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eContact February 2006

Sligo County Council Allocated €11.7M National Road Grant 2006
Sligo County Council’s National Roads allocation of €11.7M will enable the authority to progress major schemes in the current year.  The total allocation for Sligo County Council is €11,719,086 compared to €24,075,268 for 2005. However when the Sligo Inner Relief Road is taken from the equation, there is a net increased allocation of 14.7% for 2006.  An allocation of €1.3m has been allocated towards the planning and further development of the following major roads projects:
  • N4 Cloonamahon – Castlebaldwin Phase 4 Preliminary Design, Ground Investigation, Environmental Studies Sligo Western By-Pass – Feasibility Study
  • N15 Hughes Bridge – Co. Boundary – Adoption of Preferred Route
  • N17 Collooney – Charlestown – Tubbercurry By-Pass Completion of Phase 4
  • N17 Collooney – Charlestown (Annaghmore – Achonry) Commencement of Phase 4
  • N17 Collooney – Charlestown (Rathscanlon – Curry) Commencement of Phase 4
A total of €2.2m has been granted towards the pavement rehabilitation of the national primary network in Co. Sligo with the hope of a further allocation for N15 south of Cashelgarron later in the year. 
A total of €198,000 has been allocated towards the treatment of 10 no. accident locations on our national primary network which is an increase of €88,000 (80%).
An allocation of €4,750,000 has been allocated to complete Sligo Inner Relief Road Contract and to conclude outstanding land purchases. 
An allocation of €465,000 has been allocated towards the maintenance and repair of bridges on N4, N16 and N17. 
€100,000 has been allocated towards the construction of a Traffic Calming Scheme on approaches to Tubbercurry. 
An allocation of €120,000 has been allocated for accident remedial measures on N59 an increase of €70,000 (140%).
A similar allocation of €740,000 has been provided towards national secondary pavement and minor improvements as in 2005. 
The maintenance allocation for national primary roads has increased by €53,742 (5.23%) while the increase for national secondary roads €7,076 (2%).

€12.4m Received for Non-National Roads in 2006
Sligo County Council’s overall grant for Non-National Roads in 2006 is €12,444,000, an increase of €2,009,338 (19.26%) on 2005 allocation. 
There is a significant increase of €1,688,000(25.6%) in the Restoration Grant which will allow a number of roads earmarked for improvement in year 2 of a 3 year programme to be undertaken in year 1.

The Discretionary Improvement  Grants show an increase of €99,000 (7.13%) while increases in Specific Improvement Grants and Low Cost Accident Schemes are €274,600 (12.04%) and €7,000 (7.9%) respectively.

Allocations of €350,000, €490,000 and €440,000 have been secured for continuation of realignment of Regional Roads R292 Knappaghmore, R284 Glenagoolagh/Union and R294 Mullaghroe.

€300,000 and €640,000 has been allocated for the continuation of the realignment of Regional Roads R297 at Muckduff and R286 at Ballinode – Hazelwood.
A sum of €285,000 has been allocated towards the refurbishment of the bridge and causeway at Lough Arrow/Annaghcloy.

Telephone and Services Directory
A brochure giving details of the new telephone numbers for the Sligo Local Authorities will be circulated during February.  Every household and business in the county will receive a copy of the brochure, which also contains a concise overview of each of the main service areas.

A copy of the brochure has been posted on the intranet and is also available on our website.

Highlighting Environmental Issues
The February issue of ‘Business Sligo’ will carry an interview with John McHugh, Senior Engineer. Among the issues addressed in the interview are waste management, illegal dumping, water quality of rivers and lakes, and the work carried out by the Council in monitoring drinking water and bathing water.
The interview is also available on Sligo County Council’s website.

Draft Replacement Waste Management Plan for Connaught Region on Public Display
The Local Authorities of Sligo, Galway, Leitrim, Mayo and Roscommon have published a Draft Replacement Waste Management Plan for the Region for 2005- 010. The Draft Plan outlines the progress made since the current Waste Management Plan was adopted in 2001 and reiterates the local authorities’ commitment to recycling (48%), followed by thermal treatment of 33% and landfilling of 19% residual waste. The Draft Plan is on public display at the County Council Offices at Riverside, Tubbercurry, Ballymote, Enniscrone and also at City Hall and in the public library at Stephen St., Sligo. The consultation period commenced from 24th November and will conclude on the 13th February 2006. Submissions are invited from members of the public on the draft plan and the local authorities will take into account all submissions received.
Draft Replacement Waste Management Plan
 The Draft Replacement Plan process included the auditing of waste management in the Region. It found that recycling rates are heading in the right direction with 20% of household waste and 39% of commercial /industrial waste being recycled in 2004 in the Region due to the increased collection of dry recyclables from households and the provision of additional bring banks, recycling centres and material recovery facilities resulting in an overall municipal waste recycling rate of 29%. At the same time, household and commercial/industrial waste generated in Connaught increased significantly from 1998 to 2004. In 1998, 96% of municipal waste was disposed of at landfills and this has reduced to 71% in 2004. In addition, in excess of one million tonnes of construction & demolition (C&D) waste was reported to be generated in 2004 in the Region.
Achievements to Date
The first Waste Management Plan for Connaught was adopted in 2001 and since then there has been significant progress including:
  • Environmental Awareness Officers appointed to each Local Authority who work extensively with communities, schools and businesses to increase awareness of composting and recycling.
  • The introduction of segregated collection of waste and pay-by-use.
  • A reduction in the number of landfills from 15 in 1998 to 4 in 2004
  • 11 recycling centres in operation (2004)
  • 287 bring banks in place (2004)
  • 26% of households have a regular collection of dry recyclables and 14% have a regular collection of organics.
  • 13,193 subsidised home compost bins were sold between 2000 and 2004
  • 391 schools in An Taisce Green Schools Programme with 126 schools being awarded a Green Flag.
Key Proposals in the Draft Replacement Waste Management Plan 2005-2010:
  • Continue the role of the Environmental Awareness Officers to create awareness and educate at community and household level
  • Appoint Green Business Officers in the Region and introduce sectoral networks for small businesses in the region
  • Prioritise waste prevention and minimisation
  • Increase the amount of household waste collected
  • Provide 48 additional bring banks by 2009
  • Provide 17 recycling centres by 2009
  • Expansion of household kerbside collection for organics and dry recyclables
  • Provide for the collection of green waste at recycling centres
  • Collection of organic waste from the commercial/industrial sector and encourage the provision of treatment facilities to process this waste
  • Thermal treatment for 33% of the region’s nonrecyclable waste
  • A new landfill in North Connaught will be required by 2009 and additional landfill capacity in South Connaught will be required in the longer term
  • Promote and encourage the development of facilities for construction and demolition waste by the private sector
  • Expand the range of hazardous wastes accepted at recycling centres
  • Collect and manage Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE)

Over the coming years, the region will rely less on landfill as recycling rates increase and as biological and thermal treatment facilities are introduced. The Local Authorities will continue to update the inventory of former waste disposal sites and hazardous waste disposal sites and implement remediation measures to reduce the risk of pollution from these unlined sites. 

Have your say
The Draft Waste Plan is on public display from Thursday 24th November 2005 until Monday 13th February 2006 in all local authority offices and on the website www.connaughtwaste.ie

Written representations should be sent to Mr. Ray Norton, Director of Environmental Services, Mayo County Council, Aras an Chontae, The Mall, Castlebar, County Mayo to arrive no later than 4pm on Monday 13th February 2006.

Lunchtime Lecture Series
The programme of ‘lunchtime’ lectures for staff has re-commenced this year. The lectures will take place from 1.15pm to 2pm on the specified day. The scheduled lectures for February/March are as follows:

15th February, 2006
Environment – Drinking Water/Waste Management
Venue: County Hall

1st March, 2006
Sligo as Gateway City
Sean Martin, A/Senior Architect.
Venue: City Hall,

15th March, 2006
Part V Housing 
Margaret McConnell, Senior Executive Officer
Venue: City Hall

29th March, 2006
Sligo Port – The Way Forward
Declan Breen, Senior Executive Officer.
Venue: County Hall

On Wednesday, January 25th the Infrastructure Capital Unit moved offices, and are now located at the Market Yard

Induction Course for New Staff
A two day induction programme was held on the 23rd and 24th January, aimed at all staff who have joined Sligo Local Authorities since the last programme in 2003. The objectives of the programme were to:
  • Provide staff with details on entitlements and terms and conditions of employment.
  • Familiarise staff with the structure, policy and services in Sligo Local Authorities
  • Give staff an opportunity to get to know one another and to meet with section heads.
  • Provide information on current developments and new initiatives which Sligo Local Authorities are undertaking.
Agresso Announcement
Agresso training will take place during the month of February as follows:
  • Tuesday 7th,
  • Wednesday 15th,
  • Tuesday 21st and
  • Tuesday 28th.
General Ledger, Budgets, How to find information on the system, Looking up receipts etc. will be covered.
For further details or to book your place please contact Bernie Flynn on 1125

Poster and Field Monument Adviser Scheme
‘Monuments of Sligo – a legacy of past generations’ is a stunning new poster launched by the Cathaoirleach, Cllr Patsy Barry and members of Sligo County’s Heritage Forum on Tuesday 17 January.  The poster features 21 of Sligo’s 6500 or more recorded ancient monuments showing us the range of types built over the millennia in our county. Monuments featured on the poster include the original Hawkswell or holy well that people made pilgrimage to, - to a portal tomb that is allegedly the marriage bed of Diarmuid and Grainne. Other images include abbeys, ringforts, bowlbarrows, raths, high crosses, a Sheela Na Gig and of course Carrowmore – the largest megalithic cemetery in Western Europe.  The poster has been sent to all national and secondary schools across Sligo. It can be seen in Sligo libraries and is available to groups that want to celebrate and learn more about the wealth of heritage in Sligo.  Copies of the poster and information on the construction and design of ancient monuments are available from Sligo County Council’s Heritage Office – 071 9111 111.

Sligo County Council Heritage Office staff attended the evening launch and a short talk was given by Mark Keane our Field Monument Adviser. Mark is working 3 days a week in north Sligo offering practical advice, information and guidelines to farmers who want to learn more about the monuments on their land.

ENVIRONMENT NEWS
Presentation of Waste Bye-laws
New waste presentation byelaws were introduced in Sligo on the 1st January, 2006. The new byelaws deal with the presentation of domestic waste for collection in the town and county. The bye-laws state that:
  • All householders must present waste for collection if they are on a collection route;
  • All householders must use a wheeled bin for landfill waste;
  • Householders must not leave waste for collection before six p.m. on the evening before a collection day.
The bye-laws have no bearing on charges, and compliance should in no way give rise to increased charges. The only real change for householders will be in acquiring a wheelie-bin to present their non-recyclable waste.  It is also expected that the new bye-laws will serve to reduce the amount of illegal dumping, by ensuring that householders will be responsible for accounting for their waste and presenting it properly for collection and reduce the amount of litter created by presenting waste in plastic bags.  Copies of the Bye-Laws are available free-of-charge from the Environment Offices, Sligo County Council, Unit 9, Cleveragh Business Park Sligo 071 911111.

BOROUGH NEWS
Sligo Borough Council – receives funding of €200,000 to install CCTV System
The Minister for Justice Equality and Law Reform, Mr Michael McDowell, TD announced recently a total package of funding of over €1million in grant aid to assist with the implementation of Community Based CCTV schemes throughout the country.  The Department of Justice Equality & Law Reform sought applications under the scheme in June 2005. The Department received a total of 83 applications throughout the country of which a total of 37 were funded. Sligo Borough Council submitted two applications to the Department with a view to piloting the CCTV scheme in the Borough Council areas of Cranmore and Northside. The Borough Council were informed in December 2005 that both applications were successful and are to be funded approximately €200,000 towards the capital costs of implementing the scheme.

According to Bridie Conway, RAPID Programme Coordinator, ‘the overall aim of the scheme is to improve community safety and the quality of life of residents and the general public’. The installation of Community CCTV was a priority identified by the communities themselves during community consultations carried out going back as far as the beginning of the RAPID Programme in 2002. Bridie believes that the installation of CCTV can form an important component as part of a range of measures that can assist in the maintenance of public order and safety. The implementation of the scheme will assist in the prevention and reduction of local crime and anti-social behaviour and will further enhance and add value to the existing policing provision within communities and services provided by the Borough Council to these communities.

As part of developing the application, a Project Steering Committee was established comprising of the Gardai, Housing Officer, Sligo Borough Council, Estate Officer, Antisocial Behaviour Officer, Community Development Worker, as well as community representation. The contribution of the Project Steering Committee in developing the successful applications is acknowledged. It is envisaged that the schemes will be implemented in the coming year.

ARTS NEWS
Arts Funding Award & Support Schemes 2006
The Arts Office is happy to announce the launch of the following Award and Support Schemes. Application Forms and full particulars will be available from 15th February 2006.
Community Arts Act Grant Scheme:
This Scheme is designed to assist small-scale arts events, or activities which take place in County Sligo through the provision of direct grants of up to €1,000. Sligo County Council invites applications from organising bodies based, and with an operational focus, in County Sligo.
Drama League of Ireland Bursary Scheme:
Sligo County Council invites applications for a special bursary award to artists born or domiciled in County Sligo, to enable them to spend a week in the Drama League of Ireland Summer School (Saturday 29th July to Saturday, 5th August) in University of Limerick. There will be seven courses on offer covering all aspects of drama and theatre production. Each course will be tutored by a professional theatre practitioner. The bursary covers the residential course fee, including meals and tuition.  Applicants must be 18 years or over.
Tyrone Guthrie Centre Regional Bursary Scheme:
Sligo County Council invites applications for a special bursary award to an artist born or domiciled in County Sligo, to enable the artist to spend two weeks at The Tyrone Guthrie Centre at Annaghmakerrig, the artists’ workplace in County Monaghan. The bursary covers all board and lodging expenses for a two-week period plus the use of a studio if necessary.

For information and an application form on the scheme of interest, please contact:
The Arts Office,
Sligo County Council,
Market Yard,
Sligo.
Tel: 071 9140988.
Email: sleavy@sligococo.ie
Online Application Forms and Award Guidelines will be available from 15th February on www.sligoarts.ie and on www.sligococo.ie

COMMUNITY & ENTERPRISE NEWS
Cross Border Local Authority Policy Course
Omagh-Sligo partnership has teamed-up with the Institute of Public Administration, Dublin, to design and facilitate an ‘Introduction to Local  Government Policy’ course on the 14th February 2006, the venue for the course is the Manor House Hotel, Kiladeas, Co Fermanagh. The policy course is presented in a format which is highly participative; providing participants with an introduction to the challenges of policy formation and implementation within local government in both Northern and Southern Ireland.  The course designers; the Institute of Public Administration, have endeavoured to provide a course which provides participants with an understanding of how policy is formulated at Supranational, National and Local Government levels. The course will focus on the challenges facing local authorities in implementing EU policies and directives, the influence of lobby groups, opinion formers and stake holders upon the policy formation and implementation process. It will also look at the differences in approach to policy formation and implementation in Northern and Southern Ireland and the effects of the recent Northern Ireland peace process on cross border local authority cooperation and policy formation in Northern and Southern Ireland. The course is supported with participants from Cavan, Fermanagh, Leitrim, Monaghan, Omagh and Sligo County and District Councils.

For further information please contact Mr Paul Hamilton, Omagh-Sligo Partnership, at ext. 1802.

A Welcome To Migrant Workers Of Sligo
The Omagh-Sligo Partnership has teamed up with Diversity Sligo, Omagh Ethnic Communities Support Group and the Sligo Volunteer Bureau to facilitate a series of cross border information evenings for migrant workers.

The information evening dedicated to the migrant workers living and working in Sligo is scheduled for the 9th of March, 2006 beginning at 7.00pm until 9.00pm. The event is being hosted by Sligo County Council, in its Riverside Offices, where refreshments will be available during the event.

The purpose of the information evening is to provide migrant workers living in Sligo with important information which could ease the challenges of living and working in Sligo for them. The contributors to the Migrant Information Evening are;
  • Diversity Sligo
  • National Consultative Committee on Racism and Interculturalism
  • Sligo Volunteer Bureau
  • Institute of Technology Sligo
  • Irish Congress of Trade Unions
  • Sligo Vocational Educational College
  • The Gardai
  • Comhairle
  • Health Service Executive North Western Area
  • FÁS Employment Services
  • Library Service - Sligo County Council
  • Department of Social and Family Affairs
  • Sligo Social Services
  • Sligo County Childcare Committee
  • Model Arts and Niland Gallery and
  • Northwest Tourism
The organisers of the event are expecting the attendance of a small number of migrant workers currently located in Omagh; they are to establish a Cross Border Migrant Workers Network between the workers in Omagh and Sligo.

To support the imparting of essential information in several European languages and to raise the profile of the main migrant worker languages, there will be interpreters available to translate English to such languages as Polish, Russian, Latvian and Czech. 

For further information about the Information Evening or on how you can make a contribution to the event please contact Mr Paul Hamilton, Sligo County Council at telephone number (071) 9111802.

SLIGO LOCAL AUTHORITIES WELCOME NEW STAFF MEMBERS
Tony Parkinson
Tony has recently joined Sligo County Council as an Assistant Engineer with the Housing Section.  Prior to this he worked for SIAC Construction Ltd for four years mainly working in Dublin and more recently on the Bundoran/Ballyshannon bypass.  Tony who hails from Old Cartron, went to college in the University of Glasgow where he became an avid Celtic F.C. supporter and went to many of the home games. After studying Tony took a year out to travel spending most of his time in Australia which he found to be a very valuable experience.   Tony who is also a keen golfer is very happy to be back in Sligo and has found the staff of Sligo County Council very friendly and easy to work with.
John Devaney
John started work with Sligo County Council recently as an Assistant Engineering with the Road Design Section. He qualified with a degree in Civil Engineering from Queens University in 1988. After graduation, he spent eight years working in England, initially on the Channel Tunnel Project in Kent and later on Motorway and Tunnel Projects in Bristol and Heathrow London, for large Civil Engineering Contractor Bealfour Beatty Civil Engineering Limited.
After returning to Ireland in 1996, John has worked mainly in the public sector initially with Limerick County Council and more recently over a three year spell with Dun Laoghaire - Rathdown County Council in Transportation/Traffic and Forward Planning.   As a native of Rosses Point, John is looking forward to being reacquainted with the many amenities Sligo has to offer including beautiful scenic walks, accessibility to the sea and many varied sporting and social facilities.
Eoin Colgan
Eoin joins the Council as Executive Engineer in Enforcement with responsibility planning enforcement. He brings with him a wealth of experience having spent more than twelve years in the industry including three years spent in Las Vegas and New York. Following this, he returned to Dublin where he worked for two years as Project Engineer on the Port Tunnel.

Eoin is originally from Offaly and fell for the charms of a Mayo lass, Monica who has managed to bring him west of the Shannon. His planning and control skills come in useful at home as they have one daughter and are expecting their second child in the summer. Eoin was glad to leave the hustle and bustle of the city behind and looks forward to making his home in the beautiful landscape of the west.
Enda Gilvarry
Enda joined the staff of Sligo County Council in December last year as Traveller Liaison Officer. A native of County Mayo, he qualified with a degree in History, Sociological & Political Science from University College Galway. He has spent many years working throughout Connaught and is happy to settle into his new position in Sligo.

He is a keen G.A.A. follower and has County and All Ireland medals under his belt. He previously managed medal winning teams at senior club level and currently trains underage teams in Ballina. He also enjoys all other sports as well as having a keen interest in current affairs.
Enda Killoran
Enda commenced work as an Executive Technician in the Environment Section of Sligo County Council in October 2005. Prior to this he has worked for PPI Ireland Ltd., Donegal County Council, Bowen Water Technology, North Tipperary County Council and immediately before joining Sligo County Council spent 6 years with the Environment Section of Offaly County Council.

In his spare time he enjoys an occasional game of golf and other outdoor pursuits.   Originally from Maugheraboy he is delighted to permanently return to Sligo after years working away. “The staff in the Environment Section have made me feel very welcome and I have had no regrets about deciding to take up the post with Sligo County Council”, he says.

Exporting for Success in Omagh and Sligo
The Omagh-Sligo Partnership has teamed up with Junior Achievement Ireland, the Sligo County Enterprise Board and Young Enterprise Northern Ireland to facilitate a challenging cross border enterprise project with six schools from Northern and Southern Ireland.

The project aims to bring together 150 students aged 16- 19 from Omagh and Sligo and provide them with the skills and knowledge to create and effectively manage a cross border small business.  Junior Achievement and Young Enterprise Northern Ireland are to deliver the enterprise course to the students in their respective schools. The course introduces students to the entrepreneurial skill set required to create and successfully manage a cross border small business. These skills include marketing, international trade, exchange rates and currency conversion, import/export restrictions and north-south economic co-operation. The main objectives of the enterprise project are to promote the values of commerce and reconciliation.  To achieve these dual objectives the organisers are inviting all 150 students, their teachers and facilitators to a cross border event at the Share Centre, Lisnaskee, Co Fermanagh.   This cross community event provides an opportunity for the students to present business plans to their peers, discuss issues important to them and participate in entrepreneurial tasks and exercises.

The day will be completed with the presentation of Exporting Enterprise Certificates to each of the participating students by a high profile Irish entrepreneur.
For further information on this project you can contact Paul Hamilton at Sligo County Council – (071) 911 1802 or Bernie Doherty at Omagh District Council (048) 8224 5321.

Sligo Hosts Young Social Innovators
Around 350 transition year students convened in the Clarion Hotel in Sligo on Tuesday 31st January as part of the ‘Young Social Innovators’ (YSI) Programme.
The forum was hosted by the Sligo Local Authorities and was launched by Mayor Councillor O’Grady and Cathaoirleach Councillor Barry.
Sligo Volunteer Bureau to open in Spring 2006
What would life in County Sligo be like without the contribution of volunteers? Who would deliver Meals on Wheels? Who would perform in the Christmas panto? Would there be a county team to cheer for? The landscape of County Sligo would, indeed, be very different if it were not for the many hundreds of people who give their time generously in order to make our community a better place to live.  It was fitting, therefore, that International Volunteer Day on Monday, December 5th 2005, did not pass in County Sligo without a celebration to mark the immeasurable work of local volunteers. At a special information evening in the Factory Performance Space, volunteer-involving organisations gathered to celebrate International Volunteer Day and learn of plans to establish Sligo Volunteer Bureau next spring, a new and important local resource for volunteers and voluntary organisations. 

The evening was organised bySligo Volunteer Advisory Committee which was set up last July under Sligo’s Volunteer Development Programme. This Programme, initiated under an EU Peace II Task Force Measure by the Office of Community & Enterprise of Sligo County Council, aims to develop a volunteer network for the purpose of harnessing the potential and enthusiasm for volunteering in Sligo and assisting organisations to adopt policies and best practice that will support volunteers in their work. The role of Sligo Volunteer Advisory Committee is to advise on the direction of the Volunteer Programme and the set up of Sligo Volunteer Bureau.

“Sligo County Council took the initiative in establishing the Volunteer Programme and Volunteer Bureau,” explained Mr. Hugh MacConville, Chairperson of the Advisory Committee, “and they invited a number of us to come on board as a general representation of volunteers in County Sligo”.  Mr MacConville went on to emphasise that the Volunteer Programme and Sligo Volunteer Bureau is “a work in progress” and he invited all volunteer involving organisations to contribute their ideas. “You are the people with the experience and we want to hear from you,” he stressed.
WORK OF VOLUNTARY ORGANISATIONS
A number of presentations were given during the evening by voluntary organisations in County Sligo. Ms Rhona McGrath, Volunteer Development Programme Officer at Sligo County Council, also outlined the keys tasks and objectives of Sligo Volunteer Bureau.  Ms Eithna Kiely told the gathering that there are 274 volunteers working at Sligo Social Services. Work includes Meals on Wheels, a Night Shelter for the homeless, and a Thrift Shop. “We would have a lot more homeless on the streets if it wasn’t for our volunteers ..... our volunteers work every day of the year, even Christmas Day,” she said.
Ms Geraldine Jolly, Project Coordinator with the Community of Lough Arrow Social Project, spoke about the immense work of volunteers in the Project’s Community Transport Scheme.

“One thousand journeys are made every month by 15 volunteer drivers who transport 250 local people to hospital appointments and other important appointments. The people who use the service describe it as a lifeline”. Mr Rory O’Connor from Sligo Live, which recently held a very successful music festival in Sligo, said that Sligo Live is based on an established festival model in Europe and the US whereby volunteers are highly involved in most of the festival work. “Sligo Live is about increasing the profile of Sligo and bringing fun to Sligo,” he commented. “Volunteering is about people giving up as much time as they can afford and doing a job they enjoy. It’s a two-way process - volunteers give to the community and volunteers get back.  ”Ms Yvonne McManus of the CRIB Youth Project at Rockwood Parade, Sligopresented information about the Foróige Big Brother Big Sister Mentoring Programme, an initiative to help young people by providing them with a "big brother" or "big sister" as a role model.
KEY TASKS OF SLIGO VOLUNTEER BUREAU
Ms Rhona McGrath, Volunteer Programme Development Officer at Sligo County Council outlined the objectives and plans for Sligo Volunteer Bureau. In July last, Ms McGrath set up Sligo Volunteer Advisory Committee to whom she has been presenting quarterly proposals and updates on the Volunteer Programme.
The programme of work agreed in this pilot project is twofold – a pilot training programme for organisations on Volunteer Policy & Management, and the establishment of Sligo Volunteer Bureau.

Already, four training days in the Pilot Volunteer Management Training Programme have taken place since September, involving Family Resource Centres from Tubbercurry, Ballymote and Easkey; Community/Social Projects in Northside, MCR & CLASP; Arts Organisations Model::Niland, Sligo Music Festival and Coleman Heritage Centre; Sligo Social Services; North Connaught Youth & Community Services, and Sligo Civil Defence.

In March next year, Sligo Volunteer Bureau will open its doors and will be officially launched in May. A new Development Officer will be appointed early next year and, depending on funding, a part-time Placement Officer and part-time Outreach Officer will also be appointed. The Bureau will be based at a convenient location in Sligo town and will have an outreach presence in south and west Sligo. Ms McGrath told the gathering that Sligo Volunteer Bureau will support the volunteering needs of individuals and organisations in Sligo city and county. The Bureau will proactively advertise and promote volunteering and community participation and provide support and training to organisations around recruiting and managing volunteers.

“The core service of a Volunteer Bureau is to match volunteers to a wide range of community and voluntary projects,” Ms. McGrath continued. “Volunteers visit their local Bureau to look at what opportunities there are to volunteer. In turn, local organisations identify their potential volunteering needs and register these needs with the Bureau. The Bureau assesses the volunteers’ skills and matches them to an appropriate opportunity or organisation, while providing support to the volunteer.

”In order to establish the level of volunteering that currently exists in Sligo, an audit of volunteer-involving organisations in Sligo has been incorporated into the Sligo County Community Directory Project being conducted on behalf of Sligo Community Forum and the Office of Community & Enterprise by Meehan Tully & Associates. “We are now inviting all volunteers and volunteer involving organisations to come forward with their ideas and suggestions for Sligo Volunteer Bureau,” she concluded. “The Volunteer Bureau can only be as good as the volunteers and organisations who register with it.
FEEDBACK FROM VOLUNTEERS
The presentations were followed by an open floor discussion among volunteers, chaired by Mr MacConville.  Issues raised included the importance of breaking down the ‘fear factor’ that sometimes applies to volunteering. “A lot of people would like to volunteer but are afraid,” commented one volunteer, “we need to encourage them to get involved.”   Others commented that many more people would volunteer if they were invited. Research shows that people often don’t volunteer because they are not asked, and therefore, the Volunteer Bureau needs to be proactive in ensuring that people feel welcome to volunteer. Ms McGrath agreed that one of the primary functions of the Bureau will be awareness-raising.

It was also suggested that a regular newsletter would be a welcome platform for ideas from voluntary organisations and a way of publicising what the Bureau had to offer. Ms McGrath said this sounded worthwhile and would be explored, and she added that the Bureau website will be another useful tool in providing up-to- date information.  A number of volunteers present expressed their concerns about the difficulties in accessing funding for voluntary events. These sentiments were echoed by other volunteers who said they are “worn down” with the “red tape” involved in applying for grant aid. It was suggested that the Bureau could assist in this process by being a central point for information on funding and making the application process more accessible and less time-consuming.
SLIGO CIVIL DEFENCE PRESENTATIONS
The evening concluded with the presentation of Long Service Medals & First Aid Certificates to volunteers with Sligo Civil Defence. Marion Davis of Sligo Civil Defence outlined the activities of Civil Defence at national and local level. Sligo Civil Defence comprises of 80 active volunteers, fully equipped, trained and available at short notice to assist where needed. First Aid certificates and Long Service medals were presented to a number of volunteers, among them Philip Bishop and Christopher McLoughlin who have given 20 years voluntary service to Sligo Civil Defence.

If you wish to contribute ideas or find out more about Sligo Volunteer Bureau, please contact Rhona McGrath, or Ciara O’Hara, Office of Community & Enterprise, Sligo County Council, Cleveragh Road, Sligo. Tel: (071) 911 1813, Email: rmcgrath@sligococo.ie

Riverside Walk
Work is well advanced on the current phase of the Riverside Walk. This phase of the work will be completed in the next few weeks when new lights have been fitted.   The next phase of the work will see the extension of the walk as far as the Blue Lagoon Car-Park and will include seating, cycle lanes and landscaping.

CIVIL DEFENCE NEWS
Sligo Civil Defence continues to ‘Meet the challenges of a changing world’ Another busy year for the volunteers of Sligo Civil Defence. This is evident in the statistics showing a continued increase in the number of events that the volunteers have responded.  This year saw Sligo volunteers assist the Coast Guard in hosting a major exercise in Rosses Point highlighting the dangers of the water and how to respond to such an emergency.  This exercise involved all emergency services carrying out various water based rescues. It was a great success and was well attended by the public. Following this exercise the Gardai were asked to run a major emergency involving the HSE and the Fire service and again Civil Defence played a big role in providing volunteers as ‘casualties’ for the day.
Sligo Civil Defence volunteers continue to provide First aid / Ambulance cover for all Sligo Rovers home games. This is a great challenge and the experience to be gained is immeasurable. Together with this cover Sligo Civil Defence volunteers covered 60 events in total. This shows the dedication and commitment of all concerned.

Classes re-commenced in October with the registration of 33 new volunteers. Hopefully the skills they learn and the camaraderie of the volunteers will encourage them to stay especially in these times when there is such a demand on people’s free time.  Sligo Civil Defence attended the National Civil Defence exercise hosted by Monaghan and came in fourth overall, which was a great achievement. This year Civil Defence attended, together with other voluntary agencies from around the county, an induction training for the new Volunteer Bureau which is being launched in the county in early March 2006. This it is hoped will assist in bringing more volunteers into the organisation. The demands on the organisation are growing each year. There are times when we have to turn down events due to either late booking / unavailability of volunteers or other events already having a booking for the same day.

Enterprise Ireland
Community Enterprise Scheme
Introduction
The Minister for Enterprise Trade and Employment, Mr Micheál Martin announced the extension of the Enterprise Ireland Community Enterprise Scheme on Tuesday 3rd January 2006.  The scheme will provide €7m of capital funding in the period 2006 – 2008 to assist applicants in the acquisition, leasing, adaptation, and construction of buildings or other works (excluding greenfield site costs) necessary for the development of a new enterprise centre or expansion of an existing centre.

The scheme aims to enhance the development of an enterprise climate in areas where it may be lacking or under-developed.  In the Enterprise Ireland Strategy: ‘Transforming Irish Industry’, the identification, establishment and development of High Potential Start Up companies is a major objective for achieving regional balance. Ensuring the provision of essential business infrastructure such as incubation space is a practical measure to support this objective. Enterprise Ireland encourages entrepreneurship at grass root level through its support for Community Enterprise Centres. These Centres provide a supportive environment for budding entrepreneurs and serve to help the development of entrepreneurship at the local level.
Financial Support
The scheme is a competitive one and a national call for proposals will be made in mid January with a deadline of mid April 2006 for submissions. Support up to 50% of eligible expenditure, or €400,000, whichever is the lesser, is available for communities within the BMW Region. An additional 5% (maximum 55% or €440,000 whichever is the lesser) is available for projects located in the Clár programme districts.  Support of up to 40% of eligible expenditure, or €300,000, whichever is the lesser, is available for communities outside the BMW Region. An additional 5% (maximum 45% or €337,500 whichever is the lesser) is available for projects located in the Clár programme districts.
Allocation of Funding
Projects will be assessed by an evaluation committee, set up by Enterprise Ireland, as to their eligibility and then evaluated as to how they meet the aims of the scheme.
Eligibility Criteria:
Projects must satisfy the following eligibility before being considered for support:
Projects that are located where there is a demonstrable need in the area in terms of:
  • A lack of existing enterprise space (and no prospect of any being provided) or
  • The area has experienced significant job losses in the past or
  • Poor history of enterprise development
Projects which are proposed by community groups that:
  • Own the facility to be constructed
  • Form a legal entity acceptable to Enterprise Ireland
  • Include broad based representation by the Community in which the centre is based,
  • Are non-profit taking (i.e. any profits accruing from operation of the centre to be re-invested for the purpose of community development)
  • Are able to provide a minimum in cash of 5% of the eligible expenditure.
  • Demonstrate effective fund raising capabilities to fund the construction of the facility
  • Plan to have a dedicated resource to manage the operation of the facility
  • Demonstrate the ongoing operational viability of the facility
  • Plan to have a minimum of 50% of space dedicated to commercial enterprises
  • Demonstrate a clear intention to ensure that occupants will only occupy space for a limited period of time to provide a rollover which ensures opportunity for other companies that may benefit from occupying Community Enterprise Centre space.
Projects must be scheduled to start within 12 months of grant approval.
Evaluation Criteria
Where the foregoing eligibility criteria are achieved, projects will be evaluated and rated by reference to the following criteria:
  • Nature, level and development potential of new start ups/microenterprises likely to be facilitated by the Centre
  • The likely economic impact the centre will have in the area where it is to be located.
  • The proportion of potential occupants that are expected to be carrying out high value added activities
  • The proportion of the space in the facility that will be provided for commercial enterprises.
  • Value for money: Amount of funding required for the space created by the project
  • Time taken to complete the construction/expansion of the centre (construction should be scheduled to be completed in 3 years)
  • The degree of specialisation in the enterprise accommodation in the centre
  • Degree of cooperation with a third level institution in the area.
  • Expertise, experience and ability of both the centre’s management and board structure.
For further details please contact Ann Finn, Enterprise Ireland, (071) 9159700, ann.finn@enterprise-ireland.com
 
Performance Management & Development System
The PMDS Team is compiling a list of FAQ’s and would like staff to submit their questions to the PMDS Unit. Two FAQ’s are:-
1. Q:- Will the PMDS information be used for pay, promotion or discipline?
A:- No – it was agreed by LANPAG (Local Authority National Partnership Advisory Group) that it would not be used for pay, promotion or discipline.

2. Q:- It’s OK for everyone else in local government but cannot be applied in my area?
A:- It has been tested in every type of department in all types of local authority. It will be capable of being sensibly applied to your job.
The PMDS Trainers have compiled guides called “Step by Step” to Personal Development Plans and these are available on request from the PMDS Unit.
Sections are reminded when they are completing their Operational Team Plans to keep Performance Management & Development System in mind.
Antoinette McLoughlin & John Owens, PMDS Trainers can be contacted on extensions 1021 & 1022 or you can email pmds@sligococo.ie.  The Trainers would like to hear from staff to ascertain their views on the implementation of PMDS.

Cathaoirleach’s Awards, 2006
Cathaoirleach Councillor Patsy Barry will be convening the first meeting of his Cathaoirleach’s Awards Committee in the coming weeks. The committee’s first job will be to review the 2005 scheme, and to agree the terms and conditions of the scheme for the current year.  The Awards ceremony will be held in County Hall on Friday 26th May, 2006.

In 2005, 59 nominations were received across the various categories, with the Community Category being the most popular. Full breakdown as follows:
  • Arts 4
  • Environment 9
  • Sport 8
  • Community 34
  • Schools 4
Each nominee was awarded a certificate, and category winners received a framed piece of Sligo crystal and a monetary prize.  Details of the 2006 scheme will be publicised shortly.

Local Authority Adopt Anti-Social Behaviour Policy
What is antisocial behaviour?
The definition of anti-social behaviour is contained in the Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1997 and includes the following; unlawful possession, cultivation use and/or supply of controlled substances (commonly known as drugdealing), and any form of harassment, threatening and abusive behaviour which causes or is likely to cause significant or persistent harm, injury, danger, damage, loss or fear to any person living, working or otherwise lawfully in the vicinity of a Local Authority dwelling house. Anti-Social behaviour does not cover nuisances.

What are the Sligo Local Authorities doing about this problem?
A joint policy to tackle the issue of anti-social behaviour was adopted by the Sligo Local Authorities in October 2005.
Some of the primary objectives of this policy are;
  • To take preventative measures.
  • To investigate all complaints of antisocial behaviour fairly, objectively and impartially.
  • The pursuit of legal remedies, including court orders for eviction, where necessary.
How will the Local Authorities tackle this issue?
A Housing Investigation Officer has been appointed to deal with this issue. The Authority will establish structured systems to handle and investigate all complaints. The Authority recognises that the safeguarding of confidentiality of source is one of the major contributing factors to the success of this policy. Persons making a complaint to the Authorities can be confident of a confidential and efficient service. The Local Authorities in partnership with the Garda, Health Services Executive and other relevant agencies will support and embrace a coordinated and cohesive approach to dealing with antisocial behaviour in its estates in association with local communities and resident’s groups. Personnel from the Authorities with the necessary expertise, knowledge and experience are committed to combating anti-social behaviour and will work closely with families involved. However, it must be said that the Sligo Local Authorities will consider the appropriate legal action against persons, if warranted.

Should you witness any incidents of anti-social behaviour, you should report it to the Sligo Local Authorities’ Housing Investigation Officer, Tel 071-9114489.

New Advertising Procedures
The Sligo Local Authorities have put a new policy in place for the placement of public notices and advertisements into the print media. The policy was circulated to all staff on 18/01/06. It is hoped that all staff will adhere to the guidelines and contribute to its successful implementation.  Sligo Local Authorities wish to convey a positive and efficient image in the use of media space.  This is yet another step in the Local Authorities’ quest to improve the way in which we conduct business and should also prove to be cost effective.  Details of the policy can be found on the intranet.

An Post Instalment Saving Scheme
It is proposed to commence the next cycle of the above scheme on 24th February 2006. Existing savers will not have to complete the mandate forms unless they wish to alter their agreement amount for the new cycle.  Anyone wishing to cease their deduction should put their request in writing to the payroll section. An Post has issued letters advising existing savers of the options available to them.

New savers to the scheme will have to complete application forms, which will be available from the Finance Section and completed forms should be returned not later than Friday 17th February 2006. Any forms received after this date cannot be processed due to deadlines with An Post. Anyone interested in joining the scheme should contact either Fiona Connolly (071-9111129) or Sinead Branley (071-9111131).

Kilsellagh
Work on the construction of a new access bridge to intake tower at Kilsellagh, as part of preparations for a new water treatment plant. The work was carried out by Ward & Burke, Civil Engineers on behalf of Sligo County Council.

Social Club News
The AGM of the Social Club was held on 30th January, 2006.

A new Committee has been formed as follows:
  • Chairperson - Nola Gibbons
  • Secretary – Maria Collery
  • Treasurer – Joanne McMahon
  • Vice Treasures – Fionnuala Duignan, Bairbre Ferguson, Sarah McNamara, Naomi Gorevan,
Thanks to all staff who attended the Charity Lunch on 19th December in aid of Bothar. A very generous amount of €1407 was raised.

Karen Gallagher has decided to resign from the committee after many years dedicated service.  Karen has been on the committee for the past 8 years and has been the chairperson for the past 2. On behalf of all Social Club members, the committee would like to thank Karen for her hard work, commitment and outstanding enthusiasm that was always evident in the many social club events she organized or helped to organize over the past 8 years.

Bits & Pieces
Sligo Borough Council will start work this month on providing Tactile paving facilities at two junctions in Sligo city, the Markievicz Road/Hughes Bridge Junction and the junction of Duck Street Hughes Bridge. The new facilities will be of particular benefit to vulnerable road users and follows the introduction in 2005 of pedestrian junctions at Holborn Street/The Slip, and Stephen St/The Mall. The Borough Council is pleased by the ‘take-up’ on the new car park at the Mall, which has a capacity for 120 vehicles.

The preferred route for the N15 realignment will be considered by the members of Sligo County Council at its monthly meeting on 6th February. The route will form part of the recently designated Atlantic Route Corridor.  Sligo County Council will be carrying out roadworks at Knappaghmore, Strandhill Road in February, involving the undergrounding of services. Traffic disruption will be minimal.

February will also see Sligo Borough Council seeking tenders for three Remedial Works Schemes at St Edward’s Terrace, St Brigid’s Terrace and Jinks Avenue, and it is expected that work will commence in the autumn.
The 10th February is the closing date for receipt of tenders for The Renovation of 13 vacant houses in Cranmore. Enquiries to the Housing Office, Sligo Borough Council – 071 9114503.

Landowners are requested to  carry out Hedgecutting during February. Overgrown trees and hedges protruding onto the roadside can be a serious traffic hazard. Motorists can be impeded by a restricted view, and landowners should ensure that all hazards and potential hazards are removed. Under Wildlife Legislation, this work must be carried out by the end of February, before the nesting season.

TRAINING NEWS
The following students from Sligo County Council successfully completed the Diploma in Local Government Studies in 2005 -
  • Bernadette Devine,
  • Pamela Bergin,
  • Lorraine Carty,
  • Mairead Clerkin,
  • Caroline Devins,
  • Fionnuala Duignan,
  • Naomi Gorevan,
  • Siofra Kilcullen,
  • Brenda Mulligan,
  • Orla Murrin,
  • Suzanne Siberry,
  • Damian WIllis and
  • Joanne McMahon.
"The Diploma course was designed as a development of and a follow-up to the Certificate in Local Government Studies and was first offered in the academic year 2004/2005. Both courses are accredited by the National University of Ireland (NUI).

The Diploma course was developed to provide a more indepth and analytical treatment of the major local authority services and to amplify and build on the foundation coverage of legislation provided by the Certificate course. The course is also intended to be another important step in the career development path of local authority staff and to provide material of relevance to interviews and other career development opportunities.
333 Diploma in Local Government Studies students from local authorities country wide were conferred with awards from the National University of Ireland on the 7th December 2005 in the Conference Centre of Dublin Castle."
Arnasbrack Bridge
During spring 2005 during routine bridge inspections, the condition of Arnasbrack Bridge was noted and was such as to warrant emergency repairs.