Minutes of Special Meeting on Roads Programme 2003
of Athy Area Committee held on Monday, 7th April, 2003 at 2 p.m.
in the Municipal Offices, Rathstewart, Athy, as adopted.
Present: Cllr. Hendy, Chairperson, Cllr. Miley, Cllr. Wall
Des O’Connor, S.E., Dave O’Flaherty, Area Engineer,
Liam Dunne, Pat Cleary, Mary Quinn
Apologies: Cllr. Dalton
National Roads Grants
Des O’Connor stated that there was an overall increase in total road allocation of 47% but most of this increase was allocated to motorway development.
He stated that there is an allocation of £450,000 for National Secondary Roads – some of which will be used for installation of traffic lights at Kildare Junction.
Cllr. Miley looked for a retraction from local papers on comments regarding reduction of works to be carried out due to reduction in funding for current year. Cllr Miley felt that the headline did not reflect the true situation of works being carried out by Kildare County Council.
Cllr Miley stated that he disagreed with traffic lights at Kildare Junction because it could interfere with flow of traffic on Dublin Road and suggested a roundabout. Area Engineer informed the meeting that Athy Town Council had employed a team of consultants to access this situation. He explained that a roundabout was not pedestrian or cyclist friendly and that safety was paramount.
Area Engineer outlined the position as regards resurfacing on N78.Work has been carried out from Kilcullen to Kilmeade and he explained that this work would be carried on to Moate of Ardscull next. He would hope to have finished at Moate of Ardscull in time for Gordon Bennett Race. This would mean that the complete road from Kilcullen to Russelstown Cross would be resurfaced.
Cllr Miley congratulated Area Engineer on excellent work. Cllr Wall and Cllr Hendy agreed with this.
Footpaths
Cllr Hendy enquired regarding footpaths in Moone/Timolin area.
Restoration/Improvements
C.I.S. Schemes were discussed. Area Engineer talked about a scheme at Blackhall Lane which was carried out during last year and stated that it was a great success.
Area Engineer stated that there was a possibility of same scheme at Ballyhade, Castledermot and has invited residents to contact area office to discuss same.
Restoration Maintenance
Restoration Maintenance Grant has not changed since last year. Area Engineer explained that surface dressing was needed to hold roads together due to the huge increase in volume of traffic.
Specific Grants
Costs to date in respect of Ardreigh realignment are due to archaeological dig. This work is ongoing.
Area Engineer explained that Cloney and Kilkea were not included on the list 2003 under the Non National Road Grant Independent Scheme Allocation.
Cllr Miley talked about the possibility of weight restrictions on certain roads which was already discussed at last Council meeting.
Pat Cleary stated that there would be a complete review of speed limits within the county. He stated that there was specific guideline for 30 mph speed limits.
There was a discussion of speed of traffic on local roads.
Development Levies
Liam Dunne explained that a report was being compiled by Finance Department.
Area Engineer stated that he would investigate the situation with regard to levies that have been paid for works in Calverstown to see if they could be used for roadworks etc. being carried out in this area.
Area Engineer said money for signage would be used to upgrade signage on National roads.
Cllr. Miley stated that “barber shop” signs are very useful. Area Engineer stated that they cost €120 each.
Village Lighting
Area Engineer explained that it costs from €200 to €1,000 (when pole is required) per light erected and depending on network implications costs may increase further.
Roundabout on Tullow Road
Area Engineer has discussed this with J. Coppinger from N.R.A and a further meeting has been arranged.
Councillors’ Discretionary Grants
Councillors’ Discretionary Grants amount to €40,000 for each of the three Councillors in the area.
Ongoing discussion ensued with contribution from Cllr. Hendy, Cllr. Wall and
Cllr Miley.
Programme was agreed but Councillors’ Local Road Discretionary Fund and Traffic Calming Scheme have yet to be decided.