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Celbridge Area Meeting
Minutes of Meeting
held at 10.15 a.m. on Monday 29 March 2010
in the Council Chamber, Áras Chill Dara.
Members Present: Councillors C Murphy (An Cathaoirleach), T Byrne, S Griffin, P Kelly, J McGinley, K Byrne and C Purcell
Also Present: Mr P Minnock (Director of Services), Ms S Kavanagh (S.E.O.), Mr M Kane( Chief Technician), Mr W Hannigan (SEE), Mr C Talbot (Meetings Administrator), Ms AM Gough (A/Secretary)
CE 01/03/2010
Minutes and Progress Report
The committee considered the minutes of the monthly meeting held on 17 February 2010.
Resolved on the proposal of Councillor McGinley and seconded by Councillor Kelly, that the minutes be confirmed and taken as read.
Deteriorating speed cushions, Straffan and Celbridge Road, Maynooth.
Councillor McGinley stated that the church had flooded for the first time and that serious consideration should be given to changing the ramp to 2 small ramps. Councillor Kelly stated that the surface of the ramp had also deteriorated. Councillor Murphy asked that the ramps be repaired, changed or removed.
Draft Plan for provision of footpaths and public lighting, Celbridge
M Kane stated that the transportation department were presently looking at putting in a 375 metre footpath. Councillor Kelly queried where this was from. M Kane stated that it was from Siminstown Estate to Templemanor. M Kane stated that the cost for construction would be approx €200,000 for accommodation works and €50,000 for land acquisition. This still would not connect the town. There was a footpath put in but this was not wide enough to accommodate a wheelchair or a buggy. Councillor Griffin requested that the requirements be looked at again and a cost for the full work be giving .Councillor Kelly asked what were the options for traffic calming.
HGV ban for Straffan Village
The results of the traffic count were presented to the members. M Kane stated that the movement was 5.2% and that up to 14% was acceptable Councillor McGinley queried what was the next stage. S.Kavanagh stated that this was the first step, then see if any business would be affected.
Update on Proposals for Allotments in Wonderful Barn and Black Lion Maynooth
Councillor Murphy acknowledged the work that S Wallace had done with regard to the allotments. Councillor McGinley said that the stated cost of €65,000 for the allotments at the Wonderful Barn was crazy and that there was no need for a water supply at present.
Leixlip Bye-Laws
Councillor Murphy queried what stage the Leixlip Bye-Laws were at. S Kavanagh stated that she would circulate the Bye-Laws to the members giving them a date by which submissions should be received for changes and then they would be put on public display.
CE 02/03/2010
Draft Maynooth Traffic Management Plan
M Kane presented the members with a report on the Draft Maynooth Traffic Management Plan. The members proposed some changes to the plan. Councillor Murphy queried when would it go on display, how long for and would there be any kind of information session for members of the public. Councillor Kelly queried the cost of this and after it goes on display what will happen. S Kavanagh stated that they would go on display for 6 weeks and that with out funding from the National Transport Authority it won’t go ahead. Councillor Murphy asked for the costing to be given to the members.
Resolved : Amendments proposed and agreed and Darft Maynooth Traffic Management Plan to be put on display.
CE 03/03/2010
Back Lane and Pound Lane Maynooth
The committee considered the following motion in the name of Councillor McGinley:
That road markings be painted at the entrances to Back Lane and Pound Lane, Maynooth, as they are completely faded at present and that the missing No Entry Sign at the entrance to Back Lane be put back on the pole, in the interest of public safety and law enforcement.
A report from the transportation department stated the “No Entry” sign had been replaced and the lining renewed as requested. Councillor McGinley stated that only one “No Entry” sign had been replaced. S Kavanagh stated she would get the area office to review this.
Resolved: That S Kavanagh would get the area office to review this.
CE 04/03/2010
Double yellow lines between O’Neill park and bus stop
The committee considered the following motion in the name of Councillor McGinley:
That double yellow lines be painted at the large concrete projection between O'Neill Park and the bus stop (opposite Tesco) in order to prevent cars from parking there and thereby causing a blind spot for drivers emerging from O'Neill Park.
A report from the transportation department stated in order for double yellow lines to be enforceable a drawing of the placement of the yellow lines must be sent to the Garda Commissioner and approval received in writing before any yellow lines could be put in place. If the members were in agreement the transportation department would commence this process.
Resolved : Agreed that Section 38 process commence
CE 05/03/2010
Traffic Management Study for Leixlip
The committee considered the following motion in the name of Councillor Murphy:
We seek a report on the forthcoming Traffic Management Study for Leixlip, we ask that when the study commences that particular emphasis is paid to bus routes and traffic management around the schools on Celbridge Road, Green Lane, Captains Hill and Riverforest.
A report from the transportation department stated that councillor Murphy’s request had been noted and that due to the change from the Dublin Transportation Office to the National Transport Authority no funding for 2010 had yet been notified to Kildare County Council. When funding for this study is confirmed work on the Traffic Management Plan can commence. It is intended to carry out the work in house.
Resolved : That the report be noted.
CE 06/03/2010
Accommodation Road Leixlip
The committee considered the following motion in the name of Councillor Murphy:
That the design of the one way system on Accommodation Road, Leixlip, is done as soon as possible in order that there is sufficient time for the public consultation prior to any works proceeding in 2010.
The design was circulated to the members. Councillor Murphy requested that the design be circulated to Dublin Bus. M Kane stated that Dublin Bus would be issued with a copy of the design when it was going on display. Councillor Griffin queried was there any proposals to make Easton Estate one way. M Kane stated that there was not.
Resolved : Agreed to put design on display.
CE 07/03/2010
Road sweeping machine
The committee considered the following motion in the name of Councillor Murphy:
We seek a report on the use of the road sweeping machine as to the rota for 2010 and its use in unblocking storm water drains, some of which have been identified to the council by Celbridge Tidy Towns committee.
A report from the transportation department stated that the Road Sweeping Machine which comes to each of the towns of Leixlip, Maynooth and Celbridge twice weekly sweeps all the approach roads and town centres. If there is any time available it sweeps a housing estate. Any cleaning of gullies is done by hiring a road sweeper and gulley cleaner. We endeavour to clean out all the gullies twice yearly. Councillor Murphy stated that people had not seen the road sweeper in estates, this was supported by Councillor Byrne. Councillor Murphy requested a copy of the road sweeping rota for last year.
Resolved : The members to be provided with a copy of last years road sweeping rota
CE 08/03/2010
Meeting with Iarnroid Eireann
The committee considered the following motion in the name of Councillor Byrne:
Given the public interest in promoting public transport, we seek a meeting with Iarnroid Eireann to press the case for free car parking at Hazelhatch Station.
A report from the transportation department stated if the Committee wished to request such a meeting that S. Kavanagh would contact Iarnrod Eireann. S. Kavanagh requested that the members identify the issues and notify her in the next few days.
Resolved: Transportation department to invite officials to the next Celbridge Area meeting.
CE 09/03/2010
Promotional signs in Celbridge
The committee considered the following motion in the name of Councillor Byrne:
That the so called promotional signs for tourists which are placed near the junction of the old Clane Road/Shackleton Road and at the Hazelhatch Road, Celbridge be removed as they are inappropriate for in-town locations, have been defaced and have lost marks for the local tidy towns committee in the yearly competition.
A report from the transportation department stated that these signs were erected by another department and not by the Area Office. This matter would need to be referred to the SPC for Transportation. Councillor McGinley stated that some of the signs were Kildare Failte signs. Councillor Byrne stated that there were others signs as well, NRA signs and Special Olympic signs. Councillor Murphy and Councillor T Byrne requested that some of the Special Olympic signs be touched up and kept in the libraries to acknowledge the event.
Resolved: That the signs be removed
CE 10/03/2010
Reinstatement of paving slabs the square, Maynooth
The committee considered the following motion in the name of Councillor Griffin:
That Kildare County Council arrange for the reinstatement of the paving slabs at the Square, Maynooth.
A report from the transportation department stated some slabs had been replaced in the square in recent weeks.
Resolved: That the report be noted.
CE 11/03/2010
Council car park off Doctors Lane, Maynooth
The committee considered the following question in the name of Councillor Murphy:
Is the council car park off Doctors Lane, Maynooth, included on the street cleaning schedule, if not can it be added?
A report from the transportation department stated that the car park was included and that it is cleaned approximately once a week.
Resolved: That the report be noted
CE 12/03/2010
Signage around Bond Bridge
The committee considered the following question in the name of Councillor Murphy:
Given the stated position that townland names are favoured why has the area of Newtown in Maynooth excluded from any signage around Bond Bridge as all six signs state Rathcoffey or Rathcoffey Road?
A report from the transportation department stated that signs generally point out the next Town/Village. The Area Office had been asked by delivery companies and the local Gardai to erect a sign indicating the “Rathcoffey Road” as it is not easily seen since the reconstruction of Bond Bridge. Councillor Murphy stated that residents had contacted her and that 6 signs indicated “Rathcoffey Road” and that there was no mention of the town land “Newtown”. Councillor Murphy wanted to know if there was any remedy to this. S. Kavanagh stated she would see if some of the signs could be replaced.
Resolved : S Kavanagh to see if some of the signs can be replaced
CE 13/03/2010
Pedestrian crossing at the Church of Our Lady’s Nativity, Leixlip
The committee considered the following question in the name of Councillor Kelly:
When will construction of the pedestrian crossing at the Church of Our Lady’s Nativity, Leixlip start? How long will this take? How will the construction work affect traffic on Station Road?
A report from the transportation department stated that this project was being priced at the moment and it was expected for work to start within the next month. The works would be carried out by a specialist contractor due to the specialist nature of the work. With regard to traffic, a Traffic Management Plan would be put in place and the duration of the works would be kept to a minimum to minimise disruption.
Resolved: That the report be noted
CE 14/03/2010
Maynooth Tidy Towns
The committee considered the following question in the name of Councillor Kelly:
Can the Council assist Maynooth Tidy Towns in dealing with the issues raised (details supplied)?
A report from the transportation department stated that the Area Engineer had noted the list given by Maynooth Tidy Towns and would endeavour to do some of this work. However, it should be noted that the area office are now in a busy season and have a reduced work force in the area.
Resolved : That the report be noted
CE 15/03/2010
Traffic signals at junction of Meadowbrook Link Rd/Straffan Rd Maynooth
The committee considered the following question in the name of Councillor McGinley:
When are the traffic signals going to be installed at the junction of the Meadowbrook Link Road/Straffan Road, Maynooth?
A report from the transportation department stated that unfortunately, there was no funding available for the installation of new traffic signals by Kildare County Council.
Conditions number 41 and 42 of planning register reference 08 / 2174 (GRANTED on 10/08/09) required the developer to signalise the junction of the Meadowbrook Link road and the Straffan Road.
Condition number 22 of An Bord Pleanala decision on planning register reference 08 / 1274 (ABP ref 09.234521) GRANTED on 25/11/09 required the developer to pay a financial contribution to the local authority to improve safety at the Meadowbrook Link Road and the Straffan Road.
Neither development has commenced as yet. Councillor McGinley stated that he had raised this issue before and requested that the developer be asked to carry out these works.
Resolved: That the developer be asked to carry out the works as required by the planning permission as a matter of urgency.
CE 16/03/2010
Signage to get access to Hazelhatch area
The committee considered the following question in the name of Councillor Byrne:
To ask the council if signage will be provided that will inform motorists coming into Celbridge on the Ardclough Road that they may get access to the Hazelhatch area, the Dublin Road, Newcastle and Dublin without having to access the gridlock bridge junction by using the new distributor road?
A report from the transportation department stated that drawings would need to be prepared by roads design and funding allocated for this work. Councillor Byrne asked if this could be done. M Kane to come back with a reply for next meeting.
Resolved : M Kane to come back with a reply for next meeting
CE 17/03/2010
Refuse bins at the Dublin bus stop in Celbridge
The committee considered the following question in the name of Councillor Byrne:
To ask the council if refuse bins will be provided at the Dublin bus stops in Celbridge town centre and that they be funded when income becomes available from the pay parking scheme?
A report from the transportation department stated that installing bins is only one aspect of this matter. Bins must be emptied on a daily basis. The bin lorry is at capacity and cannot empty any extra bins. However they could look at the prospect of relocating some existing bins to the bus stops.
Resolved: See CE 18/03/2010
CE 18/03/2010
Pay parking in Celbridge
The committee considered the following question in the name of Councillor Byrne:
To ask that the income from pay parking in Celbridge would be ring fenced for improved services in the Celbridge area and given that no such funds have become available after three years of operation, I wish to ask the executive what amount of money will be available this year and when will it be provided?
A report from the transportation department stated that there had not been any surplus income raised. Councillor Byrne questioned would there be any by the end of the year. S. Kavanagh stated that the original capital outlay had to be repaid and that there was no surplus generated. Councillor Byrne requested the figures for the next meeting.
Resolved: Transportation department to come back with figures
CE 19/03/2010
Clean up of Carton Avenue Maynooth
The committee considered the following motion in the name of Councillor McGinley:
That measures be taken to clean up Carton Avenue, Maynooth and that the illegal late night drinking be stopped through occasional patrols by Gardai and the prosecution of offenders.
A report from the parks department stated that a clean up of the litter in Carton Avenue would be carried out and litter monitored on an ongoing basis in the future. In addition quotations would be sought as part of the annual tree pruning works to attend to the suckers on the Lime trees. The implementation of this work may have to be done on a phased basis depending on the overall cost of the work and the finance available to carry it out. The matter of antisocial behavior would be referred to the local Gardai for attention.
Resolved : That the report be noted
CE 20/03/2010
Trees in the vicinity of the entrance to Scoil na Mainistreach, Celbridge
The committee considered the following motion in the name of Councillor Kelly:
That extra trees be planted, or provided to local residents to plant in the vicinity of the entrance to Scoil na Mainistreach, Celbridge on Shackleton Road, to prevent cars mounting the footpath and causing a hazard to school children using this entrance.
A report from the parks department stated that it was considered that additional tree planting at this location may not be the most effective solution for the problems occurring. If additional trees were planted there still maybe sufficient room for cars to park. In addition the trees may not be enough of a deterrent and could cause issues with sightlines. Wooden bollards would possibly be a better solution but the installation of these would be a matter for the Roads Department. Councillor Kelly stated that he had a meeting with the residents in the area and that they were willing to plant the trees themselves, taking advice from Simon Wallace on the type of trees to be used and that the trees would be planted in gaps between the existing trees. The administrator stated he would get S Wallace to contact roads regarding the sight lines.
Resolved : S Wallace to contact roads regarding sight lines
CE 21/03/2010
Spending in relation to Celbridge Playground
The committee considered the following question in the name of Councillor Murphy:
Can we have the spending to date both capital and ongoing maintenance in relation to the Celbridge playground and neighbouring open space?
A report from the parks department stated that the initial capital cost of setting up this playground was €220,000. In 2006 a further €100,000 was spent refurbishing the playground and resurfacing all the paths through the open space. In 2007 daffodil planting was carried out around the open space at a cost of €5,000. In addition to these improvement works annual maintenance is also carried out to both the playground and the open space. The playground is inspected and cleaned daily at an annual cost of €11,350. In addition to this replacement parts for equipment costing €1,500 were incurred last year.
Regarding the open space the grass was cut 16 times last year at a cost of €2,250. This work also includes litter picking before each cut. In addition bonfire material was removed at a cost €300 and an additional litter bin installed at a cost of €700. Repairs were also carried out to the path to alleviate water logging this cost €2,200.
The overall annual cost of the open space including the playground based on last year cost as outlined was €18,300.
Resolved: That the report be noted
CE 22/03/2010
Damaged sewer pipe outside Leixlip castle
The committee considered the following motion in the name of Councillor Kelly:
That repairs be carried out as a matter of urgency to the damaged sewer pipe outside the entrance to Leixlip Castle, and the sewage debris be removed from the footpath and the footpath repaired.
A report issued from the water services department stating that approval had been obtained to carry out necessary remedial works at the entrance to Leixlip Castle. Kildare County Council is currently in the process of appointing a contractor to carry out the works. Councillor Murphy queried if the damage was done by the upgrade works.
Resolved : Water services department to give a report from people who carried out the contract.
CE 23/03/2010
Spring clean up programme
The committee considered the following motion in the name of Councillor Griffin:
That as part of the spring clean up programme, Kildare County Council are requested to remove the litter and other items from Carton Avenue.
A report issued from the parks superintendent stating that clean up of litter along Carton Avenue & The Boreen road adjacent to it was carried out 16th/17th March. The members acknowledged all the good work that had been done with the clean up.
Resolved : That report be noted
CE 24/03/2010
Taking in charge of Temple Grove and Whitethorn Grove, Celbridge
The committee considered the following report on taking in charge of Temple Grove, Celbridge and Whitethorn Grove, Celbridge.
The building control department reported that on 17th August 2009 they received a request from the residents of Temple Grove and Whitethorn Grove in Celbridge to take these estates in charge. Thus request was in the form of a petition from the majority of registered electors in the estate (of 18 people listed on the register of electors, 12 people signed the petition. A further 3 people living in the estate also signed the petition). Temple Grove and Whitethorn Grove, Celbridge were on public display for taking in charge from 30th December 2009 to 2nd February 2010 inclusive. No submissions were made before the expiration of the statutory period for making observations or objections on 17th February 2010. As a majority of the qualified electors who own or occupy the houses in question have requested the council to take the estate in charge in accordance with Section 180 of The Planning and Development Act 2000 it is now proposed to take the estate in charge.
Resolved: That the estate be taken in charge
CE 25/03/2010
Unauthorised development file UD 4755
The committee considered the following motion in the name of Councillor Byrne:
That the executive now give an account to the council on the destruction of the Gazebo at the Walled Gardens, Castletown Estate, Celbridge as to the progress made in having the building restored given that it is over two years since the destruction of this protected structure and given that an Unauthorised Development file was opened on this matter (UD 4755).
The planning department reported that this file was the subject of a court case. The court case was to have been heard on 15th March but was adjourned to 29th March. A report will be issued after this hearing.
Resolved : Report to issue after the court hearing
The meeting concluded.