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Celbridge Area Meeting
Minutes of Meeting
held at 10.00 a.m. on Thursday, 14 January 2010
At Áras Chill Dara, Naas

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

Apologies:   Councillor P.Kelly and Mr P.Minnock.

Also Present:   Ms A. Crofton (A/Director of Services), Ms S. Kavanagh (S.E.O.)
 Mr. S. Wallace (Parks Superintendent) Ms. E. Murray (A.E.) Mr A. Dunney (S.E.E) Mr C Talbot (Meetings Administrator), Ms. S Rice (Secretary).

CE 01/01/2010
Minutes and Progress Report

The committee considered the minutes of the monthly meeting held on 3 December 2009. Resolved on the proposal of Councillor Griffin and seconded by Councillor K Byrne, that the minutes be confirmed and taken as read.

Deteriorating speed cushions, Straffan and Celbridge road,  Maynooth
It was reported at the January meeting that the cost of repairing both ramps would be very expensive and Councillor McGinley requested that the ramp in Straffan be removed permanently as it is a hazard and unsightly in its current state and requested a costing for the necessary works for the February meeting and that speed cushion in Celbridge be repaired. An Cathaoirleach suggested that the deterioration of speed cushions could potentially be a countywide problem and asked that the council look at the materials and contractors used for the installation of the speed ramps. Councillor Byrne suggested that a HGV ban in Straffan maybe a solution for that location. Councillor Purcell reported that the speed cushion located outside the Irish school in Maynooth was also in a bad state and falling apart and asked that it be investigated.

Provision of a pedestrian controlled crossing at Station Road, Leixlip
The members asked if the roads department were still in discussions with the DTO in relation to funding for the above works.

Junction box at Michangelo’s, Main Street, Celbridge
A reinvestigation had been undertaken as requested however the roads department did not recommend a junction box for this location, Councillor Griffin reported that junction boxes had previously been placed at other similar locations and asked that this item be reinvestigated as soon as possible.

Main Avenue, Castletown estate, Leixlip
The roads department reported that there was no funding available to undertake these repairs, An Cathaoileach stated that repairs on the trench were needed urgently due to the large volume of traffic travelling through this estate each day.

Left turning lane for exit from Greenfield estate, Maynooth
Councillor McGinley asked that a staff member from the traffic management section meet with him at this location as soon as possible.

Road safety improvement for Celbridge Road, Maynooth
Councillor McGinley asked that a staff member from the traffic management section meet with him at this location as soon as possible.

Expansion of Donaghcumper Cemetery
It was reported that the environment section were continuing negotiations with the adjoining landowner and it was hoped that an agreement could be reached as soon as possible. The members asked that this item be moved forward as soon as possible.

CE01/02/2010
Provision of footpaths and public lighting, Celbridge

The committee considered the following adjourned motion in the name of Councillor 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.
Councillor Kevin Byrne asked that the members be supplied with the plan already in place for the provision of footpaths and public lighting in Celbridge.
Resolved: That the members be supplied with the plan currently in place for the provision of footpaths and public lighting in Celbridge.

CE01/03/2010
Footpath repairs on Maynooth road, Celbridge

The committee considered the following motion in the name of Councillor Byrne:
That the footpath repair with tarmac that was carried out on the footpath on the Maynooth Road, Celbridge from the entrance to Dara Court to the small entrance to Tescos be extended to complete these repairs in front of Macaris and the other premises there. 
The roads department reported that there was no funding in the current budget for these repairs. Councillor Byrne asked that the roads department re-investigate this item and that a small portion of the path be repaired.
Resolved: That the roads department re-investigate this item and that a small portion of the path be repaired.

CE01/04/2010
Footpath from the Library in St. Patricks Park, Celbridge

The committee considered the following motion in the name of Councillor Byrne:
That the council now agrees to repair the footpath from the Library in St. Patricks Park Celbridge to the Main Street junction which has an uneven surface that has resulted in a number of accidents.
The roads department reported that there was no funding in the current budget for these repairs; Councillor Byrne asked that this be reassessed as the surface was very dangerous. The area engineer agreed to review it.
Resolved: That the roads department review this item with the intention of carrying out the required repairs.

CE01/05/2010
Traffic calming measures in and around St Raphaels facility

The committee considered the following motion in the name of Councillor Byrne:
That the council now adapt the traffic calming proposals from senior engineer  in the area of St. Raphaels facility on the Clane/Celbridge Road that will make the area safer for the residents of St. John of Gods and that this project be given priority for funding in 2010.
A preliminary drawing was provided by the roads department at the meeting and the estimated cost of implementing this scheme was € 25,000. Councillor Kevin Byrne asked that his discretionary funds be used to implement traffic calming at this location. Councillor Griffin asked that the council investigate the accessibility problems on this footpath as there some obstructions that were causing difficulty to wheelchair users. Ms Kavanagh stated that speed ramps maybe not be the most appropriate solution here and would look at what other options were available.
Resolved: That Councillor K. Byrnes discretionary funds be used for the required works and that the roads department investigate accessibility problems on the footpath and establish the most appropriate solution to solving the traffic problems on this road.

CE01/06/2010
Re-alignment of Confey Road

The committee considered the following motion in the name of Councillor Murphy:
In the absence of funds to do a major road upgrade on the Confey Road we seek modification such as moving the  50 km speed limit up to Gaffney’s house and provide ramps from the graveyard to past the junction.
The roads department reported that the existing road layout at this location was deficient in alignment and public lighting and therefore it was not recommended to install traffic calming at this location. There is an existing 50kph speed limit at this location. An Cathaoirleach stated that a fatality had already taken place on this road and asked how the council could make this road safer if traffic calming could not be put in place. Councillor Griffin suggested that the roads department meet with the local Garda Superintendent to discuss this issue and to see if he may have some alternative suggestions as to how to make this road safer for all motorists. Ms Kavanagh said she would ask the Chief roads technician to speak to Councillor Murphy in relation to her motion.
Resolved: That the roads department meet with the local Garda Superintendent to discuss this issue and to see if he may have some alternative suggestions as to how to make this road safer for all motorists and that the Chief roads technician to speak to Councillor Murphy in relation to her motion.

CE01/07/2010
Road/Water problems in relation to recent bad weather

The committee considered the following motion in the name of Councillor Murphy:
We ask for a report on the level of road gritting done within the Celbridge electoral
 area during the recent icy weather. That we are provided with the route map
 followed and any scope there is to add to this. 
The roads department reported that there was no report available at present for individual electoral areas and that a countywide report was being prepared for submission to the next meeting of Kildare County Council. The members made various suggestions in relation to the content of the report if this should occur again:
1. That completed report in relation to how the council responded and acted to deal with road/water problems during bad weather be forwarded to Ministers for transport and Environment.
2. Who on a national level gave directive to use " Urea" on the roads?
3. That salt be ordered in bulk prior to Winter period (as it may be cheaper) and that suitable storage/location be identified.
4. That all households receive clear advice on how/what they should be doing during freezing temperatures in relation to water conservation etc.
5. Could residents associations be supplied with salt/grit during icy conditions so they could spread it on roads and paths within the estates.
6. That Insurance companies be written to in relation to their advice that residents should leave taps running in their homes to alleviate the threat of pipes freezing.
Each member commended and praised all staff that were out working each day and night doing their best for the people of Kildare during the recent bad weather, they also complimented Charlie Talbot on his dedication to the council and who ensured that the people of Kildare were kept up to date with problems in each area. Councillor Kevin Byrne asked when the works on the Ballygoran to Castlewarden reservoir would be done.
Resolved: That an update be given to the members on the Ballygoran to Castlewarden reservoir works.

CE01/08/2010
Parking area beside Aghards school

The committee considered the following motion in the name of Councillor Byrne:
To ask the council if they would repair the parking area beside Aghards school in Celbridge where there are severe pot holes (If this area where dug up and leveled with some plant waste it would be much appreciated on an interim basis).
It was reported that this area was the property of the school and therefore all repairs were the responsibility of the school management. Councillor Kevin disagreed with the report and claimed that the council did own the land in question and asked that the roads department re-investigate.
Resolved: Councillor Kevin disagreed with the report and claimed that the council did own the land in question and asked that the roads department re-investigate.

CE01/09/2010
Replacement of road sign, Castlevillage estate, Celbridge

The committee considered the following motion in the name of Councillor Byrne:
To ask the council if the sign prohibiting parking of 3 tonne lorries at the entrance to Castlevillage Estate, Celbridge be replaced as the old one has been removed.
It was reported that the sign would be replaced as soon as possible.
Resolved: That report be noted.

CE01/10/2010
DTO Funding for Traffic management studies

The committee considered the following motion in the name of Councillor Murphy:
Is there scope to apply to the DTO for funding to implement traffic management studies, such as the one carried out in Celbridge and the one due to be done for Leixlip which the DTO have provided €100,000 to do.  If so what is the title and scope of the DTO scheme?
The roads department reported that the Dublin Transportation Office had been subsumed by the National Transport Authority. The Department of Transport had not agreed arrangements to date to set up a revised Traffic Management Grants Committee which would deal with any applications for funding. Staff from the former DTO were aware of the issue of the implementation of all the Traffic Management Studies around County Kildare (including areas with Town Councils). Councillor Byrne asked that this item be adjourned until February and that a further report be presented to the meeting
Resolved: That this item be adjourned until the February meeting and that the members receive a further report.

CE01/11/2010
New road at Old Greenfield, Maynooth

The committee considered the following motion in the name of Councillor McGinley:
That immediate action be taken to adjust the relative heights of the new road constructed at Old Greenfield, Maynooth, in association with planning permission 06/424, and the ground level of houses to the North which are supposed to have access to this new road.
It was reported that the Planning Ref. 06/424 and the most recent permission 09/220 were for blocks of apartments. Both permissions contained conditions requiring the creation of management companies.   Accordingly, building control section had no involvement in this development when the road/ footpath referred to in this motion were constructed.
Since then building control has contacted the developer and informed him that the council is prepared to consider taking in charge the communal areas and services in the development, if he undertakes to limit the use of the management company to the apartment blocks. The developer has not responded to this request.  Until such times that the developer confirms that he will limit the management company to the apartment blocks, building control has no role in this development. A warning letter has been issued to the developer from the unauthorised development section for non compliance with conditions 5 and 9.
Councillor McGinley reported that the road level is higher than the houses and front gardens and that residents were unable to access the road due to this problem, he asked that the roads and planning departments meet with the builder to rectify this problem as soon as possible, he also commented on the problem of the design and that planning permission was granted for the current road. Councillor Griffin stated that the report given did not answer the question and asked that all parties meet to rectify this problem.
Resolved: That staff from roads and planning department meet with the developer to discuss the issue of the road level.

CE01/12/2010
Taking in charge of Meadowbrook Estate

The committee considered the following motion in the name of Councillor Murphy:
Now that An Bord Pleanala has issued permission for the Newtown Inn complex, 
which has included a clause to complete Meadowbrook Estate in advance of
commencing work there, that this Council would issue a snag list with a view to getting
this estate taken in charge in  the short term.
The planning department reported that the developer had not yet indicated his intention to take up this permission(08/1274). No commencement notice had been submitted as required under the Building Regulations.  When the snows clear building control section would undertake a final surface inspection of the site and prepare a final snag list. Upon completion of snag list, building control section would arrange a meeting with the developer to establish his proposals for the site (08/1274) and agree a timeframe for completion of outstanding remedial works identified. An Cathaoirleach asked that a further report be issued to the members once the inspection had taken place.                                             Resolved: That a further report be issued to the members once the inspection had taken place.

CE01/13/2010
Local Area Plans Celbridge and Leixlip

The committee considered the following motion in the name of Councillor Murphy:
As both the Celbridge and Leixlip LAP’s include an objective to identify and map the open spaces in housing estates within the lifetime of the plan, once that work  is done is there any reason why  those maps cannot be put on public display and  responses sought?
The planning department reported that any maps prepared on foot of this objective could be placed on display for public comment. The realisation of this objective was dependent on the availability of financial and human resources and records'.
Resolved: That report be noted.

CE01/14/2010
Leasing of lands for Ballymakealy Colts FC

To receive report on licensing of land at Willowbrook and Carton Avenue.
Springmakeally Colts made a deputation to the Celbridge Area Committee in February last year. At the meeting the club outlined that antisocial behaviour in the estate had dropped since the club had been formed. The club has five teams but had to hire pitches at considerable expense for matches and training, they asked if consideration could be given to allow the club to use council lands at Mooretown, Celbridge (opposite the Salesian College). The clubs five teams consist of an U9 U10, U12, U14 and a senior team. An assessment of the land opposite Salesians College found the field required considerable work to convert it to a suitable playing condition and there were insufficient resources to facilitate this. Following this other options were considered these were the use of the open space in Willowbrook behind the existing playground. However this would only accommodate 7 a side football.  Possible use of one of the fields along Carton Avenue was also considered. One of the fields at this location proved suitable to accommodate one pitch. Therefore in order to accommodate the football club it was proposed to license on an annual basis the use of Willowbrook for training and 7 aside teams and the use of one field in Carton Avenue for the 11 a side teams subject to conditions regarding use. The use of the Carton lands will not impact on the possible development of allotments at this location. An Cathaoirleach asked that the council discuss this proposal with the residents of Willowbrook estate in relation to the use of the lands near their houses which could create possible parking dilemmas for them. Councillor McGinley asked that this item also be discussed under the Celbridge Local Area Plan once residents in Willowbrook had been notified of the plans.
Resolved: That this item remain on the agenda for the February meeting.

CE01/15/2010
Development levies for community facilities in Celbridge electoral area

What development levies are currently available for community facilities in the Celbridge Electoral Area, how much is outstanding and being pursued?
The administrator read out a report from the community and enterprise department which outlined the amount of funding available to them; however they were unable to give a figure of the outstanding amount and asked that this be forwarded to the Finance and Planning departments for a report.
Resolved: That this item remain on the agenda and be forwarded to the Finance and Planning department for a report for the February meeting.

CE01/16/2010
Proposed flood alleviation - supplementary programme

Mr Alan Dunney, water services section informed the members that an extra €500,000 had been made available for the entire county to carry out maintenance, repairs and upgrade works required. He asked that the members identify small works that could be completed using these funds. Councillor Byrne asked that Dangan Court be considered and An Cathaoirleach asked that Dun Carrig and Bawn Bridge at Newtown/Rathcoffey road also be considered. Mr Dunney said he would return to the members at the meeting of Kildare County Council once he had spoken to each area committee.
Resolved: That the water services section consider the areas mentioned for repairs by the Celbridge area councilors.

CE01/17/2010
Flood relief scheme for Straffan

The committee considered the following motion in the name of Councillor McGinley:
That the flooding relief scheme for Straffan be completed by removing the Bottle Neck in front of the Straffan Inn, where a number of new large drainage pipes are channelled in to a smaller old box drain in front of the pub, that recently resulted in the flooding of the church and the pub.  And that the main drain at its entry point with the Liffey at Lodge Park be turned with the river flow to give a venturI effect and thereby prevent back up from the Liffey.
The water services section carried out CCTV survey work on this area and have communicated the results of this survey to the roads area office.  In relation to the "Supplementary Budget" for 2010, the possible options for alleviating flooding in this area would now be reviewed in consultation with the roads area office and the roads construction section who supervised the construction of the new Straffan to Barberstown Road.
In relation to realigning the drain entering the Liffey at Lodge Park, it was the view of the water services section that any realignment would only achieve the desired effect of preventing "back up" the Liffey from during normal dry weather flow, assuming the dry weather flow top water level in the main river was above the invert of the drain.  This view is evidenced by the fact that when the Liffey was in distress in Lodge Park, the banks of the river itself were overtopped in this area.
Resolved: That report be noted.

CE01/18/2010
Flooding at Hazelhatch Railway Station

The committee considered the following motion in the name of Councillor Byrne:
To ask Kildare Co Council what action they intend taking to prevent a re-occurrence of the flooding at Hazelhatch Railway Station and other areas near there and if a report on this matter would be provided for the next meeting?
The water services section understood that the flooding issues at the Hazelhatch Railway Station were the responsibility of Irish Rail and were not aware of any contributing factor that was within the responsibility of Kildare County Council.  This matter would be raised with Irish Rail over the coming days and should there be any difference in this position we would revert to the next Celbridge Area Meeting. Councillor Byrne asked that this item be adjourned and discussed at the February meeting.
Resolved: That this item be listed as an adjourned item on the February agenda.

The meeting concluded.