Kildare County Council s2

KILDARE COUNTY COUNCIL

Minutes of the Meeting of Clane Area Committee held on Tuesday 14th September 2004 at 2.30 p.m. in the Council Chamber, St. Mary’s, Naas, as adopted.

Present: Councillors Michael Fitzpatrick (Cathaoirleach), Liam Doyle, Tony McEvoy and Brendan Weld. Also present were Mr. A.C. Talbot, Meetings Administrator, and other officials.

CL1/0904 – PROGRESS REPORT AND ADOPTION OF MINUTES The minutes of the committee meeting held on 14th July 2004 were adopted on the proposal of Councillor Weld, seconded by Councillor Doyle, with the amendments that the query concerning whether the council could employ speed wardens was made by Councillor Doyle. The progress report for the meeting of the 14th July was circulated and contents noted by the members. Councillor Doyle expressed disappointment concerning the response to his call for speed wardens and Mr. Talbot said that the council could only exercise powers conferred by law. Councillor Weld said the only method to deal with the problem of speeding was to have traffic calming measures in every town and village in the county.

CL2/0904 – TAKING IN CHARGE OF ESTATES The members had before them a report dated the 20th January on the steps to be followed in taking in charge of estates. It went on to give a list of the estates in the county which Development Control recommend taking in charge. It was resolved that the estate mentioned in the Clane electoral area, namely Pinewood Lawns, Kilcock and Clonwood Heights, Clane, be recommended to the full council for taking in charge. The members also queried the current status in relation to Courtown Park, Kilcock, and Stephen Cunningham, Staff Officer, Development Control, outlined the measures taken. It was agreed to enter the item on the agenda for the next committee meeting, and Mr. Cunningham undertook to supply the members with a written report on the matter.

CL3/0904 – MOTION – COUNCILLOR FITZPATRICK “ That persons who had full planning permission before the adoption of the Levy Scheme, and who now discover that there is an error in the location of the house on the site or with the entrance to the site, shall not have to pay new levies to rectify matters. New levies should be imposed on additional building on the site only. That agricultural exemptions and reductions be allowed for American barn applicants as agreed and not as currently where they are charged commercial rate.”

Mr. Kevin Kelly, Senior Executive Officer, Planning, gave a verbal report. He said that when drawing up a scheme it is very difficult to see every eventuality. Now that the scheme has been in use for a number of months some anomalies have shown up. A report is being compiled for the County Manager on the subject, and he would be hopeful that it would be possible to amend the scheme to address the issues raised in the motion as part of the review. The members thanked Mr. Kelly for his report and asked that their regrets that he is moving to another section, and so will not be involved in finalising the draft development plan, be noted.

______1 Minutes of the Clane Area Committee Meeting Held on Tuesday 14th September 2004 at 2.30 p.m. in the Council Chamber, St. Mary’s, Naas. CL4/0904 – DEPUTATION FROM ALLENWOOD COMMUNITY GROUP The deputation consisted of Celine Brennan, Gerry Mahony and Peg Reagan. A written submission outlining a number of issues was presented to members and officials. Among the issues highlighted were traffic calming, CAAS plan, traffic dangers on Station Road, and Skew Bridge, the need for the adoption of a local area plan and other planning issues. Gerry Mahony spoke and elaborated on some of the points in the submission. The members sought clarification of some of the points raised. They complemented the delegation on their presentation and spoke in general support of the points made. Des O’Connor, Senior Engineer, explained why it would not be desirable or feasible to carry some of the proposed traffic calming measures, as suggested by the delegation, pending the completion of the sewerage scheme. Mr. Talbot thanked the group for their attendance, and promised to issue a written response to the issues raised.

CL5/0904 – ADJOURNED QUESTION - COUNCILLOR FITZPATRICK. “What is the current position on funding for traffic calming in Johnstownbridge and Allenwood and has investigations shown that traffic lights will be installed at the Church in Prosperous in the current year?” The members had before them a written report from Joe Boland, Director of Services, Transportation, in which he set out the current position in each case here. The members noted the report.

CL6/0904 – QUESTION – COUNCILLOR FITZPATRICK “When will road improvements for Lowtown Road through Robertstown Village to Mylerstown be carried out. Also when will the proposed improvement works at the junction of Kilmeague Village, beside Eleson House and the removal of high clay banks opposite the Kilmeague Health Centre be carried out?” The members had before them a report from Joe Boland, Director of Services, setting out the current position. Councillor Fitzpatrick enquired when the work on the rising main mentioned would be carried out and Jonathan Deane, Area Engineer, said that he understood it would be done before the end of September. The members noted the report.

CL7/0904 – QUESTION – COUNCILLOR MCEVOY “Would the committee recommend the use of compulsory purchase powers in order to continue the public footpath past the Community School in Clane to the Butterstream Junction?” The members had before them a report from Joe Boland, Director of Services, in which he said that negotiations in to acquire the land concerned is ongoing. Councillor McEvoy said that the situation had been ongoing for twenty years and needed to be brought to a conclusion It was resolved that a CPO order be drawn up and presented to the next meeting in case there had been no progress in negotiations. It was also agreed that this item would remain on the agenda.

CL8/0904 - QUESTION – COUNCILLOR MCEVOY “Would the committee support the installation of ramps along the Moat Commons Road in Clane?” The members had before them a report from Joe Boland, Director of Services, in which he said that he had asked the Roads Design Section to carry out a traffic analysis study here. The members requested that an updated report be supplied to the next meeting of the committee.

CL9/0904 - QUESTION – COUNCILLOR DOYLE “Can the Crescent, Courtown Road, Kilcock be re-surfaced as the existing surface is dangerous? The members had before them a report from Joe Boland, Director of Services, informing them that work had been carried out at this location recently. Councillor Doyle complimented the Area Engineer on the fine job he had carried out. He said that a lot of the work arose from individuals digging trenches for water and sewerage connections, and not filling them in correctly. He asked that the council be more demanding in getting these re-instatements done to a high standard.

______2 Minutes of the Clane Area Committee Meeting Held on Tuesday 14th September 2004 at 2.30 p.m. in the Council Chamber, St. Mary’s, Naas. CL10/0904 – QUESTION - COUNCILLOR DOYLE “Can the condition of the road at Johnstown Bridge where roadworks are being carried out on the new motorway be investigated?” The members had before them a report from Joe Boland, Director of Services, informing that this matter would be raised at the meeting of the M4 Motorway Steering Committee, which was scheduled for the following day. The members noted the report.

CL11/0904 – QUESTION – COUNCILLOR DOYLE “Can something be done on the condition of the road at Courtown Park entrance, Royal Meadows entrance and AIB Bank Harbour/New Road?” The members had before them a report from Joe Boland, Director of Services, on the matter. Councillor Doyle said that despite works carried out here it would need to be done again as another road opening had been made.

CL12/0904 – QUESTION – COUNCILLOR MCEVOY “What repairs might be considered necessary to the walls and footpath at the Old Cemetery in Mainham?” The members had before them a report from Joe Boland, Director of Services, informing them that the environmental overseer had an arranged a contract to carry out repairs to the damaged pier here. A repair job to the footpaths and walls would be quite extensive but he will include a sum in the 2005 budget for the purpose. Councillor Weld said that there was a large hole in one of the footpaths in the old part of the cemetery, and he asked that this be filled in as soon as possible. The members noted the report.

CL13/0904 – MOTION – COUNCILLOR WELD “ That Kildare County Council carry out an immediate survey of the streets, road and footpaths in and around Robertstown, with a view to identifying and providing the necessary finance to undertake a programme of urgent improvement in the near future.” The members had before them a report from Joe Boland, Director of Services, informing them that resurfacing of Main Street will be carried out when work in relation to laying of a the rising main has been completed. It is hoped to carry out improvements to roads and footpaths on a phased basis as part of the forthcoming five-year programme. The Area Engineer confirmed that the work on the rising main is almost complete and that he hopes to carry out resurfacing shortly. Councillor Weld said that Robertstown is a tourism attraction and has many visitors. It is important that the area is maintained to a high standard. The members asked that the possibility of using monies available under the special village fund be investigated.

CL14/0904 – MOTION – COUNCILLOR WELD “That Kildare County Council put in place a programme to upgrade, improve and restore the Town Square and its environs at Kilcock, including the carrying out of improvements to the towns appearance, proper traffic management and parking, re-instatement of footpaths, pavements and street lighting.” The members had before them a report from Joe Boland, Director of Services, outlining the works, both recently undertaken and which is scheduled for the next few weeks at this location. Councillor Weld said this was an issue constantly raised during his canvassing in recent elections and that a great deal work was needed here. The members resolved that the area be prioritised for remedial works and that all sources of possible funding, including identification of development levies which may be available, be investigated.

______3 Minutes of the Clane Area Committee Meeting Held on Tuesday 14th September 2004 at 2.30 p.m. in the Council Chamber, St. Mary’s, Naas. CL15/0904 – MOTION – COUNCILLOR MACNAMARA “That public lights be erected at the following locations: - (a) Outside Nellie Pender’s house at Ticknevin, Carbury – existing pole available, and (b) Outside Mary Duffy’s house at Clonkeen, Carbury – existing pole available.” The members had before them a report from Joe Boland, Director of Services, informing them that the request had been noted and referred to the ESB for costing etc. On receipt of this information it can be added to the public lighting list, for consideration by the members. The members noted the report and asked that a copy be forwarded to Councillor MacNamara.

CL16/0904 – MOTION – COUNCILLOR MACNAMARA “That traffic calming measures be provided at Ticknevin National School, Carbury, forthwith.” The members had before them a report from Joe Boland, Director of Services, informing them that he had requested Roads Design Section to examine the proposal and that he would put a proposal before them when it is finalised. The members noted the report and asked that a copy be supplied to Councillor MacNamara.

CL17/0904 – MOTION – COUNCILLOR FITZPATRICK “That council carry out survey of all single vehicle public roadways in Clane electoral area and that council provide in the 2005 estimates a sum of money to provide lay-byes on narrow country roads in the interest of road safety and movement of traffic.” The members had before them a report from Joe Boland, Director of Services, informing them that he had brought the proposal to the attention of the relevant officials and would hope to see it implemented on a phased basis, possibly as part of the forthcoming five year plan. The members noted favourable response and looked forward to its implementation.

CL18/0904 – MOTION – COUNCILLOR MCEVOY “ That this committee would support the inclusion in the Budget for 2005 of the funding to carry out necessary repairs to the Liffey Bridge at Clane and the Blackwater Bridges at Johnstownbridge and Knockanally.” The members had before them a report from Joe Boland, Director of Services, agreeing that the work requested was desirable. However, the jobs would be costly and there was the need to identify a source of funding. Councillor McEvoy said that the longer the work is delayed the more costly it will become to carry out the necessary work. The members resolved that a sum be included in the 2005 budget to allow these works to be carried out as soon as possible.

CL19/0904 – MOTION – COUNCILLOR MCEVOY “That this committee would support the inclusion in the Budget for 2005 of the necessary funding to carry out footpath widening and raising between Manzor’s Corner in Clane and the KARE Centre to render it safe for wheelchair use.” The members had before them a report from Joe Boland, Director of Services. Councillor McEvoy said, however, that the report furnished misinterpreted the work he sought and he agreed to meet the Area Engineer on site and point out what he had intended. It was agreed to defer consideration of this item and leave it on the agenda for the next meeting.

CL20/0904 – MOTION – COUNCILLOR MCEVOY “That this committee would support the installation of ramps for traffic calming purposes on the Edenderry Road through Prosperous and Allenwood.” The members had before them a report from Joe Boland, Director of Services, outlining out the situation at these locations.

______4 Minutes of the Clane Area Committee Meeting Held on Tuesday 14th September 2004 at 2.30 p.m. in the Council Chamber, St. Mary’s, Naas. The members noted that subject had been discussed during earlier items on the agenda, and nothing further needed to be added.

CL21/0904 – MOTION – COUNCILLOR DOYLE “That Kildare County Council carry out road repairs at Villa Court, Prosperous as it is in a dangerous condition.” The members had before them a report from Joe Boland, Director of Services, informing them that there were no funds available in 2004 to carry out the requested work. The Area Engineer will, however, arrange to repair the potholes here with a view to providing a sum in the 2005 budget for a more comprehensive job. The members noted the report.

CL22/0904 –MOTION – COUNCILLOR DOYLE

“That Kildare County Council carry out traffic calming at School Street, Kilcock.” The members had before them a report from Joe Boland, Director of Services, informing them that he plans to carry out road markings in this location in 2004, and footpath improvement in 2005. Councillor Doyle, however, said that more work was needed in the area including, possibly, ramps due to speeding. The Area Engineer said that it is not normally the type of location for such work, but he would ask Roads Design to look at the issue.

CL23/0904 –QUESTION – COUNCILLOR FITZPATRICK “What is the current situation regarding the acquisition of lands in Robertstown for housing and community use by council?” The members had before them a report from Dermot Brennan, Acting Senior Executive Officer, Housing Section. The council had informed the tourist board of its interest in acquiring land adjacent to the hotel in Robertstown for housing purposes, but in a letter in July last they had informed the council that they intended to dispose of the land and hotel in one lot, by auction. This, effectively, rules the council out from acquiring the desired lands. Councillor FitzPatrick said he was disappointed that, in despite making our position clear, the tourist board is not interested in accommodating us.

CL24/0904 –QUESTION – COUNCILLOR FITZPATRICK. “When is it expected that work on the new sewerage treatment scheme to service Ticknevin and Derrinturn will commence and would it be possible to connect Carbury Village into same?” The members had before them a report from Gerry Conlon, Senior Executive Engineer, Water Services, outlining the current position here. It is hoped to commence work in autumn 2005 on this project. However, it is not considered technically or economically feasible to connect Carbury to the proposed scheme. Councillor FitzPatrick said that Carbury existed as a village before the present development in Derrinturn and Ticknevin areas but is now being left behind. It was resolved that an approach should be made to the Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government seeking a treatment plant for Carbury. Alternatively the members sought that a pumping station be provided in Carbury to tie in with the Derrinturn scheme.

CL25/0904 –MOTION – COUNCILLOR FITZPATRICK. “That this Committee be provided with an explanation for the apparent undue delay in carrying out minor repairs to council’s housing stock in Clane electoral area, resulting in unwarranted problems for tenants and prospective tenants and a loss of revenue to council.” The members had before them a report from Dermot Brennan, Acting Senior Executive Officer, Housing Section informing them that a house cannot be re-let until it was brought up to an acceptable level of repair and, due to the small number of contractors interested in doing this type of work, delays can be experienced. In some cases there can be further delays caused by complications arising where there are insurance claims

______5 Minutes of the Clane Area Committee Meeting Held on Tuesday 14th September 2004 at 2.30 p.m. in the Council Chamber, St. Mary’s, Naas. for third party damage. Councillor Fitzpatrick said that, while he had sympathy for the official’s position, it was had to explain to a person in difficult circumstances why seemingly fit houses remain unoccupied for long periods. He suggested that the Clerk of Works be authorised to have small house repairs carried out speedily without the necessity of seeking a number of quotations. The members noted the report.

CL26/0904 – QUESTION– COUNCILLOR REILLY “What progress, if any, has been made in relation to securing amenity lands at Derrinturn/Carbury?” Councillor Fitzpatrick said there had been a planning application in the area, which included an offer of lands for amenity purposes. However, the application had been turned down. Accordingly, there did not seem an imminent prospect of such lands becoming available and so the motion could be removed from the agenda.

CL27/0904 – ANY OTHER BUSINESS (a) Alcohol Byelaws, Clane. The members had before them a report showing the development boundary of Clane, which was the suggested area to be covered by the regulations, and a draft copy of the byelaws. It was agreed to defer consideration of the matter at the next meeting to the next meeting of the committee to allow them time for them to study the proposals in detail.

(b) Public Lighting List. The members had before them the updated public lighting list for the Clane electoral area. It was agreed that item 2 could be removed from the list as the person concerned has left the area.

(c) Budget 2005. Eamonn O’Sullivan, Head of Finance, asked that committee members identify priorities which they would like to have included in the forthcoming five-year programme and to contact him with their proposals.

This concluded the business of the meeting.

______6 Minutes of the Clane Area Committee Meeting Held on Tuesday 14th September 2004 at 2.30 p.m. in the Council Chamber, St. Mary’s, Naas.