Tuarascáil Mhíosúil ón PhríomhfheidhmeannachMonthly Management Report

Nollaig/ December 2019

FINANCE &SUPPORT SERVICES

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RURALDEVELOPMENT

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SOCIALDEVELOPMENT

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PHYSICALDEVELOPMENT

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PLANNING AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

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RURAL DEVELOPMENT Cliffs of Moher Strategy 2040

Kilkee Town has received a WTM World Responsible Tourism Award for ‘Best for Reducing Plastic Waste’. The Award was presented in London to Cllr Cillian Murphy.

Clare County Council signed contracts with Haley Sharpe Consultants to prepare a new Cliffs of Moher Strategy 2040. The consultants comprise a multi disciplinary team who will devise the strategy that will inform future developments at the Cliffs of Moher Visitor Experience. This is a joint initiative between Clare County Council and Fáilte Ireland.Deputy Mayor of Clare, Cllr. Clare Colleran Molloy, stated that the challenge of this Strategy, and its component master plan, is to deliver a world class visitor experience utilising best practice visitor management and environmental management practices to ensure the future of the natural asset is safeguarded.Chief Executive Pat Dowling said that the opportunity is to provide adequate facilities onsite while securing a continued contribution to the wider economy, to ensure commercial and environmental sustainability into the future maintaining

market positioning. The project value is €398k + VAT and will be completed over 15 months with key deliverables at scheduled points. Miriam Kennedy, head of Wild Atlantic Way confirmed the commitment of Fáilte Ireland to work with the Council on this iconic product and the new strategic path.Chairperson of Cliffs of Moher centre Ltd., Bobby Kerr, said that “The strategy is a critical piece of work in informing what’s required for this iconic site and dovetails with the Clare strategy ensuring the Cliffs is a driver for tourism in the rest of the county”“This is a fantastic opportunity for Cliffs of Moher Visitor Experience to work with experts who will take a holistic perspective to develop the much needed site improvements”

Geraldine Enright Director.

Dr. Senan Cooke, Dunhill Ecopark, Ballyphilip, Dunhill, Co. Waterford gave a presentation to the Clare Rural Development Forum on 12th November 2019 on Social Enterprise

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RURAL DEVELOPMENT

International Tourism Awards – Cliffs of Moher shortlisted.

Visit from Eastern Holland

A wheelchair basketball mini tournament took place recently in the fantastic facilities in Gurteen, Co. Clare. Clare Comhairle na nÓg and Kilmaley Youth Club joined with Clare Wheelers Basketball Club to learn the basics of the game and to let the young people have a little of the experience of being a wheelchair user. “A really enjoyable day even if I am exhausted” was the verdict of one of the young people. While another said that “we would never had a chance to see what it was like to use a wheelchair if we didn’t get to come today”. James Murrihy of Clare Sports Partnership who sits on the Comhairle Steering Committee said they were delighted to be able to facilitate the event and looked forward to working with Clare Youth Service to help it grow in 2020. He praised the young people from Comhairle na nÓg for coming up with the idea and organising the day. Comhairle na nÓg gives young people a voice in decision making and allows them to take action in areas of importance to them.

This event was organised to encourage minority sports and tackle discrimination.

Clare Comhairle na nÓg

Rural Development staff recently facilitated a study visit by Ms. Anne Marie van Oldeniel-Boerhof. Anne Marie is from a rural region in Eastern Holland. She has a keen interest in rural and community development, in addition to involvement in a variety of voluntary activities in her own region. During her two-day visit, Anne Marie had the opportunity to attend the recent Rural Development Forum. She also observed the November meeting of Clare County Council and a Budget Briefing for Elected Members. Rural Development staff and Anne Marie also had the opportunity to exchange ideas and compare the Irish and Dutch systems of Local Government.

The Cliffs of Moher Visitor Experience was among one of the finalists shortlisted at the World Travel Awards in London on Tuesday 5th November. Ireland was very successful with two visitor attractions listed in the Best Visitor Attraction category.

• Cliffs of Moher Visitor Experience by Clare County Council• Dark Sky® Alqueva: A Star Destination by Dark Sky

Association• Les Villages Nature Paris by Groupe Pierre and Vacances• Sengan-en, Shoko Shuseikan Museum, and Satsuma Kiriko

Glass works Renovation Project by Shimadzu Ltd• Spike Island by Spike Island Development Company• Warner Bros. Studio Tour London - The Making of Harry

Potter by Warner Bros. Studio Tour London

The Cliffs of Moher is part of the UNESCO Burren and Cliffs of Moher Geopark and is Ireland’s most visited attraction with 1.58 million visitors in 2018.

The Awards celebrate the success of national, regional and city tourist boards and recognises outstanding private sector companies and individuals. Organised by World Tourism Market (WTM) London, along with an independent panel of expert judges, the 15 awards showcase the best in class of the global travel & tourism industry, in front of an audience of 500+ senior industry professionals.

The Mayor of Clare Cathal Crowe added “It’s a fantastic achievement for the Clare County Council owned facility to be acknowledged at an international level.”

“Recognition at this level highlight the success of tourism development in Co. Clare and provides rationale for future investment and development” Leonard Director of Services Rural Development.

“We are very proud to be on the centre stage of best attractions in the world. Being shortlisted is an affirmation that the Cliffs of Moher Visitor Experience is world class, this acknowledgment gives recognition to the staff who maintain the site meticulously and serve the customer to the highest standards” Geraldine Enright - Director Cliffs of Moher Visitor Experience

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RURAL DEVELOPMENT Annual Tourism Policy Workshop

The 10th Annual Tourism Policy Workshop took place in Dromoland Castle Hotel on 22nd November 2019. This event was supported by the Cliffs of Moher Visitor Experience.

Clare Association Dinner

Mid West Tourism BallPictured at the Irish Hotels Federation Mid West Tourism Ball 7th Annual Fundraising Tourism Bally in the Woodlands House Hotel,

Adare are:Standing: Joan Tarmey, Tim Madden, Nicola Killeen, Cllr Cillian Murphy, Philomena O’Connell, Cllr Pat Hayes, Deirdre O’Shea;

Seated: Cllr Clare Colleran Molloy and Deirdre Power.

International Tourism Awards

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CORPORATE SERVICESRegister of Electors

The List of claims are now prepared and will be published this week, Pat Wallace, County Registrar will oversee the Revision Courts for the purpose of hearing claims, objections and the revision and amendment of the several Lists of Voters (Dail, Local Government and European Assembly) for the County of Clare. This will be held in Court 3, The Courthouse, Lifford, Ennis, County Clare on Wednesday 4th December at 2.30p.m. for all and every voting area of County Clare

PROCUREMENT:

The following tender competitions were published in November 2019

Freedom of Information & Data Protection:Statistics to 30/11/19:• 162 Freedom of Information Requests• 14 Freedom of Information Internal Review applications• 3 appeals to Information Commissioner• 28 Access Requests (Data Protection)

Councillor Cases ApplicationAn application has been developed in-house to allow Councillors to make representations in a more efficient manner and to allow both Councillors and staff to record and track the progress on queries/representations lodged. This app is accessible using PowerApps and is free to download on a tablet or smart phone. The App has been loaded on Councillors Phones/Tablets and training is being provided on an individual basis.

When the Councillor logs and saves a case, it will go directly through to ‘Customer Service’ who will set the status to ‘In Progress’ and assign the case to the relevant staff member / group (the assignee), for action and reply. The case will be updated as appropriate and the Councillor can view the status of the case and the last action which was taken, at all times.

The app will provide a good tracking system for Councillors, staff and management, and allow Councillors access and visibility on their representations in one secure location. The Business Review Team are available to assist with any queries in the roll out of the application.

HUMAN RESOURCESNovember was a busy month for staff training with many operatives up skilling in the fields of Load Securing, Abrasive Wheel Operation, Location of Underground Services and PHECC First Aid Response.

New this month were a Self Care Workshop for Housing Staff and a Stop Food Waste Workshop for all staff, while online training in Manual Handling, Employee Wellbeing and Children First are regular features on the Learning & Development calendar

The final workshop/information sessions for the Fire Services were delivered in November with the crews from Kilrush and Killaloe stations attending and participating at their respective stations

There are 14 recruitment competitions currently running including Burial Ground Register, Executive Engineer, Technician Grade 1, Temp. Part-time School Warden (Ennis MD and West Clare MD), Senior Executive Technician and Retained Fire Fighters (Killaloe).

FINANCE & SUPPORT SERVICES

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SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT

Social Housing* HAPEnnis 1131 644Shannon 627 150West Clare 896 372Killaloe 338 176Inter Authority HAP 36TOTAL 2992 1378

*Includes RAS and long term and short term leased properties

The table above does not include properties made available by Approved Housing Bodies in the County.

Update on Capital Projects:`

SHIP Capital No. approved

Current stage Commencement Date

Completion Date

Quilty 18 Under construction byMartins Construction Ltd.

25th April 2019 Q3 2020

Roslevan, Ennis 8 Under construction byK&D Whelan Construction Ltd.

25th April 2019 Q2 2020

Ashline, Ennis 40 Stage 2 approved by DHPLG.Part VIII approved. Stage 1 Tenders assessed.

Q2 2020 Q4 2021

Ballaghboy TAU 5 Design process ongoing Q2 2020 Q1 2021Miltown Malbay 27 Stage 2 submitted to the DHPLG.

PCD complete. Part VIII in Dec. 2019.

Q3 2020 Q4 2021

Shannon NDFA 51 Contract Award to TORC.Shannon MD Councillor’s briefed.

Q4 2019 Q1 2021

Tulla 25 Stage 2 approved by DHPLG. PCD complete.Part VIII in Feb. 2020.

Q3 2020 Q4 2021

Newmarket on Fergus

18 Stage 1 approved by DHPLG.Stage 2 app. being prepared.

Q3 2020 Q4 2021

Kilmihil 2 Single Stage approved by DHPLG.Part VIII approved.Contract about to be awarded.

Q4 2019 Q3 2020

Sixmilebridge 2 Single Stage approved by DHPLG.Planning in place.Contract about to be awarded.

Q4 2019 Q3 2020

Scarriff 18 Stage 1 approved by DHPLG. Design Team currently been procured.Flood Risk Ass. Consultants appointed.

Q3 2020 Q4 2021.

November saw the completion of two Council direct build schemes at Clonlara and Feakle with 22 household’s allocated new homes in time for Christmas. Also by the end of this month 31 dwellings at Tullyvarraga, Shannon are complete and purchased by Co-operative Housing Ireland (CHI) and are shortly due for allocation by CHI to households nominated by this Council to CHI. The remaining 16 units are due for completion before year end. These developments provide much needed additional accommodation and help reduce our housing waiting list. November is the time of year for claims to the DHPLG so like Santa’s elves we are all extremely busy and focused on the deadline.

The following table indicates the number of people accommodated in social housing in Clare by municipal district:

Housing

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Roslevan 8 Stage 1 approved by DHPLG. Design Team currently been procured.

Q3 2020 Q4 2021.

Subtotal 222

Cahercalla Phase 2 (Cuan an Chlair)

15 CAS - Stage 4 approved. Contract signed in August and construction ongoing.

Q3 2019 Q4 2020

Roslevan(CoOperative Housing Ireland)

2 CALF Turnkey. 2 units delivered at end June 2019.

Q1 2018 Q2 2019

Bruachlan, Westbury(CoOperative Housing Ireland)

22 CALF - Property transfer complete, CHI to commence procurement of design team.

Q4 2019 Q3 2021

Tullyvarraga, Shannon(CoOperative Housing Ireland)

47 CALF Acquisition application approved works nearing completion.

Q2 2018 Q4 2019

Gleann Cora, Newmarket-on-Fergus (Co-Operative Housing Ireland)

31 CALF turnkey. To be delivered in 2020.

Q3 2018 Q4 2020

Edenvale, Ennis(Newgrove Housing Association)

3 CAS Construction Q2 2020 Q1 2021

Limerick Road, Ennis(Cluid Housing Association)

3 CALF Turnkey (Part V) Q4 2018 Q4 2019

Limerick Road, Ennis(Cluid Housing Association)

2 CALF Turnkey (Part V) Q4 2019 Q4 2020

Ballymacaula, Ennis(Cluid)

4 CALF Turnkey (Part V) Q2 2019 Q4 2020

Crusheen, (Part V)(Cluid)

4 CALF Turnkey (Part V) Q2 2019 Q4 2020

Subtotal 133 AHB delivery

Total 355

Expressions of InterestThe Council is continuing to seek to increase the number of social houses being brought into stock, through various delivery mechanisms, and continue to invite expressions of interest for the supply of turnkey housing developments, unfinished developments, development lands for social/affordable housing and long term leasing of multi-unit developments in the towns of Ennis, Shannon and their environs in County Clare where a housing need exists.

AcquisitionsAs yearend draws closer we are finalising a number of purchases acquired directly by this Council and by a number of Approved Housing Bodies. It is required that we maximise the drawdown of funding for purchased properties in 2019 as it is expected that in 2020 the number of acquisitions permissible for funding by the DHPLG will be further reduced. The Council will be informed of our targets for house purchases early next year.

HomelessnessThe Clare Homeless Action Team (HAT) provides services to anyone who is homeless or at risk of losing their home. The HAT

office is open to the public from 10.00am to 1pm Monday to Friday, in the Housing Section, Clare Co Council headquarters on New Road and the HAT team can also be contacted on 065 684 6291. All people presenting to the HAT office as homeless are being met, their needs assessed and appropriate supports will be offered where possible.On 22nd November 2019, the homeless figures indicate occupancy of 12 beds at Laurel Lodge, 60 adults and 49 dependents in emergency accommodation across 22 hotel and B&B providers and 5 adults and 8 dependents in Cusack Lodge family hub.The interagency Homeless Action Team is focusing on pathways and exits from homeless services to accommodation. With the colder darker nights upon us we are focusing in particular on rough sleepers. If you are aware of persons rough sleeping please make contact with the HAT team.

Rebuilding Ireland Affordable Loan50 number ‘Rebuilding Ireland Home Loan’ applications were received in 2019 up to 27th November 2019 and 26 loan applications were granted provisional approval up to this period. 40 loans were drawn down since the introduction of

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SOCIAL DEVELOPMENTthe Scheme in February 2018. The loan scheme offers a fixed interest rate for credit worthy low to middle income first time buyers with a view to making home ownership more affordable. Under the Mortgage to Rent Scheme a new private company called Home for Life (HFL) has entered the market for acquiring houses which have loans in distress with private financial institutions. They will purchase the relevant dwelling subject to approval of the financial institution, the borrower and also the Housing Agency who co-ordinate the Scheme. The borrowers will become tenants of the Council and will remain in their home and pay a rent to the Council. Home for Life will be responsible

for maintenance. The Social Development Directorate will enter into a Lease Agreement with Home for Life over a 25 year period. There is an option for the occupants to purchase back their dwelling after five years if their circumstances improve. We currently have 12 such referrals from the Housing Agency that we are processing.

Housing Refurbishment and Maintenance The management and turnaround of our housing stock to minimise voids is continuously assessed and hereunder is the activity in this regard:

Period No. of voids/casual vacancies

No. of voids returned to stock

No. of properties undergoing refurbishment

Average vacancy period (days)

No. of maintenencecalls

November 48* 7 82 130 572

* This figure does not include properties which have become vacant after 1st December nor does it include acquisitions and long-term voids

Planned MaintenanceThis project is continuing at pace with four works contracts tendered and under assessment. Works under these contracts will be awarded and commence early in 2020. Clare County Council is to the fore in relation to the Planned Maintenance of Council stock and in this regard we are working with the DHPLG in the development of the sectoral model for national role out. We continue to pursue the DHPLG in relation to the expected shortfall in funding for the completion of this project.

GrantsThe three grant schemes reopen to all in January 2020. A new streamlined approach is being considered by the Department for 2020 whereby one application form will be used for all 3 grant types. There is also reduced timelines proposed for issuing grant approvals and for completion of the work by the applicants. Final details from the Department are awaited.Grant approvals issued in November for Housing Adaptation, Housing Aid and Mobility Aid grants:

Grant type Approvals issued in November 2019

Value of works

Housing Adaptation Grant for People with a Disability

18 388,097

Housing Aid for Older People

15 88,250

Mobility Aids Grant 17 84,780

Grant Approvals issued in November 2019

50 €561,127

Clare County LibraryThe importance of a local library in the lives of a community should never be underestimated. This was seen recently with a great attendance at a coffee morning, held in memory of local lady Jennifer Hopker in Sixmilebridge Library. The coffee morning was made possible by donations from Jennifer’s cousins in Australia & Canada. Travel books for Sixmilebridge Library were also purchased in Jennifer’s memory.

Local writer & historian Joe Ó Muircheartaigh delivered a talk on John Burke and the War of Independence in Ennistymon Library as part of the Decade of Centenaries programme.There was a large audience of over 100 in attendance at Clare County Library’s second Readers Day event with Joseph O’Connor in conversation with Rachael English in Shannon Library earlier this month.

Cultural Services

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SOCIAL DEVELOPMENTA six week course of gardening classes began in Kilkee Library. This programme was facilitated by a partnership between Clare County Library, LCETB & Kilkee Tidy Towns.

There were four events in Clare Libraries as part of the “Healthy Ireland” programme this month. Events included a CPR demo in Kilkee Library, yoga for all age groups in Kilrush & Scariff Libraries. There were also 4 interactive hand eye co-ordination workshops in Kilkee and Kilrush libraries as part of Science Week. An animation workshop and a red carpet showing of the short films produced by the Sparks Film Festival were held in Scariff Library.

A 6 week Upcycling project in Kilkee library with locally based artist Krystyna Pomeroy for children began this month. Two Autism awareness workshops with Dr Susan Crawford took place in Scariff Library. This was supported by grant funding from the dormant accounts. The Seven Sisters poets held Poems for a winter evening event in Shannon Library. Clare Haven Services provided an information stand in three of Clare County Library branches this month. Connections, a new literacy project at Ennistymon Library, began this month involving members of the Syrian community in Ennistymon the aim of which is linking cultures through story.Ennistymon library has collaborated with Scoil Mhainchin National School, Poetry Ireland and iBbY Ireland to offer this uniquely creative project for Syrian children and their families. The group which also includes older siblings and parents began writing their own stories at the start of an eight week project on the 7th of November. The workshop facilitator is children’s author Debbie Thomas accompanied by illustrator Tatyana Feeney, both of whom have successfully published and illustrated children’s books with Irish publishers.

Through their written stories and illustrations, families will explore the themes of friendship, heroes, life in Ireland, home, food, journeys with references perhaps to the stories and folktales of their native Syria. The objectives of this latest library initiative in the Right to Read programme is to give space for each parent and child to connect and have fun together as a group as well as improving the participants’ oral literacy and writing in English. It is envisaged that this forum for creative expression will help participants emotionally whilst developing artistic and literacy skills among the group. All stakeholders hope that it will make our new citizens more welcome and offer them a special opportunity to find a little piece of Syria in County Clare.

There were also adult and children’s book clubs, story time and crafts, as part of the “Right to Read” at your library programme, films, computer coding workshops and creative writing

workshops in many of the libraries this month.

Clare MuseumThere were two public talks in the museum during November. One on 13th November was a talk and performance of songs of Irish independence from Clare, while the other was on the history of the Aran sweater. The latter was particularly well attended with 23 people in the audience. The series of historical and archaeological talks are set to continue in 2020, with speakers booked for January and February. Clare Museum’s recent acquisition of a painting by Frederic William Burton was highlighted in local media.New images for the windows of the museum have been designed.

A number of objects identified as being state property under the National Monuments Act 1994 have been declared to the National Museum of Ireland. A number of other items will be declared in December. The Collection, Loan and Disposal policies for Clare Museum have been updated where necessary in preparation for presentation to the SPC in early 2020. The Education and Exhibition Policies are currently under review and will be completed in early December. The policies are all requirements for accreditation purposes.

Sports & RecreationThe 9th Irish International Christmas Tree Throwing Championships is being held on Sunday 5th January 2020 in Tim Smyth Park, Ennis with all proceeds of this event to be donated to charity.

ENERGY CERTIFICATE AWARD - Active Ennis Leisure ComplexActive Ennis Leisure Centre have once again demonstrated leadership in Energy Efficiency and Carbon Footprint Reduction, by recieving an DEC efficiency rating of C2. In compliance with Statutory Instrument No. 243 of 2012, large buildings are required to secure and display a DEC. The DEC must be accompanied by an Advisory Report which contains recommendations for the cost-optimal or cost-effective improvement of the energy performance of the building.

The DEC and Advisory Report are based on the operational annual energy use within the building and a survey of the building.

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ACTIVE ENNIS John O’Sullivan Park, Lees RoadCross Country Championships – The Clare National Schools Cross Country finals took place recently on a very wet and windy day in John O’Sullivan Park, Lees Road on 13th November.

Other events: • 28th of October, Red Cross 5K Charity Walk held in honour of

volunteer John Kerin. • 14th of November, Clare Secondary Schools Cross Count y

Finals. 150 teenagers took part on this occasion.

LEISURE CENTRE ACTIVITIES

• Mental Health Week 7th – 11th October, Council Staff were invited to make use of our facilities which are ‘Free of Charge’. There is good participation in this initiative to promote wellbeing.

• Swim Programme for Women – 7 weeks of activity to instil confidence, fitness and good technique. There are over 12 ladies in attendance each night. This program is run in

conjunction with the Clare Local Sports Partnership.• We have launched our ‘new & improve’ swim lesson schedule

which runs at ½ hour intervals. These intensive lessons, for beginners, intermediate and advance swimmers are proving extremely popular.

• Fitness Programme Returns Our Chair Fitness class resumed this autumn with our regular customers and some new faces participating in this very popular “mobility for all” class, which is coached by our Fitness Instructors here at Active Ennis Leisure Centre. This one hour class is being well attended every Monday morning at 11am at a price of €6.00 Pay-as-you-go, or €3.00 for members.

ESSENTIAL MAINTENANCERemedial works underway on the installation of artificial surfaces on conventional pitch goalmouths in Lees Road. This work will enable better performance of pitches and allow for games to go ahead in all weather conditions.

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PLANNING & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENTEconomic Development

Ennis 2040: Work on the Ennis 2040 Economic and Spatial Plan continued in November with the consultants engaged in the preparation on a Flood Risk Assessment, an Appropriate Assessment and a Strategic Environmental Assessment of the plan. Once this stage of preparatory work is complete, it is intended that a Draft Plan will be available for consideration.

Regional Spatial and Economic Strategy: On November 30th the Southern Regional Assembly adopted the Regional Spatial and Economic Strategy 2019 -2031. All of the strategic objectives for County Clare in the draft RSES have been included in the adopted document.

Forward Planning

Shannon Town Park: Clare County Council officially opened Shannon Town Park, Bóthar Linne, Shannon on Tuesday the 19th November at 9.00am. According to Liam Conneally, Director of Economic Development and Shannon Municipal District Co-ordinator “The development of the new Shannon Town Park demonstrates the importance of the Council’s European funding opportunities which aim to deliver key facilities for urban-based communities like Shannon. The new town park adds to the amenities of the town and contributes to Shannon’s revitalisation and regeneration. Clare County Council together with the Southern Regional Assembly have, through the European Regional Development Fund, supported the development of the new Shannon Town Park - a key element of the award winning Shannon Town Green Infrastructure Plan”. He added “the Elected Members of the Shannon Municipal District and people of Shannon played a significant role in informing the design of the Shannon Town Park, for example the inclusion of a cycle pump track which emerged directly through the public consultation process has added a unique and exciting addition, the only one of its kind in the region”. Members of the Shannon Municipal District, the Southern Regional Assembly and members of the wider Shannon community helped celebrate the opening.

Shannon Town Centre Masterplan: The procurement process for the preparation of a Shannon Town Centre Masterplan is currently underway. The closing date on eTenders for tender submissions is 9th December 2019 and it is anticipated that consultants will be engaged in early 2020. This plan will be delivered on foot of funding secured under the URDF stream in 2018. The purpose of the Masterplan is to guide the

development of Shannon Town into the future and to influence and deliver on real change for Shannon Town in order to make Shannon a more attractive destination in which to live, work and do business. The master planning exercise will look at growth potential, use of derelict and vacant sites within the town centre, development potential of key sites at the entrance points from the road network and will seek to create a vibrant place for people to meet, recreate and connect with their area. It is intended that the Masterplan will enable the delivery of a high-quality town environment through sustainable economic growth catering for an expansion of services, retail and residential demand to meet the growth that the Limerick-Shannon Metropolitan Area Strategic Plan and the National Planning Framework have identified for Shannon. It is intended that the Shannon Town Masterplan will underpin and act as a catalyst for change adding a new focus to the creation of a strong urban space within the town centreCappa Enhancement Strategy: The Forward Planning Section and Helena McElmeel Architects are preparing an Enhancement Strategy for Cappa, Kilrush focusing on its connection to the sea,

the pier and the beach. Members of the public have been filling in an online survey and a very successful public consultation event was held on the evening of 9th October at the Kilrush Hub. The second round of public consultation, to review the key ideas identified for the area and help inform the next stage of the strategy, was held on Wednesday 27th November, from 5.30pm to 7.00pm at The Kilrush Hub. It is anticipated that the Draft Strategy will be presented early in 2020.

Enterprise Ireland Feasibility Funding – Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs): The Planning Department of Clare County Council were recently awarded funding under the Enterprise Ireland Regional Enterprise Development Fund (Call 3) to undertake a Feasiblilty Study in relation to the potential dvelopment of a Centre of Excellence in relation to aviation and in particular UAVs at Cahiracon, Co. Clare. The Feasilbity Study would establish what projects might have commercial viability at this location in the medium to long term within the UAV – Unmanned Aerial Vehicles fields. The study will work in close consultation with Shannon Airport Authority and the Irish Aviation Authority (IAA). The tender document is currently being prepared and will be placed on e-tenders before the end of march. This study will run until the March 2020.

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PLANNING & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENTStrategic Integrated Framework Plan (SIFP) for the Shannon Estuary: In 2017, McCarthy Keville O’Sullivan (MKO) was commissioned by the SIFP Steering Group to carry out a bird usage survey of the River Shannon and River Fergus Estuaries Special Protection Area (SPA) comprising the entire estuarine habitat from Limerick City westwards as far as Doonaha in Co. Clare and Dooneen Point in Co. Kerry. However, during this 2017/2018 survey a small area of the SPA remained un-surveyed. The un-surveyed areas included sections of the estuary that were not visible from the shoreline as they were too distant or obscured by islands. The services of McCarthy Keville O’Sullivan were retained in 2019 to survey these previously un-surveyed areas over a 12 month period commencing in July 2019. Count number 4 was successfully completed in November 2019. An interim report will be submitted in December 2019 with a summary of work effort completed to date together with a summary of findings.

Development Management

• 100 planning applications were received during the month of November, bringing the total number received to date for 2019 to 947.

• 27 pre-planning applications were received during the month of November, bringing the total number received to date for 2019 to 298.

Planning Enforcement

• During the month of November there were 13 new complaints received, 8 warning letters issued, 9 enforcement notices were served and 58 files were closed.

Taking in Charge

6 estates were taken in charge during November, 1 in the Ennis Municipal District and 5 in the Shannon Municipal District, this brings the number of estates taken in charge in 2019 to 24.

The statutory process commenced on 4 estates on the 15th November 2019 and the closing date for receipt of submissions is the 3rd January 2020. 3 of these estates are in the West Clare Municipal District and 1 in the Ennis Municipal District.

Substantial progress has been made on a number of developments where remedial works were outstanding and bond monies have been claimed.

• Abbeycourt and Abbeyville, Ennis – remedial works in these developments are nearing completion and should be finalised in the coming weeks.

• Gort Leamhán and Gort na hAbhana, Ennis – remedial works in these developments are substantially complete.

• Teeronea (Tir an Fhia), Kilkishen – the tender to carry out remedial works was advertised on eTenders on Friday 25th October and the closing date for receipt of tenders was Friday 15th November 2019. The assessment of tenders is ongoing.

The Taking in Charge team continues to monitor new developments which are under construction.

Conservation, Archaeology and Built Heritage

Historic Towns Initiative - The Turret Lodge Kilrush: Restoration works have been completed to the arch and piers leading into the Vandeleur Estate. Construction work continues at Turret Lodge on foot of co-funding obtained from The Heritage Council under the Historic Towns Initiative. It is anticipated that all external works will be completed by the end of December 2019. Built Heritage Investment Scheme 2020 (BHIS) and the Historic Structures Fund (HSF) 2020: The 2020 Built Heritage Investment Scheme (BHIS) and the Historic Structures Fund (HSF) conservation grant schemes were announced by the Department of Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht in November. Full details and application forms for applicants and owners of protected structures in Co. Clare are available on www.clarecoco.ie with a closing date for receipt of applications of 24th January 2020.

Heritage and Biodiversity

Errina-Plassey Canal: A built heritage baseline inventory and preliminary visual condition survey has been prepared for the Limerick Navigation Errina-Plassey Canal; River Shannon – Drummeen to Parteen Weir; Upstream of Parteen. The primary purpose of the report is to provide an historical context for the subject study area, identify sites and features of built heritage interest within the extent of the waterway lands and describe the nature of identified built heritage assets. The inventory also includes a baseline condition rating with respect to the built heritage asset and this information can then be used as a baseline with respect to the field condition survey, data analysis, development options, cost and planning and environmental issues, all of which will form a final assessment. A drone survey of the canal will be undertaken and will be a valuable resource for all capturing the condition of the canal at this point of time. This initiative is part-funded by the Heritage Council.

Biodiversity Resource Manual for all Local Authority Staff: The Planning Department are currently developing a bespoke Biodiversity Resource Manual for local authority staff and Elected Members. This is innovative in its approach and is capable of being updated over time. The project and manual, which is the first of its kind in Ireland, can be replicated by other local authorities across the country. This initiative is part-funded by the National Parks and Wildlife Service under the National Biodiversity Action Plan Grant (NBAP) 2019-2021.

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LOCAL ENTERPRISE OFFICE CLARETraining: LEO Clare hosted seven different training courses, information evenings and network events in November, attended by over 90 clients. The workshops included Video Marketing, Advanced SEO, and HR Management and Legislation. LEO Clare also commenced and continued a Start Your Own Business and Complete Digital Marketing training programme in Roche Ireland, Clarecastle for those employees interested in pursuing that option.

Evaluation Committee (EVAC): LEO Clare held their fifth EVAC meeting of the year in which five companies were approved grant aid totalling €148,500.

Shannon Business Advice Clinic: Local Enterprise Office Clare conducted a one to one Business Advice Clinic in the Shannon Municipal District Office where we provided information on services that we offer including training, mentoring and potential financial support to micro Irish businesses that start up and also which existing businesses can avail of.

Women In Business: Local Enterprise Office Clare held a local Women In Business Networking event on November 21st and were joined by guest speaker Carol O’ Reilly who spoke on the topic Broadening Leadership – from Concept to Competence .

Shannon Heritage: Local Enterprise Office Clare in conjunction with the Shannon Heritage Group held an information evening for local clients to meet the group and discuss techniques in pitching their products in order to have them on Shannon Group shelves. Clients also got an opportunity to ask questions to buyers and retail displayers.

Kilrush Website Grant Information Event: Local Enterprise Office Clare hosted an information evening in the Kilrush Digital hub discussing how local businesses can avail of a website grant worth up to €2,500. The event included local web developers who were in a position to answer any potential questions from future applicants along with a former local business applicant who spoke on the process of the grant.

PLANNING & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENTIn November work continued in identifying functions of the local authority that impact on Biodiversity, all Municipal District offices participated in a workshop looking at gap analysis, staff consultation and training. A questionnaire has also been drawn up to obtain the views of Clare County Council staff on their requirement for training on biodiversity generally and the staff surveys will be underway shortly. All directorates have been asked to nominate staff to participate in the development of this manual.The aim is to gather the existing and provide additional best-work practices of the organisation, by implementing adaptive management to prevent nature deterioration, ensuring that biodiversity is a core consideration in the work practices of our staff and the implementation of our local authority functions into the future. The manual and subsequent training will cover all relevant practices and work carried out by the local authority, aiming at its widespread adoption throughout the organisation. It will allow Clare County Council to adopt locally

attuned management systems to ensure that the environment and biodiversity is safeguarded.Reading the Landscape: Forty eight students have participated in the Reading the Landscape training over the past two years provided by Clare County Council and the Limerick Clare Education and Training Board with funding from Creative Ireland. All the participants have undertaken heritage projects based in their local community. In an effort to capture and build on these projects, the training has now been expended to include for website training (writing for the web, scanning, archiving and uploading heritage material to the web), so that these valuable heritage projects can be made publicly available to all as part of the Clare Community Heritage Archive Website (Clare ICA a heritage portal ‘multi-site’ for County Clare). This is a collaborative partnership with support from the National Museum of Ireland. Two further Reading the Landscape training programmes along with other associated initiatives are planned for 2020.

Property ManagementQuin Road Campus : Construction and refurbishment work is progressing well on the upgrade of a building in the Quin Road Business Park in Ennis, which will become the new location for the Clare Civil Defence Headquarters. The Contractors, Jada Construction / Kelly RAC Joint Venture have made considerable progress on Phase 1 of this project. It is hoped that external works on construction of boundary wall, re-instatement of new footpath will be completed before Christmas. This is a partnership between Clare County Council and Department of Defence and will strengthen the capacity of Clare Civil Defence to build on their brilliant service to the people of Clare during all events. Relocation of Allotments in Shannon: At the end of November, the allotment holders are clearing out the former allotments at Illaunamanagh and making the move to their new site. While the weather has been very wet recently, it has been agreed that further rotavation of the new allotments will be done in the Springtime and until then, the fencing of the individual plots will not be carried out. The water connection has been made and the boundary fencing has been completed. All of the individual allotment agreements have been signed. Bodyke: Demolition work has commenced on a derelict hay-

shed on Council owned property at Bodyke. This has been organised by the Killaloe Municipal District office in conjunction with the local Tidy Towns Group who will be enhancing this area with a new garden on the corner site.

Casual Trading: During November, 2019, the Economic Development Department continued the Council’s policy of regulating casual trading under the Casual Trading Act 1995 and our bye-laws there under. We issued 4 casual trading licences as follows - 3 for the Kilrush Horse Fair on the 25th November 2019 and 1 for Killaloe Farmers Market on 1st December 2019.

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PHYSICAL DEVELOPMENTEnvironmental Awareness GardeningWith the arrival of winter and the drop in temperatures, routine winter maintenance has commenced around the county, with hedge cutting, pruning of shrubs and bedding preparation being completed. The Gardening Section completed maintenance work including tree-planting, bulb-planting and preparation of hanging baskets for Spring 2020 displays. Remedial works were also completed in the Public Park in Drumbiggle to improve the general amenity of the area.

Clare Green Festival initiative 2019A two year programme, which will see the further development of a Clare Green Festival network, was announced this month.

Information sessions for festival group organisers were held at the Templegate Hotel on the 13th of November.

Community Environment Action Fund 2019A total of 73 community based projects in County Clare were awarded funding under the Community Environment Action Fund 2019, previously known as the Local Agenda 21 Environmental Partnership Fund. This grant scheme totalling €25,300 is 50% funded by the Department of Communication Climate Action and Environment (DCCAE) and 50% funded by Clare County Council. There was a 50% increase in applications this year from 58 applicants in 2018 to 91applicants in 2019. An average grant of €346 was awarded to successful applicants. Eligible projects supported and complemented national environmental policies with priority given to climate change and biodiversity projects.

Ennis Tidy Towns Repair Cafe Ennis Tidy Towns first Repair Cafe took place in Glór on Saturday 23rd November. This initiative was supported by the Greener Clare programme and funding received from the EPA Local Authority Prevention Network. Over 100 people attended with everything from jackets, laptops, record players, kids toys, jewellery, mobile phones, bicycles and lamps repaired.

Library Staff Training DayAn environmental awareness session was presented to all Library staff outlining the role that libraries play in terms of promoting reuse in the community.

Shannon Active Retirement Association A presentation was given to the Shannon Active Retirement group on the 20th November 2019. The presentation highlighted the importance of preventing and minimising waste at home and in the community, the links to climate action and the session ended with a recycling demonstration. There was great interaction from the 70 members in attendance.

Clare Green Festival initiative 2019An information session for festival / event organisers was given on the 13th of November 2019 at the Templegate Hotel. Following the information session festival organisers were invited to register their interest in participating in the Clare Green Festival Network and associated training programme.

Laboratory & Technical SupportJunior Achievement ProgrammeFirst year science students from Rice College visited the

Environment Laboratory at Clare County Council on 14th November 2019. The 24 students were part of a Junior Achievement Programme, where Triona Acheson is volunteering to present the Futurewize science education programme, which aims to inspire the next generation of scientists, technologists, engineers and mathematicians in Ireland. The students observed some of the day-to-day analysis in the laboratory and got some hands on experience. Triona delivered classes on climate change and the treatment of drinking water and waste water to the students.

River Monitoring Programme 2019Clare County Council is required to collect 295 river water samples in 2019. The calendar for sampling was agreed with the EPA in December last with the sampling spread evenly over the 12 months. As agreed with the EPA, 11 of the 12 sample runs have been completed.

IW SLAClare County Council is required to sample and analyse all public water supplies. The level of monitoring required is agreed with Irish Water and is based on the population served. The monitoring is spread evenly throughout the year. The analysis results are forwarded to IW in agreed format.

Under the IW SLA Clare County Council monitors all discharges from public wastewater treatment plants. The analysis results are forwarded to IW on a monthly basis. The frequency of monitoring is determined by the requirements of the certificates or licences to which the plant must comply. There are 19 plants licensed with 18 being monitored monthly. There are 12 certified plants, which are for smaller populations whose frequency of monitoring is less.

Group Water Schemes and Small Private Supplies. Clare County Council is the Competent Authority for oversight of private water supplies and undertakes in excess of 270 samples from these supplies each year. The sampling and analysis is ongoing throughout 2019. The monitoring programme is nearing completion for this year with only a small number of schemes left to be monitored and exceedances to be re checked.

Discharge Licences. A total of 66 licensed discharges under the Water Pollution Act are monitored in 2019. To date all discharges have been sampled and inspected on a number of occasions so as to assess compliance with their discharge licence requirements. The discharges include quarries, hotels, housing estates and factories.

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PHYSICAL DEVELOPMENTWater and Scientific Services

Water Pollution Complaints: Environment staff has dealt with 87 pollution complaints to date in 2019. The complaints have been investigated and 90% have been closed out soon after investigation. Enforcement notices/letters were issued under the Water Pollution Acts. Further inspections will be carried to ensure that action recommended in the notice is carried out.

Section 4 Discharge Licensed Premises: Inspection reports which include monitoring data are issued for all premises that are monitored by the laboratory section with 4 licensed premises being audited up to the end of November 2019.

National Inspection Programme of Domestic Wastewater Treatment Systems (DWWTS): We completed 41 inspections in 2019 of which 41% were compliant and 59% failed. Approximately 32% of the failures were due to a failure to de-sludge the DWWTS. Advisory notices were issued to owners of non-compliant systems. Re-inspections will be carried out to ensure that recommended actions in notices are carried out.

Planning referrals from Planning Department: Planning permission referrals for single houses are assessed to check that the proposed wastewater treatment plants and percolation areas are in compliance with the EPA Code of Practice 2009 ( population equivalent <10) . Larger developments which have wastewater treatment plants are also assessed. Site inspection visits are carried out and assessment reports including recommendations are forwarded to the planning section. A total of 76 reports have been prepared to date this year. In addition 82 forestry reports were submitted to the Forestry Service via Planning up to the end of November 2019.

Farm Inspections under the Good Agriculture Practice (GAP) Regulations 2017: Clare County Council carries out inspections for the following reasons ; to ensure compliance with the GAP Regulations , following notifications from the DAFM, pollution investigation, 28 farm inspections have been carried out in November 2019 in the Ballycullinan lake and Cloneen River catchments. Of the farmyards inspected 86% were compliant with the GAP Regulations. Advisory letters were issued to the remaining 14% to notify them of non-compliances.

County Clare Lake Sampling Programme 2020A tender has been prepared and uploaded to e-tenders seeking a contractor to do the required lake sampling programme in the county in 2020. The closing date is December 13th. Waste Management Bring BanksBring banks continue to be well used throughout the county. The Killaloe Bring Bank site has been subject to a number of dumping incidents in the last number of weeks and the situation is being monitored.

Textile BanksAdditional textile banks have been added in Cree, Inagh Church car park and Shannon Recycling Centre. The latest monthly tonnage collected was 15.83 tonnes against 9.52 tonnes which was collected for the same month last year. This represents a

66% increase in usage.

Metal CollectionLimerick Metal Recycling is currently providing this service. The total tonnage collected for the months of August, September and October was 119 tonnes. This is slightly up on the same period last year where 113 tonnes were collected.

Limerick Clare Energy AgencyClare County Council is participating in an ISO 50,001 certification programme in partnership with the Climate Action Regional Office (CARO). Successful completion of the programme will lead to ISO 50,001 certification. A Stage 1 audit was successfully completed in October and a Stage 2 Audit is scheduled for early December. Certification to ISO 50,001 will provide a structure for energy and emissions management with continuous improvements towards targets.

Energy PerformanceClare County Council has achieved an energy performance to date of 12.4% towards the required energy efficiency of 33% by 2020. The percentage improvement is dependent upon the organisation energy consumed and the performance metric(s). The percentage change is calculated on the Monitoring & Reporting performance tool hosted by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland. A review of the evaluation metrics is being conducted to ensure the correct performance metric is utilised for the 2020 data. The rollout of the public lighting contract will generate a major improvement in energy performance.

Waste Enforcement

The enforcement team continue to respond to waste and litter related complaints with a total of 136 complaints received in November 2019. Of these complaints 89 have been closed. Illegal dumping and fly tipping remain the persistent offenders.

Dog-fouling continues to be an issue in certain areas of the County. The Council relies on the vigilance of the public to assist them in preventing dog-fouling throughout the County.

An awareness campaign has commenced relating to the smoky coal ban in Ennis, Clarecastle and parts of South-East Clare. The advertisement advises the public and fuel suppliers of their obligations under the Air Pollution Act, 1987 (Marketing, Sale and Distribution of Fuels) (Amendment) Regulations 1998 to 2011. Inspections will take place over the coming months to ensure compliance with these Regulations.

During 2019 to date, over 411 households have been surveyed as part of the Waste Management Bye-laws 2018. The purpose of these surveys is to determine if householders take appropriate measures to ensure that waste is stored, managed, presented and collected in a manner so that risk to the environment is minimised. The issuing of fines to individuals under the Litter Pollution Act 1997 remains ongoing, with a total of 37 fines issued in November 2019. The majority of these fines relate to illegal signage throughout the County.

The scheduled inspection and monitoring of authorised waste facilities within the county continued as planned during November.

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PHYSICAL DEVELOPMENTAnnual Service Plan The Water Services Department of Clare Co Council continues to deliver the water services function as per the Service Level Agreement with Irish Water. The monthly KPI’s continue to be monitored by all of the water services teams to achieve required targets. We have a current KPI compliance rate of 86% and are within 1% of budget expenditure.

Water ConservationIn November, The Operations team continued water conservation activity throughout the county reacting to various increases in demand primarily in Ennis & and Shannon Areas. District Metering Area (DMA) Establishment was also carried out in tandem with the Find and Fix Team. Repairs were carried out in the Westbury estate following leak detection by the Find crew during October.Irish Water Contractors carried out DMA establishment in Ardnacrusha DMA and Leak detection in Shannon Banks and Parteen DMA’s. Asset Transfer Project375 water & waste water assets, in Co Clare, have been identified for potential transfer to IW to date. Of these 50 are non operational assets (prior to January 2014) and as such will not be transferring to Irish Water leaving 325 for transfer. Of these 325 assets 166 have been surveyed and assessed for transfer. CE orders have been prepared and issued to IW to be included within ministerial orders. To date 166 assets have transferred to IW.The remaining 159 assets are broken down as follows:• Pending - 31 assets are being prepared for transfer to Irish

Water in the coming months, 7 of which are in the process of subdivision or straight transfer to Irish Water. The remainder consists of straight assets some of which will have to be subdivided by map/plan. Once a consensus has been reached on the remaining assets with both IW and Clare County Council, a CE order will issue thereafter.

• National Special Projects Office (NSPO) – This is a department within Irish Water dealing with special projects which includes facilitating the Asset Transfers from Local Authorities - 5 assets are with the NSPO for investigation to ascertain if they are to be considered as underground assets. Underground assets are transferred by S.I. 13 of 2015.

• Property Registration Authority Ireland – 4 assets have gone to the PRAI to be subdivided.

• 3rd Party/Unregistered assets – Of the 159 assets 119 have been identified as 3rd Party Registered lands (102) and Unregistered Lands (17). Work on these assets is ongoing which will require first registration initially before they can be transferred to Irish Water.

CAPITAL PROJECTSIW’s (& CCC’s) Capital Section is broken down into the following sub-sections;• Infrastructure Programmes: (major infrastructure projects)• Capital Programmes: (minor projects)• Network Programmes: (mains replacements / find and fix)

Irish Water refers to the different phases of a project as Gates.• Gate 1. Concept Design and data gathering.

• Gate 2. Environmental Studies Detailed design and planning.• Gate 3. Construction stage and handover• Gate 4. Contract closeout

Infrastructure Programmes (Capital Projects) - Clare Capital Investment Plan (CIP) 2014–2016 Projects: (continuing from 2016)Kilfenora Waste Water Treatment Plant Upgrade:Planning Permission has been granted by Clare County Council for the proposed works. An appeal to An Bord Pleanala was made by one appellant. A written response to the appeal has been submitted to the Bord on the 28th November 2019. The project will not progress further until a decision is made by An Bord Pleanala. This is not due until March 2020.

Quin Waste Water Treatment Plant Upgrade:This contract has been awarded under the IW ECI (Early Contractor Involvement) framework and is currently under way. Construction activities are expected to commence in January 2020.

Clonroadmore Waste Water Treatment Plant Upgrade:A pricing document with drawings for replacement screens including dewatering equipment at both pumping stations has been submitted by MEVA (screen supplier) to IW. These are currently under review by IW.

Clare Capital Investment Plan 2017–2021 ProjectsLahinch Waste Water Treatment Plant Upgrade:Currently at Gate 1: Concept design report at draft review stage. Progressing to Gate 2 detailed design and environmental evaluation, thereafter advancing to planning in 2020.Gate 3: the construction stage, expected to commence before the end of 2021.

Ennistymon Waste Water Treatment Plant Upgrade: Currently at Gate 1: Concept design report at draft review stage. Progressing to Gate 2 detailed design and environmental evaluation, thereafter advancing to planning in 2020.Gate 3: the construction stage, expected to commence before the end of 2021.Newmarket on Fergus Waste Water Treatment Plant Upgrade:Currently at Gate 1: Concept design report at draft review stage. Progressing to Gate 2 detailed design and environmental evaluation, thereafter advancing to planning in 2020.Gate 3: the construction stage, expected to commence before the end of 2021.Shannon (2no projects):a) Interim upgrade of the Waste Water Treatment Plant. A letter of award for the Shannon Town Wastewater Treatment Plant upgrade was issued to Ward & Burke Construction Ltd, by Irish Water, on Monday 18th November.Construction expected to commence in the Q2 2020.determined at this stage.b) Gate 1 studies, for the agglomeration, have commenced. Priority has been the interim upgrade of the WWTP.Progressing to Gate 2 - detailed design & planning thereafter.Expectation to go to Gate 3 – construction stage – not determined at this stage.

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PHYSICAL DEVELOPMENTClare Untreated Agglomerations Study (UTAS) Projects - (Project period 2017-2021)RPS is the appointed Consulting Engineer. The projects under UTAS are progressing through detailed design and planning. Public information sessions were held in Clarecastle, Kilrush and Kilkee during May 2018, and Ballyvaughan and Liscannor were completed in September and October 2018 respectively. Land and wayleave acquisitions processes are at an advanced stage for each of the projects within the UTAS programme.

Kilrush Waste Water Treatment Plant Upgrade:Gate 2: Planning was granted by Clare County Council on the 1st October 2019.Landowner/wayleave/CPO process is near completion. The construction contract for these works has been awarded to EPS Ltd under IW ECI (Early Contractor Involvement) framework. The expectation is to go to Gate 3, the construction stage, before the end of 2020 and to be completed by end 2021.

Clarecastle Agglomeration Upgrade:Under Irish Waters UTAS the waste water collected at Quay Rd pumping station will be diverted via a new waste water pipeline to Clareabby WwTP.It was considered but determined not feasible to construct the proposed rising main to Clareabbey WWTP in conjunction with the flood relief scheme works.Gate 2 – detailed design is near completion.Site Investigation works have been completed. Landowner/wayleave/CPO process was concluded via an oral hearing. A section 5 (Planning Act) referral was lodged with the Planning Department. The Planning Department has assessed that the proposed works constitute exempted development. The expectation is to go to Gate 3, the construction stage, in Q1 2020 and to be completed by Q3 2020.

Liscannor Waste Water Treatment Plant Upgrade:Gate 2 – detailed design near completion.Planning submission is expected to be lodged in the coming weeks. Landowner/wayleave/CPO process is ongoing. The expectation is to go to Gate 3, the construction stage, before the end of 2020 and to be completed by end 2021. IW has confirmed that this contract will be awarded under IW ECI (Early Contractor Involvement) framework.

Ballyvaughan Waste Water Treatment Plant Upgrade:Gate 2 – detailed design ongoing due to site selection considerations which have not concluded. Planning submission is expected to be lodged in Q2 2020. Landowner/wayleave/CPO process is ongoing. The expectation is to go to Gate 3, construction stage, before the end of 2020 and to be completed by end 2021.

Kilkee Waste Water Treatment Plant Upgrade:Environmental studies ongoing – As a part of this process MERC Consultants Ltd have recently completed a Marine Ecological Survey Report of Intrinsic Bay and its environs at the outfall location in Kilkee, Co. Clare. Gate 2 – detailed design is ongoing which will take into consideration the outputs from all the environmental studies. Planning submission is delayed until the detailed design has been completed. Landowner/wayleave/CPO and site selection process is ongoing.The expectation is to go to Gate 3, construction stage, before

the end of 2020 and to be completed by end 2021.

Capital Programmes: (minor Capital Works)Inlet Works Project:This is a national project reviewing and ultimately upgrading various inlet receiving structures including storm tanks and sludge handling. In Clare the following are within this project;• Inagh WwTP• Clareabbey WwTP• Miltown Malbay WwTP

The Clareabbey WWTP inlet works project has been granted planning and has moved onto detailed design stage.National Certificate of Authorisation (NCAP):This Programme will review all EPA Certified Wastewater plants with a P.E. of less than 500 and their impact on receiving waters. Ballycannon and Kilmihil WWTP’s in Co. Clare have been included in the first round of assessments. RPS has prepared Site Option Reports for both plants which are currently under review.Francis Street Pumping Station Ennis.The new storm pumps have now been fully commissioned and are integrated with the existing control systems. It is hoped to replace the foul pumps in early 2020 under an energy saving scheme.Sludge Satellites:Clareabbey WWTP will not be considered under this programme.

Network Programmes Mains Replacement Works

1. Mullagh -Milltown Malbay Watermains Rehab . The site investigation works are completed and the design is now being progressed. The contractor is finalising road opening details with the MD office. It is not expected to progress to construction until Q1 2020.

Shareridge, working on behalf of Irish Water, have provided the following information for watermains replacement works; 1. Doonbeg Watermains Rehabilitation: This contract is

currently on hold by Irish Water due to technical and cost issues associated with the road reinstatement. We hope to progress a solution in the coming months.

Parnell StThis watermains replacement project on Parnell street is complete with the remaining works confined to the adjoining laneways.

Castlecrine to KilmurryRoad opening licence has been paid for this project. No start date has been advised to CCC as yet but it is expected to now commence construction in Q1 2020.

Main rehabilitation 2020 Programme of WorksA priority list of projects is now being compiled and CCC are working with IW to prioritise essential projects for Tranche 5.

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PHYSICAL DEVELOPMENTBallycannon PS to Elton Court (Meelick) Waste Water Pumping Rising MainA new rising main linking Ballycannon WWTP to Elton court Pumping station is now at route selection stage.

Castlelake WTPIW have confirmed that, the Full Options Assessment for Castlelake is due to commence later this year. The 25-year plan for Castlelake WTP should be complete by end Q1 2020

Remedial Action list (RAL).

3 No. sites have been selected in Clare for upgrades Ballymacraven WTP, New Doolough WTP and Corrofin WTP. Tenders should issue for these by the end of 2019.

Water & Waste Water Operations

The following statistics provide an indication of the level of activity / work being carried out by the water and waste water teams throughout the county from 23rd October 2019 up to and including 25th November 2019. The figures do not however reflect the time invested by the teams which is required to resolve each complaint /issue.

• 22 Customer Complaints were dealt with to-date• 1 Emergency Work Order during the timeframe• 307 Reactive Maintenance Work Orders were dealt with and

closed out• 0 Customer Asset Flooding Work Order was received• 176 Service Requests (SR’s) were raised for Field Requests

and Follow On Work Orders for Reactive Maintenance work• 70 Outage Notices were placed on the IW portal during the

periodNo major burst occurred in November. A number of minor leaks were repaired in all areas but none of the repairs caused a loss of supply to customers for a significant period of time during the month.

Rural Water ProgrammeFollowing the publishing of The Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government 2019-2021 Rural Water Programme on the 14th October the Clare Rural Water Programme are working with schemes in looking to progress works awarded under the programme. Ballynote GWS completed upgrade works in November with a view to a successful Taking in Charge in the new year. Works were also completed on the Killeen and Lislanahan GWS’s. Irish Water has informed the Rural Water programme that a temporary suspension has been placed on the taking in charge of group water and group sewerage schemes for the remainder of 2019. This does not apply to orphan group water schemes which are being progressed to taking in charge under the pilot orphan taking in charge programme. Killeen GWS, Corofin was taken in charge in September under this process as was Ballyconnoe GWS. We have received 43no. applications to date in 2019 with respect to the ‘Grant for the Provision of or Necessary Improvement of an Individual Water Supply to a House’. The Rural Water Team continues to work with group water schemes to ensure their members have a robust and sustainable quality and quantity supply of water available to them.

Non Service Level Agreement Works.We have completed our review of the design options for our remediation works for the old Ennis Water treatment works at Gortaganniv. The preferred option is remove a section of the 140 year old dam to prevent further deterioration of the structure. Works are now underway to the old dam structure and are expected to be completed in the next 2 months.Recent Training Courses

Recent Training Courses• 2 no. 2-day Breathing Apparatus Refresher Course (Clonmel)• Health & Safety Representative Course• Senior Fire Officers Seminar

Information Briefing Sessions/Coaching Human Resources in conjunction with the Fire Service have now completed the rollout of Information Briefing Sessions and Coaching Sessions for Fire Fighters in all seven stations. The briefing sessions included an overview of Corporate Services, Human Resources, Health & Safety, Partnership, Social Club, Child Protection and Employee Welfare and Benevolent Fund. Team Building exercises were provided by Deirdre Murray, Coach. Killaloe and Kilrush Fire Stations completed this course in November.

10 Year Awards10 Year Awards were presented to Fire Service Personnel during the month. An Cathaoirleach Cllr. Cathal Crowe presented the awards to 12 personnel across all Fire Stations in Clare.

1916 Commemorative Medal Ceremonies1916 Commemorative Medal Ceremonies took place in all Fire Stations during the month of November. The medals were awarded to all Fire Service Personnel who were serving at the time of the centenary in 2016. An Cathaoirleach Cllr. Cathal Crowe awarded the medals to the Fire Service Personnel.

Fire & Building Control Section

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PHYSICAL DEVELOPMENTC.I.S.M. Booklet Launch

Cllr. Cathal Crowe, Mayor of Clare, launched a new Critical Incident Stress Management Booklet at Shannon Fire Station on Monday 18th November. The booklet provides guidance to Fire-fighters on how to look after their mental and emotional wellbeing. Associated Human Resources are contracted by Clare County Fire & Rescue Service to provide support service to Fire-fighters, either in a group format or on a confidential individual basis. Mr. Joe O’Mahony of Associated Human Resources attended the launch along with Carmel Kirby, Director of Services, and the Shannon Crew and their families. Cllr. Crowe has also referred to the booklet in his visits to every station throughout the County in November. Mr. O’Mahony has also attended each station throughout the County and provided refresher training to personnel on the supports that are available

Major Emergency – Table-Top Exercise

A Table-top Major Emergency exercise was run in Shannon Airport on Thursday 21st November. All Emergency Services had nominees involved in organising the exercise which focused on the post-event phase of a major emergency.

Operational Duties

Civil Defence provided medical cover for the following events:• Jamboree in the Park County Music Festival in the

Showgrounds in Ennis

• Club Hurling Championship match in Sixmilebridge• Club Football Championship match in Miltown Malbay• Club Football Championship replay match in Miltown

Malbay

Members Training & Professional Development

• 9 new recruits began Recruit Basic Training course• Civil Defence Officer’s Association Annual Conference &

Trade Show (Mullingar)• Radiation Monitoring Workshop (Dublin)• Workshop hosted by the Dept. of the Marine (Loughrea)• IOSH Managing Safely course (Dublin)• Members of the Severe Weather Response team and

members of the Boat crew attended at a training session on the River Fergus

• National Radiation Monitoring Exercise• Safe Talk course

Clare Civil Defence

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PHYSICAL DEVELOPMENTProject Management Office update

The updated status of the main projects being worked on in the past month is as follows:

• CFRAMs: Following a tender competition JBA Consulting are being appointed as Consulting Engineers to design and develop the Kilkee Flood Relief Scheme. The first Steering Group meeting is to be held on Tuesday December 3rd and work has already commenced on data gathering and preparations for the additional surveys that will be required. The Shannon Town & Environs Flood Relief Scheme Tender documentation has now been completed and is due to go to tender in the coming days.

• Doolin Pier Visitor Services Building – Meetings continued with key stakeholders throughout the past month. These included landowners, Ferry Operators and the Doolin Community Council. Once the area of lands available for the development has been finalised, we will be in a position to develop the detail design and Planning Permission submission.

• Ennis South Flood Relief Scheme – Work continues at pace in this project. The Ballybeg section is substantially complete with only a small number of minor works outstanding. Works on the St Flannan’s College element continues with the section along the Tobarteascain road to the St Flannans Roundabout completed by Christmas. The next section includes a very difficult road crossing at St Flannans Collage roundabout. A Traffic management plan outlining how this work is to be done has been advertised in local media and is on public display at present. The date for completion of the pipe work in this section is programmed to be Feb/March 2020. Members will be aware of the difficult ground conditions encountered at the Clareabbey end also and our Consultants, Ryan Hanley are currently progressing a revised design solution for this location. The difficulties experienced with the diversion of a major ESB line at Doora Bridge have been addressed and the Contractor is now completing the section of piling in soft ground at this location.

• Ennistymon Inner Relief Road & Bridge Crossing (Blakes Corner) – Approval of the Total Scheme Budget is expected in the coming days from TII after which, the updated Business Case will be submitted for their approval to publish the CPO. This is expected in the coming weeks with publication of same expected in early January.

• Killaloe Bridge and By-Pass – Survey and GI Work continues on site as required while at the same time, we are also working towards finalising the various Landowner Deals by agreement where possible. A number of cases going through the Arbitration process are scheduled for May/June of next year. We continue to liaise with DTTaS, TII, OPW, IW and the Utility companies in relation to technical compliance and statutory consents and the Project Team will be commencing the Tender short listing process by year’s end with the scheme expected to go to tender in early Summer 2020.

• Local Infrastructure Housing Activation Fund (LIHAF) – Good progress is being made in terms of the design of the roadway and water/wastewater infrastructure required to service lands for the development of future housing in Claureen.

The Part 8 Planning application for the road is being finalised and is expected to be submitted in the coming weeks. An application has not yet been submitted in terms of the Housing Element of the proposal but we are exploring all possible options and working with the Landowner and other interested parties in the progression of same.

• Limerick Northern Distributor Road (LNDR) (Phase 2) – Throughout November, the Project Team held meetings with DTTaS, TII, NTA and other interested parties in regard to sharing, clarifying and prioritising information of mutual importance and benefit between the LNDR project and the Limerick Shannon Metropolitan area (L-SMATS) Transport Strategy currently in development. This work continues and we await the publication of the NTA Draft L-SMATS in late January.

• N19 Shannon Airport Access Road – Throughout the month, a number of workshops and meetings took place involving the Project Team, our Consultants Fehily Timoney & Company and a range of key stakeholders such as various Utility companies, the Airport Authorities, Industry representatives and the OPW in order to gather the necessary data and information to inform the scheme design. Once completed, the Project will provide a high quality road improvement scheme on the N19 National Primary Road between Drumgeely Roundabout and Knockbeagh Point Roundabout (for a distance of approx 2.2km) on the approach to the Airport and it will add significantly to the infrastructure facilitating Shannon Airport, Industry in the Region and the wider Shannon community.

• N85 Kilnamona Realignment Scheme – Members will be aware that the original scheme of 3km of road realignment was extended to 4.5km following survey and ground investigation details emerging. We have requested formal approval from TII to tender for the appointment of Consultants to prepare the design of the extended scheme and it is expected that we will be in a position to appoint them in early March 2020. In parallel, we are engaging in survey work that will inform the project brief. A meeting to update and receive feedback took place with the Kilnamona Development Association during the month.

• Access to and from UL: – Members will be aware of the two elements to this work. Firstly, the University is exploring a possible new exit onto the Garraun Road from the Clare Campus and we are in discussion with them in regard to the progression of same. In addition, the Council has tendered for works that will enhance the toe path along the Canal Bank to facilitate Pedestrian and Cyclists under the Hinterland programme.

• West Clare Railway Greenway – The Department have advised that there will be a new funding call in the coming weeks which will assist with the design and planning for Greenways. We will be making an application under same. While awaiting the outcome of same, we will continue to work on our objective to deliver the 85 Km long West Clare Railway Greenway from Ennis to Kilkee via Corofin, Ennistymon, Lahinch, Miltown, Quilty, Doonbeg, Moyasta and Kilrush. The initial focus is on a 20km length between Kilrush and Kilkee. Clare County Council is very mindful on how such works can impact on landowners and as proposals

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develop, we will be holding public awareness and consultation meetings in the communities affected to see how we can move forward with minimum disruption and taking all the views of the stakeholders involved. To this end, a site visit to the Waterford Greenway took place last week with representatives from the West Clare MD, Council staff and the IFA.

• Asbestos Remediation Programme – Members will be aware of the further sampling and survey work carried out by our specialist Contractor, Safeway Environmental, in recent months. This data has now being compiled and is expected from Safeway in the coming week. This will then be analysed and evaluated by our consultants RPS and a Final report will be prepared and submitted to the EPA in early January where we will be in a position to identify the measures required for permanent remediation. Following EPA advice/approval, the necessary actions will be taken.

The updated position in regard to the various Coastal and Flood/Storm damaged works is as follows:

Project Current SituationLiscannor Bay RPS has completed the draft

amendments to the Coastal Flood and Erosion Risk Management Study for Liscannor Bay recommended by the OPW. We are currently assessing this and will consult with stakeholders before resubmission. It is expected to resubmit the amended study in December.

W h i t e s t r a n d (Miltown Malbay)

OPW have contacted Clare County Council and require some further information prior to a decision to provide funding to take the scheme to Detailed Design and Planning.

Kilbaha Clare County Council had a meeting with our Consultants Malachy Walsh and Partners to discuss progress on the scheme. The additional work required by the OPW is substantial. It is intended to submit in February 2020. We are also considering the submission of a minor works application for a section of the scheme.

Quilty Consultants Byrne Looby has submitted the additional information required by the OPW to Clare Co Council. We are currently assessing this information. Subject to any amendments we will be submitting it to the OPW shortly.

Spanish Point Clare County Council has submitted a response to the OPWs request for clarification on a number of issues to deal with tourist numbers and technical design aspects of the proposal. We are expecting a positive response to the application.

Flood Relief Schemes:

The up to date position in relation to each of the areas where we have been progressing flood relief schemes is as follows:

• Springfield, Clonlara: Clare County Council, the Office of Public Works and Byrne Looby held a meeting to discuss progress on 27th November 2019. The modelling of the Shannon River and the defended section of Springfield has been completed by McCloys and submitted to Clare Co Council and the OPW. The results show some slight differences from the CFRAMS results. Assessment of the catchment area north of the Errina canal and the Newtown culvert has also been completed by Byrne Looby. The pumping requirements and the cost benefit ratio are now being calculated. It is still expected to submit a planning application in January subject to the proposed scheme being economically viable.

• Miltown Malbay: Clare County Council has been in contact with OPW with regard to this submission and they have have undertaken to deal with it as soon as resources allow.

• Murtyclough: A source of funding needs to be identified for this project other than the OPW. While the OPW will consider funding the element of the scheme that deals with flooding to dwelling houses they consider that the scheme is essentially a roads project as most of the benefit is to vehicles travelling the N67. A submission is being prepared for the TII.

• Thomond Villas: A meeting between Clare Co Council and

our Consultants Malachy Walsh and Partners took place on Thursday 28th November to discuss progress on this scheme. The design is being finalised. An Archaeological assessment has been carried out. Screening for Appropriate Assessment will be carried out in January with an application for permission being submitted in the first quarter of 2020. An application for funding was submitted to the OPW and a response is awaited.

• Quin Flood Relief Scheme: This scheme was also discussed at the meeting of the 28th November. Preliminary design work has been completed and a number of options have been identified that are technically, environmentally and economically viable. We now propose to consult with the local residents before proceeding to the planning process. It is hoped to proceed to planning in February 2020.

TRANSPORTATION1. Roadworks Programme and OperationsWork is substantially complete on the Roadworks Programme for 2019. LIS/ CIS projects are complete & funding recouped. Projects have been submitted for approval to the Department of Transport, Tourism & Sport for grant funding for 2020 in October 2019.

2. Public Lighting The key priorities in relation to public lighting include complete changeover to LED technology, achievement of the 2020 Carbon footprint reduction target and replacement of supporting infrastructure where required.

It was announced in late 2018 that the Road Management Office (RMO) have been successful in securing €17.5 million in support from the Climate Action Fund for the LA Public Lighting Energy Efficiency Project nationally. This will form part of the funding necessary for the delivery of the project. ARUP were

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appointed in February and are currently working on the contract documents for Region 1. Clare has confirmed its participation and has signed up to be included in Region 1 of the Local Authority Public Lighting Energy Efficiency Project.

For the benefit of Councillors, the following are the options available to facilitate reporting of public lighting faults:

• Internet: Direct reporting on our website – www.airtricitysolutions.com • Phone: Airtricity Utility Solutions dedicated Call Centre – 1850 372 772 • Local Authority Identification – via Local Authority’s website or Contact number

3. Strategic Transportation

• Limerick Shannon Metropolitan Area Transport Strategy (LSMATS)

The Limerick Shannon Metropolitan Area Transport Strategy is being developed at present by the NTA and the Strategy is to cover all modes of land transport 2018 to 2040. A number of meetings have been held with the Consultants, NTA, TII and Limerick City & County Council. Clare Co Council has supplied background data to the Consultants and the NTA eg a list of Stakeholders to be consulted, traffic data, the Clare Noise Action Plan. Comments have also been returned by the Transportation and Planning sections on the Baseline Conditions Report and the Demand Analysis Report. The NTA has sought transportation issues from various stakeholders that they would like addressed by the LSMATS

4. Road Design Office Projects being developed in 2019

CURRENT PROJECTS

Project Update as of 26th November 2019N85 Clareabbey Roundabout

Drawings and Feasibility Report for traffic calming and pedestrian/cyclist facilities issued to TII. Three options considered. A fourth option of Traffic signals to be investigated.

N68 Fahy’s Rd Kilrush Pedestrian Crossing

Report on Section 38 submissions was presented to the May West Clare MD meeting. Scheme was not approved.

N68 Shaughnessy’s Cross Feasibility report and costing forwarded to TII. Awaiting response.R462 Cratloe Cross Pedestrian Crossing

Complete

R458 Newmarket Partially complete on site

Bunratty Castle Junction Draft Drawings and preliminary cost estimates prepared in April. Options include repairing/widening the existing arch bridge, traffic calming, provision of pedestrian crossing and new footpath connection to the main Shannon Heritage carpark on Low Road. Road Design Office staff met with Shannon Heritage and their Consultants. Report prepared on Planning Application P19 365.Five options considered and Option B has been selected by Road Design Office.Low Road Bridge to be repaired in 2020.Funding source to be identified for traffic calming, pedestrian crossing and footpaths. Part 8 to be progressed in early 2020.

EuroVelo 1 Design of signage scheme and cost estimates complete. Map and cost estimate available for discussion. EuroVelo1 is a 317km route along existing roads in Clare. The route includes coastal , inland, Burren section, Shannon Estuary section and also travels through Clarecastle, Quin, Sixmilebridge, Meelick and onwards towards Limerick. It has the potential to be a significant tourism generator for County Clare. Consultation has taken place with reps of various cycling clubs.Funding source to be identified.

Knockanean NS Road Improvement scheme – design drawing and land maps prepared and issued to Ennis MD. Cost estimate prepared.

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TII HD 17 SitesN67 Drainage works complete. N67 Public Lighting upgrade costs have been forwarded to TII Engineer for review.Site visits ongoing on N67, N68, N85. Survey, Design , Costings and Feasibility reports required for all sites.N67 Galway border to Ballyvaughan – topographical surveys substantially complete, design commenced.

N85 Shanaway Rd Junction, Ennis

Manual traffic turning count is complete. Topographical survey complete. Drawing complete and issued to TII Road safety Engineer. Awaiting TII input in relation to access to the filling station/One mile Inn property. Feasibility Report complete but cost estimate to be finalised. Landowner meetings have taken place. Awaiting feedback from landowners before feasibility report is issued to TII.

Low Cost Safety Schemes 2019 - Progress

L4010/ L8022 Y junction on a bend L4010 south of Flagmount

On site nearing completion

R478 St Brigid’s Well On site nearing completionL4506 Kilrush rd to Limerick Rd Traffic calming

Some landscaping works remaining. New trees planted.Cycling Bus to Ennis National School commenced on the 8th of November - 40 bikes now in the school bike shed.

R458 Carmody St/Drumbiggle Rd, Ennis Pedestrian crossing

To be complete late November

R469 Ballymacahill Cross Pedestrian crossing

Contractor to move from Carmody St project

R462 Sixmilebridge Partially complete on site

R474 Kilmaley Complete on site

Application for Low Cost Safety Schemes 2020

Lodged with DTTAS on 3rd October 2019

Application for Bridge Rehabilitation Schemes 2020

Lodged with DTTAS on 3rd October 2019

Application for Specific Improvement Grant 2020

Lodged with DTTAS on 3rd October 2019

Development – Planning Apps

Ongoing reports/meetings/correspondence

Pre-Planning Country Pine junction, Tulla Rd, EnnisBallyalliaR471 Junction ShannonHousing at Newpark/Cappahard, EnnisPart 8 Parnell StGaelscoil , EnnisGaelscoil , ShannonHousing ,Knockaderry, EnnisKilrush Sports Facility

Limerick Shannon Metropolitan Area Transport Strategy

Data issued by RDO to Consultants Jacobs Systra.A Cronin reviewed the Baseline Conditions and Policy Context Report and Demand Analysis Report and reverted to the NTA.

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University of Limerick access from the Clare road network

RDO asked to prioritise preliminary design on Larkins Cross including design of any necessary repairs to Blackwater River Bridge and the Canal Bridge. Prelim design and cost estimate complete.

Milltown Malbay relief Road

Part 8 report complete on housing project

Ennistimon Relief road - tie in to N85

Liaison with Planning section

Proposed demolition and remediation of the existing Roche API Manufacturing plant – Traffic and Transport aspects

Liaison/meetings with Roche and their Consultants - ongoing

Liaison with NTA regarding bus stops

Design of a wheelchair accessible bus stop on Bothar Linne, Shannon town has commenced

Liaison with NTA regarding bus shelters

Locations/details to be agreed

Drehidnagower road roundabout

Checking of design by Consultants

N19 extension Liaison with Consultants

PHYSICAL DEVELOPMENT

OTHER PROJECTS on the 2019 Work Programme

Clare Noise Action Plan 2018 Priorities and matrix assessment/ further monitoring. Update of the Road Schedule Housing estate roads to be added

Review of Traffic signals at R463 Westbury Junction LCS 2020 applied for

N67 Killimer Church - Review of Traffic Calming

Doonbeg village Traffic Calming Car park at Lemanagh Castle

R469 - Keevagh road realignment, Quin Road

R352/Corrovorrin Junction , Ennis Review of junction options. Application sent in to DTTAS early October for 2020 funding for signalisation of the junction.

L4176 Ballybeg Road, Ennis Survey, design of realignment and provision of footpaths.N68 Wilson road and Monvana junctions Request from Area for inputN68 McNamees Shop/Garage Request from Area for input

N68 investigation of provision of pull in areas Initial approach made to TII

R463 Cycle lane scheme Request for a cycle lane scheme from Ardnacrusha towards Limerick City similar to the St Flannan’s Scheme.

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PHYSICAL DEVELOPMENTRoad Safety Remedial Measure 2019 to be commenced• N67 Hospital Cross Ennistimon to Lehinch• N68 Beneden• N67 Bend at Lisdeen

Bridge Rehabilitation – ProgressAA Screening by Doherty Environmental completed on 2019 grant funded bridges• Latoon Bridge - Services – Some Services diversions

have been carried out. Eir work cancelled due to Storm Lorenzo. Eir due to be completed 21st/22nd November. Piers complete. Safety barrier installed. Snags completed. Retention being paid.

• Inghid Bridge - Completed• Quin Bridge - Completed • Ballycorrick Bridge - Completed • Pollagh Bridge - Completed• Annagh Bridge - Completed • Doorus West Bridge - Completed • Kelly’s Pass Bridge - due to start 29th Nov- due for

completion before Christmas holidays• Aghy Bridge - Completed • Caherbarnagh Bridge - Completed• Goleensallagh Bridge - Completed• Cloonanaha South Bridge – due for completion on 29th

November• Breaghva Bridge - Completed• New Bridge - 98% complete, high water levels preventing

works • Mountievers Bridge - to be repaired in 2020 • Sixmilebridge Bridge - to be repaired in 2020 • Aughaglanna Bridge - due to start on 28th Nov- due for

completion before Christmas holidays • Barony Bridge - due to start on 28th Nov- due for

completion before Christmas holidays • Ballyvohan Bridge - due for completion 28th November

Additional bridges

• Barrly-Thomous Bridge - Completed• Stonepark Bridge - Now in 2020 funding application• Bunratty Bridge (Low Road) - Now in 2020 funding

application• Gilloge Bridges (three structures) Now in 2020 Specific

Improvement funding application• Bridges notified to RDO by MD Engineers - Inspections

ongoing

5. General Design Office – Projects being developed in 2019 • Ennistimon Innovation Centre & Office – Painting, Floor

Finishes and Furniture layouts completed. Building ready for tenants. Official opening to be in December/January. Facilities Include Hot Desks, Incubation Units, CO Working space, Full audio visual, High speed Broadband Training and conferencing, Locker storage, Access to Canteen Facilities, Secure fob access to hub.

• Ennis Digital Hub Design and planning permission secured.• Cliffs of Moher Footpath Upgrade, Surveys and design

Drawings to be prepared for e-tenders. Going to etenders on the 18th-23rd November 2019

• Quin Road Campus – Civil Defence Headquarters. Jada

Projects Ltd have started work on Site• Killaloe Bypass-Shannon Crossing - Land Registry Compliant

Maps. 25% completed.• Demolition of Brookville House, Gort Road Ennis, Fitzgibbon

Contractors, works Completed • Bindon Court Ennis and No 1 Bindon Street – Construction

work complete with building leased to Limerick Institute of Technology.

• Speed Limit Review – Signage instillation completed with snagging to be carried out.

• Shannon Allotments – Construction completed and grouping for allotments formed and policy and procedures

• Burren Discovery Trail design completed and documents lodged for Part VIII Planning permission.

• Lough Derg Amenity Trail (Tuamgraney to Killaloe) Design Completed and documents lodged for Part VIII Planning permission. Holy Island Mountshannon Topographical Surveys Progressed. Master Map prepared for Land ownership Issues. Registry of Deeds Title documents got for Aistear Park.

• Beach By Laws Maps 2019 Amended and a number of Changes made. The Maps are in colour and bring much more clarity to the Bye laws

• Make my Day examples of various projects that were carried out recognising that people with disabilities have the same right to use and enjoy public spaces that we all share.

• Property Asset Management System. • Part of the working Group for County Burial Ground and

amenity Project at Ballaghafadda Kiladysert Road Ennis. Traffic Counts Surveys carried out. Trial holes investigations done on the land

• Electoral Area Boundary Maps for each Municipal District. Showing DED and also Townlands.

• Ennis West Mens Shed At Cloughleigh. Planning Application lodged for Retention of Shed and store.

• Leamaneh Castle Feasibility Study.• Machinery Yard Buildings Beechpark (Survey and cost

Estimate).• Headstone & Access to Burial Grounds Applications• New layouts for Ennis Museum/Tourist Office Building

prepared and estimated costing completed.• Cliffs of Moher Landslide Monitoring• Reception Area Redesign. Working group presented with

3 concepts design`s Final design to be the next stage and estimated castings’ to be formalised

• Burial Ground contracts awarded and contractor ready to go on site. Kildrum/Ballycannon plinth project

• Service Infrastructure Review Kilrush MD• Life Guard Huts and other huts on Kilkee beech been

redesigned. • Scattery Island Project • Public Lighting Inventory on Software being updated.

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Ennis Municipal DistrictClarecastle Peoples ParkThe Peoples Park in Clarecastle has been completed and received widespread praise. The Project was funded under the ORIS. The works included the provision of a new boardwalk and outdoor teaching area, footpath upgrade to encourage and promote movement through the park, signage and bollards, CCTV, park lighting and a biodiversity area.

Works ProgrammeThe cleaning and retexturing of the limestone paving in O’ Connell Street has been substantially completed. The works were carried out by Forbairt MTB Teo. The specialised process employs enclosed captive vacuum shot blasting. Business owners and residents were informed in advance of the works, which took place outside business hours

The works on Parnell Street water mains replacement are scheduled to be completed by the 29th of November. Works have been completed up to Salthouse lane.

Ennis MD recently resurfaced approximately 1500Msq of new footpath in Drumcliffe cemetery, completing 10 sections. The works were funded by the Rural Directorate and provides greater accessibility for all visitors to the graveyard.

Works have commenced on two new pedestrian crossings at the Junction of Carmody Street and Drumbiggle Road and at Ballymacahill Cross, Tulla road. It is expected that both projects will be completed by early January 2020.

Dropped kerbs and tactile paving were installed at a number of crossing points in Harmony Row to facilitate improved access to the new LIT complex.

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