Print Page 
Print this Document
Celbridge Area Meeting
Minutes of Meeting
held at 10.00 a.m. , Friday 22 June 2011
in the Council Chamber, Áras Chill Dara.
Members Present: Councillors S Griffin, A. Larkin, F. O’Rourke, J. McGinley, K Byrne,
C Purcell and J.Neville.
Also Present: Mr M. O’Leary ( A/Director of Services) Ms. S. Kavanagh (S.E.O.), Mr M. McLoughlin ( A.O.) Ms A. Aspell, (Meetings Administrator), Ms S Rice (Area Secretary)
CE 01/06/11
Minutes and Progress Report
The committee considered the minutes of the monthly meeting held on 20 May 2011. Resolved on the proposal of Councillor Byrne and seconded by Councillor O’Rourke that the minutes be confirmed and taken as read.
Undergrounding of wires in Main Street, Celbridge
Councillor O’Rourke asked that we continue to pursue this matter and look for funding from any available source.
Restoration of the Gazebo
That this item be discussed again at the September area meeting for a detail.
Process with receiver in Meadowbrook estate
Councillor McGinley asked if the planning department had sent a costing of the required works to the receiver yet, and that this estate needs to be taken in charge as soon as possible.
CE 02/06/2011
Deputation from Confey GAA
Mr Michael Sweeney, Club chairman and Mr John Fitzpatrick, Club treasurer attended the meeting, Mr Sweeney reported that the club had been established in 1989 and currently had 27 teams, he also stated that they had 2 pitches, a bar and a clubhouse which is widely used by other sports and community groups and a large car park, all which of was built by fund raising and club subscriptions. Mr Sweeney stated the main reason for asking to address the committee was the ongoing difficulty with the large expense of commercial rates and the use of the club’s car park for funerals, he asked that the council review its criteria for rates and he reported that the club’s income has reduced greatly due to a fall in numbers using the bar facilities and people being unable to make donations to the club because of the recession. In relation to the car park he reported that they are 150 car parking spaces which are used by members, anglers, walkers and people attending funerals, he asked that the club be compensated by the council for the use of their car park for funerals as the graveyard is in the ownership of the council. It was reported at the meeting that as rates were an executive function that the members were not in a position to make changes to it, however they would make representations to the Manager on the clubs behalf. Mr O’Leary said he would speak to the Manager regarding this and would update the members at the next meeting. An Cathaoirleach and the members thanked Mr Sweeney and Mr Fitzpatrick for attending the meeting and commended them on their commitment to Confey G.A.A. Councillor McGinley asked that an official response to their queries be issued to the club before the next area meeting.
Resolved: That an official response be given to Confey G.A.A. in relation to their concerns with rates and the car park.
CE03/06/2011
Presentation from Irish Rail on the Kildare Route Project – Phase 2
Three representatives from Irish rail attended the meeting to update the members on the Kildare Route Project, is was reported that phase one was completed last year and that the design stage of Phase two had been approved by the National Roads Authority in July 2010, Phase two would include the electrification of commuter lines between Hazelhatch and the proposed DART underground at Inchicore and the extension of the four track area from Cherry Orchard to Inchicore and it was reported that this phase was dependant on the commencement of the DART underground. Ms Dalton from Irish Rail said that another public consultation meeting was to be held in Celbridge on the 12 of July, and that the time and date would be advertised locally.
The report was noted.
CE04/06/2011
Capping on walls at bridge, Mill street, Maynooth
The following motion was considered in the name of Councillor McGinley:
That the capping on the walls at the bridge at Mill Street, Maynooth, be repaired.
The roads department reported that these walls were repaired in early May.
The report was noted.
CE05/06/2011
Flooding at Maynooth Town FC and M4
The following motion was considered in the name of Councillor McGinley:
That the council drainage pipe from Maynooth Town FC pitches at the Rathcoffey Road to the M4 be lowered and increased in size in order to stop flooding of the pitches and the M4.
The roads department reported that the previous report still applied in that this was a drainage problem associated with the soccer pitches which should have been dealt with when the soccer pitches were being developed. The cost involved with lowering a pipe and increasing it in size was significant and the motorway budget cannot be spent on this. The motorway only floods at this location when the soccer pitch floods and the piping along the motorway is unable to take the heavy rainfall. Also high costs would pertain here as Traffic Management on the M4 was very costly.
Councillor McGinley said that the pipe was actually laid by the council and he disagreed with the report regarding the cost and level of work involved to re-lay the pipe, he reported that approximately 3 metres of pipe was needed which would not require any interruption of traffic on the M4. Ms Kavanagh stated that traffic management would be required and would be costly. Councillor McGinley asked that the area engineer
re-investigate this as this problem needed to be rectified urgently.
Resolved: That the roads department re-investigate this matter with the intention of completing the required works.
CE06/06/2011
Re-alignment of approach road to Ardclough Village from Straffan
The following motion was considered in the name of Councillor O’Rourke:
That the council look at changing the road alignment (horizontal) and removing the sharp bend on the approach road to Ardclough village from Straffan.
The roads department reported that as land acquisition was required for this proposal and as no funding was currently available it was unlikely that any works would be undertaken at this location. However, the chief technician, roads design department would meet on site with Councillor O’Rourke to discuss this proposal. Councillor O’Rourke asked that the re-alignment of the footpath be done in conjunction with the road works as it would be cheaper and quicker to get the same contractor to do both. Councillor O’Rourke agreed to meet the chief technician to discuss this matter further.
The report was noted.
CE07/06/2011
Repair to road surface, Dara Cresent, Celbridge
The following motion was considered in the name of Councillor O’Rourke:
That the council carry out the required repairs to the road surface in Dara Cresent Estate, Celbridge.
The roads department reported that this cul-de-sac would cost in the region of €16,000 to repair and overlay with macadam. Unfortunately there was no funding available at present to carry out this work.
The report was noted.
CE08/06/2011
Progress on funding for extension to bus routes 66 and 67
The following motion was considered in the name of Councillor McGinley:
That a progress report be given on the expenditure of the €200,000 received from the National Transport Authority to cover the cost of extending the 66 and 67 bus service in Maynooth.
It was reported that the council was implementing works agreed with the National Transport Authority that would assist Dublin Bus to extend their services. These works included the replacement of the traffic ramps on Moyglare Road with bus-platform type ramps and the signalisation of the Meadowbrook Link Road/Straffan Road junction.
These measures could be implemented in parallel to confirmation from Dublin Bus of their intentions with regard to their plans for the route extensions. Full draw down of funding for the measures above were expected in 2011, as agreed with the funding agency. Councillor McGinley asked that the council proceed with this immediately as the secured funding would be lost if not used by the end of the year. An Cathaoirleach also reported a problem with the new bus stops at the university on the Kilcock Road, he said that they had been placed exactly opposite each other on a narrow part of the road, which was extremely hazardous for other road users.
Resolved: that the roads department contact Dublin Bus regarding commencing the works and the location of the new bus stops at the university on the Kilcock Road.
CE09/06/2011
Pedestrianisation of Fagans Lane, Maynooth
The following motion was considered in the name of Councillor McGinley:
That Fagans Lane be pedestrianised as part of the pay parking scheme for Maynooth in the interests of pedestrian safety and proper traffic control.
The roads department reported that this could be considered as part of the pay parking bye laws for Maynooth. An Cathaoirleach reported that cars often drive the wrong way up this street which was hazardous for pedestrians. Ms Kavanagh suggested that a Section 38 agreement may work well here and that the road departments could invite submissions from members of the public, An Catloairleach said that he would rather that Fagans Lane was dealt with under the pay parking bye-laws.
The report was noted.
CE10/06/2011
Discretionary funding for safety improvement at Colaiste Chiarán, Leixlip
The following motion was considered in the name of Councillor McGinley:
That the six Celbridge Area Councillors allocate €9,200 each from their discretionary grants in order to cover the €55,000 cost of the safety improvements required at Colaiste Chairain, Leixlip.
The roads department reported that this was a matter for the committee members. Councillors Byrne and Purcell agreed to donate €9,200 each and Councillor Larkin agreed to donate €25,000.00, An Cathaoirleach and Councillor O’Rourke reported that they had no discretionary funding left.
The report was noted.
CE11/06/2011
Removal of tree removal, The Croft, Celbridge
The following motion was considered in the name of Councillor Byrne:
That the council repair the footpath opposite house number (details supplied), The Croft, Celbridge, which has risen due to inappropriate planting.
It was reported that a very large tree needed to be removed here and the footpath repaired, however there was no funding available to commence these works.
The report was noted.
CE12/06/2011
Works at entrance of Crodaun Forest Park, Celbridge
The following motion was considered in the name of Councillor Byrne:
That the council do a survey of the following works at the entrance to Crodaun Forest Park, Celbridge - (i) potholes, (ii) deteriorating cobblestones, (iii) bollards required at both entrances exiting from the estate at the request of the residents association.
The roads department reported that unless specific funding was allocated to these repairs there wasn’t any point in carrying out a survey. If Councillor Byrne wished to allocate some discretionary funding towards this the area engineer could meet him on site and price the works. Councillor Byrne asked that the council carry out the survey and asked to meet a member of staff regarding this. Councillor McGinley reported that members of the public had received letters from council officials advising them to contact their local councillor and asking them to donate some of their discretionary funds for whatever works they want done, Councillor McGinley was unhappy about this practice and requested that it not be done and that the council should simply tell the public that there are no funds available, An Cathaoirleach and Councillor O’Rourke supported Councillor McGinleys claim, Councillor O’Rourke asked if these works could be done under the upgrade of the R405 or ask the NTA for funding as there is a school at this location.
Resolved: That the survey be carried out and a member of staff meets with Councillor Byrne to discuss this matter further and that the roads department refrain from referring members of the public to their local councillor. Councillor O’Rourke asked if these works could be done under the upgrade of the R405 or ask the NTA for funding as there is a school at this location.
CE13/06/2011
Provision of bollards, Grove estate, Celbridge
The following motion was considered in the name of Councillor Byrne:
That the council provide bollards at the entrance to the Grove Estate, Celbridge left hand side to prevent short cuts being taken by motorists in the interest of public safety.
It was reported that the area engineer could meet Councillor Byrne on site to identify the exact location for the bollards and then the work could be costed. Funding would need to be allocated.
The report was noted.
CE14/06/2011
Junction at Castlevillage/Maynooth Road
The following motion was considered in the name of Councillor Larkin:
That the transportation department inspect the junction close to Castlevillage/Maynooth Road, particularly the right turn, with a view to designing improvements; we consider how such an improvement can be funded.
The roads department reported that the chief technician, roads design department would meet on site with Councillor Larkin to discuss this proposal.
The report was noted.
CE15/06/2011
Resurface damaged road in Ryevale estate, Leixlip
The following motion was considered in the name of Councillor Neville:
That this council resurface the damaged sections of the road at the entrance into phase one in Ryevale Estate in Leixlip.
The roads department reported that there was no funding available in the current budget for these works.
The report was noted.
CE16/06/2011
Clean up, the Rye bridge, Leixlip village
The following motion was considered in the name of Councillor Neville:
That the council clean up the area around the Rye bridge in Leixlip village.
The roads department reported that this motion needed to be clarified. If it related to the wall near the entrance to Leixlip Castle the area office had been in contact with the contractors who carried out this work on the wall and repairs would be attended to as soon as possible. Councillor Neville said he would be happy to meet a member of staff on site to discuss this further, Councillor Larkin reported that a contractor had left the area in a bad condition which was the cause of some of the problem here and asked when exactly it would be completed, Councillor O’Rourke asked that in future that payment to contractors be withheld until works had been completed to the satisfaction of the local authority.
Resolved: That a member of staff meet with Councillor Neville to discuss this matter further and Councillor Larkin asked when the clean up would be done.
CE17/06/2011
Road safety at Glen Easton/Easton Road area
The following motion was considered in the name of Councillor Neville:
That the council review the dangerous junction and other traffic safety issues that
pertains to the Glen Easton/Easton Road area.
The chief technician, roads design department will meet on site with Councillor Neville to
discuss this proposal. Councillor Neville said he would be happy to meet with a staff member to discuss this matter further, Councillor Purcell also reported a problem when exiting Glen Easton shop and asked that the ramp be examined.
Resolved: Councillor Neville said he would be happy to meet with a staff member to discuss this matter further, Councillor Purcell also reported a problem when existing Glen Easton shop and asked that the ramp be examined.
CE18/06/2011
Removal of derelict Smart Telecom phone box
The following motion was considered in the name of Councillor McGinley:
Can the council take steps to have the ugly derelict Smart Telecom phone boxes in Maynooth either cleaned up or removed?
The roads department reported that the phone boxes did not belong to Kildare County Council that they had contacted the phone providers regarding the removal. Councillor McGinley asked that all the derelict boxes be removed, he reported that there was another derelict one at “The Roost”, and that this also be removed.
Resolved: That the council contact Smart Telecom instructing them to remove all derelict phone boxes in the area.
CE19/06/2011
Banning of HGV’S in Straffan Village
The following motion was considered in the name of Councillor McGinley:
What progress has been made on banning through traffic HGV's from Straffan?
Report: The roads department reported that the they had written formally to the Chief Superintendent in November 2010 seeking a written submission from the Gardai regarding the proposal to ban through HGV traffic from Straffan Village. The Gardai responded shortly after stating that they did not recommend the introduction of a HGV ban in Straffan Village and asking that a full traffic survey / HGV count be undertaken by the Council. The transportation department wrote to the Gardai in January 2011 and provided them with the information requested. As no further correspondence has been received to date a reminder letter had now been sent to the Chief Superintendent’s office. Councillor McGinley asked if a reminder letter could be sent regarding this item to the Chief Superintendent.
Resolved: Councillor McGinley asked if a reminder letter could be sent regarding this item to the Chief Superintendent.
CE20/06/2011
Extension of footpath in Ardclough
The following motion was considered in the name of Councillor O’Rourke:
Can the council put in place a footpath in Ardclough to link the existing footpath to the proposed new footpath for safe pedestrian access to the new school?
It was reported that as a land acquisition was required for this proposal and as no funding was currently available it was unlikely that any works would be undertaken at this location. However, the chief technician, roads design department would meet on site with Councillor O’Rourke to discuss this proposal. Councillor O’Rourke said he would meet with staff to discuss this as it was vital that the required infrastructure be put in place before the new school opened.
The report was noted.
CE21/06/2011
Ornamental lights for bridge in Celbridge
The following motion was considered in the name of Councillor O’Rourke:
Can the council do a joint venture with Celbridge Tidy Towns regarding installing ornamental lights on the bridge in accordance with the proposal submitted to the council?
The roads department reported that a member of staff of the public lighting unit had discussed this proposal with Councillor O' Rourke. The tidy towns committee wished to install public lighting on the bridge in Celbridge which they would pay for and maintain and requested a meeting on site with a member of staff of the public lighting unit and with a representative from Airtricity. It was confirmed to Councillor O' Rourke that such a meeting would be arranged.
The report was noted.
CE22/06/2011
Removal of stone, Bond Bridge
The following motion was considered in the name of Councillor McGinley:
What steps have been taken to recover the 100 or so decorative stones that were removed from the walls at Bond Bridge and when will they be replaced?
The roads department reported that these stones had been removed over a period of time. The area office did not have these stones. Councillor McGinley asked that the roads department contact the gardai regarding the removal of the stones.
Resolved: that the roads department contact the gardai regarding the removal of the stones.
CE23/06/2011
Extension of public car park, Maynooth
The following motion was considered in the name of Councillor McGinley:
What progress has been made on extending the public car park in Maynooth to enable pay parking to be introduced?
The roads department reported that discussions were ongoing with the private landowner. Councillor McGinley asked that this item be progressed as this item was holding up the pay parking bye-laws.
Resolved: That the roads department continue to pursue the landowner in order to move this matter forward.
CE24/06/2011
Footpath surface, Greens Cross and Barberstown roundabout, Straffan
The following motion was considered in the name of Councillor Byrne:
Can the council provide an approximate costing of a hard surface footpath between Greens Cross and Barberstown roundabout, Straffan?
The area engineer advised against this being done along a busy regional road.
The report was noted.
CE25/06/2011
Barrier for The Dale, St Wolstan’s Haven
The following motion was considered in the name of Councillor Larkin:
Can we either provide directly or grant assist the residents association of St Wolstan’s Haven, in order to provide a metal barrier at the end of the cul de sac in The Dale?
The roads department stated that as estate is not in charge of Kildare County Council that no funding could be made available or works be done.
The report was noted.
CE26/06/2011
Safety Measures at Scoil Ui Dhalaigh, Leixlip
The following motion was considered in the name of Councillor Neville:
Can we have an update as to plans for traffic safety measures to be put in place outside Scoil Ui Dhalaigh primary school and the three schools along the Green Lane?
A drawing prepared by the roads design department was presented to the committee at the meeting. However, any works to be undertaken would be subject to availability of funding. Councillor Neville suggested that the required works be done in conjunction with the works at Colaiste Chiarán as it would be cheaper in the long run.
Resolved: that the required works be done in conjunction with the works at Colaiste Chiarán as it would be cheaper in the long run.
CE27/06/2011
Litter bin, Silken Vale, Maynooth
The following motion was considered in the name of Councillor McGinley:
That a litter bin be installed at the entrance to Silken Vale estate on the Straffan Road, Maynooth, in order to capture some of the enormous amount of litter dumped in the vicinity.
The roads department reported that a bin would be installed here as soon as manpower was available. Councillor McGinley asked that the roads department write to the banks,
take- aways and bookmakers asking them to ensure that they clean outside their properties and empty the street side bins on Sundays.
Resolved: that the roads department write to the banks, take- aways and bookmakers asking them to ensure that they clean outside their properties and empty the street side bins on Sundays.
CE28/06/2011
Litter Management Pilot Scheme for Maynooth
The following motion was considered in the name of Councillor McGinley:
In relation to the Litter Management Pilot Scheme for Maynooth:
- How successful was the scheme?
- What feedback did the Council get from the businesses as a result of the letter that was issued to them in May 2010?
- How can Maynooth Tidy Towns help to develop the initiative in conjunction with the Maynooth Area Office?
Report: The environment reported on the background of a pilot scheme in Maynooth which was developed to work proactively with businesses to prevent, reduce and remove litter from the town. The outcome was successful according to the litter warden and as evidence of the success of the pilot scheme, the number of litter fines issued to business was reduced. The feedback from business owners was very positive. While Maynooth Tidy Towns continue to work very effectively in removing litter and undertaking other improvements, it was important that any items/locations that required council attention be reported by them immediately to the area office.
The report was noted.
CE29/06/2011
Problems with sewer in Leixlip
The following motion was considered in the name of Councillor O’Rourke:
Can the council carry out all works necessary to prevent the problems that occurred with the sewer in Leixlip on 22 May?
It was reported that the waste water area north section would enlist the help of a specialist contractor to clean out the sewer line in question. This followed the removal of a significant amount of debris from an unknown origin on May 22 from the 750mm diameter sewer. Further jetting work would not be easy, as the heavy flow in the line would have to be maintained. Councillor O’Rourke asked that this issue be resolved and that the water services department ensure that it would not occur again.
The report was noted.
CE30/06/2011
Odour on Main Street, Leixlip
The following motion was considered in the name of Councillor Larkin:
Can we have a update in regard to the ongoing odour problem at Main Street, Leixlip?
It was reported that in the past month, the sewerage operations section had de-sludged the vortex mixing stations on the Old Hill and had increased the dosing of the line with chemical to reduce the release of ammonia further down the sewer in the town centre. At the same time, Kildare County Council was working with the contractors on the final commissioning stages of the pump stations at Castlewarden, Kilcock and Maynooth to ensure that these lines were adequately dosed. This was still very much a work in progress and Kildare County Council would continue to monitor and adjust accordingly, to ensure that smells were kept to a minimum. Councillor Larkin asked that the council continue to monitor the situation particularly during the warm weather.
The report was noted.
CE31/06/2011
Water leaks in Celbridge Electoral area
The following motion was considered in the name of Councillor Larkin:
How many water leaks have been reported to water services department from within the Celbridge Electoral Area in the past year, what is the average time-frame for dealing with them?
The water services department reported that a number of leaks, in any given area, is a summation of:
a) reported by members of the public,
b) detected by our leak detection crews,
c) found by our waterworks operations staff,
d) and untraced.
Out of this, the number of reported leaks was negligible, and would be an unsuitable tool to use in terms of the efficiency of our leak repair record.
The waterworks section was, however, in the process of introducing a new database which would accurately record all leaks and trace their progress through to ultimate repair. It was hoped to have this new system up and running by the end of July. In parallel with this, Kildare County Council was hoping to deploy additional staff to the area of leak detection and repairs in the coming months.
With regards to the time-frame for repairs, it was very difficult to give an accurate answer to this, due to the complexity of some of the repairs. What could be advised, however, was that all reported leaks on public areas were dealt with as swiftly and efficiently as possible. Leaks in private estates or on private areas were not always so straightforward.
The report was noted.
CE32/06/2011
Leaking stop cocks, Castletown estate, Leixlip
The following motion was considered in the name of Councillor Larkin:
In Castletown Estate, Leixlip a number of leaking stop cocks have been replaced by the council and the replacements have been filled with tarmacadam as a temporary measure. Since this work, however, the replacements stop cock are sinking below
path surface causing safety hazards to pedestrians using the footpath. Can these affected areas be concreted over by the council as soon as possible.
It was reported that the waterworks crew were currently carrying out reinstatement works in the north of the county and would permanently reinstate the relevant stopcocks in Castletown Estate, Leixlip, as soon as possible.
The report was noted.
CE33/06/2011
Architectural Conservation Area, Celbridge
The following motion was considered in the name of Councillor O’Rourke:
That the council carry out an Architectural Conservation Area (A.C.A.) for Celbridge and it be prioritised in the work programme given the architectural and historical heritage of Celbridge and that during this process that Celbridge Action Alliance and other interested groups be engaged with during the different stages.
The planning department reported that it was an objective of the County Development Plan to carry out an ACA for Celbridge. However, there were other statutory requirements arising from the adoption of the Plan, which take precedence and which had been approved by the council as part of the forward planning work programme for 2011. This matter would be revisited in 2012. An Cathaoirleach said he was surprised with the report as he thought that this would be dealt with under the Local Area Plan and not under the County Development Plan, Councillor O’Rourke asked that the planning department engage with local groups during the early stages of the plan prior to public consultation. Councillor Larkin agreed with Councillor O’Rourke’s suggestion and added that it would be very helpful in the long run if the council consulted with the action groups.
Resolved: that the planning department liaise and consult with local groups and report why the A.C.A. could not be addressed under the Local Area Plan.
CE34/06/2011
Open space in The Walk, Moyglare Hall
The following motion was considered in the name of Councillor Larkin:
We seek an interim measures, such as soiling over and applying grass seed to the large open space area in Moyglare Hall, The Walk, where there is a large area, intended for an apartment block which has been left rough and is posing difficulties for young children and is unsightly.
The planning department reported that as Moyglare Hall has not been taken in charge by the County Council, responsibility for the completion of the estate and the management and maintenance of the public infrastructure in the estate was a matter for the developer. The area referred to was the proposed site of an apartment block and was not open space. Councillor McGinley reported that the site had been left vacant for the construction of retail units and doubted that the proposed shops would ever be built, he asked that the planning department write to the developer in question asking him to surface the area properly.
Resolved: That the planning department write to the developer of The Walk, Moyglare Hall and ask that they landscape the area in question to make it safe for local children to play on.
CE35/06/2011
Twinning between Maynooth and Canet-en-Roussillon
To consider twinning agreement between Maynooth and Canet-en-Roussillon.
It was reported that Canet en Roussillon, with a population of 13,000 and located near Perpignan in the south of France, wished to complete a twinning agreement with Maynooth.
In September 2008, Maynooth Community Council received an invitation from the community of Canet en Roussillon to explore the possibility of twinning the two communities. Maynooth Community Council established a twinning committee to respond positively to the invitation and develop practical ways to make the twinning agreement a reality. The three areas that the twinning would concentrate on were education, sport and tourism. Exchange visits between the two communities to set up parameters for the formal agreement have taken place together with a swimming club from NUIM and a mayoral delegation.
Plans were afoot to put in place a three year programme which would focus on development of joint ventures in the areas of education, sport and tourism. The population of Canet en Roussillon grows to over 100,000 during the summer season, while the population increase in Maynooth relates to significant numbers of students during the academic year. Both communities had strong historical themes, have easy access to airports and have sport, in particular rugby, as examples of how and why a twinning arrangement could benefit both communities.
It was commended the completion of a twinning agreement between Canet en Roussillon and Maynooth to the members and that the making of such an agreement be formally adopted by the full Council.
Councillor McGinley highly commended the community council on their efforts and proposed that this item be forwarded to full council for adoption, all members agreed.
Resolved: That a twinning agreement between Maynooth and Canet-en-Roussillon proceed to full council for consideration and adoption.
CE36/06/2011
Anti Social Behaviour Strategy in Celbridge electoral area
The following motion was considered in the name of Councillor Larkin:
That the tenant liaison officer provide a report to the Celbridge Area Committee on her work as it relates to the Anti Social Behaviour Strategy in our area; we particularly seek improvements that can be made and we learn from design issues that have produced problems in her experience.
The housing department reported that the tenant liaison officers work through the administrative officer to the senior executive officer, George Perry in the housing department. Reports to the area committees are through this forum. The Anti-Social Behaviour Strategy was adopted by Kildare County Council on 29/11/2010.
The Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government issued Policy documents some years back - ‘Building Homes – Sustaining Communities’ and ‘2007 Quality Housing for Sustainable Communities’. These documents identified specific design issues which caused difficulties in local authority estates in the 1970’s, and gave guidance on how to overcome them through design. At present, due to the economic downturn, there were no schemes in design and social housing was now being provided through a suite of options, eg, leasing, R.A.S etc. As identified in the strategy, tenant liaison officers worked closely with An Garda Siochana and this link was strengthened through the Joint Policing Committee. The members all agreed that anti social behaviour had an enormous impact on peoples lives and that the council needed to be tackling the problem and if need be evicting those causing the problems Councillor Larkin also asked that the council encourage adequate and sensible planning for any future housing developments. Mr McLoughlin reported that the matter of anti-social behaviour was a matter for the gardaí and that the housing department do tackle the problem under the Housing Act. It was suggested that this item be forwarded to the Housing SPC for further discussion.
Resolved: That the issue of anti-social behaviour in local authority housing be discussed at the next housing SPC.
CE37/06/2011
Survey of trees, St Patricks Park, Celbridge
The following motion was considered in the name of Councillor Byrne:
Can the council to carry out a survey of the trees in Old Saint Particks Park between houses 624-659 with a view to having them pruned?
It was reported that the trees at this location would be assessed. However any work required would have to be considered for next years pruning programme as the current years budget had been fully allocated.
The report was noted.
CE38/06/2011
Removal of benches, St Patricks Park, Celbridge
The following motion was considered in the name of Councillor Byrne:
Can the council remove two park benches opposite house (details supplied) in Saint Patricks Park, Celbridge which are in a dangerous condition.
The parks department reported that these benches would be listed for the parks works programme however the current years budget was fully allocated and the work would have to be delayed pending the completion of works already committed to ascertain if there was sufficient funding available to complete the work. Councillor Byrne disagreed with the report as he said no funding was required to remove the benches, he asked that they be removed as soon as possible.
Resolved: That the benches be removed.
CE39/06/2011
Letter to Minister of Justice
The following motion was considered in the name of Councillor Byrne:
Can the council contact the Minister for Justice and Garda Commissioner requesting that extra Gardai be stationed in the county and that Kildare be first in line to receive any new recruits in the future.
It was agreed that a letter would be sent asking for new garda recruitments.
The report was noted.
The meeting concluded.