LEITRIM COUNTY COUNCIL COMHAIRLE CHONTAE LIATROMA - #LOUGHMELVIN
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Leitrim County Council
Comhairle Chontae Liatroma
Leitrim County Council Annual Report 2020 1
#LoughMelvin
Vision
Our vision is to build an economically strong, creative and inclusive County
Making Leitrim the best place to live, to work, to invest and to visit.
Mission Statement
We will place this vision at the centre of everything we do, and we will
ensure that we develop policies, procedures and services that are fair and
equitable and that we fulfil our statutory duty in having regard to human
rights and equality in the performance and delivery of all our functions.
Leitrim County Council Annual Report 2020 2
#AcresLakeBoardwalk
Contents
Introduction from An Cathaoirleach and Chief Executive ............................................................................................ 4
Elected Members of Leitrim County Council ................................................................................................................ 5
Leitrim County Council Strategic Policy Committee’s 2019 - 2024 .............................................................................. 6
Leitrim County Council Strategic Objectives and Supporting Strategies from the Corporate Plan 2019 - 2024 ......... 7
Delivering for Our People ............................................................................................................................................. 8
Housing ..................................................................................................................................................................... 8
Veterinary Services................................................................................................................................................. 12
Forward Planning and Development Management .............................................................................................. 13
Fire Services............................................................................................................................................................ 15
Major Emergency Management ............................................................................................................................ 17
Civil Defence ........................................................................................................................................................... 18
Water Services........................................................................................................................................................ 19
Delivering for Our Places ............................................................................................................................................ 20
Environment and Climate Action ........................................................................................................................... 20
Community Development ...................................................................................................................................... 23
Library Services....................................................................................................................................................... 26
Leisure and Recreation (LSP) .................................................................................................................................. 28
Arts ......................................................................................................................................................................... 30
Delivering for Our Economy ....................................................................................................................................... 35
Economic Development Unit ................................................................................................................................. 35
Local Enterprise Office ........................................................................................................................................... 37
Tourism Promotion and Development................................................................................................................... 38
Capital Projects Office ............................................................................................................................................ 40
Roads Transportation & Safety .............................................................................................................................. 43
Our Organisation ........................................................................................................................................................ 45
Corporate Services ................................................................................................................................................. 45
Human Resources................................................................................................................................................... 48
Health and Safety ................................................................................................................................................... 49
Information Communications Technology ............................................................................................................. 50
Finance ................................................................................................................................................................... 51
Appendix 1 – Statement of Income And Expenditure At Year Ending 31 December 2020 ........................................ 53
Appendix 2 – Statement of Financial Position (Balance Sheet) At Year Ending 31 December 2020 ......................... 54
Appendix 3 – Committee Memberships ..................................................................................................................... 55
Appendix 4 – Details Of Conferences/ Seminars Attended By The Elected Members ............................................... 57
Appendix 5 – Details Of Training Events Attended By The Elected Members ........................................................... 57
Appendix 6 – Corporate Plan Annual Progress Report 2020 ...................................................................................... 58
Appendix 7 – National Performance Indicators 2019................................................................................................. 68
Appendix 8 – Local Performance Indicators 2019 ...................................................................................................... 75
Leitrim County Council Annual Report 2020 3
#Glenade Lake
Introduction from An Cathaoirleach and Chief Executive
We welcome the publication of the 2020 Annual Report and are delighted to present and detail the many activities and
achievements undertaken and delivered in what has undoubtedly been a challenging year. It is with great pride that
we report on our Council’s successes in its’ delivery of a quality and professional service to its customers and the
communities that it serves.
Leitrim County Council has evolved as an organisation in 2020. It is evident by the challenges that have been overcome
this past year that a solution based, innovative and creative culture exists within the organisation. In addition to a
changed work environment and new work practises required to comply with COVID-19 public Health Advice,
technological change has been rolled out and has been embraced by the staff. This has ensured that throughout 2020
the organisation has been fit for purpose to deliver for the People, the Places and the Economy of County Leitrim.
The achievements, highlights and progress as set out in the 2020 Annual Report were made possible through the
combined efforts of the Elected Members and Staff of this Authority and, together with the many voluntary and
community organisations with whom the Council interacts. I wish to thank them for their commitment and dedication
to securing our mission, vision, and goals in 2020. We look forward to continuing to deliver high quality services to all
our customers and to working with all stakeholders in order to make County Leitrim the best place that in can be for
those who choose to live, work, invest and visit our County.
Elected Cathaoirleach Cllr Mary Bohan
Chief Executive Lar Power
Leitrim County Council Annual Report 2020 4
Elected Members of Leitrim County Council
Leitrim County Council Annual Report 2020 5
Leitrim County Council Strategic Policy Committee’s 2019 – 2024
Planning, Economic Development and Infrastructure SPC
Councillors Sectoral Nominations
Frank Dolan (Chairperson) Colm McGrath Business/Commercial National Pillar (Chambers
Enda McGloin Ireland)
Ita Reynolds Flynn Stephen Clancy Construction/Development National Pillar
Finola Armstrong McGuire Sean O’ Conlain Environmental/Conservation Pillar (PPN)
Brendan Barry Vacant Social Enterprise/Inclusion (PPN)
Justin Warnock
Issues considered by the SPC: -Glenfarne Forest Development Plan
Policy Development: -Carrick on Shannon Town Economic Plan
-Review of Leitrim County Development Plan and -Update on implementation of the Regional Enterprise Plan –
preparation of Draft County Development Plan 2021 North West
– 2027 and related strategies Review of the -Update on Ireland Hidden Heartlands Shannon Master Plan
Development Contribution Scheme -Update on Atlantic Economic Corridor
-Leitrim County Heritage Plan -Brexit Supports to SMEs
-Review of Leitrim Local Economic and Community Operation Management:
Plan -Local Improvement Scheme Review
-County Digital Strategy -County Parking Byelaws
Economic and Enterprise Development: -Update on Public Lighting Energy Efficiency Programme
Number of Meetings: 4
Housing, Community & Culture SPC
Councillors Sectoral Nominations
Caillian Ellis (Chairperson) Maura Gallagher (Social Inclusion PPN)
Padraig Fallon Vacant (Community/Voluntary PPN)
Sean McDermott Aodh Flynn (Cluainin Housing Association)
Paddy O’Rourke Voluntary Housing Sector
Enda Stenson Sean O Reilly (Cultural/Creative Sector)
Mary Bohan
Issues considered by the SPC: Love where you Live Awards
Housing Grants Community Development – Keeping Well Campaign
Housing Programme Peace Programme
Housing Needs Assessment Choice Based Letting Scheme
Affordable Housing Scheme Public Art Policy
Traveller Accommodation Programme Library Service
Number of Meetings: 4
Environment, Climate Action and Agriculture SPC
Councillors Sectoral Nominations
Justin Warnock (Chairperson) Eddie Mitchell (Agriculture/Farming) National
Sean McGowan Pillar (IFA)
Felim Gurn John Brennan (Agriculture/Farming (Organic
Paddy Farrell Interest)
Thomas Mulligan Vacant (Business/Commercial) National Pillar
Gerry Dolan Jan Melia (Environment Pillar) PPN
Issues considered by the SPC: Update on Water Services
Draft Work Programme 2020 and Schedule of Meetings for 2020 Overview of Climate Action at Regional and
Consider new Section 26 Fire Service Plan National Level
Overview and update on Climate Change Adaptation Plan To consider timeframe for development of
Overview and update on Waste Management Planning. funding application around agriculture and
Consider Draft Litter Plan climate change
Presentation on Water Quality
Number of Meetings: 4
Leitrim County Council Annual Report 2020 6
Leitrim County Council Strategic Objectives and Supporting Strategies from the
Corporate Plan 2019 - 2024
Leitrim is a unique County offering unparalleled quality of life, a rich and diverse natural environment and strong
communities. Our priorities and objectives have been developed and shaped around these county attributes. We will
deliver an ambitious programme of development for Our People, Our Places, and Our Economy.
Leitrim County Council Annual Report 2020 7
#GlencarWaterfall
Delivering for Our People
At the heart of County Leitrim are our People. We will focus on delivering outcomes for Individuals, Neighbourhoods
and Communities. We will continue to review and improve the services we provide to all residents. We will provide
homes and help shape neighbourhoods. We will build and strengthen communities and groups, including a continuing
investment in our young people, sport, and recreation. We will support and provide the tools and opportunities for all
our people to engage and shape local decision making; and we will ensure we do it all with Dignity, Equality and
Respect.
Homes Communities Services
Housing
Choice Based Letting commenced in October 2020. 29
Housing Applications and Allocations properties were advertised between October and
The net need that was reported as part of the Statutory December 2020 and 182 expressions of interest were
Assessment of Housing Need completed in November received.
2020 was 196 households. This was a minimal increase
on the 189 number of households on the housing Homelessness
waiting list as identified in the 2019 assessment. A total Leitrim County Council continued to assist with the
of 208 new housing applications for social housing housing needs of homeless persons and a review of
support were received and processed in 2020. 81 homeless services within the County was progressed.
offers of accommodation issued to housing applicants During 2020 the housing department responded to 48
for casual vacancies arising within the Council stock. homeless presentations and 10 adults and 4 children
The refusal rate on offers of accommodation was 22%. accessed emergency accommodation.
75 new tenancies were established broken down as
follows; 42 relets, 5 transfers, 12 regularisations, 14 Implementation of the Housing First programme was
acquisitions, 2 Home for Life Mortgage to Rent. progressed in 2020. The Housing First model aims to
provide someone who has been long-term homeless,
Choice Based Letting (CBL) is a method that can be used with their own secure accommodation as well as
for the allocation of Social Housing which is designed providing intensive and specialised tenancy
to offer more choice and involvement for applicant sustainment and health and mental health support
households in selecting a new home. Available Social services. Leitrim County Council met the target of 3
Housing is let by being openly advertised, allowing households to accommodate under this programme
qualified households to apply for available homes. by the end of 2021. One household was
Leitrim County Council Annual Report 2020 8
accommodated in 2019 and a further two households purpose of the schemes is to help people to remain
were accommodated in 2020. A number of meetings living in their own homes and greatly enhance the
of both the Management Group and the wider North living conditions of eligible elderly and disabled
West Regional Homeless Forum were held in 2020. household members in our community. The following
is a breakdown of grants paid in 2020.
Traveller Accommodation Programme (TAP) 2019-
2024 Grant Name Total Amount
At the Annual Traveller Census on 30th Nov 2020 there Mobility Aid Grant 17 €56,196
were 73 No. Traveller families registered for Social Housing Aid for Older People 38 €161,919
Housing Support with Leitrim County Council. This is an Housing Adaptation Grant 11 €118,626
increase of one family since the 2019 census. Of these (Disability)
73 families: Total 66 €336,741
No. of ➢ Housing Assistance Payment (HAP)
2020 Traveller Census %
Families HAP replaced Rent Supplement for those with a long-
Standard Local Authority term housing need. The HAP team worked closely with
housing & Traveller Specific the Department of Employment and Social Protection
Accommodation incl. 4 to transfer rent supplement recipients to HAP. There
families with permanent were 297 active HAP tenancies in Leitrim on 31st
46 63%
housing provided by an December 2020, this includes 101 new tenancies
Approved Housing Body (AHB) processed in 2020.
in conjunction with the local
authority. ➢ Social Housing Leasing Initiative
Long Term Rental Contracts (SHLI)/Rental Accommodation Scheme (RAS)
15 20.5%
(RAS / SHLI / HAP) Under the above schemes, the Department of
Rent Supplement / Involuntary Housing, Planning and Local Government has allocated
12 16.5%
Sharing or via Own Resources funding for local authorities to lease residential
properties from private landlords on medium to long
The Traveller Accommodation Programme (TAP) 2019- term contracts. These properties are then offered to
2024 is a five-year statutory programme carried out by households on the housing waiting list.
all Local Authorities and relates to the provision of
Local Authority housing / Private Rental ➢ Capital Advance Leasing Facility (CALF)
Accommodation and relevant programmes and The CALF Scheme allows the approved Voluntary
supports to the Traveller Community. This is the fifth Housing Associations to purchase existing properties
Tap programme adopted by Leitrim County Council and lease them back to the Council for social housing
since 2000. The target for the current TAP 2019/2024 for a term no less than 25 years. At the end of 2020
is 25 No. units of accommodation over five years. At Leitrim County Council have a total of 13 houses leased
the end of December 2020 there were 13 No outputs under this initiative from Approved Housing Bodies,
representing 130 % of targets for two years 2019 /2020 Tuath and Respond.
and 52% of the targets for the overall five-year
programme 2019/2024. ➢ Mortgage to Rent
The Mortgage to Rent (MTR) scheme is a government
The TAP target for 2020 was 5 No. units of scheme which was introduced in 2012 to help
accommodation. From the 1st of January 2020 to 31st homeowners who are at risk of losing their homes due
December 2020 Leitrim County Council has achieved 5 to mortgage arrears. It lets homeowners in mortgage
No. TAP outputs of Social housing support to the difficulty switch from owning their home to renting
Traveller Community (including RAS renewals and their home as social housing tenants. The MTR scheme
offers refused) which represents a 100% target is a social housing option only available if one is eligible
achievement for 2020. for social housing support and the mortgage is
unsustainable. As at 31st December 2020, 5 MTR
Housing Supports applications have been fully processed by Leitrim
➢ Housing Grants County Council.
Leitrim County Council continued to operate three
housing grants schemes for private houses. The
Leitrim County Council Annual Report 2020 9
Housing Stock Please see table below of inspections carried out for
➢ Estate Management and Maintenance 2020.
Programme INSPECTION STATISTICS
2020 (1 Jan - 31
At the end of 2020 Leitrim County Council had 984 Dec)
houses in its ownership, excluding demountables, Total number of RAS inspections
48
traveller specific accommodation, community houses carried out in 2020
and temporary emergency accommodation houses. A Total number of HAP inspections
total of 571 housing maintenance requests were 148
carried out in 2020.
received in 2020, 88% of which were completed by COMPLAINTS (i.e. Total number of
year end. Under the Council’s 2020 Planned inspections conducted in 2020 as a
Maintenance Programme, a program for the result of receiving a complaint 2
installation and the replacement of fire detection and EXCLUDING any already included under
No. 1, 2 and 4 in this table).
carbon monoxide detection devices was completed.
OTHER (i.e. Total number of OTHER
The Tenant Liaison Officers (TLOs) continue to work inspections conducted in 2019,
with tenants and Residents Associations during 2020 to 42
EXCLUDING any already included under
promote good estate management and establish best No. 1, 2 or 3 in this table).
practices. Compulsory pre-tenancy courses are given
TOTAL INSPECTIONS/RE-INSPECTIONS 240
by the TLOs and attended by all new tenants.
➢ Tenant Purchase The Housing Department’s principle services outlined
At the end of 2020 Leitrim County Council had received in this 2020 Annual Report are measured through a
15 tenant purchase applications and sold 4 houses number of performance indicators that keep Leitrim
under the national Tenant (Incremental) Purchase County Council’s objectives of delivering for our
Scheme. People, Places and Economy at the forefront of our
decision making process. There are a number of
➢ Disability Strategy and Disability Works to performance indicators within the Housing Services
Local Authority Dwellings that include a build target, stock, voids, re-letting
The implementation of the Leitrim Housing & Disability times, maintenance costs, private rented inspections
Strategic Plan for Housing People with a Disability plan and homelessness. These along with local indicators
was progressed in 2020 with new Housing and for improvement works, new tenancies, housing grants
Disability Steering Committee membership being and Traveller accommodation provide key information
sought and initiated. The new Committee comprises of that allows us to understand the local housing demand
local authority staff, key HSE personnel, members from and improve services.
the voluntary housing sector and various advocacy
groups active within the County. Leitrim County
Performance 2017 2018 2019 2020
Council spent €149,698 on medical and disability
Indicator
related works in 2020 for 27 local authority dwellings
H2: % of 5.7% 4.5% 3.3% 2.64%
carrying out improvements such as extensions,
dwellings
installation of level access shower, rails in bathrooms,
vacant at
ramp access, conversion to oil heating or storage
year end
heating systems.
70 43 25 47
H3 Average weeks weeks weeks weeks
➢ Private Rented Inspection Programme
Re-Letting
Leitrim County Council continued its enforcement role
Time
of standards in private rented accommodation. The
restrictions imposed by Covid-19 created difficulty in
The restrictions imposed by Covid-19 during 2020
carrying out the private rented inspection programme.
created difficulty for the Housing Department in
During 2020, 240 inspections were carried out, this
carrying out its estate management and maintenance
represents a 72.5% completion rate on the targets set
work programmes. Restriction in the construction
for the year. 116 properties failed on first inspection
sector impacted on the delivery of these programmes
and 114 Improvement Notices issued to owners of
and resulted in a higher average re-letting time than
properties identified as having items to be addressed
2019.
to meet the private rented standard regulations.
Leitrim County Council Annual Report 2020 10However, during the Covid-19 restrictions, all housing
services were maintained, and the housing Staff
showed a willingness to change internal processes and
thus created innovated and novel solutions to ensure
the housing services were delivered. The results of
such innovations were a decline for the fourth
successive year in the area of housing voids, 75 new
tenancies were created and the introduction of Choice
Proposed Single Storey 2-Bedroom Houses at Taobh Tire,
Based Letting. Manorhamilton
Housing Capital ➢ Turnkey Construction
The Housing Capital section continued to deliver on The Housing Capital section secured Social Housing
the targets set by the DHLGH under the Rebuilding Units through Turnkey Construction in the villages of
Ireland Strategy during 2020. Kinlough & Mohill during 2020. Turnkey Construction
also advanced on projects in Newtowngore,
➢ Acquisitions Drumkeerin & Mohill for early delivery in 2021.All
Leitrim County Council purchased thirteen houses in these projects had the additional benefit of helping to
2020 under the housing acquisition programme all of complete unfinished estates.
which received energy efficiency upgrade works to
ensure high levels of comfort for the Local Authority
tenants whilst helping to achieve our climate action
targets.
➢ Traveller Accommodation Programme (TAP)
The Housing Capital Section purchased two houses in
Carrick on Shannon during 2020 under the Traveller
Accommodation Programme.
3-bedroom Turnkey Houses at Oakgrove, Kinlough
➢ Construction/Turnkey Pipeline
The Housing Capital section continued to build a future
pipeline of Turnkey projects via the Expression of
Interest process and through targeted land acquisition
in area of need.
3-bedroom houses under construction at Townparks, Carrick on ➢ Leasing
Shannon A total of 5 additional units were secured in 2020 on a
Long-Term basis through Long Term Leasing (LTL) and
➢ Direct Build Programme: Construction the Mortgage to Rent (MTR) mechanisms.
The construction of 27 no. social houses at Summerhill,
Carrick on Shannon continued throughout 2020 for ➢ Partnership with Approved Housing Bodies
completion in 2021. (AHB)
Leitrim County Council established the Housing Forum
➢ Direct Build Programme: Planning during 2020 with the key Approved Housing Bodies
The planning and detailed design of direct build that are active in County Leitrim.
projects capable of delivering 33 housing units in
Carrick on Shannon, Manorhamilton, Ballinamore & The Housing Capital section produced an opportunity
Dromahaire advanced to Part 8 Public Consultation register for the AHB’s from which future projects may
stage during 2020. be developed.
Leitrim County Council Annual Report 2020 11➢ Vacant Homes
The Vacant Homes Officer identified approximately Sampling
500 vacant homes in the main towns and villages of Co. Food 50
Leitrim during 2020 and commenced engagement with Water/Environmental 25
the owners of specific properties that can be brought Veterinary Residues 9
back into productive use through the Buy and Renew Carcass 31
or the Repair & Lease schemes. Total 115
Age Friendly Housing Technical Advisor
A member of the Housing Capital staff at the
appropriate technical level of expertise has
participated in training provided by Age Friendly
Ireland to enable them to become the local authority
specific age friendly Housing Technical Advisor. The
Technical Advisor will provide specialist advice to the
authority itself, to private sector interests who want to
get involved in providing age-friendly housing and to
individuals from the public generally. The overall aim is
to ensure that older people will ultimately have greater
choice by developing a range of housing options that
are suited to their needs, so they can plan and, insofar
as possible, choose the right home for themselves.
Animal Warden Services
This was a challenging for the Animal Warden Service
Covid 19 Pandemic Impact
due to ongoing Covid-19 restrictions. Contact with the
Like all elements of society, the COVID-19 pandemic
general public was on a strictly limited basis and the
had a significant impact on the Housing Capital section.
call-out service was limited.
A number of projects due to be completed by end of
2020 had their completion dates extended into 2021.
Animal Warden Services
New work practices on social housing sites arising from
Stray & surrendered Dogs 185
social distancing requirements has led to longer
construction build times. Several of the key products Dogs Re-Homed 150
used in the building process have longer lead-in periods Dogs Re-Claimed by Owner 34
from ordering to site delivery. This is due to restrictions Dog licenses Issued 1,667
in the manufacturing process which again is having an General Licenses 3
effect in the overall build timeframe. On contracts that Lifetime dog licenses issued 29
were at the construction stage Contractors are having Stray cats neutered under TNR Programme 52
to be compensated through Ex-Gratia Payments for the Service Requests 283
additional cost associated with implementing COVID 19
safety measures resulting in an increase in the overall The Animal Warden Service received 283 Service
cost of the project. requests including 6 dog attacks on persons, 11 dog
attacks on livestock, 26 dog fouling complaints, 83
Veterinary Services roaming dogs and 135 animal welfare complaints. Dog
licence fee income was €37,400 or 2.6% lower than
2019. There was significant public interest in control of
Slaughter Returns
stray dogs, livestock worrying and dog fouling. The
Sheep 1943
Warden Service carried out 624 service calls at 14 Dog
Pigs 111
Waste stations and dispensed 36,000 free dog waste
Cattle 708
bags. 22 dog control & dog fouling signs were erected
Total 2,762 in the County.
Premises Inspections The Warden and the Veterinary Officer gave 6 radio
Meat Inspection 456 interviews, 6 newspaper articles, 2 school visits and
Hygiene Inspection 54 issued 1020 leaflets and dispensed 36,000 free dog
Sampling Inspections 22 waste bags.
Total 532
Leitrim County Council Annual Report 2020 12Forward Planning and Development • Geological Heritage Audit of County Leitrim
funded by The Heritage Council.
Management
• Public Awareness Programme - ‘Connecting
through Heritage’, funded by The Heritage
Taking in Charge
Council. Initiatives under this Programme included
Significant progress continued to be made during 2020
‘Harnessing Leitrim’s Oral History’; ‘Leitrim’s
by the Planning Department in resolving incomplete
Garden BioBlitz’; Leitrim Heritage Podcast series;
housing developments to bring such developments to
and Leitrim Heritage YouTube series.
the required standard to allow them to be taking in
• Swift survey of County Leitrim funded under the
charge. A total of 13 no. residential developments were
National Biodiversity Action Plan Local Authorities
taken in charge during the year following the
Biodiversity Project Fund.
declaration of the roads within these developments as
• Bat survey of all publicly accessible Council owned
public roads. The undertaking of remedial works within
properties funded under the National Biodiversity
such estates is being managed by the Capital Projects
Action Plan Local Authorities Biodiversity Project
Office.
Fund.
• Modern Day Mummers funded by Creative
The Planning, Capital Projects and Water Services
Departments are working with Irish Water to transfer Ireland.
responsibility for the maintenance of the piped water
services in these estates to the utility company.
Part 8 Public Consultation on Local Authority Own
Development Proposals
The Planning Department managed the Part 8 public
consultation process for 7 Local Authority own
developments during 2020. These included the
approval of the Mohill Public Realm Improvement
Scheme, a new library in Dromahaire, housing schemes
in Carrick on Shannon and Manorhamilton and an
extension to the Hive, Carrick on Shannon.
Modern Day Mumming - Leitrim
Heritage Week took place virtually in August 2020, with
community groups, organisations and individuals from
across Leitrim submitting heritage projects online
which celebrated both new heritage initiatives and
projects which have been carried out over a number of
years.
Connecting Through Heritage – Leitrim’s Garden Bioblitz
Heritage
The Leitrim Heritage Plan 2020 – 2025 was adopted at
the March Council meeting following the second public
consultation phase from 15th January to 12th February
2020. The adopted Heritage Plan was translated into
Irish and was published in April.
Connecting Through Heritage – Harnessing Leitrim’s Oral History
The Heritage Officer secured funding from a number of
sources for heritage projects which matched the
Forward Planning
Heritage Plan objectives and actions. These projects
The formal preparation of the review of the existing
included:
County Development Plan and the preparation of a
Leitrim County Council Annual Report 2020 13new County Development Plan for the period 2022- Corderry, a biomass processing facility at Kiltoghert,
2028 commenced on 17th June. A Strategic Issues Paper and a meteorological mast at Garvagh Glebe. Other
was prepared and published as an integral part of the permitted developments of note included a 90 bed
pre-draft consultation phase which lasted until 12th Community Nursing Unit for the HSE in Carrick on
August. Public information sessions were held in July in Shannon, the extension and refurbishment of the food
Carrick on Shannon, Manorhamilton and Ballinamore production facility at Dowra Road, Drumshanbo and an
as public meetings were curtailed arising from the upgrade to Ballinamore Wastewater Treatment
public health restrictions in place. Facility. It was also encouraging to see a number of
applications submitted to complete existing housing
A report on behalf of the Chief Executive summarizing developments and construct new dwellings. These
the pre-draft consultation phase which included 43 no. included schemes in Carrick on Shannon, Drumkeeran,
written submissions and recommended policy content Manorhamilton, Drumshanbo, Rooskey and Dromod.
was submitted to the Elected Members in October. A
workshop was held with the Elected Members in A total of 19 applications for determination on
November and the Report was considered at a Council exempt/non-exempt status of a proposed
meeting in December. Work is progressing on the development (Section 5 declarations) were received
preparation of the draft County Development Plan for over the course of the year.
submission to the Elected Members in Q2 2021.
In 2020, the Department of Agriculture, Food and the
The Planning Authority prepared a draft Renewable Marine referred to this Council 44 no. applications for
Energy Strategy as part of the review part funded licenses for tree felling and 30 no. applications for tree
through the SECURE Programme. This includes an planting. A further 39 no. applications for Forest Access
assessment of the landscape to absorb further wind Roads were referred for comment prior to the
energy developments. The Planning Authority has also Department making a decision in respect of same.
undertaken a review of the Landscape Character
Assessment which was prepared in 2002. This includes
a re-examination of designated landscapes and the
views and prospects identified in successive County
Development Plans.
Development Management
A total of 184 no. valid planning applications, including
43 no. applications seeking retention of planning
permission and 2 no. applications seeking an extension
of duration of planning permission were received
during 2020. This decreased slightly from the number
of applications received in the previous 2 years (207 no.
received in 2019 & 191 no. received in 2018). The level
of activity was affected by the impact of the Covid 19
National Planning Awards, held in the Westin Hotel, Dublin. Leitrim
pandemic. County Council received a Highly Commended Award in the
Management and Delivery Category, for the Carrick-on-Shannon
Of the valid applications received, 13 no. related to Public Realm Improvement Scheme. The photo (pre-Covid 19) shows
applications for commercial developments, 1 Leas Cathaoirleach Sean McGowan and Marie Henry of Dhb
Architects accepting the award, together with Chief Executive, Lar
application related to community, sporting and Power and Senior Planner, Bernard Greene.
educational development with a further 6 no.
applications relating to forestry, namely forest access Irish Planning Institute National Planning Awards
provision. The proportion of applications relating to The Carrick on Shannon Public Realm Improvement
commercial developments is slightly lower than Scheme was nominated by Leitrim County Council for
previous years again most likely as a result of the Irish Planning Institute National Planning Awards.
uncertainty due to the global pandemic.
The project was shortlisted by the Panel of Judges for
Of note, there were a number of applications seeking the Design Category and received a commendation in
planning permission for renewable energy the Management and Delivery Category.
developments: a windfarm consisting of 8 no. turbines
at Croagh, Dromahair; battery storage units at
Leitrim County Council Annual Report 2020 14Pre-Planning Appeals:
The Planning Authority had formal pre-planning 10 no. planning appeals were made to An Bord
consultations on 78 no. proposed developments during Pleanála with respect to decisions made by the
2020 which is a decrease on previous years due to the Planning Authority during 2020. 8 of the appeals were
Covid 19 pandemic. Every effort was made to decided by the end of 2020 and 1 appeal was
accommodate pre-planning meetings through phone- withdrawn. 7 no. of the appeals were determined,
calls /e-mail or virtual meetings. confirming the decision made by the Leitrim County
Council and 1 of the appeal decisions overturned the
The average waiting time of 19.5 days is slightly above decision of the Planning Authority.
the target of 15 days, but this can be attributed to the
impact of the Covid 19 restrictions and to the Fire Services
competing demands of staff resources in meeting all
statutory deadlines.
Capital projects/Funding
➢ Manorhamilton Fire Station
Rhatigan Architects were appointed as the design
consultants for the design and construction of the new
fire station in Manorhamilton. We prepared a working
brief and held a number of design meetings with them
to prepare an outline design for the new station and
drill yard. The Stage 1 report was prepared and
submitted to the Department for approval.
➢ Replacement HP
We received capital funding of €88,000 to procure a
replacement Hydraulic Platform for Leitrim fire
service. The new vehicle was procured in the UK and
was imported in March 2020. It was put into
operational use in September 2020.
Attending the County Development Plan pre-draft consultation
information event in the Bee Park Centre, Manorhamilton in July –
Assistant Planners Deirdre Lardner and Joe Duffy.
Cost of the Planning Service
The cost per capita of the Planning Service has fallen
from 30.38 in 2019 to 30.15 by the end of 2020 which
is approximating the target of 30 set for the year. This Replacement Hydraulic Platform procured by Leitrim Fire Service in
is largely dependent on the fees receipted for the year 2020
which had risen slightly on the previous year.
➢ New Class B appliance
Enforcement Leitrim County Council received confirmation from the
The Planning Authority investigated or instigated 28 National Directorate for Fire and Emergency
no. enforcement cases during 2020 with a further 52 Management that we received approval to procure a
no. cases carried forward from the previous years. Of new Class B appliance in the Capital Funding
these cases, 34 no. were closed off during the calendar programme announced in late 2020.
year leaving a total of 46 no. live cases at year end.
Whilst our target of 60% of all cases instigated being ➢ Operational
resolved by year end was not reached (43% cases A new Section 26 Fire and Emergency Operations Plan
resolved), every effort was made in dealing with the was prepared for approval by the Council members.
cases on hand in 2020 but certain cases can be complex This was discussed at SPC level before being approved
and slow to resolve. The Covid 19 Pandemic and Level by the full Council in September 2020.
5 restrictions also had an impact for a period on site
visits and investigative work during the year.
Leitrim County Council Annual Report 2020 15Chief Fire
Officer
Finian
Joyce at
the
BFireSafe
stand at
the BT
Young
Scientist
Exhibition
January
2020 Project partners for BFiresafe@School project
New Online Payment System
During 2020, we implemented a new online payment
system to process the quarterly payments for
firefighters in a more efficient manner. Training was
Community Fire Safety - Erasmus+ BFireSafe@School provided at station level to help improve the input of
project data.
Leitrim County Council Fire Service is the project
coordinator for this fire safety project that has secured New e-licensing system
€318,000 in funding from Leargas and the National Leitrim Fire service piloted the new e-Licensing system
Agency. The project consortium consists of 9 partners developed by the Courts service to handle all licence
from 7 EU Countries (Ireland, Belgium, Denmark, applications for the Courts Service. Further
Finland, Germany, Lithuania and Spain). The aim of the enhancements are planned to the system in 2021.
programme is to develop a new fire safety education
programme for post primary schools in Europe. Fire Service Staffing
Leitrim County Council ran a very successful
The programme content consists of ten modules and recruitment campaign in late 2020 to fill a number of
uses innovative digital technology to deliver the firefighter vacancies.
programme both online and in class. Work continued Leitrim County Council employs 4 senior officers and 1
in 2020 in translating the programme into 9 European Assistance Fire Officer to run the service for the County
languages and in developing the Learning from headquarters in Carrick-on-Shannon. Leitrim
Management System to upload all of the content. County Fire service has 5 fire stations throughout the
County in Carrick-on-Shannon, Mohill, Drumshanbo,
The programme was pilot tested in a number of post Ballinamore and Manorhamilton. The following
primary schools around the country and in the number of firefighters were employed as of
following schools in Leitrim, namely, Carrigallen 31/12/2020.
Vocational School, St. Clare’s Comprehensive School in
Manorhamilton and Lough Allen School in Station No. of Firefighters
Drumkeeran. Carrick-on-Shannon 12
Mohill 8
It is hoped to extend the programme to all schools in Drumshanbo 8
Leitrim in 2021 and to translate the programme into Ballinamore 9
Irish. As part of the programme, a new Augmented Manorhamilton 6
Reality App called FireSmart AR was developed in
2020. It teaches students how to identify fire safety During 2020 fire service operations were curtailed due
risks at home. to the impact of Covid-19. Fire service training was
suspended for part of the year. All fire service
The app is available from the Apple and Google Play personnel were provided with PPE and were briefed
store. To help promote the project, we attended the and kept up to date with Covid 19 protocols at national
BT Young Scientist exhibition in the RDS Dublin in and local level.
January 2020.
Leitrim County Council Annual Report 2020 16Leitrim Emergency Incidents in 2020 Major Emergency Management
Leitrim fire service attended the following number of
emergency incidents in 2020.
Images of the Mass Fatality Unit installed in Drumshanbo Leitrim.
Leitrim County Fire service continued to update our
Breakdown of Incidents by Fire Station
Major Emergency Plans and Appendices as well as our
No. of Directory of Contacts. Leitrim County Council
Incidents Total produced a Severe Weather Plan and contributed to
Station 2020 Assisting Calls the development of the North West Regional Mass
Manorhamilton 69 11 80 Fatality Plan for Covid 19. As a result, Leitrim County
Carrick-on- Council procured a refrigerated unit. This was installed
Shannon 46 5 51 and commissioned at the Civil Defence facility in
Drumshanbo.
Mohill 39 10 49
Drumshanbo 42 4 46
Capacity Review
Ballinamore 49 1 50
The National Directorate for Fire and Emergency
245 31 276
Management carried out a capacity review on all
aspects of the service in August 2020. Positive
Performance Indicators
feedback was received, and a final report was issued.
Leitrim County Fire service continues to comply with
the minimum mobilizing time of 5 mins required for
The Cross Border Emergency Management Group
retained brigades in the country. All our brigade units
The aim of the group is to improve Cross Border
are mobilized in a time of just under 5 minutes.
Cooperation in emergency management. counties
Average time taken, in minutes, to mobilise in respect
involved in the Republic. The counties involved in the
of fire is 4.41 mins. This is a reduction from the 2019
Republic of Ireland are those in the North West and
figure. Average time taken, in minutes, to mobilise in
North East Emergency Management regions while in
respect of all other non-emergency incidents is 4.8
Northern Ireland the new Council areas making up the
mins. This is a small increase from 2019.
Western and Southern Emergency Planning Groups
are included.
Leitrim County Council Annual Report 2020 17Irish Prison • In July / August a number of requests were
Service
received from the Coastguard to assist boats in
Presentation
to difficulty on the Shannon. All incidents were
Community dealt with by Volunteers without injury to the
Forum individuals involved.
collected by
Civil
• Throughout the year Volunteers remained on
Defence.
standby to respond to requests for assistance
from the Principle Response Agencies in
accordance with the Major Emergency
During 2020 the activities of the group were hampered
Framework.
by the impact of Covid-19. Nevertheless, the group
succeeded in completing the Cross Border Notification
Covid 19
protocol and provided a briefing for the stakeholders
In late March with the arrival of Covid, Volunteers
in the Republic of Ireland. The group also produced a
commenced training and preparations for possible
new Business Plan for the next three years 2021 - 2024.
requests for assistance from the Community and the
Principle Response Agencies.
Civil Defence
Those requests arrived shortly afterwards and
Leitrim Civil Defence commenced 2020 with the continued throughout the year. The following is a
completion of works associated with the occupation of sample of the type of operations carried out by
the new premises in Drumshanbo. Volunteers were Volunteers on a weekly basis.
delighted to start the year on a positive note with a
facility which would meet all their requirements for ✓ Transport clients to Hospital appointments.
storage, training, and operations. Dublin/ Sligo/Galway/Roscommon.
✓ Transport clients to GP appointments.
✓ Transport clients to Dental appointments.
✓ Transport clients to Physio appointments.
✓ Shopping requirements for isolated/
vulnerable clients.
✓ Distribution of flowers donated by Irish Prison
Service.
✓ Transfer of Nursing Home residents.
✓ Assistance provided at Blood Donation Clinics.
✓ Operational support to National Ambulance
Service.
✓ Assistance to other Civil Defence Units with
operations. (Donegal/Roscommon.)
Civil Defence Headquarters, Drumshanbo
✓ Operation and maintenance of Temporary
Mass Fatality Storage Facility at Civil Defence
Operations Base.
• In January Monaghan Civil Defence requested ✓ Collection and storage of Local Authority P.P.E.
assistance with a water-based search for a
missing person, which they were conducting Training
with An Garda Siochana. The Sonar Team Routine training was impacted by the arrival of Covid
responded and assisted our colleagues in and the subsequent restrictions. However essential
Monaghan over a 2-day search. training continued.
• In February Leitrim was once again impacted Training was provided to Local Authority Staff in
by flooding. The Drone Team carried out a donning and doffing P.P.E. in conjunction with the
number of aerial surveys of flooded areas. Health and Safety Officer.
Assistance was provided to some elderly
residents who were isolated by flood waters.
Assistance and transport were provided over a
number of days.
Leitrim County Council Annual Report 2020 18Water Services
the estimated cost of this GSS and the Grant Funding
Multi Annual Rural Water Programme 2019 – 2021 available. The Scheme has been requested to submit
The Rural Water Department entered year two of our details of all costs incurred to date by the GSS and we
three-year Multi Annual Rural Water Programme. In are awaiting this information from the GSS.
2020, we achieved the following:
Capital Grants paid to Group Water Schemes in 2020
under the Multi Annual Rural Water Programme 2019
– 2021
Capital Grants totalling €151,190.67 were paid by
Leitrim County Council in 2020 to Group Water
Schemes under the following Measures of the Multi
Annual Rural Water Programme.
Measure 5 - Taking in Charge of GWS’s & GSS’s by Measure 8 – Individual wells (private or household
Irish Water - Summary 2020 wells)
In June 2020, the Department of Housing, Local
Number of Schemes allocated Funding 25 (24 Government and Heritage launched the new Private
GWS’s & Well Grant Programme.
1 GSS) The Programme saw an increase in funding across a
Number of Schemes submitted to Irish 14 (13 range of measures from the previous well grant
Water GWS’s & Programme. A total of 7 Individual Well Grants paid in
1 GSS) 2020 in the total sum of €14,194.30.
Number of Schemes Taken in Charge by 6 (5
Irish Water GWS’s & Subsidy towards Operational Costs of Group Water
1 GSS) Schemes
Funding Spent to Date €19,731. In 2020, a total of 32 Subsidy Applications were
50 processed and paid to Group Water Schemes to a total
value of €381,015.
Environmental and Public Health Compliance –
Breveiga GWS Co-Operative Society Ltd.) Covid 19
This Group Water Scheme remains on a Boil Water The Covid-19 Pandemic resulted in construction works
Notice. on some GWS’s being delayed in 2020. The Rural Water
• €21,141.83 was paid to the scheme in respect Office of Leitrim County Council was in ongoing contact
of source protection and network upgrade with all GWS’s around the County regarding the
works completed. operation of their GWS’s during the Pandemic.
• Tendering for upgrade works to the Water
Treatment Plant was completed and works will This office provided guidance to GWS Committee’s
proceed in 2021 subject to Departmental regarding the necessary precautions to comply with
approval. public health guidelines and contingency measures
needed in order to minimise disruption to water
Hartley-Cartown Group Sewerage Scheme supplies should a member of the operations team
Leitrim County Council are awaiting a response from contract Covid 19.
this GSS Committee regarding a decision on the future
of this GSS having regard to the Funding Gap between
Leitrim County Council Annual Report 2020 19#glenadevalley
Delivering for Our Places
Shaping our landscape and creating our identity are our Places. We will continue to sustain and create great places
throughout the county. We will support and develop our towns and villages so that they are vibrant and dynamic spaces
today and into the future. We will tackle the challenges faced by environmental and climatic changes. We will seek to
develop solutions and identify opportunities for our places that deliver access to services and facilities that meet the
needs of our people and communities into the future. We will promote and celebrate the unique nature of individual
places and the county as whole; protecting our heritage and providing opportunity and access to the arts, information,
lifelong learning and cultural events.
Towns & Villages Environment & Climate Heritage & Culture
Environment and Climate Action
EPA Ambient Air Quality Monitoring
The Environmental Protection Agency manages the
national ambient Air Quality Monitoring Network. An
air quality monitoring station was installed in Carrick-
on-Shannon in late 2020. This will be of great benefit to
the public in Carrick-on-Shannon town, giving them
real time information on air quality.
We look forward to this Air Quality Data being made Air Quality Monitoring Station Carrick on Shannon
available to the Public which is in the common good
interest and will help to improve people’s public health Anti-Dumping Initiative 2020
and particularly those as risk with asthma, respiratory As part of the 2020 Anti-Dumping Initiative, funding
conditions etc. was made available through the Connaught/Ulster
Waste Enforcement Regional Lead Authority to Leitrim
The data for the Carrick Air Quality monitor is available County Council to carry out a number of projects,
on the EPA website: https://airquality.ie/station/EPA- aimed at reducing illegal dumping activities. Each
80. The map updates regularly with the most up-to- project undertaken by Leitrim County Council was
date calculated Air Quality Index for Health (AQIH) for based on how it could best tackle the issue of illegal
each station. dumping through Education, Enforcement, Abatement
and Prevention. A brief synopsis of each project is
provided overleaf.
Leitrim County Council Annual Report 2020 20In a county-wide media campaign, people in and
around the Leitrim area were encouraged to drop off
their unwanted bicycles to Manorhamilton Civic
Amenity Site, Sligo Road, Manorhamilton and also to
Mohill Civic Amenity Site, Tullybarden, Mohill. The
bicycles were then stored at these locations until
collected by local prison services and then delivered to
a prison bike workshop at Loughan House Prison in
County Cavan. There, the bikes were refurbished
before their onward journey to Gambia, where
children use them to shorten their journeys to school
every day. School Bikes for Africa Project forwards the
refurbished bikes to people, for who this simple mode
of transport can transform their daily lives.
Synopsis of each project under the Anti-Dumping Initiative 2020
Bikes for Africa
Leitrim County Council in conjunction with Rotary Club Bulky Household Waste Collection Events
Ireland have been recycling bikes from our civic During the 2020 Anti-Dumping Initiative, funding was
amenity sites and shipping them to school children and made available through the Connaught/Ulster Waste
families in Africa, thanks to Anti-Dumping Initiative Enforcement Regional Lead Authority to Leitrim
Funding. County Council to hold Bulky Household Waste
Collection events within the County. Leitrim County
The project allows the local community to find a good Council held four successful Bulky Household Waste
use for quality usable bicycles that are no longer Collection events in Leitrim during September 2020.
required and provides life enhancing mobility to school
children in The Gambia. It was necessary to select two separate locations in
Leitrim to best suit the County’s geographic. The
events were held at Lough Rynn Amenity Area, Mohill
and Manorhamilton Civic Amenity, Manorhamilton on
12th & 19th September 2020 from 10am to 4pm each
day. It was established that the Bulky Household Waste
that could be included were: suites of furniture,
armchairs, indoor/outdoor dining sets, bikes,
mattresses, kitchen and bathroom furniture. The
events were widely advertised through social media
platforms, local newspaper and local radio stations. A
total of 74.9 Tonnes of Bulky Household Waste was
collected between Mohill (2 days) and Manorhamilton
Launch of Bikes for Africa Project in Leitrim in August 2020 (2 days). The event ran efficiently and in line with
COVID guidelines, with customers co-operating and
being very appreciative of this worthwhile initiative.
Leitrim County Council Annual Report 2020 21report on the review of the plan will be submitted
annually to the Council for consideration.
Leitrim County Council engaged in a process of
statutory consultation, including discussion at Strategic
Policy Committee level and invited public
submissions/observations, prior to the replacement of
the Litter Management Plan.
Leitrim County Council’s Litter Management Plan 2020-
2023 sets out the objectives and actions required to
Site location Prepared for Bulky Household Waste Collection Event
– Lough Rynn Amenity Area Mohill implement the plan over the next three years under
the following headings.
1. Litter Prevention & Control
2. Public Awareness, Advisory Measures and Youth
Education Measures
3. Community & Voluntary Cooperative Measures
4. Enforcement Measures
Image of waste collected at the Bulky Goods Collections events ran
by Leitrim County Council in September 2020
Litter Management Plan 2020-2023
Leitrim County Council adopted its Litter Management
Plan 2020-2023 at Council Meeting held in September
2020. The quality of the local environment and in
particular, its litter management is a visible barometer
for the public in judging an area’s attractiveness.
Implementing
best practice Dawn of Hope Bridge surrounded in peat
litter
management Landslide on Shass Mountain
is paramount A major landslide occurred at Shass Mountain on 28th
to achieving of June 2020, several kilometres north east of the
Leitrim County village of Drumkeeran. A large area of upland bog
Council’s including forestry moved off the mountain and large
mission to quantities of liquefied peat, vegetation and trees
make Leitrim a flowed down the mountain. The landslide followed the
sustainable, course of the Diffagher river resulting in ecological
creative, damage to the river over its entire length between the
inclusive Dawn of Hope bridge to Lough Allen.
County where
individuals, Actions taken at Dawn of Hope Bridge:
family and • Council appointed RPS Group to undertake a
businesses can risk assessment report of the bridge and
flourish. options for reinforcement to prevent collapse.
Report completed within days of
The Litter appointment.
Pollution Act 1997 requires that each Local Authority • New bridge was constructed, abutting the old
shall make and implement a Litter Management Plan in structure on the downstream side to support
respect of its functional area for a three-year period. A it from collapse.
Leitrim County Council Annual Report 2020 22You can also read
