Print this Document

Celbridge Area Meeting

Minutes of Meeting

held at 10.00 a.m Friday, 18 March 2011

in the Council Chamber, Áras Chill Dara.

 

Members Present: Councillors S Griffin, F. O’Rourke, J McGinley, K Byrne, C Purcell.  A. Larkin and S. Purcell

 

Also Present:     Mr P. Minnock, (Directors of Service), Ms.  S. Kavanagh (S.E.O.), Ms E. Murray (A.E.) Annette Aspell, (Meetings Administrator), Ms S Rice (Area Secretary)

 

CE 01/03/11

Minutes and Progress Report

The committee considered the minutes of the monthly meeting held on 21 January 2011. Resolved on the proposal of Councillor McGinley and seconded by Councillor Purcell that the minutes be confirmed and taken as read.

 

 

Emergency Road Repairs in Maynooth

The water services department reported that they had investigated the sewer in question and identified that this it was not a public sewer cover and it could either be a surface water sewer or a private sewer and they did not have any control in the matter, An Cathaoirleach asked that this matter be re-investigated as there was a public safety issue involving the level of the sewer, he also stated that the sewer is on public property therefore it was a matter for the local authority to investigate and rectify.

 

 

Undergrounding of Wires in Main Street, Celbridge

It was reported at the meeting that the directors of planning and transportation sections had met with senior officials from the National Transport Authority. It was unlikely that 100% funding would be made available for the undergrounding of services on Celbridge Main Street, however, the issue was raised at the meetings.  The National Transport Authority was working to a specific brief which would not include financing 100% of village renewal or architectural schemes.An Cathaoirleach asked that the council apply for funding from the Leader programme with the view to undergrounding the wires in Main Street, Celbridge.

 

 

Unauthorised Development, Leinster Park, Maynooth

It was reported that a notification to grant had been issued by Kildare County Council dated 2 February 2011. The notification included conditions relating to the boundary treatment. Councillor McGinley stated that there was two issues with this file and they needed to be dealt with separately, he also stated that the open space in question should be returned to the ownership of the public, he asked that the council solicitors investigate this matter further and asked if there was a court injunction.

 

 

Process with receiver at Meadowbrook Estate

The planning department reported that the receiver had not responded to the request for a meeting to discuss all outstanding issues. A snag list of surface defects had been prepared for the developer last year and a cost of these required works could be estimated. However, a comprehensive final costing of all outstanding works could not be completed without as constructed drawings and CCTV surveys of the sewage systems. Councillor McGinley stated the he did not want a comprehensive report regarding the costings, he asked that an estimated figure be prepared for the April meeting.

 

 

Litter problem on Celbridge to Barberstown road

Councillor Byrne reported that the Celbridge Tidy Towns committee had removed all the litter on this road and he thanked and commended them for their hard work and commitment to the community.

 

 

Landscaping at school and Playground, Celbridge

It was reported that the hedge at this location had been lowered and the concrete fencing was due to be removed in the next two weeks. This should make this corner area less secluded and discourage antisocial behaviour. In addition the level of vandalism carried out within the open space and the playground any planting at this particular location was likely to also be vandalised. The local residents associations had requested some other planting locations along the front of the green. It was proposed to carry out some of this planting on a trial basis. Councillor O’Rourke asked that the council do a survey on their lands to identify a suitable area within the Celbridge electoral area for a “teenage playground”, he reported that he had done some background work on this matter previously in conjunction with the local schools.

 

 

CE 02/03/2011

Representative from Dublin Bus

Gareth Quinn of Dublin Bus attended the meeting to update the members on the 66 and 67 bus route and plans to update and install required infrastructure to support the new areas of the routes. He reported that the National Roads Authority had received a request for funding for a turning point on the Rathcoffey Road and ramps on the Moyglare Road, he also reported that initial feedback on the service had been good and that Dublin Bus would continue to monitor the service. Councillor McGinley welcomed the report but stated that the process was very slow and hoped that the infrastructure problems would be rectified as soon as possible. An Cathaoirleach also welcomed the report and stated that the NTA had attended a meeting of the council recently and did claim to have funding available for projects similar to this. Councillors Purcell and O’Rourke asked that Dublin Bus investigate their methods of communicating changes in routes, times or stops further, they both agreed that Dublin Bus should extend their advertising by using local radio and local newspapers and perhaps a leaflet drop on the bus route in question at least a few weeks prior the proposed changes. An Cathaoirleach and members thanked Mr Quinn for attending the meeting.

Report was noted. 

 

CE03/03/2011

Celbridge Traffic Management Plan

To receive update on Celbridge Traffic Management Plan.

It was reported that the directors of planning and transportation had met twice with senior officials from the National Transport Authority in the past 4 weeks and in addition the chief executive of the NTA Mr Gerry Murphy had made a presentation to local representatives and the transportation/planning SPCs in early March 2011.  Funding for the implementation measures of the Celbridge Traffic Management Plan was discussed as part of the overall request for funding from Kildare County Council. The National Transport Authority was setting out it’s priority for traffic management schemes and as part of the process had written to the directors indicating what type of projects would have funding available in 2011. The members would be informed when funding had been confirmed.                                

Report was noted.

 

CE04/03/2011

Safety issues on R405, Maynooth/Celbridge Road

The following motion was considered in the name of Councillor O’Rourke:

That the council investigate the following issues\concerns\safety that arise on R405 Maynooth, Celbridge road with a view to finding positive solutions:
1. Speeding in the area from the roundabout to Aldi in both directions.
2. Traffic exiting Crodaun Forest Park (in particular traffic leaving for M4\6).
3. Pedestrians crossing to attend the bus stop from Crodaun Forest Park.
4. Traffic from R405 entering and exiting access road to Aghards School, housing estates, shops and businesses also to include access to the service station.

The roads department reported that there was no funding available for signalised crossings unless they were funded from an external source, i.e. central government grant or development levy / planning condition.  The availability of funding for traffic calming measures was extremely limited as there was only a budget for 2011 of €20,000 for the northern engineering area.  If the councillor would like to discuss his concerns further with the roads design team a meeting could be arranged. Councillor O’Rourke stated that it was the responsibility of the local authority to ensure that public roads and in particular junctions were safe for all users, he also asked that the R405 be officially named as there were 9 housing estates on a road with no name, he said he was happy to meet with the road design staff regarding this matter.

Resolved: That the road design staff meet with Councillor O’Rourke to discuss safety issues on the R405.

 

 

CE05/03/2011

Traffic problems between R405 and Shackleton Road, Celbridge

The following motion was considered in the name of Councillor O’Rourke:

That the traffic problems at the junction of the access road (link road between R405 and Shackleton Road) getting out onto the Shackleton Road, be addressed. This link road has serious congestion at either end in the mornings, afternoon and evenings. It was agreed that the road design team would meet with Councillor O’Rourke to discuss this matter further.

Resolved: That the road design team meet with Councillor O’Rourke to discuss traffic problems on the link road from Shackleton Road to R405.

 

 

CE06/03/2011

Request for yellow box at Buckleys Lane, Leixlip

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

That the council repaint yellow box on road opposite Buckleys Lane, Leixlip.

It was reported that part of the Main Street would be resurfaced at this location and that the road markings would be renewed afterwards. 

Report was noted. 

 

CE07/03/2011

Parking on footpaths in Leixlip

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

That the council investigate parking on footpaths in Leixlip.

The roads department reported that parking on footpaths was illegal and both the Gardai and the council’s traffic wardens could issue tickets in this regard.  If there were problems in a particular area in Leixlip the roads section would notify the Gardai or the traffic warden as appropriate. Councillor Purcell reported that there was a particular problem outside the crèche opposite the Garda station were a number of cars were obstructing the whole footpath on a daily basis, An Cathaoirleach agreed with the councilors remarks and stated that the cars parked on the footpaths were was making it impossible for people with buggies or walking difficulties to pass. Councillor Larkin reported that the lack of public parking in Leixlip was part of the problem. The roads department stated that they would ensure that the traffic wardens would be made aware of this particular area.

Resolved: That the roads department would report this particular parking problem to the traffic wardens and ask them to monitor it. 

 

 

CE08/03/2011

Safety issues on Captains Hill, Leixlip

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

That the council indicate its proposals for safety on Captains Hill, Leixlip.

The roads department reported that a meeting could be arranged with the road design team and Councillor Purcell to discuss this matter further.

Resolved: That a meeting be arranged with road design and Councillor Purcell to discuss safety issues on Captains Hill, Leixlip.

 

 

CE09/03/2011

Removal of Bollards, Old Greenfield, Maynooth

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

That the bollards at the bottom of Old Greenfield, Maynooth, be removed now that they are no longer necessary to prevent "rat run" traffic with the opening of the Meadowbrook Link Road.

The roads department reported that this matter required further consideration and investigation and would return to the committee at the April meeting with an update. Councillor McGinley stated that the residents wanted the bollards removed; An Cathaoirleach asked that the road design team meet with the councillors on site to discuss this matter further.

Resolved: That this item re-visited at the April meeting and that an on site meeting with the members and the road design team be arranged 

 

 

CE10/03/2011

Traffic calming measures, Ballymakealy, Celbridge

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

That the council provide further traffic calming measures on the main road from Ballymakealy Grove leading to Ballymakealy Lawns Estate, Celbridge.

The roads department reported that the road design team would examine the area with a view to establishing whether additional traffic calming was warranted.

Report was noted.

 

 

CE11/03/2010

Public Light, The Lawns, Castletown, Celbridge

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

That a public light be provided across the road from number 1 The Lawns, Castletown, Celbridge at the request of residents in that area.

The roads department reported that there was no allocation in the 2011 Budget for the provision of new public lights. Any new works were dependent on external funding (either from Central Government or from Development levies.)

Report was noted.

 

CE12/03/2011

Footpath repair, Hazelhatch Road, Celbridge

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

That the council repair the footpath at pole number nine Hazelhatch Road, Celbridge as the path is in a dangerous condition.

The roads department reported that the repair would be carried out as soon as possible.

Report was noted.

 

 

CE13/03/2011

NTA Programme and it implications for North Kildare

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

That the area committee be provided with the council view of the National Transport Authority programme and how it is likely to impinge on the towns of Maynooth, Leixlip and Celbridge.

It was reported that with the committee’s agreement the traffic management engineer could attend the April meeting to discuss the NTA programme and perhaps at that stage NTA funding for Kildare County Council projects would have been confirmed.

Resolved: That a member of staff from the traffic management team attend the April meeting to discuss this issue further. 

 

 

CE14/03/2011

Anti-social activity at the Arch, The walled Gardens

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

In view of the on going anti-social activity at the Arch (beside house numbers ‘details supplied’) at the Walled Gardens, Celbridge. The council are requested to consider how best to resolve the problems.

The transportation department reported that their powers in this area were limited to extinguishing public rights of way.  The extinguishment of a public right of way was often a highly contentious and emotive matter which may not lead to the resolution of the anti-social activity in this area.  Perhaps this matter could be discussed with the Gardai to determine if there were any other possible interventions. An Cathaoirleach asked that a member of staff from the roads department meet with him on site to discuss this matter further.

Resolved: that a member of staff from the roads department meet with Councillor Griffin on site to discuss this matter further.

 

 

CE15/03/2011

Double Yellow Lines, Spine Road, Maynooth

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

That in view of the indiscriminate car parking by persons who do not live in Moyglare Meadows, the council are requested to place double yellow lines on the Spine Road and place residents only parking signs at this location. An Cathaoirleach reported that due to cars being parked for long time periods on this narrow road that large vehicles, like oil trucks, bin trucks etc were unable to access residents living on the road and all that was required was approximately 150 yards of double yellow lines. Ms Kavanagh stated that she would need the opinion and approval of the local Gardai before the council could contemplate installing double yellow lines on Spine Road.

Resolved: That the roads department contact the Gardai in Maynooth regarding the need for double yellow lines on the Spine Road.

 

 

CE16/03/2011

Footpath repair, St Patricks Park, Celbridge

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

To ask the council to repair the path outside house 939 St. Patricks Park, Celbridge to prevent flooding of the owners premises.

The roads department reported that this work would cost in the region of €900.00.  Funding would need to be made available for this work in order for it to be prioritised.

Report was noted.

 

CE17/03/2011

White Line, Spine Road, Maynooth

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

To ask the council to put in place a white line on the Spine Road in Castlevillage Estate, Celbridge between Castlevillage Lawn and Castlevillage Place at the request of the residents association.

The roads department reported that there was no funding available for this work.  The area engineer was very reluctant to install lining in housing estates as the cost of renewing these lines is prohibitive. Councillor Byrne asked that a costing for the requested white lines be done and presented to the members at the April meeting.

Resolved: Councillor Byrne asked that a costing for the requested white lines be done and presented to the members at the April meeting.

 

 

CE18/03/2011

Leader programme, funding for undergrounding of wires

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

Is it possible for the council to obtain finance from the Leader programme to underground the ESB cable system on the Main Street in Celbridge?

It was reported at the meeting that the Directors of planning and transportation sections had met with senior officials from the National Transport Authority. It was unlikely that 100% funding would be made available for the undergrounding of services on Celbridge Main Street, however, the issue was raised at the meetings.  The National Transport Authority was working to a specific brief which would not include financing 100% of village renewal or architectural schemes.An Cathaoirleach asked that the council apply for funding from the Leader programme with the view to undergrounding the wires in Main Street, Celbridge.

The transportation department said that they would make enquiries with the Leader Company.

Resolved: That the transportation department make enquiries with the Leader Company regarding funding for the undergrounding of wires, Main Street, Celbridge.

 

 

CE19/03/2011

Car parking at Confey GAA

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

What is the up to date position on negotiations with Confey GAA club on car parking and other related issues?

The roads department reported that preliminary discussions had taken place with Confey GAA regarding the regulation of their car park.  A design had been prepared and the cost of introducing pay parking in the car park had been estimated.  Consideration was now being given as to whether or not this proposal was financially viable. The members requested that they be informed of any progress on this matter.

Resolved: That members requested that they be informed of any progress on this matter.

 

 

CE20/03/2011

Traffic problems, Laurence Avenue, Maynooth

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

In view of the continuing rat running through Laurence Avenue, Maynooth, is it possible to have and enforce residents only access?

It was reported that it was not possible to impose or enforce residents only access on a public road.  An Cathaoirleach stated that there continued to be a major speeding problem on Laurence Avenue, even after speed ramps were installed. Councillor McGinley asked where they could go from here as this was a major problem for residents he also added asked that they re-investigate the possibility of closing the end of the road, the members did attempt this process previously but a minority of residents were against the idea of closing the road. Ms Kavanagh said that if the members wished that she would look at this again however a consensus from all residents in the estate must be reached first.

Resolved: Ms Kavanagh said that if the members wished that she would look at this again however a consensus from all residents in the estate must be reached first.

 

CE21/03/2011

The Spa Well, Leixlip

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

When will the work being done at the Spawell be completed and what signage is envisaged to indicate this important site?

It was reported that work at the Spa Well was undertaken on an ongoing annual basis. These works were being carried out in line with the conservation plan developed for the site and the objectives set out within it. There was no definitive timeframe for the completion of works as the extent of works carried out annually was subject to the availability of finance and staff resources. This year it was proposed to begin a clean up of the entrance area to the site, carry out some conservation works to the Canal Toll House and to carry out the annual mowing of some grassland areas within the site. Regarding signage some signs were placed at the entrance and along the canal towpath three years ago highlighting the importance of various aspects of the site. A new sign and viewing point along the towpath were due to be installed in the next few weeks highlighting the history of the Roman bath.  Councillor Purcell asked what the timeframe was for all works to be completed at this site.

Resolved: Councillor Purcell asked what the timeframe was for all works to be completed at this site.

 

CE22/03/2011

Leixlip Amenity Centre

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

Can we have an update on Leixlip Amenity Centre?

Mr Minnock reported that a meeting had been arranged to take place in April with the board of directors and it was reported that the vacancy on the board would be filled at the next meeting of Kildare County Council.

Report was noted.

 

CE23/03/2011

Tree pruning, Castlevillage Lawns, Celbridge

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

To ask the council to investigate the possibility of removing the tree between houses number one and two Castlevillage Lawns, Celbridge at the request of the residents.

The parks department reported that an investigation of this location was carried out and the tree was found to be in good condition and was an important amenity value to the area. It was therefore not proposed to remove it. However the tree would be considered for some light pruning as part of the annual tree works programme later in the year.

Report was noted.

 

 

CE24/03/2011

Shop signage, Leixlip

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

Can we have an update on my motion concerning signage in Leixlip?

The planning department reported that they had examined the signage/advertisements situation in Leixlip and from this examination a number of unauthorised development files had been opened.  Resulting from the planning department investigations to date warning letters as provided for under the Planning and Development Act 2000 as amended had been issued in relation to 34 signage/advertisements.

It should be noted that a warning letter as provided for under the Planning and Development Acts 2000-2010 provides the person to whom it was issued with an opportunity to make submissions or observations on the matter to the planning authority.  To date the planning department had received a number of responses to the warning letters issued and was currently examining each of the responses.  It was the intention of the planning department that the unauthorised signage/advertisement in Leixlip was removed either through the co-operation of the persons concerned or with the use of further enforcement action under the planning legislation. Councillor Purcell said that he was very pleased to see some progression on this matter but asked that the planning department continued to pursue all outstanding unauthorised developments. Mr Minnock added that 27 warning notices had been sent out and suggested that Councillor Purcell speak with the planner involved with this process to see if he could be of some assistance with the level of compliance in some cases. Councillor Purcell asked that the members receive quarterly progress reports on this item, it was agreed that this item be re-visited again in September to allow the planning department  time to deal with all cases.

Resolved: that Councillor Purcell speak with the planner involved with this process to see if he could be of some assistance with the level of compliance in some cases. Councillor Purcell asked that the members receive quarterly progress reports on this item, and that this item be re-visited in September 2011.

 

 

 

CE25/03/2011

Re-location of Post primary school, Maynooth

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

That this council gives an explanation as to how and why it would give the Department of Education the green light to proceed with the purchase of some 40 acres of land beyond Moyglare Hall, Maynooth, in order to re-locate the existing Post Primary School and the future re-location of the Boys Primary School.

The planning department reported that the VEC had discussed a proposal for improved / replacement education facilities in Maynooth with the planning department. Those discussions centered around the need for and proposed location for additional / improved facilities. Those discussions were appropriate given the expected growth in the population of Maynooth and its environs as envisaged in the regional planning guidelines and the draft County Development Plan.  It was understood that the VEC was considering a site north of the existing development footprint. That general location was entirely appropriate from a technical / planning perspective. Initial selection of a suitable site was a matter for the VEC.  Any application for a site specific proposal would be considered by the council in due course.  Zoning proposals would be considered in the forthcoming LAP process or if the proposal was to locate on appropriately zoned land, and then such a proposal would be dealt with via the normal planning application process. There would also be a requirement to consult with Meath County Council in considering either process.  Further comment prior to receipt of an application for planning permission was premature at this time. Councillor McGinley stated that this was not a good location for a school as it was too far from the town and to long a distance for students to walk to he also added that in his opinion is was not good planning as was stated in the report. An Cathaoirleach stated that a new larger school was badly needed for the area as the current school currently has 1100 students, and this site would offer enhanced facilities and badly needed sports and amenity grounds.

Report was noted.

 

CE25/03/2011

Other business

Beatty Park

That extinguishment of right of way at Beatty Park/Shackleton road be discussed at the April meeting. 

 

Laurel Lane

That this item be discussed at the April meeting

 

Church of the Nativity

That car parking at the Church of the Nativity, Leixlip be discussed at the April meeting.