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Celbridge Area Meeting

Minutes of Meeting

held at 10.00 a.m. on Thursday, 3 December 2009

At Áras Chill Dara, Naas

 

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

 

Also Present :           Ms S. Kavanagh (A/Director of Services), Mr. S. Wallace (Parks Superintendent) Mr D. Hodgins (S.E.E.), Mr. E. McGee (S.E.E.), Mr R. Curley (G.E.) Ms. E. Murray (Area Engineer), Mr M. McLoughlin (A.O) Ms. P. Penny (Assistant Staff Officer) Mr C Talbot (Meetings Administrator), Ms. S Rice (Secretary).

 

 

CE 01/12/09

Minutes and Progress Report

The committee considered the minutes of the monthly meeting held on 5 November 2009. Resolved on the proposal of Councillor McGinley and seconded by Councillor Purcell, that the minutes be confirmed and taken as read.

 

 

Provision of a pedestrian controlled crossing at Station Road, Leixlip

It was reported that Leixlip Town Council proposed to give €30,000 towards the implementation of a pedestrian controlled crossing at Station Road, Leixlip. The administrator thanked the town council for their generousity. An Cathaoirleach asked that the crossing be put in place as soon as possible, Councillor Teresa Byrne agreed with an Cathaoirleach.

 

U.D on footpath at Main Street, Celbridge

A request was made that the planning department write to the developer notifying them that if an accident were to take place at this location, that they would be liable for any damages.

 

 

 

Junction box at Michangelo’s, Main Street, Celbridge

The roads design team had considered this request and felt that a yellow box would not be an appropriate solution at this location and that a yellow box should only be situated at a junction i.e. where two or more public roads meet.  This was not the case at this location. Councillor Griffin did not agree with the report and asked that the T junction be

re-investigated.

 

 

Junction layout at Pikes Bridge, Maynooth / Leixlip road

It was reported that roads design and area office staff had met on site and were preparing a revised layout proposal to facilitate a one-way system at this location.  This proposal would have to go through a public consultation process before implementation; the implementation of such a scheme would be subject to funding being available. Councillor Kelly asked that the members receive a copy of the plan and the overall costing involved.

 

 

Main Avenue, Castletown estate, Leixlip

It was reported that the maintenance period for the trench has long lapsed. Councillor Murphy stated that this needed to be fixed.

 

 

Provision of footpaths and public lighting, Celbridge

Councillor Kevin Byrne asked that this item remain on the agenda of the Celbridge area committee until the urgent matter is resolved (The provision of footpaths and public lighting from SimmonsTown Manor to Chelmsford estate on the Ardclough Road at Newtown Celbridge) and that a progress report be given on this matter by the roads department at each meeting, and that the members be supplied with the plan already in place.

 

 

Playground in Celbridge

It was reported that the locking of the playground continued to be carried out by local volunteers during the week with the council carrying out the locking at the weekend. Local residents have reported a decrease in antisocial behaviour as a result of this action. An Cathaoirleach complimented Mr Wallace on his hard work and assistance on this matter.

 

Update on Proposals for Allotments in Wonderful Barn and Black Lion Maynooth

An Cathaoirleach was said it was disappointing for the people of Maynooth that the proposed site a Blacklion was deemed unsuitable for allotments and asked that the members receive a copy of the set up costs for the proposed site at the Wonderful Barn. Councillor McGinley reported that he had spoken to Mr Wallace in relation to the possibility of using another site at Carton Avenue, Maynooth and that set up costs would be minimal. Mr Wallace stated that he was investigating this and would return to the members at February meeting with an update.

 

CE 02/12/09

Left turning lane for exit from Greenfield estate, Maynooth

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

What is the estimated cost of providing a left turning lane out of Greenfield Estate/Shopping Centre to the Straffan Road, Maynooth?

Mr Hodgins of the traffic management section attended the meeting and reported that a left turning lane at this location would not be appropriate and that traffic signals may be a solution to the problem, Councillor McGinley disagreed with Mr Hodgins and stated that traffic signals would not work at this location and asked that this be re-investigated. Mr Hodgins recognised that there was a problem and that the correct solution was required, he suggested that a report be done for the next meeting with pro’s and cons of various solutions.

Resolved: That a report be done for the next meeting with pro’s and cons of various solutions in relation to a solution for traffic problems from Greenfield estate, Maynooth.

 

CE03/12/09

Traffic calming for Laurence Avenue, Maynooth

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

That in view of the increased volume of traffic through Laurence Avenue (Maynooth) Kildare County Council roads design examine ways and means of making the Avenue safer for the young children living.

It was reported that the matter would be considered by the roads design team and that the Chief Technician could meet Councillor Griffin on site.

Resolved: That the chief technician from roads design would arrange to meet Councillor Griffin at Laurence Avenue, Maynooth.

 

 

CE04/12/09

Public lighting in Carton Court, Maynooth

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

That in view of the poor quality of public lighting at Carton Court, Maynooth, Kildare County Council consider replacing the inadequate lights and to prune those trees obstructing the lamp standards.

Mr Wallace reported that an assessment of the location would be carried out to ascertain what works would be required to improve the lighting in the estate. This may necessitate pruning and or removal of trees. Any necessary work would be considered for inclusion in the 2010 programme of tree surgery works for the Celbridge area.

It was suggested as an alternative that new heads (arm extensions) on the lights may be an appropriate solution. Councillor Byrne asked the area engineer to meet him on site to investigate the possibility of this.

Resolved: That the area engineer agree to meet with Councillor Byrne to discuss this issue.

 

 

CE05/12/09

Fence at St Patrick’s Park, Celbridge

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

That the palisade fencing erected by the council on their boundary wall near their depot at Saint Patricks Park be extended to prevent trespass into adjoining properties and that an estimate of cost be indicated.

The roads department reported that this was an expensive undertaking and at present there was no funding to carry out the work.  A quotation was sought by the area office and the cost of this work would be €11,265.00. Councillor asked that the area engineer meet him on site to discuss this issue.

Resolved: That the area engineer arranges to meet councilor Byrne at St Patricks Park.

 

 

 

 

 

CE06/12/09

Parking bays at Celbridge Library

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

That the council designate the parking bay outside the Kildrought public house and adjacent to the Celbridge Library for use by disabled drivers only.

The roads department reported that the matter was being considered.

Resolved: That report be noted.

 

CE07/12/09

Road markings, Castlevillage estate, Celbridge

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

That a continuous white line be put in place in Castlevillage estate, Celbridge on the spine road between Castlevillage Lawn and Castlevillage Place at the request of the residents association.

The area office reported that they could not install white lining in housing estates as most of the roads maintenance budget would be spent on both installing and renewing lining. The area engineer would not recommend that these lines be installed as doing so would set a precedent and as already stated the budget was not available for this. Councillor Byrne stated that lines had been placed on a dangerous bend in this estate which proved to be very successful and asked that the area engineer meets him on site to discuss this issue.

Resolved: Councillor Byrne stated that lines had been placed on a dangerous bend in this estate which proved to be very successful and asked that the area engineer meets him on site to discuss this issue.

 

 

CE08/12/09

Traffic signals, Main Street, Maynooth

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

That the timing of the traffic signals at the bottom of Main Street, Maynooth, be changed so that traffic turning right  from Leinster Street to Main Street will have freedom to do so, without clashing with traffic turning left from Mill Street to Main Street, as is the case at present. Councillor McGinley reported that there was a serious problem here due to the timing of the traffic signals which could be potentially worse if the proposed carpark goes ahead. Mr Hodgins from the traffic management section reported that they were currently in discussions with the developer in relation to this problem.

Resolved: That report be noted.

 

CE09/12/09

Road safety improvement for Celbridge Road, Maynooth

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

That appropriate measures be taken to improve safety at the pedestrian crossing on the Celbridge Road, Maynooth (between Laurence Avenue and Rockfield).  There have been some very near fatalities with drivers breaking these lights regularly.  Suggested additional safety measures would be another speed ramp on the Maynooth side of the lights and road markings. It was reported that no funding was available to install extra safety measures on this road, Councillor McGinley stated that there were two schools on this road now and that is was a priority that the necessary works be carried out as soon as possible.

Resolved: That the traffic management section prioritise this location for the installation of a speed ramp and road lining.

 

 

CE10/12/09

Deteriorating speed cushions, Straffan and Celbridge road,  Maynooth

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

That remedial works be undertaken to stop the unravelling of the speed cushions in Straffan and on the Celbridge Road, Maynooth.

The area engineer reported that the maintenance period for the ramps at both Straffan and Maynooth had lapsed and that they had asked the contractor for a price to repair the ramps and it would cost €22,700 to repair the table top at Straffan and €6,300 to repair the ramps at Celbridge Road, Maynooth. Councillor McGinley asked if funding could be made available for the necessary repairs. Ms Murray said that it was unlikely that funding would be available as soon as the councillor hoped and asked that it be noted that neither of the ramps in question had been installed by Kildare County Council.

Resolved: That report be noted.

 

 

CE11/12/09

Filter light from Shackelton road onto Maynooth road, Celbridge

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

To ask the council to explore the possibility of providing a filter green light for traffic exiting from the Shackleton road, Celbridge at Tescos supermarket and turning left onto the Maynooth road Celbridge.

Mr Hodgins reported that a filter light would be a possibility, however efficiency of current timing of signals would be effected, but he would not rule out the councillors suggestion.

Resolved: That report be noted.

 

 

CE12/12/09

Removal of hedging stumps, Cstlevillage estate, Celbridge

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

The Council recently removed hedging that was obstructing the sight line at the exit from Castlevillage estate Celbridge, stumps of hedging were left and are a hazard for children could these be removed to complete an excellent job.

The area office reported that this work was carried out by local residents and that Kildare County Council would not be removing the stumps. Mr Wallace stated that the residents had simply pruned the hedging and that there was no intention to remove it fully and that it would re-grow in the Spring.

Resolved: That report be noted

 

 

CE13/12/09

Railway bridge parapet on Ardclough/Celbridge road near Ardclough

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

To ask the council to contact Iarnrod Eireann to repair the railway bridge parapet on the Ardclough/Celbridge road near Ardclough and remove the unsightly plastic hoarding that was put their some time ago as a temporary measure.

The roads department reported that the Councillor was referring to concrete bollards that had been placed at this location by Iarnrod Eireann to prevent damage by HGV’s to the bridge.  They had been placed at this location permanently and Iarnrod Eireann say they would not be removed.

Resolved: That report be noted

 

CE14/12/09

Traffic calming in Maynooth Park

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

What would the cost be for installing traffic calming in Maynooth Park?

Mr Hodgins reported that a traffic management plan would be done for the whole area and that this location would be included for assessment.

Resolved: That report be noted.

 

 

CE15/12/09

Traffic calming is required on Easton Road, Leixlip

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

What additional traffic calming is required on Easton Road, Leixlip and what is the estimate cost?

Mr Hodgins reported on this item, An Cathaoirleach requested that a copy of the costings and design be circulated to the members.

Resolved: That a copy of the design and costing be circulated to each member.

 

 

CE16/12/09

Fencing between Rinawade and the Wonderful Barn

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

That we agree to erect the estimated 17 meters of fencing identified by the parks department,  at the opening points between Rinawade and the Wonderful Barn,  in order to discourage problems with anti social behaviour.

The parks department reported that this work would be organised in the coming weeks. However due to the extent of boundary between this estate and The Wonderful Barn it may only cause the antisocial behaviour to relocate further down this boundary line and ultimately the problem would only be solved when the proposed housing within the Wonderful Barn site proceeded.

Resolved: That report be noted.

 

 

CE17/12/09

Management company charges in Celbridge electoral area

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

How many estates in the Celbridge electoral area have tenants for which the council pay a management company charge, how many units are involved and in what housing estates,  what  was the total management company cost in 2009,  what budget does it come out of.   What is the council policy in relation to attendance at AGM’s?

Mr McLoughlin of the housing department circulated a report on this item to the members; Councillor Kelly asked if the tenants attended the AGM, Mr McLoughlin stated the tenants do not attend the AGM and that this had never been an issue. An Cathaoirleach asked that this item be discussed at the next housing SPC.

Resolved: That the issue of management company charges that the council pay for their tenants be discussed at the next housing SPC.

 

 

CE18/12/09

Taking in charge of Leinster Park Maynooth

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

In order that Leinster Park Maynooth is taken in charge, Kildare County Council to make the required arrangements for the residents to vote on the issue.

The planning department reported that Section 180 of The Planning and Development Act 2000 states that the taking in charge process may be initiated where “the development had been completed to the satisfaction of the planning authority in accordance with the permission and any conditions to which the permission is subject.” This precludes the council from initiating the taking in charge process for this estate until the unauthorised development case is concluded. It is a requirement of the planning permission that public open space be provided for public use. It was not in the best interests of the residents to take the estate in charge without first investigating fully the unauthorised development complaint and seeking to have the public open space reinstated and we would pursue this case to the full extent of the law. Councillor Griffin was surprised by the report and stated that there seemed to be an issue with the open space.

Resolved: That report be noted.

 

 

CE19/12/09

Active Unauthorised development files in Celbridge electoral area

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

How many UD files are currently active, by town/village, in relation to the Celbridge electoral area?

The building control section reported that the Local Government Computer Services Board database used to record complaints of unauthorised development does not have the facility to provide the information requested above. The statistics on unauthorised developments for the county council area of responsibility has been presented to the members of Kildare County Council at full council meeting. An Cathaoirleach stated that the report given to members at the monthly meeting included the whole county and asked that the LGCSB be contacted in relation to expanding the search facility on the database to include specific areas.

Resolved: That the LGCSB be contacted in relation to expanding the search facility for unauthorised developments on their database to include specific areas.

 

 

CE20/12/09

Expansion of Donaghcumper Cemetery

We seek an update on the extension to Donaghcumper Cemetery.

The environment department reported that discussions were ongoing with the adjoining landowner in relation to the acquisition of lands and it is hoped that an agreement could be reached shortly it was acknowledged that they were aware of the limited space currently available at the cemetery. An Cathaoirleach requested that a conclusion be reached as soon as possible and that funding be made available for the much needed extension of the cemetery. Councillor Kevin Byrne agreed with An Cathaoirleach and reported that there were approximately 5-7 spaces remaining.

Resolved: That the environmental section continues discussions with the landowner with the intention to purchase the lands required and that the matter be concluded as soon as possible.

 

CE21/12/09

Other business

Confey Graveyard

Councillor Purcell asked that the reoccurring flooding in Confey Graveyard be investigated as soon as possible and that funding be made available to rectify the problem, he also asked that the stream across the road (Dunboyne road) be investigated as a possible solution.