Establishment and Terms of Reference
26/7/2011
Arising from the Government decision to implement the main recommendations of the Limerick Local Government Committee, involving the creation of a new single local authority to replace the existing Limerick City and County Councils in 2014, with proposed interim joint management arrangements, the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government has established an Implementation Group consisting of the following members: -
• Chair - Mr Denis Brosnan (Chair of the Limerick Local Government Committee and the Mid West Task Force);
• Mr Vincent Cunnane (Chair of the Joint Economic Development Committee of the Limerick City and County Development Boards);
• Mr Ned Gleeson (County Manager, Limerick County Council);
• Mr Tom Mackey (City Manager, Limerick City Council);
• Mr Ned O’Connor (former County Manager, South Tipperary County Council).
The Group has a general mandate to oversee planning, preparatory work and initial implementation of the reorganisation process. Without restricting its scope or flexibility pursuant to its general mandate, and subject to any additional matters that the Minister may require, the functions of the Group will include oversight of, and ascertaining delivery in relation to, the following matters: -
1. Detailed planning and identification of early actions for the amalgamation of the local authorities and the Limerick Regeneration Agencies, including analysis of income, expenditure, assets, liabilities, staff (numbers/grades and identification of any surpluses), services, procedures and other relevant matters in the two authorities and the Agencies, and identification of requirements for organisational rationalisation and integration and such other preparatory, transitional, procedural or administrative measures as may be necessary in relation to the existing authorities or their functions, in preparation for the establishment of the unified authority and the effective performance of its functions
2. Establishment of effective co-ordination/project management arrangements to oversee and deliver successfully the restructuring process.
3. Rationalisation of the provision of services not already subject to joint arrangements in preparation for merger of the authorities, including consolidation of particular services and establishment of joint arrangements, as appropriate, in respective authorities, with a view to ensuring orderly transition to the unified authority.
4. Organisational rationalisation and integration as soon as possible, including the early establishment of a joint management team and deployment of staff within the two authorities in line with the integration/consolidation of services; in particular, integration of corporate functions and rationalisation of local authority offices and other facilities.
5. Action necessary to ensure that cost reductions and efficiencies are maximised and arrangements to measure and monitor their achievement, having regard to the stated target of potential savings of €15m, including savings necessary to ensure that the level of the commercial rate in the City is reduced to the current County level following the establishment of the unitary authority.
6. Arrangements to support continued effective performance of functions by the elected councils of the two authorities, service to the councils by management and staff in the context of organisational changes, and arrangements to prepare for the effective operation of the unified council, including such matters as committees, procedures and representation on other bodies.
7. Information of, and consultation with, the elected councils, as appropriate, in relation to the reorganisation process, including provision of regular reports to the proposed joint committee of the elected councils.
8. Measures to ensure adequate balance between the two authorities in the reorganisation process and in their management generally prior to establishment of the unified authority.
9. Action to achieve alignment and convergence between the objectives and policies of the two authorities as part of the transition towards a unitary authority in 2014 in the context of the overall development of the Limerick gateway
10. Arrangements locally, to be determined in consultation with the Limerick Regeneration Agencies and in accordance with overall arrangements to be developed by the Department, to bring the administration of the two Agencies under the aegis of the local authority management as soon as is practicable to ensure the programme is not delayed, but not later than the end of their current 5 year mandate in 2012.
11. Arrangements to merge relevant bodies linked with or related to local government, such as the separate County and City Development Boards, Joint Policing Committees and County and City Enterprise Boards, and relevant measures to support the alignment of local government and local/community development in line with overall policy in that regard.
12. Identification of measures to maximise the capacity of local government to contribute to the economic development of Limerick and the Mid-West Region and in particular, to enhance the role of Limerick City as a generator of growth and a strong and dynamic focus for development of the wider region, supported by extension of the City boundary to include urbanised or partially urbanised areas in Limerick county as recommended by the Limerick Local Government Committee, resulting in increase in the City population to around 100,000 (2006 census).
13. Proposals on ways to ensure that the status, identity, character, and heritage of the city of Limerick are maintained and enhanced within the unified authority.
14. Establishment of appropriate joint arrangements with Clare County Council under local government law to ensure the most effective discharge of functions in the areas which the Local Government Committee recommended for transfer to the new Limerick authority and arrangements to ensure good communication and coordination generally between the relevant authorities.
The Group will ensure that Government policy on local government, the public service, the public finances and other relevant matters are reflected, as necessary, in the implementation process and that due account is taken of relevant analysis and recommendations in relevant reports such as the Local Government Efficiency Review. The Implementation Group will provide progress reports to the Minister, as appropriate, with the initial report to be provided not later than 31 October 2011 which should include identification of matters that need to be provided for in legislation.
The Group will adopt an Implementation Plan, having regard to the foregoing and any other matters considered appropriate, to set a clear agenda and guidance for the continuation and completion of the reorganisation process under transitional management arrangements from early 2012 leading to the establishment of the unitary authority in 2014.
For further information contact:
Press and Information Office
Tel: (01) 888 2638 (direct)
E-Mail: press-office@environ.ie
Web site: www.environ.ie
www.buckplanning.ie
Friday, 5 August 2011
€150m development to be appealed
HERITAGE campaigners intend to appeal a decision by Cork city planners to grant conditional planning permission for a €150 million development at the former Beamish brewery site.
The National Conservation and Heritage Group, which has opposed the project since the brewery closed in May 2009, said it still has serious concerns, despite the raft of conditions imposed by planners.
Spokesman Mick Murphy said: "We are concerned about the intended use of the former brewery’s Counting House and the impact the entire development will have on the protected views of St Fin Barre’s Cathedral."
The group also queried the developer’s claims that the events centre could be evacuated within three minutes.
The plan includes proposals for a 6,000-seat events centre, an eight-screen cinema, and residential, office and retail accommodation.
Cork City Council has imposed 20 conditions on the plan, including scaling back the number of residential and office floors from various blocks to some modifications to the event centre’s ground floor.
Other conditions include:
nExtensive archaeological surveys to protect the city’s historic medieval core.
nName plaques to commemorate medieval laneways.
nSpace for cyclists on two new pedestrian bridges linking the site to French’s Quay and Crosses Green, and 180 cycle parking spaces onsite.
nRepair works to the quay wall and flood mitigation works.
The developers, Heineken Ireland and BAM contractors (formerly Ascon and Rohcon), must also reach a number of agreements with the council prior to work commencing, including a programme to ensure early reuse of the former heritage buildings and a traffic management plan.
A management company must be agreed to maintain the site and the developers must donate €2.8m to the General Development Contributions Scheme.
The distinctive mock-Tudor facade of the Counting House will be retained. The development will also include a viewing tower, 10 artist studios, bars and restaurants.
Declan Farmer, Heineken Ireland corporate relations manager, said they welcomed the council’s decision and that the quarter "will be an extraordinary and unique addition to the city’s townscape with significant regeneration benefit".
Independent city councillor Mick Finn also welcomed the decision, but said he believed the residential element should be used to attract young families to the city centre rather than students, as proposed.
Meanwhile, a decision is due in five to six weeks on a planning application for a second event centre in Cork city, on Albert Quay. The 5,000-seat venue is proposed by O’Callaghan Properties.
A spokesman said yesterday that because the assessment of the application is in process, "it would not be appropriate for OCP to make any comment" regarding the Beamish site decision.
Irish Examiner
www.buckplanning.ie
The National Conservation and Heritage Group, which has opposed the project since the brewery closed in May 2009, said it still has serious concerns, despite the raft of conditions imposed by planners.
Spokesman Mick Murphy said: "We are concerned about the intended use of the former brewery’s Counting House and the impact the entire development will have on the protected views of St Fin Barre’s Cathedral."
The group also queried the developer’s claims that the events centre could be evacuated within three minutes.
The plan includes proposals for a 6,000-seat events centre, an eight-screen cinema, and residential, office and retail accommodation.
Cork City Council has imposed 20 conditions on the plan, including scaling back the number of residential and office floors from various blocks to some modifications to the event centre’s ground floor.
Other conditions include:
nExtensive archaeological surveys to protect the city’s historic medieval core.
nName plaques to commemorate medieval laneways.
nSpace for cyclists on two new pedestrian bridges linking the site to French’s Quay and Crosses Green, and 180 cycle parking spaces onsite.
nRepair works to the quay wall and flood mitigation works.
The developers, Heineken Ireland and BAM contractors (formerly Ascon and Rohcon), must also reach a number of agreements with the council prior to work commencing, including a programme to ensure early reuse of the former heritage buildings and a traffic management plan.
A management company must be agreed to maintain the site and the developers must donate €2.8m to the General Development Contributions Scheme.
The distinctive mock-Tudor facade of the Counting House will be retained. The development will also include a viewing tower, 10 artist studios, bars and restaurants.
Declan Farmer, Heineken Ireland corporate relations manager, said they welcomed the council’s decision and that the quarter "will be an extraordinary and unique addition to the city’s townscape with significant regeneration benefit".
Independent city councillor Mick Finn also welcomed the decision, but said he believed the residential element should be used to attract young families to the city centre rather than students, as proposed.
Meanwhile, a decision is due in five to six weeks on a planning application for a second event centre in Cork city, on Albert Quay. The 5,000-seat venue is proposed by O’Callaghan Properties.
A spokesman said yesterday that because the assessment of the application is in process, "it would not be appropriate for OCP to make any comment" regarding the Beamish site decision.
Irish Examiner
www.buckplanning.ie
€200m port revamp plan is finalised
A BLUEPRINT for a €200m redevelopment of Galway port has been given the green light and the project will shortly be submitted for planning permission, writes Brian McDonald.
The development is aimed at transforming the city centre docks into an ultra-modern gateway to a waterfront city, with deep-water facilities for cruise liners and up to 200 leisure boats.
It will also have immediate access to an extension of the rail line from Galway's Ceannt Station.
The planning application will bypass local planners and go straight to an Bord Pleanala as it falls into the category of Strategic Infrastructure Development.
It is expected the plan will be the subject of an oral hearing.
Galway Harbour Company chief executive Eamon Bradshaw said the application would be submitted in August.
Irish Independent
www.buckplanning.ie
The development is aimed at transforming the city centre docks into an ultra-modern gateway to a waterfront city, with deep-water facilities for cruise liners and up to 200 leisure boats.
It will also have immediate access to an extension of the rail line from Galway's Ceannt Station.
The planning application will bypass local planners and go straight to an Bord Pleanala as it falls into the category of Strategic Infrastructure Development.
It is expected the plan will be the subject of an oral hearing.
Galway Harbour Company chief executive Eamon Bradshaw said the application would be submitted in August.
Irish Independent
www.buckplanning.ie
Loan model used to buy 58 units for social housing
A MODEL of fully funding social housing through loans has been used for the first time on apartments purchased through the National Asset Management Agency (Nama).
The 58 apartments in Beacon South Quarter, south Dublin, were sold for €10.3 million to non-profit housing association Clúid. Thirty-four units will be used for social housing and 24 for the private rental market.
Loans rather than exchequer grants would be the future for social housing, Minister of State for Housing Willie Penrose said as he unveiled the project yesterday
The “days of 100 per cent capital funding are gone, the money isn’t there”. Direct building of social housing was “no longer tenable”, he said.
The model to fund the units was a “new departure”, which would “play an important role in the delivery of social housing in the years ahead”, he added.
It is the first time the State-established Housing Finance Agency has given loans directly to the voluntary housing sector. The agency provided 75 per cent of the loan to Clúid, with the remaining loan coming through Clúid resources and a newly created capital advance lending facility mainly from exchequer funds.
Clúid aims to repay the loans through rents and payments from the social housing units.
It was a “sea change” in the funding of social housing forced by the recession, Clúid’s director of operations, Neil Bolton, said. “Public funds are extremely scarce but the demand for social housing continues to grow.”
The scheme is the first time units have been sold through Nama for use as permanent social housing. This represented the “social dividend” from Nama, Mr Penrose said. He would be “urging Nama to “engage proactively” with approved housing bodies for future schemes.
Other similar acquisitions could be made through Nama and other estates where receivers are involved, he said. He ruled out using this model as a solution for unfinished so-called ghost estates.
“We are certainly not going to ship people out to areas where there are no facilities,” he said.
Irish Examiner
www.buckplanning.ie
The 58 apartments in Beacon South Quarter, south Dublin, were sold for €10.3 million to non-profit housing association Clúid. Thirty-four units will be used for social housing and 24 for the private rental market.
Loans rather than exchequer grants would be the future for social housing, Minister of State for Housing Willie Penrose said as he unveiled the project yesterday
The “days of 100 per cent capital funding are gone, the money isn’t there”. Direct building of social housing was “no longer tenable”, he said.
The model to fund the units was a “new departure”, which would “play an important role in the delivery of social housing in the years ahead”, he added.
It is the first time the State-established Housing Finance Agency has given loans directly to the voluntary housing sector. The agency provided 75 per cent of the loan to Clúid, with the remaining loan coming through Clúid resources and a newly created capital advance lending facility mainly from exchequer funds.
Clúid aims to repay the loans through rents and payments from the social housing units.
It was a “sea change” in the funding of social housing forced by the recession, Clúid’s director of operations, Neil Bolton, said. “Public funds are extremely scarce but the demand for social housing continues to grow.”
The scheme is the first time units have been sold through Nama for use as permanent social housing. This represented the “social dividend” from Nama, Mr Penrose said. He would be “urging Nama to “engage proactively” with approved housing bodies for future schemes.
Other similar acquisitions could be made through Nama and other estates where receivers are involved, he said. He ruled out using this model as a solution for unfinished so-called ghost estates.
“We are certainly not going to ship people out to areas where there are no facilities,” he said.
Irish Examiner
www.buckplanning.ie
County Council move complete
WEXFORD TOWN'S former County Gaol complex will be reoccupied in the coming months.
The former home of Wexford County Council, the once busy complex has now been vacated by the local authority, which has moved to its new €46 million home at Carricklawn.
The main tenant of the old County Hall premises will be Wexford Borough Council, which has been renting a building on the quay since moving from the Municipal Buildings at Wygram.
Also moving into the complex, which was built in the early 1800s, will be part of the Wexford Campus of Carlow IT and Wexford Local Partnership. Talks are ongoing with the HSE, who may also be interested in office space there.
Meanwhile, County Manager Eddie Breen said that he is delighted with their new premises overlooking Wexford Harbour at Carricklawn, where they finally moved in the past month following major delays in the project as original contractors Pierse Contracting struggled and eventually collapsed.
' We were left with a half-finished building on our hands,' said Mr Breen. That was in November 2010 (already a year past when the building was due to be completed) and the council took on managing its completion itself, re-engaging the subcontractors that Pierse had been using.
The council also had to take over and complete the Gorey Civic Centre project, but that was a lot closer to being completed.
Mr Breen admits it was 'a nightmare', but is delighted with the end result. 'I think it's fantastic. It's functional, very bright and spacious,' he said.
Over 300 employees will be based there once everyone has moved, with just the people from County Library HQ in Ardcavan waiting to move over now. ' The space is generous, but there'll be no vacant offices in it,' said Mr Breen.
He also said that it's 'more than just an office building', pointing out that it's also a public art gallery, a civic space and contains other functions, such as the Library HQ and a communications centre for emergencies.
The council has conducted vox pops with visitors there, to the busy motor tax and planning sections, and Mr Breen said the reaction has been 90 per cent positive and 10 per cent negative.
Mr Breen said the small amount of negative comment largely concerned the huge cost of the project in a difficult financial climate.
However, he said that the new HQ for the council was part of a master plan for the Carricklawn area dating back to 2004, when decentralisation meant that the Department of the Environment offices (which are beside the new council offices) would be moved to Wexford.
Mr Breen said it is a building for the future and should be capable of serving the needs of the people of Wexford for at least the next 75 years. ' We were in the old County Hall for over 100 years,' he pointed out.
Mr Breen said the council would also save on rent from the departments it had to base elsewhere due to a lack of space in its old home, such as the roads department in Ardcavan, while it would also be generating an income in rent from the tenants going to move into the old County Gaol complex.
Wexford People
www.buckplanning.ie
The former home of Wexford County Council, the once busy complex has now been vacated by the local authority, which has moved to its new €46 million home at Carricklawn.
The main tenant of the old County Hall premises will be Wexford Borough Council, which has been renting a building on the quay since moving from the Municipal Buildings at Wygram.
Also moving into the complex, which was built in the early 1800s, will be part of the Wexford Campus of Carlow IT and Wexford Local Partnership. Talks are ongoing with the HSE, who may also be interested in office space there.
Meanwhile, County Manager Eddie Breen said that he is delighted with their new premises overlooking Wexford Harbour at Carricklawn, where they finally moved in the past month following major delays in the project as original contractors Pierse Contracting struggled and eventually collapsed.
' We were left with a half-finished building on our hands,' said Mr Breen. That was in November 2010 (already a year past when the building was due to be completed) and the council took on managing its completion itself, re-engaging the subcontractors that Pierse had been using.
The council also had to take over and complete the Gorey Civic Centre project, but that was a lot closer to being completed.
Mr Breen admits it was 'a nightmare', but is delighted with the end result. 'I think it's fantastic. It's functional, very bright and spacious,' he said.
Over 300 employees will be based there once everyone has moved, with just the people from County Library HQ in Ardcavan waiting to move over now. ' The space is generous, but there'll be no vacant offices in it,' said Mr Breen.
He also said that it's 'more than just an office building', pointing out that it's also a public art gallery, a civic space and contains other functions, such as the Library HQ and a communications centre for emergencies.
The council has conducted vox pops with visitors there, to the busy motor tax and planning sections, and Mr Breen said the reaction has been 90 per cent positive and 10 per cent negative.
Mr Breen said the small amount of negative comment largely concerned the huge cost of the project in a difficult financial climate.
However, he said that the new HQ for the council was part of a master plan for the Carricklawn area dating back to 2004, when decentralisation meant that the Department of the Environment offices (which are beside the new council offices) would be moved to Wexford.
Mr Breen said it is a building for the future and should be capable of serving the needs of the people of Wexford for at least the next 75 years. ' We were in the old County Hall for over 100 years,' he pointed out.
Mr Breen said the council would also save on rent from the departments it had to base elsewhere due to a lack of space in its old home, such as the roads department in Ardcavan, while it would also be generating an income in rent from the tenants going to move into the old County Gaol complex.
Wexford People
www.buckplanning.ie
Cars roll on as commuters spend nearly 7 hours a week travelling
IRELAND is a nation of commuters highly dependent on cars, with public transport only easily accessed by half of the rural population.
They are the major findings of research on Irish travel patterns, which also revealed that Irish commuters spend an average of six-and-three-quarter hours on journeys each week, covering 221 kilometres.
They also take 2.4 journeys on average each day with the average journey of 13km taking 24 minutes to complete.
The CSO study reveals that rural dwellers make fewer journeys but travel further than their urban counterparts.
The average journey made by people living in rural areas is 80% longer than journeys taken by people living in cities and towns.
However, both groups still spend a similar amount of time commuting, irrespective of the distance.
The CSO research on the commuting habits of more than 7,220 people is one of the most comprehensive studies of travel patterns ever conducted in the Republic.
On access to local public transport services, 95% of urban households said such services were readily available compared to just 51% of rural commuters.
Work-related journeys account for 25% of all travel followed closely by shopping and eating or drinking out at 23%.
Visiting family and friends and other forms of social entertainment accounted for 17% of the total journeys taken.
The report also confirms Ireland’s dependency on cars for travel, with almost three-quarters of all journeys being made by private car.
Walking is the second most popular mode of travel with 16% of all journeys made on foot.
However, just 1% of commuters regularly travel by bicycle.
The average journey on foot is 2km and takes 17 minutes to complete, while the average bike journey is 5km, lasting 25 minutes.
Only 4% of all journeys are made by bus and just 1% of commuters use either rail, Dart or Luas.
Six percent of urban residents are regular users of buses compared to just 1% of rural dwellers.
Seven out of 10 journeys take less than 30 minutes with just 8% lasting over an hour, while 41% of journeys are less than 4km.
Irish Examiner
www.buckplanning.ie
They are the major findings of research on Irish travel patterns, which also revealed that Irish commuters spend an average of six-and-three-quarter hours on journeys each week, covering 221 kilometres.
They also take 2.4 journeys on average each day with the average journey of 13km taking 24 minutes to complete.
The CSO study reveals that rural dwellers make fewer journeys but travel further than their urban counterparts.
The average journey made by people living in rural areas is 80% longer than journeys taken by people living in cities and towns.
However, both groups still spend a similar amount of time commuting, irrespective of the distance.
The CSO research on the commuting habits of more than 7,220 people is one of the most comprehensive studies of travel patterns ever conducted in the Republic.
On access to local public transport services, 95% of urban households said such services were readily available compared to just 51% of rural commuters.
Work-related journeys account for 25% of all travel followed closely by shopping and eating or drinking out at 23%.
Visiting family and friends and other forms of social entertainment accounted for 17% of the total journeys taken.
The report also confirms Ireland’s dependency on cars for travel, with almost three-quarters of all journeys being made by private car.
Walking is the second most popular mode of travel with 16% of all journeys made on foot.
However, just 1% of commuters regularly travel by bicycle.
The average journey on foot is 2km and takes 17 minutes to complete, while the average bike journey is 5km, lasting 25 minutes.
Only 4% of all journeys are made by bus and just 1% of commuters use either rail, Dart or Luas.
Six percent of urban residents are regular users of buses compared to just 1% of rural dwellers.
Seven out of 10 journeys take less than 30 minutes with just 8% lasting over an hour, while 41% of journeys are less than 4km.
Irish Examiner
www.buckplanning.ie
Protester hope as experts to examine interconnector plan
ANTI-PYLON protesters have expressed hope that an international commission, which is to examine the controversial North-South electricity commentator, will recommend that power lines for the project be placed underground.
The Minister for Energy, Pat Rabbitte, yesterday announced the membership of an international expert commission which will examine running part or all of the power lines underground through the route which goes through Meath, Cavan and Monaghan.
The commission’s members are chairman, Bo Normark, chief executive officer of Swedish electricity firm, Power Circle; Norwegian electricity transmission expert, Odd-Håkon Hoelsaeter and Belgian academic, Ronnie Belmans.
Mr Rabbitte said the three-member commission, which is due to report on its findings within six months, fully met the criteria of being expert, independent and international.
The Minister stressed that the commission was entirely independent, although it will receive secretarial support from the Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources.
Eirgrid argue the project is needed to facilitate the cross-border sharing of electricity and improve the efficiency of the electricity market and supply security.
The State-owned company said the 400kV interconnector would also reduce Ireland’s dependency on fossil fuels and help lower electricity bills.
Plans for the development of the €280 million interconnector collapsed last year when Eirgrid withdrew application for planning permission at a hearing by An Bord Pleanála because it contained incorrect information about the height of pylons, which was supplied by ESB International.
Under its terms of reference, the commission will review international expert literature on underground high voltage power lines.
Last night, anti-pylon group, North East Pylon Pressure welcomed the appointment of the commission.
A spokesperson said that while the commission’s members seemed to have stature, he would refrain from commenting further until they knew more about their background and experience.
He added that the group still had reservations about the commission’s terms of reference.
Irish Examiner
www.buckplanning.ie
The Minister for Energy, Pat Rabbitte, yesterday announced the membership of an international expert commission which will examine running part or all of the power lines underground through the route which goes through Meath, Cavan and Monaghan.
The commission’s members are chairman, Bo Normark, chief executive officer of Swedish electricity firm, Power Circle; Norwegian electricity transmission expert, Odd-Håkon Hoelsaeter and Belgian academic, Ronnie Belmans.
Mr Rabbitte said the three-member commission, which is due to report on its findings within six months, fully met the criteria of being expert, independent and international.
The Minister stressed that the commission was entirely independent, although it will receive secretarial support from the Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources.
Eirgrid argue the project is needed to facilitate the cross-border sharing of electricity and improve the efficiency of the electricity market and supply security.
The State-owned company said the 400kV interconnector would also reduce Ireland’s dependency on fossil fuels and help lower electricity bills.
Plans for the development of the €280 million interconnector collapsed last year when Eirgrid withdrew application for planning permission at a hearing by An Bord Pleanála because it contained incorrect information about the height of pylons, which was supplied by ESB International.
Under its terms of reference, the commission will review international expert literature on underground high voltage power lines.
Last night, anti-pylon group, North East Pylon Pressure welcomed the appointment of the commission.
A spokesperson said that while the commission’s members seemed to have stature, he would refrain from commenting further until they knew more about their background and experience.
He added that the group still had reservations about the commission’s terms of reference.
Irish Examiner
www.buckplanning.ie
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