MINUTES OF KILDARE AREA MEETING HELD
ON 6TH MARCH, 2000 AT THE L.H.D. CENTRE, NEWBRIDGE
Councillors Present:Councillor S. O’Fearghail, Councillor Fionnuala Dukes,
Councillor John O’Neill and Councillor Fiona O’Loughlin
Apologies:Councillor John Dardis and Councillor Jim Keane.
Officials Present:Mr. T. Skehan, County Secretary, Mr. E. O’Sullivan, County Finance Officer,
Mr. C. O’Sullivan, S.E.E., Mr. P. Cleary, Ms. A. Reynolds, A.S.O.,
Mr. C. Flynn, Mr. B. Swan, S.E.A., Mr. D. O’Connor, S.E.E.
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KE1/300 RAILWAY STATION, KILDARE
Mr. N. McKenna, Iarnrod Eireann, attended the meeting to address issues of concern to the members of the committee. The issues in question were in relation to drainage and boundary treatment with regard to overlooking houses below the car park in Kildare Town. Councillor Dukes expressed her concern of the threat of travellers moving into the car park which she felt was vulnerable in its present layout. Mr. McKenna assured that committee that every measure will be taken to deter travellers from moving in. He also stated that the funding provided by the Dublin Transportation Office allocation was insufficient to carry out widening of roads and footpaths. Iarnrod Eireann’s Engineer is at present sourcing funding to finish this project to the highest possible standard which will include a combined effort to have privacy for residents. Mr. C. Flynn, Engineer stated that Iarnrod Eireann will need to put directional signage in place. Councillor O’Fearghail thanked Mr. McKenna for attending the meeting and congratulated Iarnrod Eireann on the two park and ride facilities in Newbridge and Kildare.
KE2/300 DEPUTATION OF NEWBRIDGE ROAD SAFETY COMMITTEE
Mr. Michael Reid attended the meeting to inform the members of work being carried out by his organisation in relation to road safety in Newbridge. He stated that his organisation is modelled on Dublin Road Safety Committee which works in partnership with Dublin Corporation and recommended that Kildare take a like minded approach. He assured the committee of their commitment to help the County Council in their endeavours to improve the safety situation on our roads for pedestrians, cyclists and motorists alike. Councillor O’Loughlin suggested that the best approach may be to firstly consult Droichead Nua Town Commissioners and perhaps attend their April meeting.
KE3/300 REVIEW OF SPEED LIMITS
A report was issued to the members regarding proposals to review speed limits in the Kildare Area. Mr. P. Cleary discussed the proposals and along with Sergeant Keevans addressed the questions and concerns of the members in relation to the reviews. A recommendation from Sergeant Keevans to clean signs in the area was welcomed and the members were assured that this would be carried out.
KE4/300 MINUTES
The minutes of the meeting of 28th January, 2000 were passed by the committee on the proposal of Councillor Dukes, seconded by Councillor O’Neill.
KE5/300 PROGRESS REPORT
(a)Thomas Street / Patrick Street
Councillor O’Neill stated that these streets should be re-opened and he wanted this issue resolved without delay. Mr. T. Skehan, County Secretary gave an undertaking that he would investigate this matter and issue a report to the members as soon as possible.
(b)Closure of Alleyways at Maryville
The committee were informed that closures will proceed and that three alleyways are due to close. Councillor O’Fearghail recommended that the residents of these areas be consulted and Councillor O’Neill stated that care needed to be taken with these matters.
(c)Soakpit at Maryville
Mr. C. Flynn informed the members that new soakpits will be constructed.
(d)Keadeen Park
The members were informed that road works cannot be carried out on this because the estate has not been taken in charge. The members recommended that the road be re-constructed as part of planning conditions granted to the developer.
(e)Travellers at Weighbridge
Ms. P. Hickey informed the members that the plan is not available at present. Councillor Dukes asked that some measures be taken to clean up the area as it is disgraceful at present. Mr. T. Skehan, County Secretary, assured the committee that every effort would be made to keep this area clean. Councillor O’Fearghail stated that firm, effective and fast action was needed to find a resolution to this matter.
(f)Roads for Discussion -
Knavinstown, Kildare
Mr. C. Flynn, Area Engineer stated that no grants are available for this road to be re-surfaced but routine repairs will be carried out.
Roads at side of Hillwood, Stramillon parallel to Heath/Mayfield By-Pass
A report was read to the members recommending that funding be sought from the N.R.A. to undertake works and upon receipt of funding approval this work could be carried out towards the end of the current year.
KE6/300 MATTERS ARISING FROM THE MINUTES
(a)Bridge at Rathangan
Mr. D. O’Connor stated that there is a possibility of getting a footbridge from Maynooth and another possibility was to obtain a bridge on a rental basis which is in operation at Kingswood on the Naas-Dublin road at present. He will report to the meeting when further information is available regarding this matter.
(b)Car Park at Kildare
Councillor O’Fearghail asked if the contract for this project is signed yet. Mr. B. Swan, S.E.A., stated that there was not a very positive reaction from the Nuns’ agent regarding the provision of land. He stated that a meeting will be set up between himself and the agent as soon as possible. In response to Councillor O’Fearghail’s enquiry Mr. T. Skehan stated that he will investigate whether the C.P.O. system could be used in this instance.
KE7/300 DEVELOPMENT LEVIES
Mr. E. O’Sullivan, County Finance Officer, read a report to the members indicating that a task force had been set up to deal with the collection of development contributions. He reassured members that reports will be issued to them as soon as possible. Councillor O’Fearghail thanked the County Finance Officer for his endeavours in this matter and wished him well with the project.
KE8/300 ENTRANCE TO TULLY CEMETERY
A report was circulated to the members regarding the entrance to Tully Cemetery . The members stated that they wished to study this report before commenting on this matter and that this issue should be listed on the agenda for next meeting.
KE9/300 ADDITIONAL PUBLIC LIGHTING LIST
The members expressed concerns at the way in which the current system for logging on lighting needed is being unfairly misused. The members felt that each Councillor should have equal opportunity to make representations on behalf of their constituents and have costings or orders placed. The members requested that the outstanding quotations be made available for the next meeting.
KE10/300 SMALL WATER SEWERAGE SCHEMES IN PLANNING IN THE AREA
A report from Ms. P. Hickey, A.O., was read to the Committee regarding small water sewerage schemes in planning in the area. The Schemes included Nurney, Blackmiller Hill, and Kildangan East. The members asked that a copy of this report be issued to them following the meeting.
KE11/300 CURRENT MOTION - COUNCILLOR O’FEARGHAIL
“That an engineers report on the need for traffic calming measures in Nurney, particularly in the vicinity of the National School, be presented.
Mr. C. Flynn, A.E. assured the members that he would contact the Gardai requesting that the speed limit restrictions in this area be enforced
KE12/200 CURRENT MOTION - COUNCILLOR O’NEILL
(a)“That footpaths between College Orchard and the College Gate, Newbridge be completed and re-surfaced as a matter of urgency.”
(b)“That flooding on the hard shoulder of the road between the roundabout at Buckleys Cross to Little Connell, Newbridge be eliminated. Also a report from John Gavigan should be sought regarding flooding at the houses in Little Connell (Approx. 26 houses).”
Mr. C. Flynn, A.E. stated that work on the footpaths in College Orchard and College Gate will be carried out as soon as possible. Work to solve the problem of flooding will be also be carried out and updated reports on this work will be issued to the members at the next meeting.
KE13/300 FUTURE MANAGEMENT OF THE CURRAGH OF KILDARE
It was agreed that a meeting of the Kildare Area Committee will be held on Monday 13th March, 2000 at 2.30p.m. prior to the Adjourned Kildare County Council Meeting on that day.
The meeting then concluded.
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Minutes of Kildare Area Meeting - 6th March, 2000
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