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Minutes for Kildare Area Committee Meeting 17 October ... - Kildare.ie

Minutes for Kildare Area Committee Meeting 17 October ... - Kildare.ie

Minutes for Kildare Area Committee Meeting 17 October ... - Kildare.ie

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<strong>Kildare</strong> County Council<br />

<strong>Minutes</strong> of the <strong>Kildare</strong> <strong>Area</strong> <strong>Committee</strong><br />

Held on Wednesday <strong>17</strong> <strong>October</strong> at 10.00 a.m.<br />

in Áras Chill Dara, Naas.<br />

Members Present: Councillor F. O’ Loughlin (Cathaoirleach), Councillors F. Browne, T. O’<br />

Donnell, S. Doyle, P. Kennedy and M. Nolan.<br />

Also Present: J. Lahart (<strong>Area</strong> Director), J. Boland (Director of Services), S. Kavanagh<br />

(Acting Director of Services), B. McGrath (Senior Staff Officer), A.<br />

Aspell (<strong>Meeting</strong>s Administrator) and F. Walsh (<strong>Committee</strong> Secretary)<br />

KE01/1210<br />

<strong>Minutes</strong> and Progress Report<br />

The committee considered the minutes of meeting held on 19 September 2012, together<br />

with the progress report.<br />

Resolved: The minutes were approved on the proposal of Councillor Kennedy and<br />

seconded by Councillor Browne to be confirmed and taken as read. The progress report<br />

was noted.<br />

Matters Arising from the <strong>Minutes</strong> and Progress Report<br />

Report on Costings through Pay Parking in Newbridge<br />

The members reiterated their disappointment at the non use of in house staff <strong>for</strong> the issuing<br />

of legal letters in connection with Pay Parking fines.<br />

Repair of Wall between Liffey Terrace and St Patrick’s Terrace<br />

The members requested that the repairs be carr<strong>ie</strong>d out as a matter of urgency.<br />

Update of the extinguishment of right of way at Moore Park<br />

The members requested regular updates<br />

Ryston Close, Newbridge<br />

The members requested a letter from Newbridge Town Council confirming an undertaking<br />

to fund the repair of the lights in this private estate.<br />

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<strong>Kildare</strong> County Council<br />

KE02/1210<br />

Bus Stop at <strong>Kildare</strong> Town<br />

The committee considered the following motion in the name of Councillor Doyle:<br />

That the roads design section consider a more appropriate and safer method of facilitating<br />

the bus stop at the entrance to <strong>Kildare</strong> Town that is serving a express bus route from<br />

Limerick to Dublin via <strong>Kildare</strong> and that this design have regard to providing a suffic<strong>ie</strong>nt pull<br />

in <strong>for</strong> bus and sheltered hard stand <strong>for</strong> passengers.<br />

The meetings administrator read a report from the roads and transportation department<br />

dated <strong>17</strong> <strong>October</strong> 2012 stating that staff from the roads and transportation department met<br />

with the bus operator’s agent and An Garda Siochana on site. Following correspondence<br />

with the National Transport Authority, it was confirmed that the development of revised<br />

layouts or bus stop locations was a matter <strong>for</strong> the bus operator. The bus operator’s agents<br />

have acknowledged that the current layout requires amendment in the interests of road<br />

safety and the amended layout is awaited. The members stated there was no indication of<br />

a time line <strong>for</strong> receipt of the amended layout.<br />

Resolved: That letters be sent to the bus operators and An Garda Siochana in this regard.<br />

A letter to be sent to the Minister of Transport Tourism and Sport requesting that<br />

consultation with Local Authorit<strong>ie</strong>s in relation to the siting of bus stops be incorporated in<br />

the relevant legislation as a matter of urgency.<br />

KE03/1210<br />

Roadway completion in Moore Park estate<br />

The committee considered the following motion in the name of Councillor Kennedy:<br />

That the small bit of roadway in the Moore Park estate be completed when funds become<br />

available.<br />

The meetings administrator read a report from the roads and transportation department<br />

dated <strong>17</strong> <strong>October</strong> 2012 stating that the area office has noted the request. Due to current<br />

budget constraints the area office is not in a position to advance the works in Moore Park.<br />

This issue will be rev<strong>ie</strong>wed when finances become available.<br />

The members thanked the area engineer and the area office <strong>for</strong> their work and requested if<br />

finances did become available that the road be completed.<br />

The report was noted.<br />

KE04/121<br />

Alleyways in Maryville<br />

The committee considered the following motion in the name of Councillor Doyle:<br />

Page 2 of 9


<strong>Kildare</strong> County Council<br />

Can we have a report on the progress of closing remaining alleyways in Maryville and<br />

particularly the alleyway adjacent to Melitta Business Park?<br />

The meetings administrator read a report from the roads and transportation department<br />

dated <strong>17</strong> <strong>October</strong> 2012 stating that the housing department in conjunction with the<br />

transportation department had completed a number of alleyway closures in the Maryville<br />

area over the past number of years. However due to financial constraints, the council does<br />

not have the budget to carry out further works of this nature at the present time.<br />

The report was noted.<br />

KE05/1210<br />

Link road through Rathbride Abbey<br />

The committee considered the following motion in the name of Councillor O’ Donnell:<br />

Can the committee receive a progress report on the link road through Rathbride Abbey?<br />

The meetings administrator read a report from the roads and transportation department<br />

dated <strong>17</strong> <strong>October</strong> 2012 stating that the proposed Link Road includes the main road through<br />

the Rathbride housing estate which was constructed some time ago by a developer. The<br />

Link Road is a <strong>Kildare</strong> County Council Transportation objective in accordance with the<br />

<strong>Kildare</strong> Local <strong>Area</strong> Plan. The Link Road will be 280m in length and will be constructed in a<br />

green f<strong>ie</strong>ld site in the ownership of the council. It will t<strong>ie</strong> into the existing Dunmurry Rise<br />

Estate road which is 110m in length and in the ownership of the council and the Rathbride<br />

Housing Estate road which is 290m in length and in the ownership of the developer Paddy<br />

White. The Part 8 <strong>for</strong> this scheme was adopted by the council on the 27 June 2011 where<br />

a large number of submissions were received and analysed. The Rathbride Action Group<br />

(RAG) was set up in opposition to this scheme. It was agreed by the council that a<br />

committee would be set up consisting of the Mayor Councillor Michael “Spike” Nolan,<br />

representatives of the action group, Mr Jim Barry of Dunmurry Rise and the council’s road<br />

design staff to discuss issues at different stages of the scheme. The action group has since<br />

pulled out of this committee after the first meeting. Funding of the scheme will be from<br />

development lev<strong>ie</strong>s. The council road design section has now completed the design of this<br />

Link Road which includes an overlay of the main road through the Rathbride housing<br />

estate. Tender documents and drawings have been prepared and a short list of five<br />

contractors has been identif<strong>ie</strong>d following a procurement process. New traffic lights have<br />

been installed at both the Dunmurry and Rathbride Road junctions. Condition surveys have<br />

been carr<strong>ie</strong>d out on some adjacent propert<strong>ie</strong>s to the Link Road. Site investigation works,<br />

slit trenches to identify existing services and FWD testing to measure the structure of the<br />

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<strong>Kildare</strong> County Council<br />

existing road pavement have been completed. <strong>Meeting</strong>s have taken place with the<br />

developer Paddy White and the council’s development control and road design sections to<br />

try to reach agreement on the taking in charge of the Rathbride Estate and the main road<br />

through the estate. The council’s development control and road design sections have<br />

carr<strong>ie</strong>d out a survey of the Rathbride estate and have produced a snag list with repairs to<br />

the estate infrastructure identif<strong>ie</strong>d. A CCTV survey of the underground foul sewer, surface<br />

water and water supply network in the Rathbride estate has now been completed with “as<br />

constructed” drawings produced. The survey results are currently being examined by the<br />

development control and road design sections. Discussions with the developer are ongoing<br />

with the intention of completing the taking in charge process and proceeding with the tender<br />

process. The members expressed their concern at the length of time this process was<br />

taking and asked if construction of the link road could proceed without the taking in charge<br />

and enquired if the necessary funding was available. Ms Kavanagh advised the members<br />

that she did not have this in<strong>for</strong>mation to hand but would report back to the next meeting.<br />

The report was noted.<br />

KE06/1210<br />

Replacement of wall on Main Street<br />

The committee considered the following motion in the name of Councillor Doyle:<br />

Can the Monasterevin Tidy Towns <strong>Committee</strong> be assisted in the replacement of the wall on<br />

Main Street with provision of materials <strong>for</strong> the work required?<br />

The meetings administrator read a report from the roads and transportation department<br />

dated <strong>17</strong> <strong>October</strong> 2012 stating that the area office was available to meet the Monasterevin<br />

Tidy Towns committee to discuss this issue further.<br />

The report was noted.<br />

KE07/1210<br />

Surface water drainage in Maryville and Melitta Park<br />

The committee considered the following motion in the name of Councillor Doyle:<br />

Can we have a report on the status of surface water drainage in Maryville and Melitta Park,<br />

<strong>Kildare</strong> with proposal <strong>for</strong> resolution of reported flooding problems within the estate?<br />

The meetings administrator read a report from the roads and transportation department<br />

dated <strong>17</strong> <strong>October</strong> 2012 stating that in relation to Maryville the area office was aware that<br />

surface water tanks are located in the front of the estate. It was felt that the percolation<br />

stone around the tanks required replacing. This would require further examination to<br />

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<strong>Kildare</strong> County Council<br />

identify the full extent of the works. The area office would carry out investigation works in<br />

the coming weeks but was unlikely to be in a position to carry out full maintenance works<br />

until early 2014 due to current maintenance budget constraints<br />

In relation to Melitta Park, this has been an ongoing issue. The existing gull<strong>ie</strong>s are served<br />

by soak holes which are located in residents back gardens. The arrangement was<br />

impractical to maintain. The area office is re-examining the costing, options and possible<br />

phasing of the works.<br />

Resolved: A further report with regard to Melitta Park be available <strong>for</strong> the November<br />

meeting.<br />

KE08/1210<br />

Pruning of trees at Liffey Hall traffic lights<br />

The committee considered the following motion in the name of Councillor Nolan:<br />

Can the trees at Liffey Hall traffic lights be pruned back to assist road safety at this<br />

junction?<br />

The meetings administrator read a report from the roads and transportation department<br />

dated <strong>17</strong> <strong>October</strong> 2012 stating that the area office would arrange <strong>for</strong> the roads crew to carry<br />

out the necessary works.<br />

The report was noted.<br />

KE09/1210<br />

Blended Water Supply<br />

The committee considered the following motion in the name of Councillor O’ Donnell:<br />

That the committee receive an update on the report issued by the council to the Department<br />

of the Environment, Community and Local Government regarding conditioning of the<br />

blended water supply.<br />

The meetings administrator read a report from the water services section dated <strong>17</strong> <strong>October</strong><br />

2012 stating that a reply was still awaited from the Department of the Environment,<br />

Community and Local Government in this matter. In the interim, some preliminary/outline<br />

design work has commenced, including some consultation with relevant agenc<strong>ie</strong>s. The<br />

area committee will be kept fully in<strong>for</strong>med.<br />

Resolved: That the members be provided with details of the preliminary/outline design<br />

work and the relevant agenc<strong>ie</strong>s which had been consulted.<br />

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<strong>Kildare</strong> County Council<br />

KE10/1210<br />

<strong>Kildare</strong> Town Wastewater Treatment System<br />

The committee considered the following motion in the name of Councillor O’ Donnell:<br />

That the committee receive an update on the network project stage of the new <strong>Kildare</strong> Town<br />

wastewater treatment system.<br />

The meetings administrator read a report from the water services section dated <strong>17</strong> <strong>October</strong><br />

2012 requesting that the <strong>Kildare</strong> Town Sewerage Network Contract <strong>for</strong>ms part of the Water<br />

Services Investment Programme 2010-2012. The draft tender documents <strong>for</strong> this<br />

contract were submitted to the Department of Environment, Community and Local<br />

Government <strong>for</strong> approval in 2009. These documents are currently being updated to reflect<br />

some necessary design changes. The updated documentation will be submitted to the<br />

Department of Environment, Community and Local Government <strong>for</strong> approval in the fourth<br />

quarter 2012.<br />

Resolved: A further report be available <strong>for</strong> the November meeting.<br />

KE11/1210<br />

Installation of CCTV systems in all cemetery car parks<br />

The committee considered the following motion in the name of Councillor Nolan:<br />

That consideration should be given to the installation of CCTV systems in all cemetery car<br />

parks throughout the local electoral area.<br />

The meetings administrator read a report from the environmental section dated <strong>17</strong> <strong>October</strong><br />

2012 advising that the proposal would be given consideration. However the cost in<br />

providing, monitoring and maintaining this level of CCTV usage would be an issue. The<br />

members will be kept in<strong>for</strong>med of progress.<br />

Resolved: The members requested if a link with other community groups in the areas could<br />

be established to set up a monitoring system in cemeter<strong>ie</strong>s and also requested that this<br />

proposal be kept under consideration should funding become available.<br />

KE12/1210<br />

The Paddocks estate, Kildangan<br />

The committee considered the following motion in the name of Councillor O’ Donnell:<br />

Can the committee receive an update on The Paddocks estate, Kildangan<br />

The meetings administrator read a report from the planning department dated <strong>17</strong> <strong>October</strong><br />

2012 stating that building control staff were engaged in discussions with representatives <strong>for</strong><br />

Page 6 of 9


<strong>Kildare</strong> County Council<br />

the Receiver and were awaiting a submission from the Receiver with regard to the<br />

completion of the outstanding works in the estate.<br />

The members asked if it was possible to have building control staff attend each monthly<br />

meeting with an update. Councillor O’ Donnell stated that there was no street lighting in the<br />

estate and that the entrance to the estate was temporary and that there had been instances<br />

where ambulances found it difficult to access the estate due to the condition of the road and<br />

the lack of street lighting.<br />

Resolved: That building control staff attend each meeting with a status report on unfinished<br />

housing estates.<br />

KE13/1210<br />

Report <strong>for</strong> taking in charge of Liffey Hall estate<br />

The committee considered the following question in the name of Councillor Nolan:<br />

Can I have an up to date report <strong>for</strong> the taking in charge of Liffey Hall estate, Newbridge?<br />

The meetings administrator read a report from the planning department dated <strong>17</strong> <strong>October</strong><br />

2012 stating that <strong>Kildare</strong> County Council had called in the bond and are in the early stages<br />

of negotiations with the bond provider. A number of issues had arisen regarding the sewage<br />

disposal system and public lighting in the estate. It would be prudent to investigate these<br />

issues to ascertain whether or not remedial works are required and whether these works<br />

can be funded from the bond. To this end development control staff are liaising with the<br />

bond provider. When it has been agreed with the bond provider how to proceed, the council<br />

will then be in a position to commence the <strong>for</strong>mal taking in charge process based on either<br />

the request to take the estate in charge received from the residents earl<strong>ie</strong>r this year or a<br />

similar request from the developer/ receivers or the bond provider.<br />

The report was noted.<br />

KE14/1210<br />

Restoration of public lights in The Heath, Liffey Hall, Newbridge<br />

The committee considered the following question in the name of Councillor Nolan:<br />

Will the council engage with the residents of The Heath, Liffey Hall, Newbridge to resolve<br />

the issue of restoring the public lights along the road?<br />

The meetings administrator read a report from the planning department dated <strong>17</strong> <strong>October</strong><br />

2012 stating that the council had called in the bond and were in the early stages of<br />

negotiations with the bond provider. A number of issues had arisen regarding the sewage<br />

disposal system and public lighting in the estate. It would be prudent to investigate these<br />

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<strong>Kildare</strong> County Council<br />

issues to ascertain whether or not remedial works are required and whether these works<br />

can be funded from the bond. To this end development control staff are liaising with the<br />

bond provider. When it has been agreed with the bond provider how to proceed, the council<br />

will then be in a position to commence the <strong>for</strong>mal taking in charge process based on either<br />

the request to take the estate in charge received from the residents earl<strong>ie</strong>r this year or a<br />

similar request from the developer/ receivers or the bond provider.<br />

The members urged the council to restore the public lights and enquired if money could be<br />

sought from the bond.<br />

Resolved: That the restoration of the public lights along the Heath, Liffey Hall Newbridge<br />

be restored.<br />

KE15/1210<br />

Out of hour’s service <strong>for</strong> vulnerable housing tenants<br />

The committee considered the following question in the name of Councillor Doyle:<br />

That the council provide an out of hours service <strong>for</strong> vulnerable housing tenants (particularly<br />

those living alone with a serious illness or disability) in order to address urgent/emergency<br />

housing issues.<br />

The members discussed this question and agreed that the item be <strong>for</strong>warded to the<br />

November meeting of the council.<br />

Resolved: That this item go <strong>for</strong>ward to the November meeting of the council.<br />

KE16/1210<br />

Removal of wall<br />

The committee considered the following question in the name of Councillor Doyle:<br />

That residents of St. Evins Park be facilitated in the removal of the wall, adjacent to old<br />

persons dwelling housing in the estate, that has become the focus of anti social behaviour.<br />

The meetings administrator read a report from the housing department dated <strong>17</strong> <strong>October</strong><br />

2012 stating that the matter had been referred to the architect’s department to report on the<br />

matter. In the event that it is determined that the work requested is required, a budget will<br />

need to be identif<strong>ie</strong>d.<br />

The members stated that due to lack of funding the council need to <strong>for</strong>m a working<br />

partnership with the residents <strong>for</strong> works to be completed.<br />

The report was noted.<br />

Page 8 of 9


<strong>Kildare</strong> County Council<br />

KE<strong>17</strong>/1210<br />

Proposed Playground in Rathangan<br />

The committee considered the following question in the name of Councillor O’ Donnell:<br />

Can the committee receive a report on the proposed playground in Rathangan?<br />

The meetings administrator read a report from the parks superintendent dated <strong>17</strong> <strong>October</strong><br />

2012 stating that a tender process <strong>for</strong> the design and construction of the playground in<br />

Tannery Park, Rathangan was in the process of being completed with the selection of a<br />

preferred tenderer and design. It was then proposed to proceed to Part v111<br />

The members stated that progress was slow but understood that there was an issue with<br />

regard to the design.<br />

The report was noted.<br />

KE18/1210<br />

Deputation from Dara Park Residents Centre<br />

The committee received a deputation from Dara Park Residents Association consisting of<br />

Mr. Joe Burke, Ms. Jane Domican and Mr. Ger Murphy who gave a presentation seeking<br />

the councils help on a number of issues within the estate. The residents listed a number of<br />

problems with sewage overflows, flooding, damaged slabs, protruding, subsiding or<br />

damaged manholes, path and road subsidence which had been recurring over a number of<br />

years. They strongly refuted the council’s contention that the sewerage problem is caused<br />

by residents’ disposal of napp<strong>ie</strong>s, baby wipes and grease. They also stated that there were<br />

problems with a boundary fence dividing P<strong>ie</strong>rcetown and Dara Park. The residents<br />

acknowledged the work that had taken place in Upper Dara Park by the council and the<br />

works that were currently being carr<strong>ie</strong>d out in the lower part of Dara Park. Mr Joe Boland,<br />

Director of Services, commended the residents <strong>for</strong> their very detailed and helpful<br />

submission and stated it would be considered at a higher level. Councillor O’ Loughlin<br />

stated that a committee comprising of the three members of the residents association, three<br />

members of the area committee and three officials from the council was being set up and it<br />

was hoped that they would meet in the very near future.<br />

The members thanked the residents <strong>for</strong> their ef<strong>for</strong>ts and undertook to support them in any<br />

way the can.<br />

The meeting concluded<br />

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