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Chief Executive’s Management Report – March 2021
Kildare County Council Services and Arrangements During COVID-19
Access to Public Offices Restricted – Level 5 COVID-19 Restrictions
The Council’s COVID-19 Team working with the Council’s Business Continuity Group continue to support Management Team to continue service delivery in a safe and sustainable business environment across all our premises.
Members of the public continue to pre-book appointments with relevant services either online at www.kildare.ie/countycouncil/OnlineBookingSystem/ or by phone to 045 980 200 An appointment based approach is assisting in managing attendance at the offices in a safe way.
With Level 5 COVID19 restrictions continuing, access to our public offices is restricted to appointment only and should be limited to urgent and necessary business. In accordance with Public Health advice staff are working remotely as much as possible and work is continuing to enable staff to deal with queries online and by phone on their laptops. All meetings are held online on Microsoft TEAMS. Some staff are required to attend the offices to carry out tasks that cannot be done remotely but this is being kept to a minimum.
Appointments where necessary will be facilitated but must be made in advance at http://kildare.ie/countycouncil/OnlineBookingSystem/
You can continue to conduct business online at www.kildarecoco.ie or email [email protected] or Phone 045 980 200.
Our range of online services can be viewed here: http://kildare.ie/countycouncil/AllServices/OnlineServices/______PleaseChief do Executive’s not attend Monthly our offices Management without Report an appointment. – March 2021 Your co - operation Page is 1 appreciated.of 101
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Kildare Community Call Helpline Kildare County Council’s out of hours service Freephone 1800 300 174 provider has taken up calls outside normal Email [email protected]. work hours Monday to Friday and at weekends. Text KILDARE to 50555.
Community calls are handled by Customer Services.
Current opening hours are 8:00 a.m.- 8:00 p.m. 7 days a week.
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______News Items
Kildare County Council secures over €15 million Urban Regeneration Development Funding (URDF) Three regeneration projects in Celbridge, Maynooth and Naas Kildare County Council welcomes the recent announcement by the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage (HLGH), Mr Darragh O’Brien, TD confirming funding for five regeneration projects in the Mid-East region of Kildare, Meath and Wicklow (see page 27).
Climate Action Knowledge Hub for Local Authorities - Now Live The Climate Action Regional Offices (CARO’s) have just launched a website www.caro.ie - to support all county and city councils in leading Ireland’s climate action efforts (see page 49).
Kildare County Council signs up to All-Ireland Pollinator Plan Kildare County Council signed up to the to the All-Ireland Pollinator Plan on Monday 22 February (see page 23).
Curragh Plains - Conservation Management Plan and an Interpretation/Branding Strategy The Paul Hogarth Company has produced a website which will provide a platform for all stakeholders to have their say, for the first phase of consultations. The website went live on 15 March for a period of 4 weeks (see page 33).
Allenwood Playground Work will commence on the preparation of detailed design and specifications to tender for the construction of the playground (see page 88).
Royal Canal Greenway Launch The Royal Canal Greenway launch, which will take place on 24 March (see page 78).
St. Patrick’s Day Greetings Greetings and best wishes were sent to our friends in the Kildare Association New York and to the Sister Cities Commission in Leixington Kentucky on behalf of the Council.
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______Dates for Your Diary
Preliminary Consultation Survey on the Curragh Plains The preliminary consultation survey on the Curragh Plains opened on 15 March 2021 to 12 April, 2021 at www.curraghplains.ie (see page 33).
Community Grant Schemes Online applications for Community Section Grant Schemes are now being accepted and the closing date for receipt of applications is 07 April 2021 (see page 73).
Irish Water Councillor Clinics For the schedule of upcoming clinics in 2021 (see page 40).
Pre-Draft Notice of Preparation of the “National Waste Management Plan for the Circular Economy” The closing date for written submissions in relation to the preparation of the plans is on the 06 May 2021 (see page 40).
Decarbonization Zone in Local Authority Consultation live on our Consultation Portal - Expressions of interest in relation to this and/or the selection process must be made before 5:00 p.m. on Friday 26 March (see page 48).
Brexit Support Please advise constituents that the next VAT and Duties Workshop takes place on Thursday 25 March (see page 90).
Online Trading Vouchers The next seminar is taking place on 15 April (see page 90).
Part 8 Athy Food, Drink and Skills Innovation Hub The Part 8 planning consultation process commenced on 23 February and will close to submissions on 06 April (see page 95-96).
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Calendar of council meetings in April as follows:
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INDEX
News Items...... 2 Corporate Services ...... 6 Finance and Information Technology ...... 8 Housing ...... 10 Planning, Strategic Development and Public Realm ...... 18 Public Realm ...... 27 Water Services ...... 36 Environment Services ...... 40 Roads, Transportation and Public Safety ...... 52 Building and Development Control ...... 70 Economic, Community and Cultural Development ...... 73 Community Grants ...... 73 Local Community Development Committee ...... 74 Kildare Fáilte ...... 77 Library and Arts Service ...... 80 Kildare Sports Partnership ...... 85 Parks ...... 88 Local Enterprise Office (LEO) ...... 89
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______Corporate Services
Value Your Vote the relevant department as quickly as The Live Register for 2021/22 came possible. into force on 15 February 2021 and the public can check their registration at: The project also comprises a new www.checktheregister.ie. Elected Members Representation This register applies to any elections Portal to facilitate the submission of or referenda held in the period up to representations in compliance with 15 February 2022. More information General Data Protection Regulation on elections and voting is available on (GDPR) requirements and provide our website members with other useful reporting features. Electoral Reform The Department of Housing, Local The project is part of a broader multi- Government and Heritage have annual plan to deploy innovative IT (DHLGH) published the General solutions to facilitate customer service Scheme of the Electoral Reform Bill improvements. Customers are which provides for a range of reminded of the existing online ways to significant electoral reforms. Details at transact business with the Council at General Scheme of the Electoral present. Reform Bill 2020 Online Appointments System for Customer Relationship Public Consultation documents Management System (CRM) A new online appointment facility for The council’s new CRM system is customers to make bookings to view scheduled to go live on 29 March public displays and other consultation subject to the ongoing testing and documents at Áras Chill Dara, Naas, training programme. This project will has gone live on the council’s website. also include a new customer portal on our website integrated with our CRM to receive and refer customer contacts to
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______Members Services
International Womens Day (IWD) Meetings With the assistance of the All meetings of the council took Communications Team, our women place remotely on Microsoft Teams in councillors were promoted across all February with both the press and the councils social media platforms on public in attendance. Members IWD. Work is continuing on projects Services continue to work with the related to funding received to support elected members and with the IT Women and Diversity in Local Department in delivering an efficient, Government. effective, and professional platform for online meetings.
Kildare County Council is part of a sub-group working with the LGMA and Microsoft on technical initiatives and innovations for use across the sector at online meetings of council.
A recent funding announcement from the Department of Housing, Local
Government and Heritage in relation to the establishment of a local caucos for womens councillors is currently under review by Members Services, with support and input being sought from all our women councillors.
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______2020 collection percentage of 83%. Finance and Information However, it should be noted that to
Technology
Financial Reports alleviate the impact of COVID-19 on
eligible businesses in 2020, the Annual Financial Statement Government put in place a 9-month The Annual Financial Statement (AFS) waiver scheme. Kildare County for year ended 31 December 2020 is Council was allocated a grant of €22 currently being prepared and will be million which matched the amount completed by 31 March 2021. It is waived. In accordance with anticipated that the 2020 AFS will be Department rules, this income is brought to council in April. shown as grant income in the 2020 AFS. If this were shown as rates Schedule of Uncollected Rates receipts, then the collection rate for The schedule of uncollected rates was 2020 would have been 80%. completed in January 2021. The total amount collected on rates for 2020 Rates Demands 2021 was €30.9 million compared to €51.9 The Rates Demands for 2021 were million for 2019. issued in February to all ratepayers. A new rates waiver scheme for the 6 The closing arrears balance has months to 30 June 2021 was increased to €15.7 million in 2020 from announced – this is more restricted €12.5 million in 2019. than the schemes in 2020. In March all customers were advised as to whether The overall collection percentage for it applies to them. There is a right of 2021 is 70% - this is a decrease on the appeal, however this will be within the rules of the scheme. ______
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Monthly Management Reports Actual expenditure v Budget Reports for 2021 will be submitted to council as part of the Monthly Management report from April onwards.
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______Housing (Kildare, Meath, Wicklow) in April. This plan was developed with the 2021 Funding Approvals Received involvement of and input from all the to Date relevant agencies and stakeholders in • Rebuilding Ireland Home Loans: the region and will be subject to €9.12 million ongoing reviews of its implementation • Housing Adaptation/Housing Aid throughout the lifetime of the plan. Grants: €3.16 million (Kildare County Council’s contribution is Engagement with the Mid-East €632,458). Regional Homeless Local Authorities • Midlands Energy Retrofit and the HSE is continuing, in addition Programme: €3.3 million to fortnightly engagement with the • Energy Efficiency Programme: national leads for homelessness €1.15 million through the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage
Homeless Services (DHLGH). The focus for these The Mid-East Homelessness Action meetings is COVID-19 updates in the Plan 2021-2024 was approved at a regions; cases in services in the Mid- special meeting of the Regional East continue to remain very low. Homelessness Statutory Management Presentations of single adults continue Group on 12 March, having been to be a challenge, however, progress considered by the Regional is being made in moving individuals Homelessness Forum on 11 March. and families on from emergency The action plan will now be presented accommodation through allocations to the Housing Strategic Policy and through the work of the Homeless Committee (SPC) and Corporate Housing Assistance Payment (HAP) Policy Group (CPG), in advance of Placefinder service. being brought before full council, in each of the three counties in the region ______
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______The incidence of COVID-19 in weeks and suitable one-bedroom homeless services nationally remains properties are being sourced. Targets very low and this is also the case in will be increased in this area and the Kildare and the Mid-East Region. DHLGH is gathering and collating data Kildare County Council continues to from each of the regions to determine have 7 isolation units available for use the need for Housing First in each should the need arise. Services are region. mindful, however, not to allow any complacency as international The cold weather initiative remains in experience shows a much higher place in Kildare with the 24 bed incidence among the homeless spaces currently in use. Beds for an population which may be attributed to extreme weather event are also the most recent variants of the virus. available for use at the Kerdiffstown Facility should the need arise and the Housing First continues to operate operation of this will be managed by successfully in the county with 5 The Peter McVerry Trust with full tenancies with wrap around supports adherence to HSE COVID-19 currently in place. A further two Guidelines. tenancies are expected in the coming
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Capital Programme
Location No. of Units Status March 2021 Approval Stage 4 Athgarvan 18 units The Design Team received response to Village clarifications letter from the preferred bidder. The Design Team advised their report on tenders will follow shortly which will allow for the issue of Stage 4 Submission to the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage (DHLGH) Approval Stage 2 St. Patrick’s Park Demolition of 15 All Part 8 documentation together except to Rathangan units, refurb of 25 conclude Engineers drawings. Further CCTV Remedial Works units, construction investigation required to foul and surface water (Phase’s 2 and of 7 units. drainage. Engineers expect to finalise design 3) within the next 3 weeks. Coill Dubh 10 units Preparation of tender documents in progress. Estimated approval stage 3 submission Quarter 1, 2021 St Evin’s Park, 16 units Stage 2 Approval for submission to the DHLGH Monasterevin Quarter 2, 2021. Ardclough Road, 37 units Tender for Architect Lead Design Team currently Celbridge being assessed. Estimated appointment of consultants April 2021 Dispensary Site 5 units Stage 1 approval received. Consultants tender Carbury being prepared to advance scheme to Part 8.
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Approval Status March 2021 Stage 1 Old Greenfield, Rapid Letter of Acceptance issued to successful Maynooth Build/Volumetric architect lead design team. Contract signing to Framework follow Quarter 1, 2021. 65 units Ambassador 35 units Results letters issued to participants. Letter of Site, Kill acceptance to follow Quarter 1, 2021. Oldtown Mill, 57 units Stage 2 and Design Team tender documentation Celbridge. in preparation. Caragh Road, 73 units Stage 1 application for submission to the DHLGH Naas Quarter 1, 2021. Group Housing 5 units Stage 1 application for submission to the DHLGH Ardrew, Athy Quarter 1, 2021.
Infill Schemes Status March 2021 Location No. of Units Newtown 4 units Part 8 application in preparation with launch House, Leixlip anticipated in Quarter 1, 2021. Narraghmore 4 units Approval Stage 2 received from the DHLGH in September 2019. Glandore, Athy 4 units Stage 1 approval received from the DHLGH in September 2020. Stage 2 in preparation. Patrician Ave, 1 unit Brief finalised. Proposed scheme design issued Naas for technical review. Shamrock 1 unit Stage 1 application being prepared. Stores Iniscarra, Athy 4 units Survey work complete.
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PPP Schemes
Location No. of Units Status March 2021 Nancy’s Lane, 77 units Phase 1 (17 units) expected to deliver by end of Clane April 2021. Remaining 60 units due to complete in July 2021. Ardrew, Athy 74 units 2 no. design reviews complete. Presentation image to the DHPLG technical advisors. NDFA awaiting approval of increased unit numbers from DEPR.
Approved Housing Body Schemes
Location No. of Units Status March 2021 Respond HA 35 units No site works permitted under COVID-19 Flinter’s Field, restrictions. Athy Tuath HA 28 units No site works permitted under COVID-19 Castlefen, Sallins restrictions. Cluid, ESB site 24 units Tender for a Design Team currently being Leixlip prepared. Cluid 70-100 units Site investigations progressing on site by Cluid. Rathasker Road, (depending on final Naas agreement with AHB and Planning Department)
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______Approved Housing Body Schemes - Capital Assistance Scheme Approved Housing Body No. of Units Status March 2021 KARE 3 Units Part 8 agreed by the Naas Municipal District Craddockstown Committee at their meeting on 09 March. Camphill 4 units at Planning application approved. Stage 3 being Communities of The Bridge, prepared. Ireland Kilcullen Homeless Care 12 Apartments at Completed January 2021. Engagement with CLG Jigginstown TUSLA and Tiglin underway. House, Naas Sofia Housing 35 units Revised proposal to increase development from St. John’s Convent 28 to 35 units received from Sophia Housing. Rathangan Proposal submitted for pre-planning assessment and feedback issued to Sophia Housing. Cluid 29 units Design proposals in progress. Follow up pre Dominican Lands planning meeting Quarter 1, 2021. Athy The Peter 5 units Revised proposal expected March 2021. McVerry Trust Sallins
Acquisitions in Progress in 2021 Complete Completed Completed Completed d Units Units 2019 units 2020 Units 2021 2018 Housing 186 231 72 2 Acquisitions Housing Turnkeys 39 81 106 1 Part V Acquisitions 30 67 41 2 Total 255 379 219 5
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Acquisitions by Celbridge Clane- Kildare- Municipal District Athy -Leixlip Maynooth Newbridge Naas Acquisitions YTD 0 0 4 0 1 Leased Properties YTD (includes AHBs) 8 1 6 19 0
Rebuilding Ireland Home Loans
2019 2020 Total Approved €19,692,336 €7,924,618 (includes 2019 applications) Total Drawn Down €10,160,922 €2,951,978 (includes 2019 approvals)
2021 Approval Approval Approval Approval Expired Expired No. Amount Drawdown Drawdown No. Amount No. Amount Jan 0 0 0 0 0 0 Feb 4 €787,300 0 0 0 0
Housing Assistance Payment (HAP) 79 new HAP tenancies were set up since January 2021, giving a total of 2,384 active tenancies in the county. As a result of processing improvements, the turnaround time for HAP files has been reduced to 3-4 weeks.
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______Families in PEA including Supported Temporary Accommodation and Family Hubs as at 28 February 2021 No. of Households with Duration Dependents Adults Dependents 0 - 6 Months 13 19 27 6 - 12 Months 9 11 7 12 - 18 Months 5 6 2 18 - 24 Months 11 16 26 24 - 30 Months 5 9 16 36 Months + 1 1 0 Total 44 62 78
Families in Own Front Door Accommodation
No. of Households Duration with Dependents Adults Dependents
0 - 6 Months 2 3 7
6 - 12 Months 0 0 0
12 - 18 Months 0 0 0
18 - 24 Months 1 3 1
24 - 30 Months 3 5 11
+ 36 Months 4 7 10
Total 10 18 29
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______Planning, Strategic Development and Public
Realm
Local Area Plans (LAP’s) County Development Plan (CDP)
The review of the Kildare County Athy LAP Development Plan formally The Draft Athy Local Area Plan (LAP) commenced on Monday 11 January 2021-2027 was published on 17 2021 with the publication of the December 2020 and was on public statutory notice and Issues Paper. display until 08 February 2021. A total The closing date for submissions was of 62 submissions were received. Monday 8 March and there were c.360 submissions received. A Chief Executive’s Report on
submissions and observations Two online public meetings have now received will be issued to the elected taken place as well as meetings with members of the municipal district on or the People Participation Network before 19 March 2021. (PPN) and Comhairle na nOg as well Workshop and Special Meeting dates as a briefing to the elected members are currently being arranged. on their roles and responsibilities with regard to the Development Plan Naas LAP process. On-going work is being The Draft LAP was published on 09 carried out in preparation of the March 2021 with 7 accompanying development plan review. documents. The Draft LAP will be on
public display for 6 weeks until 21 April
2021. An Informal briefing with the
Naas Municipal District Committee
took place on 10 February 2021.
Public consultation will be aligned with
public health restrictions.
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______All documents will be made available accordance with the Local on the council website and on the Government Reform Act, 2014 council’s consultation portal. (Schedule 14A, Part 2), as there are The elected members should note that proposed land use zonings that the Draft Naas LAP 2021-2027 must straddle boundary with the Kildare- be considered by full council, in Newbridge Municipal District area.
Planning applications Residential Applications decided: received: Units Granted February 2021 Feb Year No. Total Granted: 83 2019: 100 187 651 Retention: 11 2020: 129 203 793 Extension of Duration: 4 2021: 134 234 168 Total Refused: 23
Strategic Housing Development (SHD)Applications to An Bord Pleanála Pre-application Consultation Ref No. Stage Developer Location No of Units ABP Decision Due 349 Apartments at Mariavilla – Requires further Cairn Homes SHD202009 2 Phase 3; at 349 consideration/amend Ltd Dunboyne Road, ment 22/02/2021 Maynooth.
SHD Applications Ref No. Stage Developer Location No of Units ABP Decision Due Westar 333 units at 20308943 3 Investments 333 19/04/2021 Capdoo, Clane Ltd 192 units at 21309087 3 Debussy Western side of 192 27/04/2021 Millicent Road
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and Southern side of Prosperous Road, Clane.
Significant Applications Ref No Applicant Description Status Comment 21/156 High Degree Phase 2; 47 dwellings out of a Valid 06/04/2021 Developments. total 105 on a 1.99 ha site adjoining existing lands at (Rockfield Court) Railpark, Celbridge Road, Maynooth. 21/155 High Degree Phase 1; 58 dwellings out of a Valid 06/04/2021 Developments. total 105 on a 2.18 ha site adjoining existing lands at (Rockfield Park) Railpark, Celbridge Road, Maynooth. 21/117 Johnstown 68 residential units at Valid 30/03/2021 bridge Spire Johnstownbridge. Ltd. 21/84 Ummeras 5 No. 169m high wind turbines Valid 18/03/2021 Wind Farm and associated works at Ltd. Ummeras, North Monasterevin Area. 20/1143 Musgrave Ltd. Extension and to distribution Valid Further centre at Boycetown, Kilcock, an Information increase of 12,785 sqm. An 26/11/2020 Environmental Impact Assessment Report (EIAR) and Natura Impact Statement (NIS) has been submitted.
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20/1368 K Club Ltd. Demolition and Extensions to Granted 22/02/2021 Hotel 20/1403 Bernard 94 Dwelling units plus creche at Valid NIS Moran. Curryhills, Prosperous. requested in accordance with 177T(5) 20/1284 Ballymore Increase the number of units FI Received 11/03/2021 Newbridge from 385 to 395 at Roseberry, 12/02/2021 Developments Newbridge. 20/1338 Ballymore Retention and completion of Further Requested Naas temporary construction site Informaiton 02/03/2021 Developments. entrance and access road off the R448 Kilcullen Road, Naas at Bellingsfield residential development, Pipers Hill. 20/1418 Elgin Energy Solar Farm- 10.8Ha at Further Requested Services. Kerdiffstown and Monread, Information 26/01/2021 Naas.
Historic Planning Registers with the indexes and mapping dating The Historic Planning registers are back to 1964 available to view without now available to view online at the need to visit the Planning https://esearch.informa.ie/kildare/ Department. Planning searches on Users are required to register to use more recent applications are available the system. This project carried out by on the online planning system at: the Planning and the IT Departments http://webgeo.kildarecoco.ie/public/pla will make planning searches easier nningsearch/171.
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Section 254 Licences Conservation Update The waiver of fees in respect of tables The Department of Housing, Local and chairs outside of qualifying Government and Heritage (DHLGH) businesses has been extended for the has recently announced the following period that level 5 COVID-19 schemes for 2021 with respect to restrictions are in place. Only 10 structures on the Record of Protected businesses have availed of the waiver Structures or within Architectural and these licences will now be Conservation Areas (ACA’s): extended. To date, 16 businesses have applied for and received licences. (i) Built Heritage Investment The breakdown of the current licences Scheme (BHIS) (€2,500 - issued by municipal district/towns is as €15,000 per application) follows: (ii) BHIS Routine Maintenance and Minor Repairs (<€2,000) • Clane-Maynooth Municipal (iii) Historic Structures Fund District – 10 Maynooth (Stream 1 €15k - €50k • Celbridge-Leixlip Municipal aimed at essential repairs District – 1 Leixlip and smaller capital works • Kildare-Newbridge Municipal and Stream 2 €50k - €200k District – 2 Kildare Town and 2 for larger enhancement, Newbridge refurbishment or reuse • Naas Municipal District – 1 projects involving heritage Naas structures where a clear community or public benefit is demonstrated) (iv) Pilot Stream for Vernacular
Structures (not on RPS or
within ACAs) (v) Pilot Stream for Historic
Shopfronts
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______The closing date for receipt of Consideration of the applications is applications for both the Built Heritage currently underway. The Kildare Investment Scheme and the Historic County Council Thatching Grant Structures Fund Scheme was Scheme for 2021 is now closed. Five extended to the 19 March 2021. 21 applications were received. A budget applications were received under the of €10k has been set aside for this BHIS and 6 applications under HSF. grant scheme.
Heritage Update
Kildare County Council signs up to All-Ireland Pollinator Plan Kildare County Council signed up to the to the All-Ireland Pollinator Plan on Monday 22 February. The All-Ireland Pollinator Plan (AIPP) is a cross-sector initiative, led by the National Biodiversity Data Centre, with local Councillor Mark Stafford, authorities, farmers, businesses, Cathaoirleach of Kildare County schools and local communities, to Council and Mr Peter Carey Chief support pollinators including our 98 Executive, Kildare County bee species, one-third of which are Council signed the agreement threatened with extinction. between Kildare County Council and Following the adoption of Kildare the National Biodiversity Data County Council’s Pollinator Action Centre. On signing the document Mr Plan, which can be viewed at: Carey reiterated Kildare County http://kildare.ie/countycouncil/index.ht Council’s commitment to taking action ml for pollinators in all work of the council.
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______Funding Applications Biodiversity Action Plans (BAP’s) A funding application for two projects 10 BAP’s were launched. Funding has was made to the Heritage Plan Fund been secured from LEADER. managed by the Heritage Council. Funding was announced by the KFM Virtual Heritage Walks Department of Housing, Local KCC sponsoring online heritage walks Government and Heritage (DHLGH) as in towns across Kildare for March-May below: Programme “Know Your County: Take A Virtual Heritage Walks “ • Community Monuments Fund (3 funding streams). Kilkea Stone Table • National Biodiversity Action Conservation Letterfrack has been Plan Fund (2 funding streams). liaising with owners of Kilkea Castle regarding the removal of the plinth. All National Museum paperwork Funding was announced by the regarding licence applications has Heritage Council as below: been completed. The council is awaiting the lifting of COVID-19 • Walled Towns Network Limited restrictions to conduct a site visit in to three towns in Kildare -Athy, Kilkea Castle. Castledermot and Kildare (2 funding streams). Community Heritage Grants Scheme The 2021 Community Heritage Grant Creative Ireland Scheme form and guidelines have Funding has been secured for “Know been revised to take consideration of Your Locality' the online course is to COVID-19 restrictions. This scheme run to April 2021. has been advertised. The closing date for receipt of applications was 16 March 2021.
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______Vacant Sites Update 2020 Of the 34 notices issued, 15 Section 223 sites were surveyed throughout 7(3) notices (formally placing sites on County Kildare in 2020 as follows; the Vacant Sites Register) were issued Leixlip (10); Kildare (32); Maynooth in December. Landowners have an (21); Newbridge (29); Sallins (12); opportunity to appeal any 7(3) notices Celbridge (13); Monasterevin (16), to An Bord Pleanála. The council is Clane (17), Kilcock (8), Kilcullen (10); currently in the process of seeking Naas (33); Athy (22). tenders for valuation services with Having considered each of the respect to the relevant sites to be surveyed sites against the ‘tests’ as entered on the register. To date, the set out in the Urban Regeneration and decision by Kildare County Council to Housing Act 2015 (as amended), a enter 15 sites on the Vacant Sites total of 34 Section 7(1) notices were Register has been appealed to An issued to landowners. Bord Pleanála for 8 sites as follows:
No. of KCC ABP File Vacant Site Location Appeals File Ref. Ref.
1 KILD-07 309200-21 Former Magee Barracks. 2 KILD-03 309246-21 Rathbride Road, Kildare Town. 3 KILD-04 309247-21 Rathbride Road, Kildare Town. 4 NEW-01 309170-21 Piercetown, Newbridge. 5 KILD-01 309290-21 Rathbride Road, Kildare Town. 6 MON-05 309297-21 Malthouse, Canal Harbour. 7 MAY-05 309295-21 Old Rail Park, Maynooth. 8 MAY-06 309296-21 Old Rail Park, Maynooth.
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______Open Space and Outdoor Recreation Strategy 2021-2031 Following the extensive public consultation programme carried out in 2020, work has now commenced on analysing the findings and preparing the final strategy. The Open Space Strategy will also inform the review of the County Development Plan (CDP) 2023-2029.
Department of Education and Skills Ongoing consultations are taking place between Kildare County Council and the Department of Education and Skills with respect to the provision of schools in the Kildare-Newbridge/Curragh Environs, Celbridge, Naas and Blessington Environs. A meeting took place on 03 March with senior officials from the Department of Education and Skills in relation to educational capacity and demands over the period of the emerging CDP to 2029. There has been some progress made in relation to sites in Blessington and Celbridge in particular.
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Public Realm
Kildare County Council Secures over A total of €15,642,624 has been €15 million Urban Regeneration provisionally allocated for Kildare Development Funding (URDF) County Council’s successful applications Three regeneration projects in under ‘Call 2’, of the Urban Celbridge, Maynooth and Naas Regeneration and Development Fund Kildare County Council welcomes the (URDF). These projects include the recent announcement by the Minister for Maynooth Town Centre Renewal Housing, Local Government and (€1,908,750), the Naas Town Renewal Heritage (HLGH), Mr Darragh O’Brien, Masterplan (€3,496,374) and the TD confirming funding for five Celbridge to Hazelhatch Link Road regeneration projects in the Mid-East (€10,237,500). region of Kildare, Meath and Wicklow.
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Public Realm Funding Applications and Other Items Town and Village Renewal Scheme (Accelerated Measure in Response to COVID-19) Round 2
The following are almost complete:
Total Project Location Proposal Cost Grant Awarded Cycle Ballymore Eustace Cafe €27,500.00 €25,000.00 Punchestown, Cycle Eadestown Cafe €27,500.00 €25,000.00 Cycle Castledermot Cafe €27,500.00 €25,000.00
Town and Village Renewal Scheme (Accelerated Measure in Response to COVID-19) Round 3
Design work has commenced on the following projects, with physical works implemented at Poplar Square, Naas: Total estimated project Amount of T&V grant funding Location cost requested for this project
Leixlip Town Centre €45,000 €40,000
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Celbridge Town Centre €45,000 €40,000 Newbridge Town Hall environs and Georges Street €45,000 €40,000
Main Street, Naas and environs €60,000 €40,000 Main Street, Maynooth and environs €45,000 €40,000
Broadband Officer, Kildare County Council €11,000 €10,000
The following applications have been successful under the main Town and Village Renewal Scheme 2020:
Location Proposal Total Project Funding Comments Cost Requested Ardclough Heritage Centre €97,000 €87,300 Ardclough Phase 2 Heritage Centre providing match funding. Clane Main Street and €250,000 €200,000 Clane- Clane Abbey Maynooth LPT Community match funding. Centre
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Athy Enterprise €99,000 €89,100 Enterprise Centre Centre to improvements provide match funding. Sallins Healthcheck €70,000 €63,000 Naas LPT and Town match funding. Renewal Plan
SPECIAL PROJECTS and PUBLIC REALM TEAM
Concept Athy - Athy-Athy Public Realm Plan – to commence after the adoption of the Draft Athy Local Area Plan (LAP). Kildare-Newbridge - Kildare-St Bridget's Well re-development-Draft concept received. Hydrological survey to be carried out. Kildare-Newbridge – Collaboration with AE on design of Academy Street. Clane-Maynooth – Maynooth Main Street and Courthouse Square Public Realm Improvements Masterplan- included in the Urban Regeneration Development Fund (URDF) application submitted 29 May 2020. Clane-Maynooth - Maynooth-Town Branding and Signage – included in the URDF application submitted 29 May 2020. Naas - Lantern Building -Yet to commence. Naas - Sallins-Health Check/Urban Design - funding under Town and Village Renewal Scheme 2020 secured.
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Part 8 Kildare-Newbridge – Kilcullen - Market Square redevelopment – Part 8 to be published Feb 2021. Kildare-Newbridge - Kildare-Market Square redevelopment - Part 8 documents being prepared. Topographical Survey of Market Square, adjoining laneways and associated carparking underway. Temporary closure of Market Square car park being piloted to allow businesses on the square to place table and chairs outside to increase capacity and allow for social distancing. Works commenced on 17 August on a temporary pilot closure. Kildare-Newbridge – Rathangan - Market Square redevelopment - Part 8 published 26 January 2021. Clane-Maynooth – Maynooth - Harbour Field Development - Part 8 complete and ready for publication in March 2021.
Tender Consultants and Design Athy/Kildare-Newbridge - Athy-Barrow Blueway - works have commenced with almost 11km of the 48km before Christmas. Works will recommence once current restrictions are lifted. Athy – Castledermot - Health Check/Urban Design and TRP- online survey complete. Working document circulated to the Athy Municipal District Committee as part of the consultation process.
Athy - Athy - Development of Shackleton Museum - consultants appointed and detailed design has now commenced. Celbridge-Leixlip – Ardclough - Health Check/Urban Design and TRP- online survey complete. Working document circulated to the Celbridge-Leixlip Municipal District Committee as part of the consultation process.
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Celbridge-Leixlip - Celbridge-Health Check/Urban Design and TRP- online survey complete. Working document circulated to the Celbridge-Leixlip Municipal District Committee as part of the consultation process. Members briefing held. Celbridge-Leixlip - Leixlip-Health Check/Urban Design and TRP- online survey complete. Working document circulated to the Celbridge-Leixlip Municipal District Committee as part of the consultation process. Members briefing held. Kildare-Newbridge – Athgarvan - Health Check/Urban Design and Town Renewal Plan - online survey complete. Working document circulated to the Kildare-Newbridge Municipal District Committee as part of the consultation process. Members briefing held. Clane-Maynooth – Derrinturn - Health Check/Urban Design and TRP- online survey complete. Working document circulated to the Clane-Maynooth Municipal District Committee as part of the consultation process. Clane-Maynooth - Johnstown Bridge-Health Check/Urban Design and TRP- online survey complete. Working document circulated to the Clane-Maynooth Municipal District Committee as part of the consultation process. Clane-Maynooth – Kilcock -Town Branding and Signage- Public consultation to commence in the coming weeks. Clane-Maynooth - Prosperous-Town Branding and Signage - tender for detailed design to be issued. . Clane-Maynooth – Straffan - Health Check/Urban Design Analysis and Town Renewal Plan - online survey complete. Working document circulated to the Clane-Maynooth Municipal District Committee as part of the consultation process Tender Consultants Athy - Athy-Public Realm Dominican Lands - tender for design consultants complete and consultants appointed. Project kick off meeting held.
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Kildare-Newbridge – Kildare - Curragh Plains - Kildare County Council in collaboration with the Department of Defence have jointly procured the services of a multi-disciplinary team, led by Paul Hogarth Company, to develop a Conservation Management Plan and an Interpretation/Branding Strategy for the Curragh Plains. The Paul Hogarth Company has produced a website which will provide a platform for all stakeholders to have their say, for the first phase of consultations. It is vital that anyone with an interest in the Curragh Plains and its conservation and management, engage with this process, as it is your views and opinions that help inform the outcome. The website went live on 15 March for a period of 4 weeks and can be accessed at www.curraghplains.ie
Naas - Grand Canal Greenway-Alymer Bridge to Sallins - €3 million funding approval in place which represents 100% of the project cost. Tender assessed and detailed design is now commencing. Tender package being finalised for trailheads and crossings. Works will commence in early 2021 and will take 9 months to complete. Athy- Ballitore - engagement of consultants to assess the building and draw up the plans and drawings required to complete the restoration work on a second building in the Tanyard. Onsite meeting with the Tanyard Committee being scheduled. Tender Works Athy – Athy - Upgrade to public realm Emily Square -Tender documents for construction work almost finalised. Kildare-Newbridge – Kildangan - Community Hall Upgrade-Awarded €92,000 funding under the Town and Village Renewal Scheme. Kildare-Newbridge – Newbridge - Newbridge Library – Part 8 and detailed designed being prepared. Design Athy - Athy-Edmund Rice Square - scope and extent of the project to be agreed in collaboration with various stakeholders.
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Kildare-Newbridge – Kildare - Town Renewal Plan - feedback being reviewed for incorporation into final plans. Kildare-Newbridge – Monasterevin - Healthcheck and Urban Design and Masterplan - Work ongoing with urban designers. Meeting with key landowners (Cassidy Distillery Buildings) held 22 July 2020. Draft document under review. Public consultation will recommence in March 2021. Kildare-Newbridge - Newbridge-Creation Cultural Quarter - to include Part 8’s for library redevelopment, St Conleth's Square including new buildings, landmark building on Market Square, and Public Realm improvement works. Feedback being reviewed for incorporation into final plans which will inform Part 8 designs for each element of the project. Work commencing on tender for Part 8 plans for the library element. Kildare-Newbridge - Newbridge-Town Renewal Plan - feedback being reviewed for incorporation into the Town Renewal Plan. Consultation workshops to be organised. Clane-Maynooth – Maynooth - Harbour Field Works - detailed design to commence after Part 8 approval. Included in URDF application submitted on 29 May 2020. Detailed Design Kildare-Newbridge – Kildare - Cherry Avenue - development of a town park - Tender documents to be prepared for LA led design team in collaboration with the Parks Section to develop the design post Part 8 to shovel ready stage for new RRDF application. Clane-Maynooth - Kilcock-Community Centre. 5 no. tenders received. Contractor to be appointed. On Hold Clane-Maynooth - Clane-Main Street - Accessibility Improvements - Town and Village funding application successful. Project kick off meeting to be scheduled. Clane-Maynooth - Clane-Town Branding and Signage – LPT funding secured.
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Construction Naas - Ballymore Eustace - Looped Walk - works almost complete. Naas – MERITS - Duggan Lynch appointed as contractors. Works will recommence once current restrictions are lifted.
Complete Athy - Narraghamore-Socila Enterprise Community Shop - completed. Celbridge-Leixlip – Ardclough - Community Facility – completed. Clane-Maynooth – Robertstown - Masterplan - Plan finalised and complete. Clane-Maynooth – Prosperous Town Park complete and open to the Public since Wednesday 04 December 2020.
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Water Services
Infrastructural Projects
Contract 2A (Newbridge Eastern Clane Pumping Station and Monread Interceptor Sewer) Pumping Station. These works were completed and commissioned in 2020. The sewerage Osberstown Sludge Treatment network is due to be handed over to Facility - Design Build Operate Irish Water/Kildare County Council (DBO) Contract Variation Operations by the end of Quarter 1, Veolia Water Ireland advanced works 2021. The pumping stations are being on this variation to the Design Build operated by the contractor for a 12 Operate (DBO) contract and month proving period before being completed these works in Quarter 4, handed over to Irish Water/Kildare 2020. Operational commissioning of County Council Operations in the the Thermal Hydrolysis Process Plant summer 2021. is continuing. The Exelys THP is intended to be fully operational by end Contract 2B (Network) of Quarter 1, 2021. Works commenced on site in September 2019 and are advancing Maynooth Transfer Pipeline well. The major pipeline improvement This project involves the upgrading of works on the Clane and Sallins rising the existing Maynooth Sewerage mains are complete with both rising Pumping Station and the construction mains gone live in the last month. of a new sewerage pipeline along a In Newbridge, pipeline works continue new route from the pumping station to in Páirc Mhuire housing estate and on the Leixlip Wastewater Treatment the Athgarvan Road. Plant. This project is at planning and Upgrade/improvement works are detailed design stage. continuing at Sallins Pumping Station,
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______Irish Water and its representatives are It is hoped that the land acquisition can negotiating with landowners and Irish be completed reasonably quickly so Water’s consultants are beginning to that these temporary works can be prepare Compulsary Purchase Order arranged and completed by Quarter (CPO) documentation for this scheme 2/Quarter 3, 2021. Consultants have as option agreements have not been been appointed to progress the longer- reached with all landowners. term pumping solution at the buffer tank site. Capital Projects Timolin Waste Water Treatment Allenwood Sewerage Network Plant (WWTP) Upgrade (Vacuum System) Modification This project has been included in the While funding constraints have Small Towns and Villages Growth emerged on the part of Irish Water in Programme (STVGP) which will be light of the current COVID-19 crisis, subject to Irish Water approval. Irish the council continues to work with the Water agreed to the priority list utility to progress a temporary solution. submitted by the council following a This involves laying new pipe, land workshop held recently. This scheme acquisition and temporary pumping was ranked high in the council’s arrangements to transfer sewage from priority list due to commitment made to the buffer tank to the public gravity locals and public representatives in sewerage system and on to the 2017 and the approval of the planning Allenwood Wastewater Treatment process for a Part VIII. Irish Water will Plant (WWTP) for treatment and hold workshops with the rest of the disposal. local authorities before they progress the council’s priority list.
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______Water Networks Management Suncroft Village Water Connection Projects Service Transfer Works This project involves the transfer of Boycetown, Kilcock Water Main approximately 30 water service Extension Scheme connections within the village of As Kilcock has been deemed as an area Suncroft. Works will also involve the for development under the Local decommissioning of 850 metres of cast Infrastructure Housing Activation Fund iron mains along this route. Works (LIHAF)/ Major Urban Housing Delivery commenced on this scheme on 01 Sites Scheme (MUHDS), an extension March 2021. It is expected that the of the water main infrastructure is now project will be completed within 6 weeks. required to facilitate the planned housing development demands in this area. Newbridge Town Watermain This project involves the construction of Rehabilitation Works – 755 metres of a new watermain. Works Pairc Mhuire, Newbridge Back Yard commenced on 22 February 2021, with Services Scheme (BYSS) an 8 week construction programme to All public and private side watermain completion of the project. Approximately installation works have now been 220 metres of new water main have completed as part of this scheme. since been constructed to date. Permanent road reinstatement works are now complete.
Full decommissioning of the existing cast iron watermain cannot be completed until further BYS projects within the areas of Highfield Estate and Piercetown have been carried out.
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______These projects are currently under Assumpta Villas BYSS review by Irish Water’s Asset Planning. There are currently 4 premises whereby customer consent has not yet been
obtained throughout Assumpta Villas. Kildare Town Watermain Private side service connection works Rehabilitation Works - need to be carried out on each of the Lourdesville BYSS remaining properties prior to All public and private side watermain decommissioning works commencing in installation works have now been both Assumpta Villas and Campion completed as part of this scheme. Crescent. The decommissioning of the existing cast iron mains in Lourdesville is now Rowanville BYSS expected to commence in Quarter 2, There is currently 1 property remaining 2021. within this scheme whereby customer
consent has not yet been obtained. Campion Crescent BYSS Decommissioning works have yet to All necessary customer consent has commence. This work will commence now been obtained. Decommissioning once consent from the final customer works have still to be completed. This has been provided and the properties work will commence when all consent service connection is installed. from customers in Assumpta Villas has been provided.
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______Irish Water Councillor Clinics Pre-Draft Notice of Preparation of the Irish Water Councillor Clinics are held “National Waste Management Plan online for approximately one hour. The for the Circular Economy” schedule of upcoming clinics in 2021 is The three Regional Waste Management as follows: Planning Offices have given notice of intention to commence preparation of 26 April - 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. the “National Waste Management Plan 26 July - 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. for a Circular Economy” to replace the 29 November-1pm - 2:00 p.m existing Regional Waste Management Irish Water will contact members Plans. regarding details of these clinics. The current plans are available on www.mywaste.ie Environment Services Written submissions in relation to the preparation of the plans can be made to COVID-19 [email protected] or by post to Southern With the current COVID-19 Region Waste Management Office or restrictions some services will be by completing a questionnaire on operating differently to comply with www.mywaste.ie by close of business the restrictions. on 06 May 2021.
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______Civic Amenity Facilities Environment Complaints The two civic amenity sites continue to Pollution complaints will be investigated operate as normal. Members of the in accordance with national guidelines public are asked to continue to prioritise regarding social distancing and the payment by contactless cards and to safety of staff and the public. exercise social distancing at all times onsite. Domestic/Commercial Refuse Collections Recycling Banks Domestic and commercial waste The increase in glass tonnage at collections are continuing as normal. recycling banks has continued on from Domestic waste collectors have last year. In February 2020, 341 tonnes however been granted permission by of glass and cans were recovered in the the National Waste Collection Permit month from the recycling banks. This Office (NWCPO) to carry out collections year, for the same month, the figure is outside of their conditioned waste 443 tonnes – an increase of 30%. collection hours due to COVID-19 Staff and contractors continue to service restrictions. existing sites but the co-operation of the For details of approved operators, check public remains vital in this regard. the NWCPO website: www.nwcpo.ie
National Tidy Towns/Spring Clean Burial Grounds The Minister has recently announced All the council’s cemeteries remain open details of additional funding from the to the public. Social distancing Department of Rural and Community guidelines should be observed when Affairs for Tidy Town Groups in 2021. visiting cemeteries.
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______The council’s ‘Lily White Clean Up Day’ Environmental Education (National Spring Clean) was cancelled in In line with Government Guidelines, all 2020 due to COVID-19 restrictions. educational talks and events are It is hoped to be able to run this initiative suspended until further notice in the later in 2021 when public health interests of public health and will be restrictions have been relaxed. rescheduled at a later date where feasible. Information and services Green Kilometre Scheme normally provided are referenced at: As a response to the problem of litter http://kildare.ie/CountyCouncil/Environm and dumping in rural areas, the Green ent/EnvironmentalEducation/ Kilometre scheme continues to make an impact. A number of groups are working Environment Construction collaboratively to clean up larger areas Projects/Schemes (while maintaining COVID-19 protocols) All construction schemes have been and the scheme has begun to generate suspended due to COVID-19 restrictions a good amount of positive publicity. until further notice. The provision of native saplings is proving to be particularly popular for Litter Management Plan many participants. During February, The Draft Litter Management Plan was approximately 3.5 tonnes of waste were presented to and adopted by full council gathered by these groups and collected at the February council meeting. by the Environment crew.
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______New Initiatives Catchment Flooding
Civic Amenity Site North Catchment Flood Risk Assessment The Part 8 has been approved by the and Management Study (CFRAMS) Celbridge-Leixlip Municipal District A Steering Group with the Office of Committee. The process of procuring a Public Works (OPW) has been consultant, subject to funding, is being established to progress the consultant’s progressed. The project is likely to brief for schemes within Kildare. The be progressed as a Design Build municipal districts will be briefed as Operate (DBO) Finance Concession schemes from the Catchment Flood Contract. Risk Assessment Management (CFRAMs) Programme commence. Anti-Dumping Campaign and Litter Flood defence schemes have been Initiatives classified as essential works by the The national “My County and City Management Country/County/Town/Village My Waste” Association (CCMA). campaign was promoted locally through print and social media. Morell Flood Management Scheme Construction of this scheme is now underway, beginning with Phase 1 embankments and walls in the Tuckmilltown and Turnings areas. Further details of the scheme can be found at: www.morellfms.ie. This campaign is to highlight the consequences of dumping on the wider community.
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______Athy Flood Relief Scheme Kerdiffstown The Kildare County Council/OPW Wills Bros Ltd was appointed in October Steering Group has commenced 2020 for the remediation of the landfill developing the scope of the Athy Flood and the construction of the park. Relief Scheme. The first stage will be Work on the site resumed on 08 the procurement of consultants to carry February as these remedial works are out the design of the scheme. exempt from current restrictions.
Naas Flood Relief Scheme The tenders for the Percent for Arts The contract for consultancy services for were returned on 22 February. the Naas Flood Relief Scheme has been They are currently being assessed awarded to ARUP. The first stage of the scheme will be a review of the existing The community is being kept informed hydrology and mapping. The through the Community Liaison Group specification for survey works of existing meetings and the wider public will have watercourses and drainage networks is access to updates on the council’s being developed, with surveys website: scheduled for competition in Quarter 2, http://kildare.ie/CountyCouncil/Kerdiffsto 2021. wnPark
The 3D Visualisation Model of the
proposed park can be viewed at home
on Kildare County Council’s website at:
http://kildare.ie/CountyCouncil/Kerdiffsto
wnPark/KerdiffstownParkVisualisation/
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______Cemeteries Risk Management Kildare Town Cemetery Most Departmental Risk Registers have A tender has been awarded for the now been received and work will renovation of the front wall and gates, commence shortly on the preparation of the removal of the old bunker and the the Draft Corporate Risk Register with resurfacing of many of the internal roads input from the Audit Committee. and pathways. Works commenced in early January but have now been Eastern and Midlands Climate Action stepped down for the duration of the Regional Office (CARO) level 5 restrictions.
The Climate Action Regional Office Newbridge Cemetery (CARO) is currently working to support It is intended to re-advertise a new its constituent local authorities to drive tender in Quarter 1, 2021. climate action projects in their counties, with particular focus on implementing Columbarium Walls actions contained within their climate adaptation strategies. A number of Rathangan, Newbridge, Crookstown projects are ongoing across the Eastern and Celbridge and Midlands Region. A consultant has been engaged and is working on the design of new columbarium walls at each of these cemeteries. It is expected that the works will advance in Quarter 3, 2021.
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______Implementation Guidance Forestry The CARO are developing a FAQ The CARO established a working group document to accompany the tender for in the Mid-East sub-region in 2020 to Forestry Services, which is expected to examine issuing of guidance to assist be ready for distribution in Quarter 1, local authorities to implement their 2021. adaptation strategies. The work of this group has resulted in a guidance note of Capacity Building 2 parts:
A guide providing information on how to assemble the appropriate supporting The CARO continues to work with its framework within the local authority to enable implementation of the adaptation strategy and a toolkit providing resources that can be used and adjusted to assist in the process of implementation of adaptation actions and to track and report on progress. strategic training partners, such as This guidance note has now been Climate Ireland, Met Eireann, the completed and circulated to all counties Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), across the Eastern and Midlands the Office of Public Works (OPW), the Region. Department of Communications , Action
and Environment (DCCAE), the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) etc., to develop a suite of training
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______for all elected members and local Climate Action Teams authority staff. The first programme has commenced with participants from the midlands sub- Details of the training programme, which regional counties – Offaly, Longford, includes 6 pillars and has the Roscommon, Laois and Westmeath. appropriate CPD accreditation, have been circulated to all Chief Executives Online Training and Climate Action Leads in the region Rollout of this programme in ongoing, to over the Christmas period. Progress date approximated 1,600 Grade 7’s and across each of six agreed training pillars their technical equivalents have are as follows: completed this programme across each Elected Members/Senior Staff of the 31 local authorities. The training for Senior Staff/Elected Members has now been scheduled Thematic Training across 25 counties before the end of The following additional programmes 2021 with the remaining counties to be and events are being prepared: completed in early 2022. A provisional - CARO are collaborating with the date of 24 of September has been OPR, DHPLG and others to provided to Kildare County Council. develop a training programme for Feedback to date on this training has local authority planners as they been excellent. embark on development plan reviews. - CARO collaborated with SEAI to host a webinar on the ISO 50,001 energy management system and this ws held on 16 March.
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______- CARO are collaborating with Age Climate (Amendment) Bill, 2019 Friendly Ireland to develop The Climate Action and Low Carbon climate action awareness training Development (Amendment) Bill, 2019 is for local authority Older Persons due to be enacted in the coming months Councils. and this includes a requirement for all local authorities to formulate and adopt Economic Opportunities arising from a new climate action plan which will Climate Action involve updating the counties climate CARO completed research in into this change adaptation strategy to include particular topic in partnership with the mitigation actions that will drive School of Business in Maynooth decarbonization in line with national University and has completed a survey climate action policy. of local authority enterprise sections and Local Enterprise Offices (LEO’s). These elements of work have presented to the project steering group, chaired by Anna- CARO is currently working with Climate Marie Delaney, CE Offaly County Ireland and others to develop guidance Council, on Tuesday 02 February. notes to assist local authorities in this The next steps for this project are process in a similar manner to the currently under development and will development of the climate change include, but not be limited to: additional adaptation strategies prior to September research into local government activity 2019. in this area internationally, awareness raising training for local authority staff, including the LEO, and an annual conference in collaboration with the project partners.
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______Kildare County Council Climate Corporate Plan, Climate Change Action Adaptation Strategy, Covenant of Mayors, Climate Action Charter, Climate Action Knowledge Hub for Climate Bill and Climate Strategic Local Authorities Now Live Policy Committee (SPC) The Climate Action Regional Offices The Minister for Transport and (CARO’s) have just launched a website Environment, Climate and www.caro.ie - to support all county and Communications, Mr Eamon Ryan TD, city councils in leading Ireland’s climate met the Kildare County Council Climate action efforts. Action Strategic Policy Committee on Wednesday 10 February to discuss the This valuable new resource for Ireland’s supports available for sustainable 31 local authorities, will provide up-to- transport and climate action date climate change research, exemplar Sustainable Energy Communities/ case studies, training, events and Energy relevant news for the sector. Links to Kildare has made good progress on relevant national policy, sectoral plans, sustainable energy communities in the funding information and national county. A support model for Sustainable organisations, such as Climate Ireland, Energy Communities (SEC’s) has been are also available, making this new implemented. This was to financially website an essential resource for local support communities in developing authorities to engage with. energy masterplans. Four Sustainable
Energy Communities (Clane, Maynooth,
Kilcullen and Monasterevin) are working
with Kildare County Council’s energy
consultants, ORS, to get their energy
master plans completed. COVID-19 has ______
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______impacted the timeline in terms of how Celbridge – Leixlip Municipal District long each one has taken to complete. Initiative Clane SEC is the most advanced with The Celbridge-Leixlip Municipal District phases 1 and 2 completed and phase 3 has provided LPT funding of €25,000 for ongoing. Maynooth SEC has phase 1 a Climate Innovation Fund. A call for completed and phases 2 and 3 to be proposals has issued by the Climate completed over Quarter 1 and Quarter Action Office (CARO) using the 2, 2021. Consultation Portal, in an innovative move to reduce paper applications. Climate Action Training Applications under the scheme have During 2021, the council will engage in been assessed by the Climate Action the full roll out of very significant training Officer in collaboration with the initiatives as developed by the Eastern Community Section and the successful and Midlands Climate Action Regional parties have been notified. Office. The rollout of Climate Awareness It is hoped that other municipal districts Training has commenced locally with will follow this initiative. Grade 7’s and their technical equivalents recently completing the Forestry online Climate Action Awareness The council has commenced programme. Grade 6’s and analogous identification of a number of sites across grades will be enrolled on this the county on the Property Interest programme in the coming weeks. Register (PIR) potentially suitable for the Woodlands on Public Lands Funding Scheme. A long list is being drafted and each site will subsequently be assessed by a qualified forester. Template tender documents for procuring the different
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______elements of this scheme are currently GAA/CCMA Partnership for being drawn up by a CARO Working Sustainable Communities Group and these will be available for use by all local authorities. This project In a follow up to the official is in response to an item on the launch of the GAA/CCMA Environment Strategic Policy Committee Green Clubs Programme, (SPC) Works Programme. on 09 December 2020, Cappagh GFC have been Ezine chosen to represent The Climate Action Office has published Kildare in the phase one an Ezine/newsletter with a view to pilot and have already commenced circulating widely as a mainstreaming working with members of the Climate tool. Edition 1 of 2021 was issued in Action Team (CAT), particularly through February, with thanks to Mr Peter Carey, the environmental and biodiversity Chief Executive. The second edition is pillars. due in May and potentially will be published with Corporate Services proposed newsletter.
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______Roads, Transportation and M4 Maynooth to Leixlip Public Safety The ‘M4 Maynooth to Leixlip’ is listed as a section of the transport network to be
progressed through pre-appraisal and M7 Widening, Osberstown early planning and it is prioritised for Interchange and Sallins Bypass delivery under the National Project Development Plan 2018–2027. SIAC Construction Ltd/Colas Ltd. is the The aim of the project is to assess the contractor for this project. The contractor needs of the M4/N4 mainline corridor has opened 3 lanes both eastbound and and junctions from Maynooth to Junction westbound from Junction 8 Johnstown 5 Leixlip in terms of catering to Junction11 (M7/M9 merge). for future demand from a capacity, Substantial completion has been issued safety and operational perspective. on this section on 19 November 2020. Arup have been appointed as technical Works continue on the Osberstown advisors to support the delivery of the Interchange and the R407 Sallins project through Phases 1 to 4. Bypass. The revised completion date These phases include: for completion of the Osberstown
Interchange and the R407 Sallins Bypass is Quarter 1, 2021. Kildare • Phase 1 (Concept and Feasibility) which would determine if an County Council is liaising with the contractor with regard to a revised intervention (project) is required and if an intervention is feasible. completion date for the remaining
Works and an update will be issued shortly. • Phase 2 (Option Selection) will examine feasible options for intervention which could address
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______the aim of the project. Athy Distributor Road • Phase 3 (Design and An Bord Pleanála’s approval was issued Environmental Evaluation) will on 11 October 2017. A Notice of develop the design of the Confirmation for the Athy Distributor preferred option from Phase 2 Road was published in the Nationalist for further assessment including and Leinster Leader on 28 November evaluation of environmental 2017. No objections/Judicial Reviews impacts; and Phase 4 (Statutory were received by the deadline on 23 Processes) will include January 2018. undertaking the Statutory Processes. Notices to Treat have been issued. Notice of Entry on lands has been Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) issued. Advance works between Corran deliverables for Phase 1 are now Árd and Fortbarrington Road have been complete and signed off by both Kildare completed. The railway abandonment is County Council and TII. The scheme complete. The removal of rails and has now moved to Phase 2 Option sleepers is complete. The Córas Iompair Selection. The scheme will take a Éireann (CIE) lands have been secured number of years to pass through the from trespassers. various steps required for Phase 1 (Concept and Feasibility), Phase 2 Tendering for the main contract (Option Selection), Phase 3 (Design and commenced on 25 March 2020. The Environmental Evaluation) and Phase 4 procurement is under the restricted (Statutory Processes), provided it procedure and involves a two-stage successfully progresses through each process. phase.
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______The first stage is now complete with six The development will replace the contractors short listed for tendering. existing Machinery Yard in Newbridge The consultants have completed the and will include a new Regional Salt Stage 2 Tender documents which have Barn. This Barn will provide storage for been submitted to the Department of approximately 22,500 tonnes of salt for Transport, Tourism and Sport (DTTAS) use by Kildare County Council and a and the Minister for Transport. The number of other local authorities in the DTTAS has recently granted approval to region. proceed with the Stage 2 Tender process, subject to amendments. The An Enabling Works contract comprising tender process commenced in the earthworks, drainage and boundary second week of March 2021. treatments is currently on site with works The Córas Iompair Éireann (CIÉ)/Irish being undertaken by Clonmel Rail (IR) Bridge Agreement and Enterprises Ltd. Due to COVID-19 Waterways Ireland (WI) licence are restrictions contractors have moved off being progressed. Land acquisition is site until further notice. also progressing. Tender documents are being prepared for both the equipment contract and New Machinery Yard Relocation and main contract works. It is expected to Regional Salt Barn have a contractor on site by Quarter 4, Part 8 approval in respect of the new 2021. Machinery Yard and Regional Salt Barn Project was confirmed on 13 May 2019.
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______Maynooth Eastern Ring Road Canal and Dublin/Sligo railway line. The The preferred Route Option (C), was procurement of a NOBO consultant in presented in-committee to the Maynooth respect of the design of the bridge Municipal District Committee on 05 April structure (an independent consultant to 2019. The Clane-Maynooth Municipal assess adequacy of the proposed District Committee confirmed approval design in relation to the EU of the Part 8 in respect of Option C on Interoperability Directive) has been 29 July 2019. completed and the assessment is has commenced. The next phase of the project will be the completion of the design and Detailed design of the scheme, including procurement of the main contract. drainage design, is at an advanced Kildare County Council is currently stage. endeavoring to gain control of the lands (identified under the Local Infrastructure Celbridge to Hazelhatch Link Road Housing Activation Fund (LIHAF) Engineering Consultants RPS have Scheme) as a prerequisite to the been engaged for the Celbridge to Compulsory Purchase Order (CPO) Hazelhatch Link Road Project. Their going ahead. brief is to bring it from scheme concept and feasilibilty through to the statutory The preparation of the CPO processes. Kildare County Council was documentation is near completion. successful in securing funding from the Valuers have been appointed. Department of Housing, Local Discussions with Waterways Ireland, Government and Heritage (DHLGH) Iarnród Éireann and CIE are ongoing in under Call 1 of the Urban Regeneration relation to the design of the bridge Development Fund (URDF). structure which will span the Royal
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______An application for further funding under the submission of the taking in charge Call 2 of the URDF is currently being documentation. considered by the DHLGH. The scheme, which will connect Celbridge Town and Maynooth North South Corridor – the Hazelhatch Train Station and will Phase 6 – Moyglare Road include a second bridge over the River Improvement Scheme Liffey. The project is currently at Route This scheme is substantially completed Selection Stage and the non-statutory with the exception of a number of items public consultation process was on the snag list which are outstanding completed on 11 March 2021. due to COVID-19 restrictions.
Kildangan Railway Bridge Footpath Maynooth Inner Relief Street Scheme This road with signalised junctions and a This scheme has been completed and new bridge over the Lyreen River has the road has been reopened. been substantially completed by Cairn Developments Plc. Kildare County Newbridge Southern Relief Road/ Council’s Roads Planning Section is Second Bridge Crossing engaging with the developer on the The section of the Newbridge Southern opening of the street to traffic, Relief Road (NSRR) between the pedestrians and cyclists. The Road Newbridge to Naas Dual Carriageway Safety Audit Stage 3 is being carried out (R445) and the Great Connell Road is on the completed works. It is proposed now substantially complete. The Roads to open the road in Quarter 2, 2021, Planning Section is currently engaging subject to COVID-19 restrictions. with the developer on the completion of the snag list, the transfer of lands and
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______Kildare Town Northern Link Road and Athy Area Based Transport South Green Area Access Assessment (ABTA) Improvement Scheme The Athy Area Based Transport The Route Selection Report is Assessment (ABTA) has recently been substantially complete. completed and the Planning Department This project will not proceed further until has included it in the Draft Athy Local the Kildare Town Transport Strategy is Area Plan (LAP) process. completed, which is due to go to public consultation by the end of March 2021. Maynooth Transport Strategy A brief and tender documentation are Naas/Sallins Transport Strategy being prepared to facilitate the The Final Naas/Sallins Transport appointment of consultants for the Strategy has been published. development of the Maynooth Transport Strategy. Once the consultants are Kildare Town Transport Strategy appointed it is expected to take 6 The Draft Transport Strategy for Kildare months to complete. This will facilitate Town is currently being finalised. It is the development of the Maynooth LAP anticipated that a Phase 2 non-statutory going forward. public consultation will commence by the end of March 2021, after which the Bridge Rehabilitation Programme strategy will be finalised. Kildare County Council received funding for 2021 from the Department of
Transport, Tourism and Sport (DTTAS)
for bridge rehabilitation works at 6 locations. Design works and tender
documentation are being prepared at
present and it is expected to deliver
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______these works during Quarter 2/Quarter 3, An Options Selection Report to 2021, subject to COVID-19 restrictions. determine the most appropriate junction type to replace the existing arrangement 2020 bridge rehabilitation works are was completed in June 2020. near completion, with some parapet This report determined that a works on-site at present. Due to roundabout was the preferred option. COVID-19 restrictions contractors have moved off-site until further notice. The preliminary design is now being progressed to detailed design. Monasterevin Bridge and Brook Bridge It is anticipated that the scheme will are progressing through the approval proceed to Part 8 in Quarter 2, 2021. process with An Bord Pleanála and it is proposed to proceed to construction Royal Canal Greenway – Maynooth to stage in Quarter 3, 2021. Moyvalley The Royal Canal Greenway provides a Newhall Junction Improvement dedicated and substantially off-road Newhall Crossroads is located on the recreational cycle facility from Dublin to R445 dual carriageway between Naas Galway along the route of the Royal and Newbridge. It is the junction of three Canal. roads: the R445 the L2031 local road and the L6064 local road. The Greenway from Maynooth to Moyvalley is now substantially complete The existing junction is considered and operational. unsafe as it is a cross-roads junction on a busy dual carriageway.
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Naas to Sallins Greenway • Crookstown Further Education Kildare County Council are currently and Training Centre. This site is engaging with the National Transport now live. Authority on this project and have secured funding to bring this scheme to NBI Fibre Broadband Rollout Part 8 in 2021. Tender documents are Tree trimming works commenced in being prepared to appoint Consultants January in the Naas Municipal District. to facilitate the delivery of this project. Surveying has been completed in the Athy Municipal District. Surveying Broadband Connection Points commenced in Newbridge, Kildare, (BCP’s) Kilcullen, Donadea and Clane areas on Kildare County Council is progressing 15 March. the Broadband Connection Points (BCP’s) in Kildare. These sites will Athy Municipal District February 2021 provide high speed broadband to the public until the NBI fibre broadband is National Transport Authority (NTA) – available: Active Travel Measures Updates
• Bigstone Community Hall, Moone School Works Castledermot. This site is now Preparatory drainage works are live. Tenders are being reviewed complete. Phase 1 of works are to decorate the room to provide complete. Lining of the car parking working desk space. outside the school has been completed.
Surveys are being carried out at the • Lullymore Heritage Centre – present time with a view to a complete Vodafone to make live shortly. design for the villages.
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______The Department of Transport – Castledermot School Works Climate Adaptation Projects Phase 1 of works are complete. Updates can be added next month when Preparatory drainage works are the council will have had grant funding complete. Lining outside the school, confirmed. At the time of writing this including red thermoplastic coloring on report projects are being assessed for ramps has been completed. Surveys are 2021. being carried out at the present time with a view to a complete design for the Bus Shelters village. Funding has been allocated to the Athy Municipal District for two bus shelters in Crookstown School Castledermot for 2021. The Athy Works on phase 1 are complete. Municipal District Office has had contact Preparatory drainage works are with the Local Link Team with a view to complete. Lining outside the school, looking at these bus shelters in addition including red thermoplastic coloring on to bus stops along the new routes. ramps has been completed. Surveys are being carried out at the present time Municipal District Road Improvement with a view to a complete design for the Works and Restoration Improvement village. Works 2021 Preparatory drainage works are being In the these cases the Road’s Section is carried out in advance of 2021 schemes. liaising with the Public Realm Team to see if there are any areas of mutual interest.
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______Local Property Tax (LPT)/Carpark upgrade works. All other works are Funded Works 2021 suspended during level 5 restrictions. • Footpaths in housing estates throughout Athy – replacement of damaged sections. NTA – Active Travel Measures Updates Drainage Works on Drogheda Street and Main Only emergency drainage works are Street, Monasterevin are continuing being carried out through level 5 through Level 5 restrictions. The final restrictions. section of this phase is being completed which include ramps, iron works and Signage works completion of road markings. The Athy Municipal District Office is in the process of upgrading signage on Municipal District Road Improvement regional road junctions with local roads, Works 2021 this includes junction delineator posts The 2021 Programme of Works was etc. presented at the March municipal district meeting. Kildare-Newbridge Municipal District February 2021 Local Property Tax (LPT)/Carpark Funded Works 2021
All LPT works are now suspended due Newbridge to level 5 restrictions. Road resurfacing and footpath reconstruction works are ongoing in Low Cost Accident Schemes Pairc Mhuire. These works are being The 2021 Programme of Works is now carried out in stages following being prepared. completion of Irish Water Sewer ______
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Drainage • Woodlands, Naas – at Only emergency drainage works are construction stage. being carried out through level 5 • Friary Road, Naas – – at restrictions. construction stage. • Swans to Patrician Avenue, Naas Miscellaneous Works – at construction stage. Water cuts, cleaning of gullies and patching are on-going throughout the The Naas Municipal District is currently municipal district as emergency works at construction stage for footpath throughout level 5. improvement works (Naas Municipal Naas Municipal District February District Footpath and Civil Works 2021 Scheme 1 – 2021). These works are currently on hold as a result of COVID- Cycleway works/Pedestrian Works 19 restrictions. The locations are as The Naas Municipal District is currently follows: at construction stage for footpath improvement works (FP3) from 2020. • Main Street, Kill. These works have been delayed as a • Elmwood, Naas. result of COVID-19 restrictions, but it is • Osberstown Road, Sallins. hoped to re-commence works as soon • Monread Road, Naas. as possible at the following locations: A tender has been awarded for the • Roseville, Naas – at construction construction of a toucan crossing and stage. associated works at Main Street, Kill. • St. Martins Avenue, Naas – at Construction will commence in March construction stage. 2021.
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Bus Shelters • L6021- Bishopscourt The Naas Municipal District Office is • L6026 - Coolahocka currently preparing design and tender • L6029 - Cupidstownhill documents for the installation of bus • L6054 - Tipperkevin shelters which will proceed subject to funding at the following locations: The Naas Municipal District is at design stage and preparing tender documents • Kill Village - Main Street. for all other schemes. • Sallins - R407 - opposite Chapel Lane. Surface Dressing Works • Naas - Dublin Road – Odeon The Naas Municipal District is preparing Cinema. its 2021 Surface Dressing Programme.
Naas Municipal District Road Local Property Tax (LPT)/Carpark Improvement Works 2021 Funded Works 2021 The Naas Municipal District is continuing The LPT/Paid Parking funded Road and its preparation of the 2021 Municipal Footpath Works Programme for 2021 is District Roads Programme. to be agreed by the Naas Municipal District Committee in the coming weeks. Naas Municipal District has issued a tender for the Naas Municipal District Restoration Improvement Works Scheme 1 – 2021 at the following locations.
• L2022 - Eadestown • L2022 - Nunsland ______
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Clane-Maynooth Municipal District NTA – Active Travel Measures February 2021 Updates The Clane-Maynooth Municipal District The installation of bollards for cycling crews are currently undertaking routine and pedestrian safety on Mill Street and maintenance including opening inlets, the Dublin Road Maynooth and at the clearing drains and gullies, patching and Junction in Prosperous were completed. sign clearance. The inclement weather over the past month has led to numerous issues which are being attended to as promptly as possible by the crews.
In addition, the following essential works were undertaken in February 2021.
Road Improvements and Drainage • Road resurfacing in Derrinturn due to deteriorating road surface. • Drainage improvement works at Crinstown, Maynooth.
Cycleway works/Pedestrian Works • Footpath repairs in Parkview, Clane – Phase 2 completion.
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______Municipal District Road Improvement the month. The allocation to the Clane- Works 2021 Maynooth Municipal District is as The roads maintenance funding to the follows: Municipal Districts was allocated during Kildare County Council Funding 2021 2020 Difference Percentage Local Road Maintenance €1,205,763 €1,349,535 -€143,772 -11% Footpaths €68,535 €79,000 -€10,465 -13% Traffic Calming €21,625 €25,000 -€3,375 -14% Signage €21,625 €25,000 -€3,375 -14% €1,317,548 €1,478,535 -€160,987 -11%
National Transport Authority (NTA) Allocations These projects will be managed by the The National Transport Authority Sustainable Transport Team. Sustainable Transport Measures Grant was allocated in the past month with Kildare County Council receiving
€7,730,000 in total. Of this funding the following projects relate to the Clane- Maynooth Municipal District. Maynooth North-South Corridor – Phase 5 Mill €500,000 Street Royal Canal Greenway €3,750,000 Maynooth Permeability Measures €500,000 Celbridge Road, Maynooth €60,000 Kilcock Road, Maynooth €60,000
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______Regional and Local Road Grant Allocations Municipal District was €4,179,911 and is The Regional and Local Road Grant detailed as follows: Allocations from the Department of
Transport were allocated during the past month with Kildare County Council receiving €18,947,475 in total. The allocation for the Clane-Maynooth
2021 2020 Difference Percentage Restoration Improvement €2,295,990 €2,221,290 74,700 3% Restoration Maintenance €708,915 €666,93 €41,985 6% Discretionary Maintenance €669,816 €682,416 -€12,600 -2% Drainage Grant €105,190 €101,190 €4,000 4% Former National Roads €350,000 € - €350,000 Safety Improvement Works €50,000 €45,000.00 €5,000 11% €4,179,911 €3,716,826 €463,085 12%
The former national roads grant of • L2002/L2004 - Millicent Cross €350,000 is a one-off grant towards road €30,000. surface improvements on the R148 from • L1019/L5071 – Mangan’s Cross Blackwater Bridge towards Moyvalley. €20,000. The Safety Improvement work allocation of €50,000 is divided as follows:
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Celbridge-Leixlip Municipal District • R148 - Maynooth Road, Leixlip. February 2021 (Galvin’s Cross). • L1016 - Kearneystown Upper to The Celbridge-Leixlip Municipal District Newtown. has undertaken the following works in • L 5056 - Green Lane, Leixlip. February 2021. • L1015 – Shaughlen’s Glen, Leixlip. Cycleway Works/Pedestrian Works The Royal Canal Greenway design is Surface Dressing Works being finalised and it is planned to go Planned works for the summer of to tender with a view to starting 2021: construction in Quarter 2, 2021 subject • L6018 -Pluckstown, Ardclough. to funding being available from the • L5067- Ardrass, Straffan. NTA. Local Property Tax (LPT)/Carpark NTA – Active Travel Measures Funded Works 2021 Updates Design and tendering works on further The Municipal District Engineer and footpath and roads improvements in his team have completed these works. the Celbridge-Leixlip Municipal District are ongoing. Municipal District Road Improvement Works 2020/2021 The members at the Celbridge-Leixlip The Department of Transport, Tourism February municipal district meeting and Sport (DTTAS) funding allocation approved the LPT funding for 2021 for 2021 has been received and it is and the Municipal District Office is planned to resurface the following currently working through a roads during 2021: programme for delivery of these projects. • R403 - Youngs Cross, Celbridge.
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______Kildare Civil Defence – February and where the requests fall within the 2021 Civil Defence’s ability and training to Kildare Civil Defence as a Voluntary deliver. The Civil Defence has been Emergency Service has been working involved in a missing person search in to support the response of the local Athy since 28 February. authority and the HSE as requested
Fire Service – February 2021
Operational Calls
Station Total Calls Total Calls 2020 2021 (to end February) Newbridge 429 65
Naas 389 58
Athy 194 36
Maynooth 280 36
Monasterevin 151 29
Leixlip 203 14
Total 1,842 238
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______Fire Safety – February 2021
No. Inspections No. Premises Inspected
2019 75 72
2020 33 31
2021 2 2
No. Fire Safety Complaints
2019 16
2020 7
2021 2
No. Fire Safety Certificates 2019 179
2020 204
2021 25
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Building and Development Control
The following figures are cumulative up to 28 February, 2021 2020 2021 Commencement Notices Total Number of Commencement Notices received: 461 35
Number of Valid commencement notices received: 454 35
Number of Invalid commencement notices received: 7 0
No. of inspections carried out on Commencement 199 35 Notices
2020 2021 Certificates of Compliance on Completion Total Number of Certificates received: 426 95
Number Valid 425 95
Number Invalid 1 0
Awaiting processing 0 0
Additional Information
Number of inspections carried out on Compliance 196 46 on Completion
2020 2021 Disability Certificates
Total Number of Disability Access Certificates 124 17 received:
Number granted: 137 15
Number refused: 0 0
Number invalid 2 1
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Number of inspections carried out on Disability 66 13 Access Certificates
2020 2021 Building Control Active Sites
Number of units inspected 2,067 107
2021 Development Control Active Sites
Number of Active Sites 98
Health and Safety • Development of COVID-19 During the month of February, the Framework Infographic. Health and Safety Section carried out • COVID-19 Building Risk the following: Assessment.
• 23 COVID-19 compliance Accessibility inspections. • Lead Worker Representative Meetings: Meetings. • Business Continuity Meeting. Local Access Groups: • Accident and Incident Reports and Investigations. • Celbridge Access Group Meeting • Compilation of data from held - agreed local objectives and Remote Working Self schedule of meetings for 2021. Assessments. • Naas Access Group Meeting. • Pregnancy Risk Assessments. County Kildare Access Network • Online Remote Worker VDU (CKAN): assessments.
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• County Kildare Access Network (CKAN) meeting held. • Sourced Disability Awareness: • Prepared a Constitution document Training as per National Disability for CKAN. Inclusion Strategy 2017-2021 and have organised for delivery to Additional: library staff . • Meeting with Access Earth – re • Presentation on Accessibility given Celbridge Accessible Parking to: Analysis. • Naas Municipal District • Social Media Training delivered to • Athy Municipal District local access groups. • Celbridg-Leixlip Municipal District • Clane-Maynooth Municipal District
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______Economic, Community and Cultural Development
Community Grants All Grants Awarded 2020 Type No. Amount Community Grants 179 €281,233 Festival Grants 49 €28,225 Local Property Tax 235 €923,257 Private Estates Resident’s Associations 264 €213,842 Local Authority Resident’s Associations 78 €63,956 Drehid Grants 31 €217,581 Community Enhancement Programme 32 €287,800 Community Mental Health Fund 9 €35,800 Education Bursaries 37 €21,750 COVID-19 Emergency Fund 67 €94,390 Total 981 €2,167,834
Online applications for Community community and festival grants and also Section Grants Schemes are now for Resident’s Associations grants for being accepted. The closing date for local authority and private housing receipt of applications is 07 April. Full estates. An instructional video for details have been advertised on social completing the forms online is media, Kildare County Council’s available and public information website and in the local press. sessions have also been organised. Applications can be submitted for
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______Local Community Development Committee
A meeting of the Local Community Social Inclusion Community Development Committee (LCDC) Activation Programme (SICAP) meeting was held via Microsoft Teams The draft end of year report 2020 and on 27 January 2021. Draft SICAP Plan 2021 was presented for LCDC approval. Both the report
COVID-19 Community Response and plan were discussed by the SICAP Forum subgroup and submitted to Pobal for The Kildare COVID-19 Community assessment prior to the meeting. Response Forum have had 21 Review 2020- highlighted that the meetings to date via Microsoft Teams. targets set to work with communities The purpose of the forum is to lead the and individuals were exceeded. co-ordination of COVID-19 community supports and resilience. A dedicated The target to work in disadvantaged COVID-19 support helpline was communities was not reached, largely established on 30 of March 2020 by due to the complexity of working with Kildare County Council. The Response very marginalised groups via the Forum has representation from key technology during COVID-19 statutory and voluntary organistions lockdowns. The full budget was spent. across the county. Mr Carey, Chief Plan 2021- The budget for 2021 is the Executive chairs the forum and high same as 2020 at €1,092,867. levels of collaboration to ensure the The targets are also the same as 2020 most vulnerable are responded during with 59 community groups and 781 the COVID-19 Pandemic. individuals to be engaged with as part of the SICAP Programme. The plan meets all the required parameters and there are COVID-19 specific initiatives.
The plan has a focus on Kildare target
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______groups, and areas of Athy and North LCDC Priorities 2021 West Kildare. The review and plan Work priorities: To oversee and lead as appropriate on:
Heads-up a) Department requirements- LECP, While Heads Up Kildare continue to LEADER, SICAP, Healthy Ireland, engage remotely with men, demand COVID-19 Responses, Community for their programmes is very high. Enhancement Programme and other Increasing referral levels are funding streams experienced. This is expected to B) Kildare LCDC priorities- target continue due to the impact of disadvantaged areas/communities COVID-19. The programmes in North particularly Athy, North West Kildare, Kildare have commenced with the next Youth Mental Health, Athy Interagency programme targeting the North West Group, Heads-up, Rural Transport of the county. Structure: High quality LCDC and LECP subgroup meetings, with a Guidelines for the next Local commitment to review structures in Economic and Community Plan 2021. (LECP) are expected from the Promotion: LCDC and Kildare County Department of Rural and Community Council websites, community stories, Development (DRCD) in the coming LEADER and through LCDC months. The current plan ends in members. 2021. Ms McNabb, Head of Enterprise gave the LCDC an update on progress with demand for the Local Enterprise Office (LEO) services continuing to be high.
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______Rural Development LEADER Work continues to promote and support applications to the LEADER Programme.
Transition funding was announced in late December. Kildare will receive €358,745 for projects in 2021. This programme commences on 01 April until December 2021.
Work is being finalised to present the final projects under the 2014-2020 budget to the LCDC/LAG at their next meeting on 31 March.
Finalisation of the priorities for the transition programme will be agreed at the next LCDC/LAG meeting The next LCDC meeting will be held on Wednesday 31 March 2021.
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______Kildare Fáilte
Key Activities Ms Mangan gave interviews on Today FM, Newstalk and KFM.
To promote Kildare at this key time, a multi-faceted approach was taken. In
addition to the illumination of the Hill of Kildare Fáilte organised for the Hill of Allen, a message for St Brigid’s Day Allen to be illuminated for the first time was sent to Irish embassies around on 31 January and 01 February as a the world, embassies in Ireland and symbol of hope for the year ahead, co- Tourism Ireland market offices. ordinating the project with all Messages of thanks were received stakeholders (Kildare County Council, regarding the greeting and the gift of Roadstone). the St Brigid’s pin to wear on the day was warmly appreciated. The feedback from the local community and nationally was Additionally, other activities taking immense. The lighting featured on place around the county for St Brigid’s RTE News (6:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m.) Day were promoted across Kildare on 31 January and additional coverage Fáilte’s social media channels, was secured on St Brigid’s Day (6:00 including Féile Bríde which was held p.m. and 9:00 p.m. national news) virtually and organised by Solas featuring Solas Bríde and St Brigid’s Bhríde. Workshops were organised by Well. To augment the activity County, Kildare Library Service and a virtual Kildare Fáilte collaborated with Solas concert was held by St Brigid’s Bríde and arranged for Kildare to Cathedral. feature on Ireland AM where the presenters were taught by Sr Mary how to make a St Brigid’s Cross and
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______Fáilte Ireland hosted an industry event, Survive to Thrive, where plans to As part of the marketing steering group promote Ireland to visitors were for the Grand Canal Greenway, Kildare shared. Kildare Fáilte attended and Fáilte attended meetings during the shared these plans to tourism and month. Fáilte Ireland held a Greenway hospitality businesses in the county. Development workshop which was Kildare Fáilte also joined the Irish attended by tourism boards, including Tourism Industry Confederation (ITIC) Kildare Fáilte, from counties where workshop, Leading Tourism Recovery, there are Greenway opportunities. where the various scenarios for the Kildare Fáilte continues to recovery of tourism for Ireland were communicate and collaborate with presented by industry leaders. Fáilte Ireland to share plans and Meetings were held with the activities. Kildare Fáilte represented Shackleton Museum Project, of which Kildare at an Ireland’s Ancient East Kildare Fáilte is on the marketing (IAE) Marketing Alignment Workshop, steering group, as well as meetings to which was hosted by Fáilte Ireland. support the marketing activity and The attendees reviewed how tourism promote the centenary of Shackleton’s boards within IAE and Fáilte Ireland death. can work closer to drive tourism to their counties. In advance of the Royal Canal Greenway launch, which will take Fáilte Ireland facilitated a virtual place on 24 March, Kildare Fáilte networking event for tourism and attended several marketing meetings hospitality businesses in the county to prepare for the virtual event. In and discussed ideas to support each addition, content to promote the launch other. Sentiment was hopeful that was arranged, as well as working businesses will be able to open in closely with tourism and hospitality some way in the summer. Ongoing businesses along the route, Kildare calls were made to the industry County Council and Waterways Ireland through the month by Kildare Fáilte to to promote the trail.
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______promote their offers for Valentine’s In March, Kildare Fáilte will promote Day. Kildare Goes Green for St Patrick’s Day and has arranged for the greening The first meeting to analyse how of the Hill of Allen. Other tourism sites Kildare Fáilte can assess the tourism around the county that will be lit up assets in Kildare was held. This green for the day includes St Brigid’s project, funded by LEADER, will Cathedral and Round Tower, the Keep include all key stakeholders in the at Barberstown Castle, Killashee industry to identify a framework for Hotel, Kildare Village, Ardclough measuring visitor numbers and Visitor’s Centre and Castletown revenue to the county. House. Kildare Fáilte has collaborated Visitor engagement across all social with the industry and groups around media channels grew in February. Kildare and will share the activity with Blog posts and content were Tourism Ireland as part of their Global inspirational and experiential – Top Greening Campaign. A number of Ideas for Family Days Out in Kildare community activities are taking place, this Summer, to inspire people to play including the greening of Naas, virtual a visit to the county and Into Kildare Irish Dancing competitions and Kildare Shares the Love this Valentine’s Day, Fáilte will assist promoting these. which put together gift ideas for people to experience Kildare when it safe to do so as well as dine at home options. The message, “We Care in Kildare,” and support local continues to be a key priority.
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______Library and Arts Service Reads along with book recommendations on The Ryan “Everything you need for a better Tubridy Show. In addition to the three future and success has already been national events, Kildare Libraries written. And guess what? All you hosted eleven events. have to do is go to the library.” – Henri Frederic Amiel International Women’s Day 08 March Ireland Reads Naas Library hosted a live Instagram Ireland Reads was a new campaign to event for Women’s International Day get the whole country reading in by doing an interview with Ms Smart February in the lead up to a national Money (Kel Galavan). day of reading on Thursday, 25 February when the campaign asked One of this year’s themes was everyone to ‘squeeze in a read’. A new ‘Choose to Challenge’ in the website www.irelandreads.ie was set Workplace. Kel Chose to Challenge by up where the public pledged to read leaving her job after 16 years and over 863,000 minutes on ‘Ireland embarking on a no-spend year. Her Reads’ Day. The Ireland Reads journey has now led to the publication campaign is part of the government of her book 'Mindful Money: More Keep Well initiative and aims to Money, More Freedom, More celebrate reading and all the benefits it Happiness' by Orpen Press. can have for wellbeing and enjoyment. There are some great tips for all our Instagram viewers. There were three national events organised by the Libraries Development Unit of the Local Government Management Agency (LGMA) and the County Librarian, Ms Marian Higgins, discussed Ireland ______
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______International Writer’s Day 50,000 participants have been recruited To celebrate International Writer’s to grow some of their own food with a Day, check out Kildare Libraries Blog free GIY starter kit and encouraged to where Naas Mr Wayne Byrne, ‘grow it forward’ to 9 others by passing Librarian and Author writes about five on seeds, seedlings or produce for a things that have shaped his writing. total minimum campaign reach of 500,000 people.
Grow It Forward Starter kits will be distributed via libraries Kildare’s Library Service is working nationally who, supported by GIY, will be with GIY a leading food literacy activation and knowledge hubs for the organisation supporting the UN programme. Kildare will receive Sustainability Goals by reconnecting approximately 800 kits. people with food. Kildare Library Service will organise and The objectives of this programme is to host online workshops and information support Irish people to eat well during sessions to support and the spring and summer of 2021 as the complement this programme. It will country continues to deal with the launch in mid-March, followed by COVID-19 Pandemic and registration with delivery of kits starting restrictions. This involves work with in April. key stakeholders including Healthy Ireland, the Department of An Celebrating World Book Day – Taoiseach, the Government 04 March - Kildare Writers Information Service, 31 Local Showcase Authorities and over 330 libraries Established and emerging writers from nationwide to ensure a successful Writing Groups all over the county share programme. their work online to celebrate the joy of writing.
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______Toys Technology and Training (TTT) Irish Language Events Programme An online Irish Language programme The new series of TTT for Kildare libraries is underway for talks/workshops 2021. As part of Seachtain na Gaeilge, for 2021 launched on Thursday 04 a second Tolg Liteartha (Literature February with a talk by Speech and Couch) was organised and workshops Language Therapist Ms Joanne with Monica deBath, “Ceardlann Fia Fine on ‘Using LEGO as a Therapeutic dhúlra i mo Cheantar” are taking place. Intervention to Promote Social A county-wide Ciorcal Comhrá is now Inclusion’. being discussed, where branches would combine for a session online Over 40 events in total are scheduled weekly, facilitated by library staff for the Spring TTT Programme which members. Upcoming workshops will take place between February and include creative writing sessions with May. Mr Richie Conroy. Ranganna Gaeilge in conjunction with Sult na Sollán and All events for 2021 are taking place Conradh na Gaeilge are taking online, and facilitators are using mixed place at the moment and they media to deliver their talks/ workshops are made up of Beginners, via Zoom and the council’s social Intermediate and Improver media platforms. sessions, over 8 weeks.
Over 600 attendees have taken part in Let’s Talk about Parenting the programme already this spring, Nearly 200 participants attended ‘Let’s and the majority of events still to come talk about Parenting’ events in February are now fully booked. on topics such as Minding your Mental Health, communicating with your Teen and Parenting Alone. A motivational interviewing course was held as
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______part of the Continuing Professional Local Studies and Archives and Development (CPD) element of the Decade of Commemorations programme for Kildare professionals working with families, which will be Collections Moved Off-Site sure to bring knock on benefits to The Local Studies and Archives those they work with. Collections have been moved offsite in recent weeks. This is to prepare the Capital Projects collection for the capital project and also Naas Library and Cultural Centre to facilitate urgent building works to the Duggan Lynch, the main contractor for Local Studies building in Newbridge. Naas Library and Cultural Centre Capital Project commenced works in Online Exhibition to Mark Centenary December. of Opening of Rath Internment Camp on the Curragh Under the Public Health Restrictions An online digital exhibition was due to COVID-19 (issued 06 January published online on 01 March to mark 2021), works ceased and the the centenary of the opening of the Rath contractors closed the site on Friday 08 Internment Camp on the Curragh in January. Level 5 restrictions have now March 1921. Further projects are being been extended until 05 April and the site worked on, including the centenary of will remain closed until they are lifted. the Hill of Allen Ambush and other episodes from the War of Independence.
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______Digital History Programme Arts Grants and Bursary Co-Ordinator Opportunities 2021 Mr William O’Neill has recently The Arts Service, with the Community taken up the position of Digital History Department are currently developing a Programme Co-Ordinator, supported new online grant application system by the Decade of Commemorations which will go live shortly. Online Committee. He is assisting the information sessions will be available programme by arranging digital content, to the public on the suite of grants working on future projects and working available and how to apply. with local history groups. The closing date for the online grant applications was 18 March 2021.
Kildare Arts Service
Creative Ireland Bursary 2021
The Creative Ireland Team are currently developing a new online grant application system which will go live shortly. Online information
sessions will be available to the public on the Creative Ireland Bursary and
how to apply. The closing date for applications is 18 March 2021.
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Kildare Sports Partnership workshops, Zoom sessions, personal Community Outdoor Leadership eLearning tasks). Award – The COLA Programme Kildare Sports Partnership has Stay Active for Life Video developed a new community activation Kildare Sports Partnership have course. produced a promotional video highlighting the importance of Physical Activity for Life.
https://youtu.be/0P4vZQtmaMM
The course is designed to promote Partner Support Initiatives outdoor activity in the community. The • Kildare GAA – From the Shoulders aim is to increase participation in Up – Primary Schools programme outdoor physical activity in a post- covering physical, social & mental COVID 19 environment by wellbeing through sport for 5th and 6th encouraging people to use local class students. facilities such as Canal Blueway and • Basketball Ireland – Primary Greenway routes Schools Basketball programme There are currently two COLA involving placement of Pro American Programmes with 33 participants Basketball Player/coaches to deliver engaging. Training is delivered using a coaching for blended learning approach (online
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• Children in Kildare (In association with • Buggy Buddies Programme online BBI and Liffey Celtics) (starts Sept 22 January – 26 Feb February – 40 ‘21). participants. • Spring into Strength Yoga 03 • Sport Ireland Coaching – February – 10 March – 467 Understanding Physical Literacy participants. workshop tutor. • Mind Body Movement – Over 60’s • Heads Up – Adapted Exercise and Class – 51 participants. social interaction sessions for Heads • International Women’s Day - 08 Up participants. March – four different classes across • KSP Workshops – Coach and Squad the day with 90 participants. Resilience and Understanding Physical Literacy. Safeguarding Programme
Women in Sport Programme
• In 2020 despite not having safeguarding available online for 5 months the Kildare Sports • Operation Transformation 11 Partnership had 26 Workshops
January – 19 February. 745 registered catering for volunteers from 20 participants, including people from the different counties. deaf community as each online • Even though the class size was session was ISL interpreted. reduced from 16 to 12, there were 300 participants from 108 different
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______clubs and across 52 different sports. • In 2021 we have already completed • 61 clubs took part. 11 workshops so far with another • 22 clubs contacted the Kildare Sports 17 scheduled up until the end of Partnership in the following days for April. These are a mix of generic further advice and guidance. workshops with a broad range of • 132 Kildare clubs/organisations have clubs/sports. Kildare Sports applied for funding. Partnership also have stand-alone • Almost 3,150 clubs/organisations have classes for Kickboxing Ireland, applied nationally. Triathlon Ireland and Kildare Ladies Gaelic Football Association (LGFA). Physical Activity App Development Kildare Sports Partnership is at the Sports Capital Programme early stages of the development of a Information Session Physical Activity App to help us: Kildare Sports Partnership organised a Sports Capital Programme Information • Engage with our Target Groups. Session on Monday, 08 February. • Promote local community activity and events. • Promote Kildare Sports Partnership events and programmes. Upcoming Events as part of the Keep Well Programme
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Parks Open Space Strategy Allenwood Playground Work is continuing on the development The Part 8 Report for Allenwood of an Open Space Strategy for the Playground was approved by the county in conjunction with the Planning Maynooth Municipal District Department. A report on the audit of Committee at their March Meeting. 25 parks and open spaces has been Work will now commence on the completed to inform and be included in preparation of detailed design and the strategy. specifications to tender for the construction of the playground. Sports Capital Grant Application Four applications were made for this Sallins Amenity Land year’s Sports Grant Applications. An initial design for the amenity lands These were for an extension to has been prepared by Cathal O’Meara Newbridge Sport’s Centre to provide a Landscape Architects. This is currently multi-purpose hall which will being reviewed and once this is accommodate the needs of the local complete it will be developed further so community for fitness, sport, and the proposal can be brought to Part 8. wellness programmes. Applications were also made for an outdoor gym and to upgrade St Cocoa’s Athletics changing and toilet facilities in the Bawnogues. An application was also made for portable goal posts for two soccer pitches in Monread Park.
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______Local Enterprise Office (LEO)
Elected members are asked to advise For all other queries constituents that the Kildare LEO and email [email protected] Economic Development Unit is or call the office line on 045 980838. continuing to provide a full range of support services: Entrepreneurship Support Services
Immediate business support: Kildare LEO Operating Full Services To access a business advisor or Remotely mentor, email In the interest of public health and [email protected] safety, the Kildare LEO must operate its services remotely however, the For trading online queriers email Kildare County Council LEO [email protected] remains open and continues to offer supports to the local business For COVID-19 Business Loans, visit community. Brexit supports, business https://www.localenterprise.ie/Kildare/F advice and e-commerce funding and inancial-Supports/Microfinance- training are just some of the supports Ireland-COVID-19-Business-Loan/ available. Please advise your constituents that all business supports The LEO is also providing support are available on our website at for training, visit: localenterprise.ie/Kildare. For all other https://www.localenterprise.ie/Kildare/o queries nlinebookings email [email protected] or call the office line on 045 980838. And finally, for Brexit support, visit: For continued updates please follow https://www.localenterprise.ie/Portal/Di Kildare County Council’s LEO on scover-Business- social media. Supports/Brexit/Brexit-Supports-for- your-Small-Business.html
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______Business Advice and Mentoring Customs and Expert Mentoring Free of charge one to one business The Kildare LEO is also running advice and mentoring is available from ‘Prepare Your Business for Customs’ the Kildare LEO. Please advise workshops and expert one to one constituents to email Brexit Mentoring. [email protected] to set up a one-to-one session with a Please advise constituents of all business advisor. Specialised Brexit Brexit supports, available at: advisors are also available. https://www.localenterprise.ie/Kildare/ News/Change-is-here-Act-Now-and- Prepare-Your-Business-for- Brexit Support Customs.html In response to this feedback following the issue of the ‘Brexit Pulse Survey’ E-commerce Funding and Support in January 2021 to gauge an Current lockdown implications have understanding of the capabilities and seen many Kildare businesses close the level of support required by Kildare the doors of their businesses again, businesses in the face of the new meaning that the ability to generate Brexit environment, the Kildare LEO online sales is now critical. As with has designed new supports, including 2020, the Kildare LEO continue to the VAT and Duties Workshop which provide extensive ecommerce support: to date has supporting 80 clients. Please advise constituents that the 1. Online Trading Vouchers to next the next VAT and Duties the value of €2,500 are Workshop takes place on Thursday 25 available to businesses to March. improve e-commerce https://www.localenterprise.ie/Kildare/T capabilities are available. In raining-Events/Online-Bookings/Brexit- 2020, the Kildare LEO invested Guide-to-VAT-and-Duties11.html €1.5 million in these vouchers to The Kildare LEO continue to work on support Kildare businesses in designing new independent Brexit moving their businesses online. supports to meet the needs highlighted Please advise constituents of in the Brexit Pulse Survey. this available funding. ______
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______The first step in applying is to 3. Shop County Kildare was attend an information seminar. established by Kildare County The next seminar is taking Council to cater to the needs of place on 15 April. For more businesses throughout the information and to secure a pandemic. The dedicated local place, visit website provides Kildare https://www.localenterprise.ie/Ki businesses the opportunity to ldare/Training-Events/Online- make the move to online sales Bookings/Trading-Online- in a free of charge, quick and Voucher-Seminar-15th-Apr.html user-friendly model. Following an extensive marketing 2. Practical workshops designed campaign throughout November to teach Kildare businesses and December 2020, the how to maximise websites, website has generated improve digital marketing significant traffic and has strategies and acquire the subsequently led to increased technical skills needed to sales for Kildare businesses increase online sales are taking over the Christmas period. place frequently over the coming months. The website continues to operate, and remains open to Free of charge one to one e- Kildare businesses in need of commerce mentoring is also an alternative route to available. Please advise generating sales. Please constituents of these practical encourage constituents to supports, available to book on register for Shop County Kildare our website here at www.shopcountykildare.ie https://www.localenterprise.ie/Ki ldare/Training-Events/Online- Bookings/
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______#JoinIn Virtual Coffee Break Series Lunchtime Lessons with Leaders The objective of the series is to The Kildare LEO continues to provide provide Kildare business owners with the 8-week lunchtime series the opportunity to communicate with Lunchtime Lessons for Leaders peers experiencing similar COVID-19 with one of Ireland’s foremost keynote related issues, share ideas and speakers, Mr Gerry Duffy. Every discuss topics of interest. The weekly Tuesday afternoon from 1:00 p.m. – series features a high calibre of 2:00 p.m., Gerry Duffy delivers a speakers which has so far included module that focuses on transforming two former Dragons; Mr Sean Kildare individuals and businesses to Gallagher and Mr Gavin Duffy, achieve a greater focus and set clearer renowned Management Development goals. The sixth of 8 sessions will take expert Blaise Brosnan, and various place on Tuesday 16 March. The global Chief Executive’s and Irish average number of Kildare business entrepreneurs and thought leaders. owners in attendance at these The most recent headlining speaker sessions is 70. was RTE’s How to be Good with Money host Mr Eoin McGee. Please advise constituents of this valuable support. Elected members The series was exceptionally well are also invited to attend one or all received in 2020 and to date in 2021, sessions. For more information and to with an average of 75 registered each book please visit: week and a positive feedback across https://www.localenterprise.ie/Kildare/ social media. News/Preparing-for-Recovery- Lunchtime-Lessons-for-Leaders-with- The next session takes place on Gerry-Duffy.html Monday 22 March. For more information and to book your place, follow the link: https://www.localenterprise.ie/Kildare/T raining-Events/Online-Bookings/
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______National Enterprise Week 2021 Economic Support Services National Enterprise Week took place from the 01 - 05 March and was a Economic Growth huge success. The Kildare LEO While the Tourism and the Hospitality hosted 20 events remotely throughout sector has suffered badly, Quarter 1, the week and 1 National Flagship 2021 has seen significant requests for Programme on LEAN Management. startup and expansion support. There In excess of 700 businesses engaged have been 10 new grant files for March in the events throughout the week and Evaluation with a combined budget feedback has been an unanimous allocation of €300,000. Every effort is outpour of gratitude to the entire being made to ensure to maintain a department from the business positive economic outlook in all community. communications.
€100,000 Green for Micro’ Funding County Kildare Diaspora Strategy Initiative Facilitated by Ms Sally Murphy of The Green for Micro Programme was Murphy Communications, Kildare launched to help businesses across County Council is seeking to create County Kildare to prepare for the low- linkages and networks that create and carbon economy. This is a LEO maintain relationships, share initiative to increase awareness around experiences, create opportunities and sustainability and the low carbon deliver on further investment and future. Businesses in County Kildare economic activity for our county. are being offered a unique opportunity Consultation with 19 key stakeholder to cut harmful emissions and make groups has begun. significant energy, waste, water and other savings through this programme. Please advise constituents that applications are open for the Green for Micro Programme at: https://www.localenterprise.ie/Kildare/F inancial-Supports/Green-for-Micro/
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______Tá Gnó Tábhachtach don The Kildare LEO continue to work on Gheilleagar - Shopfront Grant the development of a Draft Operating To celebrate Seachtain na Gaeilge (01 Proposal, mapping and classification – 05 March), and to highlight the exercise, ensuring adequate and supports available to local business quality space is distributed equally owners, the Kildare LEO launched the across the county. The next meeting is ‘Comharthaíocht Campaign’. due to take place virtually on Thursday The objective of the campaign is to 08 April 2021. engage with local shop owners to encourage the promotion of the Irish Economic Development – Capital language through the use of the Projects Kildare County Council Shopfront Grant. MERITS – Innovation Hub A revised construction programme has Please advise constituents that been developed with the key applications for the Shopfront Grant stakeholders. Once the site can are now open. For more information, reopen after COVID -19 restrictions please visit: are lifted the main contractor (Duggan https://www.localenterprise.ie/Kildare/ Lynch) has a further 2 months on site Enterprise-Development/Shop-Front- to complete their scope of works. Improvement-Scheme/ Due to the construction delays, Kildare County Council’s Economic Establishment of the Kildare Develoment Section decided to press Remote Working Hub Network ahead with running its first Establishment of the Kildare Remote programmes on a virtual basis. Working Hub Network took place on The programme for the first of these, Thursday 04 March. 14 hub owners aimed at existing digital businesses attended. A key objective of Kildare seeking to expand into export markets, County Council’s Economic Strategy was launched on Friday 05 March. 2025 was to create and support a 42 high Tech Entrepreneurs from network of connected hubs in the across the county attended to express county. their interest in the first global ambition programme commencing at the end of ______
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______March. They put their name down as technical and entrepreneurial potential tenants when the building innovation. opens in September 2021. A second programme, aimed at digital Following funding approval from startups specifically with Kildare LEADER of €87,821.25, products/services to address The CKCN has appointed Glounthane Sustainability/Climate Action markets Property Development to carry out the is being considered. renovation. The CKCN has appointed MERITS joined with a Maynooth Ms Vivian Cummins to work with the University Team to submit a bid to be project team and a start date for designated a European Digital construction of 11 January was agreed Innovation Hub – this highly with the contractors and the Irish competitive process will lead to one or National Stud. In light of level 5 two such hubs being established in restrictions and the cessation of non- Ireland, with funding from the EU to essential construction activity set out support a 7-year programme of work. by the Government, the project will only proceed when construction activity is allowed to resume. Equine Tech Innovation Hub Through the structure of the County Athy Food, Drink and Skills Kildare Community Network Innovation Hub (CKCN), the Business Unit of In 2019 Kildare County Council was Kildare County Council plans the the benefactor of €500,000 from Coca establishment of Equine Tech Cola on their departure from Athy as a Innovation Ireland on the grounds contribution towards the development of the Irish National Stud as a of the old Model School in Athy into sectoral stimulus to develop an the Food, Drink and Skills Innovation equine innovation hub of Hub. enterprise, innovation, applied research, commercialisation and learning. Uniquely, it will offer a single access source of equine
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______CKCN/Kildare County Council was hub and a decision is expected in awarded €311,000 under The Rural Quarter 2, 2021. Regeneration and Development Fund (RRDF) Category 2 funding to support Clentech Hub the appointment of an architect-led Mr Carey, Chief Executive and Ms design team to perform professional McNabb, Head of Enterprise services for the delivery of the Athy presented a proposal to Bord na Móna Food, Drink and Skills Innovation Hub. on a collaboration development which would realise a Cleantech Innovation Following the completion of the Hub in Newbridge, County Kildare. tendering process, a design team led Bord Na Móna is now reviewing this by Ms Bluett O’Donoghue has been collaboration in the context of other appointed. The project team have held projects in hand. As one of Kildare weekly meetings with the design team County Council’s Strategic Economic and a programme schedule has been Projects, this will continue to advance approved. Work has advanced the vision. considerably on the detailed design and Part 8 planning process following a pre-planning meeting with the various departments in Kildare County Council. The project team have also briefed the Athy Municipal District Committee on the project. The Part 8 planning consultation process commenced on 23 February and will close to submissions on 06 of April.
The team have also submitted a funding application under the RRDF Category 1 to the Department of Rural and Community Development to provide for construction works associated with the renovation of the ______
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______Appendix: COVID-19 Busines Supports Please advise your constituents of the following business supports available in response to COVID-19.
All COVID-19 Business Supports Available from All Government Bodies Outlined on the Kildare LEO Website: https://www.localenterprise.ie/Kildare/Financial-Supports/Covid-19-Supports/Covid- Business-Supports-National-Lockdown-October-2020.html Objective Support Link
Financial Immediate Cashflow MFI COVID-19 Business Loan – https://www.localente The first 6 months is interest and rprise.ie/Kildare/New repayment free, a reduced rate of s/Microfinance- 4.5%, a LEO mentor assigned to Ireland-COVID-19- complete the loan application Business-Loan.html form. Enterprise Support Grant – https://www.gov.ie/en is available to assist self- /press-release/f9b1f- employed recipients who are enterprise-support- exiting the Pandemic grant-now-available- Unemployment Payment (PUP) to-small-business- Scheme. This will provide owners owners-and-school- with a once-off grant of up to meals-scheme-to-be- €1,000 to re-start their business. extended-into- summer/ Restart Grant – http://www.kildare.ie/ for registered rate payers. Direct CountyCouncil/Finan funding relating to rates paid to ce/ReStartGrant/ Kildare County Council in 2019 (delivered through the council’s Rates Department.) Note:
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Applications closed on 31 October.
Generate Revenue Shop County Kildare – new https://www.localente with Online Sales online Kildare eCommerce rprise.ie/Kildare/New platform providing the opportunity s/Introducing-Shop- to make the move to online sales County-Kildare!.html in a free of charge, quick and user-friendly way Trading Online - Please https://www.localente encourage constituents to submit rprise.ie/Kildare/Fina completed application forms ncial- to: [email protected]. Supports/Online- Trading-Vouchers/ Upgrade Shopfronts Kildare Shopfront Grant https://www.localente and Implement Scheme rprise.ie/Kildare/Start Outdoor COVID-19 -or-Grow-your- Signage Business/Supports- by-Sector/Retail- /Kildare-County- Council-Shop-Front- Accesibility-Grant- Scheme.html Advisory
Expert Strategic Free of charge 1:1 mentoring https://www.localente Mentoring programme with a panel of rprise.ie/!KHSQYE specialist mentors. Health and Safety Free of charge 1:1 mentoring with https://www.localente Guidance a specialist to ensure businesses rprise.ie/!KHSQYE have tools and knowledge to implement Health and Safety
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measures in line with Government Guidelines to allow them open as soon as possible. Managing Free of charge workshop and 1:1 https://www.localente Employees in Line mentoring with a HR specialist to rprise.ie/!KHSQYE with Government ensure businesses have Guidelines knowledge of new policies and procedures with managing and brining staff back to work in line with Government Guidelines to allow them open as soon as possible. Re-Designing Re-Designing Businesses Email Businesses for Programme - assisting companies localenterprise@kild Physical Distancing in order to operate using Lean arecoco.ie to apply Workplace Organisation practices in order to achieve implement physical distancing. Improving Online A suite of digital marketing training https://www.localente Presence and to support businesses in driving rprise.ie/Kildare/Train Increasing Online traffic to website, communicating ing-Events/Online- Sales with customers and overall Bookings/ keeping the business operating. Communications
Frequent Updates The LEO website, newsletter, Head of Enterprise Regarding the social media, the Head of Note: Evolving Situation, Enterprise Update and online https://www.localente Notification of knowledge hubs. rprise.ie/Kildare/New Upcoming Supports s/Head-of- and Services as well Enterprise- as Support Updates.html
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Documents and Publications Sign up to newsletter: https://localenterprise .us8.list- manage.com/subscri be?u=8fc2c8db27df6 0c85a7f58de8&id=87 063fc48c Access to LEO Team The LEO mailbox, direct and localenterprise@kild and Specialists personal phone contact and ability arecoco.ie to speak to a specialist within 24 045 980838 hours of enquiry.
______Peter Carey Chief Executive
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