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Celbridge Area Meeting

Minutes of Meeting

Held at 10.00 a.m. on Friday 13 March 2009

At Áras Chill Dara, Naas

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

K. Byrne.

Also Present:  Mr. D. Page (Director of Services), Mrs. A. Rowan (S.E.O) Ms S. Kavanagh (S.E.O.) Mr. J. Mc Gowan (S.E), Mr A. Dunney (S.E.E), Ms. P. Penny (A.S.O), Mr. C. Talbot (Meetings Administrator) Ms. S. Rice (Secretary).

The members held a minute’s silence in memory of those murdered in Northern Ireland recently and condemned the atrocity that took place.

CE 01/03/09

Minutes and Progress Report

The committee considered the minutes of the monthly meeting held on 13 February 2009. Resolved on the proposal of Councillor Byrne and seconded by Councillor Conway, that the minutes be confirmed and taken as read.

Wall at Walled Gardens in Castletown Estate

It was reported at the February meeting that an initial inspection of the damaged wall had taken place and potential problems and solutions identified, and that the Parks Superintendent would investigate the matter further and revert back to the members at a later meeting.

Bollards at Tesco, Shackleton Road

The bollards are identified as being on the opposite side of the Shackleton road to the Tesco site (outside the surgery) and are in situ in the grass margin.  There are 7 steel bollards in situ and they are on public property.  An Cathaoirleach requested that a letter be sent to Tesco asking them if they installed the bollards and if so that they remove them, it was also suggested that spare wooden bollards currently in the area office be used as a replacement.

Callenders Mill

The council were asked to provide place name signs for Callenders Mill housing estate, Celbridge to facilitate the location of this area by emergency services. The roads department reported that there was no funding available in the roads maintenance budget for name signs for housing estates. Councillor Byrne reported that the estate is difficult to locate, as it is situated between two other estates and not signposted and asked for a costing to supply two signs. An Cathaoirleach asked that the developer be contacted to supply the required road signs and that the area engineer meet with Councillor Byrne to discuss this matter.

Landscaping at Vanessa Lawns

At the February meeting Councillor Byrne asked if suitable landscaping can be done at the green areas of Vanessa Close, Celbridge that were badly damaged during the recent floods.

The area engineer advised the members that there was no funding available in the roads maintenance budget for this work and perhaps the Parks Superintendant would consider Councillor Byrne’s request. Mr. Wallace reported that the communty and enterprise section were unable to fund the landscaping. Councillor Byrne suggested that funding from the Office of Public Works might be in a position to complete the works.

Closure of rights of way

The roads department confirmed that a letter was sent to the Minister and the Chief State Solicitors Office has responded to the Council’s correspondence. They have now met with the Council’s legal representatives in an effort to progress this matter. The members welcomed this move but requested that this item remain on the agenda in order to progress this item.

Liffey Valley Intrepretive Project

The community and enterprise department reported that the provision of €108,000 in the Capital Budget was based on estimates of development levies which the council will collect over the next three years. Until the money is receipted it will not be possible to commence any of the pilot projects identified in the Liffey Valley Strategy for Celbridge. An Cathaoirleach was very disappointed that there was no national funding for this scheme of works. Councillor Conway stated that €40,000.00 had been collected from development levies for this project and An Cathaoirleach asked that smaller aspects of the plan be started with monies collected previously.

Land for allotments

An Cathaoirleach reported that she visited an allotment scheme in Jobstown, Tallaght which is provided by South Dublin County Council. They provided An Cathaoirleach with an information pack that outlined all the costing and benefits of providing the community with an allotment scheme; she said her visit there verified her belief that the residents of Kildare are in need of same.

Playground in Celbridge

An Cathaoirleach reported that the playground and Willowbrook estate are covered in litter and debris and that the remnants of a bonfire in Willowbrook be removed and cleaned up. She also asked that a letter be sent to the local gardaí to help combat anti-social behaviour occurring in the playground by older children. The members requested that this item also be referred to the Joint Policing Committee for discussion. It was also suggested that a forum be set up were problems may be discussed and forwarded for those areas with no JPC.

Dumping on Oldtown Road

An Cathaoirleach and Councillors Conway and Byrne reported incidents of dumping behind the hedge on the Oldtown Road, Celbridge and asked that it be investigated and a clean up take place.

CE02/03/09

Design for traffic calming from Wheatfield

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

To ask the council if they would prepare a design for traffic calming from Wheatfield Cottages to Lishandra on the Ardclough to Celbridge road?

The roads department reported that traffic-calming budgets for the county were extremely limited and a number of projects had already been prioritised which would fully expend the monies available.

Resolved: That report be noted

CE03/03/09

Footpath repairs at Celbridge Abbey

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

To ask the council if the footpath beside house number, Celbridge Abbey housing estate Celbridge could be dished. This is required to allow mothers with baby buggies who need to access the footpath?

The roads department reported that there was no funding in the current budget for this work.

Resolved: That report be noted

CE04/03/09

Traffic calming scheme for Killenlea

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

To ask the council if plans could be prepared for a traffic calming scheme for Killenlea Celbridge to coincide with the proposed reduction in the speed limit in that general area from 80kmph to 50kmph?

The roads department reported that a countywide speed limit review will be discussed at the April Celbridge Area Committee and the Councillors would be given an opportunity to discuss this submission with the appropriate technical staff and the Gardai.  With regard to the request regarding traffic calming the budget for the county was extremely limited and a number of projects had already been prioritised which would fully expend the monies available.

Resolved: That report be noted

CE05/03/09

Pay parking signage at Hazelhatch

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

Can Kildare County Council contact Iarnroid Eireann and request that the size and location of signage at Hazelhatch, for pay parking, be re-examined to make it more evident for commuters?

The roads department reported that the property section of CIE was contacted to discuss this matter.  The property section oversees the management of train station car parks.  CIE thanked the members for the feedback regarding signage.  CIE felt that the signage present in Hazelhatch was adequate.  However, they are undertaking site visits in the next couple of weeks and they will review this matter following these visits.

Resolved: That report be noted.

CE06/03/09

Street lighting in Thornhill Heights

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

That the lighting in the Thornhill Heights housing estate in Celbridge be upgraded, especially in the vicinity of the bank in which the council playground is situated.

The roads department reported that there was no funding in roads maintenance for the provision of public lighting and that the Parks department may be able to advise further.

Resolved: That item be sent to Community and Enterprise and a report be available for the April meeting.

CE07/03/09

Damaged bus shelter, Oakleigh estate

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

That the roads department of Kildare County Council contact Bus Eireann regarding upgrading the damaged and inadequately sized bus shelter outside Oakleigh estate, Clane Road, Celbridge.

The roads department reported that Bus Eireann had been contacted regarding this bus shelter and that they would contact the company who provided the shelter and ask them to review or repair it.

Resolved: That report be noted.

CE08/03/09

Pay parking in Celbridge Town

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

That the area committee be provided with an update of the monies earned to date through the provision of pay parking in Celbridge town.

The roads department provided the members with a detailed report on the income and expenditure from the pay-parking scheme.

Resolved: That report be noted.

CE09/03/09

Surface water grille, Straffan

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

That the surface water grille at RC Church, Straffan, be increased in size to prevent the flooding from reoccurring.

It was reported that the problem, which had occurred in August 2008, was not due to the size of the grille at this location. This grille is connected by a pipe to a nearby gully, which in turn is connected to a pipe that flows to the open drain on the Ardrass Road.  The Area staff did some remedial drainage relief work on the Ardrass Road in late 2008, which should help with drainage at this location and that the staff would clean the acco drain again when the sweeper is next in Straffan but it is not possible to increase the size of it.

Resolved: That report be noted.

CE10/03/09

Damaged lights, K club

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

That the two damaged lights on the Kill Road, Straffan outside the K Club be replaced.

The roads department confirmed that an order was issued to the ESB on 28/01/09 to replace both these damaged lights and also the one on the Clane Road in Celbridge.  The Area Office had contacted the ESB again regarding this and has been told that it would be attended to as soon as possible.

Resolved: That report be noted.

CE11/03/09

Community enterprise initiatives for Celbridge

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

What community enterprise initiatives, operated through the auspices of local authorities are available to towns like Celbridge, particularly in light of the current growing levels of unemployment?

The community and enterprise department reported that at present they do not have a remit for the provision of specific community enterprise initiatives, and any support for those is primarily channeled through The County Enterprise Board. Under the new Rural Development Programme currently being administered through the Cill Dara ar Aighaidh Teo supports will be available for enterprise initiatives. The enterprise and education sectors are represented on the County Development Board and as part of the current review process shared actions may be considered for the 2006-2012 Action Plan. A planning day is scheduled for April 2 at which such action will be discussed. Also the Department of Environment and Local Government have instructed al CDB’S to establish Economic Working Groups. An Cathaoirleach welcomed the report and asked that representations be made to the Minister at the meeting relation to Kildare County Council administrating Community Employment Schemes which are huge benefit for those who are currently unemployed.

Resolved: That representations be made to the Minister at the meeting relation to Kildare County Council administrating Community Employment Schemes that are huge benefit for those who are currently unemployed.

CE12/03/09

Delivery access at Tesco

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

Can the planning department confirm that the delivery access at Tesco, Celbridge is (a) constructed in accordance with planning requirements and (b) is used accordingly?

The planning and roads departments reported that following a site inspection that there is a traffic safety issue and the associated delivery vehicle movements are causing a serious safety hazard to road users, in particular vulnerable road users i.e. cyclists. It was also reported that Tesco were in breach of Condition 38 (delivery access) with the grant of permission and that this matter had been referred to enforcement section, UD4824 refers. An Cathaoirleach welcomed the report and the enhancement of the Tesco store which had provided employment for the area, however urgent action is required before an accident takes place, she asked that a meeting take place with the planners and committee members to discuss condition 38. Councillor Conway concurred with the Cathaoirleach comments and asked why the junction had been taken in charge when the developer was not compliant with the planning conditions.

Resolved: That the planners meet with the members to discuss this matter.

CE13/03/09

Pallisade fence between Oakleigh estate and Saint Raphaels Manor

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

That a palisade fence be erected between Oakleigh housing estate and Saint Raphael’s Manor housing estate Celbridge and that the work be done as part of the snag list presently being prepared for the taking in charge of Saint Raphael’s Manor.

The planning department reported that St Raphael’s Manor development was granted planning permission in 4 separate applications.

Phases I – Planning Reference 96/440

Phase II – Planning Reference 96/823 & 97/1049

Phase III - Planning Reference 98/562

Phase IV - Planning Reference 99/2286

Phase I – Planning Reference 96/440 and Phase III - Planning Reference 98/562 are relevant as this application forms the boundary to Oakleigh Park.

Phase III - Planning Reference 98/562

Phase III is adjacent to the estate entrance at the Shackleton Road of the development and it bounds both Grattan Court and Oakleigh Park.

In planning permission 98/562 Condition 34 (b) for phase III States

“ A 2m high palisade type fence of pre coated green colour shall be erected along the entire length of the eastern and southern site boundaries where these adjoin the Oakleigh Park and Grattan Court housing estates. This shall be erected on the inner, site side of these hedgerows prior to the occupation of any dwellings hereby permitted.”

Mountbrook Homes have erected a palisade fence in the boundaries adjoining the Oakleigh Park and Grattan Court housing estates which complies with this condition

Phases I – Planning Reference 96/440

Phase I of the development is located at the Entrance of the Clane road its bounds Oakleigh Park Only. Presently there is a 1.8m chain link fencing on the boundary, which has being breached at one location, and has been included in the snag list as part of the estate remedial works.

For this phase of development there is no condition of the planning or drawing indicating palisade fence.

As this is not a requirement of the Grant of Planning 96/440, we cannot request the developer to construct a palisade fence boundary treatment for this area of the development.

Additionally to construct a palisade fence would require planning permission. The members asked that the present fence be reinforced with same fence that is currently in place on the top half of the boundary, as this would not require planning permission.

Resolved: That the planning department ensure that these works be carried out by the developer as part of the snag list.

CE14/03/09

Flood Alleviation Programme

Mr A. Dunney and Mr. J. McGowan attended the meeting and discussed the programme with the members. Councillor Conway asked about the possibility of flooding occurring again in Vanessa Lawns, Mr. Dunney replied that the same problem should not occur again due to continuous maintenance works and a new trash screen that was installed to eliminate any future problems. An Cathaoirleach welcomed this and was satisfied that the scheme as outlined by Mr. Joe Boland was progressing.

Resolved: That report be noted.

CE15/03/09

Progress on Toni River Catchment Scheme

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

In relation to the Toni River Catchment Scheme (flood alleviation works), what stage of the phased works is the scheme currently at and it is on schedule?

The water services department reported that since presenting the Toni River Flood Assessment Non Technical Summary Report, further meetings with members of the public had been held in relation to the proposed flood alleviation measures.  The process of contacting landowners had also commenced and their feedback and thoughts are being processed as received. The water services section had also met with the Office of Public Works in relation to the flooding situation along the Toni River channel and while the situation in relation to funding for any required works hds yet to be finalised, they are assured of their assistance with quantifying the works required and with the detailed design of such works. Finally, a preliminary survey of the Toni River Channel had been completed and long and cross sections of the channel were prepared to assist with the detailed design process. It was also arranged to have all piped / culverted sections of the Toni River to have CCTV in order to determine the condition of all enclosed sections of the river - the results of this survey should be available in the coming weeks. With the above progress in mind, it was confirmed that the proposed scheme was progressing on schedule, noting of course that a replacement trash screen (to allow the flow of water when there is trash against the screen) was provided in Vanessa Lawns immediately after the flood event last August and that the Northern Area Office has also carried out substantial maintenance works along the Toni River.

Resolved: That report be noted.

CE16/03/09

Other business

Thornhill Meadows

Councillor Byrne asked that a full junction box be placed on both sides of the road at the exit/entrance to Thornhill Meadows, he reported that there is currently half a junction box in place but this is not sufficient.

Prosecution for littering

An Cathaoirleach requested information on the alleged failure of Kildare County Council to appear in court in relation to the prosecution of person caught littering.

Grants for roads improvements

Mr. Page informed the committee that the Department of Transport had imposed a condition requiring prior departmental approval to contractual commitments to be met out of National and Regional Roads Grants. Councillor Conway indicated willingness to assign part of her discretionary funds to assist with selected roads projects within the Celbridge area.