Annual Report 2010 Publisher full - Offaly County Council

Efficiency and Customer Service Initiatives
The Housing Programme Management System (HPMS) continues to
facilitate more efficient capital approvals and financial claims with
the Department and enhance project management capabilities. A
revised Housing Appeals procedure and form were approved by the
SPC and came into use to streamline the appeals process. The
Council continued to review and update the maintenance contracts
for Aras an Chontae and identified a number of savings and efficiencies
including energy savings and accessibility.
Playgrounds
During the year the Council developed and adopted a Joint Playground
Policy with Offaly Local Development Company outlining a
commitment to working in partnership with the community in the
provision of appropriate playground facilities across the County.
Leases on Council lands were granted to two groups to develop facilities
in Kilcormac and Shannonbridge and €20,966 was provided as
match funding support for these facilities together with a contribution
towards the development of a playground in Shinrone.
Housing, Social & Cultural S.P.C.
The SPC met 5 times during 2010 and the following issues were
agreed and recommended to Council for adoption:
SPC Policies, Programmes and Initiatives adopted
• Scheme of Letting Priorities (Amendments and Additions)
• Housing Loans and Rents Arrears Policies 2010
• Revised Private Sites Criteria 2010
• Differential Rent Scheme 2010
• Midlands Regional Homeless Action Plan 2010
• Anti-Social Behaviour Policy 2010
• Library Development Plan 2010 -2014
• Joint Playground Policy 2009 – 2014
Other Items considered and discussed by SPC
• Homeless Forum and Homeless services
• Housing Appeals system and procedures
• Tullamore Library and Arts Facility
• Offaly Film Commission
• Public Arts Protocol
Shannonbridge Playground opened in 2010
Page 10 | Offaly County Council Annual Report 2010