MAYO COUNTY COUNCIL MONTHLY UPDATE

MAYO.lE

March 2016 Monthly Update from Chief Executive

Upcoming Events Programme Update Next Council Meeting i h March 2016

Next Economic Development & Enterprise Support Strategic Policy Committee Meeting 19th April, 2016

Next Tourism & Food Strategic Policy Committee 19th April, 2016

Enterprise and Investment VISIT

• The administration associated with the purchase of an old rai lway cottage and lands at Tonragee, Achill has now been finalised. The aim is to develop this property into a service facility along the Great Western Greenway between Mulranny and Achill.

• A UK based production company Cut Media visited Mayo for three days to scout locations for the development of a series of new tourism promotional videos for the County.

• Work on the Claremorris Active Travel Project is at an advanced stage. • Mayo.ie together with Breaffy House Resort and media partners Newstalk

will be hosting the first ever "S~orting Excellence" Conference at Breaffy House Resort from the 11 th - 13 t March 2016.

• "DESTINATION MA YO" A Strategy for the future development of Tourism in County Mayo was officially launched by Minister Michael Ring TD on Friday 5th February 2016 at Westport Country Lodge. Over 150 people were in attendance.

• The Strategic Policy Committee for Tourism and Food met on Thursdav 18ththe February at Westport Town Hall. There were a number df

presentations given which included the Greenway network in Co Mayo and European Projects. Dates and a schedule of meetings for the current year have been agreed.

• A meeting took place with Nlichael O'Brien, Liaison Officer with the Northern & Western Regional Assembly regarding The Atlantic Area Program 2014-2020. The project is associated with Euro Velol (European Cycle Network). The opportunities for Mayo are for further development and promotion of the Greenway 1Cycleway network.

• On Wednesday the 24th February, RTE Nationwide featured some of North Mayo's most spectacular coastline including the Ceathru Thaidhg Loop Walk, a visit to Ceide Fields and Ballinglen Arts Centre, a boat trip and some deep sea fishing at Downpatrick Head, pony trekking along Lackan Strand and interviews from members of the Tourism team. The programme is available to view on the RTE Player; http ://www.rte.ie/player/ie/show/nationwide-21/10535649/

1. The Victoria House Foundation

a. Transf er of Victoria House & Archive Victoria House - Acquisition of Victoria House is pending Archive - Department of Arts, Heritage & Gaeltacht' s Section 1003

Upcoming Events Programme Update Next Council Meeting i h

March 2016

committee have approved the donation of Mary Robinson's archive to Mayo County Council

h. Development MCC's design team are working on a final brief and construction tender.

The interpretation and design phase is also now underway. 2. Funding

Activity continues to fundraise with a full programme of fundraising activity for 201 6 in planning.

3. Calendar of Events/Academic Programme A programme of academic activity is underway and a date for the International Human Rights Lecture pending.

4. Archive Digitisation A start date will be confirmed once the archive transfer has been agreed with Department of Arts, Heritage & the Gaeltacht, expected Ql 2016.

CONNECT • Mayo.ie

Ongoing work on mayo.ie addressing speed of loading website on mobile devices. Development of the design and build of the new food pages. Arrangements put in place to deliver advanced social media training to mayo.ie team

• Mayo Day - 30th April 2016 Representatives from Municipal districts to work on Mayo Day projects Initial discussions/meeting held in relation to Mayo World Convention, the Mayo Day flagship event. Communication in place with contacts overseas in relation to promotion of Mayo Day Advertising campaign agreed for Mayo Day promotion

• Diaspora Representation from Mayo County Council at Mayo Association annual dinner in Dublin Attendance at Mayo Association annual banquet in Manchester Submission for Diaspora Development fund to Minister Deenihan's office Support advert for Mayo Society of New York Journal for their upcoming event.

• 1916 Commemoration plans Promotion of Mayo County Councils commemorative calendar on mayo.ie, website and social media Attendance at meetings of local steering group

• Press Prepared and circulated press releases to local papers and arranged interviews on local radio for events and projects, including: o Turas na mBan Conference

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Upcoming Events Programme Update Next Council Meeting i h March 2016

o National Enterprise week o Mayo Day o Rhode Island Trade Centre o National Enterprise Awards o Meet Mayo, February 29th

Oifig Na Gaeilge • Ranganna Gaeilgellrish Classes

Liaising with training department in relation to this initiative • Grupai GaeUgelIrish Groups

Meeting with different groups once a month in different areas in Mayo that provide Irish speakers, those learning the language, and to those who rarely use Irish, a chance to come together and use their 'cupla focal ' in an informal , relaxed atmosphere.

• La Mhaigheo Co-ordinating arrangments for Mayo Day in the Gaeltacht areas

• Rith 2016 Co-ordinating the Rith 2016 initiative locally

Community & Integrated Development • LCDC approved the Social Inclusion & Community Activation

Programme (SICAP) End of Year 2015 Reports and Annual Plans for 2016 for Mayo at the February meeting. This Programme is worth over € 1.00m per annum to the county and supports people to engage with training courses and other activities aimed at marginalised groups.

• Community Futures programmes in Knock and Ballyglass are underway with Steering Committees established and a Community Support worker allocated to each area to facilitate and support the process.

• An InterAgency Social Farming Committee has been established to develop the way forward for Social Farming in Mayo.

Mayo Sports Partnership 20th• Launch of the Erris ParkTun initiative took place on Saturday

February with 85 participants. The Erris location brings to four the munber of Parkruns in the county - Ballina, Castlebar, Erris and Westport.

• Five Operation Transformation 5K events took place on Saturday 20th

February. Close to 500 participated in Ballina, Castlebar, Ballyhaunis, Erris and Westport.

• Two recreational sports days, co-ordinated by Goal to Work Ballyhaunis Sports Coaches, held in the Maples recreational park with close to 200 children attending over the 2 days.

Upcoming Events • Goal to Work Sports Coach Training Ballina programme now seeking

applications which is due to commence in March bringing to eight the number of programmes in the county.

Mayo County Childcare Committee Training • Implementation ofnational Learner Fund 4 for childcare services. • Child Development (Fetac level 6) being delivered Thursdays,

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Upcoming Events Programme Update Next Council Meeting i h March 2016

Auditorium, Mayo County Council, in collaboration with ETB. Approximately 20 participants.

Upcoming Event Mayo Early Intervention Service and Mayo County Childcare Committee are co hosting an "Inclusion Day" for preschool staff, families, childminders and parent and toddler groups on Saturday 5th March in Knockranny House Hotel Westport from ll am - Ipm. Preschool practitioners attending will be addressed by Dr. Geraldine French in the morning (10am) and have the chance to attend 3 workshops throughout the day which will provide invaluable practical idea' s to promote the inclusion of all children (please note workshops are now fully booked).

The Purpose of the day is: • To showcase products accessible to all children to create an inclusive

environment. • Support the needs highlighted by childcare practitioners around practical

information and activities to ensure the successful inclusion of all children in the preschool setting.

Arts Office • UPSTART Disability Arts Programme review and evaluation. • 30 Years Artists & Places, Jenny Brady Artist's talk event at Ballina

Civic Offices Exhibition Space. • Film Mayo Assisting Film makers in North Mayo • Mayo Artsquad: Western Care 50th Celebration Ball & Rehab Drama

Production Ongoing Work:

• Tir Saile renewal work ongoing with artists, local community and relevant services.

• Preparation of EXCEL Youth Arts Programme and BeaItaine Programme for Older Persons

• 191 6 engagement and event planning including Mayo County Council & Jackie Clarke Collection Artist in Residence Programme

• Mayo Artsquad working with Achill Development Company Aquarium • Mayo Youth Theatre in Ballina Arts Centre. Upcoming events in March 2016 : • Applications and meetings re annual Partnership Funding to be

processed. • Mayo Artsquad re St. Patrick's Day: Grainne Uaile Club in BalLina and

Straide Community. • Installation of Public Artwork in Mayfield Claremorris. • Mayo Collaborative exhibition on Dr Kathleen Lynn, launch on March

26th .

INVEST • The Enterprise and Investment Unit (EnJ) hosted the inaugural Mayo

Industry Appreciation Evening. Over 150 individuals attended the event representing 42 companies and over 6,000 jobs across the County.

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Upcoming Events Programme Update Next Council Meeting ih March 2016

The Invest Team took the opportunity to introduce its new ' Business Engagement Team' which will communicate with industry in each municipal district to help sustain jobs.

• The EIU launched the Investment Strategy titled Sustaining Jobs, Supporting Growth and Winning Investment. The strategy adopts international best practice in integrating economic services and promoting Mayo as a location of choice both for indigenous growth and attracting multi nationals. The Strategy was launched by the Chief Executive of IDA, Mr. Martin Shanahan

• Building on our successful Drones and Data Conference the Invest Team hosted a renewable energy drone company in Mayo. The company is interested in exploring available test sites for their technology development.

• Through our new Business Engagement Team an industry 'lead' was generated for Castlebar. The Invest Team faci litated a site visit from a global investment firm linked with the data industry.

Local Enterprise Office • The Spring Training Schedule was rolled out with twelve training

programmes 1workshops underway; • Significant planning was carried out in preparation for the first ever Local

Enterprise Week, which will run from March i h to 11 tho

• A number of LEO clinics were delivered throughout the County giving local businesses the opportunity to meet with LEO staff and learn of available supports;

• The first MeetMayo event of 2016 was held in Breaffy Resort on 29th

February. This initiative offers local businesses an excellent networking initiative and continues to grow in stature.

Marine, Renewable Energy & Energy • IRBEA National bio energy conference took place on 3-02-2016 DCENR

provided an update on RBI (renewable heat incentive) and Future RES-E supports

• The Marine Renewables Industry Association (MRIA) had their 7th Annual Ocean Energy Industry Forum on Friday, February 12th

Next Housing Strategic Policy Committee Meeting 8th Aprit 2016 (subject

to change)

local Traveller Accommodation Consultative Committee Meeting

Housing • The Incremental Tenant Purchase Scheme is in operation since the 1st

January, 2016. Details of the scheme were circulated to the elected members before Christmas. Queries can be addressed by staff within each MD Housing office

• The 2015 Capital Construction Programme target of 55 units was achieved. The preliminary target for 2016/2017 is 91 units but will increase as new proj ects and schemes are initiated by the Council and approved by the Department, within the €2 7.00m three year funding envelope announced for Mayo earlier this year.

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Upcoming Events Programme Update Next Council Meeting i h March 2016

Date to be confirmed

• The Housing Assistance Payment (HAP) commenced in Mayo effective from the 16th November, 2015. 17 approved social housing applicants transitioned onto HAP in Mayo in 2015. The target for transitions to HAP for Mayo in 2016 is 600. The scheme will continue to be administered from the Central Housing office located in Swinford with ongoing input from and liaison with the MD Housing Offices.

• Department sanction has been received for the post of Tenancy Sustairunent Officer under a two year contract. The staffing of this position will fulfil one of the key objectives of the Mayo Homeless Strategy

• Progress continues to be made on ensuring that vacant houses are made fit for letting and subsequent offer to persons on the Housing Waiting List. The €200,000 provided in the 2016 Revenue Budget will go some of the way towards refurbishing vacant stock returned to the Council in 2016.

• Survey work and tender document preparation for the Central Heating Programme continues. The estimated cost is €1.20m and the programme will be completed in 2016.

• The energy efficiency programme will continue into 2016 and 201 7 in order to deal with the approximate 500 units still awaiting insulation upgrades.

• Work on a new Anti Social behaviour strategy continues and will be brought before the Housing SPC in draft format in due course.

• All housing grant applications are being processed and approved if eligible. The funding committment carried forward into 2016 from approvals in 2015 is managable within the available budget. Credit for this is due to the elected members for approving necessary changes in the schemes during 2015.

• Work continues on implementation of the Traveller Accommodation Plan 2014 -2018 .

Next Planning, Environment & Agricultural Strategic Policy Committee Meeting 23rd March, 2016

Planning • Planning Applications Received - 92 • Planning Decisions - 72 • Refusals - 2 • Files on hand - 117 • Preplanning Applications Received - 13 • Preplanning Meetings - 137

Next Planning, Environment & Agricultural Strategic Policy Committee Meeting 23rd March, 2016

Environment • RMCEI - completion of new plan for 2016. • INo. DWWTS inspection carried out. • Waste Authorisations - INo. Granted • The Water Framework Directive (WFD) February River Water Monitoring

was completed. • The Wastewater Quality Monitoring Returns for County Mayo for 201 5

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Upcoming Events Programme Update Next Council Meeting i h March 2016

were approved and returned to the EPA through the EDEN System. • The WFD Drinking Water Abstractions Database and the Section 4

Discharge Licences Database were completed for the EPA's Catchment Science and Management Unit and surveying by RPS commenced.

• ' Working Near Water ' training was completed by relevant Environment Staff.

• Bathing Water Quality Information System (BWIS) Workshop with the EP A was attended.

• The newly formed Local Authorities Water & Communities Office (LA WCO) WFD Information Session was attended.

• Derelict Site reports being updated within each of the Municipal Districts. • Draft Litter Management Plan 2016 -2018 ongoing. • Draft County Climate Change Strategy ongoing.

Awareness Campaigns • Promotion of 9 x WEEE Wagon Days throughout Mayo. Targeted all

schools, community groups & Tidy Towns. • Meeting with Connaught Creative Resource Centre to update on LAPN

project • Awareness Presentation to Ballyvary Pre-School on 'greener cleaning

products ' . • Green Schools Assembly Presentation given in St. Anthony 's Special

School, Castlebar. • Green schools assessments and renewal visits for March deadline. • Meeting with staff members in Knock Shrine regading a possbile Green

Business project

Next Roads & Roads Transportation • An allocation of €5.0m has been made available by the Dept of Transport Strategic Policy for repair works on road infrastructure and to address flood prevention ( Committee Meeting reSUlting from recent flooding) 15th March, 2016 • A sum of € 500k has been allocated for the Glenisland bridge replacement

and improvements on the R312. • Works continue on advancing the N5 major project - Turlough to Westport

route. • Improvement w rks continue at Rossow on the N59 between Westport and

Newport. • Preliminaries and planning continue in respect of proposed improvements

on the N59 Westport to Mulranny. • Three projects on the N60 at Lagnamuck, Heathlawn and Manulla are at

various stages of design/ land acquisitiOn/preferred route. • A review of speed limits in the County is underway. • The Roadworks Scheme, detailing all projects for 2016 will be put before

the Council at the April meeting.

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Upcoming Events Programme Update Next Council Meeting i h March 2016

Next Culture, Education, Heritage, Corporate Affairs and Emergency Services Strategic Policy Committee Meeting 10th March, 2016 Meeting of Commemoration Committee 10t h M arch, 2016

Next Strategic Policy Committee Meeting

Water Services • GWS info • New Rural Water Multi-Annual programme 201 6- 2018, just announced.

Significant changes to funding structure. • MCC applied for €9.70m for 2016 • Contracts are due to be signed shortly for DBOIA for a 15 year DBO with

a whole life cost of €17.4m involving 13 separate GWS' s. Resolution of a procurement dispute due shortly.

• The following Schemes are at design stage:- Cusbio GWS, & Ayle GWS (f l.10m),

• The following Schemes are at tender stage:- Clogber GWS (€650,000), Lougb Comne) GWS (€120,OOO), Massbrook Terry GWS (€424,000), Agbalonteen GWS (€1 40,000)

• The fo llowing schemes are at construction stage:- Attymass GWS (€270,OOO), Irishtown GWS (€260,OOO), Clew Bay GWS ( €115,000)

• The Rural Water Section of MCC have been working with Irish Water to commence the Taking in Charge of GWS' s.

• The monitoring of the water quality across all GWS s is ongoing. • Flooding has resulted in two GWSs with Boil Water Notices.

(L.Mask/Creevagh GWS and Robeen GWS).

Corporate Affairs • The Council's Emergency Services responded on 24/7/365 basis to the

various emergencies that arose. • The Council met with various residents groups affected by flooding caused

by the recent severe weather to discuss their requirements for addressing flood defences and meetings took place with the OPW to outline to them the various works throughout the whole county which the Council considered should be addressed by them.

• 87 Gateway Participants currently employed by the Council. The Gateway Scheme has been extended and new participants will be recruited over the coming months as the existing participants leave.

• Work on the pilot project for the installation of energy reducing solar panels at Aras an Chontae Castle bar funded from the specific innovation fund provided in the Council Budgets 201 3, 2014 and 2015 is continuing.

Finance • Monthly Report attached.

Other Updates Upcoming Events Date of SPC Meetings and other relevant meetings notified.

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Mayo County Council FINANCIAL REVIEW MARCH 2016

1. Major Expenditure and Income by Division with 2016 Adopted Budget One month ended 31st January 2016

EXPENDITURE INCOME

Service E.xp. To Date Budget Remaining % Spent Inc. To Date Budget Not Rec 'd % Rec'd

Division Description Jan·16 2016 2016 2016 Jan-i6 2016 2016 2016

A Housing and Building 974,413 17.055,850 16,081,437 6% 920,533 16,813,600 15,893,067 5% B Roads Transport and Safety 1,251 ,958 32,100,153 30,848,195 4% 784,128 26,052,485 25,268,357 3% C Water Services 862,949 14,802,651 13,939,702 6% 1,082,564 17,312,563 16,229,998 6% D Development Management 519,896 7,205,087 6,685,191 7% 127,360 2,008,543 1,881,183 6% E Environmental Services 1,738,047 17,453,217 15,715,170 10% 1,001,079 7,721 ,506 6,720,427 13% F Recreation and Amenity 670,897 8,531,196 7,860,299 8% 168,439 2,182 ,700 2,014,261 8% G Agriculture, Education Health and Welfare 173,461 2,328,399 2,154,938 7% 104,861 1,253,051 1,148,190 8% H Miscellaneous Services 1,059,323 11,434,098 10,374,775 9% 324,350 2,294,654 1,970,304 14% J Central Management Charges 1,089,510 14,846,575 13,757,065 7% 65,892 1,610,000 1,544,108 4%

Rates 2,407,128 28,885,530 26,478,403 8% Local Government Fund 1,457,716 17,492,594 16,034,878 8% Pension Related Deduction 151,825 2.130,000 1,978,175 7%

GRAND TOTAt. 8,340,455 125,757,226 11 7,416,771 7% 8,595,876 125,757,226 117,161 ,350 7%

2. Perfonnance of Local Authority Revenue Collection Levels

Total for Collected Arrears % collection Jan-16 Jan-16 Collected

Rents 1,560,319 512,507 1,047,813 33% Rates 5,673,737 418,598 5,255,139 7% Housing Loans 1,557,446 268,706 1,288,740 17%

3. Recourse to Overdraft Facility

Number of days in overdraft o Estimated Interest incurred o