ROUND UP: Kildare-Newbridge Municipal District story briefs for January 2023

Flooding investigation:

Kildare County Council (KCC) said at the latest Kildare-Newbridge Municipal District (MD) meeting on Wednesday, January 18, that flooding near a hotel would be investigated.

The MD office said that it will investigate surface water flooding from the R445 Dublin Road into properties located near the Hazel Hotel in Monasterevin.

KCC works update:

KCC has confirmed that Allenview Heights in Newbridge is being considered by the Kildare-Newbridge MD office for inclusion in its programme of works for 2023.

The update was welcomed by Social Democrats councillor Chris Pender.

Mixed-use units:

Coolaghknock Glebe in Kildare town has been selected as a mixed use (social & affordable units) site.

KCC has said that the planned development is included in Social Housing Public Private Partnership (PPP) Bundle 5.

Following Part 8 approval, the social units will be developed under the PPP contract and the affordable units developed directly by the council as affordable purchase.

Kildare County Council to receive over €807,000 from Community Recognition Fund

Light needed for busy road:

A Kildare councillor has said that a busy road would benefit from 'just one light'.

Fine Gael (FG) Cllr Tracey O' Dwyer said that it 'doesn't make sense not to have lights' on the the approach road from Brannockstown to Mile Mill Junction.

She made the comments at the latest Kildare-Newbridge MD meeting, held on Wednesday, January 18.

In response, KCC said that the lighting at this location will be assessed as part of the PLEEP (Public Lighting Energy Efficiency Project).

"The PLEEP Design will identify locations where additional lighting will be required and depending on availability of funds it will be carried out," KCC added.

Site to be monitored:

The Rosconnell area of Newbridge will be monitored following the presence of an illegal encampment there.

KCC has said that 'the situation will continue to be monitored and legal enforcement may be considered.'

The council’s Social Worker Team is also engaging with occupiers who may require housing
assistance.

Junction suggestion:

FG councillor Mark Stafford has said that Kildare County Council (KCC) could look at marking the junction onto the Glebe from Newtown in Rathangan with signage.

KCC replied that the MD office would agree to consider doing so, 'subject to budget and meeting criteria set down by the Department.'

Plans to open train station later this year to serve Kildare commuters

Litter bags:

FG Cllr Tracey O' Dwyer motioned for KCC leave a supply of litter pick bags in local libraries for member of the
public.

She said in her motion that this would 'particularly facilitate rural areas where a Tidy Towns Committee is not in place.'

In response, KCC said that its environment section 'would be happy to supply participating libraries with
litter pick bags to facilitate community clean-ups as outlined in the notice of motion.'

Ash plots:

Fianna Fáil Cllr Noel Heavey recommended that KCC bring forward 'design/best practice options as to how ashes from
cremations be accommodated in Barrettstown Cemetery.'

The council responded by saying: "An area can be set aside in Barrettstown cemetery to accommodate ash
plots.

"The Environment Department will liaise with the local caretaker to identify and agree a suitable location," KCC added.