It is a great privilege for us as Cathaoirleach and Mayor to introduce the Annual Report for 2005. The report outlines the Council’s many and varied activities throughout the County across all services. Some of the highlights of the year include:-

• Area Plans were adopted for Freshford, Kells, Goresbridge and the New Ross Environs.
• Public consultations were held for the preparation of Local Area Plans for Slieverue, Paulstown, Stoneyford and Mullinavat.
• A new Retail Strategy for County Kilkenny was adopted.
• Expanded Area Committees were established.
• Kilkenny City Centre Local Area Plan was adopted.
• An Anti Social Behaviour Policy was adopted.
• The Traveller Accommodation Programme for 2005/2008 was adopted.
• The Action Plan for Social & Affordable Housing 2004/2008 was adopted.
• There was development of 6 playgrounds in Garringreen, Castlecomer, Thomastown, Callan, Mooncoin and Mullinavat.
• Urban/Village Renewal projects were completed in Mullinavat, Kilmoganny, Johnswell and Kilkenny City and Environs.
• The Arts Strategy was completed and is now ready for publication.
• A new Parks Department was created.

Progress has been made on various infrastructural projects. The main schemes undertaken included:-

• Kilkenny Ring Road Extension – Construction commenced in June 2005.
• Kilkenny Eastern Environs - Link road- Johnswell Road to Hebron road completed.
• Kilkenny Inner Relief Road- Design commenced in 2005.
• Extensive programme of road maintenance, improvement, restoration and surface dressing carried out in 2005.
• Various low cost safety measures for national and non national roads completed in 2005.
• Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government approval was obtained for the design of a new fire station for Freshford.
• Part 8 procedure for the River Nore Linear Park completed.
• Work has commenced on the Nore Valley walking route.

We would like to acknowledge the co-operation and assistance of our fellow Councillors and to take this opportunity to put on record our appreciation. We would also like to pay tribute to the County Manager and staff for the manner in which they assisted us in the performance of our roles. Our time as Cathaoirleach and Mayor has proved to be a very fulfilling and rewarding experience and we look forward to meeting the challenges that lie ahead.

We would like to express thanks to our predecessors Cllr. Mary Hilda Cavanagh and Martin Brett for their help and co-operation during the year.

Cllr. Maurice Shortall,
Cathaoirleach.

Cllr. Marie Fitzpatrick,
Mayor.