Minutes of Dunshaughlin Area Meeting 18th April 2011
DunshaughlinArea Offices 9.30am
Cllr Joe Bonner presided
Members Present
Cllr Brian Fitzgerald
Cllr Nick Killian
Cllr Noel Leonard
Cllr Niamh McGowan
Cllr Maria Murphy
Cllr Gerry O’Connor
Officials in Attendance
Brendan McGrath Area Manager
Emmanuel Mwadiwa Acting Area Engineer
Fiona Redmond Senior Executive Planner
Padraig O’Shea Assistant Planner
Pat Gallagher Senior Planner
Orla O’Brien A/Senior Executive Planner
Bernard Greene Senior Executive Planner
Paul McNulty Senior Executive Engineer - Transport
Adrian Hobbs Senior Executive Engineer - Transport
Jim Gibney Senior Executive Engineer - Transport
Mary Harrington A/Staff Officer
Wendy Byrne Clerical Officer
1.0Confirmation of Minutes
1.1On the proposal of Cllr Leonard and seconded by Cllr Killian the minutes of the monthly meeting held on 14th March 2011 were agreed.
The Chairperson welcomed Cllr Gerry O’Connor to the meeting.
2.0Matters Arising from the Minutes
The members thanked the staff for works carried out at the river in Kilmessan.
3.0Expressions of Sympathy and Congratulations
Congratulations were expressed to Cllr Gerry O’Connor on his co-option to Meath County Council.
Congratulations were expressed to Jason Maguire, Kilmessan, the winning jockey at the Aintree Grand National.
4.0To consider matters in respect of the Protocol Committee in relation to:
4.1Planning
Cllr Brian Fitzgerald
DA/110136 For
DA/110206 For
Cllr Noel Leonard
DA/110206 For
Cllr Nick Killian
DA/110136 For
DA/110141 For
DA/110205 For
Cllr Niamh McGowan
DA/110206 For
DA/110218 Against
DA/101259 Against
Cllr Maria Murphy
DA/110206 For
DA/110061 For
DA/101259 Against
Cllr Joe Bonner
DA/101259 Against
Cllr Gerry O’Connor
DA/110144 For
4.2To discuss the proposed amendments to the Dunshaughlin Local Area Plan 2009 – 2015 relating to the Navan Rail Project
Pat Gallagher Senior Planner and Orla O’Brien A/Senior Executive Planner discussed further with the members the proposed amendments to the Dunshaughlin Local Area Plan 2009 – 2015 relating to the Navan Rail Project following on from their briefing at the March Area Meeting. Bernard Greene attended in his capacity as Liaison Officer.
The Senior Planner emphasised the importance of amending the Dunshuaghlin LAP so that it fully aligns with the chosen Route A.
The members had issues regarding the validity of the LAP if amended and whether there could be legal challenge particularly as the LAP was so recently adopted. All members were not in agreement with the chosen route. They questioned whether the new government intends going ahead with the rail project.
The Area Manager and the Senior Planner will further liaise on the matter. The members requested further dialogue on the matter. The Area Manager indicated that he was supportive of this request and that this would be facilitated.
4.3To consider Engineers Report and if thought fit to recommend to Full Council the ‘Taking In Charge’ of 2 Estates: Foxlodge Woods Ratoath and Bective Lodge Kilmessan.
Emmanuel Mwadiwa Acting Are Engineer circulated reports on the taking in charge of each estate.
The Members recommended the following:-
- Foxlodge Woods, Ratoath, Co. Meath.
On the proposal of Cllr Noel Leonard seconded by Cllr Niamh McGowan it was agreed to recommend to the full Council the taking in charge of Foxlodge Woods, Ratoath including the declaration that all roads within the estate are to be public roads.
- Bective Lodge, Kilmessan Co. Meath.
On the proposal of Cllr Nick Killian seconded by Cllr Niamh McGowan it was agreed to recommend to the full Council the taking in charge of Foxlodge Woods, Ratoath including the declaration that all roads within the estate are to be public roads.
5.0Infrastructure
5.1Extinguishment of Public Rights of Way on the old R158 Summerhill to Kilcock
Paul McNulty, Senior Executive Engineer, circulated schedule and drawings of the Public Rights of Way proposed to be extinguished. The members were advised that the Notice of Proposed Order Extinguishing Public Right of Way will be on public display from 26th April 2011 to 26th May 2011.
6.0 Update on Deerpark Sewerage Treatment Plant, Ashbourne
The Acting Area Engineer circulated a report and updated the members. Noise levels have improved but are still above permitted levels. Delivery of reconfiguredpumps was delayed but expected before Easter. A further noise survey will be conducted. The members will be updated at the May Area Meeting.
Issues at the Kilbride Pumping Station were raised and the members were advised that there is constant monitoring at the pumping station.
7.0 Eirgrid EWIP Community Gain Contribution
Adrian Hobbs, Senior Executive Engineer informed the members that the provision of 470m footpath at Batterstown would cost €50,000 approximately. Traffic calming measures at Curragha and RathbegganSchools were further discussed.
It was agreed that the contribution would be used towards the footpath at Batterstown and pedestrian crossing at CurraghaSchool.
Further costings of a crossing at Johnswood,Ashbourne and “gate-way” signs on approach roads to Ratoath are required before reverting back to the members for agreement.
8.0 Specific Improvement Grant for the Solheim Cup, Killeen Castle 2011
The Senior Executive Engineer circulated a report and drawings outlining parking areas for the Solheim Cup event and pull in areas on the roads close to KilleenCastle. Parking arrangements are made with the local farmers. Road repairs will be carried out prior to the Ladies Golf Competition in August. Traffic Management Plans along with improved signage will be in place for the Solheim Cup in September. The following works were agreed under the Specific Improvement Grant–Kilmessan junction (triangle area), Killeen Road, L2208 and signage in Dunsany.
9.0 Matters raised with the permission of the Cathaoirleach
Jim Gibney, Senior Executive Engineer introduced Stanley O’Hare from Mouchel Consultants to the meeting who delivered an introduction to the R156 Jenkinstown to Mullagh Cross Improvement Scheme to the members. This project is now ready to proceed to Part V111. The consultants indicated that they will liaise with the local residents regarding the scheme.
Cllr Brian Fitzgerald
- Dissatisfaction with completion of the footpaths in relation to the M3
Cllr Noel Leonard
- Dunboyne Cycling Club holding event in May. Query if road closure application was received by Dunshaughlin Office
Cllr Gerry O’Connor:
- If Drumree Road can be put back on the Winter Gritting Route
10.0Items / Correspondence raised by the Area Manager
The Acting Area Engineer circulated an update to the members regarding Meath Countywide Water Conservation Project – Watermains Rehabilitation Phase 1. This project involves the replacement /rehabilitation of key watermains in Kilmessan, Athboy, Ballynaclose, Claristown, Duleek, Kells, Kentstown and Navan. The project commenced in Kilmessan on 11th April 2011 with an expected time frame of 6 to 8 weeks.
The Area Manager advised the meeting that the Dunshaughlin Water Tower is expected to be on-stream by the end of June.
The Area Manager informed the members that,on the advice of the Arts Officer, the sculpture at DunshaughlinParkwill be relocated.
The Area Manager informed the members that a written request was received from the developer for the playground in Ashbourne to be taken in charge by Meath County Council.
The Area Manager advised the members that the CountyLibrarian will address the May Area Meeting regarding plans for Ashbourne Office.
11.0Notice of Question
Submitted by Cllr. Killian
“Can the Manager supply a full account of all initiatives taken regarding the legal disposal of all effluents, the legal supply of water to person/persons on properties on the south and north of the old N2 that at present are under investigation by planning enforcement. In particular one of the properties is owned by a Ms Joyce. In addition are the occupiers paying any water rates contribution at present to Meath County Council and finally are they compliant with all aspects of EPA Regulations in relation to the safe disposal of waste Oils”.
The Area Manager advised that the current water supply is from a previous connection.
A staff member from Planning Section will attend the May Area Meeting in this regard.
It was agreed that the next meeting take place on Monday 16th May 2011 at 9.30am at Dunshaughlin Area Office.
The meeting closed at 2pm.
April 18th2011minutesPage 1 of 5
Meath County Council, Dunshaughlin Area Office, Drumree Road, Dunshaughlin, CountyMeath