Local Authority News Vol.33 No.4

LANLOCAL

AUTHORITYNEWS

Vol 33 No 4 2014

•• IIRRIISSHH WWAATTEERR PPRROOPPOOSSEESS TTOO IINNVVEESSTT €€11..7777BBIILLLLIIOONN TTOO DDEELLIIVVEERR UURRGGEENNTTLLYY RREEQQUUIIRREEDD

IIMMPPRROOVVEEMMEENNTTSS TTOO WWAATTEERR SSEERRVVIICCEESSTTHHRROOUUGGHHOOUUTT IIRREELLAANNDD

•• €€11MM SSTTAATTEE OOFF TTHHEE AARRTT NNEEWW LLIIBBRRAARRYY AANNDDAARRTTSS SSTTUUDDIIOOSS OOFFFFIICCIIAALLLLYY OOPPEENNEEDD IINN

CCAAPPPPAAMMOORREE,, LLIIMMEERRIICCKK

•• €€1100 MMIILLLLIIOONN IINNVVEESSTTMMEENNTT IINN GGRREEEENNWWAAYYSS–– MMIINNIISSTTEERR AALLAANN KKEELLLLYY

6TH JULY 2014

FEATURES

Designed & produced byDonnelly Design & Print Ltd.

ISSN NO. 1393-0394

IRISH WATER PROPOSES TO INVEST€1.77 BILLION TO DELIVERURGENTLY REQUIREDIMPROVEMENTS TO WATERSERVICES THROUGHOUT IRELAND

3

97% OF IRISH BATHING WATERSMEET EU STANDARDS

5

€1M STATE OF THE ART NEWLIBRARY AND ARTS STUDIOSOFFICIALLY OPENED INCAPPAMORE, LIMERICK

7

€10 MILLION INVESTMENT INGREENWAYS – MINISTER ALANKELLY 13

6TH JULY 2014 15

DEPARTMENT BREIFS 21

PRODUCT INFORMATION 25

CLASSIFIEDS

REGULARS

LANLOCAL

AUTHORITYNEWS

one

LAN is available FREE OFCHARGE to all Local andCentral Government Bodies

throughout Ireland.Published bi-monthly it is

disseminated to LocalAuthority Managers,

Assistant Managers, CountySecretaries, Finance

Officers, Principal Officers,Department Heads, CountyEngineers, City Engineers,Chief Quantity Surveyors,Senior Architects, PlantSuperintendents, Senior

Executive Engineers, TownClerks, Purchasing Officers,

Administrative Officers,Inspectors, Park

Superintendents, CountyLibrarians, etc. in all

Government Departments,County Councils,

Corporations, Office ofPublic Works, Urban

District Councils, State-Sponsored and

Development Bodies andAgencies.

C O N T E N T SVOL. 33. No.4

Website: www.localauthoritynews.ie

Published by:

GILTRON LTD

RIVERVIEW LODGE,

DUBLIN ROAD,

NAVAN,

CO. MEATH.

Tel: 00353 46 9072841

Email: [email protected]: www.localauthoritynews.ie

Draft LAN June 2014_Layout 1 24/06/2014 13:22 Page 1

LANLOCAL

AUTHORITYNEWS


three

LANLOCAL

AUTHORITYNEWS

Irish Water has published its Proposed CapitalInvestment Plan for 2014 to 2016. Investment is

prioritised where it can deliver the most urgentlyneeded improvements in drinking water quality,leakage, water availability, wastewater compliance,efficiencies and customer service. It is proposed todeliver/progress over 380 projects under the Planwhich has been submitted to the Commission forEnergy Regulation (CER) for consideration.

Irish Water estimates that €1.77 billion will berequired to deliver on the objectives of the 2014-2016 Capital Investment Plan (CIP). The currentindicative funding available to Irish Water is€1.2bn which includes the additional €200mannounced by the Government last week. Thisbrings funding up from current levels of €310min 2014 to €410m in 2015 and 2016.

The Plan involves a rolling programme so shouldthere be a funding shortfall it can roll over into2017 but every effort will be made to reduce thegap by avoiding/reducing cost through its assetmanagement approach and by seeking to raiseadditional funding.

Irish Water priorities for delivery under theCapital Investment Plan include;

1. Eliminating Boil Water Notices inRoscommon

2. Providing more water and in particularreducing disruption to supply in theDublin area

3. Improving Water Quality4. Investing for economic development5. Tackling leakage6. Increasing wastewater treatment

capacity and improving environmental compliance

7. Better Control and Monitoring8. Improving existing plants

John Tierney, Managing Director of Irish Water,commented, “Our approach to capital investmentwill ensure that we deliver improvements wherethey are needed most. The Plan sets out theprogramme of water and waste water projectsthat we believe are urgently required to improvethe service to our customers. A number of theprojects in the Capital Investment Plan havealready commenced. However Irish Water isintroducing a new approach involvingcomprehensive asset management. We will lookat every opportunity to extend the life of an assetwhere we can improve performance and at thesame time reduce the level of major capitalinvestment – thereby providing better value forthe customer and ensuring we can deliver morewith limited resources.”

Some examples of the types of improvement theIrish Water Capital Investment Plan will deliverinclude:

1. Eliminating Boil Water Notices inRoscommon:Irish Water is prioritising drinking water qualityand aims to lift the majority of all long-term BoilWater Notices in Roscommon in early 2015.

Irish Water proposes to invest €1.77billion to deliver urgently requiredimprovements to water servicesthroughout Ireland


four

LANLOCAL

AUTHORITYNEWS

2. Provision of more water and reducingdisruption to supply in the Dublin areaBy investing in the completion of the work toexisting treatment plants at Ballymore Eustaceand Leixlip, an extra 60 million litres of water aday will be supplied to Dublin – the equivalent ofa new treatment plant. Irish Water will alsoincrease the interconnectivity between BallymoreEustace and Leixlip, thereby minimising futurewater disruptions to the Greater Dublin Area byallowing homes and businesses access to morethan one source of water.

3. Improving Water QualityA number of schemes which have inadequatewater treatment systems are beingdelivered/progressed in order to ensure theymeet water quality standards e.g. Letterkenny inDonegal, Kerry Central and Burncourt/Fethard inTipperary.

4. Investing for Economic DevelopmentAdditional water supplies will facilitate industrial,commercial and housing developments –developments which may have been delayed inrecent times due to restricted water andwastewater services infrastructure. For example– the investment proposed by Irish Water tosupply water and wastewater infrastructure forthe Docklands Strategic Development Zone inDublin will be critical to facilitate the creation of30,000 jobs in this area.

5. Tackling LeaksIrish Water is proposing to spend €150 million toaccelerate leakage reduction and is moving to amuch more proactive approach on leakage, withthe long-term objective of reducing public andcustomer side leakage nationally by 50%.

€51 million will be available as a result of theGovernment announcement last week to assisthome owners to fix leaks which may occur ontheir own property. This is estimated to yield asaving of 40 million litres of water every daywhich can be put to more productive use in thesystem.

6. Improvement in Wastewater TreatmentIrish Water will significantly improve wastewatercompliance for an estimated 400,000 populationequivalent (as identified by the EPA intheirʻFocus on Urban Waste Water Treatment in2010ʼ as having inadequate or no waste watertreatment).

Irish Water is also progressing the upgrade of theRingsend Wastewater Treatment Plant as anurgent priority. This will provide additionalwastewater treatment capacity to enable on-going development and employment creation inthe Dublin Region. It will support the on-goinginvestment in water quality improvement in theLower Liffey Estuary and Dublin Bay. Analternative project strategy developed by IrishWater in conjunction with Dublin City Council isexpected to result in capital cost savings in theorder of €170 million.

7. Better Control and MonitoringIrish Water will focus on reducing the runningcosts of providing water services. The companywill invest in a modern telemetry system toensure that adequate control, monitoring andalarm systems are in place to allow for earlydetection of any issues and to target where keyinvestment is needed. By the end of 2016, IrishWater will have the core systems in place tomonitor water and wastewater systems servingapproximately 80% of the population.

8. Improve Existing PlantsIrish Water will invest over €100 million in much-needed targeted upgrades to plants around thecountry to improve performance, environmentalcompliance, health & safety and energyefficiency.


LANLOCAL

AUTHORITYNEWS


six

LANLOCAL

AUTHORITYNEWS

• Residential • Domestic

• Industrial • Commercial

• Healthcare • Pharmaceutical Sector

Martins Construction LtdBuilding & Civil Engineering Contractors

Please to be associated with Limerick City and CountyCouncil as main Contractor for the Cappamore Library

& Arts Studio, Cappamore, Co Limerick

Martins Construction LtdBallycarroll, Barefield Ennis, Co Clare.

T: 065 6868884 / F: 065 6829822E: [email protected]: www.martinsconstruction.ie

Street FurnitureSSiinnccee oouurr bbeeggiinnnniinngg iinn 11998877 SSttrreeeett aanndd PPaarrkkFFuurrnniittuurree hhaass bbeeeenn aann iinntteeggrraall ppaarrtt ooff oouurrpprroodduucctt rraannggee wwhhiicchh iinncclluuddeess tthhee ffoolllloowwiinngg::

• Bollards - Decorative (cast iron/steel) rail and

chain posts, tree guards, tree grids.

• Traffic Bollards - Illuminated/reflective

manufactured from steel/plastic with rigid or flexible sheels.

• Litter Bins - Post/wall fixing,

free standing, groundfixing. • • Steel, plastic, concrete, fibreglass,fibreglass composite.

• Cycle Holders/Shelters - 'Parkit' and 'Odoni' ranges.

• Galvanised, powder coated finishes.

• Pedestrian Guardrails -

Galvanised steel, various designs.

• Security/Car Park Reservation

Posts - 'Autopa' removable,folddown and telescopicsecurity posts.


seven

LANLOCAL

AUTHORITYNEWS

Minister for Finance,Michael Noonan TD,has officially opened a

state of the art new €1mLibrary and Art Studioscomplex for Cappamore –thefirst library in Limerick to be100% self service.

The Minister was joined byCathaoirleach John Sheehanand Limerick City and CountyManager, Conn Murray, tolaunch the new Library and ArtsStudios which will pilot a rangeof new technology initiatives,some of which have neverbeen used in Ireland before.

The new Library and Artsstudios will also supportCappamoreʼs designation asan age friendly town and offera range of qualityprogramming for vibrantsenior citizens.

Highlights of the newComplex include:

• It is the first library inLimerick to be 100% selfservice. All transactions,including, registrations,borrowing and returningstock, making requests,checking the catalogue,can all be performed on-line by the public, eitheron the premises or on-line from home.

• It will make available tothe public the ʻSolasSystemʼ which is the firstof its kind in Ireland andincludes touch screen

table PCs offering anexciting suite ofprogrammes and apps forall ages.

• The new library will alsooffer those in the newCappamore-Kilmallockmunicipal district accessto a range of CouncilServices by utilisingcutting edge touch screentechnology as a point ofaccess.

Speaking at the launch,Cathaoirleach of Limerick Cityand County Council, JohnSheahan praised the positivecontribution of a number ofkey agencies to deliver theLibrary leading to a €1minvestment in the Limerickeconomy.

“In total over €700,000 ingrant aid was made availablefrom Government, BallyhouraDevelopments Ltd and the

€1M STATE OF THE ART NEW LIBRARYAND ARTS STUDIOS OFFICIALLYOPENED IN CAPPAMORE, LIMERICK


eight

LANLOCAL

AUTHORITYNEWS

Contact:25 St. Patricks Tce, Clonmel, Co. Tipperary

Tel : 0526127207

VALE OF HONEYFLOORING

are pleased to be associated with the Cappamore library for Limerick City

and County Council

Bermingham, King & Associates, Chartered Quantity Surveyors,are proud to have been involved with this Cappamore libraryproject, a very conscience Client and a hard working ProjectTeam.

Bermingham, King & Associates pride themselves in Client carethrough the provision of an excellent quality of service withinagreed programmes and budgets. The people of Bermingham,King & Associates, through their commitment, capability anddiplomacy, are the key to the firmʼs success in achieving a highlevel of client care and repeat business and are focused oncontinuous development. Some Clients who have used ourservices on more than one occasion are as follows: HSE –West, Limerick County Council, North Tipperary County Council,Nenagh Town Council, Office of Public Works, Nenagh Co-op Creamery, Shannon Free AirportDevelopment Co., Co. Limerick VEC, Clare VEC, Monaghan VEC, Kelmount Properties Ltd, OmniplexHoldings Ltd, Department of Education, Aer Rianta, Shannon Aircraft Motor Works. Being a relativelysmall practice provides the Client with a higher level of service as the project director / senior personnel willhave an intimate knowledge of each project. The firm has over 30 yearsʼ extensive experience on manydifferent projects.

Bermingham, King & AssociatesChartered Quantity Surveyors

CONSTRUCTION COST MANAGEMENTVALUATIONS FOR FIRE INSURANCE PROPERTY SURVEYS AND REPORTS

5, Upper Hartstonge Street, Limerick.

Telephone: 061 - 314684. Fax: 061 - 314624.

Mobile: 087 - 2067984.E-mail: [email protected]

• Premises Fit-Outs • Company Relocations

• Premises Upgrades • Refurbishments

• Renovations • Building Restorations

• Project Management • Maintenance of Premises

Castle Contracting Ltd., 9G Racecourse Business Park,Parkmore, Galway

Tel: 091 771823 / Fax: 091 771827email: [email protected]

www.castlecontracting.ie

Castle Contracting


nine

LANLOCAL

AUTHORITYNEWS

Local Community Council withthe balance of €300,000being provided by the localauthority from its ownresources,” he said. “Thecompletion of this buildingtoday proves when we worktogether in partnership it is tothe mutual benefit of all. Ibelieve that the spirit ofpositive co-operation that hasbeen achieved so much inCappamore today will serveas a catalyst for the newLimerick Authority.”

Also speaking at the launch,Limerick City and CountyCouncil Manager, ConnMurray, said the officialopening of the new €1mbuilding is a milestone in theCouncilʼs mission to make itsfrontline services moreaccessible to the public.

“This project is a key elementin our City of Cultureprogramme and the Libraryand Arts Services are ourlongest and best used culturalfacilities,” he said. “We haveused the opening of theproject to pilot a range of newinitiatives and the valuableArts Studio spaces willsupport artistic vibrancy in therural community whileproviding vital support toartists in developing theircareers. This will serve as alegacy project from the City ofCulture programme in theyears ahead and I would liketo pay tribute to the electedmembers who have put theCouncil and the citizens ofLimerick at the leading edgeof progress, the fruits of theirpride and vision are obvioustoday.”

The design of the new Libraryand Arts Studios placedsustainability andenvironmentally friendlyinstallations at its core. Thebuilding is heated by abiomass boiler burner unitincorporating recyclable woodshavings as a fuel source andthe overall building design isorientated to maximise solarheat and reduce heat loss.Extensive external claddingwas fitted to the outside of theformer school house toincrease thermal efficiencyand where possible, manyexisting materials were re-used.

The Architects on the projectwere Michael Healy& Partnersand the building wasconstructed by MartinsConstruction Ltd.

After a tour of the newbuilding, Minister for Finance,Michael Noonan, TD saidLimerick was ʻleading the wayʼwith the amalgamation of thetwo library services as part ofthe creation of the new singleAuthority – Limerick City andCounty Council.

“I was very pleased to see onmy tour of the building today,how this new library and artsfacility has implemented thenew National Library Policy,”he said. “I have seen acomprehensive range ofbookstock supportingjobseekers, entrepreneurs andlife long learning. I haveheard about a partnershipbetween the local historicalcommittee and the libraryservice in making availablethe history of the area. I havealso seen cutting edgetechnology, harnessed todeliver quality informationservices to the public.

The new suite of arts studiosrepresents a very positiveinvestment in artsinfrastructure during our yearas City of Culture. I am alsopleased that this Governmentwas able to provide LibraryCapital funding of €554,000for this most deservingproject. From the evidencetoday, it is clearly a verysound investment.”


ten

LANLOCAL

AUTHORITYNEWS


eleven

LANLOCAL

AUTHORITYNEWS

• Irelandʼs bathing waters continue to be of

a very high standard, with 97 per cent ofdesignated bathing areas meeting theminimum EU qualifying standard.

• The EPA currently monitors 135 locations

nominated by local authorities – these arethe most popular bathing waters. The EPAwould like to see more locations in theprogramme.

• 84.4 per cent of bathing waters (114 of

135) were classified as being of ʻgoodʼstatus - compared to just 67 per cent (91of 136) in 2012. This reflects both theunusually wet summer in 2012 and thegood summer in 2013.

• Just 4 bathing waters (1 inland and 3

coastal) failed to comply with the minimummandatory standards and were classifiedas being of ʻpoorʼ quality status.

• From 2014 new stricter EU standards will

come into force and there will be a newcategory of ʻexcellentʼ water quality. EPAprojections suggest that under the newstandards approximately 90 per cent ofidentified bathing sites are likely to beclassified as either ʻexcellentʼ or ʼgoodʼ.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)today launched the report The Quality of BathingWater in Ireland – An Overview for the Year2013.

Commenting on the bathing water quality results,Dr Matthew Crowe, Director of the EPAʼs Officeof Environmental Assessment, said,

“Irish bathing waters continue to be among thebest in northern Europe. By contrast to the 2012bathing season, the warm dry conditions lastyear meant that many waters returned to their

normal good quality. Our projections show thatalmost 90 per cent of Irelandʼs designatedbathing waters should meet the new ʻexcellentʼor ʻgoodʼ water quality standards which will comeinto force from this year.”

Peter Webster, EPA Senior Scientific Officersaid:

“Ireland has many lovely beaches and whilemonitoring them all would be costly the EPAwould like to see an increase in the numbers ofdesignated bathing areas; currently 135 aredesignated. However, a further 32 bathing areasare being monitored by local authorities forcommunity based eco-tourism schemes. Theseare of a very high standard, and could beformally proposed for inclusion in the nationalprogramme.”

2013 Report FindingsBathing water was monitored throughout the2013 bathing season for two microbiologicalparameters, E.Coli and Intestinal Enterococci.The results of the analysed samples wereassessed for compliance with EU standards: theminimum quality standard (EU Mandatoryvalues) and the more stringent quality standard(EU Guide values).

97% of Irish bathing watersmeet EU standards


LANLOCAL

AUTHORITYNEWS

THE NEW AND EXCITING LOCAL AUTHORITY NEWSWEBSITE

POSITIVE COVERAGE OF POSITIVE ACHIEVEMENTS

COMMUNITY

ENVIRONMENT WATER LIBRARIES

HOUSINGROADS

VISIT

WWW.LOCALAUTHORITYNEWS.IEor

EMAIL US YOUR PROJECT OR INITIATIVE TO

[email protected]

twelve

LANLOCAL

AUTHORITYNEWS


thirteen

LANLOCAL

AUTHORITYNEWS

The key findings from this assessmentwere that:

• In 2013, 97% of bathing areas (131 of the

135 bathing areas) complied with the EUmandatory standards and were classifiedas achieving at least ʻsufficientʼ waterquality status – similar to the 2012 bathingseason.

• The proportion of bathing areas that

complied with the much stricter EUguideline standards indicating ʻgoodʼwater quality status was up at 84.4% (114of 135) compared to just 66.9% (91of 136)in 2012.

• Of the eighteen Local Authorities who

have designated bathing areas, sixachieved ʻgoodʼ water quality status for allof their identified bathing waters. Thesewere: Dun Laoghaire Rathdown, Meath,Clare, Kerry, Donegal, and Louth. Theseaccount for 38.5% (52 of 135) of all

• Four of the 135 bathing waters (3%) failed

to comply with the minimum mandatorystandards, indicating ʻpoorʼ bathing waterquality status. These were Clifden Beach(Galway), Lilliput (Lough Ennell, Co.Westmeath), Dugort (Achill, Co. Mayo)and Ballyloughane (Galway City).

• In the case of Clifden, a program of

remedial works for the nearby wastewatertreatment plant has commenced but isunlikely to bring about significantimprovements in water quality ahead ofthe 2016 bathing season. Lilliputencountered a lengthy period ofcontamination late on in the season whichis believed to have originated from awaste water source. Dugort was affectedby a rare pumping station malfunction,while at Ballyloughane two pollutionevents were recorded. These were bothlinked to heavy rainfall and on oneoccasion the mandatory standard forE.Coli was exceeded automaticallycausing the water to be classified as poor.

Throughout the 2014 bathing season, up-to-date bathing water quality information andnotifications of any incidents affecting bathingwaters will be displayed on the Splash websiteat splash.epa.ie. The site also givesinformation on the compliance history of eachbathing area, details of blue flag status, bathingsafety, weather and tidal information, along withaerial photography.

The summary report The Quality of BathingWater in Ireland – An Overview for the Year2013 and map of the quality of Irelandʼs bathingwater sites, are now available on the website


fourteen

LANLOCAL

AUTHORITYNEWS


Richard Webb, our inspector in Ireland, has nowretired from carrying out inspections.He will continue until the end of 2014 to provideRPII playground inspection training only.

We are pleased to tell you that the RoSPAplayground inspection service will becontinuing through RoSPAʼs Irish basedinspector Mr. Mike Foley. Mike has a longexperience of installing playgrounds and he isa registered annual inspector with the Registerof Play Inspectors International (RPII)(www.playinspectors.com).

Mike will be able to undertake annual and post- ‐installation inspections of playgrounds,skateparks, multi- ‐use games areas and adultexercise areas,as well as carrying out wholepark safety audits, disability audits and playvalue assessments. Mike, through ElitePlayground Services Ltd, will be the only person

in the Republic of Ireland who is authorised byRoSPA to carry out their inspections in Irelandand he is insured by them to do so. Theplayground inspection service will now beadministered from the RoSPA/Playsafety UKoffice based at

The Old Barn, Wicklesham, Faringdon, Oxfordshire, SN7 7PN, Tel: 00 44 1367 244600;www.rospaplaysafety.co.ukand email [email protected].

fifteen


ʻPartnership in PlayʼAllplay Ireland Limited was founded in 1996Based in Ballynahinch Co. Down, the business hasgrown and flourished, and we are pleased to say isnow truly ʻall Irelandʼ, and sometimes further afield.

All our clients look for quality of equipment, quality ofdesign and a sensible but fun layout, oftenincorporating the standing features of the landscape.Alongside this we endeavour to make eachplayspace unique to the history and ʻstoriesʼ of thearea.

We are conscious throughout that this is our clientsʼplayground – often long anticipated, thought aboutand fundraised for a considerable time before thetender is issued. This matters greatly to a community.

We enjoy making playgrounds happen! And arepleased to engage in the process at whatever stagewe are invited to help.Our playgrounds including Stradbally, Ballylinan and

Bennettsbridge involved much discussion of ideas,and a truly integrated approach.Each of these playgrounds has been muchappreciated, and we hope enjoyed by those whomatter most in all of this – the children!

Our aim is to assist in the creation of greatplayspaces.

This is often a partnership – we know the highstandards required for safety and design in publicplay but our clients know their area and importantlywhat they want to achieve by providing a playground.The priority may be social interaction / cohesion,

inclusivity, physical training or primarily fun with asense of adventure.

There is a phrase around at the moment – “BetterTogether”(!) This is our approach to delivering highquality, innovative unique playspaces.

Contact us at ……Allplay12 Crabtree Rd, Ballynahinch, BT24 8RHT. +44 (0) 28 9756 5129F. +44 (0) 28 9756 1915E. [email protected]. www.all-play.com

sixteen


We began our journey from a voluntary initiativethrough creating a natural and sensory

playground which we delivered to the Sundays WellBoys National School in Cork. The incrediblepositive response and feedback from our voluntarywork was the basis for our formation of ourbusiness identifying a need for unique natural playsettings for children in public/private spaces.

We customize and tailor our service to identify yourneeds and work to your budget large or small. Weprovide on-going one to one consultation and 3Ddrawings to ensure visual clarity of our proposals.Our vision is to expand the dimensions of playspaces into play-scapes not currently afforded forchildren in Ireland. Our promise is to deliverunsurpassed designs that are both functional,creative and where safety is paramount in the designand build. All our work is Rospa Safety Certified.

We encourage an inclusive design process, whetherit is re-vamping your playground with one off playstructures, or complete playground offerings. We alsooffer and can tailor a suite of products for publicspaces, parks, trails and more.

Our work has featured in the Irish Examiner and TG4to date which is propelling our work to schools andpublic spaces.

Our ethos is to use local sourced timber andmaterials where possible, messaging sustainabilityand resourcefulness in our work. We are tapping intothe global play-scapes movement that is changingthe understanding of how play areas and publicspaces can provide a better play experience whilstworking in harmony with their environment.

SILVABUILD is a newly established businessoffering unique playground, play-structuresand outdoor structures that enhance anddeliver a unique experience to any setting.

SILVABUILD design and create natural play areas and timber structures that inspire.We welcome any interested parties who would like to experienceand visit our work to call Derek or Adi [email protected] / www.silvabuild.ie

seventeen


eighteen

Multi-use games areas, or MUGAs, arebecoming increasingly popular all over

Ireland; offering all weather sports facilities with asynthetic surface that can accommodate a widevariety of sports and games.

Choosing a multi use games area for your facilitymeans that you can provide year round usageand the option to offer a wider range of sports andextracurricular activities. Soccer, basketball,netball, tennis, hurling and volleyball are among awide range of games that can be played on aMUGA. Creative Play Solutions have installednumerous MUGAs all over Ireland and we haveinstalled Irelands first covered Multisports MUGAin Ballyhaunis, Co Mayo.

Just because it's raining or windy, there's no needto sit around watching the clouds go by! Hussons

Colorʼado Multisports covered MUGA allows forcollective sports and healthy exercise 365 days ayear.

It gives the advantage of the open air without thedrawbacks as the special Color'ado Multisportscover will generate optimism on rainy days,energy on sunny days and the translucent coverprovides natural light and ventilation.

Mincloon, Rahoon, GalwayE-mail: [email protected]

Telephone: +353 (0) 91 525 709Fax: +353 (0) 91 525 710


nineteen

LANLOCAL

AUTHORITYNEWS

Athlone and Mullingar to be connected by bike withgreenway developed on old rail line bring anestimated 80 jobs to the region Public TransportMinister, Alan Kelly, has announced details of a €10million investment package to develop greenwaysand cycling routes across the country.

The funding will see the construction of a number ofon and off-road cycling routes designed to facilitatecommuters and attract cycling tourists to the country.About 80 direct jobs will be created and many moreindirectly.

The centre-piece of the funding will be a €4millionworld-class greenway running over forty kilometresbetween the towns of Athlone and Mullingar. Theroute will run along a disused railway corridor thatwas previously a branch of the old Midlands GreatWestern Railway.

The route will form a key part of a long-term vision todevelop a continuous off-road greenway from Dublinto Galway. It will result in approximately forty localconstruction jobs and will help retain or create anadditional forty jobs.

Announcing the news, Minister Alan Kelly said:“Ireland can become one of the worldʼs greatestcountries for cycling tourism. Developments like theAthlone-Mullingar Greenway will help attract touristsfrom all over the world. Between construction andincreased tourism activity along the route – weestimate about an additional eighty jobs will come tothe local economy. Two of Irelandʼs key midlandtowns will be connected by bike for the first time andit is a terrific way to utilise old railway corridors,”The Athlone-Mullingar greenway will start atGarrycastle and pass through scenic landscape viaMoate, Streamstown, Castletown and onto Grangesouth in Mullingar where it will link with the recentlyconstructed Royal Canal greenway which extends tothe Meath/Westmeath border.

It forms part of a €10 million national package forgreenway development announced as part of a €200million national infrastructure package. This fundingwill go towards other cycling developments linkingClonmel with Carrick-on-Suir, Glenbeigh to ReenardPoint in Kerry and phase one of the West ClareGreenway going from Ennis to Ballymaquiggan.

There will also be an allocation to develop a cyclinglink between the town of Boyle and Lough Key Forestpark in Roscommon.

“A €10 million investment programme demonstratesthe commitment of Government to cyclinginfrastructure and greenway development. Cyclingtourism is big business globally and we have seenthe positive impact that the Mayo greenway has hadon the local economy. It stimulates economic activity,much of which is in rural areas. Ireland is swiftlybecoming a cycling nation and we are promoting thisstrongly as a Government,”

Details of projects:Westmeath - Athlone to Mullingar €4million40km section of the proposed 277km Galway toDublin Greenway. The project will commence atGarrycastle, Athlone and run along the disusedrailway corridor through scenic landscapes passingMoate, Streamstown and Castletown and ontoGrange South in Mullingar where it links onto therecently constructed greenway along the Royal Canalfrom Westmeath to the Meath border. This proposallinks with proposals submitted by Meath and KildareCo Councils for the Meath border to Maynoothsection of the Dublin to Galway Greenway.Waterford – Kilmeaden to Bilberry - €1,100,0009.6Kilometres

Proposal is for an off road greenway from Kilmeadento Bilberry which forms part of the overall Dungarvanto Waterford City 41km off road greenway on adisused railway corridor up to the Suir Valley. Theproposed section predominantly follows along thesignificant and valuable scenic River Suir. Otherplaces of interest are the ruin of Kilmeaden Castle;

€10 MILLION INVESTMENT INGREENWAYS – MINISTER ALAN KELLY


the house and gardens of Mount Congreve, thearchaeological treasure at Woodstown and modernskyline capturing cable stay bridge on the newWaterford Bypass.

Kerry - Cahersiveen to Reenard Point FerthaGreenway – €450,000 Cahersiveen-Reenard Point(5.75km) also known as the Fertha Greenway. Thissection will link the population centres of Cahersiveenand Valentia Island where a ferry link between themainland at Reenard Point and Valentia Island(Knightstown) exists creating an innovative loopinvolving the Fertha Greenway and the Valentia andCahersiveen MarinasTipperary – Clonmel to Carrick-on-Suir - €1,900,000The construction of 20 Kilometre a greenway alongthe existing River Suir towpath. The greenway wouldconnect the towns of Clonmel and Carrick-on-SuirWest Clare Greenway – Phase 1 Ennis-Ballymacquiggan - €400,000.

The project proposes an approx 5km link betweenEnnis Town Centre and Ballymaquiggan, a towlandin the environs of Ennis. The route proposed willestablish an important link on the NCN and startprogress towards the Atlantic coast with the aim ofconnecting Ennis and Lahinch.Monasteries of the Moy - €250,000.

Proposal will commence the development of a 14kmoff road walking and cycling greenway betweenBallina and Killala towns. The greenway will pass therich ecclesiastical Monasteries of the Moy and alongthe North Mayo Coast which offers some of the mostspectacular views in Ireland. The proposed greenwaywould provide a high quality facility and would bemultifunctional serving daily school and work travelneeds, local recreational and cycling visitors. Thisallocation is for seed funding and not for fullconstruction.

Kerry Tralee – Fenit phase 1 Rock Street toCasement Station, Tralee €345,000420m amenity cycleway and walkway along the oldrailway line between Casement Railway Station to

Rock Street ,Tralee, Kildare - Arthurs Way –-€311,000 Leixlip to Oughterard viaCelbridge/Castletown. Arthur's Way is the name of alinear walking heritage trail which link Leixlip,Celbridge and Oughterard - places closelyassociated with Arthur Guinness. This project is for astandalone cycle trail to complement the walking trail.The route will traverse parklands (5km); quiet locallocals (9.1km); and canal towpaths (6.6km). Mixtureof both on and off road over 25 Kilometres.Patrickswell to Limerick City - €420,000

The proposal will connect the satellite village ofPatrickswell with the Raheen/Dooradoyle SouthernEnvirons of Limerick City. The majority of the route(4.14km) lies between two roundabouts, namelyRaheen Roundabout and Patrickswell Roundaboutat the eastern end of Patrickswell village. Theproposal will create connectivity between the existingcycle routes, It will also connect Patrickswell toLimerick, the Raheen Ind Estate, the RegionalHospital, the Crescent Centre at Dooradoyle and to anumber of large housing estates in the Southernenvirons.

Boyle to Lough Key Forest Park - €400,000Funding is being provided to provide a cycle linkbetween Lough Key Forest Park and the town ofBoyle, Westmeath - Coolnahay to Co. Boundary.

This project could see the development of a 14.4kmcycleway along the Royal Canal Tow Path fromCoolnahay Harbour, via Ballynacarrigy Village to theLongford Boundary. If delivered this would completethe upgrading of the full 46 km length of Royal Canaltowpath through County Westmeath. The estimatedtotal cost of delivering the project is €900k and wouldtake 6 months to deliver.

For further information contact Department ofTransport, Tourism & Sport on 01 -6041087/1090

or Jim McGrath on 087-2558866

LANLOCAL

AUTHORITYNEWS

twenty


twenty one

LANLOCAL

AUTHORITYNEWS

€29m in funding will support new HomelessnessImplementation Plan Minister for Housing andPlanning, Ms. Jan OʼSullivan,announced a capitalinvestment totalling over €46m for a range ofhousing projects which will provide a total of 416units of accommodation for people with specialhousing needs including the elderly, persons withan intellectual or physical disability and homelesspersons. The selection of projects now beingadvanced is based on the priority afforded by thelocal authority following a ʻCall for Proposalsʼ toapproved housing bodies.

Yesterday, the Government approved theImplementation Plan on the State's Response toHomelessness. Minister OʼSullivan said, "TheGovernment is fully committed to addressing thecrisis of homelessness and I am pleased toannounce a programme of works that will form partof the response to dealing with this growingproblem. Approved housing bodies play a key rolein the delivery of housing and related supports forhomeless persons and other vulnerable groupssuch as older people and people with disabilities”

Of the €46 million being announced today some€19 million has been ring-fenced for the delivery of

Housing Minister approves €46 million forhousing projects for homeless persons andpeople with special needs


twenty two

LANLOCAL

AUTHORITYNEWS

187 units to be acquired or constructed in the localauthority areas across the country to specificallyaccommodate persons and families who arehomeless.

As a result of a special initiative, €10m is alsobeing provided for the acquisition of 66 units byapproved housing bodies to address the homelessproblem specifically presenting in the Dublin Cityarea. Minister OʼSullivan said ʻThis initiative willhave an immediate effect in Dublin City which hasthe greatest number of people currentlyexperiencing homelessness. The funding of over€10 million is being made available under CAS toapproved housing bodies which have identifiedspecific properties that will be acquired in a shorttimeframe” The balance of the €46million, around €16.7million will fund the delivery of 163 units toaccommodate persons with a disability and olderpersons in various locations around the country.

“These 163 new permanent housing units areintended, in the main, to provide accommodationfor people with special needs including older peopleand people with a disability. Special needs housingmust be lifetime adaptable to cater for tenants at allstages of the lifecycle and, in some instances, mustbe customised to meet particular needs” theMinister said. “Accordingly, 15 of the 34 projectsbeing advanced are new build with 19 projectsacquiring existing housing stock in cases where it isfit-for-purpose and more cost-effective than newbuild.”

The Minister concluded “I am particularly pleased tobe able to provide €46 million in capital funding atthis time to meet this need and provide over 416households with quality accommodation that is safe,secure and appropriate to their requirementsApproved housing bodies, in partnership with thelocal authorities, will now progress these projects”

Hogan approves local authorities’ plans underthe Public Area Enhancement SchemeWelcoming the latest report from InterGovernmentalThe Minister for Environment, Community, and LocalGovernment, Mr. Phil Hogan T.D., approved projectsworth a total of €2.975m across the country.

The projects were proposed by local authorities forfunding under the Public Area EnhancementScheme. The purpose of the scheme is to allow localauthorities, in cooperation with community groups, toundertake public area enhancement work before andduring the busy tourist season.

The Minister announced the scheme in March andhaving now received specific proposals from localauthorities, is delighted to be in a position to approvethem.

The Minister noted the wide variety of intendedprojects and said, "I am particularly pleased thatalmost all local authority plans include support for theimportant work of Tidy Towns committees who do somuch good work in their communities." Other projectsproposed include works to derelict buildings, oldgraveyards, public walkways, village and historicalsite signage, tree planting, street furniture and theprovision of playgrounds.

The Minister noted that all these projects would makea very big impact in improving the public areas forlocal communities and visitors alike. He concludedby wishing them all well with their important work overthe summer and looked forward to seeing the resultsfrom the implementation of the huge range of projectsthat will be carried out across the country.


LANLOCAL

AUTHORITYNEWS

twenty three

Hogan Announces €20m funding for PyriteʻThe Minister for the Environment, Communityand Local Government, Phil Hogan T.D,announced that the Government has approvedfurther Exchequer funding for the pyriteremediation scheme to be implemented underthe auspices of the Pyrite Resolution Board(PRB). This brings to €20m the amount offunding available to date.

“I have stated before that it would not have beenreasonable or defensible that affectedhomeowners, who have no viable option forredress, would be left without a resolution, saidMinister Hogan. “My officials and I have workedduring the past year to put in place an alternativefunding model for the pyrite remediation scheme.While this has not been an easy task havingregard to budgetary constraints in the currentclimate, I am pleased to announce that theGovernment which initially approved €10 millionto kick start the scheme, has now added aspromised, additional funding to be allocated overthe next two years from the Capital StimulusProgramme.”

While the PRB estimates that there areapproximately 1,000 dwellings affected bysignificant pyritic heave and requiring immediateremediation, a total of 418 completedapplications have been received by the PRB asat the middle of last month and a further 146individuals are at various stages of the

application process. Todayʼs additional fundingtherefore will ensure that the scheme issignificantly funded into 2015. The PRB, withsupport from the Housing Agency, will implementthe remediation programme in line with thescheme outlined on the Boardʼs website (seewww.pyriteboard.ie).

The Minister added, “Solid progress for affectedhomeowners, in terms of applications beingprocessed and remediation works commencedhas been achieved. The online applicationprocess was launched on 26th February 2014and can be accessed by applicants on theBoardʼs website www.pyriteboard.ie.”The scheme will be reviewed on an on-goingbasis and any post-2015 funding requirement willbe dealt with, having regard to developmentsover the next 18 months. While it is difficult atpredict with any degree of certainty, theindications at this stage are that the number ofdwellings requiring remediation may not be asgreat as previously thought.

“The case management system has beendeveloped for tracking and storing documentsrelated to the remediation scheme andapplicants are able to track progress on theirapplication and the remediation works to theirdwelling.”

In addition, the Minister said that a freephonenumber (1890 252 842) has been provided toanswer any queries regarding the scheme andto provide assistance with completion of theapplication form and uploading of documents.The Minister concluded: “I am acutely aware ofthe long wait that many affected homeownershave had to endure in waiting for solutions to thepyrite problems in their homes. It has not beenan easy time for those people and I understandhow stressful such situations can be but I want toassure those homeowners that it has alwaysbeen and, will continue to be, a high priority forme to bring about a final resolution to thisproblem as quickly as possible. I am pleased toacknowledge that solid and meaningful progresshas and continues to be made in the resolution ofthis most serious problem.”


LANLOCAL

AUTHORITYNEWS

twenty four

Minister Hogan announces €250 million LEADER funding under the Rural DevelopmentProgramme 2014-2020Phil Hogan, T.D., Minister for Environment,Community and Local Government announceda funding package of €250 million for theLEADER element of the Rural DevelopmentProgramme 2014-2020.

Minister Hogan said: “I am pleased to announcethat the overall funding package for the nextLEADER Programme will be €250 million. Whilethe EU Regulations stipulate that a minimum of5% of the Rural Development Programme isallocated to LEADER, Ireland has decided toincrease its proportion to 7%. This confirms thisGovernmentʼs firm commitment to the economicdevelopment of rural areas.”

The Minister is pursuing an enhanced alignmentbetween local government and localdevelopment which is now underpinned in thenew Local Government Reform Act 2014. Theaim of this work is to bring about greatercoordination and targeting of scarce resources,reduce duplication and provide a more efficientand cost effective delivery of local services. TheMinister emphasised: “It is absolutely critical thatgreater efficiencies and operational savings areachieved in the delivery of the new Programme,so that we minimise administration costs andmaximise the funding available to supportprojects and local communities.”

Preparatory work for the development of the newProgramme is well underway, including thereport of the Commission for the EconomicDevelopment of Rural Areas (CEDRA) launchedlast month by the Taoiseach. The reportidentified a range of areas of particular need thatcould be supported through LEADERinterventions. These include economicdevelopment and job creation, rural tourism,enhanced national communication initiatives toimprove broadband and building communitycapacity, training and animation.

The Programme will facilitate a community ledapproach and will outline a number of themes forsupport that have emerged from the consultationprocess and from the research conductedCEDRA. As outlined above these themes willinclude, Rural Economic Development /Enterprise Development and Job Creationincluding Rural Tourism, general EnterpriseDevelopment, Broadband and support for thedevelopment of Rural Towns and social inclusionthrough building community capacity, trainingand animation and support for the Environmentin rural areas.

The new Programme is currently being preparedfor submission to the European Commission forapproval. Following approval, the Departmentwill in the second half of the year invite LocalAction Groups, set up in accordance with the EURegulations and comprising representatives ofpublic and private local socio-economic interests,to submit Local Development Strategies.Following selection of the Local DevelopmentStrategies, it is intended that the newProgramme will commence in early 2015.

Minister Hogan concluded “I am confident thatthis funding will build on the momentum of theprevious LEADER Programmes and willinvigorate rural areas, supporting sustainableemployment and creating opportunities for localcommunities”.


LANLOCAL

AUTHORITYNEWS

twenty five

Mr Phil Hogan, T.D., Minister for theEnvironment, Community and LocalGovernment, announced the implementation

of a range of reform to the local government systemin Ireland.

1st June 2014, marks the most far-reaching changein structures, functions, operational arrangementsand governance in the Irish local government systemsince the current system came into being 115 yearsago in 1899. The changes that are being made areradical, but they are necessary to bring our localgovernment system up to date and to provide thekind of service our citizens and communities deserve”the Minister said. The Action Programme for EffectiveLocal Government, published in October 2012, andthe Local Government Reform Act 2014 set out arealistic, measured, pathway towards an even widerrole for local government in the future. Thestreamlined structures, more sustainable fundingbase, and more efficient operational arrangementsthat are being implemented make this a realisticobjective, which will be further underpinned by moreeffective governance arrangements and a moreresponsible leadership and oversight role for theelected councils.

“Of the many reforms that will come into effect on 1June, the major structural reforms will be the mostradical and visible”, Hogan said. “From tomorrow thenumber of local authorities will reduce from 114 to 31,involving the merger of Limerick city and countycouncils, Waterford city and county councils andNorth and South Tipperary county councils, as wellas the dissolution of the 80 town councils and othersubsidiary bodies. The 2014 local elections see 949councillors elected across the country to the newstructures, down from 1,627 outgoing councillors”, headded. “These changes will eliminate duplication byensuring more streamlined structures and theresources that were previously absorbed by thesestructures and processes will now be freed-up toimprove front-line services and to enhance the qualityof life in local communities”, Hogan said.

The replacement of the 80 town councils bymunicipal districts, in particular, will end a weak andunbalanced version of local democracy in which 46%of all councillors represented only 14% of thepopulation and dealt with only 7% of localgovernment activity. Anomalies such as residentsinside town boundaries having two votes while the

environs population, much larger in some cases, wasnot served by the town council, will cease. “We nowhave a much more equitable system ofrepresentation within counties, with councillorsrepresenting and accountable to their communities atboth the municipal district level and, county-wide, atcouncil level”, Hogan pointed out.

The reformed local government system will benefitfrom a significant broadening of its functions. Mostnotably, local government has been given a widerand clearer role in economic development. Oneelement of this role already in place is the operationof Local Enterprise Offices as “one-stop-shops” forthe micro-enterprise and small business sector. Inaddition, local authorities will have a pro-active role inpromoting economic development, focusingparticularly on the strengths and opportunities in theirareas and working closely with the developmentagencies, business and other relevant players.

In addition, local government is being given the scopeto fulfil its potential on behalf of communities. Thepractice in recent decades of locating local andcommunity development functions outside of localgovernment is being redressed the work underwayto better align the local government and localdevelopment sectors. This will be achieved throughthe establishment of Local Community DevelopmentCommittees in each local authority area, to enhancestrategic planning and coordination of local andcommunity development programming and activity.“This new arrangement will build on the strengths andresources of both the community and localdevelopment sector and the local authorities tomaximise the benefits for communities across thecountry”, Hogan emphasised.

Hogan welcomes the most radical reform oflocal government in over 100 years


LANLOCAL

AUTHORITYNEWS

twenty six

New governance arrangements, also coming intoeffect from the first meetings of local authorities nextFriday (6 June 2014), will give elected councilsgreater policy development powers and strongeroversight of the implementation of policy by theexecutive, which will be subject to more rigorousperformance and reporting requirements. Theposition of the elected council relative to theexecutive is being rebalanced, including a new powerfor the council to approve the appointment of thechief executive, reinforcing the role of the membersas the “Board of Directors” for their authority. Inaddition, nearly 30 additional “reserved” functions arebeing assigned to the elected members rather thanthe executive, including those in the key areas ofrevenue raising, economic development and the roleof the municipal districts.

The new municipal districts themselves will have animportant role to play within the communities theyserve and municipal district membersʼ devolvedpowers will include matters such as local area plans,bye-laws, and programmes of works in areas suchas roads and housing. These are matters that were,prior to 1 June, largely decided by the executive ofthe local authority, resulting in a significantenhancement of councillorsʼ powers under the reformprogramme.

The Minister also highlighted the role of the newcouncils elected on 23 May in ensuring that thereforms will bear fruit and deliver better service andquality for local communities. “The statutory powersof elected members have been expanded under thenew legislation and are set out clearly in the 2014Reform Act. However, the success of the reformprogramme will depend critically on the calibre of thenew councils and on their capacity to utilise thesepowers as effectively as possible. A key element ofthe reform programme is therefore to ensure thatcouncillors have the necessary training to ensure thatthey can fulfil their wider role. In this regard, atailored training programme for councillors will beavailable for the newly elected councils” the Ministersaid. Induction training is being organised by the newAssociation of Irish Local Government (AILG)regionally for all elected members during June, and afurther programme of training will be developed forimplementation over the 5 year term of councillors.

“I have also brought to an end the scandal ofcouncillors travelling to a wide range of pointless andineffective conferences. The ceiling of €4,700 perannum per councillor for expenses for conferences,in place under the previous arrangements, is beingreduced to €700 per annum. Any further expensesclaims for travel to events will have to be linked to

purposeful training linked to elected membersʼ roleas councillors”. Hogan announced.

Minister Hogan also placed limits on allowances thatlocal authorities may pay to their Cathaoirligh andMayors. “The practice of local authorities setting theamount that may be paid to the Cathaoirleach, orMayor or Lord Mayor, without limit will cease. I amcapping the amount that may be paid to theCathaoirleach within a range of €20,000 to €50,000,depending on the size of the chamber, and setting alimit of one fifth of what is paid to the Cathaoirligh,Mayors and Lord Mayors to their deputies. This isthe first time any cap has been placed on thesepayments, and should generate savings of at least30% in these payments, bringing them down from€1.44m to just under €1m. I am also placing limitson what municipal district members may pay to theirChairs, with a limit of €6,000 for the generality ofmunicipal districts, rising to no more than €18,000 forthe Mayors of Waterford and Limerick MetropolitanDistricts. Deputy Mayors and Leas-Chathaoirligh inlocal government units below the level of the mainlocal authority will not be paid any allowance for thispost. This could potentially see payments atmunicipal district level to Cathaoirligh and Mayorsrise from the €630,000 currently paid to Cathaoirlighand Mayors, and their deputies in some cases, in theBorough and Town Councils now being abolished, to€690,000. Overall, there should be savings of atleast 22%”, Minister Hogan said. He went on tostress “these are the upper limits on what may bepaid – it is entirely a matter for elected members topay less to their chairpersons, if they want to prioritisethis money elsewhere”.

The Minister emphasised that the local governmentreforms are an essential step forward in theGovernmentʼs wider reform programme and said“while 1 June 2014 is an important milestone in thedelivery of key reforms in local government, it is stillan early step on our journey. The shortcomings inour current system of local government have built upover a long period and it would be unrealistic to thinkthat this situation can be turned around instantly.Previous failed reform proposals made that verymistake. I will be introducing more reforms over thecourse of this year including the establishment of aNational Oversight and Audit Commission for LocalGovernment which will provide independent scrutinyof local government performance and in providingvalue for money for service delivery”, Hoganconcluded.


PRODUCTinfoPRODUCTPRODUCTinfoinfoIdeal Boilers are more than just your average boiler

company.

We strive to keep our installers and homeowners atthe heart of everything we do. From in depth productinformation to outstanding customer services, we canensure youʼll get more from Ideal.

With more than 100 yearsʼ experience in the heatingindustry, we know how important confidence and trustare to our customers.

Over the years Ideal has rapidly built a reputation forhigh quality products, which have met the ever-changing demands of the heating industry.

Our award winning domestic boilers are supported bya range of warranties so you can rest assuredreliability comes as standard when you partner withIdeal.

All Ideal boilers are reliable, easy to install and aresupported by our customer service team 364 days ayear.

Representing the next generation in heating design,the Logic range of boilers comes complete with a 5year warranty as standard and offers state of the arttechnology in a practical, compact cupboard fitdesign.

The Logic System IE has been designed specificallyfor the Irish market requirements and includes awater flow sensor fitted into the internal flow pipeassembly to permit operation at low systempressures.

Ideal also offer the Logic Code Combi ES boilerrange. Designed to take the headache out of meetingBuilding Regulations, the Logic Code Combi ES is asimple one-box solution, capable of supporting up tolevel 4 of the Code for Sustainable homes.

Here at Ideal, we understand that having theconfidence to be able to specify and install a widerange of products is an essential part of your day-to-day job. We have a wide range of comprehensivetraining courses to help; simply get in touch with ustoday!

For further information please visitwww.idealheating.ie or contact the Ideal

Country Manager, Johnny Goode on 087 328 5600

LANLOCAL

AUTHORITYNEWS

twenty seven


LANLOCAL

AUTHORITYNEWS

twenty eight

The successful new resilient seated gatevalves from AVK UK.Reducing installation time by up to 40%.

Since launching the extended resilient seated gatevalve range in May 2013 AVK UK has receivedpositive feedback from our customers impressed bythe benefits of 2 new products in the range – theSeries 01/79 and 36/89 – benefits such as;reducing potential leak paths, reducing the need formultiple installation products and most of all,reducing installation time.

Case Study.A recent customer trial demonstrated that the speedof assembly and flexibility offered by the Series01/79 with its integral mechanical fittings increasedperformance. The overall simplicity of the valveassembly was appreciated by the field operators.For example, the support bushes took less than 30seconds each to install and the valve was alignedand torqued up in less than two minutes per side.Subsequent pressure tests on the main werecompleted successfully with full performance notedon the valve assembly.

Compared to a traditional design of flanges andelectro-fusion, this installation delivered a minimumsaving of 40% on the assemble time – a substantialincrease in efficiency and confirmed by thecustomer as an advantage in field work.

Why choose these AVK products?Contractors working in the Irish and UK waterindustry, which has an ageing network, canencounter all kinds of complications andchallenges, many of which arise from the variety ofoutside diameters and material of the pipes beingconnected to. Up until now, when replacing valveswithin the pipeline, the contractor has had to tacklethese challenges with a traditional combination ofdouble flange valves, flange adaptors, couplings,and other fittings. Through our progressiveinnovation programme, AVK is now able to offer arange of resilient seated gate valves that arespecifically designed for their application.

The new AVK Series 01/79 with integral end loadresistant adaptors, and the new AVK Series 36/89with integral PE tails, have been successfully usedextensively throughout Europe for many years andhave now been adapted to comply with BritishStandard requirements.

These products have raised the levels ofperformance and options available to the waterindustry designers and installers.

The Series 01/79 for use with PE pipe has fullend load resistant adaptors integral to the valvebody in place of conventional flanges. This valveconfiguration simplifies the process of installation toallow for alignment of the PE pipes to the valve andtightening the adaptor bolts to achieve theconnection. It speeds up installation with theminimum amount of equipment and also gives thecustomer purchase ledger efficiency savings and areduction in the number of stock lines that arerequired to be held.

The Series 36/89 PE tailed valve allows directconnection to the PE pipe, eliminating anymechanical connections or flanges. The valve issupplied with options of SDR11 or SDR17 pipe tailsboth suitable for electro-fusion or butt fusionconnection. Off-site fabrication can be adapted inconjunction with PE tees and fittings, removing therequirement to install products in difficult on siteconditions. By eliminating the need for mechanicaljoints and with fewer connections, these valvesprovide the opportunity to reduce the number ofpotential future leak paths from the network.

Additional benefits• The entire range is available for sizes DN50 –

300 (90 to 315 for PE tail). • BS 5163-compatible. • WRAS-listed components for use with potable

water.• AVKs superior wedge performance, replaceable

stem seals and a holiday free, fusion bonded,epoxy coating.

• Health and Safety : less parts to handle, reducedoperation time.

• Environmental : carbon footprint reduction withfewer products to manufacture and simplerlogistics.

Innovation : AVK are constantly introducing new and improvedproducts into the market – visit our website for moreproduct news and innovations - www.avkuk.co.uk

Contact us now - we would like to talk to youAVK Ireland : +353 (0) 86 0497234

AVK UK : +44 (0) 1604 601188E mail : [email protected]

Expect solutions, not just products.

01/79 36/89


LANLOCAL

AUTHORITYNEWS

twenty nine

Street & Park Equipment is proud tobe an agent for Harvard

Engineering, DW Windsor, ValmontStainton, Charles Endirect Ltd (CEL),Simmonsigns, Autopa and Harrison

External Display Systems. Harvard ,which is a worldleader in the design, development and manufactureof LED drivers and controls products for the lightingindustry, recently launched a new product calledLeafnut.

This is an advanced and robust wireless control,management and reporting system for outdoorlighting which uses Wi MAC wireless CMS (CentralManagement System) technology to remotelymonitor and control the output of each individualstreet light. DW Windsor is a designer andmanufacture of exterior lighting and urban furniture,while CEL is also a leading manufacture of electricalequipment, principally for the street lighting industry,and has been supplying street and lighting equipmentsince 1978.

Valmont Stainton is a renowned manufacture ofgalvanized steel, aluminium, stainless steel andwood lighting columns, high masts, tramway andtelecommunication poles with over 30 yearsexperience in manufacturing for the construction and

street lighting industries. Simmonsigns supply arange of road bollards as well as sign lighting andparking management equipment.

Autopa manufactures, supplies and installs awiderange of street furniture, cycle parking and relatedproducts, while Harrison External Display Systemshas over 40 years experience as the number onesupplier of flags and flagpoles in the UK. Street &Park Equipment entered the sports lighting market anumber of years ago and has since supplied lightingsystems to numerous sports pitches nationwide.

As specialists in the field, the company coordinatesallaspects of thelighting, electrical, structural and civilengineering requirements, and has built a reputationas one of Irelandʼs leading sports lighting suppliers.We specialize in GAA lighting and have suppliedsystems at a number of pitches around the country,Colmexplains. Back about 10 years ago, we wereparticularly busy as clubs were availing of capitalgrants to install floodlights . The grants stopped oncethe recession started, but weʼve noticed an increasein enquiries of late and it looks like it might take offagain.


LANLOCAL

AUTHORITYNEWS

thirty

We are a dynamic Irish - owned company based in Galway, with over 15 yrs industry experience.Castle Contracting specialise in Premises Fit-Outs, Company Relocations, Premises Upgrades, Refurbishments,

Renovations, Building Restorations, Project Management and Maintenance of Premises.We offer a professional broad range of services from the basic to complete turn-key fitout.

Operating successfully nationwide we cater for all sectors of the Construction Industry, Commercial, Retail, Industrial,Educational, Public Sector, Sports and Leisure, Healthcare Companies and Residential Premises.

Castle Contracting Ltd., 9G Racecourse Business Park, Parkmore, GalwayTel: 091 771823 / Fax: 091 771827 email: [email protected]

www.castlecontracting.ie

Castle Contracting

• BBA HAPAS approved for longitudinal and transverse cracking in asphalt and concrete surfaces• Minimum expected life of 5 years• Used extensively on motorway network M25, M3, M4, A1• Flexible polymerised materials accommodate future movement• Protects your highway asset• Full range of BBA approved materials available: simple overband, fill and overband, inlaid systems

T: + 353 1 412 4766 Mobile: + 353 86 2437706 E: [email protected]

APPROVED CRACK AND JOINT REPAIR SYSTEMS FOR HIGHWAYS


LANLOCAL

AUTHORITYNEWS

thirty one

Martins Construction Ltd isa building and civil

engineering company in theMid-Western Region with itshead office based in Ennis,Co Clare.

The company was established in 1995 and carriesout main contracting, building & civil engineeringand PSCS services in counties Clare, Limerick andTipperary, including new build, refurbishment, fit-out, demolitions, enabling works and building andcivil engineering contracts.

They have recently successfully completed projectsin the Residential, Domestic, Industrial,Commercial, Healthcare and PharmaceuticalSectors including projects for the Local Authorities,Government Bodies, Private Clients andInternational Clients. Included in these projectswere a New Library for Limerick County Council, inCappamore, Co Limerick consisting of a newLibrary and four separate Arts Studios with a valueof €800,000, a new stand alone extension toParteen National School, Co Clare worth €500,000and various projects for the HSE Mid-West inparticular, a conversion of a decanted ward tofacilitate a 17 inpatient ward worth €500,000 in theUniversity Hospital Limerick and an extension toEnnistymon Hospital worth €800,000. In additionthey completed a €1.7million day care centre atCarrigoran House, Co. Clare.

It is evident from the repeat of business from theirClients and Design Teams, that the company hasthe ability to adapt to undertake technicallychallenging projects, and this ability has helpedthem attain the position they enjoy in the industry.Over this period the Company has built up anenviable reputation. All the projects Martins Construction Ltd carries outare quality assured and accredited to InternationalStandard. They operate an ISO 9001: 2008 QualityManagement System and an InternationalAccredited Occupational Health and SafetyManagement System, ISO OHSAS 18001:20078,which has resulted in the company growing fromstrength to strength and which also ensures that alltheir projects are carried out to the highest ofstandards in the safest manner.

Martins Construction Ltd holds a Tax ClearanceCertificate and is a member of the ConstructionIndustry Federation, Homebond and the Society ofChartered Surveyors of Ireland. The company isalso registered with SEAI, CWPS, CIRI, NSAI,NISO, IATI and ACCA.

Company Details

Martins Construction LtdBallycarroll, Barefield,

Ennis,Co Clare.T: 065 6868884F: 065 6829822

E: [email protected]: www.martinsconstruction.ie


Choose Aqua Flo for an unrivalled quality leakdetection and water conservation serviceServices Include:

• Leak detection (Domestic & Commercial) • Water Conservation Audits• Data Logging & Field Tests• Fire Hydrant Testing • Pressure & Flow Management Tel: 1800 50 60 50

Email: [email protected] Web: www.aquaflo.ie

RFID EM Self-service Security Stock control Promotion

Software Consultancy Installation Maintenance

Call or email : t. +353 (0) 879 113 666 e. [email protected]

or t. 0845 88 22 778 e. [email protected]

Thinking Libraries

Tried and trusted in schools, FE and public libraries

throughout Ireland

BOSCHUNGVersatile Compact Sweepers

Sales & Service

BOSCHUNGPloughs & Spreaders OPTI-WET COMBI-WET

with THERMOMAT CONTROL

WINTER EQUIPMENT JF Industrial Complex, Rathmullan Road, Drogheda, Co. Louth.087-2668112 • 041-9802811 • email: [email protected] • www.enviroteam.ie

• Sewer Flow Surveys

• Flow and Load Surveys

• CSO Monitoring

• Pump Station Surveys

• Water Quality Monitoring

• Stream and River FlowMonitoring

• Flood Alarm WarningSystems

SPECIAL OFFER!

TO AVAIL OF

"SPECIAL OFFERS"

NOW IN OUR TRADE

DIRECTORY SECTION

FOR 2014 / 15.

REQUEST DETAILS

FROM CARMEL

on 086 0839455

OR Email :[email protected]

"FREE COMPLIMENTARYEDITORAL AVAILABLE"

NATIONWIDE COVERAGE - TOPQUALITY READERSHIP

LANLOCAL

AUTHORITYNEWS


LANLOCAL

AUTHORITYNEWS

THE NEW AND EXCITING LOCAL AUTHORITY NEWSWEBSITE

POSITIVE COVERAGE OF POSITIVE ACHIEVEMENTS

COMMUNITY

ENVIRONMENT WATER LIBRARIES

HOUSINGROADS

VISIT

WWW.LOCALAUTHORITYNEWS.IEor

EMAIL US YOUR PROJECT OR INITIATIVE TO

[email protected]

The ecoTEC range of boilers.From Vaillant. In case you didn’t know.

For 140 years, Vaillant has been setting the standard for performance and reliability. Radiating quality and efficiency, our ecoTEC range of combi, system and open vent boilers boasts stainless steel heat exchangers, copper seams and industry-leading electronics. Backed by generous guarantees and outstanding service support, it’s clear to see why Vaillant always delivers on its promise to think ahead.

For more information call +353(0)90 6442300email [email protected] or visit www.vaillant.co.uk/trade

The great feeling of making the right choice

Available throughout Ireland from

Local Authority News Vol.33 No.4

Documents

Transcript of Local Authority News Vol.33 No.4