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. Robert Aylward

Chairperson

It is a great privilege for me as Cathaoirleach of Kilkenny County Council to introduce the Annual Report for 2003. The Report outlines the Council's many and varied activities throughout the County across all services.

Area Plans were adopted for Piltown, Fiddown, Mooncoin and Gowran. The Local Area Plan for the development of the Western Environs of Kilkenny City was published and adopted. The Kilkenny Recreational Needs Report was also prepared and adopted by the Council.

I welcome the increase in the number of recycling centres in the County to 55.

Kerbide collection of dry recyclables was introduced in November, 2003 and will lead to a substantial reduction in the amount of waste going to landfill.

A dedicated enforcement team was set up in January, 2004 to deal with the problem of unauthorised dumping and complaints from the public etc.

Kilkenny County Council in partnership with the Heritage Council appointed a Heritage Officer in July, 2003 to ensure the protection, conservation and enhancement of Kilkenny's heritage.

Progress has been made on various infrastructural projects such as the M. 8/N. 8 Cullahill to Cashel Scheme, the N. 9/N. 10 Kilcullen to Waterford Scheme and the N. 24 Mooncoin By-Pass, N. 77 Kilkenny Ring Road extension.

Under the serviced land initiative works were completed on the Ballyragget Sewerage Scheme Upgrade and Urlingford Sewerage Scheme Upgrade. Works on the Callan Sewerage Scheme upgrade are continuing.

A total of 351 families were assisted by the housing department under the various options of the plan for social housing in 2003.

A total of €10.5 million expenditure was incurred in loans of which €1.6 million was in respect of Affordable Housing.

47 disabled persons grants were paid to persons undertaking necessary renovation works for disabled persons.

33 units of accommodation were provided by the voluntary housing sector.

99 houses were commenced under the housing construction programme in 2003. Restoration works at Woodstock Gardens continued in 2003 which included the landscaping of the grotto and arboretum etc.

I would like to acknowledge the co-operation and assistance of my fellow Councillors and to take this opportunity to put on record my appreciation. I would also like to pay tribute to the County Manager and Staff for the manner in which they assisted me in the performance of my role. My time as Cathaoirleach has proven to be a very fulfilling and rewarding experience and I look forward to meeting the challenges that lie ahead.

I would like to express thanks to my predecessor Teresa Mullen for the help and co-operation shown during the year.

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Robert Aylward

Cathaoirleach

It is a great privilege for us as Cathaoirleach and Mayor of Kilkenny County & City Councils to introduce the Annual Report for 2008. This report outlines the two Local Authorities many and varied activities throughout the City & County across all services. Some of the highlights of the year include:-

• The adoption in June 2008 of both the Kilkenny County & City Environs Development Plans for the year 2008/2014. This plan puts in place a development strategy for the next 6 year period with major growth targeted for Kilkenny City as a hub and the Ferrybank Belview area as part of the Waterford City Gateway.

• In addition a total of 9 Local Area Plans were advanced. The Loughmacask and Woodstock Local Area Plans were advanced to the point of adoption.

• During 2008, 150 households were housed under the Housing social programme across the city and county. The expenditure on social housing capital provision amounted to €25.5 million in 2008 in the City and County of Kilkenny.

• The ambitious road and transportation programme continued throughout 2008. Amongst the highlights of the programme was the completion of the M8 Cullahill/Cashel Motorway in December 2008. Construction work commenced in January 2008 on the M9/N9 Carlow/Knocktopher. Opening of same is expected in 2010.

• Substantial progress has been made in 2008 in advancing of the Water Services Capital Programme and in improvement of the operation of water and waste water facilities.

• One of the key aims of Kilkenny County & City Councils is achieving improved levels of water conservation. One of the county water conservation projects have now been completed. We have also distributed water conservation booklets to non domestic consumers i.e. businesses, agriculture and schools. The water conservation tips programme has been launched on KCLR during 2008.

• The River Nore Linear Park continues to progress. The benefit of this facility to the people of the City & County of Kilkenny was highlighted by LAMA awarding the walk the best public park for 2008.

• Other amenities provided include the completion of additional playgrounds in Ballyhale, Newpark and Graignamanagh bringing to 15 in the County and the completion of Phase 3 of the Woodstock Project. 35,000 visitors visit this amenity annually.

• The Parade project in Kilkenny City commenced and should be completed in 2009. This is part of the ongoing drive to highlight Kilkenny City's natural beauty and heritage and provide a City centre attractive for both locals and tourists alike.

• The Kilkenny County Council and Kilkenny Borough Council funded new public sports and leisure complex, the Watershed opened its doors to the public on Monday 15th December, 2008. This world class facility comprising of 3 swimming pools, a multipurpose sports arena, a fitness gym and aerobics studio combined with the existing Scanlon Park athletics track and outdoor pitches will transform the recreational facilities available to people in the city and county. As Cathaoirleach and Mayor we are especially proud of this development.

Some positive events that took place during 2008 was the conferring of the Freedom of the City on Seamus Pattison and Brian Cody. Seamus has had a distinguished career in both national and local politics stretching back for 45 years where as Brian Cody has lead our county to unprecedented success. The ceremony held in Kilkenny Castle was a memorable one and it was a great opportunity to honour both recipients. The ceremony held a few weeks later in the Watershed conveying civic honours on Brian Cody by Kilkenny County Council and honouring the 7 All Ireland winning hurling and camogie teams was another landmark. It was the first civic honour of its kind bestowed by the County Council and marked the end of unprecedented successes on our sports field.

There were also Cathaoirleach's receptions granted to 3 of our leading athletes Eileen O'Keeffe, Joanne Cuddihy and Emily Maher who have distinguished themselves on the international athletics scene. In April 2008 a further reception was granted to the Conahy Hurling team on their success in the All Ireland Junior Club Championship. To round off the year on a positive note a reception was granted to the James Stephens U-14 Feile All Ireland winning team marking their record breaking 7th success in this competition.

One item that has given us particular pleasure as Cathaoirleach and Mayor of Kilkenny is the work that is being done to construct a fitting memorial to James Hoban the designer of the Whitehouse. We believe that the promotion of the links between Ireland and America through one of the USA's founding fathers being born in County Kilkenny will bear fruit over the years to come.

The difficult financial situation nationally and internationally has brought forward many challenges for the City & County. We are acutely aware of the difficulties facing the citizens of Kilkenny and the difficult decisions that will have to be made by both the County & Borough Council's in the year to come.

Despite the challenges facing the local authorities,our time as Cathaoirleach and Mayor is proving to be a very fulfilling and rewarding experience. It is particularly heartening to see the community spirit and the spirit of volunteerism which we experience on an almost daily basis from the people at functions and events which we attend in an official capacity. Also, the efforts amongst those within the service industry and elsewhere to market Kilkenny as a destination and a brand shows that despite these difficult times, the message is out there that Kilkenny is open for business.

We would like to take this opportunity to thank our fellow Councillors on the County & Borough Council's and also the management and staff of these two authorities for the cooperation and support which they have given us during our term. We would like to also express thanks to our predecessors Cllrs. Tom Maher and Marie Fitzpatrick,and we particularly wish to thank the Leas Cathaoirleach Cllr Pat Dunphy and Deputy Mayor Cllr.Betty Manning for their help and cooperation during the year.

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Cllr. Tomas Breathnach                                                Cllr. Pat Crotty
MCC Cathaoirleach                                                       MCC Mayor