KILDARE COUNTY COUNCIL

Minutes of the Meeting of Clane Area Committee

held on Thursday 11th September 2003 at 2.30 p.m.

in the Council Chamber, St. Mary’s, Naas as adopted.

Members present: Councillors J. Reilly (Cathaoirleach), M. Fitzpatrick,

T. McEvoy, and P.J. Sheridan

Also present: L. Dunne, Secretary, Ms. C. O’Grady, Meetings Administrator, Mr. Joe Boland, DOS, Transportation & Environment, Mr. Tommy Maddock, SEO, Environment Section, Mr. Jonathan Deane, Area Engineer, and other officials.

Closed Session

CL1/903 - PLANNING FILES
1)  Planning permission 03/1319 – Niall Flanagan, Kilmurray, Enfield. (Councillor Sheridan).

Councillor Sheridan, who asked for the item to be listed, and other councillors made observations on this refused application which they requested be brought to the attention of the appropriate officials.

2)  Update on Development Plan objective of developing a settlement at Moyvalley (Councillor Reilly).

The members had before them a report from Sinead Mullen, Acting Senior Executive Planner. Councillor Reilly, who had requested that this item be listed, and other Councillors made observations which they asked to be brought to the attention of the appropriate officials.

Public Session

CL2/903 – ADOPTION OF MINUTES

The minutes of the special meetings held to discuss Roads Matters of the 24th March (as amended) and 9th April 2003, together with the Area Committee Meetings of the 8th July 2003, were adopted on the proposal of Councillor McEvoy, seconded by Councillor Sheridan.

In respect of the meeting of 24th March Councillor McEvoy asked that comments he had made concerning deferring making a decision on putting cul-de-sacs on the Capdoo Road for twelve months, which were not recorded, be added to the minutes, and this was agreed unanimously.

CL3/903 – PROGRESS REPORT & MATTERS ARISING

Proposed residual landfill site at Drehid.

Councillor Reilly asked that new dates for public information meetings concerning this matter be set as soon as possible. He felt it important that the Councils position be made public as rumours were in circulation without rebuttal. He also asked that the community centre in Derrinturn be considered as the location for a meeting. Mr. Tommy Maddock, Senior Executive Officer, said that the previously arranged meetings had to be called off at the last minute and he could not give definite replacement dates as yet. He will keep the members informed.

In reply to a query from Councillor McEvoy, as to whether the meetings formed part of the Environmental Impact Statement process, Mr. Maddock confirmed that they were purely informational and not statutory.

Transportation and Environment Directorate.

CL4/903– REVIEW OF SPEED LIMIT BYE - LAWS

Mr. Pat Cleary, Executive Technician, Roads Design, informed the members that documentation from the Dept. of the Environment, Heritage & Local Government was expected soon on proposals to metricate speed limits and perhaps change some categories. Rather than deal with proposals presently before council, and then probably have to amend some again to tie in with the new scheme, he wishes to defer consideration of all matters until the new draft regulations are published. On being reassured that the new regulations are imminent the members resolved to defer this item to the November meeting.

CL5/903 – CAPDOO ROAD, CLANE.

TAKING IN CHARGE OF SECTION OF ROAD.

The members had before them a report from Mr. George Willoughby, Senior Executive Engineer, Roads Construction, informing them that the developer had completed a section of roadway which would form part of the inner relief road here, and now wishes it to be taken in charge by the County Council. Mr. Willoughby is agreeable to the proposal.

It is resolved on the proposal of Councillor Sheridan, seconded by Councillor McEvoy, that the Council proceed to the next stage of the process.

CL6/903 – DEPUTATION FROM CARBURY ATHLETIC CLUB

The deputation consisted of Mary Ryan Chambers, who spoke on their behalf, Nora Walsh and Anne Dempsey. The delegation reminded the Councillors that they had met them in March last to outline the need for some land to develop their club facilities. They were told then that, if they could identify land available in the area at a reasonable price, the County Council would assist them. Nothing seems to have happened in the interim to advance their ambitions, and while they appreciate the difficulties getting land at a suitable price in the area they were disappointed at the lack of progress.

Ms. Ryan Chambers said that it had been indicated to them that there was a person interested in building a nursing home in the area and that, in exchange for planning permission they would donate some land surplus to their requirements to the Council for community purposes. She asked that the councillors support the Athletic Club’s desire to get use of at least some of this land. All councillors said that they were unaware of this particular proposal and that any land transfer such as they have outlined would be to the Council, and while they would support the Athletic Club in obtaining use of the land, they could not guarantee it.

It was resolved that the councillors support the athletic clubs wish to obtain land in order to develop facilities within the community and this be brought to the attention of the appropriate officials.

CL7/903 – QUESTIONS

COUNCILLOR FITZPATICK

When will Council provide approximately 9 lights at Lowtown, Robertstown from Development Levies and could the entire Village of Robertstown be surveyed to identify how best public lighting in the village can be improved.

The area engineer told the meeting that he had identified development levies which would allow him to do this work. He was looking at suitable locations for the lights prior to contacting ESB. Councillor Fitzpatrick said that this appeared to refer to works near new housing developments only, but he felt that there was a need for a number of extra lights on the road towards Lowtown. An elderly woman promised a light outside her house a few years ago, is still waiting. Mr. Deane said that he would try to source funding to get these other lights erected also.

COUNCILLOR McEVOY

What is the current position with regard to the agreed traffic calming provisions to be installed at Scoil Dara and Scoil Coca, Kilcock?

Una Murphy, Road Safety Officer, told the meeting that in conjunction with the schools, who were partly funding the project, it was hoped to have this work carried out in the next few weeks. Councillor McEvoy, and the other councillors expressed satisfaction with this news.

COUNCILLOR McEVOY


What is the position with regard to the agreed positioning of a stop sign at the continuous white line where the Ballinagappa Road meets the junction of the Main Street in Clane with the Kilcock and Dublin Roads?

The area engineer outlined the works needed here – installing a traffic island so that a stop sign could be erected in a visible position and putting down road markings. He clarified some minor details for Councillor McEvoy who expressed satisfaction with the proposed work.

COUNCILLOR McEVOY

What proposals are being considered out of the recent case made to the committee for improved safety and traffic calming provisions at the location of the three schools on the Prosperous Road out of Clane, extending from the junction with the Main Street out to Butterstream.

The area engineer informed the meeting that funding had been obtained from the DTO to carry out work here. In order to qualify for funding, it had to be above certain cost limits and so must be a substantial job. It was intended to carry out the work during the October school break. Councillor McEvoy said he was satisfied with the work outlined would alleviate the problems.

Councillor Sheridan asked that an apology which he had conveyed to the previous meeting concerning remarks made by a member of a delegation about the road safety officer, and which was not recorded in the minutes, be now noted and this was agreed.

CL8/903 - CURRENT MOTIONS

COUNCILLOR McGINLEY

“That parking bye-laws and a traffic management scheme be prepared for Clane Village.”

The members had before them a report from Mr. Joe Boland, Director of Services, Transportation, in which he said that theses matters could be best considered when the inner relief roads schemes had been finalised. The members noted the report and asked that a copy be forwarded to Councillor McGinley.

COUNCILLOR McEVOY

“That this committee would pass a motion requesting that funding be provided in the budget for the safe reconstruction of the footpath from the KARE centre in Clane to Manzor’s corner.”

The Area Engineer gave verbal report. He told the meeting that the Council intends entering discussions on acquiring a strip of land at Manzors Pub to carry out this work. Providing these discussions go well, he hopes to carry out the work inn the near future and hopes to obtain some funding from the DTO.

COUNCILLOR McEVOY

“That this committee would pass a motion requesting that funding be provided in the budget for the provision of bus pull-ins on both sides of the Dublin Road in Clane.”

The Area Engineer told the meeting that this was a project submitted to the DTO for funding which was unsuccessful. Recently they had contacted the council agreeing to partial funding here and also for some works at Skew Bridge, Allenwood. In order to carry out the work it would be necessary to purchase some land and Councillor Sheridan indicated that he believed that the owner would be agreeable. Mr. Deane undertook to come back to the committee when he has found out how much money is available to him and so was in a position to make more detailed plans.

HOUSING & WATER SERVICES DIRECTORATE.

CL9/903 – COUNCILLOR’S QUESTIONS.

COUNCILLOR SHERIDAN

Re: Wall at Liffey Lawns, Clane.

Why did the Council not raise the wall at Otomy Drive, Clane in order to secure their property?

The members had before them a report from Brian Swan, Senior Architect, in which he said that the wall in question was not part of the site for the recently completed phase of development. It forms part of the next phase and can be dealt with then. There are also issues involving other boundary walls, and he suggested a meeting be arranged through housing section in which architectural services could attend. Councillor Sheridan said that there were elderly people living in these houses who did not know the procedure in objecting to proposed developments and so had lost out.

It was resolved that the suggested meeting to discuss the outstanding issues be arranged.

CL10/903 CURRENT MOTIONS.

COUNCILLOR FITZPATRICK.

“That council “well field lands” in Robertstown be developed for sport and recreation either by council or transferred to local sports clubs. (It is my opinion that this is possible subject to facilities being connected to the mains sewerage in the village.)”

The members had before them a report from water services, detailing the proposed development here together with map showing the various exclusion zones in the area around the proposed water extraction points. Councillor Fitzpatrick said the restrictions on building in the area made this an ideal location for sports facilities, which by their nature did not cause pollution to the ground water. The lands in question were acquired for comparatively little by Kildare County Council on the liquidation of Robertstown Muinte Na Tíre, and there were local clubs willing to develop the sites.

It was resolved to request that leisure services examine the possibility of these lands being made available for such activities.

COMMUNITY & ENTERPRISE DIRECTORATE.

CL11/903 – COUNCILLORS QUESTIONS

COUNCILLOR FITZPATRICK

Blackwood Feeder Canal from Ballinagagh Lake to Robertstown is in Council ownership. Is there any reason why it could not be re-opened as a supply canal and its banks developed as a walking route?

The members had before them a report from Eileen Quinlivan, Community & Enterprise Development Officer, in which she said that they, in association with KELT, proposed to undertake a study of developing a walking route here. Any obstacles to the development would be identified by this study. However, the cost of re-opening it as a feeder canal is considered prohibitive and so does not form part of the study.

Councillor Fitzpatrick enquired if ownership of parts of the route may have ceded to adjoining landowners by default, and it was agreed to investigate this.

COUNCILLOR FITZPATRICK


When will Council undertake some cleaning works on the White-eyed River from Ballybrack, Carbury to Allenwood South? (If it deteriorates any further it will cause flooding and damage to property.)

The area engineer told the meeting that he had reached agreement with the Office of Public Works for the use of some of their equipment during October, in order to carry out this work. Councillor Fitzpatrick expressed satisfaction with this news and said he looked forward to the completion of this much-needed work.

CL12/903 - MOTIONS

COUNCILLOR FITZPATRICK


“That this Council urges Waterways Ireland to provide marinas at Lowtown and Robertstown and other areas along the canal to accommodate increased waterway activities particularly boating traffic. Improved facilities along the canals will encourage boat owners and boat hirers to stay longer in the county.”

The members had before them a report from Gerry Halton, Senior Executive Officer, Economic Development, in which he said that he would contact Waterways Ireland on the subject, and inform them with of their reply.

Councillor Fitzpatrick said that Waterways Ireland seemed to be discouraging people from tying-up for a few days and exploring the surrounding area. He on the other hand feels that this type of activity should be encouraged and so he favours the development of marina type facilities. He looks forward to seeing Waterways Ireland’s proposals.

COUNCILLOR FITZPATRICK

“That this Area Committee and Kildare County Council support my efforts to have the property in Robertstown, owned by East Coast and Midlands Tourism Organisation transferred to the Robertstown Development Association. Alternatively the property should be disposed of to the satisfaction of the association now and not go to public auction because of its history of community ownership and involvement.”
Members had before them a report from Annmarie Conneely, Community & Enterprise Development Officer, stating that there are on-going discussions with various agencies to resolve this problem. She will keep the committee updated on the negotiations.