Local Authority News - Vol. 41. No. 1 by Giltron

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• Bluesky LiDAR and aerial photography supports architectural consultancy develop successful planning applications in areas of environmental importance • Council welcomes €9.79 9.79 announcement under the Urban Regeneration & Development Fund for Project Carlow 2040 • Residents reap benefits from Sligo’s €6m retrofitting scheme for Local Authority housing

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CONTENTS 41 No. 1

FEATURES COUNCIL WELCOMES €9.79 ANNOUNCEMENT UNDER THE URBAN REGENERATION & DEVELOPMENT FUND FOR PROJECT CARLOW 2040 3 BLUESKY LIDAR AND AERIAL PHOTOGRAPHY SUPPORTS ARCHITECTURAL CONSULTANCY DEVELOP SUCCESSFUL PLANNING APPLICATIONS IN AREAS OF ENVIRONMENTAL IMPORTANCE 7 NEW EPA RADON MAPS SHOW MORE HOMES AND WORKPLACES AT RISK FROM CANCER-CAUSING GAS. 9

Published by: ENVIROAIR UNDERFLOOR HEATING, FOR COMFORT AND EFFICIENCY (FIREBIRD)

CONTRACTOR APPOINTED TO LDA’S FIRST AFFORDABLE HOUSING PROJECT IN PARTNERSHIP WITH DLRCC 12 GRANT JOINS OCTABUILD

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

ISSN NO. 1393-0394 LOCAL AUTHORITY NEWS is available FREE OF CHARGE and ON LINE to all Local and Central Government Bodies throughout Ireland. Published bi-monthly it is disseminated to Local Authority Managers, Assistant Managers, County Secretaries, Finance Officers, Principal Officers, Department Heads, County Engineers, City Engineers, Chief Quantity Surveyors, Senior Architects, Plant Superintendents, Senior Executive Engineers, Town Clerks, Purchasing Officers, Administrative Officers, Inspectors, Park Superintendents, County Librarians, etc. in all Government Departments, County Councils, Corporations, Office of Public Works, Urban District Councils, StateSponsored and Development Bodies and Agencies.

MID WEST NATIONAL ROAD DESIGN OFFICE HIGHLIGHTS THE IMPORTANCE OF CONTINUOUS PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT 17 RESIDENTS REAP BENEFITS FROM SLIGO’S €6M RETROFITTING SCHEME FOR LOCAL AUTHORITY HOUSING

WHY AN INTEGRATED COMMUNICATIONS SYSTEM MAKES SENSE FOR THE WAY THE PUBLIC SECTOR WORKS TODAY. (IP TELECOM) JOINT COMMITTEE ON HOUSING, LOCAL GOVERNMENT AND HERITAGE PUBLISHES URBAN REGENERATION REPORT; MAKES RECOMMENDATIONSON INCENTIVES, ENFORCEMENT AND RESOURCING 22 GRANT AERONA³ R32 AIR SOURCE HEAT PUMP WINS PRESTIGIOUS INDUSTRY AWARD

21 NEW HOMES FOR OLDER PERSONS AT BROADFORD COURT, BALLINTEER

IT’S NOT JUST A MOTORWAY…IT’S A BEEWAY! (TII) DUBLIN REGION LOCAL AUTHORITIES TO DEPLOY 1,650 EV CHARGE POINTS BY 2025 (EASYGO)

DUBLIN CITY’S NEWEST PARK OPENS TO THE PUBLIC

REGULARS IRISH WATER UPDATES

CLASSFIEDS

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Council welcomes €9.79 announcement under the Urban Re gener ation & Development Fund for Project Car low 2040 A total of €9.79 million has been awarded under the Urban Regeneration Development Fund (URDF) for key projects identified in ʻProject Carlow 2040ʼ, and combined with match funding by Carlow County Council, this will see an overall regeneration investment of €13 million into the south-east town over the next 20 years. Strategically located in the SouthEast Region, Carlow Town plays a pivotal role with strong links to the Midlands and the Greater Dublin Area, supported by good access to transport infrastructure. Carlow is a regional centre for education, healthcare, public services, shopping and arts, culture, leisure, and recreation for a wide area extending into Laois, Kildare and Wicklow. Carlow Townʼs masterplan ʻProject Carlow 2040 – A Vision for Regeneration & Developmentʼ will seek to reinforce the critical role of the town centre as the heart of Carlow Town, providing attractiveand accessible public spaces with new pedestrian linkages. Project Carlow 2040 has envisaged the development of several intervention areas, which will play a central role in delivering the objectives outlined in the strategy over the next 20 years. The overall aim of the masterplan is develop the thriving, vibrant and sustainable town centre as a destination not just for shopping but also for tourists attracted to the unique architectural, cultural and heritage attributes of Carlowʼs townscape. TOWN CENTRE EARMARKED Welcoming the funding Cllr Tom OʼNeill, Cathaoirleach of Carlow County Council, said the people of Carlow can now “look forward to a major regeneration of their county town, including the development of attractive and accessible public spaces with new pedestrian linkages, which will support an improved quality of life for all who work, live, and visit”.The Cathaoirleach paid tribute to fellow elected members, the Mayor and members of Carlow Municipal District, council officials, community and business representatives who supported thedevelopment of ʻProject Carlow 2040ʼ. He also thanked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, Darragh OʼBrien, on behalf of the council and community, for the URDF funding which, he added “will help to start to realise this vision for Carlow Town”. 3

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www.glasdon.com

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Pictured at the official launch of ʻProject Carlow 2040ʼ in November 2020 (l-r): Kathleen Holohan, Chief Executive of Carlow County Council, Tom OʼNeill, Cathaoirleach of Carlow County Council, and Cllr Fergal Browne, Mayor of Carlow Municipal District.

“REAL VOTE OF CONFIDENCE” The Chief Executive of Carlow County Council, Kathleen Holohan, said: “Weʼre delighted that our application for funding under the Urban Regeneration Development Fund has been successful and it will assist the council in delivering a transformed town centre. “The allocation of €9.79 million to Carlow Town represents a real vote of confidence by the Government in the future of Carlow Town and recognises the value of local collaboration and consultation when putting resources into rebuilding, recovering, and renewing town centres.” Holohan conveyed her thanks to all those who engaged Carlow County Council during the application development. These included the elected members, public representatives, property owners, Carlow Town Development Forum, County Carlow Chamber, IT Carlow, IDA, Enterprise Ireland, Carlow College, Carlow Tourism, Carlow Farmers Market, An Garda Síochána, St Catherineʼs Community Services Centre, Carlow Regional Youth Services and Failte Ireland, in shaping and developing the URDF application. “Carlow County Council is determined to take the lead when it comes to driving economic development and attracting national investment in key capital projects not just in Carlow Town but across the County,” she noted.

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INNOVATIVE PROJECTS Outlining the project proposals to be developed under this funding, Michael Rainey, Carlow County Councilʼs Director of Services, explained: “This URDF funding provides for a series of ambitious and innovative regeneration projects to be delivered over the next number of years, designed to enhance the town from the viewpoint of connectivity, experience and wellbeing. ” He said that the funding will facilitate three major regeneration interventions. The first element is the Barrack Street Pedestrian Link, which will see the creation of a pedestrian and cycle-friendly space connecting Potato Market to Barrack Street and the introduction of planting and seating to improve the public realm. The second of these elements will involve major renewal and improvement measures to Barrack St, Shamrock Square, Kennedy Avenue and Tullow Street. The final element is the creation of a new pedestrian and cycle-friendly linkage from the Railway Station to the town centre through Carlow College. Explaining the process for the development of these projects, Rainey said that each element of the project will be designed “in partnership with our key stakeholders and will be subject to the Part VIII planning process where we look forward to hearing the views of the public and our continued positive engagement with representative organisations and the general public”.

The aim is to also reintegrate the River Barrow through the development of pedestrian walkways and key sites along the river.

The Mayor of Carlow Municipal District, Cllr Fergal Browne. said, “This is a game changer for Carlow Town and its future regeneration as envisioned in Project Carlow 2040,” as he welcomed the funding, and thanked fellow members in Carlow Municipal District for supporting the development of this application.

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Bluesky LiDAR and aerial photography supports architectural consultancy develop successful planning applications in areas of environmental importance A Dublin based architectural consultancy is using data from aerial survey and mapping company Bluesky International to ensure the planning process is conducted as efficiently and smoothly as possible for its clients, even when the build locations are in areas of environmental importance such as UNESCO sites. Dublin Design Studio is an award-winning architecture and design firm specialising in high end, bespoke dwelling projects in Ireland. Ensuring their designs respond to and enhance their locations is a must and something that they consider from the outset of any project. Planning applications are submitted after careful analysis by the Dublin Design Studio team using Blueskyʼs LiDAR, Digital Surface Models (DSM) and Aerial Photography. The GIS data is combined with street view data and overlaid with additional imagery captured by drones and site analysis, meaning the team has a holistic view of the area they are working in and can assess any design changes needed at an early stage, a critical part of getting projects through planning seamlessly. David Craig is one of the founders of the company and he explains: “We use the Bluesky data in the early stages of our projects so we can assess, and therefore demonstrate, to planners the visual effect of our build. We determine the impact from an environmental and infrastructure perspective. The data enables us to showcase how the build or project will appear from a number of different viewpoints, which can often be inaccessible, allowing the planners to accurately understand the impact of the proposals. We work in areas that can be challenging, including within UNESCO sites, so ensuring that we integrate the build sensitively is crucial and this is where the data really supports us. “We integrate the Bluesky data into our 3D software and we continuously and rapidly update the imagery as we develop our designs. For example, we can see how the visual impact would be affected if a group or line of trees were removed, for example.” Locations for the properties and extensions are often in beautiful locations or areas of environmental importance and how these builds blend into their surroundings and where they can be viewed from is a key part of what local authority planners will consider at the application phase. Ralph Coleman, Sales Director at Bluesky, said: “Itʼs always exciting when our datasets are used in a creative way to solve problems. Aerial imagery and LiDAR offer a different perspective and can provide huge benefits to developers and planners looking to get an early visualisation of their project.”

Find out more about Blueskyʼs products and how they can support your project visit: www.bluesky-world.com

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New EPA Radon maps show more homes and workplaces at risk from cancer-causing gas. The EPA has published new radon maps for Ireland that update the radon risk assessment for the country. 170,000 homes in the country are now predicted to be at risk from radon. This is an increase of 45,000 homes from the previous estimate in 2002. Radon is a cancer-causing radioactive gas, and every year in Ireland 350 new lung cancer cases are linked to exposure to radon. You can check if your home is at risk/the level of risk of your home through the new Eircode map search on the EPA website. The EPA urges all householders and businesses, especially those in high radon areas, to test for radon.

Testing for radon is simple and fixing a radon problem will reduce the risk to your health from this radioactive gas. May 26th 2022: New radon maps, launched by the Environmental Protection Agency today at the National Radon Forum, show an increased risk from radon in Ireland, with 170,000 homes now predicted to be at risk of radon exposure above the national reference level. This is an increase of 45,000 homes, from the previous estimate in 2002. The new maps update the radon risk assessment for the country and show that large parts of the country - particularly in Munster and Connaught - have been found to be at increased risk from radon. The map is based on work completed by Trinity College Dublin, Geological Survey of Ireland and the Economic and Social Research Institute alongside the EPA. Michéal Lehane, EPA Director, speaking at todayʼs National Radon Forum said: “Radon is a serious public health hazard. The new maps combine thousands of radon measurements, with detailed geological information, and are a significant revision of the previous map from 2002. More importantly, the new maps make it easy for everyone to find out the radon risk in their local area using the eircode search on the EPA website . We urge people to test for radon as this is the only way of protecting you and your family from this cancer-causing gas”. Employers too have a responsibility to ensure that their employees are protected from exposure to this radioactive gas. Yvonne Mullooly, Assistant Chief Executive of the Health and Safety Authority (HSA), welcomed publication of the new radon maps saying: “Employers in high radon areas are obliged to test their workplaces for radon. The new maps enable them to clearly identify where they are legally obliged to test, so allows for targeting of resources in the areas where the risk from radon is highest. The HSA will continue to support employers by providing information, and through our on-line risk assessment BeSMART tool www.BeSMART.ie.” Radon testing is simple and inexpensive and, where necessary, reducing high radon levels in a building is also straight forward.

The maps are now available on the EPAʼs website and are searchable by Eircode and by address.

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Enviroair Underfloor Heating, for Comfort and Efficiency Taking advantage of one of the most basic laws of physics, that heat rises, Firebirdʼs Enviroair Underfloor Heating is far more efficient than traditional radiators when heating a home as it provides a steady, even temperature throughout the house. Whether you are building a new house or upgrading, “wet” underfloor heating creates a more comfortable environment than the air provided by conventional radiators. Firebird Enviroair Underfloor Heating is suitable for a wide range of ground and upper floor constructions and can easily be combined with radiator systems for extensions and conservatories.

Firebird Enviroair Underfloor Heating

Underfloor heating generally runs at 45°C as opposed to 80°C used in radiator systems, which saves hugely on energy and running costs, especially when used with a renewable heat source like an Air Source Heat Pump. Enviroair Underfloor Heating kits from Firebird contain all the components required for use with the Firebird Enviroair Air Source Heat Pump. A “wet” underfloor heating system is like a giant radiator at floor level. A series of plastic pipes are connected to a heat source to circulate warm water throughout the floor to heat the space by producing radiant heat. Since the floor (the radiator) is so large and the heat is more evenly distributed, it only needs to run at a low temperature to heat the room. This means that the water flowing around the floor needs to be at a far lower temperature than a traditional radiator system. The underfloor heating system heats the living area in the room, whilst the heat from the radiator system collects at the ceiling - a much less efficient heating method. Firebirdʼs Enviroair Underfloor Heating is a Multilayer Railing system. The Multilayer Pipe with an embedded aluminium layer is oxygen tight. Despite being highly flexible, this multilayer pipe is characterised by high tenacity and fatigue strength. The fixing of the underfloor heating pipes takes place with the help of the selfadhesive fixing rails. A rail installation has the advantage that the heating circuits can be changed as desired without damaging the underlying insulation. It provides a good acoustic as the impact noise insulation is not penetrated. Designed to achieve the highest possible levels of efficiency, Firebird products not only provide a heating solution that is cost-effective, but one that will stand the test of time.

For more information visit www.firebird.ie or email sales@firebird.ie

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Contractor appointed to LDAʼs first affordable housing project in partnership with DLRCC • Walls Construction will start building 597 new homes in September 2022 • 100% affordable and social housing delivered in partnership with DLRCC • Project certified to passive house sustainability standard

The Land Development Agency (LDA) has appointed the contractor for the development of 597 new homes at Shanganagh, Co. Dublin, with work on site to commence in September. The project is being delivered in partnership with Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council (DLRCC) and will be devoted 100% to affordable and social homes. On completion, this will be the largest public housing scheme in the State, delivering on the LDAʼs mission to unlock state land to deliver large-scale affordable housing projects. It will be a mixed tenure project with the breakdown as follows: 51% cost rental (306 homes), 15% affordable purchase (91 homes) and 34% social housing (200 homes). The first completed homes are expected at the end of 2024. Councillor Mary Hanafin, An Cathaoirleach of Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council, said: One of my priorities as Cathaoirleach will be the provision of housing and I am looking forward to construction starting on this major project in September. This development of 597 homes at Shanganagh will offer a mix of accommodation for single people, couples and families and will all be affordable and social homes.

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Frank Curran, Chief Executive, Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council said: We are proud to partner with the LDA on this development of 597 homes at Shanganagh which will be to the highest international environmental & sustainability standards. This innovative scheme will be the largest in the world certified to achieve the ʻpassive houseʼ low energy use standard. Following a competitive tender process, Walls Construction has been appointed to lead the project and has extensive experience in delivering large-scale residential construction schemes. The development will offer a mix of accommodation suitable for single people, couples, and families with 99 of the new homes to have 3 bedrooms. Amenities will include extensive communal green space, a playground, a creche, a convenience store and café. The site occupies approximately 9 hectares adjacent to Shanganagh Castle, Shanganagh Park and Castle Farm and will be within 10 minutesʼ walk of the proposed new DART station at Woodbrook and Bus Connects route on the nearby Dublin Road (N11). The development has been specified to the highest international environmental and sustainability standards and will be the largest scheme in the world certified to achieve the ʻpassive houseʼ low energy use standard. Sustainability features include very low energy demand, very low car parking provision (0.54 spaces per home), very high bicycle parking provision of over 1,300 spaces, and design features to make working from home easier. Darragh OʼBrien TD, Minister for Housing, said: “This is real progress towards providing much needed social and affordable homes in what is one of the most expensive local authority areas in the country. The LDA is central to our Housing for All plan and are working closely with our Local Authorities to deliver social and affordable housing in significant sites across our cities and towns. I look forward to construction beginning in the coming months.” John Coleman, Chief Executive of the LDA, said: “This is a significant milestone in delivering what will be the largest public housing scheme in the State. It is an example of the LDA working in close partnership with a local authority to find new ways to deliver affordable homes on council land, and I want to thank Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council for their support. We are particularly excited about the high environmental standards of the buildingsʼ specifications. All homes will be delivered to ʻpassive houseʼ standard, making them cheaper to heat for residents and reducing their carbon emissions. Shanganagh is one of several major schemes the LDA is progressing in order to deliver on our mission of addressing the housing crisis by accelerating the delivery of affordable housing on State land.” Eugene OʼShea, Chief Executive of Walls Construction, said: “Walls Construction is delighted to be selected as the construction partner for the LDAʼs Shanganagh development. We look forward to building this major residential project which has been designed to the highest environmental specification, and we are pleased that our experience in delivering large scale schemes will be used to complete this development of social and affordable homes.” In recent weeks, the LDA has submitted four planning applications which will, if approved, deliver 2,358 homes in schemes that will be 100% affordable and social housing. The LDA is also making good progress on its Project Tosaigh initiative to deliver 5,000 new homes by unlocking land in private ownership that has full planning permission but where delivery has stalled due to financing and other constraints. Proposals from potential partners are currently under consideration through a formal expressions of interest process, with an announcement of the first schemes expected shortly.

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Grant joins Octabuild Renowned for its innovation and manufacturing excellence, Grant has announced its membership of Octabuild in a move that will see the company strengthen its relations in the building and construction industry and showcase its award-winning home heating technologies. A unique organisation among representative groups in the building and construction industry, Octabuild was established in 1984 with the objective of promoting the benefits of high quality, Irish manufactured products for the building, construction and DIY sectors.

(L-R) Niall Fay, Director and Stephen Grant, Founder, Grant Engineering

Ray Molyneaux, Chairman of Octabuild said: ʻOctabuild companies are committed to excellence in providing an efficient and reliable service to builders merchants based on a core set of values, including innovation, leadership, sustainability and partnership. We are delighted to welcome Grant to join Dulux, Etex Ireland, Glennon Brothers, Gyproc, Irish Cement, Kingspan Insulation and Wavin Ireland in delivering on this mission into the future.” Stephen Grant, Founder of Grant, said: “We are delighted to join such an established and respected trade association as Octabuild. We have over four decades of knowledge, innovation and expertise in the heating industry, so joining the company of some of Irelandʼs most trusted and innovative manufacturers was a natural move. Collaborating with Octabuild will certainly enhance our relationship with the building trade so we are looking forward to the opportunity to celebrate the achievements of our top performing builders merchants in the 2022 Octabuild Awards for Excellence culminating in October.” Grant operates at the cutting edge of sustainable and innovative product development. Over the past 40 years the company has expanded its product portfolio to include a wide range of renewable heating technologies including Grant Aerona3 R32 air to water, air source heat pumps, Grant Sahara solar thermal panels, Grant Uflex underfloor heating, Grant integrated units and pre-plumbed hot water cylinders, Grant Afinia aluminium radiators, and Grant Spira condensing wood pellet boilers. The company has also invested over €250k in R&D to ensure its Grant Vortex and Euroflame ranges of condensing oil boilers are HVO biofuel compatible. This adaptability will help to significantly decarbonise existing residential homes in a cost-effective way, helping homeowners to avoid the high costs of retrofitting. It will also help those in the building and construction trade can focus on building new homes, which in turn enables more heat pumps to be installed. Niall Fay, Director at Grant added: “One of the key motivators for us becoming a member of Octabuild was the organisationʼs commitment to promoting sustainability in the building industry. We look forward to working together with them, to educate builders merchants and their customers on the benefits of clean energy heating solutions that can deliver a fully decarbonised, resource efficient home heating with long term cost savings.” Grantʼs diverse product portfolio is helping homeowners on their journey to achieving zero carbon. Products include the award-winning range of HVO biofuel compatible Grant Vortex condensing boilers, the A+++ Grant Aerona3 R32 air to water air source heat pumps, domestic integrated and pre-plumbed hot water cylinders, highly efficient heat emitters including the Grant Uflex underfloor heating system and Grant Afinia aluminium radiators, and Grant smart heating controls. Visit www.grant.eu for more information. Follow Grant on Facebook and Twitter @GrantIRL, Instagram @Grant_IRL and Grant Engineering ULC on LinkedIn.

Think Heating. Think Grant. 15

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At Glasdon, we have over 60 yearsʼ experience in designing, manufacturing and supplying essential products which can improve spaces, enhance site safety and help to support waste management systems and recycling. To help keep areas tidy and litter free, Glasdon have an extensive range of indoor and outdoor litter bins and dog waste bins available in a selection of styles, sizes and colours to suit all requirements. Improve recycling facilities with the Glasdon range of recycling bins. Select from single-, dual- or multi-stream containers to best accommodate your needs. Create inviting and sustainable outdoor spaces where you need to with seats, benches and picnic tables manufactured from recycled materials. A unique touch can be added to most Glasdon products with our personalisation and branding service. For more information, visit our website www.glasdon.com to view our full product range, or contact our sales team enquiries@glasdon.ie

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Mid West National Road Design Office highlights the importance of continuous professional development The Mid West National Road Design Office based in Limerick City and County Council has recently received Continuing Professional Development (CPD) reaccreditation from Engineers Ireland. The office underwent an audit by Engineers Ireland in March this year and were successful in being re-accredited for the maximum period of three years. The audit assessed the office under seven criteria including its training systems, staff mentoring, staff competencies, training and development. Continuing Professional Development ensures that you maintain and enhance the knowledge and skills you need to deliver a professional service to your customers, clients and the community. CPD ensures that you and your knowledge stay relevant and up to date. You are more aware of the changing trends and directions in your profession. The Mid West National Road Design Office is a shared service between Limerick City and County Council, Tipperary County Council and Transport Infrastructure Ireland. Among its current projects are the N/M 20 Cork to Limerick Transport System, the Road Schemes on the N21 for Abbeyfeale and Newcastle West. Congratulating the staff members, Mayor of the City and County of Limerick Cllr Daniel Butler said: “Achieving CPD re-accreditation for the maximum three year period demonstrates the officeʼs achievements in developing best-practice, smart ways of working and also its commitment to staff training and professional development. I would like to congratulate the Mid West National Road Design Office on its re-accreditation achievement” Tim Fitzgerald, Senior Engineer, Mid-West National Road Design Office said: “The Mid West National Road Design Office manages the design and delivery of national route transportation schemes and greenways throughout the Mid-West region. This includes a number of high-profile strategic transportation schemes, such as the NM20 Cork to Limerick scheme, the Foynes to Limerick (Including Adare Bypass) scheme and the N24 Cahir to Limerick Junction scheme. CPD Accreditation with Engineers Ireland supports and guides our office and staff to continuously improve and develop best practices in the workplace to achieve our targets. ” In addition to the CPD accreditation, the Mid West National Road Design Office holds ISO 9001 Quality Assurance accreditation with the National Standards Authority of Ireland (NSAI).

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Positive Coverage Positive Achievements GILTRON LTD Tel: 00353 46 9072841 Email: info@localauthoritynews.ie Website: www.localauthoritynews.ie

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Residents reap benefits from Sligoʼs €6m retrofitting scheme for Local Authority housing

Householders Anthony Looby and Marian Byrne pictured with Míċeál McGinty, Senior Executive Architect on the Cranmore Regeneration Project for Sligo County Council

As a design and logistical feat, Sligo County Councilʼs €6million scheme to retrofit more than 225 public and privately owned houses should be very much the envy of local authorities around the country. Indeed, turning poorly insulated 1970s public housing into A-rated homes by removing chimneys and fireplaces, and replacing immersion systems with air-to-water heat pumps and energy efficient condensing boilers, posed a number of challenges for the organisers of the Cranmore Regeneration Project. The homes in the Cranmore estate in Sligo town were first surveyed to identify those most in need of the works. This was followed by public consultations in which representations were made to residents and consent was sought. Alternative accommodation in the same estate was also required to house those who volunteered for the duration of the works. There were design and structural challenges, too, with Sligo County Council not only providing the heat pump but also upgrading the very fabric of the homes – putting in ventilation, insulation and materials to prevent heat escape. Although the original four-month timeline became protracted due to the fallout of the Covid-19 pandemic, the Cranmore Regeneration Project has produced life-changing results for residents.

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Marian Byrne, 68, has lived for nearly 50 years at the home in which she raised her four children and now regularly hosts her 12 grandchildren. Previously, she relied on solid fuels to heat her home, paying out more than €400 a month for coal, wooden logs and kindling which, given the porous insulation, was kept on a nearconstant burn. A central plank of the renovation works is the removal of chimney and fireplaces to ensure maximum heat retention. While Marian admits to having felt apprehensive about the loss of her once-beloved fireplace, the increased cleanliness and decreased workload means she has no regrets. “Everything is cleaner with the fireplace gone. Life is so much easier. You get too old to be taking out ashes. My morning routine was always: have a cup of tea, take out the ashes and start dusting. But now thereʼs no dust so I have two cups of tea instead,” she says. “I used to pay about €75 a week for coal in winter. That could be €50 in the summer. I was paying about €20 a week for electricity. There would also be a €40 delivery of logs for the fire every month. On top of that, I was buying firelighters and kindling, and I was paying money to the bin company to remove the ashes. “I can get by now on €40 a week for my electricity. I was paying €20 before all this so I barely notice it. And thereʼs hot water 24/7.” Retired firefighter Anthony Looby, 65, is also seeing the benefit of the retrofitting works in his bank balance but says the biggest difference is felt most keenly in his lungs. “Iʼm a lot healthier since this work was done and the new heating system was installed. I used to have colds and flus the whole time. Now, Iʼve nothing because thereʼs no draft, itʼs not cold at night and itʼs warm when you get up in the morning,” he says. Míċeál McGinty, Senior Executive Architect on the project for Sligo County Council, believes the reduction in burning of solid fuels around the estate is perhaps the schemeʼs biggest achievement. “The driver of this scheme is the betterment of peoplesʼ lives and to make their environment overall a better place to live,” he says.

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Why an integrated communications system makes sense for the way the public sector works today. When your phone system integrates with Office 365 plus your online collaboration tools – thatʼs something special. Thatʼs why IPT for Teams is Irelandʼs leading Microsoft Phone Integration We all know the benefits of having a business grade phone system for your organisation - clever call routing, IVRs allowing callers to route their calls themselves, Direct Dial numbers and the ability to flow calls to mobiles when you are off-site. Multiple organisations - both Public and Private sector - are discovering the benefits of collaborative tools such as Microsoft Teams, allowing groups and individuals within organisations to carry out projects and meetings easily despite the fact they may be in separate buildings or in a hybrid environment. But what about your external customers and agencies outside of your organisation. Traditionally the way they got in touch with you via the phone, but as Teams is specific to your organisation you donʼt have the benefit of that connectivity, unless a formal meeting is set up. Microsoftʼs own phone systems have some PBX functionality - but will calls work in the same way as my current PBX? Will my call centre be able to have clever call routing to enable best call centre practices? Will the calling plans that come with the product be as cost effective as my current VoIP product? Thatʼs where IPT for Teams comes in. IPT for Teams is the leading Microsoft teams and Hosted PBX integration in the Irish market, with over 6,000 daily users across multiple devices. By combining the benefits of a business phone system with the collaborative powers that Microsoft Teams can bring, IPT for Teams is a truly unique solution that moves unified communications to the next level. IPT for Teams is seamless too, all calls can be set to ring across multiple devices at the same time, so if in the office, your deskphone rings, but also your laptop and mobile device can ring at the same time – perfect for teams that are dispersed or in a hybrid working environment. And because IPT for Teams routes calls though the Hosted PBX, thereʼs no additional legs added to the call, eliminating the need for costly mobile routing charges. When choosing your phone system, many companies will claim Microsoft Teams integration. But only IPT for Teams offers true, seamless integration with a superlative degree of functionality and flexibility to suit your organisation. No other Telecom operator can match IP Telecomʼs track record either, having been integrating Phone Systems with Microsoft products since 2010.

Find out more at www.iptelecom.ie/teams Rory Whelan is Head of Marketing for IP Telecom

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Joint Committee on Housing, Local Government and Heritage Publishes Urban Regeneration Report; makes Recommendations on Incentives, Enforcement and Resourcing The Joint Committee on Housing, Local Government and Heritage has published its report Urban Regeneration in which it makes 39 recommendations around incentives and enforcement measures, policy issues and resourcing aimed at regenerating urban centres by bringing derelict or vacant properties back into use, including for social and affordable housing. Launching the report, Deputy Steven Matthews, Cathaoirleach of the Committee, said: “The current housing situation in Ireland presents many challenges, both for Government and citizens, with much of the focus on the shortage of suitable housing for those who need it and the Cathaoirleach of the Joint Committee on Housing, Local pressing need for more supply. Government and Heritage, Deputy Steven Matthews TD

“At the same time it is widely accepted that across Ireland there are many urban centres in cities, towns, and villages that comprise significant numbers of vacant residential and commercial premises, with many such centres suffering from increasing levels of dereliction, depopulation, and economic decline. “Though the causes and solutions of the current housing crisis are complex and nuanced, regenerating our urban centres can go some way towards alleviating the negative aspects mentioned above, whilst also contributing to improved regional and sustainable development, safer and healthier communities, and more efficient and effective transportation links.” The Committee held four days of hearings between December 2021 and March 2022 and engaged with relevant stakeholders, gaining valuable insights from all those who had an input into the preparation of the report. Members examined current schemes such as repair and lease and buy and renew, areas including dereliction and vacancy, data, planning and spatial analysis, active travel and transport-oriented development, as well as current policy and funding measures. The key recommendations made by the Committee are that: • A single national platform be created to integrate, compile and effectively organise existing and future data on vacancy and dereliction into a national data set, to be made publicly accessible; • An online, publicly accessible Derelict Sites Register be created for every Local Authority and that this be used to create a National Derelicts Sites Register; • Local Authorities should be adequately resourced with the experience and programming and data science skills through the recruitment, upskilling and retention of staff; • The Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage introduces sanctions for public bodies that fail to register property assets within an appropriate timeframe; • The Department provide all Local Authorities with ambitious targets for the Repair and Lease Scheme and Buy and Renew Scheme for social and affordable rental and purchase; • The Department agree with Local Authorities that a percentage of new social and affordable housing output should come from vacant and derelict properties; • The Department consider expanding the Repair and Lease Scheme to incorporate the cost/rental model aimed at those on middle-incomes; and also consider reviewing the maximum loan amount available under the Repair and Lease Scheme in light of recent increases in construction costs and inflation;

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The Derelict Sites Levy be changed to a Derelict Sites Tax which is to be collected by Revenue based on registers created by Local Authorities. Monies collected to be returned to Local Authorities for site acquisitions and refurbishment of those sites; Consider increasing the proposed Residential Zoned Land Tax in excess of 3%. The introduction of a Vacant Homes Tax with reasonable exemptions should also be considered. The definition of derelict be expanded to include buildings that are damaged, neglected, boarded up and/or are uninhabitable, in addition to the visual element currently provided for in the definition; The Department engage with the Department of Transport and local authorities to implement the Delivery Roadmap contained in the Five Cities Demand Management Study; The inclusion of transport-oriented development into any future area development guidelines for local authorities should be prioritised and mandated.

Deputy Matthews said: “The blight of derelict and vacant properties is a complex issue to which there is no simple or quick solution. The Committee believes that to achieve effective urban regeneration a careful balance must be struck between disincentives such as taxation measures and supports for people who want to bring derelict or vacant properties back into use. “These buildings can be used as social or affordable housing which can help bring urban living back into the heart of our cities, towns and villages. Critical to how we develop and manage this balance is the creation and management of a detailed national database of derelict and vacant properties which is available to local authorities and the wider public.” He added: “The Committee is committed to monitoring the progress being made on the on-going implementation of the recommendations contained in this report as well as other related policy initiatives. We also would like the issues raised in this report to be debated in both Houses of the Oireachtas.” Deputy Matthews thanked Members for their input and their commitment in bringing forward this report and expressed sincere gratitude to every stakeholder that came before the Committee to give evidence in person or remotely. He said these discussions were critical to the development of the report. The report Urban Regeneration is available on the Oireachtas website. The Joint Committee on Housing, Local Government and Heritage has 14 Members, nine from the Dáil and five from the Seanad.

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Grant Aerona³ R32 air source heat pump wins prestigious industry award The Grant Aerona³ R32 air to water, air source heat pump range has been awarded heat pump product of the year at the prestigious National ACR and Heat Pump Awards 2022, beating off some very strong competition. Already renowned for its highly efficient, innovative heating technologies and commitment to reducing carbon emissions, and this award is an endorsement of the Grantʼs strong R&D heritage in product development. It is also the second time that the Aerona heat pump range has been recognised at these prominent industry awards, the first being after its initial launch in 2018 when it was highly commended. The win also comes on the back of Grant being awarded ʻBest Renewable Energy Productʼ at the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) Energy Show 2022 for their HVO biofuel compatible Grant Vortex condensing oil boiler. Judges were impressed with the Aeronaʼs performance across all criteria including the benefits for customers and installers, energy efficiency and other key features. Barry Gorman, National Renewables Sales Manager, Grant explains, “With heat pump systems, there is no single design solution that satisfies 100% of all installations, but what is unique about the Aerona³ heat pump is its incredible versatility. The range enables installers to choose the method that is the best fit for their customer's requirements, be that using a low loss header, a buffer or even a plate heat exchanger. This flexibility is one of the reasons why the Aerona³ is popular choice with heat pump installers throughout the UK, Ireland and further afield.” The range which features four compact models in outputs from 6kW up to 17kW, achieves high SCOPʼs and is sustainable at low temperatures. The heat pumps are easy to install, use R32 refrigerant gas and boast an ERP of A+++. In addition, the Aerona range is MCS and Keymark approved, and the 13kW and 17kW versions have been recognised by the internationally acclaimed Quiet Mark, for their quiet operation. A trusted brand in home heating for over 40 years, Grant continues to demonstrate its commitment to sustainable and innovative product development. Founder, Stephen Grant said: “We are delighted that our Grant Aerona³ R32 Air Source Heat Pump received the top award in its category at these prestigious Awards and look forward to continuing to lead the industry in designing and manufacturing heating technologies that offer a low carbon and sustainable heating solution going forward into the future.” Grantʼs portfolio of heating technologies currently includes HVO biofuel compatible condensing boilers, air to water, air source heat pumps, condensing wood pellet boilers, solar thermal panels, underfloor heating, hot water cylinders, aluminium radiators and smart heating controls.

For further information visit www.grant.eu

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21 New Homes for Older Persons at Broadford Court, Ballinteer

Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council (dlr) is pleased to announce the delivery of 21 new homes at Broadford Court, Ballinteer, Dublin 16. The development, which is arranged around an enclosed landscaped courtyard, also has a community room, and underground parking. The scheme has been designed to provide suitable accommodation for older persons and is well served by public transport with a bus stop nearby and local shops only a few minutes-walk away. Each of the dwellings have own door access, four are accessed off Broadford Rise and the remainder off the internal courtyard which has step, ramp or lift access. The dwellings wrap around the quiet private internal courtyard and the shared community room is placed in an elevated sunny corner of the site, with views out to the public road and all its activity. The individual dwellings range in size from 46 sq. m to 59.5 sq. m. The scheme achieves a high density of 87.5 dwellings per hectare while respecting the existing built form, scale, and character of the residential amenity of the area. It has a warm brick finish with high-quality stone boundary walls. An Cathaoirleach, Cllr Lettie McCarthy, said: “Iʼm delighted to be officially opening Broadford Court, this new development of 21 energy efficient, level access, own door dwellings has provided much needed homes for older persons on our Housing list. I hope that the residents will be very happy in their new homes and enjoy joining this wonderful community.” Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, Darragh OʼBrien, was also in attendance at the opening in Ballinteer. Dlr wishes to acknowledge the co-operation of local residents and would like to take this opportunity to thank them for their patience whilst this project was being constructed.

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Itʼs not just a Motorway…itʼs a Beeway! What are the Bee signs that I am seeing along the Eastern Motorway Corridor? TII is trying to promote awareness of its All Ireland Pollinator Plan (AIPP) friendly policies and has implemented some trial ʻBee friendlyʼ images based on AIPP mid junctions along the Eastern managed Motorway network. These signs are aimed at capturing the imagination of our younger Motorway passengers, as well as to provide assurance to the public that the limited grass cutting is not a shortcoming in maintenance practices but rather an alignment with national AIPP policy.

What is TIIʼs Landscape Strategy? TII landscapes are based on an ʻecological design approachʼ using native species (but not exclusively) and species with high ecological value. Our aim is to develop a functional, cost effective and healthy landscape that fits within the overall objectives of TII road and rail safety and performance. Our management approach in many areas, once the landscape has established, is a limited intervention and selfsustaining approach. For more information on TIIʼs landscape strategy for our road network, refer to Guidelines on the Implementation of Landscape Treatments on National Road Schemes in Ireland and A Guide to Landscape Treatments for National Road Schemes in Ireland.

Is TII promoting landscape management for our pollinators? Yes! TII has collaborated with the All Ireland Pollinator Plan in developing a sectorspecific guideline to improve the design and landscape management of our Transport Corridors for our pollinators but also for overall biodiversity. It is planned to implement the actions of the plan over the network on a phased basis. For example, as part of our grassland management, TII is committed to reducing the frequency of grass mowing in certain areas in order to enhance the value of our grass areas for wildlife and biodiversity. The Guide can be found at Pollinator Friendly Management of Transport Corridors. TII has agreed to the deferral of the commencement of grass cutting to after the 15th April, as well as the relaxation of grass cutting frequencies with all of its Motorway Operations Contractors. One of the main aims of this is to reduce the frequency of mowing of grassy areas to provide food for pollinators.

Why are TII cutting grass areas and reducing their habitat value? TII maintains a narrow strip of mown grass along the carriageway and at some junctions to facilitate safer breakdown resolution, to maintain sightlines and to ensure signs/lights/drains are not impacted or due to local issues. Most other areas of grassland on the network are managed with limited intervention and following a self-sustaining approach.

Why arenʼt there more wildflowers in TII unmown grass banks and verges? TII grasslands are managed as self-sustaining meadows where the overall value of the grass areas for all biodiversity is considered. While some areas are managed specifically for wild flowers with annual cuts, most areas are managed as longer grass meadows. These require less frequent cuts, perhaps only one cut per three to five years. Although maybe not as colourful as wildflower areas, these grasslands support many species of insect and grasses and provide important undisturbed nesting sites, food sources and shelter.

Why is TII cutting down trees on the Motorway? Trees are primarily cut down on the network for safety reasons and to preserve sightlines and safety zones. Sometimes it is necessary to cut down trees on the network where they may have outgrown their location or have become damaged. Also, as a part of active management of TII landscapes, selective thinning may sometimes be required for the long-term health of tree belts.

A tree or hedge is overhanging my property, what can I do? Generally, unless there is a safety or maintenance issue, TII will not prune back branches or remove trees. The trees were planted as part of a considered landscape approach where they provide both screening and value for biodiversity. However, if it is deemed that there is a safety or maintenance issue, we will review the landscape element in question and if works are required, we will consider this on the advice of our Landscape Management Team.

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