Chief Executive's Report and Budget 2015 Tim Lucey - Chief Executive - COMHAIRLE CHONTAE CHORCAÍ CORK COUNTY COUNCIL
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Tuarascáil an Phríomhfheidhmeannaigh agus Buiséad-Chief Executive’s Report and Budget
Chief Executive’s Report and Budget 2015
Document Title
Tim Lucey – Chief Executive
COMHAIRLE CHONTAE CHORCAÍ
CORK COUNTY COUNCIL
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Tuarascáil an Phríomhfheidhmeannaigh agus Buiséad-Chief Executive’s Report and Budget
BUDGET 2015
INDEX
Chief Executive’s Report White
Statutory Tables
Tables A to E Pink
Tables F Blue
Appendix 1 Blue
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Tuarascáil an Phríomhfheidhmeannaigh agus Buiséad-Chief Executive’s Report and Budget
BUDGET REPORT 2015
TUARASCÁIL BUISÉID 2015
Bhí ullmhú Bhuiséad na bliana seo ina dhúshlán mór arís mar a bhí le roinnt blianta de bharr athruithe
suntasacha ar struchtúr na Comhairle ó 2015 ar aghaidh.
Le linn ullmhú an Bhuiséid cuireadh béim ar leith ar Cheantair Bhardasacha agus ar a ról tábhachtach i
2015 maidir le forbairt bailte i réigiúin bhardasacha.
Déantar iarracht trí Bhuiséad 2015 acmhainní a dháileadh ar na ceantair thosaíochta agus ar na ceantair is
géire a dteastaíonn sin uathu. Ar an mbealach sin, ag úsáid an airgid atá ar fáil, maoineofar na riachtanais
a gealladh agus dáilfear cistí lánroghnacha sna háiteanna is mó a bhfuil gá leo.
The Budget for 2015 is set in the context of significant change having been implemented during 2014 in
both organisational structure and funding change. In January 2014, Irish Water took over responsibility for
the County’s Water Services while the Council continues to be the key agency locally for operation of the
water and wastewater services across the county, operating on an agency basis for Irish Water through a
service level agreement. In May 2014 the Town Council layer of Local Government was dissolved which has
led to a single corporate entity for the management, policy development and delivery of all Local
Government services at both the district and county level. The change will continue apace for 2015 with the
embedding of the Municipal Districts as a key element of the Councils leadership in the growth of our urban
and rural areas across the county.
The overall Budget strategy for 2015 has been an iterative process based on specific building blocks to
arrive at the presentation of the statutory Budget for adoption by Members. The first stage required the
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Tuarascáil an Phríomhfheidhmeannaigh agus Buiséad-Chief Executive’s Report and Budget
Members to adopt a Local Property Tax rate for 2015 at the Budget Strategy meeting of the 22nd
September. The second stage of the Budget process required consideration of the General Municipal
Allocations by Municipal Districts for 2015 at the Municipal District Budgetary Plan meetings in early
October. The outcome of these meetings has been considered in forming this Budget and the final Budget
for 2015 is reflected in the statutory tables as presented and represents the third and final stage of the
Budget process to commence during the prescribed Budget period at the Annual Statutory Budget Meeting
of 24th November. In preparing this Budget the Councils Corporate Policy Group played a central role and
has been consulted on its structure at 4 meetings since September of this year.
In view of the significant structural and financial changes that have taken place, this budget as presented for
the consideration of Members has been developed with a 5 year strategic approach, taking into account in
particular the following:
• The current financial position of the Council
• The emerging signs of early economic growth in the Irish economy
• The need to position the Municipal Districts of the Council as significant facilitators of local
community and economic development of their towns and rural areas
• The need to ensure that the harmonisation of the different rateable valuations across the former 9
Town Councils with the County rate is done on a basis which is reasonable and which gives
certainty to the business community.
• The need to consider an approach on commercial rates which might provide some assistance to
small and medium sized businesses, a level of equity to the rates system over the period of
harmonisation of the former Town Councils and in particular assist local small businesses.
• While Council would wish to considerably increase its overall quantum of service delivery in many
areas (if funding would support same), at the very least existing services levels are maintained and
increased where possible, particularly in service areas under significant pressure.
Through consultation with the Corporate Policy Group and consideration of the views of Council as
expressed through the different stages of the budgetary process, in particular as expressed through the
meetings of the Municipal Districts, the budget as presented deals with the aforementioned matters in a
reasoned and balanced manner and is recommended to Members for adoption. In particular the following
matters provided for in the Budget are of note:
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Tuarascáil an Phríomhfheidhmeannaigh agus Buiséad-Chief Executive’s Report and Budget
• Housing Maintenance – Funding of the full cost of LPT on Council owned housing for 2015, a
sum of €350,000 towards a boiler maintenance programme, and additional general allocation of
€500,000 towards housing maintenance.
• Former Town Council Budgets 2014 – the budget allocation for the former Town Councils has
been maintained and incorporated into the New Municipal Districts budget allocations for 2015.
Additional discretionary funding as outlined below is also provided for the new Municipal Districts.
• Civic Amenity Sites – the restructuring of the Civic Amenity Sites has been incorporated into the
Budget strategy and increased funding provided to enable operations to manage within budget for
2015.
• Local Community Development Committees (LCDC’s) – provision is made to support the full
inclusion of LCDC’s within the Councils remit in 2015.
• General Municipal Allocations – an increase to the overall amount provisionally allocated from
€1.356m to €1.818m is provided for to support the Municipal Districts discretionary expenditure.
• Town Development Fund -provision of €1.0m is made to support Municipal Districts in enhancing
their role in supporting local town development through a variety of options for further discretionary
expenditure in addition to the GMA.
• Pay Parking Dividend – provision is made for a total dividend of €400,000 to be allocated across
each of the 8 towns/urban centres which currently operate pay parking regimes as discretionary
expenditure for those towns.
• Economic Development Fund – an increase of this fund to €1.07m based on inclusion of Town
Council rating areas.
• 5 Year Rates Relief Scheme – provision is made at a cost of €1.066m in 2015 for a Rates Relief
Scheme applicable to all businesses but specifically targeted at small and medium businesses
providing a full 5% relief to 65% of businesses in the county for 2015
• Rate Harmonisation and rates certainty to business to 2020- the harmonisation of rates across
former Town Councils and the county is proposed over a five year period and a fixing of the county
rate at its current level of 74.75 to 2020 is provided for, thus giving unprecedented certainty to
businesses in the county.
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Tuarascáil an Phríomhfheidhmeannaigh agus Buiséad-Chief Executive’s Report and Budget
Local Authority Financing
Local Authority financing has radically changed. Irish Water has assumed responsibility for the delivery and
funding of Water Services, the Non-Principal Private Residence has been discontinued and the Local
Property Tax is now in place. The Local Property Tax allocation for 2015 reflects this change and for the
first time we received an LPT allocation of €29,282,255. This amount represents 80% of the Revenue
estimated LPT tax allocation for Cork for 2015. The Council resolution on 22nd September, 2014 to vary the
LPT rate downwards by 10% allowed retention of an additional €4.1m, of a potential €8.3m., if the LPT
were not varied downward, over the Local Government Fund allocation for 2014.
This retention of this €4.1m coupled with a €1.4m. input from the Council’s revenue reserve, a significant
reduction over the 2014 level of €3.2m, will enable the Council to maintain services at existing 2014 levels
for all services, provide increased funding to some areas and first time funding for new initiatives. While the
retention of the LPT charge at the same level as that of 2014 would have avoided the use of revenue
reserves, the utilisation of a lower amount of revenue reserve to provide for the extensive range of
measures in this budget in a manner which is very much local development and small business orientated is
appropriate. This is particularly so considering the likely increase in economic activity over the next 5 years
and the likely buoyancy that should arise, which would assist in moving from utilisation of revenue reserves
over time.
Current Financial Update
The Revenue budget has reduced from €323.5m to €283.4m in 2015. This represents a reduction of 12.0%,
primarily impacted by the transfer of Water Functions to Irish Water and the phasing out of the Higher
Education Grants payments through the Council. The budget has been finalised on the basis that grant
allocations received for 2014 will continue into 2015, and where grants have been reduced, this has been
reflected. The reduction is also due to further efficiencies being achieved through the amalgamation of the
Town Councils into the Council, the reduction in duplication of processes, and further cost efficiencies
particularly considering some further national procurement initiatives underway.
The out-turn presented for 2014 is on the basis that the Council will achieve the budget put forward in 2014.
The expenditure increase on areas such as roads reflects pressure on roads expenditure due to storm
damage and general maintenance, increased expenditure on commodities in civic amenity sites and loss of
income on certain grants. Since the commencement of budget discussions in September a more benign
outcome to 2014 is predicted as a result of increased income from the NPPR charge in excess of budget
provision.
Strict budgetary and debtor control will be the emphasis for Budget 2015 to enable the Council address the
challenges facing it due to the significant changes in Local Authority funding as previously outlined.
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Tuarascáil an Phríomhfheidhmeannaigh agus Buiséad-Chief Executive’s Report and Budget
Local Property Tax Allocation 2015
The Government confirmed its intention to move to 80% retention of all Local Property Tax receipts within
the local authority area where the Tax is raised from 2015. The remaining 20% of the Tax collected
nationally has been re-distributed on an equalised basis to local authorities, within the context of the annual
allocations of LPT, to ensure that no local authority is worse off from local retention of LPT in 2015
compared to General Purpose Grant Allocations in 2014.
The Local Property Tax Allocation 2015 is based on the latest Revenue Commissioners’ projections of LPT
income in 2015 of €500m. LPT Allocations have been calculated using the net declared liabilities of €478m.
The Council will be in receipt of 2015 LPT income in excess of 2014 GPG levels of €2.9m. Provision of 20%
retention of €8.3m was provided dependant on the resolution of Council to vary the LPT. As a result of the
variation of 10% the Council retained an amount of €4.1m locally of the €8.3m. which would have been
retained in the event that there was no change to the LPT.
Cork County Council’s Allocation of €29,282,255 has been represented in the current budget as follows:
Housing Capital Expenditure €11,830,300 (not included in Revenue Budget)
LPT (Table A) €17,452,255
The Revenue portion of the €17.4m as detailed under Fin\17 2014 is to be allocated over the following
revenue streams:
Replacement of Local Government Fund Budget 2014 €2,951,765
LPT retained locally after variation of 10% €4,183,175
Self Funding – Housing €4,701,000
Self Fund – Roads €5,616,315
Dependant on the allocations by Government for Housing and Roads, the allocations will be reduced by the
funding elements detailed above.
Water Services and Irish Water
The Draft Budget 2015 has been prepared on the basis that the full cost of water services provided by the
County Council to Irish Water will be recouped. An Annual Service plan is currently being negotiated with
Irish Water. In this regard it is worth noting that at National Level Irish Water will be seeking to achieve
reduction in the cost of the SLA during 2015 as well as a reduction in Central Management Charge. Under
the terms of the Service Level Agreement between Irish water and the Council, all direct operational costs of
running the service to date have been recovered.
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Tuarascáil an Phríomhfheidhmeannaigh agus Buiséad-Chief Executive’s Report and Budget
Rates, Rates Harmonisation and Relief to Small Business
As a result of the dissolution of Town Councils, there is a need to harmonise the rates of the former 9
Councils and that of Cork County Council. In adopting the 2015 budget, Council must adopt the annual rate
of valuation, ARV, to which it wishes to harmonise at the end of the agreed harmonisation period. The
budget is prepared on the basis of Council adopting ARV of 74.75. This multiplier will not change for the
harmonisation period and the budget is presented on the basis that a 5 year harmonisation period would be
agreed. This will ensure that all current county ratepayers will be charged commercial rates up to 2020 on
the current ARV of 74.75 unless Council decides to reduce the harmonisation period. In the case of the
former Town Council ratepayers, they will transition to the overall county ARV of 74.75 on a graduated basis
over this period, thus not being charged at the full county multiplier of 74.75 until 2020.
This is a significant issue in terms of both the Councils finances and in terms of the Council providing
certainty to business on this matter until 2020. Indeed it is my expectation that this certainty on commercial
rates in terms of costs to businesses will be unparalleled by any other service or utility provider in the
country for such an extended period of time. In addition, in 2015, all former town council ratepayers will
continue to pay rates at the same level as they currently do in 2014, with the first year of the harmonisation
not being applied until 2016.
In structuring this Budget for Members consideration, the matter of continuing to facilitate improved
conditions for businesses, recognising the difficult economic climate within which we all operate, has been
to the fore once again. In this regard, a key focus has been to ensure that the Council, in particular through
its Municipal Districts, is to the forefront in supporting local business, town recovery and vibrancy and local
initiative aligned to same. My report further on will outline some measures provided for in this area which will
be administered through the Municipal Districts and, in the case of commercial rates, this Budget is
presented on the basis of council approving a Business Rates Relief Scheme which is aimed particularly at
alleviating rate burden for small and medium sized business.
In this regard a 5 Year Business Rates Relief Scheme is provided for in the budget whereby all businesses
in 2015 ( who are paying rates at 74.75 ARV) with an annual rates bill of up to €3,000 will be granted relief
equivalent to 5% of their annual current rates charge subject to payment in full of that charge. For all
ratepayers with annual rates in excess of €3,000, relief equivalent to the maximum of 5% on €3,000 will be
made. Where a business is in arrears, payment of the annual current charge and a reduction in arrears will
be required to receive the 5% relief. Relief will be provided as a credit to a ratepayers account at year end
once the aforementioned conditions are met.
In view of the fact that the Council is now also effectively freezing its annual rate on valuation for the next 5
years, a period when there is expected to be economic growth and a likely level of inflation which would add
to the Councils operating costs, this relief will be provided for on the basis of 5% in 2015, 4% in 2016, 3% in
2017, 2% in 2018 and 1% in 2019. This also aligns with the 5 year harmonisation period for former Town
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Tuarascáil an Phríomhfheidhmeannaigh agus Buiséad-Chief Executive’s Report and Budget
Council ratepayers. Despite the impact of harmonisation, all former Town Council ratepayers will continue to
pay a lower level of rates to the Council over that 5 year period thus the scheme will not be applicable to
those ratepayers.
The total cost to the Council of this Relief Scheme is €1,066,000 in 2015. It is a significant measure,
particularly considering the fact that certainty is now also being given to ratepayers that the annual rate on
valuation will not be increased in the period 2015-2020. A total of 65% of ratepayers in the county currently
have an annual rate bill of less than €3,000, thus the scheme provides significant coverage. Over the 5 year
period the scheme effectively provides an average annual level of relief of 3% to this cohort.
Municipal Districts, General Municipal Allocations and Town Development
The Councils 8 Municipal Districts play an important role in the delivery of Council services and in the
leadership of their municipal regions, particularly in town development following the dissolution of the 12
Town Councils. Establishment of the role of the Municipal Districts has been ongoing since the local
elections in May of this year and this transition continues into 2015. Their role will be further developed
through a combination of funding measures as provided for in this budget, the future consideration by the
Municipal District Committee of a Schedule of Municipal District Works following adoption of the county
budget and notification of central government grants in 2015, and further development of the business items
for consideration at Municipal District level meetings.
In terms of the dissolution of Town Councils, it is important to note that all former funding provided for in
Town Council budgets in 2014 has been transitioned into the County expenditure programmes this year.
This has been transitioned to either the local municipal level or central level depending on the nature of the
service delivered. Into 2015, this funding continues to be provided for in the budget as presented and will be
aligned to the relevant Municipal District expenditure programmes for 2015 and the Schedule of Works. This
is an important message to Council and former Town Council areas. Amalgamation of the former Town
Council finances with the county finances has also provided opportunity for some service delivery changes
at local level as determined by local Municipal District administrative and engineering staff so as to improve
resource utilisation.
In late September Municipal Districts were notified of their proposed General Municipal Allocations following
the decision of Council on the Local Property Tax. In preparing the final budget for consideration of
Members, I am required to take into account the deliberations of the Municipal Districts on the GMA’s and
the further development of the Councils financial position. The original total of the GMA was €1.356m and
an additional sum of €461,000 has been provided for. This ensures that by comparison with the current
2014 position of discretionary expenditure across the Council’s local electoral areas and the former Town
Councils, the level of funding available for Members consideration at a local level as supports to
communities and for discretionary service provision is now increased to €1.818m. This is distributed to each
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Tuarascáil an Phríomhfheidhmeannaigh agus Buiséad-Chief Executive’s Report and Budget
Municipal District on an equitable basis taking into account population, number of main towns, key villages
and villages within a Municipal District and, the number of Members of Council in each District. This
provides for the following revised GMA’s to Municipal Districts. To assist Members in their deliberations of
the allocation of this at a local level, a review of the Council and former Towns grant schemes is being
undertaken for further consideration of Members so that a countywide approach would be in place to guide
each Municipal District.
Kanturk\Mallow €235,000
Fermoy €211,000
Cobh €208,000
Ballincollig/Carrigaline €254,000
Bandon\Kinsale €185,700
Blarney\Macroom €188,000
West Cork €305,000
East Cork €231,218
Facilitating the future development of our towns is an important role of the Municipal Districts, whether by
way of support to town development initiatives proposed locally or specific interventions in the physical
enhancement of towns. The Councils Municipal District Officers and our senior management overseeing the
work of Districts will want to work closely with both Members and local organisations to enhance opportunity
and Members will need to be in a position to respond to worthy causes in towns in conjunction with the
Municipal District administrative and engineering staff. In this regard, a new Town Development Fund of
€1.0m is provided for in the budget for this purpose. While the full details of the criteria for its use remain to
be finalised following adoption of the Budget, such a fund should provide for a range of discretionary matters
such as the following to be supported through agreement between Members and staff at Municipal District
level:
• Support to Business Associations for town development initiatives such as retail footfall
promotions, promotional events generally etc.
• Support to development of local co-ordinating development partnerships in towns to ensure a
unified and co-ordinated approach to working with the Council through the Municipal District
• Specific town enhancement initiatives on top of normal service delivery programmes as may be
determined by the Municipal District such as areas of town presentation, signage, footpath
renewals, public lighting etc.
• Possible schemes to assist and encourage the removal of dereliction, colour enhancement, town
approaches, general town presentation.
• Potential significant additional supports to tidy towns groups through agreed work programmes etc.
• Town Economic Development Fund to develop and support local measures which may not be
capable of provision through the overall county Economic Development Fund which is more
strategically and regionally aimed.
10Tuarascáil an Phríomhfheidhmeannaigh agus Buiséad-Chief Executive’s Report and Budget
In essence, over a five year period of Council, this fund would provide opportunity for each Municipal District
to enhance its leadership role in Municipal District and town development and be of benefit locally in same.
Its provision is strongly recommended for this purpose. Council staff will work closely with Members to
further develop this proposed area of spend.
The matter of car parking policy is currently a topic receiving consideration so that each Municipal District
can take decisions within an overall countywide policy. In this regard, and to reflect decisions of both former
Town Councils and the County Council, a sum of €400,000 is provided for as a dividend to be allocated
across each of the current 8 towns/urban centres to reflect pay parking regimes being in place. This will be
allocated to the relevant Municipal District for the specific town and can be used at the discretion of the
Municipal District Members. Future decisions on pay parking regimes for those towns/urban centres would
be reflected in the level of dividend retained and, further roll-out of pay parking in any Municipal District
would attract such a dividend into the future. This matter will be finalised as part of the policy discussions on
the pay parking policy.
Economic Development
The provision of a specific Economic Development Fund continues to receive support from business sectors
and advocates. Provision is made for its continuation at an increased level to €1.07m representing 1% of
rates income, the former Town Council rates income now being included.
In its 5th year, there is merit in reviewing its operation and impact through the SPC for Economic and
Enterprise Development. Its provision should however continue to focus on countywide initiatives aimed in
particular at enterprise measures driven and implemented by the Council through its two Local Enterprise
Offices and our Economic Development Unit. There is also a need to ensure that tourism development
becomes a significant part of the activity supported through this fund in view of the significant level of
reliance in the county on same. At a local level, the Town Development Fund of €1.0m should be viewed
also as a form of economic development fund locally, as local initiative and local measures provide the
opportunity and buy-in for local factors to what matters most to local business communities to their areas.
Details of the initiatives supported through the Economic Development Fund are outlined in this report.
11Tuarascáil an Phríomhfheidhmeannaigh agus Buiséad-Chief Executive’s Report and Budget
The preparation of the 2015 Budget was principally carried out by Head of Finance Liz Barry, Mairead
Morrissey, Eileen O’Donoghue, Susan Hegarty, Ciara McSweeney and other Members of the Finance team.
This year the Municipal District officials also played an important part in the new budgetary process.
I would like to thank the County Mayor Cllr. Alan Coleman and his predecessor Cllr. Noel O’ Connor along
with the Corporate Policy Group for their assistance and support in the past year.
TIM LUCEY
CHIEF EXECUTIVE
CORK COUNTY COUNCIL
12th November, 2014
12Tuarascáil an Phríomhfheidhmeannaigh agus Buiséad-Chief Executive’s Report and Budget
Housing Directorate
Division A
Aims:
The main purpose of the Housing Directorate is to facilitate the provision of suitable,
quality and cost-effective housing accommodation and housing support.
Services carried out by the Housing Directorate include the provision of housing support for households in
need of same through a combination of:
1. Rented Local Authority Housing
2. Rental Accommodation Scheme (RAS) / Housing Assistance Payment ( HAP)
3. Long-term Leased Units
4. Voluntary/Co-operative Housing
5. Improvement Works in Lieu of Local Authority Housing
6. Site for a Private House
7. Traveller Accommodation
8. Transfer from existing Local Authority Accommodation
9. Extension to an existing Local Authority House to meet needs
10. Grants
Cork County Council’s Housing Directorate was awarded: “Best Local Authority for Housing
Services – Outright Winners 2014”, by The Public Sector Magazine.
Policy and Co-Ordination Unit
The Countywide Policy and Co-Ordination Unit continued to develop county wide policies through facilitating
the work of the Strategic Policy Committee. The Housing and Community S.P.C. met 4 times throughout the
year and recommended numerous policies to full Council for adoption, including further amendments to the
Allocation Scheme and Refusals Policy. The new tenancy agreement was also implemented. Service
Indicator Returns and Quarterly statistical Returns for the Department were prepared, co-ordinated and
submitted in respect of Cork County Council including the amalgamated Towns. Over 2780 elected
Members’ representations were received and responded to during 2014 which represented a 36% increase
on 2013 figures. The unit responded to all Freedom of Information requests and Ombudsman
13Tuarascáil an Phríomhfheidhmeannaigh agus Buiséad-Chief Executive’s Report and Budget
queries within the specified timeframes, and co-ordinated responses to Notices of
Motion for Council and Divisional Committee Meetings. The Policy Unit regularly
monitored the Departments progress on specified targets in the Annual Business Plan.
Ongoing maintenance of the website was carried out by the unit. The new Tenant’s
handbook was printed and circulated to over 7,000 tenants. The Active Sites Register, Tours of Inspections
Register and Register of all Departmental Circulars were kept updated in 2014. The Parent and Ancillary
safety statements were adopted and signed off by all housing staff and are reviewed on a regular basis at
the health and safety meetings. Training on Handling Challenging Behaviour and Managing Lone Workers
was completed by a large number of staff.
This Unit co-ordinated the smooth transfer of the Housing Function from the Town Councils to the County
Council
Social Operations
Town Councils
A total of 6,998 properties are managed by the Maintenance Section. This includes a total of 1,753 houses
which were added to our Stock on the dissolution of the Town Councils on 31st May, 2014.
Housing Allocations
In excess of 235 units were allocated to successful applicants in 2014. All new tenants were offered pre-
tenancy training. A further 90 allocations were made by Voluntary Bodies on foot of nominations provided by
the Social Operations Section.
Energy Efficiency Works
An allocation of €1,089,072 was received from the Department of the Environment for Energy Efficiency and
upgrading of approximately 738 tenanted properties was carried out under this funding stream in 2014. In
partnership with IRD Duhallow, the Council provided Energy Upgrades to 40 Houses in Charleville, Kanturk
and Mallow under the SEAI Area Based Programme. The works included Roof and Wall Insulation, External
Door Replacement and Boiler Upgrades.
14Tuarascáil an Phríomhfheidhmeannaigh agus Buiséad-Chief Executive’s Report and Budget
Voids Programme
A total of 207 vacant properties were refurbished in 2014 and of these 162 Council properties were repaired
under a new funding stream made available from the Department of the Environment. Cork County
Council’s Allocation totalled €2,143,120.
Disabled Persons Grants
Cork County Council received an allocation of €359,437 to adapt Council properties. It also provided funding
from its own Internal Capital Receipts to facilitate a further number of adaptations. In 2014 works were
carried out on a total of 61 Local Authority Houses to assist disabled persons. One extension for a disabled
person was completed in 2014 and another extension is well under way.
Further funding was granted for the construction of 2 adapted dwellings and this project will be completed by
mid- 2015.
Estate Management
The Estate Management Unit continued to work with Residents Associations to improve estates during
2014. Funding is allocated to active resident associations to assist with costs. Formal Liaison was
established in 2013 with both Revenue Customs and Revenue Commissioners for exchange of information
which has proved to be mutually beneficial to all parties involved. This liaison continued to be strengthened
in 2014.
In 2014 the Council completed the development of a Children's Playground within the Stag Park Housing
Development in Mitchelstown. The project was developed in partnership with Ballyhoura Development Ltd
and the Residents Association under the Rural Development Programme 2007 -2014.
The Allotment projects have proven very popular and will continue in 2015.
Travellers
The Cork County Council Traveller Accommodation Plan for the period 2014 to 2018 was adopted in
February 2014 and aims to meet the existing and projected needs of Travellers in its functional area.
15Tuarascáil an Phríomhfheidhmeannaigh agus Buiséad-Chief Executive’s Report and Budget
The Local Traveller Accommodation Consultative Committee (LTACC) continues to meet to discuss policy
in relation to the delivery of accommodation to Travellers. This has moved from a Divisional Forum to a
Countywide Committee to enable a more uniform and cohesive approach to be fostered.
The County Traveller Inter-Agency Group continues to meet to discuss delivery of services to Travellers and
aims to build on the co-operation between all agencies involved in delivering those services.
Homeless Services
The West Cork Homeless Forum continues to work with the various agencies in relation to homeless issues
in West Cork. A Tenancy Sustainment Worker is employed through Novas Initiatives to address homeless
issues and tenancy sustainment. This service is run in conjunction with the HSE.
The Social Operations Section works closely with the Department of Social Protection and Le Cheile in
dealing with any instances of Homelessness as they may arise.
Cork County Council continues to work closely with Cork City Council and Kerry County Council to deal with
homelessness on a regional basis through the Strategic Management Group on Homelessness and the
Regional Homeless Forum.
Processing Unit
Cork County Council has continued to implement the changes in how applicants may access Social Housing
Support as a result of the Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2009 and Social Housing Regulations
2011 and subsequent amending regulations.
The Processing Unit has responsibility for the centralised processing of all applications submitted for social
housing support for the County. The number of new, complete applications processed in 2014 was in
excess of 1500.
16Tuarascáil an Phríomhfheidhmeannaigh agus Buiséad-Chief Executive’s Report and Budget
Housing Options
Sites
Sites are available at a number of locations throughout the County. A small number of individual sites will be
placed for sale on the open market. The Council is discussing the potential for development of a number of
site schemes with Approved Housing Bodies.
Tenant Purchase Scheme
The 1995 and 2001 Tenant Purchase Schemes are now closed, the deadline for sales to close under the
1995 Scheme having been extended to 31st December, 2013.
Incremental Purchase Scheme
The Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act, 2014 provides for the introduction of an Incremental Purchase
Scheme. However, the relevant Sections of that Act have not yet been enacted therefore the scheme is not
operational at present.
Leasing /Affordable Housing
During 2014 the short term letting of unsold affordable units to Approved Housing Bodies continued. At the
end of 2014 approximately 724 will be leased. By the third quarter of 2014 the Council had payment and
availability leases in place for 84 units, 80 of them leased by Approved Housing Bodies and 4 leased from
private landlords. A further 90 units have been approved for leasing by the DECLG.
Grants
Cork County Council was allocated €4.9m in 2014 for Housing Adaptation Grants, Mobility Aid Grants and
Housing Aid for Older People Grants. The allocation covers 80% of expenditure with Cork County Council
funding the remaining 20%. These grants provide financial assistance to house owners to make their
property more suitable to accommodate older persons or persons with a disability and/or mobility issues.
The Housing Grants Section has county wide responsibility for processing all applications submitted to Cork
County Council.
17Tuarascáil an Phríomhfheidhmeannaigh agus Buiséad-Chief Executive’s Report and Budget
Rental Accommodation Scheme (RAS)
Roll-out of the scheme continued countywide during 2014. By 31/12/14 over 1,600 tenants transferred to
RAS from private rented and voluntary housing accommodation since commencement. Three Fire Officers
continue to work with the RAS unit on inspections and enforcement of standards for private rented
properties in the county. A total of 850 inspections were carried out in 2014.
Housing Assistance Payment (HAP)
The Housing Assistance Payment Regulations 2014 were commenced on 15th September, 2014 which
introduced HAP as a new form of social housing support to Cork County Council as one of the initial pilot
authorities for the scheme. The RAS unit took over responsibility for the roll-out of the scheme in the
County. To be eligible for HAP a household must be currently approved for social housing support. An
application for HAP can only be lodged after this approval is issued. The transfer of existing rent supplement
recipients to HAP will also be made on a phased basis.
Technical / Architectural Support Unit
The Technical/Architectural Support Unit provides a dedicated Architectural Service to the Housing
Directorate, through the design and construction of various types and sizes of projects in the provision of
professional reports, planning advice and consultations as required.
The following Projects were progressed during 2014:
SOUTH CORK
Housing Location Project Type Current Status Stage 2015
Dungourney 6 Social Houses, 9 Affordable Completed
Houses
Slievereagh, 1 Cottage – special needs Completed
Ballyvourney
Castletreasure, Douglas Creché & Community Centre Tender Stage On Site
Rockfarm, Ringaskiddy House – special needs On Site On Site
81 Belmont, Cobh Refurbishment Long Term Void On Site On site
(LTV)
35 Belmont, Cobh Refurbishment Long Term Void On Site On Site
(LTV)
DPG Arbutus, Bandon DPG Extension On Site On Site
48 Ardmore Estate, DPG Extension On Site On Site
Passage West
Kilnagleary, Carrigaline Housing Development Preliminary
Masterplan
Paulavone, Ballincollig Housing Development Preliminary
Masterplan
18Tuarascáil an Phríomhfheidhmeannaigh agus Buiséad-Chief Executive’s Report and Budget
NORTH CORK
Housing Location Project Type Current Status Stage 2015
Oliver Plunkett Hill, 9 Unit Housing/Apartment Tender Stage On Site
Fermoy Scheme
8 Devlin Street, Fermoy LTV – Refurbishment Tender Stage On Site
Awaiting Approval to
Proceed
30 St. Bernards Place, LTV – Refurbishment Suspended pending funds
Fermoy availability
WEST CORK
Housing Location Project Type Current Status Stage 2015
31 Assumption Place, 1 Social – refurbishment On Site Completed
Clonakilty
71 Assumption Place, 1 Social – refurbishment On Site Completed
Clonakilty
1 & 6, Castle St, LTV - Refurbishment On Site Completed
Dunmanway
1a & 2 Castle Street LTV - Refurbishment Tender Stage On Site
Dunmanway
12 & 14 Droum, LTV - Refurbishment Derailed Design On Site
Castletownbere
Finance and Administration Unit
Housing Rent Collection Unit
The Rent Collection Unit has county wide responsibility for the collection and management of
housing rents, including RAS accounts. The unit has responsibility for income collection,
performance management, monitoring rent arrears and prioritising cases for legal action. Debt
management includes preparation of Notice to Quits, if necessary, and other documentation for
court cases. The Rent Collection Unit manages rent appeals under the Rent Appeal Policy and if
the Council feels that the amount of a rent calculated under the Differential Rent Scheme would
give rise to hardship in a household, it may agree to accept a lesser sum of weekly rent for a
specified time.
19Tuarascáil an Phríomhfheidhmeannaigh agus Buiséad-Chief Executive’s Report and Budget
With the abolition of the Town Councils on 31st May, 2014 the responsibility for the collection of
rent from these houses (approx 2000 rent accounts) transferred over to the county Rent Collection
Unit. The total housing rent collection for 2014 was €17million.
Housing Capital Finance
Cork County Council did not commence any new housing schemes during the course of 2014 due
to capital funding constraints.
This Unit is responsible for monitoring expenditure and claiming funding from the Department of
the Environment, Heritage & Local Government under the Social Housing Investment Programme
(SHIP).
The following amounts were allocated under the SHIP Programme 2014:
Housing Supply
€3,157,820 Local Authority Housing
€ 1,547,192 Capital Assistance Scheme
€7,322,957 Leasing / RAS
Housing Improvement Grants
€69,891 Remedial Works
€1,089,072 Energy Efficiency
€2,143,120 Voids Programme
€359,437 IWILS / Extensions / DPG Extensions
Architects Department
The County Architects Department provides a full architectural and urban design service to the
organisation, through the design, construction and conservation of significant Capital Projects as
listed below and in the provision of feasibility studies, reports, planning advice and consultations as
required. This includes for Planning advice to the public through the Planning process and advice
to the civic representative bodies such as Tidy Towns organisations, Heritage organisations, etc.
20Tuarascáil an Phríomhfheidhmeannaigh agus Buiséad-Chief Executive’s Report and Budget
Projects include:
- Museums - Starts, completion and refurbishment.
- Fire Stations – Feasibility proposals, starts, completion and refurbishment.
- Branch Libraries – Maintenance, repairs and refurbishments.
- Civic Offices – Refurbishments and reuse of existing buildings.
- Swimming Pools, Industrial Units - Starts, completion and refurbishment.
- Community Buildings - Maintenance, repairs and/or refurbishments and reuse of existing
buildings.
- Public Realm and Painting Schemes - Starts, completion and refurbishment.
- External Consultant Services – Briefing and procurement for delivery of Capital Projects.
- Forward Planning – Urban Design Contribution to Forward Planning and Strategic
Development Unit.
- Pre Planning Interaction – Advice given at Clinics and through Consultation.
- National Monuments and Medieval Graveyards – Appropriate consolidation of existing
ruins.
2014 Projects
Spike Island
The Architects Department continue to provide a service to gradually improve the visitor
experience to Spike Island. A small team from this Department manage the temporary staff and
volunteers in maintaining the buildings, the grassed areas, the pier and pathways etc. This team
also oversees any other contract work on Spike.
The Architects Department also assisted in producing the document for the successful application
for the funding of the first phase of Spike Island as an improved tourist destination. Visitor numbers
in 2014 exceeded 22,000. To this end the Architects Department has assisted with the
procurement of the Consultant Team and the Interpretative Designer. They also received part VIII
Planning for the upgrade of the Pier, the renovation of the Mitchel Gaol and Shell Store, the roofing
of a prison exercise yard (as display space) and the provision of toilets at the Cafeteria building.
21Tuarascáil an Phríomhfheidhmeannaigh agus Buiséad-Chief Executive’s Report and Budget
View from the pier at Spike Proposed changes to the pier at Spike to
welcome visitors
Mala Square, Mallow
This project was unveiled by President Michael D Higgins towards the end of the year. The Architects
Department designed the space in accordance with best practice in Urban Design Guidelines and the
Manual for Streets as published by the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport. The aim of this project
was specifically to deliver a place for people in the heart of Mallow adjacent to the iconic Clock House. The
design includes for the provision of three squares cascading down the gently sloping road, with the provision
of new lighting, local stone paving, new seating, and other high quality street furniture. The focus of the
project is on the newly refurbished and mounted statue of Thomas Davis at the lower end of the
Square/street.
New Plaza at Mallow
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Michael Collins House, Museum, Clonakilty
The design team was procured and overseen by the Architects Department to produce a small high quality
Museum at No 7 Emmet Square to commemorate the life of Michael Collins. It opened at the end of 2014
Baltimore Harbour Facility, Baltimore
This project was completed midyear. The design team was procured and briefed by the Architects
Department. The end result is a high quality amenity building for the users of the Baltimore Harbour and
ferries and an office space for the harbour Master. The project also included for a low cost and robust
public realm improvement along the quay.
Amenity Project, Glengarriff
A number of amenity projects for small coastal towns were made project ready in 2013. The Glengarriff
project got the go ahead to proceed in 2014 and was completed towards the end of the year. The project
consists of a low cost intervention to improve the existing public toilet and to provide a gateway to the blue
pool area of Glengarriff.
Dunmanway Swimming Pool
This project was designed by the team and brought to tender by a consultant design team together with the
Architects Department.
Dunmanway Swimming Pool, proposed elevation.
23Tuarascáil an Phríomhfheidhmeannaigh agus Buiséad-Chief Executive’s Report and Budget
2015 Projects
2015 will see the commencement of the following projects in the County
Streetscape Projects
The Architects Department have Part VIII Planning approvals for the continuation of the rejuvenation of the
streetscape in Midleton where previously only one quarter of the Main Street was completed. Working
drawings will commence with the intention of going out to tender towards the middle of the year.
The Town Centre of Skibbereen has also submitted for Part VIII Planning for complete refurbishment of the
areas around the new Art Centre and the existing Town hall, creating new squares in those areas. Phase
one of this project should commence in 2015. The other phases are dependent on completion of the flood
defence project in the town
A continuation of the streetscape in Clonakilty from Astna Square along Pearse Street and Ashe Street is
being designed by the NRA with an input from the Architects Department so as to form a seamless
streetscape that will eventually link Astna Square to Emmet Square.
The Architects Department are also assisting the NRA in devising an aesthetically pleasing streetscape for
Buttevant.
Mallow Castle
The first phase of the redevelopment of the gardens and entrance to Mallow Castle has Part VIII Planning
and will commence during the year. A masterplan design for the remaining portions of Mallow Castle will
commence with a specific intention to design an amenity park for the citizens of Mallow along the river’s
edge to be completed as a second phase.
Cork County Council Campus, Old Motor Tax Office and Teagasc building
The Architects Department intend going out to tender for the renovation of the Old Motor Tax Office for the
Economic Development Unit and the Teagasc Building for the County Fire Department Headquarters.
The intention for the Old motor Tax Office is to modernise the exterior by replacing the existing tiled roof
with an insulated metal roofing sheet and to clad the walls with an external insulation system. This will
transform the building from its over scaled domestic look to a contemporary ‘shed’ more in keeping with the
24Tuarascáil an Phríomhfheidhmeannaigh agus Buiséad-Chief Executive’s Report and Budget
campus aesthetic. The interior of the building will be of a quality commensurate with the office space in the
County Hall buildings
A similar intervention is proposed for the Teagasc Building but in this instance the insulation will be internal.
From the exterior the noticeable difference will be in the fenestration.
Proposed section and elevation of the refurbished Motor Tax Office for Economic Development Unit
25Tuarascáil an Phríomhfheidhmeannaigh agus Buiséad-Chief Executive’s Report and Budget
26Tuarascáil an Phríomhfheidhmeannaigh agus Buiséad-Chief Executive’s Report and Budget
Road Transport and Safety
Division B
Aims:
To secure efficiency and safety in the transport by road of persons and goods so
facilitating increased economic development with due regard to environmental
values.
National Roads
The 2014 National Roads Authority allocation to Cork County Council for improvement and maintenance
work was €12.17m.
Cork City Council was allocated € 0.8m towards the Bandon – Sarsfield Interchange scheme. The main line
opened to traffic in July ’13. However, the other works which were required to be carried out subsequent to
the opening of the main line have now effectively been completed.
The Dunkettle Upgrade scheme which has received approval from An Bord Pleanala is awaiting
construction funding.
The Ballyvourney – Macroom scheme which also has been approved by An Bord Pleanala is likewise
awaiting construction funding. The land purchase process for the scheme is progressing well.
Following direction to advance the Cork – Ringaskiddy scheme, consultants have been procured and
significant progress was made on the design during 2014. It is hoped that approval will be forthcoming to
publish the Motorway Order and Environmental Impact Statement in Q1 2015.
The following schemes where a preferred route is in place are on hold i.e. the Cork Limerick Motorway
scheme, the Cork North Ring Road and the Carrigtwohill Midleton Upgrade. Approval was not received to
advance these schemes during 2014.
The programme of pavement and minor improvements works was again advanced during 2014. Under this
programme substantial improvements have been carried out to the national network with consequential
benefits. In addition to the original 2014 allocations, significant supplementary allocations were received for
Buttevant and Macroom streets and these projects were progressed during 2014.
27Tuarascáil an Phríomhfheidhmeannaigh agus Buiséad-Chief Executive’s Report and Budget
The programme of safety and bridge rehabilitation schemes continued in 2014 and a similar programme is
expected for 2015.
Finally the contract awarded by the National Roads Authority to Egis Lagan for the maintenance of
motorways, dual carriageways and 2 + 1 routes is working effectively.
Non-National Roads
Restoration Improvement Programme
• The pavement of a total of 229 km of Non-National Roads was strengthened from a combination of the
Restoration Improvement Grant Allocation – 181 km, Discretionary Grant – 23 km and Community
Involvement Grant – 25 km.
Restoration Maintenance Programme
• 330 km of Non-National Roads were surface dressed under the provisions of the Restoration
Maintenance Programme
Specific Improvement Schemes 2014
• R572, Glengarriff to Trafrask:
Construction works completed in Q3 2014.
• R581 New Twopothouse to Doneraile Road Re-alignment Scheme:
Construction works completed in Q3 2014
• R634 Coastal Rd in Youghal/Sea Wall Collapse:
Reinstatement of further sections of wall collapse – Contract commenced in Q3 2014.
• Upper Glanmire Retaining Wall:
Construction works completed in Q2 2014.
• Clonakilty Area Bridges:
Culvert replacement at Red Strand Clonakilty & Bridge at Carhoo, Clonakilty – Contracts
completed in Q2 2014.
Bridge Rehabilitation
• Kilcrea Abbey Bridge – Works completed Q2 2014
• Bridge repairs at Drumlave Bridge, Trawlebane Lower Bridge, Curraglass Bridge, Maulmane
Bridge, Ceim Carraige Bridge – Contract commenced Q3 2014.
• Kilbarry culvert replacement – Contract commenced Q4 2014.
• Clasheel, Ballyhest, Kilmacow, Ballykenly, Saleen and Carrig Wall - commenced Q3 2014.
28Tuarascáil an Phríomhfheidhmeannaigh agus Buiséad-Chief Executive’s Report and Budget
Red Strand
Miscellaneous Special Improvement Schemes:
• Bridge Inspections 2014
• Investigative Work in Q2 2014
Strategic Regional and Local Roads
• Carrigaline Western Relief Road:
Archaeological works commenced in Q4 2014.
• Clarke's Hill - Moneygurney Road, Road Widening Scheme - Phase 2 (Photo)
Contract Work completed.
29Tuarascáil an Phríomhfheidhmeannaigh agus Buiséad-Chief Executive’s Report and Budget
Cork Science Innovation Park, Curraheen, Bishopstown:
• Environmental Impact Statement & Compulsory Purchase Order submitted to An Bord Pleanála in
Q3 2014.
• An Bord Pleanála granted Cork County Council CPO without objection in Q4 2014.
Bridge Inspections re storm damage (917 No. bridges)
• Consultant commenced inspection of bridges on Local and Regional Roads throughout County in
Q3 2014.
Bridewell Culvert, Bandon
• Works commenced in Q2 2014 and completed in Q4 2014.
Bridge Repairs at Cullen, Boherbue:
• Works commenced and completed in Q2 2014.
Abbeystrowrey Cemetery, Skibbereen Retaining Wall:
• Works commenced in Q3 2014.
Low Cost Safety Improvement Schemes
Sixteen Schemes on non-national roads were completed in 2014. These schemes treat sites with accident
histories or where potential risks are evident and help to significantly reduce the risk of accidents occurring
at these locations, leading to improved Road Safety. A similar number of schemes have been applied for,
for 2015.
Falling Weight Deflectometer / International Roughness Index Pavement Contract 2014
Surveys carried out to determine the underlying strength of pavement. In addition, extensive Site
Investigations were completed in Q1 2014.
Public Lighting
Electricity supply for public lighting for 2015 is expected to be competitively tendered through participation in
the national procurement competition organised through the Office of Public Works. This will ensure that the
best current value is availed of in what is a high consumption element of Public Lighting, costing in the order
of € 3M per annum. It should be noted that unmetered traffic lights and other unmetered facilities, requiring
electrical power, are included in the bills currently being funded through the public lighting budget.
30Tuarascáil an Phríomhfheidhmeannaigh agus Buiséad-Chief Executive’s Report and Budget
Measures are currently being undertaken to at least isolate the meter point reference numbers from those
which relate directly to public lighting with a view to determining the true energy cost of public lighting. The
longer term recommendation would be that the non-lighting energy costs would be funded from different
budgets, so as to be in a position to gauge whether proposed energy saving proposals for Public Lighting,
are in fact achieving a reduction in energy cost and consumption.
The competitively tendered Contract covering the maintenance of public lights in both the County Area and
the former Town Council Areas (approx. 40,000 lights currently) is now in its second year and continues to
yield savings over the previous arrangement, of the order of 50% of the pre-contract cost. This is achieved
by greater efficiency and the Contractor has demonstrated that the level of service has not decreased as he
is achieving his target of at least 98.5% of all lights operating at all times.
An annual Capital allocation is being used to replace older assets on a programmed basis.
The emphasis going forward will be on achieving further cost savings and accruing carbon emission
reduction, by the use of less energy consuming products in Public Lighting. This will require some up-front
investment which will yield savings over an extended period. A small pilot bulb replacement in the older
SOX lanterns with an LED insert has been well received in Doneraile and could be considered for further
roll-out on a more extensive basis. A new LED lighting scheme in Glounthane Village linking the railway
station, will be an effective pilot to determine the energy savings possible from conversion from standard
lanterns (SOX, SON’s etc.) to the lower wattage LED equivalent. Future nationwide direction is awaited on
a possible roll out of a dimming and trimming policy countrywide, over the next few years.
However, the ever increasing number of public lights being taken in charge, as a legacy of the upturn and
downturn of the economy, will continue to put further demands on budgets and resources, until such time as
the backlog of recently completed housing estates has been brought up to standard and their energy and
maintenance costs has reached a plateau, to a more stable annual budget requirement.
Fleet Management Unit
The Fleet Management Unit (FMU) was established in 2011 to manage the Council’s fleet (514 items in
2014) and the operation of its three machinery yards.
The Procurement Section (in conjunction with the FMU) has delivered a new method for the supply of
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) across the County. In 2014 all 29 elements of PPE were
supplied by one company as compared to multiple suppliers previously. The contract is for 3 years
and the available greater efficiencies allow a significant annual saving to be achieved.
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