Minutes of the Kildare Area Committee Meeting Held on 27 April, 2001 in the Committee Room

Minutes of the Kildare Area Committee meeting held on 27 April, 2001 in the Committee Room, St. Mary’s, Naas.

Members Present: Senator S. O’Fearghail, (Chairman) Senator J. Dardis, Councillors F. Dukes, J. Keane, F. O’Loughlin and J. O’Neill.

Officials Present: S. Stokes, County Secretary, C. Flynn, Area Engineer, P. Cleary, J. McGowan, D. O’Connor, A. O’Byrne, M. O’Leary, Sergeant E.Relehan, Garda Kay Farrell, Student Garda R.Butler P. Hickey, R. Bonar and K. Keane.

------

KE 01/0401 The minutes of the meeting of 23 February, 2001 were adopted on the proposal of Councillor J. Keane and seconded by Councillor F. Dukes.

MATTERS ARISING FROM MINUTES.

Senator O’Fearghail and Councillor Keane enquired as to the up to date position regarding speed ramps in the county. Councillor Keane asked had the Directive from the NRA being circulated yet to which Des O’Connor, SEE replied that the roads department had not yet received a final directive, but when it became available it would be forwarded to the Members as soon as possible. Mr. John McGowan, SEE stated that he would look at the issue of speed ramps before the next meeting of the Kildare Area Committee. Senator O’Fearghail asked that this item be kept under review for the future.

Newbridge Social Housing Master Plan. Councillor J. O’Neill enquired whether private sites were available in the Kelly’s Land proposal and if so, how many. Seamus Stokes, County Secretary replied that yes, private sites will be available in this development but the number has not yet been finalised.

Traffic Calming Measures at the Junction of the Newbridge/Athgarvan Road. Councillor J. O’Neill enquired as to when and if a temporary round-about is going to provided at the top of Cutlery Road to aid traffic calming. Mr. John McGowan, SEE replied that he, the County Engineer and the Road Design Team are meeting with the

Minutes of Kildare Area Meeting of 27th April, 2001

1 TPI Consultants re: upgrading of junctions for Newbridge on Wednesday, 2nd May, 2001. Senator O’Fearghail enquired as to when this report would be available to the Members of the Area Committee regarding the TPI suggestions. Mr. John McGowan replied that it would be roughly 3 to 4 months before a final report would be available but that he would report back to members at the next Kildare Area re the meeting of the 2nd May.

Proposed Traffic Calming at Brownstown Cross the Curragh. Councillor Jim Keane enquired regarding the position to provide a roundabout at the Brownstown Cross junction as the Gardai have stated that this would be the preferred traffic calming option. Mr. John McGowan, SEE said a preliminary scheme could be looked at for a proposed roundabout at this junction.

KE 02/0401 – Progress Report. The progress report of the meeting of the 23rd February, 2001 was then circulated. Matters arising from this are as follows:- (a) Sewerage problems at Kilbelin – Mr. Seamus Stokes, County Secretary stated that at present the report from the Consultants M. C. O’Sullivan is with the County Engineer who is considering it. Mr. Stokes indicated that the County Engineer’s decision re: this report will be circulated to the members as soon as it becomes available. (b) Surface Water problems at Maryville, Kildare. Senator O’Fearghail enquired as to why the Consultants that are working on the Kildare bye-pass have not looked at the situation in Maryville to date. Colm Flynn, Area Engineer indicated that Nicholas O’Dwyer are the Consultants and he will ask then to attend the next Area Committee to inform the members of the up to date position. (c) Taxi Rank for Newbridge. Ms.Ann O’Byrne, Roads Department circulated some information to the members regarding the setting up of taxi metre areas. The members asked that information be available for the May meeting from Naas UDC in relation to how they established their taxi-metre area and what charges they applied etc. Mr. S. Stokes, County Secretary gave his undertaking to write to Naas UDC requesting this information (d) Scoil Bhride, Naofa, Kildare Town. Councillor Dukes asked Mr. Colm Flynn, Area Engineer to address the weeds that are currently on the footpath outside the school and Mr. Flynn undertook to get this dealt with as soon as possible. (e) Newbridge Social Housing Master Plan. Councillor John O’Neill requested that a full report be available on the Kelly’s Land development for the next meeting of the Kildare Area Committee and that a representative from the Housing and Architect sections attend to discuss same.

KE 03/0401 – Planning Files.

2 There were no planning files listed on the agenda for the Area Meeting of the 27 th April, 2001.

KE 04/0401 – Progress Report. Nomination of a Member to the Finance Committee. On the proposal of Councillor Keane seconded by Senator O’Fearghail, Councillor John O’Neill was nominated to be a member of the Finance Committee. All members were in agreement.

KE 05/0401 – To consider receiving deputation’s from  The Rathangan Tidy Towns.  The Community Resource Centre – St.Patrick’s Park, Rathangan at the May meeting of the Kildare Area Committee. It was agreed to receive the deputations.

Councillor John O’Neill proposed that deputation’s are taken before the minutes i.e. at 2.10 p.m. to which all members were in agreement.

KE 06/0401 Double Yellow Lines on College Park facing the Sport Centre

This item was deferred, as Councillor O’Loughlin had not arrived at this stage.

KE 07/0401 Closing of Alley-Way and Treacey Meadows, Newbridge.

This item was deferred as Councillor O’Loughlin had not arrived at this stage.

KE 08/0401 Up date on the Millennium Bridge, Newbridge.

This item was deferred as Councillor O’Loughlin had not arrived at this stage.

KE 09/0401 The CAAS Plan, Nurney.

Mr. C. Talbot, Project Officer stated that he is proposing to hold a public meeting in Nurney on either 15th, 16th or 17th May, whichever night the GAA hall is free. Mr. Talbot

3 stated that he will give the Kildare Area members adequate notice of the date on which the meeting will take place.

KE 10/0401 Consider the Plans for Newbridge Sports Centre development under the Part X process - approval to send the project to the full Council.

Mr. Ray Bonar, Leisure Officer, attended the meeting with plans showing the detailed proposals for the Sports Centre Development in Newbridge. These plans included the pilot playground, which will be in the grounds of the Sports Centre and will cater for children up to the age of ten. Mr. Bonar stated that £200,000 is coming from the Department of Environment for pitch development, also built into the project. Senator Dardis enquired as to whether the access to the sheltered housing behind the Sports Centre would be affected. Ms. P. Hickey stated that access would be through the existing laneway and that it would not be affected. Approval to send the project to the full Council was proposed by Senator Dardis and seconded by Councillor O’Neill. All members of the Kildare Area Committee voiced their support for this development.

KE 11/0401 European Car-Free day Newbridge.

Mr. Colm Flynn, Area Engineer stated that the proposed European Car-Free day is to take place on Saturday, 21st September, 2001 in Newbridge. Councillor John O’Neill pointed out that because there are two major shopping centres on the outskirts of Newbridge, it would be detrimental to businesses on the main street if the main street is closed off. Senator O’Fearghail enquired as to the possibility of Athy or Kildare being considered for this proposal. Mr. Des O’Connor SEE, stated that the reason Newbridge was considered a possibility was because it has a bye-pass which traffic can use as an alternative route. All members of the Committee indicated that they were not in favour of the European Car Free day going ahead in Newbridge.

KE 12/0401 Review of Speed Limits 2001.

Mr. Pat Cleary, Temporary Senior Executive Technician from the Roads Design Department and three members of the Garda Siochana were in attendance at this meeting to discuss the speed limits for the Kildare area. The Gardai present were Sergeant Eddie Relehan from Kildare Town, Garda Kay Farrell and student Garda Roisin Butler both

4 from Naas. Mr. Cleary circulated a report indicating what speed limits were required in proposed locations. The committee made the following decisions:

1) K1 - Ballysax Hill, Curragh Camp – Provision of a 30-mph speed limit zone. The Gardai and the Members agreed that this would be a 40-mph zone. 2) K2 – Curragh Plains Kildare – Sergeant Lenehan indicated that he favoured a 40- mph speed limit. Mr. Cleary indicated that the Department of Defence has no problem with a 40-mph blanket speed limit for the Curragh The committee recommended a 40-mph speed limit. 3) K3 – Carna/Suncroft - extension of the existing 30-mph speed limit signs. This was agreed by all members of the Kildare Area Committee. 4) K4 – The Kildare-Rathangan Road, Bonaghmore, Demesne – Extension of existing speed limit signs. All members were in agreement that the existing 30-mph should be extended out to Burells entrance. 5) K5 – Standhouse Road Junction – Extension of the existing 30-mph speed limit signs. The members recommended the extension of the existing 30-mph speed limit to the end of the 30-mph zone at Dermot Welds. 6) K6 – Moorefield Park Estate, Newbridge – To reduce the existing 30-mph speed limit signs to 15 mph. The members of the Gardai Siochana indicated that a 15mph is not enforceable, so it is to be left at 30-mph. 7) K7 – Lackagh – Provision of speed limit signs – 30 mph at the school. All members were in agreement that this should be a 30-mph zone. 8) K8 – Ballymany Roundabout – 60-mph on slip road to be reduced to 30-mph. Councillor Keane had requested clarification on the provision of a 30-mph speed limit on this slip road. Mr.Cleary indicated this cannot be done as the slip road comes under the jurisdiction of a national road but that when the 40mph limit is brought in on the Curragh, it will refer also to the slip road. 9) K9 – Mountrice - to provide 40-mph speed limit signs. All members of the Committee were in agreement that a 40-mph speed limit should apply from the part of the road starting at Mr. Brian Deasey’s house to 100 metres south of Mullaghroe Cross including Mountrice Cross. 10) K10 – The Kildare Nurney Road (Newtown) – Provision of speed limit signs here. All members were in agreement that a 40-mph zone should apply to include Mooretown/Silliot Road past Heffernans and Kelly’s house. 11) K11 – Newtown Road (Kildare Town Bye-Pass) – Provision of a 30-mph speed limit on reconstructed road. Sergeant Relehan stated that he could see merit in the provision of a 40-mph speed limit here taking in Newtown Cross. All members were in agreement to a 40-mph limit. 12) K12 – N7 (The Kildare Town Bye-Pass) - Request to extend the existing 50-mph speed limit signs from Cherryville to Monasterevin to accommodate construction of the Kildare Town Bye-Pass. All members were in agreement to a 50-mph speed limit.

KE 13/04/01 – Taking in Charge of Estates

5 1) Grange Heights, Newbridge 2) Fassagh, Kildangan 3) Sarsfield Drive, Newbridge.

1. Grange Heights on the Green Road, Newbridge – All members were in agreement to take this estate in charge subject to all works being in order.

2. Fassagh Estate, Kildangan - Mr. Colm Flynn, Area Engineer indicated that the flooding problem had been resolved on this estate and all members were in agreement to take it in charge.

3. Sarsfield Drive, Newbridge - Councillor John O’Neill indicated that the developer had not placed the stop signs at the entrance to this estate as of yet and that it should not be taken in charge until this is carried out.

KE 14/0401 Councillors Questions.

Councillor John O’Neill. (a) When are the litterbins removed from Edward Street, Newbridge and also at the Liffey Arms, Newbridge being replaced?

The County Secretary read from a report from Liam Dunne, SSO Roads Department indicating a total of 12 cast iron bins were damaged along Edward Street in the past 18 months either by vandalism or parked vehicles. The Council have replaced or fixed some of these but unfortunately due to other work commitments not all bins have been replaced. There has been an extra eight bins purchased which are now in storage and it is hoped that each of these will be put in place as soon as our works are completed in the Arts Centre. Councillor O’Neill emphasised that there are four bins required between Neeson’s Public House and Young’s chemist, they had previously been removed while the cobble lock was being laid. Mr. Colm Flynn A.E stated that these would be replaced in the next two weeks.

(b) The up-to-date position regarding the No-Parking signs at the Oaks, Newbridge.

A report from Liam Dunne, S.S.O. indicated that he had met with Sergeant Rothwell, Newbridge Gardai station to discuss this traffic problem outside the Oaks. Sgt.Rothwell did not advise prohibiting parking outside the Oaks as he felt that it would cause hazardous parking of these trucks at another location. Councillor Dukes stated that the residents of the Oaks and the Elms had no line of vision while driving out of the estate. Councillor O’Neill added this parking problem would never have occurred only that the hedges were removed as per agreement between Kildare County Council and Stanley Adams who was the developer of the Elms.

6 Mr. John McGowan, SEE stated that he would check the HGV i.e. Heavy Good Vehicles regulations to see if they refer to the issue of Heavy Goods Vehicles parking adjacent to a public road. Mr. McGowan stated he would report back to the members at the next meeting. Councillor O’Neill also enquired as to the possibility of placing double yellow lines at either side of the entrance out of the estates to prohibit parking. Mr. McGowan pointed out that this would have to go through the Traffic Technical Committee.

(c) When is the junction box at the entrance to Moorefield Park Estate, Newbridge being installed, also a junction box at Finlay’s Garage was removed when surface draining was taking place and never replaced. The County Secretary read from a report from Liam Dunne, SSO indicating that the junction box outside Moorefield Park Estate will be replaced to which all members were in agreement. Councillor O’Neill also proposed that the junction box be replaced outside Finlay’s Garage as it had been removed previously due to road surfacing some five or six years ago. A report indicated that the Council had surveyed the location and did not feel that it was now warranted due to the reprogramming of the traffic lights at Dunnes Stores. Councillor O’Neill requested that it would be replaced and all members of the committee were in agreement.

(d) That discussions take place at the Kildare Area Meeting concerning the opening of roads and footpaths with or without permission.

Mr. Des O’Connor, SEE stated that the legal position regarding the opening of footpaths etc., is that Kildare County Council can regulate certain aspects of it. Emergency repairs have to be carried out and all utility companies such as the ESB, Bord Gais, Eircom do have a right to dig up roads and footpaths for necessary works. Mr. Seamus Stokes, County Secretary stated that if a private developer wants to open the road, he has to apply to Kildare County Council for permission. Mr. O’Connor stated that in the long term it is hoped that a taking in charge fee will be introduced to cover the cost of replacing roads footpaths after remedial works have been carried out.

Councillor Keane (a) What is the position regarding the right of way at Church View Estate, Suncroft? Councillor Keane voiced his frustration at the absence of a report on this matter. Mr. Stokes, County Secretary indicated that Brian Swan, SEA was attending a meeting that day, but that he would speak to him in relation to this question and would contact Councillor Keane with a reply as soon as possible.

(b) What steps have been taken to acquire additional land for an extension to the new cemetery, Suncroft? Mr. Stokes, County Secretary read from a report from Ann Rowan, AO Projects Office stating that the Council had been negotiating with the landowner of the lands immediately adjacent to the new cemetery in Suncroft. These have now concluded and an agreement

7 has been reached regarding the additional land. The Council is awaiting receipt of contracts to purchase the above site to facilitate the extension of the cemetery.

Councillor Dukes (a) Enterprise Units, Kildare Town: A report from Ann Rowan, AO Projects Office stated that the problem with surface water in Kildare Town is still under consideration but it may be possible to develop the site on a phased basis. Interested parties have been invited to apply for sites and these applications would be examined and considered. The councillors endeavouring to identify other suitable sites for industrial development in Kildare and the IDA have been contacted in this regard. No other sites have been identified.

(b) Scoil Bhride Naofa, Kildare Town: Re designated school bus area. It was indicated at a meeting of 23rd February that this would take place within two/three weeks – what is delay? Rehab recycling units – why not moved? What is progress on road closure?

A report from Liam Dunne indicated that the Western Area Office placed an order with a road lining company to carry out these works soon after the last meeting. Due to the delay KCC cancelled the order and placed same with another company. However due to the bad weather late last year and early this year the road lining companies are finding it extremely difficult to catch up on work commitments. However the road liners have reassured KCC that, depending on weather, they will be returning by the weekend to complete this and other outstanding jobs in the Kildare area. With regard to the Rehab recycling units, a report from Dara Wyer, Environment, stated these would be moved nearer the CYMS as soon as possible.

(c) 00/1454 Parish Centre, Kildare Town: What is the progress on this application vis-a-viz car parking problem? Councillor Dukes enquired as to the up to date position regarding this planning application for a Parish Centre in Kildare Town. Senator O’Fearghail asked that somebody take ownership of the whole project regarding carparking in Kildare Town along with how we are going to fund it subsequent to purchasing the land. He requested that a detailed proposal on carparking in Kildare be available at the May meeting. All members of the Committee were in agreement that no permission be granted on application 00/1454 for the Parish Centre Kildare Town until this report has been circulated. Senator O’Fearghail suggested that we write to Mr. Gibbons who is developing the proposed car park with a time limit for him to sign the contract with Kildare County Council, as the members are not willing to wait any longer. All members were in agreement to this and Mr. Talbot gave his undertaking to write to Mr. Gibbons informing him that he has until the end of May 2001 to sign a contract.

8 (d) Lynch family, Magee barracks, Kildare town: What progress has been made on search for permanent site for this family. Councillor Dukes expressed her concerns over the fact that Kildare County Council only has a year lease on the Magee Barracks site for the Lynch’s and progress is required on locating an alternative site. Mr. C. Talbot stated that Kildare County Council are currently putting together a specification on cost in relation to the Wilson land. Senator O’Fearghail asked that if a more suitable site is found in the interim would Mr. Talbot let the elected members know. Mr. Talbot stated that he is aware that the members want the Wilson site to go ahead but that before anything can be finalised they will have to wait for the specification and costing. Mr. Talbot stated that there is no possibility that the lease can be extended on Magee Barracks so this whole issue has to be moved ahead quickly. The cost of acquiring Wilson’s land i.e. 16 acres is approximately £250,000.

Senator O’Fearghail reiterated his concern in relation to the security on the Magee site as two houses have already been damaged on the site. The travellers had also pulled down screen fencing around the site and have pulled down trees and scrub. Senator O’Fearghail feels the security is invisible as far as he is concerned. Ms. P. Hickey, AO replied that her understanding is that there is no litter and no dirt and that the Camping Warden calls regularly. Ms.Hickey emphasised that this family cannot feel that they are under 24 hour’s surveillance. The members asked that the aforementioned screening be re-erected in conjunction with the Department of Defence and also request that the May meeting of the Kildare Area Committee is held at the Magee Barrack site.

(e) Taxi rank, Newbridge: When is area committee to have briefing session? This has been discussed under the progress report. Information for comparative purposes to be requested from Naas UDC in relation to the setting up of a taxi metre area.

(f) Right of way Ballymany Shopping Centre to the Oaks, Newbridge: What is the possibility of closing this right-of-way in view of anti-social behaviour and litter? Councillor Dukes read from a letter, which she had received from concerned residents re; the above item. Councillor Dukes requested that Kildare County Council consider closing this right of way. Councillors F. O’Loughlin and J. O’Neill suggested that more lights be placed on the right of way rather than close it as the elderly and school going children avail of it to go to mass and school. Closing this right-of-way would make life very difficult for them. Mr.Stokes, County Secretary indicated that this estate has not been taken in charge and that it should be a matter for the developer. Senator O’Fearghail requested that a proposal be drawn up by Kildare County Council to investigate the possibility of erecting extra lights and a report be available for the next meeting to see how this can best be achieved as the estate has been abandoned.

(g) NRA funding for roads damaged by by-pass works: In view of the disappointing allocation of funding, what is the proposal of the Area Engineer for the use of the

9 money? Mr. Colm Flynn, Area Engineer circulated a report indicating the five locations to be funded for work over the coming year totaling £60,000 Each member received a copy of said report.

ADJOURNED MOTIONS

KE15/0401 Notice of Motion – Senator O’Fearghail

“ That this Committee be advised on whatever progress has been made on the provision of Sheep Grids and Horse Gates on all access roads to the Curragh.”

Mr. John McGowan, SEE stated that there are currently thirty locations you can enter and exit off the Curragh, Co. Kildare at a cost of £30,000 per location. Senator Dardis stated that it would be opportune at this time to press the Department of Agriculture for funding as a result of the recent foot and mouth crisis and its disease implications. Mr. Des O’Connor, SEE stated that he would approach the Department of Agriculture, Department of Environment and the Department of Defence with an estimate cost and see if they would be interested in a part funding arrangement. Councillor O’Neill stated that the Walshestown Road should be a priority and Councillor Dukes indicted that the Mellita Road and Standhouse Road should also be prioritised. Mr. S. Stokes, County Secretary stated that it would be unlikely that the NRA would fund these sort of works as it was a hard fought battle to get the funding for the cattle grid at Lumville House, Curragh.

KE16/0401 Notice of Motion – Councillor Keane “ That this Council as a matter of urgency provide either traffic lights or a roundabout at Brownstown Inn Cross on Curragh edge.”

A report from Mr. Liam Dunne indicated that the Roads Maintenance Department plans to carry out a resurfacing of the road from the Military Barracks down to the crossroads at Brownstown during the month of July. Extra warning signs and improved road markings on the main approach to the crossroads will be part of this contract.

CURRENT MOTIONS

KE17/0401 Notice of Motion – Councillor Jim Keane

That this council install ramps on public roads at Athgarvan National School. Funding to be acquired from development levies.”

10 Senator O’Fearghail expressed the committee’s dissatisfaction at the non-availability of the development levy report, which had been promised since Christmas. S. Stokes, County Secretary stated that the difficulty in compiling this report is due to the fact that there is a huge backlog of levy files to be assessed along with current files and queries arising from same. Councillor O’Fearghail stated that he would bring this issue to the attention of the full Council. Mr. John McGowan, SEE asked if the speeding issues was only relevant during school hours and that would the provision of rubber strips sort out the problem. Mr. McGowan is to look at this and report back to the May meeting of the Kildare area committee.

KE18/0401 Notice of Motion – Senator John Dardis

“Construction of a boundary wall between the Plains and Melitta Park, Kildare as per original plans.”

Mr. Seamus Stokes, County Secretary read from a report from P. Hickey, AO stating that this private site development on the Melitta Road was developed in the region of 25 years ago. It backed on to a green field and would not have been necessary to have a rear boundary wall, which would incidentally have been the responsibility of each site owner when constructing the house. All of these houses are in private ownership at present and the Council have no responsibility or finance to provide a wall. It would be more reasonable to expect the current developer to provide a wall between his development and the existing houses. Senator O’Fearghail stated that the report seems to have misread the issue and that the boundary walls have been built on the individual properties but KCC have not put them up at hammer junctions etc. He stated that the County Council owned the land and sold sites to the householders and did not follow through the works that they indicated they would carry out. On the original scheme the walls were to be put in place and he requested that this item be left on the agenda for the May meeting.

“That Kildare Council erect a boundary wall between Melitta Park Kildare, and The Plains, Melitta Road, Kildare.” (Please note that Melitta Park was a Council Private Site Development)

This item has already been dealt with under Notice of Motion 18 – Senator John Dardis. Senator Dardis pointed out that both reports from Ms. Phyl Hickey, AO had been addressed to Senator O’Fearghail and requested that it be noted one of these reports should have been addressed to him.

11 KE20/0401 Notice of Motion – Senator Dardis

“To report on the condition of St. Conleth’s Avenue, Newbridge and the need for improvements thereto.”

A report from Liam Dunne SSO indicated that St. Conleth’s Avenue is not in the charge of Kildare County Council and as such the Council does not maintain the road leading through. Kildare County Council only takes charge of roads under agreement of full Council and only when roads and services are brought to an acceptable standard to the satisfaction of the Area Office and the Development Control section. From a Roads point of view a new footpath would have to be constructed in front of the houses and the houses on the laneway, needs resurfacing. The total cost of approximately £5,000 would be required to bring the laneway to a suitable standard.

“In light of the number of fatalities that have occurred between the Cross Keys, Kildangan and Kylbeg Housing Estate, that a public footpath be provided along this dangerous stretch of regional road.”

A report from Liam Dunne indicated that a new footpath connecting Kylbeg Housing Estate to Cross Keys would involve the setting back of existing hedges, the erection of a new roadside fence and the laying of 485 metres of new kerbing and surfacing with a tarmacadam finish. The total envisaged cost would be approximately £17,500. He suggested that this would be sourced out of the discretionary grants for 2001.

KE22/0401 Notice of Motion – Senator O’Fearghail and Councillor John O’Neill

“That the Council Commission a suitable Piece of Art for the Newbridge By-Pass that would reflect the theme "“Kildare the Thoroughbred County.”

All members of the Committee were in agreement that this work is carried out and Mr.S Stokes, County Secretary indicated that this would be a matter for the NRA to where it has been referred.

KE23/0401 Notice of Motion – Councillor John O’Neill

“That Kildare County Council extend the sewerage to Little Connell, Newbridge (25 houses involved and a Nursing Home).”

12 A report from Liam Dunne stated that the houses and the Nursing Homes are some distance from the existing sewerage network. To extend the existing network to connect these premises would require the construction of at least one pumping station and the laying of a considerable length of rising main. Provision for this infrastructure however desirable is not considered priority at the moment; the situation will of course be kept under review. Councillor O’Neill expressed his dissatisfaction that this item has been 23 years under review. Mr. Michael O’Leary, SEE stated that there is a possibility that the residents could form a group scheme. Senator O’Fearghail asked Ms. Phyl Hickey to investigate the possibility of setting up such a group scheme to which Ms. Hickey replied that she will refer this to Mr. David Reel, County Liaison Officer but indicated that the local contribution could be very high for such a scheme.

KE24/0401 Notice of Motion – Councillor John O’Neill

“That the road from the bridge Newbridge to Paddy O’Grady’s house in Roseberry, Newbridge be resurfaced as a matter of priority.”

A report from Mr. Liam Dunne stated that the whole road needs total reconstruction from the Eyre Street junction up to the entrance to Barrettstown Lawns except for 110 metres stretch at the Sex’s road junction. The total cost envisaged for this project is £91,035. The Council have no current plans of road improvements for along this road however they are currently drawing up a new 4 year improvement plan for the county and this road could be included under next years work. Mr. Colm Flynn, Area Engineer stated that he could not definitely say all of the work would be completed in 2002. Councillor J. O’Neill asked that an extra set of traffic lights on this stretch of road be considered.

SUPPLEMENTARY AGENDA. Councillors Questions Senator O’Fearghail  when and how will existing residences on the Green Road, Kildare be connected to the mains sewerage scheme? A report from Liam Dunne indicated that a sewer pipe is currently being laid on the Green Road by a private contractor to service a new development. The sewer pipe in question is a rising main i.e. a pressure pipe and under such cannot be used for direct connection to existing housing. However, existing houses could connect into a gravity manhole at the entrance to the new estate. To progress this, the residents should form a small group scheme and negotiate the sale of connections with the developer. Adequate capacity will be available in the rising main and associated pump house.

KE25/0401 Other Business

13  Councillor F. Dukes enquired as to whether a report has gone to the Manager in relation to the carpark at the cemetery in Kildare Town. Mr. C. Flynn, Area Engineer stated that this report had gone to the Manager and a decision from him is awaited.

 Councillor J. Keane enquired as to the position regarding the path at the nursing home in Suncroft i.e. this has not been built. Colm Flynn, Area Engineer stated that KCC have written to the developer twice requesting this be carried out. One of the planning conditions for this development was that this path be constructed. If it is not, Kildare County Council will build the footpath themselves and take the cost of it out of the developers bond.

 Mr. Des O’Connor, SEE put forward a proposal to the members of the Kildare Area Committee for traffic calming on the Standhouse Road in Newbridge. He stated it would be funded from a DOE grant. All members of the Committee were in agreement for this to go ahead and was proposed by Councillor O’Neill, seconded by Councillor Dardis.

 Senator O’Fearghail raised the issue of the lights at Bishopland, Kildare - what is the current position in relation to them. Mr. C. Flynn, Area Engineer indicated that each time they were repaired or replaced, they are broken again. Senator O’Fearghail asked that this issue be reviewed.

 Senator O’Fearghail also requested Mr. Flynn to look at the surface edges of the Kildare railway carpark as the surface dressing does not go right to the edge of the carpark and thus the gaps are dangerous. Mr Flynn stated he would investigate this issue further.

 Councillor John O’Neill raised the final item of other business. Councillor O’Neill requested that the bollard on the roundabout outside Wyeth, Newbridge be replaced. Mr. Flynn, Area Engineer gave his undertaking to do same. Councillor O’Neill also requested that maintenance works be carried out on the roads surrounding Newbridge under funds coming from Newbridge bye-pass to which Colm Flynn, Area Engineer stated he would investigate this under road maintenance works.

It was agreed that the next meeting of the Kildare Area Committee would take place on Friday, 25th May, 2001. Senator O’Fearghail and Councillor F. Dukes requested that the next meeting (May Meeting) take place in Magee Barracks, Kildare to which all members of the Committee were in agreement. The meeting then concluded.