MINUTES OF THE OF THE GRAIGUECULLEN/PORTARLINGTON
MUNICIPAL DISTRICT HELD IN ARAS CHONTAE ON THE
18TH MARCH, 2015
PRESENT:
Councillors Padraig Fleming
Tom Mulhall
Ben Brennan
Paschal McEvoy
Aidan Mullins
John Moran
IN ATTENDANCE:
Mr. Kieran Kehoe, Director of Services, Mr. Henry Ritchie, Senior Engineer, Mr.
Raymond James, Executive Engineer, Ms. Josephine Kavanagh, Administrative
Officer & 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 18TH FEBRUARY, 2015
On the proposition of Councillor John Moran, seconded by Councillor Tom Mulhall,
the minutes of the meeting held on the 18th of February, 2015 were confirmed as
circulated.
2.
NOMINATION OF ONE MEMBER TO THE 1916 COMMERMORATIONS
COMMITTEE
Councillor Padraig Fleming was nominated to the 1916 Commermorations
Committee having been proposed by Councillor Paschal McEvoy and seconded by
Councillor John Moran.
3.
ROADS PROGRESS REPORT
Y JUNCTION AT COOLANOWLE/GURTEEN – COUNCILLOR JOHN MORAN
New signage for crossroads has been erected.
PROVIDE DISABLED BAY IN HEATHER HILL TO RESIDENT AT REAR OF
SCHEME – COUNCILLOR PADRAIG FLEMING
Works complete.
ROUTINE MAINTENANCE
Routine maintenance works continuing across the area including repair, replacement
of regulatory signage, water cuts/drainage and pothole repair.
BALLYBRITTAS CENTRE LINE HAS FADED – COUNCILLORS TOM
MULHALL AND PASCHAL MCEVOY
All line marking in Ballybrittas including centre lines, turning islands and edges
have been remarked.
REPLACE DAMAGED SIGNS AT MOORE’S CROSS ON THE R431 –
COUNCILLOR BEN BRENNAN
Signs have been replaced.
PROVIDE LINE MARKING IN KILNACOURT THROUGH BENDS TO MAKE
SAFE – COUNCILLOR AIDAN MULLINS
Line marking complete in Kilnacourt Housing Estate and the road markings on the
roundabout on entry have all been redone.
4.
SCHEDULE OF MUNICIPAL DISTRICT WORKS
Following a short discussion, the adoption of the Schedule of Municipal District
Works was proposed by Councillor Ben Brennan and seconded by Councillor John
Moran.
5.
NOTICES OF MOTION
NOTICE OF MOTION NO. GP34/2015
Councillor Padraig Fleming proposed the following Notice of Motion.
“To ask Laois County Council what safety measures can be carried out at the bridge at
Ballinakill, Ballickmoyler on the L78921-0 as its on a severe bend in the interests of
Health & Safety.”
This motion was seconded by Councillor Ben Brennan.
The members were given the following response from Ms. Orla Barrett, S.E.E.
“There are no recorded accidents at this rural narrow cul de sac road where the number
of houses/landowners beyond the bend are very low. The cul de sac which crosses a
boxed culvert has open drains along most of its length on both sides of the lane having a
bank separating the road from the drains. This road character is similar to that of the
approach local secondary through roads of the L7892 and L7878, L7891 which have
similar but deeper drains on either side of the road. Given the low volume of traffic, no
recorded accident statistics, the nature & character of the road on approach this
location is not on the priority list for a safety scheme. Health & Safety schemes are
continuously assessed and reprioritised annually and we will review the location for
possible inclusion on the 2016 schemes.”
NOTICE OF MOTION NO. GP35/2015
Councillor Padraig Fleming proposed the following Notice of Motion.
“To ask Laois County Council to look at the possibility of putting a roundabout at
Simmons Cross Roads where the N80 crosses over the N78 between Pedigree
Corner/Ballylinan and to consult with the National Roads Authority on same.”
This motion was seconded by Councillor Ben Brennan.
The members were given the following response from Mr. Henry Ritchie, S.E., Roads
“Laois County Council has recently issued correspondence to Deputy Sean Fleming on
this same matter. The Council has been in contact with the NRA and been advised that
available safety and other data does not identify the N80/N78 junction as currently
being in need of further attention at this time. All four legs of the junction were
resurfaced by LCC in 2014 as part of the NRA’s pavement improvement schemes where
sub-standard skid resistance was identified. Line markings and Cats Eyes were also
renewed. Although priority action is not presently identified, Laois County Council will
raise the matter further at our next Regional Meeting with the NRA and keep the matter
under review.”
NOTICE OF MOTION NO. GP36/2015
Councillor Padraig Fleming proposed the following Notice of Motion.
“To ask Laois County Council to give a timescale on when the pot holes on Engine Street,
Newtown will be filled.”
This motion was seconded by Councillor Ben Brennan.
The members were given the following response from Ms. Orla Barrett, S.E.E.
“2-4 weeks weather permitting”.
NOTICE OF MOTION NO. GP37/2015
Councillor Tom Mulhall proposed the following Notice of Motion.
“That Laois County Council put in place raised tables at the pedestrian crossings on the
Station Road, Portarlington.”
This motion was seconded by Councillor Aidan Mullins.
The members were given the following response from Ms. Orla Barrett, S.E.E.
“Station Road has been proposed for the 2015 roads programme and the provision of
speed tables at the pedestrian crossings can be looked at as part of these works”.
NOTICE OF MOTION NO. GP38/2015
Councillor Tom Mulhall proposed the following Notice of Motion.
“That Laois County Council investigate the flooding at Killimy Road, Emo on the
Portlaoise/Portarlington Road a number of gardens and yards flood when there is heavy
rainfall.”
This motion was seconded by Councillor Aidan Mullins.
The members were given the following response from Mr. Raymond James, E.E.
“The flooding of properties on the Portlaoise/Portarlington road at Killimy is partly
caused by surface water coming off the Regional road R419. It is also caused by surface
water coming off the land behind the affected properties and also from surface water
flowing onto the R419 from the driveways of houses which are at a higher level than the
road.
There are gullies and pipes in front of the affected properties but during times of heavy
rainfall this existing piped system cannot cater for the large volumes of water that occur.
Originally an open drain existed in front of these properties but this open drain was
piped by the different houseowners during the time that these house were being built .
As a result the size and gradient of these pipes is not known and therefore needs to be
investigated to determine the actual condition and capacity of this piped system.
Furthermore some of the surface water from the road is bypassing the gullies and this
can be addressed by installing two extra gullies.
It should be noted that these pipes are jetted and cleaned out twice a year.
The outfall from these pipes is into an open drain in the wooded area at Kennells Cross
and the deepening of this open drain also being considered”.
NOTICE OF MOTION NO. GP39/2015
Councillor Tom Mulhall proposed the following Notice of Motion.
“That Laois County Council secure funding to make safe the junction Alley Cross,
Morette, Portlaoise/Portarlington Road. A number of accidents have taken place at this
junction.”
This motion was seconded by Councillor Paschal McEvoy.
The members were given the following response from Ms. Orla Barrett, S.E.E.
“The surface of the R419 at this location was resurfaced in 2013. Additional road markings and
signage have been provided through an RSRM scheme in 2009. Examination of currently
available road traffic accident statistics (2008-2012) do not show any accidents at this locus.
Request will be made to the neighbouring Garda Stations to update on whether any incidents
have occurred in 2013/14.”
NOTICE OF MOTION NO. GP40/2015
Councillor Paschal McEvoy proposed the following Notice of Motion.
“That Laois County Council extend the footpath from Ash Trees, Stradbally to the end of
the houses on the Rathmore Road.”
This motion was seconded by Councillor Tom Mulhall.
The members were given the following response from Ms. Orla Barrett, S.E.E.
“Extension of the footpath to the end of the houses from the existing path an the
junction of the Rathmore road with the N80 is estimated at approximately €24,282.
There is no funding available for these works in 2015, with the members footpath budget
having already been proposed at other locations.”
NOTICE OF MOTION NO. GP41/2015
Councillor Paschal McEvoy proposed the following Notice of Motion.
“That Laois County Council investigate the flooding outside Morrins house at
Loughteague, Stradbally and if possible carry out work to rectify same.”
This motion was seconded by Councillor Padraig Fleming.
The members were given the following response from Ms. Orla Barrett, S.E.E.
“An open drain changes to a piped drain adjacent to 3 houses at this location. It is
intended to examine in full drainage on this road, Timogue to Kilavally, given its
proposition on the 2015 roads programme. Drainage will be freed and cleared as part of
the works prior to the surface dressing of the road. Initial investigations have begun and
some preliminary works complete to date”.
NOTICE OF MOTION NO. GP42/2015
Councillor Paschal McEvoy proposed the following Notice of Motion.
“That Laois County Council open the slip road at Ballyshaduff, Ballybrittas and allow a
one way system to operate onto the Main Road. The closure of this road has had a
major negative effect on local business.”
This motion was seconded by Councillor Padraig Fleming.
The members were given the following response from Ms. Orla Barrett, S.E.E.
“The slip road at Ballyshaduff was closed as part of safety measures improvement works in 2014”.
NOTICE OF MOTION GP43/2015
Councillor Aidan Mullins proposed the following Notice of Motion.
“That Laois County Council serves notice of its intention to place Block 12 in Corrig Glen, Station
Road, Portarlington on the Derelict Sites Register.”
This motion was seconded by Councillor Tom Mulhall.
The members were given the following response from Ms. Carmel McNicholl, S.E.O.
“This site is not currently on the Derelict Sites Register, however an inspection will be
carried out and Notices will be issued under the Derelict Sites Act 1990, as appropriate.”
NOTICE OF MOTION NO. GP44/2015
Councillor Aidan Mullins proposed the following Notice of Motion.
“That Laois County Council contact the Minister for Environment, Community & Local
Government to find out when the Housing Assistance Payment Scheme will be rolled out
in Laois.”
This motion was seconded by Councillor Paschal McEvoy.
The members were given the following response from Mr. Michael Rainey, S.E.O.
“The Housing Assistance Payment Scheme is currently on pilot in six different local
authorities. There is no confirmed date for the rollout of this scheme”.
that a hazard exists and seek the costs from Landowners where the council have to carry out
the work”.
NOTICE OF MOTION NO. GP45/2015
Councillor Aidan Mullins proposed the following Notice of Motion.
“That Laois County Council give drivers ten minutes grace before being given a ticket if they stay
too long on council parking spots.”
This motion was seconded by Councillor Tom Mulhall.
The members were given the following response from Ms. Josephine Kavanagh, A.O
“In Portarlington, the first 15 minutes are free. Traffic Wardens log vehicles and tickets
are only issued if ticket has not been purchased within 15 minutes of log. However, there
can be no discretion allowed in the case of illegal parking, e.g. footpaths and double
yellow lines.”
NOTICE OF MOTION NO. GP46/2015
Councillor Ben Brennan proposed the following Notice of Motion.
“To ask Laois County Council can surface water drains be jetted on the first cul de sac as part of
the footpath works in phase 2 in Oakley park Housing Estate.”
This motion was seconded by Councillor Padraig Fleming.
The members were given the following response from Ms. Orla Barrett, S.E.E.
“Surface water drainage is being corrected and cleared as part of the footpath works in
Oakley Park. All lines have been jetted”.
NOTICE OF MOTION NO. GP47/2015
Councillor Ben Brennan proposed the following Notice of Motion.
“That Laois County Council clean the open drain at Lower Rossmore.”
This motion was seconded by Councillor Paschal McEvoy.
The members were given the following response from Ms. Orla Barrett, S.E.E.
“Works are agreed and proposed for the coming week”.
NOTICE OF MOTION GP48/2015
Councillor Ben Brennan proposed the following Notice of Motion.
“To ask Laois County Council if the residents of Ardenteggle lane supply stone and materials can
the council roads staff carry out the works to raise a section of the lane which is liable to
flooding.”
This motion was seconded by Councillor Padraig Fleming
The members were given the following response from Ms. Orla Barrett, S.E.E.
“We would be happy to work with the local residents in this regard. We’ll arrange a
meeting with those involved to agree extent of works required and prepare a programme
schedule”.
NOTICE OF MOTION GP49/2015
Councillor John Moran proposed the following Notice of Motion.
“That Laois County Council signpost or line mark the Leagh road where it meets with the
Ballyharmon road to show who has right of way.”
This motion was seconded by Councillor Padraig Fleming.
The members were given the following response from Ms. Orla Barrett, S.E.E.
“The Ballyharmon road is a very busy road for HGV’s given the location of a large Waste
Collection business on the road and its use of this road as a link to the N80. Previous
existing junction signage would appear to have been damaged/removed, replacement
signage has been ordered and will be replaced as soon as received”.
NOTICE OF MOTION GP50/2015
Councillor John Moran proposed the following Notice of Motion.
“That Laois county Council give an account on the number of applicants on the housing list in
the Graigue-Portarlington Municipal District broken down by town.”
This motion was seconded by Councillor Paschal McEvoy.
The members were given the following response from Mr. Michael Rainey, S.E.O.
“Below is the number of approved applicants who have indicated these towns as one of
their preferences. The number includes one-bed, two-bed, three-bed and 4-bed need.
Portarlington - 442
Stradbally - 204
Graiguecullen - 63
Ballylinan - 55.”
NOTICE OF MOTION GP51/2015
Councillor John Moran proposed the following Notice of Motion.
“That Laois County Council provide a list of the housing estates including number of houses in charge in
the Graigue-Portarlington Municipal District and clarify what the "in charge" role means with regard to
these schemes.”
This motion was seconded by Councillor Padraig Fleming.
The members were given the following response from Mr. Pat Delaney, A.O., Planning & Ms.
Josephine Kavanagh, A.O., Roads
“The following estates are taken in charge in the Graiguecullen/Portarlington Municipal
District:-
Oakley Crescent, Graiguecullen
Foxcroft Avenue, Portarlington
Mount Clare, Graiguecullen
The Glebe, Church Road, Stradbally
Fruithill Court, Graiguecullen
Lough Gate, Portarlington
Laurel Grove, Graiguecullen
The Pines, Crossneen, Carlow
Station Court, Portarlington
Station Grove, Portarlington
Whitefields, Station Road, Portarlington
Millbrook Manor, Canal Road, Portarlington
Heather Hill & Heather Hill Square, Graiguecullen
Corrig Lodge, Seskin, Portarlington
Pine Villas, Portarlington
Seskin Court, Portarlington
Barrowview, Portarlington
Sli na Mona, Portarlington
Wilton Lawns, Sandy Lane, Portarlington
Kilnacourt Woods, Portarlington
Brotherton, Graiguecullen
Barrowvale & The Vale, Graiguecullen
Crann Nua, Portarlington
Miners Walk, Crettyard
Once taken in charge the maintenance of roads, footpaths and services therein such as
public lighting and associated infrastructure, surface water drainage becomes the
responsibility of Laois County Council. Water Services infrastructure becomes the
responsibility of Irish Water following the Taking In Charge process. Maintenance of
green areas etc., must be done by the residents of the estate”.
6.
CORRESPONDENCE
There was no correspondence circulated to the members.
This concluded the business of the meeting.
SIGNED: _________________________ CERTIFIED: __________________________
CATHAOIRLEACH
DIRECTOR OF SERVICES