Local Authority News Vol 34 No 2 by Giltron

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LAN LOCAL AUTHORITY NEWS Vol 34 No 2 2015

• NRA’s 2015 National road allocations providing €184m 184m for Local Authorities with a further €294m 294m for Regional and Local roads from the Department of Transport, Tourism & Sport • €300m 300m Housing Investment Programme with EIB & HFA • Launch of 2015 Supervalu Tidytowns Competition • Clare County Fire and Rescue Service Retains International Health & Safety standard

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• Ready to use • No Heating Required • 100% Recyclable Features and Benefits • Permanent repair solution for potholes in roads, footpaths, driveways and reinstatement to utility cuts on roads

• Cost effective • Can be opened to traffic immediately so you have reduced traffic disruption • Install at temperatures from -10°C to + 35°C • Manufactured using a specially modified binder to increase durability • Can be used in wet or dry conditions • No tack coat or over-banding required • Environmentally friendly - no VOC’s • Available in tubs, bags and bulk • Manufactured with High PSV aggregates Ease of use It is recommended that DURAPATCH™ is installed and compacted in layers to achieve the required pavement thickness. 1. Clean Clean the area to be repaired by removing any loose debris. Ensure that the foundation is compacted when laying on hardcore.

2. Fill Place a 30mm layer of DURAPATCH™ into the affected area (50mm layer for 0/20mm DURAPATCH™).

3. Compact Compact using a hand tamper or vibratory compactor. Repeat steps 2 & 3 until the required repair thickness is achieved. Deeper utility type repair/reinstatements may require the use of a mechanical roller to achieve the required compaction. The finished DURAPATCH™ surface must be crowned at the centre of the repair/reinstatement.

4. Repaired Area can be trafficked immediately.

ROADSTONE LTD. Tel: +353 (0) 1 4041200 Fax: +353 (0) 1 4041321 Email: info@roadstone.ie www.roadstone.ie A CRH GROUP COMPANY

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CONTENTS VOL. 34 No 2

FEATURES NRA’S 2015 NATIONAL ROAD ALLOCATION PROVIDING €184M FOR LOCAL AUTHORITIES 3 Published by:

GILTRON LTD RIVERVIEW LODGE, DUBLIN ROAD, NAVAN, CO. MEATH.

MINISTER DONOHOE ANNOUNCES €294 MILLION FOR REGIONAL AND LOCAL ROADS 5 CLARE COUNTY FIRE AND RESCUE SERVICE RETAINS INTERNATIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY STANDARD 9

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.

MINISTER KELLY PUBLISHES CLIMATE ACTION AND LOW CARBON DEVELOPMENT BILL 2015 11 MINISTERS KELLY & COFFEY ANNOUNCE €300M HOUSING INVESTMENT PROGRAMME WITH EIB & HFA 12 GOOD NEWS FOR BALLYRAGGET N77 BALLYNASLEE ROAD REALIGNMENT 17 LAUNCH OF 2015 SUPERVALU TIDYTOWNS COMPETITION 19

REGULARS DEPARTMENT BREIFS

PRODUCT INFORMATION

CLASSIFIEDS LAN LOCAL AUTHORITY NEWS

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Providing Services to the National Roads Authority in maintaining motorways and dual carriageways in the greater Dublin area on the M1, M2, M3, M4, M7, M9 and M11.

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Ballykilmurray, Tullamore, Co. Offaly Contracts Manager Martin Conneally Mobile:087 8125154 Tel: +353 57 93 25273 Fax: +353 57 93 25273 Email: info@callington.ie www.callington.ie

Tel : 01 8219120 Website: www.gsj.ie

Nuzum Road Services are specialists in Car Park Line Marking, Road Marking, Winter Maintenance packages and Playground Markings providing high quality services to both public and private sector clients across Ireland.

Freeflow Traffic Management have developed a reputation for providing cost effective solutions in the optimum time, all of our personnel are focused on the need to offer the highest quality of service. We offer a comprehensive range of services including:

• Method Statements And Risk Assessments • Planning And Implementation Of All Types Of Traffic • Management From Estate • Roads To Motorway Standard • Diversion Route Planning And Implementation • Stop And Go Traffic Control Systems • Convoy Systems • Static Lane Closures • Mobile Lane Closures • Contraflow And 'Narrow Lane' Schemes

Contact us today for a no obligation quote for your business! Nuzum Road Services 14 South Lotts Road, Dublin 4 T: 087 649 3650 E: info@nuzum.ie www.nuzum.ie

Freeflow Traffic Management Ballinalee, Co Longford Fax: +353 43 3323194 / Phone: +353 43 3323194 Mobile: +353 87 2859852 / Email: Info: info@fftm.ie

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NRA’s 2015 National road allocation providing €184m for Local Authorities

rovision of €165.2m for improvement works and

this project in 2015. It is hoped the remaining sections of the N11 will be open before the end of 2015. In May this year, An Taoiseach turned the sod on the €550 million Gort/Tuam PPP scheme and the 2015 allocation towards this scheme is €2.9 million. The NRA is working to progress the remaining two PPP schemes under the Governmentʼs Stimulus Plan (M11 Gorey/Enniscorthy and N25 New Ross Bypass). It is hoped that both of these projects can be brought to financial close in 2015 which would allow construction to start in 2015/2016.

€19.6m for maintenance works will benefit communities across the country.

In December, the NRA provided details of their three year minor works programme which will be launched next year and the funding announced today will go towards progressing some of these schemes. Examples include €4 million towards the N15 Blackburn Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, Pascal Donohoe TD, welcomed the announcement of the 2015 National Roads Authority (NRA) allocations to local authorities which provides for €184.8 million in total. This is made up of €165.2 million for improvement works and €19.6 million for maintenance. Minister Donohoe said: ʻOur national road network is a key asset as our economy moves towards recovery and growth. Preserving it will significantly assist and drive economic activity. The NRAʼs 2015 national road allocations will benefit local authorities and communities across the country. The funding will be used for improvement and maintenance works on the existing network and also towards the progression of a number of projects through the design, planning, land acquisition and construction phasesʼ.

Bridge Realignment Scheme in Donegal, €2 million towards the N61 Rathallen Realignment Scheme in Roscommon and €1 million towards the N53 Barrownstown to Hackballs Cross scheme in Louth.

“Just a few months ago, I opened the Newlands Cross upgrade, one of the busiest junctions in the country and the first section of the €282 million N7/N11Arklow to Rathnew PPP Scheme to reach completion. The NRA will allocate €300,000 towards

“It is important that we continue to invest where it is needed so that we not only preserve the standard of our national road network but we work to improve safety, reduce congestion and thereby increase economic output.

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Minister Donohoe announces €294 million for Re gional and Local roads Allocation will allow approx 2,000kms of road to be maintained and strengthened Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, Paschal Donohoe TD, announced details of the €294 million investment programme for 2015 for regional and local roads, saying the package will allow approximately 2,000 kms of regional and local road to be maintained and strengthened this year.

“Ensuring the upkeep and maintenance of our road network is essential in facilitating our future economic growth and development and securing job creation. If people are prevented from going about their daily business or from getting to and from work in a timely fashion our economic activity will suffer. This allocation of €294 million will allow restoration and improvement works to be carried out and a number of new construction projects to be carried out. “The priority is to maintain the existing road network, and I have been able to protect funding for the key road maintenance and strengthening programmes for the local authorities, which continue to receive funding. The investment programme also allows for a number of key improvement projects to go ahead, namely:

scheme is to improve safety at locations where collisions have taken place. Significant provision is also being made for footpaths in 2015 in the interest of public safety. “The main features of the investment programme include: €145m for maintenance, improvement and strengthening works €41m for surface dressing €62.5m for maintenance and strengthening works for which local authorities have discretion in the selection of roads €17m for Specific and Strategic Regional and Local Roads Projects €7.7m for bridge rehabilitation works €5.8m for Low Cost Safety Improvement Works €4.2m for urban block grant €11m of miscellaneous grants including, bridge inspections, training, maproad and road safety measures. “Arising from the introduction of the local property tax, the four Dublin local authorities will be in a position to self-fund for regional and local roads in 2015 and the funding allocation for county Cork can be reduced. The reduction in the budget for 2015 reflects selffunding by these Councils and a €50 million one-off boost from financial stimulus at the start of 2014. When these factors are taken into account, allocations to local authorities this year are up on the 2014 base figures.

Lough Atalia Railway Bridge, which involves increasing vehicle headroom under a railway bridge on an important access route to Galway city and also Galway Port. The rehabilitation of Clontarf Bridge, which is on a vital route in Cork City. The strategic Coonagh to Knockalisheen project, which will support the regeneration of the Moyross area in Limerick to proceed to construction. “There is also provision for 175 bridge rehabilitation schemes and 211 low cost safety projects to be carried out. The main focus of the low cost safety

“Local authorities are best placed to assess priorities within their areas and considerable autonomy is therefore given to them under grant headings to decide on the work programme to be carried out in their area. It is also important to note that that these grants supplement local authoritiesʼ own resource expenditure on the regional and local road network and so do not represent the total investment in regional and local roads for this year.”

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approximately a week dependent on the specification of the vehicle. Due to the diverse number of requests we get for vehicles and our knowledge and ability to tailor vehicles to specific jobs. We have a diverse number of vehicles available. All vehicles are supplied to Chapter 8 requirements for traffic management. In the past few months Swords auto and swords traffic management have taken on distribution of the latest box cushion to arrive on the market in Ireland and the United Kingdom.This cushion is one of only three types of cushion manufactured worldwide which has passed the 70 mph (110kmph) test . The future looks very bright for the company in that we launched our new cushion at the Traffix show in Birmingham during the summer and it has been getting rave reviews.

WORDS AUTO Ireland s premier supplier of traffic management vehicles and supplies .

The Dublin based company offer traffic management vehicles and materials for sale , hire or lease This is a company that has really made a mark on the traffic management industry in Ireland with bespoke vehicles with all the major traffic management operators on Irelands vast network of new motorways. Some twenty five years ago swords auto began with an auto electrical workshop supplying vehicle starters , alternators , car alarms and a diagnostic and repair workshop for electrical problems with vehicles . this valuable experience has stood them in good stead when the company branched out into providing bespoke solutions for traffic management.

The development of our own cushion and can bus control system to operate the cushion and other equipment on the vehicle have revolutionised the building of these vehicles. Our can bus control unit is especially useful where we have multiple drivers of a vehicle. The touch screen control unit with audible reply confirms all functions for the driver as they are selected and the driver can view each function on the screen to advise him of the function chosen.

Vehicles supplied range from:

• Standard drop side pick- up transits • Incident support cars and vans • Specialist incident support vehicles • Cone laying trucks • Impact protection trucks • Barrier repair rigs • Mobile lane closure trailers

When in operation the system constantly gives the driver a view of his operation and will verify any changes he makes as they are chosen. Gone are the days of switching a switch and watching in your mirrors to see what the result was. The whole function can now be seen in real time and create a much safer work environment for both the driver and his operatives and ultimately the travelling public. Swords Auto and Swords Traffic Management are now supplying vehicles all over Ireland and England. As Ireland s only builder of bespoke traffic management vehicles we have built the company up with a focus on customer needs and attention to detail. With a ever growing number of companies now seeking our service we have enjoyed growth during the past few years and look forward to future success going forward. Why not visit our web site at swords traffic management limited and see photos and details of our vehicles

A sister company swords truck and van hire was also set up which hired vehicles into the municipal market supplying Panel vans, tippers, crew cabs and jeeps. In recent years Swords Auto have also set up a depot in Wrexham in wales and made in roads into the british market for traffic management vehicles. “ Breaking into the english market has been a major success, we spent a lot of time developing our products and getting our workshop efficient . So much so that we can now turn an impact protection vehicle from a base chassis and cab to a fully fledged impact protection unit ready for work in three weeks.

Swords Auto Lawless Yard, North Street, Swords, Co. Dublin, Ireland Tel: + 353 1 8404748 Fax: + 353 1 8406230 info@swordsauto.ie Web: www.swordstrafficmanagement.co.uk

Transit vans and tippers can be turned around in

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Clare County Fire and Rescue Service retains international health and safety standard Clare County Fire and Rescue Services has once again received national and international recognition for its ongoing efforts to protect the safety, health and welfare of its employees. The OHSAS 18001:2007 'Occupational Health and Safety Management Systems' certification was first published by the National Standards Authority of Ireland (NSAI) in 2007 and sets out a preventative and proactive approach to identifying workplace hazards and assessing and controlling risk. It is the only auditable international standard for health and safety. Clare County Fire and Rescue Service was first awarded the OHSAS 18001:2007 - - in 2014 and is one of only five fire authorities in the country that have attained the accreditation. Cllr. John Crowe, Cathaoirleach of Clare County Council has welcomed the announcement describing Clare County Fire and Rescue Service's commitment to maintaining health and safety standards to the highest level as "critically important for both fire service personnel and the general public whom they serve." Tom Coughlan, Chief Executive of Clare County Council added: "From the perspective of promoting the council's safety management system, this is a very welcome development. Attaining and maintaining the accreditation means that the fire service is proactively managing the safety of its employees and contractors." Pictured are Chairperson of Clare County Council,

"Clare County Fire and Rescue Service Cllr. John Crowe and Adrian Kelly, Chief Fire Officer personnel are among the most highly trained with the accreditation certification. in the country and are equipped with the most modern equipment and personal protective equipment - this accreditation underlines that staff are also committed to implementing the highest standards of health and safety throughout their operations," added Anne Haugh, Director of Services for Emergency Services. Adrian Kelly, Chief Fire Officer commented: "The management of health and safety of personnel is a top priority for all fire service employees. The staff are delighted to retain the OHSAS 18001:2007 certification which will serve to remind us of how maintaining health and safety standards is central to the work we carry out on a 24-hour basis, 365 days of the year." The announcement was made at the February monthly meeting of Clare County Council.

For more on OHSAS 18001:2007 certification visit www.nsai.ie.

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Minister Kell y Publishes Climate Action and Low Carbon Development Bill 2015 -Climate Legislation will be on the Statute Book for the first timeThe Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government, Alan Kelly, T.D., welcomed the publication of the Climate Action and Low Carbon Development Bill 2015, having secured Government approval for the provisions of the Bill. The Climate Action and Low Carbon Development Bill 2015 sets out the national objective of transitioning to a low carbon, climate resilient and environmentally sustainable economy in the period up to and including the year 2050. In doing so, it gives a solid statutory foundation to the institutional arrangements necessary to enable the State to pursue and achieve that “national transition objective”. In this regard, the Bill provides for the preparation, and approval by the Government, of five-yearly National Low Carbon Transition and Mitigation Plans (or “National Mitigation Plans”) which will set out how our national greenhouse gas emissions are to be reduced, in line with both existing EU legislative requirements and wider international commitments under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). In particular, each successive National Mitigation Plan will specify the policy measures that will be required to be adopted by each relevant Minister of the Government to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in their sectors and to enable a whole-of-Government approach towards achieving the national transition objective. As Irelandʼs greenhouse gas emissions profile are predominantly made up of emissions from agriculture, transport, energy and the built environment, it is anticipated that it is in these sectors that most mitigation effort will be required.

In bringing forward this proposed national legislation, Ireland will also contribute – and be seen to contribute - its fair share of mitigation effort as part of global endeavours under the UNFCCC to limit the rise in average global temperature to no more than two degrees over the pre-industrial level. These endeavours, if successful, will benefit us all, but particularly developing countries, where lesser capacities to respond and adapt render them more vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. Minister Kelly stated: “Mitigation effort is a global responsibility and no more so in respect of our collective preparation for agreement in Paris at the end of this year, however it is important that developed countries such as Ireland provide leadership in terms of their contribution and the framework underpinned by this Bill will enable such a response to be developed well into the future”. The Bill also deals with adaptation to climate change, in that it provides for the preparation, and approval by the Government, of successive National Climate Change Adaptation Frameworks which will outline the national strategy for the application of adaptation measures in different sectors as well as by local authorities in order to reduce the vulnerability of the State and citizens to the negative impacts of climate change. As the concentration of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere rises with historic emissions, adapting to the inevitable changes in climate in Ireland, such as an increased frequency of severe weather events, becomes critical. In this regard, the National Adaptation Framework will set out those sectors, such as flood defence and the protection of communication and electricity infrastructure, which will be required to develop sectoral adaptation plans to prepare for and invest wisely to minimise the likely impacts of a changing climate and extreme weather events. Minister Kelly stated that: “It is vital that we continue to prepare appropriately for adaptation, not only in the short term, as our recent experience with Storm Rachel demonstrated, but also in terms of the long term and the provisions within this Bill will facilitate that process”.

By providing the institutional framework to ensure that iterative policy measures are developed, approved and implemented in a timely fashion, the Bill will also underpin the certainty required for policy makers and business in respect of what mitigation Commenting on the publication of the Bill itself, efforts are going to be taken up to 2020 and 2030, as Minister Kelly stated that: “No specific climate well as setting the scene for future mitigation change legislation has ever been enacted in Ireland. objectives beyond those timeframes up to the year I intend to rectify that lacuna now to ensure that 2050, at which point the Irish economy, along with Irelandʼs response to climate change is consolidated most developed countries, will be required to be and that our long-term planning for future mitigation substantively decarbonised. Such a process will also and adaptation is underpinned by statutorily robust be instrumental in identifying new economic operational arrangements.” opportunities that arise in transitioning to a low carbon economy. LAN LOCAL AUTHORITY NEWS

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Ministers Kelly & Coffey announce €300m Housing Investment Programme with EIB & HFA rates and facilitate quicker deliver of approximately 2,000 additional social housing units. Government is committed to ensuring that financially sustainable mechanisms are in place that can meet both current and future demand for social housing and ensure value for money for taxpayers.

inister for the Environment, Community & Local Government, Alan Kelly & Minister of State for Housing, Paudie Coffey, have welcomed a new €300m fund for investment in social housing.

The new investment programme jointly backed by the Housing Finance Agency and the European

Ministers Alan Kelly & Paudie Coffey at St. Mary's Mansions

The vision outlined in the governmentʼs Social Housing Strategy 2020 is that every household will have access to secure good quality housing suited to their needs at an affordable price and in a sustainable community. This new agreement between the EIB and the HFA represents very good progress in that direction and I strongly urge the Boards and Management of certified Approved Housing Bodies to grasp this opportunity and access this finance in order to help achieve the challenging targets set out in the Social Housing Strategy.”

Minister Coffey said: “This announcement is an indication that this government is willing to use innovative measures to deliver finance so that housing units can be delivered where demand exists. We need to increase the number of housing units completed in this state in order to meet demand and Social Housing is going to play a key role in the overall strategy. By using this method of housing delivery we will ensure that we are providing sustainable housing at affordable prices.

Investment Bank will target an additional 2,000 social housing units to be developed over the next three years. The new programme, the first ever support for housing in Ireland by the European Investment Bank, was officially announced during a visit to Killarney Court in north Dublin by Ministers Kelly & Coffey and Jonathan Taylor, Vice President of the European Investment Bank and Barry OʼLeary, CEO of the Housing Finance Agency plc.

This is just one of the methods of housing delivery in the Social Housing Strategy and underlines both mine and Minister Kellyʼs commitment to tackling the acute housing need that currently exists.”

The funding will be available to approved housing bodies for the upgrade and delivery of social housing. During the visit, representatives of Cluid Housing Association outlined how local residents have benefited from investment to reduce heating costs, provide play areas and improve buildings under a recent upgrading scheme. Welcoming the new initiative Minister Kelly stated that “This will give housing bodies access to finance at very competitive

Jonathan Taylor, European Investment Bank Vice President added that: “This new engagement will improve social housing across Ireland and represents the first ever EIB lending for the housing sector in the country. We are pleased to work closely

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with professional housing experts at HFA in a scheme that will benefit both local residents by providing better homes and reduced energy costs, and work for local construction firms. Investment in housing is essential for family life and sustainable communities and we look forward to further support for the sector in Ireland in the years to come.”

Barry OʼLeary, CEO of the HFA said that “the HFA is pleased to have secured a facility which allows us offer our customers 25 year fixed rate funding at very competitive rates and we welcome the endorsement from the EIB of our credit assessment and review processes. Interest in the product offering is very high and we expect the fund to be significantly over subscribed.”

Approved Housing Bodies across the country to upgrade social housing and improve energy efficiency. By accessing EIB funding the HFA will be able to offer Approved Housing Bodies long-term finance at extremely competitive rates. The new social housing development scheme is supported by a guarantee from the Minister for Finance and underpins the strong commitment from the EIB for the provision of long term development finance in Ireland. The Social Housing Strategy 2020 targets the provision of 35,000 new social housing units over a six year period, the support of up to 75,000 households through an enhanced private rental sector and the reform of social housing supports to create a more flexible and responsive system. The Strategy sets out a multi-annual approach to underpin the delivery requirements over two phases. Phase 1, building on Budget 2015, sets a target of 18,000 additional housing units and 32,000 rented units by end 2017. Phase 2 sets a target of 17,000 additional housing units and 43,000 rented units by end 2020. Background information: The European Investment Bank (EIB) is the long-term lending institution of the European Union owned by its Member States. It makes long-term finance available for sound investment in order to contribute towards EU policy goals.

The €150m funding from the European Investment Bank will be matched by the HFA to provide €300m available for lending to support investment by

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REMOVE THE GUESSWORK - EI ELECTRONICS LAUNCHES NEW TECHNOLOGY FOR THEIR CARBON MONOXIDE ALARMS. enowned for its innovation Ei Electronics is pleased to announce the launch of AudioLINK™, a revolutionary new data extraction technology integrated into all of its CO Alarms.

AudioLINK allows for invaluable real time data to be acoustically extracted via the Alarmʼs sounder - all you need is an AudioLINK enabled CO Alarm, a tablet or smart phone and most importantly the free AudioLINK App. This data is converted into an “Alarm Status” report, which is simple to review and store. The report is created for the life of the Alarm, and is colour coded to identify the urgency of any issue. The report displays useful information about the Alarm, such as battery life, alarm sensor status, number of times tested, power on duration, Alarm head removal and detection levels of CO, including background CO, with details of when it occurred - all in a simple format. As the information is generated in real time, any issue identified can be dealt with there and then. Additional information about each section can be obtained simply by tapping onto the desired area on the tablet or smart phone – this will then provide more detailed guidance to the user. The report can accommodate additional information such as a site reference number, address or location before being forwarded via email or to be stored in a key location for future reference. Data is stored for the life of the Alarm and can be extracted as many times as required, enabling historic information to be retained. As such, AudioLINK is proving extremely popular with social landlords as it improves the level of protection their tenants will receive whilst being more time, budget and resource efficient. The reports provide physical records of Carbon Monoxide levels in the properties they manage. It can be used as part of the property checks prior to changing over to new tenants, contributes towards the annual Gas Safety Checks/ Annual Boiler Maintenance and generates real time information should CO leaks be detected or the safety of a fuel burning appliance reported. AudioLINK has been installed as standard into Ei Electronicsʼs Ei208 Lithium battery powered CO Alarm range and the Ei261ENRC powered CO Alarm range. The Ei262 mains powered CO Alarm will be available from April. The Alarms all feature a proven CO sensor which is pre-calibrated and tested in real CO gas to ensure accuracy and attains the Irish Standard for CO detection in residential dwellings - IS EN 502911:2010+A1:2012 or IS EN 50291-2:2010. The Ei208 series Alarms support both audible and visual indication for end of life. To clearly identify the new AudioLINK featured Alarms, the units will carry a readily identifiable AudioLINK symbol. Ei Electronics have worked with local authorities and housing association across Ireland and the UK to develop AudioLINK and believe that this innovation will benefit both tenants and social housing providers. Also, if that wasnʼt enough all Ei Electronics CO Alarms now come with a 10 Year Life proving the best value protection.

All Ei Electronics alarms are designed and built in Ireland specifically to meet EU standards and regulations. For more information please contact Tom Meehan, Technical Sales Manager, Mobile: 086 2619357 Office: 061 471277, e-mail: tom.meehan@eielectronics.ie or go to www.eielectronics.com LAN LOCAL AUTHORITY NEWS

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Fox Contracts are a civil engineering company who have been building roads and bridges, sports facilities, airfields and creating public realm infrastructure in the UK and Ireland for the last 18 years making the environment safer and more aesthetically pleasing for everyone. This ethos informs everything we do, from partnering, to ensuring a project runs smoothly and efficiently, to staying one step ahead of the issues and challenges and providing the solutions in close consultation with our clients. Our portfolio of projects is testament to the diversity of our expertise and knowledge, how we take care of every detail and ensure every project is precision engineered.

East Belfast Flood Alleviation - replacement of existing culverts, new flood defence works including reinforced concrete walls, secant piled walls & sheet piled walls

N56 Strategic Transport Corridor realigned to provide better transport links to North and West Donegal

FOX BUILDING & ENGINEERING LTD 250 Drumnakilly Road, Omagh, Co. Tyrone BT79 9PU T: 028 8076 1944 F: 028 80761954 info@fox-contracts.com

Specialist Civil Engineering Contractors in • Urban Renewal Schemes

• Water and Drainage

• NRA Road Construction

Upgrade Scheme

• Pavement Improvements • Cycleway Construction

Kilkenny County Council – Serving the People, Preserving the Heritage

• Water Main Leak Detection, Repairs & Maintenance Works

Kilkenny County Council aims to work in partnership with the people of Kilkenny and relevant agencies to deliver quality services and to promote sustainable economic, social and cultural development for current and future generations.

• Emergency Repair Works

County Hall, John Street, Kilkenny

City Hall, High Street, Kilkenny

Tel: 056 7794000 Fax: 056 7794004

Tel: 056 7794000 Fax: 056 7794509

Email: info@kilkennycoco.ie Website: www.kilkennycoco.ie

"Delivering Urban Renewal"

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Good News for Ballyragget - N77 Ballynaslee Road Realignment & N77 Ballyragget Pavement Improvement N77 Ballynaslee Road Realignment Scheme The Ballynaslee Road Realignment scheme provides for a 2km realignment of the N77 national secondary route and includes an atgrade priority junction allowing access to and from the 'bypassed' section of the existing N77. This 'bypassed' section shall be re-classified as a local road and shall serve local access needs only. The existing road on this section of the N77 has a restricted capacity due to its limited cross section and sub-standard alignment, which in association with the high level of private domestic and agricultural accesses presents a hazard to Pictured at the signing of the contract From L-R Mr. Simon Walton A/ Director of Services, KCC, Cllr. Pat Millea, road-users and contributes to unstable traffic flow of Kilkenny County Council, Mr. Finbar Fox, Fox Contracts, Mr. regimes. It is considered therefore that the existing Cathaoirleach Frank Stafford, Senior Executive Engineer, KCC. national secondary road is economically inefficient, and detracts from the development and growth of the locality that it serves. In the period 2012 to mid 2014, Kilkenny County Council acquired the lands necessary to the deliver the project and undertook an Advance Works Contract so as to minimise the main contract construction period. Following an Open Tender process for the Main Contract in the autumn of this year, Fox Contracts were identified as the successful tenderers with a tender submission of just under €2.63 million (Incl. Vat.). The contract awarding this project was signed on the 2nd of December 2014. Works are expected to commence before Christmas, with an anticipated opening date for the new section of road in autumn 2015. The overall cost to deliver this project from planning and design stage through to construction completion is estimated at just over €5.8 million.

N77 Ballyragget Pavement Improvement Scheme The scheme comprises of a structural improvement of the existing N77 National Secondary Road in Ballyragget Village, from Castle Street Bridge, for a distance of 900 metres, through the Square extending out to the River Nore bridge along Bridge Street. In addition, traffic calming measures will be introduced by way of reduced carriageway widths, provision of recessed parking and the widening and upgrading to existing footpaths. Following an Open Tender process for this contract in the autumn of this year, Mallwood Ltd., was appointed to carry out the works and the contract was officially signed on 2nd December 2014. The scheme is programmed to start in January 2015 and is expected to be completed by mid April 2015.

Pictured at the signing of the Contract Front L-R Mr. Simon Walton A/ Director of Services, KCC, Cllr. Pat Millea, Cathaoirleach of Kilkenny County Council, Mr. Des Kent, Mallwood Ltd., Back L-R Mr. Frank Stafford, Senior Executive Engineer, KCC, Mr. Mark McGee, Mallwood Ltd.

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An overall grant allocation of €550,000 has been secured from the National Roads Authority for the design construction, supervision and delivery of this project. This project when complete will further compliment the enhancement works that were completed in the Square earlier this year.

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LAUNCH OF 2015 SUPERVALU TIDYTOWNS COMPETITION he SuperValu TidyTowns competition for 2015 was officially launched today by Ann Phelan, T.D., Minister of State for Rural Affairs and Mr. Martin Kelleher, Managing Director of SuperValu, sponsors of the competition.

On launching the competition Minister Phelan said “The SuperValu TidyTowns Competition encourages the efforts of local people who bring huge benefits to their communities. It recognises all the work of the TidyTowns volunteers, from the planning stage to the completion of projects. It gives communities a vehicle to come together to effect change where they live. Each year for the last four years this competition has attracted over 800 entries from cities, towns and villages throughout the country and I hope that this impetus will be sustained this year.” Minister Phelan mentioned the significance of the work of TidyTowns volunteers in preserving Irelandʼs reputation as a clean and green destination to live in, do business in and visit. “The work of the generations of volunteers on TidyTowns committees cannot be overestimated, their efforts have been improving the environment in which we live for 57 years and has helped to transform the appearance of our towns and villages and to promote Irelandʼs image abroad. The sense of place that develops when communities work together and take ownership of their own surroundings is evident where TidyTowns committees are active. Their communities offer a unique experience to visitors, from both at home and abroad. The Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government has worked in partnership with Volunteer Ireland to grow voluntary effort; their website www.volunteer.ie matches members of the public interested in volunteering with voluntary opportunities in their own areas. TidyTowns committees should take advantage of this initiative to seek out new volunteers or voluntary expertise” Speaking at the launch today, Martin Kelleher, SuperValu Managing Director said “2015 marks the 24th LAN LOCAL AUTHORITY NEWS

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year of SuperValuʼs sponsorship of TidyTowns. This is one of the longest running sponsorships in Ireland and one that we are extremely proud to be supporting. We believe in local and TidyTowns is a perfect partnership for SuperValu. With 222 stores nationwide, our retailers are uniquely positioned to work with TidyTowns committees to build sustainable communities that we will be proud to pass on to future generations. Not only do we support TidyTowns nationally, but retailers contribute a further €100,000 to committees locally.

Year on year, there is tremendous work carried out by TidyTowns committees in every town and village in Ireland and this year we are hoping to further acknowledge this work with the inclusion of a youth category award, which will recognise some of the fine work undertaken by younger committee members. We live in challenging times, economically and socially, but the SuperValu TidyTowns competition demonstrates the power of local and the value it brings to our communities and our country.” The Minister expressed her appreciation to SuperValu for their continued support in sponsoring the competition. “SuperValu have supported this competition for nearly a quarter of a century, they have helped it grow through their sponsorship and through their nationwide network of retailers. Thank you Martin and all your team for your support for this competition.” As well as the main competition there are also ten Special Competitions that can be entered. Welcoming these competitions Minister Phelan said “these competitions add to the SuperValu TidyTowns competition and I would like to encourage entrants to consider entering some of them as well as the main competition. I also thank the sponsors of these competitions for their support over the years.” The closing date for receipt of entries for this yearʼs competitions is 22nd May 2015. Entry forms to the SuperValu TidyTowns competition can be obtained from the TidyTowns Unit in the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government – Phone (096-24309) or by visiting www.tidytowns.ie or www.supervalu.ie. For entry to the Special Competitions please download your entry form at www.tidytowns.ie LAN LOCAL AUTHORITY NEWS

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M inister Kelly & Phelan Announce County Allocations for Leader Element of Rural Development Programme

Alan Kelly T.D., Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government, and Ann Phelan, TD Minister of State for Rural Affairs have announced the County allocations for the LEADER elements of the Rural Development Programme (RDP).

Both Ministers have allocated €220 million overall to individual sub-regional (county) areas for the purposes of the implementation of the LEADER elements of the Rural Development Programme by Local Action Groups within those areas. As announced in Budget 2015, an overall €250 million will be allocated towards the LEADER element of the Rural Development Programme. To bring the allocation to the full programme complement of €250million, an additional €15million will be allocated to two Agri-Food measures managed jointly by DECLG and DAFM. A further €10 million will be used to support cooperation projects over the lifetime of the programme

with a particular emphasis on cross-border initiatives, this process will be coordinated by DECLG and delivered using the LEADER/Community Led approach. The final €5 million will be held in reserve to potentially support a more extensive Rural Economic Development Zones project should the pilot initiative recommended by CEDRA prove successful. LEADER funding will be used to support sustainable economic development projects for rural communities ranging from tourism, agri-food and other business activities. This money will be targeted at tackling social inclusion, rural isolation as well as increasing the capacity of rural communities to participate in economic development. The exact nature of the projects chosen will be based on ideas that emerge from the communities themselves. An expression of interests process will begin shortly. Minister Kelly said, “LEADER is a vital lifeline for many rural communities. These substantial financial resources allocated to each county for the delivery of LEADER will support the continued sustainable development of rural communities all over Ireland in the coming years. Minister Phelan and I are determined to address issues of rural decline and I am confident that the 2014-2020 programme will be just as successful as the 2007-2013 programme which has seen funding going to 8698 enterprises that have supported the creation of 4084 jobs since 2009. I am aware of many excellent community facilities and amenities that LEADER support has facilitated and improved all over the country supporting social inclusion and community participation in very difficult times. I also believe the on-

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going work at a local level to ensure more coordination as outlined in the Governmentʼs reform programme ʻPutting People Firstʼ will serve only to improve the impact of LEADER funding in rural communities and ensure that rural Ireland is given the support it needs and deserves”. Minister Phelan added, “I am delighted that we have reached the stage where every county now knows what allocation they will receive under the LEADER elements of the RDP. I now look forward to formally launching the selection process for the Local Development Strategies that will provide the framework for the delivery of this

funding. Coming from a rural community, I am only too well aware of the challenges that are being faced by our local communities in the aftermath of the financial crisis. But, rural Ireland is ready to participate in the recovery. There is a wealth of resources and existing infrastructure across rural Ireland that can be utilised to ensure that recovery is felt throughout the country. I am confident that these resources will support the sustainable development of rural communities the length and breadth of this country and very much look forward to seeing and hearing about new LEADER projects commencing towards the end of this year.”

Table 1: LEADER Allocations 2014-2020 Sub Regional Area

Programme Allocation

Rural Dublin

€6,370,438.43

Kildare

€5,261,600.01

Meath

€6,903,123.57

Wicklow Carlow Kilkenny Wexford Tipperary County Waterford County Cork Kerry

€6,336,549.00 €6,416,803.43 €7,791,572.91 €9,840,140.56 €10,103,443.28 €7,522,796.18 €13,938,823.22 €10,219,868.29

Clare

€8,920,224.65

County Limerick

€9,276,593.96

County Galway Mayo Roscommon

€12,195,883.61 €11,121,431.88 €8,852,659.22

Louth

€6,101,862.01

Leitrim Sligo Cavan

€5,998,474.74 €7,655,647.81 €8,522,285.84

Donegal Monaghan

€12,913,877.86 €7,592,719.51

Laois Longford Offaly

€7,124,586.86 €7,597,623.07 €8,036,763.90

Westmeath

€7,384,206.22

Total

€220,000,000.00 LAN LOCAL AUTHORITY NEWS

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€207,558 under the LEADER elements of the RDP an extension to the existing Fr. Peyton Memorial Centre at Attymas, Co. Mayo 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 €207,558 to the Fr. Patrick Peyton Memorial Company Ltd to construct an extension to the existing Centre to accommodate a non-medical residential unit. The unit will comprise seven en-suite bedrooms, assisted toilet and shower facilities, sluice area, kitchenette, dayroom, as well as staff and reception areas. The facility is intended to accommodate a need within the community for respite care, typically people leaving hospital who ideally would receive care in a not-forprofit facility. The care provided will consist of FETAC non-medically trained staff participating on Rural Social Schemes. Funding for the project is being provided under the Basic Services for the Economy and Rural Population measure of the Rural Development Programme 2007-2013.

Announcing the funding Minister Kelly said: “I am delighted that the Rural Development Programme is in a position to support the Fr. Patrick Peyton Memorial Co. Ltd. in the provision of this facility, which has an estimated total project cost of over €276,000. Such facilities which address the need for community-based respite care are an invaluable resource in rural communities and greatly enhance the quality of life for rural dwellersʼʼ.

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

€206,260 under the LEADER elements of the RDP for the development of an all-weather pitch in the village of Kilmovee, Ballaghadereen, Co. Mayo 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. Funding for the project is being provided under the Village Renewal and Development measure of the Rural Development Programme 2007-2013. 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 attractiveness of these communities”.

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PRODUCT PRODUCTinfo info MS Pavement Management Services Ltd. (PMS) is a civil engineering consultancy firm specialising in testing, evaluation and management of roads and airports. The company was founded in 1992, and has offices in Galway and Dublin. PMS is INAB accredited for all of its pavement services

Skid Resistance (SCRIM) Surveys: We own and operate two SCRIM machines to cater for the needs of our Irish clients. We are the only commercial operator of a SCRIM machine in Ireland. We provide SCRIM measurement and analysis services to the NRA, PPP firms and Irish local authorities. Asset Inventory Network Surveys: PMS can carry out an inventory of roadside items in order to populate a complete Route Asset Inventory of a given road section. The relevant video or LiDAR data is collected at speeds of up to 115kmh. The data collected is normally referenced to GPS coordinate systems allowing integration to GIS, if required.

Road Surface Condition Surveys We own two Dynatest Road Surface Profiler vehicles to simultaneously measure pavement performance parameters at high speed (c. 70-80 km/h). These parameters include Rut Depth, IRI, Geometrics, Surface Texture and Video.

Structural Surveys: For structural evaluation, we now own three Falling Weight Deflectometers (FWD) for use on roads and airports. PMS now own and operate a high-speed Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) system. Since PMS has introduced GPR capabilities we have carried out pavement construction surveys for the NRA and a wide range of local authorities.

Laser Crack Measurement System (LCMS) The Laser Crack Measurement System (LCMS) is a highspeed and high-resolution transverse profiling system. Typically, the LCMS system can capture one road profile every few millimetres (5 mm at 100km/h) by using two laser profilers that acquire the shape of the pavement. Each profile gives full 4-meter width 3D profiles with 1mm resolution allowing for the characterization and the visualisation of high quality images and shape (texture) of the road surface. Highway Testing Laboratory (HTL) HTL offers a full suite of laboratory material testing on granular, bituminous and cementitious materials to local authorities, material suppliers and contractors. It also offers a comprehensive on-site testing programme for pavement materials, and has carried out QA/QC programmes for DAA, NRA, local authority project staff and specialised surfacing contractors. Mix design for new and recycled materials have also been carried out for a number of material suppliers.

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All their equipment conforms to IS EN 1176, yet, from their detailed knowledge of these standards, they are able to offer significant challenges to test the even the most agile of children. The high quality fixings and mechanical components used by the manufacturer, Richter, are designed for longevity and simplicity of maintenance. Thus the lifetime cost offers real value for money.

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