Local Authority News Vol 34 No 3

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LAN LOCAL AUTHORITY NEWS Vol 34 No 3 2015

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CONTENTS VOL. 34 No 3

FEATURES €1.5 BILLION SOCIAL HOUSING TARGETS FOR LOCAL AUTHORITIES TO 2017 3 Published by:

GILTRON LTD RIVERVIEW LODGE, DUBLIN ROAD, NAVAN, CO. MEATH. Tel: 00353 46 9072841 Email: info@localauthoritynews.ie Website: www.localauthoritynews.ie

Designed & produced by Donnelly Design & Print Ltd. Tel: 046 - 9091891

ISSN NO. 1393-0394 LAN is available FREE OF CHARGE to all Local and Central Government Bodies throughout Ireland.

Published bi-monthly it is disseminated to Local Authority Managers, Assistant Managers, County Secretaries, Finance Officers, Principal Officers, Department Heads, County Engineers, City Engineers, Chief Quantity Surveyors, Senior Architects, Plant Superintendents, Senior Executive Engineers, Town Clerks, Purchasing Officers, Administrative Officers, Inspectors, Park Superintendents, County Librarians, etc. in all Government Departments, County Councils, Corporations, Office of Public Works, Urban District Councils, StateSponsored and Development Bodies and Agencies.

€91MILLION HOUSING INVESTMENT IN REFURBISHING, ENERGY EFFICIENCY AND HOUSING ADAPTATIONS FOR OLDER PEOPLE AND PEOPLE WITH A DISABILITY 7 USING PORTABLE ITS APPLICATIONS FOR CRITICAL ROAD WORKS AND ROAD WEATHER MANAGEMENT 10 86 INTERNATIONAL BLUE FLAG AND 58 NATIONAL GREEN COAST AWARDS FOR IRELAND 14 SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL TO INVEST OVER €700,000 IN HIGH QUALITY, ENERGY EFFICIENT LED PUBLIC STREET LIGHTING PROGRAMME 17 NEW WASTE MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR SOUTHERN REGION IS 18 LAUNCHED 94 PER CENT OF IRISH BATHING WATERS MEET NEW STRICTER EU 21 STANDARDS

REGULARS DEPARTMENT BREIFS CLASSIFIEDS

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Minsters Kelly & Coffey announce €1.5 Billion Social Housing Targets for Local Authorities to 2017 Minister Kelly said: “Housing is the number one priority for the Government. What we are announcing is ambitious targets for each local authority right throughout the country for each local authority area.

This will have a major impact for those on the housing waiting lists with a national reduction of 25% targeted over the period from these schemes alone. The recovering economy is allowing us to invest in vital public services such as housing and we are doing that,”

- 25% Reduction in Housing Waiting List through Build, Buying & Leasing Programme - In excess of €500m for Dublin Local Authorities Minister for the Environment, Community & Local Government, Alan Kelly T.D., along with Minister of State, Paudie Coffey T.D., have announced housing targets for each local authority area out to 2017.

Minister Coffeyʼs announcement shows the commitment of this government to tackle the issue of housing lists across the country. The Social Housing Strategy is a key action under the Construction 2020 Strategy and I am pleased to see it being progressed so that priority housing projects can be delivered in the years 2015-2017. €1.5 billion over the next three years is a huge investment in housing; and Minister Kelly and I now expect Local Authorities to deliver on the plans that they have submitted to our Department over the next 3 years.”

Over €1.5 billion will be invested in a combination of building, buying and leasing schemes by local authorities designed to accommodate 25% of those currently on the housing waiting lists in social housing.

The move comes as part of the Governmentʼs €3.8 billion social housing strategy announced last November out to 2020. Each local authority was asked to bring forward housing unit targets and specific building projects out to 2017. As part of the strategy, targets had to be agreed with each local authority in 2015.

In the case of the Dublin local authorities, these will be given housing targets over and above what they proposed to the Department of Environment to ensure strong delivery where the need is greatest.

The combined funding total for the Dublin local authorities comes to over €500 million to 2017.

The various schemes will target the refurbishment of vacant social housing units and local authorities will have the option of both building and acquiring housing. The average cost of building a social housing unit is €185,000 – meaning in some parts of the country it will remain cheaper and quicker to acquire as opposed to build. Local authorities will have some discretion to adapt to local circumstances, but all will be expected to kick-start a building programme.

Approximately 300 separate building proposals by local authorities are currently being assessed by the Department and will be announced in a number of phases starting in Mid-April. Construction is already underway for social housing in approximately 33 sites throughout the country.

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*Housing waiting list figures based on the most recent Housing Needs Assessment by the Housing Agency. **The impact on the housing list in each county will vary due to different housing market costs in each county.

The 25% reduction in the housing waiting list will also be accompanied by a targeted assistance of 28,000 people through the HAP scheme to give them supported accommodation in the private rented sector.

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UPGRADE THE ENERGY EFFICIENCY OF YOUR HOUSING STOCK SIMPLY BY CHANGING THE WINDOW GLASS. ith Local Authority housing stocks severely depleted due to the lack of new homes built during the economic downturn, the Government is now making some €50 million available to County Councils throughout the country to enable them to improve the energy efficiency of their existing stock, reduce tenantsʼ energy bills, and also create employment.

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It may sound obvious, but one of the key areas to focus on when upgrading the energy efficiency of any existing houses is the windows. In fact, a recent study by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (www.seai.ie) revealed “for a given area of wall or window, a window will allow up to 8 times more heat to escape”*.

That is the reason one Irish company – ENERGLAZE – has introduced a revolutionary new approach to insulating homes. Rather than replacing the entire window, ENERGLAZE will retrofit the latest high-tech, heat-retaining glass into existing window frames, resulting in a warmer, more comfortable home, savings of up to €400 a year on heating bills and a lower output of CO2. As only the glass is replaced, installation usually can be completed within a single working day. And because the existing frames are retained, there is minimal redecorating required afterwards.

ENERGLAZE retrofits only the latest Pilkington Optitherm™ S1 Plus heat-retaining glass – with thermal efficiencies comparable to triple glazing – into existing uPVC window frames, thus reducing heat loss by up to 82% compared to single glazing, and as much as 64% when compared to standard double-glazed windows.

The experienced fitters at ENERGLAZE also replace seals and gaskets where necessary and repair locks and hinges, giving your housing stock a genuine upgrade for roughly half the cost of installing new windows. In rare cases where the window frames are deemed unsuitable for a glass upgrade, you have the option of ordering new windows and doors fitted with revolutionary heat-retaining glass from ENERGLAZE, at very competitive prices.

Energy conscious homeowners throughout the country are seeing retrofitting as the way forward. The majority of Irish homes have perfectly good window frames. So it makes absolute sense to retain those frames and simply upgrade the glass.

More information on ENERGLAZEʼs nationwide service is available on their website, www.energlaze.ie You can also call them on (01) 901 1635 or (021) 601 0095.

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€91million Housing Investment in Refurbishing, Ener g y Ef ficiency and Housing Adaptations for Older People and People with a Disability inister for the Environment, Community & Local Government, Alan Kelly TD and Minister of State for Housing & Planning, Paudie Coffey TD have announced over €91 million worth of housing investment.

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The funding will be used across a range of housing schemes to make more social housing available and to improve housing for people with disabilities, as well as retrofitting homes to improve energy efficiency.

Over 1,000 vacant social housing units will be refurbished and tenanted by people on the social housing waiting list at a cost of over €20 million countrywide. Dublin City and Cork City are receiving the largest allocations, with priority going to families facing homelessness. Funding was allocated to the local authorities with the greatest potential to deliver units quickly and address needs. Over 2,300 units were brought on stream last year with an average cost of refurbishment of €11,277.

A further €50.5 million will be made available for Housing Adaptations for Older People and People with a Disability living in private houses.

This will allow extensions to be built for people with a disability as well as housing adaptations to improve mobility aid (such as stair lifts, access ramps etc.) with more funding set to come later in the year. A further €11 million will be made available for local authority house adaptations and extensions to meet the needs of tenants with a disability and to deal with overcrowding.

and create jobs while making a significant contribution to Irelandʼs carbon emissions reduction targets and energy reduction targets for 2020, resulting in warmer homes and lower energy bills for local authority tenants.

As part of the EU Operational Programme 20142020, the energy efficiency works on social housing will attract funding under the ERDF. This will see EU co-financing of 50% of eligible public investment under these programmes.

Minister Kelly said: “The funding that I am announcing today, will significantly improve the quality of life of many people across Ireland. One of my huge frustrations is seeing boarded up social housing not being used, therefore it is important to see over 1,000 vacant units come back on stream as quickly as is possible,”

“Secondly funding has been secured to allow older people and people with a disability extend their homes or provide aids to mobility within their home through the housing adaptation grants scheme. This is hugely important for those affected as it can greatly improve the quality of life for those who either have a disability or are reaching an age in life when they are less mobile; the grants provide significant social benefit by facilitating citizens to continued independent occupancy in their own home Minister Coffey said: “This funding is part of a huge Government commitment to housing and improving the quality of life of those who are dependent on the system of public housing. This will provide a boost to the construction sector nationally,”

Meanwhile Minister Kelly has made available a further €20 million for the improvement of local authority houses to make them more energy efficient. This programme continues to sustain LAN LOCAL AUTHORITY NEWS

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MSc in Co-operative and Social Enterprise niversity College Cork is currently taking applications for the MSc in Co-operative and Social Enterprise. This part-time programme, which is delivered online, can be taken over a period of one or two years. Typically, participants have a broad interest in co-operative and social enterprise and interact with co-operative and social enterprises on a regular basis.

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They include, but are not limited to, community development organisations, housing associations, credit unions, agricultural co-operatives, enterprise development workers, city and county councils, rural and urban transport initiatives, rural development organisations, co-operative development officers, community-owned childcare and eldercare initiatives, workers始 co-operatives, voluntary and charitable associations, and community cooperatives. The online delivery offers flexibility to adults who have work and/or family responsibilities but wish to gain a postgraduate qualification. For those who do not want to commit to a Master始s programme, it is possible to take individual modules selected from the programme.

For further information, go to www.ucc.ie/en/ckl10/

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Roadstone’s fabric first approach for compliance with Part L oadstone Ltd is proud to introduce the Thermal Liteblock System, an exciting new product innovation and cost effective solution to the revised Building Regulations – in particular Part L, which relates to thermal bridging.

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When used in conjunction with Roadstone’s standard Concrete Block range, the system improved thermal bridging performance thus reducing cold bridging. The mitigation of heat loss at thermal bridges, which is a key challenge in the construction industry, also results in reduced energy bills.

Alan Lowe, Roadstone product development manager at the launch of Roadstoneʼs new Thermal Liteblock System.

The Roadstone Thermal Liteblock is made from a special mix which includes lightweight aggregates to achieve thermal conductivity values of 0.33W/mK which provides a 300% improvement when compared to standard concrete blocks. It is manufactured in Ireland and weighs just 11.2kg when also compared to the standard 20kg concrete block.

Unique in colour to facilitate traceability on site, the Roadstone Thermal Liteblock is also CE marked to system 2+.

Roadstone has thermally modelled each critical junction detail as specified in the Acceptable Construction Details of TGD L From left Tom Parlon, director-general of the Construction Industry Federation and 2011and has calculated the psi value for each junction.

Larry Byrne, managing director of Roadstone at the launch of Roadstoneʼs new Thermal Liteblock System.

This means we can provide a validated (y) factor calculation to our customers when using the Roadstone Thermal Liteblock system providing a cost effective solution to the construction of new buildings and allowing greater flexibility in the development of designs.

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Using Portable ITS Applications for Critical Road Works and Road Weather Management

By Todd Foster and Michelle Curran (Mobile VMS Ltd.) Mobile ITS should be capable of providing real-time automated traffic email / SMS text alerts to key personnel when speeds and / or journey times or other traffic incident data exceeds acceptable userdefined thresholds. It is important to evaluate the system needs / goals and then use the type of sensors which best accommodate the desired outcome.

Permanent Intelligent Transport System (ITS) applications have made great strides in the past decade, but when it comes to applying proven ITS technology on a portable basis within critical road work areas or regions where severe weather conditions, such as poor visibility (fog) adversely affect driving conditions, the industry still has much to do. Road works areas are often the most critical, due to their unpredictable, non-recurrent congestion and reduced capacity.

Mobile ITS systems have been widely implemented in the U.S. market for the past 5-10 years and offer virtual Traffic Management Centre resources across multiple jurisdictions and agencies. The motoring public are not concerned with who owns and manages the roadway, just in having real-time information to better plan their trip or to prepare for travel delays or unanticipated queues.

Mobile ITS System Features: Successful mobile ITS applications should include many key elements / features to help promote better safety and mobility. These systems need to offer realtime information for multiple types of applications utilizing the same overall system hardware. They should also utilise any proven sensor technologies and blend multiple types of sensor data / traffic information. The equipment needs to be capable of operating 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Each device should be equipped with a high speed modem that has GPS.

For example, if real-time traffic data is required through road workʼs, then using mobile traffic sensors (Doppler, Microwave, Bluetooth, ANPR) ideally placed every 750 – 1000m in areas of concern, alongside mobile VMS and mobile CCTV trailers, will allow the evaluation of a roadway system and whether sensors will become part of the future permanent infrastructure. Mobile VMS should be placed at key upstream decision points and be placed often enough that the real-time information is relatively current for the next 4 – 6 miles +/downstream. Mobile CCTV trailers should be placed in areas of concern to allow for visual verification of automated system alerts. Project managers can then evaluate if the system data should be integrated into the local Traffic Management Centre (XML / API data stream) or if a virtual TMC software approach is desired, or both.

The ability to push / pull real-time traffic data with one or multiple Traffic Management Centres utilizing an API or XML format is a key feature of a successful mobile ITS system. This allows sharing and integration of system information with permanent ITS systems, in road works areas that may have insufficient sensor coverage or that may require additional message signs to convey key traveller information in areas not covered with overhead Variable Message Signs (VMS).

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Mobile ITS System Applications: Mobile ITS systems need to be easily scalable to fit the needs of a specific project and each phase of that project. Adding, subtracting or relocating devices should be easily accomplished. One deployment can serve multiple purposes, thus delivering more benefit for the cost. For example, a Journey Time system could also be programmed to provide vehicle-specific high speed warnings to only those entering the road works at a user-defined unsafe speed. Equally, when congestion builds, the journey time messages could switch to queue warning messages letting motorists know they are approaching slow/stopped traffic. This same system could be used in areas where visibility is reduced at times due to fog, surface water etc. and automatically change Variable Speed Limit signs in advance of the area.

Most road works crashes are rear-end accidents (3040%), Queue Warning systems are often the most cost-effective and can reduce rear-end type incidents by 20-60%, which not only reduce delays for all other approaching motorists but also makes the works area safer for motorists and workers.

adversely affect driver behaviour. Portable, easily deployed ITS applications play an integral role in the operational framework for roads where adverse weather conditions have a direct impact on motorists.

Employing mobile ITS technology along a designated route can have a dramatic roadside impact, informing motorists of adverse weather conditions, such as low visibility due to fog and surface water thickness, and the subsequent effect on braking distance. A simple real time warning system can dramatically affect driver behaviour and actively encourage motorists to reduce speed by providing timely information on the situation further downstream.

Across the UK, Fog is a common and recurrent phenomenon causing a sudden reduction in visibility conditions on highways. The international definition of fog is a collection of water particles that reduces visibility below 1 km (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 1995). Heavy surface water can cause similar problems in relation to visibility and, in addition, breaking distance. These factors can lead to an increase in crash levels (Abdel Aty et al, 2010). Effect of fog on driver safety and related crashes was studied in great detail in the UK

by Moore and Cooper, 1972. They found that even though traffic reduced by 20% under foggy conditions, the total number of crashes leading to injuries increased by 16%. Crashes occurring under foggy conditions frequently involve multiple vehicles (Summer et al, 1997). One of the most obvious factors concerning fog is that it is frequently more prevalent during the winter months so a temporary ITS application is an effective way of controlling fog related incidents during key winter months when visibility is worst.

Another variation of a Queue Warning system is a Dynamic Merge system, which encourages early merges when free flow traffic exists and then alters messages when the area is congested, to direct motorists to utilize all lanes until the merge zone.

Studies have shown this type of system actually allows 10-15% more traffic flow compared to undirected traffic flow.

Mobile ITS for adverse weather warnings: Another application of mobile ITS is the management of adverse weather situations such as reduced visibility due to seasonal fog. It is widely agreed that visibility and other roadway weather situations can

Quite often, visibility is worst on roads which do not have a suitable fog detection and warning system.

The use of mobile VMS and speed sensors for pilot projects enables road engineers or consultants to choose the best location based on specific site

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needs. Trailer based mobile variable message signs (MVMS) can be placed upstream of existing weather stations equipped with visibility sensors. Fog sensors can even be mounted on traffic sensor trailers or VMS. The distances between signs and warning devices should be based on road speeds or alternative routes available and be sufficiently in advance to allow drivers time to take the appropriate action. For example, if the normal action is to just reduce speed, then the advance warning distance is less. This can all be determined on a trial basis using Mobile VMS and an operating system like Mobile VMS JamLogicTM which supports information from visibility sensors. The addition of mobile speed sensor trailers provides a secondary method to detect a problem and also monitors traffic flow during a fog event to help traffic control engineers tweak the logic applied to better tune the system. The report following a trial can then be used as a cost efficient model to evaluate whether motorists reduce their speed as a result of being informed of fog and if effective, to promote deployment of permanent ITS technologies.

This program is part of the FHWAʼs “Every Day Counts” (EDC-3 Initiative)

Advancement of Mobile ITS Systems:

Conclusion:

For mobile ITS systems to become more widely utilized, the industry and leading professional organisations need to encourage and provide guidance on when mobile ITS systems are recommended / cost justified. They also need to provide sample specifications that can be utilized for commonly deployed systems, such as for Automated Queue Warning systems and Journey Time systems.

These specifications should only include proven system providers and should be performance based and focused on the system goals/needs and not on specific hardware or technologies. An example of this would be to require 10 metre camera trailers with cameras that can provide at least 1 fps (frame per second) over a digital cellular network, 360 degree continuous panning and provide a minimum of x18 optical zoom etc. Historically ITS professionals have simply and incorrectly cut and pasted CCTV specifications from permanent projects with no consideration for power efficiencies and minimizing bandwidth (both of which are important considerations for longer duration mobile deployments).

Ultimately mobile ITS systems are designed and intended to provide detection and automated alerts to increase safety and mobility in advance of and through a road works area. These areas are the most critical in each agencyʼs overall network or extended network and thus deserve more attention and effort utilizing ITS technologies that are proven and costeffective when properly designed and procured to provide safer roads and more efficient traffic flow.

The U.S. FHWA (Federal Highway Administration) published the “Work Zone ITS Implementation Guide” in January 2014 and provided guidance for such efforts. This document details all possible considerations for those planning to implement these type of systems and most importantly provides a Work Zone ITS feasibility score sheet to aid in determining when this type of system should be considered for use. This report identifies a 6 Step Process:

1.

Assessment of Needs

2.

Concept Development & Feasibility

3.

Detailed System Planning & Design

4.

Procurement Methods

5.

System Deployment Considerations

6.

System Operation, Maintenance & Evaluation

The U.S. FHWA has also implemented advanced initiatives and special funding to encourage additional utilization of “Smart Work Zone” systems for the following specific applications: • • •

Automated Queue Warning Systems Variable Speed Limit Systems Dynamic Merge Systems

For further information on specific projects and trials or for details on any of our VMS or ITS products please contact Michelle Curran Tel: 01753 303900 / 028 30440001 / E-mail: michelle@mobilevms.ie Mobile Variable Message Signs Ltd.

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144 Reasons to visit Ireland’s Award 86 Inter national Blue Flag and 58 National Green n Taisce announced the International Blue Flag Award and the National Green Coast Award recipients for 2015. A total of 144 awards were presented by the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government, Mr. Alan Kelly, T.D, at an awards ceremony held on Ballinskelligs Beach in Kerry. Irelandʼs long sandy beaches, bustling promenades and rocky shores have something for everyone.

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Speaking at the awards ceremony Minister Kelly said, “Blue Flags represent excellence.

They are a clear signal of quality and are something to be cherished. I am delighted to announce that today we will be awarding a total of 86 Blue Flags; 81 for beaches and five for marinas. A blue flag flying at a particular location means that it has achieved excellent water quality to standards set by European and national Regulations, and a very high grade across a wide range of other criteria” He added that, “This is testament to the sterling efforts of local authorities, An Taisce and of local communities in ensuring that their beaches meet the standards of excellence required for a Blue Flag or Green Coast Awardʼ, 81 beaches and 5 marinas were awarded the prestigious Blue Flag award representing an increase in 6 Blue Flag awards since 2014.

Ms Annabel FitzGerald, Coastal Programmes Manager said that, “The Blue Flag is an award of excellence, the beaches and marinas that have achieved this accolade today have complied with strict criteria relating to water quality, safety, facilities for visitors, beach management, environmental education and the provision of information.”

In Cork, Redbarn and Garretstown have regained the Blue Flag status and in Wexford, Ballinesker is being awarded the Blue Flag for the first time. 5 beaches that failed to comply with the requirements of Blue Flag in 2014 because of storm damage have regained their Blue Flag status, they are Bertra and Mulranny in Mayo, Rossbeigh in Kerry and Miltown Malbay and Spanish Point in Clare.

Brittas Bay North in Wicklow, Enniscrone in Sligo and Skerries in Fingal have lost their Blue Flags due to failure to comply with water quality requirements for the Blue Flag. please visit: www.blueflagireland.org

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ward Winning Coastline

reen Coast Awards for Ireland 58 beaches in Ireland were awarded the Green Coast Award representing an increase in 4 awards since 2014. Bishopsquarter and Seafield in Clare and Inchydoney East in Cork are being awarded for the Green Coast Award for the first time. In Wexford, Ballyhealy, Ballymoney, Booley Bay, Grange and St Helens Bay have also achieved the accolade.

Having not met the excellent standard required, Skerries in Fingal, Rathmullan in Donegal, Enniscrone in Sligo and Ballycastle in Mayo did not regain the Green Coast Award for 2015.

“The Green Coast Award recognises beaches for their clean environment, excellent water quality and natural beauty. These beaches may not have the necessary built infrastructure required to meet the criteria set for Blue Flag status however they are exceptional places to visit and enjoy our rich coastal heritage and diversity.”

An important aspect of the Green Coast Awards is the involvement of Clean Coasts groups of which there are now 440 comprised of thousands of volunteers throughout the island. Ms FitzGerald, paid tribute to these groups stating that, “Clean Coasts groups contribute significantly to the protection of Irelands coast, in 2014 over 800 beach cleans took place and these groups removed over 500,000 items of marine litter from the marine environment.”

“Local Authorities, Marina Operators and local communities should be commended for their efforts in achieving Blue Flag and Green Coast award status today” Ms FitzGerald concluded. please visit www.cleancoastsireland.org Think Before You Flush: Tackling the Problem of Sewage Related Litter on Irelandʼs Beaches On the 8th of June, to coincide with World Oceanʼs Day, Clean Coasts (an ʻAn Taisceʼ initiative) and Irish Water launched Think Before You Flush, a public awareness campaign aiming to tackle the problem of sewage related litter on Irelandʼs beaches. Sewage related litter is one of the largest categories of litter found on our beaches and is considered to be the most offensive. During Clean Coasts Big Beach Clean in September 2014, a total of 1,191 cotton bud sticks were found on 103 beaches. Cotton bud sticks can pass through screens at wastewater treatment plants and the majority of them are made of plastic. This means that they can persist in the marine environment and are sometimes mistaken as food by seabirds.

In a study of over 1000 Irish people, 3 in 10 admitted to flushing sanitary items, including baby wipes, facial wipes, cotton bud sticks, tampons and cigarette butts, down the toilet. More than half of those who flushed these items down the toilet did so due to a lack of knowledge. 84% of those surveyed said that if they knew that items flushed down the toilet could end up being discharged into the ocean, polluting our coastline and potentially causing health risks, they would not dispose of items in this way.

It is envisaged that this campaign will result in less sewage related litter accumulating on Irish beaches.

For more information and to support this campaign, please visit: www.thinkbeforeyouflush.org.

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Road Maintenance Fleet Expanded Cork County Council has taken delivery of three custom built trucks for road repair Cork County Council has taken delivery of three more Spray Injection Patcher, custom built trucks for road repair, bringing its fleet to twelve vehicles servicing the county road network.

These machines specialise in filling potholes and repairing damage to the road surface.

Recognised both nationally and internationally as the best method of repairing damage to a road surface., the new, slightly larger, Pictured with the new Velocity Patchers at County Hall were (left to right): Tim Lucey, Chief Executive, Cork County Council, Liam McMamee, Archway Roadmaster, Tom Spray Injection Patcher will bring Stritch, Substitute Divisional Manager, Cork County Council, Cllr. Alan Coleman, Mayor the total number of such of the County of Cork and Richard Cahill, Fleet Manager, Cork County Council. Picture: machines in Cork County Council Martin Walsh. to eight.

Chief Executive of Cork County Council, Tim Lucey said "despite the significant challenges in maintaining the road network across the county due to the overall reduction in funding, this investment will add further to our capacity to make the best use of resources and provide a high quality effective service in road maintenance operations."

The driver of the machine controls an automated arm at the front of the truck which can empty the pothole of water, coat the pothole in bitumen and fill the pothole with a mixer of bitumen and chips.

The driver also controls a special roller fitted to the truck for compacting the fill material as well as an automated brush to remove excess chipping when the repair has been completed.

Mayor of County Cork, Cllr Alan Coleman, said "these new machines will greatly aid Cork County Council in maintaining its road network of over 12,000km"

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South Dublin County Council to invest over €700,000 in high quality, energy efficient LED Public Street Lighting Programme South Dublin County Council is leading the way with new energy efficient alternatives and we are delighted to announce the details of a proposed multi-annual investment programme in the upgrade of our public lighting system. In 2015, the Council will invest over‚ €700,000 in upgrading existing lights to low energy LED lanterns. These new LED lanterns use significantly less energy compared to existing conventional streetlights. In addition they have a lifetime in excess of 15 years delivering immediate savings of over €60,000 per year in lower energy and maintenance costs. High quality LED lighting will also increase the visibility and visual attraction of our villages, residential and commercial centres in the County.

Chief Executive Daniel McLoughlin added ‚ Improving the quality, efficiency, and reliability of our County street lights is essential to the public safety of our residents. We want to deliver on our commitment to reduce energy use, increase sustainability and offer our citizens and businesses a better quality of light.

The first phase of the programme will include the replacement of over 400 lanterns with L.E.D. lanterns in the centres of Lucan, Palmerstown, Clondalkin, Rathcoole, Newcastle, Rathfarnham and Templeogue Villages.

Secondly over 650 lanterns will be replaced at various locations throughout the County as follows:Clondalkin Area‚ 118 Lanterns in the following areas: Castle Avenue/Drive/Close/Grove, Castle Park/View, Knockmeenagh Road, Laurel Park, Newlands Avenue/Drive/Park/Road and Watery lane.

Lucan Area‚ 99 Lanterns, including Ballydowd Gove, Lucan heights, Roselawn and Sarsfield Park,Tallaght‚ 164 Lanterns including St. Maelruans Park, Bancroft Avenue/Close/Grove/Park/Road.

Rathfarnham‚ 132 Lanterns at Anne Devlin Avenue/ Drive/Park/Road, Butterfield Grove, Marian Crescent, Orchardstown Avenue/Drive/Park/Villas, Silverwood Drive/Road, Washington Lane/Park.

Templeogue/Terenure, 154 Lanterns in Dangan Avenue/Drive/Park, Greentrees, Hillsbrook, Muckross, Rockfield and Shelton.

For further information please email communications@sdublincoco.ie or Phone: 414 9000 Maps, Drawings & other Documents Available.

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New Waste Management Plan for Southern Region is launched 10 local authorities in the Southern Region of Ireland have been set a number of key targets in relation to waste prevention activities under a newly launched plan.

Among the policies and actions included in the Southern Region Waste Management Plan, one of three such plans being launched in Ireland, is a 1% reduction per annum in the quantity of household waste generated per capita over the six-year period of the plan, a recycling rate of 50% of managed municipal waste by 2020, and a reduction to 0% the direct disposal of unprocessed residual municipal waste to landfill commencing in 2016.

The preparation of new regional waste management plans for the regions has been underway since late 2013 following an evaluation of the previous plans which covered ten regions nationally. The Southern Waste Region encompasses the local authorities in Carlow, Clare, Cork City, Cork County, Kerry, Kilkenny, Limerick City & County, Tipperary, Waterford City & County and Wexford.

The Southern Region Waste Management Office, which prepared the Plan in conjunction with the Region's 10 local authorities, says the new plan will build on the progress that has already been made in relation to waste prevention throughout the Southern Region.

Since the last waste management plans were published between 2004 and 2006, a Southern Region network of 770 Bottle bank sites and 50 Civic Amenity Sites accepting more than 25 categories of waste has been maintained. "The focus of the new Plan is to build on these achievements and to ensure that the Southern Region moves its management of waste from a traditional disposal model to a circular economy model so that waste becomes a future resource," explained Philippa King, Regional Waste Co-ordinator, Southern Waste Region.

Speaking at the Plan launch in LIT Thurles on May 14th, Ms King stated: "The preparation period for the plan extended over 18 months and afforded local authorities an opportunity to take stock and evaluate the ways in which wastes have been managed. Members of the public and business community were also given an opportunity to make submissions. Now that the Plan has been published, we would urge householders, businesses and schools to visit www.southernwasteregion.ie and learn how they can directly play a role in boosting household and commercial recycling rates and reducing waste disposal levels."

"What we do with our waste will become increasingly important in years to come. As natural resources deplete we will have to reuse, repair and recycle more. The targets set out in the new Plan encourage such action," added Ms. King.

Other key targets and key measures of the Southern Region Waste Management Plan: - Encourage more reuse and repair activities in the region, particularly at civic amenity facilities; - Deliver communication, awareness and on the ground activities which lead to a lasting change in the behaviours of citizens and businesses towards their wastes; - Increase the level of source-segregated kerbside collections in the region, with a strong focus on ensuring that a three bin system becomes commonplace at household and commercial levels;

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- Enforce the regulations related to household and commercial waste to tackle the problem of unmanaged waste and other issues; - Plan and encourage higher quality waste treatment infrastructure including new reprocessing, biological treatment, thermal recovery and pre-treatment facilities; - Ensure existing and future waste facilities do not impact on environmentally sensitive sites through proper assessments and siting; and - Grow the waste management sector into a prosperous and sustainable industry which creates and maintains healthy employment.

For more on the Southern Region Waste Management Plan visit www.southernwasteregion.ie.

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QUINN-lite Thermal Blocks cut Cold Bridging in Social Housing omissioned in 1995, our fully automated QUINN-lite Factory in Derrylin is the only Aircrete Block manufacturing facility in Ireland to date.

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Supplying both the Irish and UK markets, QUINN-lite offers one of the most energy efficient building block for the construction industry. With thermal performances superior to those of conventional concrete blocks, the QUINN-lite Thermal block helps meet and exceed the requirements of the increasingly more stringent building regulations, without moving away from traditional forms of construction . Our attainment of BBA certification, confirming our products compliance to the building regulations, is evidence of our continued commitment to quality and performance.

“The Quinn-Lite range offers one of the most energy efficient building blocks available to the construction industry,” Jason Martin of Quinn Building Products told Local Authority News. “We offer a block which is 10 times more thermally efficient than traditional dense concrete blocks and 2.5 times more thermally efficient than any other thermal block manufactured in Ireland. Quinn-Lite offer the only structural product manufactured in Ireland which meets the 0.20W/m2K thermal conductivity value stipulated in Part Lʼs Acceptable Construction Details to address the issue of thermal bridging at that critical floor to wall junction. Manufactured with up to 75% recycled material itʼs a very sustainable products and itʼs also extremely cost effective when compared to alternative imported products.”

Jason told Local Authority News that the Quinn-Lite thermal blockʼs unique microcellular structure provides a wide range of desirable properties, including excellent thermal performance, strength, lightweight, fire resistance and frost resistance. In addition, the blocks are manufactured to extremely high tolerances and are certified as Category 1 masonry units, allowing designers to push the barriers of structural design.

Quinn-Lite thermal blocks are ideally suited and cost effective for social housing projects, apartment blocks and refurbishments Quinn Building Products offer the full package including, Quinn-Lite Blocks, Quinn Therm Insulation, Prestressed Concrete floor slabs, Bagged cement and Concrete Rooftiles.

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94 per cent of Irish bathing waters meet new stricter EU Standards hree quarters of bathing waters were rated as being of ʻExcellentʼ quality • Irelandʼs bathing waters continue to be of a very high standard, with 94 per cent of identified bathing areas meeting new stricter EU standards.

• These new standards are almost twice as strict as those previously applied.

• A new category of ʻExcellentʼ quality has been introduced and three quarters of Irish bathing waters met this new classification.

• Seven bathing waters (1 inland, 6 coastal) failed to comply with the minimum mandatory standard and were classified as being of ʻPoorʼ quality. Pollution sources appear to be mainly linked to the impacts of wastewater discharges.

• Ireland currently has 136 identified bathing waters. The EPA would encourage local authorities and the public to identify more locations.

• The assessment of water quality in 2014 was undertaken using data from the 2011-2014 bathing seasons rather than just the annual data as in previous years.

Dr Crowe continued, “Disappointingly, seven identified bathing waters have been assessed as being of poor quality. The relevant local authorities and Irish Water have put management plans in place to tackle the main pollution risks at these beaches.

The test will be whether or not we see the necessary improvements in water quality at these beaches.”

“Overall, the quality of Irelandʼs bathing waters continues to be very good and new standards introduced in 2014 provide a much higher level of protection for bathers,” said Dr Matt Crowe, Director of the EPAʼs Office of Environmental Assessment. Dr Crowe was speaking at the launch of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) report Bathing Water Quality in Ireland – A Report for the Year 2014.

legal framework of the Bathing Water Regulations we feel it is important to let the public know about their quality and we would like to see many of them included in the national programme in the future.”

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Identified bathing waters are sea, river or lake waters widely used by the public for bathing that are monitored, managed and assessed under the requirements of the 2008 Bathing Water Quality Regulations.

Peter Webster, EPA Senior Scientific Officer said, “Ireland has many superb beaches and while monitoring them all would be quite impractical, the EPA would like to see an increase in the numbers of identified bathing areas. In addition to the 136 EU identified bathing waters assessed in this report, we have included for the first time details of other waters which are also being monitored by local authorities.

These bathing waters are located in smaller or less popular locations and many are being monitored on a voluntary basis. While they do not come under the

2014 Report Findings • In 2014, 94% of bathing waters (128 of the 136 bathing areas) complied with the new stricter EU minimum standards and were classified as

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achieving at least ʻSufficientʼ water quality status.

• Three quarters of bathing waters (103 of 136 or 76%) were classified as being of ʻExcellentʼ water quality.

• A further 11% (15 of 136) were classified as being of ʻGoodʼ water quality.

• 10 bathing areas (7.4%) were classified as being of ʻSufficientʼ water quality. These waters remain vulnerable to episodic pollution which means they are potentially at risk of being classed as Poor at some future stage.

• One new bathing water (Trá Inis Oirr) was added in 2014. This water had been monitored by Galway County Council for several years previously and water quality meets the ʻExcellentʼ standard.

• Seven waters (5.1%) failed to meet the minimum required standard and were classified as being of ʻPoorʼ quality.

These were: o Youghal (Front Strand) Cork County Council o Ardmore Waterford City and County Council o Duncannon Wexford County Council

In relation to the ʻPoorʼ quality waters Peter Webster said, “In conjunction with Irish Water, Local Authorities have prepared and submitted to the EPA management plans for improving water quality at these sites. In the case of Youghal and Clifden, new sewage works are being constructed. A temporary wastewater treatment plant is proposed for Duncannon while in Ardmore improvements to the effluent disinfection system that operates during the bathing season are being undertaken. In the other locations, a broad range of measures aimed at identifying and tackling the main pollution sources is being implemented”.

On whether or not it was safe to bathe at these sites Peter Webster said, “The fact that these waters have been designated as being of ʻPoorʼ quality means that there is a requirement for local authorities to put in place notification for the entire bathing season advising the public against bathing, but this could include a bathing prohibition if a pollution incident occurs. Throughout the season, up-to-date bathing water quality information and details of any incidents affecting bathing waters will be displayed on the national bathing water website, Splash, splash.epa.ie. Bathers visiting these waters are advised to check the website and their local beach notice boards for information on current water quality. We have also set up a Twitter notification service, @EPABathingWater, to provide incident alerts and information of interest to bathers.”

o Rush (South beach) Fingal County Council o Lilliput (L. Ennell) Westmeath County Council o Clifden Galway County Council o Ballyloughane Galway City Council

The summary report Bathing Water Quality in Ireland – A Report for the Year 2014 and the management of the quality of Irelandʼs bathing water sites are now available.

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New Trail Showcases Natural Heritage Treasures Of Lough Derg new trail showcasing the rich natural heritage of Lough Derg has been developed in time for the 2015 summer season.

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Lough Derg (on the Shannon) Nature Trail is produced by the County Councils in Clare, Galway and Tipperary, and co-funded by The Heritage Council and Lakelands & Inland Waterways.

around Lough Derg in the design and content of this trail has been instrumental in its development, and is reflective of the communitycentred approach to protecting the environment and promoting tourism around the Lough Derg region. I am confident this new trail will deliver additional visitors to Lough Derg, as well as economic benefits for the wider local community and tourism sector here in the Lough Derg Region," added the Cathaoirleach.

The 130-kilometre trail takes visitors from Portumna in Galway down the western shore of the lake, to Killaloe in Clare, and back up on the eastern side to Terryglass in Tipperary. The stops along the route, which can be travelled in any direction, include walking routes, lakeshore access, great bird watching locations, woodland parks for adventuring, and quiet spots to enjoy the beautiful vistas of Ireland's third largest lake and the largest lake in the River Shannon system.

Among the 24 discovery points featured is the monastic site at Inis Cealtra known as the “Jewel of the Lough' - as well as the ancient woodlands of Portumna Forest Park, Derrycrag Wood, Raheen Wood and Cominchas Forest, the sheltered bays and harbours at Rosmore, Mountshannon and Garrykennedy, and the twin heritage towns of Killaloe-Ballina.

Speaking ahead of the trail launch in Portumna this Thursday, Cllr. Mary Hoade, Cathaoirleach of Galway County Council, who said "the outstanding natural heritage of Lough Derg enhances the visitor experience by providing a range of vistas, sights, sounds and places to explore and opportunities to experience, many of which are featured in this wonderful new trail."

"The high level of involvement from communities

Each of the discovery sites selected for inclusion in the Lough Derg Nature Trail featured in the Natural Heritage Audit of Lough Derg (on the Shannon) produced by Dr Allan Mee and Shane OʼNeill and written by Dr. Janice Fuller. The trail project meanwhile, was directed by the three County Council Heritage Officers in the region, Marie Mannion (Galway), Congella McGuire (Clare) and Roisín OʼGrady (Tipperary), and Nuala OʼConnell (Senior Executive Planner, Tipperary County Council).

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According to Marie Mannion: "Galway County Council, along with the Councils in Clare and Tipperary, are delighted to have played a central role in developing a trail around what is a largely undiscovered natural amenity in the heart of Ireland. This trail provides visitors and locals alike with a continuous guided tour around Lough Derg in the Lough Derg Region taking in some of the best scenery and natural sites that Ireland has to offer."

"Lough Derg is Ireland's premier inland navigation and water sports destination, and is

Derg, consultant ecologist and writer Dr. Janice Fuller on ʻGoing Wild on the Lough Derg Nature Trailʼ, and Lorcán OʼToole of the Golden Eagle Trust on the effectiveness of existing tourism policies for rural communities.

also a paradise for anglers along with being a popular region for bird watching. The lake is fully navigable and has many beautiful harbours and piers for mooring. The diversity of landscapes in the Lough Derg lakelands, coupled with the many hundreds of heritage sites dotted in and around its shoreline make it a wonderfully diverse and enjoyable visitor destination. This trail, which complements the existing Lough Derg Heritage Trail, aims to inform and guide visitors to the region about the many places to experience and enjoy here," added Ms. Mannion.

Abbeyville Golden Mile, Derrycrag Wood, Rosmore Pier (Galway), Coos-East Clare Way, Clare/Galway), Dromaan Harbour at Williamstown, Church Bay, Mountshannon, Inis Cealtra, Woodpark, Raheen Wood, Aughinish Wood, Ballycuggaran Forest & Rinnaman Point (Clare) Killaloe-Ballina (Clare/Tipperary) Castletown (The Lookout), Castlelough Woods, Garrykennedy, Youghal Bay, Ryanʼs Point, Dromineer Bay, Luska Bay at Coolbaun, Cominchas Forest, and Terryglass (Tipperary).

A detailed guide to accompany the Nature Trail will also be launched on the day.

Sites featured in the Lough Derg (on the Shannon) Nature Trail include Portumna Water Recreation Park, Portumna Forest Park,

The new trail will be officially launched at a seminar being held at The Workhouse Centre in Portumna, County Galway, next Thursday, 30th April.

The event will feature presentations by Dr. Alan Mee on the White Tailed Sea Eagles on Lough LAN LOCAL AUTHORITY NEWS

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Copies of the Lough Derg (on the Shannon) Nature Trail and accompany guide will be distributed to tourist offices and visitor attractions around Lough Derg.

For more visit www. galwaycoco.ie.

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IRISH LAMP RECYCLING ACHIEVE WEEELABEX CERTIFICATION WEEE IRELAND CONGRATULATES THEIR CONTRACTOR IRISH LAMP RECYCLING AS THE FIRST IRISH LAMP RECYCLING FACILITY TO ACHIEVE THIS EUROPEAN STANDARD Ireland and Belgium are the leaders in setting recycling standard in Europe WEEE Ireland are proud to announce that Irish Lamp Recycling, WEEE Irelandʼs largest Lamp contractor, have achieved the WEEELABEX certification for the responsible recycling of Lamps. Irish Lamp Recycling are the second LAMP recycling facility in Europe to achieve the standard. The WEEELABEX Standard, which stands for Waste Electronic and Electrical Equipment Label of Excellence, is a European certification that sets standards and monitors the processing of Electrical Waste.

from left to right): Jack Wall, Labour TD; Leo Donovan, CEO WEEE Ireland; Alan Kelly Minister for the Environment; Aaron Cuddy MD of Irish Lamp Recycling; John Cuddy Director Irish Lamp Recycling

Irish Lamp Recycling are one of only 34 European organisations to achieve the WEEELABEX Standard and are leaders in this field, bringing new standards to WEEE recycling here in Ireland. WEEE Ireland, who are founding members of the WEEELABEX organisation, are delighted to support Irish Lamp Recycling in this achievement. Irish Lamp Recycling treat all of WEEE Irelandʼs Lamp collections (i.e old and broken energy saving light bulbs and fluorescent tubes) and are the major Light Fitting collection and recycling contractor for the scheme.

Alan Kelly said; "Recycling in Ireland continues to improve year on year and it is fantastic to see the immense efforts of Irish Lamp Recycling being recognised and awarded the WEEELABEX Certificate for excellence. Almost 800 tonnes of lighting electronic waste was managed by Irish Lamp Recycling in 2014, from households and business across Ireland. Through this facility the area of Athy and beyond in Co Kildare has seen increased employment. They are a great success story that showcases what can be done with solid support from stakeholders in the waste value chain."

Irish Lamp Recycling is authorised to accept into its facility 10,000 tonnes of waste. In 2014 Irish Lamp Recycling managed ca. 780 tonnes of electrical waste. This figure represents ca. 2,200,000 light bulbs, over 35,000 light fittings. Since January 2010, the number of employees at the facility has increased from approximately 5 in 2010 to 10 in 2014.

Irish Lamp Recycling General Manager Aaron Cuddy said; “We are delighted to be the first Irish facility and the second in Europe to acquire the WEEELABEX certification for recycling Lamps. This is not just an achievement for us and for WEEE Ireland, but also for Ireland – Ireland, Holland, Belgium and France are the leading European countries who require the WEEELABEX standard for recyclers of e-waste and we are pleased to lead the way not only here in Ireland but in Europe as well. Our sincere thanks to all who work at Irish Lamp Recycling who have achieved this Standard” Based in the Woodstock Industrial Estate in Athy, Irish Lamp Recycling was established in 1992 and set up a Lamp recycling facility in Athy, employing two people at first.

WEEE Irelandʼs CEO Leo Donovan said of this achievement; "WEEE Ireland has supported Irish Lamp Recycling since it began in 2005. The Members of WEEE Ireland include multi national blue chip Producers of electrical appliances including lighting equipment. They demand a traceable and auditable compliance process for management of WEEE/ewaste and Irish Lamp Recycling are to be applauded for continuing to invest and develop their technology to achieve the WEEELABEX standard for waste electrical recycling and treatment in 2015"

Over the years the company and facilities have expanded to become a significant purpose-built LAMP and WEEE recycling facility incorporating 30,000 square feet of warehouses, process buildings and external areas for logistics, weighing facilities and parking - all of which is constructed to the highest level of environmental integrity. In 1998, the company achieved accreditation to ISO 9001, quality standard and in 2002 achieved ISO 14001, environmental standard, one of the first recycling companies in Europe to achieve both these standards. Irish Lamp Recycling received its first permit from Kildare County Council in 1992, this permit has being renewed since on a number of occasions, without any issues being raised, incorporating all current environmental and planning legislation.

Commenting on the award of the WEEELABEX Certificate to Irish Lamps Recycling, Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government

For more information on Irish Lamp Recycling please visit www.ilr.ie and for information on WEEE Ireland please visit www.weeeireland.ie

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M inister Kelly & Phelan announce funding to Health, Disability & Other Organisations

Alan Kelly T.D., Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government, and Ann Phelan, T.D., Minister of State for Rural Affairs have announced that funding will be provided from 1 July this year to end June 2016 to a number of health, disability and other organisations following a review in relation to the impact of the cessation of their current funding on 30 June 2015.

Funding of 1.32 million euro is being made available for this 12 month period to organisations, currently funded under a bridging scheme which was put in place to support the majority of organisations who were unsuccessful in their applications under the Scheme to Support National Organisations (SSNO) but had received funding previously from it up to 30 June 2014 and submitted a valid application in 2014. This further funding will be based on current levels of funding to the organisations in question and is being provided through a Developmental Scheme to Support National Organisations.

Minister Kelly said that “A new scheme will be advertised in 2016 and it will be open to a range of organisations to apply. The aim of the scheme will be to provide a sustainable system of funding for core costs. The funding over the next 12 months will give time for organisations to prepare their applications. These organisations are of importance to society but funding can only be provided in a way that avoids duplication and is cost effective and that can be replicated across other funding Departments in respect of other sectors.”

Minister Phelan added; “These organisations contribute

greatly through the service they provide to the community in supporting groups at risk of disadvantage due to health-related conditions.”

Both Minister Kelly and Minister Phelan emphasized that they are conscious that the withdrawal of funding to health and disability groups who had previously been funded under Scheme to Support National Organisations would impact negatively on services and would make it very difficult for the organisations concerned to manage at this time.

Accordingly, it has been confirmed that funding is being provided for organizations to 30 June 2016. It is envisaged that the new Scheme to Support National Organisations will be advertised in early 2016 and all groups will be required to apply for funding under the Scheme and meet the criteria required for funding going forward.

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MINISTERS KELLY & COFFEY KICKSTART MAJOR SOCIAL HOUSING CONSTRUCTION PROGRAMME WITH €312M INVESTMENT Over 100 projects to commence, 3,000 construction jobs and 1,700 of housing units to be built part of phase one of the social housing strategy Minister for the Environment, Community & Local Government, Alan Kelly, and Minister for State for Housing, Planning & Construction, Paudie Coffey, have announced the first major direct build social housing programme with the kick-starting of over 100 separate housing projects. The move is part of the first phase of direct-build under the Governmentʼs social housing strategy. €312 million has been approved by the Ministers which will see an additional 1,700 social housing units come on stream by 2017 with an estimated 3,000 additional jobs in construction created. The projects, which cut across each local authority area, range in size from small numbers of units to projects of over 50 units for some of the Dublin local authorities.

These projects have been subjected to a value-formoney review by officials at the Department of Environment, Community & Local Government and represent the first phase of direct build under the social housing strategy. Local authorities submitted applications for direct building programmes with approval being granted to over 100 projects in just two months. Further assessments will be carried out throughout the rest of the year with some projects requiring planning approval. All will be completed by 2017. The move is part of the Governmentʼs €4 billion social housing strategy to deliver 35,000 housing units out to 2020 and to reduce the housing waiting lists by 25% nationally by 2017 based on the most recent housing need assessment report.

The investment will be combined with further building projects under the Departmentʼs regeneration programme, a programme of refurbishment to deliver an additional 1,000 housing units this year as well as the social housing provision provided by approved housing bodies, NAMA and Part V units. There will also be a number of housing units bought or leased to provide housing for those in acute need. Minister Kelly said: “This is the first major investment in local authority housing for many years.

This announcement will see over 1,700 housing units delivered over a three year period, creating approximately 3,000 jobs in construction with all of these projects being assessed in under a two month period. It represents a good start but with much more needing to be done. For many years during the celtic tiger, house building was something many local authorities got out of. It has taken time, but with approximately 3,000 additional housing staff in local authorities, including planners and architects, the funding that is coming on stream, aggressive investment and action is being taken to tackle the housing crisis.

The last major house-building announcement was for €68 million which has seen the commencement of over 50 construction projects starting in 2014, Between local authorities and the voluntary housing sector, there are now in excess of 150 social housing projects currently under construction which will in time have an impact on housing waiting lists,” Minister Coffey said "These 100 projects across the Country are shovel ready and will deliver hundreds of much needed homes in every county. "The social housing strategy is a key component of the Construction 2020 Strategy and todayʼs announcement is the first phase of new direct build social housing provision to be delivered by Local Authorities across the country this year.

This is just one of the ways that we will be delivering social housing units and shows this governmentʼs commitment in addressing the current housing need."

This announcement will also provide much needed jobs in the construction and trades sector and will boost employment in communities around the country.

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Kelly Announces €14 Million Allocations under 2015 Rural Water Programme Department and councils to explore funding mechanism for proposed group schemes unviable at current grant rates lan Kelly, T.D., Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government, announced that he has given sanction to Mayo North East Leader Partnership to approve funding of €206,260 to Kilmovee Community Housing Ltd. to develop an all-weather pitch in Kilmovee, Co. Mayo. The 60m. by 40m. astro-turf pitch with associated lighting, fencing and landscaping will be situated on a derelict site in the village of Kilmovee.

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Funding for the project is being provided under the Village Renewal and Development measure of the Rural Development Programme 20072013. Announcing the funding Minister Kelly said: “I am delighted that the Rural Development Programme is in a position to support Kilmovee Community Housing Ltd. in the development of this community pitch, which has an estimated total project cost of over €275,000. Such facilities are critical to the development and maintenance of sustainable rural communities and enhance the social attractiveness of these communities”.

The LEADER elements of the Programme offer many challenges and opportunities in terms of addressing

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the needs of improving the quality of life in rural areas and providing greater opportunities for farm diversification. It is focused on the development of micro-enterprises, rural services, rural recreation and rural tourism. It is hoped that, by focusing on these services, the Programme will lead to sustainable development, which in turn will ensure prosperity for

the rural areas.

The Minister added: “This project will now go back to the Board of Mayo North East Leader Partnership for final approval. This is in line with the EUʼs ʻʼbottomupʼʼ approach to rural developmentʼʼ.

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