Annual Report 1999 - Department of Housing, Planning and …€¦ · Web view · 2016-02-18Annual Report 2002. ... To provide leadership through the promotion of increased national

Annual Report 2002

Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government

© Government of Ireland 2003

PRN 814

ISSN 1649-4148

Design : Desktop Publishing Unit, Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government

The document (English and Irish language version) is available on the Department's website : http://www.environ.ie

Copies of this document may be obtained from the :

Quality Customer Service Officer,Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, Custom House, Dublin 1.

LoCall : 1890 20 20 21Tel : 01 - 888 2091Fax : 01 - 888 2888Email : [email protected]

This document is also available in Braille (on request).

Annual Report 2002

Contents

PageMission and High Level Goals 2

Foreword by the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government 3

Part 1 Secretary General's Statement 4

Part 2 Progress on the Statement of Strategy 2001 - 2004 6Environment 7Heritage 16Housing 21Planning 27Local Government 30Our Own Capability 33Serving Our Customers 38Working with Local Authorities 41Working with Other Bodies 47Working with the Private Sector 49

Part 3 Appendices 52Appendix 1 : Legislative Activity 53Appendix 2 : Publications 59Appendix 3 : Financial Statements 61Appendix 4 : Organisation Chart 68Appendix 5 : Location of the Department's Main Offices 70Appendix 6 : Contact Details 72Appendix 7 : Agencies 75

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Annual Report 2002 (August 2003) page 1 of 76


Mission

To promote sustainable development and improve the quality of life through environmental protection, infrastructure provision, balanced regional development and good local government.

To support economic and social development through our role in the provision of infrastructure and protective services.

To promote an improved spatial distribution of development.

To promote and support effective local government.

To promote and protect a high quality natural and built environment.

High Level Goals

Foreword by the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government

I am pleased to take delivery of my Department's 2002 Annual Report, the fifth such Report under the Public Service Management Act 1997. This was a year of great change in the Department. My appointment as Minister in June 2002 coincided with the most fundamental change in the Department’s role since responsibility for health and social welfare were ceded from the Department in 1947. The Taoiseach, when announcing the formation of the Government in the Dáil, stated that there would be a renewed focus on environmental sustainability and that it was appropriate that responsibility for nuclear safety issues, the protection of the natural heritage and heritage policy generally should be transferred to an expanded Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government. In turn responsibility for national roads and road traffic regulation was transferred to the new Department of Transport. I am confident that the integration of environmental and heritage policy in one Government Department will strengthen Ireland’s sustainable development agenda for the 21st century.

This Annual Report demonstrates the wide range of reforming initiatives in which the Department was involved, both in terms of primary and secondary legislation as well as exciting innovations such as the plastic bag levy. This levy has been strongly supported by the public, has generated widespread interest around the world and has demonstrated how all of us in society, working together, can improve the quality of Ireland’s environment. We also saw significant progress during 2002 in the conservation and presentation of our built and natural heritage.

The provision of infrastructure is key to the development of a modern Ireland and continues to be a priority for the Government. 2002 saw significant increased investment in housing, non-national roads, water and waste services as well as reform of the planning service.

Good progress was also made in progressing many aspects of the public service modernisation programme. The publication of a Human Resources Strategy for the Department sets the scene for taking a more strategic approach to the management and development of our people into the future. The Quality Customer Service ethos is becoming more deeply embedded throughout the organisation with the implementation of our Action Plan. The preparation of a new Statement of Strategy for the Department during 2002 provided an opportunity to reflect the Department’s new responsibilities and to set these within the context of our enhanced environmental mandate.

The progress made in 2002 was dependent on the dedication and commitment of all the Department’s staff and also to the support from our key partner bodies, in particular the local authorities and our agencies on whom we rely for the successful implementation of many of our strategies. I wish to thank everyone involved for their contribution.

Martin CullenMinister for Environment, Heritage and Local Government


Part 1 Secretary General's Statement

This is the second annual report on the Department's Statement of Strategy 2001 - 2004 and has been prepared to meet the statutory requirements of the Public Service Management Act 1997.

In June 2002, the Department was given a renewed and enhanced environmental mandate when responsibilities for the built and natural heritage, Met Éireann and nuclear safety were assigned to the Department. This Report therefore includes details of progress in 2002 in implementing strategies relating to the built and natural heritage and nuclear safety. Given Met Éireann's effective autonomy as an organisation unit, progress in implementing their Statement of Strategy is detailed in their annual report.

Significant progress was made throughout 2002 in promoting sustainable development and in advancing our high level goal of promoting and protecting a high quality natural and built environment. Making Ireland’s Development Sustainable - Review, Assessment and Future Action acknowledged many positive initiatives to enhance environmental protection and pursue sustainable development over the past decade and the significant challenges that lie ahead for Ireland in relation to sustainable development. The Report also sets out future action in this area including implementing the National Heritage Plan, the National Biodiversity Plan and Preventing and Recycling Waste - Delivering Change all of which were published during 2002.

In supporting economic and social development through our role in the provision of infrastructure and protective services, the Department continued to progress the provision of water, waste water, waste management, non-national roads and housing infrastructure as provided in the National Development Plan 2000 - 2006. This ongoing investment is being underpinned by proposals, contained in the Water Services Bill, for improved regulation and management of water services infrastructure. Considerable progress was made in 2002 to increase housing supply and moderate house price inflation through the implementation of a range of Government measures. Last year was the 8th consecutive year of record housing output with 57,695 units built. Output in the Greater Dublin Area was 20,675 units, the highest ever achieved. New housing output in relation to population (at 14.73 per 1,000 population) was at by far the highest level in Europe. The local authority housing programme continued to be the largest provider of social housing in 2002 with over 5,000 local authority houses completed or acquired during the year. Voluntary housing output at 1,360 units was the highest level ever. Overall, the social and affordable housing needs of more than 12,700 households were met last year.

Progress in promoting an improved spatial distribution of development was given substance with the publication of the National Spatial Strategy in November 2002. The Strategy sets out a broad planning framework for the entire country over a 20-year horizon and promotes a better spread of job opportunities, a better quality of life and better places to live in. In March 2002, we marked the final stage in the major reform of the planning code with the coming into force of the main provisions of the Planning and Development Act 2000 and associated Regulations.

During 2002, the Department was active in promoting and supporting effective local government. The main provisions of the Local Government Act 2001 were implemented which include a uniform legislative basis for local authorities, an operational framework for the local government service involving councillors, management and staff, modernised meetings and proceedings, greater role for the community in local government and a new financial and audit code. The ongoing implementation of this Act is an integral part of the local government renewal programme which is facilitating more open local government with greater involvement of local communities and sectoral interests. The roll-out of the new Financial Management System to local authorities continued apace during the year. Last year was also a watershed for the holding of elections in Ireland with electronic voting and counting being used for the first time in 3 constituencies at the General Election on 17 May. The introduction of electronic voting was widely welcomed and the system was used in 7 constituencies at the second Nice Referendum in October, 2002.


I would like to recognise, and record appreciation to, staff of the Department at all levels for delivering our business in the effective ways set out in this Annual Report. The size and shape of the Department have undergone major changes in 2002. We are challenged to make a success of these changes, notwithstanding difficulties of operating now at a greater number of offices and locations and with staff from different organisational backgrounds. We will respond to this challenge with enthusiasm now and into the future.

Niall CallanSecretary General


Part 2 Progress on the Statement of Strategy 2001 - 2004


EnvironmentObjectiveTo promote and protect a high quality natural environment and the integration of environmental considerations into economic and sectoral policies

Throughout 2002 the Department continued to promote and protect a high quality natural environment. This objective was extended to include nuclear safety following the changes in Government Department functions announced in June 2002.

The recognition in the National Development Plan 2000 - 2006 (NDP) of the importance of facilitating necessary development, while not generating unacceptable environmental costs, lies at the heart of the ongoing work during the year on the provision and maintenance of water, waste water and waste management infrastructure. The Protection of the Environment Bill updates legislation in relation to licensing systems administered by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and strengthens enforcement provisions including those contained in the Waste Management and Litter Pollution Acts. The Water Services Bill, scheduled for publication in 2003, provides a platform for better supervisory and management arrangements to support the provision of water services in an environmentally sustainable manner.

The successful implementation of the plastic bag and landfill levies and the publication of Making Ireland's Development Sustainable - Review, Assessment and Future Action were among the notable achievements in pursuing this objective during 2002.

Details of the activities undertaken in implementing the key strategies identified in the Statement of Strategy 2001 - 2004 for this objective are outlined below.

Key Strategies

Providing and maintaining policies, programmes and a legislative framework for the protection and, where necessary, improvement of environmental media and the satisfactory management of waste

During 2002, a series of new initiatives and strengthened regulatory controls were introduced to drive the modernisation of waste services and management.

The policy statement, Preventing and Recycling Waste - Delivering Change, published in March 2002 addressed in detail the factors and practical considerations for achieving Government policy objectives to prevent waste and to reuse and recycle the waste that is produced.

The plastic bag levy imposed at the point of sale on the supply by retailers of plastic shopping bags to customers was the first of its kind and came into effect in March 2002. The levy was seen as being particularly innovative and created a lot of interest internationally. The levy changed consumer behaviour, achieved over 90% reduction in the use of plastic shopping bags and had a positive impact on visual litter. Plastic bag levies collected in 2002 amounted to €7.1 million. The landfill levy of €15 per tonne of waste disposal came into effect in June 2002 and such levies collected in 2002 amounted to €12.8 million. Proceeds from the plastic bag and landfill levies are paid into the Environment Fund for use in funding various litter, waste management and other environmental initiatives.

On the regulatory front, progress was made on ensuring effective and improved control of the waste industry including: introduction of the Waste Management (Licensing) (Amendment) Regulations 2002 which prohibits the

landfill of prescribed waste streams over a period of time and ensures Ireland's compliance with the requirements of the Landfill Directive;

introduction of the European Communities (Amendment of Waste (Licensing) Regulations 2000) Regulations 2002 which imposes a requirement that charges for the disposal of waste in a landfill reflect the full development and aftercare costs of the facility;

conclusion of negotiations on a new EU Directive on waste electrical and electronic equipment in late 2002 and the establishment by the Department of a Task Force, in cooperation with industry, to implement the Directive in Ireland;

finalisation of work on new draft Packaging Regulations which will introduce a ban on the landfilling of specified packaging waste and ensure significantly increased collection of packaging waste for recycling from commercial premises; these Regulations were subsequently made in 2003; and


continuation of coordinating and briefing the network of enforcement officers from the main urban local authorities on the effective and efficient enforcement of the Packaging Regulations; Dublin City Council successfully prosecuted a number of non-compliers during 2002 and other local authorities began the process of initiating Court action during the year.

Details of the legislative activity during 2002 are outlined in Appendix 1.

During 2002, a review of the implementation of the National Climate Change Strategy was initiated so as to update and strengthen the Strategy by ensuring that all necessary policies are put in place and their implementation pursued vigorously across all sectors. The Review is being undertaken by the Cross-Departmental Climate Change Team in consultation with Comhar. The First Progress Report on implementation of the Strategy which identifies major climate change policy developments at national, European and international levels was published during the year.

On 31 May 2002, Ireland, together with other Member States and the EU ratified the Kyoto Protocol. In December 2002, the Council of Environment Ministers reached political agreement on a common position on the proposed EU Emissions Trading Directive establishing a system of greenhouse gas emission allowance trading. This scheme will place an absolute cap on emissions of CO2 from large point sources (e.g. electricity generation plants), and will encompass approximately 25% of Irish greenhouse gas emissions. The consequent trade in emission reductions will reduce the cost of compliance with the Kyoto Protocol, relative to traditional command-and-control techniques.

Throughout 2002, a series of measures were taken to support strengthened local authority action on litter and to progress the implementation of the Litter Action Plan and the National Litter Pollution Monitoring System. Such measures included: providing continued financial support for An Taisce's project, National Spring Clean 2002; €250,000 was

allocated in 2002; allocating grants totalling €635,000 to local authorities to co-fund local public education and awareness

initiatives against litter; supporting anti-litter awareness campaigns on the theme of "People see you differently when you litter" in

cinemas and on posters; encouraging public authorities (Government Departments and state agencies) to develop anti-litter action

plans for their own organisations; progressing the development of training for Litter Wardens; considering the extension of the use of levies for other litter items and non-reusable packaging; increasing litter penalties and providing for other enforcement action in the Protection of the Environment

Bill; and seeking support from the Gardaí/Courts system for local authority anti-litter action.

Local authority performance on litter enforcement action improved during 2002, with more litter wardens employed and substantial increases in the number of prosecutions taken, details are set out in the charts below.


Providing the policy leadership and legislative framework for developing and overseeing implementation of investment programmes in water, waste water and waste management infrastructure, and pursuing complementary policy initiatives, including application of the polluter pays principle, to meet environmental and development needs

Some €4.4 billion is being spent on water services infrastructure over the period of the NDP. At the end of 2002, some €1.509 billion had been spent, with exchequer expenditure by the Department accounting for €1.427 billion of the investment. Exchequer expenditure in 2002 alone amounted to €493 million. The overall investment envisaged under the NDP is being delivered in the context of rolling 3-year Water Services Investment Programmes. In April 2002, the second Water Services Investment Programme, covering the period 2002 to 2004 was launched. This Programme contains 605 individual water and sewerage schemes, including new schemes worth €726 million. All the remaining wastewater schemes needed for Ireland to comply with existing, and future, sewage treatment standards for urban areas under the EU Wastewater Treatment Directive are included in the Programme.

The increased capital funding for water services in recent years has made significant inroads into Ireland’s infrastructural deficit. Over the period 2000 to 2002, 56 wastewater schemes, 25 water supply schemes and 18 water conservation schemes have been completed. These are generally large schemes that have generated substantial increases in water and wastewater treatment capacity. In the same period, over 54,000 serviced sites have been provided under the Serviced Land Initiative and 17 schemes have been completed under the Rural Towns and Villages Initiative.

Work continued during 2002 on the development of a comprehensive national water conservation programme on foot of proposals received from local authorities. This programme with investment of almost €370 million will provide funding on a county/city council basis for a range of water conservation projects including consultant studies, metering, mapping, pilot rehabilitation and repair, leak detection, substantial rehabilitation work and key technical assistance projects. The programme was launched in May, 2003.

The ongoing work in 2002 on catchment based monitoring and management projects for water resources is outlined below under the key strategy on environmental regulatory and monitoring systems.

Work on reviewing the water services legislative framework continued in 2002. Drafting of the Water Services Bill was progressed with the Attorney General’s Office and the Bill is expected to be published during 2003. The proposals, in addition to consolidating and modernising existing provisions, also provide for the introduction of a licensing system in the private (predominantly group scheme) sector and for new administrative and supervisory structures to improve national water services infrastructure management generally.

The roll-out and implementation of water services pricing policy also continued in 2002, giving further effect to the Government’s policy on the application of the polluter pays principle to water services provision in the non-domestic sector. Comprehensive guidance on policy implementation was circulated to local authorities early in 2002 and was supported by a series of regional workshops. The Department continues to support a major pilot metering demonstration project in Sligo, in the context of meeting the policy objectives of completing universal metering of non-domestic users by 2006. Development is ongoing on a CiS (Complete Information System) to provide comprehensive management information on the delivery of water services.

Consultants were appointed in 2002 to assist the Department in the planning and implementation of a National Drinking Water Monitoring Programme. The Programme will satisfy regulatory requirements and help to establish uniformity in the sampling, testing and reporting of national drinking water quality. Work is also ongoing on a National Urban Waste Water Study to review and assess waste water infrastructure requirements and monitoring programmes.

Progress was maintained in developing and expanding producer responsibility initiatives for specific waste streams during 2002. Having reported that Ireland met its EU target of recovering 25% of Packaging Waste in 2001, Repak reported continued progress towards meeting the 50% target by 2005. In June 2002, the National Construction and Demolition Waste Council was established, as a voluntary initiative by the construction industry, to secure a significant increase in the recycling of construction and demolition waste. Substantial progress was made over the course of 2002 towards the development of a producer responsibility initiative on end-of-life vehicles to implement the main provisions of the EU Directive on end-of-life vehicles. The Department maintained dialogue with the newspaper industry in relation to the development of proposals for a producer responsibility initiative to recycle greater quantities of newspapers and magazines. The development of a producer responsibility initiative is being discussed with the Irish Tyre Association. The


issues involved in developing this initiative for waste tyres have proved complex. However, it is hoped to establish the initiative in late 2003/early 2004.

Providing and maintaining efficient and effective environmental regulatory and monitoring systems through action by the Department, the Environmental Protection Agency and local authorities

Work continued in 2002 in implementing the Water Framework Directive including liaison with authorities in Northern Ireland on coordinated implementation and delineation of International River Basin Districts. Progress in developing and approving River Basin Management Projects continued with the Western Region project approved in principle during 2002 and a proposal for the establishment of a project for the South-West region being examined by the Department at the end of 2002. These projects bring together the local authorities and the numerous agencies and interests in relation to agriculture, fisheries, flood management, habitat protection, conserving the biodiversity of aquatic and water dependent ecosystems and their species to coordinate water management.

The Shannon River Basin Management Project was nominated as a pilot river basin in which EU guidance documents for implementation of the Water Framework Directive are being tested. 11 pilot river basins have been identified throughout the EU for the testing of draft guidance documents.

The final report of the Three Rivers Project (Suir, Boyne and Liffey) was published in November 2002 as part of the national, catchment-based strategy against eutrophication.

Extensive discussions with the main farming organisations and other interests took place during 2002 as to the further implementation of the Nitrates Directive. In February 2002, the Department, in consultation with the Department of Agriculture and Food and Teagasc issued an Information Paper on Good Agricultural Practice and Protection of the Environment which set out the background issues and the preferred approach of applying an action programme to all areas rather than to designated vulnerable zones. Under Sustaining Progress, the Government gave its commitment to full and effective implementation of the Nitrates Directive. This will involve an action programme, including Regulations, which will be applied in relation to the whole country and will provide statutory support for the application of established standards of good agricultural practice. Suitable monitoring programmes will be developed to assess the effectiveness of the action programme as to improvements in water quality and farm management e.g. provision of waste storage capacity, use of fertilisers, nutrient management planning. The detailed provisions of the action programme and related research and monitoring programmes will be finalised in consultation with the main farming organisations and other interests.

The EPA's report, The Quality of Drinking Water in Ireland - A Report for the year 2001 confirmed the fundamentally good quality of drinking water in public supplies with an overall compliance rate of 94% with prescribed standards. The report acknowledges the extent of the water quality deficiencies affecting group water schemes and highlights the Government’s continuing commitment to support and achieve improved performance in the sector. The report is based on the results of 146,352 tests carried out on 22,453 samples taken from 904 public supplies and 1,536 group water schemes. The major drive to tackle quality deficiencies in the group sector continued during 2002 through the implementation of the Rural Water Programme. Progress on this programme is outlined below under the key strategy on promoting a partnership approach to key environmental policy and sustainability issues.

In May 2002, the EPA's report, The Quality of Bathing Water in Ireland (2001) stated that the quality of the bathing water in Ireland is very good with most of the bathing areas (97.7%) complying with the mandatory standards and 87.8% of the bathing areas complying with the guide values (which are much more stringent) for the parameters total and faecal coliforms, mineral oils, surface active substances and phenols.

75 beaches and 4 marinas were awarded the Blue Flag in 2002, thereby maintaining the same high levels of Blue flags as awarded in 2001. In June 2002, the Department requested An Taisce to conduct a study to explore the scope for increasing the number of Blue Flags awarded to Ireland.

During 2002, the Air Quality Standards Regulations 2002 were made. These Regulations specify limit values for air pollutants and provide for the making of air pollution action plans by local authorities for short-term risks of exceedances of limit values or alert thresholds and for routine public information procedures.

Work on drafting the Protection of the Environment Bill was nearing completion at the end of 2002. The Bill, which was published in early 2003, makes provision for the amendment of the IPC and Waste licensing provisions of the 1992 Environmental Protection Agency Act and 1996 Waste Management Act respectively for the purpose of bringing both licensing systems fully into line with the IPPC Directive. It also updates and


improves in a number of respects, the legislation governing the IPC regime and provides a statutory basis for incorporating groundwater protection requirements into that regime. In addition, the Bill includes amendments of the Waste Management Act 1996 and the Litter Pollution Act 1997 to strengthen the provisions of those Acts, including in relation to enforcement matters.

Details of environmental monitoring, licensing and other activities undertaken by the EPA are published in their Annual Report (see Appendix 7 for contact details).

Disseminating high quality information on the environment and on sustainable lifestyle choices through ENFO and pursuing other awareness initiatives, and participating actively in EU/wider international work to address global/regional environmental problems, cooperating on environmental issues in the framework of the North-South Ministerial and British-Irish Councils, and preparing for Ireland's EU Presidency in 2004

The national environmental awareness campaign The Environment:It's Easy to Make a Difference continued in 2002 to highlight to the public the simple steps that they can take in their everyday lives to reduce the impact they have on the environment. Initiatives implemented included: a national TV and radio advertising campaign focusing on the connection between energy use and its

impact on climate and the promotion of the "reduce, reuse, recycle" message on waste management; production of information leaflets on climate change and tips on how to prevent, reduce, reuse and recycle

waste; production of a video on waste management aimed at providing balanced, impartial information on

modern waste management; and a Christmas radio advertising campaign thanking the public for the success of the plastic bag levy and

encouraging them to continue to reduce, reuse and recycle.

During 2002, ENFO continued to provide easy access to information on the environment and sustainable lifestyle choices in line with the Department’s Customer Service Action Plan 2001 - 2004. Almost 78,000 customers (an average of 1,500 per week) visited ENFO representing a 50% increase on the numbers which visited in 2001. The services provided included: responding to an average of 420 postal, telephone and e-mail requests for information each week; maintaining and adding to the Reference library of environmental books, journals and international

databases; maintaining the ENFO website, www.enfo.ie, hosting the 10 Steps website, www.10steps.ie and hosting

the SASSIN website; over 160,000 visits to the ENFO website and 17,000 visits to the 10 Steps website were recorded in 2002;

continuing and further expanding investment in the Children’s Corner of the ENFO centre; the Children’s Newsletter was redesigned and mailed to over 4,000 young children free of charge during the year;

providing workshops, lectures and environment walkabouts to over 170 groups involving 4,000 school students;

developing 4 teacher packs in conjunction with ECO-UNESCO and distributing to teachers on request; supporting and providing key resources to the Local Authority Environment Education Officers' Network; 5

meetings of the Network were coordinated during the year and a Bulletin Board facility for the Officers was provided on the 10 Steps website;

converting all microfiche databases to digital format including the archive of Environmental Impact Statements and providing broadband internet access to the public;

redesigning all ENFO leaflets and providing leaflets in the Irish language; developing leaflets and posters on a range of new topics from wildlife to litter; publishing a calendar based on a selection of entries from the ENFO-sponsored Environmental Art

competition for Primary Schools. providing 18 touring Exhibitions in over 130 locations throughout the country and providing videos on

environmental themes on loan to teachers. hosting 12 exhibitions in conjunction with NGOs - the subjects included litter, sustainable living,

environmental management planning, wetlands, owls and energy awareness; providing representation at meetings of the EU Green Spider Network; agreeing and implementing a Work Programme of Cooperation on Information Exchange and

Environmental Awareness Raising under the North/South Ministerial Council; and providing environmental information to encourage environmentally responsible behaviour by children in

support of the National Children’s Strategy.


The Department continued in 2002 to progress its application for certification to ISO 14001, the international standard for environmental management systems. Activities undertaken in this area are outlined below and further progress is outlined in the Environment Bulletin.

The total amount of energy consumed by the Department’s main offices in 2002 was 3,812,000 kW/h, representing the production of 153 tonnes of Carbon Dioxide (CO2). This is equivalent to an average consumption of 5,309 kW/h per head, a decrease of 20 kW/h per head on 2001 figures as indicated in the chart below.

In applying green procurement, the Department sourced a supplier of envelopes made from 100% post-consumer waste and all reports and leaflets published by the Department during 2002 were printed on recycled paper containing a minimum of 75% post-consumer waste.

The Department has installed large volume photocopiers which have duplex (double-sided) copying facilities, and these and other major items of office electrical equipment feature powersave modes and have a formal eco-label/energy label. During 2002, the Department purchased remanufactured toner cartridges for use in its printers

Throughout 2002, the Department segregated cardboard packaging and paper waste at source in its offices in the Custom House to facilitate recycling. This achieved savings in excess of €18,000 in 2002 compared to 2001. Vermiculture units continued to be used in 2002 to compost kitchen waste from the Department's restaurant, and waste oil from the Department's restaurant was recovered for recycling. In addition, the Department sent all toner cartridges used in printers for remanufacture.

During 2002, 153 Dublin-based staff availed of the annual bus and rail tickets under the Annual Travelpass scheme, which offers tax relief to employees for the purchase of such tickets through their employers. Cycle lock-up and shower facilities were availed of by staff in each of the main offices during the year.

Financial support was provided to the walking club for staff members through funds made available under the Department's merit awards scheme.

The Department, together with Sustainable Energy Ireland, the Department of Transport and relevant local authorities, organised the successful participation of 10 urban areas in European Car Free Day on 22 September 2002. The Department made a contribution of €14,500 towards the cost of providing free bus services in a number of participating cities on the day.

Training in environmental issues during 2002 focused on induction training in environmental management issues, awareness-raising on energy conservation, and on waste, water and other resource management, and instruction in fire safety and first aid.

The Eighth Session of the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) was held in New Delhi in October/November 2002. Much of the proceedings dealt with low-key, uncontroversial and technical issues relating to various aspects of the implementation of the Convention and the Kyoto Protocol. The most significant of these were decisions to facilitate the prompt _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Annual Report 2002 (August 2003) page 12 of 76

start of the Clean Development Mechanism and finalisation of rules for national registries to underpin emissions trading. The Department also participated at a meeting of the Subsidiary Bodies of the UNFCCC in Bonn in June 2002 and at regular meetings of the EU Working Party on International Environment Issues (Climate Change) throughout the year.

The Department and the Department of the Environment Northern Ireland (DOE NI) worked together on a number of waste management issues including the enhancement of cooperation on developing markets for recyclable material on the island of Ireland. Progress was also made through the North/South Ministerial Council and in conjunction with the DOE NI towards developing an all-island service for the management of waste fridges and freezers. Tenders for the service were received before the end of 2002.

The Environment Bulletin (Numbers 52 to 54) provide details of developments in the area of environmental protection in 2002. Details of other publications are listed in Appendix 2.

Developing and implementing, in cooperation with other Departments and agencies and with good participation in related international developments, policies and programmes aimed at integrating environmental considerations into economic/fiscal and other policy areas, particularly industry, transport, energy, tourism and agriculture

During 2002 the Environmental Network of Government Departments focused on the EU Sustainable Development Strategy, preparations for the World Summit on Sustainable Development, green procurement and the integration of environmental issues into other policy areas.

A negotiated agreement was signed in June 2002 extending the ban on the marketing, sale and distribution of bituminous coal. In addition to setting maximum sulphur limits on bituminous coal and petcoke, the agreement includes an outright ban on the sale of bituminous coal in the built up areas of Bray, Kilkenny, Sligo and Tralee from 1 October 2003, and for increasing market penetration of smokeless fuels in a number of towns throughout the country. As well as the health and environmental benefits, it is estimated that full implementation of the agreement will result in circa 6.5 kilotonnes less sulphur dioxide (SO 2) emissions annually. This is an important measure towards achievement of the SO2 national emissions ceilings required by EU Directive 2001/81/EC and the UNECE Gothenburg Protocol to the Convention on Long Range Transboundary Air Pollution.

Regulations made in November 2002 limit the emissions of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) due to the use of organic solvents in certain activities and installations. Details of these Regulations are outlined in Appendix 1.

Throughout 2002, the Department maintained ongoing consultations in relation to the forthcoming proposed EU Directive on Environmental Liability, which is currently undergoing detailed negotiations at EU level.

Promoting a partnership approach among the economic sectors, social partners, and non-governmental organisations to key environmental policy and sustainability issues through Comhar and other inclusive initiatives such as Local Agenda 21

Expenditure on the Rural Water Programme in 2002 amounted to €67.6 million and underpinned substantial progress in the areas outlined below. The Programme is being implemented under a partnership framework, involving cooperation between the National Federation of Group Water Schemes, the Rural Organisations (IFA, ICMSA, ICA), the local authorities and the Department.

A report on the quality of the raw water used by some 750 private group water schemes was issued by the National Rural Water Monitoring Committee in 2002. The results, based on samples collected at monthly intervals over a 12 month period, are being used to determine source specific treatment facilities to bring the quality of supply into compliance with the Drinking Water Regulations.

A new comprehensive group water scheme monitoring programme for drinking water for all schemes falling within the remit of the Drinking Water Regulations commenced in late 2002, covering an estimated 1,550 group schemes. Monitoring is being done on a quarterly basis through a combination of public and private laboratories.


Monitoring of the 6 pilot projects to test new approaches to treating group water scheme supplies in Monaghan (1), Cavan (1), Mayo (2) and Roscommon (2) continued in 2002 and a report on the effectiveness of these plants is expected to be published in 2003.

Water disinfection and treatment facilities will be provided under a single Design, Build and Operate (DBO) contract involving a unique partnership between the public and private water supply sectors in County Monaghan, covering 3 County Council water supply plants and up to 11 large group water schemes. Construction commenced in 2002 and the first plant was commissioned in April 2003.

On the recommendations of the National Rural Water Monitoring Committee a pilot programme to test a range of new, small scale collection and treatment systems based on DBO procurement by local authorities was advertised for “expressions of interest” in late 2002. Pilot projects are expected to be completed at 12 villages spread over 6 counties in 2003.

The Water Services National Training Group published a comprehensive Procurement Guidance Document in October 2002 to assist local authorities, the group scheme sector and their technical advisers in progressing the upgrading of schemes by way of DBO procurement and the bundling of a number of schemes under a single contract. DBO and bundling is now the agreed strategy for providing up to 500 water treatment plants over the 2003 to 2006 period. At the end of 2002, some 28 bundled DBO contracts to provide water treatment equipment for 237 individual group water schemes, serving over 33,000 rural households, were being advanced by county councils in partnership with the group schemes concerned.

With the objective of achieving optimum operational efficiency and the application of best practice in the management and maintenance of new water treatment plants, a Performance Management System was launched in September 2002. The system will form an integral part of the Operational and Maintenance element of the DBO contract and will ensure that the group scheme members enjoy a consistent and high quality service by the service provider over the 20 years of the DBO contract.

Making Ireland’s Development Sustainable - Review, Assessment and Future Action, published in July 2002 was Ireland’s contribution to preparations for the World Summit on Sustainable Development (WSSD) held in Johannesburg in September. The Report was prepared following consultation with Comhar, the Environmental Network of Government Departments and the National Preparatory Committee to the WSSD. It provides a review and assessment of Ireland's position on sustainable development in light of our rapid economic growth from the mid-1990s, and recognises that while good progress has been made in a range of areas, there is also now growing pressure on the environment. There has been some decoupling of energy and materials intensity from economic growth, a reduction in emissions from industry, and improvement in river water quality, local air quality, and waste recycling. The Report also recognises Ireland’s role in working for sustainable development at EU and international levels, including through meeting our obligations under international agreements and through our programme of official development assistance.

In addition, the Report outlines future action which includes implementing the National Climate Change Strategy and the National Biodiversity and National Heritage Plans; pressing ahead with the river basin district approach to water quality; developing a national strategy to meet the requirements of the Gothenburg Protocol; radically overhauling our waste management, as set out in Changing our Ways and Preventing and Recycling Waste: Delivering Change; implementing a National Spatial Strategy; and working with the market to advise environmental gains using economic and fiscal measures and producer responsibility initiatives.

During the year, Comhar considered and made recommendations/submissions to the Minister on a number of issues. Principles for Sustainable Development was published by Comhar during 2002 as a benchmark tool to determine the sustainability impacts of both existing and future policies. Further details of activities undertaken by Comhar are published in their Annual Report (see Appendix 7 for contact details).

Through the Local Environmental Partnership Fund, the Department assisted 167 environmental projects at local level during 2002. €280,000 was paid to local authorities to support projects which involve partnership arrangements between local authorities and local community groups, schools and environmental NGOs. Local authorities were encouraged to give priority in 2002 to those projects which raised awareness of sustainable development issues.

The Department continued to support environment NGOs and €68,000 was provided to those who contribute to the promotion of awareness and debate on environmental issues. The funding facilitated the establishment of a developmental supporting secretariat and the involvement of NGOs in various initiatives coordinated by the Secretariat. In acknowledgement of the proactive and participative approach of NGOs in public debate


and policy making, the Department provided additional funds amounting to €60,000 to NGOs to assist in their preparation and involvement in the World Summit on Sustainable Development in 2002.

Taking full account of the health and environmental impacts of the transport and energy sectors and the need for these sectors to make a full contribution to sustainable development (this was a key strategy for the former Department of Public Enterprise in their Statement of Strategy 2001 - 2004 and is reported upon following the assignment of Nuclear Safety functions to this Department in 2002) The National Emergency Plan for Nuclear Accidents was updated and published in March 2002. The Plan provides for a rapid response following an accident at a nuclear installation in the UK or elsewhere and the implementation of any counter measures that are deemed necessary for the protection of the population. Public awareness of the Plan was raised through the publication and circulation to households of the information leaflet, National Planning for Nuclear Emergencies and the circulation of a more comprehensive information booklet on the Plan to public libraries, Citizen Advice Centres and Environmental Information Offices. A call centre was also established to handle the large volume of queries from the public.

In December 2002, Ireland along with other non-nuclear EU states issued a joint declaration welcoming a package of legislation introducing community wide standards of safety and protection of nuclear plants and address the ongoing problem of radioactive waste treatment and disposal. Legal actions against the UK on the operation of the nuclear reprocessing plant at Sellafield continued during 2002.

The Department liaised with the Radiological Protection Institute of Ireland (RPII) throughout 2002 on issues relating to radiological safety. Details of activities undertaken by the RPII are published in their Annual Report (see Appendix 7 for contact details).


HeritageObjectiveTo conserve and promote appreciation of the built and natural heritage

In June 2002, the Department was assigned responsibility for heritage policy and conservation which was previously within the remit of the former Department of Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands. The objective and key strategies for the heritage function were outlined in the Statement of Strategy 2001 - 2004 for that Department.

In implementing the National Development Plan 2000 - 2006 (NDP) further progress was made on the capital investment programme in State properties. During the year, additional Interim County Surveys as part of the National Inventory of Architectural Heritage were published along with Archaeological Inventories. Development applications continued to be examined throughout 2002 to ensure that the protection of the built and natural heritage was taken into consideration.

Details of the activities undertaken in implementing the key strategies for this objective are outlined below.

Key Strategies

To provide an appropriate legislative and policy framework for the effective conservation and protection of the built and natural heritage

With the transfer of the heritage function to the Department in June 2002, it was necessary to make provision for the performance by the Minister of certain statutory consultative functions in relation to the built and natural heritage. These functions were formerly exercised by the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands and arose in the context of planning consent and environmental licensing matters. The Minister for the Environment and Local Government (Performance of Certain Functions) Act 2002 was enacted in June 2002 to make the necessary amendments to the Planning and Development Act 2000, the Environmental Protection Agency Act 1992 and the Waste Management Act 1996.

During 2002, the report, Protecting our Heritage - Review of the National Monuments Acts was published. This report provides a summary of the National Monuments legislation and outlines the key proposals to be included in the revised and consolidated National Monuments Bill.

In conserving and promoting the built and natural heritage, the National Heritage Plan and the National Biodiversity Plan were published in April 2002. The National Heritage Plan outlines a programme of action to protect, promote and appreciate our heritage, while the National Biodiversity Plan sets out the necessary framework for the conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity in Ireland over the next 5 years.

The report, Action on Architecture 2002 - 2005 published in 2002, outlines the steps to be taken towards enhancing the built environment including raising public awareness of architecture and encouraging innovation in design among young architects.

Ireland ratified the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora in 2002 so as to control international trade in certain species of wild animals and plants where such trade threatens such species with extinction.

During the year, the Department contributed to discussions on the ratification of the African - Eurasian Migratory Waterbird Agreements.

The Department engaged in consultation with a number of operators and interested parties on the drafting of Regulations under section 36 of the Wildlife (Amendment) Act 2000 for the regulation of commercial shoot operators.

To identify, inventory and assess the built and natural heritage

Progress on the National Inventory of Architectural Heritage continued during 2002. A survey of the Inventories of the architectural heritage in counties Carlow, Laois, Fingal and South Dublin areas were published. These are published in a new format with an illustrated introduction with the aim of raising awareness and appreciation of the built heritage of the country._____________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Annual Report 2002 (August 2003) page 16 of 76

A contract was awarded in 2002 for the Survey of Heritage Gardens and Designed Landscapes in Ireland.

In 2002, the Archaeological Survey of Ireland continued to identify and record all archaeological sites and monuments in Ireland. An archaeological inventory of North Tipperary and surveys of megalithic tombs in counties Donegal and Clare were published.

The Department resurveyed over 2,000 monument sites during 2002 and found that destruction rates were declining in counties Kildare, Galway, Longford and Louth and that none of the 200 sites examined in County Offaly were destroyed.

A survey of 3 crannóg sites in County Longford was undertaken by the Department in 2002. Other discoveries included the Gormanston dugout boat and extensive remains and in situ artefacts on a shipwreck in Waterford. A draft Guide to Underwater Archaeology in Ireland was also finalised during the year.

To designate elements of the built and natural heritage requiring special protection measures

During 2002, a number of measures were taken to safeguard the built heritage, these included: making 5 Preservation Orders and 8 Temporary Preservation Orders; registering 3 sites as historic monuments; recommending 1,264 structures for inclusion in the Record of Protected Structures; and granting 26 determinations under the Taxes Consolidation Act 1997 (section 482) for the repair,

maintenance or restoration of approved buildings or gardens in Ireland.

In 2002, work continued in conserving the natural heritage and designating areas under the EU Habitats and Birds Directives and as part of the Natura 2000 programme. Particular emphasis was placed on preparations for designation of raised bog sites due to their unique assemblage of plants and animals. 35 new Special Protection Areas or extensions to existing sites were designated during the year and proposals were advertised and landowners notified in respect of 24 Special Areas of Conservation (SACs) and 75 Natural Heritage Areas. Further proposals for candidate SAC lists are expected to be published in 2003 and these will have a particular focus on rivers to support the conservation of salmon and other aquatic species, and on raised bogs, fens and other wetland habitats.

Following the 2nd Biogeographic Seminar held in The Hague in June 2002, the Department, in consultation with conservation NGOs undertook a review of SACs and identified proposals for 68 new SACs and some extensions to sites.

To conserve the built and natural heritage

In safeguarding our architectural heritage, Codes of Practice on Development Impacts on Archaeology were agreed in 2002 with the Irish Concrete Federation and Coillte.

Research and surveys were carried out during 2002 on a number of flora and fauna species and habitat areas including the slender naiad (Najas flexilis), Grey Partridge, Corncrake (Ireland’s only globally threatened bird species), Hen Harrier (a rare and vulnerable bird-of-prey species of the uplands), Greenland White-fronted Goose (about half of the world population of this bird over-winters in Ireland), Chough (a red-billed and red-legged crow which has its north-western European stronghold on the rugged Irish coasts from west Wexford to north Donegal), Peregrine Falcon, Natterjack Toad, Breeding Waders in the Shannon Callows; rare mosses, ferns and liverworts in the north-west; Lamprey and Shad in the rivers of the south east,; Seabed mapping in Roaringwater Bay, Kenmare River and Clew Bay, and areas important for nature in the Upper Shannon. This work was undertaken in partnership with other organisations including the Marine Institute, BirdWatch Ireland, University College Cork, the Central Fisheries Board and the Royal College of Surgeons of Ireland

Throughout 2002 and in partnership with BirdWatch Ireland and the Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust, the Department continued to monitor the conservation status of waterbirds (Irish Wetland Bird Survey), breeding seabirds (Seabird 2000), terns, and common breeding birds of the Irish countryside (Countryside Bird Survey). Research on the identification of important sites and habitats is an essential element of this work and has influenced the designation of Special Protection Areas under the EU Birds Directive for these birds.


The Department participated in the Workshop on Conservation Biology of European Vertigo Species held in Dublin in April 2002. There are 3 species of the Vertigo snails (a group of small freshwater snails) listed for protection in the Habitats Directive but there is a paucity of published information on their ecological requirements. The proceedings of the Workshop were published in early 2003.

Impacts and activities on designated sites were monitored during the year and methods and protocols were investigated, developed and applied for Lesser Horseshoe Bat, Freshwater Pearl Mussel, Freshwater Crayfish and the Vertigos.

A review of the deer hunting licensing systems was undertaken to streamline the process and improve the service being provided to customers. The completion of the review in March 2002 resulted in a shorter processing time for renewals of applications. 2,018 deer hunting licences were issued during 2002.

During the year, 850 archaeological licences including excavation licences, licences to dive and consents to use detection devices were issued. In excess of 4,400 licences were issued under Wildlife legislation - these licences include wildlife dealers licences, importation of live wild animals or birds and licences for hunting of pen-reared birds. Efforts were made to ensure that the processing of these licences were dealt with in accordance with the timeframes set in A Strategy for Enhanced Customer Service 2001 - 2004 for the former Department of Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands.

Following consultation with interested parties, the Department transferred the licensing function for firearm certificates for non-residents to the Garda Síochána in March 2002.

The open season for mammals and birds was reviewed during the year in consultation with interested parties. Derogation Orders were renewed every four months to enable certain bird species, representing a threat to air safety and causing damage to crops, to be controlled.

Under the Commonage Framework Plans, the Department, in conjunction with the Department of Agriculture and Food completed assessments of 96% of the commonages in the country (some 410,000 hectares) by the end of 2002.

During the year, the Department provided an expert advisory service on heritage/conservation issues involving over 8,700 applications to planning authorities and to An Bord Pleanála. The development of a tracking system for development applications is outlined below under the key strategy for efficient and effective customer service.

To provide leadership through the promotion of increased national awareness of the importance and value of the built and natural heritage and through increased public consultation as part of the decision making process

35 submissions were received on the draft Architectural Heritage Protection Guidelines for Planning Authorities. The guidelines are expected to be finalised in late 2003 to reflect the submissions made.

In advancing the protection of the architectural heritage, the Department held meetings with Conservation Officers from planning authorities on a quarterly basis throughout 2002.

National Heritage Week, held from 1 to 8 September 2002, was marked by more than 600 events throughout the country. A wide range of national and community organisations participated and events and activities ranged from guided tours and nature walks to lectures, music recitals, poetry reading, storytelling, historical re-enactments, craft demonstrations and art exhibitions. The Week contributed significantly to the raising of heritage awareness throughout the country.

The Heritage Council acts in a complementary role to the Department in relation to heritage protection. Details of activities undertaken by the Heritage Council are published in their Annual Report (see Appendix 7 for contact details).

To conserve, manage and present state properties to the highest standards as models of excellence in the conservation of the built and natural heritage

During 2002, expenditure of €8.613 million was incurred on 50 projects as part of the implementation of the built heritage elements of the NDP. These projects included:


restoration of the 17th century building, the Main Guard in Clonmel, Co. Tipperary; upon completion the Main Guard including a reception and exhibition area will be open to the public;

restoration work on the Black Mill in Roscrea, Co Tipperary; which will house the 12 th century St. Cronan’s Cross, a replica of which was made in 2002.

conservation work on St. Fachnan's Cathedral in Kilfenora, Co. Clare; conservation works at Skellig Michael and Adare Castle; archaeological excavation at Kindlestown Castle in Co. Wicklow; renovation works at Donegal Castle; restoration work on the Palm House in the National Botanic Gardens; improvements will include the

introduction of a combined new heating, ventilation and misting (humidity control) system; restoration of the Walled Pleasure Gardens at Fota House on Fota Island, Co. Cork including the Sunken

Italian Garden, the Rose Garden, the Formal Garden and the former tennis court; and refurbishment of Joseph’s Cottage in the Wicklow Mountains National Park.

In 2002 and following an extensive public consultation process, the Department launched a five year management plan for Brú na Bóinne, one of the designated World Heritage Sites.

The Connemara National Park Liaison Committee was established to represent the views of the local communities and groups, who have a legitimate interest in the National Park and to assist the Department in the preparation of a management plan for the National Park. The Committee's first meeting was held in January 2002.

The Department assigned responsibility for the management of the National Connemara Pony herd to the Connemara Pony Breeders Association in September 2002.

With support from the EU Interreg Programme and involving Britain and Portugal, the Department carried out an Interpretative Study to develop examples of best practice in interpretative planning. Glenveagh and Ballycroy National Parks were included in the study and the report, published in January 2002 will inform the development of the interpretative element in the proposed Visitor Centre in Ballycroy National Park.

In September 2002, Inch Lake Lease Agreement between the Department and Donegal Creameries plc. was signed. The agreement provides for the implementation of a management plan for the conservation of the habitats in an area of some 530 acres over the next 30 years. Inch Lake is an important roosting area for Whooper Swans, Greenland White-fronted Geese and Greylag geese.

During 2002, over 2 million customers visited 55 heritage sites managed by the Department. A quality Guide Service was provided at 70 sites in 2002 including the Rock of Cashel, Clonmacnoise, Glendalough, Muckross House and Newgrange. Over 350 Guides were employed at these sites, the majority of whom were recruited seasonally. Training in customer care ensured that the service provided by the Guides was of a high standard.

To participate in international conservation bodies to contribute internationally and to inform national approaches

The Department participated in a range of international meetings including the UN Convention on Biological Diversity, the International Convention for the Regulation of Whaling, the Bern Convention on the Conservation of European Wildlife and Natural Habitats, the Bonn Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals, the Conventions of the Parties to the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands of International Importance especially Wildfowl Habitat and the Washington Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Fauna and Flora, the EU Committee on Trade in Wild Fauna and Flora and the African - Eurasian Migratory Waterbird Agreements.

The Department also attended meetings of Wetlands International European Bird Census Council and the British Trust for Ornithology Ringing Committee.

To restructure the Department's heritage service to give more efficient and effective customer service

The development of a tracking system for requests for observations on the heritage aspects of development applications progressed during 2002. The Local Government Computer Services Board, Meath County Council and IBM Business Consulting Services assisted the Department in progressing this project. Tenders were invited for the project and it is expected that the preferred supplier will be chosen in 2003.


Renewed focus on environmental sustainability was at the heart of the Government's decision in June 2002 to assign responsibility for the built and natural heritage functions to the Department of the Environment and Local Government. It was considered appropriate that heritage policy and matters relating to nature conservation and biodiversity should become integrated into the Department. As it was intended by Government to give responsibility for the management and other operational aspects of our built heritage to the Office of Public Works, it was necessary to commence a review of how best the heritage functions should be managed having regard to the relevant strengths of the Department, the OPW and other players in the State sector. A Task Force was established by the Department to undertake this review. By the end of 2002, considerable consultations and analysis has been carried out so as to inform final decisions on the distribution of these functions. Underpinning the review was an awareness of the extent of organisational moves that the heritage portfolio had experienced over the last 20 years. The delivery of a set of organisational arrangements which would result in the heritage functions settling down and developing a more confident sense of place within the Governmental system was also a fundamental aspect of the review. The Task Force completed the review in 2003.


HousingObjective To enable every household to have available an affordable dwelling of good quality, suited to its needs, in a good environment and, as far as possible, at the tenure of its choice

Housing policy addresses all sectors of the housing market. Significant progress was made in 2002 to increase housing supply through the implementation of a range of Government measures, with some 57,695 units built nationally. New housing output in relation to population (at 14.73 per 1,000 population) was by far the highest level in Europe. The focus of public expenditure in housing is on ensuring that best value for money is obtained and that programmes are appropriately focussed on real needs. Over 12,700 units of social and affordable housing were provided in 2002 and it is anticipated that the social and affordable housing needs of close to 13,000 households will be met in 2003.

Details of the various activities undertaken in implementing the key strategies identified in the Statement of Strategy 2001 - 2004 to support the achievement of the above objective, are outlined below.

Key Strategies

Oversee and maintain an efficient housing market

The Department assesses the trends in the housing market by examining various indicators to monitor housing supply and demand such as, new house guarantee registrations, planning permissions, serviced lands, local area plans and house prices.

Housing output for 2002 was up 9.7% nationally compared with 2001 (from 52,602 in 2001 to 57,695 in 2002) and up 25.3% in the Greater Dublin Area (from 16,498 in 2001 to 20,675 in 2002). Output in 2002 was the 8th consecutive year of record housing output. In 2002, there were a total of 51,157 new house guarantee registrations. The 2002 figure is made up of HomeBond Registrations and Premier Guarantee Registrations from Coyle Hamilton Insurance, which introduced its registration product in 2001.

Comparing the year 2002 with 2001, average house prices were up by 8.3% to €198,087 for new houses and by 10.5% to €227,799 for second-hand houses on a nation-wide basis. In Dublin, average house prices for the same period increased by 5.4% to €256,109 for new houses and by 11.0% to €297,424 for second-hand houses. . The annual survey of serviced residentially zoned land indicated that we are keeping pace with development and there is sufficient national capacity for about the next 6 years.

The Department is examining ways to improve its monitoring of housing market trends. A Pilot Study is _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Annual Report 2002 (August 2003) page 21 of 76

underway on the potential use of Commencement Notices as a possible housing indicator and a new House Price Statistics System is being developed, which will improve the method of collection of house price data by the Department.

Measures of affordability were developed showing the percentage of income absorbed in servicing a mortgage. A number of housing measures were introduced by the Government in the 2002 Budget to facilitate an increase in the supply of rental accommodation. Interest arising from 1 January 2002 on borrowed monies employed in the purchase, improvement or repair of rented residential properties is allowed as a deduction for tax purposes against rental income. The 2002 Budget revised downwards the flat stamp duty rate of 9% that had applied to investors in second hand residential property since 2000. The new stamp duty rates applying to such investors are now the same rates that apply to non first time buyers who purchase second hand residential property for owner occupation, and to investors in new residential property.

The New House Grant Scheme was terminated on 14 November 2002. The Government, in the 2003 Budget, provided better targeted relief for first time purchasers by extending the period for which Mortgage Interest Relief is available from 5 to 7 years and increasing the first time buyer ceilings up to which relief at the standard rate is available.

The private rented sector has an important role in meeting housing needs. The Government are committed to continuing to develop and implement policies to help modernise and develop this sector, based particularly on the report of the Commission on the Private Rented Residential Sector in 2000. Action being pursued in this area is outlined below under the key strategy on developing and maintaining a framework for an efficient private rented sector.

In partnership with other Government Departments, State agencies, local authorities and the construction industry provide the legislative, fiscal and regulatory framework to facilitate the supply of an adequate level and range of housing output to meet demand

A guidance document covering some practical issues arising from the implementation of Part V of the Planning and Development Act 2000, housing strategies and the making of agreements between planning authorities and developers issued to local authorities in February 2002.

In line with the commitment made in the Agreed Programme for Government to ensure that Part V was meeting its objectives in relation to social and affordable housing, a review of Part V was carried out in 2002. The review involved consultation with a wide range of interests and resulted in changes being made to Part V by way of the Planning and Development (Amendment) Act 2002. The changes provide for more flexibility to facilitate more efficient and effective operation of Part V and ensure a continued strong supply of housing for all sections of the community. Further details about this legislation are outlined in the Planning section and in Appendix 1 of this Report.

The Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2002, enacted on 10 April 2002, provides for an increase in the borrowing limit of the Housing Finance Agency, places the Local Authority Affordable Housing Scheme on a statutory basis and enables local authorities to remove unauthorised temporary dwellings from public places within one mile of approved traveller accommodation. Further details about this legislation are outlined in Appendix 1.

During 2002, the Housing Forum continued to monitor developments in relation to the supply and affordability of housing and to contribute to the development of policy responses in respect of housing issues identified in the Programme for Prosperity and Fairness.

Identify constraints particularly in the areas of infrastructure provision, residential land use and construction capacity on the provision of an adequate supply of housing, develop measures to overcome these constraints and facilitate and coordinate their timely and effective implementation

The overall increase in the supply of housing indicates that investment in servicing building land and encouraging efficient use of this land through Residential Density Guidelines is having a positive effect. September 2002 estimates showed that 268 schemes had been approved under the Serviced Land Initiative since it was introduced with a potential yield of 184,100 sites. A number of these schemes are on hold or not proceeding, which leaves an active pool of 245 schemes with a potential yield of 176,100 sites. In June 2002, the Department undertook a fourth national survey on the availability of zoned serviced


building land. Notwithstanding the record housing output levels in 2001, the survey indicated that there is a more than adequate stock of zoned serviced land available throughout the country for residential development. At the end of June 2002, Dublin City and County had approximately 5,580 acres of zoned serviced land, with an estimated yield of 96,700 housing units. There were 3,000 acres of zoned serviced land in the Mid-East Region with an estimated yield of about 26,700 units. In addition, there was sufficient zoned serviced land to yield about 16,000 units in Galway, 19,400 units in Limerick and 15,100 units in Waterford, respectively.

During 2002, the Department monitored activity within the 3 Strategic Development Zones (Lucan, Navan and Blanchardstown) to ensure that planning schemes are being prepared expeditiously. South Dublin County Council drafted the planning scheme for Adamstown which went on public display in early 2003.

In June 2002, the Cross-Departmental Team on Housing was replaced by a new Cross-Departmental Team on Housing, Infrastructure and PPPs (Public Private Partnerships). The Department is represented on the Team which is chaired and serviced by the Department of the Taoiseach.

Facilitate home ownership for the greatest possible number of those households who desire and can afford it through an appropriate range of fiscal and other measures

A number of local authority schemes were available in 2002 to householders to facilitate home ownership. The activities on each of these schemes during 2002 are detailed below.

1,195 dwellings were purchased under the Tenant Purchase Scheme; 3,542 applications to purchase were made and 2,935 sales were approved.

1,686 dwellings were purchased under the Shared Ownership Scheme representing an increase of 4.7% on 2001.

882 dwellings were completed under the Affordable Housing Scheme; at the end of 2002, 2,524 (proposed) dwellings were in planning and 1,907 under construction.

188 houses were surrendered under the Mortgage Allowance Scheme.

224 loans were provided under the Local Authority Loans for Home Purchase Scheme with a total value of €17.6 million.

As mentioned above, the New House Grant Scheme was terminated in November 2002. 25,329 applications were received prior to the closing date of 4 December 2002, representing an increase of 130% on 2001. 10,313 grants were paid representing an increase of 1.5% on 2001. During 2002, the targets set in the Customer Service Action Plan 2001 - 2004 for processing new house grants applications were achieved in over 80% of the applications.

Expand social and affordable housing output to meet needs

Expenditure on the main local authority housing programme in 2002, including expenditure by local authorities from their internal receipts, amounted to €792 million, an increase of €122 million on expenditure in 2001. The number of new housing units completed and acquired under the local authority housing construction and the various regeneration programmes in 2002 was 5,074 units while work was in progress at the end of the year on an additional 6,768 units. Steady progress is being made on implementing the multi-annual programme which provides for 25,000 starts in the period 2000 to 2003. At the end of 2002, 65% of the programme target for starts was achieved.

At the end of March 2002, local authorities undertook the 3-yearly statutory assessment of the need for the provision of local authority housing. Assessments of the overall number of homeless persons and the housing of Travellers were also carried out. The results of the assessment indicated that a total of 48,413 households were in need of housing, representing an increase of 23.5% on the results of the previous assessment undertaken in 1999. Detailed information on the results of the 2002 assessment is published in the September 2002 edition of the Department's Housing Statistics Bulletin (Quarterly).


Expenditure on the voluntary and cooperative housing programme amounted to €165 million in 2002, an increase of almost 15% on 2001. A record level of output was achieved by the sector in 2002 where 1,360 housing units were provided with capital assistance from the Department under the Capital Assistance Scheme and the Loan Subsidy Scheme. This output represented an 8.5% increase on the output achieved in 2001. In addition, work was in progress on about 2,500 units of accommodation at the end of 2002 and there were a further 7,000 units at various stages of development at local level throughout the country.

The Department actively encourages the use of PPP arrangements to bring forward integrated housing developments of private, social and affordable housing units. The scope of harnessing PPP arrangements to facilitate the provision of core infrastructure for residential developments is also being examined. Two developments of private, affordable and social units are currently being undertaken by Dublin City Council and Fingal County Council. Phase one of the development at Buzzardstown/Castlecurragh (169 affordable units) was launched by Fingal County Council in May 2002 and all units were sold.

Ensure that the special housing needs of particularly vulnerable groups, including the elderly, disabled, homeless and Travellers are recognised and appropriately addressed

The 3-year Action Plans required under the Integrated Strategy on Homelessness were completed in most local authority areas. The Plans detail how accommodation, health, settlement and welfare services will be provided and implementation of the Plans is being overseen by the Homeless Agency in Dublin and the homeless fora in other local authority areas.

The Government’s Homeless Preventative Strategy, prepared by the Cross-Departmental Team on Homelessness, was launched in February 2002. The Strategy contains measures to prevent homelessness among adult offenders, young offenders, those leaving mental health facilities and acute hospitals, and young people leaving care.

The Cross-Departmental Team on Homelessness (chaired by this Department) has been reconvened to oversee the implementation of the Integrated Strategy on Homelessness and the Homeless Preventative Strategy and report on progress in meeting targets on homelessness to the Cabinet Committee on Social Inclusion.

In 2002, the Department reimbursed local authorities €126.8 million for expenditure incurred in the provision of accommodation for homeless persons and for homeless asylum seekers.

The Department continued to monitor the implementation of the 5-year local Traveller accommodation programmes. Since the start of the 5-year programmes, the number of families classified as being on the roadside (on unauthorised sites) has decreased by 268 (from 1,207 in 1999 to 939 in 2002). Of these there was a reduction of 78 families in 2002.

Expenditure of €26.6 million was incurred in 2002 on the provision of Traveller specific accommodation (group housing and halting sites). During 2002, a number of schemes were completed. These included: 15 halting sites which provided 80 new bays and redeveloped/refurbished 60 bays; 8 group housing schemes which provided 37 new houses and refurbished 6 houses; and 2 combined halting site/group housing schemes which provided 2 new houses, refurbished/redeveloped 12 houses and redeveloped/refurbished 13 bays. Work was underway at the end of the year in progressing other schemes including: 5 halting sites to provide 24 new bays and redevelop/refurbish 5 bays; 11 group housing schemes to provide 42 new houses and refurbish 1 house; 5 combined halting site/group housing schemes to provide 26 new bays, redevelop/refurbish 21 bays and 16 new houses. In addition, 4 houses were purchased during 2002 to facilitate the accommodation needs of Travellers. The Department recouped to local authorities €80,010 in respect of grants paid to Travellers to assist them in the purchase/construction of a house, and €41,698 in respect of the first time caravan buyer’s grant.

During 2002, the Department continued to operate the scheme of pilot initiatives to facilitate partnership arrangements for site management between Travellers and local authorities and to improve the management of Traveller accommodation generally. A total of €2.5 million was recouped to local authorities in 2002 for expenditure on the management and maintenance of halting sites.

The Department also recouped to local authorities €2 million in respect of 90% of the salaries and expenses of Social Workers employed by local authorities and working with Travellers.


In April 2002, Guidelines for Group Housing for Travellers issued to local authorities. The guidelines, developed in consultation with the National Traveller Accommodation Consultative Committee, set out guiding principles on selecting suitable sites, formulating a design brief, and meeting fire safety and emergency requirements and should assist local authorities in providing a reasonable standard of service at reasonable cost. These guidelines complete the series of guidelines on specific accommodation for Travellers.

5,070 recoupments valued at €31.4 million were made to local authorities in respect of Disabled Persons Grants and 2,708 recoupments valued at €8.8 million were made in respect of Essential Repairs Grants in 2002.

Under the Special Housing Aid for the Elderly Scheme, 4,998 houses were improved at a cost of €11.9 million in 2002.

Develop and maintain a framework for an efficient private rented sector as an essential part of the housing system and facilitate the sector to meet a wider range of housing needs

The Government approved the general scheme of the Housing (Private Rented Sector) Bill in February 2002. The Bill provides for the reforms announced by the Government in January, 2001 arising from the recommendations of the Commission on the Private Rented Residential Sector which relate mainly to the areas of security of tenure, rents, registration of tenancies and dispute resolution by the Private Residential Tenancies Board (PRTB). The Bill was published on 30 May 2003.

During 2002, the PRTB, set up on an ad-hoc basis in 2001, continued to prepare for the establishment of the Board on a statutory basis including the development of accommodation, IT systems, procedures and the promotion of the Board's role. A pilot mediation service to resolve disputes jointly referred by the landlord and the tenant was launched in 2002 and induction, training and support for the mediators were provided.

The work of the Planning Group that was examining rental assistance arrangements had concluded by the end of 2002.

Preparatory work towards the development of a PPP programme in relation to rental accommodation, initially involving a pilot programme focused on households in need of rental assistance, was initiated in 2002.

During 2002, 25,496 houses and 16,235 landlords were registered under the Housing (Registration of Rented Houses) Regulations 1996. Local authorities carried out 4,717 inspections in respect of registration, 5,059 inspections in relation to the standard of accommodation and 3,062 inspections regarding the provision of rent books.

In 2002, the Rent Tribunal received 93 applications for rent determinations and issued determinations in respect of 37 tenancies. Further details of the activities undertaken by the Rent Tribunal are set out in their Annual Report (see Appendix 7 for contact details).

The protection afforded by the Housing (Private Rented Dwellings) Act, 1982 began to expire after 25 July 2002 for certain tenants. In summary, the situation after that date is as follows:

Original tenant (and/or spouse) can continue to occupy the dwelling for their lifetime at a rent agreed with the landlord or as set by the Tribunal.

Any relative residing with the original tenant will have no right to succeed to the tenancy post July 2002.

Where a relative has already succeeded to the tenancy, protection under the Act will last until 25 th July 2002, subject to a minimum tenancy period of 5 years, even where this may extend beyond that date.

The Department considers that successor tenants would, under the Landlord and Tenant Acts, be entitled to a 35 year lease once they cease to have protection under the 1982 Act.

The Department of Social and Family Affairs, following consultation with this Department, has introduced a scheme of financial assistance to ease hardship for any successor tenant affected by the changeover to market rent.


In the 2003 Budget, the termination date for the qualifying period for the Section 50 Student Accommodation Scheme was brought forward from 30 September 2005 to 31 December 2004, to align this scheme with other tax incentive schemes, and to conform with the new tax calendar year.

Develop and support appropriate measures to secure the conservation and improvement of the housing stock, both public and private, with particular emphasis on the needs of low income households and rundown local authority estates

During 2002, the Department continued to fund major redevelopment and regeneration programmes for the upgrading of housing areas. Expenditure of almost €140 million was incurred on these programmes in 2002 and provided for: completion of over 200 new houses and a further 440 houses under construction at the end of 2002 in the

redevelopment of Ballymun, the biggest regeneration project in the State; completion of almost 120 new units on a number of projects as part of the major regeneration of seriously run

down large flat complexes in Dublin’s inner city; construction of 48 new housing units and the refurbishment of 24 existing flats as part of the redevelopment of

the Glen area in Cork City; and upgrading of high density older housing complexes, mainly flats, as part of the Area Regeneration

Programme operated by Dublin City Council.

Under the Remedial Works Scheme, which assists local authorities to fund refurbishment works to groups of their rented dwellings, in excess of 400 houses were refurbished in 2002 and expenditure amounted to €21.2 million.

The Department continued to support the efforts of local authorities and voluntary or other appropriate organisations to improve estate management in 2002 by providing €1.2 million funding for practical pilot projects under the Housing Management Initiatives Grant Scheme. 41 projects were approved under the scheme in 2002 including staff and tenant training in estate management, research support, production of handbooks for tenants and the employment of tenant liaison officers. Financial assistance was also provided to support the work of the Housing Unit in further promoting best practice in the management of the public and social housing sector.

164 households were assisted by local authorities under the Improvement Works in lieu of Local Authority Housing Scheme in 2002.

190 Thatching Grants were paid by the Department in 2002 to assist with the repair and maintenance of traditional thatched roofs.

During 2002, the Department continued to participate in a number of Inter-Departmental initiatives on social inclusion with a specific focus on disadvantaged urban areas, including the National Drugs Strategy Team and the National Assessment Committee of the Young Peoples’ Facilities and Services Fund.

The fieldwork for the National House Condition Survey was completed by the ESRI in 2002. The report of the survey is expected to be published in late 2003 and should facilitate policy formulation in areas directly related to the conservation and improvement of the housing stock.


PlanningObjectiveTo provide a policy and legislative framework which facilitates development patterns in accordance with the principles of proper planning and sustainable development, balanced regional development, conservation of the natural and built environment and urban and village regeneration

Government policy towards the achievement of balanced regional development was progressed substantially in 2002 with publication of the National Spatial Strategy. The Strategy provides the basis for developing national, regional and local planning policy in line with this objective.

The new planning control regime came into effect in March 2002 with the coming into force of the Planning and Development Regulations 2001 and related provisions of the Planning and Development Act 2000.

Significant progress has been made towards the achievement of this objective and details of the various activities undertaken throughout 2002 in implementing the key strategies identified in the Statement of Strategy 2001 - 2004 are outlined below.

Key Strategies

Develop, and support the implementation of, a National Spatial Strategy on the basis of agreement across the widest possible spectrum of interests

Publication of the National Spatial Strategy in November 2002 marked an important milestone in spatial planning in Ireland. The Strategy sets out how people, services and infrastructure can be brought together so that new opportunities for investment and employment growth will be opened up across the country. It will inform and direct decisions in relation to investment, planning matters and spatial policy over the next twenty years. The Strategy identifies a national framework of gateways and hubs, which will provide the necessary scale of infrastructure and services to increase the economic attractiveness of every region of the country. The gateways will drive development across the urban and rural areas they influence and support more balanced patterns of national level development. A network of hubs will have a critical strategic role in energising the immediate areas around them by providing strengthened structures for more focussed investment across the country. Spatial policies in relation to the location of employment, the location of residential development, the spatial aspects of rural development, how people access services and how they can continue to enjoy a high quality environment have also been incorporated in the Strategy.

Roll-out of the Strategy requires the development of policy guidance, in particular at regional planning level, so that efforts at national level to achieve more balanced regional development are complemented by actions at regional and local levels. 7 regional roadshows were held throughout the country in December 2002 to communicate the Strategy and to start the process of teasing out how it will unfold in the regions. The roadshows were attended by a wide cross-section of local and regional interests, and provided the basis for wider implementation in 2003. Distribution and implementation of the Strategy is being facilitated by the website, www.irishspatialstrategy.ie, which received over 25,000 hits during November and December 2002.

Maintain an up-to-date legislative and policy framework to facilitate an efficient, effective and balanced planning system that is transparent and accessible in its operation

The Planning and Development Regulations 2001, and related provisions of the Planning and Development Act 2000, were brought into force in 2002. Certain provisions including those relating to exempted development applied from 21 January 2002 with the remaining provisions coming into operation on 11 March 2002. The Local Government (Planning and Development) Acts 1963 to 1999 (and the Regulations made under these Acts) were then repealed.

The 2001 Regulations were the final part of the major reform of the planning code which began in 1997. The changes introduced in the 2000 Act were designed to introduce a sustainable development ethos into the Irish planning system, increase the efficiency of the system and ensure a strategic approach to land-use planning in Ireland. The 2001 Regulations incorporate the detailed provisions necessary to give effect to the 2000 Act.

In July 2002, a review of the operation of Part V of the Planning and Development Act 2000 was commenced. The review arose on foot of a commitment in the Agreed Programme for Government to ensure that Part V was meeting its objectives in relation to social and affordable housing. As a consequence of that review, the _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Annual Report 2002 (August 2003) page 27 of 76

Planning and Development (Amendment) Act 2002 was enacted in December 2002 to make a number of changes to Part V, including introducing additional flexibility to the implementation of the Part and deleting the provision which limited the life of certain planning permissions to 2 years. Further details about this Act and other legislative activity in the planning area during 2002 is outlined in Appendix 1.

During 2002, the Department continued to assist planning authorities and An Bord Pleanála with regard to their staffing levels and resources. A survey carried out by the Department of the larger planning authorities (county and city councils), found that the overall number of staff serving in planning departments had increased from 1,284 in October 2001 to 1,361 at the end of 2002. Two additional members were appointed to An Bord Pleanála in January 2002, bringing the total membership to 12. Further details of the activities undertaken by An Bord Pleanála are outlined in their Annual Report (see Appendix 7 for contact details).

The Department continued to support and facilitate the operation of the Tribunal of Inquiry into Certain Planning Matters and Payments. The cost of the Tribunal in 2002 was €5.867 million bringing the total cost at the end of 2002 to just over €23.692 million. The Second Interim Report of the Tribunal to the Oireachtas was published on 26 September 2002 and reported on three modules, the Brennan and McGowan Module, the Century Radio Module and the Gogarty Module. The Report was subsequently debated in the Houses of the Oireachtas. The Tribunal became a three member Tribunal from 29 October 2002 with the appointment of His Honour Judge Alan Mahon and Her Honour Judge Mary Faherty. His Honour Judge Gerald Keys was appointed from 29 October 2002 to act as a reserve member to hear evidence with a view to being appointed a full member in the event that any of the three full members is for any reason unable to act.

Preliminary work on transposing the Directive on Strategic Environmental Assessment began in 2002. The Directive provides for strategic environmental consideration at an early stage in the decision-making process, and is designed to complement the environmental impact assessment process which is project based. The Directive applies across a wide range of sectors viz. agriculture, forestry, fisheries, energy, industry, transport, waste management, water management, telecommunications, tourism and land use planning.

The UNECE Convention on Environmental Impact Assessment in a Transboundary Context (Espoo Convention) was ratified by Ireland on 25 July 2002. The Convention aims to improve international cooperation in assessing the environmental impact of proposed major developments, where these developments are likely to have significant environmental effects in more than one State. The Convention requirements are very similar to the transboundary requirements of the Environmental Impact Assessment Directive.

The Council of Europe's European Landscape Convention ('Florence Convention') was signed and ratified by Ireland on 22 March 2002. The general purpose of the Convention is to encourage public authorities to adopt policies and measures at local, regional, national and international level for protecting, managing and planning landscapes throughout Europe. The Convention is also intended to increase awareness among civil society, private organisations and public authorities of the value of landscapes, their role and changes to them.

Develop and maintain in cooperation with local authorities, relevant Departments, agencies and other relevant interests, targeted and integrated urban/town/village renewal programmes aimed at the economic, social and sustainable regeneration of such areas

Since their inception in the late 1980s, urban renewal tax-incentive based schemes have proved very successful in combating urban dereliction and decay in the inner core areas of our cities and major towns. During 2002, 5 cities and 38 towns continued to benefit under the 1999 Urban Renewal Scheme. This Scheme continues to run until 31 December 2004 and investment of some €2 billion is estimated to be incurred over the extended life of the scheme.

The termination date of the Town Renewal Scheme was extended to 31 December 2004 in order to facilitate the optimal take up of the scheme. 100 towns around the country continued to avail of this broad based tax incentive scheme in 2002. At the end of December 2002, based on statistical returns submitted to the Department, overall investment was at €86.5 million. The total value of projects completed was €10.5 million, work in progress was valued at €14.5 million, with projects in planning valued at €61.5 million.

Under both the Urban and Town Renewal Schemes, Section 23 residential investor incentives continued to apply to certain sites that had already been designated for residential owner-occupier relief.

In 2002, 13,000 metres of street in the five major cities of Dublin, Cork, Galway, Limerick, and Waterford continued to benefit under the Living Over the Shop Scheme.


The EU/Exchequer funded Regional Operational Programmes for Urban and Village Renewal which will run from 2000 to 2006 made extensive progress during 2002. Some €18.92 million was paid in grants to local authorities during 2002 for work at over 200 locations nationally, representing a significant take-up in the Programme during the year. In addition, €1 million was provided under the Programme to local authorities and bodies such as Civic Trust in 2002 to upgrade public buildings of significant architectural and heritage merit. A total of 45 different projects received grant assistance under this element of the Urban and Village Renewal Programme.

The planning scheme for the North Lotts area was approved, subject to modifications, by the Minister clearing the way for the Dublin Docklands Development Authority to proceed with this major development in the docklands area. A formal review of the Dublin Docklands Development Authority Master Plan as provided for under the Dublin Docklands Development Authority Act commenced in 2002. Further details of the activities undertaken by the Dublin Docklands Development Authority are outlined in their Annual Report (see Appendix 7 for contact details).

Funding totalling €4.5 million was made available in 2002 to the 6 border counties under the EU Programme for Peace and Reconciliation 2000 - 2004 in Northern Ireland and the Border Counties. County Council-led Task Forces are responsible for the delivery of the Regeneration and Development Strategies Priority at a local level.

A total of €3.151 million was paid out in grants in 2002 to assist owners and occupiers to undertake conservation works on privately owned structures of architectural significance which are protected under the Planning and Development Act 2000.

The 2002 Tidy Towns Competition attracted in excess of 700 entries with keen competition between towns and villages across the country. The Competition received extensive media coverage and attracted a broad range of public and private sponsorship. The hard work of the Tidy Towns Committees was recognised in the wide range of awards made in 2002 with the prizes worth over €125,000 awarded along with trophies, medals and certificates. Castletown, County Laois was named as the overall national winner of the Competition.

During 2002, 16 towns and villages competed in the annual cross-border Ireland’s Best Kept Town Competition. The competition was won by Loughgall, County Armagh.

In the European Entente Florale competition, both Ennis, County Clare and Stradbally, County Waterford were awarded gold medal status.


Local GovernmentObjectiveTo strengthen and broaden local government's contribution to overall community development and social inclusion through good policy making structures within a modernised legal framework and enhanced democratic franchise

The core provisions of the Local Government Act 2001 were commenced and successfully implemented in 2002. The Act underpinned many of the initiatives in the local government renewal programme including the enhancement of the role of elected members and greater involvement by local government in community development.

Details of the various activities undertaken in implementing the key strategies identified in the Statement of Strategy 2001 - 2004 for this objective are outlined below.

Key Strategies

Enhance the democratic mandate and policy role of elected members, with effective input from local interests, through the new participative and decision making structures

At the end of 2002, almost 80% of the provisions of the Local Government Act 2001 were in force. Implementation of the Act continued with the development of a comprehensive updated ethics framework for councillors and local government employees which was subsequently brought into operation in January 2003. The remaining provisions are expected to be activated in 2003. Details of the legislative activity in the local government area during 2002 are outlined in Appendix 1.

In conjunction with the local authority representative associations, the major education and training programme to assist elected members in their policy-making role in the Strategic Policy Committees (SPCs) continued in 2002. Although the establishment of the complete SPC network had been delayed in a number of areas, resulting in some authorities being more advanced than others with the SPC process, it was considered that sufficient experience of the system existed within the local authority service to allow for an objective examination of the operation of the SPCs. A review of the SPCs was initiated in 2002 and is being undertaken by the Institute of Public Administration in conjunction with the Department. A key objective of the review is to identify best practice already in operation in SPCs and to ensure that it is transferred across the SPC network. Discussions commenced in 2002 with the 8 Regional Authorities on the content and format of their Regional Reports. In the light of these discussions it was agreed that the requirement for a Regional Report would be better facilitated by incorporating an economic, social, and cultural development regional strategy component within the overall regional planning guidelines to be prepared by the authorities during 2003 and early 2004.

During 2002, the Border, Midland and Western and the Southern and Eastern Regional Assemblies, with members from local and regional authorities, continued the management of their respective Regional Operational Programmes under the National Development Plan 2000-2006.

During 2002, nomination of the new Irish delegation to the EU Committee of the Regions for the period 2002 to 2006 was completed with members representing each of the regions being appointed. A vacancy caused by one member of the delegation becoming a member of the European Parliament was also filled in 2002. The support arrangements for the Irish delegation, involving the Department, continued in 2002.

Strengthen the community base and relevance of local government with genuine input to other public services delivered locally

As part of their lead role on County and City Development Boards (CDBs), local authorities are expanding their community development role and widening their sphere of influence, in partnership with sectoral and community interests. Community and Voluntary Fora, established in each county and city as part of the CDB process continue to have an important role to play in facilitating the community in making an input into the CDB process, as well as the local authority SPCs.

All CDBs published their 10 year strategies for the economic, social and cultural development of their counties/cities in 2002. Consultants were engaged in mid 2002 to review the Strategies and to identify the key issues for Government Departments and State Agencies. Among the key messages emerging were the _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Annual Report 2002 (August 2003) page 30 of 76

importance of central Government Department/agency buy-in to the implementation process; that agency procedures should not create inadvertent obstacles to service integration at local level and the avoidance of the creation of new local structures which run counter to the CDB process.

The Department continued constructive liaison arrangements with the local government representative associations through joint action and consultation in a number of key areas, both operational and legislative. Such contacts continued to contribute positively to the role of the elected members in local government in 2002.

Funding of over €1 million was provided in 2002 to support pilot social inclusion units in local authorities. These were established in line with a commitment in the Programme for Prosperity and Fairness and as part of the RAPID Programme. The role of the units is to promote social inclusion policies across the range of local authority activities in cooperation and in consultation with staff. The units are supported at central level by this Department, the Department of Social and Family Affairs and the Combat Poverty Agency.

In line with the White Paper on a Framework for Supporting Voluntary Activity and for Developing the Relationship between the State and the Community and Voluntary Sector, €1.27 million was provided by the Department in 2002 to support the work of the Community and Voluntary Fora.

Improve and promote the electoral system

Decreasing levels of democratic participation have become a worrying trend in Ireland and throughout Europe. The Electoral (Amendment) Act 2001 addressed barriers to voter registration and voting and the provisions of the Act made a positive contribution to encouraging voter participation in 2002. The Department also undertook extensive publicity and education campaigns to promote the electronic voting system in advance of the pilots and to encourage voter registration.

During 2002, the electronic voting and counting system was piloted initially in 3 constituencies at the Dáil general election and in a further 4 constituencies at the Nice referendum in October. Following its successful piloting, the Government approved the use of the system countrywide at the 2004 European and local elections.

Referendum Commissions operated at the two referendums (Protection of Human Life in Pregnancy and Nice) held in 2002 under a revised remit provided for by the Referendum Act 2001. Specifically, they availed of their new function of promoting awareness of referendum proposals and encouraging citizens to vote. For the first time at a national poll, voting at the second Nice Referendum in October was held on a Saturday: turnout at just under 50% was 15% up on the turnout at the first Nice referendum held in 2001.

The local government system plays a key role in the organisation of elections. Central to this function is their responsibility for the compilation and publication of the register of electors and a number of new legislative provisions in relation to the register were in operation for the first time in 2002. These included provision that a registered voter who changes address can apply for entry on the supplementary register; clarification of age qualification criteria for entry on the supplement; and extension of the deadline for entry on the supplement to the postal voters list.

Strengthen local government's orientation towards quality customer service

During 2002, over €4 million was allocated to 6 local authorities towards the cost of developing One-Stop Shops in their areas bringing the total grant-aid to the One-Stop Shop Pilot Programme to €31 million in the period since 1998. In total, 19 local authorities have received assistance towards over 40 centres countrywide. Funding for the pilot programme ceased in 2002.

A Pilot Community Warden Service was launched in 5 local authorities in February 2002. The authorities involved are Galway, Wexford and Leitrim County Councils, and Galway City Council and Naas Town Council and reflect a good mix of urban and rural areas of operation. The service, which is community oriented, provides a visible presence for the local authority in the community and its roles include: community assistance; monitoring public amenities and tourist attractions; observing and reporting to the local authority on matters that need specialist attention e.g. pollution and planning; and the enforcement of various local authority functions e.g. stationary traffic offences, litter and waste management. The Department is funding the pilots at a cost of approximately €6 million over 3 years, following which they will be evaluated. The Pilot Service has been broadly welcomed by all areas of the community where it is operated.


The Service Indicators initiative continued in 2002 with local authorities reporting on their performance against the 21 Service Indicators in their annual reports. A review of the initiative is planned for 2003 with a view to improving the indicators and strengthening the reporting of performance against the indicators. The Department is also funding 13 customer service improvement projects countrywide and the experience from these projects will be shared across all local authorities.


Our Own CapabilityObjectiveTo support the Department's staff in maximising their contribution to the achievement of the Department's goals and objectives and to develop further the strategic approach to the management of the Department

The Department's Progress Report under the Programme for Prosperity and Fairness in May 2002 confirmed the good progress being made and the Department's ongoing commitment to the public service modernisation programme. Much of the programme is jointly steered by management and staff under the auspices of the Partnership Committee. Highlights in the progress reported for 2002 included the publication of the Department's Human Resources Strategy (HR Strategy) and the completion of the training programme for the Performance Management and Development System (PMDS).

Changes in the Department's functions announced in June 2002 following on the general election in the previous month resulted in the Department being charged with the additional responsibility for heritage policy and conservation, nuclear safety and Met Éireann and in the transfer of most of the former Roads Division to the new Department of Transport. The focus of effort in the corporate services area in the second half of the year therefore was on effecting the change, on making arrangements for staff to transfer in and out of the Department, on aligning information and communications technology (ICT) and accounts systems and on addressing urgent personnel issues with the objective of incurring the least possible amount of disruption to staff and customers. Throughout the period a Task Force worked on a review of organisational arrangements in the heritage area.

Details of the various activities undertaken in implementing the key strategies identified in the Statement of Strategy 2001 - 2004 are outlined below.

Key Strategies

Seek to ensure that staff resources meet the operational needs of the Department

Arising from the changes in the Department's functions, staff numbers increased from just over 900 to nearly 2,500, the membership of the management advisory committee changed and different organisational cultures came together. As part of these changes, the Department became a significant employer of non-established civil servants (collectively referred to as industrial staff). In 2002, peak season employment of industrial staff reached 1,323 rising from 1,300 in 2001.

Notwithstanding the implications of these considerable organisational changes, significant attention was also directed towards ensuring that staff resources meet the operational needs of the Department: 68 people were recruited to the Department from outside the Civil Service (72% were employed in

administrative grades and 28% employed in professional/technical grades); 115 staff were appointed to positions in the Department through internal and interdepartmental

competitions (61% in administrative grades and 39% in professional/technical grades); and 29 people left the Department (resignation, retirement or transfer)..

Provisional outrun figures indicate that salaries of the Department's staff amounted to €47.092 million in 2002. Details of the Department's financial statements are outlined in Appendix 3.

Continue the development and implementation of a comprehensive human resources management strategy with a particular emphasis on measures to support, develop and retain staff by addressing their needs and aspirations and including the implementation of the Performance Management and Development System

The Department’s HR Strategy, the result of work completed through the Partnership process in the Department, was published in July 2002 in fulfilment of an obligation under the Programme for Prosperity and Fairness and as part of the implementation of the public service modernisation programme in the Department. The Strategy recognises that the Department owes to its customers to be a responsive, effective, progressive, flexible and an e-enabled organisation and that a key purpose of the Strategy is to support this kind of performance by the Department and its staff in getting the job done. At the same time it recognises that the Department should afford good job satisfaction, career development opportunities and professional and _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Annual Report 2002 (August 2003) page 33 of 76

personal support to staff. A series of measures, in support of the objectives of the Strategy, are identified for developing the Department’s human resources management capability under 6 themes: Resourcing the Department; Managing Performance and Development; Supporting Ongoing Learning; Fostering Teamwork and Collaboration; Achieving Work/Life Balance; Promoting a Positive Working Environment. Funding was provided by the Change Management Fund in 2002 for the development and publication of the HR Strategy.

In Managing Performance and Development, the effective operation of the PMDS is recognised as one of the critical success factors for the successful implementation of the HR Strategy. It is also important in the Department's overall framework for the management of performance towards the achievement of our objectives and in the context of the continuing rollout of the public service modernisation programme in the Department. The PMDS training programme involving 5 days training to prepare each member of staff for implementation of the system, was completed in November, with excellent support by all staff for the work of the Project Team which is a sub group of the Department's Partnership Committee. In the second half of 2002 and into 2003 the Department also completed PMDS training for staff who transferred from the former Department of Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands. Following on the completion of the introductory, developmental phase of the system the focus in the years ahead will be on implementation and on linkage to other HR processes and systems.

In Supporting Ongoing Learning, the implementation of PMDS provides a sharper focus on the training and development of staff and in 2002 good progress was made towards reaching the Programme for Prosperity and Fairness target of 4% of payroll by 2003. A comprehensive programme of courses and supports were provided for administrative, technical and professional staff in the Department during the year as outlined below. A comprehensive analysis of training needs of industrial staff was completed early in 2002 for the former Department of Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands. This will inform further developments in this area into the future.

Training and Development Programme Area % of budget

Core Skills and Personal and Management Development ProgrammesProgrammes include Communications (presentation skills, writing, speechwriting, report writing); SMART reading; Induction programmes; Grade specific development programmes for Higher Executive Officers/Administrative Officers, Executive Officers/Staff Officers, Clerical Officers; Assertiveness and Leadership skills; Stress Management; and Senior Management Conference.

14%

ICT Training 22%

PMDS Training(This training was part-funded by the Change Management Fund in 2002.) 23%

Specialist TrainingCourse include Planning, Procurement, Partnership, Health and Safety, firearms, expert witness, skills training for architects and archaeologists, and species identification for conservation rangers.

13%

Refund of Fees for courses of education undertaken by staff in their own timeCourses include all levels diploma, certificate, primary and masters degrees, doctorates in a range of subjects including legal studies, business studies, industrial relations, change management, spatial planning, languages, ECDL and other computer courses, public management, biodiversity, public relations, social sciences, local history studies, medieval history, art history, ecology of deer, archaeology.

8%

Conferences and Seminars 6%

Refund of Fees for membership of professional bodies 4%

Professional Development ProgrammesProgrammes include Public Administration and Human Resource Management Certificates, Economic Policy Analysis and Internal Audit.

3%

Language TrainingCourses include French, Irish and Sign language. 2%

Customer Service Training (This training was part-funded by the Change Management Fund in 2002.) 2%

Training Administration 1%

The Department continued in 2002 to provide a range of flexible working arrangements under the theme Achieving Work/Life Balance. The Civil Service Worksharing Scheme for the Department's staff was


introduced in July 2002. Worksharing extends the previous Job-Sharing Scheme, which allowed two employees to share a job on a half-time basis, to using a variety of attendance patterns including:

Mornings only Afternoons only 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

3 day week 4 day week Week on/Week off

Split week (Wednesday to Tuesday) Split week (Thursday to Wednesday) Split week (other specified pattern)

At the end of 2002, 103 staff were employed on worksharing patterns, with many transferring existing job-sharing arrangements to the new Worksharing Scheme.

During 2002, the Department continued to operate the Term Time Scheme which was introduced in 2001. This scheme allows carers or parents of school-going children to avail of 10/13 weeks unpaid leave to coincide with the school holiday period. 28 people availed of this scheme in 2002 and coupled with the Worksharing Scheme, represent approximately 10% of employees on atypical working patterns.

In Promoting a Positive Working Environment, the merit awards scheme, revised under the auspices of the Partnership Committee, was run in 2002 and facilitated recognition of individual members of staff for exceptional performance. A greater emphasis was placed on group activities to enhance communications and socialisation in the Department and also to embrace the greatest possible number of staff members and to recognise that, while some individuals can and must excel and perform exceptionally on occasion, most people work very hard and contribute very well to the achievement of the Department’s objectives on a consistent and sustained basis. Social activities supported included Christmas and summer social events, support for social clubs and for sporting activities (golf, football, walking).

During 2002, the Department's Employee Assistance Service, which provides a confidential workplace support programme for staff, provided a range of supports for serving and retired staff including a comprehensive information service, confidential counselling and onward referral in cases of personal difficulties. The Annual Report 2002 for the Employee Assistance Service was published in 2003.

In 2002, the Department continued to meet the Government's gender equality and disability targets.

Maintain and improve the provision of comprehensive and efficient support services for staff including accommodation and information and communications technology

One of the key challenges which arose from the change in the Department's responsibilities was the need to integrate all staff and their functions with the Department's ICT environment. Physical data communication links were commissioned to facilitate this and further work on this aspect is continuing.

A number of initiatives were progressed during 2002 to ensure that the Department’s staff had access to efficient, stable and secure ICT services. The reliability of the Department’s network is central to the overall quality of the ICT services provided throughout the Department and the complete rewiring of the Custom House was completed in 2002 so as to ensure improvements in the performance and reliability of the network. Access to the network from remote locations was also provided thereby providing significant benefits for those members of staff who work off-site. The first deployment of the remote access system was implemented for the Housing Inspectors so that they could access the newly developed housing grants application.

During 2002, responsibility for Driving Test Centres was transferred to the Department of Transport while accommodation for heritage staff came within the remit of this Department. The Department was also allocated additional accommodation in the Irish Life Buildings and some preliminary refurbishment works were carried out on this accommodation during 2002. Works were also carried out in the grounds of the Custom House included works on the Loopline Bridge to address problems such as falling masonary.

Planning continued in 2002 on a number of major projects designed to enhance the overall accommodation standard in the Department's offices. Designs for the development of the Gardiner Street Door as the main entrance to the Custom House were finalised. Further progress in relation to physical access is outlined in the Serving Our Customers section of this Report.

Progress in relation to the implementation of the ISO 14001 is detailed under the Environment section of this Report.


Implement a comprehensive strategy on internal communications and information-sharing

In a further significant development in 2002, the Department was one of the first to implement the Civil Service customised version of the Peoplesoft Human Resource Management System (HRMS). This new system replaces the old PAS system and will be implemented across all Government Departments It will improve upon the old system and will provide a fully integrated computerised HRMS in the Department.

During 2002, 4 issues of the Department’s internal staff magazine, Partnership News were published. This magazine proved to be a useful forum to share information and to provide a valuable insight on the Department's activities for new colleagues joining the Department.

The Partnership Committee met 3 times in 2002. An external consultant facilitated a partnership workshop in September 2002 to review partnership in the Department since the establishment of the Partnership Committee in 1998. The workshop also provided the opportunity for people involved in partnership in the former Department of Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands, in Met Éireann and in the original Department of the Environment and Local Government to explore the future of partnership in the newly configured Department and to work towards the establishment of a new Partnership Committee.

Develop an enhanced financial and management information system

In 2002 the Department had a gross outturn of €2,806.494 million and income of €34.952 million, leaving the net outturn of €2,771.512 million. Details of the Department's financial statements are set out in Appendix 3.

In 2002, work continued on the Management Information Framework project, aimed at assisting management and staff to move towards a more results and performance oriented Civil Service. Under the first phase of the project, the Department went to tender in March 2002 for the provision of a new and integrated financial management system, required to support the modernisation of business processes across the Department and the provision of accurate, complete and timely financial information to management to support planning, decision-making, and ongoing value for money review and control. Tenders for the supply of the financial system were received from a number of companies and Oracle Financials was selected and the contract was signed in early 2003.

Ongoing review of expenditure programmes to identify the extent to which objectives are being met and to provide a basis for reordering priorities

An expenditure review on Exchequer financed water supply and waste water treatment schemes was completed in 2002. Work is continuing on an expenditure review relating to voluntary housing.

The Department, through the EU/Internal Audit Unit, continued in 2002 to contribute to the development of the Internal Audit Function by participating in the Internal Audit Network. The Department hosted a briefing seminar in Tullamore for selected local authorities and other public bodies benefiting from the 2000 to 2006 funding round on the Risk Assessment model devised by the Department of Finance for use in connection with EU co-financed operations. In addition, 5 systems audits, pertaining to EU cofinanced operations were completed during 2002.

Develop the business planning approach further as a basis for ensuring the appropriate allocation of resources to priorities and to assist in improving organisational capability and flexibility

Business Plans for 2002 were prepared by individual Business Units and published on the Department's intranet. The structure of the Business Plans, revised in late 2001, was further enhanced in 2002 to incorporate financial reporting.

Following the appointment of a new Minister in June 2002, work commenced on the preparation of a new Statement of Strategy as required by the Public Service Management Act 1997. Through a process of consultation within the Department and with key stakeholders, the draft Statement of Strategy was prepared and was circulated to all staff for comment. In November 2002, the draft was considered by the Taoiseach at a bilateral meeting with the Minister and the 2 Ministers of State. At the end of 2002, the drafting of the new Statement of Strategy was nearing completion. The Statement of Strategy 2003 - 2005 was published in 2003.


Serving Our CustomersObjectiveTo provide a very high level of quality customer service which takes account of changing needs and expectations

Throughout 2002, the Department continued to provide quality services to its customers across a wide range of activities including the provision of policy advice, improved coordination with key partners such as local authorities and agencies and the delivery of particular services directly to the public through a channel of choice.

Details of the activities undertaken in implementing the key strategies identified in the Statement of Strategy 2001 - 2004 are outlined below.

Key Strategies

Implementation of the Customer Service Action Plan 2001 - 2004

The Department’s approach to embracing the Government's 12 Quality Customer Service Principles is outlined in the Customer Service Action Plan 2001 - 2004 for the Department and in specific sections of A Strategy for Enhanced Customer Service 2001 - 2004 for the former Department of Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands. Performance indicators for each Principle are also detailed in these documents. Progress on the achievement of these indicators is set out below.

Quality Service StandardsDuring 2002, research into appropriate accreditation for quality management systems for the Department was initiated and the work was continuing at the end of the year.

Progress in relation to the Department's ISO 14001 application is outlined in the Environment section of this Report.

Equality/DiversityIn continuing to raise awareness of equality/diversity issues, the research report, Equality/Diversity and Quality Customer Service by Dr. Jane Pillinger, commissioned under the aegis of the Quality Customer Service Working Group, was disseminated to staff during 2002. Work was underway at the end of the year in formulating an action plan to further progress the adoption of the Equality/Diversity Principle in the Department.

In addition, the Department supported Anti-Racism in the Workplace week during 2002.

Physical AccessAccess for people with disabilities is provided for in the Department’s offices at the Custom House, Ballina, Shannon, ENFO, and Irish Life. Access to other offices is under review. Planning was underway during 2002 to provide an additional lift to improve disabled access within the Custom House.

During 2002, ENFO continued to implement their programme of improvements in facilities for people with disabilities including those with hearing difficulties. Induction loops and flashing fire alarms were installed.

Progress was also made in improving access to the various visitor sites during the year, in particular for people with disabilities while further improvements were made to the signage at a number of sites.

The Department continued in 2002 to ensure that its offices were kept clean in accordance with occupational and safety standards. Cleaning contracts were put out to tender where appropriate.

InformationA comprehensive review of the Department's Forms and Information Leaflets was initiated during 2002 with a view to ensuring that the commitments contained in the Customer Service Action Plan for these 2 areas were being implemented by the Department. This review was nearing completion at the end of the year.


During 2002, significant work was undertaken in relation to the redevelopment of the Department’s website and the new website went live in 2003.

Work continued in 2002 on providing access to electronic information for the Department's visually impaired staff and a system was introduced on a pilot basis in 2003.

During 2002, a total of 350 Freedom of Information requests were received in the Department and the breakdown of these requests is outlined in the pie chart below. 20 decisions were appealed to Internal Review: in 16 of these cases, the Internal Reviewer upheld the decision taken by the original decision maker; and in 4 cases the original decision was varied. 8 cases were subsequently appealed to the Information Commissioner: in 3 of these cases, the Commissioner upheld the Department’s decision; in 1 case, the Commissioner overruled the decision; in 1 case, the Department agreed to waive the fee which was the subject of the appeal; 1 case was subsequently withdrawn by the requester; and 2 further cases were under review by the Commissioner at the end of the year.

During 2002, ENFO continued to provide easy access to information on the environment and details of ENFO's achievements are outlined in the Environment section of this Report.

Timeliness and CourtesyArising from staff feedback and consultation with the Department's switchboard staff, a Guide for using Voicemail was developed and circulated to staff in 2002. This Guide provides guidance on the most appropriate use of the voicemail facility in the Department and should assist in ensuring that the Department's customers receive a prompt and efficient service.

The development of a software solution to provide accurate information on the length of time to answer telephone calls to all the Department's offices continued throughout 2002. Information available to date indicates that on average, telephone calls to the Department's offices in Ballina and the Custom House during 2002 were answered within 16 seconds.

The first phase of a Representation/Invitation reply and tracking system was implemented in the Minister's Office in 2002. This system assisted in ensuring that all correspondence to the Minister was replied to in a timely fashion.

The second phase of the housing grants application covering 7 schemes, went live in 2002. During 2002, the targets set in the Customer Service Action Plan 2001 - 2004 for processing new house grants applications were achieved in over 80% of the applications.

Details of the achievement of the performance indicators for licences under Wildlife legislation and for the Vehicle Registration Unit are outlined in the Heritage and Working with Local Authorities sections of this Report.

ComplaintsA number of complaints were received in the Department during 2002 including complaints from the Office of the Ombudsman. Arising from analysis of these complaints, a Draft Guide for Staff in Handling Complaints was developed and issued to all staff for comment during the year. The Guide provides


assistance to staff in handling complaints and should assist also in monitoring and improving the level of service being provided to the Department's customers. The Guide was finalised in early 2003.

AppealsA review was initiated in 2002 on the mechanisms in place and the information available to customers when they are not happy with the Department's decisions. As outlined above, a number of appeals were made about decisions relating to Freedom of Information requests during 2002.

Consultation and EvaluationComment Cards issued to a number of customers who had been in contact with the Department during 2002. Specific customers were excluded such as local authorities, the Department’s agencies, other Government Departments/Offices and members of the Oireachtas. The majority of customers who returned the Comment Cards were very positive about the quality of service received. The results indicated that the Department is making good efforts to ensure that customers are dealt with promptly and efficiently.

Plans were underway at the end of 2002 to repeat a survey of local authorities and the Department’s agencies to obtain their views on the service provided to them by the Department and to ascertain improvements since the previous survey was conducted in 2001.

Investigation into the electronic circulation of circulars to local authorities using a type of local authority extranet was initiated during the year. Plans for progressing this project were developed towards the end of 2002.

The Department continued to implement its Programme for Reform of Legislation throughout 2002: 6 Acts, 24 Regulations, 28 Orders and 1 Scheme were made - details are outlined in Appendix 1. The work of the Government's High Level Group on Regulation, in which the Department participates, continued in 2002. Following the public consultation process and the submissions received in response to the Group's consultation document, Towards Better Regulation, 2 reports were published in December 2002 - Reports on submissions received arising from public consultation on Towards Better Regulation. The Department also participated on the Regulatory Impact Analysis (RIA) Working Group (a sub-group of the High Level Group) to progress the development of a draft model of RIA for implementation in the Irish public service.

ChoiceDuring 2002, the Department sought opportunities to provide choices in the delivery of its services including the development of a system to allow vehicle owners to pay their motor tax online.

Official Languages EqualityServices in Irish were provided to the Department's customers by a number of staff throughout the Department. Arrangements were put in place to formally nominate staff to deal with the Department's customers through Irish and to measure the delivery of this service. The list of staff available to provide services through Irish has been publicised within the Department.

The Department continued to provide publications bilingually including the Annual Report 2001 and details are outlined in Appendix 2.

Better CoordinationIn March 2002, the Department held a Seminar at which the Chief Executives and the Quality Customer Service Officers of the agencies attended. As part of the Seminar, a special workshop for Quality Customer Service Officers was held to assist the agencies in preparing their Customer Service Action Plans and in progressing quality customer service.

The interface arrangements between the Department and local authorities continued during 2002 with regular meetings being held across the various functional areas of local authorities.

Internal CustomerRaising awareness of customer service within the Department continued during the year through the publication of a number of articles in Partnership News - the Department's staff newsletter and on the Department's intranet, and as part of induction training for new staff and the Performance Management and Development System training.


During 2002, the ICT Help Desk dealt with over 4,000 calls from staff throughout the Department and the majority of these calls were dealt with on a same day/next day basis thereby meeting the targets for response times to problems experienced by internal customers.

During 2002, 216 staff from Service Officer to Assistant Principal Officer level in the Corporate Services Division and in ENFO completed a 1-day Customer Care Training Workshop. As part of the development of the Workshops, the staff in the various Sections identified a number of areas where customer service in the Section could be improved and the Workshops provided the opportunity to consider and remedy these customer service issues through the preparation of action plans. The training assisted in raising awareness of customer service issues and in particular the concept of the Internal Customer. The implementation of the action plans identified in the course of the Workshops and their incorporation into Business Plans and Role Profiles, mechanisms to improve communications, ways of measuring internal customer satisfaction and mechanisms to acknowledge excellence in internal customer service delivery were identified as issues to be addressed in the evaluation of the Workshops. The evaluation, involving senior managers from each area, was conducted in March 2003.

Quality Customer Service Officers in the Department participated in meetings of the Inter-Departmental Quality Customer Service Officers' Network and in training courses held during the year. In addition, a number of staff from the Department participated in the Quality Customer Service Conference, Next Steps for the Civil Service in December 2002.

Implementation of an e-government strategy for online delivery of our services where feasible

Substantial progress was made in 2002 in the implementation of the Department’s ePublic Services Strategy across the information, interaction and integration strands. The development of a new departmental website was almost completed in 2002, and the site went live in 2003. While websites are by their nature dynamic and continuing refinement and improvement will be undertaken, the new site presentation and structure represents a significant advance in the delivery of information to our customers. In March 2002, the Government published its Action Plan, New Connections. This Plan sets out the Department's role in implementing the Government's strategy to realise the potential of the Information Society. One of the flagship projects outlined in this Plan is the provision of online motor tax renewal. Work on this system commenced in 2002 and further details are provided in the Working with Local Authorities section of this Report.

Providing comprehensive and accessible public information on our activities and on the policy issues which underlie them

Through the various consultative fora, through the publication of information leaflets such as on the planning system and on the environment, the publication of other documents such as the Environment Bulletin, the Department provided information on its activities and on the policy issues which underlie them. Further details are outlined in other sections of this Report.


Working with Local AuthoritiesObjectiveTo support and develop the local government system so that it has the capability to contribute to national development and to deliver good local public services

The Department continued in 2002 to ensure the availability of a sufficient and equitable funding system for local government to enable local authorities to adequately perform their functions and to provide good local public services across a range of areas contributing to national, local and community development. These areas include library services, fire and emergency services and non-national roads.

Details of the activities undertaken in implementing the key strategies identified in the Statement of Strategy 2001 - 2004 for this objective are outlined below.

Key Strategies

Ensure, as far as possible, that local government is adequately funded

Local authorities are funded for capital expenditure through State grants from a number of Government Departments, supplemented by borrowing, and from local authorities’ internal resources. Ccurrent expenditure is funded through income from commercial rates, charges, fees, rents and the Local Government Fund. Local authority expenditure in 2002 amounted to over €6,800 million which includes capital expenditure of €3,700 million and current expenditure €3,100 million. The Local Government Fund continued to make significant monies available to local authorities for their day-to-day operational costs and the Fund, which consists of an Exchequer contribution and the net proceeds of motor taxation, provided a total of €1,038 million for local authorities in 2002. This was used to finance the general purpose needs of local authorities (€593 million), non-national roads grants (€394 million) and other measures to promote local government initiatives (€51 million). The General Purpose Grants of €593 million to local authorities represented an increase of almost 10% on 2001. The increased resources available in general purpose funding allowed the Department to continue the process of equalisation through which the financially weaker authorities are favoured in the distribution of resources.

In April 2002, consultants were engaged to undertake an independent verification of the Needs and Resources Model’s approach in determining general purpose allocations to local authorities from the Local Government Fund and to provide a guide to the Model’s future development. The findings concluded that the principles of the Model are sound and reasonable, and recommended that the parameters used in the Model should be reviewed. Working groups have been established by the Department to examine the most important expenditure parameters in the Model including the areas of water services, waste management and housing. Amendments to the expenditure parameters, as recommended by the working groups, will be incorporated into the Model for the next allocation process in 2003.

Provide an efficient vehicle registration service and implement the new National Vehicle and Driver File system

In July 2002, a major milestone was achieved by the Department’s Vehicle Registration Unit through the implementation of the new National Vehicle and Driver File (NVDF) system in all local Motor Tax Offices and associated sub offices or one-stop shops throughout the country. The system supports approximately 700 online users, and all motor tax and driving licence business which takes place in Motor Tax Offices is entered directly online. Consequently, there are no delays between the issue of motor tax discs and driving licences in local offices and updating of the central computer records. The NVDF provides the basis for the billing and collection of motor tax and driving licence fees and the delivery of customer services related to these activities. It has also facilitated the creation of national driver and vehicle databases. The driver database forms the basis for the administration of the penalty points system, introduced in November 2002, on behalf of the Department of Transport. At the end of 2002, 762 penalty points offences were recorded and notifications had issued to drivers.

The NVDF structures facilitate the delivery of improved quality customer service and the achievement of targets set in the Customer Service Action Plan 2001 - 2004 for the Vehicle Registration Unit. The notable achievements in 2002 were: 2.8 million motor tax reminder/renewal notices issued during the year and a breakdown of the issue of

these notices against the target set in the Customer Service Action Plan is set out in the chart below;_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Annual Report 2002 (August 2003) page 41 of 76

498,000 Vehicle Licensing Certificates issued to new owners of previously registered vehicles during 2002 and a breakdown of the issue of these Certificates against the target set in the Plan is set out in the chart below;

221,000 Vehicle Licensing Certificates issued to owners of new vehicles during the year; 80% of these Certificates issued within 10 working days in the period January to July 2002; following the full operation of the NVDF system and for the period August to December 2002, 90% of these Certificates issued within 2 days and the remaining 10% issued within 4 days, thereby exceeding the target set in the Plan for issuing 75% of Certificates within 10 days;

the average number of days taken to process Vehicle Licensing Certificates in 2002 was 3.5 days thereby bettering the 4-day target set in the Plan; 61% of Certificates were processed within 3 days and issued to vehicle owners within 4 days; and

almost 500,000 notifications of change in vehicle ownership were processed during the year and to streamline and produce greater efficiency in processing an electronic document imaging/management system was introduced in May, 2002.

The special enquiry centre, established in the Vehicle Registration Unit to facilitate enquiries from customers about vehicle ownership and motor tax status of their vehicles handled 140,000 calls during 2002. 33% of these calls were received through the Department's LoCall number which allows callers anywhere in the country to contact the Department at the local call rate.

In enhancing the service provided to vehicle owners, work commenced in 2002 to provide a system which will allow vehicle owners to pay their motor tax online. This project is one of the Government's flagship eGovernment projects.

Promote systems and structures to maximise financial efficiency, accountability and value for money

Progress in the development and implementation of the new Agresso Financial Management System for local authorities continued during 2002. The new system, part-funded from the Local Government Fund, is based on modern accrual accounting principles and will provide enhanced functionality and better management information, and will facilitate maximisation of financial efficiency, accountability and value for money in local authorities. Phase II of the new system (income modules) commenced rollout in all participating local authorities during 2002, and it is expected to be completed in 2003.


Carry out audits in accordance with the Code of Local Government Audit Practice

2002 saw the introduction of a modernised audit regime for local government with the commencement of certain provisions of the Local Government Act 2001 including implementation of a statutory Code of Audit Practice. The new financial management and accounting system being implemented in local authorities caused some transitional delays in the production of annual financial statements by local authorities and as such led to difficulties in the carrying out of audits. Details of the audits of the Local Government Audit Service are set out in their annual report, Report 2001/2002.

Provide a quality Value for Money audit service for local authorities

The Value for Money Unit of the Local Government Audit Service, published a report, Delivery of Motor Tax Services by Local Authorities in 2002. The report, based on a study of Motor Tax Offices in local authorities evaluated the delivery of motor tax services by local authorities. It also incorporated the outcome of a customer satisfaction survey on Motor Tax Offices which was conducted by an independent consultant.

Promote a strengthening of management capacity in local government which will give better support to the political decision making processes and, critically, which will better equip the system to deliver its services

During 2002, the strengthening of senior management structures in local authorities under the Better Local Government reform programme was completed. This involved the creation and filling of posts in the new grades of Director of Services and Senior Executive Officer, and making technical posts at Senior Engineer level available in all local authorities. The creation of a new tier of senior management will increase the capability of local authorities and ensure that they have the staffing structures, resources and skills to fulfil their obligations in a manner consistent with Government policy, legislative requirements and quality customer service.

During 2002, €3.3 million was made available towards the cost of appropriate partnership projects in local authorities. An independent review of the partnership process was completed and its recommendations were agreed by the Local Authority National Advisory Partnership Group. A new partnership strategy, aimed at consolidating workplace partnership in local authorities was adopted for the period 2003 to 2005.

Promote excellence in human resource management in local government, through, inter alia, enhancing the role of the Local Government Management Services Board, devolution of authority from the Department and the promotion of best practice

In conjunction with the Local Government Management Services Board, the Department continued to promote excellence in human resource management and implement Government policy in this area. The devolution of certain functions to the Board and local authorities, as provided for in the Local Government Act 2001, continued to be explored during 2002. Details of the activities undertaken by the Board are published in their Annual Report (see Appendix 7 for contact details).

Support fire authorities in the development and maintenance of a quality fire-fighting and rescue service

The report, Review of Fire Safety and Fire Services in Ireland published in 2002, makes recommendations for improving the fire service and for the future development and implementation of policy in the area of fire and emergency services. In November 2002, a workshop was held with key local government stakeholders so as to advance the implementation of the report’s recommendations in relation to services within the Department's remit.

Expenditure in 2002 under the fire services capital programme amounted to €18.856 million. The level of capital investment in the fire service nationally increased significantly in the period 1998 to 2002 with over €66 million being provided in grants to the fire service, more than was provided previously. This level of investment enabled fire authorities in 2002 to complete 10 fire station projects, progress 24 further fire station projects through various stages of development, invite tenders for 32 new fire appliances, and advance CAMP (Computer Aided Mobilisation Project) towards completion and commissioning stage. In addition, a new station upgrading/improvement programme was approved in 2002 which provides for works at 19 fire stations.


Support fire authorities in their fire safety and prevention programmes

The Licensing of Indoor Events Bill 2001 progressed through its Second Stage in the Dáil in November 2002. The Bill, which makes provision for a new system of licensing of certain indoor entertainment events and strengthens enforcement provisions of the Fire Services Act 1981, was enacted in 2003.

A central training programme run by the Fire Services Council, with staffing support and grant aid provided by the Department, supplements the fire authorities own work to develop and update skills and knowledge among fire service personnel. During 2002, the Council organised 20 training courses catering for 411 participants. On 11 November 2002, the Council organised a national Long Service Awards Ceremony on the Minister's behalf. The Minister presented awards to 329 fire service personnel who had given 20 and 30 years' service. Details of the activities undertaken by the Council are published in their Annual Report (see Appendix 7 for contact details).

Arising from the work of the Fire Services Cross Border Working Group, the Northern Ireland Fire Brigade and fire authorities throughout the country participated in Fire Safety Week 2002, organised by the National Safety Council.

Support local authorities, within the national framework for emergency response, in their planning for and response to major emergencies

The Department continued to monitor and advise local authorities on the preparation, coordination and testing of major emergency plans and dealt with related issues arising through the Government Task Force and the Office of Emergency Planning.

The Department also coordinated Ireland’s contribution to the new EU Mechanism to facilitate reinforced cooperation in civil protection (emergency planning) assistance interventions, inside and outside the Union, including plans for preventing and limiting the consequences of chemical, biological, radiological or nuclear terrorist threats.

Support local authorities in developing the public library system to enable that system to fulfil its key role in widening access to the Information Society

The Department continued to ensure, in cooperation with library authorities and An Chomhairle Leabharlanna, the ongoing implementation of the major investment programme for the development of the public library system thereby enabling that system to fulfil its key role in widening access to the Information Society. During 2002, grant-aid of €5,135,840 was provided for library capital projects and €1,650,400 was paid in information, communication and technology grants to library authorities. Internet access to library catalogues were provided by 14 library authorities at the end of 2002. Details of the activities undertaken by An Chomhairle Leabharlanna are published in their Annual Report (see Appendix 7 for contact details).

The implementation of the recommendations of Branching Out - A New Public Library Service has made a significant difference to the public library service in terms of public library building projects and transport (mobile libraries), information and communications technology, bookstock, opening hours and staff training. A mid term review of progress in implementing Branching Out was attended by City and County Librarians, County Managers and relevant Directors of Services in Waterford in November 2002.

Promote, oversee and support the implementation through the National Roads Authority and local authorities of programmes for the improvement and maintenance of national and non-national roads in accordance with the objectives of the National Development Plan 2000 - 2006

The National Development Plan 2000 - 2006 (NDP) provides for significant investment in the roads infrastructure. Expenditure on the non-national roads network for the period 2000 to 2002 was €1.71 billion against a profile of €1.038 billion outlined in the NDP - almost 13% ahead of profile in the Plan. Progress on improvements in the national roads network during 2002 is outlined in the Annual Report for the Department of Transport.


Over €580 million was spent on non-national roads during 2002. State grants accounted for €435.457 million of which €394 million was financed by the Local Government Fund as outlined earlier under the key strategy on local government funding in this section of the Report. The main focus of the expenditure on non-national roads was on the implementation of the 10 year Restoration Programme.

The increased level of funding of €221 million in 2002 has enabled further significant progress to be made on the restoration of regional and local roads under the 10-year Restoration Programme: 2,920 schemes involving 4,622 kms of non-national roads were improved under the maintenance aspect of the Programme; and 2,596 schemes involving 3,990 kms of non-national roads were improved under the improvement aspect.

Other progress in 2002 in the non-national roads area included: 240 projects totalling €75.853 million were financed under the EU Co-financed Specific Improvement

Scheme of Grants; €2.28 million was provided under the Low Cost Safety Improvement Scheme and works were carried out

at over 350 locations on non-national roads to the end of 2002; €11.149 million was allocated for the Local Improvement Scheme, enabling local authorities to complete

881 schemes and improving over 749.27 kms of non-public roads; €3.6 million was paid to Dublin City Council for Dublin Traffic Management Schemes and €2.01 million

was paid to 4 urban authorities under the Regional Traffic Management Scheme; 15 local authorities benefited with €33.57 million spent in respect of non-national roads grants to support

housing and other related developments; in addition, a residual element of funding from a previous funding initiative for housing land of €417,029 was spent in respect of 2 schemes in 2 local authorities;

€2.3 million was provided to upgrade and expand the Regional Training Centres to provide Non-national Roads Training; and

a Non-National Roads Training Programme Seminar organised by the Department in April 2002 was attended by 100 local authority personnel; in addition, €715,000 was allocated to individual local


authorities as a dedicated training grant and local authorities were advised to prioritise training in 2002 for General Operatives and General Services Supervisors.

The Working Group on Efficiency continued in 2002 to issue best practice documents to local authorities including Guidelines for the Opening, Backfilling and Reinstatement of Trenches in Public Roads.

Seek to improve our communications and our consultative processes and arrangements with local authorities so as to improve mutual understanding and co-working

A Group, comprising representatives of the Department and local authorities was established in 2002 to review the Public Bodies Order 1946 - 1998. As a result of the Review, a modern, transparent and relevant regulatory financial management framework was put in place through the Local Government (Financial Procedures and Audit) Regulations 2002, and an Accounting Code of Practice.

Following on from the progress made by the Working Group on the Review of Rating law in Ireland, work continued in 2002 on the drafting of legislation on updating and consolidating rating law. The Heads of the Bill were circulated to Government Departments in early 2003.

Details of other arrangements with local authorities in improving mutual understanding and co-working are outlined in other sections of this Report under the various functional areas.


Working with Other BodiesObjectiveTo support and cooperate with other bodies for the successful implementation of many of our policies and the achievement of our goals and objectives

Throughout 2002, the Department supported, cooperated and liaised with the agencies which operated under the Department's aegis and with other Government Departments and Offices, non-governmental organisation and other agencies in the implementation of its policies.

Activities undertaken to support the above objectives are outlined below.

Key Strategies

Monitor and review the operation of our agencies

During 2002, the Department monitored and kept under review, the operation of the Department's agencies and details of the activities undertaken are outlined in other sections of this Report. A list of the Department's agencies is detailed at Appendix 7.

Extend the Strategic Management Initiative (SMI) to our agencies

Under the Programme for Prosperity and Fairness, the agencies for which the Department has pay responsibilities were required in 2002 to report progress in advancing the public service modernisation programme in each of their organisations. The Department subsequently verified that progress had been made and the relevant pay increase under the Programme was paid.

Efforts to develop more structured and systematic arrangements for ensuring good communication within and between agencies continued throughout 2002.

Seek to enhance and improve our working relationships with other bodies

The Department's relationship with the Local Government Management Services Board, the Local Government Computer Services Board and the Institute of Public Administration is essential to the discharge of its functions and the achievement of objectives and to building a cohesive working relationship with local authorities.

During 2002, the Local Government Computer Services Board, in cooperation with the Department, continued its work in the development of computer based project management systems for water infrastructure projects, the development of CiS (Complete Information System) for the delivery of water services and the development and roll-out of the new financial management system (FMS) in local authorities. In supporting the work of the Board, additional project funding from the Local Government Fund was provided to contribute to the measures designed to provide enhanced functionality for the new FMS system both in the Board and in local authorities. The Board is also leading the e-local government initiative as part of the eGovernment initiative and is actively involved with the Information Society Commission in progressing this agenda. Details of the activities of the Board are published in their Annual Report (see Appendix 7 for contact details).

Consultations took place in 2002 with the various stakeholders, rural water sector, IBEC and local authorities, in the context of drafting the Water Services Bill and roll out of the Government’s Water Services Pricing Policy Framework. The degree of consultation was favourably remarked upon by stakeholders and politicians on all sides.

As mentioned in the Environment section of this Report, the Rural Water Programme is being implemented under a partnership framework, involving cooperation between the National Federation of Group Water Schemes, the Rural Organisations (IFA, ICMSA, ICA), the local authorities and the Department.

Effective working relationships were established and maintained in 2002 with Bord Fáilte, Tourism Ireland Ltd., Regional Tourism Authorities, Shannon Development and the Western Development Commission. Heritage sites managed by the Department play a significant role in the tourism industry and were promoted in cooperation with those bodies._____________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Annual Report 2002 (August 2003) page 47 of 76

A number of the Department’s activities were supported through engagement in cross-departmental teams including the Cross-Departmental Team on Housing, Infrastructure and PPPs, the Cross-Departmental Team on Homelessness, the National Drugs Strategy Team, the Inter-Departmental Group on Drugs, the Inter-Departmental Teams on the needs of older people and Coordination Group on Offender Integration. Details of the main activities of these groups during 2002 are outlined in the Housing section of this Report.

The Housing Finance Agency continued in 2002 to make an important contribution to the delivery of social housing programmes, with loan advances of €726 million (up 30% in 2001). Loans advanced for shared ownership amounted to €187.9 million, land acquisition loans were €110.2 million and affordable housing €39.8 million.

The National Building Agency continued to play an important role in contributing to the objective of increased social housing. In 2002 the Agency completed almost 600 houses comprising local authority, voluntary and affordable housing compared to 501 completions in 2001. The Agency also had over 1,100 new houses under construction at the end of 2002.

In addition, the Department continued in 2002 to participate in management teams in pay negotiations in the Labour Relations Commissions, the Labour Court and the Public Sector Benchmarking Body (and parallel benchmarking exercises) and dealt with individual pay related issues as they arose.


Working with the Private SectorObjectiveTo encourage and support the private sector in contributing to the provision of infrastructure and services and to support measures to enhance capacity and standards in the construction industry

A major objective for the Department is to adopt new and innovative methods of working with the private sector, for example through public private partnerships (PPP). Work continued in 2002 to accelerate the implementation of the PPP programme and to extend the range of services and activities provided through PPP so as to promote efficiencies in the delivery of infrastructural projects, to stimulate competition and to improve service standards.

While the PPP process in Ireland can be seen to have matured significantly since its introduction, there are still concerns among the public and certain parts of the private sector as to the merits of the approach. The challenge facing the PPP process in Ireland is to ensure that the implementation of the programme serves to reassure the public about the merits of the process.

Significant progress was made throughout 2002 in achieving the above objective and details of the various activities undertaken in implementing the key strategies identified in the Statement of Strategy 2001 - 2004 are outlined below.

Key Strategies

Ensure regular review of performance, developments and prospects in the construction industry with particular reference to the capacity of the industry to deliver the National Development Plan 2000 - 2006

In September 2002, the Department published its annual review of the construction industry, Construction Industry : Review 2001 ; Outlook 2002 - 2004. The review indicated that the volume of construction activity grew by 4% in 2001 and was projected to fall by 3.5% in 2002 and that construction price inflation had fallen from an average of 12% per annum over the period 1998 to 2000, to 9% in 2001 and an estimated 5% in 2002.

Facilitate partnership between public and private sector clients and the construction industry, via the Forum for the Construction Industry, in improving building procurement and process

The Forum for the Construction Industry in its Fifth Annual Report indicated that excellent progress continued to be made in the implementation of the recommendations of the Report of the Strategic Review Committee.

During 2002, the Forum adopted a proposed new Standard Form of Contract for Civil Engineering Contracts tendered under the traditional procurement route. A feature of the new document is provision for the resolution of disputes regarding claims arising under the contract by Conciliation and this procedure should be a much quicker and cheaper Alternative Dispute Resolution procedure compared to Arbitration.

As already referred to in the Environment section of this Report, the National Construction and Demolition Waste Council, recommended by the Forum was formally launched in June 2002.

Promote legislation for strengthening the building control enforcement powers of local authorities to ensure adherence to building standards

Work continued in 2002 on the drafting of the Building Control Bill to strengthen the enforcement powers of local Building Control Authorities and to provide for the registration of the titles of “Architect”, “Building Surveyor”, and “Quantity Surveyor”, in the interest of consumer protection.

The Department organised a conference on the Transition from National to European Harmonised Standards (Construction) in November 2002 which was attended by Building Control Authorities, the Construction Industry and related consultative/professional bodies.


By mid 2002, it was estimated that almost 90% of local Building Control Authorities had attained the target level of inspections (12%-15% of developments) and the remaining authorities were expected to achieve this target as soon as possible.

Promote environmentally sustainable building, including improvement of building insulation standards, as part of Ireland's National Climate Change Strategy

During 2002, the Building Regulations Advisory Body provided advice on draft amendments to Part L of the Building Regulations (Conservation of Fuel and Energy), Part F of the Building Regulations (Ventilation) and the related Technical Guidance Documents. New Regulations were subsequently made which prescribe stricter thermal performance/insulation standards for new houses and for replacement doors, windows and roof-lights (roof windows) in existing houses, and which also require mechanical ventilation (or equivalent) of kitchens, bathrooms and utility rooms. Further details about these Regulations are outlined in Appendix 1. The related Technical Guidance Documents L and F on how to comply with the amended Building Regulations were published following a public consultation process. The stricter thermal performance/insulation standards laid down in the amended Part L will reduce CO2 emissions by an estimated 300,000 tonnes per annum, by 2012.

Develop national policy, in conjunction with other Government Departments and public bodies, for the implementation of Public Private Partnerships (PPP) as a means of providing infrastructure and delivering services under the National Development Plan 2000 - 2006

Substantial progress was made in 2002 in advancing PPP projects in the Department’s main infrastructure programme areas, the water services sector and, to a lesser degree, the housing and waste management sectors. 19 PPP contracts were awarded, and a further 63 projects had been approved to advance on a PPP basis, details of which are outlined in the table below.

Approved PPP ProjectsState of Progress at the end of 2002 Water Waste Housing Other Total

Contract awarded and In operation At construction stage

96

1-

-2

-1

109

15 1 2 1 19

Project approved and At procurement stage At contract preparation (awaiting to advance

to procurement)

2435

11

--

-2

2538

59 2 - 2 63Total 74 3 2 3 82

Note: Design/Build and short-term outsourcing contracts are not included in this table.

The majority of the approved projects are water services contracts, with the capital value of the water and wastewater schemes in operation at approximately €26 million, while the estimated capital costs of the water projects at construction stage is a further €330 million. The estimated capital costs of the Poolbeg Waste-to-Energy plant is approximately €200 million, while the capital value of the 2 bio-treatment plants in Dublin is about €30-50 million.

In addition to the capital waste and wastewater projects, a number of local authorities have put in place long-term contracts for the operation and maintenance of water and waste water treatment works. At the end of 2002, there were 2 Operations and Maintenance contracts in operation - Greystones Sewerage and Sligo Water; 3 at contract preparation stage - Lisdoonvarna, Co. Clare, Belgerrig, Co. Mayo, and Drogheda/Dundalk, Co. Louth; and 1 contract in operation in the waste sector for the collection of dry recyclables in Dublin.

Under the auspices of the Water Services National Training Group, a performance management system for PPP contracts in the water services sector was launched in September 2002. The system sets out a formal approach to monitoring operational standards and procedures for plant management, identifies appropriate


independent compliance auditing and performance indicators and provides a framework for dealing with all relevant stakeholders, especially the public.

In 2002, the Department provided extensive guidance for local authorities on the procurement and negotiation of financial and legal advice in the water services and waste management sectors. At the end of 2002, the 3-year panel of legal and financial advisers, established in 2001, had provided advice in respect of 10 schemes.

Through circulars, newsletters and briefings, the Department continued in 2002 to raise PPP awareness for both local government and private sector audiences.

Develop a structure that provides a fair and balanced division of responsibilities between the public and the private sectors and a competitive environment for the provision of infrastructure and services across the range of sectors for which the Department is responsible and in respect of the activities of local authorities

During 2002, specific guidance issued in relation to the renewable energy sector. The implementation of communication and training programmes to support private and public sector bodies engaged in PPP and the provision of funding for innovative projects within the local government sector continued throughout 2002. Local authorities, with the support of the Local Authority PPP Grant Fund, have become increasingly active in pursuing PPP options outside of the main infrastructural programmes. 15 applications for funding were approved during 2002, bringing to 44 the total number of projects supported since the Fund was launched in 2000. At the end of 2002, €4.26 million of the €5 million Fund was allocated. Most of the grants have been towards undertaking feasibility studies and the development of PPP assessments to examine the potential for the application of PPP arrangements to a wide range of activities, such as urban development, tourism and alternative energy projects. A revised structure and focus for the Fund was approved by the Minister at the end of 2002.

Explore, in consultation with the private sector and other interested parties as appropriate, the scope for economic instruments and producer responsibility initiatives playing a greater role in the environmental policy mix

Work continued in 2002 in supporting and developing new producer responsibility initiatives and economic instruments and further details are outlined in the Environment section of this Report.


Part 3 Appendices


Appendix 1 Legislative Activity

Details of the legislative activity for the Department during 2002 are set out below.

ACTS OF THE OIREACHTAS

Electoral (Amendment) Act 2002 (No. 4 of 2002)The Electoral (Amendment) Act 2002 provides for an alternative to election deposits following the High Court decision in the Redmond Case, which found that the law relating to deposits at elections was repugnant to the Constitution. Under the Act, non-party candidates at Dáil, European and local elections will have to have their nomination papers assented to by 30, 60 and 15 registered electors respectively. Each assentor is required to sign the nomination form in the presence of a local authority official and produce specified photographic identification.

Electoral (Amendment) (No. 2) Act 2002 (No. 23 of 2002)The Electoral (Amendment) (No. 2) Act 2002 extended the period for furnishing election expenses statements to the Standards in Public Office Commission for the general election held on 17 May 2002 following the Court judgements in the Kelly Case, concerning certain exemptions to election expenditure. Under the Act, the 56-day period for furnishing election expenses statements was extended to 20 December 2002.

Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2002 (No. 9 of 2002)The Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2002, enacted in April 2002, amends, extends and consolidates the Housing Acts 1966 to 1998, the Housing Finance Agency Act 1981, the Building Societies Act 1989, the National Treasury Management Agency Act 1990, the Criminal Justice (Public Order) Act 1994, and the Dublin Docklands Development Act 1997, and provides for certain other matters in relation to housing. The Act provides, among other things, for placing the Local Authority Affordable Housing Scheme on a statutory basis and providing for a clawback under this and under the Shared Ownership Scheme, enabling the National Treasury Management Agency to act as an agent for the Housing Finance Agency i.e. by performing its borrowing functions etc., and enables local authorities to remove unauthorised temporary dwellings from public places within one mile of approved traveller accommodation and amends the Criminal Justice (Public Order) Act 1994 to provide for the new offence of criminal trespass. The Act also enables the Minister to provide financial assistance to organisations which provide advice or research on housing matters.

Minister for the Environment and Local Government (Performance of Certain Functions) Act 2002 (No. 24 of 2002) This Act provides for an exception to the general legislative bar on the Minister for the Environment and Local Government from becoming involved in individual planning (including local authority own development), IPC and waste licensing cases. The terms of the exception are clearly defined in the legislation - any involvement by the Minister in any such case must relate only to the exercise of functions which were formerly assigned to the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands in relation to the built and natural heritage. It protects the consultative role of Dúchas, now the responsibility of the Minister in individual cases which involve significant issues for nature conservation/habitats and the built or archaeological heritage.

Planning and Development (Amendment) Act 2002 (No. 32 of 2002)This Act, enacted in December 2002, amends Part V of the Planning and Development Act 2000, which deals with housing supply. The main changes include a removal of the withering provision provided for in the 2000 Act, an increased flexibility in complying with Part V arrangements and a reduction in the limit for exemption certificates. An applicant for permission for development will be able to comply with the requirements of Part V by reaching an agreement to reserve land or provide houses or sites at another location, or to make a payment to the local authority which will be used for the provision of social and affordable housing, or to agree to a combination of any of these options. This is as well as reserving land within the proposed development for the local authority or providing houses or sites within that development. In considering whether to enter into such an agreement, the authority will have to consider, among other things, the need to counteract undue social segregation in the area and how quickly housing is likely to be provided as a consequence of the agreement. The provision which limited the life of certain planning permissions to two years was deleted. Houses built on foot of those permissions will be subject to the imposition of a levy towards the building of social and affordable housing. The limit of small housing developments for which an exemption certificate may be sought was reduced from 0.2 hectare to 0.1 hectare. Provision was also made in the Act to permit approved voluntary housing bodies to provide affordable housing, including through the shared ownership and affordable housing schemes. Other changes include new procedures for the adoption of local area plans and _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Annual Report 2002 (August 2003) page 53 of 76

certain amendments to the Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Acts, 1992 and 2002 and to the Housing Finance Agency Act 1981.

Radiological Protection (Amendment) Act 2002 (No. 3 of 2002)This Act amends the Radiological Protection Acts 1991 and 1995, and provides for the making of grants out of funds provided by the Oireachtas for remediation works for houses having certain levels of radon gas and for the administration by the Radiological Protection Institute of Ireland of such grants and to provide for related matters.

REGULATIONS

Air Quality Standards Regulations 2002 (S.I. No. 271 of 2002) These Regulations transpose Directive 1999/30/EC relating to limit values for sulphur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide and oxides of nitrogen, particulate matter and lead in ambient air and remaining elements of the framework Directive 96/62/EC on ambient air quality management and assessment. As well as specifying limit values for six pollutants, the Regulations provide for advice by the Environmental Protection Agency on the need for local authority air quality management plans where limit values, plus margins of tolerance, will, or may be exceeded. Provision is also made for local authority air pollution action plans for short-term risks of exceedances of limit values or alert thresholds and for routine public information procedures.

Air Pollution Act 1987(Commencement) Order 2002 (S.I. No. 269 of 2002) This Order brings sections 20, 21, 22 and 23 of the Air Pollution Act 1987 into effect, relating to consultation by local authorities, transfer of powers and emissions.

Ballot Paper (Photographs and Emblems) Regulations 2002 (S.I. No. 16 of 2002)These Regulations prescribe the requirements for the provision of photographs to returning officers by candidates at a Dáil election and for the provision of emblems by political parties to the Registrar of Political Parties for their registration in the Register of Political Parties. The Regulations amend the form of the ballot paper specified in the Fourth Schedule of the Electoral Act 1992 to provide for the inclusion of photographs and emblems for manual and electronic voting.

Building Regulations Advisory Body Order 2002 (S.I. No. 2 of 2002) This Order appoints a new Building Regulations Advisory Body for a period of 5 years.

Building Regulations (Amendment) Regulations 2002 (S.I. No. 284 of 2002)The purpose of these Regulations is to amend Part L of the Building Regulations (Conservation of Fuel and Energy) to set higher thermal performance/insulation standards for new houses with effect from 1 January 2003: for the replacement of doors, windows and rooflights (roof windows) in existing houses, with effect from 1 July 2003.

Building Regulations (Amendment) (No. 2) Regulations 2002 (S.I. No. 581 of 2002) The purpose of these Regulations is to amend Part F of the Building Regulations (Ventilation) to improve ventilation to avoid condensation in new houses commencing on or after 1 January 2003.

Dáil Éireann (General Election) Order 2002This Order provides for the date and the hours of polling for election to the 29th Dáil.

Electoral (Amendment) Act 2001 - Part 3 Order 2002This Order designates Dáil constituencies in which the electronic voting and counting system is to be used at the Dáil election.

Electoral (Amendment) Act 2001 - Part 3 (No. 2) Order 2002This Order designated the Dáil constituencies in which the electronic voting and counting system is to be used at the Nice referendum.


Electoral (Amendment) Act 2001 (Section 48) Order 2002 (S.I. No. 460 of 2002) This Order provides for the adaptation and modification of relevant sections of the Referendum Act 1994 to provide for the use of voting machines and electronic vote counting in designated constituencies at a referendum.

Electoral (Amendment) Act 2001 (Section 48) Order 2002 - Article 3(1)This Order approves the voting system equipment for use at the Nice referendum.

Electoral Regulations 2002 (S.I. No. 144 of 2002) These Regulations prescribe the form of nomination paper to be used at a Dáil election, specify the documents which a voter may be required to produce at a polling station, specify the photographic identification documents required by an assentor to a nomination paper and the prescribed local authority offices for lodging of nomination papers by certain candidates for assenting to by registered electors in the constituency or electoral area.

Emissions of Volatile Organic Compounds from Organic Solvents Regulations 2002 (S.I. No. 543 of 2002)These Regulations transpose Directive 1999/13/EC on the limitation of emissions of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) due to the use of organic solvents in certain activities and installations. The Regulations apply to 20 sectoral activities ranging from dry cleaning and vehicle respraying to pharmaceutical manufacture where they are operated in installations above specified solvent consumption thresholds. Many of the activities required to be regulated are of Small to Medium Enterprise size and as such not already subject to environmental regulation such as the Integrated Pollution Control (IPC) system operated by the EPA. Relevant SMEs include, for example, vehicle resprayers using more than half a tonne of solvents annually and all dry cleaners irrespective of annual solvent consumption. The competent bodies for enforcement of the Regulations are the EPA, where activities hold an IPC licence and the local authorities for all other relevant activities. Compliance in all cases is required by no later than 31 October 2007 subject to an interim date of 31 October 2005 in the case of certain reduction scheme options.

Environmental Protection Agency (Selection Procedures) (Amendment) Regulations 2002 (S.I. No. 15 of 2002)These Regulations amend the Environmental Protection Agency (Selection Procedures) Regulations 1992 (S.I. No. 215 of 1992) in order to confer certain powers on the Secretary General of the Department of Environment and Local Government on occasions where the Secretary General to the Government is unable to participate in proceedings of the selection committee. In effect, it enables the Secretary General of the Department to convene and chair meetings of the selection committee.

European Communities (Amendment of Waste Management (Licensing) Regulations 2000) Regulations 2002 (S.I. No. 337 of 2002)These Regulations amend the Waste Management (Licensing) Regulations 2000 for the purpose of giving legal effect to certain requirements of Council Directive 1999/31/EC on the landfill of waste (the Landfill Directive). The 2000 Regulations, as amended, impose a requirement that charges for the disposal of waste in a landfill facility reflect the full costs of the development, operation, closure and aftercare of the facility and establish procedures whereby the Environmental Protection Agency shall determine whether existing landfills can be operated in accordance with the requirements of the Landfill Directive, or require to be closed. These Regulations also provide for the exemption of specified landfill facilities and activities from the Landfill Directive and the 2000 Regulations.

European Communities (Control of Emissions of Gaseous and Particulate Pollutants from non-mobile machinery) (Amendment) Regulations 2002 (S.I. No. 270 of 2002)These Regulations amend the 1999 Regulations and provide for the type approval and placing on the market of internal combustion engines to be installed in non-road mobile machinery. The Regulations transpose amended Annexes III and IV of Directive 97/68/EC as adapted to technical progress by Commission Directive 2001/63/EC.

Finance Act 1993 (Section 60) Regulations 2002 (S.I. No. 621 of 2002)These Regulations replace the 2000 Regulations by extending the list of specified bodies that can access the national vehicle and driver file records.

Housing (Accommodation provided by Approved Bodies) Regulations 1992 (Amendment) Regulations 2002 (S.I. No. 106 of 2002) These Regulations give effect to the payment of increased grants by the Minister in the period to July 2001 in respect of the provision of assistance by housing authorities to approved voluntary housing bodies in respect of voluntary housing projects undertaken by such bodies.


Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2002 (Commencement) Order 2002 (S.I. No. 163 of 2002) This Order brings into operation on 25 April 2002, section 17(c) of the Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2002 which provides for increasing the borrowing limit of the Housing Finance Agency from €1.9 billion (£1.5 billion) to €6 billion.

Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2002 (Commencement) (No. 2) Order 2002 (S.I. No. 329 of 2002) All remaining provisions (other than section 11 and subsections 17(a), (b), and (e)) of the Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2002 were commenced by this Order on 27 June 2002.

Housing (New House Grant etc.) Regulations 1990 (Amendment) Regulations 2002 (S.I. No. 517 of 2002) These Regulations make legal provision for the abolition of the new house grant scheme with effect from 14 November 2002. Procedures were put in place to allow grants to be paid in certain circumstances where the conditions of the scheme were satisfied. Grants will be paid where applications were approved prior to 14 November 2002; or applications were received in the Department of the Environment and Local Government on or before 14 November 2002 but not yet approved; or a contract to purchase or a contract to build is entered into on or before 14 November 2002, or in the case of a “self build” house where the foundations are poured on or before 14 November 2002. The deadline for receipt of applications was on or before 4 December 2002. In all cases, it will be a condition of grant payment that the new home must be completed and occupied and a request for payment of the new house grant received in Housing Grants Section on or before 13 November 2003.

Local Authority Members (Gratuity) Regulations 2002 (S.I. No. 281 of 2002)These Regulations make provision and specify conditions for the grant of a gratuity to or in respect of members of local authorities, pursuant to sections 4 and 142 of the Local Government Act 2001.

Local Authority Members (Gratuity) (Amendment) Regulations 2002 (S.I. No. 378 of 2002) These Regulations amend the Local Authority Members (Gratuity) Regulations 2002.

Local Authorities (Declaration of Offices) Order 2002 (S.I. No. 505 of 2002) This Order revokes all previous declarations of offices made under section 2 of the Local Authorities (Officers and Employees) Act 1926.

Local Authorities (Declaration of Office) (No. 2) Order 2002 (S.I. No. 529 of 2002) This Order specifies the offices to which the Local Authorities (Officers and Employees) Act 1926, as amended by section 11 of the Local Government Act 1998, will apply and will therefore be subject to filling by the Local Appointments Commission.

Local Government Act 2001 (Commencement) Order 2002 (S.I. No. 65 of 2002) This Order brings into operation specified provisions of the Local Government Act 2001 (No. 37 of 2001) mainly relating to local authority meetings and committees including repeals, with effect generally from 17 July 2002. New arrangements for casual vacancies apply from 1 May 2002.

Local Government Act 2001 (Commencement) (No. 2) Order 2002 (S.I. No. 213 of 2002)This Order brings into operation on 16 May 2002, sections 109 and 110 of the Local Government Act 2001 which enables local authorities to establish a community fund and associated community scheme for the financing and support of projects considered of benefit to the local community.

Local Government Act 2001 (Commencement) (No. 3) Order 2002 (S.I. No. 218 of 2002) This Order provides for the commencement generally of the provisions of Part 15 of the Local Government Act 2001 relating to an Ethical Framework for the Local Government Service, with effect from 1 January 2003.

Local Government Act 2001 (Commencement) (No. 4) Order 2002 (S.I. No. 250 of 2002) This Order brings into operation on 1 January 2004, Chapter 5 of Part 9 of the Local Government Act 2001 which provides for the consolidation of water and waste water treatment and related functions at county level.

Local Government Act 2001 (Commencement) (No. 5) Order 2002 (S.I. No. 507 of 2002) This Order brings into operation Parts 12 and 21 of the Local Government Act 2001 relating to financial procedures and audit and consequential provisions on failure to perform functions and certain other associated provisions.


Local Government Act 2001 (County Tipperary Joint Libraries Committee) Regulations 2002 (S.I. No. 214 of 2002)These Regulations provide an updated statutory basis for the County Tipperary Joint Libraries Committee.

Local Government Act 2001 (Meetings) Regulations 2002 (S. I. No. 66 of 2002) These Regulations deal with matters relating generally to meetings of local authorities including public and media access to their committee meetings.

Local Government Act 2001 (Part 15) Regulations 2002 (S.I. No. 582 of 2002) These Regulations prescribe the classes of local authority employees to whom the provisions of Part 15 of the Local Government Act 2001 regarding an ethical framework apply. In addition they prescribe the annual declaration form to be furnished by relevant employees and members of local authorities.

Local Government Act 2001 (Section 231) Order 2002 (S.I. No. 531 of 2002)This Order provides for the dissolution of specified joint drainage committees and the transfer of their functions to the respective local authorities, with effect from 1 January 2003.

Local Government (Financial Procedures and Audit) Regulations 2002 (S.I. No. 508 of 2002)These Regulations set out the financial and audit practices and procedures to be followed and associated forms to be issued by local authorities in the management of their day-to-day financial and audit activities.

Local Government (Superannuation) (Consolidation) (Amendment) Scheme 2002 (S.I. No. 288 of 2002)This Scheme removes Vocational Educational Committees and Institutes of Technology from the definition of local authorities for superannuation purposes.

Planning and Development Regulations 2002 (S.I. No. 70 of 2002) The purpose of these Regulations is to modify the scales of location maps to be used in areas other than built-up areas. The details to be indicated on location maps to be submitted with a planning application are also modified.

Planning and Development (No. 2) Regulations 2002 (S.I. No. 149 of 2002)The purpose of these Regulations is to amend the Planning and Development Regulations 2001 to prescribe a fee for licenses for finger-post direction signs for tourist accommodation.

Referendum Commission (Establishment) Order 2002 (S.I. No. 33 of 2002) These Regulations provide for the establishment of a Referendum Commission for the purposes of the referendum on the Twenty-fifth Amendment of the Constitution (Protection of Human Life in Pregnancy) Bill 2001.

Referendum Commission (Establishment) (No. 2) Order 2002 (S.I. No. 346 of 2002) This Order provides for the establishment of a Referendum Commission for the purposes of the referendum on the Twenty-sixth Amendment of the Constitution Bill 2002.

Referendum Polling Day OrderThis Order provides for the date and the hours of polling for the referendum on the Twenty-fifth Amendment of the Constitution (Protection of Human Life in Pregnancy) Bill 2001.

Referendum Polling Day OrderThis Order provides for the date and the hours of polling for the referendum on the Twenty-sixth Amendment of the Constitution Bill 2002.

Referendum Returning Officer OrderThis Order provides for the appointment of the Referendum Returning Officer for the referendum held on Twenty-fifth Amendment of the Constitution (Protection of Human Life in Pregnancy) Bill 2001.

Referendum Returning Officer OrderThis Order provides for the appointment of the Referendum Returning Officer for the referendum held on the Twenty-sixth Amendment of the Constitution Bill 2002.

Seanad Electoral (Panel Members) (Prescribed Forms) (Amendment) Regulations 2002 (S.I. No. 68 of 2002) These Regulations amend the Seanad Electoral (Panel Members) (Prescribed Matters) Regulations 1954 as amended by the Seanad Electoral (Panel Members) (Prescribed Forms) (Amendment) Regulations 2000 by


prescribing revised forms of ballot papers for use at Seanad panel elections and bye-elections to provide for the inclusion of photographs of candidates on the ballot papers.

Seanad Electoral (University Members) (Prescribed Matters) (Amendment) Regulations 2002 (S.I. No. 67 of 2002)These Regulations amend the Seanad Electoral (University Members) (Prescribed Matters) Regulations 1938 as amended by the Seanad Electoral (University Members) (Prescribed Matters) Regulations 2000 by prescribing a revised form of ballot paper to include a photograph of the candidate.

Seanad (Panel Members) General Election Order 2002This Order provides for the nomination period, issue of ballot papers and the time and date for the close of polling.

Seanad (University Members) General Election Order 2002This Order provides for the last day for receiving nominations, the date by which ballot papers were to be issued to electors and the time and date for the close of polling.

Section 36(1) OrderThis Order approves the voting system equipment for use at a Dáil election.

Supplement to Postal Voters (Special Difficulty) Order 2002 (S.I. No. 186 of 2002) This Order provides for the extension of postal voting to persons who because of their religious beliefs were unable to vote at the general election held on 17 May 2002.

Waste Management (Landfill Levy) Regulations 2002 (S.I. No. 86 of 2002)These Regulations provide for the commencement and operation of the landfill levy provided for under section 72 of the Waste Management Act 1996, as inserted by section 11 of the Waste Management (Amendment) Act 2001. The Regulations impose the landfill levy with effect from 1 June 2002, at an initial rate of €15 per tonne of waste disposed of to landfill, specify those liable for payment of the levy and provide for the exemption from the levy of specified wastes and waste activities. The Regulations set out procedures and time limits for the payment of levy by accountable persons, and provide for the maintenance of records and accounts, audit of relevant waste activities, procedures for the estimation of levy liability in the case of non-payment or underpayment by an accountable person, the imposition of interest on overdue levy and the recovery of levy which is due and payable.

Waste Management (Licensing) (Amendment) Regulations 2002 (S.I. No. 336 of 2002)These Regulations amend the Waste Management (Licensing) Regulations 2000, primarily for the purpose of giving legal effect to certain requirements of Council Directive 1999/31/EC on the landfill of waste. The amendments provide for the classification of landfill facilities by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), prohibit the acceptance or disposal in landfill facilities of specified wastes, and provide that only specified wastes may be accepted for disposal in different classes of landfill. The Regulations also insert certain new definitions into the 2000 Regulations, and replace the Second Schedule of those Regulations (specifying provisions of Community acts which are to be given effect by means of conditions in relevant waste licences granted by the EPA) with a revised Schedule addressing certain requirements of Directive 1999/31/EC.


Appendix 2 Publications

The publications produced by the Department during 2002 are detailed below. Those publications which have a charge may be purchased directly from the Government Publications Sales Office (details at the end of this Appendix); and those publications which are free are available from the Department.

All publications are available on the Department's website, www.environ.ie except where indicated.

Full details of the Department's publications including availability and prices are available on the Department's website or from the Press and Information Unit, details at Appendix 5.

Action on Architecture 2002-2005 - Beart Maidir le hAiltireacht 2002-2005 €10 (not available on the website)

Annual Report 2001 Free

Archaeological Inventory of Co. Tipperary (Vol. 1) North Tipperary [J. Farrelly & C. O'Brien] €35 (not available on the website)

CE Marking of Construction Products under EU Directive 89/106/EEC (November 2002) Free (not available on the website)

Construction Industry : Review 2001; Outlook 2002 - 2004 €6.35

Environment Bulletin (Numbers 51 to 54) Free

Housing Statistics Bulletin (Quarterly) €2.79

Human Resources Strategy Free

Information leaflets and posters on environmental issues are available from ENFO (see Appendix 5 for contact details)

Information leaflets on the planning process :

A Guide to Planning Permission (PL1) Free

Making a Planning Application (PL2) Free

Commenting on a Planning Application (PL3) Free

Doing Work around the House - The Planning Issues (PL5) Free

Agricultural & Farm Development - The Planning Issues (PL6) Free

Planning for the Business Person (PL7) Free

The Development Plan (PL8) Free

Environment Impact Assessment (PL9) Free

Making a Planning Appeal (PL10) Free

Guide to the Building Control System (PL11) Free

A Guide to Architectural Heritage (PL12) Free

Ireland's Best Kept Towns Brochure Free (available on the website, www.tidytowns.ie)

Irish Bulletin of Vehicle and Driver Statistics Free (not available on the website)

Making Ireland’s Development Sustainable: Review, Assessment and Future Action €10

National Biodiversity Plan - Plean Náisiúnta Bithéagsúlachta €10 (not available on the website)

National Heritage Plan - Plean Náisiúnta Oidhreachta €10 (not available on the website)

National Planning for Nuclear Emergencies Free

Policy Framework for the Renewable Energy Sector Free (available on the website, www.ppp.gov.ie)

Preventing and Recycling Waste - Delivering Change (Information Leaflet) Free

Preventing and Recycling Waste - Delivering Change (March 2002) €12


http://www.tidytowns.ie/

Progress Report: Implementation of the National Climate Change Strategy Free

Protecting our Heritage Review of the National Monuments Acts - Ár nOidhreacht a Chaomhnú Athbreithniú na nAchtanna Séadchomharthaí Náisiúnta €3 (not available on the website)

Radon in Existing Buildings - Corrective Options (January 2002) €5 (not available on the website)

Review of Fire Safety and Fire Services in Ireland €20

Special Protection Areas for Birds in Ireland €10 (not available on the website)

Living with Nature Free

Survey of the Architectural Heritage of County Carlow €17.99 (not available on the website)

Survey of the Architectural Heritage of County Laois €17.99 (not available on the website)

Survey of the Architectural Heritage of Fingal €17.99 (not available on the website)

Survey of the Architectural Heritage of South Dublin County €17.99 (not available on the website)

Survey of the Megalithic Tombs of Ireland (Vol. 1) Co. Clare [R. de Valera & S. Ó Nualláin] (1961; reprint 2002) €40 (not available on the website)

Survey of the Megalithic Tombs of Ireland (Vol. 6) Co. Donegal [E. Cody] €50 (not available on the website)

Technical Guidance Documents A to M €75

Technical Guidance Documents F (Ventilation) (2002 edition) €7

Technical Guidance Documents L Dwellings (Conservation of Fuel and Energy) (2002 edition) €10

The Liam Price Notebooks (2 vols) [C. Corlett & M. Weaver] €50 (not available on the website)

The National Spatial Strategy 2002-2020: People, Places and Potential €20 (available on the website, www.irishspatialstrategy.ie)

The National Spatial Strategy 2002-2020: People, Places and Potential - Summary Guide Free (available on the website, www.irishspatialstrategy.ie)

Tidy Towns Competition Brochure Free (available on the website, www.tidytowns.ie)

Tidy Towns Handbook Free (available on the website, www.tidytowns.ie)

Tidy Towns Results Book Free (available on the website, www.tidytowns.ie)

Towards Sustainable Local Communities - Guidelines on Local Agenda 21 Free

GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS SALES OFFICE (for purchasing those publications which have a charge)

Direct Sale :Government Sales Office,Molesworth Street,Dublin 2.Tel. (01) 671 0309

By Post :Government Supplies Agency,Publications Branch,4 - 5 Harcourt Road,Dublin 2.Tel. (01) 661 3111





http://www.irishspatialstrategy.ie/

http://www.irishspatialstrategy.ie/

Appendix 3 Financial Statements

Basis of AccountsThe accounts of the financial transactions of the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government are prepared in accordance with the Exchequer and Audit Departments Act 1866 and accounting rules and procedures laid down by the Minister for Finance. The following financial statements are detailed below:

- 2002 Appropriation Account with some additional columns;- Operating Cost Statement;- Statement of Assets and Liabilities;- Statement of Capital Assets; - Statement of Prompt Payment of Accounts;

These financial statements have been audited by the Comptroller and Auditor General.

The 2002 Appropriation Account is a cash-based record of the Receipts and Payments in the year compared with the Estimate Provision, with the addition of information of an accruals nature. In addition, the Estimate Provision for 2003 is also shown. Any part of the authorised expenditure left unexpended at the year-end is surrendered to the Exchequer.

For 2002 the Department had a gross outturn of €2,806.494 million and income of €34.952 million, leaving the net outturn of €2,771.512 million. The Administrative Budget outturn was €64.172 million of which salaries accounted for €47.092 million (73.4%).

The Operating Cost Statement is provided to show on an accruals basis, in the context of stated accounting policies and principles, the total amount of resources consumed by the Department in 2002. It produces an operating cost figure by a series of adjustments to the cash-based outturn figure produced by the Appropriation Account.

The Statement of Assets and Liabilities provides details of Capital Assets, Assets under Development and the Net Liability to the Exchequer.

The Statement of Capital Assets provides details of the opening and closing values of Capital Assets on the Department's Asset Register and details of the Depreciation.

The Statement of Prompt Payment of Accounts provides details of the interest payments which were incurred and paid in 2002.

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________Draft Annual Report 2002 (August 2003) page 61 of 76

2002 Appropriation Account

(Vote 25) Account of the sum expended, in the year ended 31 December 2002 compared with the sum granted and of the sum which may be applied as appropriations in aid in addition thereto, for the salaries and expenses of the Office of the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, including grants to Local Authorities, grants and other expenses in connection with housing, miscellaneous schemes, subsidies and grants including certain grants-in-aid.

Note: The subhead titles and subhead numbers have been amended to reflect those detailed in the Revised Estimates for Public Services 2003 (where they differ or no longer exist the relevant 2002 subhead titles are in brackets)..

2002 2002 2002 2003Service Estimate Outturn Closing Estimate

Provision Accruals Provision€'000 €'000 €'000 €'000

ADMINISTRATIONA.1. Salaries, Wages and Allowances 48,228 47,092 - 61,109

A.2. Travel and Subsistence 3,516 3,266 64 3,018

A.3. Incidental Expenses 3,205 2,608 102 2,797

A.4. Postal and Telecommunications Services 1,174 1,878 143 1,961

A.5. Office Machinery and Other Office Supplies 6,770 6,604 (231) 9,131

A.6. Office Premises Expenses 1,181 1,180 85 1,466

A.7. Consultancy Services 629 927 15 1,402

A.8. Information Society On-Line Services 1,900 617 (120) 1,400

A.9. EU Presidency - - - 1,700

HOUSINGB.1. Local Authority and Social Housing Programmes 1,102,364 1,126,993 4,235 1,015,696

B.2. Private Housing Grants and Subsidies etc. 71,690 80,480 - 74,211

B.3. Grant-in-Aid Fund for Task Force on Special Housing Aid for the Elderly (National Lottery Funded)

11,904 11,903 - 11,537

B.4. Communal Facilities in Voluntary Housing Schemes (National Lottery Funded)

1,733 1,152 - 1,901

ENVIRONMENTC.1. Water and Sewerage Services Programme, etc.(D.1. in 2002) 487,114 492,550 128 471,258

C.2. Environmental Protection Agency (D.3. in 2002) 18,923 16,921 - 19,149

C.3. Radiological Protection Institute of Ireland - Grant-in-Aid for General Expenses (G.1 in 2002)

1,515 1,515 - 3,019

C.4. Nuclear Safety (G.2 -Certain Expenses Associated with BNFL Case in 2002)

98 450 11 1,689

C.5. Subscriptions to International Organisations (G.4 in 2002) 39 60 - 3,835

. (D.2-Environmental and Related Services in 2002) 37,983 7,536 (51) -

(G.3 -Radon Remediation Grant Scheme in 2002) 500 - - -

LOCAL GOVERNMENTD.1. Local Government Fund (E in 2002) 419,571 419,571 - 421,107

D.2. Grants in respect of Non-National Roads (C.1 -Road Improvement/Maintenance in 2002)

438,603 425,148 - 39,957

D.3. Vehicle and Driver Licensing Expenses (C.3 in 2002) 13,941 14,228 683 9,424

D.4. Partnerships in Local Authorities (F.15 in 2002) 5,000 5,548 1 5,865




(C.2 - Dublin Transportation in 2002) 5,249 5,249 - -

(C.4 - Other Roads Related Services in 2002) 447 447 - -

HERITAGEE.1. Grant-in-Aid for An Chomhairle Oidhreachta (Heritage Council) -

Administrative Expenses (H.1 in 2002)1,889 615 - 2,322

E.2. Grant-in-Aid for An Chomhairle Oidhreachta (Heritage Council) (National Lottery Funded) (H.2 in 2002)

5,709 5,709 - 7,048

E.3. Education and Visitor Services (H.3 in 2002) 368 424 27 531

E.4. Miscellaneous Services at Visitor Centres (H.4 in 2002) 465 673 45 648

E.5. Overseas Marketing (H.5 in 2002) 32 99 8 328

E.6. National Parks and Wildlife Service (H.6 in 2002) 16,431 12,238 1,166 25,306

E.7. Historic Properties (H.7 in 2002) 8,823 13,961 1,344 21,021

E.8. National Monuments and Architectural Protection (H.8 in 2002) 15,653 13,394 560 28,736

E.9. Architectural Policy Initiatives (H.9 in 2002) 200 - 11 277

E.10. Architectural Protection Grants ((F.5 – Architectural Heritage Protection in 2002)

3,401 3,552 - 3,268

OTHER SERVICESF.1. Fire and Emergency Services 19,961 18,972 2,648 19,211

F.2. Local Authority Library and Archive Service 11,829 8,262 - 11,475

F.3. Subsidies to Local Authorities towards Loan Charges in respect of the Provision of Capital Services

63 31 - 49

F.4. Recoupment of Expenditure on foot of Malicious Injuries 283 795 - 269

F.5. An Bord Pleanala (F.6 in 2002) 10,232 11,520 - 10,623

F.6. Irish Water Safety Association (F.8 in 2002) 440 459 - 447

F.7. Urban Regeneration ((F.9 in 2002) 56,441 29,359 - 24,660

F.8. Tidy Towns Competition (F.10 in 2002) 104 104 25 99

F.9. Programme For Peace and Reconciliation (F.11 in 2002) 5,000 10 - 4,846

F.10. Planning Tribunal (F.12 in 2002) 5,932 5,867 280 13,339

F.11. Planning and Development, etc. (F.14 in 2002) 321 391 59 305

F.12. Millennium Projects - - - 1,689

F.13. Miscellaneous Services (F.16 in 2002) 1,392 1,287 3 2,382

(F.7 - National Safety Council in 2002) 1,288 819 - -

(F.13 -One-Stop Shops in 2002) 4,000 4,000 - -

Gross Total 2,853,534 2,806,464 11,241Deduct:-

G. Appropriations-in-Aid 34,453 34,952 1,943Net Total 2,819,081 2,771,512 9,298

SURPLUS TO BE SURRENDERED:- €47,569,428





OPERATING COST STATEMENT FOR 2002

€'000 €'000 €'000Net Outturn 2,771,512

Changes in Capital AssetsPurchases Cash (7,482)Depreciation 5,105Loss on Disposal 63 (2,314)

Assets Under DevelopmentCash Payments (2,431)

Changes in Net Current AssetsDecrease in Closing Accruals (16,794)Increase in Stock (572) (17,366) (22,111)

Direct Expenditure 2,749,401

Expenditure Borne ElsewhereNet Allied Services Expenditure 11,490Notional Rents 3,524 15,014

Operating Cost 2,764,415


STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES AS AT 31 DECEMBER 2002

€'000 €'000 €'000

Capital Assets (Note 4) 18,936

Assets Under Development (Note 5) 3,15022,086

Current AssetsStocks (Note 17) 1,212Prepayments 769Accrued Income 2,149Other Debit Balances:

Imprests 16Other Suspense Items 2,935 2,951

PMG Balance and Cash 43,597Orders Outstanding (24,653) 18,944

Total Current Assets 26,025

Current LiabilitiesAccrued Expenses 12,010Deferred Income 206Other Credit Balances:

Due to State (Note 18) 2,140 Environment Fund 16,298

Other Suspense Items 1,588 20,026

Net Liability to the Exchequer (Note 6) 1,869

Total Current Liabilities 34,111

Net Current Liabilities (8,086)

Net Assets 14,000


STATEMENT OF CAPITAL ASSETS AS AT 31 DECEMBER 2002

Land and Plant, MachineryOffice And

IT Furniture and TotalsBuildings & Motor Vehicles Equipment Fittings

€'000 €'000 €'000 €'000 €'000

Cost or Valuation at 1 January 20021 21 - 16,081 1,471 17,573

Additions2 5 804 7,110 116 8,035Additions from Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs3 - 10,879 3,201 672 14,752Additions from the Department of Transport3 - 94 7,629 308 8,031

Disposals - (159) (393) - (552)Transfers to the Department of Transport3 - - (191) (16) (207)

Gross Assetsat 31 December 20021 26 11,618 33,437 2,551 47,632

Accumulated Depreciation:

Opening Balanceat 1 January 20021 9 - 10,248 839 11,096

Depreciation for the year 1 1,036 3,863 205 5,105Depreciation on the additions from the Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs3 - 5,398 1,741 110 7,249 Depreciation on the additions from the Department of Transport3 - 48 5,510 220 5,778Depreciation on Disposals - (100) (363) - (463)Depreciation on transfers to the Department of Transport3 - - (65) (4) (69)Cumulative Depreciation at 31 December 2002 10 6,382 20,934 1,370 28,696

Net Assets at 31 December 2002 16 5,236 12,503 1,181 18,9361. Opening Balances differ from closing balances for 2001 due to overstatement of additions in the previous year.2. Includes assets acquired in 2001 but not added to the Asset Register until 2002.3. The transfer of assets to and from the Department is deemed to have taken place on 1 July 2002.4. Heritage Properties, such as Parks and National Monuments and Heritage Assets such as artefacts and

manuscripts have not been valued.


STATEMENT OF PROMPT PAYMENT OF ACCOUNTS FOR 2001

The Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government complies with the provisions of the Prompt Payment of Accounts Act 1997, as amended. It is the policy of the Department to settle all invoices promptly with due regard to contractual terms where applicable, good financial and management practices and the provisions of the Act.

Procedures have been put in place for dealing with invoices/payments in order to minimise the incidence of interest surcharges on late payments. All officers concerned have been notified of best practices for dealing with invoice type payments and on the necessity to comply with the Act. Where payment terms under specific contracts differ from the norm, the Department's payment practices would accord with the terms of the relevant contract. The target turnaround time in the Accounts Section for the payment of invoices is 3 days from the date of receipt of completed payment authorisation forms together with the necessary documentation.

In 2002, out of total invoiced payments of over €56.6 million, 261 payments totalling €1.2 million attracted penalty interest of €3,634.19. Of the payments, 169 were for amounts over €317.43 to a total value of €1,189,619.38 and involved interest payments of €3,538.34. In about 62% of cases the delays were up to 10 days, in 17% of cases the delays were between 11 and 20 days, in 13% of cases the delays were between 21 and 50 days and in 8% of cases the delays were in excess of 50 days.

The value of all late payments as a percentage of all invoiced payments in 2002 was 2.1%.


Appendix 4 Organisation Chart

Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government

Secretary General: Niall Callan

Environment Policy Environment Infrastructure and Services

Heritage & Planning Legal Adviser

Geraldine TallonAssistant Secretary

Tom O'MahonyAssistant Secretary

Mary MoylanAssistant Secretary

Dermot Humphreys

Maurice CoughlanPrincipal OfficerEnvironment Policy

Eamon MarkeyPrincipal Adviser

John McCarthyPrincipal OfficerWaste Infrastructure and Regulation

Louis KilmartinPrincipal Adviser

Liam O'ConnellPrincipal OfficerHeritage Policy

John MartinPrincipal Adviser

John KelleherPrincipal OfficerEnvironment International, Environment Awareness and North/South

Brian LeechSenior Adviser

Pat MackenPrincipal OfficerWaste Prevention and Recovery

Gerry GalvinSenior Adviser

Dave FaddenPrincipal OfficerNational Monuments and Architectural Protection

Niall CussenSenior Adviser

Owen RyanPrincipal OfficerEU Presidency

Terry AllenPrincipal OfficerWater Services Investment

Gerry O'DonoghueSenior Adviser

Kevin RingPrincipal OfficerPlanning

Gabrielle McKeownSenior Adviser

Donal EnrightPrincipal OfficerAir/Climate

David MooreSenior Adviser

Michael LaydePrincipal OfficerWater Services Policy

Oliver FogartySenior Adviser

Finian MatthewsPrincipal OfficerSpatial Policy

Aileen DoyleSenior Adviser

Renee DempseyPrincipal OfficerNuclear Safety

John SadlierPrincipal OfficerWater Quality

Michael McCarthyPrincipal OfficerBuilding Standards and Environmental Assessment

Brendan LinehanDirectorENFO

Alan CraigPrincipal OfficerNational Parks and Wildlife

Liam WhelanPrincipal OfficerUrban and Village Development

Noel CasserlyAssistant Principal OfficerComhar Secretariat

Chris O'GradyPrincipal OfficerNational Parks and Wildlife


Local Government Local Government Audit

Service

Housing Corporate Services

EU/Internal Audit

Tom CorcoranAssistant Secretary

Noel O'ConnellInspector of Audits

Des DowlingAssistant Secretary

Michael CannyAssistant Secretary

Kevin CullenPrincipal OfficerLocal Government Policy I

Sean HoganFire Adviser

Joe McCarthyPrincipal Auditor

Maria GrahamPrincipal OfficerHousing Policy and Supply

Gus CumminsPrincipal Adviser

Ian KeatingPrincipal OfficerDepartmental Finance, Accounts and Financial Management Unit

Gus MurrayAssistant Principal Officer

Joe AllenPrincipal OfficerLocal Government Policy II

John DevlinPrincipal Adviser

Liam BowePrincipal Auditor

Tony BolandPrincipal OfficerHousing Management and Affordable Housing

Noel CarrollSenior Adviser

Tony CroninPrincipal OfficerPersonnel

Jim LillisPrincipal OfficerLocal Government Personnel

John BarrySenior Assistant Fire Adviser

Tony PurtillPrincipal Auditor

Mary O'DonoghuePrincipal OfficerSocial Inclusion

Pat Minogue *Senior Adviser

Ríona Ní FhlanghailePrincipal OfficerChange Management

John FitzgeraldPrincipal OfficerLocal Government Finance

Joe MaloneSenior Adviser

Peter McCannPrincipal OfficerHousing Construction

Barry LenihanSenior Adviser

Fred BradleyPrincipal OfficerOrganisation (incl. ICT and FOI)

Peter GreenePrincipal OfficerFranchise

Dominic MullaneySenior Adviser

Denis ConlanPrincipal OfficerPrivate Rented Sector

Eddie LewisPrincipal OfficerInfrastructure and Public Private Partnership

Mary TullyPrincipal OfficerFire Services and Emergency Planning

Joe HarringtonPrincipal OfficerTraveller Accommodation and Voluntary Housing

Feargal Ó CoiglighPrincipal Officer

Martin CondonPrincipal OfficerNon-National Roads and Local Services

Paddy RuanePrincipal OfficerHousing Grants

* Advises both Housing Division and Heritage & Planning Division

Met Éireann (Director : Declan Murphy) is a constituent part of the Department. However, given its de facto autonomy as an organisation unit, it prepares and publishes its own Statement of Strategy and Annual Report.


Appendix 5 Location of the Department's Main Offices

The location of the Department's main offices are detailed below.

Custom House,Dublin 1.

Irish Life Buildings,Lower Abbey Street,Dublin 1.

Findlater House,Upper O'Connell Street,Dublin 1.

7 Ely Place,Dublin 2.

Secretariat to the Minister, Ministers of State and Secretary General

Press and Information Unit Policy Divisions/Business Units

(Environment Policy, Environment Infrastructure and Services, Local Government, Heritage and Planning, Housing, Fire Services, Franchise and Nuclear Safety)

Personnel, Departmental Finance, Change Management, ICT Unit and Freedom of Information Unit

Water Services including Inspectorate

Public Private Partnership

EU/Internal Audit Financial Management

Unit

Non-National Roads Roads Inspectorate

Heritage Policy National Parks and

Wildlife

LoCall : 1890 20 20 21 LoCall : 1890 20 20 21 LoCall : 1890 20 20 21 LoCall : 1890 321 421Tel : (01) 888 2000 Tel : (01) 888 2000 Tel : (01) 888 2000 Tel : (01) 647 3000Fax : (01) 888 2888 Fax : (01) 888 2888 Fax : (01) 888 2888

email : [email protected]@[email protected]

website : http://www.environ.ie

_________________________________________________________________________________________________Draft Annual Report 2002 page 71 of 76

http://www.environ.ie/

Dún Scéine,Harcourt Lane,Dublin 2.

Government Offices,Ballina,Co. Mayo

59 Dawson Street,Dublin 2.

Vehicle Registration Unit,Shannon Town Centre,Shannon,Co. Clare.

ENFO - Environmental Information Service,17 St. Andrew Street,Dublin 2.

National Monuments and Architectural Protection

National Parks and Wildlife

Housing Grants Water Services

(Rural Water Programme)

Accounts Local Government

Superannuation

Accounts Vehicle registrationENFO's services include : query answering service; exhibitions; reference library; public access to the

Internet; video viewing and

lending service; Children's Corner; CD-ROMS; information leaflets; education resource

packs; national and international

reports; other information from

national and international agencies.

LoCall : 1890 321 421 LoCall :1890 30 50 30 (Housing Grants)1890 20 20 21 (other offices in Ballina)

LoCall : 1890 321 421

LoCall : 1890 411 412 LoCall : 1890 200 191

Tel : (01) 411 7100 Tel : (096) 2 4200

Tel : (01) 647 3000

Tel : (061) 36 5000 Tel : (01) 888 2001

Fax : (096) 2 4221 (Housing Grants)(096) 2 4222(other offices in Ballina)

Fax : (061) 36 3480 Fax : (01) 888 3946

email : [email protected]@[email protected]

email : [email protected]

website : http://www.environ.ie website : http://www.enfo.ie

LoCall : allows callers anywhere in the country to contact the Department at the local call rate.


http://www.enfo.ie/

http://www.environ.ie/

Appendix 6 Contact DetailsBusiness Unit/Section

Functions Extn.*

Accounts Manages and monitors the Department's accounts. 4457Air/Climate Develops air pollution and climate change policy. 2537Building Standards Reviews and updates national Building Regulations, to take account of relevant developments –

including emerging harmonised European standards, under the EU Construction Products Directive (CPD).

2371

Change Management Coordinates and facilitates the Public Service Modernisation Programme in the Department and provides the staff Training and Development function.

2555, 2585

Departmental Finance Coordinates the Department's estimates and expenditure. 2493Education and Visitor Services

Promotes and maintains heritage sites.

ENFO Provides access to information on the environment and sustainable lifestyle choices. 3910Environmental Assessment

Manages overall transposition and implementation of the EIA (environmental impact assessment) and SEA (strategic environmental assessment) Directives and of the land use planning aspects of the Seveso II Directive

2321

Environment Awareness

Develops and implements policies and measures to promote greater environmental awareness and behaviour change.

2601

Environment International

Manages input and participation in international environmental fora. 2603

Environment Policy Promotes sustainable development and environmental integration. Coordinates anti-litter action. 2608EU/Internal Audit Gives assurance, through the relevant body, to the EU Commission on the implementation and

maintenance of financial management and control systems in respect of elements of EU co-financed operations for which the Department and its agencies are responsible.

2302

EU Presidency Coordinates the Department's arrangements for the EU Presidency 2469Financial Management Customises and implements the Management Information Framework to suit the specific needs of

the Department.2734

Fire Services and Emergency Planning

Supports local fire authorities in the delivery of fire fighting and rescue services, fire safety and prevention programmes, and planning for and response to major emergencies.

2382

Franchise Develops electoral and referendum legislation. 2424Freedom of Information

Manages the Department's freedom of information requests. 2575

Heritage Policy Promotes the conservation of the built and natural heritage. 6472428Historic Properties Conserves, maintains, manages and presents that element of the built heritage consisting mainly of

Great Houses and Gardens.6472406

Housing Construction Manages and monitors the local authority housing construction programme and the regeneration of housing areas including Ballymun. Organises the tri-annual assessment of housing needs undertaken by local authorities.

2561

Housing Grants Administers a number of housing schemes, makes recoupments to local authorities in respect of other schemes, issues various certificates in respect of tax schemes and provides an inspection service on an agency basis to HomeBond.

4327

Housing Management & Affordable Housing

Provides a range of functions related to the promotion of better management by local authorities of their housing stock and for assisting home ownership through a number of targeted schemes.

2123

Housing Policy & Supply

Formulates and develops policy relating to housing in Ireland across all tenures. Monitors and assesses developments in the housing market.

2287

ICT Coordinates the Department's eGovernment initiative and provides and maintains the Department's information and communication systems.

2030

Infrastructure/PPP Promotes the use of the PPP approach across the local government sector and provides support for procuring agencies undertaking PPP projects. Encourages modernisation of procurement practices.

25172582

Library Provides a library service for the Department's staff. 2477Local Government Audit Service

Conducts audits of the financial accounts of local authorities and value for money audits on local authorities' systems, practices and procedures.

2238

Local Government Finance

Monitors the finance function in local authorities and develops legislation relating to local authority financial management and procedures.

246524762602

Local Government Personnel

Develops Human Resource Management policy in local authorities including regrading, restructuring, disability issues, workplace partnership and promotion of Irish for local authority posts.

235323552356

Local Government Implements the Government's pay policy in relation to local authorities, including industrial relations 2377


Business Unit/Section

Functions Extn.*

Personnel (Remuneration)

matters.

Local Government Personnel (Superannuation)

Regulates the pension schemes for local authorities, health boards and bodies under the Department’s aegis.

4408

Local Government Policy

Develops policy and legislation for the local government system. 27012728

Local Services Develops policy and funding for public libraries, manages dog control and processes closure applications for Burial Grounds.

2368, 2583

Minister's Office (Martin Cullen, T.D.)

Provides support to the Minister. 24042571

Minister of State's Office (Noel Ahern, T.D.)

Provides support to the Minister of State. 2594

Minister of State's Office (Pat the Cope Gallagher, T.D.)

Provides support to the Minister of State. 2264

Motor Tax Policy Manages the operation of the Motor Tax system 2261National Monuments and Architectural Protection

Protects the built heritage of Ireland by influencing and implementing statutory responsibilities to protect the architectural and archaeological heritage and caring for over 740 heritage properties in the ownership of the Department.

4117118

National Parks and Wildlife

Protects the Natural Heritage of Ireland along with the management of National Parks and other conservation properties such as Nature Reserves.

Non-National Roads Manages and administers the non-national roads investment programme. 2274North/South Coordinates North/South and wider British/Irish cooperation in the framework of the Good Friday

Agreement.Nuclear Safety Supports and implements national and international policy on nuclear safety matters, including the

Government commitment towards the safe closure of Sellafield. Organisation Provides and maintains office equipment, supplies and stationery, manages the Asset Register,

maintains the Department's telephone directory and organisation chart, and monitors and promotes compliance with Prompt Payments legislation.

2071

Personnel Assigns staff to the various Sections in the Department and manages the Department's office accommodation.

2456

Planning Maintains an up-to-date legislative and policy framework to facilitate an efficient, effective, balanced and quality planning system that is transparent and accessible in its operation and which promotes the principles of proper planning and sustainable development.

28102823

Press & Information Liases with the media and provides support to the Minister and Ministers of State on the delivery of speeches.

2393

Private Rented Sector Promotes reform and development of the Private Rented Sector. 2902Public Private Infrastructure and Partnership

Promotes the use of the PPP approach across the local government sector and provides support for procuring agencies undertaking PPP projects.

2079

Secretary General's Office

Provides support to the Secretary General. 2399

Social Inclusion Oversees and promotes the ongoing development and implementation of policies and programmes to address the housing related needs of vulnerable groups such as elderly, disabled and homeless persons.

2137

Spatial Policy Supports the Minister in his role of leading the implementation of the National Spatial Strategy. 2715Tidy Towns Organises the Tidy Towns Competition, Entente Florale and Ireland’s Best Kept Town Competition 2300Traveller Accommodation

Formulates and develops policy on the provision and management, by local authorities, of Traveller accommodation and the necessary funding for such accommodation.

2121

Urban & Village Development

Implements and monitors the Urban and Village Renewal Programme, the Architectural Conservation Measure, the Urban Renewal, Town Renewal & Living Over The Shop schemes.

24162505

Vehicle Registration Facilitates the processing of all motor tax and driver licence business and support and maintains the computerised National Vehicle and Driver File.

500150025003

Voluntary Housing Responsible for matters relating to the voluntary and cooperative housing sector. 2040Waste Infrastructure & Regulation

Develops policy and legislation to meet national requirements and ensure compliance with relevant obligations under EU waste Directives and manages the waste recovery infrastructure programme.

2473

Waste Prevention & Recovery

Coordinates the implementation of national waste prevention, minimisation and recovery policy. 2027

Water Quality Promotes the protection and improvement of water quality 2553, 2325

Water Services Manages the Water Services Investment Programme. 2772


Business Unit/Section

Functions Extn.*

Investment ProgrammeWater Services Rural Water Programme

Manages the Rural Water Programme and the Group Water Scheme Sector. 4480

Water Services Policy Manages policy development in the Water Sector, including legislation and water services pricing policy.

2162

* The location of these Business Units/Sections and the main telephone numbers in each location are detailed in Appendix 5.


Appendix 7 Agencies

Details of the agencies operating under the aegis of the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government are set out below.

An Bord Pleanála64 Marlborough Street,Dublin 1.Tel: (01) 872 8011LoCall: 1890 27 51 75 Fax: (01) 872 2684email: [email protected]: http://www.pleanala.ie

An Chomhairle LeabharlannaThe Library Council,53-54 Upper Mount Street, Dublin 2.Tel: (01) 676 1167Fax: (01) 676 6721email: [email protected]: http://www.librarycouncil.ie

Building Regulations Advisory BodyRoom 2.13,Custom House, Dublin 1.Tel: (01) 888 2371LoCall: 1890 20 20 21Fax: (01) 888 2693email: [email protected]

Comhar17 St. Andrew Street,Dublin 2.Tel: (01) 888 3990LoCall: 1890 200 327Fax: (01) 888 3999email: [email protected]: http://www.comhar-nsdp.ie

Dublin Docklands Development AuthorityCustom House Quay, Dublin 1.Tel: (01) 818 3300Fax: (01) 818 3399email: [email protected]: http://www.ddda.ie

Environmental Protection AgencyPO Box 3000, Johnstown Castle Estate,Co. Wexford.Tel: (053) 60600Fax: (053) 60699email: [email protected]: http://www.epa.ie

Fire Services CouncilCustom House, Dublin 1.Tel: (01) 874 4760Fax: (01) 677 9278 and 888 2888email: [email protected] website: http://www.environ.ie

Heritage CouncilRothe House,Kilkenny.Tel: (056) 70777Fax: (056) 70788email: [email protected]: http://www.heritagecouncil.ie

Housing Finance AgencyEden House, 15-17 Eden Quay, Dublin 1.Tel: (01) 872 5722Fax: (01) 872 5878email: [email protected]: http://www.hfa.ie


Irish Water Safety AssociationThe Long Walk, Galway.Tel: (091) 564400LoCall: 1890 42 02 02Fax: (091) 564700email: [email protected]: http://www.iws.ie

Local Government Computer Services BoardPhoenix House, 27 Conyngham Road, Dublin 8.Tel: (01) 609 7000Fax: (01) 609 7001email: [email protected]: http://www.lgcsb.ie

Local Government Management Services Board35-37 Ushers Quay, Dublin 8.Tel: (01) 671 8400Fax: (01) 677 0023email: [email protected]: http://www.lgmsb.ie

National Building AgencyRichmond Avenue South, Milltown, Dublin 6.Tel: (01) 497 9654Fax: (01) 497 2540email: [email protected]: http://www.nba.ie

Private Residential Tenancies BoardCanal House, Canal Road, Dublin 6 Tel: (01) 888 2960 Fax: (01) 888 2819 email: [email protected]: http://www.environ.ie

Radiological Protection Institute of Ireland3 Clonskeagh Square,Clonskeagh Road,Dublin 14.Tel: (01) 269 7766Fax: (01) 269 7437email: [email protected]: http://www.rpii.ie

Rent TribunalCustom House, Dublin 1.Tel: (01) 888 2000LoCall: 1890 20 20 21Fax: (01) 888 2688email: [email protected]

Temple Bar RenewalCustom House, Dublin 1.Tel: (01) 888 2000LoCall: 1890 20 20 21Fax: (01) 874 8312email: [email protected]: http://www.environ.ie
