It is a great privilege for us as Cathaoirleach and Mayor of Kilkenny County & City Council's to introduce the Annual Report for 2010. This report contains details of the wide variety of services provided by Kilkenny Local Authorities, which underpin the very basic needs and requirements of the people of Kilkenny. In a period of economic challenge it is worth noting the very valuable role that  Local authorities play in building resilience in local communities to assist neighbourhoods to develop and to maintain and improve the local essential services such as a public water supply, roads, housing etc.

Over the past number of years both Councils have radically changed the way that they do business. Progress has been achieved in many areas: on financial management, new information technologies, developing communications systems, and significant changes to structural reform of services, including the development of "business units" in place of the more traditional sections. Perhaps one of the more striking changes has been in the way in which community development has been supported by the establishment of a Community and Enterprise unit which now responds in a focused way to the various elements of developing communities. Proof of this on the ground can be gauged by the many local development associations which now engage both formally and informally through the Community and Voluntary Forum, and informally through the Local Authority area offices, as well as directly through the elected members. Further enhancement of this new approach continued in 2010 and the evidence of success can be seen throughout this report.

During 2010, all Local authorities had to cope with the consequences of unprecedented cold weather conditions. We were greatly heartened at the generous response of Local Authority management and staff who worked tirelessly to alleviate the effects of such adverse conditions.

In terms of strategic infrastructure the opening of the M9 Motorway in 2010 is highly significant in the development of Kilkenny. The motorway now provides us with improved accessibility, and will no doubt lead to commercial gain for the region as a whole.

The concept of shared services has been mentioned in many of the recent reports on achieving further efficiencies in the public service. This concept, simply put, means sharing services to avoid duplication, to bring about a common high standard of service delivery across authorities and to provide effective and efficient services. Kilkenny Local Authorities have been successful in this regard and now operate shared services in a number of service area including housing, finance and human resources. 2010 saw further advances in sharing services and the Housing service is now jointly administered from John's Green House. Once again the progressive nature of developing this essential service is evidenced by the level of activity. To quote from the report on the Housing Service for 2010 it is worth noting the following levels of activity:

• 123 units of accommodation were provided by Kilkenny Local Authorities
• 33 units of accommodation provided by the Voluntary Sector
• 30 Acquisitions completed
• 88 Private rented inspections carried out
• 26 units available under the leasing Initiative in 2010
• 5 Affordable Houses sold in 2010 with 4 remaining to be sold
• 11 loans issued to the value of €1,037,030
• 322 grants paid out in 2010
• 111 houses retrofitted in 2010 in both Housing Authorities
• 475 applicants now in RAS accommodation i.e. 204 private, 271 voluntary housing bodies

This range of activity is replicated in the other service areas, and we believe that the policy decisions taken by the elected members will result in improved services to our citizens.

Kilkenny City and County has a rich cultural and heritage tradition. We are both intent on maximizing Kilkenny's attractiveness as a centre of tourism excellence, and we are determined to take every and any opportunity to promote Kilkenny and to work to attract investment in our County to enable us to weather the difficult times in which we find ourselves.

Finally, we would like to sincerely thank Manager, Joe Crockett and his staff, and we commend their commitment and dedication.

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Cllr. Catherine Connery                                                                Cllr. Martin Brett
MCC Cathaoirleach                                                                      MCC Mayor

It is a great privilege for us as Cathaoirleach and Mayor of Kilkenny Local Authorities to introduce the Annual Report for 2006. This report outlines the Local Authorities many and varied activities throughout the City and County across all services. Some of the highlights of the year include:-

• Commencement of the review of the County and City Development Plan. Preparation for the County's Development Plan 2008/2014 has commenced with a series of public consultations in the City and in each of the Electoral Areas.

• Local Area Plans were completed for Slieverue, Mullinavat and Stoneyford.

• A revised Litter Management Plan was commenced in 2006. Kilkenny Local Authorities commitment in the fight against litter was rewarded by Kilkenny City achieving litter free status in the most recent IPAL Survey.

• A highlight for Kilkenny Borough Council during the year was the City's participation in the International Entente Florale Competition. We were pleased to achieve Silver Medal status in this internationally acclaimed competition.

• A new scheme of letting priorities was adopted.

• A scheme of priorities for Affordable Housing was reviewed and adopted in 2006.

• The Local Authorities sought to address the problem of Anti Social Behaviour by the implementation of an Anti Social Behaviour Policy in 2006 for Kilkenny County Council and Kilkenny Borough Council.

• The Local Authorities commitment towards Estate Management was highlighted by the development of an Estate Management Policy and the holding of the Annual Estate Management Conference in November.

• The Local Authorities commitment to working with our fellow Agencies and Social Partners was emphasised by the completion of the review of the 10 year Strategy by the County Development Board.

• In the area of the Arts, the Arts Strategy was published and positively received by all interested parties.

• The development of the Recreation Capital Fund was continued with the construction of an additional playground in St. Canice's Parish. A total of 12 Community Projects were approved for support from this fund around the City and County.

• The draft Heritage Plan for Kilkenny City and County was prepared and is being presented for publication in early 2007. On the basis of the draft a significant number of projects have been approved by the Heritage Council.

• Progress has been made with the local radio station KCLR on introducing a traffic information service which is to be introduced early in the New Year.

During 2006 progress has been made on various infrastructural projects. The main schemes undertaken include:-

• The M8/N8 Cullohill to Cashel has commenced with a likely completion date in summer 2009.

• The Contract has been awarded for Phase 2 of the N9/N2 Waterford to Knocktopher road.

• Work is ongoing on the Kilkenny Ring Road Extension which is due for completion in summer 2007.

• The Contract Tender was awarded in 2006 for Ballybough Street in the Kilkenny Eastern Environs.

• There were further substantial increases in local funding of non national roads and for road restoration surface dressing in 2006.

• Progress was made on a number of capital projects in the water services area.

• The contract was awarded for the proposed new Leisure Complex sited at Scanlon Park.

• Construction commenced on the Freshford Fire Station.

• Developments under the Urban and Village Renewal Scheme were recognised by an increased grant application from the Department of the Environment.

• A dog shelter for Carlow/Kilkenny based near Paulstown was opened in May 2006.

• This year saw another active year in our Parks and Restoration Programme with progress continuing on the River Nore Linear Park and the official opening of the new Soccer Pitch in Garringreen.

We would like to acknowledge the co-operation and assistance of our fellow Councillors and to take this opportunity to put on record our appreciation. We would also like to pay tribute to the County Manager Mr. Michael Malone and staff for the manner in which they assisted us in the performance of our roles. Our time as Cathaoirleach and Mayor has proved to be a very fulfilling and rewarding experience and we look forward to meeting the many challenges that lie ahead.

We would like to express thanks to our predecessors Cllr. Maurice Shortall and Cllr. Marie Fitzpatrick for their help and co-operation during the year.

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William Ireland                                                                            Martin Brett

MCC Cathaoirleach                                                                      MCC Mayor

Cllr. Teresa Mullen,

Chairperson.

It has been a great honour and privilege for me to have been elected as the first Independent Chairperson of Kilkenny County Council. I take great pleasure in introducing the Annual Report for 2002. The past year has been exceptionally busy and I have had first hand experience of the wide range of activities in which the Council is involved and how the work we do affects the lives of the people living in County Kilkenny.

It is my intention to organise a Conference entitled "Women Making a Difference to Peace, Politics and Prosperity" in June, 2003. This is an issue which is important to me.

I am pleased to note the increased public housing building programme in the County and also the success of the Affordable Housing Scheme at St. Kierans Crescent. A Joint Housing Strategy was adopted by Kilkenny County Council and Kilkenny Borough Council which is aimed at increasing the supply of land for housing.

It is also encouraging to note the continuing improvements in the road network which included the realignment of R693 at Threecastles (Campions Bend). Preliminary Design work was carried out on the R700 at Sheastown with a view to seeking funding under the E.U. Co-financed Schemes in 2003.

Under the Sanitary Services Programme works were completed on upgrading the Thomastown and Graiguenamanagh Sewerage Schemes in 2002.

This year was a very successful one for the recycling programme with 41 bring sites in operation at various locations throughout the County.

The Council has undergone significant change since the introduction of "Better Local Government" and we are fortunate to have such excellent management and staff who have implemented the changes for the benefit of the public.

During my term of Office as Cathaoirleach I had the honour of representing the people of County Kilkenny at the St. Patricks Day Parade Celebrations in New York and met with representatives of the Kilkenny Association who are celebrating their Centenary in 2003. I also visited the Kilkenny Association in Manchester and met many old friends and acquaintances.

The County Manager, Mr. Michael Malone took up the position during the year and on behalf of the members of the County Council I would like to welcome him to Kilkenny.

It has been a privilege to serve as Cathaoirleach and I would like to thank my predessor Cllr. Pat Millea and all Councillors for their co-operation and support during the year. I would also like to thank the County Manager and the staff for their commitment and assistance.

I am confident that progress will continue into the future and that the Council's contribution will be significant in this regard.

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Cllr. Teresa Mullen,

Cathaoirleach.

It is a great privilege for us as Cathaoirleach and Mayor of Kilkenny County and City Council's to introduce the annual report for 2007. This report outlines the two local authorities many and varied activities throughout the County and City across all services. Some of the highlights of the year include

• Progression on the development plan 2008/2014 with the development plan for Kilkenny County and City Environs being approved for public display in July 2007.
• The adoption of the new development contribution scheme in December 2007 which should provide funding towards our ambitious public infrastructure and facilitate progression of projects in the area of Roads, Water Services, and recreational Facilities for the years 2008/2012.
• A series of measures which should promote Road Safety throughout the County were implemented in 2007. Foremost amongst these measures was the approval of a Road Safety Plan for the County. The approval following extensive interagency consultations and work at SPC level. Early 2007 saw the imaginative preparation of a Schools Safety programme which is the first of its kind in the state. The year 2007 also saw the introduction of a traffic information service progressed in partnership with Carlow Local Authorities and KCLR.
• Kilkenny County and City Councils pursuit of a pro active programme of environmental education and awareness continued throughout 2007. Six more schools were granted Green School Status. Our civic amenity centre in Dunmore goes from strength to strength and the centre based in Newrath been of great use to the public in that area of the County. A particular success was the Farm Plastics scheme which was promoted in partnership with the local IFA. Over one weekend alone, 351 tonnes of farm plastic were deposited on the old mart site and great credit is due to all concerned.
• The litter management plan was adopted in 2007. Key to the success of any programme of work is the need for engagement with the communities we serve, be it through meeting with formal groups or individual representatives. This can be seen by the success of our Heritage Plan, the adoption of a formal Play Policy and implementation plan and the increased take up in the various community grants which was facilitated by the production of a single overall pack in 2007.
• One particular area that we as Local Authorities have to be proactive is in the area of estate management. An estate management plan for the forthcoming years was passed in 2007 following a lot of consultation with community groups, other agencies such as the HSE and the Gardai Siochana and work conducted at policy level by our SPC's.
• Achievements by Kilkenny City and County Council's have been recognised at national and international level particularly through recognition at the LAMA Awards and the O2 Positive to Disability Awards. Perhaps the proudest achievement in 2007 was the Award given to Kilkenny City by the Academy of Urbanism for Great Britain and Ireland, when Kilkenny was awarded the Great Town Award at a ceremony in London in November 2007.

During 2007 great progress has been made on various infrastructural projects. The main projects undertaken include

• Agreement on an ambitious water and waste water programme up to 2020 which is to be progressed utilising the various funding options available at national and Local Level.

Progression on various Roads project including:

• Completion of the long awaited Kilkenny Ring Road Extension late 2007.
• Progression on the N8/Cullahill to Cashel Road.

Some other projects of note include:

• Completion of the Freshford Fire Station.
• Commencement of Phase 2 of the Nore Linear Park.
• Progression on the ambitious new Leisure complex sited at Scanlon Park which is due for completion in Autumn 2008.

Ambitious plans for the development of the centre of Kilkenny City were brought before elected members including revised proposals for the Parade.

Progress throughout the past twelve months would not have been made without the cooperation and assistance of our fellow councillors and we would like to take this opportunity to put on record our appreciation to them. We would also like to play tribute to the County Manager, Mr. Joe Crockett and his staff for the manner in which they have assisted us in the performance of our roles. We wish Joe a happy and successful time whilst he is in the office of County Manager and look forward to working with for many years to come. We would also like to thank his predecessor Mr. Michael Malone who was County Manager until his departure for Kildare County Council in April of this year. We wish him the best for the future. We would also like to thank Mr. Tony Walsh, who acted as County Manager until Mr. Crockett's appointment.

Our time as Cathoirealach and Mayor is proving to be a very fulfilling and rewarding experience and we look forward to meeting the many challenges that lie ahead.

We would like to express thanks to our predecessors Cllr. Billy Ireland and Cllr. Martin Brett for their help and their cooperation during the year.

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Cllr. Tom Maher                                                                     Cllr. Marie Fitzpatrick

MCC Cathaoirleach                                                               MCC Mayor