MINUTES OF THE OF THE GRAIGUECULLEN/PORTARLINGTON
MUNICIPAL DISTRICT HELD IN ARAS CHONTAE ON THE
21ST JANUARY, 2015
PRESENT:
Councillors Padraig Fleming
Tom Mulhall
Ben Brennan
Paschal McEvoy
Aidan Mullins
John Moran
IN ATTENDANCE:
Mr. Kieran Kehoe, Director of Services, Ms. Josephine Kavanagh, Administrative
Officer, Ms. Orla Barrett, Senior Executive Engineer & Ms. Anne Kavanagh, Clerical
Officer.
Cathaoirleach Padraig Fleming opened the meeting and welcomed all present.
1.
CONFIRMATION OF MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF THE
GRAIGUECULLEN-PORTARLINGTON MUNICIPAL DISTRICT HELD
ON THE 10TH DECEMBER, 2014
On the proposition of Councillor Tom Mulhall, seconded by Councillor John Moran,
the minutes of the meeting held on the 10th of December, 2014 were confirmed as
circulated.
2.
ROADS PROGRESS REPORT
REPAIR LANE AT ORCHARD - COUNCILLORS MULHALL & FLEMING
Emergency repairs will be complete on road L38401 this week. Further works are
required and will need to be included on the 2015 Roads Programme.
MAGANEY BRIDGE – COUNCILLOR JOHN MORAN
Repairs completed on Maganey Bridge.
ROUTINE MAINTENANCE
Routine maintenance works continuing across the area including repair, replacement
of regulatory signage, water cuts/drainage and pothole repair.
OAKLEY PARK, GRAIGUECULLEN – FOOTPATHS AND DRAINAGE
COUNCILLORS BRENNAN AND MORAN
Works to improve drainage, replace footpath and resurface road in Phase 2 (Hse. 1722) of Oakley Park Housing Estate now complete. Works to replace the footpath on
next cul de sac will commence in the next 2 weeks.
SANDY LANE SCHOOL, PORTARLINGTON – COUNCILLOR MULLINS
An initial meeting was held with both the Principal and Chairman of the Board of
Management in December with Laois County Council officials. The Senior Engineer
– Roads & Environment held a subsequent site meeting with the school and their
Architect earlier this month. Actions arose out of that meeting and discussions are
currently ongoing with a view to improving the situation on the ground. It is
intended that a plan of works will be drawn up over the coming weeks in
consultation with the school and, subject to funding, it is hoped that some works will
commence later in 2015 along Sandy Lane.
SAFETY MEASURES AT WOLFHILL/MODUBEAGH AREA – COUNCLLIOR
FLEMING
6 chevrons, 3 back to back, have been placed on the bend and application has been
made for a road safety remedial measures scheme (RSRM) for 2015 at this locus.
EMERGENCY REPAIRS ON AGHATERRY ROAD
Emergency repairs were completed from the R431 to Aghaterry Cross prior to
Christmas. Pot hole repair is now complete from the cross to the N78. Drainage
works are also being carried out. Further works are required but will require
substantial funding requiring inclusion on the road works programme for 2015.
BALLYLINAN FLOOD RESOLUTION
Major drainage works to protect 2 houses from flooding in Ballylinan complete.
3.
NOTICES OF MOTION
NOTICE OF MOTION NO. GP01/15
Councillor Aidan Mullins proposed the following Notice of Motion.
“To ask Laois County Council for an update on the completion of outstanding works in
Springhill Court Estate in Graiguecullen and their efforts with Carlow County Council to
have these works completed.”
This motion was seconded by Councillor Ben Brennan.
The members were given the following response from Mr. Pat Delaney, A.O.
Planning
“A report regarding outstanding works has been prepared and sent to Carlow Co. Co.
Awaiting as constructed drawings and CCTV report from Carlow to progress taking-incharge of the estate.”
NOTICE OF MOTION NO. GP02/15
Councillor Aidan Mullins proposed the following Notice of Motion.
“To ask Laois County Council for the up to date position with regard to having Railway
Mews Estate in Portarlington taken in charge.”
This motion was seconded by Councillor Tom Mulhall.
The members were given the following response from Mr. Pat Delaney, A.O.
“Survey is currently being carried out regarding outstanding works prior to as constructed
drawings and CCTV Survey being submitted by the Developer. Taking-in-Charge will not
progress until this has been completed.”
NOTICE OF MOTION NO. GP03/15
Councillor Aidan Mullins proposed the following Notice of Motion.
“To ask Laois County Council for the up to date position with regard to completion of the
works from the Special Site Resolution Fund for Rahin Towers Estate in Ballylinan and their
plans to have the estate taken in charge.”
This motion was seconded by Councillor John Moran.
The members were given the following response from Mr. Pat Delaney, A.O.
“Awaiting Light fittings (LED) which should be fitted week 12th-16th January 2015.
Landscaping to be completed when weather conditions improve. Taking – in –Charge will be
progressed when completed.”
NOTICE OF MOTION NO. GP04/15
Councillor Paschal McEvoy proposed the following Notice of Motion.
“That Laois County Council investigate the cause of flooding at Ballycoolan, Stradbally and
take appropriate measures to rectify this problem.”
This motion was seconded by Councillor Padraig Fleming.
The members were given the following response from Ms. Orla Barrett, S.E.E.
“Flooding at Ballycoolan/Guileen results from high ground sloping steeply to the public road
on left hand side travelling from Timogue Cross to Ballycoolan/Guileen. The lie of the land,
ground and road levels together with underlying stone and a stone wall on the right hand
side make drainage in this area a challenge. As part of the road surfacing completed at
Guileen in 2014 road cuts were made and soak holes included to drain the public road. The
road drainage system in this area is not capable of taking surface water coming from houses
and their driveways and lands. Private properties should have their own surface water
drainage systems as per planning permissions granted and are not permitted to discharge
surface water to the public road. We are happy to meet any residents and landowners who
would like to discuss particular issues.”
NOTICE OF MOTION NO. GP05/15
Councillor Paschal McEvoy proposed the following Notice of Motion.
“That Laois County Council move the glass bottle bank container from the Green in
Stradbally back up to the Market Square where it was situated originally.”
This motion was seconded by Councillor Tom Mulhall.
The members were given the following response from Ms. Martina Bracken, A.O.
“This issue has been consistently reviewed and discussed within the Environment Section.
The bring banks were moved from the Market Square location to facilitate the improvement
works.
Discussions have taken place with the Area Engineer and we have been advised that the old
location is no longer suitable as the toilet block has now been removed. Once improvement
works are complete at Market Square a suitable location for the banks on the square will be
agreed – ensuring that access to and servicing of the banks remain a priority.
As soon as approval/agreement is reached with the Eastern Area to relocate bottle bank/bring
site, an application for the required Certificate of Registration with the EPA can be prepared
and submitted for approval. It should be noted that this process takes approx 3 months
however, approval to move the bottle bank during this period could be requested pending final
certification.”
NOTICE OF MOTION NO. GP06/15
Councillor Paschal McEvoy proposed the following Notice of Motion.
“That Laois County Council investigate the cause of flooding at Drumneen, Stradbally and
take appropriate measures to rectify same.”
This motion was seconded by Councillor Ben Brennan.
The members were given the following response from Mr. Raymond James, E.E.
“Flooding occurs on Local Secondary road L- 3953 at Drumneen as a result of surface water
run off from the adjoining land to the west of the road.
There is a dip in the road with no piped or open drains nearby to allow this water to drain
away as it collects in the low point of the road.
This flooding of the public road is caused primarily from surface water runoff from the
adjoining land, therefore it is the responsibility of the landowner to resolve this flooding
problem. LCC will meet with the relevant landowner and seek to have this problem resolved.”
NOTICE OF MOTION NO. GP07/15
Councillor Tom Mulhall proposed the following Notice of Motion.
“That Laois County Council call on Coillte to cut back the trees at the Derries, Ballybrittas
on the R445 old N7, on the R422 on the road from New Inn to Emo and at Kennell’s Cross,
Ballykillane on the R419. Branches from these trees are completely hanging over the road.”
This motion was seconded by Councillor Aidan Mullins.
The members were given the following response from Ms. Orla Barrett, S.E.E.
“Contact was made with the local Forest Ranger in Coillte who was most helpful. He
confirmed that he has a hedge cutter working in the area and has these locations included on
his current programme of works. These locations together with other locations including
Cappakeel will be tended to in the coming weeks.”
NOTICE OF MOTION NO. GP08/15
Councillor Tom Mulhall proposed the following Notice of Motion.
“That Laois County Council write to the N.R.A. asking them to investigate the large volume
of water coming from the motorway between Junction 14 and Junction 16 in to the local
rivers that flows to the River Barrow. During periods of heavy rain, there rivers overflow
and cover land drainage pipes causing flooding.”
This motion was seconded by Councillor Paschal McEvoy.
The members were given the following response from Ms. Josephine Kavanagh,
A.O.
“The section of the M7 between Jct 14 to Jct 16 opened in November 2004 and was designed
in accordance with drainage standards and specifications current at the time as set out in the
NRA’s Design Manual for Roads & Bridges, and, Manual of Contract Documents for Road
Works. Water from the motorway has to ultimately outfall (drain) to a designated
watercourse but included in the design is attenuation whereby in times of heavy rainfall the
release of water is controlled and released over time through a series of pipes and tanks.
The motorway is now operated and maintained by the NRA through their motorway
maintenance contracts since mid 2013. Laois County Council’s Roads Section has written to
the NRA requesting that they ensure that the motorway drainage system is operating as
designed including all attenuation tanks and petrol interceptors. These do require regular
inspection and are operated as part of the NRA contractor’s maintenance regime.”
NOTICE OF MOTION NO. GP09/15
Councillor Tom Mulhall proposed the following Notice of Motion.
“That Laois County Council put in place measures to make safe the exit on the L78356
Oakvale to the N80, maybe by removing the bank and grass margin on the left side as you
exit from the local road, in the interest of safety for the residents.”
This motion was seconded by Councillor Paschal McEvoy
The members were given the following response from Mr. Farhan Nasiem, S.E.E.
“Works were carried out as part of a safety scheme in the general area previously in 2012 and
that Road Design will investigate the matter to establish the nature of any issue and if
appropriate remedial measures could be carried out subject to funding.”
NOTICE OF MOTION GP10/15
Councillor Padraig Fleming proposed the following Notice of Motion.
“To ask Laois County Council to give an update on Northern Relief Road Extension from the
Castlecomer Road roundabout to the Numbers Road, Graiguecullen and when will work
commence.”
This motion was seconded by Councillor John Moran
The members were given the following response from Ms. Orla Barrett, S.E.E.
“It is anticipated that land acquisition will be complete by early February with works to
commence once suitable weather conditions prevail around March/April 2015.”
NOTICE OF MOTION NO. GP11/15
Councillor Padraig Fleming proposed the following Notice of Motion.
“To ask Laois County Council how many Social Houses were allocated in 2014 and to list the
number of houses in towns/villages in the Graiguecullen-Portarlington Municipal District
were involved.”
This motion was seconded by Councillor Ben Brennan.
The members were given the following response from Mr. Michael Rainey, S.E.O.
“In 2014, there were a total of 106 social units allocated in Co. Laois. Of these properties, 26
were allocated in the Graiguecullen-Portarlington Municipal district.”
NOTICE OF MOTION NO. GP12/15
Councillor Padraig Fleming proposed the following Notice of Motion.
“To ask Laois County Council when will the sign for McCormacks Crossroads near Timahoe
on the R426-147 be erected to indicate the Crossroads Ahead.”
This motion was seconded by Councillor John Moran.
The members were given the following response from Ms. Orla Barrett, S.E.E.
“Works Complete.”
NOTICE OF MOTION NO. GP13/15
Councillor Ben Brennan proposed the following Notice of Motion.
“To ask Laois County Council when will the footpath at house in Doonane be done.”
This motion was seconded by Councillor Aidan Mullins.
The members were given the following response from Ms. Orla Barrett, S.E.E.
“Works to complete the footpath at Doonane are scheduled for completion in early February.”
NOTICE OF MOTION NO. GP14/15
Councillor Ben Brennan proposed the following Notice of Motion.
“To ask Laois County Council when will the culvert on R431 at Crettyard be fixed.”
This motion was seconded by Councillor John Moran.
The members were given the following response from Ms. Orla Barrett, S.E.E.
“Emergency repairs were completed in 2014 having made the culverts and road safe. It is
intended to completely replace these culverts on this road and works previously scheduled
were cancelled due to severe flooding unfortunately. These works are now on our priority list
and it is likely that works will be scheduled for the schools mid-term break so as to cause the
least disruption to traffic.”
NOTICE OF MOTION GP15/15
Councillor Ben Brennan proposed the following Notice of Motion.
“To ask Laois County Council to find out why there is water coming out of the chamber that
carries the heavy voltage cable from Gortahile Windfarm to Carlow. The flow is so bad that it
is causing flooding in Killeshin.”
This motion was seconded by Councillor John Moran
The members were given the following response from Ms. Orla Barrett, S.E.E.
“This matter has been referred to ESB who have confirmed that they will investigate and take
appropriate action if needed.”
NOTICE OF MOTION NO. GP16/15
Councillor John Moran proposed the following Notice of Motion.
“That Laois County Council give details of the Community Involvement in Roads Scheme
(CIS), what are terms of scheme for 2015 and when is closing date for applications.”
This motion was seconded by Councillor Tom Mulhall.
The members were given the following response from Ms. Josephine Kavanagh,
A.O.
“Details of Scheme for 2015 have not yet been received from Department. Advertisement for
2015 scheme will be published in next week’s paper with closing date for applications to be
received by 20th March, 2015.”
NOTICE OF MOTION NO. GP17/15
Councillor John Moran proposed the following Notice of Motion.
“That Laois County investigate solutions to stop flooding of public road from drain that runs
through Luggacurren. The drain overflows and comes out on the public road during heavy
rain and is damaging the road.”
This motion was seconded by Councillor Paschal McEvoy.
The members were given the following response from Ms. Orla Barrett, S.E.E.
“This particular stream which was an open drain was piped using incorrect small diameter
pipes by the landowner through their front garden. This has resulted in the stream backing
up and overflowing breaking its banks and coming across the land to flow down the public
road until it can later rejoin the open drain. It is not possible for us to re open the stream on
the private lands. We intend to install an overflow chamber to catch this water when in flood
and install a new pipe network in the grass verge to rejoin the open drain. It is intended to
carry out these works in the next 1-2 weeks weather depending.”
NOTICE OF MOTION NO. GP18/15
Councillor John Moran proposed the following Notice of Motion.
“That Laois County Council repair the lights at Simmons Mill, this is a very dangerous
junction between two major roads, the N78 and N80.”
The motion was seconded by Councillor Ben Brennan.
The members were given the following response from Mr. Orla Barrett, S.E.E.
“The lights at Simmons Mill have been investigated by our lighting repairs contractors and
an electrical fault was been found. ESB were contacted and completed repairs on Monday
19th and lights are now working.”
4.
SCHEDULE OF MUNICIPAL DISTRICT WORKS
The members agreed to meet to discuss and formulate a schedule for the
Graiguecullen-Portarlington Municipal District.
5.
PROPOSALS FOR CENTRALISING
MUNICIPAL DISTRICT MEETINGS
THE
ADMINISTRATION
OF
The proposals for centralizing the administration of Municipal District Meetings
were circulated to the members for their attention.
6.
AGREE SCHEDULE OF MEETINGS FOR 2015.
A lengthy discussion took place regarding the Schedule of Meetings for 2015.
Various proposals were put forward by the members and the thoughts of Mr. Kieran
Kehoe, Director of Services and Ms. Orla Barrett, S.E.E. were also heard. It was
proposed by Councillor John Moran, seconded by Councillor Paschal McEvoy and
agreed that the members would discuss this matter and present their proposals at
the next meeting of the Municipal District to be held on 18th February, 2015 at which
a final decision would be taken.
7.
PROPOSED JOINT MEETING WITH CARLOW MUNICIPAL DISTRICT
MEMBERS
The members were advised that a proposal had been received from Carlow
Municipal District Members requesting that a Joint Meeting take place between
Carlow Municipal District Members and the Graiguecullen-Portarlington Municipal
District Members. The suggested date is Thursday, 26th February, 2015 and the
proposed Agenda would include updates on Housing, Planning, Roads and Water.
The members agreed that the invitation from Carlow Municipal District should be
accepted.
It was also suggested that a similar meeting should be arranged with our Offaly
counterparts.
8.
CORRESPONDENCE
Correspondence received from the Office of the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the
Gaeltacht regarding Coolbanagher Castle was circulated to the members.
This concluded the business of the meeting.
SIGNED: _________________________ CERTIFIED: __________________________
CATHAOIRLEACH
DIRECTOR OF SERVICES