My second question at this months (17th Oct) Municipal District Meeting;

Can the council explain what the delay is in delivering on their plan reported almost four years ago, to add the insurance monies that at that time were yet to be drawn down following the old courthouse fire, to a planned expenditure of €8 million on a new library; and if plans for the library are delayed any further, if the council plans to draw down the insurance monies for a different purpose?

Here is the report issued by: Ms M Higgins,County Librarian, Library Headquarters: The development of a Central Library, Archival and Local History Research Facility in Newbridge is a stated objective of IDEAS REALISED, Kildare County Council Library Services Development Plan 2015-2019, and one which Kildare County Council remains committed to for the benefit of the people of Newbridge and the wider community in County Kildare.
The Central Library is also identified as a priority library capital project with the Department of Community and Local Development, and recently formed a significant strand of a Newbridge Category B application, under the Urban Regeneration and Development Fund. The balance of monies from the Court House is allocated to fund this project.

My first question at this months (17th Oct) Municipal District meeting;

On what grounds is a local constituent permitted to cause the closing off of 21 acres of Curragh Plains (adjacent to Racing Academy and Centre of Education R.A.C.E. grounds) from members of the public?
Here is the report Issued by: Mr J Hannigan, Staff Officer, Members Services: The Curragh is vested in the Minister for Defence. This question should be addressed to that Department.

My second motion at this months (17th Oct) Municipal District Meeting,

Following up on the report to my full council motion regarding all councillors having a voice in pre-budget discussions and negotiations, that the municipal district councillors are provided with a list of the representations/requests made by our municipal district finance committee representative as part of the pre-budget discussions and an opportunity be provided for municipal district councillors to be consulted by our finance committee representative as an urgency.

Here is the report issued by: Ms F Millane, Accountant, Finance Section: The Finance Committee and CPG have both been briefed on the difficulties facing council in balancing the budget for 2019. A total lack of buoyancy in rates income combined with (as advised to full council) an effective increase of just €10,924 in LPT, together with increases in payroll, insurance and other costs has resulted in a budget where there needs to be reductions in some expenditure lines.
The possible reductions and their consequences were discussed with the Finance Committee and are the subject of ongoing dialogue between finance and the other directorates. However, the Finance Committee and CPG are aware that, at this stage of the budget process, there is no possibility of increases in expenditure headings outside of the above areas except where the expenditure line has matching income. Minutes of the Finance Committee, which include a summary of items discussed, are posted to the MembersNet when approved.

My first motion at this months (17th Oct) Municipal District Meeting;

Following agreement of councillors earlier this year, that the council inform the Public Participation Network (PPN):
1) of the existence of the discretionary element of the LPT fund
2) of the fact that all local groups may apply for a share of this fund
3) of the list of previous LPT projects funded
so that the broadest range of community groups have an opportunity to benefit from the next round of fund allocations.

Here is the report issued by: Ms AM Conneely, Acting Senior Executive Officer,Economic Community & Cultural Development: The allocation of the LPT funding is a matter for the elected representatives. We can request the PPN to promote the LPT funding opportunities to all groups once agreed by elected members.

My Adjourned Motions at this months (17th Oct) Municipal District Meeting;
1. The Standards in Public Office Commissioner has expressed concern with the failure of lobbyists to register as lobbyists. Notwithstanding the responsibility of lobbyists to register as lobbyists, in light of the Commissioners request that councils make an effort to ensure that lobbyists register with www.lobbying.ie. that the council detail how it plans to respond to the Commissioner’s request in relation to people and companies (identity will be supplied) who have failed to register their lobbying of Municipal District councillors and officials.

Here is the report issued by: Ms M McIvor, Senior Executive officer, Corporate Services: Following contact with the Lobbying Regulation Unit in the Standards in Public Office Commission, we have been advised that no specific instruction has issued to councils requesting that councils make an effort to ensure that lobbyists register with www.lobbying.ie and have again confirmed that it is the lobbyist’s obligation to register. However, this council continues to carry out its obligations in relation to implementation of the Regulation of Lobbying Act, by adhering to guidelines as set down by the Lobbying Regulation Unit namely: – Guidance for Designated Public Officials and Guidance for Local Authority members.

2.Adjourned Motion
That the council clearly outline the grounds on which it helped set up a partisan Steering Group for Kildare Town Centre Renewal when it invited two public representatives – one councillor and one TD from the same party, to form part of the Steering Group, to the exclusion of other municipal district councillors.
Here is the report issued by: Ms M Hunt, Senior Executive Officer, Economic Community & Cultural Development: The group were selected on the basis of their membership of other relevant cross sector groups/ committees; namely County Kildare Failte, Tidy Towns, Chamber of Commerce, Kildare Medieval Festival Committee, Kildare Tourism Committee, Kildare Day Care Centre, Kildare Walled Towns Committee, Kildare Heritage Company and Kildare Heritage Centre, HIVE – Youth Project, Local School Principal, Local Garda Sargent, Accessibility Officer from Kildare County Council, local artist, and local historian.
Membership of a political party was not a factor in selection. The group’s membership is comprised of people with specific knowledge/ expertise of local issues and essentially act as consultees/ sounding board. They do not direct public funds; this will always be a matter for the elected members as part of the budgetary process.
They do not determine priorities; this will also be a matter for the elected members as part of the adoption of the Local Area Plan.
Any individual or group who could add similar value to the process are more than welcome to come on board.

Link to full report – 1818_Newbridge Submission_supporting information-2

Progress Report
Kildare-Newbridge Municipal District Meeting
19 September 2018
_____________________
Housing and Corporate Services

Housing

***Developments at Tankardsgarden (KN09/0618)***

Stage 3 Approval request has been submitted to the Department for this project. Part of the submission relates to costs. The members will be advised further when this process is completed.

Medical report for those applying for housing grants (KN10/0518)

This item has been included on the agenda for the September Housing SPC Meeting. Councillor Doyle has confirmed that she will be attending the SPC meeting.

Report issued by: Ms S Scully, Administrative Officer, Housing Section

ITEMS TO BE KEPT ON THE PROGRESS REPORT FOR FURTHER UPDATE WHEN AVAILABLE

***Small town centre improvement upgrade at Athgarvan (KN02/0717) (KN11/0617) KN02/0917), (KN02/1017), (KN02/0618)(KN02/0718)

The District Manager stated that he has discussed this matter with both the Director of Transport and Municipal District Engineer. He has given a copy of the submission to the Municipal District Engineer who has agreed to meet with representatives of the Athgarvan Development Committee locally to discuss the roads/traffic related aspects of their submission.
Report issued by Mr J Boland, Director of Environment and Water Services and he has emailed to the Councillors on 13th September 2018 with regard to the updade at Athgaravan.

Roads, Transportation and Public Safety

Investment Plan in Newbridge (KN17/0718)
The Roads Department are waiting feedback from the National Traffic Authority (NTA)

Traffic calming and pedestrian safety around Athgarvan (KN12/0718)
The Municipal District Office will assess the location further and report back to the members.

Sight-lines and functioning of Lackagh Cross (KN13/0718)
This item was referred to TAAG.

The junction at Carna Graveyard (KN14/0718)
This item was referred to TAAG.

Cut back the hedge and surrounding foliage between Carna & Suncroft Village (KN17/0718)
The hedges have been cut back in this area.

Pedestrian lights/yellow box at College Farm/Sexes Bridge (KN18/0718)
This item was referred to TAAG for assessment.

Laneway between Maryville and Assumpta Villas (KN11/0717, KN03/0218, KN02/0618)
The Municipal District Engineer had inspected this location and also liaised with Kildare County Councils Wastewater Area Engineer in relation to this request. As there was an existing live public foul sewer located in this laneway with access required into the future for maintenance purposes, Kildare County Council Water Services and Irish Water would not be agreeable to the closure of this laneway.

Crossroads at Brownstown (KN12/0618)
This item was referred to TAAG
Road resurfacing in Kildare town (KN17/0618)
The Municipal District Engineer advised the members at the June Municipal District meeting that there was no surfacing work arranged in Kildare Town in 2018. Irish Water was scheduled to carry out work in the Chapel Hill/Chapel Lane/Lourdesville and Cleamore Terrace/Academy Street areas in 2018. In fact, work had recently commenced in the Chapel Hill/Chapel Lane/Lourdesville area. It was intended that resurfacing work would be scheduled in Kildare Town in 2019 to resurface the roads in this area. This would also apply in the Cleamore Terrace/Academey Street areas assuming Irish Water complete work here in 2018.

Signage and road markings along the L7002 at the entrance to Tullylost House (KN21/0618)
The Municipal District Engineer discussed this request with Councillor Stafford and arrangements had been made to provide additional road markings in this area to address this issue in the coming weeks

Traffic count carried out on Standhouse Road (KN21/0618)
This information will be examined by the National Transport Authority (NTA) who had been carrying out traffic counts and surveys in Newbridge themselves in recent months as part of their work in relation to the preparation of a traffic management plan for Newbridge.

Hill of Allen (KN02/0518)
The new Municipal District Engineer for the Kildare/Newbridge area has advised that a site inspection will be carried out as soon as possible and she will revert back to the members with a report.

Installation of places to pass or pull in bays along the L70055 from Ballyteague to Derrymullen (KN22/0418)
The Municipal District Engineer previously advised the members that he would not be providing passing or pull in bays in this area in the context of work being carried out by Irish Water between Allenwood and Kilmeague.

Cobblestone Footpath in Kilmeague (KN08/0318)
The Municipal District Engineer previously requested that the members arrange to consult with the local community in relation to the proposal to provide a new footpath at this location using LPT/Pay Parking Surplus monies in 2018. If the local community support the proposal this work will be arranged and carried out in the second half of 2018.

Sheep Grids (KN13/0318)
The Municipal District Engineer previously provided the members with a drawing showing all roads in the Curragh Area which are and are not secured by a sheep grid.
Issued by: Ms E Wright, Senior Executive Officer, Roads Transportation and Public Safety Section.

Water Services and Environment

Environment
Place permanent/regular road counters at locations of commercial pits in this Municipal District (KN14/0618)

This matter can be discussed at a future meeting of the Environment & Water Services SPC. However, it should now also be referred to the Planning and Roads Sections for comment.

This has now been referred to Planning & Roads Section.

Limiting the number of election posters per candidate ( KN22/0618)
This item is included on the agenda for consideration at the next meeting of the Environment & Water Services SPC (10 October, 2018). The member is invited to attend.

Saint Conleth’s cemetery in Kildare (KN24/0518)
The Environment Section is progressing a draft design for the proposed works at the cemetery.

Dara Park Surface Water Scheme (KN21/0418)
The Environment Section is preparing a schedule for additional works (landscaping).
Issued by: Mr L Dunne, Senior Executive Officer, Environment Section

Planning and Strategic Development

Land zoned in our Local Area Plan Towns (KN26/0618)(KN02/0718)
The revised pie chart issued for September’s meeting. (See attached chart)
Issued by: Ms V Cooke, Administrative Officer, Planning Section

Motion 1

The Standards in Public Office Commissioner has expressed concern with the failure of lobbyists to register as lobbyists. Notwithstanding the responsibility of lobbyists to register as lobbyists, in light of the Commissioners request that councils make an effort to ensure that lobbyists register with www.lobbying.ie. that the council detail how it plans to respond to the Commissioner’s request in relation to people and companies (identity will be supplied) who have failed to register their lobbying of Municipal District councillors and officials.

Motion 2

That the council clearly outline the grounds on which it helped set up a partisan Steering Group for Kildare Town Centre Renewal when it invited two public representatives – one councillor and one TD from the same party, to form part of the Steering Group, to the exclusion of other municipal district councillors.
Question 1

an the council confirm the status of the vote regarding the most recent town twinning proposal for this municipal district, which did not have the associated costing as is required by law before a vote of the council was permitted; and from where in other budget lines the council planned to take the monies for the new town twinning arrangement (if the agreement to twin had been compliant with legislation)?
Question 2

Can the council confirm if any Local Property Tax (LPT) Grants have been distributed to persons/groups/organisations since 2014 in this municipal district who at the time of allocation had not provided receipts for funding in previous years?

This months  News and Highlights – Chief Executive Report-July Meeting

Annual Meeting of Kildare County Council

Councillor Sean Power was elected Mayor of Kildare at the annual meeting of Kildare County Council and Councillor Robert Power was elected Deputy Mayor.

Urban Regeneration and Development Fund (URDF)

As part of Project Ireland 2040, the Government announced the establishment of a new Urban Regeneration and Development Fund (URDF), primarily to support the compact growth and sustainable development of Ireland’s cities and large urban centres.

Maynooth Harbour Cycleway Link

Minister Shane Ross, T.D., Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport officially opened the Maynooth Harbour Cycleway Link on Monday, 02 July 2018.

Kerdiffstown

An Bord Pleanála has confirmed the Compulsary Purchase Order (CPO) for remediation of Kerdiffstown Landfill and the construction of Kerdiffstown Park, on the 11 May 2018.

Summer Stars

Summer Stars Reading Adventure 2018 is currently running in Kildare Library Service. Registration began on the 23 June 2018 and runs until the end of July and so far more than 2000 children have registered to take part.

Email below I received re: Heads Up Programme.

We were delighted to be successful in our recent application to the Department of Community and Youth Affairs, Q.C.B.I. Innovation Fund to develop a programme for young men aged 18-24 years in Kildare following a successful pilot earlier in the year.  The aim of the programme is to support marginalised young men aged 18-24 years build positive futures and realise their full potential by providing a community based youth mental health programme.  These programmes will be offered in Athy and Kildare Town (Phase 1).

 When will it happen?

Phase 1 – 5 sessions, 1 day a week X 2 groups, September to October.

Phase 2 – 20 sessions, 2 days per week, October to December.

How will it be run?

Group work, individual 1:1’s, peer learning, sharing of stories, reflection, physical exercise, access to counselling supports and a range of creative arts etc.

 What will the programme focus on?

4 key elements of Heads Up.

1. Wellbeing & resilience.
2. Life planning.
3. Physical fitness.
4. Social connection.

 What are the programmes objectives?

To enable participants to:

• Develop skills, confidence and knowledge to support their mental and physical health.
• Build resilience.
• Access supports and services within their community.
• Make positive life choices.
• Develop strong protective factors that will enable them deal with what life brings.
• Create more positive future outcomes, including improved mental health, educational attainment, better parenting, reduce crime and positive coping strategies.

 We are now taking referrals.  The referral process is key to engaging young men and the role of the referrer/key worker is central.  We will meet any young man who may be interested/unsure about the programme at your premises/other suitable locations within 7 days of receiving a referral/request from yourself.

Deirdre Bigley – Life Planning Coordinator – will be available on Tuesdays to meet potential participants.  Please consider any young men you may know who might benefit.

 Attached please find:

• A copy of our poster for the Young Men’s programme commencing the second week of September in both Athy and Kildare Town.
• A copy of the referral form.
• A copy of the dates for the programme in both locations.

If you have any questions or would like any further information please do not hesitate to get in touch.

 HeadsUp Kildare Young Mens Prog Sept 2018