KILDARE COUNTY COUNCIL
MINUTES OF THE KILDARE AREA COMMITTEE MEETING
HELD ON MONDAY 27TH MAY, 2002 IN COUNCIL CHAMBERS
ST. MARY’S, NAAS, CO. KILDARE
Members Present:Councillors S. O’Fearghail, J. O’Neill, F. Dukes, J. Keane,
F. O’Loughlin.
Also Present:Mr. P. Minnock, Director of Service, Mr. J. Lahart,
Director of Service, Mr. T. Skehan, Director of Service,
Mr. A. C. Talbot, Acting Secretary and other officials.
VOTE OF SYMPATHY
On the proposal of Councillor Dukes, the members passed a vote of sympathy with Peg Carroll and her daughter Cliona on the death of Mr.William Carroll, Director of Community & Enterprise.
KE1/0502
MINUTES
Resolved on the proposal of Councillor Keane seconded by Councillor O’Fearghail that the minutes of the Kildare area meeting of 8th April, 2002 be agreed and taken as read.
MATTERS ARISING FROM THE MINUTES
Penney’s Carpark
Councillor O’Neill stated that this is a public car park and should be open to the public. Mr. T. Skehan, Director of Service, undertook to check the conditions of the planning permission relating to this development and to report back to the members regarding same.
Traffic Count in Newbridge
Councillor O’Neill enquired when a traffic count from Digby Bridge to Roseberry, Newbridge would be carried out. Mr.C. Talbot, Acting Secretary, indicated that this would be carried out in conjunction with the Traffic Management Plan for Newbridge.
Councillor O’Loughlin expressed her disappointment at the proposed development for Cutlery Road being refused due to the fact that a traffic plan was not in place for Newbridge. Mr.Talbot indicated that the Planning Appeals Board were informed four weeks prior to the decision date that a traffic plan was being prepared and it that it was going to be approved. Mr. T. Skehan pointed out that there had been much liaison between the Council and the developers in relation to this application and that Kildare County Council supported this development in full. The council endeavoured to meet the requirements of the developer and the third parties and senior management facilitated this with a number of meetings.
Sewerage Scheme for Rickardstown, Roseberry, Cornelscourt, Hawkfield and Blackberry Lane
Mr. Talbot stated that planning for this scheme is considered premature until the Newbridge Development Plan is adopted. Councillor O’Neill expressed his dissatisfaction at this response and Councillor O’Fearghail asked that the draft development plan for Newbridge be put on public display in the local community.
Park Mhuire Flats
Mr. B. Swan, Senior Architect, stated that this development is now at the public consultation stage and that the consultant architects are currently assessing the submissions received. Councillor O’Neill proposed that as these flats are in a very bad state of repair and as some of the flats are now boarded up, that the remaining residents be relocated as soon as possible and subsequently, these vacated flats be boarded up also. Mr.B.Swan also recommended that the building line of the new development not be changed from what is proposed.
Derelict Buildings adjacent to Connolly Villas
Councillor Keane had made enquiries at the April meeting regarding this item and enquired regarding the current position. Mr. Talbot stated that this item has been referred to the housing department and a report will be available on this item at the next meeting.
MATTERS ARISING FROM THE PROGRESS REPORT
Planning Procedure
The committee members enquired as to why Kildare County Council are requesting planning applicants to contact the Sanitary Services, Roads and Fire Departments in relation to their applications and requested an explanation for the June meeting.
Surface Water Issue in Newbridge
Councillor O’Neill enquired when this report would be available to the members. Mr. Talbot replied that this is going to be a very extensive report and consultants will have to be employed. It was agreed by all members to leave this item on the agenda.
Shrine at Barrettstown
Councillor O’Neill asked that Kildare County Council contact the caretaker in the cemetery with a view to arranging a public meeting with local residents regarding this issue. Councillor O’Neill put forward a contact name and address for the Council to organise this.
Pallisade Fence
Councillor Keane disagreed with the report stating that this issue was a private matter. Councillor O’Fearghail asked if the pallisade fence that is currently located at Magee Barracks, Kildare town could be used at Curragh View if it is no longer required at Magee Barracks. Councillor Dukes pointed out that the relocation of this fence could be premature.
Closure of Rights of Way
Mr. Talbot pointed out that at the last meeting he had indicated that the contractor had been engaged to carry out this work which was untrue and apologised for misleading the members. The current position is as follows: that a draft recommendation had been prepared in the region of €37,000 and has now been approved by the County Manager. J & L Homes Ltd. are being engaged today.
Transfer of Lands to Round Towers Football Club
All members asked that this item be investigated to establish if an agreement had been previously reached between the Council and Round Towers Football Club regarding the transfer of land at this location.
Car Park for Kildare
Mr. Talbot indicated that this issue has been assigned to Mr. George Willoughby, Senior Executive Engineer, and that the Manager has requested that tenders be invited within the next two weeks.
Cemeteries
Newbridge Cemetery: Councillor O’Neill voiced his concern in relation to negotiations that are on-going with the adjacent landowner and requested a report for the July meeting. Mr. Maddock stated that in relation to the Caretaker’s house, a bill of quantities and drawings will be ready next week and will be sent out to tender for works to proceed on the house. The Manager has also agreed to the employment of a part-time caretaker for Newbridge cemetry and interviews are taking place in the coming week regarding this.
Monasterevin Cemetery: Mr. T. Maddock indicated that negotiations may be difficult regarding the purchase of adjacent land so in the interim, the Council are looking at using the wings of the cemetery.
Suncroft Cemetery:Mr. T. Maddock stated that the land has been purchased.
Nurney Cemetery: Mr. Maddock indicated that the survey at this location is not yet complete.
KE2/0502
DEPUTATIONS
The Roseberry/Tankardsgarden Residents Association, Newbridge, Co. Kildare
This deputation comprised of the following representatives: Ms. Mary Cosgrove, Mr. Vincent Brown, Mr. Paddy O’Grady and Mr. Eamon Brennan.
This deputation attended to discuss the following :
- County Council development at Rickardstown Roseberry
- Infrastructure / Roads in the above location.
- Bridges on the north side of Newbridge with regard to the above development
- Halting site at Tankardsgarden
- Speeding / Traffic Calming in the area
Councillor O’Fearghail proposed that Kildare County Council display the Urban Initiative Plan and arrange a public meeting and asked that the Council arrange such a meeting between the area committee, the deputation and the officials dealing with this development. Councillor O’Fearghail thanked the deputation for their attendance and stated that a written response will be forwarded to them in the coming weeks regarding the issues raised by them.
Deputation from the St. Jude’s Residents Association.
This deputation comprised of the following representatives: Ms. Marie Toft, Ms. Moira Barry and Ms. Kathleen Newman. The deputation attended to highlight their concerns in relation to the following issues:
- The requirement for traffic calming measures in the area
- Footpaths from house numbers 2304 – 2323 are in a very bad state of repair and remedial works are required urgently.
- Alleyways - what is the position regarding the closing off of same.
The members thanked the deputation for their attendance and stated that their concerns would be investigated further and a written response will be forwarded to them in the coming weeks.
KE3/0502
PROPOSED ARRANGEMENTS FOR RATHANGAN LIBRARY
Mr. P. Minnock, Director of Service, outlined the proposed development for the Rathangan branch library service. Councillor O’Loughlin expressed her thanks to everybody involved in this project.
KE4/0502
DEVELOPMENT PLANS FOR MILLTOWN AND ATHGARVAN
The request from the Kildare area committee regarding Athgarvan and Milltown Development Plans have been noted by the forward planning section in the planning department and it is hoped that a programme of work will be finalised in the next two weeks regarding various requests from area committees.
KE5/0502
EXTENSION OF THE SEWERAGE SYSTEM FROM THE RAILWAY BRIDGE AT NEWBRIDGE ALONG THE MILLTOWN ROAD
This item has been dealt with under matters arising from the minutes
KE6/0502
PARKING AND ASSOCIATED DIFFICULTIES FOR DISABLED PEOPLE IN MONASTEREVIN
A report from Mr. C. Flynn indicated that the non-national road design office have prepared a design to provide disabled parking in the square in Monasterevan in consultation with local representatives groups. Money has been made available for the work from the Dublin Transport Office grants and some final detailed design has been carried out. Works should commence within the next 8-10 weeks. All members of the committee asked that a copy of the plan for the square in Monasterevan be circulated to them.
KE7/0502
COUNCILLORS QUESTIONS
Councillor Dukes
a) What is the position regarding the Lynch travelling family regarding occupation of site at Magee Barracks, Kildare, occupation of the house allocated to them at Farrencooley, Kildare and the prospects of permanent accommodation for them?
A report from Mr. D. Brennan, Administrative Officer, stated that the Lynch’s are currently parked in the Clane/Kilcock area. They have left some of their belongings at the Magee site and have recently availed of laundry facilities there, in addition they have indicated to security at Magee Barracks that they will be returning in the near future.
In relation to the tenancy of the house in Farrencooley, the tenant surrendered the keys and at the moment, the council is attempting to ascertain if this is a final decision. A search for alternative accommodation for the Lynch family is still being actively persued and the Department of Defence have not given any formal response regarding the council’s request for an extension of time.
b) Report on the problems at 14 and 15 Farrencooley i.e.
- Water filled holes in the gardens of 14 and 15.
- Access to gas central heating switch outside the house.
When is the clean up and landscaping of the green open space area going to be done?
A report from Mr. D. Brennan indicated that the architects have reported in relation to the problems at 14 and 15 Farrencooley and the landscaping of the green open space. The builder has attempted to undertake the landscaping of the green area but due to poor ground conditions this has not been possible, as soon as weather conditions improve the landscaping will proceed. The housing engineer in the architects office is examining the situation relating to the back gardens of number 14 and 15. The question of unauthorised access to the gas central heating switch outside the houses is also being investigated.
c) When will remedial works at the Elms, Cutbush take place?
Mr. Talbot stated he was not in a position to say if the Elms is in the charge of the Council. It was agreed to leave this item on the agenda.
d) Progress on work to be carried out at Old Grange, Monasterevan following delegation to the area committee last year.
Mr. C. Flynn reported that the road at this location has been resurfaced. The provision of traffic calming measures was deemed unsuitable and that the stones that are currently on the roadside are required for drainage purposes but the loose stones on the road have been removed. In relation to the Ferns Bridge and associated footpath, the road design department has drawn up a plan and a suitable source of funding is being sought. The council will talk to the E.S.B. with regard to public lighting and will report back to the members as soon as possible.
e)What is the position regarding the erection of signs “Children at Play” approaching Drogheda Court from Monasterevan town, this has apparently been sought for 8 years.
Mr. Flynn stated that one sign has been erected and a second one will be erected in the near future but pointed out that the Council do not encourage children playing on the road.
Councillor O’Neill
a)Up to date report on sewerage scheme to the following areas: Rickardstown, Roseberry, Cornelscourt, Hawkfield and Blackberry Lane.
This item has already been dealt with under matters arising from the minutes.
b)A report regarding St. Conleth’s Cemetery extension and also the caretakers house and office.
This item has already been dealt with from matters arising from the progress report.
c)Lighting at the green area, Moorefield Park, Newbridge
A report from the area engineer indicated that ornate lighting at Moorefield, Newbridge would require three twin head columns and six single head columns. Excluding trenching, the cost would be in the region of €12,000 plus VAT. Councillor O’Neill proposed that these works be carried out under development funding and Councillor O’Fearghail seconded this proposal.
d)Bed and Breakfast signs in the Newbridge area.
These signs have been returned to the relevant owners.
e)Traffic management at the Tesco / McDonalds junction, Newbridge.
Ms. R. Lyons, Senior Engineer, Roads Design stated that the transportation department are examining the options available to them in relation to designing and financing the traffic management measures required to solve this problem. Councillor O’Fearghail requested this item be left on the agenda and details of levies for this location be available for the next meeting.
f)Up to date position regarding public lighting at the Lurg Lane, Athgarvan
The total number of lights required to illuminate this area is approximately 20 including poles. Last year five lights were erected, the total work was to be phased at a rate of 4-5 lights per year until work is completed. No work has been carried out this year and costs will be given at a later stage. Mr. Talbot indicated that works could proceed if money is made available.
g)Extension of footpath at the Oaks Estate, Newbridge
A report from Mr. G. Willoughby, Senior Executive Engineer, indicated that a land search is currently being carried out at this location and that it should be completed next week. Mr. Willoughby will then liase with Mr. C. Flynn, Area Engineer to plan the next course of action.
h)Protruding hedge on the Standhouse Road, Newbridge
Mr.Willoughby reported that he is meeting with the two property owners Mr. John Faulkner and Ms. Ann Gunne-Kelly next week to try and reach an agreement for land acquisition and accommodation works. Once an agreement has been finalised and a source of funding approved, the construction of a footpath at this corner can proceed.
CURRENT MOTIONS
KE8/0502 - Councillor Keane
“That a bridge on Kilburn Road at Mylerstown, Nurney adjacent to the Kinsella Residence be surveyed immediately as same in present state is not capable of accommodating the heavy vehicles using this stretch of road whichhas also subsided in places.”
The area engineer reported that he would examine this bridge for immediate signs of structural damage.
KE9/0502 - Coucillor Dardis
“That the matter of a link road from Great Connell, Business Park to the Naas/Newbridge dual carriageway (N7) be provided.”
As Councillor Dardis was not present it was agreed to leave this motion on the agenda for the next meeting.
KE10/0502 - Councillor Dardis
“That Kildare County Council need to provide traffic calming at the schools on the Bracknagh Road, Rathangan.”
As Councillor Dardis was not present it was agreed to leave this motion on the agenda for the next meeting.
KE11/0502 - Councillor Dardis
“That Kildare County Council provide speed ramps in St. Dominic’s Park, Newbridge, Co. Kildare.”
As Councillor Dardis was not present it was agreed to leave this motion on the agenda for the next meeting.
KE12/0502 - Councillor O’Neill
“That the standard of public lighting be improved at Little Connell, Newbridge and that we include two extra lights for the area.”
A report from the area engineer indicated that lights provided at this location are 55 watt FOX standard type of lighting for this semi-rural area. Two extra lights can be attached to the existing poles at €250.00 plus VAT each. The area would need up to six extra poles and lights and these approximately cost €890.00 plus VAT each.
KE13/0502 - Councillor Dukes
“That traffic calming measures be introduced at Sheane, Rathangan as the 40m.p.h. speed limit is being ignored.”
A report from Ms. R. Lyons, Senior Engineer, stated that a list of schemes proposed before the 8th February, 2002 are currently being examined for implementation under DOE Traffic Calming Grants 2002. This request has been added to the database of schemes and will be considered under DOE Traffic Calming Grants 2003.