Adopted Budget 2021 Notwithstanding the inevitable delays to delivery when construction activity ceased during the lockdown period, Housing capital delivery remains a major priority and the Council continues to partner with the Approved Housing Body sector to plan and deliver the much needed social housing infrastructure to meet demand in the County. This activity will be stepped up significantly during 2021 as upwards of 150 new homes will reach completion. This Council is continuing to provide significant resources in the delivery of homeless services and has achieved considerable success in the number of exits from homelessness since taking over responsibility for emergency accommodation in 2019. During 2021 it is planned to extend the current service provision in this area to include a low threshold facility as a measure to address street homelessness in the County town. The 2020 plan to become one of the first local authorities to be compliant with the statutory requirements of S.I. 137 2019 Minimum Rented Standards has had to be deferred to 2021 due to the impact of COVID-19 restrictions. The ongoing investment required for the management and maintenance of social housing stock continues to pose a challenge and it is becoming clear that the annual ring fencing of housing income must be considered as a buoyant means of funding maintenance of our housing assets as the stock levels increase. The County Library project will recommence in 2021 and is anticipated to be completed in 2022. The completed facility will greatly enhance the cultural offering in the County town. This Council will continue to support and invest in the recreational facilities in the County to ensure Clare is recognised as a centre of excellence for sport and recreational facilities.
Physical Development The Project Management Office continues to manage a wide variety of Capital projects throughout the County, as well as through Section 85 agreements with Limerick City and County Council in respect of the Limerick Northern Distributor Road (LNDR) and with Tipperary County Council in respect of the Killaloe Bypass, Shannon Bridge Crossing and the R494 Upgrade scheme. The main Clare projects include: • • • •
The Ennistymon Inner Relief Road (Blakes Corner) Ennis South Flood Relief Scheme Shannon Town and Environs Flood Relief Scheme Catchment Flood Risk Assessment and Management (CFRAM) Projects in Kilkee, Springfield, Kilrush and Bunratty 10
