News

Press Release Michael Duignan County Champion Community Response Forum 31st March 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- Covid 19 Public Notice - Services to the Public UPDATE 27th March ...

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

Offaly County Council- Covid 19 Public Notice- Services to the Public UPDATE March 25th 2...

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.

Offaly County Council- Covid 19 Public Notice-Playground Closures March 25th 7am

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.

Council Services Continue amid Covid-19 Crisis Press Release Monday 23rd March 5pm

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.’

Offaly County Council- Covid 19 Public Notice- Recycling Centres Birr, Edenderry and Tull...

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- Covid 19 Public Notice- Services to the Public UPDATE March 16th 2...

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.

Offaly County Council- Advice and Information on Covid-19 Press Release 15th March

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 Statement on use of Public Playgrounds Covid 19 Update

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- Covid 19- Public Notice- Services to the Public UPDATE March 12th ...

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

Senior Line Confidential Listening Advice Service-FREE

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

Press Release Roads Update March 5th 4pm

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

Press Release Offaly Community and Sports Awards 2020

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.

Press Release Monday 2nd March 10am

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.

Press Release Sunday 1st March 3pm

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/

Press Release Saturday 29th February 7pm

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/

Press Release Friday 28th February 2pm

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 Emergency Meeting Birr Municipal District February 27th 7pm

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.​

Press Release Thursday 27th February - 1pm

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/