BUDGET 2019 SUPPLEMENTARY DIRECTORATE REPORTS - OFFALY COUNTY COUNCIL
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OFFALY COUNTY COUNCIL
BUDGET 2019
SUPPLEMENTARY
DIRECTORATE
REPORTS
BUDGET 2019
OFFALY COUNTY COUNCIL
DIRECTOR OF SERVICES REPORTS
PAGE(S)
FRANK HESLIN – DIRECTOR OF SERVICES FOR:
HR, Corporate Services including Internal Audit and Health & Safety, 1‐27
Community & Culture including Libraries, Arts & Culture and Sports, Fire
& Emergency Services, Municipal District of Birr
SEAN MURRAY – DIRECTOR OF SERVICES FOR:
Water Services/Environment including Climate Change and Energy Strategy, 29‐46
Roads, NWCPO, Property Interest Register
TOM SHANAHAN – DIRECTOR OF SERVICES FOR:
Planning including Heritage, Economic Development including Tourism, 47‐77
Housing including Corporate Buildings, Municipal District of Tullamore
BUDGET 2019
OFFALY COUNTY COUNCIL
BUDGET 2019
FRANK HESLIN
DIRECTOR OF SERVICES
REPORTS
Page 1 | 77
BUDGET 2019
CORPORATE SERVICES
Offaly County Council’s Corporate Services work to realise the Council’s mission statement,
i.e., ‘To make Offaly the best place to Live, Work, Visit and Invest’. We do this through
fostering a spirit of Civic Leadership and seeking to provide quality customer services within
the resources available. As far as practicable, all services are delivered to ensure that they
enhance the quality of life of those who live, work, invest in, and visit, Offaly.
Meeting 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.
Register Of Electors
The Register of Electors was updated in accordance with the legislation.
Ethics Register
The annual Ethics Register was published and made available in accordance with the
legislation.
Customer Care Action Plan
The Council supported its Customer Charter during 2018.
Ombudsman, Data Protection, Freedom Of Information & Access To Information On
The Environment
All queries and requests were dealt with in accordance with the relevant information and
within the given timeframes during 2018.
Service Indicators
Corporate Services coordinated the Council’s 2017 Service Indicators return to the Local
Government Management Services Board.
Swimming Pools
Corporate Services administer funding for swimming pools. .
Student Grants
Student Universal Support Ireland (SUSI), the new single awarding authority for all new
student grant applications, was introduced in 2012. All new students and students changing
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BUDGET 2019
courses now apply to SUSI. As no Student Grant renewals were received all student grants in
Offaly are now administered by SUSI.
Team Development
Staff meetings were held on a regular basis throughout the year.
Canteen And Crèche Facilities
The canteen and crèche services continued to be supported by staff during the year.
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.
Corporate Services Priorities For 2019:
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 Swimming Pool Committees.
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.
Ensure that data is managed in accordance with the General Data Protection
Regulations which became effective from 25th May 2018.
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BUDGET 2019
INTERNAL AUDIT UNIT
Internal Audit Overview
Internal Audit is an independent appraisal function established by the management of Offaly
County Council for the review of the internal control systems as a service to the organisation.
The Internal Audit unit operates to the terms of the Internal Audit Charter.
Internal Audits: During 2018, the Internal Audit Unit completed Audits as per the agreed
Internal Audit Plan 2018. Audit Reports were circulated to the Management Team and the
Audit Committee. Follow‐up audits on the implementation of recommendations of previous
Audits were also undertaken.
In 2019, the Internal Audit Unit will complete audits in line with the agreed 2019 Internal
Audit Plan.
Public Spending Code QA Process: Internal Audit was responsible for compilation of the
public spending code annual return for 2017.
A Public Spending Code QA report for 2017 was submitted to NOAC and published on the OCC
website. Two in‐depth reviews were completed as part of the process.
Audit Committee: Internal Audit continued to support the efficient and effective
administration of meetings of the Audit Committee in 2018.
Audit Committee Note for Budget 2019
The Statutory Functions of the Audit Committee are as set out in the LG Act 2014. The Audit
Committee and its members are independent in the performance of their functions and shall
be accountable to the local authority.
The Committee met 4 times during 2018.
The committee received and reviewed a number of Internal Audit reports during the year. In
addition, they received regular financial updates, updates from Directors of Service, Heads of
Sections, Local Government Auditor and Chief Executive.
The Audit Committee members are as follows:
Mr. Michael Loughnane
Ms. Connie Hanniffy
Mr. Peter Scully
Mr. Brian Gunning
Mr. Eugene Mulligan
The Audit Committee presented the following reports to the Council at the March 2018
Meeting:
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BUDGET 2019
Audit committee Annual Report 2017
Audit Committee Work Plan 2018
Report to Council on the 2016 Annual Financial Statement and Local Government
Auditor’s Statutory Audit Report
Audit Committee Charter
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BUDGET 2019
HUMAN RESOURCES
Key Objectives and Priorities
Recruit, retain and support a competent staff complement to deliver organisational priorities
and act as a driver for organisational management development and change
Legislative Context
Both national and EU legislation continue to impact on the day to day work of the department
both from an operational and financial perspective including: ‐
Health, Safety & Welfare at work
Payment of Wages
Working Time Directive
Equality
Disability
Data Protection & GDPR
Key Activities & Expenditure
Recruitment
Employee welfare and supports
Industrial Relations
Staff training and development
Development and implementation of workplace policies
Implementing requirements of Public Service Agreements
Performance Management Development System (PMDS)
Offaly Co. Council employs c. 400 full‐time staff. Almost 90% of the budget allocation for the
HR department is non‐discretionary and assigned to salaries and statutory subscriptions and
levies to agencies such as the IPA and LGMA and maintenance and licensing contracts for
CORE HR system.
The expenditure is broadly broken down into three main spending areas: ‐
Staff Recruitment
Safety, Health and Welfare of Staff
Staff Training and Development
Significant recruitment continued during 2018 with 31 competitions held during the first nine
months of the year which involved the processing of over 1,500 applications with further
significant competitions planned for the final three months of the year. This trend is expected
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BUDGET 2019
to continue into 2019 based on current retirement projections and greater mobility across
the sector generally as a result of increasing promotional opportunities for staff.
Additional funding provided by the members for staff training in the 2018 budget allowed the
re‐introduction for the first time in 10 years of a scheme of financial assistance for staff
undertaking third level studies. This additional funding was welcomed and appreciated by
staff with 18 employees benefitting from the scheme this year.
The HR Department also closely monitors attendance management and sick leave and the
proactive approach taken by the department has resulted in a reduction in Offaly’s sick leave
indicator for 2017 which at 2.73%, is well below the national average of 3.5%
Key Priorities 2019
Workforce Planning taking into account the current age profile of staff and on‐going
sectoral changes and reform
Targeted recruitment based on organisational needs and priorities and robust
business cases
Driving organisational change and development in line with national and local policies
Managing increasing levels of industrial relations issues
Continue to invest in the training and personal development of our staff to ensure
effective implementation of the on‐going local government reform agenda
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BUDGET 2019
LIBRARY SERVICES
Our Public Libraries 2022‐ Inspiring, connecting and empowering communities
The Government has launched its five‐year strategy for public libraries in June, which aims to
improve access, use and visibility of the library as a community hub, and develop the library
as a focal point for community and cultural development.
The overall aim of the strategy is to increase active library membership from 16% of
the population to 30% by the end of 2022.
It will also focus on eliminating fines and other charges in order to challenge the belief
that the library is only for certain sectors of society.
The My Open Library service will be extended to up to 100 libraries by 2023 and digital
and technology capacity across the library service will be enhanced.
My Open Library
There are now three library branches providing my open
library services – Banagher, Ferbane and Tullamore.
Edenderry will be opening shortly. My open library service
has been functioning in Banagher and Tullamore for 4
years in November. During this time, 3,010 people have
registered to use my open library service. There have
been 71,554 visits from 1st January 2015 – 31st December
2017. People use the library for different reasons; study, ICT, printing, reading, meeting
rooms, research and to meet people.
Healthy Ireland at the library
Spring programme of events
There were 22 events focusing on health and wellbeing in 8 libraries. The programme
was launched by Cllr Liam Quinn on the 27th January with Niall McNamee as the guest
speaker.
Book stock
There is a list of recommended reading as part of the Healthy Ireland at the library from the
Department of Health. All libraries in the county have a copy of the entire recommended
reading list which includes children, young adult and adult titles. There is a dedicated reading
space and display area in each library for the Healthy Ireland at your library.
Promotion at the ploughing
The Offaly Library staff attended two days of the National ploughing championships to
promote Libraries Ireland and the Healthy Ireland at the library initiative including a
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photoshoot with the Minister of State at the Department of Health with responsibility for
Health Promotion and the National Drugs Strategy ‐ Catherine Byrne.
Winter/Spring programme of events
There will be two health related events in all 8 libraries from September 2018 to March 2019.
Healthy Offaly committee
The library is part of the Healthy Offaly committee which developed the Healthy Offaly Plan
to improve health and wellbeing, placing a focus on prevention, individual awareness and
keeping people healthy for longer.
Right to Read
The Right to Read Campaign looks to complement the existing national strategy for literacy
development and support. Right to Read is closely aligned with the Department of Education
and Skills’ National Literacy and Numeracy Strategy, Literacy and Numeracy for Learning and
Life 2011‐2020 and will also build on the strategy for public libraries 2013‐2017,
Opportunities for All and Our public libraries 2022‐ inspiring, connecting and empowering
communities.
Educational Training Boards (ETB)
The library is working together with the Laois Offaly ETB to promote literacy and numeracy in
the county. They are part of the Right to Read Literacy Network.
Read anytime
41 schools registered 4,572 students for the Read anytime programme. This was a 4 week
programme to encourage reading for fun during the school day. They read for 2,032,440
minutes or 3.87 years. Two schools won a day visit from Learnit and Reptile Zoo. The most
popular time slot selected by teachers was 15 minutes reading per day.
Summerstars
The national Summerstars reading initiative was launched in Birr library on
Saturday 23rd June. Buckley bikes sponsored the programme and one lucky
reader; Anna Sheila Gath won a bike which was presented on the 29th
September. The programme encouraged 1,018 children to continue reading
over the Summer months. Each library had a Summerstars party with local
councillors in attendance. These were family oriented events and each
participating child received a medal as part of the initiative.
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Once upon a story‐time
This is a family reading initiative to encourage families to read together. There is evidence
based research that children reach a high level of literacy if they are read to from a young age.
A child needs to be read stories in order to want to read themselves. This programme involves
visits to the schools and the library.
Christmas programme
The Polar Express and the Santa letter writing programme will be held in all 8
libraries in the county. In the smaller libraries like Daingean and Kilcormac, the
event will be held in the community hall in association with the community hall
committee. These events are a fun way to promote literacy around the county.
Work Matters
The Work Matters service at your library is a perfect place to explore, research and learn new
skills.
ICT investment
The library service received grant funding to provide public PCs in the Work Matters section
for each library. The library has created a dedicated space for Work Matters including, desks,
PCs, recommended reading materials and online databases for research.
Digital skills for all
The library is working with numerous organisations to provide digital skills for beginners for
all age groups in all 8 branches.
Digitise the nation
3rd age
Rural links
Age Action
Offaly Age Friendly County Strategy
The population of Offaly is ageing. Ireland’s
population has been getting steadily older
since the 1980’s. In Census 2016, the 65years
and over saw the largest increase in the
population (up by 19.1%) since 2011. This is
the expected trend for this category. The
policy makers and service providers in Offaly
worked together to deliver a strategy to
provide and deliver a suitable service to this
age group including the library.
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Opening a residential library in two nursing homes
The library has set up two residential libraries in two nursing homes in Offaly‐ Riada House in
Tullamore and Ferbane Nursing Home. The nursing homes are given a core stock of library
books and receive a monthly visit from library staff. The residents are also encouraged to
attend some events in the library.
Offaly older persons’ network
There is a representative from the library on the Offaly older persons’ network to promote
library service and provide feedback and information updates as requested by the committee.
Science week
Offaly Libraries presented a proposal to collaborate with Midland Science to develop the
STEAM programming and increase the number of science events for all four midland counties.
Midland Science is a not for profit development company which works to create greater
interest in STEM education and skills among students, teachers and members of the public in
the Midlands (Laois, Longford, Offaly and Westmeath).
This year, the Midland Science Festival has organised events in libraries all over the midlands.
These events will reach a wider audience and create a working partnership which will include
events for Engineers Week, Space Week, Tech Week and Maths Week.
Creative Ireland
The library has run a Creative Ireland programme throughout the year. The library has
established a panel of local artists and creative people to provide workshops, lectures, events
for the young and old.
Cruinniu na nÓg
Cruinniú na nÓg is an initiative of the Creative Ireland
programme of the Department of Culture, Heritage
and the Gaeltacht and is presented in partnership
with RTE and the local authorities. Each local
authority was tasked to create a programme of local
events to showcase and share opportunities for
children and young people.
The Creative Ireland committee selected the library to
organised this programme. 23 events took place in all 8 libraries for Cruinniu na nÓg on
Saturday 23rd June. The programme is aimed at children aged 0 – 18 years. The theme was
creativity through science due to the strong history of famous scientists in Offaly. The Irish
independent did a feature on the Offaly Cruinniu na nÓg in a supplement called Creative
Youth.
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Birr Vintage Week and Art’s Festival 2018
Birr Library played a big role in the 50th year of the Birr Vintage week and Art’s festival. A time
capsule was buried on the grounds of the Birr Civic Offices and Library building. The library
will be custodian for the specially created DVD celebrating
the first 50 years of the Birr Vintage Week and Art’s Festival
and a letter from the current festival committee. This film
and the letter will be handed over to the committee of the
Birr Vintage Week and Art’s Festival in 2068 by the library
service.
The library was also one of the sites for the Vintage
Luminaries projections. This was a wonderful project which
developed from the Mary Ward project funded by CI in 2017.
Bliain na Gaeilge
Bliain na Gaeilge is a celebration of the Irish language. The focus for the year was on the
revival of the language over the last 125 years; the creativity of the language; the vibrancy of
the language; the participation of the community; and the value of our Gaeltachtaí.
The library organised a primary school Seachtain na Gaeilge art competition in February
targeting 4th – 6th class students. The theme was “Translate a seanfhocail through art”.
There were two options. “Is fearr an slainte ná na tainte” – Your health is your wealth “Intinn
fholláin i gcorp folláin” – A healthy body is a healthy mind
Seachtain na Gaeilge and Healthy Ireland were interlinked to further promote these two
initiatives. There were 100 entries received. The independent judges selected three winners
in each class. The students received their prizes from Cllr Declan Harvey in April.
First World War centenary
To celebrate the centenary, the library organised a series of lectures in Birr, Edenderry and
Tullamore, a letter writing competition for secondary school students, story time for the
younger students and movies schedule with a First World War theme. On Armistice Day,
there was a military exhibition of paraphernalia. Chief Executive Anna Marie Delaney
launched the Offaly Historical Society’s World War One Journal‐ Offaly and the Great War.
Both events were held in Tullamore library.
Heritage Week
The library organised a packed week of activities for Heritage Week. The events included the
Sharing Stories DVD launch, Zoo to You and Children sharing stories with Dolores Keaveney.
These events were well attended and family focused.
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Digital Resources
There is a big promotion on the use of the digital library. In 2017, there were 6,219 ebooks
and eaudiobooks, 4,497 emagazines and 419 language sessions downloaded by Offaly
borrowers. There were 42,204 website hits, 1055 Facebook and 1603 twitter followers. The
website and social media is updated on a regular basis with current content.
Technology in 2018
There is free internet and Wi‐Fi in all the library branches. There is RFID technology in all
branches. Surfbox is our new supplier for printing, photocopying and scanning. These
machines are located in 6 branches around the county. The library also received funding from
the Department of Community and Rural affairs for new ICT technology for all 8 libraries. This
will be rolled out in 2019.
Priorities for 2019
Increase the promotion of the library‐ develop a communication and marketing plan
to promote the library service to non‐users.
Increase the active library membership around the county
New library Development plan for Offaly Library Service
Progress plans for the development of the new library in Edenderry included in the
national library capital funding programme
Progress with plans on the county archive service in association with the Offaly
Historical Society
Update the facilities of the library in Kilcormac
Continuous review of library service activities to include opening hours, staffing levels
and evaluation of services.
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FIRE SERVICES
Activities in 2018
Offaly County Council Fire & Rescue Service provided an effective and professional response
to emergencies on a 24/7, 365day basis throughout 2017. Offaly County Council Fire &
Rescue Service respond to an average of 660 incidents and 700 station callouts throughout
the county.
The Section 26 Fire and Emergency plan formed the basis for the Fire Service work program
2018. The 2018 budget of €2.9 million maintained the Fire Service.
Significant resources have been made available for training within the Fire
Service with an expected spend of €150,000 for training alone in 2018. 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.
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 fire 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.
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 Chairs the regional
Steering Groupr for Major Emergency Mnagaement.
Civil Defence provides an emergency response capability and supported the community and
events throughout 2017. Over 30 Civil Defence duties were carried out during 2017.
Ferbane Fire Station
Approval was recieved in 2016 from the Department Of Housing, Planning, Community and
Local Government to proceed with the construction of Ferbane Fire Station. Construction was
completed in 2018. This project was fully funded by the Department of Housing, at a cost of
€1,100,000.
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Capital Funding
Over €280,000 was made available from the Department for the purchase and introduction
of new equipment into the service in 2018, ncluding:.
The purchase of 2 water tankers
The purchase of a supoport vehicle.
Contracts have been signed for the provision of a new fire appliance at a cost of €350,000.
This is to be delivereed in 2019 and is funded by the Department of Housing .
2019
The 2018 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.
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HEALTH AND SAFETY
Health and Safety objectives were set out at the beginning of the year with the management
team after reviewing 2017 both from a local and national level.
The key objective were:
1. To continue to enhance the safe working environment for all employees of Offaly
County Council and members of the public;
2. To ensure that communication between all levels of staff within the organisation
relating to health and safety are improved;
3. To continue to work closely with external groups such as the Health and Safety
Authority and consider any improvements which are suggested;
Every day staff in Offaly County Council are reminded of the risks they face and how to
eliminate or reduce this risk.
Nationally, during 2018, 38 fatalities have occurred as of the 15th of October.
Industry Number of Fatalities in
2018
Agriculture 17
Fishing and aquaculture 4
Forestry & logging 1
Mining and quarrying 0
Manufacturing 2
Water supply 1
Construction 5
Repair of motor vehicles 3
Transportation and storage 3
Public Administration (Arts, Entertainment & Recreation) 2
Total 38 as of the
th
15 of October 2018
Information as of the 15th of October from the HSA website
2018 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011 2010 2009 2008 2007
Currently 38 48 48 55 55 47 48 54 48 43 57 67
Page 16 | 77BUDGET 2019
One of the main targets for 2018 was to enhance communication with staff on
accidents/incidents and good practices from other Local Authorities and private companies.
This was achieved through monthly safety discussions and through re‐fresher health and
safety training. This will continue in 2018.
All work needs to be treated safely and a suitable Safe system of Work agreed and
communicated to all staff prior to commencing the works.
There was an overall reduction in Offaly County Councils accident ratio in 2018 (as of the 24th
of October 2018) when compared to the same period in 2017.
Senior management continued to provide leadership in order to raise the profile of safety
within Offaly County Council. A key focus in 2018 involved safety discussion with all staff.
Guest speakers who have had serious injury in the workplace were invited into give their
experience on how workplace injuries have changed their lives and their families.
The management team and senior management group carried out a number of inspections
during the year, this will remain a key focus for 2019 along with tracking the number of
inspections carried out by each department and directors attending key quarterly health and
safety meetings in their departments.
An external health and safety audit was carried out during the year and the key findings are
being closed out by the relevant departments. Offaly County Council are involved in
Construction Safety week also during 2018.
A health and safety review will be completed in full in early 2019 and this will be used to set
out the targets and areas for improvements in 2018.
Page 17 | 77BUDGET 2019
LOCAL AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
Local Community Development Committee (LCDC)
The Offaly Local Community Development Committee (LCDC) was established under the Local
Government Act in 2014 and is managed from Offaly County Council for purposes of
developing and implementing a coherent and integrated approach to local and community
development and held 12 meetings during 2018. The Offaly LCDC members represent local
government, state agencies, local development bodies, social, economic, environmental and
community interests –
Statutory Interests 9
Sector Member Name Organisation
Local Authority Elected Cllr John Clendennen Offaly County Council
Members Cllr Declan Harvey Offaly County Council
Cllr Eddie Fitzpatrick Offaly County Council
Local Authority Officials Anna Marie Delaney Offaly County Council
Orla Martin Offaly County Council
State Agencies Tony Dalton Laois & Offaly ETB
Con Feighery Teagasc
Declan Tuomey Department of Social Protection
Nick Devery Health Service Executive
Non Statutory Interests 9
Community & Voluntary Sinead McDonagh Offaly Public Participation Network
Jimmy Todd Community Representatives (2)
Social Inclusion Elizabeth Fleming Offaly Public Participation Network
Margaret Murphy Social Inclusion Representatives (2)
Environment Rebekah Keaveny Offaly Public Participation Network
Environmental Representative (1)
Local development and Brendan O’Loughlin Offaly Local Development Company
community development
bodies
Other civic society or ‘local Dominic Doheny Construction Industry Federation
and community’ interests Richard Scally Offaly Irish Farmers Association
Christina Byrne Slieve Bloom Rural Development Coop
The Offaly Local Community Development Committee (LCDC) is responsible for coordinating,
planning and overseeing local development initiatives including the implementation of the
Offaly Local Economic & Community Plan (LECP) 2016‐2021. It is the contracting authority
for the Offaly Social Inclusion Community Activation Programme (SICAP) totalling €738,314
Page 18 | 77BUDGET 2019
annually and arranges for the implementation of the oversight and delivery of Offaly Rural
LEADER Programme (2015‐2020) which is to the value of €6m. The membership of the LCDC
was reviewed in March 2018 in accordance with national guidance.
Local Economic and Community Plan (LECP)
One of the main responsibilities of the Offaly LCDC is implementation of the Local Economic
and Community Plan (LECP) 2016‐2021, for the County, which was adopted by Offaly County
Council in December 2015. The LECP implements actions to strengthen and develop the
economic and community dimensions of County Offaly. The implementation of the Plan is
progressing across its six themes.
LEADER 2014‐2020
The Offaly LCDC is the designated Local Action Group (LAG) managing €8m Rural
Development Programme funding allocated to Offaly. Further to the animation campaign
which commenced in late 2016 by 1st October 2018 there were 96 expressions of interest on
the system to an amount of €3,778,975 with 82 of these projects already moved to final
approval for processing and payment. The projects at Final Approval stage amount to
€1,769,451. The project categories range across Enterprise Development, Rural Tourism,
Basic Services for Hard to Reach Communities, Local Biodiversity, Rural Youth, and Rural
Towns.
Social Inclusion and Community Activation Programme (SICAP)
The Social Inclusion and Community Activation Programme (SICAP) is now in its fourth year
of management by the LCDC with Offaly Local Development Company as the Programme
Implementer. The value of the Offaly SICAP contract for 2018 is €738,314. There are three
overall goals in SICAP ‐ to Empower Disadvantaged Communities, to support Lifelong
Learning and to move the target groups closer to Employment. There are nine SICAP target
groups. These are ‐ children and families living in disadvantaged areas; people living in
disadvantaged communities; the unemployed (including those not on the Live Register);
young people1; lone parents; people with disabilities; new communities (including
refugee’s/asylum seekers); Travellers, and Roma.
Offaly Age Friendly Alliance
The Offaly Age Friendly Alliance met on 4 occasions in 2018 and was chaired by Anna Marie
Delaney, CE Offaly County Council. The membership of the Alliance includes key agencies and
support services alongside 2 representatives from the Offaly Older Peoples forum. The Offaly
Age Friendly Strategy was launched in Tullamore by Anna May McHugh of the NPA on the
29th June 2018. A Walkability Study for Tullamore Hospital took place on Sept 12th 2018 and
a follow up focus group was agreed with management. Members of the Offaly Older People’s
Forum will undertake this piece of work.
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Public Participation Network (PPN)
The Offaly Public Participation Network (PPN) is the main link through which the Local
Authority connects with the community, voluntary, social inclusion and environmental
sectors. In 2018 we continued to support the development of the Public Participation
Network (PPN) and there are now over 416 groups registered as members of Offaly PPN.
Engaging groups and developing the profile of the PPN were key challenges for 2018. Groups
were supported in joining the PPN, accessing MD grants, the Community Facilities grant and
Clár funding. PPN members were also assisted with Revenue/Tax registration and Tax
Clearance in order to draw down grants. Two Planning Workshops, 8 Secretariat Meetings, 4
PPN Municipal District meetings and 1 plenary took place to date. Both the PPN Municipal
District meetings and Plenary showcased a wide range of Services and Supports available to
groups. GDPR and E‐mail training was provided to groups at various locations.
Offaly Comhairle na nÓg
Comhairle na nÓg is the structure through which children and young people are involved in
the implementation of Better Outcomes, Brighter Futures and National Policy Framework for
Children and Young People (2014‐2020). The Offaly Comhairle na nÓg AGM took place on
5th November 2018 in the Tullamore Court Hotel. The theme of the day was ‘Healthy Body,
Healthy Mind’ focusing on improving physical and mental health and to give the Comhairle
Executive Members an opportunity to have an input into the actions set out under the Healthy
Offaly Plan 2018‐2020.
Community Enhancement Programme
In 2018 Offaly received a total allocation €311,997 under the Community Enhancement
Programme. Offaly LCDC administered the scheme and received 115 applications in the sum
of €877,000 by the deadline of 30th July 2018. The LCDC approved the grant awards to 115
applicants following recommendations by an LCDC Sub‐group. An additional sum of €10,145
was granted to nine Men’s Sheds in Offaly as part of a complementary scheme. The awards
event for the successful applicants was held at Aras an Chontae on the 22nd October 2018.
Tidy Towns Network
This network is in place since 2011 and is a collaborative project of the Community and
Heritage sections of OCC. The Tidy Towns groups meet 3 times a year to progress their plan
of works for each year.
The national results were announced on Sept 24th 2018 with several Offaly towns and villages
performing strongly. Geashill were only 6 points behind the national winner in the category B
competition and came first in the county, while Tullamore came fifth in Category F and second
in the county, followed by Clonbullogue. Kinnitty won the Endeavour award. A number of
Offaly entrants increased their scores and we are working with them to advise where they
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can improve for next year. Geashill also won the regional Pollinator Award in the special
categories section.
The Entente Florale Europe awards were held with great success in Tullamore on the weekend
of 21‐22nd September 2018 with over 400 guests from 9 European countries attending a
range of events including an environmental conference, market fair, and tours to Offaly
attractions which highlighted the benefits of greening the urban landscape. The event was a
fitting reward for Tullamore’s Gold Medal win in the competition in 2016.
Offaly Community Watch Network
Offaly Community Watch is a network of Community Alert and Neighbourhood Watch groups
that is in operation since 2011. It is facilitated by the PPN, Local Garda Sargent and Muintir na
Tire Regional Worker. The Network meets 3 times per year with a regular attendance, which
includes the PPN reps from the JPC. Each meeting focusing on a particular area of community
safety and security with guest speakers invited and allows for open dialogue and feedback on
local issues and concerns.
Pride of Place 2018
This is an All‐Island competition where local authorities nominate groups in their communities
who have made a significant contribution to improving their neighbourhood. In 2018 OCC
nominated Clonbullogue Development Association; Acquired Brain Injury Ireland Mountbolus
in the Community Wellbeing Initiative category and Moneygall Development Association in
the Community Tourism Initiative category.
Judging for the three Offaly entries took place on 16th and 17th July 2018. The standard of the
3 entries was very high and was evidence of the enormous amount of work the 3 communities
had put into the competition. The winners will be announced on 17th November 2018.
Healthy Ireland
The Healthy Offaly Team was created by Offaly LCDC in 2018 to implement actions contained
in the LECP 2016‐2021. The Team is made up of reps from key statutory groups responsible
for the promotion of healthy activity in Offaly.
The Healthy Offaly Plan 2018‐2020 was funded by the Healthy Ireland Fund and developed in
2018 following consultation with key stakeholders. It was launched in October 2018. The Plan
includes objectives to be achieved under 5 key themes: physical activity; mental health; sexual
health; healthy weight; alcohol/substance misuse & tobacco.
For 2018 the key priorities under the Plan are physical activity and mental health. Funding of
€75,000 was allocated for 2018/19 through the Healthy Ireland Fund which is being used to
deliver 8 priority actions.
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OFFALY SPORTS PARTNERSHIP
Offaly Sport Partnership is an inter‐agency group which is a sub structure of Offaly County
Council, hosted by the council and core funded by Sport Ireland. The long term shared vision
of Offaly Sports Partnership is of a county with a vibrant sport culture which is inclusive of all
people. Its mission is to actively support measures to increase and sustain participation in
sport in Offaly.
Furthermore, Offaly Sports Partnership believes that all people, irrespective of ability; age;
cultural background; educational attainment; ethnicity; family status; gender; marital status;
physical, mental and intellectual capabilities; religious beliefs; or sexual orientation are
entitled to enjoy the benefits of improved physical and mental health derived from their
participation in sport and physical activity. We recognise that not all people have equal
opportunity to participate in sport, and we commit ourselves to ensuring that our
programmes reach out to underrepresented groups, and to advocate for a society where
inclusive participation is the norm.
In 2018, Offaly Sports Partnership delivered a range of sport, physical activity and active living
programmes: ‐
In schools for up to 10,000 pupils. Among the programmes delivered in schools were
spring fitness programmes, fit class award and winter fitness programmes
Volunteer training for over 250 club volunteers
Physical activity programmes for over 250 older adults
An integrated sports programme for children of an ethnic minority background. Since
its initiation in 2011 over 50 national medals have been won by participants in this
programme in inter club, inter school or Community Games
Local promotion of national events such as Bike Week, Operation Transformation
national walk day, Play Day and Recreation Week that reached up to 500 adults and
children
Other important developments in 2018 include: ‐
The securing of €24,000 from Healthy Ireland which was used to deliver schools
based programmes for over 1,500 primary school pupils; and couch to 5k
programmes for over 500 adults across eight locations in Offaly. Offaly Sports
Partnership has also secured an additional €25,000 in funding from Healthy Ireland
which will be used to deliver schools based programmes and a couch to 3k
programme for teens in the 2018 / 2019 academic year
The continuing work of the FAI Soccer in the Community Officer at club and
community level. This post is co funded by the FAI and Offaly County Council; and as
a result of this funding, Gary Seery has delivered a range of grassroots club,
community and schools programmes across Offaly for over 5,000 people.
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Offaly County Council also supported Leinster Rugby with a grant of €5,000; and as a
result of this funding the club Community Rugby Officers have delivered a range of
additional programmes to over 500 people
The recruitment of a new Sports Inclusion Development Officer – Jean Brady joined
the staff of Offaly Sports Partnership in May 2018. Since May, she has delivered a
range of programmes that reached over 250 people with disabilities; and a range of
programmes for over 250 people from underrepresented groups such as low income
communities (rural and urban); the unemployed; women and girls; and youth at risk
The securing of €10,000 to host diversity games days for primary and post primary
pupils and students
The recruitment of a new Community Sports Development Officer – Denise Coghill
joined the staff of Offaly Sports Partnership in October 2018 and will be working with
identified communities to reduce sedentary living and increase the number of people
who are meeting the relevant National Physical Activity Guidelines
Offaly Sports Partnership secured over €300,000 in funding and earned income from a variety
of sources (e.g. Sport Ireland; Health Services Executive; Department of Transport, Tourism
and Sport; Department of Children and Youth Affairs; Department of Justice and Equality, the
Dormant Accounts Disbursement Fund, etc.) in 2018, with much of this funding supporting
delivery of the aforementioned programmes of physical activity and sport.
For more information on Offaly Sports Partnership, visit www.offalysports.ie; or contact us
on 057 93 57462, or by email to sports@offalycoco.ie
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OFFALY ARTS SERVICE
Arts Act Grants 2018
This funding scheme promotes public interest in the arts encouraging arts engagement at
community level facilitated by arts practitioners. In 2018, twenty‐two Arts Act grants were
awarded to groups and individuals.
Arts Festivals
Festivals increase the cultural profile of the county adding to the tourism offer, local business,
inward investment and health and wellbeing of Offaly people. Offaly showcases a strong and
diverse range of arts festivals, involving local, regional and national talent, examples of which
include: Castlepalooza, OFFLine Film Festival; Birr Vintage Week and Arts Festival; Birr Festival
of Music & Voice; Scripts Ireland’s Playwriting Festival, Hullabaloo! Children’s Arts festival. In
2018 a civic festival, Féile Edenderry was reintroduced, after a gap of 27 years, where the arts
service supported a curated arts trail, that attracted over 200 visitors. The Arts Service
provided financial support to a total of 9 festivals in 2018. We continue to advise on festival
programming and audience development.
Anam Beo – Offaly’s Arts, Health and Wellbeing Organisation
Anam Beo artists Julie Spollen and Rowena Keaveny have been investigating... 'What is the
best way to clearly communicate necessary information?'. The artists consulted and
established a working relationship with Offaly Public Participation Network, Offaly’s Older
Person’s Forum, Age Action, Age NI, Age and Opportunity, the Irish Wheelchair Association,
HSE care centres, Offaly Active Retirement groups whilst also engaging in the Healthy Offaly
and Age Friendly Strategy Offaly launch. This CFI project is about communication, health
literacy and creative expression, it produced artwork for posters and postcards that are
informed by participants over 20 creative workshops, panel discussions and PPN
presentations. An exhibition of the work takes place in October at Áras an Chontae.
Arts Strategy (2018‐2022)
The new Offaly Arts Strategy Inspire‐Imagine‐Involve [2018‐2022], approved by Offaly County
Council, at their April meeting, was subsequently launched by Leas‐Cathaoirleach, Cllr. Peter
Ormond, late September, as part of a programme of participatory art events held in Áras an
Chontae, Tullamore.
The Atrium Exhibition programme at Áras an Chontae
A programme of nine exhibitions were showcased this year included works by professional
artists, recent graduates and school children. An OCC staff exhibition launched the 2018
programme followed by an exhibition of work by the pupils of Oaklands Secondary school,
Page 24 | 77BUDGET 2019
Edenderry. First the first time he arts office produced a printed brochure of the 2018
exhibition programme entitled, The Atrium – Exhibition Series 2018, at Áras an Chontae to
raise the profile of the artists and the beautiful facility for exhibiting works at Áras an Chontae.
Culture Night Offaly
Now in its eighth year, Culture Night Offaly caught up with 19 events in 18 venues and across
the country there was an extravaganza of cultural operations with unique and high quality
events experience by total audience figures of 965. Highlights included Aurora by Pink Kong
Studios, Ireland’s first ever VR animation film screened at the Midland only VR studio, VR
Party. Birr Theatre and Arts Centre hosted an exhibition and series of talks addressing our
relationship with a constantly changing environment. Trans‐county sessions of Offaly
Comhaltas branches took place in Tullamore, Rhode, Ballyboy and Edenderry. Clara Musical
Society performed songs from the Musicals and folk music inspired by the historical influences
of Irish traditional music in America was live at Leap Castle.
FILMOFFALY
Offaly County Council received seventy – four entries from an open call for the 2018
FilmOffaly short film bursary awards. FilmOffaly celebrated its tenth year in 2018 which was
marked by: increasing the value of the award from €8,000 to €10,000 in 2018; with financial
support from the Offaly Local Enterprise Office (LEO), we are engaging a film marketing
specialist to review and assess FilmOffaly’s current promotional material with a view to
recommending a strategy for targeting key stakeholders. The 2017 award winner Brain Folan
of Red Rag Production, Maynooth commenced production this autumn.
Funding of Cultural Facilities
In 2018 grant aid was provided to Birr Theatre and Arts Centre to continue providing cultural
and quality of life experiences to local audiences, in part. Birr Theatre and Arts Centre
operates as a festival incubator hub for Offaly, supporting local artists, building new audience
segments for the arts, raising the profile of the arts that will increase visitor numbers to the
county.
Lough Boora Sculpture Park
Offaly County Council with Bord na Móna, co‐signed a Memorandum of Agreement (2018 –
2025) to progress the development of Lough Boora Sculpture Park. The Lough Boora Sculpture
Park Steering Committee will oversee the artistic and strategic management of the Sculpture
Park.
Midland Arts and Culture Magazine
The Arts Office continues its collaboration with Laois, Westmeath and Longford Arts Offices
to create a greater midland cultural identity through the twice yearly production of the
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Midlands Arts and Culture Magazine. The magazine is distributed throughout the county and
is available as a pdf online.
Music Generation Offaly Westmeath
Our investment into Music Generation Offaly Westmeath (MGOW) (€12,500 per annum plus
support in kind) yields a significant annual investment in performance music education for
the region. Music Generation Offaly/Westmeath is now under the Dept. of Education and
skills, consolidating its initial 3 years (2014 ‐ 2016) MGOW having invested close to €1.2m
in creating new routes for children and young people to access performance music education.
Currently over 5,000 children have increased access to performance music education through
a range of interventions. The return on our investment is also significant in terms of the 27
musicians who have benefitted from new employment opportunities across the region.
Building on the success of the Singfest Gala Concert 2018, held over 3 days in June, and the
introduction in 2018 to Sinfonia, SingOUT and Come & Sing, held over 6 days in May and June,
in Athlone AIT, surpassed all expectations of how large‐scale choral ensembles accrue a raft
of skills and learning for all those taking part.
Youth Arts Provision
The Arts Office has commissioned a report on mapping youth arts provision across the county;
how this is to be developed over the life of the arts strategy Inspire‐Imagine‐Involve [2018‐
2022]. As youth arts provision is a stated priority area the research findings including
recommendations for the implementation of new models for developing and arts programme
for young people will help drive its development.
In 2018 Offaly’s highly popular youth film making programme, Mini Movies in partnership
with OFFline Film Festival Mini Movies programme focused on workshops for transition year
students in Sacred Heart Secondary School, Tullamore and Coláiste Naomh Cormac,
Kilcormac, working with independent film maker Lauren Hatchard. The films premièred in Birr
Theatre and Arts Centre, as part of the 2018 OFFline Film Festival.
Hullabaloo! Children’s Arts Festival
The festival, a partnership project between Offaly County Council and Birr Theatre and Arts
Centre, has continued to develop its programme and increased audience participation. The
festival continues to develop the programme, providing employment for local performers and
artists, as well as extending the reach of the audience segment for children and families.
Arts Office Communications
The Arts Service has effectively broadened its audience and demographic through the use of
Facebook pages for Offaly Arts, FilmOffaly, Hullabaloo Children’s Arts Festival and Music
Generation with over 2,500 new people engaging with the arts locally.
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Arts Service Priorities for 2019
Implement a comprehensive arts programme for Lough Boora Sculpture Park (LBSP),
in partnership with Bord Na Móna, and the Arts Council, including: the development
of an action plan, the appointment of an artistic curator to oversee new art/sculpture
commissions, along with an associated learning and education programme;
The roll out of a marketing strategy for the FilmOffaly programme, to increase its
profile, cultivating partnerships with local and national bodies, to achieve an
increased international profile;
Consolidating Anam Beo – Offaly’s Arts, Health and Wellbeing organisation as a key
specialist arts provider working with older people in the community and in health
care settings;
Proceed with implementing a more bespoke young peoples’ arts programme, in
partnership with young people and other specialist service providers;
Secure funding and other supports, from a range of agencies, to create and sustain
the arts programme;
Reinstate the 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;
Develop more targeted advice and funding for local arts grant schemes 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 using online resources, local and national media;
Tour a curated County arts collection with an associated learning and education
programme to other parts of the county.
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OFFALY COUNTY COUNCIL
BUDGET 2019
SEAN MURRAY
DIRECTOR OF SERVICES
REPORTS
Page 29 | 77BUDGET 2019
ROADS
General
The initial grant allocations for 2018 from Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) and the
Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport (DTTAS) are set out below, the figures for 2017
are shown alongside for comparison purposes.
Transport Infrastructure Ireland & Department of Transport, Tourism & Sport Road Grants
to Offaly County Council 2018
Category Allocation 2017 Allocation 2018
National Primary Lighting €0 €34,617
National Secondary Lighting €0 €61,244
National Secondary Maintenance €351,252 €277,536
National Secondary Improvement €550,000 €1,972,640
NP & NS Support Grant Improvement & Maintenance €212,800 €212,800
N52 Tullamore to Kilbeggan Link Road €0 €25,000
Non‐National Restoration Improvement Grant €3,664,133 €4,330,500
Non‐National Restoration Maintenance Grant €925,112 €1,083,500
Non‐National Discretionary Improvement Grant €1,588,292 €1,575,500
Non‐National Bridge Rehabilitation €200,000 €200,000
Non National Safety Improvement Works €225,000 €200,000
Non‐National Specific Improvement Works €0 €20,000
Non‐National Speed Limits €0 €25,125
Non‐National Roads Training Grant €36,000 €36,000
Non‐National Drainage Works €0 €226,000
Total €7,752,589 €10,280,462
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The 2018 Initial Roads Budget Allocations were as follows:
Roads Budget 2018 €11,922,592
Transport Infrastructure Ireland €2,583,837
DTTS Non National Road €7,696,625
Own Resources €1,642,130
The 2017 Initial Roads Budget Allocations totalled €9,394,719.
The Offaly County Council allocation above does not include an allocation of €899,500 for Public
Lighting and a Central Management Charge (support services) of €2,789.822.
Additional funding was received as follows during the year: ‐
Roads Budget 2018 Additional Funding
Transport Infrastructure Ireland
National Route Lighting Upgrades €73,000
HD28 €585,378
Capital Maintenance Works > €50,000 €585,093
Capital Maintenance Works < €50,000 €28,000
Department of Rural and Community Development
Local Improvement Scheme €290,597
CLÁR €259,638
Department of Transport, Tourism & Sport (CIS)
Community Involvement Scheme €400,000
Special Maintenance Grant €500,000
Page 31 | 77BUDGET 2019
National Road Grants 2018
The National Road Projects undertaken and completed during 2018 are detailed under the
following Grant Categories
2018 National Roads (N52, N62 & N80 ‐ 103km)
Ordinary Maintenance €123,574
Pavement Schemes
N62 South of Doon €128,401
N62 Ballyegan Pavement Strengthening €368,160
N52 Riverstown €1,104,480
Capital Maintenance Works
N52, Ballynaguilsha, North of Kennedys Cross, Birr €187,843
N62 Ballygaddy / Rath Beg, Sharavogue, Birr €199,760
N62, Ballyegan, Sharavogue, Birr €197,490
Capital Maintenance WorksBUDGET 2019
Non National Road Grants 2018
The Non National Road Projects undertaken and completed during 2018 are detailed under
the following Grant Categories.
2018 Non National Roads (Regional 389km / local 1639km)
Restoration Improvement Grant €4,330,500
Restoration Maintenance Grant €1,083,500
Discretionary Improvement Grant €1,575,500
Bridge Rehabilitation €200,000
Safety Improvement Works €200,000
Speed Limits €25,125
Roads Training Grant €36,000
Drainage Works €226,000
R444 Ballinahown to Clonmacnoise to Shannonbridge Feasibility Study €20,000
Special Maintenance Grant Bog Road Improvements €500,000
Public Lighting LED Upgrades in Housing Estates €250,000
Community Involvement Schemes €400,000
Local Improvement Schemes €290,597
CLAR Schemes €259,638
Edenderry Transportation Study Specific Road Improvement Grant Application 2019
Offaly Greenway €634,000
Page 33 | 77BUDGET 2019
Road Safety 2018
A number of Road Safety Initiatives the Road Section wish to progress in 2019 include:
Update website in relation to weather alerts and road safety initiatives and circulate to
Councillors and staff and upload on Council web site, Facebook and Twitter;
Road safety Video/Message installed in Ferbane, Edenderry, Birr and Banagher Credit
Unions;
Organised RSA Street Smart Programme to visit a number of national schools in the
county. This Programme aims to bring issues of road safety to life for young
schoolchildren;
Collaborated with the Road Safety Authority in “Check it Fits Service” – free expert
checking of child car seats in various locations throughout the county;
Organised day long live flexible presentation “Drive for Life Programme” for 3
Secondary Schools in the County. This programme is tailored for students and young
adults in a school setting and issues such as consequences of speed, alcohol, drugs and
driving, mobiles phones, seat belts forms part of the content of the programme;
Presentation of Junior School Warden Certificates to 2 schools – Portarlington National
School and Ferbane National School;
Liaised with Municipal Districts concerning road safety at various school;
Road Safety presentations delivered to 28 national schools in the County.
Plan for 2019
The roads budget for 2019 will be similar to 2018 for both National and Non National Roads.
Significant investment is needed for our Regional and Local Roads and Offaly County Council
will continue to engage with DTTAS to secure additional funding. OCC will prepare and submit
application for Specific Road Improvement funding.
A number of schemes the Road Section wish to progress in 2019 include:
Progress the N52 Tullamore to Kilbeggan Link to planning and design in collaboration
with the TII and Westmeath Road Design office;
2019 Minor Works Scheme ‐ N62 Cloghan to Kennedys Cross;
Progress Pavement Improvement Schemes on the N80, N52 and N62 working with the
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