Minutes of the Kildare Area Meeting Held on Friday the 26Th of October 2001 in the Committee

Minutes of the Kildare Area Meeting Held on Friday the 26th of October 2001 in the Committee Room St.Mary's Naas.

Present:Senator O' Fearghail, Councillor John O'Neill , Councillor Fionnuala Dukes and Councillor Jim Keane

Apologies Councillor Fiona O’Loughlin and Senator John Dardis

Officials Present: John Murphy SE, Des O' Connor SE, Annette Aspell AO, Christine O'Grady AO, Pat Cleary SET, Ann-Marie Conneeley Community & Enterprise Officer, A.C. Talbot County Secretary, Gerry Halton SEO, Eamonn O' Sullivan Head of Finance, Tommy Skehan Director of Service, Brian Swan Senior Architect and

Bonar Leisure Officer

Minutes

KE1/1001

The minutes of the meeting of 27th of July 2001 were proposed by Councillor Keane seconded by Councillor Dukes and agreed by the members.

Matters arising from Minutes

KE2/1001

Taxi Meter Area

The members were advised that Declan Kirrane Naas U.D.C. had been invited to today's meeting but was unable to attend. It was agreed to invite him to the next meeting to discuss how the taxi meter area was established in Naas.

Newbridge Tidy Towns

The members raised the issue of a response to the deputation and it was agreed that a comprehensive reply to issues which were raised by them at the July meeting would be issued immediately.

Group Sewerage Scheme

A report was circulated on this matter and it was agreed that this item will be left on the agenda and that the relevant engineer will be requested to attend the next meeting to discuss the report.

Langton Park/Rathcurragh Boundary Wall

Work is required to repair the boundary wall and the footpath between these two estates. It was agreed that the developer of Rathcurragh estate be contacted and required to carry out these works.

Repairs in Moore Park and Moorefield Park

Repairs to the potholes in Moorefield Park and the lights in Moore Park were requested by Councillor O’Neill. An update on the proposals for the pruning of trees and removal of the tree-stump in Moore Park was also requested.

Surface Water Issues in Maryville Kildare

It was agreed that this item be listed on the agenda for the next meeting and that a full report be prepared for the members.

Suncroft/Cutbust/Brownstown Sewerage Scheme

The members requested an update on the current status of this project.

Footpath at the Nursing Home in Suncroft

The members requested an up to date report on the work that is due to be carried out here.

Signage at Brownstown Cross/Cutbush

An update was requested in relation to proposals for the directional signs in this area.

Closure of Rights of Way At Suncroft and St Evins Park, Monasteriven

Brian Swan, Senior Architect confirmed that tenders for this work had been sought. One application was made and it has been recommended to proceed with this tender as soon as possible.

Temporary round-about at Athgarven Road, Newbridge

Councilor O'Neill raised this issue and asked that the roads design section reconsider their decision in relation to this matter and install a temporary roundabout at this location. This was supported by the members of the area committee.

Planning Files

KE3/1001

01/1064 Ballyfarm Ltd., Connell Business Park.

It was confirmed that further information had been requested in relation to this application.

01/1407 Dillmar.

Councilor Keane made representations in relation to this application, which had been refused. Annette Aspell, AO agreed that if the applicant can overcome the issue's raised in the refusal, a meeting can been arranged with the applicant. The members recommended a meeting between the applicant and a person from the planning section before the next meeting of the area committee.

01/999 Veronica O'Connell, Rathernan, Russelstown.

It was confirmed that this application had been refused. Senator O' Fearghail and Councilor John O'Neill made representations in relation to the application and confirmed that Ms. O'Connell wished to return to live in Rathernan, Russelstown following the death of her husband. A new application has been made and the area committee recommended that the application be granted.

01/1176 J. & M. Condon Cornelscourt, Newbridge.

This application had been refused on a number of grounds including road issues. Senator O' Fearghail stated that this site is on a straight stretch of road and a turning point is being provided for within the site. The members proposed a meeting between the applicant and the planning section and recommended that any new application be granted. Senator O' Fearghail stated that the decision to refuse applications is not consistent with other decisions on Montessori/Crèche facilities and government policy in relation to these facilities

.

01/1174 Gerald Melia , Whelans Roe, Monasterevin .

This application has been refused as it was considered that the proposals made constitute an over-development of the site. Representations were made by Senator O' Fearghail in relation to this application. It was confirmed that revised proposals could be considered. The members recommended a new application subject to revised proposals.

01/949 Ms. Francis Kelly.

Senator O' Fearghail made representations on this application and it was confirmed that the planner dealing with the application would contact the developer in relation to the proposal.

01/1519 Jennifer Lynch.

Senator O' Fearghail made representations in relation to this application and confirmed that the site is within the residential zoning of the town. The application had been refused by the council. The members recommended that the application be granted.

Deputation's

KE4/1001

Kildare Chamber of Commerce

Mr. Val Brennan, Mr. Peter Conlon and Mr. Brian Fanning attended the meeting on behalf of the Chamber of Commerce and made a presentation on the background and the possible uses for Magee barracks. The report was circulated to the members. Following consideration of the report and requests made the area committee made a recommendation to the council that “Kildare County Council call upon the Minister of Defence to bring forward his proposals for Magee barracks as a matter of urgency.”

Kildare Residents Council

Ms. Colette Newman, Ms Cathy Kiernan & Ms. Suzanne Doyle attended on behalf of the resident's council and made a presentation in relation to the provision of a playground in Kildare town. A report was circulated to the members in relation to this issue. Following discussion and consideration of the report, a recommendation was put forward to the council “that following the pilot project in Newbridge Kildare Town be the next playground project to be undertaken by the council.”

Kildare Urban Renewal Works

KE5/1001

The members confirmed that a review is required of the Urban Renewal Scheme for Kildare, Monasterevin and Rathangan and requested that a comprehensive report on this be prepared for the next meeting.

Correspondence re provision of a site for a scout den in Kildare

KE5/1001

The members considered the request for the making available of a site to provide a scout den at the Old Weighbridge in Kildare Town and requested the County Secretary to respond to Mr.Garry indicating that the area committee had previously voted in support of a request from Round Towers GAA club to acquire this land. Merit is seen in the scout group’s proposal and the members suggested that they contact Round Towers GAA club in relation to joint use of the property and indicated that they will fully support such a move.

Estimates 2002

KE6/1001

Eamon O'Sullivan addressed this issue and requested submissions from the members in relation to the forthcoming estimates. It was agreed that funding should be sought for the following items:

a)An allocation for remedial work in relation to surface water problems in Maryville, Kildare.

b)Funding for the County Kildare Horse Development Bored

c)Funding for the provision of a road work gang solely for the town of Newbridge.

These proposals were endorsed unanimously by the committee.

Children's Playgrounds

KE7/1001

A report had been circulated to the members in relation to the provision of playgrounds in the county. This matter had been delt with by Ray Bonar Leisure Officer in conjunction with the member's discussion on the deputation from the Kildare Residents Council.

Presentation by Community and Enterprise Department on Area issues for the County Development Board strategy.

KE8/1001

Ann-Marie Conneelly Community and Enterprise Officer made a presentation to the members in relation to the issues that were being considered for the County Development Board Strategy.

Request from Droichead Nua Town Commissioners to meet with County Council and Gardai regarding safety at Naas Road schools.

KE9/1001

The members considered the request from the town commissioners to meet with them in relation to safety at the schools on the Naas Road in Newbridge and confirmed that they will meet a delegation at their next meeting on the 3rd of December 2001.

Local Government Planning Regulations Part X - Development of Wellfield at Monasterevin.

KE10/1001

A presentation was made by Nicolas O'Dwyer Ltd. and Patrick J. Tobin & Co. Ltd. in relation to the public consultation process for the development of a well field at Hybla Monasterevin. A copy of the presentation was circulated to the members. The consultation will start in mid November and meetings will be organised in the area. The committee was in agreement with the consultation process outlined.

Kildare County Council Rathangan Town (Control of Consumption and Possession of Alcohol) Bye Laws 2001.

KE11/1001

These bye-laws had been on public display from the 30th of July to the 31st of August and submissions were sought from members of the public. No submissions were received. The draft bye laws were circulated to the members who recommended that they should be placed before the council for adoption at the next meeting.

Dates of Area Meetings

KE12/1001

Following discussion it was agreed that the date of the Kildare area meeting would be changed to the 1st Monday of each month at 9.30am. If the first Monday was on a bank holiday the meeting is to be held on the 1st Tuesday of the month. The revised schedule is to commence in December 2001.

Councilors Questions

KE13/1001

Councillor Keane

(a) Position on Traffic Calming in Suncroft Village, Athgarvan School - Rising Sun Pub

It was confirmed that this work is on the list of works to be undertaken by the roads construction crew.

(a)When are 30mph Speed Limit at Carna being re-located to position identified by Pat Cleary - Roads Design?

It was confirmed that it has been agreed to extend the 30mph speed limit north of Suncroft by 60metres. The notice of motion dated August 2001 requested a further extension of the 35mph speed limit by one mile in the Brownstown direction. This notice will be referred to the 2002 review which will take place early next year.

(b)That Yield signs at Martinstown Cross be replaced with Stop Signs
It was confirmed that the existing Yield signs will be replaced with Stop Signs.

(c)That Signage be put in place warning Lorry Drivers of Height Limit at Ferns Bridge, Monasterevin.

Des O'Connor Senior Engineer confirmed that he is addressing this issue at present.

(d)Any progress on M.A.G. Submission.

A copy of the response issued to this group was circulated to the members.

(e)What is current position re additional land for extension to new cemeterySuncroft?

A.C. Talbot County Secretary confirmed that talks with the landowner had not succeeded and that he recommended a C.P.O. in this case. This matter is to be referred to the relevant Director of Service for update for the next meeting. Following the discussion in relation to a number of issues regarding cemetery extension the members made the following recommendation to the council. “that the necessary steps be taken to acquire extra burial spaces adjacent to existing cemeteries”

Councillor Dukes

(a)Is there a reply from the Minister for Defence as to when he will make a decision on the future of the barracks (urgent in view of the development plan in preparation

(b)) has there been a reply form either the OPW of department of Defence re cleaning up the outside of the barracks?
A recommendation on this item has already been made following receipt of the deputation from the Chamber of Commerce

It was agreed that the clean up of McGee Barracks would be left on the agenda for the next meeting.

(b) Kildare Business Park at Fraoch Ban
What progress has taken place on this? What are the results of the ground tests, and when is it estimated that the business park will be available for occupation?

Gerry Halton SEO reported that there were no suitable drainage facilities for the Fraoch Ban property. A temporary solution had been considered but was not viable however, the drainage for the Kildare by-pass might allow an outlet at a date around the end of 2002. Senator O'Fearghail confirmed that it is essential that this facility be up and running immediately to accommodate existing business in the area who need to occupy the site without delay. Gerry Halton undertook to look at the feasibility of going ahead with two units in advance of the entire project.

(cWhat progress has been made with search for permanent site for Lynch family? Local councilors have been told that protests will take place if Lynch family is left in the barracks beyond the period of one year.

It was confirmed that the Traveller Accommodation Consultative Committee strongly endorsed the purchase of the Wilson lands for this family

(d)Report on new superloo in the Square Kildare? Why is it constantly out of order?

It was confirmed that the maintenance of this facility is undertaken by a contractor who has been contacted for a detailed report. The members asked for details of what the maintenance contract covers and how often the facility is serviced.

(e)What progress on the urban renewal scheme for the Square, Kildare?

This item had been dealt with under urban renewal and a report is requested for the next meeting.

(f)What progress on either an extension to the existing cemetery in Monasterevin, orthe provision of a new one?

A report is to be sought for the next meeting.

Councillor O’Neill

(a) When is the Council going to replace litterbin at the Arch Bar, Newbridge?

Des O'Connor Senior Engineer confirmed that this would be replaced in the next few days.

(b)When is the Council going to replace the bollard at the roundabout at Buckley's Cross, Newbridge?

Des O'Connor Senior Engineer confirmed that this work will be carried out shortly.

CURRENT MOTIONS

KE14/1001

Notice of Motion - Senator O’Fearghail
“The taking in charge of the canal bank road at Clogheen, Monasterevin”

This motion was proposed by Senator O'Ferghail, second by Councillor Keane and agreed by the members.

Notice of Motion - Councillor Keane

“ That the speed limit on Suncroft Brownstown road be extended from existing sign at Carna to sign at Brownstown (I ml. app.) As this road is heavily trafficked and accident prone”

This motion has been dealt with under councillor’s questions.

Notice of Motion - Councillor Keane
“Has any further development taken place on Old Grange Cul-de-Sac Residents Association submission or does this Council intend carrying out any of the improvements requested.”

It was confirmed that this matter had been addressed.

Notice of Motion – Councillor Dukes
“That dates of Area Meetings should not be changed without serious reason.”

This item had been dealt with earlier in the meeting.

Notice of Motion – Councillor Dukes
“That all councilors be provided with an up-to-date list, together with phone numbers, even if not fully complete, of the new allocation of responsibilities to the staff of Kildare County Council.”

It is confirmed that this list will be circulated to councillors next week.

Notice of Motion – Councillor O’Neill
“That Kildare County Council widen the road to the left at the traffic lights at Dunnes Stores.”
“That Kildare County Council put in a small roundabout at the entrance out from the new Tesco Supermarket.

It was confirmed that a roundabout may be taken into consideration along with the widening of the lane at Dunnes Stores, as one will effect the other and the middle lane at Dunnes Stores may also need to be adjusted. These motions were agreed unanimously by the members.

Notice of Motion – Senator O’Fearghail
“That Kildare County Council take in charge the stretch of canal bank from Coole Bridge to Moore’s Bank, Monasterevin subject to this road being resurfaced by the local residents.”

This motion was agreed unanimously by the members.

The meeting then concluded

Minutes of Kildare Area Meeting of 26th October, 2001

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