Local Authority Service Indicators for 2007

08/10/2008

Archived item. This item is published here for historical reasons. The information below may be out of date.

Mr. John Gormley, TD, Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government has launched the fourth report from the Local Government Management Services Board on Local Authority Service Indicators for 2007.

The report details the performance of local authorities in 2007 in relation to 42 indicators of service and 168 sub-indicators covering a wide range of local authority activities e.g. housing, water, planning, fire service, environment, and finance.

In welcoming the Report Minister Gormley noted that “Local government impacts on the everyday lives of most people so it is essential that services are delivered to the highest standard possible”. He also praised the work of local authorities and their ongoing commitment and drive to ensuring quality customer service. “Progress made by local authorities in recent years is evident by the information contained within the Service Indicator Report. Nonetheless, as we face into more difficult economic times, I would like to see local authorities focussing on increasing collection rates in a range of areas such as housing rents & loans and commercial water charges,” added Minister Gormley.

The Minister welcomed the comparison in the report between performance in 2004, 2005, 2006 and 2007. He was pleased that, in the main, the trends overall were moving in the right direction.

Commenting on the findings, the Minister noted the improvement in a number of indicators compared to 2006, in particular he was pleased to note:

-The percentage of household waste recycled has risen and is showing a steady increase since 2004. The percentage of waste going to landfill sites is steadily falling.

-In terms of litter pollution, the percentage of areas that are significantly polluted has fallen, while the number of moderately polluted areas has also gone down.

-The number of schools participating in environmental campaigns is showing a steady and significant rise, particularly at primary level.

A comparison of returns for 2007 and 2006 for South Dublin County Council is shown on the attached report and shows positive trends in the vast majority of areas.