Annual Budget 2009 - Roscommon County Council

Roscommon County Council 

Comhairle Chontae Ros Comáin 

Adopted Budget 2009 

For the year ended 31st December 2009

Table of Contents 

Manager’s Forward 2 

Overall Summary 9 

Overall Summary Statement Expenditure 10 

Overall Summary Statement Income 11 

How money is spent 12 

Comparison Year on Year Divisions: Expenditure 13 

Comparison Year on Year Divisions: Income 14 

History of Annual Rate on Valuation 15 

Statutory Tables 17 

Table A - Calculaton of the Annual Rate on Valuation 18 

Table B - Expenditure and Income for 2009 

and Estimated Outturn for 2008 19 

Table C - Calculation of the Annual rate on Valuation 23 

Table D - Analysis of Budget 2009 Income from Goods and Services 24 

Table E - Analysis of Budget 2009 Income from Grant and Subsidies 25 

Table F - Expenditure and Income by Division to Sub Service Level 

Division A: Housing and Building 27 

Division B: Roads, Transportation and Safety 37 

Division C: Water Services 45 

Division D: Development Management 51 

Division E: Environmental Services 59 

Division F: Recreation and Amenity 67 

Division G: Agriculture, Education, Health and Welfare 73 

Division H: Miscellaneous Services 77 

Certificate of Adoption 83 

Appendix 1 - Summary of Central Management Charge 84 

1

Manager’s Foreword 



Courthouse 

Roscommon 

12th December 2008 

To: The Mayor and Each Elected Member of Roscommon County Council 

Re: Draft Budget for the Year Ending 31st December 2009 

Dear Mayor and Councillors, 

I present herewith for your consideration and approval the Draft Budget for Roscommon County 

Council for the year ending 31st December 2009 together with my comments and report thereon. 

The explanatory material in relation to the various services has been included before the figures for 

each appropriate Division. 

The present overall financial situation affecting the International Global community, the European 

Union and Ireland is well known and documented. Basically the worldwide monetary system is going 

through an unprecedented upheaval coupled with stock market collapses, investor and consumer 

uncertainty and non-availability of credit. That global context and the virtual collapse of the Irish 

construction industry and taxation revenue streams together with the contraction of the wider 

economy from the highs of a prolonged period of elevated growth to recession, has cast the 

background of very difficult economic circumstances in which this County Council must now 

operate. 

Within this framework Roscommon County Council is challenged with the preparation of a budget 

for the financial year 2009 that is aimed to ensure the continued running of essential services as well 

as delivering on its responsibilities for the multiplicity of central government and local government 

programmes and objectives. All of this is set side by side with the further particular case of the Local 

Government sector in Ireland which is operating under a severe funding gap which was recently 

established through the Indecon study commissioned by the government in 2006 and which stated 

that the service is endeavouring to deliver on its responsibilities on a deficit of some €500 million and 

rising to €2000 million by 2010. 

As with other County Councils significant constraints continue to arise in relation to the delivery of 

services and meeting expectations not only due to financial constraints but also due to the staffing 

embargo. Recent research in this area concludes that the embargo as exercised by Central 

Government is affecting the performance of Local Government particularly in areas of Housing, 

Roads and Water Services – but also generally in all areas of activity. This also needs to be viewed 

against the background of the general performance of Local Authorities which is the only Public 

2 Roscommon County Council | Comhairle Chontae Ros Comain | Adopted Budget 2009 | For year ended 31st December 2009


Sector area where Performance Indicators are measured and reported upon from year to year. 

Roscommon Co. Co. ranks well and continues to be above average in the majority of the 166 

parameters measured. 

In mid 2008 the Government imposed further cutbacks for the financial year 2009 on all Departments 

including Local Authorities requiring a 3% cut in payroll along with other capital and overall revenue 

stream cutbacks. The effect of the 3% cut alone stipulates that Roscommon County Council must 

reduce payroll costs by €1 million in 2009 as against the 2008 figure. This will be achieved through 

a combination of reductions/non renewals of temporary work contracts and fixed term contracts. 

Overtime reductions will be necessary and other payroll payments will also be reduced. 

Income/funding for Local Authorities can be classified in to three broad bands relating to the sources 

of such funds viz; 1) The Local Government Fund – a Central Government block grant, 2) Proceeds 

from the sale of goods and services – rents, water charges, planning fees, etc and 3) Commercial 

Rates. 

In recent years the Local Government Fund was generally increased in line with inflation or even 

higher. County Roscommon consistently received a funding level from this source below the national 

average but this County Council got on with the job and have consistently managed to live within 

targets through good financial controls amongst other things. For 2009 however not only is the Local 

Government Fund not keeping pace with the rate of inflation but it is being cut by an average of over 

7%. The allocation to Co Roscommon is €21,765,459 which represents a 6.6% reduction on the 

2008 level and is separate to the payroll cut already mentioned. The value of the shortfall over the 

equivalent figure last year is €1,542,541. 

These figures are presented prior to any consideration of the ongoing effects of continuing extra 

responsibilities, expanded services, new projects, inflation and the effects of increasing levels of 

service and ever increasing EU and other standards and obligations such as in the water services 

area and in environment. 

This year the Government has introduced a new potential stream of funding for Local Authorities in 

the form of a €200 charge on non-principal private residences. This will require new legislation and 

a new collection regime. It is unclear at the time of writing where the new collection system will be 

centred and what level of administrative back-up will be required within the Local Authority. Certainly 

there will need to be a major effort and painstaking/forensic trawl to establish ownership and to 

determine liabilities. In the long term this new income stream may be a good development for Local 

Authorities but the benefits may not be realised in 2009. Note also that the letter of notification of the 

Local Government Fund grant advised ‘Following the introduction of the new charge, the level of 

Exchequer contribution to the Fund will be revisited in the context of the revised estimate of 

expenditure. Consequently the above provisional General-Purpose Grant Allocation for 2009 will be 

revisited and adjusted as appropriate, to take account of income from this charge.’ Given the 

projected timing of any new legislation, the set-up time for new systems and the above advice I have 

not allowed for any increased income over and above the amount notified in the Local Government 

Fund Grant for 2009. 

Roscommon County Council | Comhairle Chontae Ros Comain | Adopted Budget 2009 | For year ended 31st December 2009 

3


Due to the budgetary constraints it will be necessary to cut back severely on costs as well as to control 

expenditure on staff. This strategy has been included in every Division in the Draft Budget and will be 

effected through reductions in staff numbers, reductions in staff travelling expenses and allowances, 

reductions in overtime, strict controls on recruitment, and cost savings on external supplies amongst 

other things. The student employment scheme will not be operated in 2009. 

The Central Government allocations for road expenditure have not yet been notified to Local Authorities. 

As with previous years an amount equivalent to the allocation for 2008 has been included in the Draft 

Budget. In the same way as last year the figures will be adjusted when notification is received of the 

road grants for 2009 and the Roadworks Scheme will be prepared in the usual manner and placed 

before you for your consideration. 

It is always important to endeavour to maintain Roscommon Co Council’s own allocation in to the 

Roads Programme. This is necessary not only in consideration of corresponding investment on the 

part of Central Government but also in the knowledge that failure to invest in the local road network in 

any one year will have a knock on effect in years to come and manifest itself in pavement disintegration 

in a short period of years. This year I am proposing that the input from our own resources in to the 

maintenance of Local Roads will be €2,299,000. This represents a marginal increase of €57,000 on the 

2008 figure. It is also proposed to continue the practice of recent years of allocating a sum from 

development contributions to footpath and public lighting installation as well as minor realignments in 

each Engineering Area. The amount proposed to be assigned for these categories of work in 2009 is 

€1,327,000. 

Furthermore it is proposed in 2009 to introduce a system of paid parking in Roscommon Town. It is 

also intended to extend this to other Towns in coming years. This will ensure better availability of prime 

parking spaces for shop and other business customers. The introduction requires a number of steps 

including public consultation and the process is a reserved function for the elected members. The 

budget includes for an income of €300,000 in 2009 from this source but this will be required for the 

considerable capital works involved in providing the infrastructure. 

Because of the stringent cutbacks that will pertain in 2009 reduced levels of service will be evident 

during the year although these will be kept to back office functions in so far as practicable. Nonetheless 

front line services will also suffer to some degree. However with the tradition of staff commitment that 

pertains in Roscommon County Council every effort will be made to ensure that the effects are 

minimised. 

Roscommon County Council will continue its commitment to the principles of organisational change for 

the better, innovation and enhanced value for money in 2009. In some ways the changed financial 

environment will impose its own pressures for better work practices and outputs. It is intended that a 

Business Process Review of the Water Services Section of the Organisation will be undertaken and it 

is hoped that this will yield efficiencies. 

In line with the Government Water Pricing Policy Roscommon Co Co has continued the roll out of the 

billing for water based on metering of all non-domestic water supplied through and disposed of through 

public schemes. The metering is now more comprehensive and as such provides a better knowledge 

of the amount of water being used and discharged. The charges that will apply in 2009 will be 92 cent 



for cubic meter for water. This charge is lower than those of our nearest neighbouring counties and 

other similar counites around the country. The meter charge will remain at €100 and the domestic 

allowance of 50,000 gallons will also continue to apply. The charge for sewage will be €1.20 which 

again compares favourably with neighbouring counties. 

In the area of waste management Roscommon County Council continues to develop its network of 

facilities and to ensure appropriate enforcement and regulation is effected. Work has commenced on 

the provision of a new Civic Amenity Site at Castlerea and this will be completed during Q2 2009. 

Provision for operation of the facility is also included in the Draft Budget figures. 

Roscommon must also continue to seek and obtain licences from the EPA for our Sewage Treatment 

plants and it has been necessary to include a sum of €263,000 (an increase of €163,000 over the 2008 

figure) to comply with this requirement in 2009. 

Plans for the provision of our new County Headquarters continue to be developed. Proposals under the 

Design Build process have been received and the submissions are being assessed. Discussions are 

continuing with the Department of The Environment Heritage & Local Government. 

A new office has been procured for the Boyle Area and this is now occupied thus providing for 

significantly improved customer service and relieving the congested conditions for staff that had 

pertained in the former premises. 

Roscommon County Council has embarked on devising a Procurement Plan to ensure that all sections 

of the organisation complies with EU and Irish Government procurement rules as well as seeking out 

areas where efficiencies through combined purchasing, using collective bargaining in conjunction with 

other Local Authorities and new forms of contract can help to reduce costs. Some of the target areas 

in 2009 will include Energy, Stationery, Advertising and Library Books. 

This Draft Budget has been devised working in consultation with the Corporate Policy Group. Difficult 

choices have to be made between the effects of increasing the commercial rates as with cutbacks in 

the various services and shedding of jobs as well as cutbacks in the various grant schemes. Ultimately, 

in the present economic climate and the business downturn the argument to cap the commercial rate 

is deemed the most appropriate option. Thus, the various grant schemes for community and other 

groups and funding for external bodies have been reduced by 50% for this year in most cases. 

However, the amentiy schemes grant and the grants for voluntary groups who carry out cemetery 

maintenance have been kept up to €100,000 each. It has been decided to reduce councillor training 

by €50,000. While it is understood that any cut will cause difficulty for various beneficiaries, these 

reductions are being made with the full intention of restoration and building them back up when the 

economic climate improves. 

The Draft Budget for 2009 provides a total revenue expenditure of €76,533,300 while income from 

Council activities is budgeted at €44,381,800. This leaves a balance of €32,151,500 to be funded by 

way of Commercial Rates and the Local Government Fund. The total allocation to Roscommon County 

Council for 2009 from the Local Government Fund is €21,765,459, a reduction of 6.62% on the 

previous year, which means the amount to be raised by Commercial rates equates to €10,169,081. The 


5


overall quantum of cuts made in the revenue budget on essential services amounts to more than 70% 

of the shortfall in the Local Government Fund grant. 

To fund the shortfall between income and expenditure this Draft Budget includes an amount of 

€139,000 in relation to expected buoyancy in Commercial Rates and an increase in the annual rate on 

valuation by 0.5% from 76.28 to 76.66. 

Development Contributions 

Development Contributions are used to fund various capital projects as outlined in the three year rolling 

capital programme and annual financial statement which is presented each year to Members. 

It should be noted that in the current economic climate that there has been a slow down in the level of 

receipts to the County Council. If this trend continues it will ultimately impact on timescales in respect 

of delivering projects within agreed plans identified in the 3 year programme. 

Audit Committee 

The Audit Committee held its inaugural meeting on 20th November 2008. The process to recruit 

Internal Auditor has commenced in order that the audit plan for 2009 can be put in place. 

It will be the role of the committee to ensure best practice in regard to governance issues as well as 

providing an oversight and assurance that the County Council is delivering value for money and 

efficiencies. 

New Costing System 

The Members adopted the restated Budget in the new format at the September 2008 meeting. 

The Head of Finance also attended Local Area meetings to explain how the new costing system would 

operate and how the Central Management Charge (overheads) would be allocated to individual 

services. 

The aim of the new costing system is to provide Local Authorities with information that will assist in 

achieving value for money and providing efficient use of resources. 

The biggest change is the allocation of the Central Management Charge (see appendix 1) which is now 

allocated using the non financial information shown in the table below rather than using an arbitrary basis. 

Central Overhead 

Pensions and Lump Sum Costs 

Corporate Building Expenditure 

Corporate Affairs/ Services 

Information & Communication Technology 

Post Room Services 

Human Resources Function 

Finance Function 

Area Office Costs 

Cost Driver 

Salary and wage costs 

m2 

Staff no. 

PC nos., or, % usage 

% usage 

Staff no. 

No. of transactions 

% usage by services 

6 

Roscommon County Council | Comhairle Chontae Ros Comain | Adopted Budget 2009 | For year ended 31st December 2009


Discretionary – Non Discretionary Expenditure 

A substantial amount of Local Authorities expenditure is fixed from year to year and accordingly there 

is little discretion to vary expenditure. The following Table gives a breakdown of the Council’s 

expenditure between discretionary and non-discretionary. The table below highlights that from the 

total budget of €76,533,300, only €25,691,690 or 34% could be affected. However, in practical 

terms, having regard to statutory obligations to deliver services, even in the discretionary area the 

amount of discretion available is limited. 

Expenditure Classifications 

Non Discretionary 

Loan Charges 2,984,000 2,731,410 

Road Grant Works 20,113,000 20,703,300 

Higher Education Grants 2,800,000 3,200,000 

Statutory Demands 441,000 828,600 

Local Improvement Schemes 400,000 323,000 

Salaries, Pensions and Lump Sums 19,322,000 23,055,300 

Sub Total 46,060,000 50,841,610 

61% 66% 

Discretionary 

Housing Maintenance 1,175,000 1,194,800 

Rental Accommodation Scheme 1,386,000 1,647,100 

Traveller Accommodation 513,000 380,100 

Local Roads Maintenance 2,659,000 2,691,000 

Public Lighting 400,000 400,000 

Water and Sewerage 5,352,000 6,041,620 

Waste Disposal 2,954,000 2,662,000 

Fire Protection 2,383,000 2,772,400 

Swimming Pools 233,000 234,600 

Burial Grounds 438,000 369,000 

Libraries 804,000 739,000 

Arts 533,000 437,800 

Amenity Schemes incl Lough Key and King House 1,012,000 722,100 

Land Drainage 356,000 308,000 

Maintenance of Courthouses and Rent 504,000 1,224,950 

Other 8,973,000 3,867,220 

Sub Total 29,675,000 25,691,690 

2008 

€ 

2009 

€ 

39% 34% 

Grand Total 75,735,000 76,533,300 

"Other" includes: Tourism, Litter, Insurances, Civil Defence, Control of Dogs, Travel, Insurances, Administrative Costs, etc 


7


Conclusion 

I wish to thank and pay tribute to Mr Martin Lydon, Head of Finance and his team in the Finance 

Department. I wish also to place on record my sincere appreciation of the professional and thorough 

manner in which they have prepared this Draft Budget and for their prudence in management of the 

Authority’s finances. I wish to thank the Directors of Service and their staff for their assistance also in 

preparing and presenting the Draft Budget. 

I wish to take this opportunity of thanking you Mayor, the Corporate Policy Group for their assistance 

and all of the Elected Members for their support and co-operation in running the affairs of this Council 

over the past year and previous years. I am confident that going forward this Council will continue to 

work to build a Local Authority of which the citizens of the County can be proud. The year ahead will 

be the very difficult. Most of the cutbacks will be felt in the first instance by the staff/administration 

but this will inevitably reflect itself also in a diminution of service provision and will be felt by yourselves 

and the public whom we serve. 

At the end of the day we as a Local Authority with various assigned functions and responsibilities are 

charged with the duty to run the affairs of this County on behalf of its citizens. The essential services 

we provide must be available at all times though often they go unnoticed. This year, because of the 

unusual unprecedented fiscal environment particularly in the Irish and more local economy, I have cut 

budgets radically in all sectors, including staff being let go in order to minimise the effect on the 

commercial rates. I consider that the proposed estimates for each service are the absolute minimum 

necessary to meet our statutory duties and they represent the fairest balance of distribution of 

charges having regard to the legal obligations on the Authority to maintain services. In the light of all 

of the foregoing and having regard to the financial cuts that have been imposed by Government upon 

this Authority, while still continuing to burden this Authority with even greater and costlier new 

responsibilities I recommend the Draft Budget as set out to you for adoption. 

Yours Sincerely, 

------------------------- 

JOHN TIERNAN 

COUNTY MANAGER 

8 


Overall Summary 

9

Overall Summary | Overall Summary Statement Expenditure 

Expenditure Variation Statement 

2008 Expenditure Budget 75,735,000 

€ 

Pay/Increments 1,257,500 

Additional Staff 42,000 

Prices -93,300 

Government/Legislative Pressures 1,168,208 

Demand Led Pressures 275,265 

Efficency Savings -2,089,573 

Corporate Plan Pressure 238,200 

2009 Expenditure Budget 76,533,300 

10 


Overall Summary | Income Variation Statement 

Income Variation Statement 

2008 Income Budget -42,447,000 

€ 

Prices -3,100 

Government/Legislative Pressures -467,600 

Demand Led Pressures -1,174,100 

Efficency Savings 0 

Corporate Plan Pressure -290,000 

2009 Expenditure Budget -44,381,800 


11

Overall Summary | How Money is Spent 

How Money is Spent 

Main Sources of Revenue Income 2009 

2009 2009 

€ % 

Rates 10,169,081 13% 

25% 

13% 

Local Government Fund 21,982,459 29% 

Specific State Grants 24,234,760 32% 

Local Authorities 417,000 1% 

Goods & Services 19,730,000 25% 

1% 

29% 

Rates 

Local Government Fund 

Specific State Grants 

Local Authorities 

Goods & Services 

32% 

Total 76,533,300 100% 

How Income will be spent by Programme Group 


€ % 

Housing & Building 7,524,100 10% 

Road Transportation and Safety 27,037,400 35% 

Water Services 10,299,200 13% 

Development Management 5,775,700 8% 

Environmental Services 10,381,100 14% 

Recreation & Amenity 5,098,900 7% 

Agriculture, Education, Health & Welfare 6,606,200 9% 

9% 

7% 

14% 

8% 

5% 

13% 

10% 

34% 

Housing & Building 

Road Transportation and 

Safety 

Water Services 

Development Management 

Environmental Services 

Recreation & Amenity 

Agriculture, Education, 

Health & Welfare 

Miscellaneous Services 

Miscellaneous Services 3,810,700 5% 

Total 76,533,300 100% 

What Income will be spent on 


€ % 

3% 

5% 

2% 

30% 

Payroll 

Operational 

Administration 

Establishment 

23,055,300 30% 

45,050,303 60% 

2,519,990 3% 

1,786,750 2% 

Payroll 

Operational 

Administration 

Establishment 

Financial 

Financial 

4,120,957 5% 

60% 

76,533,300 100% 


Overall Summary | Comparison of Year on Year Divisions: Expenditure Budgets 

Comparison of Year on Year Divisions: 

Expenditure Budgets 


3,810,700 

3,989,100 



6,062,000 

6,606,200 


5,681,300 

5,098,900 


Development 

Management 

10,493,600 

5,979,500 

5,775,700 

10,381,100 


2008 


9,746,200 

10,299,200 

Road Transportation 

and Safety 

27,125,400 

27,037,400 


6,657,900 

7,524,100 

0 5,000,000 10,000,000 15,000,000 20,000,000 25,000,000 30,000,000 

Value € 


13

Overall Summary | Comparison of Year on Year Divisions: Income Budgets 

Comparison of Year on Year Divisions: 

Income Budgets 


1,356,700 

616,500 



5,100,300 

5,761,300 


842,700 

831,500 


Development 

Management 

4,254,600 

4,443,300 

1,591,300 

1,814,900 


2008 


3,925,700 

3,807,100 

Road Transportation 

and Safety 

20,951,900 

21,787,100 


4,763,200 

4,981,000 

0 5,000,000 10,000,000 15,000,000 20,000,000 25,000,000 

Value € 


Overall Summary | History of Annual Rate on Valuation 

 

HISTORY OF ANNUAL RATE ON VALUATION 

Year Rate Year Rate 

1983 19.70 1997 41.20 

1984 21.67 1998 42.85 

1985 23.84 1999 44.99 

1986 25.03 2000 47.24 

1987 26.28 2001 50.78 

1988 27.59 2002 54.33 

1989 28.97 2003 59.22 

1990 30.42 2004 63.37 

1991 31.33 2005 66.54 

1992 32.90 2006 70.53 

1993 34.55 2007 73.35 

1994 35.59 2008 76.28 

1995 37.37 2009 76.66 

1996 39.24 


15


Statutory Tables 

17

Statutory Tables | Table A 

TABLE A - CALCULATION OF ANNUAL RATE ON VALUATION 

Summary per Table A 2009 

Budget Net 

Expenditure 


Estimated 

Net 

Expenditure 

Outturn 2008 

(as restated) 

Summary by Service Division Expenditure Income 

€ € € % € % 

Gross Revenue Expenditure & Income 

Housing and Building 7,524,100 4,981,000 2,543,100 8% 1,379,800 4% 

Road Transport & Safety 27,037,400 21,787,100 5,250,300 16% 6,207,600 19% 

Water Services 10,299,200 3,807,100 6,492,100 20% 6,108,600 18% 

Development Management 5,775,700 1,591,300 4,184,400 13% 4,215,400 13% 

Environmental Services 10,381,100 4,254,600 6,126,500 19% 6,501,500 19% 

Recreation and Amenity 5,098,900 842,700 4,256,200 13% 4,750,800 14% 

Agriculture, Education, Health & Welfare 6,606,200 5,761,300 844,900 3% 938,200 3% 

Miscellaneous Services 3,810,700 1,356,700 2,454,000 8% 3,249,300 10% 

76,533,300 44,381,800 32,151,500 100% 33,351,200 100% 

+ County Charge 0 

- County Charge 0 0 

Provision for Debit Balance 0 0 

Adjusted Gross Expenditure & Income (A) 76,533,300 44,381,800 32,151,500 33,351,200 

Financed by Other Income/Credit Balances 

Provision for Credit Balance 0 0 0 

Local Government Fund /General Purpose Grant 21,982,459 21,982,459 

Sub - Total (B) 21,982,459 33,351,200 

Amount of Rates to be Levied C=(A-B) 10,169,041 

Net Effective Valuation D 132,649 

General Annual Rate on Valuation C/D 76.66 

18 


Statutory Tables | Table B 

Table B 

Expenditure & Income for 2009 and Estimated Outturn for 2008 

2009 2008 (as restated) 

Expenditure Income Expenditure Income 

Division & Services 

Adopted by 

Council 

Estimated 

by Manager 

Adopted by 


Estimated 

by Manager 

Adopted by 


Estimated 

Outturn 

Adopted by 


Estimated 

Outturn 

€ € € € € € € € 

Code Housing and Building 

A01 Maintenance/Improvement of LA Housing Units 2,362,800 2,362,800 2,669,900 2,669,900 2,475,800 2,378,300 2,640,900 2,700,000 

A02 Housing Assessment, Allocation and Transfer 268,300 268,300 7,500 7,500 266,500 239,000 7,300 7,300 

A03 Housing Rent and Tenant Purchase Administration 1,117,000 1,117,000 30,900 30,900 255,800 302,300 6,600 6,600 

A04 Housing Community Development Support 94,200 94,200 2,600 2,600 109,600 93,600 2,300 2,300 

A05 Administration of Homeless Service 11,900 11,900 200 200 18,400 9,500 300 300 

A06 Support to Housing Capital Prog. 441,700 441,700 212,800 212,800 527,500 414,500 212,200 300,000 

A07 RAS Programme 1,876,800 1,876,800 1,753,400 1,753,400 1,601,700 1,115,700 1,504,500 900,000 

A08 Housing Loans 677,600 677,600 247,800 247,800 696,000 599,500 331,200 300,000 

A09 Housing Grants 673,800 673,800 4,900 4,900 706,600 706,600 6,900 100,000 

A11 Agency & Recoupable Services 0 0 51,000 51,000 0 0 51,000 162,700 

Service Division Total 7,524,100 7,524,100 4,981,000 4,981,000 6,657,900 5,859,000 4,763,200 4,479,200 

Code Road Transport & Safety 

B01 NP Road - Maintenance and Improvement 1,336,500 1,336,500 911,300 911,300 1,115,600 1,115,600 874,600 874,600 

B02 NS Road - Maintenance and Improvement 1,446,500 1,446,500 1,034,900 1,034,900 1,204,600 1,204,600 983,300 983,300 

B03 Regional Road - Maintenance and Improvement 8,563,500 8,563,500 7,762,700 7,762,700 8,267,600 8,267,600 7,625,300 7,625,300 

B04 Local Road - Maintenance and Improvement 15,006,900 15,006,900 11,071,900 11,071,900 14,876,600 14,876,700 10,789,900 10,789,900 

B05 Public Lighting 556,800 556,800 3,700 3,700 537,700 537,700 3,700 3,700 

B06 Traffic Management Improvement 19,300 19,300 800 800 12,500 15,000 0 0 

B07 Road Safety Engineering Improvement 562,500 562,500 488,000 488,000 563,500 563,500 476,300 476,300 

B08 Road Safety Promotion/Education 98,900 98,900 12,600 12,600 103,300 101,800 4,200 4,200 

B09 Car Parking 182,200 182,200 320,000 320,000 0 0 0 0 

B10 Support to Roads Capital Prog. 289,600 289,600 12,700 12,700 314,400 347,400 11,500 11,500 

B11 Agency & Recoupable Services (1,025,300) (1,025,300) 168,500 168,500 129,600 129,600 183,100 183,100 



19


Table B 





Adopted by 


Estimated 

by Manager 

Adopted by 


Estimated 

by Manager 

Adopted by 


Estimated 

Outturn 

Adopted by 


Estimated 

Outturn 

€ € € € € € € € 

Code Water Services 

C01 Water Supply 5,389,300 5,389,300 2,285,200 2,285,200 5,309,700 5,482,700 2,611,900 1,875,000 

C02 Waste Water Treatment 2,988,000 2,841,000 1,022,200 1,022,200 2,905,700 3,097,700 1,247,600 1,000,000 

C03 Collection of Water and Waste Water Charges 886,600 886,600 3,300 3,300 706,100 463,600 5,500 5,500 

C04 Public Conveniences 165,300 165,300 3,500 3,500 195,900 186,900 3,600 500 

C05 Admin of Group and Private Installations 246,100 246,100 6,300 6,300 83,500 83,500 0 0 

C06 Support to Water Capital Programme 581,600 581,600 51,200 51,200 503,400 539,900 21,600 21,600 

C07 Agency & Recoupable Services 42,300 42,300 435,400 435,400 41,900 41,900 35,500 885,000 


Code Development Management 

D01 Forward Planning 640,300 640,300 2,800 2,800 331,400 333,900 13,200 13,200 

D02 Development Management 2,573,900 2,573,900 843,800 843,800 2,824,700 2,802,200 1,031,100 1,031,100 

D03 Enforcement 768,900 768,900 24,400 24,400 778,900 833,400 23,400 23,400 

D04 Industrial and Commercial Facilities 11,000 11,000 200 200 35,900 33,400 2,100 2,100 

D05 Tourism Development and Promotion 160,600 160,600 1,800 1,800 247,300 247,300 800 1,000 

D06 Community and Enterprise Function 671,800 671,800 101,500 101,500 766,400 722,900 63,900 65,000 

D07 Unfinished Housing Estates 6,200 6,200 200 200 6,700 6,700 200 250 

D08 Building Control 198,500 198,500 57,500 57,500 218,900 213,400 57,500 58,000 

D09 Economic Development and Promotion 137,400 137,400 3,300 3,300 164,800 29,800 3,300 3,300 

D10 Property Management 54,200 54,200 250,000 250,000 53,800 52,800 250,200 250,200 

D11 Heritage and Conservation Services 288,000 288,000 40,700 40,700 280,600 377,600 72,200 160,200 

D12 Agency & Recoupable Services 264,900 264,900 265,100 265,100 270,100 412,100 297,000 242,350 


20 



Table B 





Adopted by 


Estimated 

by Manager 

Adopted by 


Estimated 

by Manager 

Adopted by 


Estimated 

Outturn 

Adopted by 


Estimated 

Outturn 

€ € € € € € € € 

Code Environmental Services 

E01 Landfill Operation and Aftercare 3,460,500 3,475,500 3,035,000 3,035,000 3,227,100 3,197,100 3,231,000 2,800,000 

E02 Recovery & Recycling Facilities Operations 1,293,100 1,293,100 367,100 367,100 1,240,100 1,160,100 364,600 364,600 

E03 Waste to Energy Facilities Operations 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 

E04 Provision of Waste to Collection Services 15,000 0 0 0 30,300 20,300 100 100 

E05 Litter Management 577,200 577,200 24,800 24,800 607,800 610,300 27,400 27,400 

E06 Street Cleaning 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 

E07 Waste Regulations, Monitoring and Enforcement 350,200 350,200 241,400 241,400 395,600 407,600 243,400 243,400 

E08 Waste Management Planning 101,900 101,900 7,800 7,800 180,000 109,000 7,900 7,900 

E09 Maintenance of Burial Grounds 545,000 545,000 118,500 118,500 660,200 593,200 121,100 121,100 

E10 Safety of Structures and Places 337,800 337,800 95,500 95,500 367,200 332,700 84,000 84,000 

E11 Operation of Fire Service 3,146,500 3,146,500 81,400 81,400 3,208,400 3,565,400 70,500 70,500 

E12 Fire Prevention 3,000 3,000 200,000 200,000 11,500 10,000 200,000 200,000 

E13 Water Quality, Air and Noise Pollution 469,200 469,200 77,500 77,500 479,300 432,800 86,000 86,000 

E14 Agency & Recoupable Servicess 81,700 81,700 5,600 5,600 86,100 86,100 7,300 18,100 


Code Recreation & Amenity 

F01 Leisure Facilities Operations 371,500 371,500 24,300 24,300 521,100 467,100 20,500 25,000 

F02 Operation of Library and Archival Service 2,467,100 2,467,100 116,600 116,600 2,531,700 2,531,700 138,300 161,300 

F03 Outdoor Leisure Areas Operations 718,200 718,200 15,900 15,900 1,022,600 884,100 3,700 3,700 

F04 Community Sport and Recreational Development 170,100 170,100 92,800 92,800 195,400 285,900 92,900 92,900 

F05 Operation of Arts Programme 1,372,000 1,372,000 593,100 593,100 1,410,500 1,479,500 576,100 614,600 

F06 Agency & Recoupable Services 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 

Service Division Total 5,098,900 5,098,900 842,700 842,700 5,681,300 5,648,300 831,500 897,500 


21


y g g 

Table B 





Adopted by 


Estimated 

by Manager 

Adopted by 


Estimated 

by Manager 

Adopted by 


Estimated 

Outturn 

Adopted by 


Estimated 

Outturn 

€ € € € € € € € 

Code Agriculture,Education,Health & Welfare 

G01 Land Drainage Costs 532,600 532,600 3,500 3,500 578,300 576,300 2,700 7,000 

G02 Operation and Maintenance of Piers and Harbours 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 

G03 Coastal Protection 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 

G04 Veterinary Service 409,800 409,800 254,100 254,100 488,900 487,400 306,400 306,300 

G05 Educational Support Services 5,663,800 5,663,800 5,503,700 5,503,700 4,994,800 4,987,800 4,791,200 4,800,000 

G06 Agency & Recoupable Services 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 


Code Miscellaneous Services 

H01 Profit/Loss Machinery Account 189,700 189,700 128,300 128,300 263,100 160,000 46,200 46,200 

H02 Profit/Loss Stores Account 28,600 28,600 3,900 3,900 24,500 24,500 4,400 4,400 

H03 Adminstration of Rates 634,200 634,200 167,000 167,000 738,200 704,200 22,200 22,000 

H04 Franchise Costs 193,400 193,400 3,700 3,700 158,600 158,600 4,900 4,900 

H05 Operation of Morgue and Coroner Expenses 114,500 114,500 8,000 8,000 116,700 128,700 8,000 8,000 

H06 Weighbridges 3,200 3,200 0 0 4,600 2,100 0 0 

H07 Operation of Markets and Casual Trading 33,800 33,800 600 600 86,200 26,200 600 600 

H08 Malicious Damage 2,600 2,600 0 0 2,000 2,000 0 0 

H09 Local Representation/Civic Leadership 1,744,100 1,761,300 34,300 34,300 1,740,500 1,702,500 30,900 30,900 

H10 Motor Taxation 807,100 807,100 45,800 45,800 630,800 550,000 27,200 27,200 

H11 Agency & Recoupable Services 59,500 59,500 965,100 965,100 223,900 340,900 472,100 406,200 

Service Division Total 3,810,700 3,827,900 1,356,700 1,356,700 3,989,100 3,799,700 616,500 550,400 

OVERALL TOTAL 76,533,300 76,403,500 44,381,800 44,381,800 75,735,000 75,004,300 42,447,300 41,653,100 

22 


Statutory Tables | Table C 

Table C CALCULATION OF THE ANNUAL RATE ON VALUATION 


Money Demanded Irrecoverable rates and cost of 

collection 

Name of Town Total Sum to be 

raised (Sum of 

Col 3 & Col 5) 

Annual Rate on 

Valuationto meet 

sum required in 

Col 6 

Estimated Adopted Estimated Adopted 

Col 2 Col 3 Col 4 Col 5 Col 6 

€ € € € € € 

Boyle 9,264 0 9,264 1.13 

TOTAL 9264 0 0 0 9264 1.13 


23

Statutory Tables | Table D 

Table D 

ANALYSIS OF BUDGET 2009 INCOME FROM GOODS AND 

SERVICES 

Source of Income 2009 

€ 

Rents from Houses 4,241,400 

Housing Loans Interest & Charges 232,900 

Parking Fines/Charges 320,000 

Commercial Water 1,800,000 

Domestic Waste Water 0 

Commercial Waste Water 1,000,000 

Planning Fees 664,000 

Sale/leasing of other property/Industrial Sites 250,000 

Domestic Refuse 0 

Commercial Refuse 0 

Landfill Charges 3,020,000 

Fire Charges 30,000 

Recreation / Amenity/Culture 292,000 

Library Fees/Fines 28,000 

Agency Services & Repayable Works 3,392,400 

Local Authority Contributions 417,000 

Superannuation 1,048,000 

Misc. (Detail) 3,206,300 

TOTAL 19,942,000 

24 


Statutory Tables | Table E 

Table E 

ANALYSIS OF BUDGET INCOME 2009 FROM GRANTS AND SUBSIDIES 

Department of the Environment, Heritage and 

Local Government 

€ 

Housing and Building 291,000 

Road Transport & Safety 15,536,000 

Water Services 0 

Development Management 83,000 

Environmental Services 216,000 

Recreation and Amenity 0 

Agriculture, Education, Health & Welfare 0 

Miscellaneous Services 23,500 

16,149,500 

Other Departments and Bodies 

NRA 1,987,100 

Arts,Sports & Tourism 0 

DTO 0 

Social & Family Affairs 0 

Defence 0 

Education and Science 3,230,000 

Library Council 0 

Arts Council 222,200 

Transport and Marine 0 

Justice Equality and Law Reform 131,000 

Agriculture Fisheries and Food 0 

Other 2,720,000 

8,290,300 

Total Grants & Subsidies 24,439,800 


25

Statutory Tables | Table F 

Table F 

Expenditure and Income 

by Division to 

Sub-Service Level 

26 


Division A 

Housing and Building 

27

Division A | Housing and Building 

A 

Housing and Building 

A01 Maintenance / Improvement of LA Housing Units 

The level of expenditure for the management, maintenance, repair and improvement of Local Authority housing 

included for 2009 is €2,362,800, a reduction of 4% on the 2008 Budget. This figure includes for the repair and 

refurbishment of casual vacancies that may arise to ensure that they are available for re-letting as quickly as 

possible. Approximately 65% of the Council’s housing stock is under 10 years old. 

Work has continued on the upgrading of the Council’s housing stock. The central heating programme that 

commenced in 2005 is substantially complete. The Council was allocated €150,000 in 2008 for this work. This 

grant represents 80% of the cost of the work, subject to a maximum grant of €6,000 per house. The balance of 

20% of the cost of the work is funded directly from Internal Capital Receipts. 

Under this programme 153 houses have been provided with central heating in all Engineering Areas with a small 

balance to complete in 2009. 

The replacement of windows and doors in local authority houses continued in 2008. Under this scheme 127 houses 

have been completed in all Engineering Areas. The scheme is funded fully from Internal Capital Receipts. 

Electrical refurbishment including smoke/heat alarms, upgrading of cavity insulation and replacement of 

soffits/fascias/gutters and down pipes commenced in 2008. It is proposed to continue with further phases of these 

works where the need is identified, subject to available funds. These schemes are also funded from Internal Capital 

Receipts. 

Social Housing Investment Programme (SHIP) 

Roscommon County Council were notified of a capital housing allocation of €8,000,000 to cover expenditure under 

the 2008 Housing Programme and a capital allocation of €400,000 for the provision of Traveller accommodation. 

A total of 103 houses were completed in 2008. The indicative budget for 2009 is €7,000,000. 

There are a number of housing schemes under construction at Roscommon, Boyle, Monksland (3 No.), with rural 

houses at Knockcroghery and Elphin. Approval from the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local 

Government for further schemes at Roscommon and Boyle is awaited. 

Social houses will be delivered by a combination of construction of houses on our own land, house purchases and 

acquisition of houses under PART V Agreements. 

Traveller Accommodation 

The existing Four Year Traveller Accommodation Programme 2005-2008 which was adopted by Roscommon 

County Council on 21st March 2005 will expire on 31st December 2008. 

The Minister for Housing, Urban Renewal and Developing Areas has, under Section 10(1) of the Housing (Traveller 

Accommodation) Act, 1998, directed that the next accommodation programme should be for a period of five years. 

The new five-year programme will cover the period 1st January 2009 to 31st December 2013. Under Section 7 (4) 

of the Act the Minister has specified 30 April 2009 as the date by which the accommodation programme must be 

adopted. 

Roscommon County Council has prepared a Draft Roscommon Traveller Accommodation Programme for the 

period 2009-2013 and it has been placed on public display for a two month period. Regard will be had to any 

submissions or observations made in writing in relation to the Draft Traveller Accommodation Programme 2009- 

2013 on or before the 16th January 2009. 



In 2008 the Part 8 planning process was completed for the provision of extensions to five of the existing Traveller 

accommodation units at Turpan Beg, Ballyforan and for the construction of three houses and the Council are 

awaiting Department approval to proceed to tender stage. 

A figure of €522,500 is included in the Budget towards the cost of the management and maintenance of Traveller 

accommodation in the County. 

Housing Rents 

The Council operates a Differential Rent Scheme (DRS) which is reviewed on an annual basis. The rent charged is 

based on household income and is calculated in such a way that the amount of rent is reasonable and does not 

lead to undue financial difficulties. If a tenant’s circumstances change, their rent will be re-assessed as soon as 

possible following notification to the Housing Authority of the change in circumstances. The Housing Authority will 

deal sympathetically with individual cases of hardship which arise pursuant to the provisions of the hardship clause 

in the DRS. The estimated rental income for 2009 is €2,459,800. 

A02 Housing Assessment, Allocation and Transfer 

Under Section 9 of the Housing Act 1988, Housing Authorities are required to carry out periodic assessments at 

intervals not exceeding three years, of the need for the provision of suitable accommodation for persons in need of 

re-housing. This involves a complete review of all applicants on the housing list and a public consultation process 

with the relevant agencies and adjoining local authorities. In conjunction with this assessment, an assessment of 

the number of homeless persons in the area is also carried out. The Housing Authority is required when making an 

assessment of the need for housing, to make an assessment of the need for residential halting sites for Travellers 

in their functional areas. 

The most recent assessment carried out by Roscommon County Council in March 2008 showed a net need of 652 

applicants on the waiting list. 

Eligibility for social housing is determined following an assessment by the Environmental Health Officer and the 

Housing Officer and the applicant is then placed on the waiting list in the area/town of their choice. The scheme of 

letting priorities determines the priority of housing applicants in the allocation of first-time lettings and casual 

vacancies. Section 60 of the Housing Act, 1966 as re-enacted by Section 11 of the Housing Act, 1988 requires 

each housing authority to make a Scheme of Letting Priorities. Decisions in relation to allocations will have regard 

to the Council’s adopted policy on estate management. 

A03 Housing Rent and Tenant Purchase Administration 

Tenant Purchase 

Tenants of non-vested Council houses appointed for at least 12 months are eligible to apply to the Council to 

purchase their existing accommodation. The market value of the property is determined by the Council. Tenants 

are entitled to a discount of 3% off the market value of the property for each year of tenancy, subject to a maximum 

of 10 years in addition to an allowance of €3,810 for first time buyers. Certain types of dwelling including 1 / 2 

bedroom units, demountables and mobile units are precluded from sale under the scheme. In 2008 a total of 7 

houses were sold. 


29


A04 Housing Community Development Support 

A number of initiatives have been undertaken over the past number of years under the heading of estate 

management at Lisnamult, Roscommon, Church View, Boyle, Castlehill, Castlerea and Monksland, Athlone. It is 

essential that vibrant and committed local communities are supported, encouraged and empowered to play a 

meaningful role in social partnership. This policy will be continued during 2009. 

Roscommon County Council allocated a house in Marian Crescent, Lisnamult, Roscommon Town to the Lisnamult 

Residents Association Limited and the lease agreement was finalised in 2008. The premises known as Cara House 

will be used as a Resource Centre for the community providing a range of services which include workshops on 

parenting, budgetary advice and home management classes, youth services and homework support classes. 

Refurbishment works that were required were co-funded by the Residents Association and Roscommon County 

Council. Cara House was officially opened in August 2008. 

Work was completed in 2008 on the development of the football pitch at Church View, Boyle. This development 

compliments the existing playground and running track and provides a pleasant environment catering for the 

recreational needs of the community. This development was carried out with the co-operation of the Church View 

Residents Association. 

In 2008 a playground was provided in Ballyforan at a cost of €65,000. 

The Housing Liaison Officer and the Traveller Liaison Officer continue to meet with Council tenants on a regular 

basis. The Officers work closely with agencies including the Health Service Executive, Gardai, Roscommon 

Partnership Company, local sports and voluntary groups, Tenants and Residents Associations. 

The completion of pre-tenancy training is now a prerequisite for all local authority tenants and the Estate 

Management Plan adopted by the Council will assist in ensuring a consistent approach in managing estates. 

A05 Administration of Homeless Service 

The Roscommon Homeless Forum Action Plan 2008 – 2011 was adopted by this Council on 28th April, 2008. It 

is an integrated strategy to tackle homelessness in County Roscommon. 

A sum of €7,800 has been included in the Budget for the provision of emergency accommodation for homeless 

persons. Expenditure incurred by Local Authorities is recoupable at a rate of 90% from the Department of the 

Environment and Local Government. 

A06 Support to Housing Capital & Affordable Programme 

Affordable Housing Scheme 

In 2008 the Council allocated a total of 16 housing units under the Affordable Housing Scheme as follows: eight in 

Bealnamullia, two in Roscommon Town, and five in Monksland. Qualifying applicants secured the housing units at 

a significant discount from market value. A further 5 units under the Affordable Housing Scheme are available in 

Castlerea. The Council will consider the provision of further schemes under Part V of the Planning and Development 

Act, 2000 as demand arises. 

30 



Sale of Private Sites 

The Council continued to dispose of and transfer a number of fully serviced sites to first time buyers. The sites are 

sold at a significant discount from market value and purchasers are allowed to select their own house type subject 

to planning permission being granted. Where lands are available to the Council, further sites can be developed 

where it is considered there is a demand in a particular area. In 2008, sales were finalised on 6 no. sites in 

Woodview Court, Ardsallaghmore, Roscommon Town and one site at Forest View, Boyle. 

Voluntary Sector 

The Voluntary Sector is a valuable provider of social and affordable housing, whether working in partnership with 

the Local Authority or private developers. The Council acknowledges the contribution of the voluntary housing 

towards the provision of housing in the County and welcomes the opportunity to work with the Voluntary and Cooperative 

Housing Sector to meet the accommodation needs of the County. 

The Council maintains close contact with every voluntary housing group when planning and constructing a scheme 

or when selecting suitable tenants. There are a number of schemes under construction and advancing through 

planning at present. 

Under the Capital loan and subsidy scheme, a subsidy is payable to the voluntary body in the sum of €519 per 

house per annum and I have provided a figure of €13,600 to cover the maintenance and upkeep of the 

Strokestown Scheme and the Ballinagare Scheme. I have also provided a figure of €112,000 to meet the loan 

charges in respect of the three Loan Subsidy Schemes. The loan charges and maintenance charges in respect of 

these schemes are 100% recoupable from the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government. 

Roscommon County Council has also approved funding under the Capital Assistance Scheme for the following: 

Croghan Enterprise Company Limited - Voluntary Housing Group 

A development incorporating ten no. units of two bedroom social housing accommodation is being provided by 

Croghan Enterprise Company Limited in Croghan, Boyle, Co. Roscommon. Funding totalling €1,967,995 has been 

made available for the project and it is expected that works will be completed by the end of January, 2009. A grant 

towards the provision of a communal facility to service these units has also been made available. 

The Roscara Housing Association Limited 

Two voluntary housing schemes in (1) Creggaslin, Castlerea and (2) Ballintubber were recently completed thus 

providing eight units of accommodation for persons with specialised needs. A third scheme is underway at the 

Warren/Drum, Boyle and will provide a further 8 units of accommodation. Further schemes are planned in 

Ardsallaghmore, Roscommon Town where the site was provided by the Council and in Lisroyne, Strokestown. Both 

schemes will provide an additional 12 no. units of accommodation and are awaiting Departmental Approval. It is 

expected that these projects will commence at the beginning of 2009. 

A07 RAS Programme 

The Rental Accommodation Scheme (RAS) is a housing initiative introduced by the Government in 2004, and 

involves local authorities progressively assuming responsibility for accommodating rent supplement recipients who 

have a defined long term housing need, through direct arrangements between the local authority and the private 

rented sector. The roll out of the scheme in Roscommon commenced in August, 2006 and all existing long term 

rent supplement recipients were to be transferred in the pilot phase of the scheme to the end of 2008. The scheme 

is now considered to be a long term social housing option. 


31


To the end of 2008, a total of 175 units have been transferred under the scheme. This is made up of 52 units in 

the Voluntary Sector and 123 in the Private Sector. The number in the Private Sector includes 10 units procured 

under the Social Partnership Towards 2016 Agreement whereby the Department recoups the contracted leases 

costs. There are a number of contracts at the pending stage and we are continuing to interview RAS applicants to 

assess their eligibility for the scheme and interested Landlords are being contacted in order to negotiate contracts 

on a continuous basis. 

It was envisaged that the scheme would be self financing in the longer term and the ongoing costs of administering 

it, including staff,office accommodation costs, legal fees, advertising etc., were to be met out of savings, together 

with a direct administrative fee for each household managed under the scheme. However, savings from Landlord 

payments are proving increasingly difficult to negotiate. 

Under the Private Residential Tenancies Act 2004 local authorities are responsible for enforcement of statutory 

regulations for Private Rented Accommodation. Also the Partnership Agreement Towards 2016 includes a 

commitment that the minimum standards regulations for the private rented sector will be undated and effectively 

enforced. In line with this Roscommon County Council is inspecting private rented accommodation on an ongoing 

basis and following up landlords with unfit accommodation. Inspections and enforcement proceedings are 

managed by the RAS staff. 

An amount of €1,777,200 has been provided to meet the direct costs associated with the scheme in 2009. 

A08 Housing Loans 

Applicants can be considered for house purchase loans for persons who did not previously own a dwelling and for 

reconstruction loans to modify or extend existing houses. Applicants must meet specific income criteria and must 

be refused loan approval by two commercial lending institutions. The maximum house purchase loan that can be 

advanced is €185,000 depending on the applicant’s ability to repay and the maximum house improvement loan is 

€15,000 (unsecured) and €38,000 (secured). 

Shared Ownership 

This scheme facilitates access to full home ownership in two or more stages and is designed primarily for first time 

buyers who meet certain income criteria. Suitable applicants must acquire a minimum equity of 40% in the dwelling 

initially and rent the Council’s equity with an undertaking to acquire the Council’s equity within 25 years. The total 

number of loans advanced under the Shared Ownership Scheme since its inception is 21. 

Home Choice Loans 

Details of the new local authority house purchase loan to be known as Home Choice Loan were announced in 

October in the context of Budget 2009. Four local authorities, Cork City Council, Dublin City Council, Galway 

County Council and Kilkenny County Council will be designated as lending authorities acting on a regional basis. 

These authorities will draw down funds from the Housing Finance Agency and lend on to successful applicants from 

within their own and other local authority areas within designated regions. The scheme will have no financial 

implications for this local authority. Home Choice Loan will provide up to 92% of the market value of a property 

purchased to a maximum of €285,000. The loan is normal Capital and Interest bearing mortgage which is repaid 

on a monthly basis. The mortgage term will be for a maximum of 30 years. This loan will only be available for newly 

built homes. A minimum income of €40,000 will apply, and a standard variable interest rate, related to the prevailing 

rates available from commercial institutions will be applicable (the applicable rate will be determined by the 

Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government). 

This loan is being made available under the provisions of Section 11 of the Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 

1992 and will be subject to regulations made by the Minister. 

32 



Improvement Works in Lieu of Local Authority Housing Scheme 

Under the Improvement Works In Lieu of Local Authority Housing Scheme approved applicants for re-housing can 

renovate or extend their existing accommodation as an alternative to accepting a local authority house provided 

their existing house is considered suitable for improvement. The scheme is attractive to certain housing applicants 

as it allows these people to live in improved living conditions while remaining in their present environment. This 

scheme has operated successfully throughout the county over the past number of years and 56 houses have been 

approved under the scheme. There are four projects currently in progress. This scheme was formerly funded by the 

exchequer but is now funded from Internal Capital Receipts. 

A09 Housing Grant 

Disabled Persons and Essential Repairs Grant Schemes as administered by the Council in 2008 were funded by a 

contribution of 2 / 3 rds from the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government and a contribution 

of 1 / 3 rd from the Council. 

Following a review by the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government of the Disabled Persons, 

Essential Repairs and Special Housing Aid for the Elderly Schemes, a new framework of grant aid to assist with the 

housing needs of older people and people with a disability was introduced to operate from 1st November 2007. 

The new framework of grant assistance, as detailed below, is funded by a contribution of 80% from the Department 

and 20% from the Council. 

In order to finalise commitments under the old grant scheme and fund the new framework of grant assistance it is 

intended to spend €2,240,000 in 2009 with the Council’s portion being 1 / 3 rd of the old grants scheme and 20% 

of the new grants scheme which amounts to €500,000. 

The Housing Adaptation Grant Scheme for Older People and People with a Disability replace the Disabled Persons 

and Essential Repairs Grant Schemes. 

The new Grant Schemes are as follows: 

Housing Adaptation Grant Scheme for People with a Disability, which will assist with the provision/adaptation of 

accommodation to meet the needs of people with a disability. The types of works allowable under the scheme include 

the provision of access ramps, downstairs toilet facilities, stair-lifts, accessible showers, adaptations to facilitate 

wheelchair access, extensions, and any other works which are reasonably necessary for the purposes of rendering a 

house more suitable for the accommodation of a person with a disability. The level of grant aid available shall be 

determined on the basis of gross household income and shall be between 30% - 95% of the approved cost of the 

works subject to a maximum of €30,000. Households with incomes in excess of €65,000 are not eligible to apply. 

Mobility Aids Housing Grant Scheme, which will assist in addressing mobility problems primarily associated with 

ageing. The works grant aided under the scheme include grab-rails, Access ramps, Level access showers, Stairlifts, 

and other minor works deemed necessary to facilitate the mobility needs of a member of a household. The 

effective maximum grant is €6,000 or 100% the cost of the works, whichever is the lesser. The grant is available 

to households whose gross annual household income does not exceed €30,000. 

Housing Aid for Older People Scheme, which will provide targeted support to improve conditions in the existing 

housing of older people. The types of works grant aided under the scheme include structural repairs or 

improvements, re-wiring, repairs to/replacement of windows and doors, the provision of heating, water and sanitary 

services, cleaning, painting and drylining. The level of grant aid available shall be determined on the basis of gross 

household income and shall be between 30% - 100% of the approved cost of the works subject to a maximum of 

€10,500. Households with incomes in excess of €65,000 are not eligible to apply. 

Roscommon County Council | Comhairle Chontae Ros Comain | Adopted Budget 2009 | For year ended 31st December 2009 33


HOUSING AND BUILDING 


Expenditure by Service and Sub-Service 

Adopted by 


Estimated 

by Manager 

Adopted by 


Estimated 

Outturn 

Code € € € € 

A0101 Maintenance of LA Housing Units 1,194,800 1,194,800 1,304,000 1,200,000 

A0102 Maintenance of Traveller Accommodation Units 243,600 243,600 315,000 360,000 

A0103 Traveller Accommodation Management 278,900 278,900 263,500 230,000 

A0104 Estate Maintenance 8,500 8,500 15,000 10,000 

A0199 Service Support Costs 637,000 637,000 578,300 578,300 

Maintenance/Improvement of LA Housing Units 2,362,800 2,362,800 2,475,800 2,378,300 

A0201 Assessment of Housing Needs, Allocs. & Trans. 180,800 180,800 167,500 140,000 


Housing Assessment, Allocation and Transfer 268,300 268,300 266,500 239,000 

A0301 Debt Management & Rent Assessment 159,000 159,000 153,500 200,000 


Housing Rent and Tenant Purchase Administration 1,117,000 1,117,000 255,800 302,300 

A0401 Housing Estate Management 48,900 48,900 62,000 40,000 

A0402 Tenancy Management 20,900 20,900 19,000 25,000 

A0403 Social and Community Housing Service 0 0 0 


Housing Community Development Support 94,200 94,200 109,600 93,600 

A0501 Homeless Grants Other Bodies 0 0 0 0 

A0502 Homeless Service 5,000 5,000 10,000 4,500 


Administration of Homeless Service 11,900 11,900 18,400 9,500 

A0601 Technical and Administrative Support 225,600 225,600 208,000 175,000 

A0602 Loan Charges 112,000 112,000 192,000 112,000 


Support to Housing Capital Prog. 441,700 441,700 527,500 414,500 

A0701 RAS Operations 1,647,100 1,647,100 1,386,000 900,000 

A0799 RAS Service Support Costs 229,700 229,700 215,700 215,700 

RAS Programme 1,876,800 1,876,800 1,601,700 1,115,700 

34 






Adopted by 


Estimated 

by Manager 

Adopted by 


Estimated 

Outturn 

Code € € € € 

A0801 Loan Interest and Other Charges 525,300 525,300 573,500 477,000 

A0802 Debt Management Housing Loans 27,500 27,500 27,500 27,500 


Housing Loans 677,600 677,600 696,000 599,500 

A0901 Disabled Persons Grants 83,300 83,300 250,000 250,000 

A0902 Loan Charges DPG/ERG 0 0 0 

A0903 Essential Repair Grants 196,600 196,600 250,000 250,000 

A0904 Other Housing Grant Payments 0 0 0 

A0905 Mobility Aids Housing Grants 220,100 220,100 0 


Housing Grants 673,800 673,800 706,600 706,600 

A1101 Agency & Recoupable Service 0 0 0 0 

A1199 Service Support Costs 0 0 0 0 

Agency & Recoupable Services 0 0 0 0 

Service Division Total 7,524,100 7,524,100 6,657,900 5,859,000 


35


Income by Source 



Adopted by 


Estimated by 

Manager 

Adopted by 


2008 

Estimated 

Outturn 

€ € € € 

Government Grants & Subsidies 

Environment, Heritage & Local Government 291,000 291,000 401,000 401,000 

Other 0 0 0 0 

Total Grants & Subsidies (a) 291,000 291,000 401,000 401,000 

Goods and Services 

Rents from Houses 4,241,400 4,241,400 3,868,000 3,600,000 

Housing Loans Interest & Charges 232,900 232,900 316,000 300,000 

Superannuation 104,300 104,300 78,200 78,200 

Agency Services & Repayable Works 32,400 32,400 21,000 21,000 

Local Authority Contributions 0 0 0 0 

Other income 79,000 79,000 79,000 79,000 

Total Goods and Services (b) 4,690,000 4,690,000 4,362,200 4,078,200 

Total Income c=(a+b) 4,981,000 4,981,000 4,763,200 4,479,200 


Division B 

Roads, Transportation and Safety 

37

Division B | Roads, Transportation and Safety 

B 

B01 

B02 

B03 

Road Transport and Safety 

National Primary Road – Maintenance and Improvement 

National Secondary Road – Maintenance and Improvement 

Regional Road – Improvement and Maintenance 

B04 Local Road – Maintenance and Improvement 

The Council has not yet received notifications of road grants for 2009 from the Department of Transport for nonnational 

roads or from the National Roads Authority for national roads. The figures included in the Draft Budget for 

2009 are therefore in line with the grants received in 2008. 

The total amount provided for, falls far short of the monies required for the proper maintenance, repair and ongoing 

needs of the road network as highlighted in previous years. The shortfall in the allocation for the maintenance of 

both local and regional roads over many years has resulted in a reduced level of maintenance. Some essential 

elements of maintenance including drainage, verge trimming and the renewal of signs and markings have been 

inadequately funded. 

The continued funding for the improvement of local and regional roads by way of the multi-annual restoration 

programmes is particularly welcome. Since their inception in 1996 the restoration programmes for non-national 

roads has resulted in a substantial improvement in the condition of these roads. It is estimated that in 2008, 59km 

of regional roads and 291 km of local roads had the surfaces reconstructed, restored or surface dressed under the 

programme. 

The current multi-annual road restoration programme continues until 2010. 

The Specific Improvement Grant Scheme for improvement works on non-national roads continued in 2008. Six 

projects were constructed from an allocation of €2,600,000. To qualify for funding under the scheme, projects have 

to make a significant and justifiable economic impact, particularly in relation to the development of industrial, 

tourism, agriculture, forestry and rural development projects. 

Non-National Roads – Own Resources 

Even in the difficult budgetary situation for 2009, it is considered important to sustain a certain level of investment 

in the Non-National Roads and it is therefore proposed to increase the allocation for 2009 by €57,000. 

Footpaths and Public Lighting on Non-national Roads 

It is proposed to supplement the grant allocation for footpaths and to provide any additional public lighting on nonnational 

roads, as in 2008, through the Council’s own resources. 

National Road Improvement Works (Capital Projects) 

The Council has sought funding from the National Roads Authority for the following projects in 2009: 

N5: 

Ballaghaderreen Bypass 

Tibohine to Bumlin Strategic Corridor 

Rathcroghan westwards; overlay 

38 



N6: 

Athlone/Ballinasloe dual carriageway (This scheme is being managed by the Galway National Roads Regional 

Design Office and funded by allocations to Galway County Council.) 

Athlone Relief Road (N6/N61 East bound link); overlay 

N60: 

Racecourse Road Roscmmon; overlay, footpaths and public lighting 

Carrick to Mayo County Boundary; overlay 

West of Castlerea; Land acquisition and realignment approaching railway line 

N61: 

N61 Athlone to Boyle including Roscommon Town bypass 

Boyle bypass 

Carrownderry to Kiltoom; overlay 

Boyle Road, Roscommon; overlay, footpaths and public lighting 

Rathallen; overlay and edge/embankment support 

N63: 

Lanesboro Road Roscommon; overlay, kerbing and footpaths 

Galway Road to Ballygalda; overlay 

Moneen to Coolshaghtena; overlay 

N83: 

Cloonfad to Galway County Boundary; overlay 

Various Routes: 

Provide safety fencing 

B05 Public Lighting 

The costs within this heading meet the energy costs of providing public lighting throughout the County, as well as 

general maintenance and repair costs. 

B06 Traffic Management Improvement 

The Council has provided a sum of €19,300 in the budget to meet costs in relation to accident prevention 

measures. These costs are in the main staff costs as well as a proportion of the Central Management Charge 

identified in Appendix 1. 


39


B07 Road Safety Engineering Improvements 

As with headings B01-B04 the Council has not yet received notification of the level of grant that will be available for 

low cost remedial measures. Consequently, the same figure as 2008 has been used. 

The level of work undertaken in this area will be dependent of the level of grant funding made available. As with 

previous years the Council will use various engineering measures, such as renewed signing and lining and improved 

junction definition to improve road safety. 

B08 Road Safety Promotion \ Education 

The School Warden service costs are met within this heading as well as publicity and promotion costs that are 

associated with increasing awareness among the public concerning road safety. 

B09 Maintenance and Management of Car Parking 

The Council proposes to introduce paid parking in Roscommon Town in 2009. The consultation process is ongoing 

and written submissions in relation to the proposal will be received up to 30th January 2009. The process will be 

implemented by way of bye-laws, the making of which, is a reserved function. 

The paid parking will apply to 611 on street parking spaces and to 676 spaces in car parks. It will be implemented 

from 9.00am to 6.00pm Monday to Saturday. 

The Council is satisfied that the introduction of paid parking will maximise the use of parking spaces in the town 

and provide a significant boost for business and commercial interests. 

The Council also propose to make streets one-way and to provide a number of taxi stands. It is proposed that paid 

parking will be introduced in the 2nd quarter of 2009. 

It is intended that paid parking will be extended to other towns in the county in due course. 

B10 Support to Roads Capital Programme 

The administration costs (ie indirect costs) in relation to supporting the Roads Capital Program are met from the 

revenue budget of the County Council. 

The budget has identified the staff costs associated with providing support to the programme, as well as a 

proportion of the Central Management Charge. 

B11 Agency and Recoupable Services 

The County Council is allowed to charge an agreed overhead rate for all jobs undertaken by County Council staff. 

The income derived form the overhead charge meets the costs of holiday pay and insurance costs regarding public 

liability. 

Income from Road Opening Licences and work undertaken for other bodies such as ESB are accounted for within 

this budget heading. 

40 



ROAD TRANSPORT & SAFETY 



Adopted by 


Estimated by 

Manager 

Adopted by 


Estimated 

Outturn 

Code € € € € 

B0101 NP - Surface Dressing 237,800 237,800 238,700 238,700 

B0102 NP – Pavement Overlay/Reconstruction 0 0 0 0 

B0103 NP – Winter Maintenance 197,000 197,000 197,800 197,800 

B0104 NP – Bridge Maintenance (Eirspan) 22,000 22,000 29,000 29,000 

B0105 NP - General Maintenance 408,800 408,800 399,500 399,500 

B0106 NP – General Improvements Works 0 0 0 0 

B0199 Service Support Costs 470,900 470,900 250,600 250,600 

National Primary Road – Maintenance and 

Improvement 1,336,500 1,336,500 1,115,600 1,115,600 

B0201 NS - Surface Dressing 346,000 346,000 337,400 337,400 

B0202 NS - Overlay/Reconstruction 0 0 0 0 

B0203 NS - Overlay/Reconstruction – Urban 0 0 0 0 

B0204 NS - Winter Maintenance 165,000 165,000 165,000 165,000 

B0205 NS – Bridge Maintenance (Eirspan) 22,000 22,000 30,000 30,000 

B0206 NS - General Maintenance 453,500 453,500 438,600 438,600 

B0207 NS – General Improvement Works 0 0 0 0 


National Secondary Road – Maintenance and 

Improvement 1,446,500 1,446,500 1,204,600 1,204,600 

B0301 Regional Roads Surface Dressing 983,400 983,400 798,000 798,000 

B0302 Reg Rd Surface Rest/Road Reconstruction/Overlay 2,623,500 2,623,500 2,698,000 2,698,000 

B0303 Regional Road Winter Maintenance 0 0 0 0 

B0304 Regional Road Bridge Maintenance 96,000 96,000 96,000 96,000 

B0305 Regional Road General Maintenance Works 1,390,000 1,390,000 1,390,000 1,390,000 

B0306 Regional Road General Improvement Works 2,600,000 2,600,000 2,600,000 2,600,000 


Regional Road – Improvement and Maintenance 

8,563,500 8,563,500 8,267,600 8,267,600 

B0401 Local Road Surface Dressing 2,569,600 2,569,600 2,895,000 2,895,000 

B0402 Local Rd Surface Rest/Road Reconstruction/Overlay 6,125,500 6,125,500 6,091,300 6,091,300 

B0403 Local Roads Winter Maintenance 0 0 0 0 

B0404 Local Roads Bridge Maintenance 0 0 0 0 

B0405 Local Roads General Maintenance Works 2,767,200 2,718,200 2,348,200 2,348,200 

B0406 Local Roads General Improvement Works 2,225,000 2,274,000 2,011,600 2,011,600 

B0499 Service Support Costs 1,319,600 1,319,600 1,530,600 1,530,600 

Local Road - Maintenance and Improvement 15,006,900 15,006,900 14,876,700 14,876,700 

B0501 Public Lighting Operating Costs 400,000 400,000 400,000 400,000 

B0502 Public Lighting Improvement 0 0 0 0 


Public Lighting 556,800 556,800 537,700 537,700 


41





Adopted by 


Estimated by 

Manager 

Adopted by 


Estimated 

Outturn 

Code € € € € 

B0601 Traffic Management 0 0 0 0 

B0602 Traffic Maintenance 0 0 0 0 

B0603 Traffic Improvement Measures 0 0 0 0 


Traffic Management Improvement 19,300 19,300 12,500 15,000 

B0701 Low Cost Remedial Measures 485,000 485,000 468,000 468,000 

B0702 Other Engineering Improvements 0 0 0 0 


Road Safety Engineering Improvements 562,500 562,500 563,500 563,500 

B0801 School Wardens 21,000 21,000 24,500 20,000 

B0802 Publicity and Promotion Road Safety 51,800 51,800 51,000 54,000 


Road Safety Promotion/Education 98,900 98,900 103,300 101,800 

B0901 Maintenance and Management of Car Parks 0 0 0 0 

B0902 Operation of Street Parking 140,200 140,200 0 0 

B0903 Parking Enforcement 42,000 42,000 0 0 

B0999 Service Support Costs 0 0 0 0 

Car Parking 182,200 182,200 0 0 

B1001 Administration of Roads Capital Programme 184,000 184,000 177,000 210,000 


Support to Roads Capital Programme 289,600 289,600 314,400 347,400 

B1101 Agency & Recoupable Service (1,402,100) (1,402,100) 50,000 50,000 


Agency & Recoupable Services -1,025,300 -1,025,300 129,600 129,600 


42 





Adopted by 


2009 2008 

Estimated by Adopted by 

Manager Council 

Estimated 

Outturn 

€ € € € 

Government Grants 

Environment, Heritage & Local Government 15,536,000 15,536,000 15,308,000 15,308,000 

NRA 1,987,100 1,987,100 2,055,000 2,055,000 

Arts, Sports & Tourism 0 0 0 0 

DTO 0 0 0 0 

Other 2,630,000 2,630,000 2,630,000 2,630,000 

Total Grants & Subsidies (a) 20,153,100 20,153,100 19,993,000 19,993,000 


Parking Fines & Charges 320,000 320,000 0 0 




Other income 893,000 893,000 562,000 562,000 

Total Goods and Services (b) 1,634,000 1,634,000 958,900 958,900 



43


Division C 


45

Division C | Water Services 

C 


C01 Operation & Maintenance of Water Supply 

The provision of effective water and wastewater infrastructure is essential to meet social, public health and 

environmental protection needs and is also vital to the availability of new housing and to the development of the 

industrial and services sectors. 

Roscommon County Council operates twenty public water supply schemes serving over 40,000 customers and 

provides water to 122 semi private group water schemes. I propose to allow the sum of €4,485,730 for direct 

expenditure on water production as well as €903,570 to meet a proportion of overheads identified in appendix 1. 

Of particular importance is the Water Conservation Programme as it moves to its next phase of leakage control and 

establishment of a mains rehabilitation programme. To date an average 17% reduction of water usage has been 

achieved across the county with a 8,300m3 daily saving of water produced and an expectation of further 

reductions. While this will be reflected in reduced costs, the cost of energy and other consumables continue to 

increase. 

Capital investment in the improvement of the public water supplies throughout the county continues to progress 

with the provision of new water treatment plants a priority. 

Scheme Stage Estimated WSIP Cost 

Arigna Regional Water Supply 

Scheme 

Boyle \ Ardcarne Water Supply 

Scheme 

Roscommon Central Water 

Supply Scheme 

South Roscommon Regional 

Water Supply Scheme 

North East Regional Water 

Supply Scheme 

Considerable work has been 

completed on the planning phases of 

all four schemes, with South 

Roscommon regional scheme more 

advanced. A number of construction 

contracts are ongoing, with approval 

due from the Department to advertise 

for treatment plant contractors. 

Water Abstraction Orders, E.I.S 

preparation of contract documents 

and appointment of contractors all to 

be advanced in 2009 

€7.6m 

€14m 

€22m 

€35m 

€18m 

West Roscommon Regional 

Water Supply 

Preliminary report due early in 2009 

€15.3m 



C02 Operation and Maintenance of Waste Water Treatment 

Roscommon County Council currently maintains twenty-eight sewage treatment plants and associated sewerage 

networks in the county with a further two to be operational in 2009, namely Creagh and Lisacul. It is proposed to 

provide the sum of €2,841,000 (including overheads) to cover the cost of this service in 2009. 

The progression of the Towns and Villages Sewerage scheme has continued, as two contracts to rehabilitate and/or 

construct new sewer collection networks in eight villages has commenced. The upgrading of seven treatment 

plants and construction of three new plants under the Design Build Operate contract is expected to commence 

before the end of 2009. 

Other Projects currently being undertaken by Roscommon County Council are as follows: 

Scheme Stage Estimated WSIP Cost 

Sludge Treatment Centre 

The preliminary report is due to be 

completed early in 2009 in conjunction 

with the Roscommon Town Sewerage 

Scheme upgrade. 

€7.1m 

Roscommon Town Sewerage Scheme 

Upgrade 

Surveys are currently being completed 

with the Preliminary Report due to be 

finalised early in 2009. 

€4.2m 

C03 Collection of Water and Waste Water Charges 

Water Pricing Policy 

As part of the Government’s Water Pricing Policy, Roscommon County Council is required to ensure that all nondomestic 

water connections are metered. Veolia Water Ireland Ltd. has been employed by Roscommon County 

Council to install the meters and bill and collect revenue which is now ongoing. 

Loan charges to cover the cost of the contract and the costs of providing water services throughout the county are 

now reflected in the imposition of a consolidated water services charge on all non-domestic customers. 

C04 Operation and Maintenance of Public Conveniences 

The sum of € 142,000 has been included in the Estimates for the upkeep and refurbishment of all public 

conveniences within the county for 2008. 

C05 Admin of Group and Private Installations 

The salaries of staff involved in the administration of installations are met from this budget heading, as well as grants 

and subsidies as required. 


47


C06 Support to Water Capital Programme 

Rural Water Programme 

During 2008 a substantial programme of work was carried out by Roscommon County Council under the Rural 

Water Small Schemes Programme. The schemes are primarily funded by Department of the Environment and Local 

Government, and the Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs through CLAR and a 25% contribution 

from Roscommon County Council. This programme will be curtailed in 2009 as CLAR funding will no longer be 

available for small water schemes. A schedule of works to be carried out in 2009 will be circulated to the Council 

Members once allocations have been received from the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local 

Government for 2009. 

Following re-advertisement, tenders for the Design, build and operation of eight new water treatment plants on 

behalf of twenty six private group schemes and two public water schemes will be received before the end of the 

year and it is expected that a Contractor will be appointed in early 2009. This will ensure that all private schemes 

will be in compliance with the Drinking Water Regulations. Substantial advance works including construction of 

interconnecting pipework to amalgamate schemes and construction of reservoirs has commenced at a cost of 

€11.2m, with the majority of the work 100% funded. 

C07 Agency & Recoupable Service 

A sum of €30,000 has been included for the fluoridation of water. These costs are fully recoupable from the HSE. 

Income of €400,000 has been budgeted in regard to new service connections that may be required by customers 

during in 2009. 



WATER SERVICES 



Adopted by 


Estimated by 

Manager 

Adopted by 


Estimated 

Outturn 

Code € € € € 

C0101 Water Plants & Networks 3,333,600 3,333,600 3,127,000 3,300,000 

C0199 Service Support Costs 2,055,700 2,055,700 2,182,700 2,182,700 

Water Supply 5,389,300 5,389,300 5,309,700 5,482,700 

C0201 Waste Plants and Networks 2,129,600 1,982,600 1,908,000 2,100,000 

C0299 Service Support Costs 858,400 858,400 997,700 997,700 

Waste Water Treatment 2,988,000 2,841,000 2,905,700 3,097,700 

C0301 Debt Management Water and Waste Water 807,800 807,800 667,500 425,000 


Collection of Water and Waste Water Charges 886,600 886,600 706,100 463,600 

C0401 Operation and Maintenance of Public Conveniences 142,000 142,000 184,000 175,000 


Public Conveniences 165,300 165,300 195,900 186,900 

C0501 Grants for Individual Installations 0 0 0 0 

C0502 Grants for Water Group Schemes 0 0 0 0 

C0503 Grants for Waste Water Group Schemes 0 0 0 0 

C0504 Group Water Scheme Subsidies 0 0 0 0 


Admin of Group and Private Installations 246,100 246,100 83,500 83,500 

C0601 Technical Design and Supervision 349,300 349,300 328,500 365,000 


Support to Water Capital Programme 581,600 581,600 503,400 539,900 

C0701 Agency & Recoupable Service 30,000 30,000 30,000 30,000 


Agency & Recoupable Services 42,300 42,300 41,900 41,900 



49



WATER SERVICES 

Adopted by 





Estimated 

Outturn 

€ € € € 


Environment, Heritage & Local Government 0 0 0 0 

Other 0 0 0 0 

Total Grants & Subsidies (a) 0 0 0 0 


Commercial Water 1,800,000 1,800,000 2,100,000 1,450,000 

Domestic Waste Water 0 0 0 

Commercial Waste Water 1,000,000 1,000,000 1,200,000 750,000 



Local Authority Contributions 397,000 397,000 397,000 397,000 

Other income 3,000 3,000 3,100 850,000 



50 


Division D 


51

Division D | Development Management 

D 


D01 Forward Planning 

The Roscommon County Development Plan was adopted on 3rd June and came into effect on 30th June 2008. 

As part of Objective 3 (Pg. 16 of County Development Plan), a priority schedule for Local Area Plans and Village 

Design Statements was provided. These are to be completed during the lifetime of the Plan. As part of this process 

the Village Design Statements for Ballyleague, Cootehall, Knockcroghery & Lecarrow commenced and were 

finalised during 2008. The Village Design Statements have involved extensive public consultation and the feedback 

from the Communities has been invaluable. It is proposed that the Tulsk Village Design Statement will be prepared 

during 2009. 

The Pre-Draft phase of the Local Area Plans for Monksland / Bellanamullia, Elphin, Roosky, Strokestown & Lough 

Key began in September 2008 and it is intended that the statutory notice for these plans will be advertised in early 

2009. It will then be a 35 week period until their adoption and the process will involve extensive public consultation. 

Preparation of the Rural Design Guidelines for County Roscommon will now be carried out in-house in 2009. 

D02 Development Management 

The 2000-2007 Planning Acts and associated Regulations continue to be implemented by the Planning Section. In 

2008 over 1500 applications were made to Roscommon County Council. 

During the year, the scanning of all applications received was introduced and these documents are available on the 

Council’s Website www.roscommoncoco.ie. The scanning of files back to 2001 will be complete by June 2009. 

In addition, the Geographical Information System gPlan was introduced on the site. gPlan is a map based online 

planning enquiry tool. It allows the user to query, locate, and interrogate planning applications through an interactive 

map, enabling the user to interpret the spatial element of any application. Currently data back to 2005 is available. 

Further historical information back to 2001 will be introduced during 2009. 

D03 Enforcement 

The Planning Enforcement Section enforces conditions attached to Planning Permissions granted by Roscommon 

County Council or An Bord Pleanála and investigates complaints of unauthorised developments. 

In 2008 to date 120 new complaints were received and investigated. To date 196 Warning letters under Section 

152 of the Planning and Development Act have been issued and 41 enforcement notices have been served under 

section 154. 

Nine unauthorised development cases have been successfully prosecuted to date in 2008, with a number of other 

cases are also at various stages of legal proceedings. 

The planning enforcement section is also responsible for the collection of all development contributions attached 

to permissions granted. 

D04 Operation and Maintenance of Industrial Sites and 

Commercial Facilities 

The County Council is always looking to encourage industrial development throughout the County and uses the 

funding available to promote County Roscommon to businesses. 

52 



D05 Tourism Development and Promotion 

Provision is being made for a contribution of €20,000 to the Regional Tourism Marketing Fund in 2009. The high 

profile campaign promotes County Roscommon as a viable and varied tourism destination alongside the other 

counties in the West region. 

An amount of €96,200 has been provided for the support of tourism activities throughout County Roscommon 

during 2009. This includes the implementation of the County Tourism Strategy, local tourism promotion campaigns 

and support to local festivals and events. 

D06 Community and Enterprise Function 

Funding has been provided under the Community & Enterprise Section for servicing Roscommon County 

Development Board (RCDB). This includes an amount of €75,000 for implementing those actions which the 

Community & Enterprise Section have agreed to lead during 2009 as part of the priorities for RCDB. 

The actions for 2009 include support for the Higher Education Centre, Boyle; projects associated with the Job 

Creation Strategy, the Intercultural Strategy, the RAPID Programme and participation in Science Week events. The 

2009 budget also provides funding to support the Community Fora. 

D07 Unfinished Housing Estates 

It is the responsibility of the County Council to ensure that housing estates are completed to a satisfactory standard 

before taking them in charge. Where this is not possible, through failure of the developer or of the process of 

enforcement, the Council as advised by the Department must take these estates in charge, with the local authority 

providing the funding. 

The amount of €6,200 within the budget is to meet staff costs and overheads associated with the service. 

D08 Building Control 

A provision of €198,500 is included in the budget for delivering Building Control Services. 

The objective of the Building Control Section is to encourage good building practice, to ensure that all buildings are 

constructed correctly and that access for the disabled and elderly is provided for in building plans. 

D09 Economic Development and Promotion 

An amount of €10,000 is being allocated to Roscommon County Council’s Tidy Towns competition which is based 

on the National Tidy Towns Competition. The Council encourages tidy towns groups throughout the County to 

participate in the national competition and is proud of County Roscommon’s record in this competition. 

An amount of €7,500 is provided for County Roscommon’s participation in the All Island Pride of Place competition. 

This competition is unique in recognising the vast amount of community work that takes place throughout Ireland 

every year and rewards those communities for their efforts. 

D10 Property Management 

The Council has a considerable land bank to manage and the costs in relation to managing this area of work equate 

to €54,200. The rental income received from current agreements generate in the region of €250,000. 


53


D11 Heritage and Conservation Services 

The provision in the budget for Heritage and Conservation Services in 2009 is €288,000. As in previous years a 

proportion of the work undertaken by both sections is recoupable from the Department of Environment, Heritage 

and Local Government. 

As agreed at the November Council meeting the current Heritage Plan will be extended by a further year to 2009. 

D12 Agency and Recoupable Services 

The payroll costs of the County Enterprise Board come under this heading. These costs are not met by the Council 

and are fully recoupable. 

54 



DEVELOPMENT MANAGEMENT 



Adopted by 


Estimated by 

Manager 

Adopted by 


Estimated 

Outturn 

Code € € € € 

D0101 Statutory Plans and Policy 524,300 524,300 227,500 230,000 

D0199 Service Support Costs 116,000 116,000 103,900 103,900 

Forward Planning 640,300 640,300 331,400 333,900 

D0201 Planning Control 1,480,300 1,480,300 1,647,500 1,625,000 

D0299 Service Support Costs 1,093,600 1,093,600 1,177,200 1,177,200 

Development Management 2,573,900 2,573,900 2,824,700 2,802,200 

D0301 Enforcement Costs 475,800 475,800 460,500 515,000 


Enforcement 768,900 768,900 778,900 833,400 

D0401 Industrial Sites Operations 5,000 5,000 10,000 7,500 

D0403 Management of & Contribs to Other Commercial Facs 0 0 0 0 

D0404 General Development Promotion Work 4,000 4,000 4,000 4,000 


Industrial and Commercial Facilities 11,000 11,000 35,900 33,400 

D0501 Tourism Promotion 96,200 96,200 187,500 187,500 

D0502 Tourist Facilities Operations 50,000 50,000 50,000 50,000 


Tourism Development and Promotion 160,600 160,600 247,300 247,300 

D0601 General Community & Enterprise Expenses 372,000 372,000 425,000 400,000 

D0602 RAPID Costs 3,200 3,200 3,000 3,000 

D0603 Social Inclusion 125,000 125,000 148,500 130,000 


Community and Enterprise Function 671,800 671,800 766,400 722,900 

D0701 Unfinished Housing Estates 4,500 4,500 4,500 4,500 


Unfinished Housing Estates 6,200 6,200 6,700 6,700 

D0801 Building Control Inspection Costs 109,700 109,700 110,500 105,000 

D0802 Building Control Enforcement Costs 27,300 27,300 27,500 27,500 


Building Control 198,500 198,500 218,900 213,400 


55





Adopted by 


Estimated by 

Manager 

Adopted by 


Estimated 

Outturn 

Code € € € € 

D0901 Urban and Village Renewal 6,100 6,100 146,500 14,000 

D0902 EU Projects 0 0 0 0 

D0903 Town Twinning 10,000 10,000 10,000 7,500 

D0904 European Office 0 0 0 0 

D0905 Economic Development & Promotion 115,000 115,000 0 0 


Economic Development and Promotion 137,400 137,400 164,800 29,800 

D1001 Property Management Costs 45,900 45,900 40,500 39,500 


Property Management 54,200 54,200 53,800 52,800 

D1101 Heritage Services 76,000 76,000 141,000 141,000 

D1102 Conservation Services 141,700 141,700 81,000 178,000 

D1103 Conservation Grants 0 0 0 0 


Heritage and Conservation Services 288,000 288,000 280,600 377,600 

D1201 Agency & Recoupable Service 264,900 264,900 265,000 407,000 

D1299 Service Support Costs 0 0 5,100 5,100 



56 





Adopted by 





Estimated 

Outturn 

€ € € € 




Other 0 0 0 0 



Planning Fees 664,000 664,000 978,000 700,000 

Sale/Leasing of other property/Industrial Sites 250,000 250,000 250,000 250,000 




Other income 192,000 192,000 56,800 57,000 




57


Division E 


59

Division E | Environmental Services 

E 


E01 Maintenance, Operation and Aftercare of Landfill 

This budget provides for the cost of maintaining Ballaghaderreen Landfill. The filling of Cell 7 has been completed 

and, as required under the terms of our licence, provision has been made for the cost of a permanent capping of 

this cell and the installation of a permanent landfill gas management system. I have also made provision for the 

payment of loan charges in respect of the loan approved for the landfill in 2009. This figure also includes the cost 

of environmental monitoring of Ballaghaderreen Landfill and all other closed landfill sites in the County. 

As of 1 July 2008, the landfill levy rate introduced under the Waste Management (Landfill Levy) Regulations 2002 

is €20 per tonne for each tonne of waste disposed of at authorised landfill facilities. The landfill levy payable to the 

Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government and is also included in this figure. 

E02 Maintenance and Operation of Recovery and Recycling 

Facilities 

There are currently three Recycling Centres being operated in the county at Roscommon, Ballaghaderreen and 

Boyle. Construction on the additional facility at Castlerea commenced in 2008 and is due to be completed in April 

2009. The cost of operating the facilities in 2009 is estimated at €1,163,400, with an amount of €129,700 allocated 

to meet a proportion of the overheads identified within appendix 1. I have estimated an income of €150,000 in 

2009, based on the current level of usage of the existing facilities and a per user charge of just €2. 

There are 39 bring banks located in the county in addition to the 3 Civic Amenity Sites. Mobile CCTV cameras are 

now in operation and these are located at various bring banks in an effort to eliminate indiscriminate dumping. Fines 

have issued and have been paid by offenders captured on camera and cases referred to our solicitor for 

prosecution. The sum of €108,400 has been provided in the budget for the management and servicing of the bring 

banks, regular monitoring and clean- up of the sites. 

E05 Litter Management 

The Environment Section will continue to engage with local community groups and assist them in maintaining and 

improving the image of the towns and villages in the County. €77,000 has been included under litter activities to 

cover the cost of the litter wardens and to monitor areas of illegal dumping in the County. 

Environmental Awareness will also be raised through the annual Tidy Estates, Tidy Burial Grounds, and Tidy 

Schools competitions. The schools will also be invited to participate in various poster and painting competitions. 

Money is received each year under the Environmental Partnership Fund and grants are available to promote 

environmental education and awareness through this fund. 

It is proposed that the Green Schools Programme will continue in 2009. By the end of this year, eight of the nine 

Secondary Schools in the county will be registered on the Green School Programme. We expect 80% of National 

Schools in the county to be registered by the end of 2009. Fifty flags have been awarded. 

E07 Waste Regulations, Monitoring and Enforcement 

The budget for the enforcement of the waste legislation and environmental education and awareness, includes 

Roscommon’s contribution to the Regional Waste Co-ordinator’s Office. The Enforcement Team not only respond 

to reports of illegal activities in the area of waste management but play a key role in the enforcement of a broad 

range of waste regulations. Funding has been secured from the Environmental Protection Agency, under the Local 

60 



Authority Prevention and Demonstration Programme, for an in-house project which will review, implement and 

monitor energy and water conservation throughout all headquarter offices. The project will also examine the level 

of consumables being purchased and develop best practice guidelines to prevent water and energy usage in 

Council buildings, as well as minimise printing and purchase of consumables. New measures will also be introduced 

regarding in-house waste management in 2009. 

E08 Waste Management Planning 

As in previous years the Council has made provision for a €20,000 contribution to the Environmental Partnership 

Fund. 

There is also the need to meet staff costs in regard to Waste Management Planning as well as the Council’s 

continued involvement in the Connaught Waste Management Plan. 

E09 Maintenance and upkeep of Burial Grounds 

There are over 100 burial grounds in the County. I have included a figure of €456,500 to meet the direct costs 

associated with the upkeep of burial grounds in 2009. 

The maintenance and improvement grant scheme to voluntary groups is considered to be an effective and efficient 

means of maintaining burial grounds to a high standard. It is necessary however, because of the difficult budgetary 

situation, to reduce the allocation for 2009 for the grant scheme by €50,000 to €100,000. 

The funding for the extensions to burial grounds will continue to be provided from development contributions in 

2009. 

E10 Safety of Structures and Places 

The €337,800 provided under this heading in the budget meets the costs of Civil Defence, the administration 

involved with Derelict Sites, Major Emergency Planning and Water Safety. 

A figure of €203,000 is included for Civil Defence, which continues to provide cover at community events as well 

as respond to emergency calls if required. 

The estimates include a figure of €25,000 for Major Emergency Planning. In 2008 the Council developed and 

published a plan, which has now put processes in place if required. 

E11 Operation of Fire Service 

The estimated cost of the Fire Service for 2009 is €3,146,500, after taking account of overheads totalling 

approximately €308,000. 

The Fire Service is one of the Council’s major emergency services and I would like to pay tribute to the Chief Fire 

Officer, to his staff and in particular the retained fire personnel for the efficient manner in which they carry out their 

fire fighting duties. 

Under the Fire Services Act, 1981, Fire Authorities have a statutory obligation “to make adequate provision for the 

reception and response to emergency calls for the assistance of the fire brigade”. The CAMP (Computer Aided 

Mobilisation Project) project is now fully operational. The new control centre with its state of the art systems will 

facilitate the provision of a much-enhanced response to emergency calls for the fire and ambulance services. 

The new Roscommon Fire Services Headquarters at Circular Road Roscommon was officially opened by 

Mr. Michael Finneran T.D. Minister for Housing, Urban Renewal & Development Areas on 24th October 2008. 

Roscommon County Council | Comhairle Chontae Ros Comain | Adopted Budget 2009 | For year ended 31st December 2009 61


E12 Fire prevention 

The amount of €3,000 has been allocated for the refund of fees in regard to fire safety certificates. 

E13 Water Quality, Air and Noise Pollution 

Roscommon County Council continues to discharge it’s functions under the Water Pollution Act 1977 and 1990 in 

relation to the issuing and monitoring of licences of discharge to sewers and to waters and the investigation of 

pollution incidences. Air and noise pollution complaints are also investigated. 

E14 Agency & Recoupable Services 

Under the Water Framework Directive Local Authorities are required to carry out a Water Monitoring Programme for 

the Shannon International River Basin District. As well as operational monitoring, investigative monitoring is also 

required and the staff of the Regional Laboratory has been trained to provide this service for County Roscommon 

and for other Counties in the Upper Shannon Catchments. 

The Shannon International River Basin District Office is co-ordinating the preparation of the Shannon River 

Basement Draft Management Plan and the final report will be published in December 2008. An extensive 

consultation period will follow the publication and the Plan will be placed before the members for adoption in 2009. 

The Management Plan will run to 2015. 

62 



ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES 



Adopted by 


Estimated by 

Manager 

Adopted by 


Estimated 

Outturn 

Code € € € € 

E0101 Landfill Operations 2,898,700 2,913,700 2,868,000 2,868,000 

E0102 Contribution to other LA's - Landfill Facilities 0 0 0 0 

E0103 Landfill Aftercare Costs. 105,000 105,000 105,000 75,000 

E0199 Service Support Costs 456,800 456,800 254,100 254,100 

Landfill Operation and Aftercare 3,460,500 3,475,500 3,227,100 3,197,100 

E0201 Recycling Facilities Operations 1,050,000 1,050,000 1,050,000 975,000 

E0202 Bring Centres Operations 0 0 0 0 

E0204 Other Recycling Services 5,000 5,000 5,000 0 


Recovery & Recycling Facilities Operations 1,293,100 1,293,100 1,240,100 1,160,100 

E0301 Waste to Energy Facilities Operations 0 0 0 0 

E0399 Service Support Costs 0 0 0 0 

Waste to Energy Facilities Operations 0 0 0 0 

E0401 Recycling Waste Collection Services 0 0 0 0 

E0402 Organic Waste Collection Services 0 0 0 0 

E0403 Residual Waste Collection Services 0 0 0 0 

E0404 Commercial Waste Collection Services 0 0 0 0 

E0406 Contribution to Waste Collection Services 0 0 0 0 

E0407 Other Costs Waste Collection 15,000 0 30,000 20,000 


Provision of Waste to Collection Services 15,000 0 30,300 20,300 

E0501 Litter Warden Service 77,000 77,000 72,000 75,000 

E0502 Litter Control Initiatives 80,000 80,000 80,000 84,000 

E0503 Environmental Awareness Services 12,300 12,300 22,000 17,500 


Litter Management 577,200 577,200 607,800 610,300 

E0601 Operation of Street Cleaning Service 0 0 0 0 

E0602 Provision and Improvement of Litter Bins 0 0 0 0 


Street Cleaning 0 0 0 0 

E0701 Monitoring of Waste Regs (incl Private Landfills) 146,800 146,800 153,000 210,000 

E0702 Enforcement of Waste Regulations 95,000 95,000 120,000 75,000 


Enforcement 350,200 350,200 395,600 407,600 


63





Adopted by 


Estimated by 

Manager 

Adopted by 


Estimated 

Outturn 

Code € € € € 

E0801 Waste Management Plan 94,100 94,100 171,000 100,000 

E0802 Contrib to Other Bodies Waste Management Planning 0 0 0 0 


Waste Management Planning 101,900 101,900 180,000 109,000 

E0901 Maintenance of Burial Grounds 399,000 399,000 492,000 425,000 


Maintenance and Upkeep of Burial Grounds 545,000 545,000 660,200 593,200 

E1001 Operation Costs Civil Defence 203,000 203,000 214,000 200,000 

E1002 Dangerous Buildings 10,200 10,200 12,500 17,000 

E1003 Emergency Planning 25,000 25,000 50,000 25,000 

E1004 Derelict Sites 16,700 16,700 18,500 18,500 

E1005 Water Safety Operation 23,000 23,000 26,000 26,000 


Safety of Structures and Places 337,800 337,800 367,200 332,700 

E1101 Operation of Fire Brigade Service 2,838,400 2,838,400 2,848,000 3,200,000 

E1103 Fire Services Training 100,000 100,000 116,000 121,000 

E1104 Operation of Ambulance Service 0 0 0 0 


Operation of Fire Service 3,146,500 3,146,500 3,208,400 3,565,400 

E1201 Fire Safety Control Cert Costs 3,000 3,000 3,000 1,500 

E1202 Fire Prevention and Education 0 0 0 0 

E1203 Inspection/Monitoring of Commercial Facilities 0 0 0 0 

E1299 Service Support Costs 0 0 8,500 8,500 

Fire Prevention 3,000 3,000 11,500 10,000 

E1301 Water Quality Management 357,600 357,600 346,500 300,000 

E1302 Licensing and Monitoring of Air and Noise Quality 0 0 10,000 10,000 


Water Quality, Air and Noise Pollution 469,200 469,200 479,300 432,800 

E1401 Agency & Recoupable Service 67,000 67,000 67,000 67,000 




64 





Adopted by 





Estimated 

Outturn 

€ € € € 



Social & Family Affairs 0 0 0 0 

Defence 0 0 0 0 

Other 90,000 90,000 80,000 80,000 



Domestic Refuse Charges 0 0 0 0 

Commercial Refuse Charges 0 0 0 0 

Landfill Charges 3,020,000 3,020,000 3,220,000 2,800,000 

Fire Charges 30,000 30,000 30,000 30,000 


Agency Services & Repayable Works 0 0 0 0 

Local Authority Contributions 20,000 20,000 20,000 20,000 

Other income 762,000 762,000 772,200 772,000 




65


Division F 

Recreation and Amenity 

67

Division F | Recreation and Amenity 

F 

Recreation and Amenity 

F01 Operation and Maintenance of Leisure Facilities 

The estimated cost of swimming pools in 2009 is €234,600. Roscommon Leisure Centre Ltd. – a company under 

the auspices of Roscommon County Council – is now responsible for the management of Roscommon Leisure 

Centre. 

It is proposed to appoint consultants early in 2009 to prepare a preliminary report for a proposed swimming 

pool/leisure centre in Ballaghaderreen. 

An amount of €100,000 is being provided to fund contributions to voluntary bodies through the Community & 

Amenity Fund 2009. This is an important scheme in supporting the work of voluntary and community groups 

throughout the County. 

F02 Operation of Library and Archival Services 

This budget provides for a range of service provision measures being taken under the Library Development Plan 

2006 -2010 to maintain an effective, efficient and accessible modern standard of service to meet the ongoing needs 

including progress measures under the Library Service Review and annual operation costs. 

Roscommon County Council Library Service is operated through seven infrastructure branch locations at 

Roscommon, Castlerea, Ballaghaderreen, Boyle, Elphin, Strokestown and Ballyforan. Service delivery is also 

supported at a number of centres throughout the county. The extensive County Library building also houses and 

delivers substantial Archives & Local Studies reference and research facilities, with off site stock and local authority 

record management storage accommodation being provided on the Racecourse Road. 

The Children’s Schools Library Service caters for some 95 primary schools in the county and supports the current 

reading needs of 6,815 pupils on a regular delivery term schedule. The Mobile Library Service for the county now 

serves over 35 stops and represents another step in the development of services to meet rural delivery 

requirements. 

The provision of services through Information Communication Technologies for universal access to library services 

continues to be enhanced through the provision of online resources and provides greater public access. 

The provision for the purchase of books and related library material has been estimated at €320,000 in 2009 and 

will continue provide an up to date and comprehensive selection of stock available in all service points. 

Funding under recoupment arrangements have been agreed with the Irish Prison Service for the development of 

library services at Castlerea Prison in 2009. A number of other project applications have been forwarded to the 

DOEHLG including the Schools Library/ Delivery Vehicle replacement and Elphin Courthouse Library project. 

F03 Operation, Maintenance and Improvement of Outdoor Leisure Areas 

Lough Key 

The Forest and Activity Park in Lough key which is a joint venture between Roscommon County Council and Coilte 

Teoranta was completed in 2007 and offers both unique gentle leisurely pursuits like the Lough Key Experience and 

energetic activities like the Boda Borg. The outdoor Adventure Play Kingdom provides activities and equipment for 

children of all ages and abilities. 

68 



Hodson Bay Project 

The Hodson Bay Boat Training Centre was completed during 2007 and opened for business in July 2008. 

Roscommon County Council held an open competition to secure the services of an experienced operator to 

manage the facility on its behalf. An Operator has been selected and final contract negotiations are underway which 

should be complete before year end. 

F04 Community Sport and Recreational Development 

A Sports Development Officer, partly funded by the FAI is employed in the County for a three year period. Two 

community, all weather mini pitches have been developed in the county in conjunction with the FAI in 2008, one in 

Roscommon town and one in Ballaghaderreen. A sum of €5,000 is included to support the Community Games in 

the County. 

F05 Operation of Arts Programme 

Roscommon County Council Arts Office is currently developing a new arts plan “Sustaining the Arts 2009 – 2012”. 

2008 saw the continued success of a number of key programmes including the award winning Art@work artists 

residency programme; TRADE, the unique international visual arts development partnership with Leitrim County 

Council; the first full orchestra meeting of the different ensembles of Roscommon County Youth Orchestra and the 

greatly enhanced artists in schools programme. In traditional arts, a number of practitioners worked with the Arts 

Education and Development Coordinator to devise educational programmes for primary schools. 

Roscommon Arts Centre continues to thrive and develop as an arts venue for the county. By the end of 2008 over 

30,000 people will have attended events during the year and the number of active patrons on the database has 

increased by a further 20% to just over 6,000. 

The design of Phases Two and Three of the arts centre is underway and work on Phase Two of the development 

is due to commence in Spring 2009. In recognition of our continued development, Roscommon Arts Centre 

received a further 27% increase in funding from The Arts Council towards programming costs, and as part of the 

Nomad Theatre Network, were one of only four clients nationwide to received funding this year via The Arts 

Council’s Touring Initiative towards our production of The Dead School. 

In 2008 King House launched new special events, which focused on repeat visits and helped to create year-round 

business activity. Two new permanent exhibitions are due to open at King House in 2009 while a new tourism 

brochure for the property will be produced early in 2009 to coincide with the redesign of our website. 


69


RECREATION & AMENITY 



Adopted by 


Estimated by 

Manager 

Adopted by 


Estimated 

Outturn 

Code € € € € 

F0101 Leisure Facilities Operations 234,600 234,600 354,000 300,000 

F0103 Contribution to External Bodies Leisure Facilities 100,000 100,000 150,000 150,000 

F0199 Service Support Costs 36,900 36,900 17,100 17,100 

Leisure Facilities Operations 371,500 371,500 521,100 467,100 

F0201 Library Service Operations 1,346,600 1,346,600 1,352,000 1,352,000 

F0202 Archive Service 35,000 35,000 45,000 45,000 

F0204 Purchase of Books, CD’s etc. 320,000 320,000 336,000 336,000 

F0205 Contributions to Library Organisations 0 0 0 0 


Operation of Library and Archival Service 2,467,100 2,467,100 2,531,700 2,531,700 

F0301 Parks, Pitches & Open Spaces 547,000 547,000 937,000 800,000 

F0302 Playgrounds 0 0 5,000 3,500 

F0303 Beaches 0 0 0 0 


Outdoor Leisure Areas Operations 718,200 718,200 1,022,600 884,100 

F0401 Community Grants 11,000 11,000 28,500 83,000 

F0402 Operation of Sports Hall/Stadium 0 0 0 0 

F0403 Community Facilities 0 0 0 0 

F0404 Recreational Development 122,000 122,000 124,000 160,000 


0 

Community Sport and Recreational 

Development 170,100 170,100 195,400 285,900 

F0501 Administration of the Arts Programme 708,300 708,300 786,000 815,000 

F0502 Contributions to other Bodies Arts Programme 13,000 13,000 34,000 25,000 

F0503 Museums Operations 0 0 30,000 0 

F0504 Heritage/Interpretive Facilities Operations 231,300 231,300 321,000 400,000 

F0505 Festivals & Concerts 22,500 22,500 0 0 


Operation of Arts Programme 1,372,000 1,372,000 1,410,500 1,479,500 

F0601 Agency & Recoupable Service 0 0 0 0 

F0699 Service Support Costs 0 0 0 0 



70 




RECREATION & AMENITY 

Adopted by 





Estimated 

Outturn 

€ € € € 



Education and Science 30,000 30,000 30,000 30,000 

Arts, Sports and Tourism 0 0 0 0 

Social & Family Affairs 0 0 0 0 

Library Council 0 0 0 0 

Arts Council 222,200 222,200 212,000 250,000 

Other 0 0 0 



Library Fees/Fines 28,000 28,000 28,000 23,000 

Recreation/Amenity/Culture 292,000 292,000 292,000 292,000 




Other income 67,000 67,000 67,000 100,000 

Total Goods and Services (b) 590,500 590,500 589,500 617,500 

Total Income c=(a+b) 842,700 842,700 831,500 897,500 


71


Division G 


Health and Welfare 

73

Division G | Agriculture, Education, Health and Welfare 

G 

Agriculture, Education, Health and Welfare 

G01 Land Drainage Costs 

The budget provides a figure of €532,600 to meet land drainage costs, which is a reduction of 8.5% on the 2008 

figure. 

G04 Veterinary Service 

The provision for the operation of food safety responsibilities is €264,000. The Council is now operating a full meat 

inspection service at twelve licensed abattoirs and four small meat-manufacturing plants in the County. It is 

expected that in 2009 the full cost of this service will be met by inspection fees under the licensing regulations and 

a grant from the Department of Agriculture & Food. Roscommon County Council currently employs a full time 

Veterinary Officer and six part time officers. 

G05 Educational Support Services 

The major item of expenditure under this sub program is in respect of higher education grants which are estimated 

at €3,200,000, an increase of €400,000. The full cost of Higher Education Grants is not a direct charge on the 

County Council and a sum of €3,200,000 of this provision will be recouped from the Department of Education. In 

addition, included under this heading is an amount of €2,000 as a contribution to residential homes and special 

schools. 

74 



AGRICULTURE, EDUCATION, HEALTH & WELFARE 



Adopted by 


Estimated by 

Manager 

Adopted by 


Code € € € € 

Estimated 

Outturn 

G0101 Maintenance of Land Drainage Areas 308,000 308,000 356,000 356,000 

G0102 Contributions to Joint Drainage Bodies 190,000 190,000 200,000 200,000 

G0103 Payment of Agricultural Pensions 12,000 12,000 12,000 10,000 

G0199 Service Support Costs 22,600 22,600 10,300 10,300 

Land Drainage Costs 532,600 532,600 578,300 576,300 

G0201 Operation of Piers 0 0 0 0 

G0203 Operation of Harbours 0 0 0 0 

G0299 Service Support Costs 0 0 0 0 

Operation and Maintenance of Piers and 

Harbours 0 0 0 0 

G0301 General Maintenance - Costal Regions 0 0 0 0 

G0302 Planned Protection of Coastal Regions 0 0 0 0 


Coastal Protection 0 0 0 0 

G0401 Provision of Veterinary Service 11,300 11,300 10,500 10,500 

G0402 Inspection of Abattoirs etc 129,900 129,900 204,000 175,000 

G0403 Food Safety 22,500 22,500 21,000 21,000 

G0404 Operation of Dog Warden Service 126,000 126,000 137,500 120,000 

G0405 Other Animal Welfare Services (incl Horse Control) 5,400 5,400 5,000 50,000 


Veterinary Service 409,800 409,800 488,900 487,400 

G0501 Payment of Higher Education Grants 3,200,000 3,200,000 2,800,000 2,800,000 

G0502 Administration Higher Education Grants 72,700 72,700 77,000 70,000 

G0503 Payment of VEC Pensions 2,300,000 2,300,000 2,000,000 2,000,000 

G0504 Administration VEC Pension 0 0 0 0 

G0505 Contribution to VEC 12,000 12,000 12,000 13,000 

G0506 Other Educational Services 2,000 2,000 2,000 1,000 

G0507 School Meals 0 0 0 0 


Educational Support Services 5,663,800 5,663,800 4,994,800 4,987,800 

G0601 Agency & Recoupable Service 0 0 0 0 





75



AGRICULTURE , EDUCATION, HEALTH & WELFARE 

Adopted by 





Estimated 

Outturn 

€ € € € 




Education and Science 3,200,000 3,200,000 2,787,000 2,800,000 

Transport and Marine 0 0 0 0 

Other 0 0 0 0 

Total Grants & Subsidies (a) 3,200,000 3,200,000 2,787,000 2,800,000 



Agency Services & Repayable Works 2,300,000 2,300,000 2,000,000 2,000,000 


Other income 244,600 244,600 297,000 297,000 



76 


Division H 


77

Division H | Miscellaneous Services 

H 


H01 Profit/Loss Machinery Account 

The new costing system ensures that the Central Management Charge (overheads) as per appendix 1 are allocated 

on an equitable basis using non-financial data. 

As a result the Machinery Yard is now charged a proportion of Human Resources, Corporate Buildings, Finance 

and IT costs based upon actual usage of the services by the yard. 

H02 Profit/Loss Stores Account 

The amount of €28,600 identified in the estimates relates to its proportion of the Central Management Charge. 

H03 Administration of Rates 

The County Council continues to have a relatively small rate base, which in turns impacts on the level of services 

that can be delivered to customers. 

The costs of collecting rates, in the main relate to staffing, but there are also costs incurred in regard to legal fees, 

refunds and irrecoverable rates. 

H04 Franchise Costs 

Provision has been made this heading for the cost of the preparation of the Draft, Live, Supplemental, Edited 

Register of Electors and the administration costs associated with the 2009 Local Elections. 

H05 Operation of Morgue and Coroner Expenses 

A provision of €114,500 has been made to meet the costs associated with Coroners expenses. 

H06 Weighbridges 

The Council continues to operate a small number of weighbridges throughout the County. 

H07 Operation of Markets and Casual Trading 

Under the Casual Trading Act 1995, a Local Authority may acquire any market right in respect of a market or fair in 

it’s functional area by agreement or compulsorily. Roscommon County Council has acquired the market rights in 

the towns of Boyle, Castlerea and Ballaghadereen, with the relevant confirmation orders signed in October 2007. 

Transfer of full ownership is currently pending, it is anticipated that this will be completed following a vesting 

process. Bye Laws are currently being finalised in relation to the control, regulation, supervision and administration 

of casual trading. €20,000 has been provided for the making and implementation of the bye - laws (i.e.) acquisition 

and extinguishment of existing Market Rights, Development of Trading Areas, Road Markings, licensing etc. 

H08 Malicious Damage 

In accordance with the Malicious Injuries Act 1981, a person shall be entitled to compensation from the Local 

Authority where damage is caused to his property through riotous behaviour. The full cost of Malicious Injuries 

Claims is not a direct charge on the County Council and any sums incurred will be recouped form the Department 

of Environment, Heritage and Local Government. 

78 



H09 Local Representation / Civic Leadership 

An allowance of €222,840 is being provided for expenses incurred by members in connection with attendance at 

a conference, seminar, training or other meeting or event held whether within or outside the State for the purpose 

of discussing, obtaining or imparting information regarding or connected with any matter that is of concern to the 

Local Authority in relation to the performance of it’s functions and is relevant to it’s administrative area and to the 

local community. This is authorised in accordance with section 142 of The Local Government Act 2001. 

H10 Motor Taxation 

The delivery of the Motor Taxation service is funded as part of the total Local Government Fund Grant to the 

authority. The number of Motor Tax and Driver licence applications continued to increase during 2008. 

H11 Agency & Recoupable Services 

Tenders were received for the Roscommon County Council Corporate Headquarters project during 2008. A full 

evaluation of the tenders is on-going and a successful tender is due to be selected shortly. Following this the project 

will proceed with a Part VIII planning application and construction will begin following planning approval, finances 

and the current economic climate. The site for the Corporate Headquarters was cleared during 2008 and is ready 

for construction. 


79


MISCELLANEOUS SERVICES 



Adopted by 


Estimated by 

Manager 

Adopted by 


Estimated 

Outturn 

Code € € € € 

H0101 Maintenance of Machinery Service 0 0 0 0 

H0102 Plant and Machinery Operations 0 0 0 0 

H0199 Service Support Costs 189,700 189,700 263,100 160,000 

Profit/Loss Machinery Account 189,700 189,700 263,100 160,000 

H0201 Purchase of Materials, Stores 0 0 0 0 

H0202 Administrative Costs Stores 0 0 0 0 

H0203 Upkeep of Buildings, stores 0 0 0 0 


Profit/Loss Stores Account 28,600 28,600 24,500 24,500 

H0301 Administration of Rates Office 162,500 162,500 207,500 175,000 

H0302 Debt Management Service Rates 264,500 264,500 276,500 225,000 

H0303 Refunds and Irrecoverable Rates 39,600 39,600 50,000 100,000 


Administration of Rates 634,200 634,200 738,200 704,200 

H0401 Register of Elector Costs 117,000 117,000 119,500 119,500 

H0402 Local Election Costs 47,500 47,500 7,500 7,500 


Franchise Costs 193,400 193,400 158,600 158,600 

H0501 Coroner Fees and Expenses 98,700 98,700 98,000 110,000 

H0502 Operation of Morgue 0 0 0 0 


Operation and Morgue and Coroner Expenses 114,500 114,500 116,700 128,700 

H0601 Weighbridge Operations 3,000 3,000 4,000 1,500 

H0699 Service Support Costs 200 200 600 600 

Weighbridges 3,200 3,200 4,600 2,100 

H0701 Operation of Markets 0 0 0 0 

H0702 Casual Trading Areas 20,000 20,000 70,000 10,000 


Operation of Markets and Casual Trading 33,800 33,800 86,200 26,200 

H0801 Malicious Damage 0 0 0 0 


Malicious Damage 2,600 2,600 2,000 2,000 

80 






Adopted by 


Estimated by 

Manager 

Adopted by 


Estimated 

Outturn 

Code € € € € 

H0901 Representational Payments 516,000 516,000 488,000 488,000 

H0902 Chair/Vice Chair Allowances 48,000 48,000 48,000 48,000 

H0903 Annual Allowances LA Members 0 0 0 0 

H0904 Expenses LA Members 462,800 480,000 530,000 500,000 

H0905 Other Expenses 17,000 17,000 14,000 14,000 

H0906 Conferences Abroad 16,000 16,000 16,000 18,000 

H0907 Retirement Gratuities 50,000 50,000 10,000 0 

H0908 Contribution to Members Associations 22,600 22,600 22,000 22,000 


Local Representation/Civic Leadership 1,744,100 1,761,300 1,740,500 1,702,500 

H1001 Motor Taxation Operation 571,800 571,800 564,500 450,000 


Motor Taxation 807,100 807,100 630,800 550,000 

H1101 Agency & Recoupable Service 8,800 8,800 223,000 340,000 

H1199 Service Support Costs 50,700 50,700 900 900 




81




Adopted by 





Estimated 

Outturn 

€ € € € 


Environment, Heritage & Local Government 0 23,500 42,000 42,000 

Agriculture, Fisheries and Food 0 0 0 0 

Social and Family Affairs 0 0 0 0 

Justice, Equality and Law Reform 0 131,000 177,000 177,000 

Non-Dept HFA and BMW 0 0 0 0 

Other 0 0 0 0 

Total Grants & Subsidies (a) 0 154,500 219,000 219,000 


Superannuation 0 116,500 111,500 111,400 

Agency services 0 120,000 20,000 20,000 


Other income 0 965,700 266,000 200,000 

Total Goods and Services (b) 0 1,202,200 397,500 331,400 

Total Income c=(a+b) 0 1,356,700 616,500 550,400 

82 



Local Authority Budget for the Financial Year ending 31st December 2009 

CERTIFICATE OF ADOPTION 

I hereby certify that at the budget meeting of Roscommon County Council held this 12th day of 

January, 2009 the Council by Resolution adopted for the financial year ending on the 31 st day 

of December, 2009 the budget set out in Tables *(A -F) and by Resolution determined in 

accordance with the said budget the Rates set out in Tables *(B and C) to be the annual rate 

on valuation to be levied for that year for the purposes set out in those Tables. 

Signed 

Michael McGreal 

Cathaoirleach 

Countersigned John Tiernan 

Manager 

Dated this 12th day of January, 2009 


83

Appendix 1 | Summary of Central Management Charge 

APPENDIX 1 

Summary of Central Management Charge 


€ 

Area Office Overhead 703,800 

Corporate Affairs Overhead 836,700 

Corporate Buildings Overhead 1,548,400 

Finance Function Overhead 832,800 

Human Resource Function 2,223,900 

IT Services 1,516,600 

Print/Post Room Service Overhead Allocation 291,400 

Pension & Lump Sum Overhead 4,119,000 

Total Expenditure Allocated to Services 12,072,600 

84 



The Courthouse, Roscommon 

County Roscommon 

Tel: +353 (0)90-6637100 

Fax: +353 (0)90-6637108 

Email: info@roscommoncoco.ie 

www.roscommoncoco.ie

Annual Budget 2009 - Roscommon County Council

Create successful ePaper yourself

Delete template?

Save as template?