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Celbridge Area Meeting

Minutes of Meeting

Held at 10.00 a.m. on Friday 10 July 2009

At Áras Chill Dara, Naas

 

Members Present :  Councillors C. Murphy, T. Byrne, P. Kelly, J. McGinley, S. Griffin, C. Purcell and K. Byrne.

Also Present:  Mr. P. Minnock (Director of Services), Ms S. Kavanagh (S.E.O.), Ms. E. Murray (Area Engineer), Mr. W. Hannigan (S.E.E), Ms. P. Penny (A.S.O) Mr. C. Talbot (Meetings Administrator), Ms. S. Rice (Secretary).

 

 

CE 01/07/09

Election of Cathaoirleach

The members decided to draw names for the election of Cathaoirleach each year for the next five years, the results are as follows:

2009/2010 – Councillor Catherine Murphy

2010/2011 – Councillor Senan Griffin

2011/2012 – Councillor Colm Purcell

2012/2013 – Councillor John McGinley

2013/2014 – Councillor Paul Kelly

 

CE02/07/09

Minutes and Progress Report

The committee considered the minutes of the Celbridge area meeting held on 13 March 2009. Resolved on the proposal of Councillor Kevin Byrne and seconded by Councillor Griffin, that the minutes be confirmed and taken as read.

 

The committee considered the minutes of the Leixlip area meeting held on 15 May 2009. Resolved on the proposal of Councillor Griffin and seconded by Councillor McGinley, that the minutes be confirmed and taken as read.

 

 

 

 

School Crossing English Row/Ardclough Road

Councillor Byrne asked if the roads department would verify if a school warden would be present at this location.

 

DTO Funding

The members asked for a progress report on all current projects that are waiting on DTO funding.

 

Community enterprise initiatives for Celbridge

The members requested that a representative from FAS attend the September meeting to discuss the benefits of Community Employment Schemes in the county, Councillor Purcell asked that the council be proactive and initiate a Community Employment Scheme, Councillor McGinley also asked that a letter be sent to the Minister of the Environment , Heritage and Local Government in relation to the 25% cut in funding for Community Employment Schemes.

 

Noise abatement measures on the M4 at Maynooth

Councillor McGinley stated that a low noise surface was required on this road and that this be carried out as soon as possible as the road in question was due to be resurfaced. Councillor Griffin said that the Department of Transport was responsible for ensuring that the low noise surface be laid down from Leixlip bridge to the Meath county border.

 

Roadworks Programme 2009

The members discussed the report and requested that staff from the road design section attend the September meeting to discuss some aspects of the report.

 

Planning File 09/396 – L.F. Properties Ltd.

Councillor McGinley requested that progress on this matter be presented to the members at the next meeting.

 

Road Maintenance and Sweeping

An Cathaoirleach noted that there was a shortfall in staff in comparison to the population in north Kildare and asked that this item be revisited. Councillor Kelly asked that the pilot scheme currently in place in other areas of the county be extended to the Celbridge electoral area as soon as possible.

 

Removal of Bandstand from Pound Park/The Green

Councillor McGinley stated that the residents of the locality did not want the bandstand and he requested that a senior member of staff approve the removal of the bandstand as soon as possible. An Cathaoirleach agreed with Councillor McGinley and she provided photographic evidence, which showed the dangerous condition of the roof. Mr. Minnock advised the members that he would investigate the matter and revert to the members as soon as possible.

 

CE03/07/09

Appointment of members to committees and other bodies.

The committee, noting that the council had sought advice as to the appointment of members to committees and other bodies, resolved to recommend as follows:

 

That Councillor McGinley be appointed to the Local Traveller Accommodation Consultative Committee (on the proposal of Councillor Kevin Byrne, seconded by Councillor Griffin)

 

That Councillor McGinley be appointed to the Finance Committee (on the proposal of Councillor Kevin Byrne, seconded by Councillor Purcell)

 

That Councillor Griffin be appointed to County Kildare Failte (on the proposal of Councillor McGinley, seconded by Councillor Kelly)

 

That Councillor Griffin be appointed to the Joint Policing Committee (on the proposal of Councillor Teresa Byrne, seconded by Councillor Kevin Byrne)

 

That Councillor McGinley be appointed to the Joint Policing Committee (on the proposal of Councillor Purcell, seconded by Councillor Kevin Byrne)

 

That Councillor Kelly be appointed to the Leixlip Amenities Centre (on the proposal of Councillor Griffin, seconded by Councillor McGinley)

 

That Councillor Purcell be appointed to the Leixlip Amenities Centre (on the proposal of Councillor McGinley, seconded by Councillor Kevin Byrne)

 

That Councillor Murphy be appointed to the Leixlip Amenities Centre (on the proposal of Councillor McGinley, seconded by Councillor Kevin Byrne)

An Cathaoirleach asked that a member of staff from Leisure services attend meetings for the Leixlip Amenities centre.

 

CE04/07/09

Right of way, Beatty Park, Celbridge

“To consider the proposed extinguishment of rights of way at Beatty Park, Celbridge, Co. Kildare”, the roads department presented a report to the members in relation to the closure of the rights of way in Beatty Park. Ms Kavanagh informed the committee that another survey would be carried out to verify the wishes of the residents in relation to closing the right of way and members requested that the inspectors report be circulated to the residents and that an independent party carry out the survey. It was agreed to proceed to full council regarding closing the right of way from Beatty Park onto the Maynooth Road, the committee also asked that the issue of rights of way be discussed at the next Corporate Policy Group.

Resolved: That item by referred to next full council and issue of rights of way be discussed at next Corporate Policy Group.

 

CE05/07/09

Traffic signals, Easton Road

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

“Can we consider what options can be employed, other than traffic signals at Easton 

Road from the roundabout on the Collinstown Road to the entrance of Castletown, that

would have the effect of reducing speeds at the entrance to Glen Easton Estate, at the

shops, and give some protection to pedestrians”?

The roads department reported that there was a significant funding shortfall for implementation of works in 2009 and that the enforcement of speeding traffic was a matter for the Gardai. Councillor Teresa Byrne stated she was glad that this matter was raised by the committee and hoped that the roads department could resolve the issue as soon as possible.

Resolved : That report be noted.

 

CE06/07/09

Cobble stones in The Square, Maynooth

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

“When will proper maintenance of the cobble stones in The Square, Maynooth be

carried out”?

The roads department reported that some of the cobblestones that were loose had been taken to the yard and these would be replaced when staff was available, although additional cobbles missing could not replaced, as there were no cobblestones in stock. Councillor McGinley was unhappy with the report; and asked that the cement that was previously used to reinstate missing cobblestones be removed as it were visually unattractive and potentially dangerous to pedestrians.

Resolved: That the roads department revisit this item and investigate the councillors claims.

 

 

CE07/07/09

Closure of the right of way between Ballygoran View and Thornhill

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

“When will the closure of the right of way (already agreed by full council) between Ballygoran View and Thornhill, Celbridge be formally completed”?

The roads department reported that the members of Kildare County Council passed a resolution on the 29 May 2006 extinguishing the right of way between Ballygoran Estate and Thornhill Gardens, Celbridge.  It was agreed thereafter that the land concerned would be transferred to an adjoining landowner.  The members formally agreed this disposal of land on 18 December 2006.  It later transpired that although the estate had been taken in charge, the land in question was still in the ownership of the developer.  The developer had since gone into liquidation and it is necessary to go through the Chief State Solicitors Office to complete this land transfer.  This process was ongoing.  An update on this matter can be given to the Committee at the next meeting.

An Cathaoirleach noted that once a developer/builder had been dissolved that ownership of all open spaces within the estate are transferred to the Minister of Finance, and asked that the council look at a way of gaining ownership of those lands, this process should eliminate the long delays occurred when cases need to be referred to the Chief State Solicitors office. Councillor Kelly enquired as to whether the company in question was dissolved or liquidated as the outcome for each process differs greatly. An Cathaoirleach asked that the matter of rights of way be discussed at the next Planning SPC

Resolved: That the planning department report on this item at the next meeting and item be raised at next Planning SPC.

 

CE08/07/09

Traffic survey of the Moyglare Road, Maynooth

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

“When will the traffic survey of the Moyglare Road, Maynooth be completed (this to

allow for traffic calming measure to be put in place)”?

The roads department reported that a traffic survey would be carried out at this location in September when schools have recommenced to ensure a more accurate count.  It should be noted that the transportation department had a significant funding shortfall for implementation of works in 2009 and that there would be no funding available to install traffic calming measures. Councillor McGinley asked that this location be treated differently to others, as it is the only town in the county, which has primary and secondary schools and a university.

Resolved: That the roads department carry out traffic survey in September.

 

 

CE09/07/09

Boundary fence at St Catherines Park, Leixlip

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

“Is it possible to alter the conditions pertaining to the boundary fence at St Catherines

Park and the residents at Glendale Meadows? (Residents are concerned about the lack of maintenance at this location)”

It was reported that the lands on which St Catherine’s Park are located here owned by the Office of Public Works and leased to Kildare County Council; therefore any alteration of the conditions of ownership would be subject to their consent. The issues highlighted by residents regarding the maintenance are complicated by the presence of the boundary fence, which was erected along the boundary after representations from residents during the development of the park. In relation to concerns about rats along the boundary it is proposed to employ a pest control company to carry out treatment of the area. Councillor Griffin asked that the council assist the residents and write to the OPW in relation to cleaning out the hedge.

Resolved: That the roads department write to the OPW in relation to the concerns of the residents.

 

CE10/07/09

Footpath repairs, Wheatfield, Ardclough

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

“To ask the council if the footpaths, particularly at the back of the Wheatfield, Ardclough housing estate, could be examined with a view to giving them priority for repairs/restorations in 2010”

It was reported that the area engineer had examined the footpaths in Wheatfield housing estate and reported that they were in a good state of repair in comparison to other estates where there may be trip hazards due to tree roots etc.  This estate has had quite a lot of footpaths renewed in recent years and there was no funding for any further repairs.

  Resolved: That report be noted.

 

CE11/07/09

Footpath in Beatty Park, Celbridge

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

“To ask if the footpath outside 142 Beatty Park be upgraded and repaired.”

It was reported that the area engineer had examined the path in question and confirmed that there was a “lip” on the path at this location that may be a trip hazard.  However, there was no funding for such repairs in the current budget. An Cathaoirleach questioned the amount of monies paid out by the council in legal actions in relation to trip hazards etc, and suggested that it would be more cost effective to repair such hazards when initially reported.

  Resolved: That report be noted.

 

CE12/07/09

Place name signs for Straffan and Ardclough

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

“To ask if the place name signs for Staffan and Ardclough, which have been stolen, could be replaced before judging of the tidy towns competition is completed.”

The area engineer reported that there was no funding in the current budget for these signs.  If the residents wished to purchase the signs (in conjunction with the area office) the area staff would erect them. Councillor Kevin Byrne said he would speak to the residents in relation to the purchase of new signs.

Resolved: That report be noted.

 

CE13/07/09

Hedge on Straffan/Rathcoffey Road

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

“That Kildare County Council now take action to improve the sight line where the 

Clonaugh cul-de sac exits onto the Straffan/Rathcoffey road by removing the roadside 

hedges and by erecting a convex mirror and by making a safe pull-in place for the

school bus.”

The transportation department reported that there was a significant funding shortfall for implementation of works in 2009.  There was no funding available to physically alter the layout of the junction outlined by Councillor McGinley. The possibility of including this location in the Low Cost Accident Scheme 2010 would be investigated.  In the interim the area office had recently carried out grass cutting, which may improve the situation. Councillor McGinley stated that the hedge was the cause of the problem and asked for a costing for it to be removed. Councillor Griffin agreed with Councilor McGinley and reported that the school bus is unable to drive down the cul de sac because it was too narrow and that school children must be dropped off at the top of the road.

  Resolved: That a costing be prepared for the removal of the hedge.

 

CE14/07/09

Safe exit route onto the Kilcock road

 The committee considered the following question in the name of Councillor Griffin

 “In order to be of assistance to those daily mass goers at Maynooth parish Church,

 Kildare County Council roads design section be requested to provide advice on the best

 option to accommodate a safe exit out onto the Kilcock road.”

 It was reported that further to a meeting on site with Councillor Griffin, the roads design

 section were investigating this issue, particularly in relation to the entrance and exit of the

 proposed car park and its proximity to the Manor Mills car park and the junction at the 

 Church.

  Resolved: That this item remain on the agenda.

 

 

 

CE15/07/09

Bollards at Kilmacraddock Lower

The committee considered the following question in the name of Councillor Griffin

“In view of the ongoing difficulties being experienced by the local residents at

Kilmacraddock Lower (close to the roundabout) Kildare County Council are requested to 

provide wooden bollards at Kelllys. (This will hopefully help to eliminate anti-social

behaviour at this location).”

It was reported that there was no funding for these bollards.

Resolved: That report be noted.

 

 

CE16/07/09

Tree pruning in Leixlip

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

“That in view of the ongoing difficulty of trees impinging on the public light system, that a programme of pruning/tree removal or that lamp standards be relocated so that adequate lighting is provided for pedestrians in the following estates; Glendale/ Glendale

Meadows/Riverforest/Carton Court and Old Greenfield.”

It was reported that the pruning and removal of trees in Leixlip was divided between Leixlip Town Council (pruning) and Kildare County Council (tree removals), while in Maynooth the council carried out both works. The trees in these estates would be assessed to ascertain what trees are in conflict with the public lighting and a programme drawn up based on what trees need to be pruned and what needs to be removed. These would then be included in any tree pruning or removals programme for both Kildare County Council and Leixlip Town Council. The issue of relocating lamp standards was a matter for the roads department and the ESB. Councillor Griffin requested that a specific tree-pruning programme be introduced next year. An Cathaoirleach highlighted the danger of overgrown trees blocking street lights and stated that it was a public safety issue.

Resolved: That the roads department consider Councillor Griffin request in relation to a specific tree pruning programme for next year.

 

 

 

 

 

CE17/07/09

Footpath on Main Street, Celbridge

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

“That the council examine the footpath outside the A to Z Cabs and Conways shop in Main Street Celbridge with a view to reducing the camber or slant of the path which creates difficulty and danger for the aged and persons with a disability.”

It was reported that planning file UD 5020 refers to drawings that had been submitted to the planning department by the developer and subsequently referred to the roads design secton for information and comment. The roads design section are currently examining the drawings and observations/comments would issue to the planning department as soon as possible. Councillor Kevin Byrne asked that the members receive progress on this matter for the next meeting

Resolved: That the members receive a progress report on this item at the September meeting.

 

 

CE18/07/09

Road Marking at St Wolstan’s School, Celbridge

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

“Further to the correspondence of 12 June 2009 from the principal of Saint Wolstan’s School, Celbridge requesting the provision of appropriate road markings at the entrance to the school so that parking that inhibits entrance and exit from the school is deemed illegal, that the council now proceed to put such markings (either a yellow box or double yellow lines) in place before the start of the new school year in September.”

The area office reported that it was unable to provide assistance in this instance as this road is not in the charge of Kildare County Council and, as such, is not a public road.  It was suggested that the gates be opened while activities are ongoing in order to facilitate the public by allowing them to park within the development and not on the road.

Resolved: That report be noted.

 

 

 

 

 

 

CE19/07/09

Footbridge, Croudan Forest Park, Celbridge

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

“As footbridge across the stream near house 69 Croudan Forest Park, Celbridge has a severe dip in the middle of the road which fills up with water every time rainfall occurs which makes it inaccessible, that the council hereby resolves to repair this bridge as soon as possible.”

The roads department reported that there was no budget for these repairs.

Resolved: That report be noted.

 

 

CE20/07/09

Traffic management, Crodaun Forest Park

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

“We consider how traffic can be managed at the two entrances to Crodaun Forest Park and how this knits in to the Celbridge Traffic Management Plan.”

The transportation department reported that they had a significant funding shortfall for implementation of works in 2009. There was no funding to physically alter the entrances to Crodaun Forest Park. An Cathaoirleach stated that this area was not covered sufficiently in the Traffic Management Plan and needs to be addressed as soon as possible due to the size of the estate. Councillor Griffin asked that the DTO assist with works at both entrances.

Resolved: That this item be considered for DTO funding.

 

 

CE21/07/09

Pay parking in Maynooth

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

“Given the complexity of introducing parking byelaws in Maynooth, we consider if a partial solution(s) can be applied in the interim.”

It was decided that a special meeting would take place at 10.00 a.m. on 11 September to discuss this matter in greater detail. 

Resolved: That meeting take place at 10.00 a.m. on 11 September.

 

 

 

CE22/07/09

Junction box for Avondale/Newtown Park

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

“We seek a box junction at the entrance to Avondale/Newtown Park on the Captains Hill.”

It was reported that there was no funding in the current budget for additional road markings.

An Cathaoirleach asked for a costing to have line painting completed. Ms Murray, area engineer suggested that half a box would be sufficient and she would return to the members with her findings. Councillor Teresa Byrne stated that a full box is required at this location.

Resolved: That the area engineer reports to members with a full costing of the required works.

 

CE23/07/09

Footpath in Moyglare Hall, Maynooth

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

“When will the Council be asking the construction company (name supplied) to complete the footpath in Moyglare Hall, Maynooth, in line with Clause 28 of Planning Permission 02/2491 and in line with the drawings submitted”?

The planning department furnished the members with a detailed report on this matter, Councillor McGinley appreciated the report and hoped that discussions continue between the developer and planning department.

Resolved: That report be noted.

 

 

CE24/07/09

Wonderful Barn, Leixlip

The members received a report on this matter from the housing department in relation to the possibility of National Monument status of the buildings. An Cathaoirleach asked if National Monument status was awarded to the wonderful barn of what use would the house and out buildings be and could they be used?  Mr Minnock reported to the members that the Parks Superintendent was currently investigating adjacent lands. with a view to commencing a pilot scheme of allotments.

Resolved: That progress on allotment scheme be presented to the members at the September meeting.

 

 

CE25/07/09

Vacant houses, Old Greenfield, Maynooth

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

“That immediate steps be taken to clear up the dumping at the boarded up vacant Council houses at Old Greenfield, Maynooth and that re-furbishing of the six houses be carried out without any further delay.”

The housing department reported that the tenant liaison officer was working closely with the litter warden to identify those responsible for illegal dumping of rubbish. A number of fines had been issued in respect of dumping in the area and work would continue with the environment section in this regard. Work was continuing on the repair of vacant houses although there had been a high level of refusals for vacant houses. The housing department had submitted an energy efficiency plan to the Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government which, if approved would allow for additional funding to improve vacant dwellings and some which are currently occupied. With this scheme it would be expected to upgrade fifteen units including replacement windows and doors and wall insulation, which would assist in improving the quality of housing in this area. Councillor McGinley asked that the rubbish be removed immediately and vacant houses be occupied as soon as possible as the area could have enormous potential. Councillors Murphy and Purcell agreed with councillor McGinley’s statement and An Cathaoirleach asked that turnover of vacant houses be improved.

Resolved: That rubbish be removed as soon as possible and members be advised as soon as further information is available.

 

 

CE26/07/09

Reinstatement of open spaces in Maynooth

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

“Will the council be reinstating the open spaces in Maynooth, following completion of the Sewerage Upgrade Works, in line with the submission of the Tidy Towns Committee on

22 June?”

It was reported that sewerage works were being carried out as part of the Lower Liffey Valley Regional Sewerage Contracts. These contracts provided for major upgrades to the sewerage network and associated pumping stations in the towns of Kilcock, Celbridge, Leixlip and Maynooth. The contract provides for the re-instatement of all disturbed ground to its original state. The submission from Maynooth Tidy Town’s Group requires a higher standard of re-instatement, which is outside the scope of the contract. A decision on the final level of re-instatement could not be made until all contractual implications had been assessed.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, the council would consider the submission received and would endeavour to work with the Tidy Towns Group on a mutually beneficial outcome. In the interim the contractor would provide the minimum level of re-instatement required in accordance with the contract. Councillor McGinley asked that all re-instatements be carried out to a high level and not the minimum.

Resolved: That all reinstatements be carried out to a high level.

 

CE27/07/09

Playground adjacent to Leixlip Library

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

“At what stage are the plans for a playground adjacent to the Leixlip Library?”

The Parks Superintendent reported that during the initial phase of locating a community playground in Leixlip the site for the library was considered however the proposals for locating a playground there were never developed any further. The library services had developed a reading area with a sculpture and sensory garden within the courtyard area in the library and this was recently officially launched.

Resolved: That report be noted.

 

CE28/07/09

Harbour Field, Maynooth

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

When will the forward planning issues be finalised in order that a lease may be provided to the Scouts at Harbour Field, Maynooth?

Peter Minnock reported presented the members with a current update on in relation to this matter.

Resolved: That report be noted.

 

 

 

 

CE29/07/09

Allotments, 10 acres on Maynooth Road

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

“That the Council provide allotments for rent on the 10 acres of land owned by the

Council at Dublin Road, Maynooth.”

The Parks Superintendent stated that further to the motion adopted by the council in February regarding the proposal to introduce an allotment scheme throughout the county a process of identifying potential sites for the development of a pilot scheme had been ongoing. One site identified was the Wonderful Barn and it was proposed to develop a scheme for this location, which would act as a pilot scheme for the County. The development of this scheme would commence shortly and its implementation would be subject to identifying resources to implement it. The role out of additional sites would be contingent on the success of this site in addition in to this the lands at Carton in Maynooth the transfer of lands which included the implementation of a landscape plan submitted by the landowners, would be implemented by them. No provision had been made in this plan for allotments but could be considered at a later date if a suitable area could be identified which would fit in with the overall development of the amenity for Maynooth. Councillor McGinley stated that report relates to the wrong location, the lands he enquired about were at Blacklion and he asked that this item be revisited. Councillor Kelly supported Councillor Mc Ginley and added that it had been noted previously that new developments would be investigated for the inclusion of allotments in the plans.

Resolved: That this item be re-investigated.

 

CE30/07/09

Lands owned by council in Celbridge electoral area

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

“What land is owned by Kildare County Council in the Celbridge electoral area, in what locations, and what is its intended use?”

It was reported that information was being gathered and would be presented to each member when available.

Resolved: That members be presented with report as soon as information had been gathered.

 

The meeting concluded.