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Celbridge Area Meeting
Minutes of Meeting
held at 10.00 a.m. on Thursday, 5 November 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: Mr. P. Minnock (Director of Services), Ms S. Kavanagh (A/Director of Services), Mr L. Dunne (Senior Executive Officer), Mr M Kane (Chief Technician), Mr. E. McGee (S.E.E.), Mr J. Doyle (S.S.O.), Mr D Kenny (Deputy Project Manager), Ms. E.Murray (Area Engineer), Ms. P. Penny (Assistant Staff Officer) Mr C Talbot (Meetings Administrator),
Ms. S Rice (Secretary).
CE 01/11/09
Minutes and Progress Report
The committee considered the minutes of the monthly meeting held on 9 October 2009. Resolved on the proposal of Councillor McGinley and seconded by Councillor K Byrne, that the minutes be confirmed and taken as read subject to the following amendments:
ESB reinstatement of footpath at Main Street, Celbridge
The roads department reported that this footpath had been restored to Kildare County council’s satisfaction. Councillor K Byrne stated that the reinstatement was not adequate and that the roads department reinvestigate the works that were carried out
Provision of a pedestrian controlled crossing at Station Road, Leixlip
An Cathaoirleach reported that the Lexlip Town Councillors had agreed to contribute funding (if available) to provide a pedestrian controlled crossing at Station Road, Leixlip.
Leixlip and Maynooth Pay Parking Bye-Laws
It was agreed that a special meeting would take place at 12.00pm on Thursday, 3rd of December to discuss both items.
U.D on footpath at Main Street, Celbridge
The roads department reported that a proposal had been received from the developer to restore the footpath, however it was deemed unacceptable. An Cathaoirleach asked if the developer would be liable if a person injured themselves at this location. Ms Kavanagh said she would return to the councillor with a reply to her query.
Playground in Celbridge
The members asked that they receive a progress report on the pilot scheme currently in place at the December meeting.
Smell on Main Street, Leixlip
Earnan McGee of the water services department attended the meeting to address the councillors concerns in relation to the odour problem on Main Steet, Leixlip, he reported that an inspection was to take place between the 23rd and 25th of November to establish the reason for the smell and why the vortex units that were put in place were not working. Councillor Purcell was astonished that the problem had not been solved since the vortex units had been put in place and asked that a solution be sought as a matter of urgency. Councillor T Byrne asked what checks had been carried out since a contractor did works there and was it possible that the vents could have shifted or were damaged during this time.
Mr McGee said he would return to the members with an update at the December meeting.
Tesco Unit, Maynooth
Councillor McGinley asked that he be furnished with the buildings dimensions at the December meeting.
02/11/09
Deputation from Bus Eireann
David Lane, Services Manager of operations in the eastern area of Bus Eireann addressed the members concerns in relation to the feeder bus service from the Salesian College to Hazelhatch train station; he explained that it is a hail and ride service at present and that there were also 4-5 Dublin Bus stops on the route, and that infrastructure changes needed to be implemented if more stops were requested. Councillor Byrne asked that the route be extended to include the new housing estates on the Ardclough Road. An CathaoIrleach asked if the route could be expanded to help alleviate the traffic congestion in the general area. Councillor Griffin asked that the service be diverted onto the Shackleton Road from the Maynooth Road, this would encourage more people to use the service and would divert the bus from all traffic congestion on Main Street, Celbridge. Councillor Kellly asked that time trials be done on the requested routes during peak/off peaks hours to determine the most efficient route. The members raised a number of other issues related to the bus service which Mr Lane said he would investigate and report back to the members at a later date.
An Cathaoirleach thanked Mr Lane for attending the meeting and addressing the members issues.
03/11/09
Geraldine Hall
Mr Minnock reported to the members that it had been agreed that remedial works work be carried out to make the building usable. An Cathaoirleach asked if any interim arrangements had been made to accommodate the scouts until the building works were complete. Councillor Kelly received a request on behalf of the Maynooth Community Council in relation to the Geraldine Hall being used by other organisations, Mr Minnock stated that the scouts may be willing to allow other local bodies use the facility when they are not needing it, he stated that he would keep the members informed of any progress on this item.
Resolved: That the members be informed of any progress on this matter.
04/11/09
Junction box at Michangelo’s, Main Street, Celbridge
The committee considered the following motion in the name of Councillor Griffin:
In order to eliminate traffic confusion and frustration on the main street Celbridge (at Michangelo`s) Kildare County Council are requested to paint a small yellow box at the entrance to the lane.
The roads department reported that this laneway served a private entrance and that here are already double yellow lines across the entrance and it was adjacent to a “table top” ramp. The area office did not have finance to install or maintain a box at this location. Ms Kavanagh said that she would refer the matter to roads design to determine whether double yellow lines or a junction box would be more appropriate, Councillor Griffin asked that this be investigated as soon as possible.
Resolved: That this item be referred to roads design for a report for the December meeting.
05/11/09
Junction layout at Pikes Bridge, Maynooth / Leixlip road
The committee considered the following motion in the name of Councillor Griffin:
That Kildare County Council examines the safety issues arising from the altered junction layout at Pikes Bridge, Maynooth / Leixlip road.
It was reported that roads design would contact the area office and that the Gardai and would examine all traffic accident data at this location to determine if there was a recurring safety issue at this location. If it is shown that there is a reoccurring problem the roads design team would develop proposals to rectify the issues. The progression of any works would dependent on adequate funding being available. Councillor Griffin stated that a one-way system would be a safer option at this location; this was also agreed by Councillor Purcell. An Cathaoirleach reported that it was a particularly dangerous for those drivers who are unfamiliar with the road and the fast moving traffic.
Resolved: That this item be forwarded to the road design section for investigation.
06/11/09
Main Avenue, Castletown estate, Leixlip
The committee considered the following motion in the name of Councillor Murphy:
Given the extent of traffic using the main avenue in Castletown estate Leixlip and the condition of the section of road where a trench was dug by one of the utility companies, the council provides for repair of this area in the 2010 budget.
The roads department reported that this could be included in the councillors Discretionary Grant in 2010 if funding was made available. An Cathaoirleach remarked on the low quality of the reinstatement works carried out by the developers and asked that they be pursued to complete works to a higher standard.
Resolved: That roads department pursue utility company in relation to standard of reinstatement works.
07/11/09
Road Improvements, Ardrass
The committee considered the following motion in the name of Councillor Byrne:
That the regional road at Ardrass between Barberstown and Celbridge be upgraded by removing dangerous corners and widening the carriageway and that it be given priority in submissions for funding to the D.O.E
The roads department reported that realignment of the R403 at Ardrass would require significant expenditure. Funding for such a scheme would be provided by the Department of Transport under the specific grant scheme. However, any funding the Council is likely to receive in 2010 under this heading must first be used in completing or continuing works already commenced. An Cathaoirleach was unhappy with the report and asked how many schemes were remained on the list and that this road be included. It was reported that this particular road was monitored by c.c.t.v. and the gardai identified that excessive speeding was the cause 70% of the incidents and that it was recommended that the speed limit be reduced to 50 kmp.
Resolved: That report be noted.
08/11/09
Provision of footpaths and public lighting, Celbridge
The committee considered the following motion in the name of Councillor K Byrne:
That the following appears as a headed item 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.
Ms Kavanagh informed the committee that these works would require significant funding, including land acquisition costs and that the transportation department was not in a position to fund these works. Councillor K Byrne asked that a plan be put in place, Ms Kavanagh replied that a plan had been put in place but no funding was available to implement any aspects of it. An Cathaoirleach asked that a copy of the plan be circulated to the members. Councillor Griffin suggested that the provision of footpaths and public lighting be examined under the County Development Plan.
Resolved: That a copy of the plan be circulated to the members and that the provision of footpaths and public lighting be examined under the County Development Plan.
09/11/09
Traffic Management, Maynooth
The committee considered the following motion in the name of Councillor Griffin:
In view of the ongoing difficulties with the traffic management signal coming from Maynooth to the control room, Kildare County Council are requested to provide the required resources to resolve the traffic chaos in Maynooth.
It was reported that the budget allocated to traffic signal maintenance in 2009 was €200,000. Unfortunately, this budget is not sufficient to provide a service whereby all faults would be identified and repaired immediately. The members where unhappy with the traffic management in Maynooth and asked that a member of staff from this section attends the December area meeting. Councillor McGinley suggested that the lights at the Glen Royal be switched off as this would potentially ease the current traffic problems, An Cathaoirleach agreed Councillor McGinleys request and asked that this be done as soon as possible, Councillor Kelly asked if the Gardai are informed when the control room notice traffic problems on the C.C.T.V. Ms Kavanagh confirmed that this is the case.
Resolved: That a member of staff from the traffic management section attends the December meeting.
10/11/09
Multi light system at the Maynooth interchange
The committee considered the following motion in the name of Councillor Griffin:
That Kildare County Council request the NRA/ESB to carry out the neccessary repairs to the multi light system at the Maynooth interchange.
Report: These works are being carried out at present.
11/11/09
Cleaning of gullies
The committee considered the following motion in the name of Councillor Griffin:
That an inspection and cleaning of roadside gullies be prioritised in order to reduce the risk of flooding.
It was reported that the area office clean all gullies: twice yearly, usually in the Spring and Autumn.
Resolved: That report be noted.
12/11/09
Turning lane from Greenfield Estate
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?
The traffic management section did not agree that a left turning lane was required at this junction. The provision a widening scheme for a minor side road, cul-de-sac, would involve using private land and would also have a detrimental impact on pedestrians on the main Straffan Road needing to cross the widened side road.
The needs of vulnerable road users in the area would be considered in preference to users of a cul-de-sac. Councillor McGinley was unhappy with the report and disagreed with traffic management section in relation to the need of installing a left turning lane, he also stated that no private land would be required to implement the turning; he asked that a staff member meet with him at this location.
Resolved: That a staff member from traffic management section meet with Councillor McGinley at this location.
13/11/09
Temple Grove, Celbridge
The committee considered the following motion in the name of Councillor Byrne:
To ask if public lighting would be provided at Temple Grove Celbridge where there is no public lighting at present?
The planning department reported that Temple Grove has not been taken charge of by Kildare County Council.
Resolved : That report be noted.
14/11/09
Bollards at Aghards school, Celbridge
The committee considered the following motion in the name of Councillor Byrne:
To ask if bollards could be put in place to prevent excessive parking on the foothpath outside the neighbour hood shopping centre opposite Aghards School in Celbridge and that the approximate cost of same be indicated?
The roads department stated that this could be included in the councillor’s Discretionary Grant 2010 if funding is made available. Councillor Byrne asked that the area engineer meet him at this location.
Resolved: Councillor Byrne asked that the area engineer meet him at this location.
15/11/09
Backlots, Castletown
The committee considered the following motion in the name of Councillor Murphy:
We arrange a meeting with the Castletown Residents Association, Celbridge, to discuss the future of the internal backlots within that estate. Mr Minnock reported to the members that a meeting was required to take place with the residents in order to elect/choose a spokeperson or agent on their behalf that would be committed to this process as it would be a lengthy and complicated. An Cathaoirleach stated that she would arrange for this meeting to take place.
Resolved: That report be noted.
16/11/09
Dressing rooms in St Catherine’s Park
The committee considered the following motion in the name of Councillor Murphy:
Is the charge for the dressing rooms in St Catherine’s Park a function solely for Fingal County Council or do Kildare have an input?
Mr Wallace reported that the charge for the dressing rooms was a function for Fingal County Council as they undertake all the overheads for the management of the dressing rooms. The charge was introduced to overcome a lack of resources to manage the dressing rooms full time which meant the clubs did not have access to the dressing rooms when required. In an attempt to overcome this charge was introduced. An Cathaoileach replied that it was a shame that the young people of the area were unable to use this facility during the summer months and asked if grant aid was available to cover the charges.
Resolved: To investigate whether a grant was available to cover the hire charges of the dressing rooms.
17/11/09
Carton Court
The committee considered the following motion in the name of Councillor Murphy:
When was Carton Court taken in charge, why were some of the roads excluded from the process?
The planning department reported that Carton Court was taken in charge on 1/7/1991. There is nothing on the building control file to indicate that any roads or services were excluded from the taking in charge process. This item was discussed at length and the meetings administrator stated that all the facts and exact status of the company involved needed be established before the matter could be discussed further, it was agreed that he would speak to the councillor privately on this item. An Cathaoirleach welcomed that suggestion.
Resolved: That the meetings administrator meet with An Cathaoirleach to discuss this issue.
18/11/09
Taking in charge of Ryemont Abbey
The committee considered the following motion in the name of Councillor Murphy:
Has the developer of Ryemont Abbey, Leixlip, committed to have the estate taken in charge?
It was reported that the building control staff had met with the developer earlier this year. The developer undertook to complete outstanding works in early September 2009. To date these works have not been attended to building control section would continue to pursue the developer to have the outstanding repairs completed and the necessary taking in charge documents submitted. An Cathaoirleach reported that the residents association keep this estate beautifully and that the unkept corner site caused great frustration with all those involved in the maintenance of the estate.
Resolved : That report be noted.
19/11/09
Snag list for Meadowbrook Estate, Maynooth
The committee considered the following motion in the name of Councillor Murphy:
That we are provided with the snag list for Meadowbrook Estate Maynooth and an update on the dialogue between the council and developer with a view to having this estate taken in charge at an early stage.
The planning department reported that the building control section had produced a number of snag lists for this estate over the years. Planning permission was recently granted by Kildare County Council for the redevelopment of the Newtown Inn which is located in the Meadowbrook Estate. Condition 66 of planning ref. 08/1274 (for the redevelopment of Newtown Inn) states :Before development commences, applicant to submit all outstanding documentation and complete any outstanding works to enable Meadowbrook Estate to be taken in charge by Kildare County Council
This decision was currently under appeal to An Bord Pleanala. When the Bord determines the appeal an updated (and hopefully a final) snag list will be prepared.
An Cathaoirleach asked that the members receive a copy of an current snag list, the meetings administrator stated that he would investigate the councillors request, however this may not be possible due to the involvement of An Bord Pleanala. Councillor McGinley thanked the planning department for including his representations on this appeal..
Resolved: That the planning department speak to An Cathaoirleach in relation to the snag list for Meadowbrook estate.
20/11/09
Ardclough Tidy Towns
The committee considered the following motion in the name of Councillor Byrne:
That the council provides community composters for Ardclough (page 9 of the Tidy Towns Plan 2008- 2013 refers)
It was reported that the environment section would endeavour to provide a community composter for Ardclough Tidy towns. However, this would be dependent on funding being made available in 2010. The composters cost approximately €2,000 so this would represent a significant cost to the section.
Resolved: That report be noted.
21/11/09
Sewerage system on the Clane Road, Celbridge
The committee considered the following motion in the name of Councillor Byrne:
To ask the council what action is being taken to eliminate the noxious odour emanating from the new sewerage system on the Clane Road, Celbridge particularly near Abbey Farm estate and the service station?
The water services department reported that the Lower Liffey Valley Regional Sewerage Scheme Network Contracts would make provision for dealing with this problem. These contracts were currently on site.
The resident engineering staff on the Lower Liffey Valley Regional Sewerage Scheme were due to meet with the contractors on site shortly in order to decide upon the best way to address the issue.
This was likely to involve the installation of an Odour Control Unit. Once a proposal is agreed upon the work would be scheduled. water services would inform the elected members when this timescale was clear.
Resolved: That the Mr McGee attend the December meeting to discuss this issue.
22/11/09
Other business
Councillor Griffin asked that the length of time discussing questions and motions at area meetings be raised at the next Protocol meeting.