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Celbridge Area Meeting

 Minutes of Meeting

held at 10.00 a.m. on Friday 21 May 2010

in the Council Chamber, Áras Chill Dara.

 

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

 

Also Present:     Mr P Minnock (Director of Services), Mr. M. O’Leary (Director of Services), Ms G. Duff (A/S.E.O.), Mr G Conlan Mr. D. Wyer ( E.A.O.) (Senior Executive Engineer), Ms P. Penny (A.S.O.) Ms. A. Aspell (Meetings Administrator), Ms S Rice (Area Secretary)

 

 

CE 01/05/2010

Minutes and Progress Report

 

Promotional signs in Celbridge

An Cathaoirleach asked that it be clarified that the “Failte” signs be removed and that the Special Olympic signs remain in place but be repaired/cleaned. Councillor Byrne asked what the timeframe for the removal of the “Failte” sings would be as two meetings have lapsed since the first request to remove them.

 

 

Shop Signage

Councillor Purcell was unhappy with the report provided by the planning department as it does offer a solution to the problem in question, which is regulation of shop fronts and the type of signage in use, he asked that the planning department prepare a further report for the June meeting that would help implement the pilot scheme that was agreed at the April meeting. He also suggested that the planning department make contact with the Town Clerk of Leixlip Town Council as they had previously done a lot of background work in relation to this matter. Councillor McGinley agreed with Councillor Purcells remarks.

 

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 mebers 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 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 An Cathaoirleachs claims in relation to litter problems at Celbridge railway station.

 

CE03/05/2010

Extinguishment of right of way at Beatty Park, Celbridge

The discussion on this matter has been deferred to later date.

Resolved: That this item be deferrred to a later date.

 

 

CE04/05/2010

Street sweeping in Celbridge

Mr O’Leary reported that the Manager had secured extra funding to expand street sweeping throughout the county for the summer period, An Cathaoirleach requested that the main street in Celbridge be swept on a daily basis to aid the efforts of the Tidy Towns Committee. Councillor McGinley agreed with Councillor Murphy and also requested that the committee receive a deputation from Celbridge Tidy Towns at the June meeting.

Resolved: That report be noted.

 

CE05/05/2010

Broken lights on Farrell Bridge, Parson Street, Maynooth

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

That the broken lights on Farrell Bridge, Parson Street, be removed or repaired as requested by Maynooth Tidy Towns Committee.

The roads department reported that this matter was currently under investigation and a report would be submitted directly to Councillor McGinley (and to all members if the Committee so wishes). Councillor McGinley asked that the lights be removed permanently as they have been vandalised.

Resolved: That the roads department remove the broken lights on Farrell bridge, Parson Street, Maynooth.

 

CE06/05/2010

Pay parking, Celbridge

The committee considered the following 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 contactor €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 a new contract for enforcement and management of pay parking had been tendered and would be finalised in one month approximately.

There had been some vandalism on the pay parking machines which had increased the cost of maintenance as all call-outs for vandalism were charged as extra outside the maintenance contract. The council followed best practice in terms of public procurement and the contract that was awarded was found to be good value for money. The members disagreed that the contracts were good value for money as it was costing the council money to have a pay parking facility in the north of the county, Councillor McGinley asked that the council investigate the possibility of its own staff running the pay parking to keep running costs down, both councillors Kelly and Griffin agreed with the councillors claims that the councils own workforce should be employed or re-employ a staff member that had been let go to do this job as a money saving venture. An Cathaoilreach stated that the pay parking in the smaller towns in the north of the county should not enforced/policed or be run in the same manner as Naas or Newbridge as both areas have vast differences in relation to population, amenities and parking spaces. Councillor Kelly stated that the sole purpose of pay parking was not to make money for the authority but to have a quick turnover of car spaces in towns that have a chronic shortage of car parking facilities. The members requested that this item and the running costs be discussed at greater length at the June meeting.

Resolved: The members requested that this item and the running costs be discussed at greater length at the June meeting.

 

CE07/05/2010

Extension of the 67 bus route

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

That the measures necessary to enable the extension of the 67 bus to Moyglare Road (as announced by Dublin Bus on 26 April) and the 66 bus to Beaufield/Meadowbrook area be put in place as soon as possible.

The roads department reported that no contact had been made by Dublin Bus regarding the above issue in 2010. Preliminary discussions about the requirements along Moyglare Road and in particular the need to replace the existing traffic ramps with traffic platform ramps (ramps which can be negotiated by buses) occurred last year. There was no council funding available for infrastructural works and it was suggested to Dublin Bus that the National Transport Authority be approached to fund any measures. When an update on this issue was available it would be submitted to the area committee. Councillor McGinley stated that two years had passed since this issue was first raised; he also asked that the roads department contact Dublin Bus in relation to the installation of required infrastructure as a health and safety measure and that the required works be done before the route extension is implemented. An Cathaoirleach welcomed the route extension but agreed with Councillor McGinleys comments regarding new infrastructure. It was agreed that the roads department would arrange a meeting with Dublin Bus prior to the next area meeting to discuss the members concerns regarding health and safety.

Resolved: that the roads department would arrange a meeting with Dublin Bus prior to the next area meeting to discuss the members concerns regarding health and safety.

 

 

CE08/05/2010

Traffic light proposal for Cedar Park/Phase 2, Ryevale Lawns

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

That the council indicate its proposals on the traffic lights at the junction of Cedar Park/ Phase 2 Ryevale Lawns following on from my motion of 2008/2009.

The traffic management section confirmed that the signalised junction on the R148 at Ryevale Lawns/Green Lane was included in its’ list of junctions to be redesigned and refurbished. Unfortunately, there was no funding available to undertake anything other than routine repairs at this location. Councillor Purcell suggested that a roundabout would be a safer and cheaper solution for this solution and asked that a costing be prepared for the next meeting; An Cathaoirleach agreed that a roundabout would be a cheaper option as traffic signals are expensive to maintain.

Resolved: That roads design section prepare a costing and design for the implementation of a roundabout at this location.

 

 

CE09/05/2010

Traffic and Pedestrian count for Celbridge Road, Leixlip

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

That Road Design conduct vehicular and pedestrian counts on Celbridge Road, Leixlip with a view to designing a road marking and traffic calming response to the problems there.

It was reported that roads design would carry out the necessary traffic and pedestrian counts at this location to determine what problems exist there. A detailed traffic/pedestrian scheme would then be prepared and brought before the committee. Please note that this scheme would be subject to funding being available prior to any scheme being implemented. An Cathaoirleach stated that this was a very busy area used by a large volume of students and asked if some of the works could be carried out in stages.

Resolved: That the roads department investigate the possibility of some of the required works be carried out in stages.(also see 13/05/2010)

 

 

CE10/05/2010

Damaged footpath, Castlevillage Crescent

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

That the council take urgent action to avoid injury to pedestrians by a raised footpath and lip and damage to underground services caused by the roots of a tree in the vicinity of houses 22/23/24 Castlevillage Crescent, Castlevillage, Celbridge.

The roads department reported that the tree at this location had been referred to the parks department for a report. If funding was made available the path could then be repaired.

Resolved: That the parks department report on this item for the June meeting.

 

 

CE11/05/2010

Repairs to Pikes Bridge, Maynooth

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

That repairs to Pikes Bridge, Maynooth be prioritised.

The roads department reported that this was a matter for Waterways Ireland of which they (Waterways Ireland) were aware of. Councillor Griffin was surprised by this report as “ Kildare County Council” is on the barrier, he claimed that the bridge was very dangerous and asked that the council put pressure on Waterways Ireland if they are in fact in ownership of the area.

Resolved: That the roads department write to Waterways Ireland to ensure that Pikes Bridge is repaired as a matter of urgency.

 

 

CE12/05/2010

Potholes at Clonagh, Castledillon and Clonagh to Sweeney corner

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

Communities now served by the local road network are experiencing difficulty in negotiating the potholed roads around Clonagh, Castledillon and Clonagh to Sweeney corner, I am requesting that this area be given priority.

The roads department reported that the Maynooth area office would carry out improvement works on these roads in the coming months. The road from Clonagh to Sweeney’s Corner was in the Clane Engineering Area.

Resolved: That report be noted.

 

CE13/05/2010

Traffic calming for Colaiste Chiarain, Leixlip

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

In order to protect those students attending Colaiste Chiarain, Leixlip we request the roads design team to examine and provide adequate traffic safety measures around the entrance to the school.

The roads department reported that the road design section would carry out the necessary traffic and pedestrian counts at this location to determine what problems existed for the students attending Colaiste Chiarain. A detailed design traffic/pedestrian scheme would then be prepared and brought before the committee. It was asked that it be noted that this scheme would be subject to funding being available prior to any scheme being implemented.

Councillor Griffin agreed that a traffic count was needed, Councillor McGinley reported that he had met with the parents council of Colaiste Chiarain regarding this matter, it was reported that €14,000.00 was available to commence some of the works, it was proposed by Councillor McGinley and seconded by Councillor Purcell that these works commence as soon a possible.

Resolved: it was proposed by Councillor McGinley and seconded by Councillor Purcell that these works commence as soon a possible.

 

 

CE14/05/2010

Pay Parking contracts

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

What is the current position in relation to the parking contract for Celbridge, Leixlip and possibly Maynooth?

The roads department reported that a new contract for enforcement and management of pay parking had been tendered and would be finalised in one month approximately.

Resolved: That report be noted.

 

CE15/05/2010

Repair of Speed ramp, Aghards Road, Celbridge

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

To ask the council if the anti-speed ramp at the Maynooth end of the Aghards Road, Celbridge which is breaking up and dangerous be repaired as soon as possible.

The roads department reported that there was no funding for these repairs. If funding was made available the works could be carried out.

Resolved: That report be noted.

 

 

CE16/05/2010

Replacement Street light, St Patricks Park, Celbridge

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

To ask that the public light outside house 913 St. Patricks Park, Celbridge which was knocked down be replaced as this is an area of high pedestrian use.

The roads department reported that this fault had been forwarded to the council’s maintenance contractor for repair.

Resolved: That report be noted.

 

 

CE17/05/2010

Road safety measures at St. Patricks National School, Celbridge

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

To ask the council as a minimum towards the health and safety of students attending St. Patricks National School on the heavily trafficked Hazelhatch Road, Celbridge erect signs on either side of the school to alert motorists of the presence of the children and the school.

The roads department reported that the standard advance-warning sign for schools were in place on both approaches to the school and that there was no funding for any further signage. Councillor Byrne reported that there was no signage in place at this location and that the roads department re-investigate.

Resolved: That the roads department re-investigate this location to determine if the necessary signage is in place.

 

 

CE18/05/2010

ESB site proposals

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

That the Celbridge Area Committee seeks an update on the ESB site proposals, the outcome of the expressions of interest and an indication as to when it may be used for car parking.

Mr Minnock reported that there was no progression to date on this matter due to the involvement of other public bodies, however discussions were ongoing and he would ensure that the members would be informed of any progression.

Resolved: That report be noted.

 CE19/05/2010

Leixlip amenities centre

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

That Kildare County Council inform the Celbridge Area Committee on the current discussions with regard to the corporate goverence of the Leixlip amenities centre.

Mr Minnock reported that there was no progression to date on this matter and that he would inform the members of any update.

Resolved: That report be noted.

 

 

CE20/05/2010

Wonderful Barn

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

:In view of the continuing problems with people accessing and damaging the Wonderful Barn and associated buildings we arrange a meeting with interested parties with a view to deciding on a course of action.

Mr Minnock reported that the council had obtained funding of €100,000.00 for the restoration of the barn, he also stated that he was due to meet the conservation architect from the Office of Public Works and would be in a position to give a further report to the members prior to the next area meeting, it was suggested that he would give a short briefing session at the beginning of the June area meeting.

Resolved: That a short briefing session be held at the beginning of the June area meeting to discuss The Wonderful Barn.

 

 

CE21/05/2010

Playing pitches at Lough Na Mona Park, Leixlip

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

What is the position on the provision of playing pitches and multi use games area at Lough Na Mona Park, Leixlip?

It was reported that following receipt of tenders last year for the development of two grass pitches perimeter paths and a car park a contractor was selected to carry out this work. €250,000 had been made available in the Capital Programme for this work. Additionally the Capital Sports grants which both clubs were awarded were also required to facilitate the proposed works. In order for the clubs to drawn down these grants a lease was required for Leixlip United for the proposed pitches with a sub lease for Leixlip Town. The lease documents had been forwarded to Leixlip United this week. Once the clubs could confirm the level of funding available from their grants it was proposed to appoint the selected contractor to commence work on the site. It was hoped that work could commence before the end of the Summer. These initial works would not include the development of the multi games area or play areas proposed in the masterplan. These would be carried out at a later date subject to the availability of funding.

Resolved: That report be noted.

 

 

CE22/05/2010

Vandalism in Celbridge Playground

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

What options are now available as a result of the ongoing vandalism at the Celbridge playground?

The parks department reported that a meeting was held in April with local residents concerned about the antisocial behaviour in Celbridge Playground. It was also attended by members of the Celbridge Area Committee. The first agreed course of action as a result of the meeting and the views expressed was that opening and closing of the playground would take place to curb the antisocial behaviour in the playground. This would be carried out between the contractor and local residents. It was proposed that the playground contractor would carry out the closing of the playground and this was proposed to start in the next 2 weeks subject to confirmation of an exact date by the contractor. However it had been difficult to get community involvement in relation to opening the playground. Consequently this remains unresolved. The council developed this playground as result of community requests for such a facility unfortunately a small number of individuals abuse the facility but it still remains popular with parents and children as could be witnessed by the number of users in it on a daily basis. Without some level of positive community involvement such as the opening of the playground the council alone could not supervise and manage the facility.

The second course of action was to have the lights turned off in the playground. This was done a number of weeks ago. It was also proposed to implement bye laws for the playground and it was proposed to have a draft available by mid July. Councillor McGinley said that lots of work was needed here and that he hoped that the council would continue to liaise with the local residents to help resolve this issue.

Resolved: That report be noted.

 

 

CE23/05/2010

Lower Liffey Valley Sewerage Scheme

Gerry Conlan of the Water Services section presented the members with a report on the Leixlip Odour Issue.  Also in attendance was Mr David Conneran of Tobin Engineering Consultants who are the Engineering Design Consultants for The Lower Liffey Valley Regional Sewerage Scheme.  It was reported to the members that the vortex units had been decommissioned in March for necessary repairs due to a major blockage in the vortex units.  The vortex units were decommissioned for six weeks which accounted for the odour in the Leixlip Main Street area during this period.  Mr Conlan stated that Kildare County Council has a three point strategy for dealing with odours in Leixlip - chemical dosing, vortex odour control units, sealed manhole covers / odour control filters.

Councillor Purcell was unhappy that such an event could happen and had hoped that the problem had finally been fixed as a lot of public monies had been used to amend this problem which has been ongoing for 14 years. Councillor Kelly said he was relieved that there was a logical reason for the odour occurring again and hoped that the problem would be completely resolved before the Leixlip Festival which is due to take place in a couple of weeks.

Resolved: That report be noted.

 

CE24/05/2010

Litter management Pilot scheme, Maynooth

To receive briefing on proposed litter management pilot project for Maynooth.

Mr D. Wyer of the environment department reported that a letter hds been drafted reminding businesses of their responsibilities in relation to keeping the front of their premises litter-free. It highlighted in particular that any bins they would provide outside (including cigarette bins) must be emptied regularly. Certainbusinesses such as takeaways, public houses and bookmakers would be targeted if they did not provide sufficient bins of this type and would be encouraged to provide these. The key point was that the litter warden would visit these premises and discuss these issues with the manager. Instead of issuing fines initially, the businesses would be given time to make improvements with the clear understanding that the litter warden would be conducting follow-up visits. In this way it was hoped that businesses would become conscious of their responsibilities in relation to litter on an ongoing basis. It was also intended that businesses would act on the presumption that litter fines would be issued in the event of non-compliance. The freephone litter hotline (1800 243 143) service was currently being improved. The hotline was designed to enable members of the public to report instances of littering and illegal dumping. The council was hopeful that this service would increase the rate of convictions, particularly for illegal dumping and litter from vehicles. The number would be promoted through the local media as well the tidy towns, schools and community groups. A guide to dealing with graffiti was currently being prepared. The guide was to help businesses, community groups, schools and property owners to understand the technical aspects of graffiti removal as well as tips on preventing graffiti in the future.

Roads administration had also been asked to prepare a rota of cleanups of the approach roads to Maynooth (and other IBAL towns) over the summer under a recently announced initiative by the Department of Environment, Hertage and Local Government the Tourist Season Anti-litter Grant scheme. Councillor Purcell commended the report and stated that it was a positive step forward in tackling litter problems.

Resolved: That report be noted.

 

 

CE25/05/2010

Sewage treatment system at Boston, Ardclough

That Kildare County Council examine the sewage treatment system serving the twelve council cottages at Boston, Ardclough with a view to establishing means by which the system can be upgraded and maintained or to have the houses connected to the sewage treatment plant in Ardclough.

The water services department reported that there were 12 cottages currently being served by a communal septic tank which was located in a dwelling site adjoining the cottages. The collection sewer runs through the back gardens of the cottages towards the septic tank. The site on which the septic tank was located was currently occupied. The septic tank and collection system were in private ownership and were not under the charge of Kildare County Council and discussions are ongoing with the landowner.

Any new treatment system proposed would require a percolation area this would require the landowner to apply for planning permission.        

By way of funding for the new system, it was suggested to the residents that they set up a Group Sewerage Scheme to enable the 12 cottages avail of a grant from the Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government. A preliminary design for new system and percolation area was previously prepared on behalf of the residents by their Consulting Engineer. Kildare County Council could not take in charge the current sewerage pipes and septic tank as they were located within private dwelling sites and lands with a number of different stakeholders.

Having regard to the foregoing it is considered that the development of a Group Sewerage Scheme entailing the new treatment system, possibly in 2011, should funding be available, is the most feasible option at present.

Resolved: That report be noted.

 

 

CE26/05/2010

Litter problem at “Slip”, Celbridge

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

Given the serious dumping at the slip in Celbridge, which is not only unsightly but also poses a threat of pollution of the Liffey, that CCTV be provided in the area to discourage such practices.

The environmental department reported that this location would be assessed to establish if CCTV coverage could be deployed. Councillor Byrne produced photographic evidence showing the scale of the littering problem.

Resolved: That report be noted.

 

CE27/05/2010

Taking in charge of Ralph Square

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

That Kildare County Council make the necessary arrangements to take Ralph Square in charge.

The planning department reported that this matter was currently under investigation and a report would be submitted directly to Councillor Murphy and to all members if the committee if they wishes). An Cathaoirleach was very surprised that the estate had yet to be taken in charge and asked how and why the council had previously done a lot of works in an estate that was not in their charge. Councillor Kelly reported that a lot of expensive works had been carried out by Kildare County Council over the past 20 years. An Cathaoirleach asked for a further report on this item for the June meeting to include how it was discovered that the estate had not yet been taken in charge and why so many works were done over the years.

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

 

 

 

CE28/05/2010

Taking in charge of Ryemont Abbey

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

May we have the most up to date position in relation to the dialogue between the developer and the Council in relation to Ryemont Abbey in relation to finalising outstanding issues and taking the estate in charge?

The planning department reported that the remedial works required in Ryemount Estate had been substantially completed. Building control section had arranged to meet with the developer next week to finalise the taking in charge documents. It was hoped to include this estate in the next batch of estates going on public display.

Resolved: That report be noted.

 

 

CE29/05/2010

Taking in charge of Abbey Farm

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

May we have the most up to date position in relation to taking Abbey Farm in charge?

The planning department reported that they had written to the developer of the Abbey Farm housing estate on numerous occasions in an effort to progress the taking in charge of the estate but he had not responded to date. A view was formed that the only realistic option was to take the estate in charge at the request of the residents who the planning department have met in relation to this item. Prior to the next meeting it was proposed to carry out a CCTV survey of the public foul sewer to ascertain if there were any defects that would require attention. A comprehensive list had been complied of surface defects within the estate. Once the results of the CCTV were known the council would be in a position to prioritise the list of works required within the estate. The planning department were currently reviewing files to establish the level and status of the bonds provided. The amount of works that could be undertaken would be dependent on the amount of funds available. It was hoped to have the estate taken in charge by the end of 2010. An Cathaoirleach asked that developers who leave unfinished estates should be flagged and monitored if they submit any future planning applications.

Resolved: That report be noted.

 

  

Other business

Celbridge Tidy Towns

Councillor McGinley requested that the committee receive a deputation from the Celbridge Tidy Towns Committee at the June meeting, the members all agreed that they be invited to the next meeting.

 

Roadworks Programme

The members requested that this item be placed on the agenda for the June area committee meeting

 

The meeting concluded.