Minutes of Athy Area Committee Meeting Held on Monday 25Th March 2002 in the Offices Of

KILDARE COUNTY COUNCIL

MINUTES OF ATHY AREA COMMITTEE MEETING HELD ON MONDAY 25th MARCH 2002 IN THE OFFICES OF ST. MARY’S, NAAS

Present:Councillor R. Hendy, (Cathaoirleach)

Senator Jack Wall

Councillor M. Miley

Also Present:Mr. C Talbot (A/County Secretary)

Mr. D. O’Connor (Senior Engineer)

Mr. D. O’Flaherty (Area Engineer)

Mr. W. Carroll (Director of Services)

And other officials

AY1/302 CONFIRMATION OF MINUTES

The minutes of the monthly meeting held on 21st January 2002 were confirmed and taken as read on the proposal of the Chairman seconded by Senator Wall.

AY2/302 PROGRESS REPORT

Provision of lights at footpath at Timolin

The members felt that there was no progress being made on this matter and that there should be more consultation with the NRA and the members. D. O’Flaherty informed the members that low cost remedial measures were being carried out over the next few months.

Resolved:That members draw up a list of issues of concern and forward same to the NRA and that a appropriate personnel from the NRA office be invited to attend the next meeting to discuss the issues.

Speed Limit Signs at Ballyroe

Approval received from NRDO and documents have been referred to the Area Engineer. Signs will be erected as soon as possible.

Parking Problems at Kilrush

S. Byrne attended from the Planning Department and advised the members that illegal parking of trucks at this location was outside planning law and was in fact a roads issue as it is a traffic hazard on Council property. Councillor Miley expressed dissatisfaction with how this problem was being handled. Deputy Wall also referred to the danger of pylons on the site which were also creating a traffic hazard. D. O’Connor felt that we should proceed under the Roads Act 93 prohibiting parking on public highways and constituting a particular danger. He also felt that the co-operation of the Gardai is needed as there appears to be illegal parking there all of the time, not just transient parking .

Resolved:That follow up procedures under the Roads Act 1993 be undertaken and report further on progress at next meeting.

Gravel Pit opened by Mr. Hudziak in Graney Area

The members discussed what follow up action had been taken with the unauthorised pit and S. Byrne informed the members that an enforcement notice had been served.

Resolved:To approach Dr. Hudziak for a contribution from Mr. Hudziak. D. O’Flaherty to report on progress at next meeting. The question of unauthorised gravel pits be referred to the SPC for Environment and Planning and the SPC for Economic Development for consideration and W. Carroll to report on discussions at next meeting

Ballyroe Water Supply Scheme

The members considered a report from Mr. E. McGee, Executive Engineer advising the members of operations of the Ballyroe Water Supply Scheme.

Resolved:That this item be discussed further at next meeting and item to remain on agenda.

Proposed Development at Usk

The members reiterated that they felt that this was an unsuitable area for a landfill site. As well as being a serious health risk, it will devalue the houses in the area. M. Holligan reported that another company called Celtic Wate has also applied for planning permission for a landfill site. The consultants are currently finalising their report and it will be submitted to the full Council shortly. More detailed investigation is needed and this in turn was delaying procedures however this report will recommend one of the three sites shortlisted and the members will be informed in the next few weeks.

Resolved:That members be kept informed of progress.

Pedestrian Crossing – North Leinster Street

Mr. P. Cleary from the roads design section advised the members the traffic survey will be carried out as soon as additional manpower becomes available in roads design.

Road from Belan to Kilkea

D. O’Flaherty advised the members that this road is not listed in the current programme for improvements. However, it can be considered for inclusion in the next programme of works.

AY4/0102 CARPARKING – CASTLEDERMOT

The Chairman welcomed a deputation from Castledermot consisting of Fr. Cantwell, Mr. Brendan Dunne and Mr. John Dunne who are concerned about car parking on the church grounds at Castledermot. He said that as there was no car park in the town, members of the public were using the church grounds. This in turn was causing problems during weddings and funerals as people had to park out on the road thereby causing a traffic hazard. There was also a major problem with the VEC using the car park. They suggested the possibility of acquiring a yard right opposite the church being used as a car park, which would also facilitate tourists visiting the town for his historical attractions, especially during the summer. D. O’Flaherty advised that he some ideas on how to tackle this problem but that it would involve the VEC’s approval.

Fr. Cantwell also advised that the Office of Public Works were looking for additional information from the Council for a site for a new school at Castledermot regarding services and access to site. The deputation withdrew from the meeting.

Resolved:That a report be drawn up detailing services and access at the car park and that a meeting should be held with the Parish, the VEC and the members to consider the matter. It was also agreed to follow up on report for the Office of Public Works in regard to the school.

AY5/302 INNER RELIEF ROAD

Mr. W. Carroll advised the members that a copy of the official inception report is being circulated to the members. The members were anxious that they be consulted by the NRA in determining the best possible solution for Athy.

Resolved:To add matter to list of items to be discussed with the NRA and item to remain on agenda for next meeting.

Mr. W. Carroll circulated copies of the draft strategy document together with the action plan. He advised that the strategy was currently the subject of public consultation and invited the member’s observations and submissions by the end of January.

AY6302 RECEIPT OF DEPUTATION RE: SHEEP-KILLING

The Committee welcomed a deputation from sheep farmers in the south of the County consisting of Mr. John Deegan and Ms. Jenny Young. They are looking for the support of the Council in addressing the serious issue of dogs attacking sheep and referred to the following issues:

-The need for extra dog wardens

-Proper identification of dogs

-Possibility of attaching microchips to dogs

-Better public awareness campaign

The Chairman thanked the deputation for their attendance and said that their concerns will be addressed and they withdrew from the meeting. Mr. Mooney, Veterinary Inspector, said that microchipping proved to be very expensive. He felt that better education on the problem was needed and that it was a national issue.

Mr. F. Mitchell, Dog Warden, said that he was never advised of these sheep kills and that it order to address this problem, he should be contacted directly. It is also hoped to introduce more aggressive prosecution of fines.

AY7/302 CASTLEPARK HOUSING ESTATE

A report from housing section was circulated to the members detailing progress on the problems currently being experienced by the residents of Castlepark Estate and to assist the travelling family concerned in adapting to their new environment. A family support worker for the family will be in place before the end of March.

Resolved:Mr. Carroll to follow up on progress and report further at next meeting.

AY8/102 RAPID

Mr. Carroll introduced this item and advised the members that the Council is currently advertising a position for a Co-ordinator. An action plan to implement the programme will be produced before the autumn. The members welcomed and gave their support to the programme.

AY9/102 CURRENT MOTION – COUNCILLOR HENDY

“That the Timolin 30 m.p.h. speed limit on the Dunlavin Road be extended to past Dunne’s Haulage Park.”

The members were advised that a review of speed limits for the entire county has just been completed and this request was not received in time to be included in the review. It is not anticipated that any further review will not take place until early 2003.

AY11/102 ANY OTHER BUSINESS

Road from High Cross to Kilkea

The Chairman referred to the bad condition of this stretch of road and that it was causing a major traffic problem outside the business of Mr. Wynne. He proposed to hold a meeting with Mr. Wynne to discuss the problem.

Resolved:That a meeting be arranged with Mr. Wynne and the engineers concerned and report further at next meeting.

Road at Ardreigh

The members referred to a recent accident at this spot. The members were informed that Mr. Taaffe is going to undertake the work. Mr. Cleary said that a structural engineer did look at the wall and he deemed it to be dangerous.

ESB Pole – Emily Square

Deputy Wall enquired if the pole could be removed altogether as it is causing a traffic problem. D.O’Flaherty said that there would be a problem as the pole is the intersection of their network and would be interfering with the public lighting.

Resolved:D. O’Flaherty said that he would liaise with the ESB and report further at next meeting.

Traffic Calming

Deputy Wall requested a report on the traffic calming measures envisaged for Athy. D. O’ Flaherty said that in relation to the N78, there has been a traffic-calming scheme which has gone through the Part 10 process. The scheme for the Dublin Road was due to go to tender in April/May. In relation to the other roads in the area e.g. Fontstown, Ballyshannon, Moyle Abbey, there is an issue with availability of staff.

Resolved: To give up to date position at next meeting

Blackrath Road

D. O’Flaherty informed the members that work on tidying up the are was currently being undertaken.

The meeting concluded.