Annual Report 2011.pdf (size 6 MB) - Offaly County Council

Energy Efficiency Programme / Radon Testing
32 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 2011
was €400,000 with €40,000 coming from own
resources. Subject to funding, it is anticipated that a
further 30 units that become vacant will be retro-fitted
in 2012 in order to enhance overall energy efficiency
levels and improve existing Building Energy Ratings.
Affordable Housing and Part V
By the end of 2011 a total of 154 units have been
delivered under the Part V process, 75 of which are
Affordable units. 20 of these units remain unsold and
have been transferred to RAS in partnership with Helm
Housing Association. 2 social Part V‟s were acquired
during the year completing the Part V acquisition
programme. It is anticipated that funding for the
acquisition of social units under Part V will not be
available in 2012 and alternative options will have to be
considered. Revised Guidelines on Implementation of
Part V were considered by the SPC in December 2009
to reflect changing circumstances.
A Value for Money Audit on Part V was completed by
the DoECLG indicating substantial compliance with Part
V policies and procedures.
Technical Support Services
Housing unit continued to provide technical services for
Tullamore Library renovation project, Aras maintenance
and services contracts together with energy efficiency
contracting for swimming pools.
Land Management
Short-term land lettings were agreed at fifteen
locations for grazing purposes generating a modest
income during the year. 2.88 ha of lands at Shinrone
were transferred to the Housing and Sustainable
Communities agency under the Land Aggregation
Scheme and application for transfer of 1.56 ha at
Kilcormac was submitted for consideration in 2012.
Members agreed to the disposal of 0.2ha at Kyleboher
Kilcormac and 3.24 ha at Killane Edenderry. Proceeds
from land sales are principally used to offset against
other land debit balances.
Housing Assessment and Allocations
108 tenancy allocations were made across the range of
social housing options. The Housing waiting list stood at
703 at year end with the greatest demand from the
Edenderry area. The increase in the number of
applications received from homeowners who had their
family home repossessed was particularly significant. It
is expected that this trend will continue and possibly
accelerate in 2012. A housing needs assessment
update was completed and revisions and amendments
to the Scheme of Letting Priorities were adopted by SPC
and Council in June and October 2011. Amendments
introduced measures necessary to deal with the ever
changing landscape of social housing applications and
allocation.
Offaly Local Authorities Annual Report 2011