**This article is a synopsis of John Quinlivan - County Manager's Report.**

Louth local authorities continue to play a leading role in an increasingly diverse range of activities. Local government in this county is big business. In all, it has 700 employees, has an annual revenue budget of £34 million, has a capital budget of £49 million. It is the biggest owner of property in terms of its housing stock, buildings and land bank. This combined with its statutory and regulatory roles ensures that it is the single greatest player in shaping the development of the county. Also, given its ever widening remit, it has, through its involvement in a large number of local agencies, become more and more involved in shaping the very fabric of our society.

In the roads area alone, there are 12 major projects either at planning or construction stage involving 83km of roadway, much of which is to dual carriage and moterway standard at a total cost of £373m.

A similar position applies in relation to sanitary services. In relation to sewerage facilities, for example, works are underway for the upgrading of the existing sewerage distribution network in both Dundalk and Drogheda at a further estimated cost of some £100m. Progress continues to be made in areas such as housing, rural water and sewerage schemes and recreational services.

In terms of local development, every effort is made to attract funding from available sources. Funding from such headings as Urban & Village Renewal schemes, International Fund for Ireland, Peace & Reconciliation, Intereg etc. which has been matched with funding from Louth County Council has greatly contributed to the upgrading of towns and villages within the country.

In terms of sustainability, the county actively pursues a successful environmental campaign. Indeed, the county has had a high environmental campaign. Indeed, the county has had a high environmental profile for many years winning the national award on four occasions, while its "Environment 21 Committee" continues to give this campaign a firm focus.

This formidable works programme currently being undertaken which, when added to other plans which are presently being developed, will lead to an extremely well serviced county emerging. Louth's strategic location, modern infrastructural facilities, combined with an availability of serviced land will, without doubt, make this region more attractive for investment. This is complimented by other factors including the commitment to the provision of a quality service on the part of both the local authorities and the other development agencies.