000 

- - 

F0199 Service Support Costs 38,080 38,080 22,604 22,604 1,645 1,645 168 168 

F01 Service Total - F01 

88,080 88,080 22,604 22,604 51,645 51,645 

168 168 

F02 

Operation of Library and Archival Service 

F0201 Library Service Operations 1,064,537 1,064,537 85,000 85,000 1,079,723 1,079,723 70,000 70,000 

F0202 Archive Service 1,000 1,000 

- 

- 1,000 1,000 

- - 

F0203 Maintenance of Library Buildings - - 

- 

- - - 

- - 

F0204 Purchase of Books, CD’s etc. 100,000 100,000 

- 

- 100,000 100,000 

- - 

F0205 Contributions to Library Organisations 17,610 17,610 

- 

- 17,610 17,610 

- - 

F0299 Service Support Costs 796,000 796,000 

- 

- 679,442 679,442 

- - 


1,979,147 1,979,147 85,000 85,000 1,877,775 1,877,775 70,000 70,000 

32





Adopted by 


Estimated 

by Manager 

Adopted by 


Estimated 

by Manager 

Adopted by 


Estimated 

Outturn 

Adopted by 


Estimated 

Outturn 

€ € € € € € € € 

F03 

Outdoor Leisure Areas Operations 

F0301 Parks, Pitches & Open Spaces - - 

- 

- 1,022 1,022 

- - 

F0302 Playgrounds - - 

- 

- - - 

- - 

F0303 Beaches - - 

- 

- - - 

- - 

F0399 Service Support Costs - - 1,000 1,000 194,138 194,138 63,324 63,324 


- - 1,000 1,000 195,160 195,160 63,324 63,324 

F04 

Community Sport and Recreational Development 

F0401 Community Grants - - 

- 

- - - 

- - 

F0402 Operation of Sports Hall/Stadium - - 

- 

- - - 

- - 

F0403 Community Facilities - - 

- 

- - - 

- - 

F0404 Recreational Development - - 

- 

- - - 

- - 

F0499 Service Support Costs - - 

- 

- - - 

- - 


- - 

- - 

- - 

- - 

33





Adopted by 


Estimated 

by Manager 

Adopted by 


Estimated 

by Manager 

Adopted by 


Estimated 

Outturn 

Adopted by 


Estimated 

Outturn 

€ € € € € € € € 

F05 

Operation of Arts Programme 

F0501 Administration of the Arts Programme 194,023 194,023 18,000 18,000 168,000 168,000 

- - 

F0502 Contributions to other Bodies Arts Programme 20,000 20,000 

- 

- 20,000 20,000 

- - 

F0503 Museums Operations - - 

- 

- - - 

- - 

F0504 Heritage/Interpretive Facilities Operations - - 

- 

- - - 

- - 

F0505 Festivals & Concerts - - 

- 

- - - 

- - 

F0599 Service Support Costs 104,725 104,725 122,413 122,413 95,276 95,276 93,811 93,811 


318,748 318,748 140,413 140,413 283,276 283,276 93,811 93,811 

F06 


F0601 Agency & Recoupable Service 233,726 233,726 193,725 193,725 276,603 276,603 276,602 276,602 

F0699 Service Support Costs 1,660 1,660 

- 

- 1,419 1,419 

- - 


235,386 235,386 193,725 193,725 278,022 278,022 276,602 276,602 

F Division Total 

2,621,361 2,621,361 442,742 442,742 2,685,878 2,685,878 503,905 503,905 

34





Adopted by 


Estimated 

by Manager 

Adopted by 


Estimated 

by Manager 

Adopted by 


Estimated 

Outturn 

Adopted by 


Estimated 

Outturn 

€ € € € € € € € 

G 

G01 

Agriculture, Education, Health & Welfare 

Land Drainage Costs 

G0101 Maintenance of Land Drainage Areas - - 

- 

- - - 

- - 

G0102 Contributions to Joint Drainage Bodies 234,000 234,000 

- 

- 204,000 204,000 

- - 

G0103 Payment of Agricultural Pensions 27,116 27,116 

- 

- 27,116 27,116 

- - 

G0199 Service Support Costs 10,061 10,061 421 421 7,873 7,873 227 227 

G01 Service Total - G01 

271,177 271,177 

421 421 238,989 238,989 

227 227 

G02 

Operation and Maintenance of Piers and Harbours 

G0201 Operation of Piers - - 

- 

- - - 

- - 

G0202 Provision of Piers - - 

- 

- - - 

- - 

G0203 Operation of Harbours - - 

- 

- - - 

- - 

G0204 Provision of Harbours - - 

- 

- - - 

- - 

G0299 Service Support Costs - - 

- 

- 887 887 

- - 


- - 

- - 

887 887 

- - 

G03 

Coastal Protection 

G0301 General Maintenance - Costal Regions - - 

- 

- - - 

- - 

G0302 Planned Protection of Coastal Regions - - 

- 

- - - 

- - 

G0399 Service Support Costs - - 

- 

- 318 318 

- - 


- - 

- - 

318 318 

- - 

35





Adopted by 


Estimated 

by Manager 

Adopted by 


Estimated 

by Manager 

Adopted by 


Estimated 

Outturn 

Adopted by 


Estimated 

Outturn 

€ € € € € € € € 

G04 

Veterinary Service 

G0401 Provision of Veterinary Service 57,402 57,402 

- 

- 90,164 90,164 

- - 

G0402 Inspection of Abattoirs etc 65,076 65,076 150,978 150,978 65,076 65,076 239,475 239,475 

G0403 Food Safety 1,000 1,000 

- 

- 1,000 1,000 

- - 

G0404 Operation of Dog Warden Service 127,410 127,410 73,000 73,000 127,410 127,410 26,000 26,000 

G0405 Other Animal Welfare Services (incl Horse Control) 22,500 22,500 20,000 20,000 7,500 7,500 

- - 

G0499 Service Support Costs 50,761 50,761 7,325 7,325 57,776 57,776 6,800 6,800 


324,149 324,149 251,303 251,303 348,926 348,926 272,275 272,275 

G05 

Educational Support Services 

G0501 Payment of Higher Education Grants 1,817,261 1,817,261 1,805,670 1,805,670 1,931,771 1,931,771 1,920,180 1,920,180 

G0502 Administration Higher Education Grants - - 

- 

- - - 

- - 

G0503 Payment of VEC Pensions - - 

- 

- - - 

- - 

G0504 Administration VEC Pension - - 

- 

- - - 

- - 

G0505 Contribution to VEC 14,076 14,076 

- 

- 14,076 14,076 

- - 

G0506 Other Educational Services 3,310 3,310 

- 

- 3,310 3,310 

- - 

G0507 School Meals - - 

- 

- - - 

- - 

G0599 Service Support Costs 2,016 2,016 

81 

81 158 158 

- - 


1,836,663 1,836,663 1,805,751 1,805,751 1,949,315 1,949,315 1,920,180 1,920,180 

36





Adopted by 


Estimated 

by Manager 

Adopted by 


Estimated 

by Manager 

Adopted by 


Estimated 

Outturn 

Adopted by 


Estimated 

Outturn 

€ € € € € € € € 

G06 


G0601 Agency & Recoupable Service - - 100 100 - - 100 100 

G0699 Service Support Costs 93 93 

- 

- 32 32 

- - 


93 93 

100 100 

32 32 

100 100 

G Division Total 

2,432,082 2,432,082 2,057,575 2,057,575 2,538,467 2,538,467 2,192,782 2,192,782 

37





Adopted by 


Estimated 

by Manager 

Adopted by 


Estimated 

by Manager 

Adopted by 


Estimated 

Outturn 

Adopted by 


Estimated 

Outturn 

€ € € € € € € € 

H 

H01 

Miscellaneous Services 

Profit & Loss Machinery Account 

H0101 Maintenance of Machinery Service - - 

- 

- - - 

- - 

H0102 Plant and Machinery Operations 1,234,898 1,234,898 1,230,430 1,230,430 1,274,898 1,274,898 1,230,430 1,230,430 

H0103 Provision of Plant and Machinery - - 

- 

- - - 

- - 

H0199 Service Support Costs 118,702 118,702 21,274 21,274 199,612 199,612 20,160 20,160 

H01 Service Total - H01 

1,353,600 1,353,600 1,251,704 1,251,704 1,474,510 1,474,510 1,250,590 1,250,590 

H02 

Profit & Loss Stores Account 

H0201 Purchase of Materials, Stores 2,296,000 2,296,000 2,402,814 2,402,814 2,336,000 2,336,000 2,402,814 2,402,814 

H0202 Administrative Costs Stores 209,589 209,589 

- 

- 231,932 209,587 

- - 

H0203 Upkeep of Buildings, stores - - 

- 

- - - 

- - 



2,544,711 2,544,711 2,409,221 2,409,221 2,623,836 2,623,836 2,408,886 2,408,886 

H03 

Adminstration of Rates 

H0301 Administration of Rates Office 59,031 59,031 

- 

- 57,499 57,499 

- - 

H0302 Debt Management Service Rates 67,849 67,849 

- 

- 40,089 40,089 

- - 

H0303 Refunds and Irrecoverable Rates 1,797,396 1,797,396 50,000 50,000 443,678 443,678 50,000 50,000 



2,031,962 2,031,962 56,795 56,795 661,937 661,937 54,127 54,127 

38





Adopted by 


Estimated 

by Manager 

Adopted by 


Estimated 

by Manager 

Adopted by 


Estimated 

Outturn 

Adopted by 


Estimated 

Outturn 

€ € € € € € € € 

H04 

Franchise Costs 

H0401 Register of Elector Costs 2,929 2,929 

- 

- 2,929 2,929 

- - 

H0402 Local Election Costs - - 

- 

- - - 

- - 

H0499 Service Support Costs 101 101 

- 

- 13,900 13,900 

- - 


3,030 3,030 

- - 16,829 16,829 

- - 

H05 

Operation of Morgue and Coroner Expenses 

H0501 Coroner Fees and Expenses 155,114 155,114 

- 

- 155,114 155,114 

- - 

H0502 Operation of Morgue - - 

- 

- - - 

- - 

H0599 Service Support Costs 26,214 26,214 

- 

- 47,499 47,499 

- - 


181,328 181,328 

- - 202,613 202,613 

- - 

H06 

Weighbridges 

H0601 Weighbridge Operations 3,500 3,500 4,000 4,000 3,500 3,500 10,000 10,000 

H0602 Provision of Weighbridges - - 

- 

- - - 

- - 

H0699 Service Support Costs - - 

- 

- - - 

- - 


3,500 3,500 4,000 4,000 3,500 3,500 10,000 10,000 

H07 

Operation of Markets and Casual Trading 

H0701 Operation of Markets - - 

- 

- - - 

- - 

H0702 Casual Trading Areas 1,500 1,500 

- 

- 1,500 1,500 

- - 

H0799 Service Support Costs 867 867 4,000 4,000 1,114 1,114 2,500 2,500 


2,367 2,367 4,000 4,000 2,614 2,614 2,500 2,500 

39





Adopted by 


Estimated 

by Manager 

Adopted by 


Estimated 

by Manager 

Adopted by 


Estimated 

Outturn 

Adopted by 


Estimated 

Outturn 

€ € € € € € € € 

H08 

Malicious Damage 

H0801 Malicious Damage - - 

- 

- - - 

- - 

H0899 Service Support Costs - - 

- 

- - - 

- - 


- - 

- - 

- - 

- - 

H09 

Local Representation & Civic Leadership 

H0901 Representational Payments 374,522 374,522 

- 

- 372,733 372,733 

- - 

H0902 Chair/Vice Chair Allowances 27,264 27,264 

- 

- 27,264 27,264 

- - 

H0903 Annual Allowances LA Members 116,337 116,337 

- 

- 116,337 116,337 

- - 

H0904 Expenses LA Members 73,626 73,626 

- 

- 73,626 73,626 

- - 

H0905 Other Expenses 28,000 28,000 

- 

- 28,000 28,000 

- - 

H0906 Conferences Abroad 2,885 2,885 

- 

- 2,885 2,885 

- - 

H0907 Retirement Gratuities - - 

- 

- - - 

- - 

H0908 Contribution to Members Associations 11,500 11,500 

- 

- 17,546 17,546 

- - 

H0999 Service Support Costs 159,616 159,616 

- 

- 15,637 15,637 

- - 


793,750 793,750 

- - 654,028 654,028 

- - 

H10 

Motor Taxation 

H1001 Motor Taxation Operation 482,681 482,681 

- 

- 500,945 500,945 

- - 



775,847 775,847 23,904 23,904 855,003 855,003 22,651 22,651 

40





Adopted by 


Estimated 

by Manager 

Adopted by 


Estimated 

by Manager 

Adopted by 


Estimated 

Outturn 

Adopted by 


Estimated 

Outturn 

€ € € € € € € € 

H11 


H1101 Agency & Recoupable Service 1,935,833 1,935,833 1,994,397 1,994,397 1,924,078 1,924,078 1,980,841 1,979,641 

H1102 NPPR - - 650,000 650,000 - - 650,000 650,000 

H1199 Service Support Costs 46,598 46,598 609 609 27,799 27,799 

- - 


1,982,431 1,982,431 2,645,006 2,645,006 1,951,877 1,951,877 2,630,841 2,629,641 

H Division Total 

9,672,526 9,672,526 6,394,630 6,394,630 8,446,747 8,446,747 6,379,595 6,378,395 

Overall Total 55,513,389 55,513,389 32,111,727 32,111,727 59,218,578 59,218,578 36,183,583 36,183,583 

41

Appendix 1 

SUMMARY OF CENTRAL MANAGEMENT CHARGE FOR YEAR 2013 


Description 

€ € 

Area Office Overhead 815,628 

866,739 

Corporate Affairs Overhead 757,522 

811,223 

Corporate Buildings Overhead 851,621 1,446,234 

Finance Function Overhead 1,136,210 1,059,042 

Human Resource Function Overhead 828,411 

813,419 

IT Services Overhead 1,058,066 1,134,538 

Print & Post Room Service Overhead 65,000 

65,000 

Pension & Lump Sum Overhead 2,546,983 2,500,895 

Total Expenditure Allocated to Services 

8,059,441 

8,697,090 

42

CAPITAL BUDGET 

2013-2015 

DEVELOPMENT 

CONTRIBUTION 

REPORT 

2013

Comhaírle Chontae Uíbh Fhaílí 


MEMO 

TO 

Subject 

Elected Members 

Capital Spending/Development Contributions 

Date December 7th, 2012 

Dear Councillor, 

I attach for your information: 

Report 1 analyses the opening balance, receipts and disbursements of development contributions since I 

reported to you in December 2011. This report shows that we currently have a balance of € 3.515m 

development levies to fund upcoming projects. 

Report 2 analyses the € 3.515 m balance over the various development contribution headings 

Report 3 provides a summary of the projected capital expenditure and income/development levy funding 

requirement and shortfall by Division for the period 2013-2015. 

Report 4 details the projects in each division that are scheduled to be undertaken in the years 2013-2015. 

Report 3 highlights the substantial funding amount (€ 34.219 m) that will be required from our development 

contribution income to fund capital projects. In the previous two years, 2010 and 2011 we have received on 

average € 500,000 in development contributions each year, arising from the completion of schemes that 

commenced in prior years. For the next three years we expect this amount to fall and have estimated 

contributions of € 300,000 in each year, under the various headings. In this rolling plan this estimated income 

will be revised each year. 

Over the three year period our current balance of € 3.515m plus 3 year projected income € 900,000 (€ 300k 

x3) will give us a total available for disbursement of € 4.415m against a projected requirement of € 34.219m 

a shortfall of € 29.804m. 

This anticipated shortfall will restrict our ability to undertake many capital projects. It will also mean we will 

defer/prioritise projects taking account of the funds available. 

DECLAN CONLON, 

HEAD OF FINANCE.

Report 1 


Development Contributions-Receipt and Application of Development Funds for the period from 

November 2011- November 2012 

€000s 

Balance Available -November 2011 5,436 

Contributions Received- December 2011 to November 2012 

Development Contributions - Customers €462 1,127 

Development Contributions - Town Councils €665 

Disbursements December 2010 - November 2011 - see below 182 

Reserved for Current projects - not yet allocated 2,866 

Balance Available - November 2012 3,515 

Allocation of Funds - since last report to Council Nov 2011 €000s 

SMALL SCHEMES 2012 RURAL WATER PROG 162 

SPECIAL CONT SCHEME RECYCLING FACILITY AT BARNAN 20 

RESERVED FOR CURRENT PROJECTS - NOT YET ALLOCATED 2,866 

TOTAL 3,048

Report 2 

Offaly County Council Development Contributions available for 

disbursement as at November, 2012 

JOB DESCRIPTION 

FUNDS 

AVAILABLE 

€000s 

DEV. CONT. SCH. AMENITIES 201 

DEV. CONT. SCH. INFRASTRUCTURE 2,109 

DEV. CONT. SCH. WASTEWATER (inc TTC €327k, BTC €8k) 0 

DEV. CONT. SCH. WATER (inc TTC €321k, BTC €9k) 0 

SPL DEV. CONT. 2004 EDENDERRY SEWERAGE SCHEME 239 

SPL DEV. CONT. 2004 RHODE INTERIM SEWERAGE 7 

SPL DEV. CONT. 2004 CAR PARKING 437 

SPL DEV CONT SCH 04 CRINKLE BOOSTER PUMP 17 

SPL DEV CONT SCH '04 DAINGEAN UPGRADE SEWERAGE 8 

SPL DEV CONT SCH '04 PORTARLINGTON 5 

SPL DEV CONT SCH CLARA QUARRY 4 

SPL DEV CONT SCH-ROAD IMP & MAIN DRUMCRAW MT LUCAS 25 

SPL DEV. CONT SCH COMMUNICATIONS MASTS 422 

SPL DEV CONT RD IMP. TULLAROE CLAREEN 8 

SPL DEV CONT DAINGEAN SEWAGE TREATMENT 3 

SPL DEV CONT UPGRADE CLARA SEWERAGE SCHEME 1 

SPL DEV CONT BALLINAGAR WW TREATMENT UPGRADE 3 

SPL DEV CONT RD IMPROVEMENT TO N80 CLARA 26 

TOTAL 3,515

Report 3 

Analysis of Capital Project Expenditure by Division 2013-2015 

Expenditure 

Phasing of Expenditure Proposed Funding Dev Cont. Funds Available 

Division 

Projected 

Capital 

Expenditure 

2013- 2015 

2013 2014 2015 2016+ 

Estimated 

DoEHLG/ 

NRA/Other 

Funding 

Dev Cont. 

Funding 

Requirement 

Cash 

Available 

Projected 

Receipts 

2013-2015 

Shortfall in 

Development 

Contribution 

A - Housing & Building 5,050 1,520 1,520 2,010 0 5,000 50 0 0 (50) 

B - Road Transport & Safety 12,600 3,700 1,700 1,800 5,400 10,275 2,325 2,609 668 952 

C - Water Services 91,181 11,487 16,967 14,766 47,961 61,832 29,349 283 72 (28,994) 

D - Development Management 1,125 0 275 275 575 0 1,125 0 0 (1,125) 

E - Environmental Services 3,700 780 1,490 1,420 10 3,700 0 0 0 - 

F - Recreation & Amenity 2,270 1,290 940 40 0 1,350 920 201 51 (668) 

J- Corporate Services 650 400 150 100 0 200 450 422 108 80 

Grand Total 116,576 19,177 23,042 20,411 53,946 82,357 34,219 3,515 900 (29,804)

Report 4 - Capital Projects by Division 2013-2015 

Division 

A - Housing & Building 

B - Road Transport & Safety 

Project Detail 

Housing Programme 



Playgrounds 

Low Cost Safety Measures 

Grants Distillery Tullamore 

NRA Minor Improvements 

NRA Traffic Calming Schemes 

Collins Lane Tullamore 

Rosderra Roundabout & Access Road Edenderry 

Jn Imprs at Killane X & Monasteroris Edenderry 

Footpath Improvements 

Jn Imprs at Banagher , Ferbane &Portarlington 

Specific Improvement Grants 

C - Water Services 

Tullamore Water Supply Scheme (WTW) 

Tullamore Water Supply Scheme (Network) 

Tullamore Sewerage Scheme (WWTW DBO) 

Tullamore Sewerage Scheme (Network) 

Birr Water Supply Scheme (WTW) 

Birr Sewerage Scheme (Network & Storm Tanks) 

Edenderry Sewerage Scheme (Network) 

Edenderry Sewerage Scheme (WWTW) 

Water Conservation Stage 3 

Clara Sewerage Scheme Phase 2 (SLI) 

Portarlington Pumping Stations Upgrade 

Small Schemes - Water & Sewerage 

D - Development Management 

E - Environmental Services 

Shannon Harbour Project 

Tourism Projects 

Monastic Site/Visitor Parking 

Remediation of historical landfills 

Gas Utilisation 

Leachate Management Infrastructure 

Provision of Graveyards 

Installation of hydrometric stations 

Energy Projects 

Fire Equipment/Vehicles 

Ferbane New Station (Approved) 

Clara Fire Station 

F - Recreation & Amenity 

J Corporate Services 

Riverside Amenities 

Swimming Pools 

Tullamore Library 

Library Refurbishments etc. 

Records Conservation Management 

Information systems upgrade 

Broadband


Director of Services Reports 

Frank Heslin - Director of Transport, Emergency 

Services & Information Systems Page(s) 1 – 13 

Sean Murray - Director of Corporate, Housing, 

Cultural Affairs, Environment & Water Page(s) 14 – 40 

Declan Kirrane - Director of Planning, Economic 

Development, Human Resources, Community & Enterprise Page(s) 41 – 60



Frank Heslin – Director of Services 

Reports 

1

Budget 2013 – Roads & Health and Safety 

Tullamore Bypass (€700,000 – 2012) 

Completed scheme opened to traffic in 2009. Estimated Cost was 100M including land acquisition. 

Allocation in 2012 covered supervision of outstanding defects and settlement of final account. The 

three year defects period concluded on the 23 rd October 2012. 

Banagher Link Road Phase 2 

This section of new road is 330 metres in length and links the Lusmagh Road with the Crank Road. 

Additional funding of €200,000 was sought and received from the DOT in 2011 to complete this 

improvement scheme which also includes sections of the existing Crank Road and Lusmagh Road. The 

works were completed and opened to traffic in early 2012. 

National Roads Bridge Rehabilitation Project - Offaly County Council were the lead authority for 

bridges in Offaly, Laois, Carlow, Kilkenny and Meath (Allocation €100,000) 

The bridges in all 5 Counties were tendered under one contract. The successful Tender was submitted 

by Wills Bros Mayo. The County Offaly bridges included in the tender involved the total removal and 

replacement of Cox’s Bridge on the Clara Road Tullamore (N80) and minor improvement works were 

also carried out on Charlestown Bridge Clara (N80). The works were completed in early 2011 and the 

€100,000 allocation in 2012 related to retention monies held back from the contractor until the end of 

the defects period. 

National Roads Pavement and Minor Improvement Schemes 2012 

The initial allocation under this heading from the NRA in 2012 was €3,100,000. Additional funding of 

€1,276,857 was sought and received from the NRA during 2012 bringing the total allocation for 2012 

to €4,376,857. The location and details of the schemes are as follows: - 

1. N62 Cloghan to Ferbane €1,107,214 

2. N62 Derrinlough and Doon €2,564,643 

3. N80 (R420) Tullamore to Clara € 705,000 

TOTAL €4,376,857 

The Cloghan to Ferbane and the Tullamore to Clara schemes were planned, designed, tendered and 

supervised by the Road Design Section of Offaly County Council. The Derrinlough and Doon schemes 

were designed by NRA consultants with the assistance of the Road Design Section of Offaly County 

Council. 

2

National Roads Surface Restoration of Skid Resistance Schemes 2012 

Additional funding of €535,526 was received from the NRA for the restoration of skid resistance on the 

N52 and N62 at the following locations: - 

Route Location Length 

(m) 

N52 Kennedys Cross 100 

N52 Idle Corner 216 

N62 Ballyegan 230 

N62 Boolanarig 80 

N62 Galross Cross 500 

N62 Derrinlough 110 

N62 Crancreagh 2600 

Specific Improvement Grants 2012 (Allocation €600,000) - Schemes undertaken and completed under 

this heading are as follows: - 

1. R 402 Pavement Overlay between Mountlucas and Edenderry (€200,000) 

2. Construction of new roundabout and junction layout at New Road/Church Road/Tanyard 

intersection in Tullamore. (€200,000) 

3. Bridge improvements (€200,000) at 13 locations as follows: - Ballycon, Cloncrean and 

Borneiss in the Edenderry Area: Wilton, Lynally and Anagharvey in the Tullamore Area: 

Liffey Mills, Bridge Street Birr, Clonlisk and Nealstown in the Birr Area: Derrynagun, 

Ballyboy and Lumcloom in the Ferbane Area. 

Safety Schemes on National Roads (2012 Initial Allocation €140,000; Final Allocation €847,319) 

Safety Schemes carried out at the following locations in 2012: - 

1. Kilcruttin Junction Improvements Tullamore 

2. N62 Route Treatment Birr to Roscrea 

3. N52 Riverstown Wall Birr 

4. N80 Route Treatment Tullamore to Killeigh to County Boundary 

5. N80 (R402) Cox’s Bridge junction definition Tullamore 

6. New Road Junction Improvements Tullamore 

7. Tullamore Traffic Lights Upgrade 

3

Safety Schemes on Non-National Roads ( 2012 Allocation €185,000) 

Projects commenced/completed at the following locations in 2012: - 

1. Installation of safety barrier and signage on the R400 at Derrygreenagh on the Rhode to 

Rochfortbridge road 

2. Installation of Pedestrian Crossing on the Ferbane Relief Road. 

3. Installation of signs and periodic speed limits at rural schools. 

4. Junction definition, signing, lining and kerbing at Whiteford Cross Birr 

5. Road Improvements at Fahy Hill Rhode 

Regional Signposting (2012 Allocation €110,000) 

The following Regional Roads were allocated funding for the installation of poles and new signs in 

2012: - 

1. R490 Moneygall to Cloughjordan 

2. R491 Shinrone to Roscrea 

3. R492 Shinrone to Blackbull 

4. R445 Old N7 

5. R446 Old N6 

Multi Annual Road Restoration Programme ( Allocation €3,579,230) 

Under the 3 year (2011 – 2013) Restoration Programme Offaly County Councils allocation is 

€4,076,950 per annum. In 2012 this would have allowed Offaly Council complete 40 restoration 

improvement schemes. The allocation of €3,579,230 allowed for the completion of 35 schemes. 

The Department of Transport, tourism & Sport (DTTS) and the National Roads Authority (NRA) have 

requested Local Authorities to prepare a new 4 Year Multi-Annual Road Restoration Programme from 

2013 to 2016. The allocation for each year of this programme is 85% of the 2012 allocation i.e 

€3,042,345 per annum. The Area Engineers are presently preparing the 4 Year programme for their 

area and will present it to the Area Councillors for their consideration and approval in November and 

early December 2012. The overall 4 Year Programme for the County will be presented to the full 

Council at their monthly meeting in December and following approval will be forwarded to the 

DTTS/NRA before Christmas 2012. 

The choice of the roads that can be included in the programme are governed by a set of rules and 

criteria set down by the DTTS and the NRA and have to be based on the poorest condition roads in the 

area. 

4

Own Resources Allocation to County Roads 

Year 

Estimates 

Allocation 

€ 

Allowance for 

Machinery 

Yard & Stores 

€ 

Ineligible 

Expenditure on 

NNR Grants 

€ 

Actual 

Allocation 

to Area 

Engineers 

% Increase 

(+) or 

Reduction 

(-) 

In Actual 

Allocation 

€ 

2012 1,023,906 134,920 170,000 (E) **888,986 -8.0 

2011 1,291,700 325,979 172,000 965,721 -25.0 

2010 1,291,700 0 0 1,291700 -1.0 

2009 1,303,740 0 0 1,303,740 -14.0 

2008 1,515,000 0 0 1,515,000 +2.0 

2007 1,486,647 0 0 1,486,647 +3.0 

2006 1,443,347 0 0 1,443,347 

** Reduced further in July 2012 by €80,000 to €808,986 

E - Estimate 

As can be seen from the above table the actual fund available to the Area Engineers for ordinary 

maintenance on Local Roads has decreased steadily from 2008 to 2012. The actual decrease 

amounts to €706,014 or 47%. The greatest reduction occurred from 2010 to 2011 of 25% and this 

was due to an allowance for the machinery yard and stores and also a requirement to take into 

account ineligible expenditure against Department of Transport Grants. There is approximately 1600 

kms of local roads in the County and this amounts to 76% of the total road network. We have gone 

from spending €947 per km on the Local Road Network in 2008 to €505 per km in 2012, a reduction 

of 46%. The effect of this is the level of service is greatly reduced. Less maintenance including 

patching is carried out resulting in a deteriorated County Road network. This in turn can lead to an 

increase in public liability claims. The grant allocations from the NRA and DTTS are used to 

supplement the County Roads allocations by carrying out as much as possible of the grant works by 

direct labour. However the 2010 Memorandum on Non-National Road grants limits the eligibility of 

certain expenditure against state grants. This means that we are more dependent on our own 

resources to pay wages, allowances, travel & subsistence etc. During 2012 it has been a struggle to 

maintain an acceptable level of service based on the allocation provided from our own resources. 

The Area Engineers have to prioritize patching in order to save money and stay within budget. At 

present traffic counts are being carried out on local roads in an effort to prioritize expenditure in 

relation to a future patching programme. Busy roads will attract a higher priority rating than less 

busy roads and patching will be prioritized on that basis. The present allocation should be increased 

and any further reductions in this allocation will see a dramatic fall off in the 

maintenance/condition of the County Road network. 

5

Public Lighting (2012: NRA Allocation - €102,160; Offaly County Council Allocation - €467,000; 

Tullamore Town Council Allocation - €87,000; Birr Town Council Allocation - €36,000) 

This allocation is divided approximately 60% energy and 40% maintenance. The long term objective 

of Offaly County Council is to replace the existing inefficient lamps (orange/yellow) on the public 

lighting network over a 5 year period at a cost of €800,000. 

Similar to 2011 savings have been achieved in 2012 on the maintenance element of public lighting. 

The public lighting network consists of network (light on pole where you also have overhead 

electrical wires) and non network (light only with no overhead wires) poles. It is a requirement of the 

ESB that shared assets are de-bundled i.e. separate light from ESB apparatus. It is an objective of 

Offaly County Council to carry out this de-bundling on a phased basis. The estimate to carry out this 

work for the County is approximately €500,000. Any savings made in the maintenance budget at 

present are re-invested in the asset de-bundling. The asset de-bundling is progressed as funding 

allows. 

Unfortunately the Public Lighting budget allocation was reduced in July by €62,000 giving a 2012 

revised allocation of €405,000. This budget cut reduces our ability to upgrade the public lighting 

network. 

It is proposed to re-tender the public lighting maintenance in conjunction with the neighboring local 

authorities in late 2012/early 2013. 

Smarter Travel (Allocation; €424,000 ) 

Funding of €424,000 was received from the DTSS under the smarter travel initiative for the following 

projects in 2012: - 

1. R420 Cycle route from Tullamore to Clara to Moate €400,000 

2. Active Towns Walking & Cycling Strategy for Birr & Edenderry € 24,000 

These projects were completed in November and December 2012 

Winter Maintenance ( 2012 NRA Allocation €158,800; 2012 DTTS Allocation €162,863) – Total 

€321,663 

The 2012 allocation is €190,487 less than the 2011 allocation. This is mainly due to the fact that the 

NRA and the DTTS are now procuring the salt and allocating an allowance to each Local Authority. The 

2011/2012 season was mild in comparison to the previous 2 years with a minimum requirement to salt 

any roads. 

6

The Co Council salted roads on 25 nights during this period. In 2011 a review of the salting routes was 

carried out with the objective that no driver was out longer than approximately 3 hours salting at any 

one time. A further review of the Winter Service Plan and Salting Routes was again carried out in 

2012. In this review we had the benefit of traffic counts which were carried out on all the Regional 

Roads in the county during 2012. The traffic counts allowed us to prioritize salting on Regional Roads 

and resulted in a number of additional roads over the previous salting plan as follows: - 

• R438 – Cloghan to Anglers Rest 

• R356 – Wynnes Cross to Banagher 

• R436 – Ferbane to Clara 

• R357 Cloghan to Shannonbridge 

This new system will operate for the 2012/2013 season. 

At the beginning of the season in Mid October all depots had 1024 tonnes of salt in stock. The normal 

procedure is pre-salting (rate of10.00 gms/sq.m) starting at 7.00pm. A typical night’s usage is approx 

35 to 40 tonnes of salt. Therefore at the beginning of the season we had sufficient salt for between 25 

and 30 nights. 

When the new 1000 tonne salt storage barn is completed in Birr Offaly County Council will have a 

county wide salt storage capacity of 2240 tonnes allowing a spreading capacity of between 55 to 60 

nights. 

Winter Maintenance Equipment (Funded by the NRA) 

In 2012 we have made progress on the following issues: - 

1. Construction of new 1000 tonne salt storage barn for Birr. 

2. Purchased a new 9.0 cu. metre salt spreader to be put into operation in the Ferbane Area in 

the 2012/2013 winter maintenance period. 

3. Purchased 1 new snow plough 

4. Installation of new automatic brine making equipment at Ballydrohid Depot Tullamore and 

Croghan Road Birr 

5. Installation of SATNAV and GPS tracking units in all 4 Salt Spreaders 

Road Traffic (Speed Limits)(County of Offaly) Bye Laws 2011 (Amendments 2012) 

The elected members of Offaly County Council adopted the “Road Traffic (Speed Limits) (County of 

Offaly) Bye Laws 2011(Amendments 2012)” at its monthly meeting held on the 18 th June 2012. There 

were 2 amendments as follows:- 

7

The re-classification of the N80 from a national road to a regional road meant that the default speed 

limit reduced from 100 kph to 80 kph. This amendment re-instated the speed limit to 100 kph 

The 60 kph speed limit on the Rathangan Road Edenderry was extended a further 200 metres towards 

Rathangan. 

These amendments came into effect from the 1 st July 2012 

Health and Safety 

Health and Safety objectives were set out at the beginning of the year with the management team. 

The main focus was to improve on the Health and Safety performance of 2011 and ultimately provide 

a safer working environment for all employees of Offaly County Council and members of the public. 

There was an overall reduction in the accident ratio up to November 2012 when compared to the 

same period in 2011. Senior management continued to provide leadership in order to raise the profile 

of safety within Offaly County Council. Safety Committee’s in Offaly County Council met a number of 

times during the year to raise health and safety issues and more importantly to try and provide 

practical solutions to eliminating or reducing the risk to employees. The Safety Committee’s have been 

a useful communication tool for employees from different departments enabling them to interact and 

learn how health and safety improvements can be achieved within their areas. 

During 2012 a number of inspections have been carried out with the Health and Safety Authority. 

These inspections have been used to raise awareness in areas that need slight improvements, however 

overall the inspections reflect the improvements which have been made by all employees during the 

year. The focus for Offaly County Council in 2013 will be to continue to build a close relationship with 

the local Health and Safety Inspectors and take on board the valuable advice issued by them. 

The Offaly County Council online health and safety system was updated on the ‘I Portal System’ during 

the year. Improvements were carried out in conjunction with the suggestions made by staff members 

who use the I Portal System on a regular basis. This system has now become a valuable safety aid for 

employees when managing health and safety in their areas. 

Internal health and safety inspections continue to be an integral part of Offaly County Councils system, 

and this has been well received by all employees this year. These inspections have helped to highlight 

areas for improvement and to prevent potential accidents from occurring. Internal inspection 

templates were developed to standardize the process of these inspections and were used by staff at all 

levels during the year. These inspections will continue throughout 2013. 

8

Health and safety training continues to be at the forefront of improving health and safety awareness 

among staff and ensuring that staff are competent for carrying out the tasks in hand. In 2013 Offaly 

County Council will continue to ensure that relevant staff complete the statutory training they require. 

The health and safety information, which is being developed at a national level, and any new 

legislation will continue to be examined at local level and where deemed appropriate integrated into 

Offaly County Councils Health and safety System. This process will continue throughout 2013 with the 

aid of the Safety Committee Group. 

Efficiencies achieved in 2012/2013 

1. Review of winter maintenance routes and procedures and presentation of a Revised 

Winter Service Plan to the Transportation and Emergency Services SPC. 

2. Reviewed and confirmed Offaly County Council’s existing traffic calming policy at SPC level 

3. Purchased a new 9.0cu.metre salt spreader. 

4. Installed automated brine making system in Tullamore and Birr salt depots. 

5. Constructed a new 1000 tonne capacity salt barn in Birr. 

6. Achieved savings in Public Lighting Maintenance 

7. Designed and tendered Regional Signposting in-house. 

8. Design/tendering/supervision of National Road Minor Improvement Schemes in –house. 

9. Supervised and constructed 3 major safety and minor improvement schemes on the N62 

between Birr and Ballinahown. 

10. Adoption of Road Traffic (Speed Limits)(County of Offaly) Bye Laws 2011 (Amendments 

2012) 

Jobs Initiative Scheme (JIS): 

This is a FAS-supported scheme which has been operated by the Council for a number of years, with a 

total of 8 participants being assigned 2 per area. However specific provision needs to be made for the 

JIS in the budget and costs of the scheme to the council reduced. The scheme is administered by the 

Roads section but funded through the Environment budget, as work mainly involves local 

environmental and cemetery maintenance. The scheme will be reviewed in 2013. 

9

Challenges for 2013 

1. Continue to deliver an acceptable level of service with a reduced County Roads budget. 

2. A continuous reduction in the County Roads budget will have the following implications: - 

• Serious county road deterioration i.e. less patching/pothole repair, less water cuts 

opened, increase in Public Liability claims 

• Surface dressing would be less effective as the road network would have got into such 

a state of disrepair that road strengthening would be required resulting in more 

expense. 

• Considerable reduction in street cleaning operations, emptying of litter bins etc. 

• Non replacement/renewal of statutory signage and road markings 

• Off hiring of plant and machinery 

3. Moratorium on Staff Recruitment and reduced availability of adequate funds. Staff 

retirement and non replacement including lack of adequate funding means that it is 

becoming more and more difficult to provide a satisfactory level of service to the public. 

10

Budget 2013 – Fire Service 

Activities in 2012 

Offaly County Council Fire & Rescue Service provided an effective and professional response to 

emergencies on a 24/7, 365 days basis throughout 2012. Offaly County Council Fire & Rescue Service 

respond to an average of 800 incidents and 950 station callout throughout the county. 

The Section 26 Fire and Emergency plan formed the basis for the Fire Service work program 2012. The 

2012 budget of €2.9 million maintained the Fire Service mainly due to the reduction in calls in 2012. 

Significant resources have been made available for training within the Fire 

Service with an expected spend of €130,000 for training alone in 2012. In addition the Councils 

commitment to training for fire fighters, and research into the latest equipment and technology 

ensures that our fire crews are best equipped to respond quickly, safely and effectively to the full 

range of emergency incidents that we attend. 

A new schedule of Fire Charges were introduced in 2012 to reflect the actual economic cost associated 

with the attendance of the Fire Service at incidents, and a new collection system introduced. 

The training centre in Tullamore was utilised for training internally and by other Local Authorities and 

generated an income of €80,000. 

In addition to the above Offaly County Council Fire Service is responsible for the assessment of all Fire 

Safety Certificate, Dangerous Substances, and Disabled Access Certificate applications ,gave advice on 

planning referrals, licence applications, fire safety inspections of public premises and fir safety 

promotion. Offaly Fire service is actively involved in the Community Smoke Alarm Project and also 

delivered the Fire Safety Schools program to all primary schools in the county. 

The Building Control function of Offaly County Council is integrated into the fire service. This includes 

the inspection and monitoring of new works to monitor for compliance with all the requirements of 

the Building Regulations. In total 65 inspections of new buildings notified to the local authority were 

carried out. 

Both the Local and the Regional Major Emergency Plan were maintained, 

reviewed and revised by the Major Emergency Development Committee, the Regional Working Group 

and the Regional Steering Group. Offaly County Council participated in a regional major emergency 

exercise in Tullamore In October. 

11

Civil Defence provided emergency response capability, in particular during the severe weather in 2010, 

and supported the community and events throughout 2012. Over 60 Civil Defence duties were carried 

out during 2012. 

2013 

The 2013 Estimate demonstrates Offaly County Council commitment to maintaining the level of 

funding required to implement the Draft section 26 plan so that an effective and professional response 

to fires and other emergencies is provided. Offaly Fire Service will continue to explore and implement 

cost efficiencies across all aspects of the service. 

During 2013 the National Directorate for Fire and Emergency Management(NDFEM) will issue its 

“Keeping Communities Safe” document which reflects the policy objective of keeping people safe 

from fire and other dangers in Ireland. The document has been prepared by the NDFEM of the 

Department of Environment, Community and Local Government to fulfil its mandate to develop 

consistent, quality and value for money fire services in Ireland. 2013 will see the commencement of 

the implementation of this document. 

From February 2013 all call for the assistance of the Fire Service will be taken By the Eastern Regional 

Control Centre, in Tara Street, Dublin. 

Offaly Fire Service will continue to emphasise the education of the public in the dangers of fire, steps 

to reduce the risk of fire, and the importance of smoke detectors to provide early warning and 

adequate time to evacuate a building. 

Both the Local and the Regional Major Emergency Plan will be maintained, 

reviewed and revised by the Major Emergency Development Committee. 

Civil Defence will continue to promote, develop and maintain Civil Defence as an effective volunteer 

based professional organisation providing emergency response and community support services 

12

Budget 2013 - Information Systems 

The Information Systems department completed a number of significant projects throughout 2012. 

This was achieved despite reducing financial resources in the current climate. 

The main projects were:- 

• Completed implementation of the CORE HR/Payroll/Superannuation system. 

• Tender process was completed for Offaly Local Authorities diverse connection onto 

Government Networks. This measure including all other telecommunication tenders that 

were completed over the previous year will result in lower costs for the organisation now 

and in the future. 

• Continued development of a Green ICT policy which included:- 

• Phase 3 of SAN and Virtualisation complete - all servers that could be virtualised 

are completed. This has resulted in savings on energy use in the Main Server Room 

in Offaly County Council. Will extend this to DMZ in 2013. 

• Rollout of MFDs (multifunction devices) to all department in the Aras. 

• Continued work with the Midlands Energy Agency to maximise energy efficiencies 

at Regional Level 

• Completed rollout of SCADA technology in all Water & Waste Water Plants across the county. 

This project will provide improved control and monitoring information to the Water Services 

department. 

• Working with the Environment department on the National Waste Permit Management 

System. This required significant input from IS throughout the year with IS developing the 

software in partnership with Westmeath County Council. 

• Relocation of Library HQ and Tullamore branch back to its original building in Tullamore. 

Significant increase in IS equipment at new location and all work carried out by IS. 

• Further Implementation of Document Scanning technology in the Planning department. 

Tullamore Town Council planning documentation now available online on www.offaly.ie . 

• Online payments extended to fire charges - with the agreement of Finance department we 

can also make rates, housing rents and loans available online in early 2013 

• Evaluation of new GIS technologies in this sector- will be migrating to more cost effective, 

accessible solution in 2013 

• Back Office 

• Upgrade of server and pc infrastructure to Windows 2008R2 and Windows 7 

• Upgrade of corporate intranet. 

13



Sean Murray – Director of Services 

Reports 

14

Budget 2013 - Housing 

• Social and Voluntary Housing Output 

The housing stock stood at 1,089 at year end with an average occupancy rate of 98.5%. 103 

tenancies were allocated in 2012 (compared to 108 in 2011) comprising: 

- 5 under new housing acquisitions 

- 30 under re-let of existing stock, 

- 58 under the Social Leasing and RAS schemes, 

- 2 allocated Halting Site units, 

- 8 nominations to voluntary bodies. 

No new social housing units commenced construction during the year but provisional 

approval for the construction of 8 units for older persons in Banagher has been received and 

work is expected to commence in early 2013. The overall Offaly Local Authorities housing 

capital budget for 2012 was €1.2m compared to €13m in 2010. The 2012 allocation enabled 

acquisition of 5 units in Kilcormac, conversion of 3 unsold affordable units to social in Clara 

and the resolution of a number of outstanding final accounts. It is anticipated that the 

combined capital budget for 2013 will be again be substantially reduced and will restrict 

activity to pre approved schemes. A Tenancy Deposit Scheme was successfully introduced in 

2012 for all new allocations. 

Approval was granted under the CAS Scheme for a new build 6 unit development for the 

intellectually disabled at Moylena, Tullamore and it is expected that work on this project will 

be completed in 2013. A total of 117 units of accommodation have been provided in Offaly 

under the CAS scheme to date. CAS funding of €800,000 was approved for Tuath Housing 

Association for the acquisition of 5 units in Edenderry. Cluid Housing Association acquired 8 

two bedroom units in Edenderry under the Leasing Scheme. These units were occupied by 

applicants from the Council’s social housing under a Payment and Availability Agreement. 

A challenge to all areas of housing provision in 2012 was the increase in the number of 

applicants who are or have previously been home owners and who have fallen into 

mortgage arrears. It is expected that this trend will continue and indeed increase in 2013 as 

more homeowners find themselves in the repossession process. A new Mortgage to Rent 

Scheme was introduced in 2012 to assist home owners remain in their homes under tenancy 

arrangements. 

• Affordable Housing & Part V 

A total of 156 units have been acquired under the Part V process to date, 75 of which are 

Affordable units. 5 unsold Affordable units in Edenderry were transferred to Tuath Housing 

Association under CAS funding received in 2012 while the remaining 15 units remain 

15

allocated under the Rental Accommodation Scheme in partnership with Tuath Housing 

Association. Funding received under CAS for the transfer of units to Tuath has been used to 

redeem existing HFA loans taken out to acquire the units in 2009. No social Part V’s were 

acquired during the year. It is anticipated that funding for the acquisition of social units 

under Part V will not be available in 2013 and alternative options will have to be considered 

where Part V agreements are being negotiated. Revised Guidelines on Implementation of 

Part V were agreed by Council in December 2009 to reflect changing circumstances. One 

Part V agreement was signed during the year to acquire lands in Rhode in lieu of cash 

payment. These lands are to be made available to the local community to develop a 

playground in 2013. 

• Tenant Purchase Scheme 

Tenant Purchase Scheme sales peaked in 2006 with almost 40 houses sold during the year, 

generating close to €2m. By contrast, two sales were finalised in 2012 generating €96,232 

for Internal Capital Receipts. The Council contacted 935 households in July 2012 to remind 

them that the 1995 Scheme was closing on the 31 st December. No new applications for TPS 

will be accepted in 2013. However, it is intended to introduce a new scheme providing for 

the sale of existing local authority houses to tenants on incremental purchase principles. In 

contrast to the 1995 scheme, the discounts provided under the incremental purchase 

principles will be based on household income rather than length of tenancy, thereby 

allowing low-income households to move into home ownership earlier than otherwise might 

have been possible. 

The significantly reduced level of activity under TPS continues to have severe implications 

for the level of funding available to deliver programmes across a range of areas and the level 

of Internal Capital Reserves available for 2013 is now severely limited. 

A new Tenant Purchase Scheme for long-standing tenants was adopted by members in 

March 2011. Under the 2011 scheme, 380 tenants were deemed eligible and were 

contacted with details of how to apply for the scheme. 68 applications were received from 

tenants and 63 valuations completed with tenants advised of valuations, discounts and 

balances remaining to complete the sales. Only one house sale has been completed 

generating €41,250 for ICR’s. 

• Housing Loans 

Revised housing loan criteria were introduced in 2009 including the adoption of a Credit 

Policy. A Loan Arrears Policy was adopted in 2010 reflecting the increase in the levels of 

arrears being experienced by customers with local authority loans. Shared Ownership loans 

are no longer a housing option since June 2011. Two loan applications were received in 

2012, no provisional approvals were issued. The sum of €924,122 has been reserved for 

16

loan charges and HFA transfers including voluntary housing loan charges for 2013. A revised 

Housing Loan Arrears Policy was adopted in 2012 including the introduction of a Mortgage 

Arrears Resolution Process. All customers in loan arrears will now be required to engage in 

the MARP process. To date, a number of revised loan terms have been agreed and the 

process will continue in 2013 to ensure all loan customers are in sustainable repayment 

agreements. 

• Housing Rents 

A new computerised rent arrears package was introduced in 2011 and rent re-assessments 

were conducted on approximately 500 accounts in 2012. A draft Differential Rent Scheme 

was considered by Council in February 2012 but not adopted. A national DRS is expected to 

issue to local authorities in 2013. Considerable resources are required in order to adequately 

manage the housing rents system and manage arrears as they arise. Tenants in arrears are 

immediately notified to enter into payment agreements. Where no agreement can be 

reached or where the tenant fails to adequately address arrears, notice to quit may be 

issued. A Housing Rent Arrears Policy was adopted by Council in 2010 which outlines our 

procedures in this regard. 

• Adaptation, Mobility and Older Persons Grants 

The sum of €875,000 was available in respect of Housing Grants for 2012 based on a 

revenue budget allocation of €100,000 and Internal Capital Receipts of €75,000. Outturn in 

2012 is 57 grants approved under the following schemes; HAGS: 23 HAOP: 30, MAGS: 4 

Over 1,000 grants have been processed under previous DPG / ERG scheme from 2005 to 

2008 and from 2009 to 2012 under the HAG / MAG and HAOP schemes. Total expenditure 

on all schemes since 2005 is €12,755,000 of which OCC provided €3,282,000. At the end of 

2011 there were 330 applications pending across the 3 grant categories and 351 pending by 

November 2012. 

Indicator No. of 

Final 

Approvals 

2011 

Amount 

issued 

No. of 

eligible 

Applications 

Pending 

No. of Final 

Approvals 

2012 

Amount 

issued 

No. of 

eligible 

Applications 

Pending 

Housing 

45 €1,021m 104 23 €606k 131 

Adaptation 

Grant 

Mobility Aid 8 €38k 6 4 € 20k 14 

Grant 

Housing Aid 79 €691k 220 30 €249k 206 

for Older 

People 

Total: 132 €1,750k 330 57 €875k 351 

17

Average grant amounts paid in 2012 were €25,050 for HAG, €5,000 for MAG and €8,300 for 

HAOP. The Housing SPC recommended a reduction in the amount of maximum grants 

available under each category in 2013 subject to agreement by Council. The sum of 

€375,000 has been allocated from the 2013 budget. There is no scope to supplement this 

amount with ICRs so the total budget available for the year will be €375,000. This will enable 

the completion of an estimated 10 HAGs, 4 MAGs and 25 HAOP (subject to Council agreeing 

the SPC’s recommended revised grant limits). 

• Private Sites 

There was moderate activity in the sale of private sites in 2012 and a considerable debit 

balance remains on lands acquired and developed over the last number of years for this 

purpose. Revised criteria for the sale of private sites was adopted by Council in 2010 and 

sites made available for sale on the open market without restriction. 3 sites were sale 

agreed during the year leaving a balance of 46 sites available in 5 locations. 

• Rental Accommodation Scheme 

260 customers have transferred to this Scheme since inception with 35 transfers completed 

in 2012. Tullamore continues to be the priority as it represents the area of greatest need. 

While Tullamore will continue to be the focus for 2013 other eligible applicants will be 

supported in their area of choice as demand for participation in the scheme is actively 

identified. The sum of €1,370,000 has been reserved to meet landlord payments in 2013. 

Although new properties / landlords will enter the scheme in 2013, the amount estimated to 

meet landlord payments remains unchanged from 2012, as rent reviews were carried out at 

regular intervals throughout the year, which achieved significant savings on existing 

contracted properties. Efforts will continue in 2013 to identify and secure good quality 

rented accommodation. A landlord inspection fee for properties proposed under RAS / 

Leasing was introduced in 2012, refundable once the property was successfully transferred 

under either initiative. 

• Leasing Scheme 

The Leasing Scheme was introduced in 2009 providing the opportunity to acquire long or 

short term leases on suitable accommodation in order to house persons on the local 

authority’s waiting list. The total number of individual Lease agreements concluded to date 

is 42 units, with 24 of those being signed in 2012. There is an ongoing requirement for units 

under this scheme in 2013 in the Council’s areas of high demand. Tenants accommodated in 

leased units to date have reported a high level of satisfaction with the quality of 

accommodation provided. The Council also received approval to lease 15 units in the 

Frankford housing scheme in Kilcormac and expect units to be available in early 2013. 

18

Provisional approval was also received by the Department to go to tender for a Build to 

Lease Scheme for 8 units at School Lane Edenderry and it is anticipated that tender 

documents will issue to approved voluntary housing bodies in 2013. 

• Social & Community Programme 

Progress has been made to date under the 5 year Traveller Accommodation Programme 

(TAP) 2009-2013. The Programme seeks to provide 78 units of accommodation over its 

lifetime, with 35 units being provided by November 2012. A mid-term review of the TAP was 

completed by the end of 2011 and amendments to the Programme were formally adopted 

in June 2012. 2 amendments to the TAP were approved by Council. The Local Traveller 

Accommodation Consultative Committee continues to meet quarterly to co-ordinate 

delivery of the Programme. Proposals for accommodation provision in the Tullamore area 

are progressing and proposals to provide a group housing scheme in the Birr area are being 

considered. 

A revised Anti Social Behaviour Strategy was adopted in October 2010 in accordance with 

the provisions of the 2009 Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act. Pre-tenancy supports 

continued together with support for residents associations. Due to resource restrictions the 

Estate Management Grants were suspended in 2010 and it is not anticipated that this 

scheme will operate in 2013. An Anti-Social Behaviour Data Retention policy was agreed by 

the SPC at its November meeting to reflect recommendations issued by the Data Protection 

Commissioner. 

Following on from the national Homeless Strategy ‘The Way Home’ (2009) and the relevant 

provisions of the 2009 Housing Act, a 3 year Framework Regional Homeless Action Plan for 

the 4 midland counties was adopted by the Council in June 2010. A more detailed Action 

Plan for each county in the Midlands was agreed at the November SPC. A 6 unit emergency 

facility for the homeless became operational in Tullamore in June 2012. The facility is 

provided by Tullamore Housing Association, in conjunction with Midlands Simon 

Community, the Offaly Local Authorities and the HSE. The availability of this facility provides 

a significant element of the solution to addressing the problem of homelessness in Offaly. 

Homeless Action Teams (HAT) were established in all 4 Midlands Local Authorities in June 

2012. The HAT works on an interagency basis and takes a case conference approach to 

dealing with complex cases. The Offaly HAT meets fortnightly and includes membership 

from OCC, TTC, HSE, Department of Social Protection, Probation Services, Midlands Simon 

Emergency Facility & Resettlement Service, Offaly Domestic Violence Support Service and 

the Community Liaison Nurse. 

19

An Inter-agency Steering Group was established in Grove Street, Crinkle in 2010 to address 

social and environmental issues on the estate. The Group met every 2 months during 2012. 

An agreed Action Plan was developed and significant progress has been made in a number of 

areas. Significant achievements in 2012 include; upgrade and allocation of long term voids 

in the estate, upgrade to existing multi-use games area and development of new playground 

facilities, completion of a community centre using one of the vacant houses which was 

officially opened during the summer. The Percent for Art project was also completed 

involving the development of a web based TV station for the estate. 

Multi-Use Games Areas were opened in 4 locations during the year at grove St, Crinkle, St. 

Joseph’s Estate, Portarlington, Churchview Heights, Edenderry and College View, Rahan. The 

Councils Community Liaison Officer provided invaluable support to local residents 

associations in the establishment of committees to manage the facilities locally. 

• Housing Maintenance 

Housing maintenance repairs continued throughout 2012 despite a significant reduction in 

the budget available and progress was made in bringing back into use homes that were void 

for periods of time. Funding for housing maintenance repairs will be improved somewhat in 

2013 with €400,583 reserved for this purpose (an increase of €80,000 on the adopted 2012 

budget). A review of Housing Maintenance structures was commenced in 2012 with 

proposals to reduce the number of maintenance areas from five to three across revised 

boundary areas being considered. Proposals to rebalance staff compliments in each area are 

also under consideration. Due to non replacement of staff it has become increasingly 

necessary to contract out housing maintenance works where local skills are no longer 

available. Funding will be required from ICR’s in 2013 to undertake some planned 

maintenance to older stock including requirements under revised septic tank regulations. 

Inadequate funding for maintenance will result in increasing dilapidation of stock and 

further inability to address overall maintenance issues as they arise. Furthermore, it will lead 

to a direct reduction in rental income due to ongoing stock dilapidation. 

• Private Rented Accommodation – Enforcement of Standards 

Offaly County Council oversees this function on a countywide basis and is closely linked to 

the Rental Accommodation and Leasing Schemes as the property inspections required are 

similar. Revised Standards and a revised system of Enforcement were introduced in 2009 

requiring a more detailed level of assessment, inspection and compliance. Offaly County 

Council conducted 110 inspections in 2012 which also included some properties which were 

the subject of complaints. Increased cooperation between the Community Welfare Section 

of the Department of Social Protection and the Council is envisaged in 2013 with a view to 

identifying and inspecting substandard properties in the county. 

20

• Estate Management, Regeneration and Remedial Works Programmes 

Fencing contracts to secure land holdings and complete boundary remedial works in a 

number of local authority estates were completed during the year. Remedial works 

schemes costing c.€90,000 were also commenced at Meadowlands, Kilcormac, Hill View 

Cloghan, The Walk Kinnity and Clonmullen Edenderry. Works include enhanced car parking 

facilities, landscaping, boundary walls, back lane and footpath restoration, road lining, 

signage and drainage works. Each scheme was commenced following consultation with local 

residents and will be fully completed in early 2013. Some funding will be allocated to 

complete remedial works at College View, Rahan but no funding is available for any 

additional remedial schemes in 2013. 

• DPG’s / Demountable Dwellings / Improvement Works Scheme 

No IWS schemes were completed in 2012 while the Council provided funding for two 

demountable dwellings. There was considerable progress in reducing the DPG list in 2011 

with 12 Disabled Persons Grants projects completed at various locations to the value of 

c.€300,000 with 90% of this cost claimed from the DoECLG. In addition, 2 DPG applicants 

were re-housed in alternative accommodation. Funding for projects under these schemes 

was extremely limited in 2012 with reduced funding allocated of €74,320 enabling 

completion of 2 DPG’s. Funding is available for two DPG’s in 2013 at a cost of c.€140,000. No 

additional DPG’s will commence in 2013 and all applicants will be advised that funding is no 

longer available for same. In addition, there are no resources available to purchase any new 

demountable dwellings and applicants will be advised of same. 

• Energy Efficiency Programme 

In 2012, 20 housing units benefited from energy efficiency upgrades at pre-let stage. This 

programme of work was managed by the Council on behalf of the Town Councils. Total 

expenditure under the scheme in 2012 was €323,486 with €179,730 coming from own 

resources. Indications from the DoECLG are that resources will be extremely limited in 2013 

under the EEP and with reduced ICR’s available to the Council some houses that become 

available in 2013 will have to be boarded up where funds are not available. The Council will 

attempt to secure maximum funding from the Department in order to ensure stock does not 

remain vacant for extended periods. 

The Council received funding approval for two Pilot Based Projects at Kinclare in Clara (8 

units) and Sr. Sennan in Edenderry (4 units). The initiative was targeted at improving the 

energy efficiency for fuel poverty areas. One of the main criteria was that the tenant must 

be in receipt of a social welfare fuel allowance. The works entailed pumping the walls with 

beaded insulation, increasing the depth of insulation in the attic and replacing all lights with 

CFLs. The works have increased the BER ratings in Kinclare from G to E1 and in Sr. Sennan 

21

from D1 to C1. Funding of €4,000 was provided by OCC for the scheme with the balance of 

funds (€16,000) received from Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland. 

• Local Authority Lands 

Short-term land lettings were agreed at fifteen locations for grazing purposes generating a 

modest income during the year. An application for transfer of 1.56 ha at Kilcormac under the 

Land Aggregation Scheme was submitted in 2011 for consideration in 2012. Members 

agreed to the disposal of lands at Grogan Ballycumber and Gallen Ferbane and to the lease 

of lands at Ard Abhainn Banagher and Elderberry Drive Moneygall. Proceeds from land sales 

are principally used to offset against other land debit balances. 

• MUGA’s / Playgrounds 

Funding was successfully secured for the development / upgrade of Multi-Use Games Areas 

from the Department of Tourism, Transport and Sport under the Sports Capital Programme 

in the following locations; €15,745 for upgrade of Grove St., Crinkle MUGA, €48,450 for 

development of new MUGA at Churchview Heights Edenderry, €48,450 for development of 

new MUGA at St. Joseph’s Terrace, Portarlington and €39, 812 for development of new 

MUGA at College View, Rahan. All projects were complete by mid-year and costs were 

supplemented by an additional €50,000 from own resources as match funding requirement. 

Applications were submitted to the Department for development of MUGA facilities in 

Mucklagh, Moneygall and Banagher in 2012. 

The Council also progressed proposals under the Joint Playground Policy with Offaly Local 

Development Company and assisted with assessment and suitability at locations including 

Clara, Rhode, Kinnitty and Moneygall. 

22

Budget 2013 – Corporate Services 

Incorporating the Arts Service, Workplace Partnership Committee 

and Internal Audit function 

Civic Leadership 

Meetings Administration 

Corporate Services staff supports the efficient and effective administration of meetings of the County 

Council, Corporate Policy Group, Management Team and Joint Policing Committee. A meeting 

between Members of the Oireachtas for Laois/Offaly and Tipperary North was held on 8 th October 

2012. 

Register of Electors 

Due to financial cutbacks no field workers were engaged by the Council to update the Register of 

Electors during 2012. 

Ethics Register 

The annual Ethics Register was published and made available by the required deadlines. 

Productive Investment & Promotion 

The Arts Service 

Public Art 

Offaly Local Authorities Public Art Working Group has just completed a two year commissioning 

programme entitled Places Spaces and People 2010-2012. Projects included Grove Street TV, At Home 

in the World Killane Edenderry; the Kilcormac Cantata, A Very Grand Canal, Community arts at 

Puttaghaun and Tullamore Library. Active project going into 3013 are Looking to the Future a gateway 

sculpture for Birr and Overheard in Shinrone, a community film project. Resources are limited going 

forward however every effort will be maximised to include the per cent for art scheme in upcoming 

capital projects. 

The film A Grand Experience, commissioned under this scheme was shown on RTE 1 to an audience 

reach of 565,000 nationally. 

FilmOffaly 

Offaly County Council continued to develop FilmOffaly, the Offaly Film Commission, in association with 

the Irish Film Board. FilmOffaly promotes the county as a resource for increased film production. In 

2012, FilmOffaly commissioned film Toy Soldiers won Best short drama at the Galway Film Fleadh. 

FilmOffaly and OFFline Film Festival hosted a film industry event at the Galway Film Festival in which 

over 300 people attended. FilmOffaly, is now a leading model for other local authorities. 

23

Tullamore Community Arts Centre 

A company comprising of representatives of Offaly County Council, Tullamore Town Council and 

Tullamore’s Community, Business and Arts sectors progressed the establishment of a new Arts Centre 

in Tullamore. Planning permission for the centre was achieved on Nov 8 th 2012 and construction is 

intended to be under way in the latter half of 2013. The centre when operating will pivotal to 

community, cultural and economic regeneration of Tullamore. 

Tourism 

The Arts Officer is a member of the Internal Tourism Group and the Gathering Steering Committee, in 

recognition of the value of Cultural Tourism to Offaly. 

Engage with Architecture 

In partnership with Heritage and Planning, the Arts Service achieved funding of €20,000 for the 3 rd year 

running from the Arts Council and Department of Arts from an initiative under the Government Policy 

on Architecture. A month long programme, entitled ‘Engage’, will be prepared for March 2013 and the 

entire 3 year project evaluated for the Arts Council/Department of Arts. 

Hullabaloo! Offaly’s Children’s Arts Festival 

In 2012, the annual Hullabaloo Children Arts Festival held in Birr and Clara was welcomed by children 

and parents throughout Offaly. 1,200 children participated in dance, storytelling, theatre, music, and 

literature, undertaken by professional artists. 

Customer Care Action Plan 

Providing Quality Services 

The Council implemented its Customer Charter during 2012. 

Internal Audit Function 

The Audit Committee held a number of meetings in 2012. The Internal Auditor conducted audits of a 

number of areas during 2012. 

Ombudsman & Freedom of Information 

All queries from the Office of the Ombudsman and Freedom of Information requests were dealt with 

within the given timeframes during 2012. 

Service Indicators 

Corporate Services co-ordinated the return to the Local Government Management Services Board of 

our annual return of data on the Service Indicators for 2011. 

24

Arts Plan 2012-2016 

A new Arts Plan was published for the county, which was launched by the Director of the Arts Coucnil 

Orlaith McBride in May 2012. 

Quality of Life 

Leisure and Recreation 

Corporate Services staff represent Offaly County Council on the management committee and 

executive committee of Offaly Sports Partnership. Staff work on the boards of Tullamore Community 

Arts Centre Limited and Birr Theatre and Arts Centre Ltd to progress the delivery of arts infrastructure 

across the county. 

Swimming Pools 

Corporate Services administer funding for swimming pools. 

Funding of Cultural Facilities 

Grant aid was provided to Birr Theatre and Arts Centre and Belmont Mills Artists Studios. These 

provide quality of life experiences to local audiences, bringing economic benefit to businesses and are 

significant in attracting visitors into the county. 

Festival’s Arts Grant and Support 

Information, advice, promotion and funding were given to Birr Vintage Week and Arts Festival, 

Shannonbridge Mid Summer Music Festival, Hullabaloo Children’s Arts Festival, Bealtaine Festival, IF 

Only Dance Festival, Shakefest and OFFline Film Festival. Offaly has the largest number of festivals in 

the Midlands, which contributes to the quality of life of all and attracts tourism to the county. Festivals 

who achieved funding were required to undertake an audience survey to develop their programming 

for the following year. 

Young People and the Arts 

Facilitated by the Arts Service Legitimate Bodies Dance Company visited 14 primary schools providing 

contemporary dance experiences to young people and their teachers. 

The Arts Service organised 100 students from 4 schools around Birr to film, edit and premiere ‘Mini 

Movies’, their own mini animations as part of OFFline Film Festival. 

Offaly Youth Theatre has been established with chapters in Tullamore, Birr and Banagher providing 

employment for four artists. The Youth Theatre is affiliated with the National Association of Youth 

Drama and governed by a Board of Directors. 

25

12 primary schools and 3 secondary schools participated in projects called ‘Thinking outside the Box’ 

and ‘the Pavilion’ as part of Engage with Architecture 2012. 

In 2012, the annual Hullabaloo Children Arts Festival held in Birr and Clara was welcomed by children 

and parents throughout Offaly. 1,200 children participated in dance, storytelling, theatre, music, and 

literature, undertaken by professional artists. 

Arts Act Grants 

This reserved function of the members promotes and support community, voluntary and professional 

activity and achievement in the arts by building the capacity of individuals and groups to achieve their 

highest potential. In 2012, 15 grants were awarded through the Arts Act Grants to the full value of 

€5,000 

Social Inclusion 

Student Grants 

Student Universal Support Ireland (SUSI), the new single awarding authority for all new student grant 

applications for the 2012/13 academic year was introduced in 2012. All new students and students 

changing courses now apply to SUSI. Corporate Services staff continue to administer the Student 

Grant Scheme to those students who are continuing their studies from the previous year. 374 Student 

Grant renewals were received for the 2012/2013 academic year. 261 applications, in the sum of 

€354,521, were awarded a grant at the start of December 2012. Capitation and Tuition Fees in the 

sum of €630,500 were also paid. 

Bealtaine Festival 

This county-wide festival promoting the benefit of arts activity in older age and coordinated by the 

Arts Service provides over 30 events for older people in Offaly, with an estimated participation of 

approx 2,000 of our older citizens. 

Arts in Health 

Through our support of Anam Beo, Offaly’s Arts in Health Programme, quality art experiences are 

developed with those in long term health care in Offaly’s care centres. A national programme for 

professional development of artists working in health care settings called ‘Dialogue Arts in Health was 

facilited by Offaly Arts Office. 

Access to our services for People with Disabilities 

Works prioritised in our Access Implementation Plan was initiated throughout the county in 2012. 

26

Communications 

Internal and External Communications 

Corporate Services staff facilitate the corporate communication systems and the efficient handling of 

post. Achieving greater efficiencies in the areas of post, telecommunications and advertising were 

examined in 2012. 

Oireachtas Members 

Corporate Services supported the Management Team in preparing for a meeting with Oireachtas 

members, which was held on 8 th October 2012. 

www.offaly.ie 

Staff continue to ensure that all relevant service information is posted on our intranet, www.offaly.ie, 

and internet pages. 

Midland Arts and Culture Magazine 

The Arts Office collaborates with Laois, Westmeath and Longford Arts Offices to create a greater 

midland cultural identity through the production of the Midlands Arts and Culture Magazine. 

Social Media 

The Arts Service uses social media for building new audiences, with over 2,000 people following the 

Arts through Facebook and Twitter. 

Our Workplace 

Team Development 

Staff meetings were held on a regular basis throughout the year. Staff undertook a number of training 

courses during 2012. 

Support Workplace Partnership 

The Partnership Committee meetings meet on a regular basis and 4 meetings were held in 2012. The 

business considered during 2012 included a number of revised Human Resources Policies and outstanding 

Reports from two Partnership Working Group’s. In the last quarter of 2012, the Partnership 

Committee were involved in a consultative and support role for the Change Management Initiative and 

the Change Management Coordinator. The Staff Newsletter continued to circulate in 2012. 

Canteen and Crèche Facilities 

The canteen and crèche services continued to be supported by staff during the year. 

27

Information Management and Storage 

Corporate Services encourage the use of electronic communication while ensuring sufficient and 

accurate paper records are kept to meet our obligations. 

Priorities for 2013 

Corporate Services 

Where resources provide Corporate Services will: 

• Administer meetings of the County Council, Corporate Policy Group, Management Team and 

Joint Policing Committee. 

• Maintain the Register of Electors. 

• Support Business Planning and Team Planning across all services. 

• Support for the implementation of requirements of the Performance Management 

Development System. 

• Support the Change Management initiatives adopted by the Management Team. 

• Implementation of priority actions from our Access Plan in compliance with the Disability Act 

2005. 

• Hold regular staff meetings. 

• Coordination the Authority’s submission of the Service Indicators in accordance with the 

national timeframe. 

• Explore cost efficiencies that may be achieved with regard to advertising, stationery and 

other services. 

Arts Service 

Where resources provide the Arts Service will: 

• Further develop FilmOffaly through partnership building with national agencies to achieve an 

increased international profile. 

• Actively work through the Tullamore Community Arts Centre Limited to progress the, 

delivery, management and financial structures of an Arts Centre for Tullamore. 

• Participate in tourism initiatives to build the profile of Offaly’s cultural amenities 

• Facilitate Offaly Local Authorities Public Art Working Group to maximise funding and manage 

a number of commissions in the arts through innovative use of the Per Cent for Art Scheme 

across the county. 

28

• Provide advice and funding, where grant schemes are available, to community and 

professional arts activity in Offaly. 

• Provide advice, support and where possible funding to cultural infrastructure projects. 

• Provide an effective advice and information service to the public on ways to access and 

participate in the arts. 

• Assist in the delivery of the Engage with Architecture Project, along with Heritage and 

Planning services. 

• Manage an exhibition / arts programme for the atrium of Áras an Chontae. 

Workplace Partnership 

Where resources provide Workplace Partnership will: 

• Continue meetings of Offaly Local Authorities Partnership Committee in 2013. 

• Continue meetings of High Level Partnership Group in 2013. 

• Develop a work programme that aims to achieve the Objectives and Goals LANPAG’s 

Strategic Plan 2008-2011. 

• Continue to improve communications across the Local Authorities through the staff 

newsletter. 

• Work with and provide support for the Change Management Coordinator and the Change 

Management Initiative. 

Internal Audit 

Where resources provide the Internal Audit service will: 

• Continue to work with and support the Audit Committee. 

• Carry out audits in accordance with an agreed work plan. 

• Follow up on the implementation of recommendations made in previous audit reports. 

29

Budget 2013 – Environment & Water Services 

The Water Services and Environment sections were amalgamated into one single section in May 2012, 

to help improve efficiency through sharing of senior staff resources and taking advantage of synergies 

between the two sections. Energy Management, wastewater sludge management, water and 

wastewater quality management and a number of other functions had cross-over between the 

individual sections, and the amalgamation brought these functions into a single department with 

combined administration. The staff efficiencies generated allowed for redeployment to the National 

Waste Collection Permit Office, and creation of a post to manage and promote energy efficiency in the 

organisation. 

The National Waste Collection Permitting Office (NWCPO) was established within Offaly Co. Council as 

the single nominated authority for issuing and reviewing Waste Collection Permits in February 2012. 

The office has been fully staffed from existing Offaly Co. Council employees and as the office is self 

financing, this is generating significant savings for OCC. 

Water Services 

The delivery of Water services throughout the county continues to be a challenge in terms of funding, 

regulatory compliance and customer expectation of service delivery. 

The roll out of Irish Water, which will take over as the single water services authority, in January 2014 

from the existing 34 County and City authorities was commenced in 2012. The transition period will 

take a number of years and pose many challenges such as dealing with the transfer of assets, IR and 

potential loss of overhead funding for the organisation. It represents a major transfer of function from 

Local Government to a Semi State Utility with among other things, implications for planning policy, 

economic development and customer service. It is likely that Local Authorities will continue to deliver 

water services through Service Level Agreements (SLA,s) with Irish Water. The SLA,s will be a challenge 

and an opportunity, as they will be performance driven but will retain a level of water services activity 

within Local Government. 

Impact of Budget Reductions. 

The reduced budget allocations for 2011 and 2012, followed by the interim budget reduction in June 

2012, has resulted in a total reduction of €2m in the annual budget for the delivery of water services 

since 2010. 

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As stated in the 2011 and 2012 estimates meetings, water services is a 24hr/365 day service with a 

high element of fixed costs in terms of labour, energy and chemicals. Accordingly, cost savings can only 

be gained through reduced maintenance and repair with a consequent deterioration in asset quality, 

increased risk of service disruption and most importantly an increased likelihood of higher cost 

through inefficient plant, leakage and crisis management. 

The major impacts of reduced maintenance and repair tend to be deferred and cumulative. Hence, 

customers have yet seen little impact of the reduced water services budget, but unaccounted for 

water is increasing for the first time in recent years, several items of plant are in need of repair and 

response times are increasing. 

It is therefore certain that by early 2013 there will be more frequent service interruptions and longer 

response times, along with an overall deterioration in quality standards. Any Extreme weather events 

that occur will exacerbate the overall situation. The extreme wet weather of 2012 has increased 

wastewater treatment and pumping costs significantly. 

It will be increasingly difficult to fund capital works required to maintain and upgrade our infrastructure 

to meet the regulatory and service requirements challenge of the next few years. Reduced 

capital investment leads to increased operational cost through lack of capacity and upgrade of infrastructure. 

Public Water & Wastewater Service Delivery 

The recently published EPA Drinking Water Report shows that Offaly had a 100% microbiological 

compliance rate in 2011 and Offaly is one of only 10 Water Services Authorities that does not have a 

Water Supply scheme on the EPA Remedial Action list. However, in 2012 there was one e-coli 

exceedance on a public water supply scheme, and a localised boil notice affecting 10 houses was in 

place for a week. The last boil notice on a public water supply scheme was a precautionary notice in 

2008. 

Countywide Unaccounted for Water (UFW), is currently at 47% for 2012. While the progression of 

watermain rehabilitaton contracts will reduce mains leakage on a number of schemes, this figure is 

likely to increase due to reduced maintenance funding. The introduction of Domestic water metering 

will potentially provide the biggest impact on UFW. 

A lot of resources have been deployed in resolving billing issues with Non-Domestic Customers, which 

has again resulted in reduced consumption for those customers. 

31

The new WWTP and Sludge Treatment Centre for Tullamore became operational in 2012 under a 20 

year operate contract. Clara WWTP expansion and Moneygal WWTP upgrades were also completed in 

2012. Wastewater treatment will be upgraded in Belmont, Ballycumber and Shannonbridge in early 

2013. This will mean that full secondary treatment will be provided in all public sewerage schemes in 

Offaly. 

Water Services Capital Schemes 

The Capital Schemes Programme consists of new or substantial upgrades to existing Water Supply and 

Wastewater schemes in the County. 

programmes: 

Schemes are generally funded through the following 

(i) Water Services Investment Programme (WSIP) 

(ii) Rural Water Small Schemes Programme (SS) 

(iii) Special Development Contribution Schemes 

(iv) Serviced Land Initiative 

(SDC). 

(SLI) 

The construction of the new Wastewater Treatment Plant and Sludge Treatment Centre in Tullamore 

was completed in 2012 under a Design Build Contract, at a total estimated cost of €24m; €6m of which 

is provided by OCC. The new facility provides Tullamore with 45,000 Population Equivalent (PE) 

capacity and the County with 80,000 PE sludge treatment capacity. 

The expansion of Clara Wastewater Treatment Plant from 4,500 PE to 9,000 PE was also completed in 

2012, at an estimated cost of €1.8m; €1.1 will be provided through an SDC scheme. 

Watermain rehabilitation works under Stage 3 of the National Water Conservation Programme are 

90% funded under the WSIP and therefore require less matching funds from the Councils own 

resources than most other Capital Schemes. They also provide immediate return in terms of reduced 

water production and network repair costs. 

Works under this programme were completed in Birr and Daingean in 2012. Notwithstanding that the 

scale of watermain replacement was small, excellent results were achieved with UFW being reduced to 

1% in the Birr Project. Substantial watermain contracts are due to commence in Tullamore, Edenderry 

and Kilcormac in 2013. 

32

The following Schemes were completed in 2012: 

Scheme Total Cost OCC Contribution Funding 

Programme 

Tullamore Wastewater 

Treatment Plant Upgrade 

Clara Wastewater 

Treatment Plant 

Moneygal Wastewater 

Treatment Plant Upgrade 

Watermains Rehabilitation 

Contract 5 (Daingean & 

Birr) 

The following schemes will commence Construction in 2013: 

€24m €5.4m WSIP 

€1.8m €1.1m SLI 

€250k €50k SS 

€750k €75k WSIP 

Scheme Cost Source of Funding 

Tullamore WSS- Development of new 

sources at Arden and Clonaslee. 

Watermains Rehabilitation Contracts 

1 and 4 (Tullamore), 

Ballycumber , Shannonbridge, 

Belmont and Moneygal Wastewater 

Treatment 

€1.0m 

€3.5m 

670K 

WSIP 

WSIP 

€12m (total) 

RWP Small Schemes 

Rural Water Programme 

The initial Capital Allocation to Offaly Group Schemes for 2012 was €22,000, which was very 

dissapointing. The Rural Water Monitoring Committee allocated this to Tubber GWS, which was in 

need of urgent funding to develop a new source. OCC subsequently made an application for 

emergency funding for the scheme and a further €125,000 was granted by the DECLG to Tobber GWS. 

An application for €29,500 emergency funding for Clareen GWS was also approved by the Department 

in November. The total approved funding for the Rural Water Programme in 2012 amounted to 

€184,000. 

An allocation of €500k for Small Public Schemes was also received. Unlike previous years, the Council 

did not have discretion on allocating this money as it was granted under a specific category to deal 

with wastewater. 

The Council processed approximately €631k in subsidies to Group Water Schemes in 2012. A total of 

over €12K will be paid in well grants in 2012. All payments in respect of well grants and subsidy 

payments are recouped from the Department of the Environment, Heritage, and Local Government on 

a quarterly basis. 

33

Environment 

National Waste Collection Permit Office (NWCPO) 

In 2011 the Local Government Efficiency Review Group recommended the transfer of the waste 

collection permitting role from the ten existing nominated authorities to a single designated national 

body. On the 1 st February, 2012 Offaly County Council was designated as the National Waste Collection 

Permit Office and has since made significant progress in establishing and developing its operations. 

Funding for the NWCPO comes from a levy of €2500 on each local authority and by application fees 

from waste collection permit holders. This has enabled the Office become cost neutral in the first year 

of operation with set-up costs, staffing and ongoing operational costs being fully met. 

Between February and November 2012 the office processed 120 new applications 48, review 

applications, and completed 81 pre-application consultations. A total of 2,868 national waste 

collection permits are now held by the office with a further 123 applications pending review. National 

policy in this area is currently being developed and strengthened and additional regulations will issue 

as a result of the document ‘A Resource Opportunity’ issued by the Department in July 2012. 

Waste Management 

Derryclure Landfill 

The Council continues to operate a waste acceptance facility at the site, where waste from domestic 

customers and local businesses is accepted and transported off site for reprocessing. 

Capping of two cells was carried out in 2012. Work was commenced to procure a gas utilisation 

project in conjunction with Westmeath and Laois County Councils. 

Recycling Facilities 

There are currently 44 bring banks in the County for glass, aluminium & steel cans recycling on both 

private and public sites. We are continuing to expand our textile bank infrastructure in order to 

provide additional services to the people of Offaly. The contract for servicing the bring banks was 

procured regionally with Laois, North Tipperary and Offaly County Councils participating. 

We continue to operate three Civic Amenity Facilities (CAFs) in Birr, Derryclure and Edenderry. These 

accept a wide range of materials for recycling and complement our existing bring bank facilities. The 

Council have entered a long term contract with a single operator to maintain and manage all three 

CAFs. Mixed domestic and biodegradable waste is now accepted at Derryclure CAF, thus providing a 

one stop shop for householders. 

As there is no mobile collection service for household hazardous waste, both the facilities at Birr and 

Derryclure make provisions for this type of waste. Charges apply for all waste brought to these 

facilities, with the exception of electrical items, glass packaging and batteries. 

34

The Council continues to promote home composting through the sale of composting units as well as 

supporting local Tidy Towns and community initiatives through local grant aid. 

Waste Management Plan 

During 2012 and in conjunction with neighbouring counties in the Midland Waste Management Region 

we completed an evaluation of the current Waste Management Plan as required by the regulations. 

Key challenges ahead are the diversion of biodegradable waste away from landfill; ensuring that all 

waste collectors operating in the county operate a pricing system that encourages recycling and waste 

minimisation; development of the new Waste Management Plan for 2014 in accordance with the 

department’s policy document, “A Resource Opportunity” 

Waste Enforcement 

The Council continued to investigate all illegal waste activities and instigate legal proceedings as 

appropriate. We inspected and audited the operations of Waste Collector Permit holders and Waste 

Facility Permit Holders in the functional area including vehicles and premises, based on a risk 

assessment of the operations undertaken. This approach has ensured an effective use of scarce 

resources. 

Awareness Programme 

Offaly County Council has continued to actively promote environmental awareness both in the 

community sector and schools. Over 90% of school in Offaly have registered for the green schools 

programme. Currently we have 58 schools registered for the Green Flag programme and 39 of these 

have received their Flag. 

We are supporting communities in their efforts to introduce community composting units into their 

local villages. We also support community projects such as anti-graffiti and hedge-planting initiatives 

and the Midlands Gateway initiative. We continue to promote and support litter awareness, especially 

during national spring clean week. We host tidy town seminars to facilitate groups participating in the 

national tidy towns programme. 

We have, in conjunction with the County Enterprise Board and the EPA, developed closer links with the 

Business Sector and we continue to promote green business within Offaly. 

35

Protection of Natural Waters 

Water Framework Directive: 

Offaly is affiliated to three River Basin Districts (RBDs); namely the Shannon International River Basin 

District, the Eastern River Basin District and the South Eastern River Basin District. We continue to 

implement an extensive operational monitoring programme of the rivers and groundwater within the 

county. 

We have identified point and diffuse pollution pressures within each river basin district that may be 

having a negative effect on the quality status of the surface waters. These pressures were the basis of 

the Programme of Measures (POMs) set out in each of the River Basin Management Plans. These 

Programmes of Measures are designed to improve existing water status and maintain good status 

where it exists. 

We continued to investigate activities and facilities, such as agriculture, septic tanks and commercial 

and industrial discharges to surface waters, within the catchment area of designated rivers with less 

than good status. We also continue to identify and implement remediation measures. A significant 

improvement in water quality was recorded by the EPA during the 2011/2012 round of biological 

monitoring. 

Protection of Groundwater: 

Staff from the Environment Section implements the revised Code of Practice for the assessment of 

onsite waste water treatment systems for single houses. This code requires a far more comprehensive 

and onerous site assessment from the previous standard. 

We carried out investigations of Zone of Contributions of Public Water Supply boreholes and prepared 

Aquifer Protection Plans; based on the perceived risk from agricultural, domestic, commercial and 

industrial activities to the groundwater quality. This reflects a comprehensive approach by the Council 

to protect the raw water quality of our public supplies and by inference the health of the people of 

Offaly. 

Burial Grounds 

We commenced the implementation of the Council’s new policy on the provision of burial ground 

throughout the county, which gives greater responsibility and ownership of burial grounds to the local 

community. An extension to St. Mary’s cemetery, Edenderry was completed. 

Climate Change & Energy Awareness 

Climate Change & Energy awareness continues to be a key area where the Council is required to show 

leadership in both promoting public awareness and in changing mind sets towards energy 

management. 

36

Responsibility for renewing the drive for energy use reduction was assigned. Data returns were made 

to SEAI and base year calculations carried out. Training was carried out in energy reduction techniques 

and audits carried out in some facilities. This will be a high priority in 2013. 

Animal Control & Welfare 

Stray Animal Control Service 

Offaly County Council’s Veterinary section operates its dog control service in accordance with the 

Control of Dogs Act, 1986 involving: 

Collecting stray dogs/Taking in surrendered dogs 

Investigating sheep kills 

Investigating nuisance caused by dangerous dogs or dogs not under proper control 

The Dog Breeding Establishments Act 2010 came into force in 2012 and is being enforced by the 

Council to help maintain and improve the welfare standards of dogs bred in such establishments. 

Under the Control of Horses Act, 1996, all local authorities are responsible for the control of horses in 

their area including the collection of stray horses on public or private land. 

Disposal of Fallen Animals 

These are becoming an increasing problem in the county. It is however, the statutory responsibility of 

Offaly County Council to dispose of animals dumped on public land. Every effort is made to trace the 

ownership of said fallen stock in order to recover our costs. 

Food Safety 

Offaly County Council’s Veterinary Department is responsible for carrying out functions in relation to 

Food Protection and Disease Control. It implements the terms and conditions of a Service Contract 

between the Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI) and Offaly County Council in relation to the 

slaughter of food animals and imposes statutory controls on the production of meat, meat products 

and poultry. It’s principal functions in relation to food safety relate to small throughput Slaughtering 

Premises of which there are currently five operating in the County, to meat product and distribution 

premises of which there are three operating within the County. The provision of this service by the 

Council is an important support to the local food-producing sector in the county. 

Local government has been requested to review expenditure and funding requirements in this area. In 

October 2012 a report was issued by the Public Service Reform Oversight Group for Local Government 

which recommended various options for achieving expenditure savings and efficiencies through 

developing shared services by local authorities in veterinary services. Offaly County Council are 

currently examining possible shared service models which may be of benefit to the Council. However 

in view of the need to achieve savings it will be difficult for the Council to maintain a cost neutral 

budgetary position for 2013. 

37

Budget 2013 – Library Services 

Introduction 

Throughout 2012 the Library service continued to work within the framework set out in the Library 

Development Plan 2010-2014: Planning for the future –connecting with the community. The plan sets 

out a vision for the library service to provide a socially inclusive library service open and accessible to 

all underpinned by quality customer service. 

Considerable progress has been made with the delivery of the development plan despite budgetary 

cutbacks and decreased staffing of library services. Library services like all public services are facing 

considerable challenges - budget cuts; public sector reform; impact of new technology and digital 

services. The library of the future has to respond to these challenges and changes. The opening of 

Tullamore Central Library in Offaly Libraries marks a significant step in the development of a vibrant, 

customer centred 21 st century library for communities in Offaly. 

2012 continued with the pattern of increased visits, issues, internet use and membership. Since 2008 

the library budget and staffing has decreased by 20% and 16% respectively in contrast to activity levels 

in libraries which have increased. Visits are now over 200,000. The number of loans has increased by 

16% and loans for 2012 are expected to reach 220,000. The annual membership has been increasing 

since 2008 and the estimate for 2012 will be approximately 14,000 members. 

Performance 2012 

• Membership increase – 17% (12,000) 

• Visits increase – 18 % (18,654) 

• Loans increase – 13% (212,265) 

• Wi-Fi and internet use continue to increase - 50% increase Tullamore Central library 

• Income increase – print, fines etc -15% 

• Website hits increase to 45,000 hits 

(Based on data recorded to end of October 2012) 

Library Infrastructure 

Tullamore Central Library opened on August 8 th with record visits and loans. Since opening loans have 

increased to 15,000 per month. Average visits are now 12,500 per month and 55 new members are 

joining the library on a daily basis to avail of a wide range of services. 

The library is almost completely self service. New self service terminals are located at the entrance of 

the library and 70% of all transactions are now handled by a dedicated self service area freeing up 

staff to concentrate on service delivery. A new SmartKiosk payment stations enables members to pay 

fees and fines, top up accounts, book internet sessions and release print jobs. New members can also 

join the library via SmartKiosk. 

38

There are new roles for staff in relation to improving the customer experience with ICT and providing 

enhanced access to local history and memory. Supporting literacy and learning programmes, e- 

learning, self-learning are now key to the delivery of an enhanced library service. 

There are spaces for everyone. A new dedicated Teens area has resulted in an increase in teen 

membership of 157%, increase in loans of books of 94% and an increase in DVD/audio loans of 158%. 

Daingean and Kilcormac Libraries: Following the adoption of Budget 2012, the Library Service tried 

hard to maintain services in the face of the cutbacks. To address these difficult challenges it was 

necessary to rationalise the opening hours of libraries in accordance with demand and staff resources 

available. Based on an analysis of activity levels opening hours in Daingean, Kilcormac and Banagher 

were reduced and staff hours were allocated to the busier full time libraries. 

Book and media resources 

The reductions in funding allocated to books and media is impacting on the quality, range and depth of 

material available in libraries. Notwithstanding the funding challenges, the policy of acquiring all locally 

published material continues to be maintained. 10% of the books and media budget is now spent on e 

audio books and eBooks. 

Technology 

The objective of providing a 24 hour library on the web is progressing with an upgrade to the library 

catalogue and website. Online registration was added in 2012 and new members can join online and 

borrow eBooks from the website. Website hits have continued to increase as more services are added. 

All libraries now have dedicated e government pcs. Online learning is provided in the four full time 

libraries. Social media – library blog, face book and twitter are used widely to promote events, provide 

information and receive feedback. 

Children and Schools services 

The libraries continued to promote services to children and young people with the following initiatives: 

• Encouraging local schools to visit libraries 

• Teacher membership 

• Hullabaloo Festival – Clara & Birr 

• Book clubs –Tullamore, Edenderry, Kilcormac, Ferbane, Clara & Birr 

• Children's book festival, Author visits, reader development, art workshops, storytelling etc 

• Family Fun day - Edenderry 

• Summer reading challenge 

• National Poetry Day with local poets and Jean O’Brien, 

• Ofline Film Festival/Children’s Book Festival 

• Julia Donaldson’s reading challenge - Birr 

• Focus on literacy and reading 

39

• Celebrate 15 years of Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone Clara Library 

• The Pick of Dickens – Tullamore Library 

Linkages and Cooperation 

The libraries continued to develop linkages with Heritage, Arts, HSE, Offaly Local Development 

Company, VEC and Offaly Historical and Archaeological society. Initiatives include: 

• New partnership with Offaly Local Development Company supporting local communities 

by providing job resource centres in library buildings throughout the county 

• Digitisation and creation of a searchable web portal of all local newspapers from 1831– 

2011 – partnership with Offaly History and Heritage Officer 

• Offline @ Library – partnership with Birr Offline Festivals and libraries at Birr, Tullamore, 

Clara and Edenderry 

• Scien-tastic Workshop in Tullamore – partnership with Science Foundation Ireland 

• Working with School Liaison officers to improve literacy e.g. Clara 

• Culture night and l Music day – Partnership with Arts Officer 

• Music & the library 

• Knitting@ the library 

• Offaly Crafty @ Offaly Libraries 

Priorities for 2013 

1. Progress capital funding application to the Department of the Environment, Community and 

Local Government for refurbishment/new library in Edenderry for capital funding programme 

2014-2016. 

2. Continuous review of library services activities to include opening hours, staffing levels and 

evaluation of services based on budgetary cuts and non filling of staff vacancies. 

3. Seek grant funding to assist in reducing energy costs in 5 libraries. 

4. Continue with Health and Safety works – funding dependent. 

5. Continue with priority maintenance works – Banagher & Edenderry 

6. Provision of a business information service in full time libraries. 

7. Continue to focus on literacy and provide quality book and media materials to library users. 

8. Improve e audio and e book material. 

9. Provide online learning in four full time libraries. 

10. Provision of a user friendly 24 hour web library. 

11. Promote services to children and young people. 

12. Continue to develop linkages and collaborative approaches to providing services 

13. Continue involvement in local and national projects, events and exhibitions for the 

promotion of archives and local studies material 

40



Declan Kirrane – Director of Services 

Reports 

41

Budget 2013 – Planning & Development 

Development Management: 

Development activity remained low throughout 2012. The Planning Department also manage the 

administrative function in relation to planning applications for Tullamore Town Council. The number 

of applications for 2012 is estimated at 310 and at 40 for Tullamore Town Council. There is also 50 

applications approximately assessed in relation to extension of appropriate period of planning 

permission. Although the numbers of applications remain low, assessment is becoming complex 

because of various EU directives. 

The main areas of focus in 2012 were as follows: 

a) Quarries: 

153 quarry files were opened as part of the review of quarries under section 261 A of the Planning and 

Development Act 2000. The breakdown of those files is as follows: 

Action Taken 

Number 

Subsection 3(a) Notice [i.e. Substitute Consent] 15 

Subsection 4(a) Notice [i.e. Enforcement] 8 

Subsection 5(a) Notice [i.e. Enforcement] 3 

Spilt: Subsection 3(a) and 5(a) [i.e. Substitute Consent & 

2 

Enforcement] 

No Further Action Required (not contrary to EIA / Habitats 

58 

Directives) 

Other (e.g. reinstated / never utilised a quarry permission / 

67 

abandoned) 

Total 153 

13 notices were the subject of a review to An Bord Pleanála, upon which the Planning Authority made 

submissions. During 2013 the Planning Authority will be involved in carrying out enforcement on the 

Section 4(a) and Section 5(a) quarries and undertaking manager’s reports and attending any oral 

hearings on the Section 3(a) quarries. 

b) Unfinished Housing Developments: 

The Planning Section, in conjunction with the Housing, Roads, and Environment Sections will continue 

to implement the DECLG’s Managing and Resolving Unfinished Housing Developments guidelines. It 

should be noted that one of the main ‘themes’ of the Edenderry LAP 2011 – 2016 is to concentrate 

what limited housing development will be proposed during its lifetime in and adjacent to the 

unfinished developments in favour of outer ‘greenfield’ sites. This is in order to actively promote the 

completion of houses, services and amenities in these areas. 

42

The 2012 survey is awaited. It is expected that approximately 7 Housing Developments included in 

the current survey will be removed from the list due to necessary works being undertaken by the 

developers. 

c) Enforcement: 

During the year to date 45 enforcement files were opened. The integrity of the planning system is very 

important and we had to adopt a considered approach to enforcement having regard to recovery of 

legal costs. 

Nevertheless 55 Warning Letters and 15 enforcement notices were issued. 

Regular meetings are held with the Council’s legal advisers to ensure that all cases are pursued in a 

timely manner. Recovery of costs where the Council is successful in prosecution is a serious and real 

concern presently. 

Legislation introduced / commenced in 2012: 

Planning & Development (Amendment) Regulations 2012 (re Outdoor Events). 

• EU (EIA) (IPPC) Regulations 2012 (re closer working relationship between the EPA and 

Planning Authorities/An Bord Pleanála in relation to IPPC licences). 

• EU (EIA) (Waste) Regulations 2012 (re closer working relationship between the EPA and 

Planning Authorities/An Bord Pleanála in relation to Waste licences). 

• European Union (Environmental Impact Assessment and Habitats) Regulations 2012 (re 

leave to apply for substitute consent). 

• Circular EPS/1/2012 regarding Aarhus Convention. 

• Circular PHFPP06/12 regarding S.I. 282 and 283 of 2012. 

• Circular BC 06/2012 regarding Domestic Waste Water Systems – National Annexes to EU 

Standards 

• Circular PL08/2012 regarding keeping www.myplan.ie up to date. 

• Circular PL07/12 regarding Telecommunications Antennae and Support Structures 

Guidelines. 

• Circular PHFPD 04/2012 on charging stations for electric cars. 

Legislation expected in 2013: 

• A new Planning Act/Amendment to existing Acts in relation to regionalisation (3 Regional 

Assemblies and making of Regional Spatial & Economic Strategies), amalgamation of local 

authorities and County Development Plans (include local economic strategies) 

recommendations of the Mahon Tribunal. 

• Amended Derelict Sites Act 1990. 

• New EIA Directive. 

43

Guidelines issued in 2012: 

• S. 261 Quarry Guidelines. 

• Amendment to the Supplementary Guidelines for Planning Authorities. 

• Technical Guidance Document TGD-025, “Identification and suitability assessment of sites 

for Primary Schools”, 2 nd Edition by Department of Education & Skills. 

• Spatial Planning and National Roads. 

• Retail Planning Guidelines. 

• Strategy for Renewable Energy: 2012-2020 by Department Communications, Energy and 

Natural Resources. 

• Local Area Plan Guidelines – public consultation draft for planning authorities. 

• Draft Development Contribution Guidelines for planning authorities. 

• Draft Guidelines for Planning Authorities and An Bord Pleanála on carrying out EIA. 

• Resolving Unfinished Housing Developments - progress report on actions to address 

unfinished housing developments. 

• Our Sustainable Future – A Framework for Sustainable Development (Government Policy 

Statement) 

• A Guide to Planning Enforcement in Ireland. 

During 2012 the Planning Section prepared comprehensive responses to the following draft 

legislation/guidance. When adopted or finalised these must be adhered to: 

a) Draft Local Area Plan Guidelines for Planning Authorities. 

b) Development Contribution Scheme Guidelines. 

c) Draft Guidelines for Planning Authorities and An Bord Pleanála on carrying out EIA. 

Guidelines / Strategies expected in late 2012 / early 2013 

• Finalised Local Area Plan Guidelines 

• Finalised Development Contribution Guidelines 

• Finalised Guidelines for Planning Authorities and An Bord Pleanála on carrying out EIA 

• Finalised Appropriate Assessment Guidelines 

• Revised Development Plan Guidelines 

• National Landscape Strategy 

• National Bioenergy Strategy 

• Peatlands Strategy 

• Updated National Wind Atlas 

44

Forward Planning 

During 2012, the majority of the work programme for the year has been delivered and includes the 

following: 

• The adoption of Variation No. 1 to the Offaly County Development Plan 2009-2015 – Core 

Strategy, including the removal of the Portarlington Town Plan from Volume 2. 

• The Manager’s two year progress report on the Tullamore Town and Environs 

Development Plan 2010-2016 and Birr Town and Environs Development Plan 210-2016. 

• The joint preparation and adoption of the joint Local Area Plan for Portarlington in 

conjunction with Laois County Council. 

• The preparation and adoption of Variation No. 2 to the Offaly County Development Plan 

2009-2015 to include the Clara Town Plan. 

• The preparation and adoption of Variation No. 1 to the Tullamore Town and Environs 

Development Plan 2010-2016 - ( to amend the written statement and zoning map to allow 

for general industrial use to be open for consideration within the Business/Employment 

land use \zoning and in particular to allow for such use in the Southern Environs 

Masterplan area). 

The review process of the County Development Plan commenced on the 28 th of November 

2012. This is a major piece of work for the Planning Department and will involve substantial input 

from Council throughout 2013/2014. 

The Forward Planning Section has drafted the Core Strategy Variation for the Birr Town and Environs 

Development Plan 2010-2016 which is currently on public display. The Core Strategy Variation for the 

Tullamore plan is drafted to an advanced stage and it is envisaged that both variations will be before 

the Councils for adoption in the first half of 2013. 

Planning and Economic Development Strategy Policy Committee 

The SPC worked successfully through its adopted work programme for 2012. For the coming year, it 

will consider such issues as the ongoing implications of the substantial recent and ongoing legislative 

changes and new guidelines, County Development Plan review, Core Strategy for Birr and Tullamore 

Town Councils, implications of Local Government Reform, further requirements arising from EU 

Habitats and EIA directives (in particular peat harvesting), economic development briefings / 

initiatives, unfinished housing estates, compliance with the Regional Planning Guidelines, development 

of the Midlands Gateway and monitoring of progress in relation to economic and tourism 

development and other issues. 

45

Economic Development 

Offaly County Council is committed to the sustainable economic development of our County. This is 

strongly reflected throughout our County Development Plan and these policies will continue to be 

embedded in our new County Development Plan 2014-2020 which is currently be reviewed. 

Through appropriate planning and land use zoning we can ensure the provision of balanced 

development and employment opportunities across the County. Offaly is a vibrant business location, 

which offers a unique quality of life in the centre of the Irish Midlands. This balance between quality of 

life and business development has been carefully crafted through the County Development Plan and 

our County Development Board Strategy. Evidence of the effectiveness of our County Development 

Plan process is no more apparent in 2012 than through our adopted Wind Strategy that has seen a 

number of wind and green energy companies announce plans for projects that will support 

employment and business creation across the County i.e. Element Power, Biotricity, Mainstream 

Renewable Power etc. 

Changing face of Economic Development in Offaly 

The recent announcement by the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government, to 

establish Local Enterprise Offices (LEO’s) will bring about a significant service improvement for 

businesses in Offaly. The purpose of the LEO’s is to create the best possible local environment for small 

business by combining enterprise support for business at local level with the business support service and 

expertise of Local Authorities. We are fortunate in Offaly there is an already excellent local relationship 

with our County Enterprise Board will only be enhanced through these new measures. 

The Government’s announcement on an Action Programme for Effective Local Government titled ‘Putting 

People First’. A dedicated Strategic Policy Committee will be established to oversee economic development 

and a more partnership approach to regional development through Spatial and Economic Strategies with 

our surrounding counties. A new approach to working with our communities and a more collaborative 

approach to Social and Economic Development by aligning planning and community development 

programmes in order to harness the most effective outcome locally will be undertaken. 

However against the back-drop of National Policy changes the Economic Development office has 

attempted to support small, medium and large businesses start up and expansions throughout 2012. 

The role of this office is to promote economic development in Offaly and liaise with commercial and 

industrial companies looking to locate their business in Offaly. The Economic Development Office also 

adopts a role in Tourism Development and works as part of the Offaly Tourism Interagency Group to 

promote Offaly as a visitor destination and develop projects that will make Offaly a more attractive 

tourist location. Some of the highlights from 2012 include: 

46

Welcome Home Tullamore Dew 

William Grant & Sons Ltd., the owner of Tullamore Dew Irish Whiskey, announced it will invest in a 

new, state of the art pot still whiskey and malt whiskey distillery in Tullamore town, bringing whiskey 

production back to the town for the first time since the last distillery closed in 1954. 

William Grant and Sons is currently the second largest Irish whiskey brand in the world, selling more 

than 8.5m bottles annually. Work on the new distillery, which will utilise the latest in green technology 

is scheduled to begin early in 2013, and will support in the region of 100 construction jobs during the 

two-year building phase. When combined with the new Tullamore Dew Visitor Centre, opened earlier 

in 2012, the total number employed by the firm in the town will rise to around 25. 

This development will be an extremely significant project for Tullamore, and will have considerable 

benefits for business and employment in the town and County, both in direct job creation and 

ancillary services whilst raising the brand of ‘Tullamore’ globally through international marketing 

campaigns. The projected increased tourist numbers both for the visitor centre in central Tullamore 

and the Whiskey visitor experience on site in Clonminch would be hugely significant and will attract 

more than 40,000 visitors annually. 

Offaly Pop Up Shop 

A first for Offaly, the Craft-Pop-Up-Shop gave a unique opportunity for local crafts’ people to sell their 

products in the County town. The Pop Up Shop set up on Patrick Street, Tullamore last Christmas and 

proved to be a huge success drawing support from local shoppers, retailers and visitors. In fact it was 

so successful that its back this year again! The Shop has provided an invaluable opportunity to food 

and craft makers to celebrate their products and promote local micro businesses. 

Newly Established Economic Development Committee 

One of our more fundamental roles is building relationships and working on an interagency basis to 

generate sustainable employment with agencies like the IDA, Enterprise Ireland, Offaly County 

Enterprise Board, OLDC, Shannon Development and FAS. In May 2012 the newly formed Economic 

Development Committee, under the County Development Board, was established. A plan was 

developed to implement a number of actions over a 18 month time frame to promote economic 

development. Some of the key actions included: 

Promoting self-employment as a career path - utilising our extensive entrepreneurship and 

business support programmes in the County in order to raise the profile of self employment as 

a career. 

Provision of free public Wi-Fi in our main towns 

o Allows the visitor to research attractions and services in the area i.e. trails, 

accommodations, information points etc 

47

o Allows shoppers to avail of the most up-to-date services and special discounts 

o Allows local business to advertise and promote their business 

o Most importantly it promotes the local area as a vibrant, dynamic and modern town. 

o Encourages people to shop in the Central Business District as opposed to outside of 

town shopping complexes 

Provide an Innovation and Enterprise Centre - which will be a hub for creative learning and 

enterprise as well as having flexible working space. It will also act as a focal point for 

enterprise and help to establish links to 3 rd level. It is hoped this will open in 2013. 

Offaly County Council also supports the West Offaly Enterprise Fund and the North Offaly 

Development Fund. Both these initiatives have greatly assisted the local economic development of 

their areas. Examples include the recent completion of Rhode Business Park and the continuing 

success of Ferbane Business and Technology Park. Finally our Economic Development Office also 

continues to support the Offaly Innovation Centre located in Aras an Chontae. It currently supports a 

growing number of young product, graphic and interior designers to fulfil their potential and possibly 

be the entrepreneurs of the future. 

In conclusion with the emerging Local Enterprise Offices delivering a more coordinated support service 

to local businesses and the increased collaboration through new Social and Economic structures the 

Economic Development Office is looking forward to 2013 and the new role Offaly Local Authorities will 

play in business and employment generation. 

48

Budget 2013 - Community and Enterprise 

The role of the Community and Enterprise Section is to support the County Development Board (CDB) 

and its sub-groups, promote social inclusion and to facilitate the participation of the wider community 

in decision-making and policy matters through the Community and Voluntary Forum and Comhairle na 

nOg. 

The County Development Board continued its work on the implementation of the CDB Action Plan 

2009-2012 which includes 4 major areas of activity as follows: 

• Economic Development 

• Social Inclusion 

• Education & Skills (Life Long Learning) 

• Sustainable Development 

The CDB and the Executive Committee each met a total of 4 times in 2012. Offaly CDB Working 

Groups/Interagency Groups are: 

• Economic Development Sub Committee 

• Social Inclusion Measures Inter Agency Group 

• Traveller Inter Agency Group 

• Education and Skills Inter Agency Group 

• Tourism Inter Agency Group (cross referencing to Economic Development). 

Offaly Co Co / CDB hosted activities are Jigsaw and the Offaly Sports Partnership. 

Other actions delivered by the Community and Enterprise section in 2012 include the administration of 

the CDB STEM Scholarship, the organisation of the Offaly Play Day in collaboration with the County 

Childcare Committee, the installation of over 700 smoke alarms in households in Offaly, provision of 

support and mentoring to Tidy Towns Groups and Community Alert groups around Offaly and the 

organisation of Bike Week 2012. 

2012 has been a productive year to date – see subsequent pages. Overall, motivating challenges for 

2013 are the review of local government, and the alignment of local development with local 

government. Ongoing budget issues for all organizations in this sector will hopefully serve to focus 

priorities, but also to invigorate agencies and communities as to how funding can be sourced from 

heretofore untapped sources. 

49

While the economic issues facing the county are very stark, one element of how this can be tackled is 

with a well supported community structure, that is given confidence to look for and find solutions, has 

a good connections with the agencies which works on its behalf, and has full confidence that Offaly Co 

Co and colleague organizations plan to serve the community in this way. 

In local interagency support, Offaly Co Co works in close collaboration with Offaly Local Development 

Company to ensure efficient and effective delivery of the Rural Development and the Social Inclusion 

programmes throughout Offaly, and has strong links with the Offaly County Enterprise Board. Various 

other agencies have also partner funded some of the various projects throughout 2012, and they are 

thanked for their interest and support. 

Offaly Community and Voluntary Forum 

Offaly Community Forum has changed its focus this year by sourcing funding for two exciting projects- 

Tullamore Christmas Market was set up in Dec 2012 as a joint project of Offaly Community Forum and 

the business community in Tullamore. Also, the Forum has sourced funding from OLDC for 7 

Communities to undertake a Wildlife Study for their area in 2013. Offaly Mental Health Talk Week 

took place in November 2012 to support positive mental health in the community. The Forum was also 

involved in the transition to Saorview with rural communities. The two Networks of Offaly Community 

Watch and Tidy Towns have grown significantly this year with great community involvement and 

feedback. The Forum continues to increase its membership across the county and initiated supporting 

men in challenging times workshop which will be advanced in 2013, and some work on age friendly 

societies is also anticipated for next year. 

The Forum is the voice of the Community and Voluntary Sector in Offaly. There are currently 435 

groups affiliated to the Forum. The Forum operates on a two part structure: The Management 

Committee who meet on a monthly basis; Forum Representatives who are appointed to 13 decision 

making bodies in Offaly. These representatives are elected through membership of the Forum to 

represent the community voice across decision making bodies in Offaly, e.g. Joint Policing Committees, 

Strategic Policy Committees, County Enterprise Board, County Development Board, Midlands Regional 

Drugs Taskforce & Offaly Local Development Company. 

Offaly Comhairle na nÓg 

Offaly Comhairle na nÓg is the recognized Youth Council for Offaly. The purpose of the Council is to 

identify youth issues and engage with adult decision makers to rectify these issues. There are 20 

teenagers on this Council who meet fortnightly from all areas in Offaly. 

(The previous Comhairle, supported by the CDB, secured the €250,000 funded Jigsaw project to 

support young people’s mental health in Offaly see www.headstrong.ie). 

50

This year Comhairle identified that the uncertainty re job opportunities is a main issue/concern 

therefore and decided that educating the youth of Offaly regarding entrepreneurial skills and 

associated ideas generation, marketing, advertising, and fundraising ideas is a key short-term 

objective. Accordingly, Comhairle organized a conference on 25 th October 2012 titled ‘Who wants to 

be an Entrepreneur’ - Youth Enterprise Conference. 

This conference was part of a two year Offaly Comhairle na nÓg project on enhancing youths’ skills on 

entrepreneurship. Young people benefited from this conference and became aware that they can 

become entrepreneurs. It is proposed to provide a NFTE ( Network for Teaching Entrepreneurship) 

training programme in Offaly and a bootcamp for youth entrepeurship, from early 2013, to prepare for 

a ‘Dragon’s Den’ style experience for interested applicants. 

Offaly youth need support on matters relating to enterprise and also on starting a business. Comhairle 

na nÓg can the first step on this journey to help young people with the right information and skills to 

pursue a career as an entrepreneur. 

County Development Board - Working Groups 

Economic Development (see separate report). 

Social Inclusion 

The C&E section continues to support the Offaly Social Inclusion Measures Group. The role of the SIM 

Group is to co-ordinate and integrate the activities of all agencies whose remit is to combat poverty 

and social exclusion in the County. The SIM Group has been meeting regularly on a bi-monthly basis 

since 2000 and the membership has remained stable during this time. 

Traveller Interagency Group 

The group in on target to meet 4 times over 2012. The group organized a highly successful series of 

events for Traveller Pride Week, with Offaly Traveller Movement. The group was the recipient of 

funding from the Dept of Justice, Offaly Local Development Company, the HSE and various sections of 

Offaly Co Co for this project. The group have ongoing regard to cross referencing the work of various 

agencies that work in this sector. 

Tourism Interagency Group 

OCC had re-convened this group in 2012. The group has met 3 times to date. A highly successful 

programme of 22 events (over May to October 2012) was designed, printed and distributed for wide 

use. The remit of this group will be examined, as OCC is now taking a distinct interest in tourism 

potential for the county. 

51

Since summer 2012, OCC had allocated an initial staff resource to this area, and has convened an 

internal working group on this topic. OCC has commenced reporting on this issue to the Strategic 

Policy Committee for Planning & Economic Development. It is expected OCC will have reviewed the 

areas in which we can contribute to tourism by end of 2012, with a draft strategy for tourism produced 

in the near future. Offaly County Council are also the County Co-ordinator for ‘The Gathering 2013’. 

Sustainable Development 

This was set up in 2011 but did not progress during 2012. There are various communities undertaking 

projects on various aspects of sustainability, and outcomes of those will be included in any further 

progression in this area by the CDB. 

Hosted Services 

Jigsaw 

Community & Enterprise were successful in their application on behalf of Offaly County Development 

Board to Headstrong for the funding of a Jigsaw Project in Offaly. The project has been developed over 

2012, has been provided with premises by Offaly Co Co, has employed 2 staff for the project, and 

Jigsaw services commence formally in very early 2013. 

Sports Partnership 

Community & Enterprise continues to host and support the Offaly Sports Partnership. The Partnership 

is an inter-agency and multi-sectoral sub group of Offaly County Development Board. It receives core 

funding from the Irish Sports Council and levers support from various local and national bodies to 

deliver its work. Core funding from the Sports Council covers the full staff costs of a coordinator and 

administrator and allows the Sports Partnership run a number of education programmes and 

participation projects across the life cycle; levered funding has allowed the Partnership deliver a 

number of specialised projects targeting a range of “low participation groups”. In late 2012 Offaly 

County Council signed its third ‘Heads of Agreement’ with the Sports Council, for the next 3 years 

support to the Offaly Sports Partnership 

The remit of the Partnership is to increase participation in sport and physical activity within Co. Offaly, 

across the life cycle and with a specific focus on a range of “low participation groups” as identified by 

the Irish Sports Council. In line with the Sports Council’s national participation strategy, the key target 

of the Partnership is a minimum nett increase in participation levels of 1% per annum. 

52

Budget 2013 – Human Resources 

Industrial Relations & the Public Service Agreement 2010-2014 

Offaly County Council reported savings of over €1.5 million arising from its second Local Action Plan 

under the Public Service (Croke Park) Agreement for the period April 1 st 2011 to March 31 st 2012 

including; 

• Exchequer Pay Bill Savings (e.g. reduction in overtime and allowances) €270,696 

• Non-pay administrative efficiencies (e.g. reduction in travel, procurement review ICT, etc.) 

€265,137 

• Costs avoided (e.g. non-replacement of sick leave and Maternity leave) €572,743 

• On-going annual savings from initiatives taken in year one of agreement €428,038 

• OVERALL TOTAL €1,536,614 (full year net savings excluding payroll savings) 

This total excludes significant savings achieved in the previous 12 months arising from reductions in 

staff numbers. This was calculated centrally for the sector as a whole. 

It is recognised and acknowledged by management that staff continue to deliver efficient and effective 

local government services to the citizens of Offaly irrespective of reduced staff resources. 

Offaly County Council will report on its current Action Plan at the end of March 2013. The next Local 

Action Plan for Offaly County Council will be based on a template for the local government sector 

generally which will be developed to include local initiatives in consultation with staff interests. 

A number of public service reforms agreed nationally under the PSA were implemented in 2012 

including a reduction in the number of self certified sick leave days allowed and the reduction / 

standardisation of annual leave allowances across the sector. 

Offaly County Council continues to work with staff interests in the development, review and 

implementation of its annual Local Action Plans under the Public Service Agreement 2010-2014. 

Training & Staff Development 

Corporate level training was provided in response to service and organisational needs in 2012 insofar 

as was possible within the available budget. 

Training for trainers was provided nationally for a small number of Local Government staff on Child 

Safeguarding and general training programmes on this issue will be rolled out to staff through in-house 

training programmes in 2013. 

53

Service specific training was provided for Roads, Water and Environment staff. Mandatory Health and 

Safety training such as Safe Pass and Manual Handling courses were provided as were the following: 

Safety Representatives Programme 

Major Emergency Training 

Safe use of Pesticides and Herbicides 

Ride on Mower 

Driver CPC Module 

Abrasive Wheels 

Strimmer Safety Awareness Training 

Financial support for staff wishing to pursue Third Level Qualifications relevant to their work was 

discontinued in 2009 and will remain in suspension in 2013 for budgetary reasons. 

Recruitment 

Notwithstanding the moratorium on public service recruitment, Offaly County Council sought and 

received sanction to fill the following vacancies which were advertised and/or competitions held in 

2012: 

- Acting Senior Staff Officer 

- Acting Senior Executive Engineer 

- Temp Relief Branch Librarian (Contract) 

- Retained Firefighter 

- Resident Engineer (Contract) 

- Acting Executive Technician 

- Acting Executive Engineer 

- Senior Resident Engineer (Contract) 

- Retained Driver/Mechanic 

- Assistant Resident Engineer 

Information Systems solutions for HR – the CORE system 

Since early 2010, much of the data relating to Human Resource policies, personnel, payroll and 

superannuation issues has been uploaded and managed via a computerised system called CORE. 

Further developments of the system continued into 2012 including the move to fortnightly pay for 

outdoor staff, the introduction of the Core Training Module which includes all training records from 

2007 to date, and the introduction of the CORE Recruitment Module. The CORE system also assists in 

the regular production of reports on attendance for management, introduced in 2012. 

Developments anticipated for 2013 include recording of performance management materials relating 

to a revised and enhanced Performance Management and Development System (PMDS) for the local 

government sector, and the introduction of a CORE Health and Safety Module. 

54

Offaly County Council is working with other Local Authorities and the Local Government Management 

Services Agency (LGMA) in the development of reporting systems which will maximise the use of the 

data available through CORE. 

National and Local Context 

A report on Workforce Planning in the local government sector issued to all Local Authorities in late 

2012. Offaly County Council is preparing to implement the recommendations of this report as well as 

considering the Minister’s policy document ‘Putting People First’ and the local Change Management 

initiative, all within the context of the 2013 Budget. 

The Department of Public Expenditure and Reform carried out an extensive review of allowances in 

the public sector in 2012 and has corresponded with each public service organisation regarding its 

recommendations. Offaly Local Authorities have begun the process of consultation on amending and 

eliminating allowances where recommended. 

Offaly County Council continues to comply with the moratorium on public service recruitment. This 

Council has had a policy of non-replacement of staff departing by virtue of retirement or contract 

expiry since September 2008. Offaly Local Authorities have sustained an almost 27% reduction in 

staffing levels since 2008 without any significant reduction in service levels. 

55

Budget 2013 - Heritage 

The Heritage Officer works with the support of the Offaly Heritage Forum. This group of 15 is made up 

of people from state agencies, Council staff and NGOs. The forum’s work programme is set out in the 

Offaly Heritage Plan 2012 – 2016. The forum meets four times a year with working groups meeting 

when necessary. The human resources of the forum are very valuable from providing advice, to 

contributing to projects or leading awareness events. 

Example of the resources being maximized by the forum are the publication by Offaly County Council 

(Nov 2012) of Geashill, The Evolution of its Architecture by County Architect Rachel McKenna; in 2013 

Offaly County Council will launch The Geology of Laois and Offaly which has been researched and 

written by John Feehan and published by Offaly County Council; and all of the Offaly Naturalists’ Field 

Club events are led by volunteers. 

The Heritage budget for implementing the Heritage Plan from Offaly County Council has been radically 

depleted over the past four years decreasing from €40,000 to €2,758. The Heritage Council provides 

close contact and support both in terms of expertise, training and providing finance. The Heritage 

Council went through a review in 2012 and a key strength identified was their strong partnerships with 

local authorities and local communities. While their budget has also been cut, they still hope to 

allocate a contribution of around €20,000 towards the delivery of the Offaly Heritage Plan for 2012. 

This requires minimum matching funding of €25%. 

The Heritage officer continues to work with many sections in Offaly County Council. In 2012 an 

important digitization programme for local newspapers was run in conjunction with the library service 

and the Offaly Historical Society. The Engage with Architecture project is going into its third year. This 

involves working with Arts and Architecture officers running a month long programme of events. The 

monthly meetings to oversee the delivery of the Birr Public Realm Plan with Birr Town Council 

continue. The Tidy Towns Federation, under the Community and Enterprise section, is well established 

and the Heritage Office provides a mentoring service for the Built Heritage, Wildlife and Natural 

Amenities section of this competition. The Community Forum made a successful application to OLDC 

for funding for wildlife surveys for 7 settlements and this comprehensive survey work will take place 

over the next 12 months. Tourism is receiving a new focus and many of the heritage projects in the 

county form an important part of the offering from the county. Next May a week of castle studies is 

planned for the Gathering in addition to the Field Club and Heritage Week events. 

56

The heritage section draws down additional funding schemes and works in partnership with other 

groups where practical. A considerable amount of the time in the heritage office is spent assisting 

communities and individuals to plan and deliver heritage projects. In 2012, the Follies Trust 

approached the Council and are now working in partnership with the Dillon family to conserve the 

folly, Sadleir’s tower, on Mullagh Hill. 2012 has seen works carried out under the Trustees of Daingean 

Courthouse which have saved the structure of the building. 

Heritage awareness events are a key part of the work programme with three main elements, the 

Offaly Naturalist's Field Club, Heritage Week in August and the Annual Seminar. Minimum charges 

were introduced for some events in 2012 to cover bus hire costs. All three programmes rely heavily on 

volunteer leaders and community planning – the Heritage Officer acts as a co-ordinator and does 

much of the overall organization. Offaly is one of three counties in Ireland to have a strong field club 

programme which has a good Offaly base but also attracts in visitors to the county. The Bioblitz at 

Boora in May attracted considerable publicity and an important record of species for the site. The 

Annual Offaly Heritage Seminar was held on the 23 rd /24 th November 2012 with over 150 people 

attending sessions. Two field trips were held on the Saturday morning to the Little Brosna Callows and 

to the Tullamore DEW Visitor Centre with the afternoon session held in Bury Quay with 5 different 

speakers profiling 2012 projects. 

The website is an important part of the work programme with all relevant reports and events posted 

on www.offaly.ie/heritage updates posted on facebook and twitter. A series of youtube clips were 

added in 2012 compiled under the Engage with Architecture programme and also geology clips 

featuring John Feehan. 

Outlook for 2013 

While budgets are increasingly tight, it is planned to continue to maximise outputs through working 

with the Heritage Forum partnerships and facilitating groups to develop heritage projects. The 

resources of in-house expertise will be utilized as much as possible. Depending on their budget 

allocation the Heritage Council has indicated their support for the Heritage officer programme in Local 

Authorities as a priority. 

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Budget 2013 - Architectural Services Department 

58

Architectural Services 2012 

The Architects Department provides a cross departmental service throughout the County Council and 

Town Councils, particularly in areas of Housing, Planning and Conservation. The Architects Department 

continues to make a significant contribution to the Town and County Development Plans in the 

running of the Record of Protected Structures; including the upkeep of the multifaceted database and 

the considerable number of ongoing owner queries. Advice and assistance is also given to many 

community groups regarding proposals for the upkeep or re use of existing protected structures. 

Additional projects include working with various departments: Landscape Buffer drawings, 

Portarlington LAP, Shopfront Leaflet, Ferbane Business Park, % Art group and selection panel Birr, 

Gathering, Tourism Working Group. 

Structures at Risk Fund DOAHG: OCC made the allowable bid for two structures in 2012 and was 

successful in receiving a grant allocation for both - €10,000 for roof repairs to the Former Estate 

Workers Cottage in Geashill and €15,000 for window and door repairs to Annabrook House in 

Shinrone. Administrative support was provided by Ms Edel Boyd. 

Planning Applications – Conservation: All planning applications which relate to protected structures 

are referred to the Senior Executive Architect. This report would generally involve a site visit, an 

assessment of the impact the proposed works would have on the structure and the subsequent 

internal report. Planning Applications – Large; The Architects Department provides valuable input into 

major planning applications; in particular where scale, design and materials are key considerations. 

Housing: The Architects Department provides advice and assistance to the housing department as 

required. Current project involves revised site layouts and unit design for proposed housing. 

Housing –County Library: The Senior Executive Architect was responsible for the initial sketch designs, 

and worked with the housing department and County Librarian to ensure the procurement of a design 

team to bring the project from planning to completion stage. 

Tullamore Arts Centre: The Architects Department carried out initial feasibility and with the Arts 

Officer set up the competition brief and worked with the winning Architects through the Part VIII 

process. Currently working with the in house team liaising with the Architects during the Tender 

document process with a view to commencement on site in 2013. 

Tullamore Canal Enhancement Scheme: The Architects Department provided assistance in the 

production of both sketches and detailed design drawings for a revised Part VII. Current stage contract 

signing. 

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Geashill – The Evolution of its Architecture: Recent publication carried out with the Heritage Section, 

entirely in-house production funding utilized from ENGAGE 2012 for Shem Caulfield photographs and 

Environmental Fund for printing costs. The book was proposed to highlight a greater awareness of the 

architectural features within Geashill in advance of an ACA. 

Birr Public Realm: the Architects Department works closely with the Birr Public Realm Group attending 

monthly meetings. Set up the Shop front Enhancement Scheme launched in November 2012, sketch 

designs for Cornmarket Square recently gone to tender applying for OLDC funding. Emmet Square and 

Main Street project for 2013 to commence sketch designs. Working with Tidy Towns Group set up the 

Built Heritage Group. 

ENGAGE 2013: the team of Architect, Arts Officer and Heritage Officer have received funding for the 

third year and have an ambitious project planned for 2013. Previous years projects have been well 

received and extremely well attended. 

OLDC Crosscheck: the Architects Department works with a cross departmental group assisting local 

communities with proposals for OLDC funding. Some projects require considerable involvement and 

sketch designs e.g. Shannonbridge Ashfield, Glebe Walk Geashill. 

2013: the Architects Department will be involved in: 

1. County Arts Centre – Tender process March 2013, On Site 

2. Structures at Risk Grant 2013 

3. Birr Public Realm – 2013 Cornmarket Square liaise with architects for tender and on site 

stage, Emmett Square sketch designs / OLDC 

4. ENGAGE 2013 - projects underway with a view to a month of activities in March 2013 

5. Planning – Continued assistance with County Development Plan, Area Plans and 

Planning Applications 

6. Housing –Sketch designs for new layout and approval from Department in 2013 

7. OLDC – Continue to provide assistance to local groups for funding applications 

8. Canal Enhancement Tullamore – On site 2013 

9. Arts Council and RIAI – part of the Engage with Architecture Forum, two meetings to 

date. 

10. Follies of Offaly Book – possible book project for 2013 

11. Tourism Working Group – internal group looking at the possibilities surrounding the 

tourism industry in Offaly. 

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Budget 2013 adopted - Final - Offaly County Council

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