Minutes of the Meeting of Naas Area Committee Held on 20Th January, 2000 in the Committee

Minutes Of The Meeting Of Naas Area Committee Held On 20th January, 2000 In The Committee Room St. Mary’s, Naas.

Councillors Present:Councillor Anthony Lawlor, Councillor Timmy Conway, Councillor Billy Hillis, Councillor Mary Glennon and Councillor Sean Power

Also Present:Mr. W. Carroll, Director of Community Enterprise, Mr. E. O’Sullivan, Finance Officer, Mr. G. Duff, S.O. Planning, Mr. L. Dunne, A/S.S.O. Roads, Mr. P. Cleary, E.D.T., Mr. A. C. Talbot, Project Officer, Ms. C. O’Grady, A/ S.O., Sergeant Michael Keevans, Garda Siochana., Mr. D. Page, S.E.E., Mr. C. Nea, Assistant Engineer - Roads Design, Mr. D. Wyer, Graduate Intern and

Mr. D. O’Connor, S.E.E.

Apologies:Mr. N.Bradley, County Manager, Mr. R.T. O’Niadh, Assistant County Manager and Mr. T. Skehan, County Secretary.

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NS1/100 MINUTES

The following amendment to the minutes of the meeting of 18th November, 1999 was requested: Item NS2/1199 should read as follows:

N7 Interchange of Kill / Johnstown - N9 Realignment at Halverstown

Mr. C. Nea, Assistant Engineer - Roads Design Section presented a drawing of the N9 Re-alignment at Halverstown and explained what work was to be carried out, he circulated maps of the proposed re-alignment to the members.

The Minutes of the meeting of 18th November, 1999 were adopted after amendment on the proposal of Councillor T. Conway seconded by Councillor Lawlor.

NS2/100 MATTERS ARISING

(a)Development at Hibernian Meats Site at Sallins

Following discussion in relation to proposals for this site the area committee asked that a decision would not be made prior to their next meeting and that this item would be placed on the agenda for the next meeting. In response to a query from Councillor Conway as to whether the development would require material contravention Mr. A.C. Talbot, Project Officer, stated that given the information on file at present it would appear that a material contravention would not be required for a planning permission to be given.

(b)Traffic Calming

At the previous meeting of the area committee it was suggested that the £200,000 allocation in the estimates for the year 2000 should be divided equally among the six area committee the committee agreed that a recommendation should be put forward from the Naas Area Committee to this effect.

(c)Planning File - John Kinsella 98/1915

Mr. G. Duff, S.O. confirmed that this application was refused on 31st March, 1999. No appeal had been lodged with An Bord Pleannala, the reasons for refusal were outlined to the committee. Councillor Power made representations and asked if there was an amended application for permission to build a house and an offer to sterilise the remainder of the land, would it be reconsidered. He was advised that the applicant should make a case under the rural policy stating his proposals to overcome the reasons for the refusal in the first place.

(d)O’Dowd Family, Eadestown

Councillor Glennon raised this issue and the concern of the residents in the Eadestown area regarding a well that was sunk without permission and that the Eastern Health Board has said is not potable. She said that an enforcement notice was issued and this matter was referred to Brown and McCann. It was confirmed that this file has been the subject of a number of requests under the Freedom of Information Act and also information had been requested on foot of a complaint to the Ombudsman. As a result of continually having to send the files from Brown and McCann to the Council, Brown and McCann have not been able to proceed on foot of the enforcement notice. Following discussion it was agreed that a letter would issue to Mr. S. Couch to explain that Brown and McCann are dealing with the file and to ask that all correspondence would in future be directed to the Planning Section.

Mr. D. Page, S.E.E., confirmed that to supply Eadestown with mains water Kildare County Council would need a connection from the Dublin Corporation Culvert. Dublin Corporation are reluctant in the present climate to acede to any such request, this may change in the next twelve months. A group water scheme would be considered if an application was made.

(e)Development Levies

Mr. E. O’Sullivan, County Finance Officer, confirmed that a full-time team has been put in place to examine development levy files and reports will be made to the members as tranches of work are complete.

NS3/100 PRESENTATION ON LOCAL AGENDA 21

Mr. Dara Wyer, Environment Section, made a presentation indicating that there are seven projects being undertaken. The projects outlined are as follows:

1.Develop Local Agenda 21 Report.

2.Develop permanent nursery and tree planting programme.

3.Investigate feasibility of the development of sustainable housing and teleworking on a pilot basis in a suitable area.

4.Investigate potential sources of renewable energy within the county.

5.Investigate alternative use of scrapped cars .

6.Expand battery recycling project to include domestic as well as car batteries.

7.Work with two specified community groups to formulate and develop a number of key environmental improvements.

He confirmed that the first project is the biggest in terms of scope and time required would comprise of at least 50% of the year. The other six projects are intended to demonstrate the practical implementation of sustainable development on a local basis and will hopefully act as a pilot project for further environmental improvements in line with Local Agenda 21.

NS4/100 PRESENTATION BY MR. W. CARROLL

RE: COUNTY DEVELOPMENT BOARD

Mr. W. Carroll made a presentation on the work of the County Development Board and confirmed that there will be a round of information meetings for the public. The meetings in the Naas Area will be held on 31st January, 2000 and 4th February, 2000. He also confirmed to the members that there is a proposal that area committees will be expanded to include community groups. Councillor T. Conway asked when the S.P.C.’s will start and it was confirmed that a proposal would be put before Council on the 31st January, 2000 and it is envisaged that committees should be in place by March. Chairs of S.P.C.’s are also to be members of the County Development Board.

NS5/100 BORD NA MONA GAS FIRED POWER STATION

Mr. C. Talbot, Project Officer, read a letter to the members from Bord Na Mona who requested permission to make a presentation to the members in relation to their proposal for a gas fired power station. Following discussion it was agreed that the consortium should be invited to make a presentation at the next meeting of the area committee on 17th February, 2000 at 2.00 p.m.

NS6/100 ENVIRONMENTAL COMPETITIONS

School Debating Competition

Mr. A. C. Talbot informed the committee that the competition was highly successful in its first year and will continue in 1999/2000 and in view of the millennium would be called The Millennium Debating Competition for Secondary Schools in County Kildare.

Competition to Design a logo

Mr. A.C. Talbot informed the committee that this competition will be geared towards primary schools in the county.

Photographic Competition

Mr. A.C. Talbot informed the committee that this competition would focus on the environment in the wider context and would be open to schools in the county.

Transition Year Competition

Mr. A. C. Talbot indicated to the meeting that students had been asked to design a sign with an environmental theme / message which will capture the interest of people entering or leaving the county, for example that Kildare is a litter free / tidy county and it is our intention to keep it so.

The committee noted the details of these competitions.

NS7/100 COUNCILLORS QUERIES

Query 8 (a) and Motion 13

(a)That the footpath and wall surrounding Eadestown Church be repaired and

consideration be given to providing a car park at the Church.(Cllr. Power)

Mr. A.C. Talbot read a report confirming that footpath repairs will be carried out as soon as possible, he further confirmed that the wall is not the responsibility of Kildare County Council. There have been a number of requests for car parks within the county but at present there are no funds available for this type of work. Councillor Lawlor asked if the Council would investigate the possibility of allowing land owned by the Council near the cemetery in Eadestown to be used for parking at funerals. Councillor Power requested that a copy of this report be issued to him.

Query 8 (b)and Motion 14

If consideration could be give by Kildare County Council to meet with a delegation from Kilcullen Tidy Towns to discuss a partnership approach in relation to “The Anthony O’Neill Plan.”(Cllr. Power).“That the Anthony O’Neill Plan for Kilcullen be presented to the committee together with a report on its implementation.”(Councillor T. Conway)

Mr. A. C. Talbot read a report confirming that from a Roads Design prospective Anthony O’Neill was commissioned in the early 1990’s to prepare a streetscape plan for Kilcullen and it was envisaged at the time that funding would be provided under the aegis of by-pass towns. Funding provided would be used for the upgrading of footpaths within the village, any further works would require (a) a source of funding to be identified or (b) the works to be carried out as a condition of a grant of planning permission. Councillor Power confirmed that funds may be raised locally for the Council to carry out the work at the bridge. Roads Section confirmed that Mr. Shane O’Neill will attend the next meeting of the area committee to make a presentation on the plan. The members requested that copies of the plan be circulated to them in advance of the meeting.

Query (c)

If consideration could be given to Richie Mooney of Tipper East Naas to build a family cluster (six houses) at the above address (Councillor Power).

Councillor Power stated that this had been discussed at a previous meeting of the Naas Area Committee. Maps have already been forwarded to the Council, this matter is to be left on the agenda.

Query (d)

That consideration be given to carrying out road repairs to the Newtown Road starting at Cock Bridge.(Councillor Power)

It was confirmed that routine repairs will be carried out to potholes as soon as possible. It was further confirmed that in relation to Cock Bridge Duchas were written to and requested to bring the road up to a satisfactory standard and to cede ownership to Kildare County Council.

Query (e)

That planning permission on behalf of Pat & Regina Hayes (Planning Number 98/1728) be discussed (Councillor Power)

Councillor Power confirmed that Mr. & Mrs. Hayes wished to build at a high point on the site while planning department had sought movement of the building.

Query (f)

That the Council agree to hold a pre-planning discussion on the proposed development at Castlemartin, Kilcullen requested by D. Hughes and Associates Ltd.(Councillor Power)

It was confirmed that Mr. G. Duff, S.O. Planning Section will arrange an appointment.

Query (g)

What is the timescale for upgrading of the lights at Kill and Johnstown? (Councillor Lawlor)

It was confirmed that tenders have been received for upgrading of traffic lights at Kill and Johnstown, tenders are being assessed by consultants appointed by Kildare County Council. Approval from the National Roads Authority to the consultants recommendation will then be required. Work should commence within 4-6 weeks.

Query (h)

The junction at Fishery Lane (Naas) and the main Naas Road, has any progress been made on a previous query? (Councillor Lawlor)

It was confirmed that design work and possible engineering solutions for traffic movement at this location have not yet commenced as a source of funding needs to be identified, however, development levies for the proposed new developments in the area will be pursued. The members were unhappy with this report and asked that an urgent solution be found in relation to the difficulties at this junction.

Query (i)

The need for repairs on the Newtown Great Road (Councillor Lawlor)

It was confirmed that some temporary repairs were carried out before Christmas. Councillor Lawlor confirmed that further work was needed. Mr. D. O’Connor, S.E.E., undertook to have a look at this road and see if it was due for resurfacing.

Query (j)

What is being done with the subsistence of the Fishery Lane? (Councillor Lawlor)

It was confirmed that some repairs were carried out before Christmas. Councillor Lawlor stated that patching has gone above the level of the road and asked if the proposal for works on this road can be brought forward for early attention. Mr. D.O’Connor, S.E.E., confirmed that the Department of the Environment and Local Government might have difficulties with that as it was part of the five year programme.

Query (k)

Can the road at Newtown be included for resurfacing and restoration this year? (Councillor Lawlor)

It was confirmed that this work will be included for consideration for surface dressing in the year 2000.

Query (l)

What is the current status of the water station at Bullock Park and what remedies for the situation area proposed? (Councillor Lawlor)

Mr. D. Page, S.E.E., confirmed that this is a relatively small shallow borehole and has limited capacity, more regular cleaning of the borehole has been arranged. Another borehole site is being considered.

Query (m)

When will the cast iron bollards be installed in Sallins on the footpath beside Morrin Garages? (Councillor Lawlor)

It was confirmed that bollards will be installed within the next few weeks. Councillor Glennon also asked if bollards could be installed outside the school aswell.

NS8/100 ADJOURNED MOTION

Motion 9 Councillor Lawlor

“That traffic lights at Kill and Johnstown be upgraded”

This matter was dealt with under query 8 (g).

Motion 10 Councillor Stagg

“That the Council provide permanent pedestrian crossings at the following locations in Sallins;

(a)at a point between the railway and canal bridges.

(b)at a point between Castlesize and Hillview/Sallins Park.”

The members noted Councillor Stagg’s letter in relation to this item. It was agreed that it would be left on the agenda as an adjourned item.

NS9/100 CURRENT MOTIONS

Motion 11 - Councillor Power

Bishop Rogan Park, Kilcullen. That part of the green area in front of houses around number 41 be converted into car park space for the residents. There are five houses in the block.

It was confirmed that in relation to the area bounded by houses number 56 to 63, such a project would cost in excess of £10,000 for provision of car park, drainage, footpaths and diversion of services. Source of funding would need to be identified. Mr. D. O’Connor, S.E.E., confirmed that funds might be provided out of the community works budget.

Motion 12 - Councillor Power

“The provision of an extension to footpath coming from Arconagh, Naas.”

It was confirmed that Naas U.D.C. have started work on this

Motion 15 - Councillor Lawlor

“That this committee instruct the manager to commence immediately the upgrading of the Arthurstown Turfbog lane road.”

It was confirmed that the Roads Design Office has carried out a preliminary design of the scheme and estimated cost of completing the road is in the region of £1.57 million. The scheme cannot progress until a source of funding is identified. The County Secretary has written to South Dublin County Council who are the operators of the landfill site in relation to the matter. However, the Road Design Office are preparing land acquisition maps in the event that funding would be identified. Councillor Lawlor stated that Dublin County Council should do this work and comply with the planning permission and if not the dump should be closed.

Motion 16 - Councillor Glennon

“In recognising the urgent need for safety measures to protect the large number of people living on the Sallins Road that the Council responds as a matter of urgency to the request from Naas U.D.C. for traffic calming measures, improvements to foopaths and pedestrian traffic lights and what is the update on the lighting of the stretch of the Sallins Road from the park to the Monread Road junction to facilitate people walking to and from Sallins and to and from the Arrow.”

It was confirmed that there are no specific proposals for traffic calming at present. Funding is required to carry out such work. In relation to footpaths and pedestrian lights the proposals for upgrading existing traffic lights and road improvements at Hennessys Garage were prepared by Road Design Office, these details were presented to Naas U.D.C. to implement the requirements under Part X of the Local Government Planning and Development Act. Improvement of footpaths between Hennessys Garage and St. Joseph’s Road are included in the proposals, further improvements will require a source of funding. A quotation has been received from the E.S.B. and a source of funding is currently being sought. Councillor Glennon confirmed that there have been four accidents at this location in the two weeks before Christmas. People on the Sallins Road want traffic calming in preference to new widening works. Councillor T. Conway asked if levies in the area have been spent perhaps it would be possible for levies from pending applications could be spent on traffic calming. The members decided to invite representatives of Hollywood Park Residents Association and The Sallins Road Action Group to the next meeting. The deputation are to be requested to attend at 4.30 p.m.

Motion 17 - Councillor Glennon

“That this Council provide signage urgently needed at the Beggars End as there has been a series of accidents there since the upgrading of the stretch of road from Punchestown to the Blessington Road with the three other minor roads.”
It was confirmed that there is a sign needed coming from Punchestown to Beggars End and it will be erected as soon as possible. Councillor Glennon stated that a series of signs would be needed and Mr. D. O’Connor, S.E.E., confirmed that the Council will try to reinforce the sign.

Motion 18 - Councillor Glennon

“That this Council be aware that most of the traffic calming ramps have white lines to alert drivers at night but the ones in Caragh Village do not, and drivers who are not aware that traffic calming is in place do not have enough warning that the ramps are there.”
It was confirmed that there is signage in place in Caragh warning of the ramps however, it is accepted that more prominent signs in excess of the statutory obligatory ones would be desirable. Further signage will be erected in addition to the provision of improved public lighting.

NS10/100 ANY OTHER BUSINESS