Kildare County Council

Minutes of Municipal District Meeting held at 10.00 am on Monday 11 December 2017 in the Athy Municipal District offices, Rathstewart, Athy, Co

Members Present: Councillor I Keatley (Cathaoirleach), Councillors A Breslin, M Dalton, M Miley, T Redmond and M Wall.

Officials Present: Mr J Boland (District Manager), Mr D O'Flaherty, District Manager), Mr J Coppinger (Senior Engineer), Ms E Wright and Ms A Aspell (Senior Executive Officers), Ms A Louw (Senior Staff Officer), Ms P Berry (Marketing Officer), Ms S Bookle (LCDC Co-ordinator), Ms F Byrne (Meetings Administrator) and Ms O Mooney (Meetings Secretary)

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AY01/1217 Minutes and Progress Report The members considered the minutes of the monthly meeting held on 13 November 2017 together with the progress report. Resolved on the proposal of Councillor Miley, seconded by Councillor Redmond that the minutes of the monthly meeting held on 13 November, 2017 be adopted and the progress report was noted.

AY02/1217 To consider and agree award of grants under the RAPID National Grants Programme 2017 Ms Susan Bookle attended the meeting and gave an outline of the grants to be awarded under the re-launched Rapid National Grants Programme for 2017. She stated that on the 2 November 2017, the Minister for Rural and Community Development announced the RAPID Programme and the grants programme which would run from November to December 2017. It was a capital scheme that focuses on supporting projects that improve the quality of life for residents in disadvantaged urban areas. The programme would be

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Kildare County Council administered by the LCDC along with the municipal districts under the remit of the local authority. Each LCDC/Local Authority were allocated €64, 500. The closing date for applications was 24 November 2017 and it had to be spent by the end of 2017. It was agreed that the grants would be considered by the LCDC and a recommendation would then go to the municipal district meeting for approval. The proposal was to retain the focus on the old RAPID area for this round of funding. The following projects were proposed; Kildare Youth Services - to prepare a new facility for use by KYS and other services targeting young people in Athy - €8,000 Family Resource Centre - Athy - Community House in Townspark and portacabins ancillary to the Enterprise Centre - Two buildings currently used by CKLP in conjunction with the council and other partners require capital investment - €44,500 Work to progress environmental works in Athy was underway to provide employment opportunities for a small number of CE/TUS workers. Funding is required to purchase equipment to support this progression - €12,000. Resolved on the proposal of Councillor Wall, seconded by Councillor Miley that the funding for these three programmes be approved under the Rapid National Grants Programme for 2017.

AY03/1217 Update on the Municipal District Roadworks The District Engineer circulated a progress report to the members prior to the meeting. Councillor Redmond enquired about the flooding over the bridge at Bunberry, Levitstown and asked whether there was any way to alleviate this flooding. The District Engineer stated that this road was in the flood plains of the . He added that this road had been resurfaced recently but to alleviate this flooding, the whole road would have to be jacked up. Councillor Redmond asked for an update on the footpath to the Railway Station in . The District Engineer stated that this required a design and costing and that probably a one-way system would be required. He added that the funding could be looked at under local property tax funding for 2018. Councillor Breslin thanked the council for the two seats provided in commemoration of the late Councillor Noel Scully in Plewman's Terrace, Athy. Councillor Breslin asked for an update in regard to upgrading of litter bins. The District Engineer stated that this was an ongoing operation and that bins were being replaced in the town. The Cathaoirleach thanked the District Engineer and his outdoor crew on their great work during the year and especially during the current cold spell.

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AY04/1217 Update on the Athy Distributor Road Mr Coppinger outlined the current situation with regard to the construction of this new road. He stated that he would come back to the members with the consultants in January or February 2018 with an updated plan for the road. He stated that he was meeting the residents of Dun Brinn estate that evening regarding works that would be starting in the new year. He added that there would be numerous preliminary small contracts to take place before the main contract would be ready to begin. He confirmed to the members that the Department of Transport had stated that the cashflow was in place.

The Cathaoirleach stated that the Compulsory Purchase Order (CPO) advertisement was published two weeks ago and he was not aware of this which made it difficult to answer questions from the public. Mr Coppinger stated that this advertisement was to only confirm the CPO.

Mr Coppinger explained the programme to the members. He added that an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) would have to be confirmed by an advertisement by An Bord Pleanala and that a CPO would have to be confirmed by an advertisement by the council. The council would then have to serve a Notice to Treat and approval would have to be sought from the Department early next year. In addition works would be commencing in Dun Brinn along with fencing work at Corran Ard and also further testing for asbestos and carrying out archaeological testing before the main contract could commence. The council also have to further negotiate the finer details with CIE. He clarified that the funding for this project was in place and that the project was a priority.

A discussion ensued and the members outlined their worries especially about the time scale for the road but Mr. Coppinger confirmed works would be commencing on the route early in the new year.

The Cathaoirleach asked if Clodagh Lyons was still leading this project and Mr. Coppinger confirmed she was. The Cathaoirleach asked that an in-committee meeting take place in January or February 2018 to meet with the consultants. Mr Coppinger stated that he would come back to the members shortly with a suitable date.

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AY05/1217 Footpath Improvements in Village The members agreed to take items 9 and 11 together:

Item 9 - Councillor Breslin The members considered the following motion in the name of Councillor Breslin: That this municipal district carries out footpath improvements from the village of Ballitore to Meeting House, Ballitore and from the village to Thoran Road, Ballitore.

The motion was proposed by Councillor Breslin and seconded by Councillor Dalton.

Item 11- Councillor Dalton The members considered the following motion in the name of Councillor Dalton: That consideration be given to the upgrade of footpaths in Ballitore village.

The motion was proposed by Councillor Dalton and seconded by Councillor Breslin.

A report was received from the Roads Transportation and Public Safety Section informing the members that a footpath improvement scheme would have to be designed and funded. This work can be considered under the LPT 2018.

The members agreed that these works should be funded from LPT funding for 2018.

The Cathaoirleach asked for an update in regard to the wall between Ballitore village and Thoran Road which was in bad need of repair. The District Manager agreed that the wall was in a poor state and that the area behind the wall was derelict. He stated that he would ask Planning for an update on the Abbeyfield Estate and plans on the stone wall and this issue needs to be progressed. Resolved on the proposal of Councillor Breslin, seconded by Councillor Dalton that the footpath and public lighting works be funded from LPT monies in 2018 and that the District Manager contact the Planning Section with regard to an update on Abbeyfield Estate and plans for the stone wall and that these works be carried out in conjunction with each other.

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AY06/1217 Instalment of Public Lighting from Ballitore Village to Thoran Road, Ballitore The members considered the following motion in the name of Councillor Breslin: That public lighting is installed from Ballitore village to Thoran Road, Ballitore, as at present there is a stretch of footpath in this area that has no public lighting.

The motion was proposed by Councillor Breslin and seconded by Councillor Wall.

A report was received from the Roads Transportation and Public Safety Section informing the members that the Public Lighting Section would visit the location of the requested new public lighting and carry out an assessment using the priority system within Kildare Lighting Infrastructure Priority Schedule (KLIPS). Lighting schemes would be scored on various factors and placed within KLIPS according to that score. The lighting within KLIPS would be installed as and when funds become available and depending on where the request sits within KLIPS.

Councillor Breslin stated that there was 100 metres of road without public lighting and it was a very dark area. Ms Wright stated that she would ask Planning Control regarding Abbeyfield Estate and the Public Lighting Section for a further report for the next meeting. Councillor Redmond asked for more details on the KLIPS system. Ms Wright stated that she would come back to the members with an update at the January/February meeting of the municipal district. Resolved on the proposal of Councillor Breslin, seconded by Councillor Wall that an update be received from Planning Control with regard to Abbeyfield Estate, an update from the Public Lighting Section and the members to be given an update on the KLIPS system at the January/February meeting.

AY07/1217 Winter Preparation Plans - Athy Municipal District The members considered the following motion in the name of Councillor Wall: That the council confirm their winter preparation plans for this municipal district and outline their communication strategy including use of community and business text alerts.

The motion was proposed by Councillor Wall and seconded by Councillor Breslin.

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A report was received from the Roads Transportation and Public Safety Section informing the members that the winter salting maintenance plan was up and running and decisions to salt were made on a daily basis depending on the weather forecast. In relation to other issues like flooding, the Municipal District Office believes they have sufficient sandbags available. The council had a dedicated Emergency News and Information section on its website that includes an alerts feed that members of the public can subscribe to. These alerts are also available through social media platforms.

A report was received from the Community Section informing the members that the Community Text Alert Initiative requires a Community Alert Group to be established and affiliated to Muintir na Tire, the National Association for the promotion of Community Development in . Having made contact with a member of Muintir na Tire, the council had been advised that Muintir na Tire advise groups and that details of Community Alert Groups cannot be shared with other organizations such as Kildare County Council. Members of the public can subscribe to their local Community Alert Group giving consent to the group to share their phone numbers only with the service provider. The Group must also register with their Local Garda Station. However, PPN can be used to communicate Kildare Winter Preparation Plans and their communication strategy.

Councillor Wall stated that he was unhappy with the report. He added there was a failure in the community alert system in that text messages were not getting out to the community especially with regard to cancellation of events and other situations. He stated that thankfully weather forecasting had improved. He asked when the salting routes would be reviewed and he asked whether the Castlemitchell route had been salted overnight. He added that the council needed to engage better with community alerts. Councillor Wall asked that a letter issue to the Chamber of Commerce regarding business alerts.

The District Engineer stated that salting had begun last Thursday and that the Castlemitchell route was included. The lorries grit 9 routes every night, twice a night, after 8 pm and before 4 am. He added that it takes approximately two and a half hours to grit each time. He stated that there was also a back-up crew on hand as well to do public areas, carparks etc. The council interacts with other Local Authorities but had no control over their routes.

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The members asked whether the Athy/Stradbally road was gritted last night. The District Engineer stated that he would check it out for them.

Councillor Wall stated that the issue of community alerts was a wasted opportunity when it was not used to its full potential. He stated that asking the group administrator to get the same information as members would not breach data protection. He added that many people do not have facebook or twitter and that text alerts would be more suitable.

Councillor Miley added there was an accident at Russellstown Cross this morning and text alerts did not come from the council. He saw it only on social media. He added the council should engage with text alerts.

Ms Wright stated that she would go back to the Director of Service, Chief Fire Officer and Civil Defence Officer and would ask whether the council information could be sent to the administrator of Muintir na Tire and to determine the best way to get information out to the community whether through social media or text. She stated that she would bring back the members concerns. The members suggested that Conor from Muintir na Tire be invited to attend the next JPC meeting. Resolved on the proposal of Councillor Wall, seconded by Councillor Breslin that a letter issue to the Chamber of Commerce regarding business alerts, that Conor from Muintir na Tire be invited to the next JPC meeting to discuss community alerts.

AY08/1217 Section 38 - Revised junction layout at The Square, , Co.Kildare Ms Wright stated that the report was circulated to the members prior to the meeting and she outlined the revised junction layout of the Square, Narraghmore to include the provision of uncontrolled pedestrian crossings and amendments to existing kerbing with public realm improvements. She stated that under Section 38 of the Road Traffic Act 1994, local authorities are obliged to carry out a public consultation process and consult with An Garda Siochana with regard to implementing and enforcing traffic calming measures. She outlined the timeframe for such a process. She added there were no objections to the proposed revised junction layout, however, one submission from a local property owner was received prior to the statutory consultation period.

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The Cathaoirleach queried parking at this location and asked how to resolve these issues. The District Engineer stated that he would have to take a look at what was available and he would look at this under accommodation works and added that traffic calming could be included. The Cathaoirleach stated that this project would lift the whole village of Narraghmore.

Councillor Miley complimented all those involved and he asked when would construction start and what timescales were in place. The District Engineer stated that he just needed to get the finer details sorted and he hoped to start early next year.

Resolved on the proposal of Councillor Keatley, seconded by Councillor Miley that in accordance with Section 38 of the Road Traffic Act 1994, the revised junction layout of the Square, Narraghmore be approved subject to traffic calming measures being put in place.

AY09/1217 Plans to underground services - Athy Municipal District The members considered the following question in the name of Councillor Breslin: Are there any plans by the council to underground services as part of the public realm rejuvenation projects, car park upgrades or other planned works in the Athy Municipal District?

A report was received from the Roads Transportation and Public Safety Section informing the members that when public realm projects are being designed, cognisance was paid to the services that were in the vicinity of the works. Where possible it was desirable to underground the services in question (public lighting, telecommunication wires etc). The constraints to undergrounding services can be financial, logistical, or objections to this work being carried out.

A report was received from the District Manager informing the members that as part of the proposed upgrading of Emily Square, it was proposed that some undergrounding of utility services would take place. The council's design consultants were currently working on this aspect.

The report was noted.

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AY10/1217 Improvement of Road Markings at Nurney Road, Monasterevin at the motorway bridge The members considered the following question in the name of Councillor Dalton: Can improved road markings be provided at Nurney Road, Monasterevin at the motorway bridge?

A report was received from the Roads Transportation and Public Safety Section informing the members that this work can be included in their white lining upgrading work in 2018.

Councillor Dalton stated that there were a safety issues at this location as the footpath was subsiding. The District Engineer stated this issue had to be looked into.

The report was noted.

AY11/1217 Roundabout at the top of Leinster Street, Athy The members considered the following question in the name of Councillor Wall: Can the council immediately investigate the roundabout at the top of Leinster Street in Athy, given almost daily concerns raised with him on traffic and pedestrian safety? A report was received from the Roads Transportation and Public Safety Section informing the members that the roundabout in question was located on the N78 in Athy, in conjunction with the Municipal District Office, the investigation process would require a technical assessment of the roundabout in relation to vehicular and pedestrian traffic safety.

Councillor Wall stated the wall near the roundabout on the clonmullion side was creating problems. He asked for some signage to be installed at this location.

The District Engineer stated that the roundabout was installed back in 2004/2005, yield markings were on the road and yield signs were installed approaching the roundabout on all sides. He stated that he would take a look at this roundabout but that structurally he could not do anything. He added that he would update the members at their next meeting.

The report was noted.

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AY12/1217 Part 8 Report for the proposed upgrade to the existing wastewater treatment plant at Timolin Mr Lorcan Brennan, Executive Engineer, Minor Capital Programme - Water Services circulated a comprehensive report to the members prior to the meeting outlining the upgrade to the existing septic tank with a package wastewater treatment plant and upgrade to the existing percolation and boundary fencing at Timolin Terrace, Timolin, Athy. He added it was a long process with archaeological assessments and ecology reports and the site had to be tidied up.

Councillor Miley stated there was a blockage over the weekend but it was cleared now. He asked whether any accommodation works would be carried out on the road in and out of this area. Mr Brennan stated it was an Irish Water funded project and he would ask for funding for this work and any other ancillary works needed.

Councillor Wall stated this would be great for Millbrook Estate and Timolin Terrace.

The Cathaoirleach asked what would be done with the allotments on the site. Mr Brennan stated that he would meet the residents and show them what Irish Water are proposing. The Cathaoirleach stated that it was great that a solution had been found for Timolin and he asked whether the network connection to Ballitore was still to happen and were the council engaged with Irish Water.

The District Manager stated that negotiations were ongoing with Irish Water to address historical issues and policy into the future. He was also trying to address environmental issues with them. However, he did not see any progress in the short-term. The members asked to be kept updated in this regard. Resolved on the proposal of Councillor Keatley, seconded by Councillor Miley that the Part 8 report prepared in accordance with Part XI of the Planning and Development Act 2000, as amended and Part 8 of the Planning and Development Regulations 2001, as amended, be adopted and that funding for ancillary works to and from the site be requested from Irish Water and that the members be kept informed with regard to the network connection to Ballitore.

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AY13/1217 Central Heating System - Millview Estate in Ballitore and Moat View in The members considered the following motion in the name of Councillor Miley: In light of Millview in Ballitore and Moate View, Kilmead being the only housing stock belonging to the council that have no oil central heating, that the council move immediately to rectify this situation.

The motion was proposed by Councillor Miley and seconded by Councillor Redmond.

A report was received from the Housing Section informing the members that Housing Maintenance Section advised that Millview, Ballitore and Moate View, Kilmead were not the only estates in the county without oil-fired central heating systems. There were a number of other estates and houses in the same situation due to a number of reasons. In July this year, the members were advised that the Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government had indicated that there is no budget currently available for upgrade of heating systems. In light of the decision of the Department, the Housing Maintenance Section would carry out an assessment of all such houses in early 2018, and using the budget allocation, and any other sources of funding available, would seek to remedy this, subject to the agreement of the tenants.

Councillor Miley stated that there were over 3000 houses in the council's stock. In 2009, Central Government funding put in central heating in council houses. However, 42 houses in Moatview and Millview were only being constructed at the time and missed out under this scheme at the time. Those houses still have no central heating.

Councillor Redmond stated that the same service needs to be given to all council tenants as they are all paying rent to the council. Councillor Wall stated that the report given was actually positive and it indicated that the problem would be resolved.

The Cathaoirleach asked whether Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) funding could help with this issue.

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Ms Aspell replied that the council had requested funding from central government in recent years but it was refused. The members had now agreed through the Budget that money would be available and housing maintenance would carry out their assessments on any remaining houses. She added that once the assessments had been carried out, she would come back to the members with the cost of installing central heating in the remaining houses. She added that she would also follow up regarding SEAI funding. Resolved on the proposal of Councillor Miley, seconded by Councillor Redmond that housing maintenance would carry out assessments on the remaining houses and that Ms Aspell would come back to the members with costings to install central heating in those houses. Ms Aspell to follow up regarding SEAI funding.

AY14/1217 Housing Strategic Policy Committee The members considered the following motion in the name of Councillor Redmond: That the council being the biggest landlord in the county take the pro-active step of having a tenant from our municipal district on its Housing Strategic Policy Committee.

The motion was proposed by Councillor Redmond and seconded by Councillor Miley.

A report was received from the Corporate Services Section informing the members that the Strategic Policy Committees Scheme adopted by council on 26 November 2014, sets out the role and objective of SPCs and specifies the membership. In the case of the Housing SPC the membership was 8 elected members (including the chair) and 4 representatives from the following sectoral interests:  Development/Construction  Community/Voluntary  Trade Union  Social Inclusion Currently no vacancies exist on the Housing SPC. The proposal to have a local authority tenant on this SPC could only be considered if a vacancy arose and they were nominated by the relevant sectoral interest. All nominations to SPC have to be ratified by the council.

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Councillor Redmond stated there are 3000 houses in our remit to manage. He asked that the membership of the Housing SPC be increased in order to include a tenant on its committee. The Cathaoirleach noted that there was a community/voluntary place on the committee. Resolved on the proposal of Councillor Redmond, seconded by Councillor Miley that a letter issue to the Minister for Housing requesting that the membership of the Housing SPC be increased in order to include a council tenant on its committee.

AY15/1217 Mortgage to Rents - Athy Municipal District The members considered the following question in the name of Councillor Wall: Can the council confirm to the municipal district members the number of successful mortgage to rents in the Athy Municipal District that they are involved with, the number of applications and how that number compares to overall figures within ?

A report was received from the Housing Section informing the members that to date 49 Private Mortgage to Rent (MTR) applications had been received; 14 relate to the Athy Municipal District area. Of these, 5 had been completed and the remaining 9 are at various stages of the MTR process.

A report was received from the Finance Section informing the members that the council had dealt with 36 applications under the local authority MTR scheme to date.

13 of these are fully completed as follows: Athy MD - 9 Kildare/Newbridge MD - 2 / MD – 1 MD - 1

Two are at final stage: Athy MD- 1 Kildare/Newbridge MD- 1 21 applications are in progress: Athy MD - 13

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Kildare/Newbridge- 5 Celbridge/Leixlip MD- 2 MD - 1

Councillor Wall stated that this scheme was very important to this district as the housing crisis continued. He added that the MTR scheme was to allow for owners to stay in their homes. He stated that he continues to be worried for their future as people still continue to ring him with problems. He asked whether the council were getting co-operation from voluntary associations and asked whether applicants were partially shared ownership clients.

Ms Aspell stated that the Finance Section actually look after the mortgage to rent applicants. She added that there are two roles with regard to private mortgages, to assess applications and to confirm that the mortgages are unsustainable. She added that the new circular had improved the process somewhat.

The report was noted.

AY16/1217 Limiting Time for Parking Boats on the Jetty in Athy The members considered the following motion in the name of Councillor Miley: That the council look at limiting time for parking boats on the jetty in Athy.

The motion was proposed by Councillor Miley and seconded by Councillor Dalton.

A report was received from the District Manager informing the members that the council would be pleased to look at this suggestion in conjunction with users. There was possibly broader merit in looking at the feasibility of introducing bye-laws for the regulation of water based activities. This matter could be progressed by the Sports Partnership Faciliator whom he understood had recently met with such groups.

Councillor Miley agreed with the report as some boats are parked on the jetty for long periods of time.

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Councillor Dalton supported the motion and agreed with the report.

Councillor Redmond asked who would look after the enforcement of bye-laws. He added that a second jetty would help with the situation. Councillor Breslin stated that all users need to be catered for and that bye-laws were required. She added that tourism needs to be nurtured and a jetty needs to be available to all.

Councillor Wall said the issue was broader and that byelaws would have to cater for everyone. There was an overall need to accommodate boat clubs, swimming and fishing clubs and that a new body was required to handle this in Athy.

The District Manager stated he would look at byelaws and he informed the members that he was meeting with the Office of Public Works in regard to the Dominican land and the water based centre later that day. Resolved on the proposal of Councillor Miley, seconded by Councillor Dalton that the report be noted.

AY17/1217 Constituency Boundaries The members considered the following motion in the name of Councillor Redmond: That we as a municipal district welcome the changes to constituency boundaries and meet yearly with our currently elected TDs to discuss issues of importance.

The motion was proposed by Councillor Redmond and seconded by Councillor Wall.

Councillor Redmond stated that the Athy Municipal District was a big area and the members need to meet with the local Deputies at least once a year in order to get to grips with local issues and this would certainly help many situations locally.

Councillor Wall agreed with Councillor Redmond's comments and said it would have a lot of merit.

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The members asked that this matter be listed on the agenda, once a year, to meet with the Deputies when a date has been agreed. Resolved on the proposal of Councillor Redmond, seconded by Councillor Wall that a letter issue to the Deputies requesting to meet with them once a year for the betterment of the district and that the matter be listed on the agenda, once a year, when a date had been arranged.

AY18/1217 Pilot Study to record online or stream Athy Municipal District Meetings The members considered the following question in the name of Councillor Redmond: As a pilot study can we record online or stream Athy Municipal District meetings?

A report was received from the Corporate Services Section informing the members that the matter of streaming of council meetings was considered at the November meeting of full council. It was agreed to refer the matter to the Protocol Committee to consider further. The outcome of these deliberations should be awaited before any consideration was given to streaming Municipal District meetings.

The report was noted.

AY19/1217 Funding for New Jetty The members considered the following question in the name of Councillor Redmond: Can this municipal district look at funding a new jetty on the same river bank as the AIB and work with the recently activated Barrow Waterways Development Group?

A report was received from the District Manager informing the members that this could be referred to the Sports Partnership Facilitator for consideration. Issues of cost as well as the range of consents required given the Special Area of Conservation designation would need to be taken into account.

Councillor Redmond stated that €5,000 per year was given to the maintenance of the jetty. He added that a number of boats had been damaged and he asked for the provision of a new jetty and that funding be put in place.

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The District Manager replied that there were no plans at present to provide a second jetty. He stated that he would bring updated details with regard to water based clubs to the next meeting.

The report was noted.

AY20/1217 Remedial Works - Old St Michael's Cemetery, Athy The members considered the following motion in the name of Councillor Dalton: That remedial works be carried out in Old St. Michael's Cemetery, Athy.

The motion was proposed by Councillor Dalton and seconded by Councillor Wall.

A report was received from the Environment Section informing the members that a plan would be brought forward as part of the 2018 programme of capital works to carry out some remedial / upgrade works. In the interim, waste material in the form of cuttings etc would be removed, as requested.

Councillor Dalton was happy with the report. Councillor Wall stated that he had visited the site with Mr Dunne of the Environment Section in regard to these works. He added that a grant was provided each year to the cemetery committee and he thanked the committee and TUS workers for their continued work in the cemetery.

The District Manager replied that he had visited the site and he added that some waste material would be removed and he added that extra works would be carried out in 2018. Resolved on the proposal of Councillor Dalton, seconded by Councillor Wall that report be noted. AY21/1217 Taking in Charge of Estate in the Athy Area The members considered the following motion in the name of Councillor Wall: That the council confirm the up to date position with the taking in charge of estates in the Athy area, what estates are due to be taken in charge and when will this happen.

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The motion was proposed by Councillor Wall and seconded by Councillor Redmond.

A report was received from the Planning Section informing the members that there were no estates in Athy that were due to be taken in charge. The council would be advertising a list of estates which were due to be taken in charge in the New Year.

Councillor Wall stated that he was not happy that there was no planning official present at the meeting to discuss this motion. He asked the District Manager to bring back his disappointment to the Senior Management Team, he was very disappointed that there were no estates to be taken in charge at present in Athy. He was aware that some residents had requested to have their estates taken in charge under Section 180, he was also aware of an estate in Nurney that was on the progress report at one stage.

Councillor Redmond asked that the members receive a reply to this motion before the next meeting.

The Cathaoirleach stated he was aware of two estates in the district which were due to be advertised. He stated there were serious questions to be answered here. The members asked that a planning officials be present at the next meeting.

The District Manager stated that he would bring back the members comments to the Senior Management Team this week. Resolved on the proposal of Councillor Wall, seconded by Councillor Redmond that a reply be relayed to the members before the next meeting, that the District Manager bring the members concerns to the Senior Management Team and that a planning official be present at the next meeting.

AY22/1217 Suspension of Standing Orders Resolved on the proposal of Councillor Dalton, seconded by Councillor Wall that standing orders be suspended for twenty minutes to allow members to have lunch and continue the MD meeting afterwards.

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AY23/1217 Transfer of Unspent 2017 LPT Funds into 2018 Resolved on the proposal of Councillor Miley, seconded by Councillor Dalton that 2017 unspent LPT monies be transferred into 2018 funds.

AY24/1217 Draft LPT Spend for 2018 The members were circulated prior to the meeting with a report outlining the draft LPT spend for 2018.

The District Manager stated that he tried to accommodate all requests made by the members and he tried to hold back funds for strategic initiatives.

The members asked that under contribution to local groups that the €2,000 designated to St John's Ambulance be transferred to Griese Youth Theatre. Resolved on the proposal of Councillor Miley, seconded by Councillor Wall that the €2,000 designated to St John's Ambulance be transferred to Griese Youth Theatre. This was agreed by all the members.

Councillor Wall thanked all those concerned for all the contributions.

Councillor Dalton complimented the District Manager for his work in putting this report together.

The District Manager asked that the contribution to the Decade of Commemoration be increased from €3000 to €6,000 and to decrease contribution to Emily Square by €3,000. Resolved on the proposal of Councillor Redmond, seconded by Councillor Miley that the contribution to the Decade of Commemoration be increased from €3000 to €6,000 and to decrease the contribution to Emily Square by €3,000 and that the draft LPT spend for 2018 be adopted.

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Kildare County Council

AY25/1217 Suspension of Standing Orders Resolved on the proposal of Councillor Wall, seconded by Councillor Dalton that standing orders be suspended at 1 pm for thirty minutes in order to finish the business of the meeting.

AY26/1217 Athy Regeneration Strategy The District Manager circulated a report to the members at the meeting and outlined the strategy. He stated that there had been great success in recent times and there was a huge voluntary effort by all to date. He stated he wanted to build on good work done to date in the district. He added to further drive the strategy, he would need to have discussions with the Cathaoirleach and the chairs of the five workgroups and also to establish an oversight group to ensure goverance and co-ordination comprising of the Cathaoirleach of Municipal District, Chairs of the Workgroups, Lions Club representative (part funders) and regeneration co-ordinator, J P Holligan. He added that the role of the re-generation co- ordinator who would work two days was to ensure workgroups work efficiently, overall structure works coherently, ensure channels of communication are maintained, assist with particular initiatives when required, research funding and grant opportunities and pull together and maintain focus for efforts and initiatives. He stated it was time to refresh the strategy. He stated he had attended the Tidy Towns Awards recently in Athy and there was a very positive attitude in the town. He added the key issue was the link with the elected members. He added that the refreshing of the strategy would cost €25,000 per year with a contribution of €10,000 from the Lions Club.

Councillor Miley stated that he was very alarmed by the strategy report. He added that the members were currently dealing with many of the items mentioned in the report including Emily Square, South Distributor Road etc.

Councillor Wall welcomed the broad outline of the plan but the members were frustrated and felt the work they do is being undermined. He added it was important to have a plan in place and a co-ordinator in place to run matters but he suggested that the members be nominated to chair each of the workgroups.

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Kildare County Council

Councillor Breslin welcomed the work the District Manager had done on this report and it had great merit. The members are looking for works to be done and now people would wonder what the members were actually there for. She added that the people of the municipal district put their trust in the members to drive projects forward and she had concerns that some involved in the proposed workgroups were not very progressive.

The members asked that they meet with the District Manager and J P Holligan, Regeneration Co-ordinator and talk about this strategy.

Councillor Redmond stated that many of the works mentioned in the report had been on the municipal district agendas for years and they should ensure that all members of committees were not wearing two hats. He added that any developments to date had been made by the members.

Councillor Dalton appreciated all the work done by the District Manager. He added that the members had worked with communities over many years and matters had been driven by the members. He agreed that the leadership should still be with the members under the guidance of a co-ordinator. He welcomed the progress but he asked that the members role be emphasised.

The Cathaoirleach stated that there was a huge amount to be proud of that the members had done and the members had done a huge amount of work in the district to get projects finished.

The District Manager stated that he fully understood the members feelings. He agreed the municipal district was a very progressive district but the members cannot do it on their own, they need all agencies on board and other people to provide financial resources. He added that when Minister Phelan launched this strategy originally, she stated that if you had a plan in place you were in a better position to get funding. He stated that positivity was very important.

Councillor Miley stated that he rang Mr Holligan recently and expressed his concern that there was a disconnnect with the members.

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Kildare County Council

Councillor Redmond asked whether individuals had been invited to be a member of any of the workgroups yet. The District Manager stated that they had been contacted informally as they were on existing workgroups.

Councillor Wall added that regeneration should be about helping the members to carry out their works not taking over and he added that there were many other works that were not on the report that were in hand.

Councillor Breslin noted that the Lions Club were a charity group and there were some great people on it but queried if it were in their remit to be on these workgroups.

Councillor Wall suggested that the members come up with a list of ideas and pass it onto the District Manager and then meet up with Mr. Holligan in maybe two or three weeks.

The District Manager stated that he would arrange a meeting the first week in January 2018 with the members and JP Holligan to discuss the workings of this strategy.

AY27/1217 Suspension of Standing Orders Resolved on the proposal of Councillor Miley, seconded by Councillor Redmond that standing orders be suspended for five minutes to finish the business of the meeting.

AY28/1217 Special Public Realm Spend of €20,000 allocated for 2017 The members were informed that there were applications from , , Timolin and Monasterevin.

Councillor Miley proposed that Castledermot would get this allocation and this was seconded by Councillor Keatley.

Councillor Wall proposed that Monasterevin would get this allocation and this was seconded by Councillor Redmond.

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Kildare County Council

The Cathaoirleach proposed to meet with representatives of these groups and try and make other funding available to them.

Councillor Wall stated that if Monasterevin were to get the allocation, it should be divided out between all the groups in the town not just one.

Councillor Miley added that €10,000 was already given to Monasterevin to buy lands last year.

The cathaoirelach stated that all the tidy towns groups had a common goal and all were worthy of this allocation. He asked for a show of hands as there were two proposals on the table.

Resolved on a vote with three votes for Monasterevin and two votes for Castledermot and therefore, it was agreed that the monies would be allocated to Monasterevin and divided among groups in the town.

The meeting then concluded.

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