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Dated 7th November 2019

Chief Executive’s

Monthly Management Report

in relation to functions performed in the

preceding month

Prepared under Section 136 (2) of the Local Government Act, 2001, as inserted by Section 51 of the Local Government (Reform) Act, 2014

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CHIEF EXECUTIVE’S MANAGEMENT REPORT – 31st October 2019

Contents

Finance & Water Services 3

Financial Reports Water Services

Economic, Enterprise, Planning & Infrastructure 7

Economic Development Local Enterprise Office European Relations Infrastructure Planning

Development Management Planning Enforcement Forward Planning

Operations & Waste Management 18

Operations Waste Management Air, Water and Noise Pollution Environment Veterinary Services

Corporate and Fire & Emergency Services 27

Corporate Services Sustainable Energy Fire & Emergency Services Civil Defence

Housing, Communities, Quality of Life 32

Housing Communities Quality of Life

Libraries Archives Museum Heritage Arts

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FINANCE & WATER SERVICES

Contents

Financial Reports Water Services Water Quality Water Conservation Capital Programmes Water Networks Major Outages Rural Water Programme

Expenditure to 31st October 2019

Section

ACTUAL EXPENDITURE TO

31/10/19

BUDGET EXPENDITURE

2019

% SPENT TO 31/10/19

Housing 19,016,702 25,536,532 74%

Road Transportation & Safety 17,853,494 20,105,291 89%

Water Services 5,239,219 7,101,147 74%

Development Management 9,461,779 16,187,478 58%

Environmental Services 12,541,581 16,721,687 75%

Recreation and Amenity 6,357,284 8,500,884 75%

Agriculture, Education, Health & Welfare 961,507 1,341,711 72%

Miscellaneous 5,992,189 10,620,209 56%

77,423,755 106,114,939 73%

Income to 31st October 2019

Section

ACTUAL INCOME TO 31/10/19

BUDGET INCOME 2019

% INVOICED TO 31/10/19

Housing 19,972,557 27,451,267 73%

Road Transportation & Safety 7,993,595 10,996,282 73%

Water Services 4,201,393 6,994,342 60%

Development Management 4,511,778 9,534,304 47%

Environmental Services 1,325,116 1,863,240 71%

Recreation and Amenity 899,247 859,691 105%

Agriculture, Education, Health & Welfare 356,843 430,643 83%

Miscellaneous 3,652,575 5,529,938 66%

Rates 32,800,980 32,589,034 100%

General Purpose Grant (LPT) 8,221,830 9,866,198 83%

83,935,914 106,114,939 79%

The above is the current position as at the 31st October 2019. The allocation of the Central Management Charge is estimated in the above

figures as the allocation is not completed till mid-month. The full rates demand for 2019 is included in the above figure.

Collection rates as at 31st October 2019 are as follows:

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Debtors as at 31st October 2019

Opening Balance Invoices Receipts Write Offs

Closing Balance

Government Debtors 5,751,779 52,863,255 (53,738,828) 0 4,876,206

Other Local Authorities 105,124 158,488 (148,921) 0 114,691

Rates 9,538,720 32,800,980 (26,291,277) (1,690,469) 14,357,954

Rents 3,806,090 9,724,748 (10,190,384) (10,309) 3,330,145

Loans 361,833 1,163,611 (1,186,056) 3 339,391

Development Levies 13,238,237 1,904,568 (2,252,913) (1,072,457) 11,817,435

Fire Charges 1,578,403 432,466 (250,826) (13) 1,760,030

Miscellaneous 2,094,576 5,901,504 (6,152,439) (19,246) 1,824,395

TOTAL DEBTORS 36,474,762 104,949,620 (100,211,644) (2,792,491) 38,420,247

Above is the debtor balances as at the 31st October 2019. The miscellaneous debtor figure includes the Irish Water SLA recoupments, Corporate, Community & Enterprise, LEO, Planning, Enforcement, Environment, Sports, Vets, Arts, Roads, Library, Museum and Finance miscellaneous billings. Budget 2020 Meeting The Department of Housing Planning and Local Government Circular, Fin 07/2019, sets out the Prescribed Periods for the 2020 Budget as follows: All Local Authorities 1st November 2019 to 30th

November 2019

The members agreed at the September Council meeting that the 2020 Budget meeting will be held on Monday the 18th of November directly following the normal monthly Council meeting.

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Water Services

Water Conservation Water conservation activity continues throughout the County. Capital Programmes Irish Water refers to the different phases of a capital project as Gates 1, 2, 3 or 4. Gate 1 - Concept Design, Gate 2 - Detailed design, contract documents, planning and procurement, Gate3 - Construction stage, Gate 4 - Snagging, sign off. Water Major Infrastructure Projects Drogheda Water Main Rehabilitation Works recommenced in January 2019. Project complete and closed Section1 Feb 2019, Section 2 expected March 2020. Staleen Drogheda Water Supply Scheme WTP Gate 3 Construction Stage is still ongoing, with civil works to be completed, by Design Build Operator (DBO). The estimated date for commencement of the one year Operations Service Period is 31st January 2020. Cavanhill Dundalk Water Supply Scheme WTP Gate 3 Construction Stage is still ongoing, with Civil Works to be completed, by DBO. The estimated date for commencement of the one year Operations Service Period is 29th November 2019 Waste Water Major Infrastructure Projects Ardee Sewage Scheme Upgrade WWTP This is still at Gate 3 stage with completion expected mid-Dec 2019. It is expected to move to 1 year operation phase in December 2019. Local Network Reinforcing – Dundalk This is still at Gate 2 stage. Contract signing is anticipated for Q2 2020.

Local Network Reinforcing – Drogheda Review of the model is being progressed. Drainage Area Plan Modelling is to be complete Q3 2020 with the Coe’s Rd long term solution (short solution in advance). Omeath Sewage Scheme WWTP Appointed Contractor Veolia under ECI Programme. Expected construction commencement Q2, 2020 with 1 year programme for construction. Capital Programmes – Minor Projects Tinure WWTP Snagging in progress. Clogerhead PS and Rising Main Planning PS to be lodged end of 2019 Blackrock WWTP (advanced works to accommodate additional capacity). The Contractor is currently preparing the design. Expected to be on site end of Nov with estimated programme of 4 weeks (weather permitting). Water Networks Water Networks Programme

Rehabilitation Programme Water main replacement programme is now complete for 2019. Pressure Reducing Valve (PRV) PRV’s are all commissioned and optimised. Lead replacement / Back Yard Services No lead replaced this month. No Backyard services replaced in October.

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First Fix No first fix repairs were undertaken by Irish Water contractors in October.

Find & Fix The Find and Fix programme is now completed in the 5 DMA’s assigned to the Irish Water Contractor. Metering The Network Section is providing ongoing support to Irish Water’s Contractor for the reinstallation of Non Domestic Meters installed under the Water Rehabilitation Programme. Water Scouring Programme 2019 Scouring of the water network during October included Louth Village, Annagassin, Tallanstown and Ardee. Flushing will be continuing in Tallanstown and Ardee for the month of November. Network Maintenance 52 water repairs were carried out in October. Planning & Water Connections The Networks Section processed 31 new connections, applications and 27 Planning Applications in October.

Major Outages Planned outages by DBOs are advised by Irish Water. Unplanned outages arising from bursts are dealt with as they arise and continue to be notified to the members. Boil Water Notice Tallanstown The Boil Water Notice (BWN) in place for the Tallanstown Public Water Supply since 30th July, 2019 remains in place for approximately 600 customers in Tallanstown village. A programme of ice-pigging is needed to ensure adequate levels of chlorine can be maintained in that particular section of the water main. This work will be undertaken in the coming weeks. Irish Water’s drinking water and operational experts, in partnership with Louth County Council, are continuing to work closely with the Health Services Executive and the Environmental Protection Agency to lift this BWN as quickly and as safely as possible. Rural Water Programme The approval of schemes/projects under Multi-Annual Rural Water Programme 2019-2021, Measures 1 to 7, has been received from the Dept. of Housing, Planning and Local Government. Funding for the 2019-2021 programme totals €923,994, with an allocation for 2019 of €401,513.

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ECONOMIC, ENTERPRISE, PLANNING & INFRASTRUCTURE

Contents

Economic Development Local Enterprise Office European Relations Infrastructure

Planning Development Management Planning Enforcement Forward Planning

Economic Development Louth Economic Forum The next meeting of the Louth Economic Forum will take place on Wednesday 27th November, 2019. Tourism Púca Festival A number of musical and cultural events took place in Drogheda as part of this festival between October 31st and November 2nd, with light installations at some locations in the town which included St. Laurence’s Gate, Old Abbey and the Tholsel Tourist Office. The Púca Parade took place on Saturday 2nd November which commenced at the Old Abbey, Drogheda with a performance by Kidkast, then proceeded across West Street over to Laurence Gate, up to St. Peter’s Church and finished up at Scotch Hall. Sea Louth a scenic seafood trail Work is progressing well on this initiative. A very successful information session for restaurants took place on Wednesday 30th, October, 2019 in the Monasterboice Inn. Tina O’Dwyer from Tourism Space was the guest speaker at the event along with Garret O’Brien, Chair, Fishers Local Action Group for the North East Region. This information session provided all the relevant information needed for restaurants about this initiative and encouraged them to support and buy in to this project as well

as encouraging restaurants to purchase from and support the local producers. Application forms were distributed to the restaurants to take part and be included in this initiative with the closing date for the receipt of same being Friday 15th November, 2019.

Seafood Trail Information Session

Ardee Castle Tenders were received for the procurement of a scoping assessment to identify tourism opportunities for Ardee Castle. They will be evaluated week ending Friday 8th November, 2019. Destination Towns An application was submitted to Fáilte Ireland on the 18th September, 2019 under Destination Towns Capital Investment Programme. A decision on which is anticipated in late November, 2019.

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LEO Louth Brexit Clinics for Business LEO Louth hosted 12 Brexit Clinics for businesses in the county during October. Small business owner/managers in all sectors can meet a specialist mentor on a one to one basis for specific advice in relation to how Brexit may impact their business. Further Brexit Clinics are planned for November. The Brexit Scorecard continues to be utilised by small businesses to assess their exposure to Brexit. Business Beyond Brexit Breakfast

LEO Louth participated in the panel discussion at a British-Irish Chamber of Commerce #BusinessBeyondBrexit Breakfast on Friday 18th October 2019 in the Crowne Plaza, Dundalk. Brexit Preparedness Checklist

The Department of Business, Enterprise & Innovation (DBEI) has published a checklist to help businesses with their Brexit preparations. It lists a range of actions that businesses can take to ensure that they will still be able to trade with the UK after it leaves the EU. The actions identified address topics such as Customs, Supply Chain, Product Certification as well as Government financial supports to help manage cashflow and currency management.

The checklist also provides contact details for the various Government Departments and Agencies, including the LEOs, that provide support and advice for businesses. This has been circulated to LEO Louth clients.

LEO Louth Client Portfolio Review pre-Brexit

LEO Louth is continuing its portfolio review and key client engagement project in October/November, involving up to 40 of its portfolio clients. The project is aimed at supporting and progressing key portfolio clients to develop their growth potential in the market and scale their business. A key aspect of the project is working with client businesses most at risk from Brexit and to ensure maximum uptake of the LEO Brexit supports. Preparing Your Business for Customs - Imports & Exports Workshop

With increased pressure on small businesses to be Brexit ready LEO Louth have organised more Customs Imports & Exports Workshops for November.

To download the Brexit Preparedness Checklist:

https://www.localenterprise.ie/Documents-and-Publications/Brexit-Preparedness-Checklist.pdf

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Two workshops will be held in November, on the 13th November in Creative Spark, Dundalk and on the 27th November in The Mill, Drogheda. The aim of the workshop is to help small businesses on customs imports and export procedures. The workshops will address the customs implications of trading with a “Third County” (non-EU) in advance of the UK’s exit from the Single Market and Customs Union. The workshops are free to attend and can be booked on the LEO Louth website at: https://www.localenterprise.ie/Louth/Training-Events/Online-Bookings/

Business Training

LEO Louth’s extensive Autumn / Winter 2019 business training schedule commenced on 3rd of September with 83 participants taking part in various Business Workshops throughout October. Upcoming Workshops for November include: Creating an Online Business, Prepare Your

Business for Customs, Accessing Finance for Your Business, Introduction to VAT for Small Business & Exporter Development workshop. Further details are available at https://www.localenterprise.ie/Louth/Training-Events/Online-Bookings/ Trading Online Vouchers LEO Louth has received 34 applications for financial assistance under the Trading Online Voucher Scheme with 25 applications approved. LEO continues to promote and provide vouchers to local small businesses for financial assistance up to a maximum of €2,500. Alongside the voucher scheme businesses attend a training workshop which covers topics such as the fundamentals of selling online, practicalities, market places and GDPR for Online Trading.

Business Advice Clinics 33 business advice appointments were provided to entrepreneurs in Dundalk (Town Hall) and Drogheda (The Mill Enterprise Hub) through the LEO during October.

Louth Business Awards

The Louth Business Awards were hosted by Dundalk Chamber in the Carrickdale Hotel on Saturday 19th October. LEO Louth sponsored the Best Emerging Business Award. LEO Louth client Cliffrun Media Ltd won this award.

A full range of Brexit supports to help small business is offered by LEO Louth, all information can be found at: https://www.localenterprise.ie/Louth/Brexit/

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National Women’s Enterprise Day

On the 17th October 1,681 female entrepreneurs attended National Women’s Enterprise Day (NWED) events across Ireland.

Local Enterprise Offices Louth and Meath jointly hosted its NWED event this year, which took place in CityNorth Hotel & Conference Centre outside Drogheda. There was a strong turnout with over 80 female entrepreneurs attending the event.

Two Louth Entrepreneurs Evelyn Garland, Simply Fit Foods and Sarah Daly, Creative Spark featured at this event.

PLATO The Louth group of the PLATO Management Development programme commenced on Thursday, 24th October with 11 local businesses participating. This programme will continue to operate in Louth over a nine month period. National Enterprise Town Awards Louth County Council nominated Drogheda and The Mill Enterprise Hub in this year’s National Enterprise Town Awards (NETA) competition. The NETA judges were in Drogheda on 1st and 14th October where detailed half day programmes were delivered to showcase Drogheda’s enterprise attributes and the contribution The Mill enterprise hub has made to the area (in the Rising Star category). EI’s REDF LEO Louth assisted a number of applications under the Regional Enterprise Development Fund. A number of the Louth applications pitched to an evaluation panel on Monday 21st October.

Building a Craft and Design Programme Five Louth craft and design businesses are continuing to take part in a regional Building a Craft and Design Programme with the Design and Craft Council of Ireland and the LEO’s in Louth, Cavan, Meath and Monaghan. This is a management development programme for the craft and design sector that runs from May to November 2019. Age Friendly Economy (EU Project)

This project is coming to a close and the Enterprise Office is engaged in completing the final project reports. Co-Innovate Programme 63 Louth businesses are now engaged on the programme and continue to work with the Enterprise Office on their innovation agenda. It is envisaged that a number of LEO clients will be able to avail of the cross Border Innovate Accelerate Programme after exiting this programme. LEAN for Micro Programme

LEO Louth continues to offer the LEAN programme to small businesses locally. The programme helps businesses to identify issues and potential improvement areas and provides support to implement these as well as achieve savings and improvements in capability and capacity to deliver. Businesses with an interest in improving competitiveness should contact LEO Louth to discuss how both the LEAN programme and the LEAN Network can be of assistance.

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European Relations Memorandum of Understanding A facilitated workshop was held on 30th October for all members of the joint committee for the Memorandum of Understanding. The purpose of the workshop was to bring together members along with Senior Management Teams to consider the overall role of the committee and its future direction. The workshop was well attended and a

worthwhile discussion took place in relation to

their awareness of current themes and key

projects and next steps to inform their future work

agenda.

The workshop was facilitated by Dr Louise O’

Meara, The William J Clinton Leadership Institute

at Queen’s University Belfast.

Attendees at the MoU Workshop

INTERREG VA Carlingford Lough Greenway In conjunction with SEUPB and research partners, the steering committee have started to examine the projects Sustainable Transport Baseline Data and Performance Measurements. Detailed progress reports and financial claims continue to be submitted to the SEUPB. The Project Steering Committee continues to hold monthly meetings. Peace IV Programme

The Peace IV Partnership The 22 member Partnership is a sub structure of the LCDC. The Partnership leads the development and implementation of the PEACE IV Action Plan which in turn meets the peace building needs of County Louth over the programme period. The Partnership provides monthly updates to the LCDC meetings. There are three themes within the PEACE IV Programme, namely: Children & Young People Shared Spaces & Services Building Positive Relations We are currently at the implementation stage of the PEACE IV Plan and have procured delivery agents for the proposals. The role of the Partnership members is to assess and consider tenders for the delivery of the programme and to make recommendations for the LCDC’s approval. In conjunction with the Peace IV Secretariat, the Partnership also has a role in monitoring the implementation of the projects. Implementation is progressing satisfactorily on the live projects commenced and a positive impact is being evidenced, particularly in relation to youth projects.

Attendees at a recent Peace IV

Partnership Meeting

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Extension to Peace IV Programme in Louth As Louth Peace IV Action Plan was subject to a REBID process which resulted in a delay during 2018, it is now apparent that there is a real need to have the project lifetime over all three themes extended to 31st January 2022. A formal request was submitted to SEUPB in October. Infrastructure Roads Projects:

Clanbrassil Street/St. Nicholas Quarter

Works are progressing on the ground. There are regular meetings between the Contractor, the Council and the affected businesses, who also receive a newsletter every fortnight.

Green Church

Medieval Slate

Archaeology investigation works are complete with monitoring ongoing as required. These Delays as a result of the Archeological Investigation will result in works continuing to

March 2020. The second section of Surfacing is programmed to commence in 2nd week of November from Cost Cutters to Ozone. Narrow Water Bridge CPO

Submissions accepted by Dept of Infrastructure, Planning NI for pre-commencement compliance. Culvert works carried out adjacent to A2 Roundabout, Warrenpoint.

N53 - Dundalk to Castleblayney Road Phase 4 HBX to Rassan

Atkins have been appointed as Consultants for the environmental studies required on the route options developed by Westmeath National Roads Office. The second Public Consultation on route options took place in October at Naomh Malachi Hall, Sheelagh, with submissions / observations to be made by the 16th of Oct. The results of submission are now being collated and reviewed by the design team and will inform the preferred route report. N2 Ardee to Castleblayney

Collaboration with Monaghan County Council (as Lead Authority) continues to progress the scheme. Three public consultation events will take place as follows; Tuesday 5th November 2019, Nuremore Hotel

Carrickmacross, 2pm – 8pm Wednesday 6th November 2019, Glencarn

Hotel Castleblayney, 2pm – 8pm Thursday 7th November 2019, Ardee Parish

Centre, 2pm – 8pm

Prior to the public consultation opening to the public, Oireachtas and Council members for County Louth are invited to attend a pre-consultation briefing at Nuremore Hotel, Carrickmacross at 11am on Tuesday, 5th November 2019. N52 Ardee Bypass

TII have requested LCC that the tender process is put on hold at present to allow a technical review of the scheme and junction arrangements.

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This is to allow the project team time to fully consider the issues and ensure that the best scheme is ultimately delivered for the people of Ardee and the taxpayer. Currently a terms of reference documentation is been drawn up to appoint a consultant to carry out this review and to bring the project through construction phase. The fencing and site clearance contract is continuing on the project, there are on-going activities associated with service diversions, and advance works. Ardee Town Pavement Renewal (North)

Works are due to commence on November the 5th. There will be a road closure for 3 nights during the period of the project. Business will be issued a letter drop by the Contractor prior to commencement of the works.

N2 Short Term Safety Measure Edmonstown

These consist of right-turning lane and junction visibility improvements. Works are linked with the same Contractor as Ardee Town Pavement scheme. HD15 Safety Works: Tullyallen, N51 Tullyallen - lands have been acquired for staggered junction at King Williams Glen. Consultants appointed and design works ongoing. Ground Site investigation contract is completed. Tender documents are being prepared.

Greenway - Omeath to Newry (Joint project with Newry, Mourne and Down District Council and East Border Region)

Part 8 Planning Notices for both Sections of the Greenway in Louth were advertised on the 10th September. It is intended that the Chief Executive’s Report will be presented at the December Meeting. The Proposal of Application Notice for the project in Northern Ireland was submitted on the 4th Oct 2019 with a 12 week consultation period from this

point after which Planning application will be submitted early 2020. Landowner discussions are ongoing and they are being kept updated on the project developments. The project partners are continuing to meet on a monthly basis to review and assess the various aspects of the project with progress and financial reports being submitted to the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB), on a quarterly basis. LIHAF Access Road at Newtown, Drogheda

Engaging with Department and Developer. Consultant progressing the design and preparing contract documents for appointing the Works Contractor. Site investigations are now completed. Archaeological investigation report is being developed. LIHAF Mount Avenue Improvement

CPO went on public display from the 8th of October until the 19th of November 2019. Submissions in writing to An Bord Pleanála to reach the Board by the 19th of November.

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Landowner engagement is ongoing. Atkins Consultants have been appointed to complete the detailed design and prepare contract documents. Topographical Survey now completed. AA screening report has been received. Ground Investigation Contract tendered and will be on the ground before December. Park and Share/Park and Ride Pilot Scheme

Feasibility Report is now completed. Discussions ongoing with the NTA and engagement with Landowners ongoing. It is proposed to proceed to Part VIII process in November, and prior to this process a presentation to the Dundalk Municipal District Members will take place on the 4th of November. Port Access Northern Cross Route

Land Acquisition ongoing. Fencing completed at R132. Application lodged under the Urban Regeneration and Development Fund was not successful. We were advised that the appeal was also unsuccessful in recent days. Fill material being stockpiled, for embankment use. Existing ESB 38kv line has been diverted. Recreation & Amenity Projects:

Obelisk Bridge

Tenders for the engagement of Consultants have been received and are being assessed. Awaiting approval from the Department to proceed with the appointment of the consultant. St. Dominick’s Bridge, Drogheda

Tenders for the engagement of Consultants have been received and are being assessed. Awaiting approval from the Department to proceed with the appointment of the consultant. Safety Improvement Works

Funding for 2019 allocation received.

Monasterboice Traffic Calming – Works commenced 17th September. Works 80% complete Programmed for completion mid November

Avenue Road, Dundalk – Works commenced 23rd September. Awaiting ESB connection once connected works complete.

Drumgoolans Cross, Nursery Cross and the "S" bends on the Southside of the junction- Works 75% completed.

Knockbridge Village - Works completed

Knockbrack Downs & Close, Drogheda – Works Complete.

Bellurgan Straight, from the junction of Deer Park Road to the service station opposite Bellurgan Football Club – Road Markings nearing completion. Awaiting installation of Road Studs. 75% complete

Leonards Cross, Drogheda – Works completed

Kilsaran Village – Tender awarded works commence start November to be complete end Nov.

Tullydonnell School – Completed.

Martins Cross – Road Markings completed. Awaiting installation of Road Studs.

Town & Village Renewal:

Kilcurry Footpaths

Letter of Acceptance issued. Works commenced on 7th Oct 2019 and are programmed to be completed January 2020. Blackrock Footpaths

Contractor commenced on site – Rock Road section will be substantially completed in early November. Dromiskin Footpaths

Works commenced on the 16th September. (Opposite St. Joseph’s GFC). Programme to be completed February 2020. Corporate Projects: Ardee Castle

The enabling and investigation works have begun and are nearing completion on site. It is hoped that, subject to sign off of the structural engineer, that the existing Harris Fencing can be removed from the perimeter of the building. There are temporary structural safety works to be carried out within the Judges chambers and these are ongoing.

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Detailed design works are ongoing.

Redevelopment Fair Street Offices, Drogheda

Design team appointed and detailed design work has commenced. Specialist surveys being carried out. Total cost estimate €13m. Flooding General:

Catchment based Flood Risk Assessment & Management Study (CFRAM)

Dundalk and Ardee Flood Defence projects: The tender procedure has commenced for the appointment of Consultants for this element of works. Tenders are due back on the 24th of January 2020. Drogheda and Baltray Flood Defenec Project: It is envisaged that the Tender procedure for the appointment of consultants will commence in Q1 of 2020. Carlingford & Greenore Flood Defence Project: Again following on from the Drogheda & Baltray project it is envisaged that Tender procedure for the appointment of consultants will commence in Q2 of 2020.

Dunleer Flood Risk Management Plan

Flood Risk Management Plan final Report completed. Louth County Council to assess proposals to determine if a Minor Works funding application can be prepared. Marine Projects: Coastal Erosion Study

Study completed and Final Report issued.

Further application for OPW funding will be

made.

Coastal Erosion (other locations)

Funding received for Salterstown and Seabank Coastal Erosion works. Design works commenced together with preparation of applications for Environmental and Foreshore Consents. Issues arose in terms of AA Screening and the requirement of an NIS. This will entail an application to An Bord Pleanala (APB) for planning consent under Section 177AE of the Planning Regulations. OPW have now confirmed that they will provide funding for this application. Infrastructure will now progress this application to ABP. Balmers Bog Surface Water Pipe

OPW has approved funding of €668,571 for these works to be undertaken in advance of the Dundalk Flood Relief Scheme. Consultant has been appointed has commenced detailed design & contract documents. It is proposed to go to Tender in February 2020, subject to landowner agreements. CIE have agreed in principle subject to full wayleave documentation being submitted, this is currently with the Board of CIE. In relation to the other landowner there is agreement in principle however the wayleave process cannot be completed at this juncture. Annagassan Harbour

Consultation has taken place with National Parks and Wildlife Service and the EPA due to the proximity of Annagassan Harbour to two Natura 2000 sites (Dundalk Bat SAC and Dundalk Bay SPA). Due to the nature of the works involved a full EIA may be required. Estimated cost further investigations up to €135,000 if full EIS is required. No funding available. Schools Programme Projects:

Replacement School for St. Itas and St. Marys

Site acquired. Dept. of Education to submit a Planning Application.

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Ardee E.T.N.S.

Land Acquisition from HSE is progressing. Stage 2B Design nearing completion. Bill of Quantities being prepared. PV panels being incorporated into roof design. Advanced Works contracts for ESB and Bord Gais being prepared. Contract Documents will be completed by November to be submitted to the Department for approval to proceed to the next stage. Coláiste Chú Chulainn & Park at Marshes Lower, Dundalk

Handover to LMETB took place on the 21st December 2018. Clarkes Forest Park was officially opened on the 6th August 2019. Planning

Development Management The Planning service indicators for Louth County Council for the month of September 2019 are given below in tabular form. There were 95 planning applications received during the month of September of which 77 were valid. In addition there were 36 responses received during the month to requests for further information and 29 Pre-Planning Applications received. The service indicator figures in relation to planning decisions and decisions on appeals made during the month, broken down by category, and with a total figure for all categories (Column F), are given below:

(A)

Description

(B)

Housing Developm

ents

(C)

Individual Houses

(D)

Other applications-not requiring

EIA

(E)

Other applications- requiring EIA

(F)

Total for all categories of

development in County Area

(i) Number of applications determined

(ii) No. of decisions determined which required further information

(iii) Percentage of applications refused

(iv) Number of appeals determined

(v) Percentage of decisions overturned on appeal

5

3

0% (0)

1

100% (1)

22

18

18.18% (4)

0

0% (0)

51

18

11.76% (6)

2

50% (1)

1

1

0% (0)

0

0% (0)

79

40

12.66% (10)

3

66.6% (2)

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Planning Enforcement – Unauthorised Development The Planning indicators are given below in relation to Enforcement complaints regarding unauthorised developments received during the month.

Description

Enforcement in relation to unauthorised

development

Enforcement in relation to unauthorised

development

September

2019

Year to

Date

September

2018

Year to

Date

Number of Planning Enforcement Complaints Investigated

30 172 13 193

Number of Planning Enforcement cases received which didn’t require follow up

0 0 0 0

Number of cases closed/resolved through negotiation

22 156 11 191

Number of Warning letters issued 17 107 7 122

Number of Enforcement Notices issued 4 20 2 20

Number of cases referred for legal proceedings

3 16 1 8

Number of Injunctions 0 2 0 0

Number of Prosecutions 0 2 0 3

Forward Planning

1 October 2019

Review of Louth County Development Plan 2015-2021

Public Consultation period from 27th September

to 26th November 2019

Submission deadline – 4.30pm, Tuesday 26th November 2019

Background Studies

Ongoing

Ongoing

Commenced

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OPERATIONS & WASTE MANAGEMENT

Contents

Operations Waste Management Air, Water and Noise Pollution

Environment Veterinary Services

Operations Municipal District of Dundalk

Dundalk Area In Dundalk, the 2019 Road Works Programme has been completed. Works have included Resurfacing of Manydown, Willowgrove, Thomas Street, Haynestown, Park Avenue, Park View, Bellewsbridge Road, Mill Road and McEntee Avenue. Minor repairs to roads, footpaths, signage, manhole covers and gullies is carried out as required. Repairs continue on Traffic Lights, Bollards, Barriers and Signs damaged by vehicular collisions is on-going.

Castletown Bridge Wall Repair

Anti Dumping Initiative projects have been completed at Castleross, Fr Murray Park and Oldbridge with a large quantity of dumped waste removed. Customer Services queries are investigated and subsequent works carried out.

A Pedestrian Crossing is being constructed on the Long Avenue Road at Entrance to Proposed River Walk (The Long Avenue to Dublin Road). Maintenance continues on the Public Parks, Borders, Flower Beds and Planters. Litter picking, emptying bins & street sweeping continues on a daily basis. Removal & disposal of dumped household and similar rubbish from public areas continues. Weed Control has been carried out at various locations throughout Dundalk. Maintenance continues on the Ramparts and Blackwater Rivers, with a large section cleaned along the Ramparts Road, including hedges and litter removal. Dumping of Domestic Waste into the river is an issue. A number of Fuel and Oil spills have been cleaned up in the Town Centre and on the approach roads to Dundalk. Blackrock & Faughart Area

Works carried out this month were mainly connected to footpath repairs, cleaning gullies and storm lines, opening outlets, drainage, litter picking, road signage repair/maintenance and replacement at various locations are ongoing, Tar patching and repairing pot holes. Footpath repairs were carried at St Fursey’s Terrace Blackrock. Emergency work carried out on N52 Ardee Road at Martins Cross, a lorry jack-knifed/overturned. Louth County Council crew put traffic management in place and carried out clean up.

19 | P a g e

Lorry overturned at Martin’s Cross

Old traffic signs replaced with new signs on LP-3112 Maghereagh Cross to R178. Cleaning of gullies and storm lines took place at various locations including LP-7160 Sandy Lane, Ard na Mara, Rock Court, The Ferns, Wavecrest, Mariners Court all in Blackrock and at the N53 Dundalk/Castleblayney Road from Rathmore to Hackballscross. Tar Patching repairing pot holes work carried on LS-7120 Shanmullagh Annaghvacky. Illegally dumped rubbish/litter was lifted at various locations including Old N1 Dublin Road at Fane bridge, LS-7162 Clermont Road Blackrock, LS-7103 Carnmore Kilcurry LS-7114 Killin LS-7100 Whitemill Faughart. Litter picking was carried out on the N53 from Newtownbalregan to Rathmore. Emptying of litter bins is on going with bins emptied in Blackrock on Mondays and Fridays. Annagassan Bridge Parapet Wall was repaired by Contractor.

Annagassan Bridge Repair

Cooley Area

The Annual Surface Dressing Programme has been completed in Willville, Monksland, Alcohol Factory Road, Castletowncooley, Boher, Whitestown, Ballnamoney and Ballagan. Resurfacing has been completed on South Commons Road outside Saint Michaels Church. Low Cost Safety Works have been carried out in Bellurgan on the R173 between Junctions of the L-3085 and L-3084. The Works included additional Warning Signage and Road Markings. General maintenance of roads, footpaths, signage, gullies, drains, verges, etc continues. Clar funded Pedestrian Crossings have commenced construction in Dulargy, Ravensdale and Carlingford Village. Pothole patching has also continued as required in Cornamucklagh, Drumnasillagh and Ravensdale including road edge restoration. Drainage improvement works have been completed in Ballygoley, Glenmore and Ravensdale.

Anti Dumping Initiative projects have been completed in Omeath and Ferry Hill Road with a large number of dumped tyres and household waste removed.

Verge cutting has been completed with further road edge restoration in Deerpark and Bush. Weed Control and removal has been carried out on the R173. Litter Picking has been carried out at the Border near the Carrickdale Hotel, Carlingford, Omeath, Greer Quay and Greenore among other areas. Street Cleaning and Bin Collection continues in Carlingford, Omeath, Greenore, Gyles Quay and Templetown. Increased amounts of illegally dumped rubbish and tyres have been lifted at various locations. Gardai and emergency services are assisted as required. North Mid-Louth Area

Patching crew were patching at the following locations; from Tallanstown – Springhill and from Springhill – Rahanna, Seabank, R175 Bannons Cross – Glyde Farm and Killcroney, Walterstown,

20 | P a g e

Corderry and on the road leading to the playground in Castlebellingham. The patching crew were also patching at Drumleck, Louth Village – Ardpatrick and at Ravanny, at Calga and at St Olivers Park Kilsaran and a road crossing at Corcreaghy

Road crossing at Corcreaghy

All personnel were involved in the clean up following on from Storm Lorenzo. The drainage crew opening outlets at the following locations: Seabank, Tallanstown – Springhill Road and from the Mills of Louth – Louth Village and on the Drumgoolan – Drumgowna road. The drainage crew were also putting in gullies and doing road crossings to solve flooding problems at Thomastown and Arthurstown.

Cleaning of Drains

Rubbish was collected for the Litter Warden on the Ballykelly – Essexford road. Rubbish also from Tallanstown and Louth Village and crew were also involved in collecting illegal dumping from the R132 and removing a dead badger from the same road.

Crew replaced damaged poles at Darver School and they also cut around the Welcome to Louth sign on the N2 and replaced a damaged pole in Louth Village. Crew also put 804 on the edges of the Killcroney road for the patching crew and they also repaired a section of footpath in St Marys Villas in Kilsaran. The playgrounds and lifebuoys were checked throughout the area. Ardee Municipal District South Louth Operations Area Road maintenance operations including tar patching and pothole repairs were carried out at various locations including: - LP -2223 Dunany, LS – 6222 Cobstown, LP – 2239 Mountainstown Road Dunleer, LP – 1297 road restoration after drainage on Kells Road, Collon, LP – 1264 Smarmore,LP – 2239 Mountainstown Road Dunleer, LP – 2223 Finvoy to R-166, LP – 1233 Mullinstown and Road drainage Works on R-215. Clean up of blocked culvert at Kells Road, Collon. Road drainage works at LS -5266 Oriel Road, Collon. Attention to blocked culvert/ blocked drain at St Patrick’s Terrace and Bridge street, Ardee and repair to collapse manhole cover on R215 old Dundalk Road. Clean up of Salterstown Pier of Algae and attention to Slipway at Salterstown Pier. The Surface Dressing preparation works included in the 2019 Road Works Programme are completed bar Dunleer Town. Playground inspections, lifebuoy inspections and routine graveyard maintenance are ongoing on a weekly basis throughout the area including other road maintenance operations such as maintaining, cleaning and replacing of road signage, repairing pedestrian railing, removal of vegetation around signs and traffic lights.

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CIS Philbinstown Civil Works

Maintenance was undertaken at various locations throughout the area. Vegetation was also cut back at various crossroads to improve driver sightlines and around traffic signs at various locations. Road markings to regulate parking and maintain traffic flows are continuing on an ongoing basis. Works are prioritised due to limited resources and carried out when the weather is suitable. Borough District of Drogheda Drogheda Town Area Road maintenance operations such as patching and pothole repairs have been carried out at various locations across the road network including: - Nun’s Walk, Boyle O’Reilly Terrace. The Overlay road resurfacing works included in the 2019 Road Works Programme commenced July 2019 – North Road resurfacing was completed Friday 2/8/19 Ramps at Ballsgrove, St. Finians Park, Marian Park, Woodford and Five Oaks are now completed. Drainage maintenance is continuing on an ongoing basis at various locations throughout the Town including the cleaning of road gullies, replacing damaged covers and filling sand bag. Ramparts Walk upgrade commenced July 2019 – proposed bituminous surface plus public lighting progressing well – public lighting being installed

Boyne River Walk

Other road maintenance operations such as maintaining and replacing road signage, traffic light maintenance, barrier was undertaken at various locations throughout the Town. Trinity Street, Dublin Road upgrading signage, replaced damaged bollard at Beamore Bridge, upgrade of signage at Hardman’s Gardens Traffic Light maintenance continued on an ongoing basis around the Town. Footpath repairs were carried out at various locations around the Town including the following: - Nun’s Walk, Ascal a Aoin, Ballsgrove Estate, Crosslane and Boyle O’Reilly. Road markings to regulate parking and maintain traffic flows are continuing on an ongoing basis throughout the Town. Works are prioritised due to limited resources. Traffic calming and road markings are also being carried out throughout the Town. Environment & Parks Works continued on a daily basis with the maintenance of the various green verges/areas. Hanging Baskets removed from around town. Weed spraying 2nd application commenced. Litter collection, playground and skate-park inspections and lifebuoy inspections are ongoing on a weekly basis. South Louth District Area (District of Drogheda – Rural Area) Road maintenance operations, such as patching and pothole repairs have been carried out at: Rathdaniel Lane, Kellystown Road, Port Graveyard,

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Retirement Home Termonfeckin, Cartown Road, Lane at Port Graveyard. The Overlay works included in the 2019 RWP are complete. Seapoint Carpark – regeneration and upgrade commenced.

Seapoint Car Park

Community Involvement Schemes (CIS) completed at Curstown &, Carstown

Curstown

Local Improvement Schemes (LIS) completed at Riverstown and Tullyard. Other road maintenance operations such as maintaining and replacing road signage were undertaken at various locations throughout the area including: - Clogherhead Harbour, erecting Lifebouy at Clogherhead, erecting a sign for car park at Tower road. Drainage maintenance is continuing on an ongoing basis throughout the area including opening and reopening verge cuts along various roads including: Fieldstown Road, filling sandbags at Dunleer area, clearing culvert at Tobertoby, clearing drain at Ganderstown and drainage at Port graveyard.

Road markings to regulate parking and maintain traffic flows are continuing on an ongoing basis. Works are prioritised due to limited resources and carried out when the weather is suitable. Litter collection, the collection of illegal dumping, playground inspections, lifebuoy inspections and general graveyard maintenance are carried out on a weekly basis throughout the area. Sandbags have been filled and are available to members of the public in advance of any storms.

Sandbag Stock

23 | P a g e

Waste Management and Environment Report Waste Management

Waste Enforcement There are a number of Waste Management Act related cases going through the District Court, Circuit Court (appeals and DPP case) and the High Court at present. Inspections in relation to compliance with Producer Responsibility Initiatives and Waste Authorisations continue to be completed.

Litter Enforcement

A total of 131 fines were issued in the month of October. Of these fines, 31 were issued in the Dundalk urban area, 76 in Drogheda urban area and 24 in the remaining County wide area. There were no fines issued for dog fouling in October.

So far in 2019 there have been 2,225 investigations with 778 fines issued.

Diesel Laundering Waste A total of 11 IBC’s of Diesel Sludge were recovered in October 2019. The approximate cost of clean-up and disposal of the material is €13,750. There were 5 incidences of laundered diesel waste. The locations were Captains Road, Kilcurry, Carrickrobin, Kilkerley and Killen Golf Club. So far in 2019 a total of 84 IBC’s at a cost of €104,901.

Bonfires Drogheda

Pre-Halloween inspections were carried out at a number of premises in Drogheda in the lead up to Halloween in relation to storage of waste.

Anti Dumping Initiative 2019

9 projects were completed under the Anti Dumping Initiative for 2019. These projects were:

Cooley Mountains Clean up Omeath

Mattress Amnesty

Carlingford Louth Greenway Tyres Dump

Multimedia Awareness Campaign

Bring Bank Surveillance

Rehabilitation of Rice’s Bridge Area, Dundalk

Navy Bank, Dundalk

Castleross Estate Clean up, Dundalk

Oldbridge Estate Clean up, Dundalk A total of €142,187 was claimed.

Cooley Mountains clean up – in conjunction with Coillte almost 2 tonne of waste was collected and removed.

Mattress Amnesty – 1495 mattresses were collected during the amnesty at V&W Recycling sites in Drogheda and Dundalk.

24 | P a g e

Carlingford Lough Greenway Tyres Dump – 28 tonne of waste and 5 tonne of tyre were removed from this site along the proposed route of the Carlingford Lough Greenway.

Rehabilitation of Rices Bridge Area – 25 tonne of waste was removed from the site and fencing installed.

Oldbridge Estate Clean up – 70 tonne of waste was removed from this area. Bring Bank Surveillance – CCTV cameras were installed at 10 Bring Bank locations around Co. Louth. Over 150 litter fines have been issued based on the evidence obtained during the CCTV campaign.

Air / Water / Noise Pollution

Water Pollution Enforcement

There were five water pollution complaints received during October 2019 which were investigated with 3 closed off and 21 open. With regard to legal actions, one case under Section 3 of the Local Government (Water pollution) Act 1977 as amended is scheduled for hearing during November 2019. This case relates to a private pumping station. An additional case under section 3 in relation to a private pumping station in Dundalk is scheduled for first court hearing in November. One air pollution case and four noise pollution complaints were received during October and were investigated

RMCEI (Recommended Criteria for Environmental Inspections)

The 2019 Inspection plan for Louth County Council along with 2018 statistical data for 2018 inspection and enforcement activities were submitted to the Environmental Protection Agency in February 2019 for their assessment.

Water Framework/River Basin Management Plans The Local Authority waters catchment assessment of the Big River which commenced on the 26th March 2019 is on-going. LAWPRO - Update The Local Authorities Water Programmes Office (LAWPRO) is a shared service working with Local Authorities and State agencies to develop and implement River Basin Management Plans in Ireland, as required under the EU Water Framework Directive. River Water Quality Actions In 2018 Louth County Council working with LAWPRO identified three priority action areas in Louth, The Castletown River, The Glyde and The Big River.

25 | P a g e

Studies have shown river water quality in these catchments is being affected by things such as urban and agricultural run-off and illegal dumpin . Work is ongoing to assess the causes and engage with communities to help improve water quality in these catchments.

Community Engagement LAWPRO is very proactive in the areas of Community Engagement, including Tidy Towns Water award and administering a national €180,000 community’s project fund. They have been instrumental in creating a “Vision for Dundalk Bay” and they have produced a high quality document and video.

Video: https://vimeo.com/270696767

Achievements and Plans of LAWPRO in Louth over the past two years. 2018

Grange tidy towns received funding to put

fencing around their village pond

Grange tidy towns was runner up in the

Waters and Communities Tidy Towns water

award

Supported Cooley Upland Farmers with an

EIP application

Heritage week events in Dunleer and in

Cooley Templetown

Presentation at PAA plenary

2019

SPRING Clean on Rockwallace Beach

BIG River Catchment PAA meeting

BIODIVERSITY Training with Louth Leader

Partnership 8 training sessions at Blackrock

and Dunshallon Forge with 40 participants

Monasterboice wetlands plan (funding

support)

Monasterboice Heritage Day event (funding

support)

Castletown river PAA meeting

Water training course with Louth Leader

partnership

Louth Science festival

Set up of Fane/Castletown Rivers

Association

More information is available at http://watersandcommunities.ie and the Waste Management & Environment section within Louth County Council.

26 | P a g e

Veterinary Services

Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI) As of 31/10/2019, Louth County Council Veterinary Section, under a Service Level Agreement with the FSAI, enforces food safety standards on 16 meat plants under its supervision in the County. Control of Dogs Control of Dogs Act 1986

Dogs impounded October 2019

Total dogs impounded 28

Strays 16

Surrendered by owners

12

No dogs reclaimed by owners

4

No of dogs rehomed direct

2

No of dogs rehomed to welfare groups

19

No of dogs on hand in Pound at 31/10/2019

8

Dog Licences October 2019

No of Licences sold 625

Licence Checks:

House calls 942

Section 16 Notices issued (request to produce licence within 10 days)

235

Fixed Penalty Notices 18

Control of Horses Control of Horses Act 1996 Control of Horses Bye-Laws 2003

Horses impounded October 2019

Horses seized, and reason for seizure:

0

0

Horses reclaimed by owner

0

Horses rehomed

0

Horses disposed of

0

No of horses on hand in Pound on 31/10/2019

0

Dog Breeding Establishments Dog Breeding Establishments Act 2010

Dog Breeding Establishments October 2019

Total no of registered DBE’s in Louth (as at 31/10/2019)

7

Hunt 2

Boarding Kennels 2

Training Kennels 1

DBE 1

Welfare 1

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CORPORATE AND FIRE & EMERGENCY SERVICES

Contents

Corporate Services Sustainable Energy

Fire & Emergency Services Civil Defence

The Corporate Directorate includes the central services required to maintain and administer this Local Authority and includes Corporate, Human Resources and Information Communication Technology. Emergency Services includes all elements of the Fire Service including Major Emergency Management and the provision of Civil Defence Services.

Corporate During the month of October Customer Services dealt with 14,476 queries – 7,252 calls, 6,292 counter queries and 932 e-mails.

There were 2,851 valid SugarCRM cases recorded during October of which 712 (25%) remain unresolved Corporate Services received 12 Freedom of Information requests in October which is a total of 105 for the year. 1 complaint was made to the

Ombudsman in October with the total received to October being 14. No Access to Information on the Environment requests were received, the total for the year is 8. There was 1 Data Protection request received, a total of 8 for the year.

0%

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

60%

70%

80%

90%

Telephone Calls Desk Queries Email Queries

Percentage of queries dealt with at first point of contact

Jan

Feb

March

April

May

June

July

August

Sept

Oct

28 | P a g e

Sustainable Energy Public Sector Energy Efficiency Performance NSAI will conduct a 1 day audit of the Council’s Energy Management System’s compliance with ISO 50001. The date set this audit is scheduled for the 28th November 2019. Better Energy Communities Grant 2018 and 2017 There is no update on the October report. 2019 – Communities Energy Grant Application All works completed and all documents submitted to SEAI. One inspection of works has also taken place. Payment of Grants for all beneficiaries is expected soon Interreg EV Infrastructure bid for Sustainable Transport - Electric Vehicles Rapid Chargers A decision in relation was due in October. The decision has been delayed with no date set. Project partners are working with SEUPB on queries raised GenComm Interreg Energy Storage Project, France, Germany and B As stated previously, the project partners will make a presentation to the appropriate SPC as soon as possible. Varcities H2020 Stage 2 Application The funding application has been submitted in relation to this project and a decision is expected in Q.1, 2020. Science Week As part of Science week which runs from 11th to 23rd November across Louth, the libraries will be hosting a series of workshops. The energy office will avail of the opportunity to conduct two workshops in the Drogheda and Dundalk Libraries. Local National Schools have been invited to attend the workshops. We will explore how our young people can become energy champions, contribute to climate change, and manage energy efficiency in their home and classroom. The day will involve plenty of hands on activities and fun filled games.

Sustainable Garden at Blackrock Park A contractor has been appointed and works are due to commence on site in January 2020. 3rd International Conference on Smart and Sustainable Planning for Cities and Regions (SSPCR) This conference invited submissions to present research projects at the conference, either as a poster or by oral presentations. The Better Energy Communities/CEG grant project provided a suitable theme for that and DKIT’s Netwell Casala Research Centre, as project coordinator (NetwellCASALA at DKIT) developed an abstract for a Poster outlining the project supported by the grantee (Louth County Council) and by SEAI as the grant authority. We have been invited to present the poster at the conference. The poster could be used as a promotional tool within the sector and our communities to highlight the work being done. Optimising Power at Work The Office of Public Works devised and implemented a successful energy campaign called Optimising Power @ Work and secured funding to roll this programme out to the wider public sector. The energy conservation campaign is predominantly a behavioural change programme. In 2014, with the agreement of the OPW and LCC, the Town Hall building joined the Optimising Power @ Work behavioural change programme. The combined efforts of staff, the expertise and guidance by OPW experts and the implementation of energy saving measures saw staff in the Town Hall in March being awarded with an Energy Savings Awards for reaching 33% energy savings in their building since joining the programme. Last year alone the energy savings achieved in the Town hall in terms of the carbon emissions prevented from entering the atmosphere over the last twelve months is equivalent to planting 2683 tree seedlings and letting them grow for ten years or alternatively carbon emissions prevented from entering the atmosphere over the last twelve months is equivalent to the CO2 emission from driving an average family car to Cork from Dundalk 934 return trips

29 | P a g e

Fire & Emergency Services The number of emergency incidents attended in 2019 has increased over 2018. The emergency incident data for the third quarter is shown in the two tables below. This shows the following:

1. Mobilisation times in fulltime Brigades are approx 1.5 minutes which continues the recent improvement in these times.

2. There were less house fires in the third quarter than in previous quarters. This may be as a result of less heating fire risks during Summer months.

3. Fire alarm activations are running at a high level, 117 so far in 2019. These are attended and bills issued.

4. There were 19 ambulance assists in the third quarter, which is higher than previous quarters. The number of such calls has increased in recent years,

5. Drogheda Fire Brigade attended 126 incidents in the third quarter and 339 incidents in the three quarters. It is the busiest brigade in Louth mainly due to the number of incidents attended in East Meath.

6. A large number of skip fires and rubbish fires were attended, which is an increase in the number of these during the summer.

All of Louth Fire Brigades were involved in Fire Safety Week activities from 6th to 13th October 2019. Dundalk and Drogheda Brigades set up stands in local shopping centres and distributed fire safety literature and some smoke alarms. Other large shops were also visited. County Brigades called to various buildings including crèches, shops and mens sheds to distribute fire safety information.

30 | P a g e

There were a number of training courses run during October 2019 as follows:

1) ESDS advanced driving conversion courses 2) Attendance by 2 officers at Hydra

Operational Decision Making Course in Clonmel

3) Attendance by Louth personnel at Critical Incident Stress Management course in Newbridge, Co Kildare

Incident Types within Station Areas: Quarter 3 – 2019

Average Mobilisation Times (H:M:S) Quarter 3 – 2019

Time to Mobilisation

Fire Non Fire

Ardee LH11A1 00:05:25 00:05:52

Carlingford LH12A1 00:04:36 00:04:01

Dunleer LH13A1 00:04:34 00:04:45

Drogheda LH14A1 Wholetime

00:01:21 00:01:29

LH14A2 00:05:07 00:05:16

Dundalk LH15A1 Wholetime

00:01:32 00:01:36

LH15A2 00:06:05 00:07:50

Incident Types within Station Areas: Quarter 3 – 2019

Type Ardee Carlingford Dunleer Drogheda Dundalk Meath Other Areas Total

Fire/Alarm Activation 3 2 2 18 18 4

47

Fire/Bus/Coach Fire/Car

1 3 6 6

16

Fire/Caravan 1

1

Fire/Chimney

1 1

2

Fire/Domestic 2

1 4 5 2

14

Fire/Persons Reported

5 3

8

Fire/Fire (General) 1

1 7 5

14

Fire/Forest

1

1

Fire/Gorse

1

1

Fire/Grass

3 6 2 5 1 17

Fire/Hay/Barn 1

1

2

Fire/Industrial

3

3

Fire/Institutional

1 1

2

Fire/Oil/Petrol Fire/Small/Bin/Skip 3

41 24 4

72

Fire/Smoke Issuing

1

1

Fire/Truck

1 3

4

Fire/Vegetation SS/Alarm/Carbon Monoxide 1

1

SS/Ambulance Assist

2 1 8 4 4

19

SS/Animal Rescue SS/Electrical 1

1 2

4

SS/Entrapment

1

1

SS/Explosion SS/Flooding

5 1 1

7

SS/Garda Assist

2 2

4

SS/Gas Leak SS/Hazardous Material

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SS/Lift Persons Trapped SS/Lockout

3

3

SS/Make Scene Safe

1

1

SS/Marine Emergency SS/Oil Spillage

1

1

SS/Other

4 2

6

SS/River Rescue

3

3

SS/RTA 4 1 1 7 12 8 1 34

SS/Smell of Gas SS/Trees Down SS/Water Leak Total no. of Incidents: 17 6 12 126 96 30 2 289

Major Emergency Management

Louth County Council’s Severe Weather

Assessment Team met in relation to national

severe weather warnings for the 4th and 5th October

2019. The purpose was to discuss and agree the

required contingency planning across all Council

services for the weather event.

Civil Defence

Civil Defence has a current active membership of 36 members with 6 new recruits in training. Further recruitment is anticipated in January. 21 community events have been supported so far in 2019. There was one missing persons search call out in 2019.

There have been 136 training hours delivered to volunteers. 1 new instructor has been trained. The following Civil Defence activities took place during October 2019:

1 Community Duty

2 days training with Dublin Wicklow mountain rescue team

Water Awareness training (weekly)

Recruit Induction night

Winter vehicle preparedness Water Safety Lifeguard deployment has now ceased for our three blue flag beaches. Work continues in ensuring that water safety infrastructure is kept in place.

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HOUSING, COMMUNITIES AND QUALITY OF LIFE

Contents

Housing Communities

Quality of Life Libraries Archives Museum Heritage Arts

Housing

Pillar 1 Addressing Homelessness

As the Responsible Housing Authority for the North

East Region, Louth County Council continues to

manage this area and achieve the goals set out in

the North East Homelessness Action Plan, 2013-

17. The work done within Louth can be

summarised as follows:

Presentations of

October 19

Ard

ee M

D

Du

nd

alk

MD

Dro

gh

ed

a M

D

To

tal

Number of Person who

presented as Homeless

0 59

54

113

Offered advice, support

(including fast tracking H.A.

for Rent Supplement

eligibility)

0 28

23

51

Placed in Temporary

Emergency

Accommodation

0 12

12

24

Refused Offer of

Temporary Emergency

Accommodation

0 9

2

11

Not eligible from outside

county or non HRC

0 7 5 12

The tables below reflect monthly returns submitted

to the Department with regard to Homeless

numbers in the NORTH EAST REGION between

23rd and 29th September 2019.

This anonymous and aggregated return of all individuals accessing emergency accommodation is returned to the Department of Housing on a monthly basis.

Table 1: Gender

Gender Total

Male 101

Female 68

Total 169

Table 2: Age Groups

Age Group Total

18-24 34

25-44 89

45-64 34

65+ 12

Total 169

Table 3: Accommodation Type

Accommodation Type Total

Private Emergency

Accommodation (PEA)

111

Supported Temporary

Accommodation (STA)

58

Temporary Emergency

Accommodation (low

support)(TEA)

0

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Unique Total (note, clients may

have accessed multiple

accommodation types during the

week)

0

Minus people accessing multiple

accommodation types during the

week

0

Total unique individuals 169

Table 4: County

County Total

County Louth 155

County Monaghan 1

County Cavan 13

Total 169

Table 5 - Families with dependent children breakdown

No

. o

f

fam

ilie

s

wit

h

dep

en

den

t

ch

ild

ren

No

. o

f

Ind

ivid

ua

l

Ad

ult

s

No

. o

f

De

pe

nd

en

ts

Individuals

with

dependent

children

21 21 39

Couples with

dependent

children

8 8 couples

16 adults

10

Total 29

37

49

Housing First

The North East Region with Louth as the lead Authority and working in partnership with the HSE submitted a 3 year proposal in March 19 to role out Housing First in the North East Region.

The Housing First target for the North East Region under Rebuilding Ireland is for the creation of 35 new tenancies over the next 3 years, with 23 of these earmarked for Louth, 9 for Cavan and 3 for Monaghan. (See Table 1).

A preferred Tender has been identified and it is intended that contracts will be signed in the coming weeks.

Table 1 – Housing First Commitments

Year Louth Cavan Monaghan

2019 7 3 1

2020 8 3 1

2021 8 3 1

Total 23 9 3

Inspections of Private Emergency

Accommodation Since December 2017 the Homeless Office have carried out random and unannounced inspections on all B&BS, Hotels and Hostels providing Private Emergency Accommodation on behalf of Louth County Council. This will continue on a monthly basis. Rough Sleepers Count Members of the Housing Staff in consultation collaboration with an Garda Síochána carried out a rough sleepers count in Drogheda on the night of Monday 16th September 2019. Staff visited locations where rough sleepers in the past have been known to frequent together with areas suggested by the local Gardai. On the night of the count two individuals were interviewed one of whom is allocated emergency accommodation but on the night in question had

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not yet availed of the service. The second who was a non-Irish national who had recently arrived in the Country and was been accommodated by friends living in the town. The need for further a rough sleepers count will be kept under review by the housing team. In the interim reported cases of rough sleeping will be investigated by the homeless team.

Housing Assistance Payment

Work continues on promoting the Housing

Assistance Payment model of Social Housing

Support. Louth County Council is one of the Phase

One Implementation sites and data on this support

is now reported in monthly municipal district

housing reports.

The total number of applications in HAP is 2990.

Ardee Municipal

District

Dundalk Municipal

District

Drogheda Municipal

District

Total

303 1594 1093 2990

Pillar 2 Accelerate Social Housing

Over the period 2018 to 2021, a target has been

set for the provision of 1074 units with an annual

target of 520 units in 2019. These targets will

include matters such as Part V provision,

Acquisitions, Mortgage to Rents, Long Term

Leases, Repair and Lease and Buy & Renew

Acquisitions. The 2019 delivery pipeline progress is

detailed at the end of this Section.

Rebuilding Ireland Projected Delivery 2018-2021

Delivery Stream

2019 2020

SHIP CONSTRUCTION 28 26

SHIP CONSTRUCTION 0 0

RAPID

REGENERATION 0 0

CAS CONSTRUCTION 7 45

SHIP CONSTRUCTION SINGLE STAGE and Buy & Renew

6 0

SHIP CONSTRUCTION TURNKEY

0 0

SHIP Dialog 0 0

CAS CONSTRUCTION TURNKEY

0 0

PPP 0 80

AHB CALF Construction 17 0

AHB CALF Turnkey 193 97

CALF Part V 115 15

LA Part V 0 0

CAS Part V 0 0

Build / Acquisition / lease 2019

Delivere

d Pipeline

Build Totals 20 9

Acquisitions Totals 184 33

Leasing Totals 16 92

Totals 220 134

Sheltered Units in Mount Hamilton, Dundalk 20 Sheltered turnkey units for Social Housing use at Mount Hamilton, Dundalk with Cluid Housing Association. This will comprise of 20 x 1 and 2 bed apartments – located in one overall block with 3 common areas. These common areas will facilitate senior/assisted living & social monitored alarms will be provided in all homes and common areas. There will be provision of a multipurpose activity space for residents to meet – including laundry facilities, staff toilets, service rooms and office.

35 | P a g e

These properties are just off the Carrickmacross Road, outside Dundalk, to the South West of the town. The development is located c.2km from Dundalk town centre & is surrounded by private housing and small private developments. The area is serviced by all required amenities including school, shops, church, restaurants, sporting facilities and Louth County Hospital.

Shop St., Drogheda

Under Repair and Lease Scheme, Peter McVerry trust are providing 11 units for Social Housing use at Shop St, Drogheda. This development will comprise of 6 x 1 bedroom units and 5 x 2 bedroom units to cater for a mix of single individuals, couples and small families currently experiencing Homelessness. These are not transitional houses, they offer a long term solution to people impacted by the current Housing crisis. These properties are located in Drogheda town Centre in close proximity to a great array of schools, shops, churches, restaurants, support services, sporting facilities and The Lourdes Hospital.

Shop Street, Drogheda, Co Louth. Originally built circa 1900, it is intended to reuse the upper floors to create 11 apartments. Photograph: Graham Seely Irish Times

Housing Allocations as at 31st October 2019

Nu

mb

ers

All

oca

ted

All

oca

tio

ns

-

So

cia

l

All

oca

tio

ns

-

Vo

lun

tary

Re

fus

als

–

So

cia

l

Re

fus

als

–

Vo

lun

tary

Ardee

MD

8 26 4 1

Dundalk

MD

38 141 7 12

Droghed

a MD

26 40 6 5

Total

Allocatio

ns

72 207 17 18

Transfers Approved within Social Housing at 31st October 2019

Year Ardee Dundalk Drogheda

2019 1 9 5

Housing List (excluding HAP Transfers)

Mo

nth

Ard

ee

MD

Du

nd

alk

MD

Dro

gh

ed

a

MD

To

tal

Jan 19 407 545 863 1815

Feb 410 545 862 1817

March 402 564 859 1825

April 394 559 856 1809

36 | P a g e

May 380 511 848 1739

June 380 490 824 1694

July 322 512 921 1755

August 327 548 880 1755

September 346 554 835 1735

October 350 566 857 1773

Transfer List from HAP

Mo

nth

Ard

ee

MD

Du

nd

alk

MD

Dro

gh

ed

a

M

D

To

tal

October

19

303 1594 1093 2990

There are a total of 228 applicants on the list for transfer (Non-HAP) within Social Housing including 19 applications from the Approved Housing Bodies.

Rent Management

The number of tenants who pay rent by Household

Budget is now 1318

Current Rents

Arrears as at 31st

August 2019

Number

of

Account

Value

Rents between 4-6

weeks old

159 €56,003

Rents between 7-12

weeks old

152 €105,028

Rents greater than 12

weeks old

891 €3,263,048

TOTAL

1202

€3,424,079

Pillar 3 Build More Homes

The council continue to maintain land banks in the

following locations, which can be developed if an

appropriate project and funding is forthcoming.

Location Acrerage

Mullavalley, Louth Village 8.82

Kilkerley 3.80

Ballymakenny 16.53

Point Road 5.2

Various Individual Sites 0

Pillar 4 Improve the Rented Sector

No. of properties inspected Oct 2019 740

No. of advisory notes issued to

landlord

344

No. of improvement notices issued 28

No. of prohibition notices issued 10

No. of Rent Book Notices issued 0

Inspections ( HAP ) 648

Improvement Notices ( HAP) 25

CURRENT PROHIBITIONS NOTICES ARE ALSO LISTED ON THE WEBSITE

Pillar 5 Utilise Existing Housing

Vacant Home Initiatives 2019

Scheme

Ard

ee M

D

Du

nd

alk

MD

Dro

gh

ed

a

MD

To

tal

RLS (In Progress)

0 2 0 2

RLS (Tenanted)

0 0 0 0

CPO (In Progress)

11 22 7 39

CPO (Tenanted)

2 3 4 9

The following table summarises the level of

maintenance and works activity to existing stock.

37 | P a g e

Maintenance

Total

(YTD)

This

month

No. of Maintenance Requests

Received

3495 343

No. of Maintenance

Completed

3311 232

Vacant Properties

Total

Ardee Municipal District 9

Dundalk Municipal District 34

Drogheda Municipal Borough District

31

Total Vacant Properties

74

Grant Assistance to the Elderly and Disabled The following grants are available

Housing Adaption Grants - Priority 1, which will assist those who need whole time care in the home

Housing for Older People – Priority 1to works that will preserve the integrity of the dwelling

Mobility Aids Grants - Priority 1, which will assist those who need whole time, care in the home.

Our annual allocation for Disabled Persons Grants for 2019 is € 1,706,802; of which €341,360 is to be provided from Louth County Councils own revenue resources.

Status HOP HAG MAG Total

Applications currently being processed

95 54 18 167

New Applications Rolling into 2020

60 209 15 284

Total No. of grant apps.

155 263 33 451

Estate Management

Drogheda

MD & Ardee MD

Dundalk MD

Total

Pre Tenancy Training

9 5 14

Tenancy Inspections

15 27 42

Anti-Social Behaviour

ASB CASES

DBD AMD

DMD TOTAL

ASB ONGOING

9 0

6 15

ASB COMPLETED

4 4

5 13

TOTAL ASB INVEST- IGATION CASES

13 4 11 28

38 | P a g e

TENANCY OUTCOME

Ard

ee M

D

Du

nd

alk

MD

Dro

gh

ed

a

MD

To

tal

Eviction following

0 0 0 0

Exclusion Order in Place

0 0 0 0

ACTION TAKEN

DBD AMD DMD TOTAL

No further action required

0 0 0 0

No Further action

4 4 5 13

Verbal Warning

0 0 0 0

Tenancy Notification

0 0 0 0

Tenancy Warning

0 0 0 0

Notice to Quit Served

0 0 0 0

Exclusion Order Sought

0 0 0 0

Other Do not proceed

0 0 0 0

Total Action Taken

4 4 5 13

39 | P a g e

Schemes currently in approval process or under construction for the above period 2018 – 2021 (This list is indicative and includes only approved projects and can change as matters are further approved or

schemes withdrawn)

Delivery Stream Rebuilding Ireland Projected Delivery 2018-2021

2018 2019 2020 2021 Total

SHIP CONSTRUCTION 00 0 17 93 110

SHIP CONSTRUCTION RAPID 00 0 0 0 0

REGENERATION 0 0 22 0 22

CAS CONSTRUCTION 1 6 49 6 62

SHIP CONSTRUCTION SINGLE STAGE and Buy & Renew

23 36 14 0 73

SHIP CONSTRUCTION TURNKEY 0 5 0 0 5

SHIP Dialog 0 0 0 0 0

CAS CONSTRUCTION TURNKEY 0 0 0 0 0

PPP 0 0 80 0 80

AHB CALF Construction 10 17 0 0 27

AHB CALF Turnkey 119 193 97 0 409

CALF Part V 14 115 15 0 144

LA Part V 4 0 0 0 4

CAS Part V 0000 0 0 0 000

40 | P a g e

Location Authority Social CAS CALF Total Start Completion Current Position

Cox’s Demesne

Phase 2B LCC 22 0 0 22 Q4 2019 Q2 2021

Stage 3 Approved

Saltown North &

East 0 7 0 7 Q2 2019 Q2 2020 Stage 3 Approved

Barrack Street

SIMON 0 27 0 27 Q3 2019 Q4 2020

Stage 2 Approved &

Part 8 received

5 Slieveroe

Crescent

Dundalk

Cluid 0 1 0 1 Q3 2019 Q2 2020 PP received awaiting

Commencement

Castletowncooley

, Riverstown,

Dundalk

Tuath 0 1 0 1 Q3 2019 Q2 2020 Amended Stage 1

submitted.

Bishops Court

Dundalk Tuath 0 0 2 2 Q2 2019 Q1 2020

CALF Approved

Contractor to

commence on site

Mounthamilton,

Dundalk

Cluid 0 0 43 43 Ongoing Q3 2019 On site

Coulter Park,

Armagh Road, Tuath 0 6 0 6 Q2 2019 Q4 2020 Stage 2 Approved

Mount Avenue,

Dundalk LCC 93 0 0 93 Q2 2020 Q4 2021

Stage 1 Approved

Dundoogan,

Haggardstown, Tuath 0 0 112 112 Q2 2018 Q4 2019

On site

Church Street,

Dundalk Tuath 0 0 3 3 Q3 2018 Q3 2019 Acquisition

Cois Cuan,

Upper Point

Road

Tuath 0 0 28 28 Q1 2018 Q2 2019 On site

Boice Court,

Mell,

2nd Phase

LCC 68 0 0 68 Q3 2020 Q2 2022 Stage 1 Approved

Scarlett Street NEHA 0 0 15 15 Q1 2018 Q3 2019 On Site

Rathmullan Road NEHA &

Tuath 0 0 105 105 Q3 2017 Q2 2020

On site

Peters Hill,

Drogheda NEHA 0 4 0 4

Not

Known Not Known Stage 2 Approved

7 & 8 Termon

River, Baltray

Road,

Termonfeckin,

Drogheda

NEHA 0 0 2 2 Q2 2019 On Site

41 | P a g e

Tierney Street,

Ardee, Oaklee 0 7 0 7 Q1 2019 Q2 2020 Stage 3 Approved

Riverwell Close,

Toberona,

Dundalk

Respond

! 0 1 0 1

Not

Known Not Known Stage 1 Approval

Dunleer

National

Develop

ment

Financial

Agency

80

0 0 80 Q1 2019 Q2 2020 Contractor On Site

Castleguard,

Ardee Tuath 0 0 102 102 April 2017 Q2 2019

Remaining phases on

site.

Fr Finn Park

Phase 2, Louth

Village

LCC 17 0 0 17 Q4 2019 Q4 2021

Stage 3 Approved

Four Winds,

Mullacapple,

Collon,

SJOG 0 1 0 1 Unknown Unknown Stage 1 Approved

Acquisition

9 Villas 2, Drive

1, Muirhevnamor,

Dundalk

Dundalk

Simon

Community

0 1 0 1 Q4 2018 Q2 2019 Single Stage

Acquisition

The Avenue,

Tierney Street,

Ardee

Praxis

Care 0 1 0 1 Q3 2018 Q2 2019

Single Stage

Acquisition

36 Strandhill,

Clogherhead SJOG 0 1 0 1 Q3 2016 Q3 2019

Single Stage

Acquisition

3 Brickfield

Gardens,

Dundalk

Clanmil

Ireland 0 1 0 1 Q1 2019 Q2 2019

Single Stage

Acquisition

Harbour Grove,

Dundalk NEHA 0 0 8 8 Q3 2018 Q2 2020 CALF Turnkey

Glenview, Dublin

Rd, Dundalk Respond 0 0 31 31 Q4 2018 Q3 2019 CALF Turnkey

An Rian,

Termonfeckin

Rd, Drogheda

NEHA 0 0 2 2 Q2 2019 Q2 2019 CALF Turnkey

124 Pearse Park,

Drogheda

Peter

McVerry

Trust

0 1 0 1 Q1 2019 Q2 2019 CAS Buy & Renew

Highfield, Newry

Rd, Dundalk

Womens

Aid Dundalk 0 12 0 12 Q4 2019 Q4 2020

CAS Construction

Muirhevnamor,

Dundalk - Infill LCC 18 0 0 18 Q1 2021 Q3 2022 Stage 1 Approved

Rathmullen Park,

Drogheda - Infill LCC 4 0 0 4 Q4 2020 Q4 2021

Single Stage

Approved

42 | P a g e

Moneymore,

Drogheda - Infill LCC 1 0 0 1 Q4 2020 Q4 2021

Single Stage

Approved

Gort Uaine,

Clogherhead -

Infill

LCC 1 0 0 1 Q4 2020 Q3 2021 Single Stage

Approved

School Lane,

Dunleer - Infill LCC 1 0 0 1 Q4 2020 Q3 2021

Single Stage

Approved

Total - 305 72 453 830 - - -

Definitions AHB = Approved Housing Body CAS = Capital Assistance Scheme which provides 100% funding to AHBs to build or acquire units for disabled or homeless applicants with a non- repayment mortgage in favour of the Housing Authority to ensure that the Housing Authority has both nomination rights and security over the asset created by public funds. CALF = Capital Advance Loan Fund which provides Department funding for up to 30% funding to AHBs to provide units for general use on the basis that they enter into a Payment and Availability agreement with the Housing Authority who will provide all the tenant nominations. CPO = Compulsory Purchase Scheme allows the local authority to land or property without the consent of the owner by means of a compulsory purchase order (CPO). This is being used to acquire vacant or derelict houses which are being returned to use as social housing units. IPS = Incremental Purchase Scheme Voids = new addition to the report requested by Department of Housing, Planning & Local Government. SHCEP = Social Housing Current Expenditure Programme SHCEP supports the delivery of social housing by providing financial support to local authorities and Approved Housing Bodies (AHBs) for the long term leasing of houses and apartments from private owners and developers. SICAP = Social Inclusion and Community

Activation Programme addresses high and persistent levels of deprivation through targeted and innovative, locally-led approaches. It supports disadvantaged communities and individuals including unemployed people, people living in deprived areas, people with disabilities, single parent families, people on a low income, members of the Traveller and Roma community and other disadvantaged groups.

COMMUNITIES Town & Village 2018 Works have recently been completed for the surfacing of the carpark at the Community Centre in Kilkerley. These works were carried out using funding of €28,000 which was received under the Town & Village Renewal Funding 2018. Community Environment Action Fund 2019/20 Twenty six applications for the Community Environment Action Fund (formerly Local Agenda 21 Environmental Partnership Fund) were submitted to the Department for the 18th October deadline, for consideration. The total funding applied for was €25,300 for twenty six projects. Pictured below are completed projects funded under the CEAF 2018/19 at Aston Village ETNS and Stabannon Preschool.

Dundalk Looking Good The Dundalk Looking Good awards took place on Thursday 18th October 2019 in the County Museum. The awards are a fitting reward to all those who work tirelessly to ensure that Dundalk looks its best. Prizes were given out on the night to a number of categories which include housing estates, best gardens, hospitality and business premises, as well as a number of special awards. Awards were presented by Cllr. John McGahon, Cathaoirleach of Dundalk Municipal District, and there was a full house in attendance on the night.

Green Schools Seminar The Community Section of Louth County Council hosted a “Green Schools Seminar”, in conjunction with An Taisce, on Thursday 24th October. The seminar was attended by a number of Green Schools teachers from schools across Louth. The themes covered included Litter & Waste, Water & Energy and Biodiversity.

LEADER The LCDC/LAG at its meeting in September approved funding support in the amount of €163,787.59 for eleven LEADER projects. Locations of the projects approved for support include Dundalk, Dromiskin, Carlingford, Blackrock, Kilcurry, Monasterboice, Cooley, Riverstown. In September and October Louth County Council paid out funding to 15 beneficiaries under the LEADER Programme:-

Project Amount

Aclint Community Hall refurbishment (Phase 1)

€9,000

St. Vincent De Paul €10,710.22

The Glyde Inn – Viking Virtual Reality Experience (Phase 2)

€6,248

Womens Aid Dundalk (training)

€3,072.32

The Cross Border Orchestra of Ireland (Dynamics Music System)

€9,000

St. Marys GFC – walking track (Phase 1)

€38,057.11

Ardee & District Comm Trust (training)

€10,800

The Cross Border Orchestra of Ireland (Dynamics Music System)

€8,475.37

Carol Leavy Joyce – Mná na hÉireann (Phase 2)

€3,616.77

Ardee & District Comm Trust (training)

€5,040

Ardee & District Comm Trust (training)

€2,870.21

Dunleer Tidy Towns (Feasibility Study)

€4,050

Cara Cancer Support Centre refurbishment (Phase 3)

€41,480

Glyde Rangers GFC (hall upgrade)

€16,485.55

Stabannon Tidy Towns (graveyard survey)

€2,158.20

TOTAL €171,063.75

Social Inclusion & Community

Activation Programme: (SICAP)

Members of the Louth Local Community Development Committee (LCDC) decided, at their October meeting, to endorse the recommendations presented to them by the Social Inclusion Sub-Committee which was agreed at the SICAP Annual Engagement Meeting, with Aileen Gilchrist from Pobal, held on Tuesday 8th October as follows: Emerging Needs Target Group - The LCDC decided the Emerging Needs Target Group for 2020 will remain as socially excluded vulnerable older people. Key Performance Indicators (KPI’s): The LCDC decided not to increase the target numbers but have a greater number of interventions with people from disadvantaged communities. The Louth LCDC also decided to identify a number of traveller strategies to enable and support a multiplicity of interventions across community involvement, health, education and awareness raising. The LCDC decided to expand the geographical spread to encompass areas of disadvantaged communities in the Mid Louth Area. The LCDC also decided to increase the number of interventions for the people with multiple barriers compared to the number of those with less than three barriers.

KPI 1 Community Groups: The LCDC

decided that 63 Community Groups will be

facilitated in 2020.

KPI 2 Individuals: The LCDC decided that

a minimum number of 822 individuals will

be facilitated in 2020.

Smart Healthy Age Friendly Environments (SHAFE) The EU_SHAFE project, an initiative co-funded by the Interreg Europe Programme, officially launched its activities in Aarhus,

Denmark on the 23rd of September 2019. The 10 partners, coming from 7 different EU countries, had the opportunity to define together the mission and operational plan of the EU_SHAFE project. Pictured below are attendees at the inaugural meeting.

Positive Age Week Once again Drogheda and District Support 4 Older People hosted the Louth Positive Ageing Week. The highlight of the event was on Sunday 29th Sept when Mass was celebrated for older people followed by afternoon tea in the Westcourt supported by the Drogheda Lyons Club. Other events held were crochet classes, men on the move and laughing yoga. Louth Older People’s Forum Meeting Louth Older People’s Forum meeting was held on the 8th Oct. The meeting addressed the final report on Acorn the software designed by a local company to allow easy access to the internet for older people and the report on the study on older parents of adult children with disabilities. Dunleer Sustainable Energy Community The Dunleer Sustainable Energy Community (SEC) installed two electric vehicle (EV) charging points at the recreation centre in Dunleer. Two points have been installed to allow the charging of electric vehicles for the public and for all those people using the facilities in and around the recreation centre. The installation is intended to enhance the facilities at the centre which has just commenced a major refurbishment to upgrade its facilities which will form the hub of Dunleer’s move towards a smart community

where there is connectivity and collaboration between people living in the town, employees and employers of the businesses in the area, community groups and where the needs of all can be catered for.

Dunleer SEC visited Alheim in Germany on a SEC twinning arrangement. The objective of the visit was to learn from how Alheim generates renewable energy, in particular from solar and biomass methods and teach Alhiem how to engage with citizens on retrofits using the energy ambassadors programme.

The Mid Louth Action Plan for Young People The final Mid Louth Action Plan for Young People was presented to all stakeholders involved in the consultation in the market house in Dunleer. The Mid Louth Plan is a joint

effort between the Dee Hub and Dunleer Community Development Committee. The positive response to the plan has been very good. The delivery of the plan achieves an action in the LECP. The next stage is to establish an interagency action group to oversee the implementation of the plan. Mid Louth Security Programme Following the decision of the Ardee Municipal District Council to allocate €55,000 to the installation of thumb locks and non-recording CCTV in the homes of older people and vulnerable adults the Dee Hub and DCDB are now in a position to sign the SLA with Louth County Council. The application and score sheet has already been agreed with the 3 parties. Dundalk Sports Centre National Standard Award Following a very successful audit Dundalk Sports Centre has been awarded the Outstanding Standard (Gold Award) by the National Quality Standards Jury. The council will be presented with the award on Friday 8th November. Go For Life Regional Games 2019 Louth County Council hosted the Go For Life Regional Games, an older adult programme, at Dundalk Sports Centre on 15th October, with nearly 80 participants. Team Monaghan were the overall winners on the day.

National Recreation Event Louth Sports Partnership recently held a free event for National Recreation Day at Skypark, Carlingford, with over 100 children participating on the day. This is always a great day out for children to experience events that they may not have tried before.

Cricket Ireland Coach Development Workshop We were delighted to host the inaugural 2019 Coach Developer Training Workshop when over 30 coaches from all over Ireland attended the event.

Sport Leader Drogheda 33 teenagers from 14 sporting clubs throughout the county recently completed Sport Leadership Award and have all received Level 1 certificates.

Louth Library Service Louth Science Festival

The Louth Science Festival is back for a second year, from November 11th-23rd. Over 50 free events are scheduled take place across all 5 branch libraries aimed at primary school students, secondary school students and the general public. The aim of Louth Science Festival is to make STEAM education accessible and fun to all, and to stimulate interest and debate around all aspects of science, technology, engineering, arts and maths. This year’s theme is climate action - seeking to help people understand it, how science and technology can help us create a positive climate future and the impact we as individuals can have on climate change. Funding from Science Foundation Ireland (SFI), has allowed Louth Library Service programme a really exciting event schedule with creative, innovative facilitators along with events facilitated by science research centre’s from around the country as well as lecturers from the various departments in DkIT. Collaboration with local industries in this programme allows the opportunity to bring science to life by showing how STEAM is used in every day scenarios and business. A flavour of some of the public events include free workshops on ‘Mediterranean diet’; ‘Ireland’s weather today’ with RTE weather forecaster Gerry Murphy; ‘Digital detox’; ‘Hands on with nature with amphibians, reptiles and more’; ‘Walking Slowly Towards Space’ with Dundalk native Dr. Niamh Shaw and a career panel talk on ‘a day in the life of a STEM professional’. The full programme is available on https://www.louthcoco.ie/en/services/library/louth-science-festival/

Under The Right to Read strategic initiative A number of Louth literacy and reader development initiatives are thriving as follows. The weekly Parent & Toddler groups and the ever popular monthly baby book clubs in the 3 branches.

Learning maths the old fashioned way at the Georgie Porgie’s toddler morning in Dundalk Library Children’s Book Festival The 2019 Children’s Book Festival ran throughout the month of October and was a huge success. Renowned authors including Cathy Cassidy, Erika McGann, Michael Smyth and Nicola Pierce held workshops for primary school classes while Tatyana Feeney ran monster doodle sessions.

Author Cathy Cassidy in Dundalk Library for Children’s Book Festival

Author Michael Smith entertained 58 6th class pupils from Scoil Aonghusa and St. Oliver’s Drogheda with stories from his book ‘Tom Crean, Unsung Hero’

Alma Jordan from Agrikids in Carlingford Library Leanbh Festival Storytelling with Grainne Rafferty: As part of the collaborative Leanbh Festival in association with Louth Library Service, Children’s Book Festival and Droichead Arts Centre, story teller Grainne Rafferty facilitated free storytime workshops in Drogheda Library on Saturdays throughout October. Grainne arrived in character as Amelia Earhart and was hugely popular with the children. Workshops were very much interactive with children enthusiastically joining in.

Grainne the Witch returned on October 31st for 2 sessions to entertain children with her spooky Halloween stories. Up to 40 children arrived at both sessions, some in their costumes – ready to go trick or treating! Launch of the Genesis Flying Start Initiative Ardee Library hosted a packed house for the launch of the Genesis Programme Flying Start Initiative, on October 18th with guest speaker Dr Emer Smith, ESRI. Flying Start is a programme which provides information on the different stages or transitions that happen to children in the first five years of a child’s life. Amanda Branigan, Senior Executive Librarian spoke at the launch, outlining the importance of the Right to Read initiative promoting literacy and reader development from the earliest age and highlighting the collaborative partnership and projects ongoing between Louth library Service and Genesis.

Speakers at the Flying Start launch Library Book Clubs. Regular bookclubs for adults and children run across all 5 branch libraries. The newly formed Carlingford Library book club was launched by branch librarian Cecilia McParland on Tuesday 29th October and will meet monthly.

Library Supports for Marginalised, Socially Excluded & Disadvantaged Communities - Dormant Accounts Funding, Department of Rural and Community Development The two projects selected and funded under the above will continue into early 2020. These include A collaborative early year’s literacy project with Genesis. The mobile library is visiting a number of early year’s services across the county with professional facilitators running storytelling, song and rhyme sessions for the children promoting the importance of communication, language and literacy support. The children, early year’s staff and parents will be invited to their nearest branch library for a follow up session where the children will be awarded medals. The importance of reading to children as a way of promoting literacy and good reader development from the earliest age will be reinforced. Parents will also have an opportunity to find out what the library has to offer in an informal setting. The 2nd funded project involves an intergenerational project with members of the travelling community living on the Woodland park halting site in Dundalk. The housing department in LCC are acting as the link between the traveller community and the library service. Two facilitators are currently working with the group. Work Matters The Work Matters service aims to support job seekers and budding entrepreneurs. Dedicated Work Matters hot desk spaces are available in Dundalk, Drogheda and Ardee Libraries. Resources include Free WiFi, a designated PC or Laptop, printing and photocopying, books, newspapers, information, and a jobs board. Work Matters is delivered in collaboration with LMETB, Intreo, Louth Volunteer Centre, LEO and the Mill Enterprise Hub in Drogheda. LMETB hold regular adult education guidance & information sessions in Ardee, Drogheda & Dundalk libraries.

College Awareness Week LMETB will be in Ardee library from 10.30am on November 20th & Drogheda Library on November 26th from 10.30 to 12pm. Louth Volunteer Centre visits Ardee Library every second Thursday to chat to people about all the many volunteering options & benefits to their work experience. Computer Classes The next 6 week course with Digitise the Nation is due to begin shortly in Ardee Library. E- services Demonstrations

Dundalk Library, 1st Wednesday of

the month, 3pm - 5pm

Drogheda Library, 1st Wednesday of

the month, 11.30am -12.30pm

Ardee Library, 1st Friday of the

month, 11am -12 noon.

Exhibitions Dunleer Library An art exhibition by local artist Noella Manley was opened in Dunleer Library on Oct 26th by Councillor Hugh Conlon and runs until November 14th. This is the first exhibition held in Dunleer library and visitor figures and feedback has been extremely positive.

Artist Noella Manley with branch librarian Muriel Sheils and Cllr. Hugh Conlon

Drogheda Library The launch of the Drogheda Photography Club’s annual exhibition will take place on November 28th from 6.30 to 8pm. The exhibition will run until the New Year. Other Upcoming Events Foras na Gaeilge are funding 3 bilingual events with actress and storyteller Roisin Murphy on Tuesday, November 26th at 10am in Ardee Library and 12 midday in Dundalk Library, and 10am on November 27th in Drogheda Library for invited school groups. An information session with Fostering First will take place in Dundalk Library on Wednesday, November 27th at 11am. My Open Library My Open Library service is available in Ardee library. Library members must sign up for the initiative allowing them access to a host of library services from 8am to 10pm, 7 days per week. Currently there are 160 members of MOL. Feedback from MOL members have been extremely positive.

LOUTH COUNTY ARCHIVES

National Retention Policy Records Management Working Group (Co Archivist a member) Work on revising the retention schedules for Environmental Services and Transport & Infrastructure is progressing well. Work on Water Services and Corporate has also

commenced. Finance and HR are in the final stages of completion. Records Management In addition to developing record retention policies, the Co Archivist works with staff on other aspects of records management such as the preparation of records both for destruction and for transfer to the Records Centre. St Patrick’s Cemetery Project This is a joint project with the Old Dundalk Society and DKIT’s Department of Computing Science and Mathematics to develop a grave locator app and website for the cemetery. Work on the transcription of the burial records by volunteers is continuing to advance on Book 4. Drogheda Archives Conservation Project: Conservation treatment was carried out on a number of Drogheda archives including two very important maps: the 1778 Taylor & Skinner map and the 1657 Robert Newcomen map. Other items included a group of certificates of entry of freemen admitted into the Corporation (1811-42), grant of relief of arrears (1725), dockets of the pontage and gate customs (1772, 1812) and other maps. Many of these items were in a very poor and weak condition. Treatment gives stability to the items and helps secure their permanent preservation. Further information will be available on the Co Archives web-pages. The project received funding from the Heritage Council and the Louth Heritage Office.

1. Newcomen Before conservation

2. Newcomen After conservation

3. Taylor & Skinner During conservation

4. Newcomen During conservation

Mercantile, Industrial and Commercial Heritage Research Project This is a joint project with the Heritage Office. Phase I was recently completed where research on archive collections was carried out and a narrative was written which will be used in the creation of an online exhibition during Phase II of the project in 2020. A public event on the project was held in October. It is part-funded by Creative Ireland.

Research Project event Researchers and Other Activities The County Archivist assists researchers regularly visiting the Research Room, users with enquiries by email or telephone and staff with records management and record retention queries in addition to the ongoing work of accessioning, preserving and processing archive collections. Louth Co Archives holds a large and impressive public and private archive collection that is steadily growing year on year as public records become archives.

Louth Arts October was a busy period for the Arts Service in Louth, with many projects and events developed throughout the year culminating during the month. The 5th annual Creative Spark Print Studio Exhibition took place on 9th October in Basement Gallery of An Táin Arts Centre. This, along with the Artist-in-Residence programme exhibition showcased on the same evening is funded by the Arts Service of Louth County Council. Along with a busy mid-term activity programme for children and youth, Highlanes Gallery hosted a special 13th Birthday celebration

lecture on the life and work of artist Mary Swanzy which was given by Sean Kissane. Also opened during the month was an art exhibit ‘Graham Crowley, A Love of Many Things’. Supported by CreateLouth funding National Harp Day was celebrated in Dundalk on Saturday 19th October, where a free concert was given in St Nicholas’ Church of Ireland.

Supported by the Arts Service, Drogheda Classical Music series continued with a sell-out concert on Thursday 24th October in St Peter’s Church of Ireland, Drogheda, featuring the Irish Chamber Orchestra, conducted by Gábor Káli with celebrated Cellist Sheku Kanneh-Mason. The opening of The Great Filter, featuring the work of emerging young Louth Artist, Sean McGuill, took place on 30th October in Droichead Arts Centre. Associated outreach programme includes youth workshops in November. Exhibition runs until 30th November.

Grants under the Arts Act and the annual Tyrone Guthrie Bursary were awarded in October, following the second round of 2019 applications. The total amount allocated was €15,872.

Creative Ireland Programme (Louth) Community Arts projects funded by Creative Ireland Programme in Louth took place during October include – Drumshallon Forge music sessions and also WASO project (Write a Science Opera) involving pupils from Realt Na Mara school in Dundalk Library. A launch of the ‘Gathering Heritage’ project took place in Dundalk Library on 24th October, which featured recorded clips of life-stories of people of Louth. Leanbh (Children’s Arts Festival) took place in Drogheda throughout the month of October. The Creative Ireland Programme is funded by Department of Culture, Heritage & the Gaeltacht and Department of Housing, planning & Local Government.

Forthcoming dates to note: Opening of exhibition Taisce Lú, Art Collection of Louth County Council, takes place at 7pm on 21st November in Basement Gallery, An Táin Arts Centre. Ardee Baroque Festival takes place in Ardee from Friday 22nd – Sunday 24th November. Drogheda Traditional Music Weekend takes place in Drogheda Friday 22nd – Sunday 24th November.

Dundalk Museum Events Halloween The Museum organized a series of craft workshops for children to coincide with Halloween. Activities included mask-making, creative writing, and card making. The Museum also featured a series of seasonal films which followed the craft sessions. A small exhibition on the history of Halloween ran for the duration. Dundalk Looking Good Awards The Museum hosted the Dundalk– Looking Good awards organized through Louth County Council. Dundalk Indoor Football Leagues The Museum hosted a reminiscence session to coincide with a planned exhibition on the Indoor Football Leagues of the late 60s. The exhibition is scheduled to open in early 2020.

Sidelines, touchlines and hemlines: Women in Irish Sport - Call for Papers

To coincide with the Indoor League exhibition the Museum is organizing a conference on the women in Irish Sport which will be held in late February 2020. A call for papers has been issued. The conference will examine the role of women in sport as participants, administrators and covering sporting events.

Art Exhibition

The Museum was the venue for an art exhibition highlighting mental health awareness. The now annual event was

organised and co-ordinated by Dundalk Outcomers. Lecture The Museum hosted an evening lecture by Michael McKeown on the subject of the history of Newry. The lecture was organized by the Old Dundalk Society. Presently The Museum continues to host visiting groups to the Museum providing guided tours both of the Museum and the town as required. The exhibition on Peter Rice When An Engineer Imagines continues on the Museum’s 3rd Floor gallery. Heritage Office CoastWatch Citizen Science Survey of our coasts ‘CoastWatch’ is an international ‘citizen science’ survey of the coasts of Ireland and other countries (Spain, Portugal, England and currently being extended to others). It is run out of Trinity College in Dublin. Over many years it has collected data on the cleanliness and pollution problems of our coastlines. These data have contributed to efforts to address pollution problems and have shown how effective they have been. The graph below (taken from the website http://coastwatch.org/europe/international/) shows the reduction in the number of plastic bags found by CoastWatch surveyors in Ireland both before and after the introduction of legislation in March 2002. The heritage office co-ordinates the project in Louth.

Blackrock Tidy Towns Blackrock was recently awarded the title of Ireland's Tidiest Small Town. The heritage office began working with Blackrock Tidy Towns in 2006 on recording the village’s wildlife and working out how to enhance the

village for biodiversity. This led to a county-wide programme to draw up Biodiversity Enhancement Plans for almost all the Tidy Towns in Louth, which has seen their scores in the Wildlife and Natural Resources section of the competition, grow strongly. In October the heritage officer wrote a report on how Blackrock Park could be enhanced for biodiversity and commented on drafts of the new ‘Ecology and Biodiversity Enhancement Plan’, which he launched at the Beautiful Blackrock Awards.

This graph shows the numbers of Louth Tidy Towns groups achieving scores in various categories in the Wildlife section of the national Tidy Towns Competition. Four groups scored 40 or more marks out of 50 this year, compared to none before 2011 and only one from 2012 to 2016.

LEADER project The county councils and LEADER companies of Cavan, Louth and Monaghan are working together to address the identified lack of heritage-based tourism attractions in these three border counties. Contractors began work on this ‘Shared Heritage‘ project recently. They will assess three potential new heritage tourism sites in each county and develop detailed plans for the most attractive one in each county. This project is funded by the three LEADER companies. Biodiversity Records The National Biodiversity Data Centre (based in Waterford Institute of Technology and funded by the Heritage Council) gathers records of biodiversity submitted by people from all over Ireland. Traditionally Louth has ranked in the low to mid 20s (out of 32 counties), for records sent to it this database. A special effort this year has Louth now ranking 13th and October saw the total number of records sent in for Louth this year reach 3,000.

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