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

It gives me great pleasure to present this Annual Report of Kilkenny County Council for 2003.

This year saw progress on 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:

• M8/N8 Cullahill/Cashel Motorway Order - CPO and E.I.S. published.

• N9/N10 Kilcullen to Waterford-Preliminary Design substantially completed. CPO/E.I.S. being prepared.

• N77 Kilkenny Ring Road Extension - advertising for tenders in 2004.

• Modern Recycling Centre for domestic recyclables and household hazardous waste opened at Dunmore Landfill Site.

• Kilkenny Waste Water Treatment Plant Upgrade - awaiting approval to proceed with preparation of contract documents.

• Area plan adopted for the Poulgour/Wetlands area of the Western Environs of Kilkenny City.

• Kilkenny Sport and Recreation Needs Study completed 2003.

• Development Contribution Scheme adopted by the Council together with first year of multi-annual programme of capital works which will include the provision of five playgrounds to be funded from such contributions.

• 99 houses were commenced under the Housing and Construction Programme in 2003. Schemes were completed at Coon (3), Slieveure (10), Mooncoin (11), Johnstown (6).

• New Swimming Pool - Preliminary report near completion.

The Council will continue to advance the Belview Area as a major location for Strategic Industry in the South East Region and in this regard we welcome the continued co-operation that exists with the Waterford Port Company.

The involvement of the tourism sector working with the Local Authorities in the preparation of a long term strategy for tourism in the County is welcomed.

The Council have carried out a number of improvements in the area of customer service:-

• Re-organisation of the internal layout in County Hall which will assist in service delivery to customers at the first point of contact.

• Installation of a modern telecommunications network.

• Provision of a customer service desk at County Hall.

• Development of the first floor of Castlecomer Library Building as a modern accessible area office for the Castlecomer Area.

• Planning clinics are operating on a weekly basis in each of the five Area Offices. Over 2000 people have attended these clinics since they commenced.

• E-Plan/internet planning enquiry system now in operation.

I would like to express my appreciation of the dedication and commitment of the Management Team and Staff of the Council and the hard work of the elected members, in particular the contribution of the Cathaoirleach Cllr. Bobby Aylward and his predecessor Teresa Mullen for their commitment and dedication to the development and promotion of the County. I also wish to express my thanks to the Chairperson and members of each of the Strategic Policy Committees for the excellent work done during the year.

I trust that this Annual Report will be widely read by the people of County Kilkenny and that it will give them a greater insight into the broad range of activities which are undertaken by the Local Authorities.

________________________

Mr. Michael Malone,

County Manager.

Joe Crockett
Manager of the County & City Councils

I am pleased to be associated with the presentation of this Annual Report for the year 2008.

I am mindful that this report is being presented in extremely challenging times for the County & City Council's of Kilkenny given the national downturn in economic performance and its implications for the services we provide for our citizens.

Given this background, and the stringent financial restrictions under which we operate, the need for development of the County & City becomes even more important. With this in mind Kilkenny County and City Councils are pursuing a strategy that focuses on 3 principal strands namely:

• The development of the rural economy and rolling needs of the principle towns and villages and surrounding rural areas.

• The development of Kilkenny City to maximise its role as a hub in national and regional development strategies.

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

This developmental role has to be balanced with prudent financial control and careful decision making as we seek to maintain and improve our level of services given the shrinking financial resources being made available to us.

The adoption in June 2008 of the County & City Development Plans for the period 2008-2014 provides a template for us to achieve these aims. Not withstanding the difficult financial situation, we are following an ambitious infrastructural investment programme which is detailed in the body of this report under the various service areas.

Key to this need to provide value for money is the concept of shared services be it on a regional basis or on a local basis between the county and city. Amongst the shared services which we have undertaken to provide with the focus of providing a streamlined service with the people of the city and county has been the following:-

• The establishment of a dedicated housing office at Johns Green House for both County & Borough Council staff provide a one stop shop housing advice, client base service.

• The delivery of the finance function on a shared service basis leading to efficiencies as systems, processes and methods of operation are combined.

• The transfer of the Water Services functions to the County Council which took place in 2008.

• A further sharing of services are due to take place in 2009 which should deliver value for money and a consistency of approach to the people of the County & City.

At this juncture, I wish to pay tribute to the work being done at local area committee level and at strategic policy level. These committees are invaluable in assisting the full County Council in pursing their objectives and getting through their business. The commitment of the councillors and external members who have been well served by successive chairs over the years continues to impress me.

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. I am confident that given the abilities and spirit of cooperation that is consistently shown by the elected members and staff of Kilkenny Local Authorities, we should be in a position to meet the challenges that lie ahead during these difficult times.

Finally I would like to particularly thank the Cathaoirleach Cllr. Tomas Breathnach and the Mayor Cllr. Pat Crotty both of whom I have enjoyed close working relationships during their tenures of office and both of whom have distinguished themselves in there respective roles.

I commend this annual report and I am confident that it will give an overview to the people of Kilkenny and beyond of the broad range of activities undertaken and the achievements during 2008 of the Councils and City of Kilkenny.

_________________________

Joe Crockett,

County Manager