COUNTY HALL, 11 November: by Trish Whelan. Kildare County Council has produced its second Corporate Plan 2001-2004 which sets out its main objectives and how to achieve them. Its vision is to make Kildare the first choice as a place to live, work, visit and do business.
Chairman Cllr John O'Neil said an essential ingredient contributing to the health and well being of communities in Kildare, is the work of Kildare local authorities in promoting economic, social and cultural development. He said leading the way is at the heart of what modern local government is all about. But he said results will depend on how well we engage with and receive support from all sectors of Kildare society.
County manager Niall Bradley said the purpose of this Corporate plan is to set out clearly the Council's key objectives, the means to achieve them. In the Corporate Plan each local authority identifies the main issues that need to be addressed in their areas.
The activities of local authorities affect everyone who lives and works in the county. However many citizens do not see themselves as customers of teh local authorities because they have little or no direct contact with the local authorities in the day to day activities.
Kildare County Council is one of the busiest local authorities in Ireland providing direct housing plus various forms of housing support for over 30,000 people; are responsible for maintaining 2,300 kms of road; fund the operation of 12,500 public lights in the county; interact with over 900 community, residents, sporting, development, educational, business groups or associations; provide emergency services for fire, flooding, storms, pollution and other incidents; support life long learning and cultural activities through Library and Arts programmes. It also received 2,355 planning applications last year.
With over 800 staff, Kildare local authorities are one of the largest employers in the county and spends in excess of £1 million each week maintaining services. This year it will spend over £135 million on infrastructure and services.
The authority promises to seek to improve the level and quality of services to all; to be polite, courteous and fair in its dealings; to deal with queries promptly and reply promptly to letters received, issueing interim replies if delays of more than 10 days are envisaged, using clear and simple language in communications.
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