Local Authority News - Vol. 37 . No. 5

FRONT COVER LAN 37 No 5:Layout 1

12/12/2018

21:20

Page 1

LAN LOCAL AUTHORITY NEWS 5

• Kerry Central Regional Water Treatment Plant voted Engineering Project of the Year

• The Network and Information Systems Directive and its impact on Critical Infrastructure in Ireland • South Dublin County Council Making Progress on Housing Delivery

FRONT COVER LAN 37 No 5:Layout 1

12/12/2018

21:20

Page 2

LAN 37 No 5:Layout 1

14/12/2018

13:12

Page 1

CONTENTS Vol 37. No 5.

FEATURES

Published by:

BLUESKY BUILDING FOR THE FUTURE

2

SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL MAKING PROGRESS ON HOUSING DELIVERY

5

FIREBIRD LAUNCH NEW ENVIROAIR HYBRID HEAT PUMP 7 BUILDING ON STRONG FOUNDATIONS (FINGAL COUNTY COUNCIL) GRANT AERONA3 LEADS THE WAY IN RENEWABLE HEATING TECHNOLOGIES

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

9

13

HORIZON OFFSITE ‘FORMING THE FUTURE 14 NEW SOCIAL HOUSING DEVELOPMENT IN FERMOY, CORK - RESPOND

18

LATEST IRISH GREEN BUILDING TRENDS: IGBC

19

Tel: 00353 46 9072841 Email: info@localauthoritynews.ie Website: www.localauthoritynews.ie

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.

THE NETWORK AND INFORMATION SYSTEMS DIRECTIVE AND ITS IMPACT ON CRITICAL INFRASTRUCTURE IN IRELAND 20 BRINGING BALANCE AND PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT TO PLANNING

22

FM IRELAND CONFERENCE & EXHIBITION FOR THE LATEST IN PRODUCTS, SERVICES AND NEW IDEAS

24

ROSS & GRIFFIN ON TRACK TO DELIVER OVER €2.3 BILLION FOR TRANSPORT, TOURISM AND SPORT IN 2019

25

€26 MILLION INVESTMENT HAS ENDED THE DISCHARGE OF RAW SEWAGE INTO THE BLACKWATER ESTUARY 26

REGULARS IRISH WATER UPDATES

30

DEPARTMENT BREIFS

36

CLASSIFIEDS

44

LAN LOCAL AUTHORITY NEWS

1

LAN 37 No 5:Layout 1

14/12/2018

13:12

Page 2

LAN 37 No 5:Layout 1

14/12/2018

13:12

Page 3

LAN 37 No 5:Layout 1

14/12/2018

13:12

Page 4

LAN LOCAL AUTHORITY NEWS

LAN 37 No 5:Layout 1

14/12/2018

13:12

Page 5

South Dublin County Council Making Progress on Housing Delivery ollowing a detailed master planning and competitive tender process, South Dublin County Council has now agreed on the joint venture development of 975 homes on 72 acres of council lands at Kilcarbery in Clondalkin, Dublin 22.

F

The mixed tenure development which will include 294 social housing units (30% of the development) is the first of its kind envisaged as part of the major urban sites initiative under “Rebuilding Ireland”.

Prior to tender, the Council invested over six months and €500,000 on detailed advance studies including site investigations, archaeological investigations, ecology and environmental impact studies and traffic impact analysis.

The architectural framework plan established an overall design strategy for the site to guide the development of detailed designs thereby ensuring compliance with National and Local Development plan standards.

The successful bid by Adwood Ltd. is a consortium of established Dublin builders Adroit and Maplewood.

Adwood Ltd. will pay the council €38m and deliver 294 social housing units at competitive rates over four years.

In return for state support through the Local Infrastructure Housing Activation Fund (LIHAF) of €2m, the developer has also committed to delivering 50 units at prices discounted to the market.

The 681 private houses include a comprehensive range of 3 and 4-bed houses as well as 272 one, two and three-bed apartments. The tender also includes an 847 Sqm community building which will be handed over to the Council. As much of the master planning and pre-planning studies have been completed Adwood Ltd. has committed to securing planning and being on site by early summer of 2019.

This follows the successful completion of 17 social houses in Mayfield, Clondalkin, and 69 home in Sheehy Skeffington Meadows, Tallaght. The approval of a further 55 social homes on lands in Templeogue and Clondalkin and 40 older persons’ residential developments at Fernwood Park and Maplewood Park in Tallaght came shortly after elected members of South Dublin County Council agreed to the construction of 13 social housing units at St Catherine’s, Killinarden, Tallaght and 16 social housing units at Homeville, Knocklyon.

LAN LOCAL AUTHORITY NEWS

5

LAN 37 No 5:Layout 1

14/12/2018

13:12

Page 6

LAN LOCAL AUTHORITY NEWS

LAN 37 No 5:Layout 1

14/12/2018

13:12

Page 7

Tel: 026 45253

Email: sales@firebird.ie LAN LOCAL AUTHORITY NEWS

7

LAN 37 No 5:Layout 1

14/12/2018

13:12

Page 8

LAN LOCAL AUTHORITY NEWS

8

LAN 37 No 5:Layout 1

14/12/2018

13:12

Page 9

LAN LOCAL AUTHORITY NEWS

9

LAN 37 No 5:Layout 1

14/12/2018

13:12

Page 10

LAN LOCAL AUTHORITY NEWS

10

LAN 37 No 5:Layout 1

14/12/2018

13:12

Page 11

LAN LOCAL AUTHORITY NEWS

11

LAN 37 No 5:Layout 1

14/12/2018

13:12

Page 12

LAN LOCAL AUTHORITY NEWS

LAN 37 No 5:Layout 1

14/12/2018

13:12

Page 13

Grant Aerona3 leads the way in Renewable Heating Technologies Launched to the market just over two years ago, Grant’s range of highly efficient Aerona3 inverter driven air source heat pumps (ASHPs) has revolutionised the plumbing and heating industry, offering a fast and effective heating solution that can help reduce carbon emissions. As a key feature within Grant’s extensive portfolio of heating technologies, which has grown rapidly over the last four decades, the Aerona3 ASHP range is becoming an increasingly popular choice as the demand for more sustainable products continues to rise.

Available in three single phase units of 6kW, 10kW and 16kW, the Aerona3 ASHP range has an impressive A++ ErP rating an provides both heat and hot water to the property. Suitable for a range of different properties and install situations, each model within the range operates using basic thermodynamic principles and converts thermal energy in the surrounding atmosphere into heat energy.

Barry Gorman, Grant Technical Sales said, “With a noticeable increase in sustainable and environmentallyfriendly heating products throughout the heating industry, we are very pleased that the Aerona3 ASHPs are proving to be highly popular in the market. The range provides an incredibly efficient heat source that integrates easily into any property and it’s A++ ErP rating makes it a very appealing option.”

“Each unit within the Aerona3 range is designed to incorporate a number of clever features, all within a sleek and compact design, including greater operating efficiencies at lower external temperatures, larger outputs to match the type of properties encountered and reduced noise levels when working.” continued Barry.

Renowned for its highly efficient operation, each model within the Aerona3 range has the ability to deliver over four times the amount of energy for every 1kW of electricity used. Leading the way in the plumbing and heating industry, the Aerona3 ASHPs also boasts a superior seasonal coefficient of performance (SCOP), even if external temperatures were to drop as low as 20°C. With this in mind, the heat pump’s output will modulate up or down depending on the climate conditions prevailing at the time and the demand on the heating system ensuring ultimate energy efficiency for the property.

Barry added, “The heat pump output required will differ depending on the size of property encountered, and to Grant Aerona3 6kW unit help the end users select the most appropriate model, the Grant Technical Team provides a free of charge heat loss calculation service which can be availed of by emailing the project plans to heatpump@grantengineering.ie. For those looking the complete solution for their heating system, any model within the Aerona3 range also works effectively for our recently launched radiator ranges which includes the Grant Solo fan convector radiators and the Grant Afinia aluminium radiators.”

Grant’s Aerona3 ASHP range is due to extend in the coming months with the launch of the Aerona3 12kW R32, which is set to be Grant’s greenest heat pump yet. Using a more environmentally-friendly R32 refrigerant which has considerably lower Global Warming Potential compared to other refrigerants, tthe R32 offers cleaner operation whilst still delivering excellent performance.

The Aerona3 ASHP range, alongside other innovative products within Grant’s portfolio is available from a range of Grant stockists located throughout Ireland.

For more information www.grant.eu.

LAN LOCAL AUTHORITY NEWS

13

LAN 37 No 5:Layout 1

14/12/2018

13:42

Page 14

Horizon Offsite ‘Forming the Future ith a combined 80 years' experience in the industry, Horizon Offsite can build your future today. We at Horizon specialize in in providing the most cost, energy and time efficient solutions for any project whether it is commercial, education industrial and residential.

W

The Horizon system allows you, the client to work alongside our team in designing, manufacturing and installation, keeping you involved every step of the way. Our innovative approach to offsite building will see our team working one to one with our client to meet there every design and building specifications.

We provide structural Light Gauge Steel building systems for commercial, education residential and industrial developments. The Light Gauge Steel Products and Systems are used as part of the structural element in the construction of walls, floors, ceilings and roofs, creating a full accredited structural system.

Light Gauge Steel products and systems are at the cutting edge of modern methods of manufacturing and construction due to the increasing demand for more offsite construction globally. The versatility of Light Gauge Steel gives architects and structural engineers the opportunity to create their most creative and enterprising designs.

We live in an era where there is an ever increasing need for fast and efficient building methods. Light Gauge Steel is on the fast track to becoming one of the most sought after building methods due to its low cost and high speed.

Every clients dream is to finish their project ahead of time and under budget, Horizon Offsite strives to make that dream a reality. All projects are designed in house by our highly skilled design engineers and manufactured in our state of the art facility in Cahir Co Tipperary. Our structural system is delivered on site ready to be installed, therefore can usually be erected in a matter of days as opposed to months!

LAN LOCAL AUTHORITY NEWS

14

LAN 37 No 5:Layout 1

14/12/2018

13:12

Page 15

Horizon Offsite Light Gauge Steel Systems Structural System • Pre formed external & internal walls • Floors in Light Gauge Steel system or concrete • Insulated external panels • Up to 10 structural stories Infill Panels • Pre - formed insulated external panels • Infill to main structure formed in steel or concrete • Up to 30 storeys and beyond.

Benefits of Light Gauge Steel Frame 1. Speed of Build • Offsite manufacture & quicker build process • Reduce prelims & earlier revenue streams

2.

• • • • • • • • •

Structural No settlement issues Dimensional accuracy to +/- 1mm tolerance Fast drying out Floor spans allow future flexibility Robust sturdy structure Excellent fire ratings Lightweight structure = reduces foundations Not vulnerable to fire during construction stage Durability - long lasting

3.

• • •

Health and Safety/ Living Environment Offsite manufacture reduces site hazards Exemplar Health and Safety record Excellent acoustic performance

4. Sustainability • Steel frame structures rated A/A+ in the BRE Green Guide • High percentage of steel used in construction is from recycled sources • 94% of steel in demolition is reused • Reduced waste to landfill • LSF components are fully reusable on demolition

NSAI/CE/SCI Accreditation

Contact details : Horizon Offsite, Unit A, Cahir Business Park, Cahir, Co. Tipperary Email : info@horizonos.ie Website : www.horizonoffsite.ie LAN LOCAL AUTHORITY NEWS

15

LAN 37 No 5:Layout 1

14/12/2018

13:12

Page 16

LAN LOCAL AUTHORITY NEWS

LAN 37 No 5:Layout 1

14/12/2018

13:12

Page 17

LAN LOCAL AUTHORITY NEWS

LAN 37 No 5:Layout 1

14/12/2018

13:12

Page 18

New Social Housing Development in Fermoy, Cork - Respond The Mayor of the County of Cork Cllr Patrick Gerard Murphy turned the sod on a new residential development by Respond which includes 46 homes for mixed tenure and older people and 1 communal building at Duntahane, Fermoy, Co Cork.

This project is in partnership with Cork County Council and the Housing Agency and funded by the Housing Finance Agency.

This marks the continued work by Respond in Cork where Respond currently owns and manages 432 social housing homes. The Respond development programme for Cork city and county for 2018 to 2020 currently stands at 286 homes.

County Mayor Patrick Gerard Murphy and Minister Stanton at the sod turning of a new residential development by Respond which includes 46 homes for mixed tenure and older people and 1 communal building at Duntahane, Fermoy, Co Cork.

Picture: Michael O’Sullivan

Respond is an organisation offering real solutions by building new homes and actively helping the homeless with 322 new construction starts this year so far, 4 family hubs and a commitment of 2,500 homes over the next 5 years.

Representing Government at this event, Minister of State David Stanton T.D. said: “I am delighted to be here today on behalf of my colleague Minister Eoghan Murphy T.D. I’m very aware of the high standards that Respond achieved in their housing developments around the country. I’m sure the residents and families who will get to live in this state of the art development will be very pleased with their new homes in Fermoy. The Government is working towards many more such housing projects across the country.”

Mayor Murphy stated: “Cork County Council has built or acquired 1,293 housing units in the last 3 years including 373 in collaboration with Approved Housing Bodies such as Respond.

I’d like to acknowledge the partnership between the Council, the Housing Finance Agency and Respond in coming together to supply the housing local people want, need and deserve”

Minister Eoghan Murphy launched Respond’s AR2017 recently and is pictured with Declan Dunne Respond CEO at that event

Respond CEO Declan Dunne said: “Respond has a long and proud history in Cork and is committed to the provision of housing in Cork city and county and as a national organisation Respond is committed and active in housing building throughout the country not just in Dublin”.

At a construction project value of €9.1million this development located south west of Fermoy town centre consists of 23 x 3 bed houses; 20 x 2 bed houses; and 3 x 4 bed houses. Funded by the Department for Housing, Planning and Local Government and the Housing Finance Agency, the contractor for this development is K&J Townmore Construction Ltd. Construction works have commenced on site and this project is due for completion in 15 months.

LAN LOCAL AUTHORITY NEWS

18

LAN 37 No 5:Layout 1

14/12/2018

13:12

Page 19

LAN LOCAL AUTHORITY NEWS

19

LAN 37 No 5:Layout 1

14/12/2018

13:12

Page 20

The Network and Information Systems Directive and its impact on Critical Infrastructure in Ireland The NIS Directive is the cornerstone of the EU’s efforts to step up its overall cyber security. It requires that the security of network and information systems is protected and that incidents affecting these systems must be notified to the National Competent Authority.

All Member states were required to adopt the Network and Information Systems Directive and on the 18th of September 2018 the Irish Government transposed this critical EU Network and Information Systems Directive into national legislation by way of Statutory Instrument No. 360 of 2018. Under the Directive, Member states are required to designate a National Competent Authority which will have the responsibility for the State’s cyber security. In Ireland, the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC), as part of the Department of Communications, Climate Action and Environment (DCCAE), and the Central Bank of Ireland have been appointed as Competent Authorities.

Who does it apply to?

The NIS Directive applies to two categories. Firstly, ‘Digital Service Providers’ which are comprised of online marketplaces, cloud computing services and search engines. Digital Service Providers must self-identify themselves as subject to the NIS Directive and the level of security requirements are lighter than those for Operators of Essential Services. Secondly, the Directive applies to ‘Operators of Essential Services’, whom operate in the energy, transport, banking, financial market infrastructures, health, drinking water supply and distribution, and digital infrastructure sectors. These entities provide a service which is essential for the maintenance of critical societal and/or economic activities.

LAN LOCAL AUTHORITY NEWS

20

LAN 37 No 5:Layout 1

14/12/2018

13:12

Page 21

The responsibility for designation of ‘Operators of Essential Services’ is under the remit of the Central Bank of Ireland with respect to the banking and financial market infrastructure sector, with designation in all of the other sectors lying with the NCSC. Under the Directive, mandatory incident reporting for both ‘Digital Service Providers’ and ‘Operators of Essential Services’ will be to the NCSC. The NCSC is currently in the process of designating and notifying the Operators of Essential Services within the State.

What is the impact?

The newly transposed Regulations mean that a set of security requirements will be placed on those companies and utilities that are officially designated as Operators of Essential Services. These requirements take the form of a set of security measures which have been drafted to address both technical and the procedural/organisational elements of the Directive. The security measures consist of five themes which provide a high level view of an organisation’s management of cybersecurity risk. The five themes are – Identify, Protect, Detect, Respond and Recover. Operators of Essential Services must take appropriate and proportional measures to detect and manage risks posed to the network and information systems that they control and use in their operations of an essential service. Operators of Essential Services have a mandatory reporting obligation to notify the NCSC of any incidents they encounter, that have a significant impact on the services they provide. Operators of Essential Services must ensure they comply with the security measures and incident notification requirements of the NIS Directive. This may result in a requirement for some operators to updates their IT security policies, procedures and incident response plans. The NCSC has prepared a series of guidance documents to assist Operators of Essential Services in the transition to the new requirements; these documents will be published on the NCSC and Department website shortly.

The NCSC intends to encourage a collaborative and proactive approach with Operators of Essential Services towards the security of network systems. To facilitate this, the NCSC will organise forums and workshops for operators to attend and discuss their obligations so they are well informed on what they need to do to fully comply with the Irish Regulations.

Reporting an incident: A reportable incident is any incident which has a significant impact on the continuity of the service which an Operator of Essential Services provides. In this context, significant impact means that the service provided by the Operator of Essential Services must be interrupted, and must not be operational for a given period of time.

A reportable incident is determined using the significant disruptive effect parameters contained in the Directive and outlined in the soon to be published Incident Reporting Guidelines. Reportable incidents would include not only cyber-attacks on those systems, but also physical incidents such as system failure or human error.

Operators of Essential Services will be required to report incidents which fall under the scope of the Directive to the Computer Security Incident Response Team (CSIRT) within the NCSC. This incident report must be sent within 72 hours of the operator becoming aware of the incident In relation to the incident notification obligations provided for by the NIS Directive, these will be in addition to any similar obligations regarding personal data security incidents which will apply under the General Data Protection Regulation and any sector specific notification requirements which may apply.

Compliance and Penalties Operators of Essential Services will be subject to oversight by the NCSC which has sufficient enforcement powers under the regulations to require Operators of Essential Services to provide information regarding their security arrangements. The NCSC may also issue a compliance notice which is a binding instruction to remedy any deficiencies which are identified. Failure to comply with an instruction or to report an incident is a criminal offence which can carry a maximum fine of €500,000 upon conviction.

Further Information The NCSC is available to offer support and assistance to all Operators of Essential Services and Digital Service Providers. If you are an Operator of Essential Services and have a query or you would like to be added to the mailing list for workshops and forums please contact incident@ncsc.gov.ie or certreport@dccae.gov.ie

LAN LOCAL AUTHORITY NEWS

21

LAN 37 No 5:Layout 1

14/12/2018

13:12

Page 22

Bringing Balance and Public Engagement to Planning The words balance and consultation come up a lot when Eunan Quinn, senior planner with Donegal County Council, discusses the work of the planning service.

Planning is about more than just regulations – “We’re facilitators as well,” Eunan said. “And that’s where the policy side comes in and the necessity of consultations with as broad a range and as broad a spectrum of stakeholders as possible.

“We have to provide a reasonable, balanced outlook to our policies,” he said.

Letterkenny’s recent designation as one of a handful of regional centres in the National Planning Framework, which came as planners prepare a new draft strategic plan for Letterkenny, illustrates that, he said.

When people think of the planning service, they often think of applications: the new house, the change of use for commercial premises. Donegal County Council is on target to receive about 2,100 applications this year, up to 4,500 when other application types and reports are included, such as those from local or state authorities.

Still, while those are key functions, along with enforcement and building control, the overall planning impact is broader.

Take the six-year Letterkenny plan, one of nine area plans for towns and villages in the county. Letterkenny received the most recent regional designation because of its size – projections suggest the town population could grow to 35,000 – as well as its strategic importance in a crossborder region that includes Derry and Strabane.

Eunan Quinn, Senior Planner, Donegal County Council

Plans must consider the implications of that. Where will those people work? Where will they live? Where will their children go to school? What size of homes will they seek and what services will they require?

“So those are debates we’ve started to have through the Letterkenny planning process that will be continuing” he said. Workshops and other events were held this year in early consultation with the public, the business community, and other sectors and agencies; planners hope to have a draft completed by late 2018 or early 2019 for formal public consultation.

Donegal County Council is working with Derry City and Strabane District Council on establishing the North West City Region, and there have been cross-border initiatives between the councils and chief executives since 2014. The difference in this most recent designation are the resources that underpin it, such as recently announced urban and rural regeneration funds.

Still, none of these plans operate in a vacuum. In June of this year, the council adopted the County Donegal Development Plan (2018-2024), and more than half of current area plans were adopted recently. Those plans must align with national and regional strategy.

LAN LOCAL AUTHORITY NEWS

22

LAN 37 No 5:Layout 1

14/12/2018

13:12

Page 23

“The reality is decisions are actually quite constrained and defined and shaped by legislation and more particularly by policy, and we have to make our decisions within that context,” Eunan said. “We’re acting in good faith and in the interest of the wider community, so while that decision may be frustrating to an individual it doesn’t mean it’s not the right thing to do.”

At the same time, he said, “If we get it wrong we have to learn from that,” which may call for a review of policy.

“It’s about trying to reach balanced solutions that are in the common good,” Eunan said. Council services such as planning and roads also work together, along with Irish Water, to find those solutions, and the development of Letterkenny’s Business Park Road area is an example of that.

New N56 Kiltoy roundabout at Letterkenny Business Park

Eunan has seen changes in the service over his 25 years with the council, such as the increasing influence of European habitat directives. “It has created, in many respects, a parallel assessment process that has to inform all the policy decisions we take,” he said.

The growing importance of public engagement has benefitted the process, he said.

“People are becoming more aware of their planning landscape, and that there are things out there that influence their day-to-day lives and so, rightly, we are seeing more and more people become involved,” Eunan said. “People are very active, and all that discourse is very positive and good, and ultimately can only add value to the quality of the policy.”

LAN LOCAL AUTHORITY NEWS

23

LAN 37 No 5:Layout 1

14/12/2018

13:12

Page 24

FM Ireland Conference & Exhibition - For the latest in Products, Services and New Ideas FM Ireland will take place on the 5 – 6 March 2019, at the RDS, Dublin.

FM Ireland incorporates Health & Safety Ireland and Fire Safety Ireland and is your opportunity to see and hear the latest in New Ideas, New Technologies, Best Practice, Products, Services, Suppliers and Solutions that can help deliver safe and secure working environments that are cost effective and which add value to an organisation.

As well as needing to be up to date with the latest relevant legislation (whether that be related to Health & Safety, Cleaning, Fire Safety, Working at Height, etc…) a modern Facility Manager with their team also have to address issues including Staff Well Being and creating an effective Work Space, which improves the wellbeing of staff, this can have a direct impact on illness and staff retention.

As well as addressing all these issues the FM Ireland Conference will also look at how new technologies will impact the role of the Facilities Manager and the delivery of services. Whether that be drones to clean buildings and windows, autonomous robots designed to cut grass or clean floors, smart buildings and IOT delivering information on how the workspace interacts with employees and occupants.

Supported by the leading national and international trade associations visitors will have access to a multi-steamed conference programme which will focus on Facilities Management, The workspace and Employee wellbeing, Health & Safety, Fire Safety, Security, Energy, Cleaning and much more.

The FM Ireland exhibition is the largest gathering of suppliers and service providers in the country. This is your opportunity to see, touch, and get hands on with the latest in new products, technologies, supplier and service providers who can assist you and your team.

Benefits of attending • The complete event for those involved in managing, maintaining and operating facilities of all kinds.

• FREE Exhibition featuring the largest range of products and services assembled in one place in Ireland this year.

• FREE Conference content addressing your day-to-day concerns.

• The chance to talk to real people about real products, problems and practice.

• In-depth advice on products and services from the people who make and supply them.

• The greatest single gathering of your colleagues and people from related disciplines.

• Ideas, inspiration and answers, whatever your area of responsibility and working environment.

• Meet the organisations who represent you

All aspects of FM Ireland are free to attend. To register simply visit www.fmireland.com and go to the registration page. Those wanting to know more about how to participate in the exhibition should contact the FM Team on +44 1892 518877 or email:fmireland@stepex.com LAN LOCAL AUTHORITY NEWS

24

LAN 37 No 5:Layout 1

14/12/2018

13:12

Page 25

Ross & Griffin on track to deliver over €2.3 billion for transport, tourism and sport in 2019 • • •

17% increase overall 26% increase in tourism 13% increase in Sport

Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, Shane Ross, T.D., and Minister of State, Brendan Griffin T.D., have announced an increase of 17% in the funding available to support transport, tourism and sport in 2019.

Minister Ross stated – “I’m delighted with this year’s €2.3 billion allocation and the investment we’re putting into multiple transport choices, be that improved public transport or better and safer cycling and walking infrastructure. The money being invested in these areas will allow more people make the switch and provide increased and improved sustainable transport options.

Funding provided under this Budget will also see the completion of a number of important national road improvements such as the M7 Naas Bypass, the N25 New Ross Bypass and the M11 Gorey Enniscorthy Bypass.

In 2019, we will begin to deliver on key aspects of the National Sports Policy, with a 13% increase in funding.

After a fantastic year for Irish sport, these extra funds will help to deliver key infrastructure and increase support to our talented athletes and National Governing Bodies.

Tourism remains the largest indigenous industry in our economy and the 26% increase in funding for next year will ensure that we are able to continue to promote and expand our tourism offering around the world.”

The increase in funding means a total of €2.3 billion will be invested in transport, tourism and sport in 2019, with 34% of that being provided toward sustainable mobility measures and approximately 22% toward national roads, while tourism and sport will see 26% and 13% increases in their respective funding allocations.

Following the launch of the new National Sports Policy in July, a significantly increased allocation of €123 million has been made available to support our sporting heroes from the grassroots to the high-performance, which represents a 13% increase on last year.

In tourism, funding will increase to €169 million. This additional Exchequer funding for the sector is essential to achieve sustainable growth into the future, in line with policy targets. To this end, the allocation to the sector has been increased by €35 million in 2019, up 26% on 2018, including an increase of almost 50% for tourism capital investment. Growing tourism regionally and across the seasons is a key policy. Capital investment will also provide the range and quality of experience that visitors are seeking. In terms of our overseas marketing, additional funding is provided to implement market reviews in key markets. Both agencies, Tourism Ireland and Fáilte Ireland, will receive funding to address the challenge of Brexit.

Minister of State Griffin commented – “In tourism we’re focussing on delivering sustained growth into the future through measures to help grow rural and regional tourism and to lengthen the season. Priority areas include tourism marketing, capital investment and programmes to assist the sector to meet the challenges of Brexit.

This massive/significant increase in funding available for sport is proof of our ambition to increase sporting participation at all levels from grassroots to high performance and will enable us to start delivering on some of the key objectives of the recently published National Sports Policy 2018-2027. In particular, it will enable us to double the level of funding for its Women in Sport programme to €2million and to create a dedicated programme for disability sport through the deployment of a Sport Inclusion Disability Officer in all 26 Local Sports Partnerships countrywide. A new round of the Sports Capital Programme is currently open for applications and the 2019 funding covers all existing commitments plus new allocations of €40m which will be announced next year. We will also be making our first allocations under the new Large Scale Sports Infrastructure Fund.”

LAN LOCAL AUTHORITY NEWS

25

LAN 37 No 5:Layout 1

14/12/2018

13:12

Page 26

€26 million Investment has ended the Discharge of raw sewage into the Blackwater Estuary SNC-Lavalin’s Atkins business are delighted to be part of the team who successfully delivered the Youghal Wastewater Treatment Plant project from concept through to commissioning. The €26 million in the overall scheme, has ended the discharge of raw sewage into the Blackwater Estuary.

Fidelma Lucey, Atkins; Minister of State David Stanton TD; Kevin Holland, Atkins and Mark Murray, Irish Water at the official opening.

The overall scheme comprises of a new Wastewater Treatment Plant for Youghal town and environs and an upgrade of the Youghal Town sewerage collection system. A number of pumping stations were also upgraded, and a new pumping station constructed to facilitate the removal of waste water overflows to the Blackwater Estuary. The works lead to a majority separation of sewage from the storm water collection system which, in addition to bringing a significant reduction in environmental impact, massively reduces the future cost of waste water treatment.

Atkins were appointed as Employers Representative and Designer on this project from feasibility, environmental impact assessment and statutory planning, through detailed design, performance specification and procurement of the Network Contract through an Employers Designed Contract and the WWTP through a Design Build and Operate Contract. Atkins supervised the construction of both contracts through construction, testing, commissioning and handover to the operations team. In total the works included for over 7km of gravity pipes and pressure mains up to 750mm dia; a 16,000pe WWTW (with facility to increase to 24,000 in Phase 2), 3 number pumping station upgrades (up to 400l/s) and construction of a new 200l/s pumping station.

Brian McKavanagh, Technical Director, Atkins commented ‘The Blackwater Estuary at Youghal provides abundant recreational and leisure activities for both residents and visitors to Youghal and has done so for many years; it is the cornerstone of the Youghal tourism offering. This project will enhance and protect that offering into the future by stopping uncontrolled and untreated wastewater discharges to the estuary thus improving bathing water quality. This project was met with many technical challenges, not least significant medieval archaeological finds, tidal waters and narrow urban streets. These challenges were successfully met through close engagement with Cork County Council and Irish Water, our contracting partners and the business and community groups in Youghal.’

LAN LOCAL AUTHORITY NEWS

26

LAN 37 No 5:Layout 1

14/12/2018

13:12

Page 27

Justin Norman, Managing Director, Atkins stated that ‘Atkins is delighted to have been involved with delivering this very important project for Irish Water and Cork County Council. From the project outset and at all design stages, Atkins worked closely together with the client and stakeholders to ensure successful delivery of the project, which will end the discharge of raw sewage into the Estuary. It will no doubt have a very positive impact on the environment, local community and tourism for the area.’

Minister of State David Stanton who officially opened Youghal Wastewater Treatment Plant on Friday 27th of September 2018, commented: “This is a very significant day for all of us here in East Cork. The opening of this new wastewater treatment plant is a key step in helping Youghal to fully realise its enormous potential as a great place to live, work and visit.

“These are exciting times for Youghal.

Next year we will host Ireland’s first ever full Ironman competition. Having a clean ocean environment will ensure that this area can continue to attract events like this in the years to come. I would like to congratulate all involved in bringing this project to fruition. The people of Youghal will now enjoy all the benefits of having state-of-the-art wastewater treatment in their local community.”

Irish Water’s Infrastructure Programme Manager Mark Murray added: “We are delighted to be here today to mark the official opening of the long-awaited wastewater treatment plant in Youghal. The completion of this essential piece of infrastructure will ensure that wastewater from homes and businesses is treated and discharged in full compliance with Irish and European environmental standards. No longer will raw sewage be discharged into local waterways and the sea, leading to big improvements in the quality of the aquatic environment.”

LAN LOCAL AUTHORITY NEWS

27

LAN 37 No 5:Layout 1

14/12/2018

13:12

Page 28

LAN LOCAL AUTHORITY NEWS

28

LAN 37 No 5:Layout 1

14/12/2018

13:12

Page 29

ENGINEERING PROJECT OF THE YEAR AWARD This €30million project to develop a new water treatment plant (WTP) for Central Kerry is the Winner of the Engineers Ireland Engineering Projct of the Year Award 2018. The new plant will remove approximately 62,000 customers from the EPA’s Remedial Action List and will ensure a sustainable, safe and secure drinking water supply.

The new WTP is amongst the largest in the country and will provide over 50 million litres of drinking water every day.

It is located adjacent to Lough Guitane and the Finnow River, part the Killarney National Park SAC. A joint venture of Nicholas O’Dwyer/Tobin Engineering Consultants working closely with Irish Water/ Kerry County Council completed the preliminary design, planning, tender documents, procurement, contract administration and construction supervision. Glan Agua were appointed as Design Build Operate Contractor for the scheme.

Construction commenced in April 2016 and was substantially completed within a 24-month period, on budget and to a very high standard. The new WTP produces drinking water meeting and exceeding the highest standards set out in the current EU Drinking Water Directive and their corresponding Irish regulations.

Consequently, the communities of Central Kerry now benefit from a safe, secure and reliable water supply, which will facilitate improved community health and well-being and the removal of the scheme from the EPA’s Remedial Action List (RAL).

A very challenging aspect of the project was the fast track design and construction of the water treatment building in terms of the reinforced concrete operations, precast building and structural steel frame. The implementation of Level 2 BIM together with detailed consultations and programming of supply chain partners was critical to allowing the completion of the building in a timely manner and facilitating significant off-site construction activities for a safer working environment.

Raw water is abstracted from the Lough Guitane and Owgarriff River sources. After flocculation, the water enters a Dissolved Air Clarification (DAF) treatment step. Here, microscopic air bubbles of approximately 40 microns in diameter are introduced and attach to the floc particles, rendering them buoyant and floating them to the surface for removal.

The clarified water then passes to a final filtration step to remove any remaining particulate matter and provide a final polishing to the water. The filters have a dual media filter bed composed of 550mm of quartz sand and 450mm of anthracite. Post filtration water is disinfected using Ultraviolet light (UV) reactors and chlorine for residual protection within the downstream distribution network. This dual disinfection step ensures that harmful pathogens such as Cryptosporidium are removed from the final water.

LAN LOCAL AUTHORITY NEWS

29

LAN 37 No 5:Layout 1

14/12/2018

13:13

Page 30

Drinking water supply for 37,000 Dublin customers is removed from the EPA’s Remedial Action List Drinking water supply for 37,000 Dublin customers is removed from the EPA’s Remedial Action List Irish Water, working in partnership with Dublin City Council, is delighted to announce that the drinking water supply for 37,000 customers in Dún LaoghaireRathdown and South Dublin has been removed from the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPAs) Remedial Action List (RAL). The RAL is the list of ‘at risk’ water supplies.

The removal of the water supply from the RAL follows the construction of a new covered treated water reservoir and an upgrade to the disinfection process at Ballyboden Water Treatment Plant. The project represents a €10.5 million investment by Irish Water.

Construction of a new 16 million litre covered reinforced concrete reservoir The Ballyboden Water Treatment Plant is located within a 25 acre site situated on Stocking Lane in Rathfarnham, Co. Dublin. The treatment plant included open storage for treated drinking water which presented a risk of contamination as the water supply was vulnerable to contact from wildlife and airborne materials. This project involved the construction of a new 16 million litre covered reinforced concrete reservoir on the existing site which eliminates any potential contamination risk of the treated water. Additionally, improvement have been made to the disinfection process to reduce water quality risks to a minimum. Coffey Construction Ltd. completed the works on our behalf, under the supervision of RPS Group.

Commenting on the investment, William McKnight, Irish Water, said: “The publication of the latest EPA RAL update confirming the removal of this water supply from the list highlights the focus and dedication of Irish Water and our Local Authority partners in ensuring the delivery of clean and wholesome water to homes and businesses. This investment will ensure a secure supply of water to over 37,000 people in Dublin City, Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown and South Dublin County. After almost 130 years serving Dublin City and County, the open reservoir at Ballyboden has been replaced with a more modern covered reservoir to adequately meet current requirements and the needs of future generations.”

LAN LOCAL AUTHORITY NEWS

30

LAN 37 No 5:Layout 1

14/12/2018

13:13

Page 31

Kerry Central Regional Water Treatment Plant voted Engineering Project of the Year The €30 million project is now providing a safe and secure water supply for over 62,000 residents Announced at the Engineers Ireland Excellence Awards ceremony which took place on Friday evening, November 9th, the Kerry Central Regional Water Treatment Scheme won the Engineers Ireland Engineering Project of the Year Award 2018.

The project by Irish Water, in association with Kerry County Council, and undertaken by Nicholas O'Dwyer Ltd, TOBIN Consulting Engineers and Glan Agua Ltd, won out in the flagship category of the ninth annual Engineers Ireland Excellence Awards, held in association with ESB, at a ceremony in the InterContinental Hotel in Dublin. The Engineering Project of the Year category is sponsored by Transport Infrastructure Ireland and is voted for by a panel of judges and the public.

Gavin Reilly, associate director at Nicholas O’Dwyer, holds the winning trophy on behalf of the project team on stage.

This plant provides over 50 millions litres of drinking water every day The plant was officially opened last week by Minister of State at the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport, Brendan Griffin and Cllr Norma Foley, Cathaoirleach of Kerry County Council.The €30 million project is now providing a safe and secure water supply for over 62,000 residents as well as industry and agriculture in the region, and serves the more than 1.2 million tourists who visit the region annually across Tralee, Killarney, Castleisland and Castlemaine.

The scheme’s new water treatment plant is amongst the largest in the country and provides over 50 million litres of drinking water every day. As a result of the upgrade and investment by Irish Water, the scheme has been removed from EPA’s Remedial Action List - RAL is the list of ‘at risk’ water supplies.

Speaking about the Kerry Central Regional Water Treatment project, Eamon Gallen, Managing Director of Irish Water said: “Until the completion of this project, the local water supply lacked an effective system to treat the raw water abstracted from Lough Guitane. This meant that the areas supplied by the Kerry Central Regional Water Supply Scheme were at risk due to the lack of sufficient water treatment.

“Complicated by its scale, nature, and location the project required advanced water treatment processes, including recycling to conserve water and the use of pumping stations and pipelines, culminated in the creation of a new sustainable supply of drinking water for residents, businesses and industry in the region. The project also included an upgraded hydroelectric power turbine and water storage of up to 15 million litres of water, which is the equivalent of six Olympic-sized swimming pools. We are delighted to receive this award. I’d like to thank all the project team including staff in Irish Water, Kerry County Council, Nicholas O’Dywer, Tobin Consulting and Glen Auga who met the size and scale of the challenge of this project and developed a solution that would safeguard the supply of safe, clean drinking water for so many people in Kerry. I also want to thank the public and the Engineers Ireland judges for this recognition which is hugely appreciated.”

Caroline Spillane, Engineers Ireland, Director General, said: “Engineers are people who create, explore and innovate. Behind every design-led engineering solution are communities and families that benefit. These winning projects are the embodiment of the immense contribution the engineering profession makes as a community of creative professionals to Irish society. They are eloquent testimony to the capabilities of Irish engineers working both at home and abroad. I offer my congratulations to all the entries involved, with a special word of recognition for the overall Engineering Project of the Year winner - the Kerry Central Regional Water Supply Scheme. This is an enormously impressive body of work that has transformed the water quality provided to 62,000 residents in that region.”

LAN LOCAL AUTHORITY NEWS

31

LAN 37 No 5:Layout 1

14/12/2018

13:13

Page 32

New €9 million wastewater treatment plant in Belmullet officially opens

Plant will benefit over 1,000 local people and visitors to the town Irish Water working in partnership with Mayo County Council officially opened the new wastewater treatment plant in Belmullet, Co Mayo today.

As the national water utility responsible for providing and developing water and wastewater services throughout Ireland, we have completed a €9 million wastewater treatment plant in Belmullet which will benefit over 1,000 local people and visitors to the town and provide the capacity to treat wastewater for a population of up to 2,500 people. The new wastewater treatment plant at Corclough, together with a new treated water outfall into Blacksod Bay, will bring benefits to the town and surrounding areas in terms of health, environmental protection and improved water quality for all.

Development was officially opened by Minister Michael Ring The development was officially opened by Michael Ring TD, Minister for Rural & Community Development and Councillor Blackie Gavin, Cathaoirleach of Mayo County Council.

Belmullet was one of 44 towns around Ireland where wastewater was discharged untreated. The new wastewater treatment plant has ended this practise in Belmullet. Roadbridge and EPS carried out the works on behalf of Irish Water to ensure a robust wastewater treatment system maintaining Belmullet’ s place as a leading tourism area with capacity for future population and economic growth.

LAN LOCAL AUTHORITY NEWS

32

LAN 37 No 5:Layout 1

14/12/2018

13:13

Page 33

Speaking at today’s opening Minister Ring stated “The investment of €9 million by Irish Water in this new treatment plant will ensure Belmullet can retain its position as a tourism hub in addition to providing the capacity for future economic development.”

Cllr Blackie Gavin, Cathaoirleach of Mayo County Council, also commented on the value the new wastewater treatment plant will have on the area “Belmullet is a modern and vibrant town at the heart of the Wild Atlantic Way, attracting many visitors and it deserves top quality infrastructure. I am very proud to be here today to open the new plant and I would like to take this opportunity to acknowledge the work of Mayo County Council and Irish Water for bringing this long-awaited project to fruition.”

Speaking at the event Colm Claffey, Irish Water added “The new wastewater treatment plant will ensure that wastewater is treated and discharged in compliance with the Urban Wastewater Treatment Regulations 2001 and conditions as set out in the EPA’s Wastewater Discharge Licence (WWDL). This project will also improve the water quality of nearby coastal areas, protecting bathing areas and the aquatic environment from pollution.”

The €9 million investment in the new wastewater treatment plant for Belmullet has also been welcomed by the local Chamber of Commerce President Damien Lagan “Erris Chamber welcomes this much needed infrastructure. This project has always been high on the list of priorities for Erris Chamber and I am sure it will have an extremely positive effect on the town both for tourism and local business.” €19 million investment in sewerage schemes in Killala, Foxford and Charlestown We are investing a further €19 million in sewerage schemes in Killala, Foxford and Charlestown. The Killala Sewerage Scheme will stop untreated wastewater being discharged directly into Killala Bay and the Foxford and Charlestown sewerage schemes will provide new and upgraded treatment plants for the towns to meet the current populations and will provide for future growth in the areas.

Also in Mayo, water treatment plants in Mulranny, Kiltimagh, Swinford, Foxford, Erris, Wherrew, Newport, Westport, and Louisburgh are undergoing upgrades to improve the performance of the plants.

Since 2014 we have upgraded or built new wastewater treatment plants in 55 locations Since 2014 we have upgraded or built new wastewater treatment plants in 55 locations across the country including 12 towns where raw sewage was going directly into the water. These new and upgraded plants have improved the environment, supported tourism and in many cases built capacity for new homes and businesses.

We invested €215 million last year to ensure the development and delivery of solutions to support the safe return of wastewater to the environment from almost 1.1 million homes throughout Ireland after it has travelled through 30,000 kilometres of public sewers and been treated at 1,100 wastewater treatment plants. This forms part of Irish Water’s investment plan which has committed almost €2 billion in improving wastewater quality and capacity up to 2021 and a total investment of €5.5 billion in capital spending on both drinking water and

LAN LOCAL AUTHORITY NEWS

LAN 37 No 5:Layout 1

14/12/2018

13:13

Page 34

Irish Water to invest €21.5 million in Tullamore and Birr Water Supply Schemes This investment will improve water quality for 18,000 water users in Co. Offaly Irish Water today announced it has signed a contract for major upgrades to the Tullamore and Birr Water Supply Schemes. The €21.5 million investment will result in significant improvements to water quality and security of supply for 18,000 people and businesses in Co. Offaly.

Works due to start in the coming weeks The contract for the works has been awarded to Murphy Process Engineering Ltd. for the design, construction and commissioning of three water treatment plants and additional treated water storage reservoirs. The work is due to start in the coming weeks and is expected to be completed by 2020.

The construction works will be spread across three locations at Ardan, Clonaslee and Birr. The works will be primarily located on lands recently acquired by Irish Water from local landowners with little construction impact on public roads.

Speaking at the contact signing, William McKnight, Infrastructure Programme Regional Lead at Irish Water said, ‘We are delighted to sign this contract for the works and get them under way as quickly as possible. Due to this investment by Irish Water, by 2020, both Tullamore and Birr will have drinking water that is significantly improved. A dependable and secure drinking water supply will ensure that both towns have the required water infrastructure to support ongoing economic growth and social development.’

The Irish Water project team will work closely with business and residents in Birr and Tullamore for the duration of the works to ensure minimum disruption to local water supplies.

New €15.3 million investment in sludge treatment process at Ballymore Eustace Water Treatment Plant Project marks completion of one of the most strategically significant projects in public water supply in Ireland Irish Water, working in partnership with Dublin City Council, is delighted to announce that works to provide a new sludge treatment process at Ballymore Eustace Water Treatment Plant (WTP), which supplies drinking water to over 1,000,000 people across Dublin City, Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown, South Dublin County and Kildare has been completed. This project completes the expansion of the largest water treatment plant in the country to a treatment capacity of up to 318,000 cubic metres of drinking water per day. The project represents a €15.3 million investment in Ballymore Eustace WTP. Ballymore Eustace WTP is located on the shore of Blessington Reservoir on the Wicklow/ Kildare border. The construction of the 166 million cubic meter impounding reservoir on the River Liffey commenced in 1937 and was completed in 1947 which created a catchment of 312 sq. kms, with the dual purposes of water supply and hydro-electric power generation for a rapidly growing Dublin City & County population.

To date there have been a number of developments at the plant, bringing its capacity from an initial 50,000 cubic metres in the 1940s, through to 136,000 cubic metres in the mid-seventies and on to 250,000 cubic metres in 1986. The recent expansion has seen the plant reach its ultimate capacity of 318,000 cubic metres per day.

This project involved the construction of a new sludge treatment process to meet the WTP’s ultimate capacity.

LAN LOCAL AUTHORITY NEWS

34

LAN 37 No 5:Layout 1

14/12/2018

13:13

Page 35

The project employed a combination of centrifuge and thermal drying of the WTP’s sludge which has been successful in achieving a 87% reduction in the volume of sludge that required disposal to landfill. This also equates to a 169,000 km reduction in truck movements per year between the WTP and disposal route. Veolia Water Ireland Ltd. and Clonmel Enterprises Ltd. completed the Works on IW behalf, under the supervision of RPS Group.

Commenting on the investment, William McKnight, Irish Water, said: “This substantial investment has enabled Irish Water complete the most recent expansion of the WTP whilst meeting the main priorities of National Waste Management Policy to minimise waste quantities destined for disposal.”

Contract awarded for upgrade to Stillorgan reservoir Safeguarding the drinking water supply for 200,000 people in south Dublin Irish Water has awarded the contract for the design, construction and commissioning of a new covered storage reservoir at Stillorgan that will safeguard the drinking water supply for 200,000 people in south Dublin. The upgrade will support the growth of new homes and businesses for the next 15 years. The contract was awarded to J. Murphy & Sons Limited who will begin construction in early 2019. The project is part of a €200m investment in the Vartry Water Supply Scheme and is expected to be completed in 2022.

The existing Stillorgan Reservoir has supplied drinking water to the community for over 150 years. The reservoir is one of the last remaining of its kind in Europe, where treated drinking water is left exposed to the elements. This means that the treated drinking water is vulnerable to the risk of being contaminated by wildlife, animal waste, airborne material and could be polluted by people accessing the water.

The new reservoir will have the capacity to support future growth to 2031 John Prendeville, Project Manager with Irish Water said, “The upgrade of the Stillorgan Reservoir to covered storage is a priority for Irish Water. I am pleased to confirm that a contract has been awarded to commence work on this vital project. The Stillorgan Reservoir has served the community for over 150 years, and this project will ensure that Irish Water will safeguard the water for the future.

“The size and scale of this project is very significant. One of the three existing reservoirs at the Stillorgan site will be drained down and the construction of a new covered reservoir will be completed within the drained down area. Once the new covered reservoir is operational, the other two open reservoirs will be drained and landscaping of the site will take place. The new covered reservoir will have the capacity to support future growth to 2031. The remainder of the site will be retained for future water services infrastructure to secure the long-term supply of drinking water for the community.”

Irish Water has already invested €3.4 million to improve the disinfection of drinking water stored in the Stillorgan Reservoir enabling the removal of the Stillorgan Reservoir from the EPA’s Remedial Action List.

Irish Water is committed to safeguarding the water supply for the community and providing a long-term solution for the safe and sustainable management of the water supply for the next 15 years. The investment of approximately €80 million in a new covered reservoir is a long term measure to protect and improve the water quality in the reservoir.

LAN LOCAL AUTHORITY NEWS

35

LAN 37 No 5:Layout 1

14/12/2018

13:13

Page 36

Minister Murphy approves Irish Water Strategic Funding Plan 2019-2024 oghan Murphy, T.D., Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government has announced his approval of the Irish Water Strategic Funding Plan 2019-2024, without modification.

E

“I have approved the Irish Water Strategic Funding Plan 2019-2024, without modification, which sets out Irish Water’s multi-annual strategic funding requirement of €11bn to 2024, comprised of a €6.1bn investment in infrastructure and assets and €4.9bn in operating costs. This is a significant multi-billion euro investment programme which will ensure the continued operation, repair and upgrading of our country’s water and wastewater infrastructure to support social and economic development across the State and continued care of our water environment.”

The Water Services (No. 2) Act 2013 (as inserted by section 19 of the Water Services Act 2017) provides that Irish Water prepare a multi-annual Strategic Funding Plan (SFP) which sets out the capital and operational costs expected to be incurred over a multiannual period and how these costs fall to be recovered.

Under the provisions of the Act, the Strategic Funding Plan is to outline the costs and revenue requirements associated with the implementation of the relevant Water Services Strategic Plan (WSSP), the first of which was published in 2015 and the Water Services Policy Statement published by the Minister, the first of which was published on 21 May 2018.

The Plan is in line with the new funding model for Irish Water arising from the report of the Joint Oireachtas Committee on the Future Funding of Irish Water (April 2017) and provides as much funding certainty as possible, in the absence of domestic water charges, and aligns with the cost recovery aspects of the EU Water Framework Directive. The funding requirement will be met through a combination of non-domestic revenue, excess usage charges, government subvention, non-domestic borrowings and capital contributions.

Importantly, the Plan will now be subject to economic regulatory review by the Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU) as part of its third regulatory control period 2020-2024. In line with its statutory functions,

LAN LOCAL AUTHORITY NEWS

36

LAN 37 No 5:Layout 1

14/12/2018

13:13

Page 37

the CRU will consider the efficiency of investment proposals, together with submissions from Irish Water on it detailed investment plans, for the third regulatory control period 2020-2024 (with the CRU’s allowed revenue determination for Irish Water feeding into annual Exchequer decisions on spending in respect of those years).

The Minister approved the Plan in its current form, without modification, considering that it is reasonable for Irish Water to plan for delivery in accordance with the Strategic Funding Plan profile. The Minister intends that his Department will revisit the profile of proposed capital spending under the Plan during 2021, in the light of the CRU decision for its third regulatory cycle and actual progression of capital investment in the early years of the Plan, particularly in relation to major projects.

Ross funds extra salt as he urges all to stay safe and seen this winter he Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport Shane Ross T.D. announced that he has secured additional funding for salt stocks as part of his Department’s preparation for winter 2018-19.

T

At the launch of the Partnership Governments 2018-19 be “Winter Ready” campaign at the National Emergency Coordination Centre in Dublin, Minister Ross said: “Winter Ready” is all about keeping safe during difficult weather changes. As Minister for Transport I am very concerned about safety on our roads, especially in hazardous conditions. Studies show that the use of road salt reduces collisions by up to 85% during a winter event.

Last year’s salt reserves were seriously depleted by Storm Emma. Therefore this year I have secured an additional €700,000 in funding for salt supplies in preparation for severe weather events.

As our “Winter Ready” focus this year is on communities, I would like to ask people to work together to get through this winter season safely; look out for each other and remember those elderly or isolated people who may need checking in on.

Please heed messages from the Road Safety Authority on how to keep safe on our roads, whether you’re driving, walking or cycling. In these days of little light, it’s so important to be seen at all times. Wear hi-vis vests. Make sure your lights work. Use reflectors. Don’t take risks.

In particular, I would ask motorists to watch out for cyclists. Those hardy citizens who abandon vehicles for bicycles do us all a great service by greatly reducing traffic congestion and lowering emissions. Give them the respect – and the space – that they deserve.

As we are coming into the season of good cheer and celebrations, I would ask you all not to drink and drive.

As you know, the new drink driving regulations commenced last month and now anyone caught drink or drug driving will receive an automatic disqualification. If you’re off out for a well-deserved festive evening, please take public transport or nominate a designated driver.

Similarly, speeding, particularly in wintry conditions, can be treacherous. My Department is currently developing proposals for graduated penalties for speeding offences, and I would ask you all to take great care to stay within the designated limit.

Currently road fatalities – though still far too high – are the lowest on record. Let’s keep it that way this winter.

Stay safe.”

LAN LOCAL AUTHORITY NEWS

37

LAN 37 No 5:Layout 1

14/12/2018

13:13

Page 38

Minister Bruton Announces Up to €25 million for Building Energy Upgrades & Renewables Applications now open for SEAI Community Energy Grant Scheme 2019 17,500 homes and 2,000 non domestic buildings upgraded to date he Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment, Richard Bruton T.D., has launched the SEAI Community Energy Grant Scheme for 2019. Applications are now open and up to €25 million of Government funds are available towards projects that deliver energy savings to communities, including public buildings, homes and businesses.

T

Minister Bruton is currently developing an all of government plan to make Ireland a leader in responding to climate change. Helping homes and businesses to upgrade to more energy efficient premises is crucial to achieving our goals. The SEAI Community Energy Grant Scheme supports partnerships between communities, businesses and the public sector to deliver energy improvements in buildings across the country. The launch took place at St Luke's Court, Coolock where Dublin City Council completed a major heating upgrade, just one element of a larger €2.3 million project with partners Dublin City University and Retrofit Energy Ireland Ltd. To date €125 million in community grants has underpinned over €300 million investment in upgrades to 17,500 homes, 2000 non domestic buildings. The annual energy savings are estimated in excess of €50 million.

Opening the application process, Minister Bruton said, "The decisions we make now will define the next century. I am currently developing an all of government plan to make Ireland a leader in responding to climate change, not a follower. We are investing up to €25 million in these grants, to help homes and businesses right across the country upgrade to more energy efficient premises. I would urge all communities, big and small, interested in being more sustainable in their energy use, to explore the fantastic opportunities presented by this fund."

Minister of State, Sean Canney said, "I welcome this €25 million funding which will benefit thousands of homes and businesses in our communities right across the country. The initiative which is open to both large and small projects alike, will assist in the rejuvenation of rural and urban areas. This initiative is a great example of our government incentivizing homeowners and businesses to develop ways to save energy on a daily basis."

The grant scheme will be administered by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI). Speaking at the launch, Mr Jim Gannon, CEO of SEAI said "SEAI's community activities are designed to help people to become more informed, enabled and in control of their own low carbon future. Our community energy network has more than 230 member communities across the country. We help them to create their own plan for a low carbon future for their community, and provide support for the capital projects within this plan. This most recent tranche of Government of Ireland funding supports those communities who have identified the priority projects to help them save money and play their part in tackling climate change."

Open to both large and small projects alike, this year's application process will be non-competitive with applications approved on a first come first served basis. Applications must include a strong partnership approach. Collaborations between public and private sectors, residential and non-residential sectors, commercial and not-for-profit organisations, financing entities and energy suppliers, are of particular interest.

Full details of the scheme, including how to apply are available at www.seai.ie

LAN LOCAL AUTHORITY NEWS

38

LAN 37 No 5:Layout 1

14/12/2018

13:13

Page 39

An Taoiseach, Leo Varadkar TD, with Ministers Eoghan Murphy TD, Josepha Madigan TD, and Minister of State, John Halligan TD, announce €100 million under Urban Regeneration and Development Fund. n Taoiseach, Leo Varadkar TD, with Minister for Housing, Planning & Local Government, Eoghan Murphy TD, Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, Josepha Madigan TD, and Minister of State, John Halligan TD, announce €100 million under Urban Regeneration and Development Fund.

A

An Taoiseach, Leo Varadkar TD and the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government, Eoghan Murphy TD, have announced that 88 projects are to be allocated a total of €100 million under the Urban Regeneration and Development Fund (URDF), launched in July this year as part of Project Ireland 2040. The announcement was made in the Charleville Mall Library, Dublin 1.

As a key part of Project Ireland 2040 - the Government’s National Planning Framework and National Development Plan - the fund will help to rejuvenate significant but underused areas in Ireland’s five cities and other large towns.

It’s one of four funds set up under the National Development Plan 2018-2027, and is being implemented by the Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government. A total of €2 billion has been allocated to the URDF up to 2027, with €550 million available for between now and 2022.

The aim of the URDF is to stimulate new residential and commercial development in our larger cities and towns. These new developments will be supported by new services and amenities, and will help us to achieve the ‘compact growth’ that was set out in Project Ireland 2040. It’s all about taking a proper, sustainable approach to developing our country.

Almost 200 applications were submitted to the Department since it launched its call for applications in July.

There was a huge range of applications including: transforming the former school on Rutland Street within the North East Inner City as a community hub; support for large scale strategic sites on both sides of the river in the Cork Docklands Regeneration areas; Regeneration for O’Connell Street and projects in the city centre of Limerick; and public realm and riverside enhancement for the Abbey Quarter in Kilkenny.

This is just the first round of funding with further rounds following in 2019, right up to 2027.

Commenting on the announcement, An Taoiseach said:

LAN LOCAL AUTHORITY NEWS

39

LAN 37 No 5:Layout 1

14/12/2018

13:13

Page 40

“The Urban Fund is aimed at all of our cities and towns with a population of more than 10,000. It’s an investment of €2bn over the next 10 years aimed at unlocking the potential undeveloped sites in our towns and cities. We want them to have vibrant centres and to grow up rather than out. “We want smart, compact, urban growth. We want to make sure we have more people living in our city centres and close to the centre of large towns, making it easier to walk to work, cutting commuting times and distances, making better use of existing infrastructure while also benefitting the environment. The scale of funding available under this fund means the successful projects will have a tangible and positive impact on the daily lives of people living in our large towns and cities. We have never planned our towns and cities in this way before. We’re announcing €100m in projects today and I look forward to seeing construction starting in the new year.”

Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government, Eoghan Murphy TD, said: “I’d like to extend my congratulations to successful applicants and wish to thank all those who submitted an application. I am hugely impressed by the enthusiasm and creativity demonstrated by all those involved throughout this process and am delighted to allocate €100 million in funding for 2019 to some very worthwhile projects. We will of course continue to work with those that wish to develop projects into the future and will enable a continual dialogue on this to ensure a pro-active delivery of sustainable projects.

A key feature of this Fund is continued collaboration, whether between Government Agencies, local authorities, communities and other stakeholders. I wish successful applicants all the best with their proposals and I look forward to seeing the lasting impacts of these in the years to come.”

Minister for Culture, Heritage, and the Gaeltacht, Josepha Madigan TD, said: "A total of 9 projects that will receive funding have a cultural element to them, including an exciting new cultural plaza in Sligo, an innovative cultural quarter in Portlaoise and even a Living Georgian City Programme in Limerick. This is in keeping with this Government’s strong understanding of and support for culture. It is also recognition of the centrality of culture to development and regeneration. Culture is central to Ireland and its people. Cultural spaces have enormous benefits. They foster a more creative and innovative Ireland. They provide an opportunity to enjoy our cultural heritage, language and landscape. And they create and sustain community cohesion, collective well-being, and a sense of belonging."

Minister of State at the Departments of Business, Enterprise and Innovation, and Education and Skills, John Halligan TD, said: “The projects that will be funded as a result of today’s announcement have the potential to transform our key urban centres, not just physically but also from an economic and social perspective, delivering key infrastructure that will drive renewal and investment. Aside from being game-changers in their respective areas, these regeneration projects will enhance balanced regional growth and the sustainable development of our cities.”

LAN LOCAL AUTHORITY NEWS

40

LAN 37 No 5:Layout 1

14/12/2018

13:13

Page 41

Murphy welcomes increase of €725m in Housing, Planning and Local Government funding (+22%) under Budget 2019 Housing • €2.4Bn for 2019 • €470m or 25% increase in housing budget for 2019 • €60m additional funding in 2018 • 5,000 adults will be supported out of homelessness and family hubs will be expanded • 10,000 new Council homes will be delivered in 2019 as a result of additional funding (2,100 new homes up on 2018) • Social housing needs of 27,400 households to be met in 2019 • Serviced Site fund for more affordable housing to be tripled to €310m • Extra money for RTB to enforce rent caps and new laws to protect renters Other areas • €1.2bn investment in water services, up €84m on 2018 • €185m contribution to the Local Government Fund, up €60m on 2018 Eoghan Murphy, T.D., Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government today welcomed the 22% increase in funding – some €725m – secured for his Department for next year under Budget 2019.

The Government is allocating exchequer funding of almost €2.3 billion to housing programmes. In addition, local authorities will fund a range of housing services to the value of almost €93 million from surplus Local Property Tax (LPT) receipts, bringing the total housing budget in 2019 to almost €2.4 billion.

In addition, a further €60m for 2018 delivery has been agreed meaning that Budget 2019 will therefore result in an additional €530m investment in housing.

This investment will see the housing needs of almost 27,400 households being met in 2019. Of the 27,400 housing supports, 10,000 will be Council Houses delivered through build, acquisition and long term leasing programmes. This is 2,100 more homes than will be delivered in 2018. The remaining supports will be delivered through HAP and RAS schemes.

Addressing Homelessness A critical focus of 2019 activity is on prevention and delivery of services for homelessness, and an allocation of €146 million (+€30m on 2018) will address the increased demand for emergency homeless services and also assist in supporting homeless households with long-term and sustainable housing solutions.

In 2019, it is envisaged that in excess of 5,000 adults will exit from homelessness into sustainable tenancies through the provision of council homes and the Housing Assistance Payment.

Housing First will continue to be rolled out, targeted at rough sleepers, and funding will also be provided to support the further roll out of the Family Hub programme.

Affordable Housing Budget 2019 provides for a trebling of the Fund to €310 million over the period to 2021, meaning that the minimum number of serviced site fund homes that will be facilitated over the lifetime of the Fund will be over 6,000.

In addition, the infrastructure investment per home under the Fund is being increased to €50,000, with the discount per market price of a house capped at 40%, to be realised through an equity share with the

LAN LOCAL AUTHORITY NEWS

41

LAN 37 No 5:Layout 1

14/12/2018

13:13

Page 42

purchaser. The scheme applies to new homes, and for single people earning up to €50,000 and couples earning up to €75,000.

An initial call for Local Authority sites under the Fund has recently been completed and a new call will issue shortly.

The Rebuilding Ireland Affordable Home Loan was launched just 8 months ago on 1 February 2018. There has been great interest in the scheme to date. At the end of September the Housing Agency had assessed and recommended 1,134 loans for approval, totalling some 236 million euro. An assessment is currently underway that will consider some inconsistencies in decision making that have been identified, the need to potentially broaden the application of the scheme, as well as the possibility of extending the affordable loan to vacant homes requiring refurbishment.

Rental Sector Budget 2019 will see a 67% increase in exchequer funding to strengthen the powers of the Residential Tenancies Board and greater local authority inspections in the sector.

Some 70-80% of landlords only own one or two properties. We have to introduce measures that will incentivise landlords to remain as landlords.

Budget 2019 introduces the full removal of the restriction on the amount of interest that may be deducted by landlords in respect of loans used to purchase, improve or repair their residential property. The rate was due to be 100 per cent by 2021 but will now be effective from 1 January 2019.

We have introduced rent caps but these need to be strengthened quickly.

Legislation later this month will: • provide that any breach of Rent Caps can be sanctioned; • strengthen the powers of the Residential Tenancies Board (an additional €4.5 million will be provided in 2019 to support stronger RTB capacity and local authority inspections in the rented sector – this is a 67% increase in exchequer funding for this purpose); • further tighten the operation of any exemptions; • enhance rental data from RTB registrations to provide more transparency in rents being paid; • double the notice period for renters where a notice to quit is served after six months; • seek to extend rent caps to student accommodation.

The first Rent Pressure Zones are due to expire at the end of next year, and so Minister Murphy is considering an extension of this measure given continuing conditions in the rental sector.

As this is reviewed we will also examine other provisions around the operation of the Rent Caps in line with recent recommendations from the Residential Tenancies Board.

Other important housing delivery and supports We will continue fund other important housing supports and services in relation to homelessness, regeneration and programmes to upgrade existing housing (energy efficiency improvements, adaptation grants, housing for Travellers, pyrite, etc.).

Supports that will be funded through the increased resources under Budget 2019 include – • Funding of €13 million (+€1m on 2018) will support a range of Traveller specific accommodation schemes, including the provision of additional group housing; • €32 million (+€2m on 2018) will fund the remediation of a further 460 houses affected by pyrite; • A further 9,000 council homes will be improved through the energy efficiency programme in 2019 through funding of €25 million;

LAN LOCAL AUTHORITY NEWS

42

LAN 37 No 5:Layout 1

14/12/2018

13:13

Page 43

• €23 million (+€1m on 2018) will support the continuation of the Mortgage to Rent Scheme and will allow for over 400 additional households to be supported under the scheme; • Exchequer funding for housing adaptation grants will be increased to €57 million (+€4m on 2018). This will enable up to 11,800 home adaptations to be undertaken facilitating people with disabilities and older people to continue to live in their own homes; • The National Regeneration programme will be supported through funding of almost €72 million (+€11m on 2018) targeting some of the country’s most disadvantaged communities; • Funding of €10 million (+€2.8m on 2018) will support the operational costs of the Housing Agency during 2019 and support the Agency in its expanded role in the delivery of housing services and supports; • A provision of €11.5 million will be made available in 2019 (+€4.6m on 2018) to support the expanded role and functions of the Residential Tenancies Board and to also expand the rental inspections programme by local authorities; • The Local Infrastructure Housing Activation Fund will be supported by an allocation of €41 million in 2019. This funding will go towards 30 key public infrastructure projects such as roads and bridges which will unlock land for housing development which would otherwise remain stagnant. Two projects are under construction in Dublin and Limerick with the remaining 28 projects to finish design and planning phases and reach construction stage in 2019. These projects are designed to release the delivery of up to 20,000 homes across the country, with more than 25% expected to be social or affordable homes.

• In relation to defective concrete blocks, an issue which has affected homeowners in Donegal and Mayo the Government approved in principle this morning the development of a grant scheme of financial assistance to support affected homeowners to carry out the necessary remediation works to dwellings in those 2 counties that have been damaged. The putting in place of such a scheme will now be a key priority for the Department, with funding to be available from next year.

Other Areas of Activity Budget 2019 also means significant progress across the other areas of the Department. In total, next year will see an increase for the Water Services, Local Government and Planning Programmes, as well as Met Éireann, that amounts to over €250 million.

Water Services In the Water area, capital and current funding to Irish Water will amount to nearly €1.2 billion in 2019, an increase of €84 million on this year. There is an increase of €122 million for vital, accelerated capital investment in water and wastewater services as planned for under the National Development Plan 2018-27.

On the current side, the requirement for Irish Water is some €38 million below the 2018 provision. This reflects the continuing achievement of efficiencies on operational expenditure, which is driven through the Irish Water Business Plan and the economic regulatory process undertaken by the Commission for Regulation of Utilities.

There will also be capital funding of €23 million in 2019 (+€3m) for the next cycle of the Multi-Annual Rural Water Programme which will run from 2019 to 2021. In addition, €6 million is being provided for Developer Provided Infrastructure to establish a funding programme to progressively resolve housing estates with problematic developer-provided water services infrastructure.

Local Government Turning to Local Government, 2019 will see a contribution from the Department’s Vote to the Local Government Fund of €185 million – an increase of €60 million on 2018. This will provide significant additional support to the local government sector in providing a range of essential services at local level, including assistance towards increased pay/pensions costs arising under national pay agreements and resources for certain local government initiatives across the country.

There will also be an increase of €2 million in capital investment in fire and emergency services, bringing the total to over €11 million in 2019.

LAN LOCAL AUTHORITY NEWS

43

LAN 37 No 5:Layout 1

14/12/2018

13:13

Page 44

Co

ntr a c to rs

DIVE & MARINE

Dive & Marine Contractors SERVICES ›

Bridge, culvert and pier inspections and repairs Replacing Outlet valves › Forming or repairing Head walls › Inspection and Remediation to Water Reservoirs › Irish Water Registered supplier ›

SAFETY, RELIABILITY & PROFESSIONALISM

Dive and Marine Contractors Tel: 086 8394411 www.diveandmarine.com

PRODUCT PRODUCTinfo info Many of the internet’s websites are powered by WordPress today. If your site is a WordPress site, contrary to popular belief it is a complex piece of software that requires backup and maintenance. You wouldn’t drive a car for years without ever changing the oil or having it serviced. Your site is no different – and your car is not constantly being attacked by hackers, or having parts upgraded constantly while running.

SafeNSound will reduce the chance of being hacked from a virtual certainty to close to zero, and we keep daily backups of your complete site, so that even if something happens to your site, we can restore it in a heartbeat.

In the era of the GDPR it is more important than ever to protect your sites and to be able to show they are being protected.

Check out www.safensound.ie for more info.

Call: 083 843 2691 or Email safensound@bemoore.com LAN LOCAL AUTHORITY NEWS

44

FRONT COVER LAN 37 No 5:Layout 1

12/12/2018

21:21

Page 3

FRONT COVER LAN 37 No 5:Layout 1

12/12/2018

21:21

Page 4