Minutes - Kildare County Council Meeting - 24 ... - Kildare.ie

Kildare County Council 

KILDARE COUNTY COUNCIL 

Minutes of Monthly Meeting 

held at 2.00 p.m. on Monday, 24 September 2012 at 

Áras Chill Dara, Devoy Park, Naas, Co Kildare 

Members Present: Councillor M Nolan (Mayor); Councillors F Brett, F Browne, 

K Byrne, W Callaghan, R Daly, L Doyle, S Doyle, I Keatley, 

P Kennedy, S Langan, A Larkin, P MacNamara, P McEvoy, J McGinley, 

M Miley, S Moore, T O’Donnell, F O’Rourke, C Purcell, D Scully, M Wall 

and B Weld. 

Apologies: Councillors S Griffin and F O’Loughlin 

Also Present: Mr M Malone, County Manager, Messrs P Minnock, J Boland, J Lahart, 

E O’Sullivan (Directors of Services), Mr M O’Leary (Acting Director of 

Services), Ms F Millane (Acting Head of Finance), 

Ms A Aspell (Meetings Administrator) and other officials. 

_________________________ 

The Mayor and members extended a warm welcome to the Council Chamber to 

representatives from Deauville Twinning Committee who are visiting the county. The Mayor 

invited Ms Sophie Moite from the delegation to address the meeting. In thanking Ms Moite 

and the delegation from Deauville the Mayor looked forward to many more exchanges with 

County Kildare Twinning Committee. 

1/0912 

Confirmation of Minutes 

The council considered the minutes of the monthly meeting held on 30 July 2012 and special 

meeting held on 7 September 2012, together with the progress report. 

Councillor McGinley sought clarification on the cancellation of attendance at conferences 

until the end of year to make funding available for the continuation of weekend street 

cleaning in Maynooth. Ms Kavanagh, Transportation Department, advised that a schedule of 

street cleaning was being prepared at present which would make the best use of resources 

and members would be advised when the schedule was finalised. 

Councillor S Doyle sought clarity on RAS in relation to anti social behaviour. 

______________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 

Minutes of meeting of Kildare County Council 24 September 2012


Members queried the predicated amount of funding that would be available based on the 

collection rate of the household charge and how households were identified. Members also 

sought clarity on reminder letters that had issued, the next steps involved and if there had 

been a notable increase in payments. The County Manager clarified the position on the 

budget reductions advised to date and the allocation expected for Quarter 4 and outlined the 

effects the collection rate would have on council resources. He urged people to pay the 

household charge and advised that advertisements would be placed in local papers to 

explain the penalties and reminder letters process. 

Resolved on the proposal of Councillor Byrne, seconded by Councillor Weld, that the 

minutes of the monthly meeting held on 30 July 2012, annual meeting and special meeting 

held on 7 September 2012, be confirmed and taken as read. 

2/0912 

Household Charge 

The Mayor suggested that item15 on the agenda, relating to the household charge, be taken 

at this point and this was agreed by the members. 

The council considered the following motion in the name of Councillors Callaghan, L Doyle, 

S. Doyle, Miley, O’Loughlin and O’Rourke: 

With a view to getting a higher household charge collection rate, that the council write to the 

Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government seeking an amnesty from 

fines for all householders now intending to pay the household charge and this proposal be 

circulated to all local authorities asking for their support. 

Councillor O’Rourke outlined the reasons for submitting this motion, suggesting that this 

would be an incentive of the council to encourage people to pay the charge and increase 

revenue. Councillor Miley seconded this motion. The members discussed the motion 

indicating that, while it was important to encourage people to pay the charge, any incentive 

must have regard to householders that had already paid on time and those who had now 

paid with interest. The County Manager confirmed that current legislation would not allow for 

an amnesty as outlined in the motion. The Mayor put the motion to a vote. 

The members considered the motion proposed by Councillor O’Rourke and seconded by 

Councillor Miley, and resolved with 5 members voting in favour and 16 members voting 

against, not to support the motion. 

______________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 



3/0912 

Committee Minutes 

The Council considered the committee minutes which had been circulated with the agenda. 

Athy Area - 18 June 2012 and 23 July 2012 

Resolved on the proposal of Councillor Miley, seconded by Councillor Wall, that the minutes 

be noted. 

Clane Area - 10 July 2012 

Resolved on the proposal of Councillor Weld, seconded by Councillor Langan, that the 

minutes be noted. 

Naas Area - 19 June 2012 

Resolved on the proposal of Councillor Callaghan, seconded by Councillor Moore, that the 

minutes be noted. 

4/0912 

Disposal of Land 

No. 9 Barrington Court, Prosperous, Co Kildare 

The Council considered statutory notice dated 6 September 2012 which had been circulated 

to members pursuant to section 183 of the Local Government Act 2001 signifying intent to 

dispose of No 9 Barrington Court, Prosperous, Co Kildare to Mark and Elaine Gardner in 

consideration of payment of €45,222.06. 

Resolved on the proposal of Councillor Weld, seconded by Councillor McEvoy, that 

pursuant to Section 183 of the Local Government Act 2001 that the Council consent to 

disposal of the land in accordance with the terms set out in the statutory notice. 

44, Radharc an Chaislean, Naas, Co Kildare 

The Council considered statutory notice dated 6 September 2012 which had been circulated 

to members pursuant to section 183 of the Local Government Act 2001 signifying intent to 

dispose of 44, Radharc an Chaislean, Naas, Co Kildare to Przemyslaw and Monika Tkacz in 

consideration of payment of €72,189.27. 

Resolved on the proposal of Councillor Moore, seconded by Councillor Callaghan, that 

pursuant to Section 183 of the Local Government Act 2001 that the Council consent to 

disposal of the land in accordance with the terms set out in the statutory notice. 

______________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 



05/0912 

Mid Eastern Regional Authority (MERA) 

The Mayor informed the meeting that he has submitted his resignation to the Mid-Eastern 

Regional Authority (MERA). 

Resolved on the proposal of Councillor Weld, seconded by Councillor Langan, that 

Councillor Keatley is appointed to the Mid Eastern Regional Authority. 

06/0912 

Strategic Policy Committees 

The members queried the necessity to review the Chairs of the following Strategic Policy 

Committees: (1) Housing [Councillor S Doyle], (2) Planning and Economic Development 

[Councillor D Scully] and (3) Transportation [Councillor K Byrne]. The County Manager 

confirmed that the review is required to comply with the Strategic Policy Committee Scheme 

adopted in 2009 and that the matter had been considered by the Corporate Policy Group. 

Members stated that the scheme should be reviewed mid term to ensure that experienced 

members would sit on the Strategic Policy Committees after the next local elections. 

Resolved on the proposal of Councillor Weld, seconded by Councillor Callaghan, that the 

existing Chairs of the Strategic Policy Committees be re-appointed. 

07/0912 

Housing Report 

Mr Minnock presented the housing report setting out the current position on housing matters. 

The members noted the report and sought clarity on the housing improvement allocations, 

progress on the RAS scheme and up to date position on the shared ownership loans. Mr 

Minnock replied to the issues raised and acknowledged the difficulties with many cases and 

indicated that progress would be discussed at the next Housing Strategic Policy Committee 

meeting. 

Resolved: That the report be noted. 

______________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 



08/0912 

Draft Kildare Town Local Area Plan 2012 – 2018 

Ms Sweeney, Senior Executive Planner, briefed the members on the background to the draft 

Kildare Town Local Area Plan 2012 – 2018. Outlining the salient points Ms Sweeney 

indicated that a total of 31 submissions had been received during the statutory period, the 

County Manager’s report had been circulated to the members and motions had been put 

forward by the Kildare Area Committee. Ms Sweeney advised the members that if they 

decided to materially amend the proposed Local Area Plan, a further period of public 

consultation will be necessary. 

Motion No 1 

Councillor O’Donnell on behalf of Kildare Area Committee: 

That provision for the potential delivery of 60 serviced sites be accommodated within the 

LAP, to be identified on lands referenced in submission 17 (1), submission number 7 and 

submission number 20. 

Manager’s Response 

Sufficient land has been identified for residential development within the boundary of Kildare 

to meet the Core Strategy requirements over the plan period (refer to Appendix page 69 of 

the Managers Report). 

In relation to the specific sites the following should be noted: 

Sub.17(1) Site adjacent to Abbey Villa relates to a site which was zoned open space and 

amenity in the proposed draft LAP. A submission was received from the landowner 

requesting that the indicative framework be amended to provide urban parkland in vicinity of 

Abbey Villa House and residential development on the north western part of the site adjacent 

Tesco rather than the park as shown in the draft plan. 

The subject lands have been identified as an appropriate location for the provision of a public 

park to service the level of development proposed in the SWEA. 

Refer Sub 7 – Site located on Nurney Road – this site was zoned agriculture in the draft 

LAP. The subject site was zoned G1: Industry and Warehousing in the previous 2002 Kildare 

LAP. The landowners have requested that the site be zoned for community and educational 

uses. It should be noted that permission has been granted for a neighbourhood use in the 

vicinity of the site. Furthermore given the subject sites location at a distance from the town 

centre and the availability of other more central sites to cater for neighbourhood centre uses, 

it is not considered necessary to zone further land for Education and Community purposes. 

The current motion seeks the provision of a certain element of residential serviced sites on 

the landholding. While this will result in overprovision of units with reference to the core 

strategy it should also be noted that the site is inappropriate for new residential zoning as it 

fails on the factors to be considered in determining zoning and in particular the sequential 

______________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 



test being located on the edge of the town and leapfrogging lands which are more 

appropriate for residential development in the short to medium term. 

Ref Sub 20 – Site located at Whitelands East – A submission from the landowners in this 

case sought that 7ha of land previously zoned green belt and amenity in the draft plan be 

reinstated as residential development. Arising from the reduction in residential numbers 

within the Magee Barracks site it is recommended in the Managers Report that 2ha be 

reinstated with potential delivery of 40 units. The proposed 2ha for residential development is 

located along the public road and adjoining existing residential development. Further 

residential development to the rear of the site would further encroach on land located within 

the environs of the Curragh which is considered appropriate for green belt designation. 

The motions received in relation to the Draft Plan request in total an additional 60 residential 

above the core strategy figures as contained in the CDP over the plan period. Section 19(2) 

of the Planning and Development Act 2000 as amended requires a local area plan to be 

consistent with the objectives of the development plan, its core strategy …”. Zoning of these 

would accordingly be contrary to the core strategy given the level of residential zonings 

provided for in the draft plan as amended by the Manager’s Report. 

Policy has been included in the draft LAP to facilitate the delivery of serviced sites and an 

appropriate mix of unit types within the town refer: HP6 which states that “it is the policy of 

the council to consider the provision of serviced sites on residentially zoned land at outer 

suburban locations to cater for a range of household sizes (refer to section 4.9.3 of the 

CDP). Serviced site proposals should include general design principles for individual plots 

(plot ratios, building heights, building orientation, private open space, palette of building 

materials, boundary details and parking”. 

HP 9: To require applications for residential developments (over 20 units), to demonstrate 

the provision of an appropriate mix of dwelling types having regard to the following: 

• The nature of the existing housing stock and existing social mix in the area; 

• The desirability of providing for mixed communities; 

• Provision of a range of housing types and tenures; 

• The need to provide a choice of housing, suitable to all age groups and persons at 

different stages of the life cycle; 

• The need to cater for special needs groups 

Manager’s Recommendation 

No change to recommendations as contained in Managers Report. 

Ms Sweeney outlined to the members that sufficient land has been identified for residential 

development within the boundary of Kildare to meet the Core Strategy requirements over the 

plan period. Councillor O’Donnell outlined the Kildare Area Committees concerns and in 

particular the following sites: Sub.17(1) Site adjacent to Abbey Villa, Refer Sub 7 – Site 

located on Nurney Road and Ref Sub 20 – Site located at Whitelands East. Ms Sweeney 

advised the members that they must comply with the Core Strategy and that the draft plan 

______________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 



included policies to rebalance a greater social mix in accordance with the provisions of the 

current County Development Plan. 

Resolved on the proposal of Councillor O’Donnell, seconded by Councillor S Doyle, with 14 

members voting in favour, 1 member voting against and 1 member abstaining, that the 

Manager’s recommendation be rejected and that the motion be agreed. 

Motion No 2 

Councillor S Doyle on behalf of Kildare Area Committee: 

That submission number 5 (2), reject the managers proposed change and propose that 

concerns raised in submission can be addressed through the proposed TMP and appropriate 

measures during the lifetime of this plan. 


Refer to Managers Report for detailed response to Sub 5(2) from the National Roads 

Authority and 29(a) from the National Transport Authority. 

The NRA references the Development Strategy for the town in the vicinity of the M7. It is 

stated that it appears that an appropriate Strategic Transport Assessment has not been 

undertaken in the preparation of the LAP to determine the capacity of the local road network 

and impact of the development envisaged on the operational efficiency and capacity of the 

M7 and associated junction. Furthermore there are concerns with sections of the LAP such 

as those addressing economic development, design briefs, phasing of development and 

movement and accessibility. It is noted that these do not seek to address the mechanisms 

which may be required to mitigate potential adverse impacts on the capacity, efficiency and 

safety of the national road network. The authority notes that traffic and transport 

assessments and mobility management plans carried out for individual planning applications 

are not a substitute for a prior overall transport assessment of areas where the planning 

authority is determining fundamental issues of land use. 

The Authority has concerns with the potential impact of the South Western Town Centre 

Expansion site, and EDO2: Lands zoned ‘Q’: Enterprise and Employment to the west of 

Kildare town. 

The NTA supports the proposed use of phasing in the LAP however recommends a more 

clearly defined phasing strategy. Again concerns are expressed regarding objective EDO2 

lands to the west of the town as it may become a trip intensive employment destination and 

could undermine the strategic function of M7. Recommends that land use zoning be modified 

to ensure development is limited to less trip intensive purposes. 

On the basis of the foregoing concerns the Managers Report recommends the following 

zoning changes: 

______________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 



- 40.8ha of lands zoned industry and warehousing to the west of Kildare town be 

downzoned to agricultural use. 

- 20.6ha of land zoned Q1 Enterprise and Employment be downzoned to industry and 

warehousing 

The aim for the remainder of lands will be to put in place an appropriate framework to service 

these lands. To that end, under objective RI 1 it is proposed to update the Kildare Traffic 

Management Plan and to extend it to cover those areas outside the town centre. 

In conclusion it should be noted that Section 19(2)(A) of the Planning and Development Act 

2000 as amended requires “that each planning authority within the GDA ensure its LAPs are 

consistent with the transport strategy of the DTA. The proposed motion which fails to 

address the trip intensive development proposed would not be in accordance with the 

requirements of the NTA. Sufficient lands remain zoned for employment purposes in the 

proposed LAP. 


As per zoning changes in Managers Report 

‐ downzone 40.8 ha from Industry and Warehousing to agriculture 

‐ revert 20.6ha from Enterprise and Employment to Industry and Warehousing for 

development over the period of this plan. 

Objective RI 1 to be revised to include the following: 

“To review and update the Kildare Traffic Management Plan on an ongoing basis to ensure 

that the specific measures contained within it reflect the ongoing development of the town 

and to extend the traffic management plan to cover areas outside the town centre. Particular 

consideration is to be given to the lands in the vicinity of the M7 to ensure”. 

Ms Sweeney outlined to the members the basis for the reports from the National Roads 

Authority and the National Transport Authority and the support for the proposed use of 

phasing in the Local Area Plan. It is proposed to include zoning changes to overcome the 

concerns expressed regarding objective ED02 lands to the west of the town as it may 

become a trip intensive employment destination and could undermine the strategic function 

of the M7. Councillor O’Donnell on behalf of the Kildare Area Committee did not feel that the 

concerns of the National Transport Authority were strong enough. 

Resolved on the proposal of Councillor S Doyle, seconded by Councillor O’Donnell, with 17 

members voting in favour and 2 members abstaining, that the Manager’s recommendation 

be rejected and the motion be agreed. 

Motion No 3 


______________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 



That the educational zoning for provision of primary school in the South Green lands be 

moved to a site adjacent to recreational and amenity zoning on site beside Post Primary 

School, having regard to optimising location for necessary transport network and that the 

existing zoning on that site be transposed on to the site currently identified for primary 

school. 


Agreed. 


The community and educational zoning identified in the south green lands on Hill Road in the 

AAP extends to 3.65ha. Change zoning of community and educational site on the hill road to 

Residential C2 (Phase 2) and replace educational and community zoning on C2 lands on the 

Dunmurray Road. 

Ms Sweeney outlined to the members that it was proposed to change the zoning of 

community and educational site on the hill road to Residential C” (Phase 2) and replace 

educational and community zoning on C” lands on the Dunmurray Road. 

Resolved on the proposal of Councillor O’Donnell, seconded by Councillor S. Doyle, with all 

members voting in favour, to accept the Manager’s recommendation and agree the motion. 

Motion No 4 


That a detailed retail strategy be commissioned for Kildare town in consultation with local 

area committee which will identify policies and mechanisms to advance and optimise the 

tourism retail sector of town. 


Agreed. 


Include objective in LAP as follows: 

It is an objective of the Council to prepare a tourism and retail development strategy for 

Kildare Town. The study which will be prepared in consultation with the area committee will 

identify appropriate policies and mechanism which optimise tourism as an important element 

of the retail strategy for the town. 

Ms Sweeney outlined to the members that it was proposed to include an objective to prepare 

a tourism and retail development strategy for Kildare Town. 

Resolved on the proposal of Councillor S. Doyle, seconded by Councillor O’Donnell, with all 


______________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 



Motion No 5 


That submission 23 (3) reject managers recommendation, and clarify how to best deliver the 

objective that any consideration of additional food offerings should include a clear 

demonstration by the developer that their proposal does not displace or affect the existing 

businesses in the current town centre; such businesses are a key way of attracting visitors to 

the Market Square and evirons. 


Sub. 23(3) requests that restriction to food offering within the Urban Mixed Block in the 

SWEA does not apply to other parts of the SWEA. 

The Managers Report recommended that the text be amended as follows: “In order to 

protect the vitality of the town centre only a limited hot food offering as a proportion of the 

overall development site will be considered”. In light of the motion submitted it is 

recommended that additional text be included in the LAP as outlined hereunder. 


Any planning application for any additional food offering in the SWEA area shall be 

accompanied by a detailed study prepared by a suitably qualified consultant. The study shall 

demonstrate potential impacts on any existing established businesses in the town centre. 

Permission will only be considered where it is adequately demonstrated that the proposal will 

not displace or affect the viability of existing businesses in the town centre. 

Ms Sweeney outlined to the members that it was proposed to include additional text in the 

Local Area Plan indicating that any planning application for any additional food offering in the 

SWEA area shall be accompanied by a detailed study prepared by a suitably qualified 

consultant. Permissions will only be considered where it is adequately demonstrated that 

the proposal will not displace or affect the viability of existing businesses in the town centre. 



Motion No 6 


That the completion of the planning for an Outer Orbital Route of Kildare town be prioritised 

during the lifetime of this plan. 


Refer to response to submission no. 10 of the Managers Report wherein it is stated that The 

future development of Kildare Town is to be focused mainly in 3 distinct areas, The SWEA 

area, Magee Barracks and South Green. The roads objectives contained in the LAP reflect 

this. The extension of the ‘ring road’ to the north of the town to the Dublin Road is likely to be 

a much longer term consideration. Such a proposal would be subject to detailed route 

______________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 



selection and environmental and economic assessments. It would not be feasible to carry 

out such studies in order to include such a long term proposal into the LAP. 

The desire to commence a process to plan for the possible future need for such a road link is 

noted. The inclusion of an objective to this effect may be appropriate. 


Insert objective as follows: 

It is an objective of the Council to seek to examine the likely future need for an Outer Orbital 

Route to the north of Kildare Town, and to investigate the feasibility of providing same. 

Ms Sweeney outlined to the members that it was proposed to insert an objective to seek to 

examine the likely future need for any Outer Orbital Route to the north of Kildare Town. 



Motion No 7 


That the Local Area Plan clarify objective RI0 16 (ix) to understand that both of these roads 

objectives should be interconnected and clearly indicate that they are for vehicular access to 

Kildare town through Academy Street from all parts of SWEA and that the internal roads 

network of the SWEA optimise internal connectivity of site. 


RIO 16 (ix) It is an objective of the Council to seek the construction of the following new 

streets within the Town Centre Expansion Site (refer to Section 7.6 – Town Centre 

Expansion Design Brief): 

• From a new junction at Academy Street (dd) to the Tesco access road off 

Claregate Street (ee). 

• From the Kildare Retail Outlet access road (ff) to the Tesco access road off 

Claregate Street (ee). 

The Managers Report recommends inclusion of the following: The design of the these 

streets shall ensure that vehicular movement function is moderated and that a high quality 

pedestrian movement function is achieved, in the context of the type of development that is 

proposed within the SWEA. (Refer sub 9 ) 

Also note: RI1 as contained in the draft LAP: 

To review and update the Kildare Traffic Management Plan on an ongoing basis to ensure 


and to extend the traffic management plan to cover areas outside the town centre. 

The appropriate method to consider options regarding this access routes is as part of a 

review of the traffic management plan for the town. 


No change to Manager’s Report. 

______________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 



Councillor O’Donnell indicated that this was a strategic site for development and that 

pedestrian movement should take priority and he sought clarity on what is proposed. Ms 

Sweeney outlined to the members that it was proposed to include the following: The design 

of these streets shall ensure that vehicular movement function is moderated and that a high 

quality pedestrian movement function is achieved. Furthermore, the Kildare Traffic 

Management Plan should be reviewed and updated on an ongoing basis. 



Motion No 8 


That submission number 22 – having regard to the strategic significance of this site as a key 

landmark location, that the SWEA include specific reference to independent vehicular access 

to this site indicating same on accompanying relevant maps. 


Strategic access points to the SWEA are provided for under the design brief for this area and 

illustrated on Map Ref 8.2 Transport and Infrastructure objectives. Access points other than 

strategic points as identified in the LAP may be considered separately and are not provided 

for in the LAP. 

The Transportation Department strongly disagrees with this proposal. The provision of 

individual access points onto public roads is considered as part of the planning process for 

individual developments. The inclusion of a specific objective that an access be provided to 

any site would seriously undermine the planning process, and would remove the discretion 

of the Planning Authority, and of the Roads Authority, to determine the appropriate means of 

access to that site. Access to the subject site is of particular sensitivity in this respect, given 

it’s location adjacent to the strategic access route to Kildare Town from the motorway 

network, and it’s proximity to an important junction on that route. Consideration must be 

given to the potential for an access point at this location, either by itself or by the precedent it 

would set, to have a very real and detrimental impact on the Nurney Road itself, or on the 

M7 Interchange to which it links, potentially causing serious difficulties in accessing the town. 

Assessment of the likely impact of any access point is best carried out through the planning 

process, and in the context of the scale and type of development proposed on the site. 


No change. 

Councillor Doyle outlined the concerns of the Kildare Area Committee in relation to this site 

and the importance of it being developed appropriately. Ms Sweeny outlined to the 

members that strategic access points to the SWEA are provided for under the design brief 

for this area and illustrated on Map Ref 8.2 Transport and Infrastructure objectives. Mr 

______________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 



Lahart indicated a positive presumption to deal with any proposal for this site through the 

planning process. 

Resolved on the proposal of Councillor S Doyle, seconded by Councillor O’Donnell, with 14 

members voting in favour and 3 members abstaining, to reject the Manager’s 

recommendation and agree the motion. 

Motion No 9 


That the following policy be included in the Local Area Plan for Kildare town, that all car 

parking facilities be located with a view to optimising shared use from commercial sector of 

town and be located in the area most appropriate to town centre where feasible on any 

proposed development site, having regard to issues of aesthetic and good urban design. 


Objective RIO19 states: 

To examine the feasibility of providing additional off street car parking within close proximity 

to the town centre. 

The appropriate quantum and location of car parking to serve the town centre would be best 

determined through a detailed study that would in turn inform the town’s Traffic Management 

Plan. An additional objective to that effect would be beneficial, and RIO 19 should be 

strengthened to reflect the desire to provide such parking where possible. 


Include objective To prepare a detailed parking strategy for Kildare Town in conjunction with 

the review of the Traffic Management Plan. 

Alter objective RIO 19 to state: 

To examine the feasibility of providing additional off street car parking within close proximity 

to the town centre, and to seek provision of same following the identification of suitable sites. 

Ms Sweeney outlined to the members that it was proposed to include an objective to prepare 

a detailed parking strategy for Kildare Town in conjunction with the review of the Traffic 

Management Plan. 

Resolved on the proposal of Councillor S Doyle, seconded by Councillor O’Donnell, with all 


Motion No 10 


That a new traffic management plan be prepared for Kildare town, that will include 

consideration of the following: function of the M7 interchange, SWEA, train station, schools, 

constraints of railway bridges and the provision of a vibrant and accessible town centre. 

______________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 




RI1 as contained in the draft LAP: 

To review and update the Kildare Traffic Management Plan on an ongoing basis to ensure 


and to extend the traffic management plan to cover areas outside the town centre. 

The desire to reinforce the need for a TMP that includes those areas outside the town centre 

is noted and agreed. It would be inappropriate to disregard the existing TMP and to develop 

a wholly ‘new’ plan; however the need to review and extend the existing TMP should be 

reinforced. 


Revise objective RI1 such that there are 2 distinct but related outcomes: 

RI1 (a) To review and update the Kildare Traffic Management Plan on an ongoing basis to 

ensure that the specific measures contained within it reflect the ongoing development of the 

town 

RI1 (b) To extend the traffic management plan to cover the extents of the LAP boundary, in 

conjunction with RI1 (a). 

Ms Sweeney outlined to the members that it was proposed to revise the objective to include 

a review and update of the Kildare Traffic Management Plan on an ongoing basis and to 

extend the Traffic Management Plan to cover the extents of the Local Area Plan boundary. 



Motion No 11 


That a policy be included that identifies land block bounded by Bride Street, Dublin Road and 

Convent Road and that the future development of these lands deliver pedestrian routes 

through site in order to maximise permeability of site. 


RIO 1 states: 

To provide a high quality footpath network by improving pedestrian facilities through the 

refurbishment of footpaths, construction of new footpaths and the provision of appropriate 

crossing facilities as necessary and along the routes identified on Map 8.6. 

Pedestrian permeability is desirable throughout the town, and in particular within the town 

centre area. This proposal has merit beyond the lands identified, and it would be beneficial to 

extend it to the town centre as a whole. 


To include an additional objective to state: 

______________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 



To provide a permeable pedestrian network and to require the inclusion of measures to 

achieve same within the town centre. Development proposals shall be submitted at planning 

stage. 

Ms Sweeney outlined to the members that it was proposed to include an additional objective 

to state: To provide a permeable pedestrian network and to require the inclusion of 

measures to achieve same within the town centre. Development proposals shall be 

submitted at planning stage. 



Motion No 12 


That the Local Area Plan indicate the potential suitability of lands within 500 metres of Exit 

13 on M7, for the provision of a fire station that would have the capacity to respond to major 

accidents/emergencies on the M7 and that Kildare County Council investigate with the NRA 

the potential for delivery of same. 


Refer previous response in Manager’s Report which requests the provision of a fire station 

(sub 8) and the response of the Manager which states “There are no plans to build a fire 

station in the town. The fire cover for Kildare town is provided by Newbridge and 

Monasterevin fire stations and there are no plans to revise this arrangement”. 

Regarding the need for a fire station to service the M7 the CFO has confirmed that she is not 

aware of any plans by the NRA to locate a fire station on the M7. The current procedure for 

response to a motorway emergency is to respond the fire station either side of the incident 

e.g. Junction 13 is the junction for Kildare Village, if an accident were to occur near this 

junction we would deploy Monasterevin fire station travelling north and Newbridge travelling 

south to respond to this incident. This ensures that one fire engine gets to the incident 

quickly and a second is available to back them up. One of the defining features of motorway 

incidents is the impact that they have on other traffic. No one location of a single fire station, 

no matter how strategic would, in her opinion, be superior to the current response 

arrangements. 

Notwithstanding the above reference to a fire station can be included in the matrix and 

indicated as acceptable in principle in the Industry and Warehousing zoning the majority of 

which is located at the M7 interchange. 


Include fire station in the matrix table and indicate its acceptability in principle in the Industry 

and warehousing zone. 

Ms Sweeney outlined to the members that the National Roads Authority have no plans to 

locate a fire station on the M7, however, it is proposed to include reference to a fire station in 

______________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 



the matrix and indicate as acceptable in principle in the Industry and Warehousing zoning, 

the majority of which is located at the M7 interchange. 

Resolved on the proposal of Councillor S Doyle, seconded by Councillor O’Donnell, with all 


The members were advised that the proposed amendments would be placed on public 

display for a period of not less than four weeks and submissions/observations on these 

amendments would be invited during this period. 

Resolved on the proposal of Councillor Browne, seconded by Councillor O’Donnell, and 

agreed by all members, that the Proposed Draft Kildare Town Local Area Plan 2012 – 2018 

be amended in accordance with the recommendations in the Manager’s Report as further 

amended by the decisions of Council at its Meeting on 24 September 2012, and placed on 

display for a period of not less than four weeks in accordance with Section 20 of the 

Planning and Development Act 2000, as amended. 

9/0912 

Mayor’s Business 

The Mayor encouraged members to support the launch of The Gathering 2013 to be held in 

Kilashee Hotel on 25 September 2012. 

The Mayor confirmed that he launched the Arts Development Plan for Kildare Local 

Authorities 2012–2016 on 20 September 2012. 

The Mayor conveyed his thanks to all involved in the successful Family Play Day event that 

had taken place in Aras Chill Dara on Saturday, 22 September, 2012. 

The Mayor thanked all involved in participating in the Culture Night which had taken place on 

Friday, 21 September 2012. Councillor Miley thanked the Mayor for taking time out to make 

a special visit to attend an event in the village of Ballitore on that evening. 

The Mayor acknowledged Councillor L Doyle’s suggestion that the council write to the Mayor 

of London to congratulate the city of London on the hosting of the Olympics and Paralympics 

during the summer. 

Resolved on the proposal of Councillor L. Doyle, seconded by Councillor Nolan, with all 

members voting in favour, that the council write to the Mayor of London to extend 

congratulations on the successful hosting of the Olympics and Paralympics. 

______________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 



Councillor S Moore congratulated the towns and villages in county Kildare on their 

achievements in the recent Tidy Towns Competition. 

Councillor Purcell invited all members to come to Leixlip on 27th September to celebrate 

Arthur Guinness Day. 

Councillor O’Donnell referred to a request that had been sent to the Department of the 

Environment, Community and Local Government following a Kildare Area Committee 

meeting seeking funding for water softening at source for the blended supply and requested 

that the reply received be circulated to all members. 

10/0912 

Manager’s Business 

The County Manager advised the members that a new initiative ‘Fix Your Street’ is live in Co 

Kildare since 19 th September and can be accessed via the council’s website. This initiative, 

which is contained in the Programme for Government, will allow the public to report nonemergency 

issues which are of interest and assistance to the public. 

11/0912 

Correspondence 

The council noted receipt of the following correspondence: 

• Notice of Motion from Dublin City Council calling on the Government to change the law 

to criminalise the collecting of clothes, etc. by collectors who are operating under false 

pretences, purporting to be charities. The members fully supported this motion. 

• Notice of Motion from Leitrim County Council regarding the car registration system for 

2013. Noted. 

• Notice of Motion from Donegal County Council opposing any form of legalisation of 

abortion in any circumstances. Noted. 

• Notice of Motion from Monaghan County Council opposing to the introduction of abortion 

in this country in the absence of a Referendum. Noted. 

______________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 



12/0912 

Planning Review Committee 

The council considered the following motion from the Planning Review Committee: 

Having regard to the minutes of the Council meeting of 7 September 2011, and reference in 

those minutes to agri and horticultural developments exceeding 600m2, the Council resolves 

that the first 600 sq metres of development consisting of sheds, stores and other built 

structures shall be exempt from development contributions. Thereafter a rate of €5 per sq m 

shall apply. 

Mr Lahart advised the members that he was awaiting a report on this matter from Teagasc 

which he felt was likely to provide clarification on this issue and requested that the motion be 

deferred to the October meeting. The members expressed their disappointment that it 

appeared no progress or resolution to this matter had been agreed to date. Members 

queried why advice was required from Teagasc, why the scheme when adopted was not put 

back on public display and emphasised the need for a resolution to this matter, even if this 

meant a full review of the scheme. Following a brief discussion by the members, it was 

agreed to adjourn this motion to be discussed further at the October monthly meeting to be 

held on 22 October 2012. 

Resolved proposed by Councillor Weld, seconded by Councillor Moore, that further 

consideration of this motion be deferred to monthly meeting to be held on 22 October 2012. 

13/0912 

Zoning of lands in Sallins 

The council considered the following motion from the Naas Area Committee: 

The Naas Area Committee recommends to council that lands between Des Kelly Carpets 

and Castlesize housing estate on the Clane Road, Sallins be zoned amenity/open space. 

The meetings administrator presented a report from the Parks Department indicating that 

consultants had been engaged to carry out a study of the Sallins Road Corridor and, part of 

their brief for this project, is to examine the feasibility of developing safe access to the site 

that has been identified in Sallins village for a playground. The members requested more 

details of the proposed site, including location and ownership and that the item remains on 

the agenda until the matter is resolved. Mr O’Sullivan advised the members that the council 

is at an early stage in identifying a suitable site and, if and when a suitable site is located, 

provision of a playground will be dependent on finance being available. Mr O’Sullivan 

confirmed that the members of Naas Area Committee would be briefed at their next meeting. 

______________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 



Resolved on the proposal of Councillor Nolan, seconded by Councillor Callaghan, that this 

motion be placed on the agenda of the Naas Area Committee until a satisfactory solution is 

found. 

14/0912 

Road Traffic (Special Speed Limit) 

The council considered the following motion from the Naas Area Committee: 

To make a Road Traffic (Special Speed Limit)(County of Kildare) Bye Law for the L6052 at 

Kilmalum, Blessington, Co Kildare. 

Resolved on the proposal of Councillor Callaghan, seconded by Councillor Brett, and 

agreed by all members, that a Road Traffic (Special Speed Limit) (County of Kildare) Bye 

Law for the L6052 at Kilmalum, Blessington, Co Kildare, be approved. 

15/0912 

Drinking Water 

The council considered the following motion from Councillor Byrne: 

To ask the council if it will review the policy of adding fluoride to drinking water, given the fact 

of high levels of dental hygiene and the weight of evidence of the negating health effects of 

this chemical on consumers and that the cost of this chemical treatment be provided to 

members. 

The meetings administrator presented a report to the members from Water Services 

Department stating that water fluoridation is public health policy in Ireland to aid in the 

prevention and management of tooth decay. This policy was reviewed in 2000 and the main 

conclusion of the review was that fluoridation of public piped water supplies should continue 

as a public health measure. The report also set out the capital and operational costs. The 

members acknowledged the report and sought clarity on costs involved. Mr Boland set out 

the breakdown of the costs involved and confirmed that same is recouped from the Health 

Service Executive. 

______________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 



16/0912 

The Gathering 2013 

The council considered the following motion from Councillors McEvoy, Larkin, Moore and 

Kennedy: 

That the council co-ordinate a workshop to help community groups identify supports in 

preparation for festivals and gathering events for 2013. 

The meetings administrator presented report to the members from the Community and 

Culture Department stating that the council, in conjunction with Fáilte Ireland, is holding an 

information evening for community groups on 25th September on The Gathering 2013. The 

council is also holding an information evening in conjunction with the Kildare Community and 

Voluntary Forum in November on what supports are available to groups in the form of grants 

and advice. The members welcomed the launch of The Gathering 2013 on 25 September 

2012. 

17/0912 

Funding Sources 

The council considered the following motion in the name of Councillors McEvoy, Moore, 

Kennedy and Larkin: 

That the council seek to enhance transparency by itemising the funding sources when 

reporting the deliver of services and projects for the electoral areas. 

Ms Millane advised the members that the budget examines expenditure and expected 

income from various financial sources and that it was difficult to give a specific breakdown as 

there are lots of variables involved. Councillor McEvoy stated that the public needed to 

know where finance is sourced for particular services, e.g. playgrounds. He felt a 

mechanism should be put in place to highlight where funding comes from which may help 

the public engage and support the council. Members in supporting and discussing this 

motion, felt that the council are too dependant on central government funding. The County 

Manager advised that financial resources will be a challenging issue in the next few years 

and he would look at issuing a simplified version of how the funding is sourced and spent 

when the budget is adopted. Councillor McEvoy thanked the members and County Manager 

for their helpful and positive contributions on this motion. 

The meeting concluded. 

_________________________ 

______________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Minutes - Kildare County Council Meeting - 24 ... - Kildare.ie

You also want an ePaper? Increase the reach of your titles

Delete template?

Save as template?