The programme for 2018 has been identified and ecological surveys completed. The programme will be finalised subject to landowner access and approval from Inland Fisheries. The window for instream works has now closed. However, some cleaning can continue by hand. It is hoped to carry out another joint water quality and flood protection programme, in the Lyreen catchment , subject to approval from fisheries and funding. Cleaning on the River Barrow, south of Monasterevin has been completed.

#progressreport

In 2016, the Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government (formally Department of Environment, Community & Local Government) announced a multi-annual funding programme for 2016 – 2018. Kildare Rural Water Section’s funding submission for the Rural Water Multi-Annual Programme has been prepared and submitted. This identified proposed upgrade works at various group schemes throughout the county for each of the years from 2016 – 2018 inclusive.

The DHPLG has announced an interim allocation of funding for the Kildare County Council Rural Programme based on 75% of the 2016 funding. A further allocation was announced on 20th September, with the focus of funding being on Environmental and Public Health Compliance for the Group Water Sector. It is anticipated that the funding announced will allow for some major upgrade works to be carried out on Ballindoolin GWS to reduce leakage by replacing some of  the water network.

Taking in charge of group water schemes is now subject to approval of Irish Water and need to meet certain standard criteria. It is anticipated that several Group Water Schemes will be taking in charge in 2017. A meeting has taken place with Irish Water to ascertain the requirements for taking in charge.

A register of the Small Private Supplies within County Kildare has been established by the Rural Water Section. This register has been set up to maintain an overview of the private water supplies within the county. The register is being continuously updated.

Flood Protection

• Morell – The final feasibility study , including the Cost Benefit Analysis, has received approval from the OPW. The Environmental Impact Assessment is also complete. The OPW have confirmed funding and , accordingly, the formal application to An Bord Pleanala has noww been submitted. Subject to approval from the Board, works will commence in 2018.
• Ballymore – Eustace Scheme – Complete
• Hazlehatch – Locations for flow gauges have been installed and it is anticipated preliminary survey work will commence shortly. A further meeting with the OPW is planned to discuss the scope of a study to identify the sources of flooding.
• Dara Park Surface Water Upgrade – All works relating to hard infrastructure are fully complete and this will resolve the recurring flooding issues which have persisted over the years. As promised, snagging issues in relation to the restoration of green have also been finalised.
• Oaks, Newbridge – The project “The Langton Road Surface Water Scheme” has proceeded to tender stage.
• Johnstown – complete
• Ardclough – complete
• CFRAM Programme – The OPW Eastern CFRAM Study is reaching a conclusion with the final Flood Risk Management Plans with the Minister for review and endorsement. In turn, this will be subject to formal adoption by the elected members in the coming months.

The Draft Plans have identified flood management measures for the following towns;

• Leixlip
• Maynooth
• Celbridge
• Clane
• Newbridge
• Suncroft
• Castledermot
• Athy

A further study is recommended for both Hazelhatch and Naas.

#progressreport

My motion at Mondays (27th Nov) full Council Meeting ‘That the council follow the lead of other county councils around the country who have enhanced the transparency and accountability of their councils while protecting against misrepresentations of what happens in the chamber and introduce either streaming or transcription of council meetings.

Here is the report issued by: Mr T McDonnell, Director of Service, Housing and Corporate Services
This council resolved in January 2016 to explore options for cost effective recording in the chamber for public meetings and to refer the matter to the protocol committee for consideration. This was on foot of a motion table by Councillor McLoughlin Healy on 25 January 2016.

The Protocol Committee considered the matter at their meeting on 21 March 2016 and resolved “that Councillor McLoughlin Healy will work with Mr Bernard Higgins, Head of Information Systems, on further exploring options for cost effective recording in the chamber for public meetings”.

In response to two previous motions tabled in 2014 (which were defeated in the chamber), Mr Higgins prepared a detailed report including estimated costings for streaming council meetings. Earlier this year he provided an updated estimate of costs and detailed specification to Councillor McLoughlin Healy and discussed the various options with her. The matter of streaming of council meetings is still with the Protocol Committee who await the outcome of the work that Councillor McLoughlin Healy and Mr Higgins were to undertake.

In relation to misrepresentation of what happens in the chamber, the minutes of meetings, which are adopted by the members, are the official record of decisions taken.

Major Capital Projects

Upper Liffey Valley

• Osberstown Wastewater Treatment Plant Upgrade Contract – The plant upgrade for the “Liquid Stream” to 130,000 PE treatment capacity has been commissioned and is operational.
• Osberstown Sewerage Sludge Treatment Facility Upgrade – The Sludge Treatment Facility upgrade is being delivered together with the Wastewater Treatment Plant ‘Sludge Stream’ works as part of a variation to the DBO contract. The construction period is 24 months from the 8 May 2017.
• Contract 2A (Newbridge Eastern Interceptor Sewer) – The Planning, Design and Procurement stage is under way. Planning permission has been granted to Irish Water for the Little Connell Pumping Station. A CPO oral hearing was held by An Bord Pleanála (ABP) on the 21 September 2017 and a decision is due. Tenders for the construction of the works have been received and are being assessed by Irish Water.
• Contract 2B (Network) – The Planning Design and Procurement stage is under way. Planning permission has been granted to Irish Water for the Monread and Clane Pumping Stations. Landowner Meetings were held in
  November 2017 – Chief Executive’s Monthly Management Report 13 | P a g e

May 2017. The CPO is due to be published by Irish Water in Qr4 – 2017. Short listing of contractors has been completed by Irish Water. Tenders to market are due to be issued by Irish Water in Qr4 – 2017.

Lower Liffey Valley

• Castlewarden to Ballygoran Pipeline and Reservoir Contract – Operational.
• Ballygoran to Collinstown Watermain Contract – Operational
• North Leixlip Sewerage Scheme – Operational
• Leixlip Wastewater Treatment Plant Upgrade Contract – The plant upgrade to 150,000 PE treatment capacity has been commissioned and is operational.
• Celbridge Local Network Reinforcement Project – Consultants are finalising a design review report to address sewerage network capacity constraints in the Celbridge catchment. The planning design and procurement stage is under way.

Kildare Town

• Kildare Town Network Contract – The works have been commissioned and the scheme is operational and handed over to Irish Water / Kildare County Council operations section.

Minor Capital ProjectsIrish Water have identified the Minor Capital Programme as a means of getting value for money and cater for investment drivers namely:-

• Drinking Water Quality
• Environmental Compliance
• Water and Wastewater availability – new developments
• Business efficiencies
• Asset condition and performance

Hence in 2014 Irish Water requested that Kildare County Council set up and lead a minor capital team for delivery of such projects across the county.

Irish Water by agreement nationally with the Water Sector have decided that at a near future date such minor capital works will be managed in one of their Regional offices with council staff locally involved in delivery of works on site.
It should be noted that the pace of delivery of such schemes is wholly dependent on decisions by Irish Water within new processes and procedure as developed by them.
Kildare County Council have recently asked Irish Water for an update on the current status and indicative start date for many key schemes as roadworks need to be phased in parallel with such works
Many smaller treatment plants require up-grades for compliance purposes and to cater for future housing developments. In addition, schemes in water supply areas will improve service to customers and help contain our leakage levels.
A total of 18 new schemes have been approved by Irish Water for progression by the minor capital team. The estimated value of works is in the region of €5.7m.
A further seven schemes have been completed by the team totalling almost €1m and several others have been placed on long term hold by Irish Water.
The following is a list of active schemes in this area:

• Allenwood to Kilmeage Mains Replacement – Advance works at Allenwood Crossroads have been carried out in collaboration with Roads and Transportation. The design and tender documents have been completed by the council. IW has selected a preferred tenderer. It is anticipated that works will commence early in 2018.

• Allenwood Vacuum System Modification and Wastewater Treatment Plant Upgrade – An engineering consultant has progressed the design works. The planning application is being prepared by the consultant and will be submitted upon completion of landowner agreements.

• Kildare Town Backyard Services – Part of the design for this scheme includes backyard services in Maynooth. The design for this scheme is now complete. Irish Water will progress this scheme under the Water Network Programme possibly in 2018.
• Athy Wastewater Treatment Plant Upgrade – A topographical survey and site investigation works have taken place. Design works and planning are being progressed by an Engineering Consultant. A recommendations report to construct an Inlet Balancing Tank has been prepared by the consultant. Irish Water will now decide whether to progress this scheme.
• Coill Dubh Wastewater Treatment Plant Upgrade– is currently at commissioning stage.

• Kilmeage Wastewater Treatment Plant Upgrade – An engineering consultant has been appointed to progress design options in conjunction with the Athy Wastewater Treatment Plant Upgrade. A recommendations report has been completed and treatment options are being confirmed prior to commencement of the tender process for improvement works. These are subject to EPA approval. The consultant has sent in a planning application to the Planning Department.
• Rathcoffey, Milltown and Calverstown Wastewater Treatment Plants – A recommendation report has been prepared by the appointed engineering consultant. Tender documents for the upgrade of Calverstown WWTP have been finalised and are being released for tendering by Irish Water.
• Ladychapel Cross to Taghadoe Watermain – The council are preparing the design and tender documents to progress this new watermain scheme. An archaeological assessment has been completed. Irish Water will progress this scheme in 2018 under the Water Network Programme.

• Maynooth Watermains Rehabilitation – A Consultant has been appointed to progress this scheme. The contractor has completed the Site Investigation and has an approved design. The main contract commenced in mid- September and is due to finish at the end of November.

• Narraghmore Wastewater Treatment Plant – The design of the proposed works are being finalised, with works to commence in 2018.

• Oak Park, Narraghmore – Improvement works at the pumping station and new rising main to Narraghmore WWTP is now completed

• Rathangan Wastewater Treatment Plant – Preparation of a consultants brief was prepared by the council and has been submitted to Irish Water for tendering. The consultant will prepare a condition and recommendations report identifying required upgrade works. IW has appointed a consultant to progress this scheme.

• Red Bog Borehole Removal – Approval was received to remove the Red Bog borehole source from operation and connection of the local network to the Poulaphouca Regional water supply. Works consist of the construction of a booster pump and approximately 2.5 km of watermain. The council has finalised the design and has submitted the tender documents to Irish Water for the tender process. The tenders are to be returned to Irish Water by the end of November 2017.

• Timolin WWTP – Part 8 planning application documents have been prepared by the council and Part 8 planning procedure has commenced. The proposed upgrade will then be tendered out to Irish Water’s MEICA lot 5 framework for new package wastewater treatment plant, subject to Part 8 planning approval. The Part 8 planning report is to be submitted to the Athy Municipal District Council Meeting in December.

• Newbridge Main Street Sewer Replacement – Works required due to ongoing operational problems and blockages. Initial blockages have been cleared. The consultant has designed the scheme and appointed a contractor. Works to commence early 2018.

• Station Road, Leixlip – Irish Water have approved the scheme to replace this cast iron watermain by end of 2017 under the Water Networks Programme. The contractor is now surveying the area for the design works.

• Thomastown, Rathangan – Irish Water have approved the 2.5kms of watermain replacement by end of 2017. The contractor is now surveying the area for the design works.

Several Schemes have been progressed to completion by the Minor Capital team.

The following is a list of completed or almost completed schemes:

• Crophill, Castledermot Cast Iron Replacement – The replacement of 500m of cast iron watermain has successfully been completed.
• Monread Road Sewer Line Repair – Approval was received for the replacement of 900m of foul sewer pipe. The contractor has completed the works.

• Athgarvan Septic Tank Diversion – Construction of a new foul sewer is now completed thereby eliminating the requirement of a communal septic tank with its associated groundwater pollution potential and maintenance works. Final road reinstatement has been carried out and all works have now been completed. The Final Account review has been completed and agreed.

• Ballitore WWTP – Construction of access road and pipeline. All works have been completed on this scheme.

• Newhall Pumping Station Upgrade – Works have been completed. Final Account Review ongoing.

• Old Grange (Monasterevin) Watermain – The new watermain has now been laid and all houses connected to the new main. All outstanding works have been completed and final account payment has been closed out.

• Tankardsgarden Pumping Station Upgrade – Works to replace pumps, control systems and flow meters have been completed.

• Emergency Showers & Eyewash Stations – The preparation of tender documentation for a county wide replacement at all water and wastewater treatment plants have been carried out.

The following non-Irish Water Schemes (Unfinished Housing Estates) have been progressed by the council;

• Cluain Dara, Derrinturn – Construction of a pump station in the unfinished housing estate has been completed and commissioned. The scheme is now fully complete and Final Account being closed out.

• Mill Brook, Timolin – Construction of a pump station in the unfinished housing estate has been completed and commissioned. The scheme is now fully complete.

• The Paddocks Crookstown – Exploratory survey/design work is ongoing for the connection of this estate to the public foul sewer. Should this be feasible and at reasonable cost, it is then proposed to decommission the existing treatment system. The scheme is subject to funding being provided.

The Healthy Ireland at Your Library Programme will provide a range of resources including a comprehensive collection of books on health and wellbeing in all public libraries in Kildare, online resources, as well as local events and activities around the topic. Plans are in place for a serious of events and book stock is currently being purchased for all libraries in the county. This initiative is supported by grant aid of €14,000 from Healthy Ireland Fund.

The awards ceremony for the Chambers Ireland Excellence in Local Government Awards took place in Dublin on Thursday 23rd of November. Kildare Library Services were shortlisted in the Best Library Service Category for the Support to Secondary Schools Programme. The workshops cover a broad range of topics, supporting the curriculum, as well as career an personal development for students in secondary schools. Naas, Kildare, Leixlip and Celbridge libraries will coordinate the delivery of workshops to schools in their areas. Tailored workshops are being provided on Shakespeare, History and Art History, Studio Recording, Creative Writing and Irish.  Interactive sessions will enhance engagement with STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Mathematics) through novel topics such as Forensics, Robotics, and STEAM Career Tasters. In 2018, Athy library will become a new hub for this service.

Kildare Libraries have been approved for funding totalling €179,500 from the Department of Rural and Community Development. Kildare will provide matched funding of €59,833. The funding will go towards the purchase of self-service machines for libraries in Kildare, investment in the Work Matters Programme and book stock for children, family reading and literacy for the Right to Read programme, an initiative for the delivery of structured literacy support at local level in communities.

The Draft Register of Electors 2018-2019 was published on 1st November and is currently on display at Kildare County Council’s offices and Libraries, Garda Stations, and Post Offices. People can check the register online at www.checktheregister.ie up until 25th November 2017 to make sure they are on the register and their details are correct. An extensive social media campaign has ran throughout the month of November to encourage as many people as possible to make sure they are on the register.

Newbridge Community Library

all of our events are free of charge and open to everyone, please remember to supply a contact number when booking by email

For further information contact:

web: www.kildare.ie/library email: newbridgelib@kildarecoco.ie

phone: 045 – 448353

facebook.com/KildareCountyLibraryService twitter.com/kildarelibrary

online catalogue: http://librariesireland.iii.com/iii/encore

Please note that Newbridge Community Library will close for Christmas on Friday 22^nd December at 5pm and will reopen on Wednesday 27^th December at 2pm.

For the New Year the library will close on Fri 29^th December at 5pm and will reopen on Tues 2^nd January 2018 at 2pm.

Dedicated WiFi / Laptop Area

WiFi is freely available in all areas of the library, however if you are using a laptop or portable media device (such as an ipad etc) there is a now a dedicated area where priority is given to laptop / WiFi users and where you can plug in your electronic devices. This area is in addition to the 16 study spaces currently available for regular study.

Latest addition to our online resources.

MINTEL is the world leading market intelligence agency and their research product provides market research and analysis reports assessing the Irish and Norther Irish markets in areas such as food & drink, retail, lifestyles, leisure and finance.

This syndicated market research, written for Ireland by Irish based analysts, will be a valuable resource to small and emerging businesses and students.

Patrons can access this site whilst in the library.

http://academic.mintel.com

Parenting Talk /Affordable Childcare Schemes with Joanna Fortune

Psychotherapist, attachment and parenting specialist

Tuesday 5th December 7pm

These will focus on the Affordable Childcare Scheme as well as other government childcare schemes, the aim of these being to make sure parents in the county are aware of, and availing of, whatever schemes they are entitled to.

Booking Essential

Healthy Ireland Talk / Navigating the Christmas Calories with Rina Whyte

Tuesday 12th December 7pm

In this talk we will look at how you can have a healthier Christmas without scrimping on the luxuries we all love at this time of the year. Pick up somesimple tips so that you are not adjusting your belt buckle to Santa sizes! There will also be some interesting food talk for any foodies out there.

Come along and bring your notebook!

Booking Essential

Christmas Story Time with Lynn

5 years and under

Thursday 14th December 11.30am – 12.00pm

Come along to the library for some Christmas cheer,

with festive stories and songs.

No Booking Required

Christmas Arts and Crafts with Lynn

7 – 11 years

Friday 15th December 3.30pm – 4.30pm

Get in the Christmas spirit by making some festive crafts

Booking Essential

Santa and the Alien Puppet Show

with the No Strings Theatre Company

Saturday 16th December 10.30am

for 7 years and under

A little green Alien lands at the North Pole and tries to trick Santa and the Elves. He wants all the toys for himself to take back to his planet……..will he succeed?

Booking Essential

Coming January 2018

Open Mic Night!

for creative writers

See next month’s newsletter for details

Regular Events Schedule

Knit & Stitch

Thursdays 10.30am -12.30pm

New members welcome

Crime Book Club

The Crime book club meets once a month in the library. They will continue to meet on Tuesday 5^th December 7pm. If interested in joining the book club please contact the Library and we will put your name on the list.

Current title is “After You Die” by Eva Dolan

Adult Book Club

Book Club will continue on Tuesday 12^th December

Current title is ” Talking To Strangers ” by Michael Harding

New members welcome

Warhammer

Table Top Miniature War Game

For more information please contact the library

Gardening Club

New members welcome for this Gardening Club for like-minded people who

enjoy this hobby and it a wonderful opportunity to socialise over a cuppa and exchange seeds, tips and advice.

Next meeting will be on Friday 8^th December at 11.00am

No Booking Required

Age Action computer classes for

the over 55s

focusing using the Internet and email

Age Action Ireland organises basic computer classes for over 55’s in a variety of locations. The aim of the programme is to make older people comfortable using computers and the internet

Tutoring is done on a 1-to-1 basis in small classes.

Both tutors and learners find the classes rewarding and fun.

For more information or to enquire about booking a place please

contact Age Action directly at:

Getting Started at 01 – 4756989 or

email: gsnorthleinster@ageaction.ie

Free English conversation

classes for Adults with

Failte Isteach every Wednesday

Every Wednesday at 10.30 and 11.30

Class duration 1 hour.

To register, or for further information,

please email : Byrnejoan65@gmail.com

Newbridge Community Library would like to wish all of our patrons a Merry Christmas

and a Happy New Year for 2018!

To avoid fines on your items you can renew online through your account

using your card number and PIN at

https://lgma.iii.com/iii/cas/login

or call us on 045 – 448353

If you wish to unsubscribe from this mailing database please click reply and put the word UNSUBSCRIBE in the subject field.

Newbridge Community Library, Athgarvan Road,

Newbridge, Co. Kildare

Email: newbridgelib@kildarecoco.ie