comhairle chontae laoise laois county council · the development of a 250 acre site at the...

Comhairle Chontae LaoiseLaois County Counci l

Annual Report2005

Ábhar

Chathaoirleach’s Statement 2

County Manager’s Foreword 3

Mission Statement 4

Corporate Affairs, Human Resources,Information & Communication Technology 8

Housing, Social and Cultural Policy 14

Economic Development & County Promotion Policy 23

Environment & Water Services Policy 25

Planning and Transportation Policy 32

Laois County Development Board 37

Financial Management 40

Portlaoise Town Council 41

Mountmellick Town Council 42

Other Activities 43

Useful Directory 44

1

Cathaoirleach’s Statement

I am pleased as Cathaoirleach of Laois County Council to introduce the Annual Report detailing the activities of the Council during 2005.

The report reflects the ongoing work programme of the Council and shows considerable progress is being made in all facets of our activities.

Our Corporate Plan covering the period to 2009 is in place and is the framework for future action. The new County Development Plan was at an advancedstage at year end and will guide the future development of our County at a time of unprecedented growth and change.

The development of a 250 acre site at the Portlaoise Interchange in Togher seeks to exploit our strategic location in the country. The M7/M8 MotorwayProject was progressed to tender stage as was the Portlaoise Main Drainage Scheme.

On the housing side, almost 200 houses were built or purchased in 2005. A four year Traveller Accommodation Programme was adopted.

Once again Laois is to the fore in its support for the Arts, Sports and Leisure in the County. Massive improvement and refurbishment works to Portlaoiseand Portarlington Swimming Pools were brought to tender stage in 2005. Indeed as may be seen in the report all sections of the Council played animportant role in the provision of services to our customers.

I am very grateful to the Members of the Council for their help during the year and whose co-operation and support made my job easier to do. Isympathise with the family of our late colleague on the Council, Michael Turley who sadly passed away in 2005.

I extend my thanks also to the Management and every member of staff for their loyalty and commitment both to me and the people of Laois, whom we allserve, in the delivery of a quality service.

I commend this report as an excellent overview of the valuable work done by the Council in 2005.

Larry KavanaghCathaoirleach

2 Annual Report 2005

County Manager’s Foreword

It gives me great pleasure as County Manager to welcome the publication of the Laois County Council Annual Report for the year ending 31st December2005. The publication of the Annual Report provides an opportunity to review the performance of the Council and the quality of services provided by it inthe previous twelve months. The report also records the key achievements in relation to the provision of infrastructure. It provides an opportunity topublicise the various activities engaged in by the Council in the period covered by the report.

Since taking up my appointment as County Manager in February of 2005, I have had an opportunity to work closely with the Elected Representatives andthe Employees of the Council. I am satisfied that all parties concerned are entirely committed and focused on ensuring ongoing improvements in thedelivery of the Council’s services and the development of the County to its maximum potential.

At present a period of sustained and rapid growth is being experienced here in County Laois. There is an increasing demand for the provision of majorinfrastructure projects including the expansion of water and sewerage networks and the construction of roads that will service new housing developments.In addition to this the Council is currently engaged in the delivery of social infrastructure projects including libraries, swimming pools and playgrounds.

The Council is ensuring the economic development of the County and in this regard is committed to developing enterprise centres at a number of locationsthroughout the County. The Council is also playing a role in the development of a major transport and logistics park at the Togher Interchange on theoutskirts of Portlaoise. Presently there are a number of major retail developments under construction in the County and it is my hope that when theycommence operation there will be a reduction in the economic leakage that is currently taking place to the detriment of County Laois.

The objectives contained in the Council's Corporate Plan are being delivered and the Elected Council has expressed its satisfaction with the rate ofprogress that is being made in that regard. Regular updates are presented to the Council which set out the status of each of the capital projects which arebeing undertaken.

In 2005 the Council was faced with many challenges and I am glad to say that it has been successful in meeting those challenges. During 2005 animmense amount of time and resources was targeted at finalising the County Development Plan which covers the period 2006 to 2012. Work on theintroduction of a Performance Management and Development System was also commenced in 2005 and it is intended that this system will be fullyoperational throughout the organisation before the end of 2006.

I look forward to working with the Council's Employees, the Elected Council, other agencies and the community sector in facilitating the ongoingimprovement of the living environment in County Laois.

Peter CareyCounty Manager

3Annual Report 2005

MandateLaois County Council is the Primary Democratically Elected Authority in County Laois.

Laois County Council provides an extensive and diverse range of services whichimpact upon the County's economic, social, environmental, infrastructural, tourism,industrial and cultural activities. These services include the provision andmaintenance of houses, the provision and maintenance of roads, the provision andmaintenance of water supplies and sewerage schemes, planning and developmentservices, waste management, environmental protection, recreational activities,libraries, cultural and community development including recreation and sport.

The Council is serviced by a large workforce, including the County Manager,professional, technical, legal, administrative, financial and outdoor employees andcontractors.

Council Membership and MeetingsLaois County Council consists of 25 Elected Members - four members each fromMountmellick, Emo and Luggacurren Electoral Areas, six members from the PortlaoiseElectoral Area and seven members from the Borris-in-Ossory Electoral Area. CouncilMeetings in 2005 were usually held on the last Monday of each month in the CouncilChamber at Áras an Chontae. There was no meeting in August.

Corporate Policy Group (C.P.G.)The Corporate Policy Group is designed to enhance the democratic mandate andpolicy making role of the elected members.The C.P.G. is supported by the CountyManager and comprises the Cathaoirleach of the Council and the four Chairs of theStrategic Policy Committees. The main function of the C.P.G. is to co-ordinate thework of the different S.P.C.'s and provide a forum where policy decisions affecting thewhole Council are agreed for submission to the full Council for decision. The C.P.G.met on 12 occasions in 2005.

Annual Report 2005

Mission Statement"We will provide leadership, develop, promote, protect and regulate our County and deliver

quality public services so as to enhance the quality of life for the community."

4

Laois County Council Members

PORT LAOISE

Log an Churraigh

IomaMóinteach Mílic

Buiríos Mór Osraí

. : Mountmellick Electoral Area : .

SeamusMcDonald

MCC

PaddyBracken

MCC

Michael Moloney

MCC

David Goodwin

MCC

Cluain na Slí••

Ros Fhionnghlaise •• Móinteach Mlilic••

••Cúil an tSúdaire

Baile Briotas •••• Ioma

••Baile an Bhiocáire

••An tSráidbhaile

•• Tigh Mochua

Baile Uí Laigheanáin ••

Baile Átha an Róine••

Port Laoise••

Mainistir Laoise••

Baile na Coile ••

Darú ••

•• Cúlchoill

Baile Cholla ••

•• Domhnach Mor•• Ráth Domhnaigh

•• Eiréil

•• Buiríos Mór Osraí•• An Paidhc

Baile an Chaisleáin ••

Maighean Rátha••

•• Camros

Killeshil••

Craiguecullen •••• Crochta Ard

5Annual Report 2005

. : Borris-In-Ossory Electoral Area : .

BillDelaney

MCC

BrendanPhelanMCC

JohnBonham

MCC

John JoeFennelly

MCC

LarryKavanagh

MCC

MartyPhelanMCC

MichaelLalorMCC

. : Portlaoise Electoral Area : .

Mary Sweeney

MCC

Jerry LodgeMCC

William AirdMCC

CatherineFitzgerald

MCC

Brian Stanley

MCC

Tom JacobMCC

. : Emo Electoral Area : .

Raymond Cribbin

MCC

Paul Mitchell

MCC

JamesDeegan

MCC

John D.TurleyMCC

. : Luggacurren Electoral Area : .

Dick MillerMCC

James Daly MCC

John Moran MCC

MichaelRiceMCC

Laois County Council Members 6 Annual Report 2005

The Late Councillor Michael Turley

The Members, Management and Staff of Laois County Council were saddened by the unexpected death of Councillor Michael Turley in January 2005.

He was first elected to the Council in 1999 and successfully defended his seat in 2004.

He was Leas-Cathaoirleach of the Council at the time of his death.

Michael had also previously worked as a Rate Collector with the Council for many years.

He was very popular with his fellow Councillors and the Staff and he represented the people of his native Vicarstown and the Emo Electoral Area with greatdistinction.

May he rest in peace.

7Annual Report 2005

Cathaoirleach Cllr. William Aird and the late Cllr. Michael Turley on theday of his election as Leas-Cathaoirleach of Laois County Council.

Annual Report 20058

Corporate Affairs, Human Resources,Information & Communications Technology Director of Services Louis BrennanSenior Executive Officer Gerry GillenCorporate AffairsSenior Executive Officer Don CullitonHuman ResourcesHead of Information Systems Christy Crawford

Corporate Affairs

Corporate Plan 2004 – 2009The present Corporate Plan covers the period 2004 to 2009. The Council continues to pursue thedetailed strategies for the achievement of the objectives listed in the plan. An annual progress reportwill be submitted to the Members in due course.

Customer CharterLaois County Council introduced a Customer Charter in May 2005 which sets out the way in whichthe Council endeavours to deal with its customers.

The document is on display in all public Council offices and on our website at www.laois.ie

The Charter includes a Customer Complaints Procedure which may be availed of by any person notsatisfied with the quality of service received.

Higher Education GrantsLaois County Council awards HigherEducation Grants under the LocalAuthorities (Higher Education Grants)Act 1968-1992.

To be eligible for a grant under theScheme, a candidate must satisfy therequirements as laid out in the Scheme.

The Scheme is advertised annually andthe closing date for receipt of completedapplications is 31st August of each year.

Details of the Scheme and applicationforms are usually available in July fromthe Higher Education Grants Section oron our Website at www.laois.ie/heg.

Under the 2005 grants Scheme, LaoisCounty Council awarded 150 new grantsand 285 grants were renewed.

The increase was due to increases inthe eligible income limits. The maximummaintenance grant available was €3,020and Registration fee was increased to€775. The total amount paid out in 2005amounted to €1,863,280.66.

Highlights• 25th Febuary 2005 - Reception in celebration of a Century of Camogie.

• 8th March 2005 - Reception in honour of the St. Fergal's - Borromaum Salzburg ExchangeProgramme involving students from St. Fergal's College, Rathdowney and from Salzburg,Austria.

• 27th April 2005 - Reception in honour of the medal winners at the 2004 Community GamesFinals in Mosney.

• 19th May 2005 - Civic Reception in honour of the 50th Anniversary of the Irish FarmersAssociation.

• 22nd June 2005 - Presentation to Members of Portlaoise U/12 Rugby Team on the occasion oftheir winning the Walsh Cup at the Aberystwyth International Rugby Festival in Wales.

• 11th July 2005 - Reception in honour of The Tasmanian Women in Agriculture Group who visitedLaois in July 2005 during their stay in Ireland.

• 13th September 2005 - Reception for the Fine Gael Parliamentary Party on the occasion of theirSpecial Meeting in Portlaoise.

• 30th September 2005 - Reception in recognition of the 10th Anniversary of the PortlaoiseCitizens Information Centre.

Presentation by Cllr. Larry Kavanagh, Cathoirleach

to Mr. Enda Kenny, T.D. Leader of Fine Gael.

Guests at a Civic Reception in honour of the 50th anniversary of the Irish Farmers Association

9Annual Report 2005

PartnershipThe following were members of the Workplace Partnership Committee during 2005:

Management Nominees Union NomineesGerry Maher John Culleton(Joint Chair) (Joint Chair)Declan Byrne Michael O'LoughlinDenise Rainey Bill DevoyIan McCormack Kieran KehoeGerry Gibson Ciaran Brennan

Facilitator: Josephine Kavanagh

The following employees resigned from the Committee during2005: Paddy Dowling, SIPTU, Kieran Kehoe, SIPTU LAPO, Ciaran Brennan, IMPACT and thePartnership Committee would like to acknowledge and thank them for their contribution to the work ofthe Committee.

Activities 2005Working Groups were established to examine Overtime levels, Mobile phone and Area welfarefacilties

P.M.D.S.A presentation was made to the Partnership Committee by the Co-ordinator in March regarding theimplementation of PMDS. The Partnership Facilitator is a member of the Steering Committee.

Handling Significant ChangeThe above document was circulated to the Committee at the May Meeting and it was agreed to meetwith the Management Team, Union Officials and Joint Chairs to discuss the proposals for the wayforward for Partnership as contained in this document.

Policy DocumentsThe following Workplace Policies were agreed by the Partnership Committee :-

• Draft Absenteeism Management Policy• Draft Employee Mobility Policy• Equality and Diversity Management Policy and Management Procedures• Cultural Diversity-Members of the Traveller Community Employee Booklet• Rest Period and Breaks Policy

Workplace ReviewThe Implementation Team presented their recommendations to the Partnership Committee at theirJune Meeting which were referred to the Management Team for implementation.

Funding The following funding was agreed for 2005 projects:

• Standard Hand Book • Staff Integration Day • Long Service Awards • Equality Awareness • Irish Language • Media Skills • Customer Survey • Mobile Units • Return to Learning

Greening CommitteeIn 2005, the Greening Committee continued their work of encouraging employees to reduce, reuseand recycle. A “Laois Clean Up Week” was held in April. Other activities that the GreeningCommittee ran included competition during Energy Awareness Week, overseeing of maintenance ofplants in County Hall and a logo competition.

Long Service AwardsLong Service Awards were presented to 34 employees on 1st December, 2005.

Area Partnership Activities 2005Area Partnership Committees were established in the Central, Eastern and Western Areas. Eachcommittee comprises of 3 Union and 3 Management Representatives.

Some of the items discussed to-date include: Health & Safety/Welfare Facilities; Training; ProtectiveClothing; Flexible working for Office & General Staff; Patching Unit/Equipment; Winter Working;Review of Depot Facilities; Work Practices/Use of Contractors; Overtime; Area OfficeAccommodation; Use of own vehicles; Family Friendly Working Policies; Employee RecognitionScheme

PANG PANG continued their work in 2005 and once again ran a very successful programme of events whichincluded Health Focus Day and the Golf Outing in Killenard. Other events that PANG sponsoredincluded the participation of a team from the Eastern Area in a bowling tournament in Roll 'n' Bowl.

Return to LearningThis commenced in May 2005 and will be completed in January 2006. 9 participants are on thiscourse, which is held every Wednesday evening from 6.30 p.m. to 9.30 p.m.

Freedom of Information (F.O.I.)The Freedom of Information Act 1997 has applied to Local Authorities since 21st October, 1998. Thefollowing show the level of activity in relation to requests for 2005:

Applications received/processed in 2005Applications on hands at 31/12/2004 3Applications received during 2005 19Decisions taken during 2005 17Applications on hands at 31/12/2005 5Nature of Information SoughtPersonal (to applicant) NilNon-personal 19AppealsAppeals to Information Commissioner NilAppeal to High Court NilSource of RequestsJournalists NilBusiness NilOireachtas Members NilLocal Authority Members NilOthers/General Public 19

Recipients of Long Service Awards - 30 years service

Annual Report 200510

Register of Electors 2005/2006Dáil Constituency Presidential Electors Total Dáil Electors TotalLaois - Offaly 49,371 49,371 49,679 49,679

European Parliament Constituency European Electors Total Potential European Electors TotalLeinster 49,743 49,743 46 46

Local Electoral Areas Number of ElectorsBorris-in-Ossory 14,317Emo 8,215Luggacurren 8,199Mountmellick 7,097Portlaoise 12,272 Total: 50,100

Borough Council or Town Council Local Government ElectorsMountmellick Town Council 2,529Portlaoise Town Council 7,205 Total: 9,734

Postal and Special Voters

Dáil Constituency Gardaí Defence Forces Diplomats Physically Disabled Occupation etc. Special VotersLaois-Offaly 3 134 3 36 0 0Total 3 134 3 36 0 0

Guests at reception in honour of The Citizens Information Centre

11Annual Report 2005

The Council Members supported and attended the following Conferences in 2005:East Coast & Midlands Tourism Meath 13th January 2005The Duhallow Conference Cork 20th - 21st January 2005The Irish Academy Galway 26th -27th January 2005Clare Tourist Council Clare 28th - 29th January 2005Antrim Borough CouncilCumann Merriman Clare 28th - 30th January 2005Seminar for Councillors Waterford 3rd - 4th February 2005A.M.A.I. Spring Seminar 2005 Donegal 11th - 12th February 2005Colmcille Winter School Donegal 25th - 27th February 20051. The 'Rapid' Programme Tipperary 4th - 5th March 20052. 'A Life After Politics'International Women's Day Seminar Dublin 8th March 2005Galway County International Genealogical Conference Galway 19th - 20th March 2005L.A.M.A. 22nd Annual Conference Cork 31st March - 1st April 2005 ICT Expo Dublin 13th - 14th April 2005Cork County Council Cork 14th - 15th April 2005Annual Mayor's ConferenceTipperary Peace Convention Tipperary 15th - 17th April 200521st Annual Environmental Conference Cork 21st - 22nd April 2005The Duhallow Conference Cork 21st - 24th April 2005Optimising the Environment for Enterprise Laois 27th April 2005Kerry Environmental Conference Kerry 4th - 7th May 2005Senator Terry Leydon Conferences Louth 11th - 12th May 2005National Broadband Galway 13th May 2005European Summit of Regions & Cities Poland 19th - 20th May 2005Blackwater Valley Tourism Cork 19th - 21st May 2005Media Skills for Councillors Wicklow 21st May 2005The Future of Rural Tourism Roscommon 23rd - 25th June 2005Douglas Hyde Conference Roscommon 16th - 17th July 2005 MacGill Summer School Donegal 17th - 22nd July 2005The 18th John Hewitt Summer School Tyrone 25th - 29th July 2005William Carleton Summer School Tyrone 1st - 5th August 2005The Parnell Summer School Wicklow 14th - 19th August 2005Merriman Summer School Clare 20th - 27th August 200517th Autumn Fair Dublin 28th - 31st August 2005IRDA Conference Clare 31st August - 1st September 2005Rural Housing - A Rural RightFETAC Cork 6th - 8th September 2005Cork Adult Education Cityscape Conference London 20th - 21st September 2005Greystones Town Council Wicklow 30th September - 2nd October 2005Mental Illness London 7th October 2005Inland Waterways Lurgan 13th October 2005Association of Ireland European Councillors Berlin 12th - 14th October 2005Les Rencontres Cork 13th - 16th October 2005North West European Conference Cork 19th October 2005Stone Wall Workshop Galway 21st - 22nd October 2005Effectively Tackling Hate Crime Belfast 27th October 2005Councillor Training Seminar Tipperary 28th - 29th October 2005Education & Local GovernmentCork County Council Seminar Cork 3rd November 2005L.A.M.A. Donegal 4th - 5th November 2005The Ceifin Conference Clare 8th - 9th November 2005Community Safety Conference Louth 10th - 12th November 2005N.I.S.E. Fermanagh 15th - 16th November 2005Clare Tourism Clare 25th - 26th November 2005The Local Government Budget Wexford 10th December 2005


Human ResourcesRecruitment StatisticsA total of 511 people were employed by Laois County Council at 31st December 2005.

During 2005 Laois County Council held 53 competitions, in relation to which the following statisticshave been extracted:

Work Life Balance InitiativesAt year-end 8 employees were availing of the Career Break Scheme, 22 employees were availing ofthe job/work sharing scheme, 14 employees availed of the Parental Leave Scheme and 8 employeesavailed of Term Time.

Industrial RelationsLaois County Council continues to be characterised by good industrial relations.

No days were lost due to industrial action in 2005.

Employee Training & DevelopmentLaois County Council delivered a comprehensive training programme in 2005 based on the TrainingNeeds Analysis carried out.

Expenditure on training courses was approximately €305,000.

Training Courses provided in 2005 included:

Equality & Management Diversity Polaris Training Safepass Kieran DeveryExpert Witness La Touche Bond SalonSigning, Lighting & Guarding Roscrea RTCHealth & Safety in Waste OHSSManagementHealth & Safety Legislation Training SQTSupervisory Management Training Des Doyle Associates

Some 28 employees benefited from assistance under the Staff Education Scheme, pursuing 3rdLevel Courses of education, relevant to their work with the Council.

Employees also attended Conferences and Seminars related to their area of work.

Excellence ThroughPeopleIn recognition of the highstandards in place in LaoisCounty Council in terms ofemployee development andinvolvement, the Council wassuccessful in securing the“Excellence through People”standard, awarded by FÁS, inSeptember 2005.

Equality Laois County Council is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to the introduction of a broadrange of policies, practices and procedures which aim to recognise individual contribution andperformance, develop each individual's capability and give everyone an equal opportunity to usehis/her talent and realise his/her potential.

An Equality Action Team, representative of management and employee interests, is in place toexamine equality issues, monitor progress and ensure achievement of equality objectives.

Service Indicators

Absenteeism ManagementPolicyLaois County Council implemented itsAbsenteeism Management Policy in 2005.This policy will assist with the management ofabsenteeism throughout the organisation.

Total Applications received 604

Male FemaleApplicants 296 308Successful Applicants 90 119

Permanent Appointments/Promotions 2005: Male Female

Appointments 16 15Promotions 13 12

Paddy and Pattie Ging on the occassion of Paddy’sretirement as Overseer from Laois County Conucil.

Customer Care – dealing with difficult and aggressive behaviour

2004 2005

Expenditure on training and development as a percentage of total payroll costs in 2005. The out-turn is 4.4% which exceeds 3.33% 4.43%the 3% national performance indicators.

The working days lost to certified and uncertified illness are as follows:

• CERTIFIED 3.57% 3.47%• UNCERTIFIED 0.31% 0.5%

13Annual Report 2005

Information & Communications TechnologyDepartmentThe year 2005 saw the completion of some projects and advances being made in others in the ICTSection.

Geographic Information SystemsGIS has now established itself as a core technology of the organisation. More than 80% of allinformation used by local authorities is geographically related.

The Planning Department in Laois County Council is now digitising all planning applications receivedwhich are available online on our www.laois.ie website.

The G.I.S. section was involved with Laois Civil Defence in providing mapping facilities on their newOperational Support Unit. This facility allows easy access to maps for search and recovery purposesin Laois and has proved to be a very useful tool.

Laois County Council G.I.S. Section in collaboration with IMGS has developed a very simpleinteractive application for displaying the County Development Plan maps atwww.laoisgis.ie/laoisdevplan/welcome.aspx. This facility allows the user to view the development planmaps quickly and easily for their area.

Software Development & Internet / IntranetThroughout 2005 the Information Technology Department continued to focus on the provision ofservices and information using web-based technologies. Enhancement to existing services has led toan increase in the number of visitors to the Council's web site, which for 2005 was an average of7,500 unique visits per month and over 200,000 page views. A major achievement was the roll out ofa new content management system for http://www.laois.ie. The key goals of this system were toimprove site design and accessibility and service areas are now fully responsible for the update andmaintenance of their own areas on the site.

In the past year additional online payment facilities have been added to our online payments portal -http://www.laois.ie/payonline including Landfill Key Fobs, buy a composter and pay fire charges andlitter fines. More online payment services will be added in the coming year.

2005 has seen the introduction of a litter fines system for the Environment section along with theanalysis phase for an Environmental Complaints System. A Planning Validation System and aPercolation Test System have been developed for the Planning section. The scanned planning filesfor the last 6 years can be examined on line and also the aerial photography of the application. Thewebsite was also redesigned to make it easier for people to find information and to make our site fullyaccessible for people of all abilities.

Further development with the corporate intranet was completed.

Network Administrationo Installed, Configured and Commissioned 12 servers and a SAN (Storage Area Network) for existingand new systems.

o Provided operational support and maintenance for critical Council systems such as Housing,Planning Payroll, Financial System, Rents, Rates, Collections, etc.

Each Elected Member was provided with a Laptop with full email and internet facilities to enable themto carry out their functions more efficiently.

Storage Area Network: Dell Computers were awarded the contracts for supply and installation of aStorage Area Network and this work was completed in mid 2005. Wireless Networking facilities wereinstalled in the Co. Managers Conference Room in early 2005. Wireless enabled laptopcomputer networking facilities were available to Elected Members and Senior Management Teamfrom early 2005 onward.

The Network Administration Section were involved in the provision of new data and telephonyfacilities when the Stradbally Area and Central Area Offices were relocated in 2005. New Audio Visualequipment was installed in the Council Chamber in 2005. Broadband Internet access was extended toPortarlington and Mountmellick Branch Libraries. The telephone system in Áras an Chontae as wellas I.T. facilities were upgraded in 2005 atreception. Portarlington Branch Librarywas computerised during the year. DataBackup and Security measures werestrengthened in the organisation in 2005.

I.C.T. Staff Members


Housing, Social and Cultural PolicyChair: Brian Stanley MCC

Members: Sectoral:William Aird, M.C.C. Mary Wheatley Larry Kavanagh, M.C.C. Pat Culleton Paddy Bracken, M.C.C. John GraceSeamus McDonald, M.C.C. Mick Dowling Catherine Fitzgerald, M.C.C.Marc Connolly, T.C.

Director Of Services: Declan ByrneSenior Executive Officer: A.M. DelaneySenior Executive Engineer: P.J. DempseySenior Social Worker: Fionnuala DalyCounty Librarian: Gerry Maher

Report on Strategic Policy CommitteeDuring 2005 the Housing, Social and Cultural S.P.C. met in March, June, September and December.At these meetings, reports and recommendations were received and considered from the ArtsSection, Heritage Section, Sports & Leisure Section and the Library Section. The meeting held inJune considered, among other things, a policy on Anti-Social Behaviour. The September meetingconsidered the Draft Housing Strategy 2006-2011. Both the Anti-Social Behaviour Policy and theHousing Strategy were agreed by the Members. The S.P.C. is working satisfactorily.

Housing ServicesLaois County Council's key objective is to maximise the availability of accommodation to meetdifferent categories of need and to promote the full range of housing options.

Highlights during 2005• The appointment of a Tenant Liaison Officer• The appointment of a mobile caretaker for aged and disabled tenants• The completion of the Housing Needs Assessment in March 2005• The Adoption of the Four Year Traveller Accommodation Programme for the period

1st January 2005 to 31st December 2008 in April 2005.• The Launch of the Tenants' Handbook in April 2005.• Adoption of the Anti-Social Behaviour Policy in June 2005• The Review of the Council Housing Strategy in September 2005

Housing Construction & AcquisitionDuring the year, 157 houses were completed under this Programme. The breakdown is as follows:

In addition, 30 houses werepurchased on the open market forallocation to persons on the waiting listand 5 new demountable dwellingswere also provided. The totalexpenditure on the CapitalProgramme in 2005 was €28,391,057.

The above summary includes extensions to local authority dwellings and improvement works in lieu toprivate houses.

Planned MaintenanceProgrammePhase III of the Planned MaintenanceProgramme commenced in September2004 and was completed in December2005.

A total of 121 houses have beenupgraded under this phase at a cost of€400,000. Work is currently underwayin preparing a programme for PhaseIV.

Central Heating InitiativeIn 2004, a new central heating programme was made available by The Department of theEnvironment, Heritage and Local Government. The funding available is €5,600 per dwelling or 80%of expenditure, whichever is the lesser.

In 2005, a total of 116 houses have been provided with central heating. The total cost of the 2005programme was €785,719 of which €576,700 was recouped from The Department of theEnvironment, Heritage and Local Government.

Maintenance of Local Authority StockAt 31st December, 2005 the Council had 1,519 dwellings in its rented stock. Out of this, a total of 68vacant dwellings were referred to the Maintenance Section for repair prior to re-letting during the year.

Turnkey DevelopmentsWorks are continuing on the turnkey development at Station Road, Portarlington (20 apartments) andon 40 units at Ballycullenbeg, Mountmellick. It is the Council's intention to avail of turnkey housingdevelopments and the Council regularly advertises to invite proposals from Building Contractors orDevelopers for the supply of turnkey housing schemes in Co. Laois. All proposals are consideredsubject to local requirements.

Land in Council OwnershipThe Council has a policy of ensuring that an adequate land bank is in place to cater for the Council'sHousing Programme. In 2005, land was acquired for housing development in the following locations:

• Rathdowney (5 acres)• Bracklone St. Portarlington (0.41 acres)• Knockmay, Portlaoise (2.5 acres)• Doonane, Crettyard (1.8 acres)• Durrow (2.24 acres).

Summary Of ProgrammeNo. under construction at 01/01/05 78No. commenced in 2005 278No. completed in 2005 210No. in progress at 31/12/05 202

Acragar Mountmellick 32 unitsChurchfield, Castletown 19 unitsMountmellick Road, Portlaoise 8 unitsKilminchy Village, Portlaoise 17 unitsRetirement Village, Kilminchy 12 unitsDublin Road, Portlaoise 12 unitsRural Dwellings 5 unitsSleaty Road, Graiguecullen (Pt V) 18 unitsFairgreen, Portlaoise (Pt V) 23 unitsBallacollig, Mountmellick (Pt V) 11 units

Total 157 units

Churchfield Heights, Castletown

Annual Report 2005 15

Part V- Housing StrategyIn accordance with Part V of the Housing Strategy, 74 housing units (52 social and 22 affordable)were completed around the County in 2005. 42 units (6 social and 36 affordable) are currently inprogress. In addition, a number of Agreements are in place for the provision of units in Portlaoise,Portarlington, Mountmellick and Abbeyleix. Negotiations are also ongoing, under the HousingStrategy, for the provision of additional units at a number of locations around the County.

Voluntary Housing SectorThe Voluntary Sector continues to play a vital role in assisting to meet the accommodation needs inLaois. In 2005, Mountmellick Voluntary Housing Association started work on 22 units and aCommunity Centre at Wolfe Tone Street, Mountmellick.

Construction is continuing on 64 housing units by Respond! in Balladine, Abbeyleix. The Sisters ofCharity of Jesus & Mary are constructing an 11-bed complex at The Green, Stradbally and this shouldbe completed in early 2006.

Affordable HousingDuring the year work commenced on the following schemes:

• Abbeyleix (Balladine) 20 units• Durrow (Seandoire) 10 units• Portlaoise (Colliers Lane) 50 units• Mountmellick (Ballacollig) 11 units• Ballyroan 12 units• Portlaoise (Fairgreen Pt V) 22 units• Portlaoise (Maryborough Crescent Pt V) 4 units• Portlaoise (Power's Court) 1 unit

Total 130 units

Affordable Housing Developments completed in 2005 include:

• Borris-In-Ossory (St. Patrick's Terrace) 4 units• Castletown 6 units• Graiguecullen (Pt V) 18 units• Mountmellick (Davitt Road) 32 units• Portarlington (Ballymorris) 2 units• Portlaoise (Maryborough Crescent)(Pt V) 4 units

Total 66 units

Housing RentsThe Council reviews its Differential Rent Scheme on an annual basis. The latest Scheme wasimplemented on 15th October 2005. The average weekly rent, under the 2005 Scheme, was €32.50.A total rental income of €2,273,910 was received.

Traveller AccommodationThe Four Year Traveller Accommodation Programme 2005-2008 was adopted by the Council in April2005. Significant progress in relation to the accommodation of the Travelling Community has beenmade in County Laois with only four families remaining on the roadside.

Estate ManagementThe year 2005 saw the continued development of the Council's policy on resident participation inEstate Management addressing issues such as, Estate Enhancement, General Maintenance, TrafficCalming Measures and Anti-social behaviour

Pre-tenancy courses and tenant handbooks were provided for all new tenants. An Anti-SocialBehaviour Policy was adopted by the elected members in June 2005.

Best Estate Competition20051st Place: Parnell Crescent, Portlaoise2nd Place: Woodview, StradballyA special award went to RiverviewApartments, Portlaoise.

A Tenant Liaison Officer was appointed inJanuary 2005. In addition, a mobileCaretaker for the Aged and Disabled tookup duty in 2005 and has been approved fora further year under the HousingManagement Initiative. Residents'Associations have increased from 29 in2004 to 46 in 2005.

Building ControlThere were 263 inspections of buildings toensure compliance with BuildingRegulations. Our level of monitoring isconsistently meeting Department of theEnvironment Standards.

Activity under Various SchemesExtensions to Local Authority Dwellings:Commenced 17Completed 12Improvement Works in Lieu of Local Authority Housing: Commenced 4Completed 6Disabled Persons Grants:Applications Received 246Total No. of Grants Paid 155 (Totalling €1,718,982)Essential Repairs Grants:Applications Received 117Total No. of Grants Paid 72(Totalling €375,154)Tenant Purchase Scheme:Applications Received 79Houses Sold 32Shared Ownership Loans:Applications Received 81Transactions Completed 39Mortgage Allowance Scheme:Applications Received 7House Purchase Annuity Loans Advanced 1Home Improvement Loans Advanced: 4

Social & Affordable houses at Willow Grove, Mountmellick


Service IndicatorsPerformance

Performance Indicator 2004 2005

Total number of dwellings in local authority stock including 30 Bays 1428 1519

Percentage of dwellings that are let 96.43% 97.83%

Percentage of dwellings that are empty 3.57% 2.17%

Percentage of empty dwellings subject to major refurbishment schemes 0% 0%

Percentage of empty dwellings unavailable for letting 73.58% 33.33%

Percentage of empty dwellings available for letting 26.42% 66.67%

Average time taken to relet dwellings available for reletting (in weeks) 2.14 5.28 weeks

Number of repairs completed as a percentage of the number of valid requests received 85% 83.18%

Average time taken to inform applicants of local authority’s decision on applications for:-o Shared Ownership Housing Scheme 23 days 4 dayso Housing Loans Scheme 15 days 4 dayso Local Authority Housing 28 day 5 days

Total no. of traveller families accommodated as a precentage of the targets set in the local Traveller Accomodation Programme 173% 188.89%

Housing RentAmount collected at year end as a percentage of amount due 82.16% 85%Percentage of Arrearso 4-6 weeks old 28% 3.93%o 6-12 weeks old 20.83% 6.47%o More than 12 weeks old 50.54% 83.71%

Offical opening of Greenview, Mountmelick Rd., Portlaoise


The Arts

Laois Youth TheatreLaois Youth theatre which recommenced in Portlaoise, Mountmellick, Rathdowney and Stradbally inJanuary 2005 enables young people to avail of the very best drama training. “Showcase” a series ofplays devised and produced by the four youth theatre groups was presented in the Dunamaise ArtsCentre. Rathdowney presented “Action Packed”. Stradbally presented “Who Stole Scrappy Doo”.Portlaoise presented “For Gods Sake (It's not my Problem)” and Mountmellick presented "The TrueStory of Peter Pan”. A new youth theatre group will be set up in Mountrath in January 2006.

Laois School of MusicAnother very successful year for Laois School of Music included the following highlights.

• A piano concert and workshops for Schools with pianist Colm ‘Stride' O'Brien. • A Music Marathon in the Dunamaise Art Centre by over 50 students. • Participation in the St. Patrick's Day Parade in Mountrath. • A Gala End of Year concert by over 60 students in The Dunamaise Arts Centre with guest

presenter, Mary Kennedy and guest artist Liam Lawton.

The Laois Arts Plan 2006-2011The new Laois Arts Plan 2006-2011 will prioritise the direction of Arts development and set out avision by which the arts can continue to flourish in Laois. An extensive public consultation took placeearly in 2005. The Plan will be launched early in 2006.

Artists' Symposium in Emo CourtAn Artists' symposium was organised in the grounds of Emo Court in Autumn 2005. The symposiumwas supported by The Arts Council, The OPW, and Laois Leader. Artist Judy Merriman createddrawings of the inside and outside of Emo Court. Lisa Fingleton compiled a film entitled “MyFavourite Place in the World” and conducted 90 interviews with visitors she met during thesymposium. Artist James Hayes used his thumb print as the basis for his dramatic project, drawingonto grid paper and scaling it up and then burning it out onto the grass. Artist Barbara Nealon createda temporary studio which was a tent down near the lake and made daily interventions around thepark. James Fraher presented a photographic diary of the three-week symposium capturing theartists at work, the visitors to the symposium and the Outreach Programme with schools as well assome beautiful shots of the scenery in the grounds of Emo Court. A website containing wonderfulimages of the Symposium can be viewed at www.laoisarts.ie. Over the course of the Symposiummany schools visited Emo Court for outreach workshops guided by local artist Patricia Bennett. Thesymposium ended with a very successful open day that involved art workshops and talks with theartists and arts facilitators.

Writer in ResidenceDuring her six-month residency as Writer in Residence, Jean O'Brien worked with existing and newwriters groups, schools, emerging writers, community groups, the prison community and localorganisations involved in and interested in writing. The third Laois Anthology of literature “FromMairgy to the Slieve Blooms” was compiled and it was launched in December 2005. A literaryevening was held to celebrate Bloomsday.

Artists and Architects in Schools SchemeThe scheme ran very successfully in 2005 in seven schools in the county including: Dance in ScoilAonghusa, Stradbally,Sculpture in StradballyBoys NS, Ceramics inSouth NS Abbeyleix,Pottery in Rushall NS andClough NS, Art Modellingin No.2 NS Portarlingtonand Architecture inBallyfin NS. A wonderfulexhibition of work by theschools from the 2004Scheme was held in theDunamaise Arts Centreand a celebratory bookleton the project waspublished.

Awards & BursariesAt a special awards event in Áras an Chontae grants were presented to nineteen groups and sixindividuals to further their artistic endeavours. The Tyrone Guthrie Centre Bursary was awarded toartist Stasia Blake and the Scholarship for the Drama League of Ireland Residential Summer Schoolwas awarded to Emma O'Grady from Mountrath.

Storytelling Skills CourseThe Arts Office, the Library Service and Laois VEC held a ten-week storytelling skills FETACaccredited course for people interested in volunteering to read to children within the library orcommunity setting. A rota of volunteer readers for libraries is being organised for 2006.

Midland Collaborative Creative Writing ProjectThe Arts Sections and County Development Boards of Laois, Offaly, Longford and Westmeath held asix-month creative writing project for young people from Moate, Mountmellick, Edenderry andLongford. This project was initiated by Laois County Council in association with the Arts Officers andCounty Development Boards. In Laois the project was carried out by an enthusiastic group ofstudents from Youthreach, Mountmellick, facilitated by Heather Brett. The focus was on creativewriting, artwork and photography and a book entitled “ID” was published.

Summer Arts ProgrammeVery successful summer arts workshops took place over the month of July in a number of areas inLaois. The weeklong workshops included pottery, sculpture, drama, kindermusic, creative writing andArt.

Dance ProjectA ten-week series of dance workshops for young people took place in Birchgrove Community Centre.The workshops culminated in a very successful Free Lunchtime performance in the Dunamaise ArtsCentre. The project was in collaboration with Laois Youth Services, the Family Resource Centre,Knockmay and Birchgrove After Schools Project, funded by Laois County Council and People inNeed. Artist James Hayes’ thumbprint scaled up and burned into the grass at

Emo Court for the Laois Artists’ Symposium

Laois School of Music


Art Exhibitions included:• Children's Lives in Laois” Schools Photographic Exhibition• Laois Community Education Project Community Groups Art & Craft exhibition• Exhibition of Paintings by The Whyte Family• Exhibition of Pottery by Sue Ryder Abbeyleix Pottery• Exhibition of photographs “Different Times” by local photographers Kevin Byrne & Veronica

Carroll• Exhibition Poster competition in partnership with the Lions Club of Ireland

Public ArtThe Percent for Art sculpture for the Ballyroan WasteWater Improvement Scheme was officially launched at aceremony in Ballyroan in April. The work entitled “Autumn”is by local sculptor Angela Delaney. The sculpture is madefrom limestone and is in the form of a horse chestnut; thefruit bursting open as it reaches its full potential. The workcan be viewed at The Green, Ballyroan.

Other activities• Master Classes in Life Drawing & Figure Drawing• Book Launches• Music Concerts• Free Lunchtime Concerts• Dance workshops in Hospitals• Storytelling in Hospitals

Service Indicators

The Dunamaise Arts CentreThe Dunamaise Arts Centre had another very successful year in 2005, with over 25,000 seats sold fornearly 200 performances. Shows included work by the magician Keith Barry; Calypso Theatre Co;comedians Niall Toíbin and Kevin McAleer; Martin McDonagh's masterpiece The Lonesome West;J.B. Keane's The Love Hungry Farmer (with Des Keogh); the veteran actress Anna Manahan inSisters, and musicians such as Liam Clancy, Paddy Cole, Tommy Fleming and Luka Bloom.Performances by local groups continued to make their mark, particularly those by Open Door Drama,The Portlaoise Pantomine and Portlaoise Musical Societies. The Centre also introduced a new seriesof performances specially for young families on Sunday mornings which was a great success. A widerange of independent and cultural cinema was shown. In the visual arts, there were many exhibitionsby local and national artists and photographers, together with the ever popular Open Art Competition.

Sport & LeisurePlay ProvisionA new playground in Portarlington was officially opened in April 2005. “Pairc Spraoi na hAbhann”(River Play Park) caters for children 0 to 12 years. “Solas na Greine” the People's Park in Portlaoisewas further developed in 2005 and continues to be used extensively by local families and visitors toPortlaoise. Two further playgrounds are being developed in Abbeyleix and Mountrath with anexpected opening in March/April 2006. Funding of €95,000 was granted by the Department ofEnvironment, Heritage & Local Government towards the provision of playgrounds and mobileskatepark equipment.

Children's Activity ProgrammeLaois County Council organised and delivered a very successful Easter and Summer activityprogramme in 2005 with over 850 children participating. Camp Co Co was run in Ballyroan andPortlaoise during the Easter holiday period. Our summer camps in Portarlington, Rathdowney,Vicarstown, Mountrath, Portlaoise and Ballyroan proved as popular as ever. Parks Tennis Campswere run in Portlaoise, Mountmellick, Portarlington and Abbeyleix. Also Playdays in the Park in bothPortarlington and Portlaoise were highly successful with the younger children aged 3 to 5 years. LaoisCounty Council Sports Section also produced a directory of summer activities for children and parentsand over 4,000 copies were circulated to all schools throughout the county.

Club DevelopmentThe Council's club development programme continued in 2005, promoting and supporting new andexisting clubs throughout Laois, delivering workshops and seminars and providing assistance to clubsto secure funding through the Sports Capital Grants Programme. Fourteen clubs were successfulwith a total allocation of €771,000 throughout the county.

Walking RoutesSlí na Sláinte walking routes in Portlaoise, Mountmellick and Ballyroan continue to be very popularwith walkers and a further two routes are currently being developed in Emo and Stradbally with anopening planned for March 2006. Work has commenced on the upgrading of the Slieve Bloom Waywhich includes the development of three sets of looped walks at Glenbarrow, Clonaslee andMonicknew and will be completed by September 2006.

Laois Sports PartnershipLaois Sports Partnership has completed its fourth very successful year in operation. Gareth Culletonwas appointed Disability Officer and commenced employment in June 2005. Some notable eventsduring 2005 were The Go for Life Training for Older Adults, Sport For All Leadership Training, MiniMarathon Fun Run, Safe Cycling Workshops, Disability Swim Teachers Course. Grants wereawarded to schools, community groups and clubs under the Sport & Physical Grant Scheme.

Ballet Ire Les Sylphides

Performance Indicators 2003 2004 2005

(1) No. of Art Grants allocated 24 29 26

(2) Total value of Art Grants allocated 119.10 2341per 1,000 population

No. of Youth Theatres 3 4 5

Summer Art Workshops 8 8 10

Drama Workshops 3 2 2

Laois School of Music No. of Students 330 332 279

Official opening of Portarlington Playground


Performance Indicators 2005

Performance Indicators Description 2005 Indicators Set Indicators Achieved

Numbers of Training 2 Coaching (SAQ) Courses 12 12Courses Organised 2 Summer Camp Leader Training Courses

4 Sports Development Seminars4 Code of Ethics courses

Number of Trained Leaders, Coaches Leaders to be trained 100 185Coaches & Admins. at courses detailed above

Number of participating 6 Camp Co Co - Portarlington, Vicarstown, Portlaoise, Rathdowney, Ballyroan, Mountrath 12 13communities in Summer 2 Easter Camp Co Co Ballyroan & PortlaoiseCamps & other programmes 4 Parks Tennis Programme - Portarlington, Abbeyleix, Mountmellick, Portlaoise

1 Portlaoise Town Park Play Project

Number of children participating Children participated in the programme 800 920in programme as detailed above

No of clubs/groups assisted with Assistance includes: 35 37Sports Funding Applications Attendance at Sports Capital Seminar, Site visits, Facilitating Club Development Plans,

Completing Application Forms

Play Facilities Provision of 1 Additional Playground in Portarlington – completed & opened in April 2005 1 1Upgrading of Existing Playground 1 1

Policy Document Report County Facilities Audit 1 1County Play Strategy 1 1

Walking Routes Provision of Sli na Slainte Walking Work Routes, Emo & Stradbally ongoing 2 Work on-goingUpgrading of Sliabh Bloom Way & Work Development of Looped Walks ongoing 1 “

A group of children enjoying the activities at the Sports Hall Athletics which was run by Laois Sports Partnership and the Sports Section


Service Indicators

Swimming Pools In July 2005 approval was received fromthe Department of Arts, Sports andTourism to proceed to tender stage forcontractors for the refurbishment andextension to Portlaoise and PortarlingtonSwimming Pools. It is anticipated thatwork will commence on these projects in2006.

Laois County Council continued tosupport the committees of Portlaoise,Portarlington and Ballinakill pools. It isappropriate to acknowledge the workbeing undertaken by the poolcommittees.

HeritageLaois Heritage OfficeThe Laois County Council Heritage Office is staffed by a full-time Heritage Officer. The aim of theHeritage Office is to collect data, protect and conserve, raise awareness and promote pride andenjoyment in the built and natural heritage of County Laois. The Laois Heritage Officer works closelywith the Heritage Forum in implementing the Laois Heritage Plan 2002 - 2006. The membership ofthe Forum reflects the wide range of groups with aninterest in protecting and raising awareness of theheritage of Laois.

1. Laois Heritage Plan 2005ProjectsFunding from the Heritage Council was used toimplement a range of actions in the Laois Heritage Plan.Full reports on these actions are available atwww.laois.ie/heritage. Projects undertaken in 2005 inimplementation of the Laois Heritage Plan included thefollowing:

• Habitat Survey• Mills Survey• Memorials Recording Project (in association with

Offaly Heritage Office)

• Esker Survey• Raising Awareness: Radio Soundbites (in association with Offaly and Westmeath Heritage Offices)• “Celebrating Laois Heritage” Conference• Hedgerow Survey (in association with Offaly Heritage Office)• “Golden Mile of Laois” hedgerow competition (in association with Laois LEADER)

2. Other 2005 Laois Heritage Office ProjectsThese projects were also undertaken in 2005, as a part of the matching funding contributed by LaoisCounty Council to implementation of the Heritage Plan.

• Durrow Courthouse Conservation• “Built Heritage of Laois” Poster• “Natural Heritage of Laois”

Calendar• Events to celebrate Centenary of

John Canon O'Hanlon, renowned author and historian, a native of Stradbally.

• “Pride of Place” Competition, entries from Mountmellick and Rathdowney represented Laois in this prestigious all-Island competition.

• Heritage Appraisal of draft Laois County Development Plan

• Slieve Bloom Biodiversity Project, in association with Slieve Bloom Association.

3. Raising Awareness & Promoting PrideAn important part of the role of the Heritage Office is to raise awareness of the heritage of Laois, andpromote pride in this heritage among all members of the community. Actions undertaken in Laoisduring 2005 to raise awareness of heritage issues included:

• Dawn Chorus Day: Two dawn walks were organised to celebrate Dawn Chorus Day in May,• Heritage Week: A guide to Heritage Week events in Laois was compiled and distributed

by the Heritage Office,• Information & Advice on a range of topics was provided to members of the public,• Community Liaison: the Heritage Officer worked with numerous community groups

and the County Community Forum to plan projects and provided advice on accessing grant aid and project support.

4. PoliciesPolicies produced and implemented by the Heritage Officer in 2005, in association with the Housing,Social and Cultural SPC of Laois County Council included:

• Policy on Laois Museums• Policy & Committee on

Placenames in Laois

These policies are now beingimplemented. Copies of thefull policies are available atwww.laois.ie/heritage.

Easter Camp CoCo at Rowl & Bowl

Service Indicators 2004 2005

No. of children’s playgrounds per 1,000 poplulation directly provided by LCC .017 .000034

No. of children’s playgrounds per 1,000 poplulationfacilitated by LCC 0 0

No. of visitors to LCC facilitated swimmingfacilities per 1,000 population: N/A .19

Speakers at the “Celebrating Laois Heritage” Conference

Prize winners at the Golden Mile of Laois Competition Awards Night


Library ServicesThe purpose of the public library is to provide and promote access to information, ideas andknowledge recorded in books and other forms of media as well as fulfilling a recreational role in thecommunity. The library service performs an essential function in a democratic society by enablingpeople to inform themselves on issues affecting their daily lives. It provides information and materialsfor people engaged in any form of learning, whether formal or lifelong learning. The libraryencourages and supports individuals in developing and maintaining the skill of reading. Reading is anessential life skill and the ability to read underpins the acquisition of the other intellectual skills. Thelibrary service is administered under the Housing, Social and Cultural S.P.C. of the County Council.

AbbeyleixTenders were received in December for the development of the Market House at Main Street to apublic library. It is expected to begin work on the renovation and refurbishment of the building early in2006. The library when completed will operate at ground floor level and two mezzanine levels.

RathdowneyDuring the year the library section acquired the former courthouse and extended the library into thearea formerly occupied by the courthouse giving a total library area of 140m2 approx. The entirelibrary has been fully redecorated and carpeted. New shelving and furniture has also been added.The library is now a modern, comfortable library with a good bookstock and three public internetaccess points. The library system of checking in and out of books is now automated.

Library AutomationThe library systems in Mountmellick, Rathdowney and Clonaslee were automated inNovember/December 2005. These library systems will be going live in early 2006. The public willalso be able to transact certain services online. Broadband is being availed of where it is available.

DigitisationThe Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government provided grant-aid of €13,861to digitise certain areas of the local studies collection located at the library headquarters at Áras anChontae, Portlaoise. The project lasted six months and the histories and culture of the towns ofPortlaoise, Portarlington, Abbeyleix and the estate houses of Cosby Hall, Stradbally and Emo Courtwere digitised and are now available on the local website.

BookfundLaois County Council allocated €171,000 for the purchase of books in 2005, an increase of €11,000on the previous year. The Department of Education and Science contributed €32,259 for thepurchase of books for primary schools in the local authority area.

Comóradh Leabhar Na bPáistíComoradh Leabhar na bPáistí took place from 5th to 31st October, 2005. Various events were held atPortlaoise Library to encourage children to use their local library. Bord na Leabhar Gaeilge gave agrant of €4,000 to the County Library to purchase books in Irish.

It is the aim of the library to support the use of the Irish language. This money will help improve andincrease the range of materials available in Irish throughout the library service.

Midlands PrisonLaois County Library in partnership with the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform provideadvice and expertise in running the library in the Midlands Prison. The county library staff purchasebooks etc. for the library to support the teaching curriculum and for recreational and leisure reading aswell as general information reading. A grant of €5,000 was allocated to the Council for this purposeby the Department of Justice in 2005.

STATISTICS

Library membership 7,352Items issued 178,501

Portlaoise Library

Winners in “Design a Bookmark” Competition


ArchivesAn archives programme is presently being implemented for County Laois in accordance with theArchives Development Plan. Emphasis is being placed on the preservation, storage and listing of theCounty Council's record material. The County Council’s current record holdings are presently beingsurveyed preparatory to the development of a Records Retention Policy for the public records ofLaois County Council.

Laois County Council has provided dedicated storage for its archive holdings. This storageapproaches BS 5454 standards relating to temperature and humidity. Public access to CountyCouncil records is presently through the Local Studies section of the County Library service.

New AcquisitionsSignificant collection of archives relating to County Laois has been acquired. These include:• Very rare Grand Jury Map 1805 of Queens County by cartographer Daniel Cahill• Despard Family Archives relating to lands at Lackacurragh, Boccagh and Finanemore 1777-1862

Preservation MicrofilmingThe preservation microfilming programme of our Board of Guardians Archives has commenced,beginning with Abbeyleix Board of Guardians.

Schools and OutreachDuring heritage week in September, the Archivist delivered a preservation workshop at Portlaoiselibrary entitled “Preservation of Family Papers”. The Archivist has developed a workshop in supportof the leaving certificate’s history curriculum entitled “Using and Interpreting Archives and Sources”.The workshop was delivered at Abbeyleix Further Education Centre. This workshop is now availableto all secondary schools in the County.

Library Indicators 2004 2005

Public Opening Hours:- average number of opening hours per week for full-time libraries 35hrs 35hrs- average number of opening hours per week for part-time libraries 9.6hrs 9.7hrs

Number of registered library members as a percentage of the local population 12.7% 12.5%

Number of items issued per head of population for:(a) Books 2.948 2.8(b) Other items 0.248 0.25

Percentage of libraries that offer Internet access to the public 77% 77%

Number of Internet sessions provided per 1,000 population 45 102.6

Book fund per head of population 2.72 2.90

Service Indicators

Winners in “Design a Bookmark” Competition


Economic Development & County Promotion PolicyChair: James Deegan M.C.C.

Members: Sectoral:John Bonham, M.C.C. John FinlayMartin Phelan, M.C.C. Margaret RyanPaul Mitchell, M.C.C. Eddie PhelanTom Jacob, M.C.C. William MoylanMichael Moloney, M.C.C.Brendan Phelan, M.C.C.Rotimi Adebari, T.C.

Director of Services: Louis BrennanSenior Executive Officer: Ian McCormack

Report on Strategic Policy CommitteeThe following policy documents were produced by the Committee and agreed by the Members ofLaois County Council in 2005:

• Tourism and County Promotion• Industrial Sites and Enterprise Units• Sustainable Rural Economic Development • National Academy for Languages, Occupational & Citizenship Skills

The following discussion documents were also produced by this Committee in 2005 and referred tothe Planning and Transportation Strategic Policy Committee for consideration:• M7/M8 Opportunities• Signposting within the County for Tourism and Promotional Activities.

Economic DevelopmentLaois County Council is actively involved in, and has a pivotal role to play in the economicdevelopment and promotion of the County. The Council is committed to attracting inward investment,fostering a climate of self sustaining development and it is eager to ensure that balanceddevelopment takes place throughout the County. The Council continues to participate actively with alllocal and national development agencies to promote the social and economic development of theCounty.

Portlaoise InterchangeThe development of a 250 acre site at Portlaoise Interchange seeks to exploit the EconomicDevelopment potential of the key transport corridor which runs through the County. This PortlaoiseInterchange Project is as a direct result of the National Spatial Strategy which puts Laois andPortlaoise at a distinct advantage in designating it as a Transport Node and Inland Port.

A Masterplan was prepared (focused and measured approach to the consideration of thisdevelopment opportunity) and agreed with all interested parties.

A Services Plan has also been prepared in-house and agreed with all interested parties. AnInformation Technology Infrastructural Plan for this development is being evaluated at present.

A total of 5 planning applications were lodged in 2005 to include provision of distributor roads, retailwarehousing, motorway services building and traincare depot.

Enterprise CentresPortarlingtonThe Portarlington Enterprise Centre opened in November 2005. The Enterprise Centre providesincubator units and office accommodation for 12 start up businesses and is managed by a Board ofDirectors (10) comprising five nominees from the Portarlington Community Development Association,four nominees from Laois County Council, and one nominee from LEADER. The important role ofLaois County Council in giving leadership in harnessing resources, is well demonstrated in thisproject.

PortlaoiseThe provision of an Enterprise Centre in Portlaoise was agreed in 2005. There will be a mix of officeaccommodation and incubator units at this location with an overall size of 20,184 sq. ft. This will be aturnkey development delivered to Laois County Council during 2006.

The Council is also committed to progressing the development of an Enterprise Centre at Durrow.

Broadband (MAN Networks)Local Authorities have been given a central role in the implementation of Ireland's BroadbandStrategy with the Metropolitan Area Networks (Installation of fibre networks) providing the essentialinfrastructure for heavy broadband users, in order to have the services they require.

Portlaoise MAN ProjectThe infrastructural works of the above project were completed in 2005. E-Net specialist contractors inthe field of telecommunications operate, develop, maintain and market the network on behalf of LaoisCounty Council.

Mountmellick & Portarlington MAN ProjectBoth projects have been approved by the Department of Communications, Marine and NaturalResources. Offaly County Council is the lead Authority for projects in this region and both projects willbe progressed in 2006.


Community BroadbandAbbeyleix / DurrowWireless broadband facility is now available in both of these towns.

PortlaoiseSignificant progress was also made during 2005 in the roll-out of wireless broadband to the followingareas in Portlaoise: - Kilminchy, The Hermitage, Ashley Gardens & Forest Park.

Industrial Sites / UnitsLaois County Council continues to maintain its direct role in facilitating economic development / jobcreation through the ongoing disposal of sites throughout the County.

The Council continues to acquire land for industrial units / sites given the County's considerablepotential for further development and capacity for new enterprise. An additional 5.5 acres of land atClonminam Industrial Estate was acquired in 2005 for this purpose.

Skills DatabaseLaois County Council commenced compilation of a skills database for commuters who leave theCounty to work in other counties. It also focuses on school leavers and third level students. Theobjective of this initiative is to document the skills profile of the labour pool that is available to anenterprise choosing to set up in County Laois.

TourismThe Tourism Strategic Group was set up by Laois County Council with the overall objective ofpromoting a clear and strong image of Laois. The Tourism Officer works closely with Laois TourismLtd in implementing these strategies, in marketing Laois's excellent strategic location and in creatingan awareness of its strong potential as the ultimate conference and activity base. A number of taskgroups were set up:

• The Hotel Task Group looks at co-operative ways of promoting hotels and conference facilitiesin Laois.

• The Golf Group works to promote the County as a Golf destination. They have createdpackages for marketing at Golf Trade Shows and were integral in planning an International GolfChallenge which is to be held in 2006.

• The Activity Group are at the final stages in their preparation of an activity booklet whichhighlights the varied activities in Laois.

• The Event/Festival Task Group is involved in the organisation of an event in Laois which willattract a large number of visitors to the county.

• The Heritage-Tourism Group work together to promote the heritage attractions in the county.Some of the projects undertaken in 2005 were: • The 'Passport to Laois' booklet was reprinted with new members included. This booklet is

distributed worldwide.• The Laois Tourism Website was established successfully with an on line booking system and

constant enquiries. • The Laois Tourism Brochure was produced by Laois County Council, Laois Chamber of

Commerce and Laois Leader Rural Development Company. The Brochure was launched inMay 2005 and was short listed for 'Best Tourism Brochure' for the year's Annual HospitalitySales & Marketing Awards (HSMAI).

• The Gordon Bennett Route Guide was produced, mapping the route of the Gordon BennettRally. In addition it provides information on attractions in Laois, Carlow and Kildare. This hasbeen distributed worldwide.

• Attendance at trade shows nationally and internationally promoting Laois.• Preparation of Golf Promotion in Laois, in particular, the preparation of the Budweiser

International Golf Challenge 2006.

Performance IndicatorsPerformance Indicators 2004 2005

No. of Enterprise Centres developed Nil 1 Portarlington

No. of developed Industrial Estates 5 5Portlaoise Stage 2 Portlaoise Stage 2Portarlington PortarlingtonDoonane DoonaneMountrath MountrathRathdowney Rathdowney

Slieve Bloom Mountains


Environment & Water Services PolicyChair Mary Sweeney, M.C.C.

Members SectoralJames Daly, M.C.C. Ger LynchRay Cribbin, M.C.C. Donald ScullyJohn Moran, M.C.C. Christy MooneyWilliam Delaney, M.C.C. John CumminsDick Miller, M.C.C.Michael Gormley, T.C.

Director of Services John DalySenior Engineer - Water Mary WhiteSenior Engineer - Environment John McGowan

Report on Strategic Policy CommitteeThe Environment & Water Services Strategic Policy Committee (S.P.C.) held four meetings during2005 and the following policies were recommended by the S.P.C. and adopted by the full Council;Illegal Dumping, Provision of sewerage schemes in villages, Litter Bins and Draft Bye-Laws for theManagement of Water Supplies and the Conservation of Drinking Water 2005.

Waste ManagementLaois County Council opened a new engineered cell (Cell no. 13) at the landfill at Kyletalesha. Thisnew landfill cell has a capacity for approx. 90,000 tonnes of waste. Work also commenced on the newcivic amenity site at Kyletalesha and it will be officially opened in February 2006. Approval was alsoreceived to commence planning a Civic Amenity Site in Portarlington. There are also 38 bring bankfacilities around the county.

Litter ManagementEducation, increased awareness and enforcement are seen as the key mechanisms in tackling theproblem of litter and illegal dumping and the Environment Section endeavoured to continue itsrigorous enforcement where offences occurred. A total of 474 on-the-spot fines were issued in 2005by the team of three Environmental Control Officers. In addition a policy on the provision of litter binswas adopted. Following a survey of existing bins in the County it was estimated that 120 new litterbins would be required from 2005-2008. 28 of these bins were provided in 2005. Also an IllegalDumping/Littering Policy was adopted and arrangements were put in place for its full implementation.Portlaoise Against Litter (P.A.L.), the community based initiative to develop and implement a litteraction plan for Portlaoise continued to work to strengthen the town's pride of place, reduce theinstance of litter and identify problem areas and litter black-spots. The anti-litter zoning competitionalso took place.

The Irish Business Against Litter(I.B.A.L.) League's assessments rankedPortlaoise in 9th position out of 57 townsnationwide and bestowed “litter -freestatus” on Portlaoise. This result wasachieved by the hard work anddedication of the street cleaners, theEnvironmental Control Officers, theemployees of the roads and environmentsection and the co-operation, hard workand support of the business sector andthe wider community of Portlaoise. TheNational Litter Pollution MonitoringSystem enables local authorities tomanage litter pollution in a moresystematic and structured manner withregular surveys carried out.

Environmental ProtectionThe Environmental Protection Team monitor and protect the rivers and groundwaters in County Laois.Work carried out includes farm surveys, site inspections and complaint investigations, monitoring andenforcing licences and notices under the Water Pollution Acts, 1977-1990. In 2005, they continued towork in partnership with the farming community, industry and other government bodies to improvewater quality in county Laois.

Community InitiativesDuring the Clean up Laois Week campaign in April 2005, the Litter Wardens worked closely with thecommunity and in excess of 5 tonnes of litter was collected. Tidy Towns continues to flourishthroughout the county and the very successful year culminated with the annual awards in October.Results at both local and national level continue to improve. 26 committees now make up the LaoisFederation of Tidy Towns with 24 committees availing of the summer wheelie bins scheme which isfunded by Laois County Council and runs from May to September inclusive.

Grants SchemesFinancial assistance was provided to further enhance our environment. 23 committees benefitedunder the Tidy Towns Grants while under the Community Grants Scheme, where a maximum of€700 is available, 53 grants issued to various groups, committees & associations to further enhancelocal amenities and our environment. Through the Community Project Fund, a sum of €1,000 isallocated to each of the 25 elected members of Laois County Council to recommend a suitable localproject to receive financial assistance. The Local Agenda 21 Environmental Partnership Fund is ajoint initiative with Laois County Council and the Department of the Environment, Heritage and LocalGovernment. This initiative aims to contribute to awareness of issues relating to sustainabledevelopment and to assist environmental awareness projects. 5 projects received grant aid in 2005.

Education & AwarenessSchools ProgrammeThere are 83 schools & educationaltraining centres in Laois and theEnvironmental Awareness Officercontinues to actively promote the GreenSchools programme. 47% of thecounty’s schools are participating in theprogramme with 10 schools - 6 primaryand 4 secondary - awarded the GreenFlag to date with 3 additional envisagedin the near future. This programme alsoincorporates the battery collectionscheme for schools.

Home CompostersThe provision of home composters to householders, at a subsidised rate, continued with 383 binssupplied in 2005. Out of these, 9 schools benefited from free compost bins to assist students inlearning about waste management initiatives that Laois County Council is involved in. It is also anexcellent way to link in with various subjects in both the primary & secondary schools curriculum.

CompetitionsIn association with the Laois Federation of the I.C.A. the annual Art from Waste Competition invitedstudents to create their favourite animal from waste material. 21 entries were received and the overallwinning students received a computer, printer, scanner and table for their school.

Veterinary Services /Dog ControlThe Veterinary Inspectors ensured the continuance of the highest standards in the operation of the 12domestic abattoirs throughout the year and that all relevant legislation is adhered to while the DogWarden continued operations in accordance with the Control of Dogs Act.

Presentation of prize to Alan Flynn, Zone A Co-ordinator(Winning Zone) which includes public representatives,

Council staff and traders.

Clonaslee Tidy Towns- Winner of the special Merit Award at the Laois

Federation of Tidy Towns Prize-giving Ceremony 2005.


Laois Civil DefenceLaois Civil Defence is an organization comprised of citizens who provide their services voluntarily.Members attend classes in many disciplines during the training period, which teach life training skillsin First Aid, Water Search and Recovery, Mountain Rescue, Radiation monitoring, RadioCommunications AFS and Welfare. At present we are awaiting the arrival of a Search and Rescuedog.

Civil Defence operates as the reserve emergency service for County Laois. It exists to provideassistance to the community and to assist other emergency services where necessary. It alsocooperates with the Radiological Protection Institute within the framework of the National EmergencyPlan for dealing with radiological emergencies.

In 2005 Laois Civil Defence had the honour of hosting the National Civil Defence Exercise withparticipating Counties from Roscommon, Dublin, Limerick City, Cavan, Louth, Mayo, and Cork North.

Over the years we assisted the Garda Sub Aqua Team and Kildare Civil Defence in searching theriver Barrow, Stradbally Steam Rally, Stradbally Chernobyl Children Project, Ballacolla PloughingChampionship, Mardi Gras Festival in Mountmellick, Laois Hospice annual walk in the Slieve Blooms,Cul Festival in Portarlington.2003 Special Olympics, Country Fair in Emo Court, Electric PicnicConcert in Stradbally, All Ireland Schools Equestrian event and any functions run or hosted by theLocal Authority.

Laois Civil Defence Operational Support Unit provided assistance to Limerick City and County at theJ.P.McManus Golf Classic in Adare Manor and also to Roscommon at the National Boating Exerciseheld at Lough Ree.

Laois Civil Defence is always ready to assist its neighbouring counties and the people of CountyLaois and as an international Organization are also ready to serve their own Country or overseas aspart of a practical disaster relief assistance.

Laois County Fire & Rescue ServiceThe Fire Service responded to 790 emergency calls during 2005. Of these 398 were fires, 203 wereroad traffic accidents and 13 were non-fire rescues. There were no fatalities in fires in the county. Inaddition the fire prevention unit promoted a vigorous community fire safety programme duringNational Fire Safety Week mainly through schools and fire stations. A total of 139 Fire SafetyCertificate applications were processed. Fire crews skills were further enhanced by training ofpersonnel in Automatic External Defibrillators - A.E.D., Emergency Medical First Responders andAdvanced Driver Training.

Water ServicesThe Water Services Section is responsible for the provision of the public water distribution networkand the adequate supply of drinking water to a standard that conforms to current national andEuropean quality directives. In addition the Water Services Section is responsible for the provisionand maintenance of the public waste water collection network and treatment plants.

The Council maintains 26 No. Public Water Supply Schemes. The largest scheme, Portlaoise WaterSupply Scheme produces in excess of 7,200m cubic meters (1.6 million gallons) of water per day,with the potential to achieve, E.I.S. approved, 20,000m cubic meters (4.4 million gallons) per day.The Council has a network of Water Caretakers who maintain the schemes under supervision of thesection's Technical Staff.

The water services section also operates and maintains over 20 wastewater treatment plantsthroughout the County.

The Quality of Drinking Water in Ireland , a Report for the Year 2004Laois County Council has statutory functions with regard to the monitoring of drinking water suppliesin the County as laid out in the European Communities (Drinking Water) Regulations, 2000.Technicians from the Council Water Laboratory regularly sample all Water Supply Schemes in theCounty. The sampling frequency is determined by the Regulations.

In the report for the year 2004 overall compliance with the drinking water standards in public watersupplies was above average at 97.9%. The microbiological quality of public water supplies in Laoiswas excellent during 2004. There were no incidents of E. coli contamination in public water suppliesin Laois. The overall rate of compliance with the chemical standards in public water supplies wassatisfactory. In general, compliance with the majority of indicator parameters was satisfactory.

Schemes in Progress in 2005Portlaoise Main DrainageWork continued on the advancement of Portlaoise Main Drainage in 2005. Tender documents for theWastewater Treatment Plant (DBO) Contract were issued to the short listed consortia in April andtenders were received early September. The tender assessment was completed in December and asubmission to the DoEHLG will be forwarded in early 2006, for approval to award the contract.

DoEHLG approval to proceed to tender with the Sewerage Improvement Works (Network) Contractwas received at the end of January. Tenders were advertised in February and were received at theend of April. Following completion of the tender assessment in July, a submission was made to theDoEHLG in August for approval to award the Contract. Following withdrawal of the recommendedtenderer in October, a revised submission was made to the DoEHLG in November, for approval toaward the Contract.

The VEC Advance Works Contract commenced in May and was substantially completed bySeptember. The Timahoe Road Advance Works Contract was successfully completed by the end ofMarch.

Water ConservationA water conservation study has been completed with the aim of reducing unaccounted for water toDoEHLG guidelines. As a result of this study the Council now have accurate information about theLaois water supply network. The Council also have software models that allow it to pick up problemsin the network and assess the viability of new connections.

Part of the Council's water conservation efforts in 2006 will focus on the hiring of 2 leakage inspectionteams. Their roles will be the detection, location and reporting of leaks, surveying the network andassisting the Area Engineers with the operation and maintenance of the water network apparatus.These teams together with the Council's existing resources and the information gathered from itsstudy should enable it to cut leakage significantly and ensure a good water supply in the years ahead.Durrow Fire Crew visit to Our Ladies Meadow National School, Durrow


Schemes in Planning in 2005Portarlington Water Supply AugmentationThe exploratory drilling on this scheme was completed in 2005 and advance works commenced at theend of 2005. Contract/tender documents for Main Scheme to develop ground water sources, storagereservoir and distribution network were approved by the DoEHLG.

Portlaoise Water Supply & Mountmellick Water SupplyConsulting Engineers were appointed. Exploratory Drilling completed in 2005. Awaiting WaterQuality Report to go to Production Phase.

Laois Towns and Villages Sewerage SchemeLaois County Council appointed consultants to prepare a Design Review and Contract Documents forthe Wastewater Treatment Plants and collection networks for the towns of Abbeyleix, Clonaslee,Durrow, Mountrath, Rathdowney and Stradbally. Also the consultants were commissioned to preparea preliminary report on the villages of Borris in Ossory, Ballinakill, Newtown Doonane and the Swan.The report and contract documents will be submitted to the DoEHLG for approval in 2006.

Emo, Ballybrittas, Killenard Village Sewerage Scheme The Design Review and Polluter Pays report was forwarded to the DoEHLG for approval in 2005.

Portarlington SewerageLaois County Council have forwarded a draft brief to the DoEHLG for the appointment of consultantsfor this Scheme. Following discussions with the DoEHLG this brief has been revised and is to beresubmitted by the end of January 2006.

Mountmellick Sewerage Extension Revised plans were forwarded to the DoEHLG for approval to commence preparation of DesignReview for the scheme.

Small Water and Sewerage Schemes The Council received a Capital Allocation of €650,000 for small schemes in 2005. This moneytogether with internal resources funded the following schemes - Clonin Hill Water Source, ClonkeenWater Supply, Abbeyleix Reservoir Water Supply, Portlaoise/Mountmellick Water Supply, AbbeyleixSTP, Portarlington STP, Ballyadams Reservoir, Cappalug/ Killimy Sewerage Treatment, DoonaneTreatment Plant, Rahan Road Sewerage Scheme, Ridge Road Water Supply, Bracklone,Portarlington Water Supply, Ballygormill / Cremorgan Water Supply, Improvement to Water Main atPallas.

Serviced Land InitiativeA new treatment plant to cater for 2000 p.e. was completed in Ballylinan. An application has beenlodged with the DoEHLG for funding under the scheme for Graiguecullen Pumping Station.

Water Services Pricng PolicyLaois County Council have identified all its non-domestic customers and commenced installing watermeters. The local area offices will be installing meters in the smaller towns on an ongoing basis. Thetender for installing the meters in Portarlington, Mountmellick and Portlaoise has been awarded.Work in these 3 towns will be commencing in February 2006 and every effort will be made to minimisedisruption to the public. Installing these meters will enable the true cost of harnessing treating anddistributing drinking water and collecting and treating waste water to be calculated.

Licence to DIscharge Trade Effluent to SewerTwo new licences were issued in 2005, bringing the total number to eight. Three of these licencesare currently under review and a further six applications were received.

Public ConvenienceIn 2005 the Council spent€62,000 on the maintenanceof a superloo at Mountrathand public toilets at Portlaoiseand Stradbally.

Burial GroundsLaois County Council isresponsible for the provisionand maintenance of 27cemeteries in the County.Plots are sold by the Registrarand a list of same can beobtained on the Councilswebsite or on request. Thissection also operates a grantscheme.

A total of €64,000 wasallocated to Voluntary Groupsfor the upkeep of BurialGrounds throughout theCounty in 2005.

Ballyroan WastewaterTreatment Plant Road side Pump

Wastewater Plant at Portlaoise


Service Indicators - Fire Services 2004 2005

Average time in minutes to mobilise fire brigades inpart - time stations 5:15 5.11full - time stations N/A N/A

Percentage of attendance at scenes where:-First attendance at scene within 10 minutes 38% 34%First attendance at scene within 20 minutes 49% 51%First attendance at scene after 20 minutes 13% 15%

Fire PreventionTotal number of fire safety certificate applicationsReceived 109 139Processed 92 136

Total number of personnel - retained 67 62No. of calls attended to from station 795 790No. of false alarms received in station 19 16

Service Indicators - Recycling Facilities

Category No. of No. of Civic Total No. of No. of Locations Tonnages OfFacilities Bring Banks Amenity Sites Facilities Per 5,000 of waste

population collected for recyclingper 5,000 ofpopulation

04 05 04 05 04 05 04 05 04 05

Glass 37 37 1 1 38 38 3.27 3.27 44.05 58.42Cans 37 37 1 1 38 38 3.27 3.27 0.86 1.28Textiles 9 8 1 1 10 9 0.86 0.77 6.16 7.55Batteries - - 1 1 1 1 0.09 0.09 3.5 4.26Oils - - 1 1 1 1 0.09 0.09 0.55 1.14Others - - 1 1 1 1 0.09 0.09 71.93 356.32

Service Indicators - Environment 2004 2005

Schools Participating in Environment CampaignPrimary 46% 43%Secondary 64% 80%

Litter Prevention and Environment EnforcementNo. of Litter Fines issued 273 474No. of prosecution cases taken because of non payment of fines 11 39No. of prosecutions secured 7 11No. of full-time litter wardens 3 3No. of part-time litter wardens 0 2No. of litter wardens per 5,000 population 0.26 0.43

Percentage of Areas within the local authority that are:Unpolluted i.e. litter free 9% 2.5%Slightly polluted with litter 49% 60%Moderately polluted with litter 27% 17.5%Significantly polluted with litter 11% 7..5%Grossly polluted with litter 4% 12.5%

Environmental Complaints & EnforcementTotal no. of cases subject to complaints concerning environmental pollution (relating to waste, litter, waterPollution, noise pollution, air pollution) 472 448No. of complaints investigated 466 398No. of complaints dismissed 6 20Enforcement proceedings taken 56 71

Service Indicators


Rural Water ProgrammeRural Water Monitoring CommitteeThe Rural Water Monitoring Committee is mainly concerned with advising on policy formation withregard to rural water supply within the County and monitoring the implementation of the variousschemes for the improvement and provision of supplies to rural and village households.

Meetings of this committee were held on; 8th February, 24th March, 9th June, 20th September and6th December

The Council's Rural Water Programme includes:• Group Water Schemes• Small Public Water and Sewerage Schemes• Grants for Individual Well Water Installations

Group Water SchemesA group water scheme provides a private water supply to 2 or more houses by means of a common orshared source of supply and distribution system.

The Council assists groups by working in partnership with them and by:-• Providing advice and guidance on the formation and operation of group schemes.• Providing technical advice on source and supply issues, distribution networks,

water quality and treatment, scheme design etc.• Enabling groups to take a water supply from public water mains where this is feasible.• Providing advice and assistance on tender procurement and evaluation.• Grant aiding group schemes up to 85% of the approved cost,

subject to a limit of €6,475 per houses.• Supervision of construction standards.• Providing an annual subsidy towards the operation and maintenance costs incurred

on the scheme by the group.

Small Public Water and Sewerage SchemesA small public water and/or sewerage scheme consists of capital works on the improvement and/orextension of public water and/or sewerage schemes where the cost of the works does not exceed€635,000. The Council funds 25% of the cost of such projects and it recoups the remaining 75%from the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, within the confines of anannual allocation of capital funding.

Grants for Individual Well Water InstallationsThe objective of this grant scheme is to assist households dependent on private individual watersupplies who are incurring capital expenditure to:

• Provide a piped supply of water for domestic purposes, or

• Remedy serious deficiencies in an existing supply of water for domestic purposes where the supply of water concerned is a supply other than from a public or group scheme and the house concerned is more than 7 years old.

Rural Water Porgrame 2005Capital Allocation Allocation

DBO Advance Works €715,000Connecting Schemes to Public Main €50,000Takeover of Group Schemes €656,145New & Upgrading Proposals €959,269Small Public Water & Sewerage Schemes €650,000

Total €3,030,414

Grant Expenditure Expenditure Receipts& Receipts

DBO Advance Works €685,564 715,376Connecting Schemes to Public Main €27,272 15,340Takeover Upgrades €738,319 690,805New and Upgrading Schemes €989,326 959,269Small Public Water & Sewerage Schemes €609,983 650,000

Total €3,050,464 €3,030.790

SubsidyTotal subsidy grants paid to groups towards operation and maintenance costs of scheme.

€190,625Well GrantsTotal amount paid in individual well grants. €89,204

Design Build Operate (DBO) Bundle for Provision of Water TreatmentLaois County Council in association with Carlow, Kilkenny, Wexford, Wicklow and Kildare CountyCouncils have formed the South Leinster DBO Bundle for the provision and operation of watertreatment facilities for group schemes and small public schemes. This bundle now comprises of 38schemes from these counties, 4 of which are in Laois. The 38 schemes serve 4,174 houses. Theschemes in Laois are:-

Scheme No. Houses

Ballacolla GWS 496Ballypickas GWS 78Donaghmore GWS 39The Swan P.S. 371

Total 984

The planning of this project, and the public procurement process associated with it, continued to beadvanced through 2005 under the direction of T.J. O'Connor & Associates, Consulting Engineers, andthe South Leinster DBO Bundle Steering Committee.

A tender submitted by E.P.S. Ltd., Mallow, Co. Cork has been accepted and the design phase is nowbeing undertaken by them. The statutory planning procedures are being processed by each of thecounties. Construction phase is scheduled to commence in mid 2006.

Carlow County Council is the lead authority in the Bundle and capital funding for the construction ofthe water treatment element of the project as a whole is being provided to that authority. LaoisCounty Council has to fund the cost of providing treatment for The Swan public scheme.


Advance Works and Water Conservation Measures in Relation to Schemesin DBO Bundle

Grant Expenditure incurred in 2005 was as follows

Scheme GrantBallacolla GWS Advance Works Contract €388,948Ballacolla Universal Metering Contract €116,209Consultants Fees & Expenses for Ballacolla Advance Works €85,455Ballacolla Exploratory Well Drilling €51,396Ballacolla -Reservoir Site & Wayleave €36,486Procurement Costs €4,733

Total €683,227 No. Houses Benefiting 496

Connect Quality Deficient Private Schemes to Public MainThe following schemes were grant aided in 2005

Scheme No. Houses Grant StatusBarrowhouse 61 €24,254 Being connected to Ballylinan PWS.

Attanagh 46 €1,018 Now opting for taking-in-charge

Total grant payments = €25,272Total houses benefiting = 107

Takeover of Group Water SchemesPre-takeover upgrades of the following group schemes were funded in 2005.

Scheme No. Houses GrantUpper Crubeen 10 €965Killenard 308 €420,152Ratheniska 196 €133,401Aghafin 27 €16,897Slatt/Wolfhill 62 €86,400Ballygormill 10 €80,504

Total = €738,319 Total houses benefiting 613

New Group Schemes and Upgrade of Existing Schemes

New Schemes

Scheme No. Houses Grant

Ballycarnan Ph.1 17 €10,050Kyletalesha Ph.2 18 €61,300Ullard 14 €40,734Clonkeen 67 €193,646Kyletalesha Ph.3 3 €50,212Crannagh Ph.1 34 €179,952Ballybrophy 74 €54,735Coolnaboul 11 €20,646Clonmore 12 €4,588Crannagh Ph.2 11 €59,269Rathevan 4 €23,231Pallas Little 7 €18,269

Upgrade of Scheme

Scheme No. Houses Grant

Donaghmore 39 €87,266Heath 294 €174,807Derrynaseera 9 €5,362Moyadd No.2 2 €1,712Graiguenahown 4 €3,547

Small Water & Sewerage SchemesThe following projects were grant-aided in 2005:

Project Expenditure Grant

Borris-in-Ossory W.S. 13,571 10,179Knocks/Drim Reservoir 4,370 3,277Clonin Hill Water Source 83,566 62,675Rosenallis/Shanbeg Main 3,993 2,995Clonkeen Railway Crossing 25,618 19,213Abbeyleix W.S. Reservoir 319 240Portlaoise/Mountmellick Mains Link 30,777 23,082Ballyroan Sewer 1,571 1,178Abbeyleix STP Sludge Holding Tank 18,354 13,766Portarlington S.T.P. 153,292 14,969Ballyadams Reservoir 83,447 62,585Cappalug/Killimy S.T.P. 49,425 37,069Doonane Treatment Plant 133,907 100,430Rahan Road Sewerage 15,601 11,701Ridge Road 106,974 80,230Bracklone, Portarlington 9,272 6,954Ballygormill/Cremogan 60,045 45,034Pallas Main 19,208 14,406

Total €813,310 €609,983

The Council funded the difference between expenditure and grant.

Representatives from BallacollaGWS with Contractors GlenfarDevelopments Galway at the

signing of contracts forBallacolla Group Water Scheme

Advance Works.


Subsidy towards Operation and Maintenance costs on Private Group WaterSchemes

Subsidy grants towards operation and maintenance costs were paid to the following group schemesin 2005.

Scheme No. Houses Subsidy €Derrlamogue 2 73.33Garrintaggert No. 2 3 266.66Ralish 10 219.32Barrowhouse 61 3,383.31Upper Crubben 10 342.66Graiguenahown 4 338.25Aghafin 25 1,269.75Heath 320 32,505.60Ratheniska 196 9,954.84Knockahonagh 3 290.25Knockardagur 3 283.80Attanagh (2003) 47 4,774.26Ironmills 2 109.72Ballypickas 78 7,455.14Killenard (2003,2004) 325 25,505.45Donaghmore 39 2,249.10Attanagh (2004) 46 4,672.68Cullahill (2003) 89 9,040.62Cullahill (2004) 91 9,243.78Errill 250 12,805.00Aghmacart 5 507.90Ballacolla (2003) 496 32,908.19Ballacolla (2004) 496 32,425.14

Total = €190,624.75 No. Houses Benefiting = 1,968

Water Quality in Group SchemesIn 2005, priority in the Rural Water Programme continued to be placed on bringing water quality inexisting privately sourced group schemes to the standard required by the European Communities(Drinking Water) Regulations. This objective is being approached through:

• Participation of schemes in the South Leinster (DBO) Bundle for the provision of water treatment.• Connection of privately sourced schemes to the public main where feasible.• Takeover of scheme by Council where group agrees.• Capital funding for upgrade of schemes which have occasional quality problems.• Grant aiding the installation of ultra violet water treatment appliances on small group schemes

that have quality problems.

Monitoring Water Quality in Group SchemesIn addition to its statutory functions with regard to the monitoring of drinking water supplies, asprovided for in the European Communities (Drinking Water) Regulations 2000, the Council'sLaboratory also conducted its own Management Monitoring of group water schemes during 2005.The monitoring programme undertaken exceeded the Requirements of the Regulations.

Service IndicatorsEPA Quality of Drinking Water in Ireland Report for the Year 2004 (Published in 2005)

Percentage of drinking water analysis results in compliance with statutory requirements with regardto:-

2005 2004Public Schemes 99.13% 99.2%Group Schemes -private sources 94.65% 95.20%Group Schemes -public sources 100% N/A

Grants for Individual Well Water InstallationsNumber of grants paid in 2005 = 46Value of grants paid = €89,204

SummaryGroup Water Schemes in County Position at 31/12/05:-

Schemes with public sources 63Schemes with private sources 41New schemes under construction 2New schemes at planning stage 7New schemes at preliminary stage 7Group schemes taken-in-charge 31

Total 151

Committee members of Cullahil GWS, County Laois and Seskin GWS, County Kilkenny, who wereamong thw 31 schemes to complete the 8-module Management Training Course during 2005


Planning and Transportation PolicyChair John Joe Fennelly, M.C.C.

Members Sectoral InterestsDavid Goodwin, M.C.C. Martin KeaneMichael Lalor, M.C.C. John KeyesJohn Turley, M.C.C. Brian BonhamMichael Rice, M.C.C. John KellyJerry Lodge, M.C.C.Jack Nolan, T.C

Director of Services Gerry GibsonSenior Engineer - Roads Michael O’HoraSenior Planner Peter DolanSenior Executive Officer Martin DalyA/Project Co-Ordinator Rebecca Gillespie

Report on Strategic Policy CommitteeThere were six meetings of this committee in 2005. The following policies were agreed by the SPCand referred to the Corporate Policy Group for consideration.

o Integration of Public Transport in County Laois.o Motorway Signage Policy.o Traffic Calming Measures for Rural Schools/Villages.

Planning DepartmentThe overall objective of the Planning Department is to implement the provisions of the Planning Actsand provide appropriate support measures in order to promote the physical, social and economic wellbeing of the County so that living standards are protected and raised and work opportunities fosteredand created having regard to the principles of sustainability. The Planning Department can be brokendown into 3 separate areas (i) Development Control, (ii) Planning Enforcement and (iii) ForwardPlanning.

Development ControlThe number of planning applications received in 2005 was 1,781. However it should be noted that413 of the total applications received were invalid and required the applicant to submit a newapplication. The following table gives a breakdown of valid planning applications received anddecisions made during 2005 and the comparative figures for 2004.

Customer Service Initiatives2005 saw the continuation of the scanning of planning applications as they are received by thePlanning Authority. Throughout 2004 the public were able to access online all planning applicationswithin three weeks of the Planning Authority receiving them. It is planned to outsource the scanning ofplanning applications in 2006, which will improve the speed by which the planning applications areavailable to view on the internet.

2005 also saw the back-scanning of old planning files. The public can now access the planning filesfor the years 2003, 2002 & 2001 and half of the year 2000 on the internet also. It is envisaged thatthe year 2000 and the 1999 files will be scanned in 2006.

2005 also saw the introduction of a payments system at the public counter of the PlanningDepartment . This system facilitates the payment of planning fees and other miscellaneous fees bycheque, credit & laser card. The planning website continues to be a very popular attraction with anaverage 135,596 hits per month.

Development Contribution SchemeThe Members of Laois County Council, in accordance with the provision of Section 48 of the Planning& Development Act 2000, approved the Development Contribution Scheme on the 8th of March 2004.

In February 2005, the contribution rates of the scheme were increased in accordance with theWholesale Price Index for Building & Construction as published by the Central Statistics Office.

2004 2005

Number of valid applications received 1,279 1,368Number of decisions made 1,286 1,303Number of applications granted 1,135 1,095Number of applications refused 151 208

2004 2005

Invalid applications returned to applicant 21.44% 23.3%

Referrals to Area Offices 14 21 working days

Residential housing in Ballyroan


Planning EnforcementIntroductionThe Planning Authority, in accordance with the statutory requirements under the Planning andDevelopment Acts, 2000-2004 seeks to ensure compliance with planning permission conditions andprevent unauthorised development.

Unauthorised DevelopmentUnauthorised development is where development is carried out without having received theappropriate permission or development not being carried out in accordance with planning permissionissued.

FunctionsThe Planning Authority will follow up on all written complaints of unauthorised development wherethey appear to be well founded. Within 6 weeks from receipt of written representation a WarningLetter may be issued where an unauthorised development is being, may have been, or may becarried out.

The making of a decision whether to take enforcement action will follow and the service of anEnforcement Notice should take place within 12 weeks from the date of issue of the Warning Letter.The Enforcement Notice gives a timescale for compliance and if not adhered to will result in furtheraction such as referral to our legal advisor.

Developments in EnforcementThe public are now more involved in the Enforcement System as the Planning Authority is obliged toconsider and respond to complaints from the public. The advisors identity is protected, as thePlanning Authority does not release the names given. There has been a significant increase in thefines payable and the imposition of a minimum fine where a person is convicted of an offence relatingto unauthorised development.

Licensing of Outdoor EventsAn outdoor event is defined as a public performance which takes place wholly or mainly in the openair or in a structure with no roof or a partial, temporary or retractable roof, a tent or similar temporarystructure and which is consists of music, dancing, displays of public entertainment or any activity of alike kind. The organisers of such events are required to obtain a licence from the Planning Authoritywhere the audience comprises of 5,000 or more people. Example: Electric Picnic held in Stradbally,Co. Laois in 2004 and 2005.

Notice of Registration of QuarriesUnder Section 261 of the Planning and Development Act 2000 all Quarries which don't have thebenefit of Planning Permission or which received Planning Permission more than five years prior tothe operation of Section 261 have to apply for registration with the Planning Authority. The PlanningAuthority can seek a Planning Application and the preparation of an Environmental Impact Statement,apply conditions or refer details of the Quarry to the Enforcement Section. Laois County Councilreceived 78 applications for registration, of which 60 quarries were registered as operating quarries.

Forward PlanningForward Planning Section plays a pivotal role in the physical, economic and social development ofCounty Laois. Together with its role of Development Plan preparation, the section is now pro activelyinvolved in the preparation of Four Local Area Plans and twenty-five Village Plans.

Development PlanThe County Development Plan lies at the heart of the Irish Planning System and is intended toprovide the strategic framework and policy context within which the Local Authority makes planningdecisions. In April 2004 work commenced on the review of the Development Plan. Approximately 500people attended public consultations, which were organised throughout the County. 386 formalsubmissions were received during the Draft Plan consultation period relating to all aspects of planningin the County. The Members at meetings in the Council in June 2005 proposed that amendments bemade to the Draft Plan and these amendments were placed on public display for comment. 86submissions were submitted to the elected Members for their consideration. A special Meeting on theDevelopment Plan was held on 4th January 2006. The Laois County Development Plan 2006-2012comes into effect on 1st February 2006.

Urban & Village Renewal Programme 2000-2006During the year the Forward Planning Section coordinated the annual programme for fundingsubmission to the Department of Environment. Following Department of Environment, Heritage &Local Government approval, works were carried out in Portlaoise, Abbeyleix, Vicarstown andBallacolla.

Conservation Grant SchemeForward Planning Section administers the Conservation Grant Scheme, which is funded by theDepartment of the Environment, Heritage & Local Government. The Scheme assists the owner oroccupier of a Protected Structure to undertake necessary works to secure its conservation. The grantallocation for Laois County Council for 2005 was €120,000 which was fully allocated.

Shop Front Grant SchemeThe grant was made available again in 2005. This grant is allocated to assist in the carrying out ofworks to enhance shop fronts.

Town Renewal Scheme 2000Five towns in Laois qualify for tax incentives under the Urban and Town Renewal Schemes. Thequalifying towns are Portlaoise, Mountrath, Mountmellick, Porarlington and Rathdowney.

Residential housing in Ballylinan


Service IndicatorsPlanning & Building Control

Enforcement

Category

Individual Housing Other: not Other:Houses Development requiring EIA requiring EIA04 05 04 05 04 05 04 05

No. of applications decided 581 499 126 86 571 716 8 2

No. of decisions decided N/A 316 N/A 39 N/A 499 N/A 2within 8 weeks

No. of decisions which required the N/A 182 N/A 46 N/A 215 N/A -submission of futher information

No. of decisions where an extension of N/A 1 N/A 1 N/A 2 N/A -time was agreed to by the applicant, under section 34 (9) of the Planningand Development Act 2000

Average length of time taken (in days) 73.1 77 81.66 80 75.42 78 76.33 -to decide a case where further information is sought

% of grants 83.48% 77.96% 80.16% 63.53% 95.27% 90.66% 62.50% 100%

% of refusals 16.52% 22.04% 19.84% 36.47% 4.73% 9.34% 37.50% -

% of cases where the decision 45.45% 77.78% 36.84% 90.91% 38.46% 70.83% - 100%was confirmed with or without variations by An Bord Pleanála

% of cases where the decision was 40.91% 22.22% 21.05% 9.09% 23.08% 29.17% - -reversed by An Bord Pleanála

No. of pre-planning consultation meetings held 900 (2005)

Average length of time (in days) from request for consultation with local authority planner to actual formal meeting for pre-planning consultation 12 (2005)

Buildings inspected as a % of new buildings notified to the local authority 12.1

Description Total in 2004 Total in 2005

Total number of cases subject to complaints that were 79 117investigated

Total number of cases subject to complaints that were 0 0dismissed

Total number of cases subject to complaints that were N/A 25resolved through negotiations

Number of enforcement procedures taken through 41 112warning letters

Number of enforcement procedures taken through 18 32Enforcement Notices

Total number of prosecutions 1 1

Average number of opening hours per week 32.5 32.5


RoadsLaois County Council is responsible for and maintains the 2,278 km of roadway and 28 km ofmotorway in the County. In 2005, Laois County Council received a total allocation of €66,941,495 inrespect of expenditure on National & Non-National roads in the County. Of this €2,179,816 wasfinanced from Laois County Council's own funds, with the remainder coming from the Department ofthe Environment, Heritage & Local Government, and the National Roads Authority.

In line with previous years, Laois County Council carried out maintenance works on national, regional,and local roads in the County. These works include salting the roads during icy periods, drainageworks, verge trimming, footpath repairs, erection and replacement of signs, relining, the provision ofstuds, and the replacement of safety barrier/fencing.

In 2005, under the Multi-Annual Roadworks Programme 2002-2005, strengthening and surfacedressing works were carried out to Regional and County roads throughout the County. The multi-annual programme was reviewed in 2005 and has been extended for a further period from 2006 -2008.

ProjectsM7 Portlaoise to Castletown/M8 Portlaoise to Cullahill MotorwayScheme 2003

The scheme covers the proposed routesof the M7 and M8 from the termination ofthe M7 Portlaoise By-pass to beyondBorris In Ossory on the existing N7, andbeyond Cullahill on the existing N8. Thescheme includes new roads for the M7and the M8, and improvement orancillary works to existing nationalregional or local roads associated withthe proposed scheme.

The M7/ M8 Scheme has been selectedby the National Roads Authority as aPublic Private Partnership (PPP)Scheme. It is planned to be adesign/build/operate/finance contractwith a long term concession period, inthe order of 30 years.

The following are the main elements of the proposed M7/M8 Scheme from Borris In Ossory toPortlaoise:• Approximately 2 km of standard single carriageway roadway, which will provide a link from the

existing N7 to the proposed motorway.• Approximately 27 km of standard 2 x 2 lane motorway which will extend the M7 motorway from

Borris In Ossory to the existing M7 Portlaoise Bypass.• A Toll Plaza• A Motorway - Motorway Interchange• Three grade separated junctions on the R435 close to Borris In Ossory, on the R434 close to

Aghaboe and on the R445 between Mountrath and Portlaoise.• Approximately 1 km of reduced single carriageway road way which will provide a link to the

existing R435.• Bridge crossings of the Rivers Gully, Nore and Cappamacloughy.• 12 minor road crossings and associated side road realignments with an overall length of

approximately 8 km.

The following are the main elements of the proposed M7/M8 Scheme from Cullahill to the M7/M8Motorway-Motorway Interchange:

• Approximately 170 m of standard single carriageway roadway, which will realign the existing N8approaching the proposed N8/M8 roundabout.

• Approximately 13 km of standard 2 x 2 lane motorway which wil extend the M8 Motorway fromCullahill to M7/M8 Motorway- Motorway Interchange.

• A Motorway-Motorway Interchange.• A grade separated junction on the R433 close to Reid Cross Roads.• An at grade roundabout junction on the N8 near Cullahill.• Bridge crossings of River Goul, Mill and Erkina.• 7 minor road crossings and associated side road realignments with an overall length of

approximately 7 km.

The estimated cost of the scheme at present is €490 million including VAT. This estimated costincludes for construction plus land, property and design.

Notices to Treat were served on over 300 land owners in February and April of 2005. To date claimshave been received from over 97% of landowners and forwarded to our Valuer to make 'fair andreasonable offers’. Conveyancing has been completed in respect of 38 landowners. The scheme alsorequires the demolition of 15 dwelling houses and to date 10 have been purchased.

Site Investigation works, Topographical Contract and Ecology Investigation were completed in 2005.Archaeological testing and resolution along the length of land take is ongoing. The first stage ofdiversion of 400kv. ESB line has been completed.

In October, the PPP Unit of the NRA sought Expressions of Interest in the PPP M7/M8 MotorwayContract and received submissions from 5 No contractors. The contract will be awarded in 2006.

The NRA published notice of the making of Draft Toll Scheme in respect of the use of the proposedNational Road. An Oral Hearing to consider objections will be held in early 2006.

Selection of archaeological items discovered duringexcavations on the M7/M8 Motorway Scheme

Excavating a Bronze Age Structure


N7 - Castletown To Nenagh Scheme (Derrinsallagh To Ballintotty)2005This project is being undertaken by Laois County Council on its own behalf and on behalf of Offalyand North Tipperary County Council in accordance with agreements made under Section 59 of theLocal Government Act, 1955 and approved by the National Roads Authority under Section 14 (8) ofthe Roads Act, 1993.

Scope of the WorksThe N7 Castletown to Nenagh Scheme (Derrinsallagh to Ballintotty) will consist of:

• 36.2 kilometres of high quality dual carriageway connecting a link road in the townland ofDerrinsallagh in the Electoral Division of Borris-in-Ossory in the County of Laois to the existingN7 Nenagh By-Pass in the Townland of Ballintotty in the Electoral Division of Kilkeary in theCounty of North Tipperary.

• A link road from the proposed Borris-in-Ossory grade separated junction to the existing N7 westof Borris-in-Ossory

• Four grade separated junctions• Realignment of minor roads• Twenty-four Road Bridges• One Railway Bridge• Seven Accommodation Bridges• Three River Bridges• Associated ancillary works

Recent Scheme DevelopmentsAn Oral Hearing was held by An Bord Pleanala over the period from Tuesday the 26th of July toThursday the 4th of August, 2005 to consider the likely effects on the environment of the proposedscheme, to assist in assessing whether An Bord should confirm, modify or annul the CompulsoryPurchase Order and to assist in determining if An Bord should confirm an order authorising theextinguishment of public rights of way.

Current Scheme StatusAn Bord Pleanala's decision was received on the 21st November, 2005, confirming the CompulsoryPurchase Order and approving the proposed road development subject to minor modificationsrelating to planting, dust, noise monitoring and a bat survey.

Future Scheme ProgrammeThe Scheme will become operative on 11th February, 2006. A two year programme to incorporateland purchase, site investigation, archaeology, ecology mitigation measures, and other preliminaryworks has been drawn up. It is proposed to issue Notice to Treat in April/May of next year, and totake possession of the land and erect a permanent fenceline in the second half of 2006. It is proposedto have a contractor on site in 1st quarter of 2008.

Specific Improvement SchemesThe following schemes were carried out in 2005.

• Eyne Bridge completed in 2005.

• Ballykilcavancommenced in late 2005 and was completed.

• N80 Stradbally StreetsThe final stage of pavement improvement and traffic management was completed.

The following schemes were in progress in 2005.

• Kilmullen BridgeIn December 2005, An Bord Pleanala held an oral hearing in respect of draft compulsorypurchase order for this scheme.

• Portlaoise Western Circular - Clonminam LinkFurther progress was made on this scheme.

• Portlaoise Western Circular - Clonrooske LinkWorks commenced on this important transport link in 2005.

Community Involvement In Roadworks SchemeThis scheme continued in 2005 and a total of 10 projects were successfully undertaken in conjunctionwith local communities.

Local Improvement SchemeAn allocation of €275,335 was received from the Department of the Environment in 2005 in respect ofthe above which financed 17 projects in the county.

Public LightingA total of 5477 lights are maintained by the Council and in 2005 the cost was €490,971.00

Taxis And HackneysIn 2005 Laois County Council has a total of 71 valid hackney licences and 9 limousines licences, and67 taxi licences of which 13 are wheelchair accessible taxi licences.

Road Safety Remedial MeasuresFifteen Road Safety Remedial Measure Schemes were carried out at various locations throughoutthe County. These schemes involve the provision of lining, road markings and signs to improve roadsafety.

School WardensLaois County Council has 7 full time school wardens and 1 stand-by school warden at schoolcrossings in Portlaoise & Mountmellick.

Safe Cycling ProgrammeOver 250 children from 8 National Schools participated in this programme.

Drive for Life2005 saw the introduction of the “Drive for Life” Programme into 2 secondary schools in Portlaoise.60 young Transition year students took part in this programme which has raised the awareness ofRoad Safety for many of these students before they embark on their first driving experiences.

Service Indicator2005 2004

Local and regional roads surface dressed per annum (square meters) 572700 587950

Percentage of local and regional roads surface dressed per annum 5.7 5.9


Laois County Development Board

Membership of the Board

During 2005, Laois County Development Board held 4 meetings, together with 2 working groupmeetings. During the year the Board's Strategic Plan “Realising Our Potential” was reviewed andnew priorities, based on the changing demographic, economic, social and cultural profile of the countywere developed. The review involved an extensive consultation process with a range ofstakeholders. The County Development Board also endorsed the plans of MountmellickDevelopment Association Social Inclusion, Portlaoise Community Action Project, Laois LEADER,Laois County Childcare Committee and Laois TRIP.

The Board visited Camphill Community in Callan, Co Kilkenny to look at the anaerobic digestion planton the site.

Presentations were made to the Board during the year by the following:

• Ms. Angela McEvoy Senior Executive Planner, Laois County Council on the proposed newCounty Development Plan

• Mr. Kevin Healion of Tipperary Institute• Dr. Ger Mullally of University College Cork.

In 2005 the Board made submissions to:• Laois County Council County Development Plan 2005-2011• The proposed new National Development Plan 2006-2012

A subgroup of the Board met with Mr. Bill Ebbitt, Co-ordinator of the Regional Drugs Task Group. TheBoard played an active role in promoting Broadband infrastructure throughout the county under theCommunity and Group Rural broadband Scheme.

Task Groups of the Board• Children's Task Group• Safe Environment Task Group• Education & Training Task Group• Economic Development Task Group

The Board will set up the following task groups in 2006 in accordance with the Review of its strategy:• Sustainability Task Group• Transportation Task Group• Older persons Task Group• Quality of Services Task Group

Social Inclusion Measures Working Group (SIM)The SIM Group is responsible for developing cohesion in the delivery of services to socially excludedgroups. In 2004, a GIS mapped poverty profile of the County was developed. The Board sought andreceived funding in 2005 for the development of a Local Anti Poverty Strategy. This strategy is nowbeing developed in consultation with representatives of those experiencing poverty and socialexclusion.Laois County Council, as part of its objective of promoting social inclusion, prepared and launched aCharter for Socially Inclusive Services in the County. This is available to all our customers andimplementation will be monitored on an ongoing basis.

Laois Community ForumThe County Community ForumExecutive continued to meet monthlythroughout 2005. Area Fora Meetingswere held in each Electoral area todiscuss issues including; CommunitySafety with the Gardaí, The Laois ArtsPlan, Laois Community Forum hostedthe public consultation process throughthe Area Fora on the CountyDevelopment Plan and the Triad TownsProject.

Local GovernmentMr. Peter Carey, County Manager, Laois County CouncilMs. Mary Sweeney MCC, Laois County Council (Chairperson)Mr. James Deegan MCC, Laois County CouncilMr. John Joe Fennelly MCC, Laois County CouncilMr. Brian Stanley MCC, Laois County CouncilMr. Larry Kavanagh MCC, Laois County CouncilMs. Helen Hanson TC, Portlaoise & Mountmellick Town Council

Local DevelopmentMs. Maria Callinan, County Enterprise BoardMs. Lena Ging, County Enterprise BoardMs. Ann Goodwin, Laois LEADERMs. Julia Booth, Laois LEADERMr. Pat Fitzpatrick, Mountmellick Dev. Assoc.Ms. Diane Burke, Portlaoise Community Action ProjectMs. Fionn Bardon, Laois County Childcare Committee

Director of Community & Enterprise - Mr. Declan Byrne

State AgenciesMr. Aidan Waterstone, HSE MidlandsMr. Pat Campbell, FASMr. Con Feighery, TeagascMs. Anne O'Keeffe, Laois VECMr. Pat Byrne, Enterprise IrelandMs. Brid Moody, IDA IrelandMr. Denis Galvin, Dept. of Social & Family AffairsMr. Seamus Murray, Dept. of Education & ScienceMr. Kevin Donohue, Garda SiochanaVacant-MERTA

Social PartnersMs. Margaret Ryan, Business SectorMr. William Moylan, Trade Union SectorMr. Michael Bergin, Farming SectorMr. Brian Bonham, Community ForumMr. Eric Lewis, Community Forum

The Launch of the Laois Poverty Profile


Activities throughout 2005National Pride of Place Competition: Mountmellick & Rathdowney represented Co. Laois in this year'sPride of Place Competition. The competition aims at celebrating projects carried out by localcommunities and recognizeses contributions made by community groups to society.

Publication of Forum NewsletterA Community Forum Newsletter was published and distributed.

Photographic Project for SchoolsYoung children from Laois participated in this successful project. The project was displayed in schoolsin Portlaoise, Rathdowney, Stradbally and Mountrath.

Publication of 2006 WallchartThe 2006 wallchart was completed and distributed to all households throughout the County.

Community Education ExhibitionThe Community Education Exhibition was launched with 18 Groups taking part in the project whichwas a partnership between the Community Forum, Laois VEC and the Arts Office.

Laois Disability Action GroupIn November a Conference was held in The Montague Hotel, to help and support the Network ofDisability Groups.

Older People's NetworkingAn Older Peoples Networking Day was held in May, in conjunction with Laois Vocational EducationalCommittee, and the Health Service Executive.

“Bridging the Gap”The Community Forum were represented in the development of the Charter for Socially InclusiveServices.

Laois Ethnic Minority Support GroupSupport was provided to assist with the Ethnic Minorities Christmas Party held in December.

Membership of Community ForumElectoral AreaForum Member

Portlaoise Emo

Eric Lewis Michael CobbePhil Mulhare Betty RedmondMary Lalor Celia DeverellMarie Groarke

Borris in Ossory Luggacurren Mountmellick

Mick Dowling Mary Wheatley Clare ConroyPaul Lynch Mary McWey Anne Marie HouriganBrian Bonham Kathleen Gorman Ger LynchSr Patrice NormanEddie Phelan

Comhairle na nÓgIn March 2005 95 young people from around the County met to look at youth issues. The day wasorganized by Laois County Development Board in conjunction with students from ClonasleeCommunity School Transition Year. Guest speakers on the day were Cathaoirleach Mr. Willie Aird,Laois County Manager Mr. Peter Carey, and Laois Senior Footballer, Ross Munnelly. Young peoplecame from nine second level schools around Laois, and transport was organised by the rural busservice, Laois Trip. Schools that participated on the day were Youthreach, Heywood CommunitySchool, Colaíste Íosagáin (Portarlington), Scoil Chríost Rí (Mountmellick), Portlaoise VEC, ScoilAongus (Mountrath), Brigidine Convent (Mountrath), St Fergals (Rathdowney), and ClonasleeVocational School.

Comhairle na nÓg

Service IndicatorsPercentage of local schools involved in the local Youth Council/Comhairle na 2005 2004nÓg scheme 82% 42%


Financial ManagementHead of Finance: Gerry MurphyFinancial/Management Accountant: Julie Bergin

The Finance Department is responsible for the following services; Motor Tax, Accounts Payable,Revenue Collection, Payroll and Superannuation, Internal Audit, Preparation of Annual Budgets andFinancial Statements, Financial Management and all ancillary matters.

RatesIn 2005 the rate collection achieved was 92%. The General Annual Rate on Valuation was 57.4497.The Rateable Valuation Multiplier for Portlaoise and Mountmellick was:

Portlaoise: 1.6846 Mountmellick: 2.3067

Water ChargesIn 2005 the total number of commercial users was 2070 of which 1781 were metered. A fixed chargeapplied to the remaining 289 consumers. By January 2007 it is intended that all non-domestic userswill be metered. The charge for metered water in 2005 was €4.70 per 1000 gallons. In addition thereis a standing charge of €50.00 per annum.

Prompt Payment of AccountsFollowing the introduction of the Prompt Payments of Accounts Act as amended by the EuropeanCommunities (Late payment in Commercial Transactions) Regulations 2002, commercial suppliersare entitled to payment of interest on amounts owed to them after

a) the date specified under the terms of a written contract orb) where there is no written contract or the contract does not specify a payment date, 30 days from

receipt of the invoice or delivery of goods, whichever is the later.

Laois County Council complies with the terms of the Prompt Payments Act as amended. The Councildid not pay any late payment interest in 2005.

Service Indicators

F.M.S. - ImprovementsSince April 2005 payment to suppliers can be made by electronic fund transfer directly to their bankaccounts. Its introduction has contributed to an increased effectiveness in the processing of invoices,the bank reconciliation process and cash flow management. Our Financial Management SystemAgresso was updated in July to the latest version 5.4. This was a significant upgrade andincorporated Invoice Manager and a Taxation Module into Agresso.

Motor TaxationThe Motor Tax Department continues to provide a public service widely availed of by the public. Theintroduction of the N.V.D.F (National Vehicle Driver File) System caters for all motor tax and driverlicences.

Vehicle licencesThe total receipts for 2005 was €10,959,275.50 compared to €10,750,103.70 in 2004. The numberof vehicle licences (discs) issued in 2005 was 53,145 compared to 52,509 in 2004.

Driving licencesReceipts for 2005 were €123,265 (including duplicates) compared with €124,650 for 2004. Thenumber of driving licences issued in 2005 was 7,981 compared with 7,805 in 2004. A Theory Test ismandatory for all first applicants for provisional licences. The telephone number to call for a test is1890 606 106.

Vehicle TestingCertificates of Roadworthiness for commercial/goods vehicles were issued in respect of 3,923vehicles during the year, compared to 3,076 for 2004. All commercial/goods vehicles require aD.O.E.H.L.G. test every year.

NCT (National Car Test)Testing of private vehicles is ongoing since January 2000. The Laois Centre is at Lismard BusinessCentre, Timahoe Road, Portlaoise. Initial test is after 4 years then every 2 years thereafter. Vintagecars are the only vehicles exempt from this test. The use of the on-line facility will be extended to thefirst taxation of all new cars from 1st January, 2006. Information on how to use this facility will beavailable from all registered dealerships.

Opening Hours: 9 am - 3.30 pm Monday - Friday including lunch time.

Service Indicators

Housing Loans 2004 2005a) Amount collected at year end as a percentage of amount due 92% 94%

b) Percentage of arrears:(i) 1 month old 16% 10%(ii) 2 - 3 months old 18% 13%(iii) more than 3 months old 66% 77%

Commercial RatesAmount collected at year end as a percentage of amount due 92% 92%

Non-Domestic Water ChargesAmount collected at year end as a percentage of amount due 70% 68%

a) Percentage of Motor Tax Transactions which - - are dealt with over the counter 66.57%. 40,320- are dealt with by post 33.43% 20,249 - are dealt with in other ways

(e.g. on line, by telephone) 0% 8,379

b) Average number of Public Opening hours per week - 32.5 hours.

c) Number of postal applications and % of overall postalapplications which are dealt with (i.e. discs/driver licences issued) from receipt of the application:

2005 2004

i) on the same day 12,612 62.28% 10,364 55.61%

ii) on the third day 3,778 18.66% 1,572 8.44%or less iii) on the fifth day 1,768 8.73% 4,437 23.81%or lessiv) over 5 days 2,091 10.33% 2,263 12.14%


Annual Financial Statement

Revenue Account

Expenditure by Programme Group Expenditure Income Net Expenditure

Housing & Building 7,169,975 6,065,604 1,104,371Road Transportation & Safety 16,901,865 11,203,396 5,698,469Water Supply & Sewerage 6,094,041 2,230,100 3,863,941Development Incentives & Controls 3,073,525 1,623,170 1,450,355Environmental Protection 8,571,066 7,568,092 1,002,973Recreation and Amenity 3,009,427 650,699 2,358,727Agriculture, Education, Health & Welfare 3,556,917 2,986,638 570,280Miscellaneous Services 4,107,284 994,696 3,112,588

Total Expenditure/Receipts 52,484,100 33,322,395

Net Cost of Programmes to be funded from County Rates and Local Government 19,161,704

Local Government Fund 15,968,328County Rates 6,982,372Surplus/(Deficit) for Year before Transfers 3,788,996Transfers from / (to) Reserves (3,713,288)Overall Surplus / (Deficit) for Year 75,708General Reserve at 1st January (650,504)General Reserve at 31st December (574,796)

Capital Account

Expenditure by Programme Group Expenditure Income

Housing & Building 53,621,109 45,734,506Road Transportation & Safety 30,769,197 30,570,482Water Supply & Sewerage 6,663,267 5,067,837Development Incentives and Controls 4,177,313 14,512,756Environmental Protection 2,881,765 1,969,002Recreation and Amenity 375,683 2,744,455Agriculture, Education, Health & Welfare 14,534Miscellaneous Services 473,121 1,073,301

Total Expenditure/Receipts 98,961,454 101,686,873Surplus / (Deficit) for Year 2,725,419Balance at 1st January (2,561,590)Balance at 31st December 163,829


Portlaoise Town CouncilManager: Mr. Gerry MurphyTown Clerk: Ms. Fiona PurcellTown Engineer: Mr. Trevor Hennessy

Annual General MeetingAt the Annual General Meeting of Portlaoise Town Council, held on Tuesday 28th June, 2005,Councillor Tom Jacob was elected as Mayor. Councillor Willie Aird was elected as Vice Mayor.

Representation on Boards/CommitteesCounty Development Board - Councillor Brian Stanley Economic Development and County Promotion Strategic Policy Committee

- Councillor Rotimi AdebariHousing, Social and Cultural Strategic Policy Committee - Councillor Brian Stanley

Monthly MeetingsThe first Tuesday of each month.

Main Services ProvidedHousing maintenance and repair, School Warden Service, Community and Environmental Initiatives,Public Convenience, Civic Receptions and Town Twinning.

Budget 2005 - Community/Environmental FundThe Town Council provided support to the following:

Portlaoise Tidy Towns CommitteeNaomh Bríd Music ClassPortlaoise Scouts HallNational Association for Parent Support Ltd.Sacred Heart School Walking BusPortlaoise Athletics ClubO'Moore Place ChildcareSt. Brigid's & St. Paul's Field Management CommitteeThe Carers AssociationLakeglen Residents' AssociationCherrygrove Residents' CommitteeParnell Crescent Residents' AssociationColliers Court Residents' AssociationMarian Avenue Residents' Association

Hightlights During 2005Health and Education Services in Portlaoise

The Town Council continued to strongly support the development and improvement of the health andeducation services in the area.

Other Activities

• The IDA and Enterprise Ireland were lobbied for increased employment opportunities inPortlaoise.

• The Town Council supported the continuing efforts to attract investment in new industry inPortlaoise through regular correspondence with the Department of Enterprise and Employment.

• Co-operation with the Gardaí was strengthened through their attendance at Town CouncilMeetings.

• Two Civic Receptions were held in 2005:- Presentation Sisters, Portlaoise to celebrate their many years of dedicated service to thetown, 1824-2005.- St. Peter's Church, Portlaoise to honour its Bicentenary, 1804 to 2004.

• The Town Council supported and welcomed various developments in Portlaoise, particularly:- Public, Voluntary and Affordable Housing Developments- Road and footpath improvements throughout the town as well as the installation of trafficmanagement mechanisms, cycle lanes and resurfacing.- Development of the Arts, e.g. Laois School of Music, Laois Youth Theatre, the MayFest, LaoisSummer Arts Programme, the Artist-in-the Community programme, Writer's Workshops,exhibitions in Áras An Chontae.- Continued support for and co-operation with improvement of the service by Iarnród Éireann toPortlaoise.

ConferencesThe Town Council supported and was represented at the following conferences:

• The Annual Conference of the Association of Municipal Authorities of Ireland• The Annual Seminar of the Association of Municipal Authorities of Ireland.

Members of Portlaoise Town Council presenting a Citation to St. Peter’s Church, at a Civic Reception to honour its Bicentenary


Mountmellick Town Council Manager Mr.Declan ByrneTown Clerk. Mr.Dominic ReddinTown Engineer Mr. Wes Wilkinson

Annual General MeetingAt the Annual General Meeting of Mountmellick Town Council, Councillor Michael Gormley waselected Cathaoirleach and Councillor Marc Connolly was elected Leas Cathaoirleach.

Representation on Other BodiesPlace Names CommitteeCouncillor Bobby Delaney was elected to represent the Town Council on the Place Names Committeefor Co. Laois.

Irish Public Bodies Mutual InsurancesMountmellick Town Council was represented by Councillor Marc Connolly at meetings of the abovebody.

Association of Municipal Authorities of IrelandThe Town Council was represented by Councillors Patrick J. Bracken and Michael Gormley at theAnnual Conference and the Annual Seminar of the above body.

County Development BoardThe Town Council was represented by Councillor Helen Hanson on the above Board.

Strategic Policy CommitteesThe Town Council was represented on the Environment & Water Services SPC by Councillor MichaelGormely and Councillor Marc Connolly was the representative on the Housing Social and CulturalSPC.

Pride of PlaceThe towns of Mountmellick and Rathdowney represented Laois in the National Pride of Placecompetition 2005. Involvement in the competition was initiated by Laois County Council andcommunity groups in both towns became very involved with the application. In Mountmellick, theMDA co-ordinated the application in association with the elected members and council officials. Ashowcase of community projects at MDA formed part of the judges itinerary. The Town Council alsohosted a reception for the judging panel at the Courthouse and their role in the development and theenhancement of the town was highlighted. Both applications from Laois were placed in the top five intheir size category.

Environmental Works/GrantsThroughout the year various Environmental Works were carried out throughout the town under theTown Council's Environmental Works Programme as agreed by the members. These works includedthe following:

• All street furniture throughout the town was painted and replaced where damaged.• The area at Irishtown next to Grove Park was cleaned up, a new seat and bin and safety railings

were provided in the area.• A number of trees were planted at Pattisons Estate, Ashgrove and O'Connell Square.• Twelve large flower pots were purchased and placed throughout the town.• Weed killer and paint were purchased for environmental projects carried out throughout the

local authority estates in the town.• A contribution was made to Mountmellick's Community Employment Scheme, who carried out

various environmental projects in the town as agreed by the members.

Ministerial VisitsThe members officially welcomed Minister for State Dermot Ahearn T.D. on the occasion of his visit toMountmellick for the official sod turning for the scheme of voluntary housing for the elderly at WolfeTone Street

The members officially welcomed the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local GovernmentDick Roche T.D. on the occasion of his visit to Mountmellick during which he discussed withmembers, proposals for a new library at the Courthouse.

Business at MeetingsAs in previous years there was exceptional attendance by the Members at meetings during whichthey made representations regarding key issues of concern. These included environmental works,traffic management, roadworks and footpath repairs, signage, public lighting etc.

During the year the members were consulted regarding the Local Area Plan for Mountmellick, and thereview of the County Development Plan. Senior Planning Officials attended Town Council meetingsand noted various issues and concerns expressed by the members.

Memorial Plaque for the late Oliver J. Flanagan T.D., R.I.P.In October the members participated in the unveiling of a memorial plaque in remembrance of the lateOliver J. Flanagan T.D., R.I.P. at their Civic Offices in Mountmellick.

Guests at the unveiling of a memorial plaque in remembrance of the late Oliver J. Flanagan T.D.,R.I.P. at the Civic Offices in Mountmellick


Other ActivitesSocial Club 20052005 was a very successful year for the Laois County Council Social Club The Social Club currentlyhas a membership of 236 who contribute €1 per week. Numerous events were organised in 2005:

Monthly DrawOn the first Friday on every month a Social Club Draw takes place for Social Club members. Theprizes are:

1st: €50 2ND: €30 3RD: €20

Annual Table Quiz This was held on 2nd March 2005 in Peigs, Portlaoise and over 20 staff attended. An amount of€280 was raised for Irish Hospice and €60 for St. Vincent De Paul.

A night at the DogsThis was held on 13th May 2005 in Newbridge.

Annual Golf Outing The annual golf outing was held on 13th June 2005 in Mountrath Golf Club. These was a greatturnout and plenty of prizes:

1st Prize: John Culleton, Barbara Sheppard, John Daly 2nd Prize: Jim Lalor, Louise McEvoy, Michael Rainey 3rd Prize: Des Byrne, Rose Bray, Gavin Cobbe

BowlingA night at the Bowls was held in the Roll and Bowl, Clonminam, Portlaoise on 29th September 2005.This was a well supported event with refreshments served afterwards. The winners on the nightwere:

Winning Team Brian O'Sullivan, Geraldine Jones, Joan Dowling and Pat DelaneyQueen of the Bowls Ger Jones King of the Bowls Brian O'Sullivan

Annual MassThe Annual mass for deceased members and staff of Laois County Council organised by the SocialClub in the Council chambers. Invitations were issued to all retired and present staff members ofLaois County Council. The mass was very well attended. Refreshments were provided in the canteenafterwards.

Old Folks Party The old folks party provided by the Social Club for the members of PASS was held on 17th November2005 in the PASS Centre on the Timahoe Road. Malcolm Smith and Liam Fennelly was provided theentertainment. Plenty of staff helped out on the night and as usual it was a great success.

Kiddies Christmas Party The kiddies Party was held on the 10th December 2005 in the canteen. Like previous years there wasover 130 children who attended. There was great entertainment with Bob the Builder, Bear in the BigBlue house, a fairy Princess and of course Santa and one of his elves. Santa arrived by fire engine.Disco was provided by our very own Ray Bell. There was plenty of help on the day from PANG andSocial Club members.

Christmas Party The annual Christmas Party was held on 16th December 2005 in theHeritage Hotel. This was a sell out with 120 tickets sold to both staffand councillors. Music on the night was provided by Moonshine,followed by a disco by Anthony Jeffries.

Golf SocietyRoy Glynn captained the Golf Society in 2005. His Captain's daywas held in The Heath Golf Club in July and a great day was had byall. The Captain's Prize was won by Peter Scully. The Kennedy Cupwas won by Ger O'Mahony at the staff outing held in Portarlington.The Golfer of the Year Award for 2005 went to Peter Scully.

Coiste GaeilgeAn Coiste Gaeilge held numerous activities throughout the year.Included were events which took place during Seachtain na Gaeilgee.g. Storytelling as Gaeilge in Portlaoise Branch Library. Internationalcoffee morning in the Heritage Hotel Portlaoise.(meeting groups fromvarious other countries and all of us speaking in our own language).

Gaeleagras which is a training and development centre within theCivil Service based in the Department of Finance awardsscholarships to people working in Local Authorities. The scholarshipconsist of five days special leave from their place of work. Thesuccessful candidate who obtains a scholarship and whosuccessfully completes the course will be entitled to obtain €125towards their travel expenses. Last year three employees weresuccessful in obtaining scholarship to the Gaeltacht.This was fundedby Laois County Council.


Useful DirectoryAras an ChontaePortlaoiseTel: (057) 8664000Fax: (057) 8622313E-Mail: [email protected] Hrs: 9.00 am to 5.00 pm (incl. Lunch Hour)Web: www.laois.ie

Cash OfficeBlock 2Áras an ChontaeTel: (057) 8674308Opening Hrs: 9.00 am to 3.30 pm (incl. Lunch Hour)

Planning OfficeÁras an ChontaeTel: (057) 8664039Fax: (057) 8622491Opening Hrs: 9.30 am to 4.00 pm (incl. Lunch Hour)

Motor Tax OfficeBlock 2Áras an ChontaeTel: (057) 8664009Fax: (057) 8621184Opening Hrs: 9.00 am to 3.30 pm (inch. Lunch Hour)

Sports & Leisure OfficeÁras an ChontaeTel: (057) 8664007Fax: (057) 8622313

Arts OfficeBlock 2Áras an ChontaeTel: (057) 8674342Fax: (057) 8674382

Library HeadquartersBlock 2Áras an ChontaeTel: (057) 8674315Fax: (057) 8674381

Western AreaCourthouse, Borris-in-OssoryTel: (0505) 41123Fax: (0505) 41188

Eastern AreaCourthouse, StradballyTel: (057) 8625227Fax: (057) 8625227

Central AreaMountrath Road, PortlaoiseTel: (057) 8664168Fax: (057) 8660135

Housing RepairsMountrath Road, PortlaoiseTel: (057) 8622177Fax: (057) 8622177

Road Design OfficeÁras an ChontaeTel: (057) 8664000Fax: (057) 8622633

LaboratoryMountrath Road, PortlaoiseTel: (057) 8664164Fax: (057) 8663502

Machinery YardClonboyne, PortlaoiseTel: (057) 8621148Fax: (057) 8621148

National Roads Project OfficeClonboyne, PortlaoiseTel: (057) 8664850Fax: (057) 8664858

Landfill Site, KyletaleshaPortlaoiseTel: (057) 8620653Fax: (057) 8660858

Civil Defence HQÁras an ChontaeTel: (057) 8664000Fax: (057) 8625058

Comhairle Chontae Laoise L a o i s C o u n t y C o u n c i l

"I bpáirt leis an bpobal""In Partnership with the Community"

Comhairle Chontae Laoise Áras an Chontae, Port Laoise, Co. Laois

Guthán: (057) 8664000 Faics: (057) 8622313

www.laois.ie Riomhphoist: [email protected]

Laois County Council Áras an Chontae, Portlaoise, Co. Laois Telephone: (057) 8664000 Fax: (057) 8622313 www.laois.ie E-mail: [email protected]

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