KILDARE COUNTY COUNCIL
Draft Minutes of the Meeting of
Clane Area Committee
held on Tuesday 13th May 2003 at 2.00 p.m.
in the Council Chamber, St. Mary’s, Naas.
Members present: Councillors P. J. Sheridan (Cathaoirleach), M. Fitzpatrick,
T. McEvoy, and J. Reilly.
Also present: Mr. E. O’Sullivan, Head of Finance, Mr. A. C. Talbot, Meetings Administrator, Mr. K. Kelly, Senior Executive Officer, Mr. D. O’Connor, Senior Engineer, Mr. J. O’Neill, Area Engineer and other officials.
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CL1/503 – AMEY PRESENTATION
Mr. Ed Manning from AMEY presented a feasibility study for a customer contact centre in the east of the county. A discussion ensued on various issues of concern to the members and how the concept would affect and benefit the Clane area. The Cathaoirleach thanked Mr. Manning for his attendance and he withdrew from the meeting.
CL2/503 – LOCAL AREA PLAN - PROSPEROUS
The members welcomed Mr. E. Prenter and Ms. P. Goulding from Cunnane Statton Reynolds Ltd who made a presentation to the meeting on what they envisage are the key issues for the village of Prosperous and the different stages involved in the process. A discussion ensued on the following issues:
-the extent of the involvement of the planning section in the plan in conjunction with the consultants.
-How the new legislation makes it more flexible in terms of the consultation and whether clinics or public meetings should be held to consult more closely with the people of Prosperous.
The Cathaoirleach thanked the consultants for their attendance and they withdrew from the meeting.
Resolved: That the consultants should also meet and discuss the plan with the Rural Development Steering Committee.
CL3/503 PLANNING FILES
02/2472 Cluid Housing Association
Karen Kenny attended from the planning department to discuss the Councillors comments on this file. The Cathaoirleach advised that the residents in the area are strongly objecting to the use of a cul-de-sac at the Cloisters estate as an entrance by Cluid and he referred to the fact that such a practice was contravening the Clane Development Plan. Ms. Kenny advised there was a legal agreement between the previous owner of the Cloisters site and the developer of the Cloisters when he purchased the land.
Resolved: To look at the Clane Development Plan again and advise the members of the position at the next meeting.
CL4/503 COUNCILLORS QUESTIONS - Councillor P. J. Sheridan
What is the position regarding development at Killybegs Manor?
Mr. Talbot reported that a warning letter had issued to the developer on 8th May 2003. The letter required that the developer cease unauthorised development and reinstate the property in accordance with the planning permission 00/2311. Councillor Fitzpatrick stated that he was making representations on behalf of constituent.
Resolved: Members asked that the Council’s departments note the distinction between their personal views and representations which they might make on behalf of constituents. Copy of report on file to be circulated to the members.
CL5/503 COUNCILLOR QUESTIONS - Councillor M. Fitzpatrick
What is the position regarding accommodation for Scoil Choca Naofa in Kilcock?
Mr. K. Kelly from the planning department advised the members that the Council was being asked to intervene in obtaining land that is currently zoned amenity. He felt that the school should approach the landowner directly.
Resolved: That planning department circulate written report on this matter to the members.
CL6/503 COUNCILLORS QUESTIONS – Councillor M. Fitzpatrick
Update on development of the Square, Kilcock – provision of new permanent library and the demolition of the derelict buildings.
Councillor Fitzpatrick advised that this matter had been dealt with at the previous meeting.
CL7/503 ADJOURNED MOTION – Councillor Sheridan
“That a report be issued with regard to taking in charge of Courtown Park Estate, Kilcock.”
Mr. Talbot read a report from Ms. S. Cunningham, Planning & Public Safety, to the members advising that the developer of this estate Ideal Developments only recently submitted constructed drawings of the estate to enable the commencement of the taking in charge process and formally requested that the Council take this estate in charge. At present we are assessing these drawings and are now in a position to engage in the taking in charge process with this developer. Progress from this stage forward very much depends on the extent of remedial works required if any to complete the estate to a satisfactory standard and the co-operation of the developer in carrying out these works. A discussion also ensued on the following matters:
-Whether levies could be used to finish off estates
-What pressure can be put on developer to get a response from them
-Whether green areas were also part of the taking in charge process
Whether developers could be penalised under new legislation
Resolved: That report and letter be circulated to all the members.
CL8/503 MOTION – COUNCILLOR FITZPATRICK
“That this committee express its anxiety at the reluctance of the planning department to grant permission to qualifying applicants in the recent past, for the construction of 2-storey houses in rural Kildare, and the increasing tendency to request and impose sterilisation on a wider range of applicants for planning.”
Councillor Fitzpatrick felt that two storey dwellings give an extra attraction to rural areas and he felt that people who wish to build two storey dwellings in rural areas, especially on their own land should be given favourable consideration.
Mr. K. Kelly referred to two aspects of this motion:
(a)Two Storey Houses – In some cases, the two storey dwellings prove unsuitable and there is a need to constrain the type of houses to be built in order to minimise their effect on the environment, however, each case is assessed on its own merits. He said it was an issue that would be explored in more detail with the Rural Development Committee.
(b)Sterilisation- Prior to the 1999 plan, the Council’s position is that it is only requested if there are unusual circumstances. A discussion ensued on how sterilisation affects the granting of planning permission.
Mr. K. Kelly advised that the booklet on rural housing design will be before Rural Development Committee soon and also said that sterilisation is provided for in law and is not prohibited under the County Development Plan.
CL9/503 CONFIRMATION OF MINUTES
The minutes of the meeting of the Clane Area Committee held on 11th March 2003 and the adjourned meeting held on 24th March 2003 were confirmed and taken as read on the proposal of Councillor Fitzpatrick, seconded by the Cathaoirleach.
CL10/503 MATTERS ARISING
Meeting with Edenderry Area Committee (R402 Edenderry to Enfield Road)
Resolved: To write to Offaly County Council again to ascertain a definite date for a meeting as soon as possible.
Speed Limit Signs at Firmount Cross
Councillor McEvoy said that his motion on this matter was adopted at the last meeting and that it should stand. A report was circulated to the members from the roads design recommending that the motion be deferred and be dealt with at a single meeting which will address all the proposed speed limit revisions in the Clane Area and Mr. Talbot advised that a meeting will be held over the course of the summer which will look at design and implementation by the autumn. He said that there has already been initial consultation with the Gardai and that all speed limits will be revised at the same time.
Proposed Landfill Site in Drehid
The members rejected the report circulated to them as they felt it did not address the issues raised at the previous meeting and requested that the County Manager would set in place a public forum as there is confusion among the public as to Bord na Mona’s input, and how the environmental issues will be tackled by the Council. Mr. Talbot advised that as the Council did not own the property, it would be inappropriate to hold any such public meeting or forum as it would be interfering with the landowner. A discussion ensued on what the Council will be doing to address waste management issues that may arise as a result of the proposed landfill. Mr. Talbot advised that each household in the County was circulated with the annual report which detailed how the Council is addressing the waste management issue in the county and that information is also available on the Council’s website.
CL11/503 PUBLIC LIGHTING
The members were circulated with a revised list of additional public lighting for 2003 and a discussion ensued on its contents and the possibility of adding discretionary funds to enable works to be done.
Resolved: Ms. U. Murphy to contact ESB to look at problem with two lights outside Ballyteague GAA and report back to members at next meeting.
CL12/503 RECEIPT OF DEPUTATION – TRAFFIC CALMING MEASURES - PROSPEROUS ROAD
It was also agreed to take the following motion at this stage
COUNCILLOR T. MCEVOY
“That traffic calming measures in the form of a continuous double white line with “No Overtaking” signs be placed along the straight section of the Prosperous Road where the speed limit applies leading into Clane and where three schools are situated serving approximately 1500 pupils. That elevated speed ramps be considered in conjunction.”
The members welcomed a deputation from the Prosperous Road in Clane consisting of Ms. Kathleen Dorsch (Residents’ Representative), Mr. Frank McLoughlin (Clane GAA) and Ms. Deirdre Castello (Principal, Scoil Bhride) who circulated a submission to the meeting regarding safety measures urgently required for the Prosperous Road from the Clane Main Street junction to Hazelhall Nursing Home.
The deputation outlined their main concerns that they felt are presenting a danger to the health and safety of pupils and residents in the area as follows:
(a) Three major schools and a large GAA club - volume of traffic using the road, especially at 4 p.m. when school is finished
(c)Speed
(d)Inadequate Signage
(e)Need for School Warden outside school
(f)Lack of cycle lanes and footpaths
(g)Inadequate school bus bays
(h)Pedestrian crossing and traffic calming measures needed
(i)More defined road markings needed
Ms. Kathleen Dorsch also outlined the need for traffic calming measures and other safety issues relating to the various housing estates on the road. The members thanked the deputation for their attendance and they withdrew from the meeting. Ms. U. Murphy referred to her letter to Ms. Castello of 11th March 2003 and outlined what works would be done in the school area.
CL13/503 COUNCILLOR QUESTIONS – COUNCILLOR T. MCEVOY
“Can anything be done to remedy the condition of the road at Grangeclare, Kilmeague, (leading from the Allenwood Road back to the canal) where the health board bus/ambulance is now refusing to collect invalids.”
Th members were informed that a letter had been received from the South Western Area Health Board on 31st March advising that they are unaware of any situation where ambulance and transport service was refused for patients and clients who reside in the Grangeclare/Kilmeague area. A report from U. Murphy advised that the only road that is overdue a resurfacing is a short link road known as the Crosspatrick Road. At present it is patched. Unfortunately, it is not due to be resurfaced in the five year Roads Plan and only maintenance can be carried out.
CL14/503 COUNCILLORS QUESTIONS – COUNCILLOR T. MCEVOY
“What can be done to protect small children from speeding cards on the long straight road leading into Meadowcourt Estate in Clane. Would the Council favour “Children at Play” signs and possibly elevate speed ramps.”
The members were informed that with regard to elevated traffic calming ramps, the area is on the list of traffic calming requests for consideration next year.
CL15/503 COUNCILLORS QUESTIONS – COUNCILLOR P. J. SHERIDAN
“What is the position of a roundabout at the junction of Capdoo Inner Relief Road and the Celbridge/Dublin Road, Clane?
(It was also agreed to take the following motions at this stage)
Motion Councillor Stagg
“That the Council agree to provide a roundabout at the junction of the Capdoo Inner Relief Road with the Dublin Road, Clane, in the interests of traffic safety and traffic management and that this work be carried out notwithstanding the fact that it was not included in the original scheme for the Capdoo Inner Relief Road.”
Motion – Councillor McEvoy
“That a roundabout might be constructed by the Council at the junction of the Capdoo Inner Relief Road and the Celbridge Road at Clane in the interests of traffic safety and traffic management as this roundabout detail was omitted from the plans of the Capdoo Inner Relief Road.”
A report was read out to the members advising that a roundabout junction is not included in the Capdoo Inner Relief Road Scheme. However, pre-planning meetings are currently being held with the developer of lands opposite the junction on the Dublin Road and a roundabout is being considered to access these lands at this junction.
CL17/503 COUNCILLORS QUESTIONS – COUNCILLOR M. FITZPATRICK
“What is the current position on the improvements to the Skew Bridge at Allenwood and Hendy’s Bridge, Ballyteague?”
The members were advised that the roads design department has prepared a cost estimate for improvement works to Skew Bridge at Allenwood and will be seeking funding to complete these works from the DOE next year. They were further advised that the roads design department has no plans to prepare a scheme for Hendy’s Bridge, Ballyteague for the near future.
Resolved: It was proposed by Councillor Fitzpatrick and seconded by the Cathaoirleach that Hendy’s Bridge be brought up to the same standard of Skew Bridge.
CL18/503 COUNCILLORS QUESTIONS – COUNCILLOR M. FITZPATRICK
“What levies are available in Allen/Kilmeague area for road re-alignment at Allen Church and national school (urgently needed) and can the Area Committee have sight of the proposals?
Councillor Fitzpatrick said that an improvement scheme was needed and this was also supported by Councillor Reilly who also said that the sight lines at the parking facilities at Allen Cemetery were also poor.
Resolved: Local Improvement Scheme be provided at this location.
CL19/503 ADJOURNED MOTIONS – COUNCILLOR M. FITZPATRICK
“That public roads in the village of Coill Dubh be widened and parking bays provided at appropriate locations. A proposal for this work be presented to the March area meeting and the works undertaken over a period of the new few years.”
The members were informed that the roads design department does not recommend providing parking bays, as this would remove the traffic calming effect of cars parked on the side of the road. The members were circulated with a map showing the locations of proposed road widening along the roads in Coill Dubh. Currently, some of the roads are too narrow to accommodate a parked car and a passing car or lorry and as a result the grass verges are being driven on. The roads at these locations should be widened (by 0.75m) to facilitate passing vehicles. This would involve laying new kerbing, minor landscaping and new road construction.
Resolved: That the members find sufficient funds from their discretionary funds to carry out this work.
CL20/503 CURRENT MOTIONS
COUNCILLOR STAGG
(a)“That the following works be carried out at the junction of the Prosperous Road/Butterstream Road, Clane.
-Continuous white line along Prosperous Road section
-Stop lines as you exit from Butterstream Road
-Road Markings – differentiate traffic exiting from Butterstream Road and Continental Creations.
-Provision of proper signage – stop signs as you exit from Butterstream Road”
(b)“That a footpath be provided from the junction of the Prosperous Road/Butterstream Road, Clane, to Firmount Hill to link up with Sli na Slainte route which is designated for amenity walking and that the existing passage between the Prosperous Road and Butterstream Road shall remain inaccessible to vehicular traffic.”
(c)“That the Council agree to provide a roundabout at the junction of the Capdoo Inner Relief Road with the Dublin Road, Clane in the interests of traffic safety and traffic management and that this work be carried out notwithstanding the fact that it was not included in the original scheme for the Capdoo Inner Relief Road.”
COUNCILLOR J. MCGINLEY
(d)“That a traffic calming scheme be prepared and put in place to deal with speeding along the main road through Meadow Court and College Wood estates in Clane.”
(e)“That traffic calming be implemented in Mooretown Drive Estate, Rathcoffey”
(f)“That the drawings necessary to extinguish the right of way between Connaught Street and the GAA Club in Kilcock be prepared forthwith, to enable the Public Consultation process to commence.”
Resolved: It was agreed that the reports received in respect of the above motions from Councillor Stagg and McGinley listed above be sent out to the relevant members and the Committee.
CL21/503 MOTION – COUNCILLOR SHERIDAN
“Would the Council inform me of their proposal to the Dublin Transportation Office with regard to the Prosperous Road, and also what safety measures are being taken on this road”