Forbairt Eacnamaíoch

Is é príomhchuspóir na Rannóige Forbartha Eacnamaíoch a bheith mar chatalaíoch, nasc agus mar ghníomhaire d’fhorbairt eacnamaíoch sa chontae trí na nithe seo a leanas:  

Tithíocht

Tá an Roinn Tithíochta freagrach as tithíocht an údaráis áitiúil a sholáthar.  Comhlíontar an dualgas sin trí aonaid tithíochta a thógáil agus a cheannach chun cóiríocht a thabhairt d’iarratasóirí incháilithe ar an liosta tithíochta.  Bíonn an tÚdarás Tithíochta freagrach ansin as aonaid a leithroinnt agus a ligean ar cíos agus iad a choinneáil go ginearálta. 

Leanfaidh feidhm tithíochta na gcomhairlí contae ag forbairt.  Ní soláthróir cóiríochta agus sin amháin níos mó iad údaráis áitiúla, agus bítear gníomhach agus rannpháirteach i saol na n-eastát tithíochta.  Tá foireann pearsanra speisialach sa chomhairle seo atá fostaithe chun (a) éascú le pobail áitiúla lena bhforbairt féin, agus (b) dul i ngleic le hiompar frithshóisialta i dtithíocht an údaráis áitiúil.  Tá oibrithe pobail fostaithe chun rannpháirtíocht an phobail a chinntiú i dtionscadail tithíochta sóisialta agus ar an tslí sin feabhas a chur ar chaighdeán saoil trí shaoránacht gníomhach agus uilechuimsitheacht shóisialta a chur chun cinn.  Tugtar tacaíocht do chumainn cónaitheoirí freisin, do thionscnaimh áineasa do dhaoine óga agus do dhaoine níos sine mar aon le cláir oideachais do chónaitheoirí an údaráis áitiúil.  Tá oiliúint réamh-thionóntachta mar chuid den phróiseas anois chun éascú le tionóntaí nua bogadh isteach le pobail nua agus a bheith rannpháirteach go gníomhach iontu.

Soláthraíonn an Roinn Tithíochta tithíocht inacmhainne freisin agus leithroinntear na haonaid sin chuig iarratasóirí incháilithe ar an liosta tithíochta inacmhainne atá againn.  Tá pacáistí airgeadais chun cuidiú leis an bpobal tithíocht phríobháideach a fháil, i.e. iasachtaí do thithíocht inacmhainne agus iasachtaí d’úinéireacht roinnte ar fáil freisin.

Acmhainní Daonna

Tá an Roinn Acmhainní Daonna freagrach as na nithe seo a leanas, foireann nua a earcú agus a roghnú, an fhoireann a chur faoi oiliúint agus iad a fhorbairt, bainistiú ar thinreamh, polasaí a chuidíonn leis an teaghlach agus caidrimh fostaithe san áit oibre a chur chun cinn.  Beidh ról tábhachtach ag ár bpolasaí oiliúna agus forbartha i bhfeidhmiú an Phlean seo mar is ceart.

Iompar

Tá an Roinn Iompair freagrach as gach gné de bhóithre poiblí ó phleanáil, dearadh agus tógáil bóithre nua agus an líonra bóithre reatha a chothabháil agus a uasghrádú lena n-áirítear comharthaí, soilse poiblí, moilliú tráchta agus bainistiú tráchta agus seirbhísí an mhaoir scoile a oibriú freisin. 

Mótarcháin

Tá an Roinn Mótarcháin freagrach as ceadúnais feithiclí agus ceadúnais tiománaithe a eisiúint.  Bíonn ár n-oifig ar oscailt don phobal ó Luan go hAoine ó 9.30am go dtí 3.15pm.  Tá foirmeacha iarratais ar fáil san oifig, ag stáisiúin garda áitiúil agus is féidir iad a íoschóipeáil ónar láithreán gréasáin freisin ina bhfuil roinn ar ‘Cheisteanna a Chuirtear go Minic’ freisin.  Tá gach foirm iarratais ar fáil i nGaeilge ach iad a iarraidh.  Bíonn na línte teileafóin ar oscailt ó Luan go hAoine ón 9.00am go dtí an 1.00pm agus ón 2.00pm go dtí an 5.00pm.

Spóirt, Fóillíocht agus Áineas

Sa bhliain 1999, bhunaigh Comhairle Chontae Chill Dara Roinn Seirbhísí Fóillíochta chun aonad spóirt, fóillíochta agus áineasa a oibriú agus a bhainistiú.  Ba í an chomhairle an dara údarás áitiúil sa tír a rinne a leithéid.

Tá an t-aonad freagrach as na nithe seo a leanas a bhainistiú:

Tá go leor feidhmeanna ag an roinn chun deiseanna spóirt, fóillíochta agus áineasa a sholáthar go díreach agus go hindíreach do chónaitheoirí agus do chuairteoirí, iad seo a leanas san áireamh:

Áirítear ar na seirbhísí a sholáthraítear i ndáil le páirceanna agus tírdhreachú; dearadh agus bainistiú na bpáirceanna reatha, na spásanna oscailte agus na timpealláin sa chontae.  Soláthraítear seirbhísí mar bhearradh crainn agus cur crainn, cur bleibíní ar fud an chontae freisin.  Cuirtear comhairle ar fáil freisin do ranna eile agus do chumainn na mbailte slachtmhara agus do chumainn cónaitheoirí ach sin a iarraidh.

Chapter 2

Summary of services/activities provided by Council Departments and levels of Irish language proficiency

This chapter sets out the position in relation to service provision/activities by individual departments within Kildare Local Authorities, and the level of Irish proficiency in each of these.

Departments Operating through the medium of both Irish and English

At present no department within Kildare Local Authorities is in a position to deliver its services comprehensively through the medium of both Irish and English.

Departments operating with limited Irish language capability

The following departments currently have staff who are capable of providing a bilingual service to customers.  Assessment of service available is based on current staff deployments and may vary subject to availability of staff within Sections.  Kildare Local Authorities will, however, endeavour to respond to demand across departments by redeploying staff where possible.  The individuals concerned have been extremely accommodating both to customers and staff in the past and will continue to assist in the future.

Library and Arts Service

The Library and Arts Service operates through a network of sixteen branch libraries and a Mobile Library Service, with its Headquarters at Riverbank in Newbridge.  The service is involved in the promotion of artistic, educational and cultural events throughout the county and many such events take place in its branch libraries.  All service points carry a range of books in Irish, for both adults and children.  New material in Irish is added to stock on an ongoing basis; the provision of new stock is helped by the major improvements in the quality and attractiveness of Irish publications in recent years, particularly in respect of children’s books.  Every effort is made to facilitate requests for specific Irish material.  All branches carry a range of audio-visual material, at a variety of levels, to assist those wishing to learn or to improve their knowledge of spoken Irish.

Several members of library staff are competent in spoken and written Irish and every effort is made to accommodate library users who wish to transact business with the service through Irish.

Kildare County Schools Library Service is committed to providing good quality Irish language resources to primary schools in the county. This service is also available to the Gaelscoileanna in the county. These resources include books, tapes and CDs and are made available to educators to assist in actions that support the school curriculum. The service is also provided to help schools build their own library and classroom collections that can be accessed by pupils for learning and leisure activities.  

Corporate Services

The Corporate Services Department provides a secretariat service for meetings of the county council and its committees.  This department also prepares agendas, minutes and supporting documentation for the statutory meetings and special meetings of the council.  Notices for attendance at meetings of the county council are currently issued in bi-lingual format.  Other services provided include communications, customer care, register of electors, higher education grants and office accommodation/maintenance.  The Corporate Services Department has limited access to an Irish speaker who is willing to assist with public information requests in Irish when requested and available.

Forward Planning

It is the aim of the Planning and Development Department in general to promote balanced development in the county by co-ordination of development through the development plan process.  The aim of the Forward Planning Unit is to ensure that all plans accord with the principle of sustainability, facilitate economic and social progress, promote efficient use of land and safeguard the natural and built environment.

The work programme of the Forward Planning Unit involves reviewing the County Development Plan and Local Area Plans, preparing Area Action Plans for the sustainable development of key sites and sensitive areas and implementing other commitments from the County Plan.

There are several fluent Irish speakers in this department willing to deal with the public in Irish when requested and available.

Planning

The objective of Kildare Planning Authority is to deliver sustainable development for current and future generations in partnership with the community.  This is achieved through the efficient delivery of a planning application process within the required statutory periods, establishing an effective enforcement programme and ensuring compliance with building regulations. The Planning Authority endeavours to provide easy public access to all planning activities, information and procedures through efficient public counter and online service provision.  To ensure public access through the medium of Irish there is a fluent Irish Speaker willing to deal with the public in Irish when requested and available.

Finance

The Finance Department is responsible for the short and long-term financing of the council’s operations, both of a revenue and capital nature.  This encompasses monitoring and control of income and expenditure in all areas, arranging long-term borrowing and leasing requirements and investment of surplus funds.

It is also concerned on a daily basis with accounting for all money paid by, or to, the council.  The council’s revenue or day-to-day expenditure is defrayed from sources such as Commercial Rates, Commercial Water Charges, Government Grants and various other forms of income such as housing rents, planning application fees etc.  The amount of capital money available is dependent on Government allocations in the areas of Housing, Roads and Environmental Services etc.  Current combined annual revenue and capital expenditure exceeds €500 million.  There is a fluent Irish speaker willing to deal with the public in Irish when requested and available.

Water Services

The Water Services Department is responsible for water and sewerage connections and provision of well grants.  At present all application forms for these services are in English language format only and, due to the non-availability of an Irish speaker within the department, applications through Irish are not actively encouraged, neither are they discouraged.  However, where an application for provision of a service is received in Irish, all attempts would be made to ensure that the application would be dealt with in Irish.  Currently, assistance from outside the Water Services Department would be required in this respect.  The Water Services Department has initiated a policy whereby all water interruption notices are published bilingually.

Naas Town Council

Naas Town Council administrative offices are located in Áras Chill Dara, Devoy Park, Naas.  The population of Naas is approximately 20,000.  Naas Town Council provides a wide range of services for the administrative area which is a little over 7 sq miles in extent.  Among the many services offered the main ones are housing, planning, roads and environment. 

In addition the local authority has a role in community development and the provision of recreation and amenity facilities. 

Naas Town Council is currently carrying out a project on provision of street signage in the town to include the Irish version of the names.  In relation to the provision of services to customers through the Irish language, current capability is limited.

Athy Town Council

Currently no department within the Town Council delivers its service through the medium of both Irish and English.   However, three staff members can converse in Irish and one can write through the medium of Irish.  This service is very limited in availability depending on the individuals being accessible.  The staff members have offered their services to assist the public where necessary.

This Council’s policy is that all new estates and developments take their name from the local area using historical connotations. The name is then translated into Irish, thus the estates are now being named through the medium of Irish.

Departments operating with no Irish language capability

The following Departments currently are not in a position to provide a one-to-one service to customers through the Irish language.

• Environment
• Architects
• Information and Communications Technology
• Community and Enterprise
• Economic Development
• Housing
• Human Resources
• Transportation
• Motor Tax
• Sports, Leisure and Recreation

Environment

The Environmental Services Department has responsibility for waste management services (which includes waste recycling collection and disposal).  This department also provides cleansing services, including litter control, environmental awareness programmes and waste regulation and enforcement.  Other services provided include provision of burial grounds, control of dogs and control of horses.  Certain services from the Environmental Awareness Officer are available in Irish and English, for example some brochures, which are provided by the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government.

Architects

The Architectural Services Department provides the following services:

Information and Communications Technology

The IT Department is responsible for the co-ordination and implementation of all information and communications technologies throughout the organisation.  By liaising with other sections work programmes and policies are developed to show the overall needs of the organisation. This section will play a part in facilitating information and service provision through the use of the Irish language.

Community and Enterprise

Among the most important functions of Kildare Local Authorities is the creation of strong, sustainable and inclusive communities.  Involved in this process is the delivery of a healthy social and economic environment for all the communities of County Kildare.  The Community and Enterprise Department provides a range of services designed to encourage social inclusion and the active engagement of people in the development of their own communities including:

Economic Development

The main objective of the Economic Development Section is to act as a catalyst, link and agent for economic development in the county by:

Housing

The Housing Department is responsible for the provision of local authority housing.   This obligation is fulfilled by the construction and purchase of housing units to accommodate eligible applicants on our housing list.  The Housing Authority is then responsible for the allocation and renting of the units and their general upkeep. 

The housing function of county councils continues to develop. A local authority is no longer a mere provider of accommodation, but is an active and involved supporter in the life of housing estates.  In this council a team of specialist personnel has been employed to (a) facilitate local communities in their own development, and (b) combat anti-social behaviour in local authority housing.  community workers have been employed to actively pursue community involvement in social housing projects and in doing so to improve quality of life, by promoting active citizenship and social inclusion.  They also support residents associations, recreational initiatives for young and old and educational programmes for local authority residents.  Pre-tenancy training now forms part of the process of facilitating new tenants to move into, and become actively involved in, their new communities.

The Housing Department also provides affordable housing and these units are allocated to eligible applicants on our affordable housing list.  Financial packages to aid the public in the acquisition of private housing, i.e. affordable housing loans and shared ownership loans are also available.

Human Resources

The Human Resources Department has responsibility for recruitment and selection of new staff, training and development of staff, attendance management, promoting family friendly policies and employee relationships in the workplace.  Our training and development policy will play a key role in the successful implementation of this Plan.

Transportation

The Transportation Department is responsible for all aspects of public roads from planning, design, and construction of new roads to the maintenance and upgrade of the existing road network including signage, public lighting, traffic calming and management, and also the operation of school warden services. 

Motor Tax

The Motor Taxation Office Department is responsible for issuing vehicle licences and driver licences.  Our office is open to the public Monday to Friday from 9.30am to 3.15pm.  Application forms are available in the office, at local garda stations and also can be downloaded from our website, which also has a ‘Frequently Asked Questions’ section.  All applications forms are available in Irish on request.  Telephone lines are open Monday to Friday from 9.00am to 1.00pm and from 2.00pm to 5.00pm.

Sports, Leisure and Recreation

In 1999, Kildare County Council set up a Leisure Services Department to operate and manage a sports, leisure and recreation unit.  It was the second local authority in the country to do so.

The unit has responsibility for the management of:

• Naas Swimming Pool
• Athy Swimming Pool
• Newbridge Sports and Leisure Centre

The department has many functions in providing sport, leisure and recreation opportunities both directly and indirectly to residents and visitors including:

• Parks and landscaping services
• Playground development and maintenance
• Sports development
• Sports capital grants

In relation to parks and landscaping, services provided include the design and management of existing parks, open spaces and roundabouts in the county.  Services such as tree pruning and planting, bulb planting are also provided throughout the county.  Advice is also available to other departments and to tidy towns and residents associations when requested.

Caibidil 3

Feabhas a chur ar Sheirbhísí Dátheangach

Bealach Cumarsáide leis an bPobal

Déanfar formhór de bhealaí cumarsáide Údaráis Áitiúla Chill Dara leis an bpobal i mBéarla, agus is beag Gaeilge a bhíonn curtha san áireamh.

Áirítear na nithe seo a leanas ar na modhanna cumarsáide:

• Foirmeacha Iarratais
• Foilseacháin
• Preas-eisiúintí
• Láithreán Gréasáin
• Ríomhphost
• Bróisiúir agus Bileoga Eolais
• Cumarsáid duine ar dhuine ag deasca seirbhíse do chustaiméirí, cuntair seirbhíse agus leabharlanna.
• Comharthaí

Tá sé beartaithe feabhas a chur ar mhodhanna cumarsáide i nGaeilge, faoin Scéim seo mar seo a leanas:

Cumarsáid ó Bhéal

Is é deasc na comhairle do sheirbhís do chustaiméirí an chéad phointe teagmhála atá ag cuairteoirí chuig Áras Chill Dara, agus déileálann ár n-oibreoirí teileafóin le gach glaoch ar ár bpríomhuimhir teileafóin. 

• Beidh an fhoireann fáiltithe/ag an lasc-chlár ábalta ainm an údaráis áitiúil a thabhairt i nGaeilge faoi dheireadh 2008.
• Beidh siad ar an eolas maidir le beannachtaí bunúsacha Gaeilge agus tabharfar aitheantas d’iarratas ar sheirbhís i nGaeilge laistigh de théarma na scéime.
• Cuirfidh siad custaiméirí i dteagmháil leis an gcomhalta cuí den fhoireann a bheidh freagrach as an tseirbhís a bheidh riachtanach a sheachadadh laistigh de théarma na scéime seo.
• Cuirfear foireann na heagraíochta ar an eolas maidir le hainmneacha a gcomhghleacaithe atá sásta déileáil leis an bpobal i nGaeilge.  Beidh an t-eolas sin le feiceáil inár gcóras inlín inmheánach.

Tá tús curtha le tionscnamh nua do chustaiméirí ar mian leo a dtáillí bruscair bliantúla a íoc trí leas a bhaint ar an gcóras teileafóin uathoibrithe trí mheán na Gaeilge.  Tá monatóireacht á dhéanamh ar an tionscnamh sin faoi láthair chun a aimsiú mar atá custaiméirí ag glacadh leis agus, má dhéantar sin a bharántú, d’fhéadfaí an tsaoráid sin a shíneadh chuig seirbhísí íocaíochta uathoibrithe eile i rith shaolré an phlean seo.

Teicneolaíocht an Eolais

• Beidh láithreán gréasáin na comhairle (www.kildarecoco.ie) a bhíonn á úsáid ag an bpobal ábalta a bheith dátheangach faoi dheireadh 2008.
• Beidh na rannóga éagsúla de láithreán gréasáin Údaráis Áitiúla Chontae Chill Dara ar fáil go dátheangach laistigh de shaolré na scéime seo:
  • Ár gComhairle
  • Mionsonraí Teagmhála
  • Mionsonraí Suímh
  • Cúnamh/Inrochtaineacht
  • Cuirfear foirmeacha iarratais/bróisiúir/bileoga eolais, aistrithe ar fáil ar ár láithreán gréasáin.
• Tabharfar aghaidh ar an tsaincheist láithreáin ghréasáin na gcomhairlí baile aonair a bheith dátheangach mar chuid den dara plean teanga agus aon phlean eile ina dhiaidh sin.
• Cuirfear aon chórais idirghníomhacha nua ar fáil go dátheangach faoi réir ag soláthar córais riachtanacha/athruithe ar an gcóras ó Bhord Seirbhísí Ríomhairí an Rialtais Áitiúil.
• Déanfar córais idirghníomhacha reatha a uasghrádú chun a chinntiú go mbeidh siad ar fáil go dátheangach i rith shaolré na scéime seo, faoi réir ag soláthar córais riachtanacha ó Bhord Seirbhísí Ríomhairí an Rialtais Áitiúil.
• Cinnteoidh Údaráis Áitiúla Chontae Chill Dara go mbeidh aon bhogearraí ríomhairí nua lena mbaineann inrochtaineacht phoiblí a fhorbrófar, déanta ar shlí go mbeidh an pobal in ann rochtain a dhéanamh air i nGaeilge agus cinnteofar freisin (an méid agus is féidir sin a bheith faoinár smacht) go ndéanfar córais reatha den sórt sin a chomhoiriúnú laistigh de shaolré na scéime seo.
• Tá an séanadh ar gach teachtaireacht ríomhphoist dátheangach anois.
• Bunófar seoladh ríomhphoist cineálach ‘as Gaeilge” chun éascú le freagra tapa i nGaeilge.

Cáipéisíocht i Scríbhinn

I rith shaolré na scéime, feidhmeoidh Údaráis Áitiúla Chontae Chill Dara na prionsabail a leanas maidir le gach cáipéisíocht i scríbhinn a tháirgeofar:

• Ó thús na scéime, beidh gach bileog eolais agus foirmeacha eolais nua a tháirgeoidh Údaráis Áitiúla Chontae Chill Dara dátheangach agus beidh siad ar fáil mar aon cháipéis amháin mura mbeadh méid, nádúr nó leagan amach na cáipéise ar shlí go mbeadh sé níos praiticiúla dá mbeadh clúdach ar leithligh orthu.
• Thar shaolré na scéime, táirgeofar aon bhileoga eolais agus foirmeacha iarratais reatha de chuid Údaráis Áitiúla Chontae Chill Dara, a dhéanfar a uasghradú nó a athbhreithniú, go dátheangach.  Beidh aon cháipéisí athbhreithnithe ar fáil mar aon cháipéis amháin mura mbeidh méid, nádúr nó leagan amach na cáipéise ar shlí go mbeadh sé níos praiticiúla dá mbeadh clúdach ar leithligh orthu.
• I gcás foirmeacha iarratais chaighdeánaithe náisiúnta, nach dtáirgeann Údaráis Áitiúla Chontae Chill Dara, cinnteofar go mbeidh soláthar dóthanach d’fhoirmeacha dátheangacha ar fáil sa chás go mbeidh siad sin ar fáil i bhformáid dátheangach. 
• Ní bheidh cáipéisí tairisceana ar fáil go dátheangach thar shaolré na chéad scéime.
• Eiseofar fógraí freastail do gach cruinniú de chuid na Comhairle go dátheangach faoi dheireadh 2008.

Seirbhísí ag an gCuntar

Laistigh de dhá bhliain ó thús na Scéime seo, beidh seirbhís cuntair dátheangach ar fáil laistigh dár seirbhís leabharlainne.  Aithneofar an fhoireann trína bhféadfar seirbhísí trí Ghaeilge a sholáthar sa tseirbhís leabharlainne agus tabharfar oiliúint chuí dóibh chun cuidiú leo a ról a chomhlíonadh.

Preas-eisiúintí

• Ó thús na scéime seo, táirgeofar preas-eisiúintí a bhaineann le saincheisteanna Gaeilge go dátheangach.
• Ó thús na scéime seo, beidh 10% de gach preas-eisiúint a eiseofar in aghaidh na bliana ar fáil go dátheangach.  Cuirfear leis an gcéatadán sin i scéimeanna ina dhiaidh sin.

Oiliúint agus Forbairt

Spreagann Údaráis Áitiúla Chontae Chill Dara oiliúint agus forbairt do gach comhalta agus gach duine den fhoireann agus tugtar tacaíocht dóibh.  Tá tiomantas inár gCairt do Shaoránaigh chun seirbhís ar ardchaighdeán a sheachadadh ar shlí éifeachtach agus comhbhách agus d’fhonn sin oiliúint agus forbairt a sholáthar don fhoireann go leanúnach.

Tá tiomantas sa cháipéis Towards 2016 – Ten-Year Framework Social Partnership Agreement 2006-2015, cur leis an líon foghlaim agus breisoiliúint ag an áit oibre.

Chun tacú leis an méid thuas agus de réir Acht na dTeangacha Oifigiúla, 2003 déanfaidh Údaráis Áitiúla Chontae Chill Dara na nithe seo a leanas:

• Cinnteofar go spreagfar comhaltaí agus an fhoireann, agus go dtabharfar an deis dóibh a gcuid scileanna Gaeilge a fheabhsú trí chúrsaí oiliúna agus forbartha chun feabhas a chur ar sholáthar seirbhíse níos fearr trí Ghaeilge.  Tá roinnt den fhoireann feadh na heagraíochta ag freastal ar chúrsaí bunúsacha agus idirmheánacha Gaeilge faoi láthair.  Déanfar monatóireacht ar thorthaí na gcúrsaí sin agus reáchtálfar tuilleadh cúrsaí Gaeilge i rith shaolré an phlean chun freastal ar riachtanais na foirne.

• Áireofar feasacht teanga mar chuid de chúrsaí oiliúna Ionduchtúcháin agus Cúram do Chustaiméirí
• Soláthrófar feasacht struchtúrtha agus oiliúint teanga saincheaptha ar bhonn céimnithe don fhoireann agus do na comhairleoirí
• Lorgófar daoine deonacha chun seirbhísí Gaeilge a sholáthar sna Rannóga iomchuí feadh Údaráis Chontae Chill Dara
• Cinnteofar go dtabharfar an tacaíocht a bheidh riachtanach don fhoireann a bheidh sásta seirbhísí a sholáthar trí Ghaeilge.

Gaelscoileanna & Eagraíochtaí Gaeilge Eile

Aithníonn Údaráis Áitiúla Chontae Chill Dara agus tugtar aitheantas don tosaíocht teanga ar leith atá ag scoileanna Gaeilge agus ag Gaelscoileanna i gContae Chill Dara mar aon le heagraíochtaí agus grúpaí Gaeilge eile atá ag oibriú ar fud an chontae agus go náisiúnta.  Éascófar le soláthar seirbhísí Gaeilge do na comhlachtaí agus na grúpaí sin go háirithe thar shaolré na scéime seo.

Eagróidh Údaráis Áitiúla Chontae Chill Dara fóram bliantúil chun cur ar chumas na ndaoine aonair agus na ngrúpaí leasmhara go léir laistigh den chontae teacht le chéile leis an gcuspóir cur chun cinn na Gaeilge a chomhordú.

Oifigeach Gaeilge

Níl seirbhísí Oifigeach Gaeilge ag Údaráis Áitiúla Chontae Chill Dara faoi láthair.  Breithneofar thar shaolré an Phlean seo áfach an fheidhm sin a shannadh ar chomhalta foirne reatha.  Coimeádfar an cás sin faoi athbhreithniú agus, faoi réir ag éileamh, d’fhéadfadh gur post lánaimseartha a bheadh ann.  Scrúdóimid an féidearthacht Oifigeach Gaeilge a roinnt le húdarás áitiúil in aice láimhe, faoi réir ag sannadh na Roinne Comhshaoil, Oidhreachta agus Rialtais Áitiúil.

Forbairtí Tithíochta a Ainmniú

Is é polasaí na comhairle, mar atá sa Phlean Forbartha Contae, go léireoidh ainm na bhforbairtí cónaithe nua oidhreacht áitiúil trí logainmneacha áitiúla a úsáid nó ainmneacha tíreolaíocha, stairiúla nó cultúir a úsáid nuair a bheidh forbairtí cónaithe nua á n-ainmniú.  Spreagtar agus leanfar ag spreagadh úsáid na Gaeilge i ngach moladh a bhaineann le hainmneacha.  Ceadaíonn an chomhairle ainmniú forbairtí cónaithe chun a chinntiú go gcomhlíonfar polasaí agus go seachnófar mearbhall maidir le hainmneacha den sórt céanna in áiteanna eile.  D’fhéadfadh an t-údarás pleanála dul i gComhairle leis an gCoimisiún Logainmneacha ina thaobh sin.

Chapter 3

Enhancement of Bilingual Services

Means of Communication with the Public

The majority of Kildare Local Authorities methods of communication with the public are currently made in English, with limited Irish included.

These methods of communication include:

• Application Forms
• Publications
• Press Releases
• Website
• E-mail
• Brochures and Information Leaflets
• One-to-one communication at customer service desks, service counters and libraries.
• Signage

It is proposed to improve methods of communication in Irish, under this Scheme, as follows:

Oral Communication

The council’s customer service desk is the first point of contact for visitors to Áras Chill Dara, while our telephone operators deal with all calls to our main telephone number. 

• Reception/switchboard staff will be able to give the name of the local authority in Irish by the end of 2008.
• They will be familiar with the basic greetings in Irish and will acknowledge a request for a service in Irish within the term of this scheme.
• They will put customers in touch with the appropriate member of staff responsible for delivery of the service required within the term of this scheme.
• Staff in the organisation will be made aware of the names of colleagues willing to deal with the public in Irish.  This information will be displayed on our internal intranet system.

A new initiative has been introduced for customers wishing to pay their annual refuse charges using our automated telephone system through the medium of Irish.  This initiative is currently being monitored to establish how it is being received by our customers and, if warranted, this facility may be extended to other automated payment services during the life of this plan.

Information Technology

• The public facing website for the council (www.kildarecoco.ie) will be capable of bilingualism by the end of 2008.
• The following sections of the Kildare Local Authorities website will be made available bilingually within the lifetime of this scheme:
  • Our Council
  • Contact Details
  • Location Details
  • Help/Accessibility
  • Application forms/brochures/information leaflets, as translated, will be made available on our website.
• The issue of making individual town council websites bilingual will be addressed as part of the second and subsequent language plan.
• Any new interactive systems will be made available bilingually subject to the provision of the necessary systems/system changes from the Local Government Computer Services Board.
• Existing interactive systems will be upgraded to ensure they are available bilingually during the life of this scheme, subject to the provision of the necessary systems from the Local Government Computer Services Board.
• Kildare Local Authorities shall ensure that any new computer software involving public accessibility which is being developed, is fully capable of being accessed by the public in the Irish language and will also ensure (in so far as it is under our control) that existing such systems are made compatible within the lifetime of this scheme.
  • The disclaimer on all e-mail messages is now bilingual.
  • A generic e-mail address for queries ‘as Gaeilge” will be established to facilitate prompt response in the Irish language.

  Written Documentation

  During the lifetime of the scheme, Kildare Local Authorities will apply the following principles to any written documentation produced:

  • From the commencement of the scheme, all new information leaflets and application forms produced by Kildare Local Authorities shall be bilingual and will be available as one document unless the size, nature or layout of the document is such that separate cover would be more practical.
  • Over the lifetime of the scheme existing information leaflets and application forms, produced by Kildare Local Authorities, that are updated or reviewed will be produced bilingually.  Any reviewed documents shall be available as one document unless the size, nature and layout of the document is such that separate cover would be more practical.
  • In the case of national standardised application forms, not produced by Kildare Local Authorities, it shall be ensured that an adequate supply of bilingual forms be available where such is available in bilingual format. 
  • Tender documents shall not be available bilingually over the lifespan of the first scheme.
  • Notices for attendance at all meetings of the Council will be issued in bilingual format by the end of 2008.

  Counter Services

  Within two years of the commencement of this Scheme a bilingual counter service will be available within our library service.  Staff will be identified through whom services through Irish can be delivered in the library service and appropriate training will be given to allow them to fulfil this role.

  Press Releases

  • From the commencement of the scheme, press releases relating to Irish language issues will be produced bilingually.
  • From commencement of this scheme, 10% of all press releases issued per annum shall be made available bilingually.  In subsequent schemes, this percentage shall be increased.

  Training and Development

  Kildare Local Authorities encourage and support training and development of all members and staff.  Our Citizen Charter contains a commitment to deliver a quality service in an effective and caring manner and for this purpose to provide ongoing staff training and development.

  There is also a commitment in Towards 2016 – Ten-Year Framework Social Partnership Agreement 2006-2015, to increase the levels of workplace learning and upskilling.

  In light of above and in accordance with the Official Languages Act 2003, Kildare Local Authorities will:

  • Ensure that members and staff are encouraged, and given the opportunity, to improve their Irish language skills through training and development courses in order to improve service provision through the Irish language.  A number of staff across the organisation are currently attending basic and intermediate Irish language courses.  The outcome of these courses will be monitored and further Irish language courses will be held during the life of the plan to suit the needs of our staff.
  • Include language awareness as part of both Induction and Customer Care training courses
  • Provide structured awareness and tailored language training on a phased basis for staff and councillors
  • Seek volunteers to provide Irish language services in relevant Sections across the Kildare Authorities
  • Ensure that staff volunteering to provide services through Irish will be given the necessary support.

  Gaelscoileanna & Other Irish Language Organisations

  Kildare Local Authorities recognise and acknowledge the particular linguistic preferences of Irish language schools and Gaelscoileanna in Co Kildare, as well as other Irish Language organisations and groups operating throughout the county and nationally.  The provision of services in Irish to these particular bodies and groups will be facilitated over the lifetime of this scheme.

  Kildare Local Authorities will organise an annual forum to enable all interested individuals and groups within the county to come together with the purpose of co-ordinating the promotion of the Irish language.

  Irish Officer

  Kildare Local Authorities do not currently have the services of an Irish Officer.  Consideration will, however, be given, over the life of this Plan, to assigning this function to an existing member of staff.  This situation will be kept under review and, subject to demand, may become a full-time position.  We will also explore the possibility of sharing an Irish Officer with an adjoining local authority, subject to the sanction of the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government.

  Naming of Housing Developments

  It is the policy of the council, as contained in the County Development Plan, that the naming of new residential developments should reflect local heritage by encouraging the use of local place names or geographical, historical, cultural names in the naming of new residential developments.  The use of Irish is, and will continue to be, encouraged in all naming proposals.  The council approve the naming or residential developments in order to ensure compliance with the policy and to avoid confusion in regard to similar names in other locations.  The planning authority may consult with the Placenames Commission in this regard.

  Caibidil 4

  Monatóireacht, Athbhreithniú agus Poibliú a dhéanamh ar an Scéim Chomhaontaithe

  Monatóireacht agus Athbhreithniú

  Coinneoidh Údaráis Áitiúla Chontae Chill Dara oibriú éifeachtach na scéime seo faoi athbhreithniú mar chuid dá phróiseas athbhreithniú a dhéanamh go bliantúil ar fheidhmíocht agus déanfar mionsonraí ar an dul chun cinn a fhoilsiú inár dTuarascáil Bhliantúil.  Bainisteoirí líne i ngach aon roinn atá freagrach as feidhmiú an Phlean laistigh dá réimsí féin a bheidh i bhfeighil na monatóireachta ó lá go lá.

  Poibliú a dhéanamh ar an Scéim Chomhaontaithe

  Déanfar ábhar na scéime a fhógairt don phobal i gcoitinne trí na nithe seo a leanas:

  • Preas-eisiúint
  • Seoladh Oifigiúil
  • Foilsiú ar láithreán greasáin Idirlín, Inlíon agus Eislíon na Comhairle
  • Cuirfear seirbhísí Gaeilge feabhsaithe in iúl dár gcustaiméirí
  • Seolfar cóip den Scéim seo chuig Oifig an Choimisinéara Teanga.

  Chapter 4

  Monitoring, Revision and Publicity of Agreed Scheme

  Monitoring and Revision

  Kildare Local Authorities will keep the effective operation of this scheme under review as part of its process of annually reviewing its performance and details of progress will be published in our Annual Report.  The day-to-day monitoring function will be carried out primarily by line managers in each of the departments, who are responsible for implementation of the Plan within their own areas.

  Publicising of Agreed Scheme

  The contents of this scheme will be advertised to the general public by means of:

  • Press Release
  • Official Launch
  • Publication on the Council’s Internet, Intranet and Extranet website
  • Communication of improved Irish services to our customers
  • A copy of this Scheme will also be forwarded to Oifig Choimisinéir na dTeangacha Oifigiúla.