Staffing:

Senior Staff:

Sewerage Treatment Plant - Soldiers Point:

Work commenced on site in October 1997 on the construction of a £23m sewerage treatment plant. It will, when completed in the year 2000, form the platform for a complete overhaul of the Dundalk effluent system. Work is expected to start in 1998 on a further estension in the north west sector of Toberona.

Housing:
There are 42 houses currently being constructed at Woodview Terrace, Castletown Road at a cost of £2.5m. Plans were advanced to public consultation stage for three further housing schemes during 1997. These were Barton Park, Castletown Road, Ecco Road junction and Grange Drive, Muirhevnamore. In addition, the council maintains and manages 1,200 houses.

Travelling Community:
During 1997 the council housed 12 traveller families in standard local authority houses and in group housing schemes. It allocated 2 special grants to families to purchase their own homes. The council continues to maintain 15 bays at its halting site, Woodland Park, adjacent to the inner relief road.

Clanbrassil Street:
The refurbishment of Clanbrassil Street which commenced in 1996 was completed this year. The project was funded by the International Fund for Ireland and Dundalk U.D.C.
The scheme was particularly successful and greatly improves the overall appearance of this main thoroughfare.

St Helena's Park:
This project involves an extension of the existing park, drainage works, additional trees, seating, the refurbishment of the bandstand, the insertion of stone embankments on the northern and southern banks of the Castletown river and a riverside walk between the Tain Bridge and the "Big" bridge.

Rampart River and Car Park Refurbishment:
The 1994 Urban Renewal Scheme has proven beneficial to this area of the town and a number of developments were completed in 1997. The council responded to this injection of private and state funding by refurbishing this important car park which services the Park Street and Dublin Street areas of the town. The work also involved the first phase of the Rampart River improvement scheme.

County Museum:
Dundalk also hosts the county museum which provides temporary exhibition space and an audio visual theatre.

Arts:
Among its many events in 1997 "The Global Radio" - a day of music from around the world stands out. Performers from Peru, Africa and Cuba and several Irish bands wer enjoyed by over two thousand people at Ice House Hill Park for what was a memorable occasion.

The councils art service centres on an annual programme of a wide range of arts activities and works in co-operation with many community youth and arts groups. The Arts office is located centrally at the market square where information and advice is obtainable readily. The Urban District Council has employed a full time arts Officer for the past 11 years.

Dundalk Sports Centre:
The centre, which is run directly by the council, is staffed by a manager and three full time attendants. It continues to offer facilities for a wide range of sporting activities.

Environment Campaign:
The council launched a new environment competition "Improve our Town" for the business people and residents of the town in May of 1997. There was a much improved level of public participation and this was reflected in a significant increase in marks awarded in the tidy town competition.

Urban Renewal:
The Urban District Council granted extensions of time to a number of developers in order that they may complete their projects prior to the deadline. The scheme has helped to revitalise Park Street and Church Street.

Roads:
Road improvements works and footpath repairs were carried out at a number of locations throughout the town in 1997 including the Red Barns Road, and Stapleton Place. A comprehensive upgrading programme of public lighting is ongoing and will continue in 1998.

Fire Service:
The Dundalk brigade attended some 407 incidents in 1997. A number of fire safety talks for employees of factories and community groups took place. In addition, the fire service has completed a survey of Dundalk's hydrants.

Planning:

Refuse Collection:
The council's domestic refuse collection is contracted to Wheel-Bin services Ltd. 8,500 homes are serviced by the company each week.

Finance:

Water:
The Urban District Council provides a clean water supply to 28,000 consumers. The current production level is 4.5 million gallons per day.