KILDARE COUNTY COUNCIL

Minutes of the meeting of Athy Area Committee held on Monday, 19 November 2001 in the Municipal Offices, Rathstewart, Athy.

Present:Councillor R.Hendy, (Cathaoirleach)

Councillors: M. Miley & J. Wall

Also Present:A C Talbot (A/County Secretary) J. Lahart (Director of Services), P. Hickey (Senior Executive Officer), B. Fanning (Head of IT), D. O’Flaherty (Area Engineer), J. Doyle (Senior Staff Officer), M. Keenan (IT),

A. Cassidy, M. Callaghan

AY1/1911 COUNCILLORS REPRESENTATIONS

Messrs. Pat Reidy and Neil Mooney attended on behalf of Infoscience Ltd. They described a new computerised system to improve efficiency in dealing with Councillors’ representations.

A short discussion ensued on the merits of the system and the changes envisaged i.e. computer training and security issues in regard to confidential or specific correspondence.

The Chairman thanked Messrs. Reidy and Mooney for their attendance.

AY2/1911 VOLUNTARY HOUSING AT CASTLEDERMOT

Mr. Nick Sharwood attended on behalf of Cluid Voluntary Housing Organisation. He outlined details of a proposed project for voluntary, social and affordable housing with possible community facilities in Castledermot.

He advised that Cluid had been approached by one particular developer who was interested in developing the site. Members expressed support for the development. A discussion ensued concerning criteria for assessing who would qualify for the affordable units and it was agreed that a copy of the affordable housing scheme be circulated to the

members for their information.

AY3/1911 INFORMATION SYSTEMS

(a) Planning Enquiry System

Ms. Keenan introduced a new enquiry system which will be linked to the internet and will enable members to check planning information from home and register for automatic delivery of planning lists. Members welcomed the new system but a reservation was expressed that it could facilitate frivolous planning objections. The Acting County Secretary advised that it addressed calls for more open and transparent government. The committee agreed to refer this item for discussion at the full Council meeting when the rest of the areas had seen the presentation.

(b) New Kildare Community Network Design

Mr. K. Kelly introduced this item on an improved website under the headings of Community, Tourism, Heritage, Education, Business and Arts. He stated that KCN was investigating a content management system which would enable organisations in the county to generate and maintain their own content. Literature was also circulated to the members describing the background and aims of Kildare Community Networks.

AY9/1101

MULTI ANNUAL ROAD WORKS PROGRAMME 2002-2005

Mr. O'Flaherty (Area Engineer) presented the National Roads Restoration to members.

Resolved, on the proposal of Councillor Hendy and seconded by Councillor Wall that road improvements for Broomfield be carried out in 2002 instead of 2003 and for Burtown in 2003 instead of 2002, and that the programme be otherwise agreed.

The Committee deferred consideration of business remaining on the agenda, and the meeting concluded.