COMMUNITY, CULTURE & PLANNING DIRECTORATE

STIÚRTHÓIREACHT POBAIL, CULTÚR AGUS

PLEANÁIL

Prepared by/Ullmhaithe ag: Míchael Ó hÉanaigh Director of Services/Stiúrthóir Seirbhísí Community, Culture & Planning / Pobail, Cultúr agus Pleanáil

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COMMUNITY, CULTURE & PLANNING POBAL, CULTÚR AGUS PLEANÁIL

Draft Budgeted Expenditure: €11,106,388 Draft Budgeted Income: €3,144,821 The following sets out the details for each relevant Service Division for the Directorate. Division D

DEVELOPMENT MANAGEMENT BAINISTIÚ FORBRAÍOCHTA

Draft Budgeted Expenditure: €7,269,933 Draft Budgeted Income: €2,580,586 (Pages 18-20 of Blue Pages) Division E

ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES SEIRBHÍSÍ COMHSHAOIL

Draft Budgeted Expenditure: €15,000 Draft Budgeted Income: €Nil (Pages 21-23 of Blue Pages) Division F

RECREATION & AMENITY CAITHEAMH AIMSIRE AGUS TAITNEAMHACHT

Draft Budgeted Expenditure: €3,797,855 Draft Budgeted Income: €559,735 (Pages 24-25 of Blue Pages)

Division H RECREATION & AMENITY

CAITHEAMH AIMSIRE AGUS TAITNEAMHACHT

Draft Budgeted Expenditure: €23,600 Draft Budgeted Income: €4,500 (Pages 28-30 of Blue Pages)

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RANNÓG POBAIL AGUS FIONTAIR

Le linn beidh an Rannóg Pobail agus Fiontair ag leanacht ar aghaidh le obair le forbairt eacnamúil, sosíalta agus chultúrtha an chontae a chuir chun cinn. Beifear ag diriú ar neithe mar Forbairt Pobal, Forbairt Acmhainní Aitiuíla, Forbairt Shoísíalta, Bainistiú Cisti Airigidis éagsúla. Deanfar bainistiú chomh maith ar Bord Forbartha Chontae Dhún na nGall agus coordnú ar cur í bhfeidhm An Stratéis – Stratéis Eacnamúil, Soisíalta agus Chultúrtha Chontae Dhún na nGall 2012 – 2014. Beidh an Rannóg ag deanamh bainistiú agus coordnú chomh maith ar pé structuír i bhfoirm Coiste Soisíalta agus Eacnamúil a thiocfhaidh í gcomharbacht ar an BFC. Tá strateís nua don tréimhse 2012-2014 láinseáilte anois. Tá príomheachtaí forbartha aitheanta í gcothéacs na strateíse agus beidh siad seo á chuir chun cinn trí réimse de thionscnaimh eagsúla. Bainfhidh na tionscnaimh seo le m.sh. Forbairt Turasoíreacht, Fiontar agus Forbairt Fuinneamh Inathnuaithe. Beidh beim ar leith á chur ar neithe mar Slogadh Dhún na nGall 2013 chomh maith.

COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT AND ENTERPRISE DIVISION The main functions of the Community, Development and Enterprise Division can be summarised under the following headings: � Fund Management (Internal and External – including EU Unit) � Cross Border Networks � County Development Board / Strategic Policy Development –

(Development of New County Coordination Structures) � Social Inclusion Unit � Community Development � Development Support / Local Resource Development � Play, Recreation and Amenity Development � Research & Policy � Tourism / Natural Resource Development � Economic / Enterprise Development � Urban & Village Renewal

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FUND MANAGEMENT (Internal and External – including EU Unit)

The Division manages a range of internal and external support funds. Internal Funds During 2012 internal funds as detailed below were managed by the Division: € No. of

Projects/Allocations/Payments Development Fund Initiative / Community Innovation Fund

500,000 91

Members Development Fund (not including balances carried forward from previous years)

185,000 905

Council Bursaries* 10,000 Tourism Development Fund 143,725 10 Total 838,725 1,006

*To be paid out in January 2013.

Development Fund Initiative A sum in the amount of €500,000 is included in the 2013 Draft Revenue Budget with an equal allocation of €100,000 to each of the five Electoral Areas in the County. Each Electoral Area will determine its own developmental priorities taking account of any existing legal or multi-annual commitments. Members Development Fund A figure of €185,000 is included in the Draft Revenue Budget for 2013 for the Members Development Fund. This fund enables the provision of support to numerous groups/bodies across a wide range of activities. DCC Sports Bursaries A figure of €10,000 for Sports Bursaries is included in the Draft Revenue Budget for 2013. Tourism Development Fund A figure of €143,725, which includes payroll costs is included in the Draft Revenue Budget 2013 under this heading. This budget will be used to fund the Tourism Development Officer’s post and to provide an allocation to Donegal Tourism Ltd.

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EXTERNAL FUNDS Peace III Administration Since 2002 Donegal County Council’s Community, Development & Enterprise Unit has been responsible for delivering Peace Funds to the value of €18.7m. The Peace III Programme, which will run until the end of 2013, has seen a further €9.4m worth of funding brought into the County. Donegal Peace III Action Plan 2011-2013 Delivering the Donegal Peace III Action Plan 2011-2013 Donegal County Council’s PEACE III Team has taken a lead role in delivering a range of actions set out in this plan including: ‘One Donegal’ Initiative Building on the work initiated during Phase I, this programme was funded under Phase II for the period 2011 to 2013. The programme focuses on the development and delivery of capacity building; sharing the learning and awareness-raising programmes aimed at the Partnership members, communities, groups, organisations and their leaders in terms of challenging and addressing sectarianism and racism in Donegal. Donegal County Council hosted a very successful “One Donegal Cultural Diversity Month” for a third successive year in November 2012 which included the provision of support to a range of community and voluntary based organisations to host events and activities in their own locality. The “One Donegal Cultural Diversity Month” was highly commended by Chambers Ireland under the Excellence in Local Government Awards for Festival of the Year. These awards showcase best practice in Local Government and highlight some of the great projects that Local Authorities are undertaking. Port na Fáilte Intercultural Resource Centre The Port na Fáilte Intercultural Resource Centre continued to operate during 2012. This time banded project, which is due to conclude in December 2012, was a success story of the PEACE III programme in County Donegal. The centre provided an extensive, countywide programme of supports, activities and research to facilitate ethnic minority communities to participate fully in civic life in Donegal. The legacies of this project include the continuation of the Intercultural Platform for the county, which provides a voice and representation for ethnic minority groups and the continuation of the Independent Incident Reporting Scheme for Sectarian and Racist Incidents.

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Respecting and Connecting Communities’ project This project concluded in September 2012, with an end of project seminar highlighting both the challenges and successes, which transpired during the lifetime of the project. A report entitled “An Integrated Approach to Relationship Building” was launched at the seminar, which was designed to act as a resource to others from the Community, Voluntary and Statutory Sectors who are working towards similar aims and objectives. A copy of the report is available on the County Development Board website at www.donegalcdb.ie.

Border Villages Social Integration Project. This project was funded under Phase II of the PEACE III Action Plan and is due to run until April 2013. The aim of the programme is to provide a range of activities in border towns and villages aimed at creating greater social cohesion between “new” residents and the local communities. The actions that have been funded to date include the provision of a number of community gardens and related training, the provision of a web based resource to encourage information sharing and publicity that encourages greater participation in community life in the targeted areas and support to a range of activities targeting a number of PEACE III target groups in border towns and villages which will build the social capital in the geographical areas identified.

Hands of History Project This project funded under Phase II of the PEACE III Action Plan was officially launched in December 2012. This project aims to develop and deliver an innovative series of programmes and events exploring our shared history, and how we remember events of the past, in order to challenge attitudes towards sectarianism and racism, and will develop the capacity of the community to mark these events in an inclusive manner focussing on the potential of a shared future rather than dwelling on and perpetuating the divisions of the past. A key feature of the programme is a legacy event planned for 2013 in conjunction with the NW Cluster and UK City of Culture 2013. EU Unit � The EU Policy and Funding Unit was established in January 2010. � There are two main elements to the work of the EU Policy and Funding

Unit - Administrative Function and Developmental Function. � The Unit is a resource to all sections of Donegal County Council.

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Administrative Function � The Administrative Function works to ensure that the Council is fully

compliant with all financial and administrative responsibilities associated with any funding received under the Interreg IVA, IVB and relevant Peace III programmes as required. The Unit works very closely with the SEUPB in trying to ensure the timely submission of claims.

� The Unit is currently providing administrative and financial back up assistance to 14 projects under the Interreg IVA cross border programme, Interreg IVB and Peace III programmes:

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Project Title Lead

Partner

Funding Short description Project Areas

Direct Applications to SEUPB Interreg IVA cross border programme

SAILWEST

(Marine and water

leisure based

tourism project)

Donegal

County

Council

€7,025,046

(€3,540,589

DCC element)

This project involves

infrastructural investment in

Bunagee, Culdaff (1.6mn)

and extensive marketing

programme

Capital project

Bunagee, Culdaff

Marketing – entire

region of Donegal,

N Ireland, western

Isles Scotland

Women Into Public

Life

Donegal

County

Council

€898,945 Project to promote women’s

participation in decision

making bodies

Entire region of

Donegal, N Ireland,

western Isles

Scotland

Freshwater Pearl

Mussels (WEE)

Protection

Donegal

County

Council

€2,231,244 Practical implementation of

measures to support the

restoration of the freshwater

pearl mussel

Donegal, Cavan, Co

Tyrone, Co

Fermanagh & Co

Derry

ANSWER project -

sewage sludge to

willows

Agri-Food &

Biosciences

Institute,

Belfast.

€270,000

(DCC element)

Treatment of sludge with

willow – site to be identified

Donegal and NI

Partners

Malin Head Tourism

development

infrastructure

Loughs

Agency

€220,000

(DCC element)

Infrastructural improvements

Malin Head

Malin Head

River Links project Donegal

County

Council

€2,103,937 Development of Clady-

Doneyloop, Foyle Wetlands

Strabane and Community

Enterprise Centre, Stranorlar.

Donegal, Strabane

DC and BASICC

Ltd. (Ballybofey

and Stranorlar

Integrated

Community

Company)

Rural Retail

Regeneration

Project Interreg

IVB

Finland €142,716

(DCC element)

Rural Retail Training Project-

completed in 2012.

Stranorlar &

Falcarragh

Applications via the North west region cross border group

Urban & Village

Renewal – Lifford/

Strabane

regeneration

Donegal

County

Council

€995,000 Regeneration works Lifford

and Strabane

Lifford and

Strabane DC

SPACEial –

planning, research

and GIS mapping

Donegal

County

Council

€518,000 Spatial Planning, Mapping

and Analysis

Entire region

Donegal and NW

councils N.Ireland

Inch Levels Implementation to continue in 2013.

REN-NET Implementation to continue in 2013.

Health & Healthy

Living

Partnership with Derry, Limavady, Magherafelt and Strabane DC (Lead) - £1.5m. To

be progressed in 2013.

Applications Via North East Partnership

Gobbins / Sliabh

Liag – tourism

product

North East

Partnership

£5mn overall

Sliabh Liag Tourism

product infrastructural

improvements

Sliabh Liag and NW

councils N.Ireland

Peace III Projects

Pettigo

Tullyhommon

Termon project

Donegal

County

Council

€8,400,000 Regenerate the twin

villages of Pettigo and

Tullyhommon

Pettigo &

Tullyhommon

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Developmental Function Update The Developmental Function focuses on the proactive targeting of external funding opportunities, while also providing access to networks of benefit to the Council and CDB. It is recognised that the accessing of such external sources of funding will be of key importance to Donegal County Council over the coming years. The aims of the Unit are to seek external funding to:

� Implement the Corporate Objectives of Donegal County Council; � Identify Funding for Strategic Projects; � Progress the County Development Board’s Priority Goals; � Build expertise and training of staff throughout the Council; � Continue Cross Directorate working.

The Developmental Function, now a full time service (drawn from previously existing resources), continues to work to identify funding opportunities and support funding applications, offering various levels of support to all Directorates of Donegal County Council: � The Unit acts as a Central Information Service through offering

support, advice and information on appropriate funding sources, partners and programme requirements to those interested in accessing funding or developing a project;

� Practical help with application forms and supporting documentation is given during the Submission of Applications stage and in 2013 the Unit will continue to provide support to applications to transnational and cross border funding programmes;

� The Unit will continue in 2013 to strive to avail of opportunities to access external funding, with a particular emphasis on national grants (e.g. SEAI, DTTAS), LOCAL OPPORTUNITIES (NRDP/Leader) and EU opportunities (e.g. Culture programme);

� The Unit assisted with the preparation of the Council’s submission to the SEUPB regarding the delivery mechanisms and thematic objectives of the future Interreg V and Peace IV programme;

� The Unit will produce a DCC EU bulletin in 2013 which will provide updates on news, events and publications regarding EU projects.

CROSS BORDER/EUROPEAN NETWORKS

During 2013 the Division will continue to consolidate and support Council participation in cross-border networks – the North West Region Cross Border Group (NWRCBG), the Irish Central Border Area Network (ICBAN), the North West Partnership Board (NWPB), Conference of Peripheral Maritime Region (CPMR) and the Association of European Regions (AER).

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The North West Partnership Board is jointly chaired by the Donegal County Development Board and the Derry Strategy Board. The Partnership Board is working to achieve the aims of the North West Gateway Initiative and the Letterkenny-Derry Gateway. The Partnership secretariat is provided by the C, D & E Division. Work is continuing on the preparation of a NW Action Plan in the New Year which will be supported by the International Centre for Local and Regional Development (ICLRD). Our European networks provide us with access to expertise and resources in areas of common interest. We have developed a close working relationship with the Irish Regions Office in Brussels in this regard.

COUNTY DEVELOPMENT BOARD / STRATEGIC POLICY DEVELOPMENT

Donegal County Council, through the Community and Enterprise Division is responsible for the co-ordination and management of the County Development Board (CDB) and its’ various sub structures. The CDB is responsible for co-ordination of public service delivery and development in the County and draws its membership from all sectors. The CDB has identified priority goals and is involved in a range of strategic projects in the following areas:

� To develop Donegal as a lead region for the Green Economy; � To promote enterprise and skills development in the region; � To develop a Donegal Brand across all sectors; � To ensure best access to services for the community of Donegal; � To fully develop the County’s cultural resources; � To fully develop the County’s natural resources.

The Draft Revenue Budget for 2013 includes a provision of €259,817 in respect of the CDB.

Strategic Policy Development The Strategic Policy Unit is responsible for providing the administrative and executive support to the Donegal County Development Board and overseeing the reporting of progress on key areas of activity. The new County Strategy for 2012-2014 has been launched and we are focussing in 2013 on its implementation with a particular emphasis at sectoral fora level. The new Social and Economic Committee (SEC) will be of key relevance in this regard as it will assume the role of the Donegal CDB at some point during 2013.

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Local Development Co-ordination

The Division, on behalf of the Donegal CDB will continue to approve the 2013 work programmes of Local Development Companies in the county – Donegal Local Development Company (DLDC), Inishowen Development Partnership and Comhar na nOilean. In 2012 the role of the CDB in relation to the delivery of the Local & Community Development Programme changed from an endorsement to an approval role. The Social Inclusion Unit, through the various CDB structures will be initiating the approval process early in 2013. The Division will continue to promote and facilitate a coordinated approach to local development companies to ensure the best use of resources through collaborative planning and implementation of projects. The various sub structures of the County Development Board, will work to coordinate the delivery of externally funded programmes for the benefit of the county e.g. the National Rural Development Programme (NRDP), Local & Community Development Programme, Interreg IVA and various agency initiatives to the offshore islands. This collaborative approach to local development co-ordination is also being adopted across various sectors such as tourism (e.g. Malin Head), walking trails (Bealach na Gaeltachta, loop walks on former railway routes), community education (Tuath Centre for Learning), the Donegal Diaspora Project, the Gathering 2013 and various tourism initiatives. The future role of local development co-ordination will be shaped by the remit which will be given to the new SEC’s. This will be clarified during 2013. Local Development/Local Government Alignment (Social and Economic Committees) At present the Department is carrying out an exercise with regard to alignment of Local Development and Local Government Structures. The results of this work will inform the future role of Local Government in this key area of activity. It is expected that the work on any new co-ordinating structures will be initiated in 2013. It is envisaged that new Social and Economic Committees will be put in place as set out in the Putting People First document and that the establishment of the new structures will form a key part of the Division’s work in 2013. SOCIAL INCLUSION UNIT

Donegal County Council’s Social Inclusion Unit is housed within the Community, Culture and Planning Directorate. The Unit receives specific support from the Department it continues to deliver a range of programmes/services across the following areas:

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� Embedding social inclusion across the service areas of Donegal County Council;

� Supporting interagency collaboration in the delivery of public services and local development via the County Development Board framework in order to ensure best use of resources;

� Co-ordinating and supporting the work of Donegal Youth Council; � Management of the Joint Policing Committee.

Embedding Social Inclusion in the Work of Donegal County Council In accordance with the Government’s commitment to tackling poverty and promoting social inclusion at local level, the Department of Environment, Community and Local Government continues to fund 50% of the Social Inclusion Unit staffing costs. A number of key activities were delivered in 2012 as follows:

� Social Inclusion Week 2012 (over 60 events took place to highlight and promote the socially inclusive work of various agencies and organisations in Donegal);

� Seminars on community representation and building sustainable communities;

� Development of an action plan in conjunction with the CDB SIM group to widen the target groups being affected by anti poverty / social inclusion measures;

� Delivery of Social Inclusion Training to management, staff and elected Members of Donegal County Council;

� Development of the Social Inclusion Unit section of the redeveloped County Development Board Website;

� Raising awareness of social inclusion including submission of electoral reports, grapevine articles, ezine articles, articles to the Senior Management Team, Council meetings etc.

The Social Inclusion Unit will be implementing a range of initiatives in 2013 to highlight social inclusion, including a proposed conference on the theme of Sport and Mental Health in conjunction with Mayor McBrearty. The 2013 European Year of the Active Citizen will allow the Social Inclusion Unit to activate a number of initiatives and events that showcase the impact that citizens, through an active community and voluntary sector can have on influencing decision making structures and processes.

Supporting Interagency Collaboration in the Delivery of Public Services via the County Development Board Framework � Support and facilitation of the County Development Board Social

Inclusion Measures (SIM) Group including the endorsement of the Local Community Development Programme and sitting on various subgroups;

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� Support and facilitation of the County Development Board Interagency Group on Traveller Issues (including ‘Pilot Tenant Participation Project’, ‘Pavee Pathways - Opening Employment Opportunities for Travellers in Donegal’ and ‘Building Positive Relations Between the Traveller and Settled Communities’);

� Membership of the Economic and Wellbeing subgroup of the Children’s Services Committee.

Co-ordinating and supporting the work of Donegal Youth Council Activities planned for 2013 include: � Supervision of the co-ordination of the Youth Council; � Youth Facilities, Mental Health/Suicide, Health & Well-being; � Education and Bullying as per AGM 2012; � Publicise the Youth Council’s work more among their peers; � Working with young people throughout the county on the Road Safety

Working Group, Sexual Health Forum and the Children’s Services Committee;

� Network Day; � Dáil na nÓg; � AGM - September 2013. The Draft Revenue Budget for 2013 includes an expenditure provision of €62,268 and anticipated income of €45,000 – HSE(€25,000) and Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government (€20,000) Donegal Joint Policing Committee The management of the Joint Policing Committee will continue in 2013. This involves all aspects of work on the Committee, working in close association with An Garda Síochána and Donegal County Community Forum. The Committee will address a number of key issues with regard to policing of relevance to communities in Donegal in 2013.

COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT The Community, Development and Enterprise Division provided a range of supports to the Community and Voluntary Sector in Donegal in 2012, including: � Supporting the work of the Donegal County Community Forum and

facilitating implementation of their agreed work programme; � Supporting the work of area fora – Inishowen, Gaeltacht, South Donegal,

East Donegal & North Donegal;

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� Supporting county and area fora in providing information seminars on topics of community importance around the theme of European Year of Active Citizenship in 2013;

� Dedicated website for Donegal County Community Forum; � Enabling the Community and Voluntary Sector to make use of social

media to better market their activities; � Community Smoke Alarm Scheme; � National Tree Week; � Junior Achievement Ireland Programme; � Tuath – the Donegal Community & Local Development Centre; � Support for a range of Community and Voluntary Groups; � Riverine community development programme element (circa €1m - IFI

funding). In 2013, it is proposed to continue to build on the success of this work over the last number of years and to support Community and Voluntary Groups in the County in terms of responding to needs in a rapidly changing environment.

DEVELOPMENT SUPPORT/LOCAL RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT Project Support Operating from central and area locations, the staff of C,D&E acts as a resource for all sectors in advising, guiding and mentoring in relation to a range of projects. This is especially important in the context of the Council’s role as lead agency in the Donegal CDB. The Division is now a key component of the development support infrastructure in County Donegal and the North-West. These projects are reported on at EAC’s on a regular basis (see various projects highlighted in the text). Local Resource Development Local Resource Development is a priority goal of the Donegal CDB. The C&E Division acts as a support and resource for the county across a range of sectors seeking to identify and pursue opportunities in the region – Tourism, Green Economy, Cultural and Marine Resources. Contributions to External Bodies The Council has made annual voluntary contributions for many years to a range of organisations and bodies to assist in various developmental programmes with a view towards achieving key goals as set out in the County Strategy and to deliver on areas of importance to Donegal County Council. Subject to the availability of funding within the respective budget heads it is proposed to continue this, on a reduced level, in 2013.

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PLAY RECREATION & AMENITY DEVELOPMENT

Playgrounds. The Council is currently managing and maintaining 37 playgrounds throughout the county which are valuable facilities for the children of the County. The Council is also working with various Community Groups throughout the county to deliver playgrounds through the Leader Funding. A sum of €55,000 is included in the Draft Revenue Budget for 2013. Barrack Hill Town Park. The Barrack Hill Town Park commenced construction in 2012 and it is intended that the training room will commence in early New Year with the opening of the park to be held in May 2013. The model of park management being proposed for the Barrack Hill post construction is unique. This model will have local people as the most important ingredient. The measure of success for the park will be the change it delivers on the ground and within the community. The local community has been and will continue to be actively encouraged to get involved and contribute to the management and future uses of the park. This will create a sense of ownership and pride in the facility amongst the local community, young and old. The area has potential to become a leisure and recreation hub for the north Inishowen area. Many activities can be focused within this area and the steering committee along with Donegal County Council continue to explore future opportunities to develop the area. The Barrack Hill Town Park Project is a partner in The North West Community Gardens and allotments project, an initiative which develops a programme of activity to support healthy living through community garden and allotment provision. It will develop a targeted response to local health, social and economic needs through the development of five allotments, awareness building and education and participation activities. Sustainable community participation will be achieved through a North West forum engaging community and voluntary groups which is seen as a core activity of the project and which will also assist in the transfer of knowledge and skills across the region and assist in supporting groups beyond the lifetime of the project. The project will be delivered through a partnership of Local Authorities, the Public Health Agency, and the Health Service Executive within the target areas of Derry, Donegal, Limavady, Magherafelt and Strabane Councils. This project has been awarded €1,539,510.

RESEARCH & POLICY

In 2012 the unit has been involved in a number of key strategic research projects which are summarised on the following pages.

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o The SPACEial North West Project The Research and Policy Unit in 2012 is currently managing the SPACEial NW Project which is funded under the Public Sector Collaboration Theme of INTERREG IVA. This research project sets out to examine how towns in the North West Region Cross Border Area have grown or declined over the last 10 years and to identify the factors that are causing these changes. Once this information is captured on these key factors of change, it will be disseminated out to key decision makers in the region via a web and mobile application to enable more evidence based decision making across different agencies for many years to come. To date the unit has:

• Widely consulted with approximately 209 key stakeholders, on key aspects of the project locally, regionally and nationally.

• Held two data workshops with decision makers and key stakeholders on:

o Social Inclusion Data/Indicators on the 28th February, 2012 o Economic Infrastructure, Prosperity and Livelihood

Data/Indicators on the 20th November 2012.

• Presented the project to Elected Representatives in Donegal County Council; Limavady Borough Council; Strabane District Council; the North West Region Cross Border Area and the Border Regional Authority.

• Commenced a Remote Sensing Exercise for the main Urban Areas in the North West Region.

• Produced a profile of 34 main towns within the North West Region. • Built up a comprehensive dataset on demographics; funding; health,

youth, education infrastructure; essential and environmental infrastructure; economic infrastructure; community, culture and recreational infrastructure within the region.

• Commenced work on the development of a statistical website and a map viewer for the North West region cross border area.

This work will continue in 2013 and will be launched in 2013.

o Analysis of the impact of the recent reductions in education budgets

and the effects on schools, young people and their families in County Donegal On behalf of Donegal Children’s Service Committee and Donegal County Councils Social Inclusion Measure Group the Research and Policy Unit is leading out on this piece of research which will:

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• Quantify and describe the budget cuts to education (176 main

stream national schools and 27 post primary schools) in Donegal from 2008 – 2012.

• Ascertain how schools have dealt with these budget cuts and to assess the impact of these cuts on schools in Donegal.

• Assess the impact of these cuts on children and their families in Donegal, highlighting key areas of concern in relation to ensuring the economic security for children and their families in Donegal. (Focus Groups)

• Make recommendations to address the key areas of concern highlighted in 3 above.

This work will is due to be completed in 2013.

o Managing Economic Social And Cultural Databases In 2012 the unit carried out an analysis of a number of key volumes of the Census 2011 and produced a number of summary reports on:

• 2011 Preliminary Census Results – What does it mean for County Donegal?

• This is Donegal - Principal Demographic Results, • Older and Younger - An Age Profile of County Donegal, • This is Donegal - Employment, Industry and Occupations in 2011, • This is Donegal Census 2011 - The Roof over Our Heads! • Census of Agriculture 2010, Preliminary Results, • Results of the Forfás Annual Employment Survey a Comparison of

Donegal and the State. The objective of this exercise is to present service providers within the county with a better understanding of the changing demographics of service users or customers within the county. These reports have been disseminated widely through different networks like SIM, DCSC, Electoral Areas, and CDB etc and also presented at the Strategy Day of Donegal County Development Board on the 23rd May, 2012 and at the Building Sustainable Communities Conference on the 17th November, 2012. In 2013 the Research and Policy Unit will continue with summarising and analysing the remaining volumes of the Census.

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o Evaluating the Donegal Road Safe Road Show

Donegal Research and Policy Unit completed its analysis of the 1,507 young respondents, who attended the Donegal Road Safe Road Show on the 18th & 19th October, 2011. This was an important step in understanding how attitudes and beliefs of young people are impacted on after attending the road show. This report was presented to the Donegal Road Safety Working Group on the 5th May, 2012.

o Managing Economic Social Community And Cultural Databases The Research and Policy Unit will update its databases of Economic, Social, Community Sports and Arts facilities for the entire NWRCBA; The Unit will continue to respond to a large number of statistical/information requests to assist the County Manager and Elected Members, the County Development Board, the General Public, Public Bodies, Funding Bodies and Staff of Donegal County Council with Planning Services and accessing much needed funding for the county.

In 2013 the unit will work on completing the above pieces of research and on examining how this information can be utilised to make more evidence based decisions within the county while also providing a mechanism for monitoring and evaluating the progress being made in service delivery and in implementing plans and policies.

Skills Needs – Donegal Firms In 2013 research will be undertaken in partnership with the IDA, LYIT, IBEC and various firms to identify current and future skills needs in the county to support entrepreneurs / businesses and inward investment.

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TOURISM DEVELOPMENT

Tourism Development Fund The funds provided in this section in the Budget for 2013, €143,725, will provide for supporting the work of the Tourism Development Officer and support administrative staff and an allocation to Donegal Tourism to support the continued marketing promotion of the county and development of the new tourism website. Flagship Tourism Projects A key area of activity is and will continue to be the advancement of strategic tourism projects in the county. These include: � Sliabh Liag; � The Gathering; � Wild Atlantic Way; � Malin Head (Phase I, Phase II); � Inch Levels; � Ards Forest Park; � Pettigo/Lough Derg Cycleway; � Donegal Regional Mountain Bike Trail; � Bunagee Safe Haven; � Columban Trail; � Maritime Heritage Trail; � Inishowen 100 Scenic Route; � North Donegal Scenic Route; � Rockhill House.

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Donegal Gathering/Slogadh Dhún na nGall 2013

The Donegal Gathering will be a flagship project for Donegal County Council and for County Donegal during 2013. It is intended to highlight the county and attract visitors to benefit the county’s economy during this year. Donegal County Council has adopted a lead role in this project and is working closely with all relevant agencies and with communities in all parts of Donegal. The 2013 Draft Revenue Budget includes a provision of €20,000 in respect of co-funding.

Walking / Trails Development The Division will continue to develop walking and trails and a figure of €7,000 is included in the Draft Revenue Budget 2013 for the ongoing maintenance of walking and cycle trails, which the Council has developed across the County. Emphasis will be placed on old railways as potential routes with Community Groups.

Forbairt Cultúrtha The Division will continue to promote the development of Language and Culture as a resource for the economic development of the County. In this context work will continue to attract high profile events e.g., Oireachtas na Gaeilge and the Ulster Dancing Championships to the County. Donegal Diaspora Project

In 2012 the Donegal Diaspora Project saw the accelerated progression of a number of initiatives including the development of a logo and website -www.donegaldiaspora.ie. Throughout the year there were a number of events held to profile the project including

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Tip O’Neill Award The first Tip O’Neill Diaspora Award was presented by Pat Hume

to Niall O’Dowd. The event was attended by 300 people at a gala

celebration in the Inishowen Gateway Hotel. The Award was a

sculpture by Donegal artist Maurice Harron. 56 of the O’Neill

family attended the ceremony from the USA along with Sr. Lena

Deavy from the Irish Immigration Centre in Boston and a few

friends and associates of the O’Neills and the Irish American

Partnership

Tip O’Neill Lecture In association with the University of Ulster, the Tip O’Neill lecture

was delivered by Professor Paul Arthur and chaired by Declan

O’Carroll on 8th September. Attended by 140 people.

Tip O’Neill Schools

Competition

There were 134 entries from students in the Buncrana area in the

Essay/Art/Poetry Competition as part of the Tip O’Neill Centenary

celebrations. Presentations took place on 8th September by

O’Neill family member to various schools and students.

Irish American

Partnership

Presentations of the IAP Bursary Awards by Michaela Daniel

O’Neill, on behalf of the IAP, to 5 Primary Schools in the

Buncrana area on 8th September.

Tip O’Neill Monument

BTC developed the old band site to accommodate the Tip O’Neill

monument on the Shorefront in Buncrana. The monument

designed by Maurice Harron was unveiled as part of the weekend

events.

Donegal Diaspora

Website

Website and associated social media sites are live and will be

launched in spring 2013.

Diaspora Seminar Donegal Diaspora Seminar (K Aikins / Ed Kelly) held in

Letterkenny in February 2012. Attended by 80 people drawn

from all sectors and all parts of the County.

Pilot College

Programme.

6-week Ohio University student summer placement was a

success. Student films are available to view on the Diaspora

website.

E-zine ▪ 16 editions of the ezine issued to date.

▪ The e-zine is distributed to approximately 2000

contacts on the local Diaspora database and a

further 14,000 contacts through partner databases

(including Oideas Gael, Enterprise Ireland, Donegal

Associations etc.).

▪ The ezine is also available and profiled through the

Donegal County Development Board website

(www.donegalcdb.ie).

Diaspora Database

Names and contact emails and addresses are being gathered

through the Donegal Diaspora website, around 275 gathered to

date. This should greatly increase when website etc is launched.

Donegal Associations

Clans/GAA’S Clubs

Development of Database is ongoing. Working with a range

associations to profile people and projects on website.

Diaspora Library

Work is continuing on the establishment of Donegal Diaspora

Library that aims to support Donegal Diaspora Project by

developing a Virtual Library aimed at Donegal Diaspora, a

Physical Library in Donegal aimed at tourists and students and a

Virtual and physical Library supporting Business/Job Creation/Job

seekers.

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Third level Links

Development

� Memorandum of understanding signed between LYIT and

Lasell College, Newton, Massachusetts (Tourism, Nursing, and

Sports).

� UMass Lowell – 25 student programme agreed with LYIT for

2013.

� Contact established with Boston College Re possible areas of

co-operation.

� Contact with R. McCarron, Association of Independent

Colleges and universities Massachusetts. Robert is very keen

to work with Donegal Diaspora Project and can distribute

information on Donegal education packages through AICUM

network.

� The association includes 60 colleges including Harvard. Robert

will do an informal audit to ascertain how many Irish related

courses those 60 institutions provide.

� Contact established with University of Maine (Renewable

Energy / Marine Renewables).

Delegations • Massachusetts delegation visit to Donegal May 2012.

• Mayor hosted reception for Australian Ambassador, Brian

Davies on 11th May at Glenveigh Castle.

• Canadian Ambassador to Ireland Loyola Hearn visit as part of

Laurentic Conference.

• Governor Brian Schweitzer, of Montana, USA interested in

working in cooperation with the Diaspora project and

promoting further links with the County in Montana.

Golden Bridges

Boston

A delegation led by the Mayor attended Golden Bridges in Boston in

November 2012. The Goals of the conference were:

� To attract sustainable investment to Northwest Ireland by

highlighting its many assets (including its access to EU markets,

its highly-educated workforce, its rich quality of life, and its

beautiful setting) while encouraging Irish companies to expand

into the US via Boston. � To encourage Irish Americans to deepen their understanding of

their heritage by visiting Northwest Ireland especially during the

Gathering and City of Culture 2013 celebrations. � To keep Irish America informed of the many opportunities and

developments in Northwest Ireland now and in the future. � To share lessons learnt about how best to take on global

challenges at a time of uncertainty.

Irish International

Immigrant Centre in

Boston

Ongoing contact and collaboration with regard to

working on undocumented Irish.

€20,000 is included under this heading in the Draft Revenue Budget for 2013.

Film Office In 2012 the film office continued to deal with queries from production companies. GRABBERS film on location in 2011 enjoyed international success with scenery from the county being seen by worldwide audiences. The film office has designed a brochure and is finalising its new website that will be launched in early 2013.

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MARINE & WATER LEISURE:

Sail West /

A final decision on the Interreg IVA Sail West application was made in November 2009 by the Special EU Programmes Body resulting in the award of €7,025,046 in grant aid towards a project cost of €7.4m for the period 2009-2014. The Unit will manage this project on behalf of 20 partners across NW Ireland, Northern Ireland and the West of Scotland. Donegal County Council will receive 100% funding @ €1.6m to design and construct a combined sea angling centre/sailing safe haven at Bunagee harbour in Inishowen that is due to be completed in 2014. It will also receive €713,000 @ 100% for administration of the tri-lateral project and will manage a €500,000 marketing drive to develop a brand image for marine leisure in the shared coastal zone between the 3 regions. A Project Manager and Tourism Marketing Co-ordinator and two Clerical Officers have been appointed, based in the Community & Enterprise Division, who will work with all 20 partners. Moving forward the project will be marketed under the Malin Waters consumer facing brand (see www.malinwaters.com).

ECONOMIC / ENTERPRISE DEVELOPMENT The Putting People First document sets out the key role of Local Authorities with regard to economic development and job creation. It is also envisaged that new Local Enterprise Offices (LEOs) will also be established and located in Local Authorities. IDA Lands Initiative Donegal County Council and IDA Ireland have agreed, in their role as strategic partners within the County Development Board, a joint initiative to enhance economic development in Co. Donegal. The initiative has involved the acquisition by the Council from the IDA, of 8.10 ha. of land together with enterprise units (including Donegal Craft Village), at the following locations in the county: Lurganboy, Donegal Town, Carrickboy, Ballyshannon, Lisfannon, Buncrana and Milford. The Council in its role of promoting economic development in the county is committed to adopting a pro-active position in promoting and developing these assets for the benefit of County Donegal and promotional material is now being produced towards this end. The Council is currently in the process of disposing of 2 portions of land/units in the county to sustain and create new employment.

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Killybegs Jobs Initiative The Council is actively involved in the Killybegs Jobs Initiative and will continue to actively work with the industry and local community to promote Killybegs for both on and offshore potential initiatives. Among the projects being pursued is a centre of excellence for renewable energies and marine resources which is being developed by the LYIT and Donegal County Council. Letterkenny / Derry Gateway An emphasis will be placed on the development of the Cross Border Gateway during 2013 and a list of priority projects drawn up in association with cross border partners in the context of the North West Partnership Board (NWPB). Renewable Energy Network (REN NET) The Council is leading on the implementation of the REN NET project along with the NWRCBG and Councils in Derry, Strabane, Limavady and Magherafelt. The Renewable Energy Network (REN NET) aims to establish a formalised business network for small businesses working in the renewable energy and green economy fields, with the aim of increasing vitality and profitability for those companies. The initial initiative will establish a local network in each of the partner areas comprising of 15 to 20 businesses that will engage and meet each month. Furthermore, it is proposed that the five local networks will meet twice yearly, thereby feeding into a larger regional cross border network where it is anticipated that between 75 and 100 businesses will attend.

Leasing of Lands: The Division has a range of leases in place for both the long-term and short-term lease of lands to community groups and individuals at various locations around the county. The Council is currently exploring the leasing / letting of other lands which are currently vacant. Business Support Unit 2013 will see the consolidation of the Council’s Business Support Unit to act as a resource for ensuring a co-ordinated approach to the provision of public services for businesses planning to locate or expand in the County. The work of this Unit will take into account any new structures / arrangements that may need to be taken into account in relation to the Putting People First document. This initiates the proposed establishment of Local Enterprise Offices (LEO’s).

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County Development Board Economic Sub Committee The County Development Board’s Economic Sub Committee has been established to co-ordinate the activities of the bodies involved in Economic Development, Job Creation and Training/Education in the County. During 2013 this Committee will continue to ensure that a co-ordinated approach is adopted to economic development in the County and that relevant County Development Board priority goals are pursued. Relevant agency members of this Committee will continue to meet with the Elected Members of Donegal County Council on a bi-annual basis to update on activities. This Committee will continue its work in 2013 and will take into account any new structures / arrangements that may be required subsequent to the final implementation of the recommendations of the Putting People First document.

URBAN & VILLAGE RENEWAL

The Directorate will continue to progress the Urban and Village Renewal Capital Programme for the next three year period, which will be included in the 3 year Capital Programme 2013-2015 which will be developed and brought to council in early 2013. External funding sources will be explored to progress projects identified in this programme. The Draft Revenue Budget for 2013 includes provision for salary and associated costs. Lifford / Strabane Urban & Village Renewal Project. This project specifically aims to regenerate the towns of Lifford & Strabane. The project will assist the emergence of a vibrant, economically active and prosperous area through the provision and enhancement of two car parks, landscaping, footpaths and civic spaces in Lifford and by providing footpaths, public art, lighting features, murals and an outdoor gallery along Railway Street in Strabane. Construction works are expected to commence in January 2013. This project will involve a total investment of €995,000 in both Towns provided by the Interreg IVA programme.

PEACE III Pettigo Tullyhommon Termon Project This project has been approved to provide multi faceted community facilities and environmental improvements in this cross border village. The purpose of the project is to encourage differing communities to participate in genuine cross-community, cross-border collaboration. Contractors commenced on-site in November 2012 with completion of the works scheduled for early 2014. The project will involve a total investment of €8,400,000 provided by the Peace III Programme.

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CULTURAL SERVICES DIVISION/RANNÓG SEIRBHÍSÍ CULTÚRTHA

The Cultural Services Division includes the following: � LIBRARIES (Public Libraries, Taobh Tíre Centres, Mobile Library); � ARTS / CULTURE (Regional Cultural Centre, County Arts Service, Public

Art, Museum Service, Archives Service).

LIBRARY SERVICE / AN tSEIRBHÍS LEABHARLAINNE The Library Service is a proactive agent for community development, for lifelong learning and for social inclusion. In 2013, priority will continue to be given to the promotion of reading, books, a culture of literacy, improving the quality of stock, developing and implementing reading strategies and programmes, strengthening links with literacy agencies and advocating for national strategies and policies. The Draft Revenue Budget 2013 includes a provision of €2,497,221 for the Library Service. Countywide network In 2013, the Council will continue to provide a countywide library network (13), with the Central Library at the core. Taobh Tíre community outreach points (13) and the Cross Border Mobile Library supplement the network. Summer Reading Programmes 2013 In 2013 new stock will be provided for the July/August reading programmes, encouraging children to continue and develop their reading over the school holidays. Research shows that students participating in reading programmes score higher in reading tests in September than those who do not participate. In 2012 over 1500 children took part and it is hoped to surpass this number in 2013. Critical to the success of the programme is the provision of high quality reading material. Wainfest Arts & Books Festival for children The theme of Wainfest 2013 is reading development. Over one week in October events will be held in libraries, Taobh Tíre centres, the Regional Cultural Centre and the County Museum. In 2012 over 6,800 children participated in a variety of literature and arts events. Alongside events for schools, Wainfest 2013 will extend the number of events for families and visitors which will take place after school and at weekends.

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Events programme The Library Service will continue to deliver an extensive programme throughout the year, including regular story times for young children, events during Seachtain na Gaeilge, Bealtaine, Heritage Week, Culture Night, Wainfest, Library Ireland Week, Science Week, One Donegal and at many other times. Europe Direct Information Centre Donegal County Library hopes to host the Europe Direct Information Centre from 2013 to 2017 at the Central Library, Letterkenny. A satellite centre will be established in Leabharlann Phobail Ghaoth Dobhair providing a service to all Gaeltacht areas in the country. The objectives of the Centre are to inform European Citizens about the EU. During the 2013 European Year of Citizens events and information sessions will be held to stimulate discussion, debate and gather feedback. Remembering our Past - Sharing our future The Library Service will develop a comprehensive collection of books and a complementary bibliography on the theme of Ireland and Donegal in the revolutionary era, 1912-1923. The bibliography and the collection will be promoted widely - linking with local history and other community groups, holding exhibitions and displays of the collection, linking with educational bodies and delivering a series of lectures and talks to local groups. Family History Guide To coincide with The Gathering and as part of the Remembering our Past - Sharing our future programme the Library Service will develop a family history research guide entitled, Who do you think you are? – A Donegal guide. One Book transnational reading project Donegal County Library will work with partners in Libraries NI, the Scotland Library Authority, The Irish Cultural Centre of New England and others reading The Chronicles of Iona: Exile by Paula De Fougerolles. This project offers the opportunity for strategic partnerships with the authorities involved and the potential for further projects in future. Encouraging literacy We will continue to work with the Children’s Education & Learning Committee on projects such as Creating Lifelong Readers & Ag Léamh le Chéile. We will develop a new project with Lifestart on a scheme to encourage parents and families to become library users.

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Purchase of Books, CDs etc. The provision of reading material remains a critical core activity for the Library Service. All research shows how important it is to develop reading skills at an early age and the importance of reading in daily life. The Collection Development Policy will continue to be implemented in 2013, maximising use of stock by rotation amongst branches and devising promotional strategies to highlight the extent of the collection. E-books will be considered should funding permit. The 2013 Draft Revenue Budget includes a provision in expenditure of €57,000, an increase of €15,000 when compared to 2012 adopted Revenue Budget Online Services 2013 will see further emphasis on promoting online services. The current range of online databases will be maintained. We will further develop the website www.donegallibrary.ie and use social media to make it as informative, user-friendly and interactive as possible. The online blog will go live during 2013 where we will review a book of the month. The e-mail messaging service for overdue & request notification and self-service will continue to be promoted. Library infrastructure Cultural Services management and support will relocate to the Regional Cultural Centre in 2013. There may be other opportunities to maximise existing Council-owned facilities through consolidating services and to this end, the use of space at Central Library in Letterkenny and the PSC in Dungloe will be further explored.

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ARTS SERVICE / SEIRBHÍS EALAÍNE

Donegal County Council provides a range of supports for the development of the Arts in County Donegal, working closely with artists, arts organisations, education service providers and community groups throughout the county. Strategic Partnership Revenue Funding Programme/Urraíocht Reatha Fá Coinne Eagraíochtai Straitéiseacha It is Donegal County Council policy to create a sustainable support structure for the network of strategically important, independent arts initiatives and facilities, serving local and regional needs, and complementing services offered by the Arts Service, the Regional Cultural Centre, the Public Art Programme, An Grianán Theatre and Earagail Arts Festival. The Draft Revenue Budget 2013 includes a provision of €53,000 for the Arts Service. Earagail Arts Festival/Féile Ealaíne an Earagail Ta Féile Ealaíne an Earagail mar ceann de na féilte is mó le rá ins an tír i láthair na huaire. The 25th Festival will take place from July 6th – 21st and to mark the occasion, a number of local and visiting artists will be commissioned to create new work celebrating particular aspects of Donegal. The Festival will also host a special Clannad and Altan double-bill concert at Carraig na bhFinne on July 13th as a flagship Gathering event. The Draft Revenue Budget 2013 includes a provision of €55,000 as a contribution to the festival. Donegal Bay and Blue Stacks Festival/Féile Chuan Dhún na nGall Agus na Cruacha Ghorma Donegal Bay and Blue Stacks Festival presented its 12th programme to an audience of over 7,400 people in 2012. This festival is jointly funded by Donegal County Council and The Arts Council / An Comhairle Ealaíon. The 13th Festival will take place from September 28th to October 6th and will include an emphasis on new performance commissions and a strong music programme as well as arts, educational, community, carnival, literary and visual art events. New productions by North West Opera, Donegal Drama Circle and the Balor Rep Theatre Company will be supported and the Festival will partner Erne Enterprise Development Company Ltd. in the creation of another spectacular Carnival Parade in Ballyshannon on the night of Saturday, October 5th. The Draft Revenue Budget 2013 includes a provision of €25,000 as a contribution to the festival. An Grianán Theatre/Amharclann an Ghrianáin Donegal County Council will continue to support An Grianán Theatre. The Council continues to pay loan charges on the building. Letterkenny Town

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Council contributes 50% to the cost of these loan charges and, in partnership with the Arts Council/An Comhairle Ealaíon, also makes a significant annual revenue contribution to the facility. Opened to the public in 1999, An Grianán expects to welcome its 1,000,000th customer in 2013. Throughout the year, the theatre will continue to provide a top quality performance programme to local and visiting audiences. Among the early season highlights will be an in-house production of Brian Friel’s Freedom of The City in February and the visit of the internationally acclaimed DruidMurphy project in May. The Draft Revenue Budget 2013 includes a provision of €100,000 to cover a contribution to the company.

REGIONAL CULTURAL CENTRE / IONAD CULTÚRTHA REGIÚNACH The Regional Cultural Centre marked its fifth anniversary in 2012 with a busy and popular programme that included “The 5th Birthday Exhibition” featuring key Donegal related artworks. Other important exhibitions included “Ground Zero 360” in September, a major photographic installation on the events of 9/11 and “Fiddle Case” in June as part of the Derry/Donegal North Atlantic Fiddle Convention. The exhibition programme in 2013 will include: � “Motion Capture”, an exhibition from Glucksman Gallery UCC, featuring

major international artists, Tacita Dean, Marlene Dumas, Roni Horn, and William Kentridge;

� “Local People”, a large-scale specially commissioned Peace III funded social history and art exhibition that explores the rich diversity of what constitutes a ‘local person’ in modern day Donegal/Derry;

� “Artistic Diaspora”, a specially commissioned group exhibition of the Donegal Contemporary Art Diaspora in partnership with Donegal County Council Public Art, featuring work by a number of leading international artists with Donegal connections;

� “Lived Lives”, a contemporary art exhibition and engaged art project developed by Donegal born artist Mr. Seamus McGuinness in response to youth suicide in Ireland, developed side–by–side with the Suicide in Ireland survey conducted by Professor Kevin M. Malone (UCD).

Other 2013 highlights include Songfest, a Peace III funded cross-border traditional music project that will culminate in a series of events at the Earagail Arts Festival.

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The Centre will present a year round programme of concerts in partnership with the VEC Music Education Partnership and a film programme in partnership with Foyle Film Festival and others. An extensive education and community arts programme in 2013 includes participation in annual countywide festivals - the 16th Bealtaine Festival for Older People and the 17th Wainfest for Children. The Draft Revenue Budget 2013 includes a provision of €306,411 in respect of the Centre. Income of €162,000 is anticipated from the Arts Council as well as €50,000 from Letterkenny Town Council. PUBLIC ART OFFICE / OIFIG EALAÍON POIBLÍ 2013 sees the implementation of the new Public Art Plan Making Shapes Public Art in Donegal 2013-2017. Highlights include the planning and/or delivery of Killybegs PlaySpace Commission, Traveller Caravan Commission, The Diaspora Commission, Lovely Weather Film Commission, The Gathering Commission in partnership with Earagail Arts Festival, Heritage Commission, The Riverine ‘Big Sing’ Commission, National Roads Authority Dungloe to Glenties Road and The Surf Commission for Bundoran. The Public Art Office will seek to secure funding for ArtScape Donegal @ Ards Forest Park which is a major Cultural Tourism Flagship Project for Donegal and will be part of an increasing emphasis on public art as a tourism resource for the County. DONEGAL COUNTY MUSEUM The Draft Revenue Budget 2013 includes a provision of €302,397 for the service of which €143,998 is recoupable from Letterkenny Town Council. Decade of Anniversaries The Museum will continue to work with groups throughout Donegal to commemorate the Decade of Anniversaries. In 2013 a new touring exhibition will be developed. In 2012 the Museum organised an exhibition to commemorate the signing of the Ulster Covenant in conjunction with the Orange Order and the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. The Museum will also continue working with partners in Derry City Council and Omagh and Strabane District Council areas on the Plantation to Partition project. This project has already delivered a series of workshops, an archaeological dig and a specific Ulster Covenant centenary event.

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In 2013 the Museum will participate in the Hands of History Project, which aims to develop and deliver an innovative programme exploring how we remember key events in our history. This project is part of the Donegal Peace III Action Plan and is managed by Donegal County Council. Exhibition and Events Programme The Museum will continue to organise a varied exhibitions and events programme in 2013. Exhibitions proposed include the Ulster Sports Museum Association Touring Exhibition which will include artefacts and archives relating to Donegal, the James Glass Exhibition in conjunction with the Archives Service, the Earagail Arts Festival and Derry City Council Heritage and Museum Service which will tell the story of photographer James Glass who took photographs of the Gweedore area in the late nineteenth century, and the Signs of Life exhibition on loan from the Irish Deaf Society. Gathering 2013 Throughout 2013 the Museum will continue to build on its role as a cultural tourism resource for the County. As part of the Gathering 2013, the Museum will work with the Archives and Library Services to organise a series of family history roadshows, on the theme of ‘How To Research Your Family History’ in venues throughout the County. Reaching Out to Communities The Museum will further develop as a resource for schools and community groups. In 2012 the Museum launched its Archaeology Loan Box for Schools and brought the first Pop Up Museums to Donegal. The Museum will organise and host events during the Bealtaine Festival, Earagail Arts Festival, Heritage Week, Culture Night and Wainfest. ARCHIVES & RECORDS MANAGEMENT In 2013, the Archives Service will produce a study pack for schools on Donegal and the Revolutionary Years, 1912 to 1923. This is part of the Archives Service’s commemoration of the Decade of Commemorations and is a Hands of History Peace III funded project. The pack will contain an illustrated history of this seminal period in recent Irish history, particularly as it affected County Donegal and border counties, in the form of worksheets, biographies, and high quality facsimiles from various archival institutions. Roll out of packs will commence in late 2013. It will be accessible in hard copy and on the Archives website. Its launch will be accompanied by an exhibition, highlighting relevant material held by Donegal County Archives.

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The Archives Service will take part in national events such as Bealtaine, Heritage Week and The Gathering and ongoing Diaspora and family history projects. The Ulster Plantation Document Study pack will be distributed in Derry as part of the city’s commemorations of the Plantation. An exhibition on the history of the GAA in Donegal, utilising the archives donated by the GAA to the County Archives, will be held in Lifford. The touring exhibition The Past in the Present will again travel to venues around the county. The Draft Revenue Budget 2013 includes a provision of €108,826 under the Archives heading.

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DEVELOPMENT MANAGEMENT BAINISTIÚ FORBRAIOCHTA

Draft Budgeted Expenditure: €7,269,933 Draft Budgeted Income: €2,580,586 DEVELOPMENT MANAGEMENT The centralisation of Development Management during 2012 marked a turning point in the delivery of the service with positive steps being taken to maintain a strategic focus and ensuring the continued delivery of DCC’s statutory planning obligations and strategic needs. The levels of activity with regard to the numbers of planning applications received has remained on a par with 2011 and this continues to be managed in conjunction with the enforcement caseloads, control of quarries and key initiatives regarding unfinished housing developments. These latter areas of responsibility take up significant resources as the Council works to facilitate the resolution of problems. The table below shows the level of activity with regard to planning applications between 1st January and 30th November 2012. Decisions on planning applications 1st January 2012 to 30th November 2012

Category

Number of Applications determined

Applications determined Within 8 weeks (Further Info not requested)

Ext of time agreed

Applications where F.I. was requested

Applications Granted

Applications Refused

Applications appealed

Appeal - Decision Upheld

Appeal Over turned

Housing Development

20

8 (89%)

1 (11%)

11 (55%)

17 (85%)

3 (15%)

1 (5%)

0 (0%)

1 (100%)

Individual Houses

449

257 (95%)

13 (5%)

179 (40%)

401 (89%)

48 (11%)

9 (2%)

6 (67%)

3 (33%)

Other – Not requiring EIA

524 385 (97%)

13 (3%)

126 (24%)

486 (93%)

38 (7%)

12 (2.2%)

9 (75%)

3 (25%)

Other requiring EIA

4

2 (100%)

0

2 (50%)

3 (75%)

1 (25%)

0 (0%)

0 (0%)

0 (0%)

Total 997

652 (96%)

27 (4%)

318 (32%)

907 (91%)

90 (9%)

22 (2.2%)

15 (68%)

7 (32%)

Nationally, An Bord Pleanála’s Annual Report for 2011 highlighted the position where although Donegal had the second highest number of

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applications among all the County Councils (excluding City Councils), Donegal had a comparatively low rate of 46 appeals [3.6% of decisions] made to ABP. This amounted to only 2.6% of all appeals to ABP across the country. 57% of appeals were either confirmed or confirmed and varied on appeal with just under 43% of appeals reversed by ABP. To date in 2012 there have been 22 appeals to An Bord Pleanála amounting to 2.2% of all applications.

No. of Decisions appealed to Board

0

20

40

60

80

100

120

140

160

Cork

Dún L

aogh

aire/

Rathd

own

Fing

al

Kerry

Kildar

e

South

Dub

lin

Mea

th

Wick

low

Limer

ickCla

re

Galway

May

o

Doneg

al

Louth

Wexfo

rd

Kilken

ny

WestM

eath

Water

ford

Offaly

Laois

North T

ippe

rary

Sligo

Rosco

mm

on

Mon

agha

n

Carlow

Cavan

Long

ford

Leitri

m

South

Tipp

erar

y

Source: An Bord Pleanala Annual Report 2011 The level of activity with regard to Enforcement continues to place significant demands on resources with a total of 219 cases being reported in 2012. The processes involved with these cases demand attention to detail and rigorous examination often involving detailed negotiations and protracted legal action. The focus for 2013 will one of proactive engagement with cases to seek effective resolutions of unauthorised development. The commitment remains to resort to legal action where this is the most appropriate means to achieving compliance or a case resolution. In conjunction with the ongoing case loads, it is likely that there will be additional demands arising from the 104 determinations made during 2012 in relation to the control of quarries. During 2013, the outcome of 34 ongoing appeals on quarry cases to An Bord Pleanála will influence the overall workloads relating to enforcement and the complexities of these cases are likely to be significant.

To date there have been approximately 350 pre-planning enquiries recorded where the staff provided advice and guidance on projects and applications across the county. The provision of dedicated weekly facilities to enable prompt attention to enquiries in each of the Public Service Centres and in

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County House will continue to be a focus for the department. This is augmented by the wider service provided to address more general queries over the telephone or in writing. The advisory service this provides will be reviewed regularly in the context of customer service and available resources. UNFINISHED HOUSING ESTATES The work programme for 2013 will address key projects associated with the resolution of problems associated with unfinished housing developments. The facilitation of getting effective resolutions to the most serious of the cases will continue to be characterised by proactive engagement with all stakeholders with a principal focus on the needs of residents. There are 133 cases identified on the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government (DoECLG) list of Unfinished Developments for 2012. The review of the list of Unfinished Developments undertaken at the behest of the DoECLG has been completed and it is anticipated that any revised list will be published by the DoECLG early in 2013. A key component of this work programme is the preparation and submission of applications under the Public Safety Initiative for funding of approximately €1.3m to address the most seriously problematic developments. This work will be prioritised during 2013. The Planning Department also performs a co-ordinating role across all Directorates with regard to legacy infrastructural issues. BUILDING CONTROL The amalgamation of the Building Control service with Planning came into force during 2012. To the end of November, 2012, 309 valid commencement notices had been registered marking a slight decline in the number of notices received when compared to 2011. The fees received to date amount to approximately €12,600 and the likely out-turn for 2012 will be less than the €14,550 received for the same period in 2011. There have been a very limited number of applications for relaxations or dispensations from part(s) of the Building Regulations compared to previous years. The issuing of Disability Access Certificates that commenced in 2010 continues to be a growing area of work with 58 applications received to date with associated fees of €31,200. The Draft Revenue Budget 2013 includes a provision of €2,275,190 in respect of Planning Control and Enforcement Costs.

CENTRAL PLANNING UNIT The Central Planning Unit is and will continue to be a key resource for the Economic, Social and Cultural development of County Donegal. The Unit

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continues to work closely with other parts of the County Council and with a range of external stakeholders in carrying out this work. Context The focus of the Central Planning Unit [CPU] work programme continues to be the development of strategy and policy frameworks guiding community and economic development. The main components of the work can be divided into the following key areas: � The delivery of statutory plans and policy documents; � Research and monitoring of spatial planning indicators; � Consultation and collaboration with the community and other

stakeholders in the development of policy; and � Liaison with regional and national agencies. The outputs arising from the strategic approach to policy development include: � Structured, evidence led spatial planning; � The development of an implementation framework; � The development of a collaborative basis for the prioritisation of

public investment; and � Enabling the development of strategically important projects and

the delivery of strategic infrastructural projects.

Key Projects for 2013: The County Donegal Development Plan 2012-2018 Implementation and operation of the County Donegal Development Plan. The plan’s key strategic objective is to foster positive growth in a sustainable manner, which encourages, economic, environmental and social progress throughout the County. Sustainable development is the basis of the plan; therefore there is a presumption in favour of such development. The plan also highlights the positive aspects evident in Donegal, its people, workforce, landscape and culture and the changes that new technologies can offer, so that it benefits our social, community, cultural and environmental health. The plan also recognises the value of the historic and natural environment and how they can be cherished to advance the character of the County and enables the direction of development opportunities to locations that have the capacity to cope with it in a sustainable way.

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Variation to the Town Development Plan Significant variations to the Letterkenny and Environs Development Plan 2009-2015, the Buncrana and Environs Development Plan 2008-2014 and the Bundoran and Environs Development 2009-2015 have commenced following the adoption of the County Donegal Development Plan. The complex variations address the requirements of legislation and introduce Core Strategies to each plan. The objective is to set out a co-ordinated framework for the development of the main towns in the County, which will guide and support the location of new growth, perform as a mechanism to co-ordinate investment programmes, ensure sufficient supply of zoned housing land and implement necessary environmental safeguards. A series of workshops have been held with the respective Town Council’s and County Council Members and it is expected that the detail of the Variations will be published in the spring of 2013 with adoption by mid year. Review of Buncrana & Environs Development Plan 2008-2014 The statutory review of the Buncrana & Environs Development Plan 2008-2014 has advanced through 2012, with the publication of notices relating to pre-draft public consultation followed by an initial Manager’s Report. The preparation of the Draft Plan is progressing and the Draft Plan will be published for public consultation in the early part of 2013. The Plan will spotlight the significant potential of the town in relation to its position on Lough Swilly as a key link in tourism related development. This is coupled with the significant advantages evident in the built and cultural heritage in the town pointing towards considerable job creation potential for the future. Local Area Plans The County Development Plan outlined provision to prepare Local Area Plans for key settlements in the county. Local Area Plans for Ballybofey/ Stranorlar and for Donegal Town are to commence during the early part of 2013 with the publication of issues papers, aimed at stimulating discussion on key matters of concern. The Local Area Plans will be advanced through 2013 with others in the local area plan programme undertaken on a rolling basis thereafter. Landscape Character Assessment As a key element of the monitoring and research work of the CPU, work has commenced on the preparation of a Landscape Character Assessment of the County that will ultimately add key information shaping the future development of policy and strategy. Work on this significant project commenced in late 2012 and will continue to progress well into 2013 and is likely to involve considerable public consultation and a full Variation to the County Development Plan. The Landscape Character Assessment will involve

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detailed survey of the County aided by GIS techniques and also involve an evaluation of the Historical Landscape and a Seascape Character Analysis. Conservation The Conservation Officer continues to provide a specialist guidance and advice service on the conservation and historic built fabric of the County particularly with regard to the Record of Protected Structures. It is proposed that aspects of work will be carried out by the CPU, through the Heritage Office, with the alignment of the Heritage Office with the CPU. The National Inventory of Architectural Heritage in relation to the County has recently been published by the Government and almost 3,000 new structures will considered for addition to the RPS, thereby safeguarding and protecting a significant element of the character of the County which will have spin offs in terms of tourism potential, job creation and generally harnessing the economic value of the built environment. Heritage Office The County Donegal Heritage Office will continue to raise awareness, provide advice, gather data, propose policy and promote best practice in relation to heritage matters. In conjunction with the County Donegal Heritage Forum and the Heritage Council, the Heritage Office will continue to implement the County Donegal Heritage Plan which, in 2013, will include the preparation of a new County Heritage Plan, a project to investigate the cultural migration and material culture of Donegal people abroad, the development of a heritage app, explore the establishment of Civic Trusts in the county and participate in the national Heritage Map Viewer initiative. A third-level education working group will also be established to encourage assignments in support of heritage. National Heritage Week takes place from Saturday, August 17 to Sunday, August 25, 2013. The Heritage Office will build on the success of, and co-ordinate, Heritage Week in County Donegal and compile and publish its highly-successful guide to Heritage Week events. It will also contribute to Culture Night 2013. The Heritage Office will support initiatives in the area of cultural heritage tourism including the launch of a guide to museums and heritage centres in County Donegal, support and host an audio heritage tour of one of the ‘Heritage Towns’, launch the reprint of the Archaeological Survey of County Donegal on its 30th anniversary and support Local Community Heritage Awareness Days. The Heritage Office will contribute to key elements of CPU work during 2013 including the work to be undertaken in relation to the Landscape Character Assessment. The Draft Revenue Budget 2013 includes a provision of €106,354,000 under this heading.

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Marine Spatial Planning The growing responsibilities placed on Local Authorities in relation to our coastal zone has resulted in initiatives that deal with the interactions between the land-based activities, the sea and climate change. It is anticipated that the marine spatial planning model that has been prepared and continues to be developed under the IMCORE project will form a sound basis for its application along Donegal’s coastline and enable Donegal to provide sound evidence led advice to stakeholders dealing with the coastal environment. Research & Monitoring This element of the work programme often underpins the entire project based work and advice given by the planning authority. To this end it is anticipated that monitoring and analysis of key information will continue to assist in the development of effective strategies. The evidence led approach to policy development, now expressly included in legislation, will be facilitated through the development of a comprehensive set of key spatial planning indicators. This approach is aligned with the necessity to environmentally assess plans and projects during their development. The need for sound environmentally based indicators further underpins the intention to increase the research and monitoring role of the unit to ensure that competencies in this area of work can be developed enabling accuracy and efficiencies in the delivery of Strategic Environmental Assessment and Appropriate Assessment of proposed plans. Strategic Planning Zones The Council will continue to keep under review the potential opportunities that the development of strategic planning zones may present at key areas with identified sectoral and economic potential. The development of such planning schemes to identify and guide economic opportunities is seen as a social and economic driver towards sustainable investment in the county. The Draft Revenue Budget 2013 includes a provision of €25,000 under this heading. Casual Trading Discussions are to be opened with the elected Members of the Donegal Electoral Area to debate issues related to Casual Trading in their area. Thereafter a Countywide review of the general Casual Trading bylaws will be advanced during 2013. The Draft Revenue Budget 2013 includes a provision of €23,600 under this heading.