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CELBRIDGE AREA COMMITTEE
MINUTES OF MEETING
HELD ON 11 APRIL, 2008
AT ARAS CHILL DARA, DEVOY PARK, NAAS
MEMBERS PRESENT: Councillor K. Ridge (Cathaoirleach), Councillors K. Byrne and G. Conway.
ALSO PRESENT: Mr. J. Lahart (Director of Services), Mr. P. Whelan (S.E.O.), Ms. E. Murray (A.E.), Mr. C. Talbot (Meetings Administrator) Ms. A. Reid (Secretary).
CE01/04/08
Matters arising from Minutes
The minutes of 14 March 2008 were proposed by Councillor Conway and seconded by Councillor Byrne.
CE18/02/08
Deficiency in Infrastructure
Councillor Byrne enquired whether it stated in the Local Government Act that the decision of allocating the Deficiency in Infrastructure is an executive function. It was confirmed that while the allocation of funding is indeed an executive function, the decision-making is usually done in consultation with Members.
CE03/03/08
Roadwork’s Programme 2008
It was reported that this programme would be circulated to the Members before Easter. Councillor Ridge requested that it be forwarded to the Members immediately.
CE04/03/08
Footpath from Wheatfield Cottages to Ardclough Village
Members requested that a more comprehensive progress report, as already requested by Councillor Conway be presented at the May meeting.
CE07/03/08
Pedestrian Crossing at Primrose Hill National School
Members had been advised that Roads Design were investigating this matter and would keep Members informed of any progress made. Councillor Byrne requested a progress report issue for the May meeting.
CE10/03/08
Works in Abbey Car Park, Celbridge
CE12/03/08
Footpath on Hazelhatch Road
Roads Design report that they would liase with Councillor Conway on this matter. Councillor Conway noted that she had not been contacted to date and requested that the Chief Technician pursue this matter immediately.
CE14/03/08
Footpath, Saint Patrick’s Park, Celbridge
Members had previously been advised that this item had been referred to the Planning SPC. It was noted that the March SPC meeting had been deferred so this item would be listed for the April meeting instead. Members have requested that this item remain on the Action Plan so a progress report can issue for the May meeting.
CE15/03/08
Footpath Repairs at Wheatfield, Ardclough
It was noted that both Councillor Byrne and Councillor Ridge had similar motions regarding footpath repairs at Wheatfield, Ardclough and requested that both meet with the Area Engineer to discuss the matter.
CE19/03/08
Taking in Charge of Private Housing Estates
Members were advised that the Planning Department hoped to proceed with taking in charge of Simmonstown Manor at the April meeting. Councillor Byrne noted that this item was not listed on the April agenda and requested that a report issue for the May meeting.
CE23/03/08
Park and Ride Facilities
Councillor Conway noted that the minutes regarding this item were a little vague and requested that they be revised.
CE23/03/08
Recycling Facilities at Tesco
Councillor Ridge commented that the signage at this recycling facility was very difficult to read and requested that Kildare County Council investigate the possibility of repositioning the signs in a more appropriate manner.
CE02/04/08
Safety Standards at Tesco Junction
The committee considered the following question in the name of Councillor Conway:
Can the committee have an update on the new junction at Tesco re: Safety standards?
Members were advised that the revised junction, including the new entrance into Tesco had not been formally taken in charge and that once it had, Traffic management staff would carry out an inspection and report back to the Committee. Councillor Conway was adamant that this junction could not remain in it’s current state while waiting to be taken in charge and enquired when it was proposed to commence this process and how long it would take. Members also requested that representations be made to Tesco in the meantime and also sought technical information on the planning permission relating to this junction.
Resolved: Report noted, roads department to investigate Members concerns and revert to Committee at the next meeting.
CE03/04/08
Footpath on Maynooth Road, Celbridge
The committee considered the following motion in the name of Councillor Byrne:
That a footpath be provided from the entrance to the (under construction) M4 interchange business park at Maynooth Road, Celbridge to the 50k sign opposite the Salesian College and that this be funded from the deficiencies in the infrastructure fund for public safety long this extremely busy bus route.
Members were informed that there are plans to extend the footpath on the adjacent side of the road but that a 100m gap in the footpath would remain. Roads Design undertook to assess the location to see if this scheme could be included in the Deficiency in Infrastructure Scheme for 2009 when the on-going developments in this area are complete. Councillor Byrne enquired whether the developer could be conditioned to complete the remaining 100m gap.
Resolved: Report noted, Planning Department to prepare report on planning conditions of this development for the next meeting.
CE04/04/08
This motion from Councillor Byrne was withdrawn
CE05/04/08
Footpaths from Temple Manor to Simmonstown Manor
The committee considered the following motion in the name of Councillor Byrne:
That Kildare County Council now use the development levies collected from the construction of Temple Manor and Chelmsford Housing Estates on the Ardclough Road, Celbridge, to upgrade the road and provide an adequate footpath from Temple Manor to the Simmonstown Manor Housing Estate, which would be in accordance with the recommendation by An Board Pleanala in 1997 (Temple Manor Planning Permission) and 2007 (Chelmsford Extension) and that in addition to these funding mechanisms that the Deficiency in Infrastructure Scheme and 2008 Roads Grants be used if there is a shortfall in funds from the two grants of planning permission.
Members were advised that Roads Design had already prepared a footpath scheme for this location and the total cost of the proposed works would be substantial due to the requirement of land acquisition. The total budget would be finalised once the schedule of landowners affected by the proposed scheme was completed. Members requested a report setting out what levies would be available for this project under both the old and new Development Contributions Scheme.
Resolved: Report noted, Roads to prepare report setting out the funding available from the current Development Contributions Scheme and a similar report based on the old scheme for comparison.
CE06/04/08
Installation of Wooden Bollards
The committee considered the following motion in the name of Councillor Conway:
That wooden bollards be placed on green area at the lay-by on the Maynooth Road opposite Beatty Park.
Members were informed that it was the opinion of the Area Engineer that, having inspected the area in question, wooden bollards were not required. Councillor Conway begged to differ with the opinions expressed by the Area Engineer so it was proposed that they both meet on site to resolve this issue.
Resolved: Report noted, Area Engineer to meet Councillor Conway on site.
CE07/04/08
Residential Parking in Crodaun Forrest Park
The committee considered the following motion in the name of Councillor Conway:
That part of the green be removed at house numbers 288, 289 and 290 Crodaun Forrest Park to provide parking for residents.
Members were advised that, setting aside the issue of funding, local consensus would first be required for this project as this was a green area of Crodaun housing estate. Councillor Conway noted the report and undertook to speak with the residents and revert to Kildare County Council in due course.
Resolved: Report noted.
CE08/04/08
Closure of Walkway on Maynooth Road
The committee considered the following motion in the name of Councillor Conway:
That the new walkway opened on the Maynooth road during the cycling lane development be closed and the process to do so commence.
Members were informed that the transportation department had received submissions in favour of retaining this pedestrian access so it was not proposed to take any action at this stage to close the entrance. Councillor Conway questioned whether this course of action was in contravention of the Celbridge Development Plan and if so the laneway could not remain open. Councillor Ridge proposed the matter be resolved by way of a plebiscite if the laneway is not in contravention of the Celbridge Development Plan. The Meetings Administrator advised that should a plebiscite be taken then all paperwork regarding its structure and administration.
Resolved: Report noted, Transportation Department to report on legality of lane-way in relation to the Celbridge Development Plan and report at next meeting.
CE09/04/08
Footpath at Temple Manor
The committee considered the following motion in the name of Councillor Ridge:
That the roads department provide as a matter of urgency the costing for a footpath along the roadside at Temple Manor, Celbridge.
Members were advised that Roads Design had already prepared a footpath scheme for this location and the total cost of the proposed works would be substantial due to the requirement of land acquisition. The total budget would be finalised once the schedule of landowners affected by the proposed scheme was completed. Members requested a report setting out what levies would be available for this project under both the old and new Development Contributions Scheme.
Resolved: Report noted, Roads to prepare report setting out the funding available from the current Development Contributions Scheme and a similar report based on the old scheme for comparison.
CE10/04/08
Closure of Right of Way, Willowbrook Park
The committee considered the following motion in the name of Councillor Ridge:
That Kildare County Council proceeds to provide the relevant residents in Willowbrook Park with written confirmation of the closure of the right of way and set out their agreement to transfer any interest the council had in the area, to enable the residents to register title to same.
Members were informed that Roads Administration would communicate with the residents to advise them of the current position in relation to this matter. Councillor Ridge sought confirmation that this communication would be taken in the context of her motion. P. Whelan, S.E.O. assured Councillor Ridge that it would.
Resolved: Report noted, Roads Administration to communicate with residents.
CE11/04/08
Traffic Count at Kearneystown Bridge
The committee considered the following motion in the name of Councillor Ridge:
That the roads department provides the written report on the vehicular movements at Kearneystown Bridge, as requested at the October 2007 Celbridge area meeting.
Members were advised of the figures for traffic volumes at Kearneystown Bridge as recorded on the latest traffic count at this location. Councillor Ridge requested that in light of this report a costing be prepared for the installation of traffic lights at this bridge and undertook to clarify the location of the bridge to which she referred.
Resolved: Transportation Department to prepare costing for the installation of traffic lights at Kearneystown bridge and submit at next meeting.
CE12/04/08
Castlewarden to Ballygoran Pipeline Scheme
The committee considered the following question in the name of Councillor Ridge:
Is the Castlewarden to Ballygoran pipeline scheme on target for completion in Q3 2008 as indicated in November 2006?
Members were informed that Water Services had written to the Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government to ascertain the likely rollout date of this project and would report back to the Committee upon receipt of further information.
Resolved: Report noted.
CE13/04/08
Mast in Tesco Carpark
The committee considered the following question in the name of Councillor Ridge:
Will the Director of Services for Planning advise as to what purpose the large mast in Tesco car park, Celbridge serves?
Members were advised that the Area Engineer would have to carry out a site inspection to confirm details relating to the mast and the relevant planning files were also in the process of being retrieved from long-term storage. Councillor Ridge would be contacted directly as soon as the purpose of this mast was ascertained.
Resolved: Report noted, Planning Department to provide report at next meeting.
CE14/04/08
Central Heating Programme
The committee considered the following question in the name of Councillor Ridge:
When will the Central Heating Installation Programme commence in the Celbridge/Straffan/Ardclough areas?
Members were informed that the dates for commencement of this project would be finalised by the end of next week and Councillor Ridge would be contacted directly with this information. Members were also informed that the tenants would be notified at least two weeks before the contractor commences work on their homes. Councillor Byrne enquired as to how many houses would be serviced in the Celbridge electoral area.
Resolved: Report noted, Housing Department to contact Councillor Ridge once dates have been confirmed and also provide written report for the next meeting, to include a breakdown of the number of houses to be serviced in this electoral area.
CE15/04/08
Unoccupied Housing and Anti-Social Behaviour
The committee considered the following motion in the name of Councillor Byrne:
That the unnecessary wooden gate at the side wall of a house (details supplied) be removed and the gap be walled over to prevent anti-social behaviour and resultant damage and trespass arising there from and that further to this that Kildare County Council contact Respond housing agency with a view to securing the houses that are still unoccupied and that snag lists in the occupied houses be dealt with a as a matter of priority.
Members were advised that the requirement for a gate was being reviewed and should it prove to be unnecessary, the work would be carried out. Members were also advised that sales on the remaining houses at Springfield Drive should close within the next month, following which responsibility for security would rest with the purchasers. Councillor Byrne welcomed this report and thanked the Housing Department for their work on this project.
Resolved: Report noted.
CE16/04/08
Play and Recreation Policy
The committee considered the following question in the name of Councillor Ridge:
Will Kildare County Council set out in a written report the current status of the Play and Recreation policy and indicate in that report when it will be actioned.
Members were informed that the County Council’s play policy was being prepared and was expected to be available as a draft in June of this year. It was also noted that implementation of this policy would be dependant on the availability of resources.
Resolved: Report noted.
CE17/04/08
Other Business
Replacement of Sign at Playground
Councillor Ridge requested that an undertaking be forthcoming that the sign at the playground would be replaced.
Resolved, Community and Enterprise Department to pursue this matter.
Changes to Refuse Collection Service
Councillor Ridge enquired as to whether all refuse collection customers of Kildare County Council had received a leaflet advising them of the imminent changes in service.
Resolved, Environment Department to provide confirmation on this matter for the next meeting.
Bulb Planting in Celbridge Area
Councillor Conway complimented Kildare County Council on it’s bulb-planting programme and acknowledged the hard work of all those involved.
CES1/04/08
HGVs in Celbridge
The Committee considered the following question in the name of Councillor Byrne:
Can the Transportation SPC examine the possibility of banning access of heavy goods vehicles through Celbridge Town?
Members were advised that this item would be best discussed in parallel with consideration of the draft Traffic Management Plan for Celbridge Town and options to restrict movements of HGVs could be considered as part of the balanced recommendations of the report.
Resolved, Report noted.
CES2/04/08
Public Lighting Standards in Dara Court
The Committee considered the following question in the name of Councillor Byrne:
Can the Council examine the public light standards in Dara Court, Celbridge to establish if the rust at the base of the standards represents a danger from the collapse of standards numbers 2/3/5/6, and that pole number 18 leaning over be straightened?
Members were informed that this matter had been forwarded to the ESB and the Transportation Department would revert to the Committee once a report had been received. Councillor Byrne enquired requested that Kildare County Council lobby the ESB in order to speed up the process.
Resolved, Report noted, Transportation Department to lobby the ESB on this matter.
CES3/04/08
Trees in Castlevillage Court
The Committee considered the following question in the name of Councillor Byrne:
Can the trees outside house number 6 Castlevillage Court and houses 9/10 be examined to see if they can be cut back to reduce their effect on the visibility on the road?
Members were advised that the Parks and Recreation Department would examine this matter and a reply would be presented to the Members at the May meeting.
Resolved, Report noted.
The meeting concluded.