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Celbridge Area Meeting

Draft Minutes of Meeting

held at 2.30 p.m., Monday 13 December  2010

in the Council Chamber, Áras Chill Dara.

 

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

 Apologies:              Councillor Sean Purcell

 

Also Present:     Mr P. Minnock (Director of Service, Ms.  S. Kavanagh (S.E.O.), Mrs A. Rowan (S.E.O.), Ms P. Penny (A.S.O.), Mr J. Doyle (S.S.O.) Mr. Charlie Talbot, (Meetings Administrator), Ms S Rice (Area Secretary)

 

 

CE 01/12/10

Minutes and Progress Report

The committee considered the minutes of the monthly meeting held on 19 November 2010. Resolved on the proposal of Councillor Byrne and seconded by Councillor Kelly that the minutes be confirmed and taken as read.

 

 

Resignation of Councillor Paul Kelly

An Cathaoirleach wished former Councillor Paul Kelly well in his new career and thanked him for the hard work and service that he gave to the people of Leixlip and Celbridge electoral area, he also stated that Pauls legal training stood to him and the committee over the years. Each member concurred with An Cathaoirleach remarks and also added that Paul had been an excellent contributor to Leixlip Town Council, and that he was a pleasant, likeable and conscientious gentleman. Mr Minnock spoke on behalf of the management team and also agreed with Councillor Griffins remarks; he wished Paul and his family all the best for the future and thanked him for his long and dedicated service to Lexlip and Kildare.

 

 

 

Dublin Bus, and required infrastructure for extension to bus route

It was reported that the NTA responded since the last meeting and the correspondence was circulated to the Committee.  Dublin Bus have been contacted but the position remained the same in that Kildare County Council do not have the funds for the required infrastructure to make the route bus “friendly”. The members asked that Dublin Bus be invited to the January meeting to discuss this ongoing issue.

 

 

Repair of Speed cushions, Crodaun Forest Park

This matter had been considered at length by the senior engineer and the area engineer.  It had been confirmed that the materials used were to specification however, due to wear and tear and the extremely cold temperatures experienced last winter, the top layer of material had broke up and needed to be replaced.  Negotiations took place and a compromise was reached with the contractor whereby the ramps were reinstated at a reduced rate.  The roads department felt that this was the best possible outcome in the circumstances. Councillor Purcell asked how long of a warranty/guarantee the council receive on each ramp and Councillor Murphy asked how much did it cost to repair a ramp i.e. repair or replace top layer of ramp.

 

 

Leixlip Pay Parking

It was agreed that a separate meeting would take place at 10.00 a.m. on Wednesday, 12 January 2011 to discuss Leixlip and Maynooth pay parking.

 

 

Naming of new road between Straffan Road and Meadowbrook Road

The members were advised that the information given at the last meeting was incorrect.  The legislation (Sect 194 of LG Act 2001) referred to changing the name of a street but did not specify a procedure for how a local authority should go about naming a street.  As the process of naming a road was not prescribed in legislation it was suggested that the committee would agree on a name for both roads (the road that runs through the Meadowbrook Estate and the road that runs through Beaufield) (drawing attached) and signage can then be erected with the agreed names. It was proposed by Councillor McGinley and seconded by Councillor Purcell that the roads in question be named as “Meadowbrook link Road” and “Beaufield Road”.

 

 

Sand/salt sandbags

Councillor Purcell requested that Civil Defence recruit in the North of the County.  The Civil Defence Officer was aware of the request and would be happy to oblige.  However, the Civil Defence Officer was the only whole time member of staff in the Civil Defence and Civil Defence relies heavily on volunteers giving time freely to continue their good work in County Kildare.  The Civil Defence Officer will endeavour to pursue this matter in the New Year. Councillor Purcell welcomed the report and asked that the Civil Defence proceed with the intention of recruiting volunteers from the north of the county. An Cathaoirleach asked that the council and its out door staff be recognised for the great job done during the recent bad weather and how good it was to see the army out working in the north of the county.

 

 

Missing public lights, Old Greenfield, Maynooth

The public lighting section of the roads department had no details of who allegedly took away the public lighting at this location. Councillor McGinley reported that the lights had been removed by ESB Networks and asked that the council write to them regarding this matter with the intention of them replacing the lights in question.

 

 

Repainting of Yellow box for exit at Castlevillage estate, Celbridge

It was reported that this work would cost approximately €800.00. Councillor Byrne asked as the that the works be completed.

 

 

Design of entrance, Riverdale estate, Leixlip

It was reported that Leixlip Town Council’s proposals were sent to the planning department for consideration.  A response is awaited. Councillor Purcell asked that this item be progressed as soon as possible as the works required were minimal. Councillor Purcell asked who would be responsible for applying for the planning permission.

 

 

Laurel Lane

It was requested that this item be reviewed in February, it was also reported that there was a derelict site as this location and that the environmental section investigate.

 

 

Unathorised developments in Celbridge electoral area

The planning department reported that they currently had over 5000  unauthorised development files open , Ms Rowan reported that the files were not open for public inspection due to the confidential information on them regarding the informants, however if the members had an enquiry’s regarding a particular file the planning department would be happy to update them on the status. Councillor Murphy stated that all they wanted was general information relating to the North Kildare area i.e. How many files were open, how many were closed, current status e.t.c. the councillor also requested that the council contact the Computer Services Board regarding the database currently in place and ask them to upgrade the reporting system currently in place throughout the country.

 

 

Process with receiver at Meadowbrook Estate

It was reported that an update would be provided to members once the process, as outlined, was completed and that the council would arrange a meeting with the residents in the new year. The members requested a total cost of the required works for the January meeting.

 

 

Leixlip Youth and Community Centre, Newtown House

Kildare County Council had investigated the issues that have arisen within the operation and infrastructure of the Leixlip Youth Premises in Newtown house.

A schedule of works had been compiled and sent to the original architect’s design team and contractor to carry out the necessary works within their remit. Failure  to carry out this work in a reasonable timeframe would force the council to appoint a local contractor to carry out the work, with all invoices and expenses recouped from the original contractor. Councillor Murphy asked if all the required works had been costed yet and if the council had secured a bond from the contractor for the works?

 

 

Alcohol Bye-Laws

A letter was sent to the Chief Superintendent of Kildare inviting him to attend the next meeting to discuss the issue of alcohol fines and the anti-social behaviour that is associated with drinking in public places.

 

 

                                                            CE02/11/2010

                                             Upgrade of Celbridge/Clane Road

To discuss upgrade of Celbridge/Clane Road

Councillor Murphy again asked what the current status was regarding the upgrade of the Celbridge/Clane road, Ms Kavanagh reported that in order for the road to be upgraded that a lot of money would need to be spent to bring the road up to the standard of a regional road, however due to lack of funding this was very unlikely.

Report was noted.

 

CE03/11/2010

Parking regulations in Parson Street, Maynooth

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

That the Garda at senior level be asked to ensure that parking regulations are adhered to in Parsons Street, Maynooth in order to put an end to cars and four wheeled vehicles parking on the footpath and in order to permit vehicles to drive in two lanes.

It was reported that the roads department had written to the Garda Chief Superintendent regarding this matter and would update the members when a reply was received.

Report was noted.

 

 

CE04/1212010

Public lighting, Celbridge electoral area

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

That we are provided with a report on the public lighting in the Celbridge Electoral Area to include: the lights reported out of order, that remain out of order and when were these reported.  What system is now in place to track the repairs and how long on average are lights remaining out of order and at what intervals are inspections carried out?   

The roads department reported that the council was jointly tendering for a new maintenance contract for public lighting services with Wicklow County Council. The closing date for this competition was December 2010 and it would not be appropriate to set out details of the services being provided by the current provider at this time. 

It was anticipated that the new contract would commence in February 2011 and as promised at previous area committee meetings, the winning contractor would be asked to meet with relevant area committees to set out their capabilities and explain the performance indicators applicable for the new contract. Councillor Murphy stated that penalties should enforced on those companies who fail to complete or carry out works to a proper standard or within a certain timeframe.

Report was noted.

 

CE05/12/2010

Dublin Bus

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

We invite Dublin Bus to our next meeting to address both problems that have occurred following timetable/terminus changes, we also deal with the outstanding issues preventing the network changes being put in place. 

The roads department stated that they would invite Dublin Bust to the next area meeting.

Resolved: that Dublin Bus be invited to attend the January area committee meeting.

 

 

CE06/12/2010

Footpath at the entrance to Hawthorn View Celbridge

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

That the footpath at the entrance to Hawthorn View, Celbridge be examined for subsidence and consequent large scale cracking of the boundary wall at that point that is now in danger of falling.

The roads department reported that due to recent inclement weather the area engineer was not in a position to report on this at present and that a report would be available for January meeting.

Resolved: That a report on subsidence on the footpath at the entrance to hawthorn view be prepared for the January meeting.

 

 

 

CE07/12/2010

Reduction of Speed Limit at Scoil Mochua, Celbridge

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

That the speed limit at Scoil Mochua, Celbridge be reduced to 30k p h .that the required signage and amber flashing warning lights be provided .as the provision in this case is a (reserved function )it is hereby decided that this work will be completed in 2011.

It was reported that this school has recently been granted planning permission for an extension and changes to its entrance. The school has been conditioned to produce a mobility management plan and install traffic management measures in the area adjacent to the school. It is not appropriate for the Council to pay for the installation of signage and warning lights in the meantime as should there be a warrant for measures, these would be included within the mobility management plan and its implementation by the school itself. Councillor Byrne asked how much of the area this would cover. Councillor Murphy asked that the traffic wardens enforce the laws, she also asked that the roads department circulate a leaflet to the parents asking them to refrain from parking in a dangerous manner and that the council intend to prosecute those who do not adhere to the Road Traffic Act.

Resolved: The roads department makes contact with the school asking them to inform the parents of their intention to prosecute any persons who are parked illegally or dangerously.

 

 

CE08/12/2010

Public lights, 913 St Patricks Park, Celbridge

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

That the council provide a pole and public lights on the service lane at the back of house 913 Saint Patricks Park,  Celbridge and that an estimate of the cost be provided for the next meeting with a view to having the necessary work carried out in 2011.

The roads department reported that the council was jointly tendering for a new maintenance contract for public lighting services with Wicklow County Council.  The closing date for this competition was December 2010 and it would not be appropriate to seeks prices for works in the meantime. It was anticipated that the new contract will be started in February 2011.

Report was noted.

 

 

 

 

CE09/12/2010

Repair of pathway, Train Station Canal bridge, Maynooth

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

That the pathway from the train station canal bridge to the Harbour, Maynooth, be tarred out of next years Road Works Budget.

It was reported that this was not the property of Kildare County Council and any funding available in 2011 would need to be spent on roads and footpaths in the councils ownership. Councillor McGinley asked that the council write to Waterways Ireland, asking them to repair the footpath in question.

Resolved: that the council write to Waterways Ireland, asking them to repair the pathway in from the train station canal bridge to the Harbour.

 

 

CE10/12/2010

Sightline at Newtown road coming from Beaufiled

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

That measures be taken to improve the sightline for motorists turning left onto Newtown Road when exiting from Beaufield Housing Estate.

The road design section reported that they would carry out a detailed survey at this location to determine what problems exist and recommend solutions that would be best and safe at this location. It was suggested that Councillor McGinley could meet a member of staff on site.

Report was noted.

 

CE11/12/2010

HGV ban in Straffan Village

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

What progress has been made on banning through traffic HGVs from Straffan?

A response form the Chief Superintendent of Kildare was circulated to each member.

Report was noted.

 

 

 

CE12/12/2010

Traffic problems on Straffan road, Maynooth

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

Can we have the statistics on the morning peak time traffic on Straffan Road,  Maynooth,  have traffic counts been taken if so what are they, and can we  also a report  detailing how to improve the flows?

The roads department reported that traffic counting data was collected at each of the signalised junctions used on the UTC (SCOOT) system.  This information was collected on a 24 hour basis, 7 days a week. The computerised system was optimised to maximise traffic flows but allow a reasonable opportunity for pedestrians to cross the carriageway at the signalised junctions.  The cycle time (the time taken from the start of a green light switching on to the time that light switches on again) was constantly changing depending on the aggregated traffic flows at junctions in the town. Traffic conditions were also monitored manually by using the extensive CCTV network coverage within the town. Due to the complexity and amount of traffic count figures available to include within a report, it was recommended that the elected representatives tour the traffic management centre after the January Area Committee meeting when staff from the  TMC and representatives of our traffic signal maintenance company who could answer any detailed questions that may arise.

The members reported that the SKOOT system was not working properly and was unable to deal with the volume of traffic on the Straffan Road between 8.30 a.m. and 10.00 a.m. each morning, It was suggested that the traffic lights at the Glen Royal Hotel be turned off to allow the traffic to move more freely on this road as the traffic lights were slowing down the flow of traffic.

Resolved: that the traffic lights at the Glen Royal be turned off as a temporary measure to relieve the current traffic problems in Maynooth.

 

 

CE13/12/2010

Gritting routes in Kildare

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

Can we have a report on the requests made by members of the public for gritting over and above that done by Kildare County Council, what scope is there to include additional locations on the gritting routes?

The roads department reported that the council currently operate 12 salting routes.  Each of these routes had been configured in such a way to maximise the effectiveness of the resources available ie. manpower, equipment and salt.  Routes were priotised based on road classification, traffic volumes, strategic importance etc.  In order to add a section of road to the salting programme it requires the following:

(a)  Remove an existing section of road which was currently being salted from the salting programme.

                                                                                    or

(b)  Add an additional truck to the salting route.

Currently the Transportation Department was not in a position to carry out either of these options but the situation would be kept under review. With regard to requests received by members of the public, It was confirmed that there were a large number of requests that came to the council from many different sources and that the council dealt with each request based on its merits.

Report was noted

 

CE14/12/2010

Salting of roads and housing estates

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

Can we make arrangements for salt to be deposited in locations that are particularly problematic such as housing estates that are on hillsides?

The roads department reported that the council could provide some materials for usage by local communities during severe winter conditions.  The only proviso was that that the Council would have enough materials for their own usage first.  The other issues that need to be considered are;  where such material would be deposited and who would take responsibility for it. Furthermore, having regard to the severe winters that we are experiencing, that each household invest in a snow shovel and some grit or salt to keep the drive and footpaths around our own properties clear.

Report was noted.

 

CE15/12/2010

Tarmacading of square, St Patricks Park, Celbridge

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

To ask the council to provide an estimate of the cost of tarmacading the square between houses 628-633 Saint Patricks Park, Celbridge, with a view to having this long standing work 52 years included in the works programme for 2011.

Bit was reported that before this area could be tarmaced, some surface water drainage needed to be installed (otherwise it would be liable to flooding).  As there was no surface water  drainage system in St Patricks Park the surface water would have to go to a soakhole. The cost would be in the region of €25,000 including drainage.

Report was noted.

 

 

CE16/12/2010

Road repairs, Dara Court and Dara Cresent

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

To ask the council if the concrete road connecting Dara Crescent and Dara Court which is pitted with potholes be repaired as a matter of urgency.

The roads department reported that there was no funding available for this work at present.  If funding was provided next year this could be done.

Report was noted.

 

 

CE17/12/2010

Cleaning of grilles from Celbridge G. A. A. club to the Dublin Road

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

To ask the council as a matter of urgency to clean the grilles where the Donaghcomper river is culverted in the area from Celbridge G. A. A. club to the Dublin Road at Findlays house, Celbridge.

Roads maintenance section reported that they have no resources to carry out this work.  The area office was of the opinion that this could in fact be private property.

Report was noted. 

 

CE18/12/2010

Flood defence wall, Celbridge

The expected completion date for the Eastern CFRAMS project is December 2015.  It is hoped to have flood mapping completed by December 2013.  Currently, the process to appointment consultants is ongoing and should be completed by the end of the first quarter 2011.

Report was noted.

 

CE19/12/2010

Laurel Lane

The Director of Services of the Planning department had visited the site in question and arising from that visit and having regard to possible environmental issues, the Director was arranging a joint Environmental/Planning review of the relevant files with a view to taking further action. The members requested that this item be discussed at the February meeting.

Resolved: That Laurel lane be discussed and an update be given at the February meeting.

 

 

CE20/12/2010

Tree pruning

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

While welcoming the work on tree pruning and tree removal carried out by the Parks Superintendent, where there have been residents association requests seeking consultation prior to work being carried out that we make provision for such an arrangement.

The parks department reported that the compilation of tree pruning and removals each year was largely based on requests received from elected representatives, residents associations, individual residents and the roads area engineer. In the case of tree removals prior to any works taking place a notification was sent to the households directly affected by the removal informing them as to the reason for the tree removal. Recently work was carried out in Castletown Estate, Celbridge involving the removal of two trees. Regrettably due to an oversight advance notification was not given in these two cases. However the basis of carrying out this work originated from a representative of the Residents Association earlier in the year in relation to issues with light at one of the locations. An inspection of the location found that tree at the location was growing over a light standard and consequently it was decided the best solution to the request received was to remove the tree along with another in a similar situation. Councillor Murphy accepted the report and was happy that the council do consult with residents prior to the removal or pruning of a tree.

Report was noted.

 

 

 

 

CE21/12/2010

Dishing of footpath, Oaklawn green end, Leixlip

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

That Kildare County Council for safety reasons dish the footpath at Oaklawn (Green Lane end) leading to Oaklawn West.

It was reported that there was no funding available for this at present but it could be

considered next year if funding was made available.

Report was noted.

 

 

CE22/12/2010

Double yellow lines, the Quarry, Celbridge

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

That double yellow lines be put in place to eliminate reckless parking at the Quarry, Celbridge.

This request had been considered by roads design and the area office and it had been agreed to proceed through a Section 38 procedure.

Report was noted.

 

 

CE23/12/2010

Leixlip youth facilities at Newtown House Leixlip

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

That Kildare County Council examine how best to resolve the ongoing problems at the Leixlip youth facilities at Newtown House Leixlip.

 Kildare County Council have investigated the issues that had arisen within the operation and infrastructure of the Leixlip Youth Premises in Newtown House. A schedule of works have been compiled and sent to the original architect’s design team and contractor to carry out the necessary works within their remit. Councillor Murphy asked if all the required works had been costed yet and if the council had secured a bond from the contractor for the works?

Resolved: Councillor Murphy asked if all the required works had been costed yet and if the council had secured a bond from the contractor for the works?

 

The meeting concluded.