As part of the Bealtaine Festival Roots & Shoots series of events, in partnership with venues nationally, Offaly County Council Arts Office with Esker Arts presented this dedicated afternoon of vocal delight in Ireland’s newest Arts Centre, Esker Arts, in the centre of Tullamore.

Thousands of Cannonball fans are expected to flock to Tullamore this Saturday, 27th May to get up close and personal with over 100 classic cars including Lamborghini, Ferrari, McLaren, Aston Martin, Porche, Rolls Royce Bentley and Maserati.

Offaly County Council is delighted to announce that on the 18th May 2023 the Department of Rural & Community Development approved grant funding of over €600,000 to 26 community projects in Offaly who were successful under the Community Recognition Fund 2023. The grants were recommended for approval by the Offaly Local and Community Development Committee (LCDC) on Thursday 9th March 2023.

The Croí Conaithe Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant has recently been announced by the Department of Rural and Community Development. The Croí Cónaithe grant, to be delivered by local authorities, will provide new choices for people to live in towns, villages and rural parts of the country, initially through the provision of a grant to support the refurbishment of vacant properties, with priority given to areas where the level of vacancy or dereliction is high.

Offaly County Council and the National Transport Authority (NTA) are currently preparing a Local Transport Plan (LTP) for Tullamore and invite everyone to complete an online survey to help make the LTP as inclusive and unique for Tullamore as possible.

Cathaoirleach of Offaly County Council, Cllr Frank Moran along with Leas Cathaoirleach, Cllr Tony McCormack officially welcomed His Excellency Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands Adriaan Palm to Tullamore on Europe Day (today, 08th May).

Cathaoirleach Cllr Frank Moran, on behalf of Offaly County Council Elected Members, held a civic reception to honour the achievements of Gráinne, Nicole and Paul and acknowledge their pursuit of excellence in the boxing arena.  All three sports stars hold National Elite boxing titles in their respective weight categories - titles which are reserved for the highest level attainable in Irish amateur boxing.   

The Cathaoirleach of Offaly County Council Frank Moran called to Tubber National School this week to wish the students well before they head to Dallas, Texas, USA, and compete at the VEX Robotics World Championship. The Cathaoirleach said, “He was extremely proud of what the students have achieved already and that it’s great to see our student competing at a world stage in the whole area of robotics, engineering and coding. He wished them all the best in America and that everyone in Offaly will be following their progress with interest during the championships. He also thanked the teachers for all the good work they do on a daily basis with all the students.”

On Sunday the 28th of May a formal ceremony for a healing moment of reconciliation, remembering everyone who lost their lives in the Civil War, is being organised by the Department of the Taoiseach and will take place in the Garden of Remembrance in Dublin. The event will be televised from this outdoor location.

In accordance with Part VIII of the Planning & Development Regulations, 2001, as amended, Offaly County Council hereby gives notice of the proposal to construct an extension to St. Mary’s Cemetery, JKL Street, Edenderry, Co. Offaly.

St. Joseph’s Convent, Ferbane Public Open Day hailed a ‘tremendous success’ as over 100 people attended to share their views. There is still time to share your views via our online portal - please visit https://forms.office.com/e/DaJ8QBnpiq

Cathaoirleach of Offaly County Council, Cllr Frank Moran and Chief Executive Anna Marie Delaney along with Liz Fleming, Coordinator Clara Community & Family Resource Centre welcomed Minister of State at the Department of the Taoiseach and Minister for Public Health, Wellbeing and the National Drugs Strategy Hildegarde Naughton to Clara today.

Offaly County Council in partnership with An Síolán wishes to consider your views and comments on the refurbishment of St. Joseph’s Convent, ancillary buildings and grounds for use as a multipurpose community/enterprise/learning space in Ferbane, Co. Offaly. This will ensure that your local knowledge informs the uses and opportunities for the entire property over the next number of years.

Cathaoirleach Cllr Frank Moran and the Elected Members of Offaly County Council have opened an online Book of Condolence to allow the people of Offaly to extend their heartfelt sympathies to the Kearns family, their friends, Offaly GAA and the wider GAA community on the untimely passing of Offaly Senior Football Manager, Liam Kearns, RIP.

Offaly County Council is appealing to those who have unoccupied properties to offer them as temporary homes for those fleeing war in Ukraine. The renewed call is part of a government initiative, led by local authorities, to make use of unoccupied houses, apartments or holiday homes to house Ukrainian people and families. A tax-free recognition payment of €800 per month is available for properties used to house those arriving from Ukraine.

An application by Offaly County Council for Technical Assistance towards a Just Transition for Peat Regions has been successful. The European Commission programme called START will support project identification and development, communications and stakeholder engagement, and will build capacity and partnerships for delivering a just transition. The Cathaoirleach of Offaly County Council, Cllr. Frank Moran welcomed the announcement and the thematic areas to be addressed including employment creation, skills development, green energy, cooperative enterprise development, and energy communities.

Following on from very successful county finals, 7 Offaly primary schools progressed to the National VEX Robotics finals held in Páirc Uí Chaoimh, Cork: St Mary's National School Pullough St. Brendan's Boys Primary School Birr Cappagh National School Scoil Eoin Phóil Tullamore High Street National School Tubber National School Scoil Shinchill - Killeigh National School 24 teams took part in the national finals and Offaly schools walked away with numerous awards.

Offaly Public Participation Network (PPN) has issued an invitation to community and voluntary groups in Offaly to join their local PPN and help build a better future for the county. The call-out comes as a new national brand identity and awareness campaign for Public Participation Networks was recently launched by Minister for Community Development and Charities, Joe O’Brien.

Today Offaly County Council awarded a contract for constructing 38 Houses at Raheen, Clara to Bretland. Speaking at the signing, Cathaoirleach Cllr Frank Moran paid tribute to the Housing Department of Offaly County Council for their work and dedication in getting the project to the contract award stage and was very much looking forward to the delivery of these units.

Offaly County Council and Offaly Local Community Development Committee (LCDC) are seeking expressions of interest from community groups under the Community Recognition Fund.

Plans and further details regarding Part 8 Blundell Harbour to Downshire Bridge, Edenderry are available to view until 24/02/2023 at the following locations: Offaly County Council, Áras an Chontae, Charleville Road, Tullamore, County Offaly R35 F893 Monday to Friday 9.30am to 4.00pm. Edenderry Municipal District, Town Hall, Fr. Kearns Street, Edenderry, County Offaly, R45 K766 Monday to Friday, 9.30am to 1.00pm & 2.00pm to 4.00pm. Submissions or observations with respect to the proposed development, dealing with the proper planning and development of the area in which the proposed development would be situated may be made before 4.00pm on Monday the 13th of March 2023. Full details follow:

NOTICE OF DEPOSIT OF RATE BOOK FOR INSPECTION AND OF INTENTION TO MAKE A RATE

Esker Arts CLG is currently seeking expressions of interest for the operation of a coffee shop and bar in the venue. The Contract will be for a period of 1 year from April 2023 to March 2024. Subject to successful contract delivery, and agreement between the parties, the contract may be extended annually.

As part of Edenderry Municipals District’s commitment to supporting communities, the former General Municipal District Allocation Fund has been revised and is now called the General Municipal District Community Support Scheme

Offaly County Council, in conjunction with Offaly Local Community Development Committee (LCDC) invites grant applications for the Community Support Fund 2022-2023 under the Community Enhancement Programme. €298,782 AWARDED UNDER OFFALY COMMUNITY SUPPORT FUND 2022-23

The Local Government Operational Procurement Centre (LGOPC) recently published a new Request to Tender (RFT) on www.etenders.gov.ie (eTenders) to establish a Dynamic Purchasing System for Building Contractors for Minor Building Works on Residential Properties (“the DPS”).

FilmOffaly is delighted to announce its Short Film Award 2023. The award of €10,000 is a funding initiative that aims to foster creative and resourceful filmmaking in the county. Up and running since 2008, FilmOffaly is looking for unique, original stories by talented new filmmakers and film professionals. The only stipulation is that the filming must take place in Offaly!

Please take note the deadline for submissions on the Draft Residential Zoned Land Tax Maps is fast approaching. Landowners have until midnight on Sunday January 1st 2023 to check and make submissions on draft maps.

The Chief Executive and Cathaoirleach of Offaly County Council have welcomed the €68m for Regenerative Tourism business supports and a Tourism Trails Network as part of the €168m Territorial Just Transition Plan for Ireland, 2021–2027.

Offaly County Council has today published its Gender Pay Gap Report for 2022. The gender pay gap is the difference in the average hourly wage of men and women across a workforce. Employers with more than 250 employees in Ireland are now required to publish their gender pay gap data.

Urban Agency Architects Ltd and Offaly County Council in partnership with Clara Town Team have completed the second phase of Public Consultation to ensure the views and comments on Clara’s Town Centre First Plan will be considered to ensure local knowledge informs the opportunities that come forward over the next number of years.

Offaly County Council in conjunction with residential and commercial property owners in Banagher have now completed the Banagher Painting Scheme

Offaly County Council is pleased to announce the signing of urban design team contracts with Urban Agency Architects Ltd to prepare a Town Centre First Plan for Clara.

The Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys TD, has announced today (14th December 2022) details of the projects that have been approved for funding under the Town and Village Renewal Scheme 2022. A total of €1.2m was secured for Offaly’s Towns and Villages, the largest grant amount proportioned to any county in the Country for 2022.

Icy conditions prompts inter-agency water safety warning Irish Coast Guard, RNLI and Water Safety Ireland issue cold weather warnings for water activities

Offaly County Council signs the Charter of the EU Mission for Adaptation to Climate Change Offaly County Council is the first Council in the Midlands Region to sign the Charter of the EU Mission for Adaptation to Climate Change in support of the goals of the European Green Deal and the EU Climate Adaptation Strategy.

Met Éireann have advised the National Emergency Coordination group that low temperatures are set to continue until Friday 16th December. Offaly County Council is working with all agencies to support our communities.

Offaly Joint Policing Committee (JPC), chaired by Cllr Eddie Fitzpatrick, provide a dedicated forum to support consultation, cooperation and synergy on policing and crime issues between An Garda Síochána, local authority officials, Elected Members and the community and voluntary sectors, including Offaly PPN. The sub group, chaired by Cllr Mark Hackett, recently presented a report (and recommendations) on Safety in Public Spaces For Women & Girls & All Other Persons At Risk Of Gender Based Violence.

Offaly County Council's Budget 2023 was adopted on Monday, 21st November, 2022.

Offaly County Council wishes to invite applications under the Built Heritage Investment Scheme (BHIS) and Historic Structures Fund (HSF) 2023 as operated by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage. Please be advised that the deadline for receipt of applications is 4pm, Thursday 26th January 2023.

This year Tullamore celebrates its 400th anniversary of the beginning of the township of Tullamore, and the celebrations continue with the official switch on of the Christmas Lights and the opening of “Tullamore this Christmas”. This November, kick starts the County’s seasonal celebrations, with a promotional drive to encourage people to come into the town centre and to shop locally in the lead-up to Christmas. The Switching on of the Christmas Lights officially marks the start of the countdown to Christmas in Tullamore. Tullamore Lights have confirmed that The Switch on will take place at approximately 6:00pm on Sunday 27th November 2022.

Cathaoirleach Cllr Frank Moran and the Elected Members of Offaly County Council have opened an online Book of Condolence to allow the people of Offaly to extend their heartfelt sympathies to the families and friends of Vicky Phelan.

Offaly County Council recently launched their latest Climate Action project, Moby Bike Hire, in O’Connor Square, Tullamore.

Offaly County Council and Brady Shipman Martin sign contract for €200,000 Tullamore Regeneration Framework. The Tullamore Regeneration Framework will provide a vision for Tullamore, a plan for delivering future integrated urban developments by both the public and private sectors. The Framework will set the vision for the development of a number of key opportunity sites, delivered to make for a strong town centre with sustainable access and permeability in the Town.

Minister Darragh O’Brien welcomed the development of seventy-one (71) new build homes for those on the Council’s social housing list in Tullamore. Fifty-two (52) of these units have been allocated over recent times with a further nineteen (19) age friendly units being finalised and scheduled to be allocated in the coming weeks. They represent a combined investment of €17.2m and all units are delivered to a high quality and high BER rating.

Esker Arts Centre is due to open shortly in Tullamore and Esker Arts CLG is asking the public in County Offaly for suggested names for some of the Centres principal spaces and rooms.

Hullabaloo is now open for booking

Download our programme here

To book visit www.hullabaloofestival.ie 

This is an amazing four-day arts festival for kids and the family, taking place in Birr, Clara, Edenderry and across selected Offaly Libraries during the mid-term break. 

Edenderry Town Introduces its First Outdoor Halloween Event this October with a Spooktacular Programme! Gather your family and friends this October and don’t miss Edenderry’s, new and Fa-BOO-lous Halloween event for the whole family!

Offaly County Council's Audited Annual Financial Statement for 2021

Notice of Passing Resolution to vary 2023 LPT

Offaly County Council Fire and Rescue Service achieves both an International Health and Safety Accreditation and a Quality Management Accreditation

Offaly County Council is reminding farmers that the fertiliser - spreading deadline is approaching.

Tullamore Municipal District Cathaoirleach Cllr. Neil Feighery was delighted to welcome the 2020, 2021 and 2022 Colleens of Arizona to the Municipal District offices today August 12th and to present them with a token of the very best of Tullamore and Offaly produce. The three women, 2020 Arizona Colleen, Callan Dalton Gist, 2021 Arizona Colleen, Ceili Olnay ad 2022 Arizona Colleen, Lynn Cosgrove are touring Ireland, visiting towns which are twinned with cities and towns in Arizona in advance of a trip to the Rose of Tralee, of which they are a sister organisation. Tullamore has been a sister city of Chandler, Arizona for the last 12 years and in that time links have been made on the educational, cultural and enterprise fronts with great success.

Pictured at the signing of the contract for the extension works to the Lawn Cemetery, Kilcoursey Cemetery, Clara are, Mr. Tom Shanahan, D.o.S., O.C.C., Cllr. Frank Moran, Cathaoirleach of Offaly County Council, Mr. Gordon Healy, Healy & Sons Civil Works Ltd. and Mark Maken-Finlay, A.O., O.C.C. )

Details on Croí Cónaithe Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant have been announced by the Department of Rural and Community Development.

The Finance (Local Property Tax) Act 2012 (as amended), makes specific provision that Elected Members of a local authority may pass a formal resolution to vary the basic rate of the Local Property Tax for their administrative area by a percentage known as the Local Adjustment Factor.

Offaly County Council is seeking ideas in respect of projects which may be considered under this scheme and which the Council could consider for submission to the Department of Rural and Community Development.

Congratulations to Derek McCreanor and David Fitzgerald and the team from Acoustic Interiors who won the national Best Start Up award.

Minister of State for Local Government and Planning, Peter Burke, TD, will visit Co. Offaly tomorrow 18th May and the following itinerary will be followed

Local authorities are required under the Bathing Waters Directive and the Bathing Water Quality Regulations 2008 (SI No 79 of 2008) to identify bathing waters on an annual basis.

Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys TD, today (22 April) visited projects in Offaly including Edenderry, Derryounce, Portarlington and the Slieve Bloom Mountain Bike Trails at Kinnitty. These projects have been funded under the Rural Regeneration Development Fund and the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme administered by the Minister's Department.

In accordance with Part 8 of the Planning & Development Regulations 2001 – 2007 Offaly County Council hereby gives notice of proposals to construct a 2m wide footpath along the towpath of the Grand Canal and shared vehicular and cycling route on the carriageway of Convent View for a distance of 315m. The route of the shared facility is from the eastern end of Convent View, Tullamore to Kilbeggan Bridge, Tullamore.

National Spring Clean April 2022 Offaly County Council is encouraging all residents to participate in cleaning up their local area during the month of April as part of National Spring Clean.

1st March 2022: The EPA was informed this morning that a Troxler Nuclear Moisture Density Gauge, containing a radioactive source, was stolen from a van at a residential property in Drogheda overnight. The gauge, used for determining the density of compacted material such as tarmacadam on roads, was stored in a locked yellow case.

A meeting took place this afternoon of Offaly County Council’s Severe Weather Assessment Team to prepare for the possible impact of Storm Eunice. A status Orange Wind warning is in in place for Offaly from 3am to 11am tomorrow (Friday 18th) morning. Allied to this a Yellow wind, rain and snow warning for the whole country up until 3pm tomorrow may also impact Offaly. This is subject to change and we ask people to check Met Eireann at https://www.met.ie/warnings/offaly for updates.

Controlled Burning

The Cathaoirleach and Members of Edenderry Municipal District recently met with Superintendent Eamon Curley and Inspector Oliver Baker to discuss issues regarding policing within the District. The meeting facilitated discussions in relation to the nature and level of crime, Garda resources, community interaction and on-going communications between the Members and An Gardai.

Ministers Humphreys and McConalogue highlight the responsibilities of dog owners this lambing season

The Road Safety Authority (RSA) and the County and City Management Association (CCMA) are calling on all landowners to cut their hedgerows before March 1 to ensure they are not causing a potential serious road safety hazard. Overgrown hedgerows and roadside verges can result in road fatalities and serious injury collisions. They also pose difficulties for pedestrians and cyclists and to trucks and agricultural vehicles carrying loads, especially on local rural roads in the case of sightlines at junctions or obstructions to road signs.

January 29th 2022 from 10am-4pm Banagher – Westend Carpark Clara – GAA Club Carpark

The small ceremony was attended by Sr. Jenny, a number of her close friends, Cathaoirleach Cllr Declan Harvey, Chief Executive, Ms. Anna Marie Delaney and Mr. Denis Magner, Chairperson, St. Mary’s Youth Club Board. Speaking at the ceremony Cllr Harvey presented an engraved silver plaque to Sr. Jenny to acknowledge her long standing commitment, and dedication to St. Mary’s Youth Club and her work with the youth of Tullamore. He said that it gave him great pleasure to be make this presentation as Cathaoirleach of Offaly County Council. He said he himself had joined the Youth Club when he was a pupil in Scoil Mhuire in the 1970s and Sr. Jenny was a driving force of the Youth Club at that time, paying tribute to her long years of service to the community.

Offaly County Council is inviting submissions from the public and any organisations in relation to the replacement of its current Litter Management Plan.

The Cathaoirleach , Members, Chief Executive and Staff of Offaly County Council are shocked and saddened to hear of the tragic passing of Ms. Ashling Murphy and wish to extend sincere condolences to Ashling's family, colleagues and friends. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a hanam

Artists and communities are invited to work together to explore an aspect of Offaly's heritage. For full details see Creative Ireland Community Call Project Brief and download the coversheet to submit with your application. 

Offaly County Council today (January 6th) welcomed an announcement by Minister Heather Humphreys that it was successful in its application for a €546,400 grant for Ferbane Regeneration under the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund.

Offaly County Council today (January 6th) welcomed an announcement by Minister Heather Humphreys that it was successful in its application for a €2.1m grant for Edenderry Regeneration Phase II project under the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund.

Offaly County Council hereby invites tenders for the purchase of Industrial Sites numbers 15, 16 and 17 at Ferbane Business & Technology Park, Ferbane, County Offaly.

Christmas Holiday arrangements 2021 for Offaly County Council

Offaly County Council is delighted to announce that funding totaling €30,032 was approved by Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys TD, on Monday, December 6th 2021. The funding was awarded to 8 Social Enterprises in Offaly under the Social Enterprise Capital Grant Scheme 2021.

Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys TD, has today announced €100,000 in funding to support the development of a unique Town Centre Master Plan for Clara. This is part of a €2.6 million National Fund to deliver the first ever Town Centre First Plans, which will be key to tackling dereliction and revitalising town centres.

Draft River Basin Management Plan for Ireland 2022 - 2027

Avian flu has been detected in Ireland

County Offaly remains under a Met Eireann Status yellow wind and rain warning in relation to Storm Barra which is forecast to continue until 18.00 today Wednesday 8th Decembe

County Offaly remains under a Met Eireann Status yellow wind and rain warning in relation to Storm Barra which is forecast to continue until 18.00 tomorrow Wednesday 8th December

County Offaly remains under a status yellow wind and rain warning which is forecast to continue until 18.00 tomorrow Wednesday 8th December.

Irish Water has partnered with Retail Ireland, to offer its members the opportunity to improve their green credentials with bespoke training on how to reduce their water consumption while also driving down operating costs for their businesses.

Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys T.D., has announced a €200,000 grant for Clashawaun River Walk Amenity, Clara requiring €23,000 matching funding from Offaly County Council.

Offaly Libraries are delighted to support the second stage in the First 5 Little Library Book Bag Initiative.

Offaly County Council wishes to invite applications under the Built Heritage Investment Scheme (BHIS) and Historic Structures Fund (HSF) as operated by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage. Please be advised that the deadline for receipt of applications is 4pm, Friday 28th January 2022.

Offaly County Council Budget 2022 - Adopted

The Christmas event Tullamore This Christmas will take place on 20th and 21st November and 11th December in Tullamore. Commencing at 11am each day there will be outdoor markets, street theatre, live music, local choirs and more.

The Cathaoirleach of Offaly County Council Declan Harvey said ‘ I would like to congratulate Geashill on their achievement all the many other groups that managed to make progress at during this difficult time. It has given communities a great lift across the county’.

Offaly County Council have signed a contract with Tower Civil Engineering to complete the construction of Phase 1 of the Edenderry Inner Relief Road project

Comhairle na nÓg is a youth council operating in each of the 31 Local Authority areas across Ireland. Comhairle Na nÓg gives children and young people the opportunity to be involved in, and have a voice in, the development of local and national services and policies and any issues that affect them in their local area. It is the recognised national structure for participation by children and young people (aged 12-17 years) in decision making.

Further to the launch of the ‘e-denderry IoT - Internet of Things | LoRaWAN Connectivity | Smart Town Technology’ project earlier this year, progress includes ongoing development work in general; the forthcoming inclusion of the project in a new directory of national test beds for new technology, and recent funding for a feasibility study on the next stage of the project.

Children’s Book Festival 2021 runs for the month of October and is a great opportunity for us all to celebrate books and reading!

Offaly County Council, Westmeath County Council, TOBIN Consulting Engineers and LUC consulting are holding a drop-in consultation event on Wednesday 13th October for the communities of Westmeath to have their say on a new greenway between Kilbeggan and Mullingar.

Offaly County Council, Westmeath County Council, TOBIN Consulting Engineers and LUC consulting are holding a drop-in consultation event on Tuesday 12th October 2021 for the communities of Offaly and Westmeath to have their say on a new greenway between Athlone and Shannon Harbour via Shannonbridge.

In accordance with the provision of the Roads Act 1993, Offaly County Council hereby gives notice of its intention to consider the making of a Declaration that the road listed hereunder be a public road: Existing road from its junction with the R357 at the RC Church in Boora, Leabeg, north for a distance of 2,800m. – (Known as “The Offaly Way”).

Offaly County Council is making an addendum to the guidelines for The Outdoor Seating and Accessories for Tourism and Hospitality Business. In recognition of the global demand for outdoor seating and accessories in some instances suppliers are unable to complete orders until January 2022. In these ‘exceptional circumstances’ applicants can still apply under the scheme and will receive their grants once goods are delivered and they can provide proof of deliver and in-situ. Applicants need to apply for the scheme prior to the closing date (8th October 2021) enclosing the quotes for goods, delivery dates from the suppliers and will still need to be compliant with all regulatory and planning requirements. Please note the closing date has been extended to the 8th October 2021.

The Public Appointments Service, through its website publicjobs.ie, has today (22.09.21) launched a new programme for second-level students that aims to spark interest in the wide variety of career opportunities that are available across the public sector. The Public Jobs Schools Resource Kit presents information about public sector careers in a new way for guidance counsellors and other teachers, to build confidence around discussing career options in the public sector with students and their parents.

Hosted by the Eastern and Midland Regional Assembly, the 14th Environmental Conference of the Regions of Europe, ENCORE 2021 took place online today, September 24th. The bi-annual conference of the ENCORE Network, ENCORE 2021, hosted ‘virtually’ from Tullamore in the Irish Midlands, was attended by political representatives from across Europe and wide-ranging stakeholders.

Offaly County Council this week announced funding of €30,000 for 5 governing bodies to deliver their participation programmes in Offaly.

Offaly Libraries together with Laois Libraries are delighted to present a series of exciting workshops and online talks for parents.

All eyes are on Wisconsin this weekend as the European Team take on the USA in the much awaited 43rd Ryder Cup. Offaly’s very own Shane Lowry tees off on Friday having qualified to play as the Captain’s pick in this years Cup.

Offaly County Council is currently preparing the Draft Register of Electors for 2022/2023. This Register of Electors will come into effect as the Live Register of Electors on 15th February, 2022.

From Monday, 20th September 2021, Offaly Libraries are extending services further.

Offaly Libraries is celebrating CBF with an array of events and activities, part funded by Creative Ireland.

3rd Public Consultation on the Emerging Preferred Route Corridor now underway

Sensory Offaly Webinar Series aims to support the people of Offaly with the challenges they and their families may face through disability and learning differences.

Farm Plastics Recycling Bring Centres

Thursday, 9 September 2021 - Irish Water working in partnership with Offaly County Council have repaired an underground leak in Pullough impacting supply to customers in Pullough and surrounding areas of Heathfield, The Back Road, The Canal Line, Derryneavy and Turraun.

Thursday 9 September 2021: Irish Water working in partnership with Offaly County Council have repaired an underground leak in Pullough impacting supply to customers in Pullough and surrounding areas of Heathfield, The Back Road, The Canal Line, Derryneavy and Turraun.

The crayfish plague disease can be carried on wet equipment, so all water users (recreational users, anglers, scientific assessment/ sampling, engineering works etc) in this catchment need to put biosecurity measures in place to prevent spread of this disease and other invasive species between rivers. For more information see advice from National Biodiversity Data Centre here Crayfish plague - Biodiversity Ireland

Family fun day in O’Connor Sq., Tullamore on Saturday 21st August at 2pm. Cognisant of Covid 19 restrictions and rising number of cases, Fayre in the Square will be a small family fun day, creating a Street Theatre atmosphere and ambience in the town with the main aim of the event to support the entertainment industry in addition to the local business and to boost the local economy. This event is funded by Offaly County Council and the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media under the LocalLive Performance Programming Scheme.

Please note on Sunday 15th August 2021, between 8.00am and 10.00pm, sections of the L-5043-1 and L-5043-2 roads along the top and side (i.e. behind town hall) of O’Connor Square in Edenderry town will be closed.

Offaly County Council wishes to advise that the following Public Offices will re- open public counters on Thursday 5th August 2021 from 9.30 am to 1.00 pm Monday to Friday

Introducing the successful applicants for the €8.8m funding on 22nd July last, Minister Humphreys referred to the new national strategy of 'Our Rural Future' which recognises hubs as ideal locations for people to work remotely, as well as acting as key economic assets for towns and villages.

A community initiative was developed and coordinated through the Estate Management section of Offaly County Council in partnership with Offaly Sports Partnership and the Oaklee Approved housing body to provide an opportunity for all children from 6 to 12 years of age to participate in four X 2 hour sessions of “Games on the Green” in July 2021.

Offaly County Council is one of a number of Local Authorities in Ireland that have launched initiatives on Period Poverty. At its meeting in April 2021, following a motion by Councillor Clare Claffey, the Council Executive committed to sourcing funding to provide free feminine hygiene products on a pilot basis. The Council’s Community Section went on to secure funding through Healthy Ireland’s Community Resilience Fund for a short-term project.

Offaly County Council is delighted to announce that funding totalling €138,550 was approved by its Local and Community Development Committee (LCDC) on Thursday 8th July 2021. The funding was awarded to 125 community groups under the Community Enhancement Programme 2021.

The vital work of Offaly County Council employees and the role they will play in our county’s social and economic recovery is being highlighted on ‘Your Council Day’ on Thursday 1st July 2021.

Creative Lives will work in partnership with Offaly County Council and others on an ambitious three-year project to galvanise the creative and cultural scene in Edenderry thanks to today’s announcement of a Creative Places award from The Arts Council of €500,000

The Local Government Operational Procurement Centre (LGOPC) has published a Dynamic Purchasing System for Public Service Bodies to procure Plumbing Contractors (Plumbers), Electrical Contractors (Electricians) and Contractors who are experienced and competent in carrying out services/works relating to Renewable Energy Systems and Ancillary Works.

Winners celebrated by Green-Schools & Irish Water at virtual award ceremony on Wednesday June 23rd 2021

Offaly County Council in partnership with the Offaly Independent newspaper were delighted to hold their inaugural Offaly Community Recognition Awards 2021 on Friday 18th June 2021 at 8pm. Offaly County Council decided to hold the awards in order to acknowledge and celebrate the outstanding community efforts by individuals, groups and volunteers in County Offaly during the past difficult year.

Offaly County Council wishes to invite applications to Irish Language Shopfront Pilot Scheme under the Historic Structures Fund 2021, as operated by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage. Irish language signs were once a common sight on shopfronts in our towns and villages, but they are an increasingly rare sight, with many a reminder of a shop long since closed. Some emerge during renovation and other works to existing shops – a reminder of a past life for a building. A new fund seeks to bring these old, often faded signs back to their former glories.

On the 6th of May 2021, Offaly County Council in partnership with the Offaly Independent launched the Offaly Community Recognition Awards 2021. Details of the awards are available on the Offaly.ie and Offaly Independent websites and on social media platforms. The aim of the awards is to acknowledge the outstanding community efforts that individuals and groups have delivered in County Offaly in the past year.

Offaly Libraries are delighted to announce that our library buildings will re-open to the public for Browsing Services from Monday, 10th May.

The Local Government Operational Procurement Centre (LGOPC) on 19th April 2021 has published a Dynamic Purchasing System for Public Service Bodies to procure Contractors (Economic Operators) for Civil Engineering Works – System ID 188347

Each planning authority in Ireland has recently received a copy of correspondence from the Belgian Ministry of Energy, Environment and Sustainable Development to the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage (DHLGH) relating to a proposed 10 year extension to the operational life of the Doel 1 & 2 nuclear power plants, located near the Port of Antwerp in Belgium.

HSE/NAS walk-in, no appointment necessary COVID 19 test centre to open in Edenderry for 3 days over Bank Holiday Weekend. A HSE/National Ambulance Service Walk-in, No Appointment Necessary Covid 19 Test Centre will open in the carpark at Scoil Bhride Primary School, Killane, Edenderry, (R45 X9 51) over the Bank Holiday weekend on Sunday Monday and Tuesday from 10.00am to 5.00pm each day.

This booklet is part of the Government of Ireland initiative to provide information to the general public on issues which may affect them during summer months in Ireland. This summer will be different from others because of the impact of COVID-19 that continues to be felt by us all. So please bear in mind all relevant Public Health advice and do not forget that all travel should be considered in line with current Government guidelines.

The Government has agreed that Level 5 (with some amendments) as set out in the Plan for Living with COVID-19 will continue to apply nationally until July 19th 2021. The Government has clearly stated that there is a continued need to minimise the level of mobility and congregation of people in order to reduce all opportunities for transmission of the virus.

The HSE’s COVID 19 walk-in test centre programme is continuing. From Wednesday this week April 28th, a walk-in, no appointment required testing service for asymptomatic individuals will open in Tullamore, Co Offaly and operate alongside the existing GP referral COVID 19 testing service at Clonminch (Portlaoise Roundabout on the Bypass) for those with symptoms or those who are close contacts of a confirmed case.

Today is the 51st Earth Day and Green Offaly has joined the World’s Largest Environmental Movement!

RSA & Gardaí issue safety appeal as 6 motorcyclists killed in collisions since start of year Motorcyclists reminded to ‘ease off the throttle’ Motorcyclists urged to wear appropriate Personal Protective Equipment and high visibility clothing Drivers reminded to look, and look again for motorcyclists

Cathaoirleach John Carroll planting a Lime tree in the Camcor Park on Monday 12 April – this marks an initiative by the Councillors of Offaly County Council to provide a tree for communities in every town and village to mark hope after the pandemic and as a positive step towards tackling climate change and biodiversity loss.

The National Transport Authority has today (Monday 29th March) announced details of the projects that have been approved funding under the Active Travel Scheme. A total of €3,439,000 was secured for County Offaly.

The walk-in/drive testing centre located at Tullamore Leisure Centre (Aura) Portarlington Road, opened on Thursday last, for one week until March 31 at from 11am to 7pm each day. The HSE local Community Healthcare Organisation (CHO) working with the National Ambulance Service aim to carry out 300-500 Covid-19 tests per day

The first walk-in testing centre will open in Tullamore, at Tullamore Leisure Centre (Aura) Portarlington Road, this Thursday March 25 for one week until March 31 at from 11am to 7pm each day.

March 23rd 2021 The HSE, Offaly County Council and An Gárda Síochána would like to thank the population of Offaly for the tremendous efforts so many of you have made in preventing COVID-19, including adhering to level 5 restrictions and staying safe at home. At different times in the past year we have successfully as a community suppressed the illness and kept our rates low. Currently however, we are experiencing high rates of COVID-19 infection in comparison to other counties.

Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys T.D., has announced a €500,000 grant for Kinnitty and the surrounding hinterland of West Offaly with significant match funding of €275,300 from Offaly County Council.

Offaly County Council would like to acknowledge the enormous effort that the entire County has put into driving down the rate of Covid infection. We have successfully reduced the pressure on our health service, and we are moving in the right direction, but we are at a crossroads. Infection rates remain relatively high in Offaly.

To mark World Water Day on Monday 22 March, Irish Water and Green-Schools Ireland are inviting students and their families in Offaly to celebrate the value of water by doing their own Mini Walk for Water at home.

An Cathaoirleach of Offaly County Council, Cllr. John Carroll, today issued a statement on behalf of Offaly County Council, in relation to Mother and Baby Homes, the text of the statement is below for your information.

Thursday, March 11, 2021 The Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment Leo Varadkar TD today (Thursday, 11th March) opened applications for the €60m Small Business Assistance Scheme for Covid (SBASC).

The Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, Darragh O’Brien TD, and the Minister of State with responsibility for Local Government and Planning, Peter Burke TD, today announced €25.8 million in funding for four regeneration projects in Laois, Longford, Offaly and Westmeath. The projects are being funded under ‘Call 2’ of the Urban Regeneration and Development Fund (URDF). The URDF part-funds projects aimed at enhancing urban areas to make them more attractive places in which to live, work, visit and invest.

8 - 12 Márta 2021 8 – 12 March 2021 PREASRÁITEAS: Tá Comhairle Chontae Uíbh Fháilí áthasach ‘Cómhrá Am Lóin’ le Cathaoirleach, Clr John Carroll, a fhógair, sraith chómhráite ag am lóin as Gaeilge mar pháirt de chlár Leabharlainne Uíbh Fháilí ar líne do Sheachtain na Gaeilge. Deir Príomhfheidhmeannach Chomhairle Contae Uíbh Fháilí, Anna-Marie Delaney, “Cuirim fáilte roimh an imeacht iontach seo i gclár bríomhar Leabharlann Uíbh Fháilí do Sheachtain na Gaeilge, mar tugann na cómhráite seo deis dúinn an Ghaeilge a chothú agus a thacú”. Beidh na cómhráite seo ag tarlú gach lá ag 1.00 i.n. ó Dé Luain, 8 Márta go dtí Dé hAoine, 12 Márta, agus pléifear ábhair éagsúla, ó chuimhní ar bhua stairiúil Uíbh Fháilí i gCraobh Iomána na hÉireann i 1981 go Gaeilge sa chóras Oideachais agus Gaeilge mar theanga bheo. Beidh ré na chómhráite 30-40 nóiméid gach lá, agus tá ticéidí le fáil ar Eventbrite.

Notice of Planning Application for proposed Wylfa Newydd Nuclear Power Plant, Anglesey, North Wales, United Kingdom ***UPDATE 15TH FEBRUARY 2021*** On 27th January 2021, the Planning Inspectorate informed the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage that the application made by Horizon Nuclear Power for the proposed Wylfa Newydd Nuclear Power Station has been withdrawn.

17 February 2021 - Irish Water, working in partnership with Offaly County Council, is progressing with essential water main replacement works in Clara to safeguard the water supply and reduce high levels of leakage in the area.

The Cathaoirleach of Offaly County Council, Cllr. John Carroll, and members of the Corporate Policy Group, Cllrs. Dooley, Leahy, Owens and Quinn met with MEPs from the South Constituency and Laois Offaly Oireachtas members last Monday 15th February to call for fairness in the approach to be taken to the EU Just Transition programme and fund. The virtual meeting was attended by Minister Pippa Hackett, Deputies Barry Cowen, Carol Nolan, Charlie Flanagan and Brian Stanley and MEPs Billy Kelleher, Grace O’ Sullivan and Deirdre Clune.

Met Éireann has issued a yellow snow / ice warning for a number of Counties including Offaly. A band of sleet and snow spreading north-eastwards during Thursday giving snow accumulations of up to 5cm in some areas (higher over the mountains), but transitioning to rain in the west and south on Thursday night. The expected onset is on Thursday 11/2/2021 at 8am and expires Friday 12/2/2021 at 8am.

In person telephone services are currently restricted due to Covid 19 risk reduction measures, please use the voicemail service using 057 9357414 and a member of the Planning Team will return your call as soon as possible. Alternatively please use the email address planning@offalycoco.ie for current communications to Offaly County Council Planning Department services.

From Department of Rural and Community Development •173 projects across the country to benefit under the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme •Funding to develop country’s trails, walkways, cycleways and blueways •Minister Humphreys secures 20% increase in funding for outdoor projects compared to 2020

Another superb result for Tullamore, placing it among only 4 towns in the country to achieve ‘Cleaner than European Norms’ status. Six out of the ten sites surveyed received the top litter grade and there were no seriously littered sites. Top-ranking sites included Market Square, the waterside environment at Bury Quay and Lloyd Town Park – the latter was exceptionally well presented and maintained, a wonderful town park environment.

Offaly County Council wishes to invite applications under the Built Heritage Investment Scheme (BHIS) for 2021, as operated by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage. Please be advised that the deadline for receipt of applications has been extended to 3pm, Friday 19th February 2021.

The Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys TD, has today (Friday January 8th) announced details of the projects that have been approved for funding under the Town and Village Renewal Scheme. A total of €800,000 was secured for County Offaly which was the second highest amount allocated to any county nationally.

The Local Government Operational Procurement Centre (LGOPC) published a Dynamic Purchasing System for Energy Efficiency Retrofitting Works on the 17th of December 2020 on www.etenders.gov.ie. This Dynamic Purchasing System will replac

A PRESTIGIOUS national award has recognised a pioneering and innovative project that equipped the new offices of the National Waste Collection Permit Office (NWCPO) in Tullamore with up-cycled furniture.

Edenderry Municipal District is delighted to announce the installation of a multipurpose sheltered space on the recently refurbished public realm at O’Connell Square in Edenderry. The canopies, which are weather proof and equipped with lighting, are a further welcome addition to the Square, providing a focal point for community events.

Minister of State, Peter Burke, TD, Department of Housing, Local Government & Heritage officially launches the Local Government Age Friendly Technical Advisors

Offaly County Council Adopted Budget 2021 - 23/11/2020

In line with the Government's decision for the country to move to Level 3 of the Plan for Living with COVID-19 ‘with modifications’, the following arrangements will be in place for Offaly Libraries from Tuesday, 1st December.

Avoid handling sick or dead wild birds if possible . Report dead wild birds to your local regional veterinary office or call the Avian Influenza hotline on 076 106 4403 or 1850 200 456.

Cathaoirleach of Offaly County Council, John Carroll welcomed the announcement of funding of over €5.5m for Offaly specific projects under Strand 2 of Just Transition. Allied with other regional projects which will also benefit the county and the announcement of €108m for peat restoration projects in the Midlands, the Cathaoirleach described the projects chosen as “representing innovative and inspiring plans from businesses, local authorities and communities in Offaly who are committed to creating a green and sustainable economy for the region.”

Offaly Civic Amenity Sites - Christmas Arrangements 2020

The community of Offaly has come together to support LGBTI+ awareness week from 16th -20th November which this morning, the 17th November included the raising of the LGBTI+ flag for the first time at Áras an Chontae Charleville Road, Tullamore by Cathaoirleach John Carroll and young people

World Day of Remembrance For Road Traffic Victims to be marked globally on Sunday 15 November 24,526 killed on Irish roads since records began, equivalent of the town of Carlow RSA to host special ceremony on its Facebook page at 2pm, Sunday, 15 November featuring singer / songwriter Liam Lawton

Notice is hereby given that the Draft Local Authority Budget of Offaly County Council, for the financial year ending on 31st December 2021 has been prepared and will be considered by the Council at the Statutory Annual Budget Meeting to be held in the Council Chamber, Aras an Chontae, Tullamore on Monday 23rd November 2020 at 2pm.

Cllr. John Carroll, Cathaoirleach of Offaly County Council, has welcomed the announcement of €4.76 million of funding to complete a further 35kms of the Grand Canal Greenway in County Offaly from Edenderry to Lough Boora. He especially welcomed the change in criteria with 100% of funding coming from central government where previously it was 60%. This significantly relieves pressure on the Council’s own financial resources to complete such valuable projects.

Level 5 of the Plan for Living with Covid-19 comes into effect from today 22nd October for a period of six weeks. The Cathaoirleach of Offaly County Council Cllr. John Carroll, and the Chief Executive, Ms. Anna Marie Delaney have urged all in Offaly to play their part and adhere to the updated public health advice available on gov.ie/covid.

Offaly County Council has welcomed the funding from the Department of Transport announced as part of Budget 2021 to complete the Grand Canal Greenway from Daingean to the county boundary at Edenderry.

The Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys TD, has today announced details of the projects that have been approved for funding under the third round of the enhanced Town and Village Renewal Scheme that supports towns and villages to respond and adapt to COVID-19. The focus of the funding is on measures and interventions that help towns and villages to adapt to social distancing requirements and to provide safe environments that encourage people into towns and villages to shop and socialise. Offaly County Council were successful with 5 out of 6 applications for Round 3 Accelerated Measure of the 2020 Town and Village Renewal Scheme.

On Thursday 8th October shortly in advance of the Tullamore Municipal District meeting, Councillors and others involved gathered in O’Connor Square to welcome the immediate availability of public WiFi in the county town streetscape and various community venues around the Municipal District - upgrades to the public realm and voluntary sector venues.

Offaly County Council is delighted to be involved in DojoMór which is a nationwide, online, coding fun-day for young people aged 7 to 17 where they can learn to create a simple game, build a website, programme electronics, create music and develop 3D models using computer coding techniques. Greatly inspired by CoderDojo, this event is an amazing opportunity for young people to be exposed to and to learn practical and valuable skills, that they will take with them for life.

Offaly, in line with the country as a whole will go to Level 3 of the Plan for Living with Covid-19 from midnight tonight, the 6th October for a period of three weeks. The Cathaoirleach of Offaly County Council Cllr. John Carroll, and the Chief Executive, Ms. Anna Marie Delaney have urged all in Offaly to play their part and adhere to the updated public health advice available on gov.ie/covid to ensure we protect those most at risk. Offaly County Council wishes to advise that the following Public Offices will remain open 9.30 am to 1.00 pm Monday to Friday. • Áras an Chontae, Tullamore • Birr Municipal District Offices • Tullamore Municipal District Offices • Edenderry Municipal District Offices • However, in line with public health advice we strongly urge all our customers to use our services available online where possible and where possible card payments should be used. Full details of online services are available at www.offaly.ie. Face coverings are mandatory in all public buildings, and physical distancing of at least 2 metres and good hand hygiene must be maintained. Counter services for Planning, Roads, Local Enterprise Office, Community & Culture, Corporate Services, Water Services and Environment will be available by APPOINTMENT MADE IN ADVANCE ONLY. For an appointment please contact Offaly County Council on 057 93 46800. Phone service available Monday – Friday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. As part of Level 3 measures, Offaly Libraries will revert to Contact and Collect services only from Wednesday, 7th October. This means our library branches will not be open for browsing and computer visits. Full details of our Contact and Collect service are available on the Council’s website (here) which includes contact details for your local branch. Due to social distancing requirements, fewer staff are working from council offices. We ask for your patience and co-operation should there be delays in accessing the building or dealing with your queries. Office opening arrangements are subject to change. Up to date information on opening hours and services are available on offaly.ie and Offaly County Council’s social media pages. Our civic amenity centres at Derryclure, Birr and Edenderry remain open with additional measures in place. Please see https://www.offaly.ie/eng/Services/Environment/Recycling/ for details. The Community Call Response line is available 7 days a week, 9am to 5pm. FREEPHONE: 1800 81 81 81 or email covidsupport@offalycoco.ie. For an appointment or further information on all our services please contact Offaly County Council on 057 93 46800, email: customerservices@offalycoco.ie or check our website at www.offaly.ie Phone service available Monday – Friday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Irish Water and Offaly County Council Obair i gcomhpháirtíocht: Working in partnership Dunkerrin Public Water Scheme Effective Date of Boil Water Notice: 22nd September 2020

The Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys TD, has today announced details of the projects that have been approved for funding under the second round of the enhanced Town and Village Renewal Scheme that supports towns and villages to respond and adapt to COVID-19. The focus of the funding is on measures and interventions that help towns and villages to adapt to social distancing requirements and to provide safe environments that encourage people into towns and villages to shop and socialise. Offaly County Council were successful with all 6 applications for Round 2 which were as follows

Press Release Meeting with Minister Eamon Ryan, 11th September, 2020 A delegation from Offaly County Council met with the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and the Environment, Eamon Ryan, T.D., this morning, remotely. The delegation comprised Cllr. John Carroll, Cathaoirleach, Cllr. Eamon Dooley, Leas-Cathaoirleach, and Anna Marie Delaney, Chief Executive, Offaly County Council. Minister of State, Pippa Hackett and officials from the Minister’s Department also joined the meeting.

Tuesday 15th September to Wednesday 16th September 2020: R490 at Cullenwaine, Moneygall

Strategic Housing Developments lodged with An Bord Pleanála (ABP) in accordance with the Planning and Development (Housing) and Residential Tenancies Act 2016. Residential Development at Clonminch Road (R443), Clonminch and Gayfield, Tullamore, Co. Offaly. Steinfort Investments Fund Date Application Lodged: 7th August 2020 ABP Reference: ABP-307832-20

A delegation from Offaly County Council met with the Minister for Health, Stephen Donnelly T.D. this morning. The delegation comprised of Cllr John Carroll, Cathaoirleach Offaly County Council, and the Cathaoirleach and Leas-Cathaoirleach of Edenderry, Birr and Tullamore Municipal District; Cllr John Foley, Cllr Liam Quinn, Cllr John Leahy, Cllr Peter Ormond, Cllr Danny Owens, and Cllr Tony McCormack. The Chief Executive, Anna Marie Delaney also attended the meeting. The meeting was a very productive one, with the Minister opening the meeting by thanking all the Members for attending. Each Member in turn outlined their concerns and those of their fellow members in relation to the restrictions that were implemented in Offaly on Friday 7th August 2020. The Minister listened attentively to all of the concerns expressed, and thanked the Members for their feedback on the restrictions and their effects on the citizens of Offaly. He acknowledged the difficulties in imposing these restrictions but stated that the urgency was necessary in the control of Covid-19. He listened and responded to the Members questions where possible and agreed that his Department would revert with responses to all questions raised. He committed to circulating the most recent figures available for the county from the National Public Health Emergency Team immediately. He advised that he had issued instructions that the three counties, Offaly, Laois and Kildare would be considered separately to determine when the restrictions would be lifted. He advised that he would seek to have the restrictions lifted as soon as practicable having regard to the public health measures necessary. He advised that his Department would be communicating with the Elected Members in relation to any future issues. In his closing statement the Minister thanked the people of Offaly for their forbearance during the last two weeks, he noted that it was only through the efforts of all the citizens pulling together that this virus would be beaten. He noted that through their efforts they had saved lives across the county of Offaly over the past two weeks.

Offaly County Council proposes to take in charge the following estates; - Armstrong Grove, Clara - Downshire Developments, Edenderry - Granary Court, Edenderry - The Hazel, Tullamore - The Elms, Tullamore

Tue Aug 18 Road works on R420 at Coleraine (Tullamore-Clara). Expect delays. Offaly County Council regrets inconvenience to road users.

The Cathaoirleach and Members of Offaly County Council welcome the package of supports announced by An Tánaiste Leo Varadkar T.D., Minister Michael McGrath T.D, and Minister Catherine Martin T.D this evening.

Topped up Restart Grant Plus Affected Counties will be prioritised for existing grants, loans & vouchers Funding to promote counties

Offaly County Council has put Part 8 Documentation on Public Display for the Greenway Link from Turraun (junction with Offaly Way), to Griffith Bridge, Shannon Harbour. The route tracks the southern towpath all the way to Griffith Bridge, Shannon Harbour. Submissions can be made in writing to Planning Section, of Offaly County Council, Áras an Chontae, Charleville Road, Tullamore, Co. Offaly OR alternatively, email submissions can be sent to greenwaysubs@offalycoco.ie on or before 25th of September 2020.

Town Centre businesses using outdoor furniture are required to apply annually for a Licence to do so under Planning legislation and a fee is involved. The Covid 19 pandemic has given rise to greater use of outdoor street furniture for food consumption outside of food establishments. There is significant interest in providing street furniture in all parts of County Offaly including smaller villages because of social distancing requirements and a general awareness of the commercial benefits of attracting footfall and creating ambience.

Sports clubs in Offaly can now apply for COVID-19 Club Small Grants of up to €1,500 through Offaly Sports Partnership. The COVID-19 Club Small Grant Scheme is part of a series of COVID-19 related funding schemes from Sport Ireland, following the announcement of €70 million of funding by the Government to support the sports sector in response to the Covid-19 crisis. The COVID-19 Club Small Grant Scheme will be implemented by Sport Ireland’s network of Local Sports Partnerships and will provide assistance to local clubs with covering costs associated with the reopening of sports clubs. This scheme is separate to the Sports Club Resilience Fund, which will be delivered through National Governing Bodies. This scheme is designed to support sports clubs that do not have the finances to implement COVID-19 related hygiene and social distancing protocols. The COVID-19 Club Small Grants can be used to support COVID-19 related expenditure dating from 2nd May 2020 onwards (Date of publication of Government roadmap to recovery). As the total fund available is limited, clubs which already have the finances to implement COVID-19 protocols should not apply. This grant scheme is designed and intended to support return to sporting activities only and cannot be used to support COVID-19 costs related to hospitality services such as bars or restaurants within sports facilities. The scheme will be based on identified needs. Offaly Sports Partnership and Sport Ireland will work together to ensure that the investment is distributed fairly and every effort will be made to ensure that the wider sports community benefits from this scheme. There is a €1,500 limit per club on this grant scheme however applications will be means tested and only clubs with the most need will be eligible for the full amount. Clubs should not feel that they have to apply for the full amount to be considered for support. Speaking regarding the launch of the COVID-19 Club Small Grant Scheme, LSP Coordinator with Offaly Sports Partnership, Eamonn Henry, said “Offaly Sports Partnership welcomes the announcement of financial support for sports clubs across Ireland and encourages all sports clubs in Offaly to assess their need for financial support towards COVID-19 related hygiene and social distancing protocols.” Clubs are advised to contact Offaly Sports Partnership at sports@offalycoco.ie for further information on this scheme. Please note: - · only one application can be submitted per sport club · applications to Offaly Sports Partnership are only applicable to clubs based within Offaly · funding applications must be submitted prior to Wednesday, 2nd September via the application form link on Offaly Sports Partnership’s website at www.offalysports.ie. · clubs must ensure that, where available, they prioritise the application for funding support via their National Governing Body or relevant representative body. Funding support for the same purpose should not be sought from multiple sources For further information, contact Eamonn Henry, Coordinator, Offaly Sports Partnership on 086 7948054 or by email to sports@offalycoco.ie

Restart Grant Plus will help businesses reopen - Tánaiste Up to €25,000 available to help businesses re-open, get people back to work Monday, 10th August The Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment Leo Varadkar T.D. today opened applications to the Restart Grant Plus Scheme, which gives grants to businesses to help them reopen. The Restart Grant Plus is a key part of the government’s July Stimulus package, a €7.4bn package of measures designed to stimulate a jobs-led recovery and build economic confidence while continuing to manage the impact of Covid-19. Speaking today, Tánaiste Leo Varadkar said: “We must do everything we can to help businesses reopen and get people back to work. We are increasing the Restart Grant Plus, which means that small and medium sized businesses can now get between €4,000 and €25,000 to help them get back on their feet after what has been an exceptionally difficult time. “Hairdressers, sports clubs, cafes, restaurants and several other businesses can use this money to help with the costs associated with re-opening and adapting to what is a very different environment. This is just one of several actions the Government is taking as part of the July Stimulus to help businesses.” Key changes to the Restart Grant Plus Scheme: • €300m additional funding in addition to €250m previously committed • Grant amount has increased substantially. Minimum grant is now €4,000 and maximum is €25,000. Previous grant amounts were €2,000 and €10,000 respectively • Medium sized companies now eligible Companies with up to 250 employees can now apply (previously the grant was for companies with less than 50 employees) • Increased eligibility Non-rateable B&Bs, sports clubs with commercial activities and trading charity shops are now eligible Businesses that received a grant under the first scheme can re-apply to local authorities to receive additional funding. For first-time applicants under Restart Plus, the minimum grant is €4,000 and the maximum is €25,000.

Offaly County Council wishes to advise that the following Public Offices remain open from 9.30 am to 1.00 pm Monday to Friday subject to change. -Áras an Chontae, Tullamore -Birr Municipal District Offices -Tullamore Municipal District Offices -Edenderry Municipal District Offices Customers visiting our buildings are requested to wear face coverings, which are mandatory from Monday 10th August.

A County Development Plan is the overall strategy for the proper planning and sustainable development of the county over a 6-year period. The Plan includes policies, objectives and zoning maps. It has the potential to directly impact on the quality of life of every single person in Offaly. It is a material consideration in making decisions on planning applications. The draft Offaly County Development Plan 2021-2027 is now available for public inspection on www.offaly.ie/cdp2021-2027. Submissions can be made on the draft until 4pm Wednesday 7th October 2020 in one of two ways. They can be made either online at the above web-address or in writing to the Forward Planning Section of Offaly County Council. All submissions or observations received during the above time period will be taken into consideration before a final County Development Plan 2021-2021 is agreed by the County Council

Minister Eamon Ryan T.D. signs Regulations to Extend Smoky Coal Ban to a further 13 towns across the country.

Offaly County Council has commenced the review of the existing Offaly County Development Plan 2014-2020 by preparing the new Offaly County Development Plan 2021-2027. The County Development Plan is a statutory document prepared by the Planning Authority in accordance with the requirements of the Planning & Development Act 2000 (as amended) and the Planning & Development Regulations 2001 (as amended). The County Development Plan preparation process involves public consultation at 3 stages, which will subsequently lead to and inform the preparation of the new County Development Plan as shown below:

Sale of land/disused reservoir site at Raheen, Clara. Co. Offaly Offaly County Council herby invites tenders for the purchase of land/disused reservoir site at Raheen, Clara, County Offaly.

Go-2-Tender 2 Day Workshop

LOCAL PROPERTY TAX 2021 - NOTICE OF CONSIDERATION OF SETTING A LOCAL ADJUSTMENT FACTOR

In order to promote business in the towns of Birr, Edenderry and Tullamore, Offaly County Council have announced the following:

The innovative work carried out by local authorities across the country during the Covid-19 crisis will be highlighted during Your Council Day, Wednesday, July 1st. Across social media, #YourCouncilDay will showcase numerous heroes who have made a difference in supporting their communities through the vital work carried out by councils during lockdown. Local authorities will also provide a ‘behind the scenes’ look at a typical day in the council and highlight all the services councils and their dedicated employees provide. Social media users throughout the community are also asked to post their experiences of council initiatives using the hashtag #YourCouncilDay. A report carried out by the Local Government Management Agency has revealed the local authority sector devised 216 separate innovations to meet challenges presented by Covid-19. In 38% of these cases, structures did not previously exist and were specifically set up to deliver Covid-19 services on a short-term basis. “The current crisis has highlighted the true nature of public service in communities across the country,” said Chief Executive of Offaly County Council, Anna Marie Delaney. “Faced with the challenge of social distancing, and with many of their own staff working from home, local authorities brought novel solutions to the complex problems posed by the new realities of lockdown.” “Offaly County Council, like all local authorities established a Community Response Forum to co-ordinate a multi-agency response to deliver supports to those who need it while Covid-19 restrictions were in force. “Councils moved to support those faced with isolation, activating befriending services with regular phone calls, starting local radio shows and organising book and even musical instrument deliveries to combat loneliness. “We have seen live-streamed storytelling, virtual Zoom book clubs and online choirs supporting community spirits through dark days.” Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram or #YourCouncilDay to find out what’s happening in Offaly during Your Council Day. More information on the innovations taken by local authorities during Covid-19 is available in an overview report produced by the LGMA available to download here

Dynamic Purchasing System for Civil Engineering Materials (Supply Only) - Published 26th June 2020

PRESS RELEASE June 25th 2020 OFFALY COUNTY COUNCIL SECURES REGENERATION FUNDING FOR BANAGHER Offaly County Council today (June 25th) welcomed an announcement by Minister Ring that it was successful in its application for €395,250 for a Banagher Regeneration project under the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund. The Project, which will be led by Offaly County Council, will require match funding from Council funds and will regenerate the town centre and the marina. Speaking after the announcement, Cathaoirleach of Offaly County Council, Cllr. John Carroll said the investment in Banagher will enhance the town’s potential as an attractive and sustainable place to live, work and visit. Cllr. John Leahy, Cathaoirleach of the Municipal District of Birr also welcomed the co-operation between the local authority, local development groups, businesses and the wider community that led to the success of the application. Today’s announcement relates to Category 2 of the Fund which provides seed capital funding for strategic, large-scale projects which will assist in delivering town and village regeneration and contribute to economic development and recovery. The funding provided will allow for further development of the projects to take place enabling projects to reach a stage where they are developed to a high standard and the project is in a position to commence works. Banagher Regeneration funding announcement today gives an unprecedented opportunity to deliver the scale of investment necessary to allow a rural community to further develop and prosper. This investment is more important than ever to help address the challenges arising from the COVID-19 crisis and to drive economic recovery and sustainable development in rural areas.

Offaly County Council wishes to advise that the following Public Offices will open public counters on Monday 29th June 2020 from 9.30 am to 1.00 pm daily Monday to Friday • Áras an Chontae, Tullamore • Birr Municipal District Offices • Tullamore Municipal District Offices • Edenderry Municipal District Offices Counter services for Planning, Roads, Local Enterprise Office, Community & Culture, Corporate Services, Water Services and Environment will be available by APPOINTMENT MADE IN ADVANCE ONLY. For an appointment please contact Offaly County Council on 057 93 46800. Phone service available Monday – Friday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Where possible the public should continue to access our services by phone, email, online or by appointment. Please see website for further details https://www.offaly.ie/eng/ At Áras an Chontae Tullamore, a queue management system will be in place to ensure social distancing protocols are maintained during opening hours. A MAXIMUM NUMBER of members of the public will be allowed access the building at any one time. It is requested that only adults attend public counter. Members of the public are requested to restrict their visit to A MINIMUM time duration. Where possible card payments should be used. Offaly County Library service is operating a CONTACT AND COLLECT SERVICE from the Tullamore, Birr, Edenderry, Clara, Banagher and Ferbane Branch Libraries. Branch Library contact details are available on https://www.offaly.ie/eng/ 30 MINUTE browsing appointments will be available for TULLAMORE LIBRARY from Monday June 29th also. Due to social distancing requirements, fewer staff are working from council offices. We ask for your patience and co-operation should there be delays in accessing the building or dealing with your queries. Office opening arrangements are subject to change. Up to date information on opening hours and services are available on offaly.ie and Offaly County Council’s social media pages. For an appointment please contact Offaly County Council on 057 93 46800. Phone service available Monday – Friday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The Department of Rural and Community Development has directed all local authorities to develop and implement a local digital strategy. Offaly County Council has embarked on this initiative. As part of the preparation, the Council are undertaking an engagement process which includes two online surveys to gauge internet use habits in Offaly as we would like to gain valuable input from individuals (including those who do online work on behalf of a community group) and businesses from all parts of the county. Each short set of questions can be answered online within a few minutes. The queries aim to gather information on the type of internet user who is responding, what their usual type and format of internet connection is, what they use the internet for, and their knowledge on what sorts of service and speeds they have. We are also looking for your input on good examples of where digital technology has been used to good effect and any projects you think could assist with a digital strategy rollout in Offaly. Lastly, given recent events, we have a couple of questions relating to remote working. The council would very much welcome as wide a range of feedback as possible from all over Offaly, with your views helping form the plans for the digital future for the county. The closing date for your input is Friday 3rd July.

Offaly County Council are aware of a recent social media campaign concerning matters arising relating to the regulation of Dog Breeding Establishments in Offaly. A spokesperson for Offaly County Council said “We wish to make the public aware that we continue to apply the provisions of the Dog breeding Establishment Act and its associated guidelines issued by the minister. Where the Act and its guidelines are not adhered to the Council carry out enforcement measures set out in the Act. The Act provides that- Conditions of Registration may be applied by a local authority to a registered Dog Breeding Establishment. In certain circumstances Closure Notices may be issued where deemed necessary in the interest of welfare of dogs. Such information is made public (see the link below). The right of appeal to the District Court of above provisions of the Act is also provided for to the operator of a dog breeding establishment. An appeal is pending to the district court on refusal by Offaly County Council to issue a registration to an applicant in 2019 and also to a subsequent closure notice issued in February 2020 to the applicant. Information concerning registered Dog Breeding Establishments in Offaly are available on our website https://www.offaly.ie/eng/Services/Environment/Dog-Control/Dog-Breeding-Establishments.html

Offaly County Council regulation of Dog Breeding Establishments.

Resumption of Statutory Planning timelines, during the Covid 19 Pandemic

Offaly County Council has continued to deliver services throughout the current crisis but the following specific services will be in place from next Monday June 8th- Phase 2 of the Government of Ireland Reopening Roadmap.

IN THIS TOGETHER - THE COMMUNITY CALL Cathaoirleach of Offaly County Council Peter Ormond and CE Anna Marie Delaney today paid a visit to Kilcormac Development Association to witness at first hand the wonderful work being done in association with Offaly Local Development Company, West & South Offaly Homefix assisted by the Community Forum. All social distancing and public health measures were observed during the visit. KDA have been able to offer an expanded Meals on Wheels service to those requiring hot meals delivered in South & West Offaly including Birr, Shinrone, Clareen and Coolderry areas while still covering the Kilcormac, Mountbolus, Cadamstown, Kinnitty, Rath and Fivealley areas. The meals are freshly prepared, cooked and delivered on Monday, Wednesday and Friday, and they can offer 2 meals per day covering 6 days a week if clients so wish. The service has seen demand doubled in recent times with over 100 dinners per day going out and the capacity to expand is there if this demand grows

Offaly County Council welcomes the publication of the first Progress Report of the Just Transition Commissioner, Mr. Kieran Mulvey, launched by Minister Bruton yesterday evening. The report details stakeholder engagement to date with Bord na Móna, ESB and a wide range of stakeholders across the region. It contains a number of recommendations to provide support and new employment opportunities for workers and communities impacted by the acceleration of decarbonisation, thereby ensuring a just transition, whilst also sustaining our rural communities.

Offaly County Council is taking applications for the Covid-19 Restart Grant Scheme. This grant will give direct grant aid to micro and small businesses in Offaly to help them with the costs associated with reopening and reemploying workers following Covid-19 closures. The closing date for application is August 31st 2020 Before making an application, please check the following to see if your business is eligible.

Press Release - €2,000 Prize Fund announced for Offaly’s Longest Day Project to promote Health and Physical Activity in June Peter Ormond, Cathaoirleach of Offaly County Council this week launched “Offaly’s Longest Day” project to promote health and physical activity in June and announced a €2,000 prize fund to coincide with the project.

Annual Financial Statement of Offaly County Council for the year ended 31st December 2019 - Unaudited

The public are kindly invited to provide feedback on the Draft Blundell Masterplan for the regeneration of the Edenderry back-lands. The aim of the plan is to unlock the potential of the Blundell are (former Tesco. Former Grain Store, Blundell Park and surrounding area). Taking on-board ideas from the initial consultation, consultants have produced a draft masterplan, and would like your feedback, your say matters!

As Ireland enters a crucial phase in the fight against the virus, the three principal response agencies that make up the Midlands Steering Group (An Garda Síochána, the HSE and the Local Authorities) have thanked people for their work on stopping the spread of Covid-19. Ahead of the May Bank Holiday weekend, representatives of, An Garda Síochána, the HSE and Offaly County Council are appealing to everyone in Co. Offaly to continue their impressive efforts. In an effort to deter people from travelling more than two kilometres, local authorities have closed many amenities and attractions such as playgrounds. Anna Marie Delaney, Chief Executive of Offaly County Council has urged people not to allow everyone’s hard work to be undermined and to #Stay Safe and, where possible, #Stay at Home. Joe Ruane HSE Midland Louth Meath Community Healthcare has acknowledged that the collective actions of communities in the region is clearly making a difference but it is crucial that everyone keeps up those efforts: “We know it’s hard, especially in terms of being apart from families and friends but it is helping to protect and keep our communities - especially vulnerable people and healthcare workers - safe. I want to particularly appeal to young people - we in the healthcare community need you to keep that effort going for another while.” John Scanlon, Garda Chief Superintendent for the Laois Offaly Kildare Division, highlights that there will be a very visible Garda presence across Laois, Offaly and Kildare this weekend: “Our members will operate an extensive network of checkpoints across both counties this weekend, checking public compliance with the travel restrictions in place as part of Covid-19 public health guidelines. There has been very good compliance with the travel restrictions and we want to thank the public for this. However, it is vital that this continues over the coming days and weeks. It will save lives. In particular, we would ask people who are thinking of travelling to parks, tourist locations or holiday homes outside of the two kilometre limit this weekend not to do so. If you are stopped at a checkpoint, you will be turned back.” The Midlands Regional Steering Group urges everyone to please play their part and #Stay Safe, # Stop the Spread this May Bank Holiday weekend.

COMHAIRLE CONTAE UBH FHAILÍ OFFALY COUNTY COUNCIL Expressions of Interest Turnkey Housing Developments for the Provision of Social Housing Offaly County Council is seeking expressions of interest for the provision of turnkey housing developments for Social Housing purposes. Turnkey Developments, to be of interest to the Council, must be close to services within an urban settlement/town/village, and within walking distance of shops, schools and local amenities. Housing Design and Construction Standards must at a minimum meet the requirements of all relevant statutory planning and building control requirements. An ‘Expressions of Interest’ Briefing Document is available on e-tenders and on the council’s website at: https://www.offaly.ie/eng/Services/Housing/Construction/Turnkey Submissions must be received no later than 12pm on 28th May 2020. Offaly County Council is not obliged to purchase any turnkey housing development submitted as part of this process. Dated this 6th day of May., 2020 Sharon Kennedy Director of Housing

Offaly Age Friendly Alliance are delighted to publish the newsletters below which are for all in our Community to enjoy at this time. Our primary audience is to those cocooning, the most isolated and those who may not have Internet access. We hope it offers some light reading and challenges the mind and maybe the body a little too. We wish to thank An Post for distribution across the county to those without Internet access but if you know of someone who might enjoy it feel free to download a copy for them. The Newsletters will be published on a fortnightly basis from here on in

Offaly County Council acknowledges and understands the severe impact that COVID-19 has had and is having on a wide range of businesses in the county and beyond. We are already working with Ratepayers affected by the unprecedented situation which has transpired in recent days. We are acutely aware of the issues faced by their ratepayers and we have been, and continue to, deal with difficulties experienced by rate payers on a case by case basis. We have a long-standing relationship with local businesses and are very well placed to deal with this evolving situation and its impact on ratepayers in their local areas and operating environments. The Government has recently stated that local authorities should agree to defer rates payments due from the most immediately impacted businesses - primarily in the retail, hospitality, leisure and childcare sectors, for three months, until end-May. As a result any commercial ratepayers that have had to temporarily close or significantly curtail operations during the COVID-19 response period should contact their Offaly County revenue collector immediately on receipt of your rates bill, in relation to any rates payments falling due in the period to end-May and agree a payment schedule to the end of 2020. Full contact details for Revenue Collectors for your area are available on www.offaly.ie or contact our rates office at rates@offalycoco.ie or by telephoning (057) 93 57408 Offaly County Council staff will work with you during these unprecedented and challenging times and we will respond to queries on a daily basis. We would be grateful if ratepayers that can, continue to pay their outstanding local authority rates should continue to do so in the normal way. Please note also the Council’s Local Enterprise Office continues to provide a range of supports, details of which are available via the following link: https://www.localenterprise.ie/response It is hoped that this current period of disruption will not be prolonged and as Offaly County Council continues to deliver public services, commercial life can return to normal with minimal impact on businesses.

Please find below a clarification regarding limited circumstances in which a Statutory Off the road declaration may be made. Motor Tax staff can help to resolve any issues customers may have. Customers can phone Offaly Motor Tax Office on 057 9346800 or email to motortax@offalycoco.ie *** Off the Road Declarations *** The Statutory off the road declaration must be made in advance i.e. within the month of expiry of the current motor tax disc (or current off the road declaration). It cannot be applied retrospectively. If your tax is due to expire in April, your vehicle needs to be declared off the road by the end of April – this cannot be done in May as a new tax period has commenced. Customers can declare a vehicle off the road via www.motortax.ie or submitting a completed RF150 form to Offaly County Council’s Motor Tax Office. Arrears will arise • if the tax period has expired, the vehicle cannot be declared off the road until arrears are cleared and the vehicle is taxed forward for 3 months. • if a customer ‘self declares’ without submitting the official information to Offaly Motor Tax office or www.motortax.ie If in doubt, please phone Offaly Motor Tax Office on 057 9346800 or email motortax@offalycoco.ie and a member of the team will be happy to assist you.

To assist local authority home loan borrowers who may experience a reduction in their income arising from the COVID-19 emergency and may not be able to make repayments on their loans, a Mortgage Payment Break of up to three months will be made available to those who need it.

The Road Safety Authority (RSA) and the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport have agreed a further extension of the temporary derogation from certain provisions of the EU driving and resting time rules. This extension includes additional measures, which will apply from 17 April to 31 May 2020. The derogation will apply to all operators and drivers subject to the EU driver’s hours and tachograph rules engaged in the carriage of all goods (including oil supplies etc.) and will continue to be reviewed by the RSA during this time. Details of the derogation are outlined further, below.

Our dedicated staff are on duty from 8am to 8pm 7 days a week so please call in strictest confidence FREEPHONE 1800 81 81 81 or email covidsupport@offalycoco.ie #CommunityCall #Offaly

The Community and Sports Awards has been postponed to Friday October 23rd 2020.

Michael Duignan - County Champion Chairperson of Offaly County Council, Cllr. Peter Ormond, has welcomed the nomination of Michael Duignan, Offaly GAA County Board Chairman, as ‘County Champion’ on the County Council co-ordinated Community Response Forum. The Forum, which was established last weekend, allows all of the community and agency responders already actively supporting vulnerable households in the current crisis to co-ordinate their efforts. Michael was nominated as County Champion by The Wheel and Irish Rural Link as an individual with strong existing links within Offaly and broad experience of engaging with community organisations and volunteers who are already in contact with the people who may need support. Speaking today, Cllr. Ormond said that the first meeting of the Forum held remotely on Monday was a reflection of the best of everything about the Faithful people. Every agency and group that spoke at the meeting detailed their work on the ground over the years and how they have adapted in the context of the COVID 19 crisis to meet the needs of older people in particular. This is especially important since people over 70 are now being asked to cocoon at home and may need help with deliveries of food, fuel or medicine. ‘The great thing about the Forum’, he said, ‘is that groups can share learning and resources and coordinate their efforts to best effect’. Participants at the first meeting included Offaly County Council, the HSE, An Garda Síochána, Offaly Local Development, the Volunteer Centre, Local Link, Civil Defence, the Public Participation Network, Age Friendly Network and the GAA. Cllr. Ormond suggested that Michael Duignan must have picked the Freephone number for the Offaly Community Response helpline himself as ‘81 was a good year for Offaly’, winning their first All-Ireland Senior Hurling Championship that year. The free phone number for anyone who needs non-medical support in Offaly is 1800-81-81-81. Michael Duignan said that all of the 41 GAA clubs in Offaly had already made local contacts, drafted a list of those who may need help and were acting on that. He said that in towns, villages and rural areas around Offaly people were looking out for each other and getting organised to make sure everyone who needed help could get it. He welcomed the establishment of the Community Response Forum by Offaly County Council where groups could co-operate, share good practice and find solutions to issues that they were all facing. He also welcomed the new Freephone number 1800-818181 and email address covidsupport@offalycoco.ie and said he didn’t pick the ’81 phone number but he thought it was a good choice. The Offaly Community Response Forum meets again this Friday to review progress to date and plan for the coming week.

Offaly County Council continues to deliver vital public services in the challenging circumstances arising from the Covid-19 pandemic. We are advised by relevant Government and other public agencies on an ongoing basis in doing so. In light of the on-going Covid-19 National Emergency and, in the lead up to vegetation fire season (i.e. fires on grasslands, forests and peatlands), controlled burning by the agricultural community will no longer be permitted within Offaly from 17:00 today, the 27th March 2020. The public should note that all notices informing Offaly County Council of controlled burning will not be accepted for the duration of this emergency and that they should refrain from all forms of controlled burning at this time. It should also be noted by the public that if a 999/112 call is received relating to any controlled burning event on their property, then the Fire Brigade will be mobilised to attend and extinguish the fire. All the costs associated with the attendance of the Fire & Rescue Service will be invoiced to the property owner This measure has been deemed necessary when Fire & Rescue Services resources may be stretched due to Covid-19 crisis and, at a time when Offaly County Council are trying to maintain essential staffing levels. For further advice on this matter, our contacts are: Email: environment@offalycoco.ie or firestat@offalycoco.ie Post: Offaly County Council, Áras an Chontae, Charleville Road,Tullamore, Co. Offaly, R35 F893 Telephone: (057) 9346800 Note: Controlled burning is the process that allows farmers to dispose by burning untreated/uncontaminated wood, trees, trimmings, leaves, bushes or similar materials generated by agricultural practices

Notice to the public regarding use of Bottlebanks

Offaly County Council advises that its service provision continues across all essential services. We continue to support service users while taking mitigating actions to keep the public and our employees safe. Plans are in place to ensure the continuity of services, staff continue to work in our offices and remotely and are available to support customers via the contacts given below. Services continue to be provided on line, by post and over the phone. Details of these services are provided below and are available on our website www.offaly.ie.

To ensure the safety of our community and in line with new restrictions announced by An Taoiseach, Leo Varadkar all playgrounds in Offaly are closed with immediate effect. Please play your part and abide by all measures introduced a Offaly County Council thanks all in the community for their cooperation at this time.

Offaly County Council continues to provide all essential services amid the Covid-19 crisis. Customer service staff in Áras an Chontae Tullamore and in the Municipal Districts of Birr, Edenderry and Tullamore continue to operate phone and email services. Following the announcement by An Taoiseach on March 12th, all of Offaly’s Libraries closed to the public but library staff are working and a whole range of services are available online from Offaly Libraries including supports for children and teens who are at home from school. There is also the facility to borrow downloadable ebooks and audiobooks through the ‘Borrow Box’ app. Huge efforts have been made to equip Council teams to work remotely and to use new technologies to hold meetings and maintain services to the public should further restrictions limit the movement and interactions of people. In a statement Cllr. Peter Ormond, Cathaoirleach of Offaly County Council, said that ‘Councillors are available to the public to answer queries and source assistance. We are in regular contact with management and we are available by phone and email and can relay people’s issues and concerns to the Council.’ The Council is working with Irish Water to ensure the provision of water supplies to homes, hospitals, nursing homes and temporary emergency facilities. Civil Defence volunteers have been supporting HSE colleagues and the Fire Service is responding to calls as normal. Housing services continue to be provided while observing physical distancing guidelines. Road maintenance and traffic services are being provided by the Roads Department and Municipal Districts and staff are working hard to resolve issues arising from recent severe weather events. Street cleaning and street enhancement work continues, as well as work on capital projects such as the Tullamore Community Arts Centre and new Social Housing developments. Environmental services are operating at Civic Amenity Sites. Motor Tax is available online. Other payments can be made over the phone or online via the Council’s website www.offaly.ie It is anticipated that legislation may be required to extend timeframes around planning applications but the full range of planning services remain available including pre-planning advice, making a Planning Application, making submissions and observations and retrieval of files. A full guide to all planning services is available on the planning pages of www.offaly.ie Council staff have placed notices at entrances to parks and playgrounds reminding people to adhere to the physical distancing requirements to remain at least 2 metres apart and not to use outdoor amenities that are already busy. There may be further restrictions on the use of outdoor facilities in the coming days if it is felt that guidelines are not being adhered to. In a statement, Chief Executive of Offaly County Council Anna Marie Delaney said ‘it is vitally important that people adhere to the Covid-19 warnings to stay local and not to congregate, particularly at public tourist attractions and walking trails. We recognise the importance of exercise, but please do so in accordance with public health advice.’

COVID-19 Update Recycling Centres Tullamore, Edenderry and Birr: We are closely monitoring the evolving COVID-19 situation. At this time, the recycling centres in Offaly will continue to operate as normal. In order to protect customers and staff we ask visitors to respect the following: - Where possible please pay with card to avoid handling coins. Staff may reserve the right to refuse handfuls of small coins. - We may also have to restrict the number of customers on site at any one time to avoid the risk of infection. - If instructed to remain in your vehicle please comply and the staff will get you through the site as quickly as possible. We appreciate your support & Co-Operation as we all navigate our way through this difficult time. Please check out https://www.offaly.ie/eng/Services/Environment/Recycling/ for details of current opening hours

Offaly County Council has further reviewed arrangements for access to its services arising from the Covid 19 Pandemic. In order to prioritise the protection of public health all public offices of Offaly County Council will close from 11am on Monday 16th March until further notice. This includes the offices of the Municipal Districts of Birr, Edenderry and Tullamore. Essential services will continue to be provided on line, by post and over the phone. Details of these services are available on our website www.offaly.ie. For further information contact 057-9346800 from 9am to 5 p.m. Monday to Friday excluding Public Holidays or email customerservices@offalycoco.ie. Outside of normal working hours of hours please contact 1890 750 750. The following essential services will be maintained; • Water Supply and waste water treatment Phone 1890 750 750 • Housing and Homeless Services email or phone appointments only housing@offalycoco.ie 0579346800 • Fire and Emergency Services Phone 999 • Operation of Waste and recycling services environment@offalycoco.ie 0579346800 • Road Maintenance and Traffic Safety roads@offalycoco.ie 0579346800 birrmd@offalycoco.ie 0579124900 edenderrymd@offalycoco.ie 0469731256 tullamoremd@offalycoco.ie 0579352470 • Motor Tax available online www.motortax.ie • Cash Office cashoffice@offalycoco.ie 0579357414 • Planning – Full guidance on accessing Planning services while the public planning counter is closed are available at www.offaly.ie Email planning@offalycoco.ie or phone 0579346800 The following services are temporarily discontinued until further notice; • Motor Taxation counter, Áras an Chontae • Cash Office, Áras an Chontae • Housing Services Counter, Áras an Chontae • Planning Counter, Áras an Chontae • All community and public events organised by Offaly County Council The above provisions will remain in place until further notice, and will be subject to review pending further announcements by Government.

Please see below some useful accurate links for advice and information on the Covid-19 Pandemic. We must all play our part to stop the spread of the virus by washing hands and practicing social distancing. Equally we must play our part by ensuring that accurate information and advice is shared. Daily updates including statements from the Chief Medical Officer (after 6pm daily) at https://www.gov.ie/…/7e0924-latest-updates-on-covid-19-cor…/ Other useful links for specific communities and sectors affected by this pandemic cane be found at https://www.gov.ie/…/3b16b6-covid-19-coronavirus-informati…/ Advice for parents on play and the use of playgrounds and the ongoing importance of hand hygiene at the link below: https://www.gov.ie/…/178c07-covid-19-coronavirus-health-a…/… There is also advice about explaining the virus to children of different ages: https://www.gov.ie/…/178c07-covid-19-coronavirus-health-a…/… Advice for cleaning the home: https://www.gov.ie/…/178c07-covid-19-coronavirus-health-a…/… Advice for grandparents and caring in the home: https://www.gov.ie/…/178c07-covid-19-coronavirus-health-adv… Advice for employers and employees: https://www.gov.ie/…/0b6a34-advice-for-employers-and-emplo…/ Information for farmers: https://www.gov.ie/…/3b16b6-covid-19-coronavirus-informat…/…

Offaly County Council wish to remind the public in line with HSE Ireland advice not to bring children in large groups to our playgrounds and to avoid unnecessary social gatherings. Children can be unwitting carriers of Covid 19 and we must all play our part to protect the most vulnerable. For more information and regular updates check out www.gov.ie/health-covid-19 www.hse.ie

Offaly County Council has reviewed arrangements for access to its services arising from the statement by An Taoiseach, Leo Varadkar, March 12th. Non-essential meetings and events have been postponed Services to the public will remain available at our offices during normal opening hours; however, we are asking that attendance at our offices is avoided where possible. This to protect the public and staff and is in line with government advice We have a range of services available online at https://www.offaly.ie or you may wish to contact us at customerservices@offalycoco.ie or Tel: 057-9346800. Out of hours please contact 1890 750 750

Offaly County Council has closed all public libraries in Offaly from 13th March following public health advice relating to Covid-19. Events in Library buildings are also cancelled.

SeniorLine has been the national, confidential listening service for older people, run by trained older volunteers since 1998. This peer-to-peer helpline for older people receives in excess of 10,000 calls per year. The corona virus is a particular threat to older people and subsequently SeniorLine has put in place a number of protocols to support our many older callers from all over Ireland. Any caller, concerned about Covid 19, will receive the most up to date guidance as recommended by Government sources. Good health practice is reinforced at all times. This information is updated daily as the situation changes and is available to each of our volunteers at the phones. SeniorLine is a FREEPHONE service and our older callers can call free between 10am and 10pm every day of the year on 1800804591 Website: www.thirdageireland.ie Facebook: @thirdageireland Twitter: @thirdageireland Instagram: @thirdageireland

Offaly County Council wishes to advise that the following roads in the County have been reopened: The R438 at Anglers Rest on the Tipperary/Offaly border; Botley Lane, Portarlington L50151 The following roads remain closed: The Shannon Harbour to Banagher Road L7014-1 remains closed due to flooding; The Crank Road L-7017-1 in Banagher is closed due to flooding; local diversions are in place; N62, Birr to Cloghan, at Kennedys Cross is closed due to flooding and local diversions are in place; Offaly County Council regrets any inconvenience caused by these essential closures. We continue to actively monitor water levels and roads will be reopened once it is safe to do so. We will keep the public informed of updates in the coming week as roads are reopened

On the 3rd of March 2020, Offaly County Council in partnership with the Offaly Independent launched the Community & Sports Awards 2020 at Áras an Chontae, Tullamore. Michael Duignan, Chairman of Offaly GAA and renowned hurling analyst and commentator with The Sunday Game formally launched the event. The Awards Ceremony will be celebrated at a Gala Event in the Tullamore Court Hotel on Friday 8th May 2020. The purpose of the awards is to acknowledge groups and individuals who, through their commitment to voluntary, community and sporting activities, have played a significant role in enhancing the quality of life in their communities in County Offaly. We are inviting nominations from the following Categories: Community Awards Community Volunteer Children and Youth Project Age Friendly Project Environment and Heritage Group Project Equality and Social Inclusion Sports Awards Lifetime Contribution to Sport/Long Service Award Sports Volunteer of the Year Sports Achiever of the Year Team of the Year On the night awards will also be presented to our winners in the following events: 2020 Pride of Place 2019 Tidy Towns Merit Awards An overall Winner of the 2020 Offaly Person/Group of the Year will also be chosen from the winners in each category above The closing date for nominations for the Cathaoirleach Community & Sports Awards 2020 is Friday April 3rd 2020 at Midnght Nomination forms are available by clicking on the following link: https://www.offalyindependent.ie/communitysportsawards Full coverage of the launch will be featured in this week’s Offaly Independent.

Offaly County Council is proud to show two of its green schools tackling the issue of single use plastic in their schools. They entered in SEAI’s One Good Idea Competition and were selected for the Regional Finals in Limerick on 25th February.

Offaly County Council wishes to advise that the following roads in the County remain closed due to flooding: • N62, Birr to Cloghan, at Kennedys Cross is closed due to flooding and local diversions are in place; • Botley Lane, Portarlington L50151 remains closed due to flooding; local diversions are in place; • The Shannon Harbour to Banagher Road L7014-1 remains closed due to flooding; • The Crank Road L-7017-1 in Banagher is closed due to flooding; local diversions are in place; • The R438 at Anglers Rest on the Tipperary/Offaly border remains closed due to flooding. Motorists are advised to follow diversions in place. Offaly County Council regrets any inconvenience caused by these essential closures and we will keep the public informed of updates in the coming week as roads are reopened. Offaly County Council continues to actively monitor river levels in the County and are prepared for the deployment of defence measures if required.

Offaly County Council wishes to advise the following roads in the County remain closed due to flooding: · Botley Lane, Portarlington L50151 remains closed due to flooding; local diversions are in place; · The Shannon Harbour to Banagher Road L7014-1 remains closed due to flooding; · The Crank Road L-7017-1 in Banagher is closed due to flooding; local diversions are in place; · The R438 at Anglers Rest on the Tipperary/Offaly border remains closed due to flooding. Motorists are advised to follow diversions in place. Offaly County Council regrets any inconvenience caused by these essential closures and we will keep the public informed of updates in the coming week as roads are reopened. Offaly County Council continues to actively monitor river levels in the County and are prepared for the deployment of defence measures if required. The public are requested to report fallen trees and branches on public roads and severe flooding issues to the out of hours service on 1890 750 750. Low temperatures are anticipated tonight and roads in the County will be treated in line with our Winter Maintenance Plan https://www.offaly.ie/eng/Services/Roads/Winter-Maintenance/Winter-Maintenance-Plan-2019-20201.pdf. Never assume any road is treated and adjust your driving accordingly. For useful tips for driving in adverse weather conditions check out https://www.rsa.ie/RSA/Road-Safety/Campaigns/Current-road-safety-campaigns/Severe-Weather-Advice/

Offaly County Council responded to localised issues due to the high winds and flooding throughout the day. We will continue to actively monitor river levels in the County and are prepared for the deployment of defence measures if required. Offaly County Council crews will respond to issues due to the high winds when safe to do so and we will keep the public informed of updates. The public are requested to report fallen trees and branches on public roads and severe flooding issues to the out of hours service on 1890 750 750. The following roads currently remain closed due to flooding: · Botley Lane, Portarlington L50151 remains closed due to flooding; local diversions are in place; · The Shannon Harbour to Banagher Road L7014-1 remains closed due to flooding; · The Crank Road L-7017-1 in Banagher is closed due to flooding; local diversions are in place; · The R438 at Anglers Rest on the Tipperary/Offaly border remains closed due to flooding. Motorists are advised to follow diversions in place. Offaly County Council regrets any inconvenience caused by these essential closures. The Pollagh to Derrynagun Road L7020-6 was reopened today. Low temperatures are anticipated this weekend with some falls of sleet and hill snow forecast. If required, roads in the County will be treated in line with our Winter Maintenance Plan https://www.offaly.ie/eng/Services/Roads/Winter-Maintenance/Winter-Maintenance-Plan-2019-20201.pdf. For useful tips for driving in adverse weather conditions check out https://www.rsa.ie/RSA/Road-Safety/Campaigns/Current-road-safety-campaigns/Severe-Weather-Advice/

Offaly County Council continues to monitor river levels in the County. We are prepared for the deployment of defence measures if required and our crews continue to respond to localised flooding. The following roads currently remain closed due to flooding: Botley Lane, Portarlington L50151 remains closed due to flooding; local diversions are in place; The Shannon Harbour to Banagher Road L7014-1 remains closed due to flooding; The Crank Road L-7017-1 in Banagher is closed due to flooding; local diversions are in place; The Pollagh to Derrynagun Road L7020-6 remains closed due to flooding; The R438 at Anglers Rest on the Tipperary/Offaly border remains closed due to flooding. Motorists are advised to follow diversions in place. Offaly County Council regrets any inconvenience caused by these essential closures. Met Eireann has issued a weather warning alert for a band of very strong winds, associated with Storm Jorge which will extend across the Country during Saturday morning and persist through the rest of the day and into the night. Some falls of sleet and hill snow are also possible. Offaly County Council crews will respond to issues due to the high winds when safe to do so. For useful tips for driving in adverse weather conditions check out https://www.rsa.ie/RSA/Road-Safety/Campaigns/Current-road-safety-campaigns/Severe-Weather-Advice/

Press release 27th February, 2020 Emergency meeting of Municipal District of Birr in relation to Flooding At an emergency meeting of the Municipal District of Birr held on Tuesday 25th February, 2020 to discuss the current flooding situation the Members present expressed their concerns in relation to the number of areas that are flooded at present and the unfortunate people that are caught up in the crisis. The Members explored the measures that could be followed to try and alleviate the problem and for an action plan to be put in place to seek funding to carry out works if feasible to ensure that the problems do not reoccur in the future. They agreed to explore the following: • Identify and compile a register of recurring flooding areas and submit same to the Department as a matter of urgency to seek emergency funding to implement measures if feasible to try and prevent or reduce future flooding. • Carry out an assessment of damage caused to roads and bridges from the flooding and seek additional funding from the Department for rehabilitation of same. • Assess the proposals for the rehabilitation of the Bord Na Mona bogs to identify if this will cause any further problems, and to explore if there could be a funding stream available through this process to try and mitigate future flooding events.​

Offaly County Council continues to monitoring river levels in the County. We are prepared for the deployment of defence measures if required and our crews continue to respond to localised flooding. The following roads are currently impacted: Botley Lane, Portarlington L50151 remains closed due to flooding; local diversions are in place; The Shannon Harbour to Banagher Road L7014-1 remains closed due to flooding; The Crank Road L-7017-1 in Banagher is closed due to flooding; local diversions are in place; The Pollagh to Derrynagun Road L7020-6 remains closed due to flooding; The R438 at Anglers Rest on the Tipperary/Offaly border remains closed due to flooding. Motorists are advised to follow diversions in place. Offaly County Council regret any inconvenience caused by these essential closures. Met Eireann has issued a weather warning alert for a band of very strong winds, associated with storm Jorge (Hor-hay) which will extend across the Country during Saturday morning and persist through the rest of the day and into the night. Southwest veering westerly winds of mean speeds 50 to 65km/h with gusts of 90 to 110km/h expected. Offaly County Council crews will respond to issues due to the high winds when safe to do so. For useful tips for driving in adverse weather conditions check out https://www.rsa.ie/RSA/Road-Safety/Campaigns/Current-road-safety-campaigns/Severe-Weather-Advice/

Proposed Part 8 Development - Tullamore River Project

Offaly County Council continues to monitor river levels in the County. We are prepared for the deployment of defence measures if required and our crews continue to respond to localised flooding. The following roads are currently impacted: Botley Lane, Portarlington L50151 remains closed due to flooding; local diversions are in place; The Shannon Harbour to Banagher Road L7014-1 remains closed due to flooding; The Pollagh to Derrynagun Road L7020-6 remains closed due to flooding; The R438 at Anglers Rest on the Tipperary/Offaly border remains closed due to flooding. Motorists are advised to follow diversions in place. Offaly County Council regret any inconvenience caused by these essential closures. For useful tips for driving in adverse weather conditions check out https://www.rsa.ie/RSA/Road-Safety/Campaigns/Current-road-safety-campaigns/Severe-Weather-Advice/

April is the time for National Spring Clean and Offaly County Council is assisting all groups who volunteer to clean up their local towns and villages.

Offaly County Council continues to monitor river levels in the County. We are prepared for the deployment of defence measures if required should levels continue to rise over the week. Our crews will respond to localised flooding as required. The following roads are currently impacted: Botley Lane, Portarlington L50151 is flooded and closed to traffic; local diversions have been put in place. The Shannon Harbour to Banagher Road L7014-1 is flooded and closed to traffic; The Pollagh to Derrynagun Road L7020-6 is flooded and closed to traffic; Offaly County Council regret any inconvenience caused by these essential closures. Wintry showers, mainly of hail and sleet, will become increasingly widespread during the day leading to icy patches. Some snow accumulations will also occur. Please take a minute to check out our Winter Maintenance Plan at https://www.offaly.ie/eng/Services/Roads/Winter-Maintenance/Winter-Maintenance-Plan-2019-20201.pdf . Please also see maps below of the routes which may be treated according to the Plan. Never assume any road is treated and adjust your driving accordingly. For useful tips for driving in adverse weather conditions check out https://www.rsa.ie/RSA/Road-Safety/Campaigns/Current-road-safety-campaigns/Severe-Weather-Advice/

Offaly County Council is monitoring river levels in the County with regard to the current spell of unsettled weather and significant periods of rainfall. We will continue to monitor river levels and to prepare for the deployment of defence measures if required should levels continue to rise over the week. Our crews will respond to localised flooding as required. The L50151 Botley Lane, Portarlington is flooded and closed to traffic; local diversions have been put in place. The L7014 Shannon Harbour to Banagher Road is also flooded and closed to traffic. Offaly County Council regret any inconvenience caused by these essential closures.

Offaly County Council is monitoring river levels in the County with regard to the current spell of unsettled weather and the forecast period of rainfall. We will continue to monitor river levels and to prepare for the deployment of defense measures if required should levels continue to rise over the week. Our crews will respond to localised flooding as required #YourCouncil Boost

On 18th February, Offaly County Council received communications from the Department of Justice and Equality regarding the signing of a contract for the provision of an accommodation centre for applicants for international protection at the former Marian Hostel Centre in Tullamore, County Offaly. Following same, a meeting took place on the 20th February at the office of Offaly County Council. The meeting was attended by the Members of Tullamore Municipal District and Senior Management together with representatives from the Department of Justice and Equality, the HSE, the Education and Welfare Service of Tusla and the Department of Education. Representatives from Bridgestock Care Ltd, the company who own the Centre and have been contracted to manage same, were also in attendance. The meeting provided an opportunity for the exchange of information with regard to the proposal. Members expressed their serious concerns in relation to a number of issues, particularly in relation to the lack of information and engagement in advance of the announcement. Discussions centred around the location and extent of facilities to be provided and also arrangements for support services in terms of health, education and integration. Details were also discussed in relation to the number of persons to be accommodated, the commencement of the arrival process, phasing and management arrangements. These concerns and queries were made from both a local perspective and also with due regard for asylum seekers who will be placed in the centre. It was noted that the asylum seekers will be welcomed to Tullamore and that every effort will be made to assist in their settling and integration in the town. However, the Members dissatisfaction with regard to engagement and information in advance of the announcement was re-iterated. As Offaly County Council do not have a function in relation to this matter, it was noted that all queries can be addressed to the Press Office of the Department of Justice at pressoffice@justice.ie

The finals of the 2020 Offaly VEX Robotics Primary School Competition took place on Friday 31st January in Coláiste Choilm Tullamore, with 450 students from across the county bringing STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) skills to life by designing, building and programming robots to play against other schools. The Offaly competition has grown significantly since it started 12 months ago and we now have 28 primary schools participating in the competition with students from every corner of the county represented.

Call for Expressions of Interest Offaly County Council is seeking ideas in respect of projects which physically improve and / or increase the economic potential of towns and villages, in anticipation of the launch of the Town and Village Renewal Scheme 2020. We are asking community groups across the county to bring forward details of any project which the Council could consider for submission to the Department of Rural and Community Development.

Register of Electors - Are you on the register? You can check today via www.checktheregister.ie Postal – Special Voters Supplement: The closing date for the Supplement to the Postal Voters and Special Voters Lists is this Thursday 16th January 2020. Supplement Closing Date: The closing date for the Supplement to the Register of Electors is Wednesday 22nd January 2020. To apply to be included in the Supplement please download the form available in Irish or English available at https://www.offaly.ie/eng/Services/Corporate-Services/Register-of-Electors/Supplement-to-the-Register/, have it signed at a Garda Station and send to: Register of Electors Corporate Services Offaly County Council Áras an Chontae Charleville Road Tullamore Co. Offaly R35 F893

Offaly County Council crews dealt with a number of trees and poles throughout the county yesterday which fell on public roads as a result of Storm Brendan. All events have been successfully resolved and we thank the public for their assistance in notifying us of these and also abiding by the advice to avoid unnecessary travel during the period of the storm. A useful guide for preparing for dealing with the particular challenges that winter can present is available at https://www.winterready.ie/en and it details a number of practical and useful tips for being #winterready

Storm Brendan Weather Alert: Offaly County Council: 13/01/2020: 11am A meeting took place this morning of Offaly County Council’s Severe Weather Assessment Team to prepare for the possible impact of Storm Brendan. A status Orange weather warning is in in place for Offaly from Monday 13th January 3rd at 08.00am to Monday 13th January 03.00pm. This is subject to change and we ask people to check Met Eireann at https://www.met.ie/warnings/offaly for updates. The main message as of now is to stay safe and don’t take unnecessary risks. Members of the public are urged to be vigilant during the period of the warning and watch out for fallen trees or other debris. Check out the https://www.rsa.ie/RSA/Road-Safety/Campaigns/Current-road-safety-campaigns/Severe-Weather-Advice/ for advice on driving in adverse weather conditions The main contact number for emergencies is 0579346800 and our out of hours/emergency number is 1890 750 750

2020 applications are open for the following:- Arts Act Grants, Festival Arts Grants, Professional Artist Support Scheme and the call for submissions to exhibit in The Atrium of Offaly County Council. Closing date for all applications is Friday 31 January. Please follow this link for application forms and guidelines. https://www.offaly.ie/eng/Services/Arts-and-Culture/Grants_Awards/

At the December meeting of Offaly County Council, the three Offaly 2019 Pride of Place nominees were recognised for their huge contribution to the Social and Cultural fabric of the Communities they serve. Cllr Peter Ormond, Cathaoirleach of Offaly County Council presented the groups with their awards at the December Council Meeting. Commenting Cllr Peter Ormond said ‘I would like to offer sincere thanks to Birr Tidy Towns, St. Columcille Community Centre Durrow, and St. Brigid’s Social Club for representing the County and their Communities with such distinction. He went on to mention that Birr Tidy Towns were the recipient of a Special Award at the Pride of Place Awards night in the Lyrath Estate, Kilkenny last month ‘for the ceaseless dedication to Birr Town and its environs not just this year but every year and this was finally being recognised on a local and national stage. The Birr Tidy Towns Committee took home a special award after the Judges were impressed with how the local community “takes enormous and justifiable pride in enhancing the town’s built heritage to its full potential – and whose ongoing work in this area is exemplary.” St. Colmcille Community Centre committee Durrow represented Tullamore Municipal District in the population category 300- 1,000. The centre-piece of their submission was an extremely ambitious and all-encompassing hall renovation project which the group undertook this year. Representing the Edenderry Municipal District were St. Brigid’s Social Club Cloneyhurke in the Community Well-Being Initiative. St. Brigid’s are an extremely dedicated and hugely successful group which provide a great service to the local area all year round.

Minister Michael Ring is today officially opening E-hive co-working hub in Edenderry, having been made possible by Town and Village Renewal Scheme funding from the Department of Rural and Community Development. This state of the art digital co-working space is located in the iconic Edenderry Town Hall, built as a Market House in 1826, and until 2013 had housed Edenderry Courthouse. It’s high quality contemporary design in a historic space matches the best co-working facilities in San Francisco. This Town Hall sits in a town square which benefited from a public renewal project also funded through the Town & Village Renewal Scheme, creating a civic space that has enabled the rebirth recently of the Edenderry Festival.

Offaly County Council adopted their budget for the year 2020 on 18th November, 2019

Offaly County Council wishes to invite applications under the Built Heritage Investment Scheme (BHIS) for 2021, as operated by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage.

Rural Regeneration Development Fund 2019 Department of Rural and Community Development announced on the 6th November RRDF for rural projects. Edenderry, phase 1 regeneration project for the Old Tesco Site back lands project was successful under the above scheme and funding of €522,207 from the Department was secured to construct a Link Road from Granary Court to Fairgreen. Offaly County Council will provide match funding of €174,069 of 25% to bring the total project cost to €696,276. The project is to construct a 200m Link Road from Granary Court to Fairgreen. This link road proposes to unlock the potential of a large derelict section of Edenderry Town Centre opening up back lands and long derelict opportunity sites. The benefiting site of 13.38 hectares, stretches from JKL Street to the north all the way to Blundell Park to the south. Edenderry is located close to the county boundary with Kildare and Meath and the rural hinterland which it serves includes areas in Offaly, Kildare and Meath. This project will: • Open up the former Tesco Supermarket site 0.425 hectares, which has laid vacant for over a 15 years detracting from the appearance of the Edenderry Town Centre; Offaly County Council envisage this site as a new Public Library and enterprise, community centre • Open up the former Williams Waller Grain Stores 1.12hectares (vacant, derelict and centre of anti-social activity) • Stimulate the development of Office of Public Works (OPW) lands 1.13 hectares, formerly earmarked for decentralisation; • Open up a combination of small sites totalling 1.805 hectares • Promote more sustainable transport options through a vital link, improving permeability to Blundell Park (8.9 hectares) and canal greenway The link Road proposed would provide a road link, footways, cycle-ways, broadband infrastructure and service to support the development of this area and provide the spine for the Master plan being developed and funded by RRDF, 2018.

Draft Budget 2020 - Offaly County Council and Supplementary Directors Reports now available for download

Notice of Draft Local Authority Budget for 2020

Notice is hereby given that the Draft Register of Electors for 2020/2021 was published on the 1st November 2019. This Draft Register of Electors can be checked at your local Post Office, Public Library, Garda Station, Courthouse or Local Authority Office. Make sure you can vote by ensuring that your name is on the Draft Register of Electors by 25th November 2019. If you have a physical illness or disability or your occupation or place of study prevents you from voting at your polling station, you should apply to go on the Postal or Special Voters List, as appropriate, by 25th November next. Any person who wishes to check if they are on the current Draft 2020/2021 Register of Electors may check same on Offaly County Council website – www.offaly.ie or www.checktheregister.ie. Any queries should be directed to the Voter Registration Section, Offaly County Council, Áras an Chontae, Charleville Road, Tullamore, Co. Offaly. Telephone 057 9357402. UNLESS YOU’RE REGISTERED, YOU CANNOT VOTE. Mary Flynn Kenny, A/Senior Executive Officer, Corporate Services. November, 2019.

Offaly County Council welcomes the allocation of an additional €500,000 in funding to the Offaly LEADER Local Action Group (LAG) which is one of the top ten best performing LAGs in the country under the LEADER programme. The €.5m bonus allocation comes on top of the approved budget of €8m for the Offaly LEADER Programme 2014-2020. Councillor Declan Harvey, Chair of the Offaly Local Community Development Committee, (LCDC) said: “This funding is fantastic news for communities and enterprises throughout Offaly, and is a welcome recognition of the impressive work carried out by Offaly LCDC. The funding will greatly benefit a variety of projects in many areas of Offaly who are looking to improve their communities through grant aid funding under the LEADER Programme.” LEADER is delivered by 29 Local Actions Groups (LAGs) in Ireland whose role is to develop local strategies and to identify, select and fund projects in their counties which support their local strategies. Offaly LCDC is the contract holder for the Programme and Offaly Local Development Company is the Implementing Partner. CEO of Offaly Local Development Company, Brendan O’Loughlin, in welcoming the additional €500,000 LEADER funding said that “it is a testament to both the co-operation and work of Offaly Local Development Company, Offaly County Council, Offaly LCDC and to the communities and businesses that have brought projects forward to date.” The bonus was announced on Monday by the Minister for Community and Rural Development Michael Ring. Nationally the top ten performing counties for Leader funding have been given a €5m boost, resulting in a top up payment of €.5m to each of these counties, including Offaly. The selection of Offaly Leader LAG comes after a nationwide assessment of the level of funding approved and the level of funding drawn down in respect of projects on 20 September 2019, with the county assessed in eight place overall. Anna Marie Delaney Chief Executive of Offaly County Council said “This extra funding will be put to good use in implementing the Local Development Strategy and is a strong endorsement of the performance of Offaly Local Community Development Committee.” Announcing the allocation of the additional funding, Minister Ring said: “I am delighted to be in a position to provide additional funding to the top 10 areas where there is a strong demand for LEADER funding. I know that the extra funding will be of direct benefit to these communities receiving additional funding and will facilitate the approval of a higher number of LEADER projects in those areas. The ten best-performing groups will now be rewarded with €500,000 in extra funding to invest in rural communities in their counties.”

Keep up to date with the Tullamore Street Enhancement Works with our regular newsletters

Offaly County Council’s Environment & Water Services Section initiated proceedings against an individual for illegal dumping and the case was heard in Athlone District Court on Friday 4th October. The person involved is a serial dumper and we have taken 7 prosecutions against him, some of which are on-going. There has been a huge amount of time, resources and administration spent on pursuing this individual. In our most recent case on Friday in Athlone Court, the defendant failed to appear following the execution of a bench warrant. The Judge, clearly intolerant of illegal dumping and time wasting, imposed an 8 week prison sentence. The defendant is due in court at the end of the month for another case of illegal dumping. This highlights that both the public and the Council will not accept the blight on its countryside by irresponsible individuals and will take action to combat same. Offaly County Council has received and investigated 776 complaints to date this year which relate to illegal dumping and waste storage issues and also includes assistance with 200 voluntary clean ups. For further information, contact Caroline Clancy on 086 3803870.

Press Release: 5pm Wednesday, 2nd October 2019. Local Co-Ordination Group A meeting took place this evening of Offaly County Council’s Local Emergency Co-Ordination Group to prepare for the possible impact of Storm Lorenzo. A status Yellow weather warning is in place for Offaly from Thursday 3rd October at 09.00am to Friday 4th October 06.00am. This is subject to change and we ask people to check Met Eireann at https://www.met.ie/ for updates. Work is happening at local level with regard to clearing gullies and drains and we would advise homeowners and business owners to check their own properties. We would ask the public to check https://www.winterready.ie/ for advice on how to deal with potential adverse weather conditions. Please check on the elderly and isolated neighbours and friends and ensure they have adequate stocks of food and fuel. The main message as of now is to stay safe and don’t take unnecessary risks. Check out the https://www.rsa.ie/RSA/Road-Safety/Campaigns/Current-road-safety-campaigns/Severe-Weather-Advice/ for advice on driving in adverse weather conditions The main contact number for emergencies is 0579346800 and our out of hours/emergency number is 1890 750 750

A PUBLIC MEETING of Offaly County Joint Policing Committee will be held in the ST. BRIGIDS SOCIAL CLUB, GARRYHINCH, PORTARLINGTON COUNTY OFFALY [R32 CY89] on Monday, 7th October 2019 at 7pm Members of the public are welcome to attend The function of a Joint Policing Committee is to serve as a forum for consultations, discussions and recommendations on matters affecting the policing of the local authority’s administrative area. Members of the public have the right to make their views known and ask questions of the Joint Policing Committee. Questions will be accepted by the Joint Policing Committee from any individual member of the public, or collectively from any group/organisation. Questions in relation to the above, or any other relevant topic, should be submitted in writing in advance to Gerard Bruton, Corporate Services, Offaly County Council, Áras an Chontae, Charleville Road, Tullamore, County Offaly, by email to gbruton@offalycoco.ie or by phone at Tel. (057) 93 57402 no later than 3pm on Wednesday, 2nd October 2019. It should be noted that in some circumstances it may not be possible to provide information requested. Name and contact details of those submitting the question should be supplied, but will not necessarily be publicised at the meeting.

The Finance (Local Property Tax) Act 2012 (as amended), makes specific provision that Elected Members of a local authority may pass a formal resolution to vary the basic rate of the Local Property Tax for their administrative area by a percentage known as the Local Adjustment Factor.

The “Creating Economic and Business Opportunities from Climate Change” conference will take place in the Tullamore Court Hotel on Wednesday 9th of October. The first of its’ kind to be hosted in the Midlands, this exciting national conference explores how businesses, in addressing and responding to climate change, can realise unique economic and business opportunities. The conference is an initiative of the Regional Transition Team under the auspices of the Midlands Regional Enterprise Plan to 2020 (MREP). This conference is linked to Actions of the MREP 2020, National Adaptation Framework 2018 and the recently published, All of Government Climate Action Plan - to tackle Climate Breakdown.

Offaly County Council is currently preparing the Draft Register of Electors for 2020/2021. This Register of Electors will come into effect as the Live Register of Electors on 15th February, 2020.

On Monday the 16th and Tuesday 17th September a road closure will be in place on the R357 at Lecarrow, Shannonbridge.

Offaly County Council is shaping the county’s smart future with primary school children through Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) using VEX IQ Robotics. Earlier this year, Offaly County Council in partnership with the Department of Rural and Community Development and Cork Institute of Technology delivered an exciting new digital programme to 16 primary schools in the county. VEX Robotics is an exciting programme where primary school children from 5-12 years learn about STEM in an engaging way. They design, build, code and compete with their robot and it gives children as young as five years old their first opportunity to learn about engineering and robotics while having fun.

Environmental Awareness - Do you have a project or initiative that could help to increase awareness of environmental issues locally, or that could help your community to become more sustainable? If so, you may qualify for financial assistance from the Local Agenda 21 (LA21) Environmental Partnership Fund 2019. This Fund promotes sustainable development by assisting small scale, non-profit environmental projects at local level.

LOCAL PROPERTY TAX (LPT) 2020 - NOTICE

The Cathaoirleach of Offaly County Council, Cllr. Peter Ormond called a special briefing meeting for members on Tuesday 23rdJuly. The objective and urgency of the meeting was to outline and brief members on the detail and implications of the decision by An Bord Pleanála to refuse planning permission for the redevelopment of West Offaly Power Station at Shannonbridge.

The Cathaoirleach, Councillor Peter Ormond, and Members of Offaly County Council extend their congratulations to Shane Lowry on his success in The (British) Open Golf Championships over the weekend. The Chief Executive on her own behalf and on behalf of the staff of Offaly County Council joined with the members in offering congratulations also.

Notice is hereby given that Offaly County Council has prepared a draft scheme for the implementation of its Strategic Policy Committee system. The membership of each SPC will consist of elected members and sectoral representatives. The Draft Scheme provides for 4 SPCs namely: 1. Housing 2. Land Use, Planning and Economic Development 3. Climate Action, Environment, Water and Transportation. 4. Community, Cultural and Emergency Services.

The Tullamore Street Enhancement Project is now nearing the end of its third stage on Bridge Street, Tullamore.

The application was secured after successful collaboration between Offaly County Council and Waterways Ireland. This project will complete the Tullamore to Daingean stretch and link Daingean to Boora with 38KM of Greenway. The facility will allow local communities to get out and enjoy all the health benefits associated with been active. In addition, activity tourism has become a major decision maker for tourists visiting Ireland, particularly walking and cycling in safe scenic areas. County Offaly and its communities stand to gain from this development, providing another reason for both domestic and international visitors to travel to the county.

Offaly County Council Offaly Climate Change Adaptation Strategy 2019 - 2024

The I-LOFAR Education Centre in Birr was officially opened on 30th May 2019 by Professor Dame Jocelyn Bell Burnell. The Education Centre was funded by the Department of Rural and Community Affairs in conjunction with Offaly County Council, Trinity College Dublin and Birr Scientific & Heritage Foundation Ireland. Cathaoirleach Cllr. Danny Owens, Offaly County Council addressed the guests and his speech follows below.

In accordance with Local Elections Regulations 1995, declarations of the results of the poll taken on May 24th 2019 to fill 19 seats on Offaly county council and the results of counts for each of the local electoral areas of Birr, Edenderry and Tullamore have been published on the website of Offaly County Council at www.offaly.ie and are available at the Council’s offices at Áras An Chontae, Charleville Road, Tullamore, Co. Offaly.

The Annual Meeting of Offaly County Council will convene on Friday, 7th June 2019 at 2.00 p.m. at which the first business of the newly elected Council will be the election of it’s Cathaoirleach. This meeting is the first meeting of the newly elected Council following the local elections held on the 24th of May 2019.

Please note: From Wednesday 29/05/2019 to Friday 14/06/2019 inclusive, the Housing Section public counter will open from 9.30am to 2.00pm only (excluding weekends and public holidays).

RSA & IFA call on farmers and motorists to think safety first and share the road The Road Safety Authority (RSA) and the Irish Farmers Association (IFA) are urging road users to take extra care as the number of tractors, trailers and other farm machinery using the roads increases. The appeal comes as farmers and contractors around the country undertake the first cut of silage. Michael Rowland, Director Road Safety Research & Driver Education, RSA, said: “This is a very busy time of year for farmers with silage cutting underway. There are more tractors and trailers out using the roads, which means the risk of a collision involving a road user and farm machinery has increased. Motorists need to be on the lookout for tractors, trailers and other agricultural machinery exiting from fields and farm-yards. We should all expect the unexpected, as danger could literally be around the next corner.” Drivers of agricultural vehicles are being reminded that they are subject to all road traffic legislation. They are required to carry the appropriate license and farm vehicles are required to be taxed, insured and must be roadworthy, including fully operational lights front and rear. IFA President, Joe Healy said: “I am appealing to everybody to be safety conscious during this busy period. If we cooperate, we can all share the roads. I would ask drivers of machinery to watch for traffic building up to the rear and to keep left if an opportunity arises to let traffic pass safely. For other road users, I would ask them to be patient and do not attempt to overtake unless it is safe to do so.” Drivers of agricultural vehicles are reminded: • to wash down wheels regularly to avoid carrying mud and stones onto the public road • to be particularly careful when transporting material such as silage, slurry, sand and gravel so that it does not spill on the road and pose a road safety risk • not to load overload trailers so as to cause them to be unstable on the road • to look out for low bridges, overhanging trees, overhead cables and uneven road surfaces which could cause the load to shift and possibly overturn • the driving mirror must provide an adequate view of the road to the rear and all agricultural vehicles must have proper working brakes on both tractor and trailer units. They also must be fitted with lights, reflectors and indicators. • that large farming vehicles should consider using an escort vehicle to warn other road users, and, • to ensure that tractors are driven at an appropriate speed for the road conditions. For more information on legal requirements and road safety regarding agricultural vehicles using public roads, please contact the RSA at info@rsa.ie;

Proposal to Extend the Existing Kilreaghan Cemetery at Kincora, Ferbane, By Offaly County Council

Not sure what goes in which bin? Wondering what can and can’t be recycled? Not sure where you should dispose of bulky items? Check out www.mywaste.ie, the definitive guide on household waste, provided by the Regional Waste Management offices in association with the Department of Communications, Climate Action and Environment.

Offaly County Council have successfully secured €132,795 in funding for flood remediation work on the Bog Road Portarlington.

• Recent RSA survey of 450 motorcyclists found that 12% have been involved in a road collision in the past two years • To date in 2019 there have been 4 motorcyclist deaths, three more than the same period in 2018 • Parents reminded not to put scramblers or quadbikes in hands of children

The Local Government Operational Procurement Centre (LGOPC) has published a Multi-Party Framework Agreement for Public Service Bodies to procure Road Signs & Ancillaries (Supply Only). The LGOPC will carry out a competition to appoint Suppliers to the Framework. Public Service Bodies will then run competitions with the Suppliers in their area to procure Road Signs. To access the Framework documentation, please ensure you register on the Office of Government Procurement website www.etenders.gov.ie.

Notice of Annual Audit - Offaly County Council - April 2019

Offaly County Council, in partnership with Approved Housing Body Oaklee, proposes to carry out development at Clonminch, Tullamore, County Offaly. The development consists of: Construction of 19 housing units (14 x 2 bed units (single-storey) & 5 x 1 bed units (single-storey)) and all associated site works.

Local Authority: OFFALY COUNTY COUNCIL. An election of members for each of the local electoral areas of the above-mentioned local authority is about to be held. Nomination papers may be obtained from the address below during the usual office hours.

Public Information Meeting for Tullamore proposed Part 8 Planning Offaly County Council have proposed the following for consideration for Part 8 Planning under the Planning & Development Act 2000 (as amended) and Planning & Development Regulation 2001 (as amended). (1) Tullamore Street Enhancement - Harbour and Store Street and (2) Grand Canal Greenway shared walking and cycling route from Convent View, Tullamore to Srah Bridge, Ballydrohid, Tullamore As part of this public consultation, a Public Information Meeting has been arranged to take place as follows: Where: Tullamore Municipal District, Acres Hall, Cormac Street, Tullamore. When: 2pm-8pm on Monday 1st April 2019 The purpose of this meeting is so that members of the public can view and discuss the proposed projects with Offaly County Council staff. Staff will also be available to provide information, answer queries and to assist with the submission process. Full plans and details are available in 1) Offaly County Council, Planning Section, Áras an Chontae, Charleville Road, Tullamore, County Offaly. 2) Tullamore Municipal District, Acres Hall, Cormac Street, Tullamore, County Offaly. 3) Branch Library, O’Connor Square, Tullamore and on Offaly County Council website www.offaly.ie for inspection by members of the public. These Part 8 Planning proposals are on display from 13th of March 2019 to 11th April 2019 (both dates inclusive). The closing date for written submissions on either proposal is the 25th April 2019 and may be made in writing to Planning Section, Offaly County Council, Áras an Chontae, Charleville Road, Tullamore.

Planting for our Planet - Play your part and help combat climate change during National Tree Week 2019! • Planting more trees is the most efficient way of removing carbon from the atmosphere and combatting climate change • Tree week is a week-long festival encouraging people to plant more trees and get involved in local activities happening in their area • Over half a million trees planted during National Tree Week since if first began in 1985.

Current Jobs advertised in Offaly County Council.

PURCHASE OF SCHEMES OF HOUSES FOR SOCIAL HOUSING Offaly County Council is seeking to purchase schemes of houses for Social Housing purposes in County Offaly. The criteria for decision to purchase would include the following: • Social Housing need in the area concerned. • Timescale for delivery. • Value for money • Quality and design Expressions of interest in providing houses should be sent to Director of Services for Housing, Offaly County Council, Áras an Chontae, Charleville Rd, Tullamore not later than Thursday, 28th February 2019. Please note that Offaly County Council is not obliged to purchase any schemes submitted and that house purchases are subject to the approval of the Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government.

REPAIR AND LEASING SCHEME (RLS) LOAN SCHEME FOR REPAIR OF VACANT HOUSES & APARTMENTS IN COUNTY OFFALY. • Do you own a vacant house or apartment that’s in need of repair? • Is lack of funding a problem? • Would you lease the property if funding repairs were to be made available to you? The Repair and Leasing Scheme (RLS) may be for you The basis of the scheme is that repair and improvement works to suitable vacant properties are funded to bring them up to the standards for rented accommodation. The cost of the works is then deducted from lease payments over an agreed lease term. The minimum term of the lease is 5 years. For more information: Visit our website: www.offaly.ie/housing Email: rls@offalycoco.ie Phone: 057 9346800

Last September, the Minister for Rural and Community Development, Mr Michael Ring, TD, announced the launch of a National Community Event, to be held for the first time over the May Bank Holiday weekend, 2019. Local communities are asked to come up with ideas for events in their areas. The event is a celebration of the great spirit of community that exists across the country and an effort to help people who share communities to come together, get to know each other and deepen the sense of community in their area. Events could be centred round food, sport, the environment, health, heritage, culture, family fun day, etc

Section 15 (3) of the Electoral Act 1992 provides that a registration authority must publish details of any corrections to the Register within the period specified for same, i.e. from 1st to 15th February and that such corrections will be deemed to form part of the Register of Electors and any supplement prepared in relation to same.

Offaly County Council, in partnership with Approved Housing Body Oaklee, proposes to carry out development at Kearney’s field, Tullamore, County Offaly.

REGISTER OF ELECTORS 2019/2020 & EDITED REGISTER OF ELECTORS 2019/2020 Notice is hereby given that the Register of Electors for 2019/2020 and the Edited version of this Register were published on the 1st February 2019 and will come into force on the 15th February, 2019. The Register of Electors is available for inspection at Council Offices, Garda Stations, Post Offices and Libraries. Persons omitted from the above registers may apply for inclusion on the Supplement to the Register which will be published in the event of an Election or Referendum. Any queries should be directed to Corporate Services, Offaly County Council at Tel: 057 9357402 UNLESS YOU’RE REGISTERED, YOU CANNOT VOTE.

Offaly County Council and the Department of Rural and Community Development are providing funding under the Digital Innovation Programme to roll out an exciting new digital initiative for 16 primary schools in Offaly. The Initiative is to expose students to Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) fundamentals within the context of building a robot using Vex IQ.

Following the launch of the Midland Regional Enterprise Plan to 2020 on February 6th 2019 in County Laois, Minister Humphreys travelled to Birr Castle to visit I-LOFAR and the STREAM Creative Suite Project.

The weather forcecast for the remainder of the week indicates unsettled and very cold weather with frost and some sleet and snow anticipated. Offaly County Council prepare for such a week and any night where frost is forecast in line with our Winter Service Plan available on our website. (https://www.offaly.ie/eng/Services/Roads/Winter-Maintenance/) Offaly County Council treats 430km of national routes and regional routes above a certain traffic count. Routes are prioritised on the volume of traffic on the roads. We treat 4 routes for each run taking 4 – 5 hours or longer depending on conditions. Offaly County Council Engineers will monitor the forecast and information and graphs from the weather stations across the Region to determine the level of salt treatment required and the best time to start treating. If necessary our drivers will cover the routes a number of times throughout the day and night. If the snow is significant to warrant ploughing we will plough and treat. Our salt barns are full and the plant and equipment is checked and ready to mobilise. Unnecessary travel during periods of severe weather should be avoided if at all possible. Those taking to the roads should do so with due care and attention considering the conditions to be encountered. Road users should not assume that roads included in the winter service plan have been treated and are free of ice at all times. Motorists and pedestrians are requested to make themselves aware of the Road Safety Authorities guide to driving in winter conditions. Regular updates will be available during severe weather periods on www.offaly.ie, Offaly social Media platform and through local broadcast media.

Offaly County Council - Adopted Budget 2019

Minister for Rural & Community Development, Michael Ring TD announced today €400,000 for 2 separate projects along the Grand Canal Greenway under the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme.

Tullamore Public Realm Enhancement Works to commence in January 2019 David Walsh Civil Engineering Ltd. has been contracted by Offaly County Council to undertake Tullamore Public Realm Enhancement Works. The project includes the phased public realm improvement works to High St, Bridge St, Columcille St, Millennium Square and O’Connor Square. The works to High Street and Bridge Street will involve the undergrounding of the existing overhead wires together with the removal of existing poles. The existing street lighting will be replaced with new feature light poles. The existing footpath will be replaced and widened at particular locations. Road reconstruction and surfacing will also be undertaken on a phased basis. To facilitate the works on High Street and Bridge Street it will be necessary to restrict traffic to a One-Way Outbound traffic management system. Traffic will be prohibited from travelling inbound from Cormac Street & O’Moore Street and traffic will be redirected towards the town center via alternative detour routes (see map overleaf). It will not be possible to facilitate on-street carparking, while the one-way system is in operation. Once the works progress past the Tara Street entrance, two-way traffic will be facilitated between O’Moore Street and Tara Street only (between A and C on the map overleaf) to allow local traffic access to the Bridge Centre carpark. Works are to commence on High Street (from the junction with O’Moore St.) from Wednesday 2nd January 2018. The one-way system will be in operation from this date and will remain in place up to the end of June 2019. Please note that during the above works, there will be some disruption as the work in the footpath moves past doorways / entrances, however we will endeavor to keep this disruption to a minimum.

Notice of advertising of Part 8 for the development of a proposed internal link road in Edenderry

Offaly secure €60,000 to establish open-access WiFi hot-spots throughout the county. Minister of State at the Department of Rural and Community Development, Seán Canney TD today welcomed the announcement of the first successful applicants of the European WiFi initiative, WiFi4EU. This announcement sees Offaly secure €60,000 to establish open-access WiFi hot-spots throughout the county. €30,000 was secured through the European WiFi initiative and the Department of Rural and Community Development provided match funding of €30,000. Broadband Officer for Offaly County Council Ray Bell, stated “This is great news for Offaly as it allows us to continue to provide free public access to WiFi throughout the county. Earlier this year we provided free public WiFi along the Shannon in Shannon Bridge, Banagher and Shannon Harbour. In early 2019, the Greenway along the Grand Canal will be connected at Edenderry, Daingean, Tullamore, Pollagh and Shannon Harbour. This announcement today will improve the connectivity of communities in Offaly and enable us to support the flagship tourism and recreation projects that we are working towards in the county." The funding was awarded at EU level on a first-come first-served basis and Minister Canney added: “This outcome shows how proactive local authorities in Ireland are and their determination to bring connectivity to their areas. They are doing as much as they can to provide their communities with a much needed service and their efforts and engagement need to be applauded. Officials from my Department worked very closely with Broadband Officers, local authorities and the European Commission ahead of the first call for applications, and this great result is a demonstration of the very positive engagement and willingness from all involved to improve the connectivity of communities https://drcd.gov.ie/about/news-centre/press-releases/minister-canney-welcomes-european-funding-of-e885000-for-21-local-authorities-under-the-wifi4eu-initiative/?fbclid=IwAR1W0zuacFPxTtx-sd5bICOK3uPDpG61sNTNLoESBFq31Hsi2NLYMdAnBuk

STREAM Creative Suite – €458,240 for Birr Offaly Innovation & Design Centre CLG in partnership with Local Enterprise Office (LEO) Offaly, Offaly County Council and I-LOFAR has been awarded €458,240 from the Enterprise Ireland Regional Development Fund to establish “STREAM Creative Suite” in Birr Technology Centre. Orla Martin, Head of Enterprise in LEO Offaly explained that STREAM Creative Suite will be a natural extension to the I-LOFAR Project. The I-LOFAR radio telescope, situated in Birr Castle, is the Irish Station in the largest radio telescope in the world. There are 52 LOFAR Stations across Europe, generating 3 Gbps per station, over 150 Gigabits per second, more than 6 Petabytes per year. Unique Opportunities with I-LOFAR in Birr • The Irish Station, part of the largest radio telescope in the world • Primary (currently only) access to the biggest source of big data • Policy Support for I-LOFAR Project – Offaly County Council Local Economic & Community Plan (LECP) and Action Plan for Jobs: Midland Region • Builds on rich astronomical heritage of Birr Castle Gardens & Science Centre • Increases potential for Science Tourism • Increases potential for STEM Education and Outreach (Newly opened I-LOFAR Education Centre is set to deliver range of Space related camps and workshops for students and teachers) • Creates compelling proposition for IDA to attract FDI Big Data Companies to Birr/Midlands I-LOFAR provides a unique opportunity to access big data in real time. This data can be utilised for training purposes and for proving algorithms for many sectors. Professors and researchers of universities affiliated with the international LOFAR network together with Software Developers and Data Analysts from companies operating within or in cooperation with companies based in the Midland Region will have the opportunity to use the STREAM Creative Suite – either through regular hot desk usage or through the establishment of a base there. The space will comprise an open plan work area for researchers, a training room and smaller office spaces. The programme will also include a residential/visiting researcher programme, support for workshops, summer internships, and training in Data Analytics and related topics. The funding will also support the salary costs of a manager who will be hired for 3 years to run the suite and develop future activities. The Creative Suite will bring together researchers and practitioners in areas such as the visual arts, multi-media, technology and astronomy, who share a common interest in Big Data. Offaly County Council Cathaoirleach Cllr. Danny Owens welcomed the news and acknowledged the collaborative efforts those who made the successful application: Offaly County Council’s Chief Executive, Ms. Anna Marie Delaney; Head of Enterprise, Ms. Orla Martin; Prof. Peter Gallagher, I-LOFAR Consortium and Mr. Joe Hogan, Founder of Openet. The STREAM Creative Suite has been developed by Offaly Innovation & Design Centre CLG, Local Enterprise Office Offaly, Offaly County Council and I-LOFAR and is supported by Enterprise Ireland’s Regional Development Fund.

Offaly based community groups were among those honoured at the annual IPB Pride of Place awards held on Cork City Hall on Saturday evening the 17th. Moneygall Development Association were crowned overall winners in the Community Tourism Category. Accepting the award, Chairperson Henry Healy, stated “Moneygall has worked hard to create an exciting tourist destination and this award is recognition of the pride we have in our community”. Representing County Offaly with great distinction in the IPB Pride of Place Awards were Clonbullogue Development Association, Acquired Brain Injury Ireland Mount Bolus and Moneygall Development Association.

Local Government Act 2001 – Part 19 & Section 199(1) Waste Management Act 1996 – Section 35(1)

The Statutory Annual Budget Meeting will be held in the Council Chamber, Aras and Chontae, Tullamore on Monday, 19th November, 2018 at 2pm

Offaly County Council has agreed to set up a working group, representing all relevant stakeholders, to pursue funding opportunities and actions to mitigate the impact of the BNM job losses on the individuals concerned, and the impact on the Local and Regional Economy. The working group will consist of a number of stakeholders including members of the Council, representatives from enterprise, education and training sectors, and the various state agencies. The Council have also sought a meeting between the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and the Environment, Mr. Richard Bruton and a delegation from the Council.

Notice of advertising of Part 8 for the development of a proposed internal link road in Edenderry

Outdoor Fire Safety Guidance. Some useful fire safety tips when out and about

While in Ferbane on Monday to open the new Fire Station, Minister Eoghan Murphy also took the opportunity to meet some of the new residents of Mill Race Ferbane. Offaly County Council acquired 5 units in this development from Droughill Builders Ltd. following a call to developers to provide finished, turnkey standard units to the Local Authority. Droughill Builders finished out the units to a high standard and the houses were allocated to five families in recent weeks. The Minister met the families present on Monday and wished them well in their new homes. Offaly County Council continues its work programme to meet the targets set by the Department of Housing, Planning, Community & Local Government through a blend of new construction schemes, acquisition of houses, leasing and provision of the Housing Assistance Payment.

Offaly County Council's Public Spending Code Quality Assurance Report 2017

Offaly County Council's list of Purchase Orders raised in excess of €20,000

Unaudited Annual Financial Statement for the year ended 31st December 2017

Public Participation: Identification of Bathing Waters Local authorities must identify official bathing areas in their area every year so that they can be monitored for safety, water quality and their level of use. To help with this process, Offaly County Council are asking people who swim at beaches, lakes and rivers to tell them if they think they should maintain existing designated bathing waters designations or give a new official bathing area designation to areas that are commonly used for swimming, but not identified at the moment. Under European and Irish law, Irish local authorities must identify bathing waters each year so that these areas can be monitored to ensure they meet stringent microbiological water quality standards. In some cases, the official bathing areas are also the areas where local authorities focus their resources providing lifeguards during the summer season. These laws also require that the local authority prepares detailed descriptions or profiles for each of the identified bathing water sites that describe not just the bathing area but also areas in the surface waters catchment area that could be a source of pollution. The profiles include an assessment the risk of pollution and what action would be taken if pollution occurs. If you are a regular swimmer and want to help your Council decide which bathing areas should be classified as such, it might be helpful to consider the following: • How your swimming area has been used up to now; • How many people use the site; • What facilities exist at the site and how accessible it is; • Any safety issues. If you wish to propose your favourite beach/river etc as a new bathing water site or comment on an existing site please contact... Closing date for submissions to Offaly County Council is 22nd June 2018. For further information please email waterservices@offalycoco.ie or Tel: 0579346800

Offaly County Council wish to establish a multi-party framework agreement with suitably qualified and experienced Building Contractors for the provision of a variety of small to medium sized building works over the lifetime of the framework.

Slieve Bloom Mountain Bike Trails official ground-breaking by Mr. Charlie Flanagan, T.D., Minister for Justice and Equality. Coillte, in partnership with Offaly and Laois County Councils are pleased to announce that the Slieve Bloom Mountain Bike Trails (MTB) project has moved one important step closer to becoming a reality. The sod was turned on Phase 1 today, 27th April 2018 by Mr. Charlie Flanagan, Minister for Justice and Equality. After a competitive two stage tendering process, contractors Metro Construction have been appointed to construct this phase and will work closely with Coillte and the Local Authorities to ensure a trails product of international quality.

Offaly County Council is seeking to purchase schemes of houses up to a maximum of 20 on one site for Social Housing purposes in County Offaly. The critera for decision to purchase would include the following: Social Housing need in the area concerned. Timescale for delivery. Value for money. Quality and design. Expressions of interest in providing houses should be sent to Director of Services for Housing , Offaly County Council, Aras an Chontae, Charleville Road, Tullamore not later than 27th April 2018. ...

Offaly County Council in partnership with Waterways Ireland are pleased to announce the official opening of the Grand Canal Greenway, at Srah Tullamore on 12th of April 2018, by Mr. Michael Ring, T.D., Minister for Rural & Community Development

Today we will be using the hashtags #ourcouncilday and #ÁrLáSaChomhairle on Twitter to talk about some of the services that city and county councils provide. Tar isteach sa chomhluadar agus nocht do chuid tuairimí faoi na seirbhísí atá á sholáthar againn! Join in and talk to us about the services we are providing in your community today! You will find details of all the services Offaly County Council provides on www.offaly.ie Our services range from business supports provided by LEO to libraries for all, roads maintenance, environmental services including dog control and rehoming and many many more You can follow us on Twitter here:https://twitter.com/offalycoco or like us on Facebook here: https://www.facebook.com/offalycoco/ This event is being run by Offaly County Council and the communication departments in the other local authorities.

Chambers Ireland Award-Enhancing the Urban Environment. Revitalising Birr by improving the way its public realm functions.

Well done to our colleagues in Birr Municipal District winners in the Enhancing the Urban Environment Award at the Chambers Ireland Excellence in Local Government Awards for the Birr Public Realm Project, "Revitalsing" Birr by improving the way its public realm functions

Call for applications from Urban Tidy Towns groups and Urban Community Playgrounds to apply to Offaly Local Community Development Committee for the The Department of Rural and Community Development RAPID capital grant programme.

Notice is hereby given that the Draft Register of Electors for 2018/2019 was published on the 1st November 2017. This Draft Register of Electors can be checked at your local Post Office, Public Library, Garda Station, Courthouse or Local Authority Office.

Offaly Libraries are to benefit from funding of €106,260 from the Department of Rural and Community Development and 35,420 from Offaly County Council.

Map can be viewed here.

Offaly County Council is pleased to publish the Diaspora Strategy 2017-2020. Speaking about the Strategy, Chief Executive of Offaly County Council commented “The Strategy brings together key initiatives that will connect and engage Offaly’s global Diaspora to bring positive change and impact for Offaly and ensure that the Diaspora feel part of a shared progressive vision that benefits “bring home”. The ultimate focus of these initiatives is to capitalise on linkages and connections to create economic progression and jobs in the county”.

A further 78 people could die on roads by end of year. Cyclist deaths have increased by 100%. Arrests for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs have increased by 18%. The Road Safety Authority (RSA) and An Garda Síochána have today published a provisional review of road fatalities for the first half of the year.

CATCHMENT SURVEYS OF THE DAINGEAN RIVER & THE SHINRONE & KILCOMIN STREAMS. Offaly County Council wish to advise of upcoming works to improve the water quality in our rivers, streams and groundwater. This work is undertaken to protect and restore our natural waters as required under the Water Framework Directive.

Notice is hereby given that Offaly County Council proposes to carry out works to enhance the existing public realm at O’Connell Square and JKL St. Edenderry for a period of 8 (eight) weeks, from Wednesday 22nd February 2017to Friday 21st April 2017(both dates inclusive).