Annual Report 2012.pdf (size 5.8 MB) - Offaly County Council

(requiring issuing of an enforcement notice), 3 no. 5anotices (also requiring issuing of an enforcement notice),2 no. splits (i.e. 3a and 5a combined), 58 no. did notrequire a notice, and 67 no. were no longer quarries.Reviews to An Bord Pleanála were sought on 13quarries, on which Offaly County Council madesubmissions.Derelict Sites were taken over from the EnvironmentSection in 2009. There were fifteen site inspectionsduring 2012. There were 42 Derelict Sites files openedat the end of 2012 and one file was closed during theyear. 9 sites which were entered on the register in 2011were valued in 2012 and demands for derelict site levieswere issued. All planning applications were screened forAppropriate Assessment and Environmental ImpactAssessment in order to ensure compliance with the EIADirective and Habitats Directive.Structures at Risk FundThe Conservation Grants Scheme was ‘paused’ in 2011and replaced with the Structures at Risk Scheme. Underthis scheme, two applications were invited from eachLocal Authority for possible approval by theDepartment. Offaly County Council made 2 applicationsfor grant aid and both were approved by theDepartment:SRF 12001: Former Estate Workers Cottage Geashill -€10,000 for repairs towards roof, chimney and rainwater goods.SRF: 12002: Annabrook House Shinrone - €15,000 forrepairs to windows and doors.Unfinished Housing EstatesThe findings of the National Housing DevelopmentSurvey 2012 showed that Co. Offaly has one of thelowest levels of unfinished housing developments andvacant residential units nationally.Scanning ProjectDuring 2012, the scanning project continued, wherebyplanning applications can be viewed on the internet.This allows the public to view planning applications at atime and place of their choosing rather than beingrestricted to office hours.Compliance/EnforcementWarning Letters 71Enforcement Notices: 17District/Circuit Court Cases: 8Prosecutions Initiated: 17During the year, 49 enforcement files were opened. Anenhanced screening process was put in place during2012 whereby the alleged breach is summarilyinvestigated to avoid unwarranted cases being opened.71 warning letters and 17 enforcement notices wereissued. Regular meetings are held with the Council’slegal advisers to ensure that all cases are pursued in atimely manner. Recovery of costs where the Council isOffaly Local Authorities Annual Report 201246