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Celbridge Area Meeting

Minutes of Meeting

held at 10.00 a.m. on Friday 18 June 2010

in the Council Chamber, Áras Chill Dara.

 

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

 

Also Present :     Mr P Minnock (Director of Services), Ms A Crofton (A/S.A), Ms S Kavanagh (S.E.O.), Mr D Reel, Mr D Hodgins, (Senior Executive Engineer), Mr A Barrett (E.E.) Mr R Curley (G.E.) Mr J Doyle (S.S.O.) Ms P. Penny (A.S.O.) Mr A. C. Talbot (Meetings Administrator), Ms S Rice (Area Secretary)

 

 

CE 01/06/2010

Minutes and Progress Report

The committee considered the minutes of the monthly meeting held on 21 May 2010. 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 amendment: CE02/05/2010

 

CE02/05/2010

Representatives from Iarnroid Eireann

Mr Myles McHugh of Iarnroid Eireann attended the meeting to answer some of the members queries in relation to rail travel and associated problems in North Kildare. The members raised questions about, problems with feeder bus service in Celbridge, frequency of trains, upgrade of carpark in Maynooth, clamping in Celbridge, Update on Colinstown station and litter management problems in the vicinity of railway stations. Mr McHugh replies to all the members questions and stated that the feeder bus is a free service that is currently running at a loss and was unable to give any commitment in relation to the expansion of the service; Councillor Byrne stated that at the last meeting with Iarnroid Eireann in 2008 the Mr Stapelton reported that the frequency of the trains would be increased to every 15 minutes Monday to Friday and every 30 minutes Saturdays and Sundays, this has not been implemented yet and also asked that the bus be fitted with a sign on board to notify people that it is a feeder bus to Hazelhatch station. Mr McHugh also reported that the final draft for the upgrade on the car park at the Maynooth station would be presented to the board members very shortly and he was confident that it would go ahead pending funding. He also stated that he would investigate Councillor McGinley claims in relation to litter problems at Celbridge railway station.

 

Extension of the 66 and 67 bus route

The members asked that representatives from Dublin Bus be invited to attend the July meeting to discuss the proposed extension to the 66 and 67 bus routes and the lack of necessary infrastructure to facilitate the extension, it was also suggested that the Director of Services should also meet with the director of Dublin Bus to discuss this issue.

 

Repairs to Pike Bridge, Maynooth

Councillor Griffin commended Waterways Ireland on the repairs done to Pikes Bridge.

 

Road safety measures at St. Patricks National School, Celbridge

Councillor Byrne requested that further signage be placed at this location as planning has been granted for two new schools which will increase the amount of traffic on this road.

 

Taking in charge of Ralph Square

Councillor Murphy asked that the roads department investigate why the council had carried out various works in this estate when it had not yet been taken in charge.

 

 

Pilot Scheme on regulation of Shop Signage

Councillor Purcell was very dissatisfied that the planning department had not reported on this item and had made no effort to make contact with Leixlip Town Council regarding the agreed pilot scheme; he again requested that the planning department issue a report outlining their proposals to introduce the pilot scheme.

 

Repair of Speed ramp, Aghards Road, Celbridge

Councillor Byrne asked that the council contact the contractor responsible for installing the speed ramp on this road and ask that they repair or reinstate the ramp as it is in a very dangerous condition.

 

CE02/06/2010

Roadworks Programme 2010

The members received a report from the roads department outling the various proposed projects for 2010, An Cathaoirleach and Councillor McGinley requested a more detailed report regarding where money was to be spent and in what areas and asked that this item remain on the agenda for the July meeting. Ms Kavanagh stated that she could give the members a more detailed report regarding regional and local roads.

Resolved: That this item remain on the agenda and that the members receive a more detailed report on the roadworks programme 2010.

 

CE 03/06/2010

Section 85- Maynooth Outer Orbital Route

To recommend to the full Council that (a) an Agreement be entered into in the terms set out with Meath County Council pursuant to Section 85 of the Local Government Act 2001 whereby Meath County Council will exercise the powers, functions and duties of both Councils in relation to the carrying out of the design and general planning of the section of the proposed Maynooth Outer Orbital Route as described in the Schedule to the Agreement and (b) the seal of the Council be affixed to the said Agreement.

It was reported that the delivery of the section of the Maynooth Outer Orbital Route, as indicated on the attached map, was an objective of the Maynooth Development Plan 2002 (3.8.1 T1(3)). It was proposed to develop the scheme through the relevant planning and design processes.

Meath County Council had been in consultation with Kildare County Council regarding the delivery of this road. Meath County Council proposed to be the lead authority in the development of the scheme through the design and planning processes as the bulk of the scheme lay within their functional area.  In this regard it would be necessary for Kildare County Council to enter into a Section 85 Agreement with Meath County Council to empower them, as the lead authority, to progress this scheme. Meath County Council had confirmed that it would be responsible for funding this scheme and there would be no funds required from Kildare County Council. Subject to the committee’s agreement the roads department proposed to proceed to full Council on 28 June 2010 to seek the elected members’ approval to enter into a Section 85 Agreement with Meath County Council.

Resolved: That this item proceed to full council

 

  

CE04/06/2010

Deputation from Celbridge Tidy Town Committee

Mr Tony Maher, Michael Connolly and Dara O’Neill from the Celbridge Tidy Tiowns Committee attended the meeting. Mr Maher addressed the meeting on behalf of the committee and discussed the following items: Shaffery Plan – this was a renewal, regeneration plan put in place to improve Celbridge Village, Mr Maher spoke in relation to the underground wiring that had been promised, but not delivered, the type of surfacing used on footpaths, unsuitable steel poles, lack of appropriate tree planting and the inconsistency of the street furniture. Road Sweeping Rota – he asked that the rota currently in place be adhered to and that staff would not be removed from the job to attend duties elsewhere. River Liffey Board Walk, Mr Maher presented the members with a drawing of what the proposed board walk would be like if put in place, he reported that in order to facilitate the board walk that the Ardclough Road would need to be re-aligned and widened and that the pedestrian bridge should also be removed. Illegal shopfronts – Mr Maher alleged that up to 15 shops in Celbridge were using illegal signage, which he described as being an eyesore and he asked that the council enforce the planning laws in relation to this item. Sub-contractors – Mr Maher condemned the quality of reinstatement works carried out by contractors and asked that the council ensure that all reinstatements are carried out to a high standard, as this is was not the case previously. Councillor McGinley agreed with Mr Maher on this matter but disagreed that Celbridge was the only town with this problem as all towns in the county experience the same difficulty. Councillor Kelly thanked the committee for attending and commended them on their dedication and hard work all year round; he did however disagree with some of Mr Mahers comments in relation to his personal view on the condition of Celbridge. An Cathaoirleach also agreed with the Shaffery Plan and the ongoing problem with reinstatement works and asked that the area office be extra vigilant and monitor all contractors works. Councillor Purcell stated that the utility companies were at fault regarding the reinstatements and also asked that the area office take a more active role in monitoring contractors’ works. Councillor Byrne also thanked the tidy towns committee for their continuous hard work and commitment in the Celbridge area.

Resolved: That deputation be noted.

 

 

 

CE05/06/2010

Celbridge Pay parking

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

That an explanation be given as to why it is considered to be money well spent by paying a contractor €213,395.48 to police pay parking in Celbridge in 2009 as well as €34,343.63 for machine maintenance.

The roads department reported that the contracts for the management and enforcement of pay parking for Celbridge / Leixlip and the purchase/maintenance of machines were procured through the statutory public procurement process and proved to be the best value for money at the time.  Ms Kavanagh stated that the tendering process was in its final stages and welcomed any observations or suggestions from the members, it was also reported that from 1 July 2010 a new 1% VAT charge for street parking will be introduced into each local authority.

Resolved: That report be noted.

 

 

CE06/06/2010

Road safety measures at Colaiste Chiarain, Leixlip

The committee considered the following motion in the name of Councillors McGinley and Purcell

That the following safety measures be carried out at Colaiste Chiarain, Leixlip, in line with the email from the parents council dated 22 April to Kildare County Council;

(a) That a pelican crossing be installed on the Celbridge Road outside the school

(b) That appropriate road signage indicating a concealed school entrance ahead be erected on both sides of the Celbridge Road.

(c)That solar panel powered flashing lights be erected either side of the school and that this work be funded from the €14,000 allocated for signage for regional roads in the Maynooth engineering area under Roadworks Scheme 2010.

The roads department reported that the site had been examined by the traffic management section and the following comments are relevant:

1. The school was located on the Celbridge Road (R408) in Leixlip and was in a 50kph speed limit zone.

2. There were a number of shop units beside the school entrance and there was a service station opposite the school entrance.

3. There was a signal controlled pedestrian crossing at the entrance to the Castletown housing estate approximately 300m from the entrance.

4. There was good pedestrian connectivity in all directions from the site.

5. Sightlines at the entrance when exiting the site were of an acceptable standard.

6. The entrance to the site was not prominent when travelling on the main road as it was set back in line with the adjoining shops.

7. There were a large number of entrances to houses, schools, residential estates and commercial properties on this roadway.

The contents of the email indicated within the motion were noted and it was considered that the entrance to the site was not visually prominent to vehicles travelling on the main road.  However, the amount indicated in the motion would not be sufficient to fund a pelican crossing on the Celbridge Road at the school, should that be warranted.  Funding had been secured from the National Transport Authority to install a number of school warning signs in the County and the school was one identified as a suitable location.

You might also note that the €14,000 mentioned above was for the maintenance of all signage on regional roads and 90% had been spent already. Councillor McGinley asked were the funding had been spent and if it was possible to fund the pelican crossing from next years budget as this was a very dangerous road. Councillor Purcell reported that people were parking on the footpaths and that double yellow lines be enforced as he believed that this would alleviate some of the problems, he also reported that the road safety officer had visited this location recently and he would be reporting on his findings at this location. Ms Kavanagh said a further report would be issued to the members but due to other work commitments a report would not be available for the July meeting.

Resolved: That the roads department prepare a further more detailed report in relation to funding the pelican crossing from next years budget.

 

 

CE07/06/2010

Repair of speed ramp, Shackleton Road

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

That the ramp/cushion at the junction of the Shackleton Road and Willowbrook Road, Celbridge be repaired.

The roads department reported that there was no funding in the roads maintenance budget for these repairs. Councillor Byrne asked that the roads department request that the contractor who installed the ramps also carry out the repairs at their own cost

Resolved: Councillor Byrne asked that the roads department request that the contractor who installed the ramps also carry out the repairs at their own cost.

 

CE08/06/2010

Repair the electronic speed gauge, Shackleton Road

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

That the council repair the electronic speed gauge reminder and replace pole no. 29 on Shackleton Road, Celbridge.

The roads department reported that the area office had requested the contractor to repair this sign.

Resolved: That report be noted.

 

CE09/06/2010

Repair of Bicycle lane, Maynooth Road, Celbridge

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

There is a large hole in the bicycle lane outside house no. 25 Maynooth Road, Celbridge and I would request that this be repaired as soon as possible.

It was reported that this matter had been referred to water services as this was as a result of a repair to a water main.  Permanent restoration needed to be carried out here – with red finish – to match existing cycle track.

Resolved: That report be noted.

 

 

CE10/06/2010

Speed limit, Kilwogan Road, Celbridge

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

To ask the council if the Kilwogan Road is within the town speed limit area for Celbridge.  If not, would it be included and if is so that reminder signs for the speed limit be put in place.

The roads department reported that Kilwogan Lane was within the existing 50 kmph speed limit for Celbridge.  Signage could be erected to remind motorists of the applicable speed limit.

Resolved: That report be noted.

 

 

CE11/06/2010

Boundary walls in Gratton Court and Celbridge Abbey, Celbridge

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

To ask if the council would examine the deteriorated condition of estate boundary walls in Gratton Court and Celbridge Abbey, Celbridge and if they would put a plan in place for their repair or replacement.

The roads department reported that there was no funding in the roads maintenance budget for repairing boundary walls

Resolved: That report be noted.

 

 

CE12/06/2010

HGV ban, Straffan Village

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

What progress has been made on the banning of HGV’s through Straffan Village?

The roads department reported that discussions were taking place with the Gardai regarding the possible introduction of a HGV ban through Straffan Village.

Resolved: That report be noted.

 

 

CE13/06/2010

Celbridge Renewal Scheme

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

We ask for a report on what remains to be done on the Celbridge Renewal Scheme that the outstanding items are costed and we consider if some of the work could be done on an incremental basis.  That any planning permissions given in the vicinity of Main Street would contribute towards the project. It was reported that the roads construction section had been asked to estimate the cost of the outstanding works.  However, considering the extremely constrained financial environment it was highly unlikely that funds would be available to progress these type of works in the near future.

With regard to the imposition of a special levy on new planning permission granted in the vicinity of the Main Street it was suggested that this matter should be considered in the context of the review of the Development Contribution Scheme. An Cathaoirleach asked that the planning department prepare a further report as the reply given lacked clarity.

Resolved: That a further report be prepared for the July meeting.

 

 

CE14/06/2010

Allocation of social housing

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

That the area committee be consulted in future before social houses are allocated.

The housing department reported that the allocation of social housing was an executive function and it would not be appropriate that allocations be considered by the members; however it was noted that the members did offer a valuable input to their consideration of allocations based on their local knowledge which had been welcomed by the housing officer. Councillor McGinley stated that previously the members had been informed of allocations which worked well and was beneficial all those involved in the allocation process. Mr Minnock said he would discuss this with the senior executive officer of the housing department and would refer back to the members at a later stage.

Resolved: That the housing department consider Councillor McGinleys request and report back to the members at the July meeting.

 

 

CE15/06/2010

Taking in charge of Oldtown Mill, Celbridge

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

What remains to be done prior to taking Oldtown Mill in charge, could it be taken in charge in increments?

The planning department reported that the members should consult the report on Private Residential Developments (2006 to 2008). The taking in charge of Oldtown Mill could not be considered until St. Raphaels was taken in charge. The meetings administrator said he would speak to the planning department and reply to An Cathaoirleach in writing.

Resolved: That the report be noted.

 

CE16/06/2010

Taking in charge of Castledawson

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

What remains to be done prior to taking Castledawson estate in charge?

The planning department reported that the members should consult the report on Private Residential Developments (2006 to 2008). All units were built and the sewerage from this development discharge into the foul sewerage pumping station at the adjacent Newtown Hall estate. The taking in charge of Castledawson could not be considered until the pumping station in Newtown Hall was taken in charge. As Newtown Hall estate was unlikely to be completed and taken in charge for some time, building control section would contact the developer of Newtown Hall with a view to taking in charge the pumping station in advance of the remainder of the estate. An Cathaoirleach asked if the estate could be taken in charge in phases and she also queried what the developers point of view was in relation to the pumping station.

Resolved: That the planning department investigate the possibility of parts of the estate being taken in charge.

 

 

CE17/06/2010

Sewerage Odour, Clane road, Celbridge

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

That the council examine the reason for the stench of sewerage on the Clane Road, Celbridge near Celbridge Abbey/Abbey Farm/Saint Raphaels Manor housing estates, Celbridge and put in place as a matter of urgency an effective remedial scheme for same.

It was reported that the odour problem on Clane Road, Celbridge was being addressed  under the Lower Liffey Valley Regional Sewerage Scheme Network Contract 3C - Rehabilitation Of existing sewers and manholes. The odour control measures were scheduled to be implemented in July 2010.

Resolved: That report be noted.

 

 

CE18/06/2010

Other business

Traffic Management, Kilcock Road

That this item be discussed at the July meeting.

 

Deputation

A deputation for the July meeting was considered, it was agreed that An Cathaoirleach and the meetings administrator would discuss this issue after the meeting.

 

Pedestrian crossing at the Church of Our Lady’s Nativity, Leixlip

A letter was read out at the meeting from campaigners in favour of the pedestrian crossing at the Church of Our Lady’s Nativity, Leixlip, the letter thanked all the members who had contributed their discretionary fund towards the installation of the pedestrian crossing.

 

The meeting concluded.