Manager's Report
To: The Mayor and Members of South Dublin County Council
In Circular Fin 18/2007 the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government has prescribed periods for the holding of the Statutory Budget Meetings of Local Authorities. The prescribed period for County Councils is 25 November 2007 to 13 January 2008. As the first Budget Meeting is 20 December 2007 the final day for South Dublin County Council to consider and adopt the Budget and determine the rate on valuation is accordingly 10 January 2008.
The Corporate Policy Group was consulted and advised of the assumptions made in relation to income and expenditure in framing this Budget.
Financial Context
This Budget provides for Revenue expenditure of €284.279 million during 2008 but excludes €52.8 million of mainly roads and parks expenditure which was previously budgeted via the Revenue Account but has been re-categorised as capital in nature. The main source of funding for this capital expenditure is development levies and some state aid so Revenue Account income has also been similarly reduced. Revenue account expenditure for 2008 would increase by 9.35% on 2007 if these development levy schemes were to be included as in previous years. Direct comparisons with 2007 are not now possible because these schemes have been excluded from the 2008 Revenue Account. The changes have been made in the interest of accurate long-term financial management of the Revenue account and in preparation for the implementation of the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government costing project which is currently in progress in South Dublin.
The Budget is framed against a background of increasing costs relating to payroll (‘Towards 2016’ general pay agreement), energy, building materials, waste water treatment, fire services and bulk water costs. The Revenue budget is applied annually to provide a wide range of services and to maintain and improve the extensive catalogue of fixed assets (with a current valuation in excess of €3.25 billion), including infrastructure, parks and properties, vested in the name of the Council. Total expenditure (Capital and Revenue) for 2008 is expected to exceed €900 million.
In balancing this budget I have assumed a rate increase of 3.5%.
Quality of Life
In recent years South Dublin County Council has implemented a number of initiatives aimed at improving the quality of life within the county. This budget is framed to continue and accelerate projects to achieve this objective and provides particular support in 2008 for:
- Strategic planning
- The County Mobility Strategy
- Delivery of an accelerated housing supply
- Sustained initiatives to eliminate Anti-Social Behaviour
- Promoting Pro-Social Behaviour
- The Carbon Footprint project
- Inter-agency projects relating to Childhood Development Initiative and Intervention for Travellers
- Enhancing Customer Care
The Budget also provides for the continuance of initiatives fostered by Members in relation to Tourism, Ethiopian Friendship Project and the Tallaght City Identity Project.
The Budget includes resources to support a programme of actions that will form part of a strategic approach to tackling neglected areas. This programme underpins the objective to improve quality of life in the county and will be developed in consultation with the elected members in 2008. Works are continuing on the provision of a Digital Hub/Virtual Library for the palmerston area and plans have been advanced for a similar facility in the North Clondalkin area. Finally other important projects to enhance facilities and opportunities for life long learning that will be explored during 2008 include the provision of a Children’s Museum and a feasibility study in relation to the provision of a Museum in the County.
Table of Expenditure & Income 2008/2007
| Programme Group |
Budgeted Expenditure 2008 |
Budgeted Expenditure 2007 |
Budgeted Income 2008 |
Budgeted Income 2007 |
| Housing & Building |
€55,901,700 |
€55,248,400 |
€49,490,400 |
€47,959,100 |
| Road Transportation & Safety |
€31,207,300 |
€58,754,200 |
€7,962,100 |
€37,503,500 |
| Water Supply & Sewerage |
€46,346,200 |
€42,355,700 |
€13,444,200 |
€11,787,500 |
| Development Incentives & Controls |
€11,245,800 |
€ 9,739,400 |
€4,345,700 |
€ 3,852,700 |
| Environmental Protection |
€87,437,000 |
€90,477,800 |
€42,006,800 |
€47,845,500 |
| Recreation & Amenity |
€35,687,600 |
€37,188,800 |
€6,307,500 |
€ 9,851,000 |
| Agriculture, Education, Health & Welfare |
€4,155,600 |
€ 4,195,000 |
€3,502,100 |
€ 3,509,300 |
| Miscellaneous Services |
€12,298,100 |
€10,358,900 |
€5,863,200 |
€ 3,590,400 |
| Total |
€284,279,300 |
€308,318,200 |
€132,922,000 |
€165,899,000 |
Sources of Expenditure 2006 – 2008
Payroll of €88,968,700 representing 31.3% of the overall budget provides for increments and ‘towards 2016’. As in the previous year considerable efforts have been made to reduce overtime and overheads. The ratio of payroll to Revenue Budget is very favourable and is a key indicator of value for money.
Table of Sources of Expenditure 2006 – 2008
| Sources of Expenditure |
Budget 2008 |
Budget 2007 |
Budget 2006 |
| Payroll |
€88,968,700 |
€ 82,092,300 |
€ 75,409,900 |
| Loan Charges |
€17,268,900 |
€ 12,059,000 |
€ 9,777,200 |
| Other Local Authorities |
€38,577,800 |
€ 40,327,500 |
€ 34,901,500 |
| Materials/Plant |
€16,097,600 |
€ 18,229,300 |
€ 16,191,900 |
| Energy |
€4,806,200 |
€ 4,744,400 |
€ 3,727,600 |
| Minor Contracts/Trade Services |
€44,175,400 |
€ 67,078,900 |
€ 63,120,400 |
| Insurance |
€5,186,100 |
€ 5,292,700 |
€ 5,054,900 |
| Statutory Demands/Grants |
€20,044,500 |
€ 19,901,100 |
€ 20,368,600 |
| Other |
€49,154,200 |
€ 58,593,000 |
€ 39,797,200 |
| Total |
€284,279,400 |
€308,318,200 |
€268,349,200 |
Major Sources of Income
The Council continues to have a high dependence on the rate base. I am recommending that an increase of 3.5% be applied for 2008. The value of rates & Property Entry Levy combined included for collection in the 2008 budget is €121,501,500 as compared to €114,655,640 for 2007.
Table of Sources of Income
| Sources of Income |
Budget 2008 |
Budget 2007 |
Budget 2006 |
| Rates & PEL |
€121,501,500 |
€114,655,640 |
€103,803,500 |
| Local Government Fund |
€27,504,300 |
€ 26,610,000 |
€ 26,043,200 |
| Grants |
€36,758,100 |
€ 37,118,000 |
€ 26,583,800 |
| Housing Rents & Annuities |
€25,531,000 |
€ 23,829,000 |
€ 21,978,600 |
| Other Local Authorities |
€24,465,100 |
€ 24,859,100 |
€ 23,235,600 |
| Fees & Charges for Services |
€36,067,100 |
€ 40,145,200 |
€ 36,414,300 |
| From Reserves |
€940,000 |
€ 32,072,500 |
€ 22,792,600 |
| Superannuation |
€2,805,500 |
€ 2,689,100 |
€ 2,640,000 |
| Other |
€8,706,800 |
€ 6,339,660 |
€ 4,857,700 |
| Total |
€284,279,400 |
€308,318,200 |
€268,349,200 |
The Local Government Fund figure in the above chart provides for an anticipated 5% increase on the allocation for 2007.
South Dublin County Council 1999 – 2008
This graph shows the growth in expenditure and corresponding income during the years 1999 to 2008. A change in accounting policy in 2008 has resulted in a re-categorisation of €52.8m of expenditure and matching income which was previously included in the revenue budget but is now accounted for in the capital account.
Economic Activity has also increased considerably over the last 10 years. The Net Effective Commercial Valuation has increased from €765,374 in 1998 to €1,659,700 in 2007.
The value of rates demands increased from €41.9m in 2000 to projected rates of €119.6m for 2008. This matches significant growth during this period in the net effective valuation of the county which increased by 93.5% between 2000 and 2007. The growth in net effective valuation is a reflection of the strong commercial development of the county.
Activities of Strategic Policy Committees
Housing & Social SPC
This SPC met 3 times during 2007. The business of the Committee included the following:
- Scheme of Letting Priorities
- Additions to the Affordable Housing Scheme
- Review of Tenancy Agreements
- Workshop on Part V Provisions
- Development of a Draft Strategy in relation to Part V
- Housing Adaptation Grant Scheme
- Report from Anti Social Behaviour Sub-Committee
- Report on Inter-Agency Traveller Strategy
- Update on Rental Accommodation Scheme
- Anti-Social Behaviour – Study Trip Report
- Review the 15% requirement for Affordable and Social Housing in line with the review of the Regional Planning Guidelines
Transportation SPC
This SPC met 3 times during 2007 and the following items of Transportation Policy were discussed and updated:
- School Transport
- M50 Update on progress
- Metro West
- Provision of Cycle Tracks
- Luas at Ellensborough
- Cycling
- Sale of Motor Vehicles on Public Roads (Policy Document)
Environment SPC
This SPC met 3 times in 2007. The business of the committee included the following:
- The End of Life Vehicles Regulations
- Environmental Sustainability
- Strategic Environmental assessment of greater Dublin Strategic Drainage Study.
- The Litter Management Plan
- Recycling Bring Banks
- Bye-Laws governing the Storage, Presentation and Collection of Household and Commercial Waste.
- Beautiful South Dublin competitions
- Climate Change Strategy for South Dublin
Economic Development and Planning SPC
This SPC met 3 times in 2007. The business of the committee included the following:
- Policy on maintaining existing residential Cul-De-Sacs
- Consideration of Planning Policy Initiatives to ameliorate anti-social behaviour in new and existing developments.
- House Extension Design Guide
- Framework for equipped play areas in new developments
- Sustainable Urban Housing : Design Standards for Apartments Consultation Draft Guidelines for Planning Authorities
- Building Regulations and Sustainable and Energy Efficiency Standards in New Buildings in South Dublin County
- Planning Policy on After-School Care in Small Residential Homes in urban Areas of the County.
- Grange Castle Business Park
- The Local Government (Business Improvement Districts) Bill 2006
Arts, Culture, Gaeilge, Education and Libraries SPC
This SPC met 4 times during 2007. The business of the committee included the following:
- SDCC Farmers Market Launched March 2007.
- Construction started on County Arts Centre 19th February 2007 – due for completion mid 2008
- County Library Extension – nearing completion.
- Library 5 Year Development Draft Plan 2007-2011 presented – Consultation process
- Irish Language Scheme of SDCC launched
Sports, Recreation, Community and Parks SPC
This SPC met 4 times during 2007. The business of the committee included the following:
- Launch of FAI Community Development Officers Programme 2007 in conjunction with FAI – Official Launch 1st March 2007
- Local Sports Partnership launched
- Revision of SDCC Community Grants Scheme
- “Teenspace” – National Recreation Strategy Presentation by Comhairle na N-Og
- Report on Diversity in Parks – SDCC as presented to World IFPRA Conference
- Presentation by Roger Garland on Rights of Way Walkers
- Presentation to Special Olympics and Special Olympiads from South Dublin County 14th November
Conclusion
I would like to thank Mayor Maloney and Mayor Gogarty and the Members of the Council for their valued contributions during 2007.
The preparation of the Annual Budget is a detailed and demanding task so I would also like to thank all of the directors, heads of function and staff who worked with me on this budget and in particular Clodagh Henehan, Patricia McLoughlin and their staff who managed and co-ordinated the process.
I recommend the adoption of the Budget for 2008 as presented and the determination of the general annual rate on valuation of 0.165.
Joe Horan
County Manager