Local Authority News Vol. 37 No. 2

LAN 37 No 2 Cover:Layout 1

29/06/2018

08:00

Page 1

LAN LOCAL AUTHORITY NEWS

• Making the most of Public Procurement!

• €66.25 66.25 million funding to Improve the Homes of Older People and People with a Disability • An Taisce Announces Record Number of Blue Flag and Green Coast Awarded Sites for 2018 • The Vehicle, Plant & Machinery Supplement 2018

LAN 37 No 2 Cover:Layout 1

29/06/2018

08:00

Page 2

LAN 37 No 2 inside:Layout 1

01/07/2018

11:53

Page 1

CONTENTS Vol 37. No 2.

FEATURES MAKING THE MOST OF PUBLIC PROCUREMENT!

3

MINISTER ROSS ANNOUNCES OVER €23 MILLION FOR REGIONAL AND RURAL ROADS Published by:

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

5 OUR MISSION IS TO HELP PEOPLE TO HAVE BETTER LIVES BY DELIVERING THE BEST SERVICES FOR ALL. 8 FIREBIRD LAUNCH NEW ENVIROAIR HEAT HYBRID PUMP

11

2018 SET FOR MASSIVE ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING EVENT

13

MINISTER RING ANNOUNCES THE UPGRADE OF OVER 400 PRIVATE ROADS 15

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, State-Sponsored and Development Bodies and Agencies.

SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL CARBON MONOXIDE SCHEME OPENS 14TH JUNE 2018

17

ESRI A SIGN OF THE TIMES

18

GET THE GREEN ADVANTAGE WITH GRANT

21

MINISTER ENGLISH ANNOUNCES €66.25 MILLION FUNDING TO IMPROVE THE HOMES OF OLDER PEOPLE AND PEOPLE WITH A DISABILITY 24 PODDLE RIVER FLOOD ALLEVIATION SCHEME

27

AN TAISCE ANNOUNCES RECORD NUMBER OF BLUE FLAG AND GREEN COAST AWARDED SITES FOR 2018 28 NEARLY THREE QUARTERS OF IRELAND'S BATHING WATERS ARE "EXCELLENT" BUT SOME URBAN BEACHES ARE UNDER PRESSURE. (EPA)

REGULARS

33

28

IRISH WATER UPDATES

37

DEPARTMENT BREIFS

44

PRODUCT INFO

47

CLASSIFIEDS

LAN LOCAL AUTHORITY NEWS

1

59

LAN 37 No 2 inside:Layout 1

01/07/2018

11:53

Page 2

LAN LOCAL AUTHORITY NEWS

2

LAN 37 No 2 inside:Layout 1

01/07/2018

11:53

Page 3

Making the most of public procurement! ocal authorities have a difficult task balancing the economic priorities for their communities while also working to achieve environmental and social sustainability, especially when faced with pressing issues such as climate change, plastic pollution or waste management.

L

The Department of Communications, Climate Action and Environment is working with numerous stakeholders in the Public Sector to promote ‘green public procurement’ (GPP) as a key pillar of our work on resource efficiency, circular economy and climate change. GPP is recognised internationally as an effective means for public administrations to achieve a balance between economic and environmental and sustainability priorities.

Using green public procurement principles in the local authority budgets can help bring about greater sustainability in the community and demonstrate the Council’s reputation as an innovative, eco-efficient and forward-looking organisation. Many of our public authorities have already made good progress in this regard as demonstrated by the examples of best practice outlined in the National Action Plan – ‘Green Tenders’.

Following on from stakeholder consultations late last year, we recognise that a significant driver of increased GPP is the vision, commitment and support of senior management within an organisation. In light of this we are delighted to be currently working with Wexford County Council who in are hoping to become the ‘Exemplar Hibernia’ in showcasing best practice in integrating GPP into their procurement policy and are considering the best way to apply sustainability criteria to their tenders across a range of products and services.

The Department is also currently working on an Interreg Europe project called GPP4Growth which is looking at practical ways to increase Green Public Procurement among public bodies at the national and local level and will host our other project partners from across Europe for a study visit in Wexford this October.

If you would like to know more about GPP in Ireland please visit the Department’s website, or sign up to our mailing list by emailing gpp@dccae.gov.ie.

LAN LOCAL AUTHORITY NEWS

3

LAN 37 No 2 inside:Layout 1

01/07/2018

11:53

Page 4

LAN LOCAL AUTHORITY NEWS

4

LAN 37 No 2 inside:Layout 1

01/07/2018

11:53

Page 5

Minister Ross announces over €23 million for regional and rural roads The Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, Shane Ross TD, today announced details of a two year €23 million Community Involvement Grant Programme for regional and local roads.

Minister Ross said: “When I announced the regional and local road grants in January I initially ring-fenced funding of €10 million for Community Involvement Schemes in 2018. However, in view of the strength of the response, and the evident need in many areas, I am delighted to provide funding of up to €23.1 million over a two year period. This will allow a greater number of projects to go ahead and give local authorities more flexibility in delivering this programme.

Based on an average 19% contribution rate, this will allow work with a value of €28.5 million to be undertaken. These works will be of immense benefit to local communities up and down Ireland, and underpins my commitment to enhancing and supporting vibrant community projects, particularly in rural Ireland.

Applications were sought from local authorities for suitable schemes for inclusion and the response from local authorities was very positive with a large number of proposals received.

The average community contribution proposed is about 19%. The community input can be either by way of a financial contribution or works.”

In the normal course of a Council’s road works programme, repairs to minor county roads would only be considered towards the end of the programme after more heavily trafficked routes had been dealt with and the purpose of the Community Involvement Scheme is to facilitate local participation in the repair of roads so as to allow improvements to be made sooner than might otherwise be the case.

The Community Involvement Programme will allow a wide range of works to be undertaken on regional and local roads. The proposed works include general works such as providing hard standing material at field entrances or removal of banks at the edge of a road, drainage works, road surface strengthening and repair works, the repair and construction of footways, the improvement of sight lines, the easing of bends and the provision of passing bays.

The Minister concluded: “I know that the fabric of the regional and local road network has suffered because of funding constraints in recent years and this has impacted particularly on more lightly trafficked roads. I hope that this scheme will allow local authorities and communities to work together to achieve tangible improvements and I look forward to seeing the results of their combined efforts.”

LAN LOCAL AUTHORITY NEWS

5

LAN 37 No 2 inside:Layout 1

01/07/2018

11:53

Page 6

LAN LOCAL AUTHORITY NEWS

LAN 37 No 2 inside:Layout 1

01/07/2018

11:53

Page 7

LAN LOCAL AUTHORITY NEWS

LAN 37 No 2 inside:Layout 1

01/07/2018

11:53

Page 8

Our mission is to help people to have better lives by delivering the best services for all.

Service rePublic is a partnership between Cork County Council and Cork Institute of Technology, established in January 2017 and was officially launched in May 2017. This collaboration marks the beginning of a new, exciting approach to service delivery in the public sector in Ireland.

Service rePublic is• creating better services for citizens and users by designing them using a collaborative approach • developing opportunities for citizens, communities and business • co-designing new futures (tackling societal challenges, e.g. ageing population) • adopting a developmental view of local government Service rePublic aims to transform how Cork County Council operates, by looking outwards rather than inwards, by engaging with citizens, users, elected representatives, communities, businesses and other stakeholders (public and private). We use an all-inclusive approach to co-designing and co-creating better services. Service rePublic is fostering an educational environment for the development of service design in the Cork area, allowing the teaching of the discipline to be supported by the experience of transforming services in a real local authority environment.

In order to promote and develop an appetite for service design in the public sector in Ireland, Service rePublic organised an international conference, bringing experts in the field of service design from all over Europe to speak at the event. The International Service Design Experience – Fota Resort September 26th 2017, was the first event of its kind in Ireland, led by the public sector but looking beyond that sector for examples of transformation and innovation and promoting partnership and sharing of expertise.

With the formation of Service rePublic Cork County Council was building internal service design capacity, but beyond that, also wanted to create a local environment where that capacity could continue to grow and expand.

Service Design Unit was presented as a real commitment by Cork County Council and Cork Institute of Technology to bring citizens, individuals, communities and businesses into the process of designing services.

Cork Institute of Technology developed and delivered a Special Purpose Award in Service Design in 2017, in which the Service rePublic team have participated. This specialised service design training course is the first of its kind in Ireland.

Service rePublic has also worked with Cork Institute of Technology on the delivery of a Design Challenge for Innovation Week 2018 in CIT. The challenge concept was provided by Cork County Council in conjunction with the Older People’s Council - a representative group of older people, established by Cork County Council Council as part of the development of the Age Friendly Programme . The challenge was “Empathy for the Older Driver” and the workshop was a perfect example of the ideas that can be generated by bringing Cork County Council and Cork Institute of Technology resources together in terms of the people (staff and public) and expertise of both organisations.

Cork County Council has also provided a programme of work placements for Cork Institute of Technology students within Service rePublic. This allows the students to experience a real service delivery environment with all the challenges and opportunities for using service design in practice. While the students gain this benefit, the Service rePublic team gains the insight, enthusiasm and fresh perspective of the students who bring their ideas and skills into the Council.

LAN LOCAL AUTHORITY NEWS

8

LAN 37 No 2 inside:Layout 1

01/07/2018

11:53

Page 9

Both organisations also have the benefit of engaging partners from their existing corporate networks in identifying opportunities for the expansion of service design projects and capacity in Service rePublic.

Approaches have already been made by these partners in looking to work with Service rePublic to use service design as the basis for projects and activities.

Service Design Network Global Conference 2018 – October 11th & 12th - Dublin The International Service Design Conference held in Cork last September has brought about an enthusiasm for the discipline of Service Design in Ireland and in particular has piqued the interest of other local authorities and government departments who are keen to learn from Cork County Council & Service rePublic. We are delighted to announce that due to the significant interest in Service Design generated by that event, the International Service Design Network has chosen Ireland as the host country for the Service Design Global Conference (SDGC18).

The global conference is now in its 11th year and this year over 800 international and national delegates will converge on Dublin Convention Centre on October 11th & 12th. The theme of this year’s conference Designing to Deliver focuses on the implementation of Service Design practices to achieve meaningful and measurable results.

Design is a major factor in contributing to positive customer experience and the transformation of customer services from good to great. In the private sector, design-thinking allows companies to become more competitive and innovative; while in the public sector, design-led innovation can make services more efficient and effective, thereby improving quality of life for all.

An impressive range of public and private sector keynote speakers (drawn from Ireland and abroad) will be combined with practical workshops that demonstrate how Service Design tools are being used globally to motivate and empower staff and to achieve improved service delivery models for our customers.

SDGC18 represents an unique opportunity to learn about design-led innovation and how it can help public servants to deliver better services for our citizens. Further information in relation to the conference and links to the significantly reduced public sector ticket rate can be found at www.service-design-network.org

LAN LOCAL AUTHORITY NEWS

9

LAN 37 No 2 inside:Layout 1

01/07/2018

11:53

Page 10

LAN LOCAL AUTHORITY NEWS

LAN 37 No 2 inside:Layout 1

01/07/2018

11:53

Page 11

FIREBIRD LAUNCH NEW ENVIROAIR HYBRID HEAT PUMP F

irebird Heating Solutions has always been a name you can trust and is now a market leader in hybrid heating, with the launch of their new range of Enviroair heat pump/boiler hybrid systems. Combining the Enviroair heat pump with a Firebird Enviromax boiler, quite literally take heating to another level. The hybrid range not only boasts ultra-quiet operation, but the excellent COP (Coefficient Performance) can produce an incredible 4kW of energy for every kW of energy used to power the heat pump.

These high levels of efficiency will reduce fuel bills for the homeowner when compared to other heat pump systems. Available in single phase outputs from 7.5kW to 16kW, the Enviroair hybrid range provides a compact and space saving solution as a single Monobloc unit that is installed outside the property. However, combined with the highly successful Enviromax boiler range, the hybrid system will ensure that 100% comfort heating is provided throughout the year, regardless of the weather conditions. Environmentally friendly, the Enviroair hybrid system provides the perfect heating solution for the modern new build, combining market leading technologies with over 35 years of experience. The system is easy to install and offers total flexibility, providing Part L Compliance and high BER ratings. The hybrid range has particular functions, including screed drying when integrated into an underfloor heating system. To complete the hybrid, Firebird also offer cylinders specifically designed for heat pump operation. These are pre-plumbed and make installation easy. There are 5 cylinders which range from 180 litres to 400 litres.

The outstanding energy efficiency of the Enviroair hybrid range is achieved by utilising cutting-edge DC Inverter Technology that saves on energy consumption and money all year round. This technology keeps temperature fluctuations to a minimum and ensures heat output matches the heating load of the property.

Room temperatures are controlled effortlessly and efficiently with an intuitive, top of the range, intelligent heating control. The system controller automatically runs the entire heating system and balances demand between the heat pump and boiler in colder climates and also has a built in weather compensation control facility.

Enviroair 7.5 Heat Pump

Firebird Heating Solutions specialise in providing a total heating package solution. The comprehensive product range includes oil fired boilers, solar thermal systems, stoves, range cookers and biomass boilers.

For further information on the Enviroair hybrid range or other products in the range please visit

www.firebird.ie or contact Firebird Heating Solutions

Tel: 026 45253

Email: info@firebird.ie LAN LOCAL AUTHORITY NEWS

11

LAN 37 No 2 inside:Layout 1

01/07/2018

11:54

Page 12

LAN LOCAL AUTHORITY NEWS

12

LAN 37 No 2 inside:Layout 1

01/07/2018

11:54

Page 13

2018 set for massive Environmental Monitoring Event This year, two of the world’s largest environmental monitoring events will take place in the same place and at the same time – Telford, November 21st and 22nd. WWEM 2018 will be the eighth in a series that began in 2005, and AQE 2018 will be the tenth in a series that began in 2002. As specialist events focusing on the regulations, Standards, methods and technologies in environmental monitoring, enormous synergy is created by running them together.

The WWEM (Water Wastewater & Environmental Monitoring) events have grown year on year, and AQE (Air Quality & Emissions) Visitors at the AQE Exhibition stand. has expanded beyond recognition. “Many of the delegates for these events work in both emissions to air and wastewater, so this will be great news for them,” comments organiser Marcus Pattison. “However, and it’s a big however, these events are feverishly busy; each with a packed workshop programme running alongside a conference, all of which is CPD accredited, so the need for delegates to plan their visit is even greater than usual.

“Visitors will need to study the conference and workshop programmes on the two event websites, and plan their time accordingly. In all likelihood, this will necessitate coming on both days to make the most of the conferences, workshops and both international exhibitions.”

Delegates at the AQE Conference

Anyone planning to attend should register at www.ilmexhibitions.com. By registering, visitors will be eligible for free parking and refreshments, as well as free entry to both exhibitions and all workshops. The exhibitions will feature over 230 companies representing more than 400 manufacturers, and there will be a total of over 140 free technical workshops to choose from.

In addition to the updates on regulations that will be provided by many of the conference speakers, each exhibition will feature a ‘Regulators Stand’ providing help and advice from the regulators of England, Wales, Scotland, Northern and Southern Ireland.

The WWEM 2018 Conference programme is being developed and supported by leading associations including SWIG (Sensors for Water Interest Group), the Pump Centre, WRc, CIWEM, BMSS, PROFIBUS, CoGDEM, GAMBICA, WIPAC (Water Industry Process Automation and Control) and the RSC (Water Science Forum & Separation Science Groups). Consequently, conference delegates can be assured of high quality, topical content.

Delegates at the WWEM exhibition

Delegates at the WWEM exhibition

With air quality experiencing extremely high levels of global political and media interest, and with Brexit looming at a time when the UK Government has suffered repeated losses in Court, the timing of AQE 2018 could not be better. Debate is intensifying around the measures that must be taken to address air pollution, and monitoring has a key role to play. The content of the AQE 2018 Conference is therefore being developed in association with the STA (Source testing Association), EPUK (Environmental Protection UK), the REA (Renewable Energy Association), the CEA (Combustion Engineering Association) and IAPSC (Investigation of Air Pollution Standing Conference).

Both AQE 2018 and WWEM 2018 will take place at the Telford International Centre, (UK) which benefits from a number of local hotels. However, with a high proportion of visitors likely to attend over both days, the organisers are recommending early booking.

LAN LOCAL AUTHORITY NEWS

13

LAN 37 No 2 inside:Layout 1

01/07/2018

11:54

Page 14

For more information please call the Saniflo technical team on Phone: 046 97 33077

CHAINSAW COURSE WITH FRS OPERATORS The FRS Fencing Team in Roscrea, Co.Tipperary, took part in the FRS Training City & Guilds Unit 201 & 202 chainsaw course bringing their competency levels up for use in their fencing work.

With this training they are now in a position to progress to the advanced course units.

For further information or to arrange a meeting or a chat about the range of chainsaw courses FRS provide contact: Eugene Doyle, FRS Training Business Development Manager on (086) 8117986 or Linda Crampton on (0505) 31578. Visit www.frstraining.com

The FRS Fencing Team: Pat Kelly , Caleb Powell , Arthur Harvey , Joe Kennedy

Contact: Eugene Doyle, FRS Training Business Development Manager on (086) 8117986 or Linda Crampton on (0505) 31578 LAN LOCAL AUTHORITY NEWS

14

LAN 37 No 2 inside:Layout 1

01/07/2018

11:54

Page 15

Minister Ring announces the upgrade of over 400 private roads under the 2018 Local Improvement Scheme (LIS) countrywide

Improvements to over 1,100 roads supported since re-introduction of LIS last year The Minister for Rural and Community Development, Michael Ring TD, has published a list of over 400 private roads which have been selected for upgrade under the 2018 Local Improvement Scheme (LIS).

Minister Ring allocated €10 million for road improvements to County Councils around the country as part of the 2018 LIS scheme. The lists of projects which the Councils plan to undertake under the scheme this year have now been submitted to the Department of Rural and Community Development. Detailed information regarding the projects selected by the Local Authorities in each county can be found on the Department’s website at http://drcd.gov.ie/about/rural/local-improvement-scheme/ Welcoming the details submitted to his Department, Minister Ring said: “The Local Improvement Scheme is about improving small roads and laneways in rural Ireland which are not under the normal maintenance of the Local Authorities.

LAN LOCAL AUTHORITY NEWS

15

LAN 37 No 2 inside:Layout 1

01/07/2018

11:54

Page 16

“This scheme is a lifeline for people living in rural areas because it directly improves their access to and from their homes and farms. Many people living and working in rural areas use these roads every time they enter or leave their home or farm, so the condition of their access road really impacts on them. Investing in the improvement of these roads really makes a positive impact on people’s quality of life in rural areas.”

The Minister continued: “I reintroduced dedicated funding for the LIS in September 2017, after a gap of eight years. I know that the reintroduction of the scheme has already made a huge difference for rural communities around the country. The €10 million which I have allocated to the scheme this year will fund improvements to over 400 roads around the country. This funding builds on the €17 million provided by my Department in 2017 and brings to over 1,100 the number of roads which have been supported since last September.

“I cannot overstate how important local connectivity is in order to enable rural Ireland to function well. The Action Plan for Rural Development prioritises improving rural infrastructure and connectivity, and continuing to support an LIS scheme is just one of the measures we are taking in that regard. Many lanes and boreens which link private homes and farms are not on the public road network and so are not maintained by the Local Authorities. The Local Improvement Scheme is therefore a very valuable support for rural families and businesses that use these roads on a daily basis.”

The number of roads on which improvement works will be carried out in 2018 under the LIS on a county-bycounty basis is as follows:

County

Allocation under LIS

Number of Roads to be improved

€250,000 €295,000 €482,000 €1,000,000 €884,000 €942,000 €727,000 €250,000 €315,000 €264,000 €250,000 €411,000 €250,000 €250,000 €855,000 €359,000 €250,000 €290,765 €370,290 €282,000 €625,582 €282,000 €282,000 €360,000 €310,000 €10,836,637

Carlow Cavan Clare Cork Donegal Galway Kerry Kildare Kilkenny Laois Leitrim Limerick Longford Louth Mayo Meath Monaghan Offaly Roscommon Sligo Tipperary Waterford Westmeath Wexford Wicklow TOTALS

*The number of roads to be improved in Co. Donegal is being finalised by the Co. Council.

LAN LOCAL AUTHORITY NEWS

16

15 5 13 41 TBC* 27 33 8 8 9 11 9 13 5 77 8 16 13 56 10 17 12 9 14 6 435

LAN 37 No 2 inside:Layout 1

01/07/2018

11:54

Page 17

South Dublin County Council Carbon Monoxide Scheme 2018 Opens 14th June 2018 South Dublin County Council (SDCC) is introducing a new scheme in 2018 to provide Carbon Monoxide alarms free to residents in the SDCC administrative area providing they meet certain criteria. This scheme is specifically for residents of the SDCC area aged 55 plus. The scheme is also available to residents who are under the age of 55 if they are living alone or deemed vulnerable for the purpose of this scheme.

Carbon Monoxide (also known as CO) is a colourless, odourless poisonous gas and is a common yet preventable cause of death from poisoning worldwide. Carbon Monoxide has no smell, taste or colour.

This is why it is sometimes called the "Silent Killer".

When inhaled, it prevents blood from absorbing oxygen. It can be produced by any fuel when burned – coal, turf, oil, gas, wood.

Applicants must be living in privately owned accommodation in the SDCC administrative area. This scheme is not open to people living in rented accommodation (private or social).

Two alarms will be available per household.

There is a limited number of alarms available and these will be allocated on a first come first served basis. The scheme may close early if the quota is reached. Closing date is Thursday 23rd August 2018 at 4pm.

These alarms will be installed by South Dublin County Partnership from October 2018 onwards.

How do I apply: You can apply online by visiting our website – http://www.sdcc.ie or you can contact the Community Services Department on 01-414 9270 or email comdevof@sdublincoco.ie to be posted or emailed out an application form.

Approximate timeframe for the scheme: · Scheme open for applications - June 2018 · Scheme to close - Thursday 23rd August 2018 at 4pm. Scheme may close early if quota is reached. · List to be provided to South Dublin County Partnership - end September 2018 · Installation to commence - October 2018 · Installation to be completed - end March 2019

South Dublin County Council’s Data Protection Obligations: Data Protection Acts 1988-2018 applies to all records held by South Dublin County Council. You are required to read and acknowledge the South Dublin County Council privacy statement for this scheme before you can submit your application.

You can find out more by visiting our website – www.sdcc.ie.

You can contact the Community Services Department on 01-414 9270 or email comdevof@sdublincoco.ie to request an application form.

LAN LOCAL AUTHORITY NEWS

17

LAN 37 No 2 inside:Layout 1

01/07/2018

11:54

Page 18

A sign of the times

How Fermanagh and Omagh District Council is using geographic information system (GIS) technology to install over 4,000 road signs, quickly, safely and cost efficiently.

It is a sign of the times that local authorities are now relying on GIS technology to help them address challenges of immense scale and complexity. This is certainly the case in Fermanagh, Northern Ireland, where the District Council is using Esri’s ArcGIS platform to help it erect over 4,000 road and townland signs.

Fermanagh and Omagh District Council had previously completed an initiative to identify every property in Fermanagh with a number, road name and townland, giving fifteen thousand rural properties in the county official addresses for the first time. These new addresses were already recognised by Royal Mail and searchable on computer databases. Next, the Council needed to install road and townland signs on hundreds of roads across the county and do this as quickly, safely and cost efficiently as possible.

Rather than surveying up to 3,970 kilometres of roads by vehicle, Fermanagh and Omagh District Council decided to analyse its road network digitally. It used its existing ArcGIS platform, together with Ordnance Survey street data and aerial imagery, to examine the routes of newly named and renamed roads, count road junctions and identify the necessary locations for road signs. This GIS-led approach enabled the Council to accelerate the planning phase, as it significantly reduced the number of on-site surveys required.

LAN LOCAL AUTHORITY NEWS

18

LAN 37 No 2 inside:Layout 1

01/07/2018

11:54

Page 19

Furthermore, the use of ArcGIS allowed the Council to ascertain, with a high degree of accuracy, how many signs it needed, before installation work began. It could therefore purchase precisely the number and types of signs to meet its requirements rather than relying on its original business case estimates, which prevented wastage, improved accuracy, saved money and reduced nugatory work.

In the next step, Fermanagh and Omagh District Council used ArcGIS to help it undertake a thorough risk identification process to ensure the safety of staff and contractors when installing the new signs. For example, Fermanagh and Omagh District Council acquired asset information from British Telecom and electricity providers in Northern Ireland and overlaid this geospatial data onto its street data, using ArcGIS, to identify any potential risks from buried or overhead cables at the proposed locations of its signs.

Installation of the new signs commenced last month (May 2018), and Fermanagh and Omagh District Council is now using ArcGIS technologies to monitor the progress that its contractors are making. The Council is using ArcGIS Online to communicate with contractors, regarding each sign required for installation and to update them on whether or not it has been installed. In addition the Council is using ArcGIS Enterprise (Council GIS Portal) to build and record a maintenance database about each sign, its unique ID number and any particular hazards or points to note at each location. Inspectors can upload information and images of fitted signs to the Council GIS Portal, building up a comprehensive asset inventory.

Fermanagh and Omagh District Council’s Organisational Web Application tracking road sign asset, installation process, and location

It is anticipated that a GIS-led approach to this project will deliver further cost and time savings in the future and more efficient asset management. Council Officers will be able to view signs information via the Council’s in-house ArcGIS portal, view images of the signs originally installed and order replacements of exactly the right size, quality and standard. Most importantly, the Council will be able to deliver an efficient service to its residents and ensure all roads are properly signed at all times.

The Rural Road and Townland signs project is now inspiring other Council service areas to explore new ways of using ArcGIS across a wider range of projects for, in particular, sharing of data and collecting data remotely in the field. Indeed, it is a sign of just how versatile GIS is that multiple Council services are looking to create new GIS initiatives and projects to help them operate more cost efficiently and deliver better services for the citizens of Fermanagh and Omagh.

For more information contact Esri Ireland at mapsmakesense@esri-ireland.ie LAN LOCAL AUTHORITY NEWS

19

LAN 37 No 2 inside:Layout 1

01/07/2018

11:54

Page 20

LAN LOCAL AUTHORITY NEWS

LAN 37 No 2 inside:Layout 1

01/07/2018

11:54

Page 21

Get the Green Advantage with Grant As the demand for more environmentally-friendly heating products grows across Ireland, renowned heating manufacturer Grant is at the forefront of the industry with its range of innovative Aerona3 air inverter driver air source heat pumps (ASHP). The highly efficient Aerona3 ASHP (ErP rating of A++) is just one of the many products in Grant’s extensive portfolio of home heating solutions that contributes to the company’s reputation for quality that is second to none.

Available in three single phase models of 6kW, 10kW and 16kW, the Aerona3 ASHP is perfectly suited for those either building or retrofitting who are seeking to improve their carbon footprint. As a sustainable alternative to other home heating methods, the range also offers householders the added benefits of greater operating efficiencies at lower external temperatures, larger outputs to match the type of properties encountered and reduced operational noise levels.

Supplying the property both heat and hot water, the Aerona3 is perfectly suited for situations where space is at a premium thanks to its compact design. Whilst small in size, each unit presents a combination of clever design features including weather compensation controls and a base tray heating element to stop ice formation in cold weather conditions.

In addition to promoting more eco-friendly home heating, the Aerona3 ASHP’s exceptional performance will have a knock-on effect in reducing a household’s annual fuel bills. The sophisticated models feature an air to water system which utilises heat captured from the air in ‘wet’ heating system radiators or underfloor heating and depending on the flow temperature and the climate The Aerona3 ASHP 6kW conditions at the time, can deliver over four times the amount of energy for every 1kW of electricity. These market-leading heat pumps also have a superior seasonal coefficient of performance (SCOP) even if temperatures outside were to drop as low as -20°C. Since its launch just under two years ago, the Aerona3 range of air source heat pumps has proven popular with both retrofitters and self-builders, not just great for the great environmental advantages its provides, but also for the added bonus of helping its users achieve Part L compliance as outlined in building regulations. Those wishing to find the best model size to suit their new build project are welcome to avail of Grant’s free heat loss calculation service by emailing their project plans to heatpump@grantengineering.ie.

The Sustainable Energy Authority Ireland (SEAI) recently announced a grant of up to €3,500 for those wishing to install an air source heat pump in their property. For further information visit www.seai.e.

For more information on Grant’s range of heating products visit www.grant.eu LAN LOCAL AUTHORITY NEWS

21

LAN 37 No 2 inside:Layout 1

01/07/2018

11:54

Page 22

LAN LOCAL AUTHORITY NEWS

LAN 37 No 2 inside:Layout 1

01/07/2018

11:54

Page 23

LAN LOCAL AUTHORITY NEWS

23

LAN 37 No 2 inside:Layout 1

01/07/2018

11:54

Page 24

Minister English announces €66.25 million funding to Improve the Homes of Older People and People with a Disability Minister for Housing and Urban Development, Damien English, TD has announced that €66.25 million will be made available in 2018 for Housing Adaptations for Older People and People with a Disability living in private houses.

This investment will facilitate changes needed to make homes suitable for a person with a physical, sensory/intellectual disability or mental health difficulty, to enable older people and people with disabilities to remain living inde-pendently in their own homes for longer and also to facilitate early return from hospital.

The Housing Adaptation Grant helps people to make changes and adaptations to their home, for example, making it wheelchair-accessible, extending it to create more space, adding a ground-floor bathroom or toilet or adding a stair-lift.

Announcing the new allocations, Minister English said “I am pleased to be in a position to increase the funding for this important programme by some 11% in 2018’’. All local authorities will be get-ting an increase in 2018.

The grants are 80% funded from the ex-chequer by the Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government, with 20% funding from the relevant local authority.

Minister of State for Disability Issues, Finian McGrath, TD wel-comed the increased funding, saying: “I very much welcome this significant grant funding announcement which will assist many older people and also people with a disabil-ity to remain living independently in their own homes for as long as possible. I know that with previous funding many people have added supports to their homes in order to achieve greater ease, comfort and mobility in their daily lives and I would encourage a strong take up of the funding announced today.”

Grants of up to €30,000 are available to assist people with a disabil-ity in carrying out necessary works to make a house more suitable for their needs, up to €8,000 to assist older people living in poor housing conditions to have necessary repairs or improvements car-ried out and up to €6,000 for mobility aids to address mobility prob-lems for a member of the household.

These grants have an immense impact on the quality of life of the many beneficiaries of the programme and play a vitally important role in helping people with a disability and people who are reaching an age in life when they are less mobile, to continue to live inde-pendently in their own homes.

The grants also create employment opportunities for builders and local businesses and help reduce the dependency on our health services by supporting independent living for as long as possible.

‘’I am confident that today’s allocation will continue to build on the progress made since the introduction of this scheme in 2007 and it will demonstrate the Government’s continued commitment to older people and people with a disability” the Minister concluded.

LAN LOCAL AUTHORITY NEWS

24

LAN 37 No 2 Supplement cover:Layout 1

29/06/2018

08:04

Page 1

LAN LOCAL AUTHORITY NEWS

The Vehicle, Plant & Machinery Supplement 2018

LAN 37 No 2 Supplement cover:Layout 1

29/06/2018

08:04

Page 2

LAN 37 No. 2 Supp:Layout 1

01/07/2018

11:02

Page 1

CONTENTS Vehicle & Plant Machinery Supplement Vol 37. No 2.

FEATURES ELVES THROUGHOUT 2017 AND BEYOND!

3

Published by:

HENLEY FORKLIFT, YOUR ONE-STOP-SHOP FOR ALL YOUR MATERIALS HANDLING NEEDS GILTRON LTD RIVERVIEW LODGE, DUBLIN ROAD, NAVAN, CO. MEATH.

AES INVESTS OVER €2.5M IN NEW FLEET FOR MID-WEST

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, State-Sponsored and Development Bodies and Agencies.

4

5

HARNESSING THE OPPORTUNITIES OF THE ELECTRIC VEHICLE REVOLUTION: CHARGING SOLUTIONS FOR EVERY SITE & SETTING 6

SCARAB

8

LAN LOCAL AUTHORITY NEWS

1

LAN 37 No. 2 Supp:Layout 1

29/06/2018

21:25

Page 2

LAN LOCAL AUTHORITY NEWS

2

LAN 37 No. 2 Supp:Layout 1

29/06/2018

21:25

Page 3

ELVES throughout 2017 and beyond!

ELVES had its first successful year of ministerial approval in 2017. ELVES is the compliance scheme for end-of-life vehicles and has as its objective the attainment of regulatory targets on behalf of its members. ELVES has shown that the responsible and compliant motor industry, those importing vehicles, can collectively meet their obligations and ensure the products they import are taken back through the established ELVES Network of recyclers.

How was 2017?

ELVES hit the ground running at the beginning of the year, quickly signing up a good geographical spread of authorised treatment facilities to its Network. Having established a presence, the Minister then formally launched ELVES before the summer at an event that was well attended and gained significant media coverage. The launch was followed by an advertising campaign across a range of media.

“This was our time to go out there with our message to the public to let them know that scrapping a car is a free and easy process, and by using our website, it is as simple as a single email to get one of our Network facilities to accept or even collect their old car” said Elena Wrelton of ELVES. The public were not the only sector that needed attention from ELVES. It was recognised from the start that the ATFs required a simpler and more efficient way to issue the Certificate of Destruction (CoD) to the last owner. “We worked with the Driver and Vehicle Computer Services Division of the Department of Transport Tourism and Sport [DTTaS] and made recommendations to their already excellent ELV Online system”, Elena said. ELVES gratefully acknowledge their engagement and work in this area. Once changes were made, it made the on-line system much more user friendly and the number of electronic-CoDs has been increasing steadily since 2017.

And beyond?

ELVES has devised a nation-wide Traction Battery Programme, available to all ATFs in Ireland who are in possession of a high voltage battery and want it collected for recycling. These batteries are from 48 volts to 480 volts plus, and are used to power the systems in a car right through to being the only means to propel it. Many can be reused for other power applications, but where that is not possible, ELVES offer a free collection and treatment service to the ATFs. Other planned activities include pilot projects on reuse of dismantled components and recycling of specific items as a more modern stock of ELVs start flowing through the waste system. Additionally, more ATFs will be signed up to the Network.

Need help?

ELVES is able to undertake its activities through its funding by its producer members - businesses importing new or used vehicles. At the end of 2017, over 40% of the cars imported into Ireland were used vehicles and furthermore were imported by non-compliant businesses. This can be a confusing area, as most of these businesses would be affiliated with selling a certain type of new brand from their forecourts, hence giving the impression of compliance. This is not the case, as the business is an independent company, licensed to sell a manufacturer’s brand, but also importing used vehicles of any brand to satisfy a market demand. “It’s the business, not the brand, that needs to be compliant”, said Pat Kierans of ELVES. “There is a simple, single-sheet, membership form on our website. If they can fill it out, I can sort them out”.

So what can you do? If you work in waste enforcement for a local authority you may already be helping by undertaking enforcement visits to motor dealers in your area. If you are buying from an importing dealership, check the dealership you are buying it from is compliant for its used imports. If you are responsible for buying vehicles for your organisation, make ELV compliance a condition of your procurement process.

Increased compliance is key to improving the way end-of-life vehicles are managed and ensuring Ireland meets its reuse, recycling, and recovery targets. ELVES look forward to having many more compliant and responsible members in 2018.

The ELVES website www.elves.ie provides what you need to know about scrapping a vehicle, how to find an ATF, and a list of compliant business entities.

LAN LOCAL AUTHORITY NEWS

3

LAN 37 No. 2 Supp:Layout 1

29/06/2018

21:25

Page 4

HENLEY FORKLIFT, YOUR ONE-STOP-SHOP FOR ALL YOUR MATERIALS HANDLING NEEDS. When it comes to materials handling equipment there is no company better placed than Henley Forklift. We provide you with the advice you require, the quality products you want and the service support you expect.

Established in 1973, Henley Forklift is a wholly Irish-owned materials handling specialist. Headquartered in Dublin, we also maintain regional sales & service depots in Cork, Limerick, Galway, Waterford, Kerry, Donegal and Belfast.

High-quality products from Mitsubishi, Unicarriers, Combilift, Aisle-Master and Konecranes enable us to offer a solution for any application; from lifting a shoebox to a 40-foot container!

Our nationwide network of 38 strategically located mobile service engineers allows us to respond within 2 – 4 hours, no matter where you are located.

Henley Hire Services can cater for all casual and contract hire requirements; whether it’s for 1 day or 5 years, serviced by one of the largest and most modern forklift rental fleets in the country.

We also provide vital services such as operator training courses and statutory inspections to help ensure our clients’ legal obligations can be met.

To find out more, visit us at www.henley.ie

LAN LOCAL AUTHORITY NEWS

4

LAN 37 No. 2 Supp:Layout 1

29/06/2018

21:25

Page 5

AES Invests over €2.5m in New Fleet for Mid-West In addition to its investment in RCVs, the AES midwest fleet includes hook loaders, chain loaders, and other waste collection vehicles acquired within the past 2 years. As Ciaran Brady highlights; “This reinforces the commitment to AES in the mid-west, and we intend to further enhance our service offering to customers, while engage in continuous development with local depots and the community the community we serve”.

AES Bord na Móna, the long-standing waste collection and processing company has completed a significant fleet investment of over €2.5m in its mid-west business covering Limerick, Tipperary, and Clare.

These additions to the its Mid-West fleet adds to an overall fleet enhancement programme by AES over the past 2 years, which has seen the company add over 50 waste collection vehicles into its fleet. The company has also recently commenced operating a nationwide waste tyre collection service, as well as Ireland’s only tyre recycling facility in Drogheda.

Commenting on this substantial fleet investment Ciaran Brady, Head of Resource Recovery Bord na Móna stated; “This investment is driven by our ethos of continually improving, and is a combination of replacing and enhancing our fleet. This will enable AES to provide an even more reliable, efficient, and professional service to our valued customers”.

About AES Bord na Móna With a reputation for managing our customers waste in a sustainable manner, AES Bord na Móna is a leading waste management company in Ireland.

A number of the refuse collection vehicles are twinpack bodies, which comprise of two separate bodies on the one chassis, independent tailgates and independent operational systems. In doing so, they safeguard against cross contamination at all stages of the collection and recycling process. These new vehicles also feature advanced Terberg lifting equipment, and weighing equipment supplied and maintained AMCS, the Limerick based software and technology company specialising in waste and recycling services,

As part of the Bord na Móna group, AES offers customers a reliable and an environmentally respectful service, collecting waste from homes and businesses across Munster and Leinster.

With a customer base of over 110,000 domestic customers and over 5,000 commercial customers; AES currently operates a substantially equipped fleet of refuse collection vehicles, hook trucks, and skip trucks, as well as a range of other waste collection and transportation vehicles.

All of AES’ new refuse collection vehicles come equipped with a range of new safety features, as well as a number of other enhancements geared towards a greater environmentally efficient and quiet performance. The Euro 6 engines include an SCR post treatment system for reducing emissions, by combining different solutions, such as exhaust gases recirculation during engine start-up phases, the use of controlled valves at the intake and the exhaust as well as specific combustion strategies.

As well as offering a waste collection service, AES recovers and recycles whatever waste it can and diverts as much waste as possible from landfill, through the use of innovative technologies. Dealing with approximately 500,000 tonnes of waste annually, AES operates EPA licensed waste transfer and processing facilities at Nenagh, Tullamore, Portlaoise, Navan, Lusk, and Rosslare. It also operates a number of civic amenity sites in Co. Tipperary, Laois and Kildare.

The new vehicles also include an on board Opti-Fuel engine management system, which are designed to reduce fuel consumption, help monitor the performance of the vehicles, and carry out adjustments to achieve fuel efficiency improvements from these vehicles and the gearbox functions.

For more information on AES, visit www.aesirl.ie

Through an on-board modem, engineers can diagnose issues and then make electrical and hydraulic adjustments to the vehicle, which results in less travel time, less fuel and time getting to the vehicles, less down time, and more efficient and timely resolve of issues.

For further information, please contact Padraig Robinson AES Bord na Móna E: Padraig.Robinson@aesirl.ie M: 0873673444

LAN LOCAL AUTHORITY NEWS

5

LAN 37 No. 2 Supp:Layout 1

29/06/2018

21:25

Page 6

LAN LOCAL AUTHORITY NEWS

6

LAN 37 No. 2 Supp:Layout 1

29/06/2018

21:25

Page 7

LAN LOCAL AUTHORITY NEWS

7

LAN 37 No. 2 Supp:Layout 1

29/06/2018

21:25

Page 8

LAN LOCAL AUTHORITY NEWS

8

LAN 37 No 2 Supplement cover:Layout 1

29/06/2018

08:04

Page 3

Eco Drive Eco Drive

Getting value for money from your fleet costs is vital in todays business world. At bandwidth we can advise you on how to achieve these savings. Here’s some of the products that we can supply:

Drivec Eco Drive Now you can start planning to save up to 15% of your fuel costs. Reduced wear and tear and lower service costs means that you can knock off another couple of per cent. Drivec® Eco Driving is our system for economical driving. There are other systems on the market, but nothing that is as easy to use and follow-up, or offers similar results over the long-term. Drivec® Eco Driving is built on unique, advance technology. So advanced that you won’t even notice it, because our system is so easy to use; we’d go as far as to say that you’ll even enjoy it. With clear, achievable targets, you’ll notice the savings straight away.

A good investment, for you and the environment.

Drivec® ECO DRIVING IS A SYSTEM THAT GIVES LOWER FUEL COSTS, A BETTER WORKING ENVIRONMENT AND INCREASED TRAFFIC SAFETY. This is Drivec® Eco driving: • Measures overconsumption through speed, brake and idle information • Takes into account factors that the driver has no control over, such as; vehicle characteristics, tyre pressure,traffic situation, weight, road surface condition, road angle, wind, temperature and rainfall • Vehicle computer records and handles all data automatically • Data collated automatically in clear, tailor-made reports, both current and empirical • Clear and correct information makes it easier to set targets individually and for groups • Easy follow-up – green, yellow and red drivers • Easy to read, in-vehicle screen means information direct to driver • Continuous driver training via in-vehicle screen driver support • Every driver has own password to own web report Each driver has a password to their own web report and can follow their own trips, short-term and long-term.

Drivec® Eco Driving works in all vehicles regardless of brand and fuel/energy type. The system measures overconsumption of fuel, meaning the total fuel consumption that the driver can impact through the way they drive. The concept ‘overconsumption’ is trademarked and the method is patented. Please read more about Drivec® Eco Driving and our other products at www.drivec.se, or contact us and we’ll tell you more.

BANDWIDTH TELECOMMUNICATIONS 25 Finglas Business Park - Tolka Valley Road - Dublin 11 - Ireland Tel: +353 1 8110200 - Fax : +353 1 8140086 Email: info@bandwidth.ie

LAN 37 No 2 Supplement cover:Layout 1

29/06/2018

08:05

Page 4

LAN 37 No 2 inside:Layout 1

Local Authority

01/07/2018

11:54

Page 25

Exchequer Funding (80%)

LA Funding (20%)

Combined Total

Carlow

€1,247,317

€311,829

€1,559,146

Cavan

€1,166,371

€291,593

€1,457,964

Clare

€1,713,277

€428,319

€2,141,596

Cork County

€4,493,924

€1,123,481

€5,617,405

Cork City

€1,401,645

€350,411

€1,752,056

Donegal

€948,886

€237,221

€1,186,107

Dublin City

€6,021,427

€1,505,357

€7,526,784

DLaoire/Rath

€1,634,669

€408,667

€2,043,336

Fingal

€2,380,985

€595,246

€2,976,232

Galway Co

€1,887,048

€471,762

€2,358,810

Galway City

€880,299

€220,075

€1,100,374

Kerry

€1,849,603

€462,401

€2,312,004

Kildare

€2,409,776

€602,444

€3,012,220

Kilkenny

€1,495,704

€373,926

€1,869,630

Laois

€888,104

€222,026

€1,110,130

Leitrim

€391,994

€97,999

€489,993

Limerick

€2,595,051

€648,763

€3,243,814

Longford

€635,936

€158,984

€794,920

Louth

€1,198,454

€299,613

€1,498,067

Mayo

€2,488,973

€622,243

€3,111,216

Meath

€1,628,559

€407,140

€2,035,699

Monaghan

€989,940

€247,485

€1,237,425

Offaly

€962,407

€240,602

€1,203,009

Roscommon

€831,647

€207,912

€1,039,559

Sligo

€1,094,027

€273,507

€1,367,534

South Dublin

€1,734,920

€433,730

€2,168,650

Tipperary

€2,504,130

€626,033

€3,130,163

Waterford

€1,566,016

€391,504

€1,957,519

€997,888

€249,472

€1,247,360

Wexford

€1,732,021

€433,005

€2,165,026

Wicklow

€1,229,002

€307,251

€1,536,252

€53,000,000

€13,250,000

€66,250,000

Westmeath

Total

LAN LOCAL AUTHORITY NEWS

25

LAN 37 No 2 inside:Layout 1

01/07/2018

11:54

Page 26

The Poddle River has caused extensive flooding in the past, endangering life and causing damage to property and businesses. Nicholas O’Dwyer Ltd., who have substantial experience in flood resilience work, are leading the de-sign of the landmark Poddle Flood Alleviation Scheme. This project is a re-sponse by South Dublin County Council and Dublin City Council to threats posed by climate change and aims to address the flooding threat and to pro-vide added protection to property along the river. When completed, this scheme will give significant protection to homeowners protecting over 800 properties along the river.

The Poddle River watercourse stretches from its source near the Institute of Technology Tallaght to the outfall to the River Liffey at Wellington Quay, trav-ersing areas of Templeogue, Kimmage, Harold’s Cross, Crumlin and Temple Bar. The Poddle is a heavily urbanised watercourse with much of the lower reaches culverted or channelized. This river has on numerous occasions overflowed its banks at a number of locations, most recently in the severe flood of October 2011, resulting significant economic damage and a tragic loss of life.

In March of this year South Dublin County Council, Dublin City Council and the OPW appointed Nicholas O’Dwyer Ltd as design consultants for the Scheme and work is now progressing on the develop and design a viable, cost-effective and sustainable flood relief scheme which aims to minimise risk to the existing communities and maintain social amenity, environment and landscape character. Construction work is expected to start in late 2019 or early 2020. The scheme is estimated to cost in the region of €7 million and is funded by the Office of Public Works.

LAN LOCAL AUTHORITY NEWS

26

LAN 37 No 2 inside:Layout 1

01/07/2018

11:54

Page 27

Poddle River Flood Alleviation Scheme Nicholas O’Dwyer Ltd have been appointed by South Dublin County Council to lead the design of the landmark Poddle Flood Alleviation Scheme.

This project is an adaptation action by South Dublin County Council and Dublin City Council in response to future threats posed by climate change. The scheme is estimated to cost in the region of €7 million.

This project is funded by the Office of Public Works.

The Poddle River has caused extensive flooding in the region in the past, costing life and causing damage to resources and businesses. The Poddle River Flood Alleviation Scheme aims to address this and provide added protection to property along the river.

On the 28th March, Nicholas O’Dwyer Ltd. were appointed as design consultants for the Poddle Flood Alleviation Scheme. When completed, this scheme will provide protection to in excess of 800 properties along the Poddle River in the South Dublin County and Dublin City Council areas.

Work is now progressing on both the preliminary design stage and with environmental studies. A Part 10 planning application will be submitted to An Bord Pleanala following a public consultation process. The OPW, South Dublin County Council and Dublin City Council are working together on this project with construction work expected to start in late 2019 or early 2020.

Cllr Pamela Kearns Chair of the Environment Public Realm and Climate Change Strategic Policy Committee of South Dublin County Council said, ‘This is a welcome development as the work on the Poddle Flood Alleviation Scheme is hugely important to the residents in the area.”

Cllr Paddy McCarten, Chair of the South East Area in Dublin City Council said, “DCC and OPW have put in place extensive flood alleviation measures on the Dodder and I welcome their further cooperation on the Poddle. This will give significant protection to homeowners in the city and county for decades to come.”

LAN LOCAL AUTHORITY NEWS

27

LAN 37 No 2 inside:Layout 1

01/07/2018

11:54

Page 28

An Taisce Announces Record Number of Blue Flag and Green Coast Awarded Sites for 2018

Pictured at the raising of the Blue Flag over Bray South Promenade: Micheal Geaney, Director of Environmental Services Wicklow County Council; Dr Michael-John O’Mahony, An Taisce; Minister for Housing Planning and Local Government Eoghan Murphy TD; Minister of State with special responsibility for Food, Forestry and Horticulture Andrew Doyle TD; Cllr Christopher Fox, Cathaoirleach Bray Municipal District and Cllr Steven Matthews, Bray.

An Taisce announced the Blue Flag and the Green Coast Award recipients for 2018 at an event in Bray, Co. Wicklow on May 21st. A total of 149 awards were presented by the Minister for Housing, Planning, and Local Government Mr. Eoghan Murphy T.D at the ceremony overlooking the promenade.

The Blue Flag award is a highly coveted international quality standard for beaches and marinas, which recognises clean, well-managed sites, and recognises excellence in water quality, safety, environmental management and education. Local Authorities are central to the delivery of the programme in Ireland, they apply for the award for bathing areas and marinas. In order to meet Blue Flag standards Local Authorities must comply with criteria relating to water quality, sampling and analysis; provision of safety & services ; environmental education & information and environmental management .

This year Blue Flags will fly over 83 coastal and inland bathing waters and 7 marinas around the country, the highest number in Ireland to date. Among the good news stories for 2018 were Carne in County Wexford being awarded the Blue Flag for the first time and Ardmore in County Waterford flying the flag for the first time since 1997.

The Environmental Education Unit of An Taisce operates the Blue Flag in Ireland on behalf of the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE). More than 4500 beaches, marinas and sustainable boating tourism operators will be awarded in 45 countries globally this year. The Blue Flag programme in Ireland is administered by An Taisce’s Environmental Education Unit with financial support from the Department of Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government.

LAN LOCAL AUTHORITY NEWS

28

LAN 37 No 2 inside:Layout 1

01/07/2018

11:54

Page 29

59 Beaches receive the Green Coast Award for the 2018 Bathing Season

An All-time high of 90 sites were awarded Blue Flags, whilst 59 sites received a Green Coast Award 59 sites received a green Coast Award for 2018 including 2 first time recipients, Sherkin Island’s Silver Strand in County Cork and Tranaun on Inishturk in County Mayo. An important aspect of the Green Coast Awards is the involvement of Clean Coasts groups of which there are now over 600 comprised of thousands of volunteers throughout the island.

The Green Coast Award aims to acknowledge, promote and protect the environment of rural beaches. It places a strong emphasis on community and environmental activities. The Green Coast Award builds on the public participation process as it involves local communities in the production of coastal management plans and encourages their participation in the adoption and implementation of these plans. This process gives the people who are most affected by such plans, a say in how they should be designed and implemented, thus promoting a fine example of the bottom up approach. The plans must be sensitive to conservation sites of national and international importance and ensure that they are implemented in line with international beach management best practice.

The Green Coasts Award is supported in Ireland by the Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government and FĂĄilte Ireland.

For the full list of awarded sites for 2018 and for more information of the Blue Flag and Green Coast Award programmes log onto: www.beachawards.ie

LAN LOCAL AUTHORITY NEWS

29

LAN 37 No 2 inside:Layout 1

01/07/2018

11:54

Page 30

Transpor t & Haulage Road Construction & Drainage Crushing & Aggregates Plant Hire & Ear thworks

Tur loughmore, Athenr y, Co. Galway P:+353 91 797750 M:+353 87 267 7842 e: dar renos@statcroft.ie w: www.statcroft.ie

LAN LOCAL AUTHORITY NEWS

30

LAN 37 No 2 inside:Layout 1

01/07/2018

11:54

Page 31

LAN LOCAL AUTHORITY NEWS

31

LAN 37 No 2 inside:Layout 1

01/07/2018

11:54

Page 32

Louth County Council is delighted to inform you that the beaches at Clogherhead, Port and Templetown are Blue Flag beaches.

Louth is the smallest county in its diverse coastline, which stretches from the mouth of the River Boyne to the Cooley Mountains.

Blue Flag Beaches County Louth

The three Blue Flag beaches provide a safe environment for locals and visitors alike to enjoy swimming, water sports and a great family day at the beach.

ALL VISITORS ARE VERY WELCOME AND WE HOPE YOU ENJOY OUR BLUE FLAG BEACHES!

Louth is delighted to retain its three Blue Flag Awards 2018 for its beaches at Clogherhead, Port and Templetown.

Barry Eaton of Louth County Council believes that “Louth may be Ireland’s smallest county but we are justifiably proud of our diverse coastline. Tourism is extremely important to Louth and it is imperative that our beaches are clean and litter-free. Our three Blue Flag beaches offer great opportunities for swimming, walking and family fun. The lifeguard services at these beaches provide a high degree of safety for those wishing to get involved in water based activities and provide a safe environment for families and visitors alike to enjoy a great day out”.

Drogheda is the destination for Fleadh Cheoil na Éireann 2018 which will take place between 12-19 August.

It is the biggest traditional Irish music festival on the planet, a jamboree of music, song and dance. It is hoped that some of the expected 400,000 visitors will visit the nearby Blue Flag beaches during the week of the festival.

LAN LOCAL AUTHORITY NEWS

32

LAN 37 No 2 inside:Layout 1

01/07/2018

11:54

Page 33

Nearly three quarters of Ireland's bathing waters are "Excellent" but some urban beaches are under pressure •

•

Nearly three quarters of Ireland’s bathing waters are of ‘Excellent’ quality. Seven beaches failed to make the grade.

93 per cent of identified bathing waters (132 of 142) met minimum EU standards.

Almost three quarters of bathing waters (102 of 142) were classified as ‘Excellent’. A further 18 were classified as ‘Good’.

Seven coastal bathing waters failed to meet the minimum mandatory standard and were classified as ‘Poor’. Five of these are in the Dublin area (Sandymount and Merrion Strands, Loughshinny, Portrane and Rush South). The other two are Ballyloughane in Galway City and Clifden Co. Galway.

Trá na BhForbacha improved and moved from ‘Poor’ to ‘Sufficient’ quality in 2017. Three other beaches also showed improved performance in 2017.

An EPA report, Bathing Water Quality in Ireland 2017, has found that the overall quality of Ireland’s bathing waters remains good with 132 of 142 identified waters meeting strict EU standards. These standards provide a high level of protection for bathers. Nearly three quarters of bathing waters were classed as ‘excellent’ with 102 beaches and bathing waters meeting the standard - the same number as in 2016. However, seven coastal bathing waters failed to meet the minimum standard and are classified as poor.

Andy Fanning, Programme Manager of the EPA’s Office of Evidence and Assessment said, “Our assessment shows that urban beaches are under greater pressure that those in more rural locations.

More needs to be done to eliminate the sources of bacterial contamination that are particular to urban locations.

The main issues are misconnections to surface water drains and other run off from urban environments, together with sewage discharges. Work is needed by local authorities, Irish Water, businesses and homeowners to ensure that contaminated wastewater is correctly collected and treated before being released into the environment.”

LAN LOCAL AUTHORITY NEWS

33

LAN 37 No 2 inside:Layout 1

01/07/2018

11:54

Page 34

The 2017 report found that: • A total of 93% of identified bathing waters (132 of 142) complied with EU minimum standards and were classified as achieving at least ‘Sufficient’ status.

•

Nearly three quarters of these bathing waters (102 of 142, 71.8%) were classified as ‘Excellent’.

•

A further 18 (12.7%) were classified as ‘Good’.

•

12 bathing areas (7.1%) were classified as being of ‘Sufficient’ water quality but remain at risk of episodic pollution events.

•

7 bathing waters (4.9%) failed to meet the minimum required standard and were classified as being of ‘Poor’ quality. Sandymount Strand joined the list in 2017 after being classified as sufficient in 2015 and 2016. The EPA report shows that these waters are all vulnerable to pollution events. The relevant local authorities, in conjunction with Irish Water, have plans in place to tackle the main pollution risks at these beaches with a view to improving them to at least ‘Sufficient’ quality.

•

There are 3 new beaches designated for protection under the Bathing Water Regulations. Dooey and Magheroarty (Co. Donegal) with Seafield Quilty (Co. Clare) are to be formally classified in 2018.

The 142 identified bathing waters are either coastal or inland waters widely used by the public for bathing and 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 beautiful beaches and some inland bathing waters with excellent water quality. The report covers the 142 EU identified bathing waters. It also provides details of over 80 other waters where bathing occurs and which are monitored by local authorities. While these 80 waters are not covered by the Regulations they are monitored by the local authorities because bathing or recreational activities are known to take place there and it is important to let the public know about their water quality. We would like to see many of them in the national monitoring programme in the future.”

Concluding, Peter Webster explained how the public can access current information about bathing water quality: “During the summer, current water quality information and details of any incidents affecting bathing waters will be displayed on the website www.beaches.ie. If you are heading to the beach with your family or friends, it is advisable to check beaches.ie or the Twitter notification service, @EPABeaches, before heading out. When you get to the beach you should always check the local notice board for information on current water quality.”

The summary report Bathing Waters in Ireland 2017 and map of the quality of Ireland’s Bathing water sites are available on the EPA website.

LAN LOCAL AUTHORITY NEWS

34

LAN 37 No 2 inside:Layout 1

01/07/2018

11:54

Page 35

Pump problems: wet wipes, sanitary products, and textiles causing trouble for operators eople’s bad habits of flushing wet wipes and other unwanted items down the toilet, are causing more and more problems for wastewater treatment companies. Clogged pumps and other equipment are becoming a common occurrence, and eliminating these problems is time consuming and costly. The good news is that these malfunctions can be avoided by installing twin-shaft grinders.

P

Today's systems for dealing with wastewater have to meet a diverse range of requirements. Many plants achieve high reliability by maximising the effectiveness of their pumps.

Operators have to be equipped to handle storm conditions. In addition, the transportation of wastewater needs to be energy efficient and resourceful. Because pumps operate for relatively long periods of time, their efficiency is extremely important.

Alongside these complex factors, plant operators are faced with fundamental challenges. The public's habits of dealing with waste are changing. For a long time wet wipes were reserved for childcare. Today, they are a feature of everyday hygiene and often end up in the toilet after use. Tampons, panty liners, and sanitary napkins are also being flushed down the toilet, with few consumers being aware that it goes totally against the advice from their wastewater treatment authority. Textiles too, especially clothing, find their way into sewer systems.

Once they get into the sewer system, they become a problem for all the downstream equipment. Due to the fibres they contain, wet wipes do not disintegrate nearly as easily as toilet paper. Instead, they form knots and gradually clog pumps and pipes. Even centrifugal pumps with a cutting device - so-called shredder pumps are pushed beyond their limits. In pump stations and sewage treatment plants, removing the blockages has become part of the weekly routine, burdening wastewater treatment plant staff with increasing costs for maintenance work.

Twin-shaft grinders installed upstream of pumps are emerging as a solution for these problems. They offer protection for the pumps by shredding coarse solid matter, overcoming disruption to operations. Today’s advanced twin-shaft grinders use comparatively little power, and their low speeds provide high torque for cutting when needed. Precision machined monolithic shredding rotors allow high forces to be applied, making the cutting teeth powerful and efficient. At the same time, wear resistant components mean further reductions in operating costs.

As space is usually at a premium, twin-shaft grinders are available in various compact designs, to allow installation even in very tight spaces. Optimised designs permit high flow rates and ensure a small footprint.

In addition to configurations similar to dry well pump installations, there are compact inline options for space efficient retrofitting, and designs for intake structures and open sewers. Stainless steel versions are also available, as well as submersible motors.

Wet wipes don't stand a chance The local authority association of Wonnegau in Germany comprises the town of Osthofen and ten smaller villages. Part of the area's wastewater is conveyed to a sewage treatment plant at Worms by a pumping station in Osthofen. Around 8,000 inhabitants are connected to it, as well as three retirement homes, three kindergartens, and an industrial estate.

Sanitary products, especially wet wipes, repeatedly disrupted the operation of the main pump. It had to be opened on average of once or twice a week to remove clogging. This maintenance work required two employees to remove about 50 litres of knotted material from the pump and associated pipework, which took them over two hours.

LAN LOCAL AUTHORITY NEWS

35

LAN 37 No 2 inside:Layout 1

01/07/2018

11:54

Page 36

For long term elimination of these problems the local authority association wanted to install a twin-shaft grinder but it had to meet three requirements: maintenance and part replacement had to be carried out by their own personnel, independent control was essential and the device had to be fit into the tight spaces of the existing pumping station.

The XRipper XRP from Vogelsang was installed and could be serviced directly on site by their own staff, who require few tools and no intensive training to do so. The drive unit can be lifted up out of the housing by a chain hoist, together with the shafts and shredding tools, for maintenance or servicing work.

Because the motor is mounted above the device, it has a small footprint, making it suitable for installation in very cramped conditions as in the pumping station in Osthofen. Control of the XRipper twin-shaft grinder is provided by an accompanying control cabinet and only minimal modifications were required to the existing control equipment.

“Since going into operation at the start of January 2016, the pump and the XRipper have been running smoothly. There's no more clogging at the pump,” said plant supervisor Heiko Schuch. Since installation of the twin-shaft grinder, it has ensured ongoing operation of the main sewage pump without interruptions. What's more the intervention has paid off. The extra electricity consumed by the XRipper is countered by a reduction in the power consumption of the centrifugal pump. And thanks to the trouble-free operation of the pump, the association saves more than 200 hours of maintenance work each year.

Reliable protection at reduced costs Kelda Water Services Grampian – Kelda Water Services (KWS) have a contract to design, build, operate, and maintain a number of wastewater treatment sites in the North East of Scotland. The Nigg wastewater treatment site in Aberdeen serves a population of approximately 250,000 people.

KWS Grampian installed twin-shaft grinders at the inlet works of the Nigg site a number of years ago, in order to protect downstream equipment and to improve the efficiency of the screening. Whilst they were happy with the general function of the twin-shaft grinders, the ongoing cost of ownership was a growing concern and did not allow for easy maintenance.

“When we spoke to Vogelsang, it became clear that they had an alternative design that could help us dramatically reduce our maintenance costs. The Vogelsang XRipper is end user serviceable, enabling us to have the unit maintained on site by our own in-house engineers and back in service within a few hours. The monolithic rippers on the XRipper are not only easier to change than the traditional separate blades and spacers, they also give added robustness to the assembly meaning a reduction in the frequency of maintenance down times” explains Noel Gallagher.

With a large number of Vogelsang rotary lobe pumps already installed on the Nigg site, KWS engineers were familiar with the easy to service nature of Vogelsang products. When the XRipper concept was presented, they were keen to install the XRipper XRC186-520QD SIK on a comparative trial. After 12 months of operation, the Vogelsang XRipper has already demonstrated a 60% maintenance cost reduction against the previously installed units.

In summary: Changing disposal habits are creating new challenges for wastewater technology. Many municipalities and authorities are finding an increase in maintenance work that the personnel need to undertake to meet these challenges, which means frequent maintenance interventions leads to sharp increases in costs. Manufacturers of wastewater technology have developed solutions in the form of twin-shaft grinders providing an economical way of avoiding such problems. The design of these devices offer the ability to retrofit in existing installations.

By working closely with manufacturers, operators are finding an efficient and resourceful way of avoiding malfunctions in pumps for the long term with twin-shaft grinders.

LAN LOCAL AUTHORITY NEWS

36

LAN 37 No 2 inside:Layout 1

01/07/2018

11:54

Page 37

Irish Water and Minister of State Jim Daly officially turn the sod to mark start of new Courtmacsherry-Timoleague Sewerage Scheme

Official sod turning of the Courtmacsherry-Timoleague Sewerage Scheme Construction begins on 10m Courtmacsherry-Timoleague Sewerage Scheme Minister of State Jim Daly this morning joined Irish Water and Cork County Council in turning the sod to officially mark the start of construction on the â‚Ź10m Courtmacsherry-Timoleague Sewerage Scheme.

The project will ensure there is appropriate treatment of wastewater from these communities, bringing significant environmental, health and economic benefits to the area over the coming years.

Project will ensure all discharges meet environmental regulations By ensuring that all discharges meet the requirements as set out in the Urban Wastewater Treatment Directive, it will help protect the receiving waters in the Arigideen River. This in turn will enhance the tourism and amenity value of Courtmacsherry, Timoleague and the bathing waters in Coolmaine, and provide a platform for future growth in the area.

LAN LOCAL AUTHORITY NEWS

37

LAN 37 No 2 inside:Layout 1

01/07/2018

11:54

Page 38

Welcoming the start of construction on the project Minister of State, Jim Daly, commented “I am very pleased to be here on what is a very important day for Courtmacsherry and Timoleague. With tourism and water-based activities playing such a crucial role in all aspects of life in this area, the importance of providing effective treatment of wastewater cannot be overstated, both for those who live and work here and for the many visitors to this most scenic part of West Cork.

Project will improve the quality of water in local Arigideen River and Coolmaine “This investment by Irish Water will not only protect the environment by improving the quality of water in the local Arigideen River and Coolmaine, it will also ensure that the wastewater treatment infrastructure is in place to allow this community to grow and develop into the future.”

Michael Tinsley, Infrastructure Delivery Manager, commented “The practice of discharging inadequately treated wastewater is no longer acceptable and Irish Water is now addressing this problem in conjunction with Cork County Council by constructing a new Wastewater Treatment Plant and network to ensure that wastewater discharging to local waterways meets appropriate discharge standards. The new Wastewater Treatment Plant will bring benefits to Courtmacsherry and Timoleague in terms of health, integrity of the environment and improved water quality for all.”

Clodagh Henehan, Divisional Manager for Cork County Council, said “Cork County Council is pleased to be working in partnership with Irish Water to deliver this essential wastewater infrastructure for our local communities in Courtmacsherry and Timoleague. The work that is getting underway today will bring very significant benefits to both these villages and the surrounding areas for years to come.”

Contract has been signed and project due to be completed by end of 2019.

A contract has been signed with Glan Agua to deliver the project which will include the construction of a new wastewater treatment plant at Courtmacsherry to serve a population equivalent of 2,500; a new pumping station at Timoleague; and the associated sewer network. The new treatment plant and network have all been designed to accommodate an increase in the local population into the future. The project is due to be completed by the end of 2019.

LAN LOCAL AUTHORITY NEWS

38

LAN 37 No 2 inside:Layout 1

01/07/2018

11:54

Page 39

Sligo Cathaoirleach turns sod on €16m wastewater upgrade by Irish Water in Sligo towns

Irish Water investing €16 million in upgrading the Grange, Strandhill, Tubbercurry and Ballinafad Wastewater Treatment Plants Irish Water and Cathaoirleach of Sligo County Council, Cllr Seamus Kilgannon, today officially turned the sod for the upgrade works to four wastewater treatment plants in Co. Sligo.

Working in partnership with Sligo County Council, Irish Water is investing €16 million in upgrading the Grange, Strandhill, Tubbercurry and Ballinafad Wastewater Treatment Plants which will replace the existing ageing infrastructure and will provide new and efficient treatment systems in order to meet the current and future needs of the communities.

Project will ensure environmental protection and improved water quality This necessary project will ensure environmental protection, improved water quality and underpin the developmental potential of the four towns.

Work on this essential project has commenced on site and it is expected that the project will be completed by the end of 2019. Once fully commissioned the newly upgraded plants will have the capacity to serve a combined future population equivalent of 8,300. Coffey Northumbrian Limited is carrying out the works on behalf of Irish Water.

Today is a red letter day for these four communities who will benefit greatly from this €16 million investment by Irish Water.

LAN LOCAL AUTHORITY NEWS

39

LAN 37 No 2 inside:Layout 1

01/07/2018

11:55

Page 40

Cllr Seamus Kilgannon, Cathaoirleach of Sligo County Council Works will increase capacity of each plant to meet current needs of the towns Commenting on this investment Colm Claffey, Infrastructure Programme Regional Lead, said “These upgrade works will increase the treatment capacity of each of the plants to meet the current needs of the towns and to allow for future growth. The works will also ensure that wastewater is treated and discharged in compliance with the Urban Wastewater Treatment Regulations and with the conditions of the Wastewater Discharge Licence (WWDL) issued by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). It will also improve the water quality of nearby coastal areas, protecting bathing areas and the aquatic environment from pollution.”

Mr Claffey added “The project team will ensure that the local communities are notified of the works at each location and are provided with contact details should they have any questions.”

A red letter day for four communities.

Cathaoirleach of Sligo County Council, Cllr Seamus Kilgannon, added “Today is a red letter day for these four communities who will benefit greatly from this €16 million investment by Irish Water. I am delighted to be turning the sod for these much needed upgrade works and look forward to coming back to officially opening the four plants once they are fully commissioned.”

Chief Executive of Sligo County Council, Ciarán Hayes, added “Sligo County Council is delighted to be working in partnership with Irish Water on this essential project which will provide modern infrastructure to ensure that wastewater is treated into the future thus ensuring the quality of our aquatic environment. These works will bring economic and developmental benefits to the four areas which are to be welcomed.”

Planning application submitted for the upgrade of Ringsend Wastewater Treatment Plant

Proposed upgrade uses innovative technology to deliver a more sustainable, safe and environmentally sensitive solution Irish Water will today submit a planning application for strategic infrastructure development to An Bord Pleanála to upgrade the Ringsend Wastewater Treatment Plant. This proposed upgrade of the Ringsend Wastewater Treatment Plant will enable future population growth and ensure the plant operates to the highest possible environmental standards.

LAN LOCAL AUTHORITY NEWS

40

LAN 37 No 2 inside:Layout 1

01/07/2018

11:55

Page 41

The planning application to further progress the upgrade of the Ringsend Wastewater Treatment Plant seeks permission for works required to facilitate the use of innovative Aerobic Granular Sludge technology; to omit the long sea outfall; to upgrade the sludge treatment facilities; and to provide for a Regional Biosolids Storage Facility in Newtown, Dublin 11. Biosolids are a treated by-product of the wastewater treatment process that need to be stored on a temporary basis each year until they are applied to lands during the Spring and Autumn planting seasons.

Previous planning application A previous planning application to upgrade the plant, based on the treatment technologies available at that time, received approval in 2012. This 2012 approval included the construction of a 9km long sea outfall tunnel, which would allow the discharge of the treated wastewater, further out into Dublin Bay, away from the nutrient sensitive Lower Liffey Estuary.

In 2014, Irish Water took over the responsibility of providing water and wastewater services in Ireland. The need for the Ringsend upgrade project was assessed and reaffirmed. All elements of the 2012 approval were reviewed and Aerobic Granular Sludge (AGS) technology was identified by Irish Water as ideally suited and subsequently proven for use at the Ringsend Wastewater Treatment Plant.

Aerobic Granular Sludge (AGS) technology Using AGS technology allows for a greater amount of wastewater to be treated to a higher standard within the current Ringsend Wastewater Treatment Plant. This means that the treated wastewater leaving the plant will be of a much higher quality than it would have been based on the original proposal in the 2012 approval.

This higher quality treated wastewater will be suitable for discharge at the current outfall location, in compliance with the Urban Wastewater Treatment Directive, negating the need for the 9km outfall tunnel originally included in the 2012 planning approval.

Commenting on the new planning application, Jean Hobbs, Project Manager at Irish Water, said “This is a priority project for Irish Water and is vital for future social and economic development in Dublin, as well as for public health and for improving the waters and ecology of the Lower Liffey Estuary and Dublin Bay. Having identified AGS technology as appropriate for use in the Ringsend Wastewater Treatment Plant, we began detailed testing and trials in April 2015 at the plant. These trials proved hugely successful, confirming that wastewater treated by AGS technology can be safely and effectively discharged at the current outfall location while protecting the conservation designations in the Liffey Estuary and Dublin Bay. The application that we are making today will allow the plant to be upgraded to facilitate this innovative technology while supporting future population growth and ensuring that the plant operates to the highest possible environmental standards into the future.”

Ringsend Wastewater Treatment Plant Upgrade Project is one of the most important in a range of major investment in both water supply and wastewater that we will be rolling out in the region to support the economic projections for growth for the Greater Dublin Area and to protect the environment.

Planning application and statutory consultation.

The planning application includes an Environmental Impact Assessment Report and a Natura Impact Statement and may be viewed at www.ringsendwwtpupgrade.ie.

An Bord Pleanála will commence a seven week statutory consultation on the application, commencing on Tuesday 12 June 2018 and closing on Tuesday 31 July 2018. Submissions or observations can be made to An Bord Pleanála up until 5:30pm on Tuesday 31 July 2018.

How to view the application material.

All documents may be inspected free of charge or purchased on payment of a specified fee (which shall not exceed the reasonable cost of making such copy) during public opening hours for a period of seven weeks commencing on the 12 June 2018 at the following locations: • • • •

The Offices of An Bord Pleanála, 64 Marlborough Street, Dublin 1 The Offices Dublin City Council, Civic Offices, Wood Quay, Dublin 8 The Offices of Fingal County Council, County Offices, Grove Road, Blanchardstown, Dublin 15 The Offices of Fingal County Council, Fingal County Hall, Main Street, Swords, Fingal, Co. Dublin

Members of the public with questions in relation to the proposed upgrade project can contact the Irish Water project team at Lo-call 1890 100 056 or email ringsendwwtpupgradeproject@water.ie.

LAN LOCAL AUTHORITY NEWS

41

LAN 37 No 2 inside:Layout 1

01/07/2018

11:55

Page 42

Compulsory Purchase Order Irish Water has also made a Compulsory Purchase Order (CPO) in respect of the lands at Newtown Dublin 11 associated with the Regional Biosolids Storage Facility, which will be submitted to An Bord Pleanála for confirmation.

Affected parties will receive individual written notice. A copy of the CPO documentation may be viewed at the following locations: • The Offices Dublin City Council, Civic Offices, Wood Quay, Dublin 8 • The Offices of Fingal County Council, County Offices, Grove Road, Blanchardstown, Dublin 15 • The Offices of Fingal County Council, Fingal County Hall, Main Street, Swords, Fingal, Co. Dublin.

CPO objections Objections to the CPO may be made in writing to An Bord Pleanála, 64 Marlborough Street, Dublin 1, before 5.30pm on Tuesday 31 July, 2018.

Irish Water will also be seeking permission, shortly, for the Greater Dublin Drainage project, which includes a new wastewater treatment plant in Clonshaugh that will be needed from the mid-2020s to enable the northern and north western environs of the city to continue to grow into the future.

Further information You can find out more on this project by visiting our Ringsend Wastewater Treatment Plant Upgrade Project and Biosolids pages.

Oughterard students learn about the story of water and safe disposal of treated wastewater

Event marked the official opening of Oughterard Wastewater Treatment Plant To celebrate the official opening of the Oughterard Wastewater Treatment Plant following an investment of €4.2 million

by Irish Water, local school children got involved in some fun and educational activities to learn more about the story of water and the significance of this new facility for their town.

LAN LOCAL AUTHORITY NEWS

42

LAN 37 No 2 inside:Layout 1

01/07/2018

11:55

Page 43

School children from St Annin’s National School in Rosscahill published an eight-page newspaper entitled The Irish Tides which details in a fun and informative way why water is an essential resource. Themes include water tourism; water treatment - where does it go; water conservation; a history of water treatment; and the water cycle; as well as fun facts, quizzes and experiments.

Minister of State for Natural Resources, Community Affairs and Digital Development Seán Kyne TD launched the newspaper during a special visit to the school.

Students enjoyed a tour of the newly commissioned plant Separately, students from Oughterard National School enjoyed a tour of the newly commissioned wastewater treatment plant. At the plant they learned about the importance of treating and discharging wastewater in compliance with Irish and European regulations. They also heard that one of the major benefits of the new plant is that it will improve water quality in the Owenriff River and Lough Corrib, areas of ecological importance as one of the most important freshwater pearl mussel rivers in Ireland.

The Story of Water – From Source to Tap The students watched the newly produced video The Story of Water – From Source to Tap which takes viewers through the complex process involved in treating water to ensure it is safe to drink by the time it comes out of the kitchen tap.

The video describes the water treatment process, how water is transformed from its raw state in rivers, lakes and underground aquafers to a safe drinking supply for homes, schools and businesses.

Commenting on the importance of these educational events Regional Information Specialist, Sean Corrigan, said “Many people working for Irish Water work and live in the communities that they grew up in. They understand the important role that water plays in everyday life. Irish Water is responsible for the delivery of water services to approximately 80 per cent of the population. While many customers receive a good quality water supply and wastewater provision, there is a lot of work to be done to bring all supplies into compliance.

Water is critical for human health, the production of food and for industrial activity “Water is one of the most essential resources on earth, critical for human health, the production of food and for industrial activity. The provision of clean drinking water and the disposal of wastewater in a manner that protects the environment is vital to our daily lives, and for economic and social development, which is why these events are critical for educating and informing our future generations about the severe stress our water services are under.”

Irish Water is proud to be investing in our communities across Ireland through our programmes, campaigns and sponsorships. For more information and to see how you can get involved, visit our Community section.

LAN LOCAL AUTHORITY NEWS

43

LAN 37 No 2 inside:Layout 1

01/07/2018

11:55

Page 44

Minister Damien English announces €15million for Housing with Support Demonstrator Project at St Michael’s Estate, Inchicore. he Minister for Housing and Urban Development, Mr. Damien English, T.D., announced approval in principle of €15million funding for a ‘Housing with Support’ scheme for older people in Inchicore in Dublin.

Speaking at the launch in the Mansion House of the report and evaluation of phase 1 of the project, Minister English said:

T

LAN LOCAL AUTHORITY NEWS

44

LAN 37 No 2 inside:Layout 1

01/07/2018

11:55

Page 45

“Part of the St. Michael’s Estate site in Inchicore has been identified as a “Housing with Support” demonstrator model under Rebuilding Ireland and will deliver 52 homes, due for completion in 2020. The ‘Housing with Support’ model is intended to set a new standard for the future of housing provision for older people and to act as an exemplar for others to follow. The project has been approved for funding of €14,934,528 under my Department’s Capital Assistance Scheme with a contribution of €450,000 from the HSE/Department of Health towards additional communal facilities for the residents. These homes are being future proofed even before they are built, with extra space in all the homes to allow for care staff and/or family overstays, whichever is the more appropriate as time goes by. I wish Circle Voluntary Housing Association and ALONE every success in delivering on this important project.”

Ardmhéara Bhaile Átha Cliath, Mícheál MacDonncha added: “I welcome this announcement by the Minister that €15 million funding has been approved and that St. Michael’s Estate in Inchicore has been identified as the pilot project to deliver 52 homes under a ‘Housing with Support’ model proposed by the Dublin City Age Friendly Housing Working Group. The challenge remains to create socially engaged communities by designing a place where home is about the needs of the older person and this project will set the standard for housing for older people in Ireland. I welcome this first phase and look forward to the development of the entire St. Michael’s Estate with Dublin City Council as the lead developer of social and affordable housing.”

The ‘Housing with Support’ project is a result of work carried out by the Dublin City Age Friendly Housing Working Group (HWG) which was established following a Housing Summit held in October 2015. The core aims are: 1. To design an integrated housing scheme for older people that allows them to remain in their own homes as long as possible and, 2. To develop a prototype with the potential for national rollout.

• The ‘Housing with Support’ model brings together a range of services and supports - principally relating to housing, community, social and care - that have historically been provided in “silos”. It seeks to provide an appropriate physical and supportive environment that enables older residents to live full lives in their own homes within their own community, thereby both promoting independence and reducing or deferring the need to move into long term residential care. The overall aim of this project is to develop a new model of housing for older people where the key components; physical environment and care supports are provided onsite, integrated into the community and are designed with older people at the centre.

The ‘Housing with Support’ model is structured around three pillars.

These are: •

The creation of a ‘village’ feel and sense of place through the provision of communal facilities that promote and encourage social interaction and engagement;

•

The availability of a range of services, supports and amenities, designed to facilitate independence and autonomy;

•

An integrated approach to building mixed tenure and vibrant, mixed communities.

A steering group for the project has been set up by Dublin City Council and the HSE and includes membership from the Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government as well as the Department of Health, Age Friendly Ireland and the Irish Council for Social Housing. The Independent Chair of the Steering Group, Maurice O’Connell, expressing his confidence in the success of the project, said at the launch: “I believe this project will act as a model that other housing providers can replicate. I look forward to seeing the results of this unique and positive development, which I believe will set a new standard for the future of housing provision for older persons in Ireland”.

LAN LOCAL AUTHORITY NEWS

45

LAN 37 No 2 inside:Layout 1

01/07/2018

11:55

Page 46

Minister Murphy welcomes publication of EPA Drinking Water Report for Public Water Supplies 2017 r. Eoghan Murphy, T.D., Minister for Housing, Planning, and Local Government, has welcomed publication of the Environmental Protection Agency’s ‘Drinking Water Report for Public Water Supplies 2017’. The report presents the EPA findings on the quality and management of 883 public drinking water supplies operating in 2017 and is based on the EPA’s assessment of approximately 170,000 test results reported to them by Irish Water during the year.

M

The report highlights the general good standard of drinking water that is in place for the vast majority of public water supplies in Ireland and it recognises the ongoing progress by Irish Water in reducing the number of supplies on the EPA Remedial Action List (RAL).

However, the report also identified a number of priority areas for action, including the level of disinfection byproducts (THMs) in drinking water, persistent pesticide failures in a small number of supplies and the significant number of lead pipe connections in properties.

Minister Murphy said, “It is heartening to note the progress that has been made by Irish Water in tackling the challenges facing our public water supply system. Boil water notices have declined dramatically and the number of supplies on the RAL continues to decline”.

“A key challenge for Irish Water, in addition to maintain high public water quality, will be to maintain and upgrade an infrastructure that is old and deficient in many places. Allied to this, is a wider challenge to make continued progress on reducing leakage and improving water conservation”.

The Minister emphasized that while significant progress has been made, it is clear that we are still dealing with the result of historic under-investment in our water infrastructure over many years. Significant investment and action will be needed to ensure that households, businesses, agriculture and industry have clean and wholesome drinking water into the future.

LAN LOCAL AUTHORITY NEWS

46

LAN 37 No 2 inside:Layout 1

01/07/2018

11:55

Page 47

Minister Murphy launches Water Services Policy Statement 2018-2025 he Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government, Eoghan Murphy T.D., has launched the Water Services Policy Statement 2018-2025, following its approval by Government.

T

This is the first Water Services Policy Statement prepared under the reformed Water Services Acts. The Policy Statement gives clear direction to strategic planning and decision making on water and wastewater services in Ireland. It is an integral element of the broader reforms following from the cross-party political deliberations on water policy that took place in 2016 and 2017 which have seen the ending of domestic water charges and confirmation of Irish Water as a publicly-owned national water services authority.

Launching the Policy Statement, Minister Murphy said: “The Government’s vision for water services – whether supplied by Irish Water and their local authority partners or otherwise under the Rural Water Programme - is clear. Our aim is to deliver and develop water and wastewater services in line with the needs and expectations of citizens and users; in compliance with legal obligations; in a fair and cost-effective manner, and in keeping with the principles of social, economic and environmental sustainability.”

The purpose of the Policy Statement is to clarify - for Irish Water and for others - the Government's expectations on key aspects of water and wastewater services delivery, by: • Defining a set of principles to guide water services delivery, namely: • One single, publicly-owned national water services authority; • Fair and efficient delivery with a customer focus; • Priority health and environmental quality outcomes across the sector; and, • Ways of working to support partnership and excellent stakeholder engagement; • Setting out a series of high-level policy objectives across the three thematic areas of Quality, Conservation, and Future Proofing, which must be pursued when planning capital investment and framing current spending plans.

In so doing, the Policy Statement underpins strategic planning for investment. Within 3 months of publication of the Policy Statement, Irish Water must prepare a ‘Strategic Funding Plan’ setting out proposed operational and capital expenditure for the period up to 2025. Subject to its approval by the Minister, the Strategic Funding Plan will ultimately feed into annual Exchequer decisions on spending.

There is full alignment between the Policy Statement and commitments in the National Planning Framework 2018-2040 (which anticipates a population increase of 1 million people and the creation of 660,000 net new jobs by 2040), the National Development Plan 2018-2027, and the recently approved River Basin Management Plan for Ireland 2018-2021. In practical terms this means that provision is already in place for an unprecedented investment of €8.5 billion in public water and wastewater infrastructure over the next ten years, underlining the strength of the Government’s commitment to investment in this key area. Significant additional funding has also been earmarked for rural water services.

Overall, the alignment of policy and investment will help ensure Ireland has secure, resilient, high-quality water supplies and appropriate levels of wastewater treatment. These outcomes are vital for protecting public health, enabling social development such as new housing infrastructure and protecting our environment. They will also support economic development, including water-intensive industries such as agri-food and bio-pharma that sustain about 400,000 jobs in Ireland.

The Minister concluded by acknowledging the added value provided by Water Sector stakeholders in preparing the Policy Statement, saying: “Water sector stakeholders, not least through the new statutory roles of An Fóram Uisce - the national Water Forum - and the Water Advisory Body, are now placed at the heart of the policy formulation process. This is as it should be, and adds greatly to my own sense of optimism about the future of our water services in Ireland.”

LAN LOCAL AUTHORITY NEWS

47

LAN 37 No 2 inside:Layout 1

01/07/2018

11:55

Page 48

PRODUCT PRODUCTinfo info

The New Non-Domestic Gas Safety course now on offer at METAC Training.

METAC Training are now approved by QQI to offer the greatly anticipated Non-Domestic Gas Safety, with provisions for this course set in place over nine years ago we are delighted to have the course finally off the ground.

The Non-Domestic Gas Safety programme is designed to provide the energy sector with suitably qualified labour to carry out non-domestic gas installation work in a safe and efficient manner. The content of the programme is broad ranging and includes pipework installation & testing, space heating and hot water systems, catering and laundry equipment & combined heat and power installations in non-domestic settings.

METAC Training continue to provide specialist training in gas, oil, solid fuel, electrical, welding and electrofusion as well as renewable energy such as domestic photovoltaic systems.

For more information on these courses available from METAC, phone (ROI) 057 8756540 or email info@metac.ie or visit the website at www.metac.ie.

Install a wetroom shower almost anywhere – Basements – Unbreachable floor – No drainage Versatile Sanifloor is useful in many situations The Sanifloor shower pump was launched by Saniflo to cater for shower areas where floor drainage is required but space underneath is limited, such as wetrooms that feature tiling or vinyl flooring or showers with super slim shower trays.

It is the choice of waste designs, as well as a range of other benefits, that allows such flexibility and this has proved to be a big draw for customers with the pumps being sold into a multitude of applications. Domestic customers are afforded the opportunity to add extra bathroom facilities in areas where there is no traditional drainage, whilst councils, local authorities and housing associations are using Sanifloors to convert spaces in both houses and public buildings for less-abled residents and customers.

The pump features a high flow rate of 25l, so that it can be used with powerful ‘rain shower’ heads and has a dual action feature that sucks waste up from the gully and pumps waste water away up to 3m vertically and 30m horizontally. The pump can be sited 300mm above the gully and carries a cable inside an air breather tube which activates a sensor membrane when the waste water reaches a certain level. The sensor connects to the Sanifloor pump via a jack plus for ease of installation and there is also a manual override button, enabling the user to pump away the water in the gully before dismantling the unit for cleaning.

The Sanifloor 1 has a waste for a wetroom floor with tiles and this is supplied with a blanket to make a seal under the gully to ensure complete watertightness. The Sanifloor 2 and 3 are designed to work with vinyl floor and shallow trays respectively.

For more information on this versatile shower pump solution please call the Saniflo technical team on….. 046 97 33077 LAN LOCAL AUTHORITY NEWS

48

LAN 37 No 2 Cover:Layout 1

29/06/2018

08:00

Page 3

LAN 37 No 2 Cover:Layout 1

29/06/2018

08:00

Page 4