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Celbridge Area Meeting

Minutes of Meeting

Held on 7 July, 2008

At Áras Chill Dara, Naas

 

Members Present :  Councillor K. Ridge (Cathaoirleach), Councillors G. Conway and

K. Byrne.

Also Present :  Mr. J. Lahart (Director of Services), Mr. D. Page (Director of Services), Mr. P. Whelan (S.E.O.), Ms. M. Dalton (Acting S.E.O) Mr. K. Kavanagh (S.E.O), Mr. C. Talbot (Meetings Administrator) Ms. S. Rice (Secretary).

 

CE01/07/08

Election of Cathaoirleach

Councillor Ridge was proposed by Councillor Byrne and seconded by Councillor Conway. There was no other nomination and Councillor Ridge was declared elected and took the chair. An Cathaoirleach stated that she is honoured to be elected and will hope to deliver the best she can in her forthcoming year.

 

CE02/07/08

Matters arising from Minutes and Progress report

The committee considered the minutes of the monthly meeting held on 19 May 2008. Resolved on the proposal of Councillor Byrne and seconded by Councillor Conway, that the minutes be confirmed and taken as read.

 

CE07/03/08

Pedestrian Crossing at Primrose Hill National School

The members are still awaiting the report from the Traffic Management Plan. Mr. Whelan would investigate this and return to the members as soon as possible.

 

CE14/03/08

Footpath, Saint Patrick’s Park, Celbridge

Members had previously been advised that this item had been referred to the Planning SPC.

The committee is requesting an update on this item for it’s September meeting.

 

CE23/03/08

Recycling Facilities at Tesco

The members requested that the signage be re-positioned to allow better visibility. An Cathaoirleach requested that all signage in the county be examined to determine if they are correctly positioned, and she also asked to be informed of who has carried out these works.

 

CE10/04/08

Closure of Right of Way, Willowbrook Park

The members  requested that this item be referred to the planning and Local, Urban and Rural development SPC’s with the hope to establish a policy document on rights of way.

 

CE17/04/08

Changes to Refuse Collection Service

Mr. Kavanagh presented the members with a calendar clearly explaining the alternate collection weeks, this is available on the website and to those who have requested it. He also reported that they were in the process of approaching new customers and new housing estates to expand our customer base.

 

CE06/05/08

Footpath at Lishandra, Ardclough.

The transportation section is currently assessing this request and would give a report on an estimated cost to the next area meeting. The chief technician will liase with the Councillor on the details on the location. Councillor Byrne requested a meeting with the chief technician to discuss the exact location and details of works to be carried out.

 

CE07/05/08

Kerbing on Dublin Road, Celbridge.

An Cathaoirleach  requested that the above works by funded from her discretionary fund as it is a worthwhile project.

 

CE11/05/08

Community Graffiti Reduction Programme

An Cathaoirleach commended the environment department in their efforts to circulate the scheme to the Tidy towns committee.

 

Roundabout at Salesian College, Celbridge

Councillor Byrne commended the works carried out and reported that visibility on approach to the roundabout had improved greatly.

 

 

Dishing of Footpaths

An Cathaoirleach is requesting that the committee be supplied with a copy of the audit report from the Access Implementation Plan 2008.

 

 

Fence in Oakleigh estate.

Councillor Conway asked whether there was a condition on the planning submission that a fence be erected between Oakleigh estate and St Raphaels Manor. An Cathaoirleach stated that this item would be listed on the snag list for the taking in charge process of St Raphaels Manor.

 

Peoples Park, Main Street, Celbridge

Councillor Conaway suggested that monies from pay parking be used to fund this item. Mr. Page stated that he would confirm to the Councillor if this would be possible at the next meeting.

 

CE03/07/08

Taxi stand byelaws for Celbridge.

Mr. Whelan presented the proposed byelaws to the members and it was decided to proceed to next full council meeting

Resolved: That this item proceed to next meeting of Kildare County Council.

 

CE04/07/08

Safety Standards at Tesco.

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?

Report: The roads department reported that the junction on the public road at the entrance to the TESCO site had not been taken in charge to date.  The developer had undertaken a Road Safety Audit  (Stage 3) and the County Council is awaiting confirmation that the remedial measures identified have been undertaken.

Resolved: That report be noted

 

CE05/07/08

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 cycle lane development be closed and the process to do so commence.

It was reported that the transportation section had received submissions in favour of retaining the entrance as well as some seeking to have it closed. In the absence of a reasonable level of consensus on this issue it was not proposed to proceed with the statutory process to initiate the closure of the entrance. Councillor Conway stated that she was unhappy with the report, and proposed to commence closure of right of way, Councillor Byrne seconded this motion.

Resolved: That the roads department re-visit this item with the intention to commence right of way.

 

CE06/07/08

Parking for residents of Crodaun Forrest Park

The committee considered the following motion in the name of Councillor Conway:

That part of the green is removed at house numbers 288, 289 and 290 Crodaun Forrest Park to provide parking for residents.

The roads department reported that the area office would not consider the removal of open spaces to provide car parking spaces unless there was strong consent locally for such works. Any proposal would also be subject to appropriate funding being available. Councillor Conway would refer back to the committee with consent from all residents concerned.

Resolved: That report be noted

 

CE07/07/08

Proposed Feeder bus schedule

The committee considered the following motion in the name of Councillor Ridge:

Will the roads department make sure to obtain from Iarnrod Éireann and/or other service providers the proposed feeder bus schedule for the improved Celbridge/Hazelhatch rail station, and further that the department request that the pick up points for any feeder service be clearly notified and identifiable to the public, so that commuters will have an efficient, attractive public transport alternative?

It was reported that the transportation section would correspond with Irish Rail on this service and convey the Councillor’s request regarding publication of the service timetables and pick up points. Councillor Ridge asked that local residents be informed of all timetable arrangements; Councillor Byrne also suggested that the service be upgraded. Mr Page replied that the roads department were currently in talks regarding this matter.

Resolved: That this item be reviewed in six months.

 

 

CE08/07/08

Circle Line bus route

The committee considered the following question in the name of Councillor Conway:

Can the committee discuss the impact of the discontinuation of the Circle bus route in Celbridge?

Resolved: That item be referred to the Transporatation SPC.

 

CE09/07/08

Litter on Old Road

The committee considered the following question in the name of Councillor Conway:

Has the rubbish on the Old Road been cleaned up and signage be put in place to try and prevent further dumping of rubbish in this area?

The environment department reported that a clean up has been carried out by environment crew on the Old Road, Celbridge and the roads department reported that there is  “No Dumping” signage already in place on the road.

Resolved: That report be noted.

 

CE10/07/08

Speed Ramps

The committee considered the following question in the name of Councillor Conway:

Can speed ramps be provided on the Willowbrook/Agards Road?

The chief technician will survey this location and report to the next meeting of the committee on any proposal and funding implications

Resolved: That report be noted

 

CE11/07/08

Public lighting in Castletown Estate

The committee considered the following question in the name of Councillor Byrne:

To ask if the council have recently reviewed the public lighting in Castletown Estate, Celbridge and what action is proposed to take in this regard?

The area office has requested the ESB to do a survey on this estate. The ESB have indicated that this could take some time. As soon as this report is received it will be circulated to the Councillors. Councillor Byrne queried the timeframe for completion of the survey.

Resolved: That report be noted

 

CE12/07/08

Pedestrian access Maynooth Road/Beatty Park

The committee considered the following question in the name of Councillor Byrne:

To ask the council to review the continued use of the pedestrian access from the Maynooth Road into Beatty Park in view of the experience of the residents who are living near this pathway and are forced to endure constant and unacceptable anti-social behaviour?

Resolved: Refer to CE05/07/08

 

CE13/07/08

Demise of Circle Line bus service

The committee considered the following motion in the name of Councillor Ridge:

Given the demise of the Circle Line bus service and the serious impact that the cessation of this service will have on commuters in Celbridge: that the Director of Services for the roads department of Kildare County Council together with the Transportation SPC as a matter of urgency, impresses on the Minister for Transport the requirement to immediately step up the level of bus services that are operated out of Celbridge.

Resolved: Refer to CE08/07/08.

 

CE14/07/08

Rail improvement works

The committee considered the following motion in the name of Councillor Ridge:

Following on from the rail improvement works at the Loughlinsown Road/Stacumny area of Celbridge: that the Director of Services for the roads department now set out the road re-instatement works that will be put in place to address what is presently an appalling road surface, and further that this report sets out the timeframe for the commencement and completion of these works.

It was reported that the senior engineer of roads maintenance had written to Irish Rail setting out the required remedial works and a detailed costing for the works. Irish Rail had not responded to this correspondence yet but the matter would be pursued with Irish Rail over the coming weeks.

Resolved: That this item remains on the agenda for the September meeting

 

CE15/07/08

Traffic Management at Straffan National School

The committee considered the following motion in the name of Councillor Byrne:

That the council examines the traffic management at Straffan National School with a view to improving the safety measures there, and that this would include the provision of additional speed ramps and flashing amber lights on each side of the school entrance.

 The road safety officer and the chief technician would assess this site to see if further traffic calming/management initiatives are required. The provision of any extra traffic calming measures at the school will be subject to appropriate funding being available. Councillor Conway welcomed this report and would gladly meet staff at the location.

Resolved: That report be noted

 

CE16/07/08

Road repairs, Walled Gardens, Castletown Estate.

The committee considered the following motion in the name of Councillor Byrne:

That the council fills in the potholes and resurfaces the road leading into the Walled Gardens, Castletown Estate, Celbridge.

The area office reported that they would arrange for the filling potholes out as soon as possible, but this was only a temporary solution. If funding was available the road could be resurfaced to give a more permanent resolution for this problem. Councillor Byrne stated that the road urgently needs resurfacing and has requested that the roads department re-investigate this item.

Resolved: That item be referred to the roads department.

 

CE17/07/08

Speed ramp at Straffan National School

The committee considered the following motion in the name of Councillor Byrne:

That Kildare County Council provide one further speed ramp at Straffan School.

Resolved: Refer to CE15/07/08

 

 

CE18/07/08

Pedestrian lights, Dublin Road

The committee considered the following motion in the name of Councillor Conway:

That pedestrian light be put in place on the Dublin Road in the Gleeson Corner area.

Traffic management section will examine the issue and report back. Councillor Conway queried as to when the report will be available, Mr. Whelan stated that a report would be available for the next area meeting in September.

Resolved: That the roads department report on this matter for the next area meeting

 

 

CE19/07/08

Road improvements near Ballyoulster.

The committee considered the following motion in the name of Councillor Byrne:

That Kildare County Council make provision for the lorries and vans that service the pumping station near Ballyoulster on the Dublin road, Celbridge and that the potholes on the side of the road be repaired and that a kerb be provided and that drainage would also be provided.

It was reported that this matter had been referred to water services, as vehicles servicing the water services facility are the main users of this roadway.  The committee will be updated when a response from water services is to hand. Mr. Whelan suggested meeting Councillor Byrne to discuss this matter further.

Resolved: That the roads department contact Councillor Byrne to progress this item.

 

 

 

 

 

 

CE20/07/08

Sewage System in Celbridge

The committee considered the following motion in the name of Councillor Conway:

That the sewage system in Celbridge be repaired or upgraded to ensure that the foul odour currently present, be eliminated.

The water services department reported that odour problems have been experienced on an intermittent basis due to the necessary length/diameter of the Straffan sewer rising main. The main contract for the Lower Liffey Valley Regional Sewerage Scheme includes for the provision of odour control units at a number of locations including Celbridge. This contract had been approved by the DOEHLG and works were expected to commence this autumn. In the Interim Kildare County Council would continue to monitor and reduce the problem through increased dosing at Straffan. Councillor Conway enquired as to why an odour was present; the administrator reported that it is due to the size of the pipes.

Resolved: That report be noted.

 

CE21/07/08

Sewer on new road, Straffan

The committee considered the following question in the name of Councillor Byrne:

To ask the council to examine the new sewer on the new road, Straffan with a view to eliminating the stench emitting from same?

It was reported that this scheme had been commissioned as part of the Straffan Sewerage Scheme to facilitate the Ryder Cup in 2006.  Kildare County Council had instructed its Consultants to investigate the problem and to liaise with the Contractor and carry out any remedial works that may be required. In the interim Kildare County Council will continue to monitor the situation. Councillor Byrne stated that venting was the only solution here and that a long-term solution was required.

Resolved: That report be noted.

 

CE22/07/08

Castlewarden to Ballygoran pipeline scheme

The committee considered the following question in the name of Councillor Ridge:

What progress has been made with the department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government in respect of the Castlewarden to Ballygoran pipeline scheme since the resolution of the members that was agreed at the May meeting?

I t was reported that the DOEHLG has not given derogation in respect of this scheme and that Kildare County Council will need to re-submit the project using the new forms of contracts for public works. The timeframe for delivery of this scheme will be put back by at least twelve months to the second quarter of 2010. An Cathaoirleach claimed that it was outrageous and unacceptable that the residents of Ballygoran should have to tolerate this problem any longer. Councillor Conway requested a report on the different phases of the scheme and Councillor Byrne stated that he gave the residents of Ballygoran a commitment that the works would be completed in third quarter of 2008 as previously reported.

Resolved: That water services department progress with this item as soon as possible and update the members at the next meeting

 

 

CE23/07/08

Taking in Charge

The committee considered the following question in the name of Councillor Ridge:

What progress has been achieved on the taking in charge of Hawthorn View estate, Celbridge and when will the agreed palisade fence be erected?

It was reported that the taking in charge of this estate was at an advanced stage. The estate had already been on public display as part of the statutory process for taking in charge.In order to complete the taking in charge, it would be necessary to acquire a way leave over the adjoining Oaklee Trust lands. building control section have been in contact with Oaklee Trust regarding this way leave, they have indicated their willingness in principle to facilitate the Council in this matter. The Council has sent a draft way leave map to Oaklee Trust for their formal approval in January 08. The Council wrote to them again on this matter in June 08. When formal approval of the proposed way leave has been received, the taking in charge of Hawthorn View will be completed. The fact that the taking in charge has not been completed will not delay the erection of the fence between Hawthorn View and the Castletown Estate woodlands. An Cathaoirleach enquired as to when the fence will be erected

Resolved: That the planning department report back to the members at the next meeting on the timeframe of the works to be carried out.

 

 

 

 

CE24/07/08

Liaison with Ballymakealy residents

The committee considered the following motion in the name of Councillor Ridge:

That the housing department of Kildare County Council expedite the requested liaison meeting between the housing department representatives, local councillors, tenant liaison officer and the resident association representatives of Ballymakealy, Celbridge.

It was reported that the scheme was developed as a mixed tenure one involving Social/Voluntary/Private, all delivered at different phases and through various funding sources. Kildare County Council are now working closely with Respond, the Department of Social and Family Affairs, Kildare Sports Partnership, Kildare Youth Services and the Gardai in the promotion of community development in Ballymakealy. It was proposed to hold the requested meeting in September when it will be possible to identify the benefit of the work carried out and put a plan in place for the continuation of this inter-agency approach. Ms. Dalton reported that some improvement has occurred in the past six months, the members disagreed with this reply and have requested a meeting with the housing department to progress this matter

Resolved: That the members and housing staff schedule a meeting for the following week to discuss all outstanding issues.

 

CE25/07/08

Other business

Right of way, Beatty Park.

An Cathaoirleach requested a closure of the right of way of the laneway from Beatty Park serving Tesco, a letter from residents and the local Gardai was presented to the meeting outlining the problems and anti-social behaviour taking place at this location. An Cathaoirleach proposed to commence the closure of the right of way, this was seconded by Councillor Conway.

 

 

Sewerage, Main Street, Celbridge.

Councillor Conway reported that there is a sewerage problem at Main Street, Celbridge and has requested that the water services section investigate this problem.

 

 

 

 

Naming of Streets

Councillor Conway has requested that this item be discussed at the next area meeting

 

 

Speeding vehicles

Councillor Conway reported that there was an ongoing problem with speeding vehicles in the Celbridge area, the administrator stated that speeding is a matter for gardaí, Councillor Conway requested that the roads department investigate the possibility of speed ramps in problem areas.

 

Landscaping at Tesco

Councillor Byrne enquired as to when the landscaping would be done opposite Tesco. Mr. Whelan agreed to meet the councillor to discuss this issue.

 

Aldi Site

Councillor Byrne reported that there was a possible unauthorised development in the form of large concrete pipes at the old Sneider site on the Maynooth road, and would like the planning and roads department to investigate.

 

The meeting concluded.