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Celbridge Area Meeting
Minutes of Meeting
held at 10.00 a.m. , Friday 20 May 2011
in the Council Chamber, Áras Chill Dara.
Members Present: Councillors S Griffin, A.Larkin, F.O’Rourke, K Byrne and C Purcell.
Apologies: Councillor McGinley
Also Present: Mr P. Minnock, Mr J. Boland (Directors of Service), Ms. S. Kavanagh (S.E.O.), Mr I Bargouthi (S.E.E.) Mr A. Dunney (S.E.E.) Ms E. Murray
(A.E.) Ms A. Aspell, (Meetings Administrator), Ms S Rice (Area Secretary)
CE 01/05/11
Minutes and Progress Report
The committee considered the minutes of the monthly meeting held on 18 April 2011.
Resolved on the proposal of Councillor Byrne and seconded by Councillor O’Rourke that the minutes be confirmed and taken as read.
Vote of Sympathy
An Cathaoirleach and members paid tribute to the former Taoiseach, Dr Garret FitzGerald who passed away on the 19 of May, 2011, An Cathaoirleach said that Dr FitzGerald had influenced his career greatly and that he had been a decent, honest Statesman and a fantastic public servant and that in his opinion he had been the best Foreign Affairs Minister that had ever served in Ireland. The meetings administrator also concurred with An Cathaoirleach’s remarks and also offered her condolences on behalf of the County Manager, directors of service and staff of Kildare County Council.
Undergrounding of Wires in Main Street, Celbridge
The roads department reported that the possibility of funding from the Leader Programme was investigated but was not viable and the cost of the undergrounding works had been estimated at €850,000 and that no source for this amount of funding was available at present. An Cathaoirelach asked that the roads department continue to pursue this item with the Leader Programme and that we continue to look for funding from the ESB, Councillor Larkin asked if the council were aware of how much ducting was already in place and if the works could be done in three stages, commencing with the ducting and he also asked if the council had approached the Office of Public Works for funding.
Staff meeting with members on site
Councillor Purcell stated that reports from departments should state what had been agreed to or proposed when an individual councillor had met with a member of staff on site regarding to a particular problem in the electoral area.
Official naming of road
An Cathaoirleach stated that the “Shackleton Road” was a particular problem and asked that this road be named as soon as possible, and that the council put up the road signs and inform the ordnance survey of same.
Cleaning of cycle lanes
Councillor Purcell reported that sections of cycle lanes would have broken glass or other hazardous materials that would require to be removed, and that if a road sweeper was unable to access the cycle lane that the materials should be removed by using a sweeping brush and shovel.
The Spa Well
Councillor Purcell commended the work done at the Spa Well.
Skate park for Celbridge Area
Councillor Larkin asked that an appropriate location in Celbridge be sought for a skate park, Councillor Byrne suggested lands beside the Salesian College in Celbridge that had previously been zoned for Industrial purposes and suggested that the zoning of the lands be changed to amenity purposes by the process of a material contravention.
Process with receiver in Meadowbrook estate
That the committee receive an update on this item for the June area meeting.
Unauthorised development Leinster Park, Maynooth
An Cathaoirleach reported that residents in the lower end of Leinster Park were experiencing problems with water pressure and asked that the planning department bare this mind should they receive any further planning applications at this location.
CE02/05/2011
One way system, Accommodation Road
The following motion was considered in the name of Councillor Larkin:
That the council confirm whether Dublin Bus was consulted when making Accommodation Road one way, if so, did they comment in any way, has there been any dialogue between Dublin Bus and the road design section about the changes needed to make this route an option for a modified bus route.
It was reported by the roads department that as part of the public consultation process for this scheme Dublin Bus was informed and a copy of the Kildare County Council proposal was sent to them. They did not submit any observations or comments.
The report was noted.
CE03/05/2011
Anti-speed ramps in Straffan
The following motion was considered in the name of Councillor Byrne:
That the two anti-speed ramps at Straffan National School and the ramp on the Maynooth Road, Straffan and the cushion ramp at the shop in Straffan be replaced as they are now in a dangerous condition.
The area engineer confirmed that there was no funding for these repairs unless Councillor Byrne and/or the other members wished to allocate discretionary funding towards this work. Councillor Byrne replied that it was the responsibility of the council to secure funding for works and not the councillors as stated in the report, Ms Kavanagh said that as the council were unable to fund such works that the councillors could use some of their discretionary funds if they wanted the works done.
The report was noted.
CE04/05/2011
Repair of footpaths, Grove estate, Celbridge
The following motion was considered in the name of Councillor Byrne:
That the following list of repairs to footpaths in the Grove Estate in Celbridge be included in the works programme between Grove main entrance and house number 218 outside houses 21-22,25,33,57,74,96,99.
The area engineer reported that there was no funding for these repairs unless Councillor Byrne and/or the other members wished to allocate discretionary funding towards this work. Councillor Byrne asked for a costing for these works to be prepared and circulated to the members at the next area committee meeting.
Resolved: that a costing be prepared for the June meeting of the area committee.
CE05/05/2011
Road safety issues, St Patricks N.S, Celbridge
The following motion was considered in the name of Councillor O’Rourke:
That the council consider the options for the students and parents to safely cross the Hazelhatch road to gain entry to St. Patricks N.S which adjoins Celbridge G.A.A. and then implements that solution.
The roads department reported that a pedestrian access to the school, as per the planning permission, was not through this entrance. The transportation department would urge the school authority, together with the Department of Education, to review the current situation and provide some funding to attempt to address this issue. Councillor O’Rourke stated that all options would need to be examined in order to resolve this ongoing safety problem.
Resolved: that the council investigate all possible solutions to resolving the safety issues at St Patricks N.S, Hazel hatch road, Celbridge.
CE06/05/2011
Resurfacing of Ardclough road from bridge to Grove estate
The following motion was considered in the name of Councillor O’Rourke:
That the council re-surface the Ardclough road from the bridge to the Grove (housing estate) approximately.
The area engineer reported that there was no funding for these repairs in the current budget. Councillor O’Rourke stated that the new Minister for Transport had allocated funding for road improvements to non national roads in the country and asked if this location could be considered under this scheme.
Resolved: That the roads department apply for funding for the required works under this scheme.
CE07/05/2011
Extending drop of kerb at exit of Church of Nativity, Leixlip
The following motion was considered in the name of Councillor O’Rourke:
That the council investigate and examine the exit from the car park at Our Lady of the Nativity Church, Leixlip to include extending the drop kerb at this point.
The roads department reported that the director of services and the chief technician had met with Councillor O’Rourke on site and it was agreed that Kildare County Council would extend the dropped kerb at the exit subject to funding being available. Councillor Purcell stated that he had raised the same item previously and it was agreed that the work would be carried out, he also asked that this road be reviewed by experts as there was an issue with speeding and dangerous driving which made it very difficult and dangerous for those leaving the Church car park.
Resolved: That the roads department investigate Councillor Purcells claim regarding the dangerous exit from the Church onto the public road.
CE8/05/2011
Layout of exit from Our Ladys Church, Leixlip
The following motion was considered in the name of Councillor Griffin:
That for safety reasons the council should alter the exit layout at the car park at Our Ladys Church in Leixlip.
The roads department reported that the director of service and the chief technician met with Councillor O’Rourke on site and it was agreed that Kildare County Council would extend the dropped kerb at the exit subject to funding being available. An Cathaoirleach also stated that there was a huge design or construction fault at this location and in his opinion the new parking bye-laws would add to the current problem and exasperate the safety issues at the exit of the Church, he suggested that the councillors should hold a meeting to re-think their decision regarding the introduction of the bye-laws. Councillor O’Rourke agreed with An Cathaoirleach remarks, however Councillors Larkin and Purcell disagreed as the decision to introduce bye-laws had been made and that the members needed to stick to their original decision regardless, they did however agree that the kerb needed to be dropped.
Resolved: That the members meet to discuss the bye-laws again and that the issue with the kerb be resolved.
CE09/05/2011
Grass cutting, litter picking on M4
The following motion was considered in the name of Councillor Larkin:
Are there funds in the roads budget for M4 motorway maintenance such as grass cutting and litter picking?
The area engineer reported that the motorway budget had been significantly reduced this year so only essential maintenance would be carried out i.e. barrier repair etc. A litter pick was carried out in March.
The report was noted.
CE10/05/2011
Directional signs, Celbridge
The following motion was considered in the name of Councillor Byrne:
To ask if a directional sign be erected at the junction of Shinkeen Road and Hazelhatch Road, Celbridge indicating the direction to Hazelhatch/Newcastle and Celbridge town centre.
The area engineer reported that these signs would form part of a schedule of signs to be erected.
The report was noted.
CE11/05/2011
Repair of Cobble lock, Coarse Moor, Straffan
The following motion was considered in the name of Councillor O’Rourke:
Can the cobble lock in the footpath which are causing a trip in front of house no.'s (details supplied) Coarse Moore, Straffan be repaired?
The area engineer reported that the area to which the question refers was not part of the public footpath or road.
The report was noted.
CE12/05/2011
Traffic calming, Our Lady of the Nativity Church, Leixlip
The following motion was considered in the name of Councillor O’Rourke:
Can the council put in traffic calming on the carriageway as you exit Leixlip to Our Lady of the Nativity Church?
The roads design section reported that they would prepare a traffic calming scheme and costing for this location. Funding would then have to be identified prior to any works being carried out.
The report was noted.
CE13/05/2011
Repair of Footpaths, Vanessa Lawns
The following motion was considered in the name of Councillor O’Rourke:
Can the footpaths as identified be repaired in Vanessa Close, Celbridge?
The area engineer confirmed that these footpaths would be examined and the cost of repairs quantified.
The report was noted.
CE14/5/2011
ESB site, Leixlip
The following motion was considered in the name of Councillor Griffin:
Can the committee be informed of any progress on the car parking at the ESB site in Leixlip?
Mr Minnock said that he would meet An Cathaoirleach to discuss this matter further.
CE15/5/2011
Ballygoran Reservoir
To receive update on the extension to Ballygoran reservoir.
Resolved: This item is to be discussed at the next area committee meeting.
CE16/05/2011
Capacity of Ballygoran Reservoir
The following motion was considered in the name of Councillor Griffin:
In view of the recent announcement that 18.7 M euro is being made available to increase the capacity of the reservoir at Ballygoran, that the area committee be advised on the proposed timetable for the required works.
The water services department reported that the contract documents for the scheme had been submitted to the Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government for approval prior to going to tender.
It was envisaged that tenders would be invited by July 2011 with a view to starting construction of the scheme in quarter 1, 2012. It was envisaged that the scheme would be fully commissioned in quarter 1, 2014.
The report was noted.
CE17/05/2011
Amenity schemes in Celbridge electoral area
The following motion was considered in the name of Councillor Larkin:
That the Leisure Services Department outline the list of schemes in the Celbridge Electoral Area that have not been proceeded with in the absence of lottery funding;
that they provide a report on the cost of the schemes and the possibility of funding coming from that source and the ability of the council to fund the balance from the Development Levy Scheme within the coming years. Mr Minnock asked Councillor Larkin if there was a particular scheme in question and if so to speak to him directly regarding it.
The report was noted
CE18/05/2011
Tesco unit, Maynooth
The following motion was considered in the name of Councillor Larkin:
Can we have an update on the Tesco Unit in Maynooth?
Mr Minnock reported the lease agreement had been signed in Manor Mills and that the community council had been made aware of this, however the use of the unit had yet to be decided.
The report was noted
CE19/05/2011
Newtown House
The following motion was considered in the name of Councillor Larkin:
Can we have an update on the problems in Newtown House which need to be resolved?
Mr Minnock reported that priority works had been carried out regarding the sewerage and paving and other outstanding issues were due to be discussed at an arranged meeting.
The report was noted
CE20/05/2011
Housing maintenance in St Patricks Park, Celbridge
The following motion was considered in the name of Councillor Byrne:
To ask that the report commissioned by the council on the rodent infestation in Saint Patrick's Park, Celbridge, carried out by (details supplied), be made available to the residents affected and they be forwarded to the Minister for Housing, Willie Penrose who has expressed an interest in the matter.
The housing department reported that an inspection had been carried out on the council house and a schedule of works has been arranged. These works, which include the upgrading of energy efficiency, would be commencing very shortly. When these works were complete the processes would be made available to the adjoining house owners.
The report was noted
CE21/05/2011
Celbridge Local Area Plan
The following motion was considered in the name of Councillor Byrne:
That the Celbridge Local Area Plan be reviewed as a matter of urgency arising from the changes in the County Development Plan as they affect Celbridge.
Report: The planning department reported that the forward planning work programme for the remainder of the year was presented to the Corporate Policy Group on 16 May for their approval. The programme proposed commencing with the north east study, Maynooth and Kildare LAPs and the variation of CDP to include Rathangan, Kill, Prosperous, Athgarvan, Derrinturn, Castledermot. Newbridge LAP would follow with amendments of the following LAPs - Monasterevin, Kilcullen, Kilcock, Clane, Sallins, Leixlip/Collinstown, Celbridge / Castletown.
The report was noted.
CE22/05/2011
Restoration of the Gazebo, Celbridge
The following motion was considered in the name of Councillor Griffin:
That the area committee be given a report on the progress made with the developer and others in connection with the restoration of the gazebo at the Walled Gardens in Celbridge.
It was reported that the council commenced enforcement proceedings against the developer in respect of the Gazebo, Celbridge. The developer challenged the enforcement proceedings in the High Court and based his case on the contention that the Gazebo was not included in the council’s register of protected structures. Following legal advice, and in particular the uncertainty regarding the outcome of the High Court case if contested further, and having regard to the avoidance of significant costs, an agreement was reached through the High Court. The agreement required certain actions to be taken by the council and the developer, and sets time scales for such action. A copy of the agreement had already been circulated to all members of the Celbridge Area Committee, and the council would monitor the actions to ensure compliance with the terms of agreement. An Cathaoirleach asked that this item be moved along and that the members be informed of any progress on this matter.
Resolved: that the members be informed of any progress on this matter.
CE23/05/2011
Gazebo, The Walled Gardens, Celbridge
The following motion was considered in the name of Councillor Byrne:
To ask the council to explain in detail why the council failed to protect the gazebo in Castletown, Celbridge by properly listing it as a protected structure. What is now the
agreement between the council and the developer arising from the failure of the council to receive a positive court decision and what progress was made in putting the terms of the agreement into practice.
See response to Question –CE27/05/2011
CE24/05/2011
Council owned lands
The following motion was considered in the name of Councillor Larkin:
That the council confirm whether an evaluation of lands in council ownership within the Celbridge Electoral Area, (outside housing estates) has been completed, if so, confirm in what locations and the intended use.
The water services section circulated a map to each member detailing the lands in their possession. The meetings administrator also reported that at present the council were working on a register with all council lands in their ownership which would answer the councillors question.
The report was noted.
25/05/2011
Other business
It was agreed that all of Councillor McGinleys items on the agenda would be adjourned and be dealt with at the June meeting.
The meeting concluded.