Joe Crockett
Manager of the County & City Councils

I am pleased to be associated with the presentation of this Annual Report for the year 2010.

I wish to express my thanks and appreciation for the efforts of elected members, management and staff of the two authorities in maintaining a high level of service delivery to the people of the county and city, especially under the stringent financial restrictions in which we now operate. Within the main body of this report the various activities and delivery of services and infrastructure projects being progressed by Kilkenny County & City Borough Council's are outlined.

The year 2010 was a challenging year for the Council as income and expenditure was stepped down in the light of difficult economic conditions with a reduction in revenue expenditure of €6.2m to €70.3m. Reduced and decreasing sources of income from both national and local sources, together with stagnation in commercial and development activity has meant that substantial reductions have had to be made across a number of areas.

The Council faced these changed circumstance and delivered and re-balanced services in line with the prevailing economic conditions while seeking to be as developmental as possible and this is likely to be our continuing outlook in the coming years.

In contrast, the significant capital expenditure of previous years has resulted in the infrastructure in the region and in the county being dramatically improved particularly with the opening of the M9. This has transformed transportation, access and travel time within the region and provided significant economic opportunities. Coupled with this has been a significant expansion in water/waste water infrastructure particularly in Belview/South Kilkenny with the opening of the Belview water supply, a joint venture between the IDA and the Council, which again, has transformed economic possibilities in the South Kilkenny/Belview area, and provided a competitive advantage for enterprises in need of significant volumes of water.

In the light of these developments, the Councils, launched a new marketing initiative to promote Kilkenny as a place to do business. The Invest Kilkenny campaign is selling Kilkenny on its fast global access, third level accessibility and a fantastic quality of life in a city and county steeped in rich culture and heritage that attracts and retains the calibre of people needed to drive business success. A dedicated Business Support Unit has been established to support this initiative and promote Kilkenny City and the strategically-located Belview development zone in south Kilkenny and the district towns and hinterland.

A new website www.investkilkenny.ie was launched which includes a property finder and details of local business success stories featuring interviews with leading businesses in Kilkenny including taxback.com, Glanbia, Vhi healthcare, State Street and Cartoon Saloon. Kilkenny has proven it is a great location in which to establish and grow a global business and these key players have given resounding endorsements to running an international business from Kilkenny.

As part of the campaign it was announced that the Waterford Institute of Technology (WIT) is to open an Information Communication Technology (ICT) Research and Innovation Centre on the National University of Ireland Maynooth (NUIM) Kilkenny Campus at St. Kieran's College and plans have progressed significantly on this collaboration. The new research centre marks the continued growth of WIT's highly successful Telecommunication Software and Systems Group (TSSG), an internationally recognised centre of excellence for ICT research and innovation, employing 140 research staff and students. This will help to better position Kilkenny in respect of information technology and telecommunication sectors.

Turning now to other major challenges in 2010, it would be remiss not to record the Council's appreciation of the contribution and toil of many people and organisations, during the severe weather of January 2010. Outstanding work was done by the staff of the Councils particularly in Roads and Water sections, Fire Services, Civil Defence, the Health Services Executive, An Garda Siochana, the Defence Forces, communities generally across the county including Snowbusters and the IFA, elected members of the Council and the Oireachtas and media organisations.

In conclusion I wish to thank the Cathaoirleach Cllr. Catherine Connery and the Mayor Cllr. Martin Brett for their chairing of the Council's and representation of the County and of the City, with all sections of the community.

I commend this annual report and I am confident that it will give an overview of the broad range of activities undertaken and the achievements of the Council's of the County & City of Kilkenny in 2010.

________________________

Joe Crockett
County Manager.

Michael Malone
Manager of the County & City Councils

I am pleased to be associated with the presentation of Kilkenny County Council and Kilkenny Borough Council Annual Report for the year 2006.
This year saw progress in various infrastructural projects throughout the County and across all services including roads, water, sewerage, housing, environment which are detailed in this report. Some of these projects are listed hereunder:-

• 82 families appointed tenants of local authority houses.

• Utilisation of the various measures under the Social and Affordable Housing Scheme.

• 102 tenancies transferred under the Rental Accommodation Scheme. A pro-active planned maintenance scheme of 69 houses improved ie., through provision of central heating, replacement windows and doors etc.,

• Pro-active response to all repairs requests. During 2006, 930 repair requests were attended to with a total of just over 1.5m spent on maintenance

• Progress on various road infrastructural projects for both national and non-national roads.

• A series of traffic calming measures were put in place throughout the County.

• The need to provide the necessary water and sewerage infrastructures is a major challenge facing both Elected Members and Officials. The new needs assessment was undertaken in 2006 and was submitted to the Department of the Environment. This assessment is being updated for inclusion in the Water Services Investment Programme 2007/2009

• The pace of development throughout the County can be gauged by the statistic that there has been a 24% increase on the number of planning applications received since 2002.

• The aim of a Civic Amenity Site for South Kilkenny was brought a step further with the identification of a suitable site and the receipt of procurement tenders. In the meantime the temporary facility based in Newrath, opening on Saturdays is in place.

• Work on projects co-funded through the Development Contribution Scheme continues. Primary among these projects are the developments of the River Nore Linear Park, the continuing work on the Woodstock Gardens Project and the various urban and village renewal schemes.

A core objective in Kilkenny Local Authorities Corporate Plan for 2004/2009 is to plan for and manage in a sustainable manner the development and use of our relevant resources in the interests of long term economic, social and cultural progress for the benefit of all. Central to this objective is a pro-active and inclusive County Development Plan. The review of the current plan has commenced, starting with the public consultations in each of the Electoral Areas in 2006. A management report on the public consultations was completed in December 2006. These public consultations are the first steps in the formulation of the County Development Plan 2008/2014. The City and County Development Plan together with the various local area plans will form the basis for the strategic planning of Kilkenny City and County.

A further supporting strategy in the Corporate Plan is to work in partnership with other key stakeholders and implement and agree various plans and programmes. Kilkenny Local Authorities continues to work with our partners in the County Development Board. During 2006 there was a concentration on the development of the sub-structures to deliver on the 9 actions agreed in the mid-term review of the County Strategy 2002 - 2012.

Our key role in the aim of the development of the region for the mutual benefit of all the citizens in the South East, can be high-lighted by Kilkenny County Councils continued aim to advance the Belview Area as a major location for Strategic Industry in the South East Region. Further cross county co-operation can be highlighted by the completion in 2006 of the Graiguenamanagh/Tinnahinch Development and Economic Study which was completed jointly between Carlow and Kilkenny County Councils.

Key to the work of Kilkenny Local Authorities is its role in serving both Communities as a whole and the individual customer. Amongst the measures which took place during 2006 were:-

• Increased profile of the Customer Service Desk.

• Customer driven lunch time opening facilities which had been initially launched on a pilot basis were established across both authorities in 2006.

• Continued focus on improving services for internal and external disabled customers. This is highlighted by national recognition through the 02 Ability Award Scheme and the work being carried out by our pro-active Barcelona Agenda Team whose role is to steer the Local Authority in meeting its commitments under the Disability Act.

• Kilkenny Local Authorities efforts on customer service have been recognised nationally by Chambers Ireland in respect of our Planning Service and the local Chamber of Commerce in respect of our Human Resources Department.

• Customer driven, over the counter planning validation service was introduced in 2006

• The appointment of a dedicated Estate Management Officer is bearing fruit with increased levels of input from the Tenants on the Estates within her remit.

• Assistance approved to a number of Residents Associations.

• Kilkenny Local Authorities seek to communicate in a pro-active way with the public. One example is the development of our fortnightly page in the Kilkenny People. A further example of communicating on issues vital to the Community is the Fire Safety Awareness Campaign which is conducted through the local radio station in conjunction with Carlow Fire Service. Great credit is due to those involved in the Fire Service who regularly arrange school visits to the Fire Station and ran a concentrated Awareness Campaign during National Fire Safety Week.

• Another area of service that are to the forefront of their local communities are the various libraries both at central and branch level. The services carried out by our libraries are outlined in more detail in the Arts, Culture and Heritage section of this Annual Report.

• The taking in charge of Estates Protocol which was finalised during 2005 is now impacting in a positive manner and the Council agreed a policy whereby 2 Estates per Electoral Area would be taken in charge in 2006.

• One area which is to the forefront of meeting demands of customers is the Planning Department. In 2006 the Planning Department dealt with over 64,000 telephone calls, 7,500 customers at our Information Desk and Staff Members met almost 2,000 clients at out-reach planning clinics.

• A function of great day to day importance to local communities is the area of street cleansing. Under the terms of new contract commenced in May 2006 all Towns and Villages are cleaned monthly with the areas outside of Waterford Environs cleaned on a weekly basis.

• Kilkenny Local Authorities continue to adopt their pro-active approach to environmental education and awareness by promotion of the Green Flag Schools, Car Free Day and regular visits and assistance to Schools and Community Groups.

• Fulfilling our commitment to organisational change with the emphasis on maintaining and building on improvements in customer service under the terms of the national social partnership agreements, Sustaining Progress and its successor Towards 2016

I would like to express my appreciation for the dedication and commitment of the Management Team and Staff of Kilkenny Local Authorities and the hard work of the Elected Members. In particular, I wish to thank my former Colleague Mr. Tom Gunning who retired as Director of Services for Roads and Sanitary in September of 2006. Mr. Gunning and other recently retired members of staff made extremely valuable contributions to Kilkenny Local Authorities over the years.

I wish to pay particular tribute to the Cathaoirleach Cllr. Billy Ireland and his predecessor Cllr. Maurice Shortall and the Mayor of Kilkenny City Cllr. Martin Brett and his predecessor Cllr. Marie Fitzpatrick for their commitment and dedication to the development and promotion of the County and City. I also wish to express my thanks to the Chairperson's and members of each of the Strategic Policy Committees and each of the Area Committees for the excellent work done by these groups over the year.

I trust that the annual report will be widely read by the people of County Kilkenny and that it will give them an overview of the broad range of activities which are undertaken by our local authorities. I hope also that it gives them an insight into the challenges facing us in Local Government today and an idea as to how we in Kilkenny Local Authorities are seeking to face these challenges.

________________________

M. Malone

County Manager

Michael Malone,
Manager of the County & City Councils

As County Manager I welcome the publication of the Annual Report of Kilkenny County Council for 2002. The report reviews the activities of the Local Authority and informs the public of the various operations undertaken during the course of the year.

During 2002 progress has been made on a number of various programmes of work which has helped to improve the quality and efficiency of the services provided to the people of Kilkenny.

Works on planned major developments are progressing such as:

• N77 - Kilkenny Ring Road Extension - Design.

• N9 - Kilcullen / Waterford - Design.

• South Kilkenny Water Supply Scheme (Belview Port) - Preliminary report prepared.

The County Development Plan including development plans for the scheduled towns of Callan, Castlecomer, Graiguenamanagh, Thomastown and for Waterford City Environs (including Belview Area Action Plan and Kilmacow Village Plan) and the Environs of New Ross was adopted in July, 2002.

The six Waste Authorities in the South East Region prepared a Joint Waste Management Plan which was adopted by Kilkenny County Council in June, 2002.

The feasibility study on a new swimming pool for Kilkenny City was approved by the Department of Tourism, Sport and Recreation and the preliminary report is currently with the Department awaiting approval.

The Corporate Plan 2001 - 2004 sets out certain Performance Indicators within each programme group and the outcome of same are covered in the Annual Report.

This is my first Annual Report as Manager of Kilkenny County Council and I wish to thank the Cathaoirleach and Elected Members of the County Council and the Borough Council together with the members of the Strategic Policy Committees for the welcome which they have given me since I took up the position and for their help and co-operation over the last number of months. I would also like to thank the staff of both the County Council and Borough Council both indoor and outdoor for their assistance in the provision of services.

In particular I would like to acknowledge the tremendous contribution of my predecessor, Mr. P.J. Donnelly, who retired in 2002 after 26 years as Kilkenny County Manager. This contribution to the development of the City and County and in particular the tourism infrastructure which today is benefiting the economy of both, was second to none.

________________________

Mr. Michael Malone,

County Manager.

Joe Crockett
Manager of the County & City Councils

As Manager of the Council's of Kilkenny County & City Council's I am pleased to be associated with the presentation of this Annual Report for the year 2007.

In July of 2007, the members of Kilkenny County Council adopted a very ambitious multi annual capital programme. This multi annual programme projects the Council spending €1.7 billion between the years 2007 - 2012 on the provision of new fixed assets and the upgrading or expansion of existing assets, all of which are required to meet the demand of a growing economy. This programme should provide the necessary infrastructure to contribute towards an expanding and flourishing county. Furthermore, this programme was adopted with a view to enabling the County to grow and develop its own indigenous industry and also attract new industry. The progress made in advancing the various infrastructural projects throughout the County including roads, water, sewerage, housing, environment and various other flagship projects across all services in 2007 are detailed within the various sections of this report.

Since I took the position of Manager I have listened to the views of the elected members, our partners in other national, regional and local organisations and the people I meet at various meetings and engagements around the city and county. What has struck me very forcibly is a generally shared vision amongst all these stakeholders for the development of the County of Kilkenny as a whole namely:-

• The need to develop the rural economy and the role and needs of the principal towns and villages and surrounding rural areas.

• The development of Kilkenny city and its role as a hub in national and regional development strategy.

• The development of South Kilkenny and the development of the Gateway with Waterford County & City Authorities.

The role of the local authority is central to these objectives both as a community leader, through the provision of good infrastructure and by facilitating the provision of good quality of life facilities, services and initiatives. This developmental role needs to be balanced with prudent financial control and careful decision making as we seek to maximise our resources to cater for the needs of the Community we serve as elected members or as staff of the local authority. These principles have been central to the activities of the Local Authority in 2007, as you will see in more detail contained in this report.

However, at this juncture I must particularly mention the ongoing process involved in the formulation of the County Development City & Environs Plan for 2008 - 2014. I also wish to take the opportunity to note the ambitious Water Services Investment Programme mapping out a programme between now and the year 2020 which was ratified by the Councillors in 2007 following extensive discussion with the elected members and behind the scenes work by officials at cross functional level.

Further progress was made in the modernisation agenda. Key customer service initiatives introduced in 2007 include:-

• Expansion of the group planning clinics.

• Expanded motor tax opening hours.

• Further engagement with the public through media campaigns on water conservation tips and the traffic information service which is shared with Carlow Local Authorities.

• An emergency call out and response service.

• Flexible working arrangements so as to provide planning, environment and library service in the evenings.

• Expanded environmental services.

• Examination and implementation where appropriate of shared services between Kilkenny County and Borough Council's.

Similar initiatives will be developed for the forthcoming year.

I wish to pay tribute to the work being done at local area committee level and at strategic policy committee level for their role in pursuing the objectives of Kilkenny local authorities throughout 2007, These committees who have met on regular basis throughout the year have been well served by committed chairs and have succeeded in establishing themselves as the fora for focusing on local issues and formulating policy before, bringing same to the full membership of the Council. I also wish to thank our partners at County Development Board level.

It is appropriate at this juncture that I also pay tribute to my predecessor as County Manager Mr Michael Malone, and also Mr Tony Walsh who acted in the interim period between Mr. Malone's departure and my taking up this position. I would like to express my appreciation for the dedication and hard work of the elected members, my colleagues on the management team and the staff of Kilkenny County & City Council's. Since my arrival I have been impressed by the loyalty and commitment that both members and officials show on a day to day basis working in partnership for the communities of the county and city.

The work carried out by Kilkenny County and City Council's was recognised by the receipt of various awards in 2007 but we were especially delighted that Kilkenny City was given the Academy of Urbanism Great Town for 2008, in London last November 2007 which enhances the National and International reputation of Kilkenny.

Finally, I would like to particularly thank the Cathaoirleach Cllr. Tom Maher and the Mayor Cllr. Marie Fitzpatrick both of whom I have enjoyed close working relationships with during their tenures in office.

I commend this Annual Report and hope that it will be distributed to and widely read by the people of Kilkenny and beyond. I am confident that it will give them an overview into the broad range of activities undertaken and the challenges faced by the Councils of the County and City of Kilkenny.

________________________

Joe Crockett,

County Manager