Water Services, Roads and Transportation
WATER
Carlow County Council continues to provide water and waste water services on behalf of Irish Water under a Service Level Agreement. This agreement, dating from 1st January 2014 sets out in detail the working arrangements for the continued provision of quality water and waste water services to satisfy the needs of our customers in Carlow in compliance with statutory and regulatory requirements and in an efficient manner.
In 2016, Carlow County Council agreed the Annual Service Plan as part of the Service Level Agreement with Irish Water. It set out agreed objectives and performance Targets and Budgets for Payroll, Goods and Services and Central Management. The Service Plan outlined specific objectives and standards of performance that took into account the Overall Performance Assessment proposed by the Commission for Energy Regulation, the requirements of the Environmental Protection Agency and the objectives of the Irish Water Business Plan. The Service Plan set out the Performance Targets in over 50 specific areas to reflect the standards required in the delivery of the services in the context of available funding, customer service and regulatory requirements.
In 2016, a total of 52 staff from Carlow County Council worked in collaboration with Irish Water to deliver the Annual Service Plan operating to a budget of almost €7.0m in day to day operations in drinking water production, waste water treatment and network maintenance.
The Service Level Agreement includes for a Transformation Plan the objective of which is to transform the industry and assist in delivering a world class service within the funding, regulatory and revenue limits.
In 2016, the operation of the non-domestic customers billing migrated to Irish Water as part of this transformation plan. Other initiatives included in this transformation plan are: Standardisation of Operating Procedures, Planned Maintenance Programmes, Capital Delivery, Standardisation of New Connections, Customer Handbook, Waste Water Source Control and Licensing, National Laboratory Strategy, National Telemetry and Scada and the Water Industry Operating Framework (WIOF).
The stated purpose of the WIOF Programme is to plan, and implement a more effective and efficient water services delivery model for Ireland which meets the needs of a modern society and economy, while continuing as a State owned regulated public utility.
At present a representative number of Local Authority Staff and Irish Water Staff are working together on scoping how water services work can best be delivered, and how functions and teams could be organised to work together in the future.
Carlow County Council has worked in collaboration with Irish Water in the delivery of Irish Water Capital Works. The projects completed in 2016 included:
Numerous Minor Works upgrades to include Health and Safety Requirements, Process Optimisation and Improved Efficiency at Treatment Plants throughout the county to a value in excess of &euro:600,000.
Carlow County Council has also collaborated with Irish Water to influence strategic investment in the County.
The Design Phase for a Major Capital Upgrade to Tullow Waste Water Treatment Plant and Network has commenced and both water main and waste water network improvements are to be undertaken in parallel.
Consultants will shortly be appointed to initiate the design phase for major capital upgrades to both Mortarstown and Bagenalstown Waste Water Treatment Plants in the County.
RURAL WATER PROGRAMME
There are 4 No Group Water Schemes in the Carlow County Council functional area. These are:
Carlow County Council also Monitor, Sample and Supervise 34 Small Private Supplies around the County, mostly Schools and B&Bs on private wells. The HSE monitor and sample a further 67 Small Private Supplies for Carlow County Council.
FLOOD RELIEF WORKS
Over the past number of years the Office of Public Works in consultation with the Local Authorities have been undertaking a Catchment Flood Risk Assessment and Management Scheme (CFRAMS). Detailed flood modelling has taken place throughout County Carlow concentrating particularly on areas that have experienced fluvial flooding. These maps have been published on the Office of Public Works website and workshops have taken place throughout County Carlow inviting members of the public to make submissions. The Catchment Flood Risk Assessment and Management Scheme will guide future investment in Flood Protection Schemes and contribute to development decisions in the future.
The Catchment Flood Risk Assessment and Management Study (CFRAMS) Maps have gone through the final consultation process. Amendments and changes have been made to the flood maps following feedback received from the Consultation Process.
The revised maps are available to view on the Office of Public Works website: www.southeastcframstudy.ie.
Public Consultation Days were held in Carlow Town and Leighlinbridge in February 2016 and in Tullow in March 2016.
Tinnahinch was included in the Graiguenamanagh Public Consultation Day in March 2016. The purpose of these days was to present optioneering options for these two locations that will alleviate potential flood risks.
Following on from ongoing work by the OPW on the CFRAM Project, Draft Flood Risk Management Plans have now been published for each River Catchment.
The Flood Plans that affect Carlow are those for the River Barrow and the River Slaney.
The Plans are being published to finalize the public consultation process on the Catchment Flood Risk Assessment and Management Programme.
The Flood Risk Management Plans will meet Ireland's obligations under the 2007 EU Floods Directive (2007/60/EU).
The Draft Plans set out the measures that the OPW are proposing to recommend for the area covered by each plan and for each Area for Further Assessment within that Catchment.
These Plans were available for inspection at the Local Authority Offices in Carlow, Muinebheag and Tullow up to Friday 28th October 2016 and submissions will be accepted up to 5pm on Friday 28th October 2016.
A Public Consultation Day was held in County Buildings by the OPW on Wed 28th September 2016 with OPW Technical Staff present to advise members of the Public on various queries pertaining to the Flood Plans.
Carlow County Council applied to the OPW for funding under the Minor Works Projects for the following locations:
Areas identified where flooding has taken place or areas at risk of flooding will be considered for flood mitigation measures and the Office of Public Works in association with Carlow County Council will evaluate areas at risk.
The following Schemes were carried out in 2016:
INDIVIDUAL WELL GRANTS
Carlow County Council process Well Grants for suitably qualified applicants. Grants are up to a maximum of €2,031.58 per application or 75% of the costs incurred.
STRATEGIC POLICY COMMITTEE (SPC)
The Transportation, Environmental and Infrastructural Strategic Policy Committee discussed the following issues at meetings held during 2016 in respect of Environment & Water Services:
Having a good road and rail network is integral to the economic prosperity of a county. It is essential to have good access to Dublin, the ports, and the large towns of the region. For local economic, social and recreational purposes it is also essential that the regional and local road asset base is maintained to the highest possible standards consistent with available funding.
PROGRESS ON CAPITAL PROJECTS
Carlow Outer Relief Route
The Carlow Southern Relief Road forms part of an Outer Relief Road system for Carlow which will enhance traffic mobility around the town periphery and also provide a platform for future development at the town edge.
In 2016 the Ballinacarrig Roundabout which is the eastern terminus of this road was constructed. Detailed design was also undertaken on the section of the Southern Relief Road which will link the N80 from the aforementioned Ballinacarrig Roundabout to the roundabout at Eire Og.
POLICY DEVELOPMENTS
Road safety strategy 2017 - 2020
Carlow County Council undertook a road safety strategy in 2016 to cover the period from 2017 to 2020. The strategy was developed by Carlow County Council in concert with all the relevant stakeholders namely the RSA, TII, An Garda Siochanna, HSE, and elected members of the Council.
The strategy is designed with an implementation element which will need to be executed by each of the agencies involved. It is intended that the committee involved will meet annually to audit progress on the implementation of the strategy. No fatal accidents were recorded in Carlow for the year 2016.
ROAD MAINTENANCE
The policy of the Council is to maintain, develop and improve existing roads and to construct new roads as financial resources permit.
The administrative area of Carlow has a road network of 1,212 km comprising of:
The National Roads Authority provides funding for national roads, and in 2016 an allocation of €422,618 was received of which €379,889 was available for maintenance of bridges and carriageways on the county's national primary and secondary roads. The balance of €42,729 was allocated to meet supervision costs of the Council's technical staff and also the costs associated with public lighting of the national road network.
Restoration Improvement and Restoration Maintenance Projects
This programme targets much needed surfacing and pavement improvements on regional and local roads in the county. The fund provided in 2013 enabled 64 km of regional and local roads to be resurfaced and overlaid.
Low Cost Safety Schemes
Carlow County Council is committed to improving road safety on the roads of Carlow. In this regard Carlow County Council welcomes the opportunity provided by the low cost safety scheme funded by the NRA on national roads and the Department of Transport on non national roads to carry out minor junction improvement works and improvement to signage in areas where there is an established accident history.
In 2016 improvement works were carried out at the following locations using this funding mechanism namely:
Community Improvement Schemes
This scheme was designed to provide a mechanism to surface class 3 local roads. The Department of Transport provided €49,156, additional funding to the value €46,558 was secured from beneficiaries of the scheme who lived on the class 3 roads. The funding provided enabled works to be undertaken on 9 No schemes.
SEVERE WEATHER WORKS
The winter of 2015 2016 was one of the wettest on record and it had severe implications for the road network. Roads were flooded and the high water table manifested itself in numerous locations by the breaking of the road surface.
Funding applications were made to both the Department of the Environment, and the Department of Transport, and in total an allocation of &euro:1,190,000 was received. This enabled much remediation of drainage channels and the repairs of those roads badly impacted by the severe weather.
ROAD TRANSPORTATION SPC
The Road Transportation Special Policy Committee considered a policy in relation to Road Maintenance in particular the maintenance of class 3 local roads. The committee also developed a policy in relation to taking in charge of public lighting, in addition the road safety strategy was discussed as was the possibility of a town bus service for Carlow Town.
Carlow County Council continues to provide water and waste water services on behalf of Irish Water under a Service Level Agreement. This agreement, dating from 1st January 2014 sets out in detail the working arrangements for the continued provision of quality water and waste water services to satisfy the needs of our customers in Carlow in compliance with statutory and regulatory requirements and in an efficient manner.
In 2016, Carlow County Council agreed the Annual Service Plan as part of the Service Level Agreement with Irish Water. It set out agreed objectives and performance Targets and Budgets for Payroll, Goods and Services and Central Management. The Service Plan outlined specific objectives and standards of performance that took into account the Overall Performance Assessment proposed by the Commission for Energy Regulation, the requirements of the Environmental Protection Agency and the objectives of the Irish Water Business Plan. The Service Plan set out the Performance Targets in over 50 specific areas to reflect the standards required in the delivery of the services in the context of available funding, customer service and regulatory requirements.
In 2016, a total of 52 staff from Carlow County Council worked in collaboration with Irish Water to deliver the Annual Service Plan operating to a budget of almost €7.0m in day to day operations in drinking water production, waste water treatment and network maintenance.
The Service Level Agreement includes for a Transformation Plan the objective of which is to transform the industry and assist in delivering a world class service within the funding, regulatory and revenue limits.
In 2016, the operation of the non-domestic customers billing migrated to Irish Water as part of this transformation plan. Other initiatives included in this transformation plan are: Standardisation of Operating Procedures, Planned Maintenance Programmes, Capital Delivery, Standardisation of New Connections, Customer Handbook, Waste Water Source Control and Licensing, National Laboratory Strategy, National Telemetry and Scada and the Water Industry Operating Framework (WIOF).
The stated purpose of the WIOF Programme is to plan, and implement a more effective and efficient water services delivery model for Ireland which meets the needs of a modern society and economy, while continuing as a State owned regulated public utility.
At present a representative number of Local Authority Staff and Irish Water Staff are working together on scoping how water services work can best be delivered, and how functions and teams could be organised to work together in the future.
Carlow County Council has worked in collaboration with Irish Water in the delivery of Irish Water Capital Works. The projects completed in 2016 included:
- Commissioning of Hacketstown Waste Water Treatment Plant
- Commissioning of Rathvilly Waste Water Treatment Plant
- Upgrade of Tullow Waste Water Treatment Plant
- Upgrade of Bagenalstown Waste Water Treatment Plant
- Replacement of old cast iron water mains in Borris
Numerous Minor Works upgrades to include Health and Safety Requirements, Process Optimisation and Improved Efficiency at Treatment Plants throughout the county to a value in excess of &euro:600,000.
Carlow County Council has also collaborated with Irish Water to influence strategic investment in the County.
The Design Phase for a Major Capital Upgrade to Tullow Waste Water Treatment Plant and Network has commenced and both water main and waste water network improvements are to be undertaken in parallel.
Consultants will shortly be appointed to initiate the design phase for major capital upgrades to both Mortarstown and Bagenalstown Waste Water Treatment Plants in the County.
RURAL WATER PROGRAMME
There are 4 No Group Water Schemes in the Carlow County Council functional area. These are:
- Ballinabrannagh Group Water Scheme
- Glynn St Mullins Group Water Scheme
- Ballyellen Group Water Scheme
- Ballyloughan Group Water Scheme
| Group Water Scheme Name | Grant (85% of Cost) | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Ballinabrannagh Group Water Scheme | €34,628.38 | Upgrade to Networks & Water Conservation |
| Glynn St Mullins Group Water Scheme | €18,978.30 | Water Conservation & Management |
| Group Water Scheme Name | Grant (75% of Cost) | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| No Funding received |
FLOOD RELIEF WORKS
Over the past number of years the Office of Public Works in consultation with the Local Authorities have been undertaking a Catchment Flood Risk Assessment and Management Scheme (CFRAMS). Detailed flood modelling has taken place throughout County Carlow concentrating particularly on areas that have experienced fluvial flooding. These maps have been published on the Office of Public Works website and workshops have taken place throughout County Carlow inviting members of the public to make submissions. The Catchment Flood Risk Assessment and Management Scheme will guide future investment in Flood Protection Schemes and contribute to development decisions in the future.
The Catchment Flood Risk Assessment and Management Study (CFRAMS) Maps have gone through the final consultation process. Amendments and changes have been made to the flood maps following feedback received from the Consultation Process.
The revised maps are available to view on the Office of Public Works website: www.southeastcframstudy.ie.
Public Consultation Days were held in Carlow Town and Leighlinbridge in February 2016 and in Tullow in March 2016.
Tinnahinch was included in the Graiguenamanagh Public Consultation Day in March 2016. The purpose of these days was to present optioneering options for these two locations that will alleviate potential flood risks.
Following on from ongoing work by the OPW on the CFRAM Project, Draft Flood Risk Management Plans have now been published for each River Catchment.
The Flood Plans that affect Carlow are those for the River Barrow and the River Slaney.
The Plans are being published to finalize the public consultation process on the Catchment Flood Risk Assessment and Management Programme.
The Flood Risk Management Plans will meet Ireland's obligations under the 2007 EU Floods Directive (2007/60/EU).
The Draft Plans set out the measures that the OPW are proposing to recommend for the area covered by each plan and for each Area for Further Assessment within that Catchment.
These Plans were available for inspection at the Local Authority Offices in Carlow, Muinebheag and Tullow up to Friday 28th October 2016 and submissions will be accepted up to 5pm on Friday 28th October 2016.
A Public Consultation Day was held in County Buildings by the OPW on Wed 28th September 2016 with OPW Technical Staff present to advise members of the Public on various queries pertaining to the Flood Plans.
Carlow County Council applied to the OPW for funding under the Minor Works Projects for the following locations:
- Fonthill
- Gotham Bridge
- Tinnahinch Quay
- Lock House, Tinnahinch
Areas identified where flooding has taken place or areas at risk of flooding will be considered for flood mitigation measures and the Office of Public Works in association with Carlow County Council will evaluate areas at risk.
The following Schemes were carried out in 2016:
| No | Name | Cost | Purpose |
|---|---|---|---|
| a. | Tinnahinch Quay | €47,700 | Prevent properties flooding on Tinnahinch Quay |
| b. | Fonthill | €16,400 | Prevent property flooding at Fonthill |
| c. | Tinnahinch Lock House | €19,200 | Prevent property flooding at Tinnahinch Lock House |
| d. | Gotham Bridge | €6,700 | Prevent property flooding at Gotham Bridge on River Lerr |
| Current Status: Works Ongoing |
Carlow County Council process Well Grants for suitably qualified applicants. Grants are up to a maximum of €2,031.58 per application or 75% of the costs incurred.
| Activity January - December 2016 | Number |
|---|---|
| No. of applications received | 73 |
| Total Number of grants paid | 55 |
| Total Amount Paid out | €95,576.36 |
The Transportation, Environmental and Infrastructural Strategic Policy Committee discussed the following issues at meetings held during 2016 in respect of Environment & Water Services:
- Public Lighting - Renewal of South East Regional Public Lighting Contract
- Speed Limits Byelaws
- Review of Parking Byelaws Carlow Town
- Covenant of Mayors/SEAP - Sustainable Energy Action Plan
- Powerstown Landfill
- Introduction of New Charging Arrangements for Household Waste - Pay By Weight
- Environmental Projects - Tree Week, Spring Clean, Litter League
- Policy on Local Roads Class 3
- Road Safety Strategy
- Taking-In-Charge of Private Housing Developments
- Policy on Dealing with Dog Fouling
- Policy for the Erection of Election Posters
- Local Authority Water & Communities Office
- Multi Annual Rural Water Programme 2016 - 2018
- Draft Flood Risk Management Plans
- Carlow Public Participation Network (PPN)
- Southern Region Waste Management Office
- Small Private Supplies
Having a good road and rail network is integral to the economic prosperity of a county. It is essential to have good access to Dublin, the ports, and the large towns of the region. For local economic, social and recreational purposes it is also essential that the regional and local road asset base is maintained to the highest possible standards consistent with available funding.
PROGRESS ON CAPITAL PROJECTS
Carlow Outer Relief Route
The Carlow Southern Relief Road forms part of an Outer Relief Road system for Carlow which will enhance traffic mobility around the town periphery and also provide a platform for future development at the town edge.
In 2016 the Ballinacarrig Roundabout which is the eastern terminus of this road was constructed. Detailed design was also undertaken on the section of the Southern Relief Road which will link the N80 from the aforementioned Ballinacarrig Roundabout to the roundabout at Eire Og.
POLICY DEVELOPMENTS
Road safety strategy 2017 - 2020
Carlow County Council undertook a road safety strategy in 2016 to cover the period from 2017 to 2020. The strategy was developed by Carlow County Council in concert with all the relevant stakeholders namely the RSA, TII, An Garda Siochanna, HSE, and elected members of the Council.
The strategy is designed with an implementation element which will need to be executed by each of the agencies involved. It is intended that the committee involved will meet annually to audit progress on the implementation of the strategy. No fatal accidents were recorded in Carlow for the year 2016.
ROAD MAINTENANCE
The policy of the Council is to maintain, develop and improve existing roads and to construct new roads as financial resources permit.
The administrative area of Carlow has a road network of 1,212 km comprising of:
| Motorway | 24 km |
| National Secondary | 54 km |
| Regional | 186 km |
| Local | 948 km |
Restoration Improvement and Restoration Maintenance Projects
This programme targets much needed surfacing and pavement improvements on regional and local roads in the county. The fund provided in 2013 enabled 64 km of regional and local roads to be resurfaced and overlaid.
Low Cost Safety Schemes
Carlow County Council is committed to improving road safety on the roads of Carlow. In this regard Carlow County Council welcomes the opportunity provided by the low cost safety scheme funded by the NRA on national roads and the Department of Transport on non national roads to carry out minor junction improvement works and improvement to signage in areas where there is an established accident history.
In 2016 improvement works were carried out at the following locations using this funding mechanism namely:
- L 2021/l 6042 Rathwade Cross,
- L 1024 Rathoe to Catlemore x,
- L 3044/L 3048 Knocknatubrid
Community Improvement Schemes
This scheme was designed to provide a mechanism to surface class 3 local roads. The Department of Transport provided €49,156, additional funding to the value €46,558 was secured from beneficiaries of the scheme who lived on the class 3 roads. The funding provided enabled works to be undertaken on 9 No schemes.
SEVERE WEATHER WORKS
The winter of 2015 2016 was one of the wettest on record and it had severe implications for the road network. Roads were flooded and the high water table manifested itself in numerous locations by the breaking of the road surface.
Funding applications were made to both the Department of the Environment, and the Department of Transport, and in total an allocation of &euro:1,190,000 was received. This enabled much remediation of drainage channels and the repairs of those roads badly impacted by the severe weather.
ROAD TRANSPORTATION SPC
The Road Transportation Special Policy Committee considered a policy in relation to Road Maintenance in particular the maintenance of class 3 local roads. The committee also developed a policy in relation to taking in charge of public lighting, in addition the road safety strategy was discussed as was the possibility of a town bus service for Carlow Town.
|
Carlow County Council, Athy Road, Carlow. R93 E7R7 Tel. +353 59 9170300. |