On foot of a motion I tabled earlier in the year, representatives of the Department of Defence will appear before a meeting of the Kildare Area Committee on September 15. I thought it might be useful to share the questions I have submitted in advance.

At it’s September board meeting, the County Kildare LEADER Partnership approved over €120,000 in grants to Kildare businesses and community groups. Cllr. Tony O’Donnell, chair of the company’s Rural Development Subcommittee has welcomed the approvals and urges more Kildare groups to apply.

“Under the company’s Rural Development Programme, we have over €10 million in grants to distribute across Kildare in the next [...]]]>

At it’s September board meeting, the County Kildare LEADER Partnership approved over €120,000 in grants to Kildare businesses and community groups. Cllr. Tony O’Donnell, chair of the company’s Rural Development Subcommittee has welcomed the approvals and urges more Kildare groups to apply.

“Under the company’s Rural Development Programme, we have over €10 million in grants to distribute across Kildare in the next few years. This funding is there to support businesses in the tourism, agri-business and food sectors, as well as community and voluntary groups. At a time when finances are tight, it is great to see that money is still available to the county.

“At our most recent board meeting, we approved significant grants to support the Shop Athy campaign at this year’s National Ploughing Championships as well as the creation of a ‘Musical Instrument Bank’ in the Riverbank. These projects show how the LEADER programme can benefit businesses and local groups; and also that within the LEADER
programme. ‘Rural’ means the whole of County Kildare.

“This latest set of projects adds to the funds already agreed at  earlier meetings. These ranged from small projects like a couple of hundred euro to help a Tidy Town’s committee produce a newsletter on their work through to a very significant capital project in Kildare Town.

“If any business or community group is interested in applying for funding they should contact the company directly, or speak to one of your local councillors.”

Motions 1. That the area committee notes with concern the increase in the number of temporary halting sites on the Curragh, and resolves to write to the Local Traveller Accomodation Consultative Committee requesting that they work with [...]]]> Questions
1. Can the engineer prioritise the resurfacing of Pigeon Lane, Kildare Town?
2. Can the committee receive an update on the Kildare waste water treatment project?

Motions
1. That the area committee notes with concern the increase in the number of temporary halting sites on the Curragh, and resolves to write to the Local Traveller Accomodation Consultative Committee requesting that they work with local traveller representatives, the Curragh ranger and any other relevant stakeholders to find a solution.
2. That the committee notes the number of accidents at Newtown Cross, Kildare Town and the potential for a fatal crash in the future; the committee therefore asks the engineer to produce a report on the options for making this junction safe.
3. That the Tully Pump  should be preserved and become a permanent feature in Kildare Town.

That the Council request a report from the NRA explaining the need for the new signage currently being erected on the county’s motorways, the number of signs being erected in Kildare and the cost of [...]]]>

That the Council request a report from the NRA explaining the need for the new signage currently being erected on the county’s motorways, the number of signs being erected in Kildare and the cost of this project.

Kildare Councillor Tony O’Donnell has lodged a formal objection to a controversial planned biomass power plant at Toughers Business Park, Newbridge.

Cllr. O’Donnell has been working with local residents’ associations to highlight the issue, and there now exists a broad campaign of objection across local residents, businesses and the bloodstock industry.

“This is the wrong technology, in the [...]]]>

Kildare Councillor Tony O’Donnell has lodged a formal objection to a controversial planned biomass power plant at Toughers Business Park, Newbridge.

Cllr. O’Donnell has been working with local residents’ associations to highlight the issue, and there now exists a broad campaign of objection across local residents, businesses and the bloodstock industry.

“This is the wrong technology, in the wrong place at the wrong time,” explained the Fine Gael councillor.

“It is the wrong technology because we do not have a viable supply of fuel to keep this plant burning. It is in the wrong place because it is too close to a large residential community and an enormously valuable bloodstock industry. And it is the wrong time because Ireland still lacks credible inspection and regulation to ensure the safe operation of incinerators, no matter how apparently eco-friendly.

“Since this issue came to my attention, I have done my best to ensure that the local community have been fully informed. This application has been lodged while most of the Council and councillors are on holidays, and so it is no surprise that the majority of residents were unaware of what was planned.

“I have lodged an 11 point objection to this development. My objections include the viability of the plant; the fraught relationship KCC planners have had with the land owner; the zoning disposition of the site; the potential for it to become a general incinerator in the future; the additional HGVs required to service the plant; and the potential negative economic impact.

“The planning process is the property of the public, and I would encourage all residents to review the file and to make their thoughts known.”

Planning Section

Kildare County Council

Áras Chill Dara

Naas

Co. Kildare

17 August, 2010

RE: Application by Organic Power Ltd. At Lewistown (ref 10\748)

A chara,

I wish to lodge an objection to the above proposed development for the following reasons.

1. I have concerns about the operational viability of such a biomass plant. From canvassing the opinions of local farmers, the broad consensus is that the region does not presently produce the volume of woodchip and excess straw required to keep such a facility in constant operation. As part of considering this application, I would ask the planners to firmly establish in their own minds whether such a plant is viable.
2. Secondly, residents have expressed concerns to me that such a plant could be turned over to other forms of incineration. While the applicant is stating excellent environmental credentials, they are ultimately a business backed by investors, and as such, their fundamental motivation is profit. If the biomass proposition turns out to be unviable, I would have concerns that the facility could be retasked to burn other materials.
3. With the Poolbeg incinerator proceeding and the announcement of another incinerator in Meath, there would be viability issues for a general incinerator at the site, in addition to the concerns regarding biomass.
4. It is has been brought to my attention that the zoning presently in force on the site may not permit this type of development.
5. The site is close to a number of thoroughbred stud farms. It would appear from Aidan O’Brien’s experience in Ballydoyle, that the owners of these valuable racehorses feel that thermal treatment near their stock could adversely affect their welfare. This is fundamentally a matter of trust and sentiment, rather than empirical science, and I do not feel that any company could allay these fears with rational argument. As such, the proposed development could undermine one of our key industries in the locality.
6. I understand that the site is owned by an individual who has run afoul of the planning section on a number of previous occasions. This does not instil confidence in the public, especially with such a delicate application.
7. The additional volume of traffic servicing the site to deliver fuel or to remove waste is a source of concern. The area already suffers from high volumes of HGVs, and residents would rather see this situation reversed rather than increased.
8. Public confidence in the planning and development is at an all time low, and this has not been enhanced by the manner of this application. It was lodged at a time when the Council staff typically take annual leave, and when elected members have no meetings. To the casual observer, this could be taken as cynical timing, aimed to minimise the opportunity for a full public engagement.
9. It would appear from the application that the applicant wishes to use the public water and sewage systems. These are both under significant stress at the moment, especially the water supply.
10. Reports from the US in the Sunday Times of August 15, 2010 (see attached) calls into question the true environmental and economic cost of such plants.
11. The State’s capacity to act as an effective regulator lacks public confidence especially in emerging areas like this.

I hope that you will factor these issues into your deliberations and decline granting permission.

Le gach dea-ghuí

Tony O’Donnell, MCC

One of my favourite periods in British history covers the 15th and 16th century War of the Roses and the English Reformation. It was a time of great political upheaval and  a wholesale questioning of orthodoxy.

While not quite Simon Schama, the television series ‘The Tudors’ does a fair job at historical accuracy, and as I’ve watched [...]]]>

One of my favourite periods in British history covers the 15th and 16th century War of the Roses and the English Reformation. It was a time of great political upheaval and  a wholesale questioning of orthodoxy.

While not quite Simon Schama, the television series ‘The Tudors’ does a fair job at historical accuracy, and as I’ve watched the box set, I’ve been looking for modern parallels with the excesses of the renaissance Catholic Church, and one group stands out above all others.

Consider the chief ills of the Church at the time. It was lead by a fundamentally decadent class, who wore their faith in public but who were really more interested in the power and wealth that their office granted. Their power stemmed from a belief that the ignorant individual could not have a personal relationship with God, and that all paths to grace required the intermediary priest.

Their chief sins were nepotism (the appointment of family to power); simony (the sale of high offices) and the selling of indulgences.

Sadly, thanks to the Haugheys, Aherns, Burkes, Lawlors and Callelys, the class that most embodies these ancient corruptions is the Irish career political class.

Look again at the chief sins of the unreformed clergy.

Nepotism is rife in Irish politics. How many dynasties sit in Council chambers and Leinster House? It might not be done as nakedly as Alexander IV appointing his illegimate son a cardinal, but nevertheless many political careers owe their beginnings to a very unrepublican family inheritance.

Simony also has a modern equivalent. As Bertie Ahern said publicly, he had no problem appointing his ‘friends’ to state boards and offices. These are the same ‘friends’ who generously paid his bills and bailed him out of his financial woes. The purchasing of offices is alive and well in Ireland, and influence still has a price.

The sale of indulgences could be read by modern eyes as the misguided belief that politicians need to be kept onside if the citizen is to get their deserved rights. How many people think that a planning permission, housing request or medical card application needs the imprimatur of a local politico to have any chance of success?

And most of all, we have evolved a political system that places the priestly politician as the gatekeeper to public power. Just as medieval priests abhorred the translation of the bible into the vernacular, many politicians would like our system to remain opaque and foreign to the citizens. As the only enlightened being, the politician becomes indispensibly powerful, and yet surely the people can be trusted to manage their affairs, rights and entitlements if the system permits.

The reformation produced two very different outcomes. For some it meant a complete break with the mother church, and in its most radical forms a destruction of clericalism itself. For others, it meant an opportunity for reform from within, the counter-reformation.

It is interesting to think what these two paths might mean for the political system. Without doubt there are doctrinaire socialists who are akin to the Lollards and Levellers, but there are less radical reforming elements who still question the legitimacy of the system. And yet I have no doubt that there elements within the political parties and the current system who believe that reform does not mean rejection, and that change can come within the broad existing structures.

For my own part, I do find many elements of the system in need of reform. I am not a radical by any means, and in the best traditions of conservatism, it is possible to give good government to the people without breaking tradition. It is time for some bravery from those in office, and some real engagement from the public.

At our recent Kildare Area Committee meeting I requested a detailed report on the new water supply in the town. This supply is a blend of our previous Poulaphouca water and a new supply from a wellfield in Thomastown. The new blended water is significantly harder than the water we are used to. While this high [...]]]>

At our recent Kildare Area Committee meeting I requested a detailed report on the new water supply in the town. This supply is a blend of our previous Poulaphouca water and a new supply from a wellfield in Thomastown. The new blended water is significantly harder than the water we are used to. While this high lime content does not represent a health risk, it does have a damaging effect on appliances and heating systems.

I have included their lengthy response below, but the key points are:

• an acknolwedgement that the water is harder than the old supply
• confirmation that the lime does not represent a health risk
• that some homes that were tested in response to our public meeting showed chlorine levels above acceptable norms
• softening at source is not a practical solution
• an abdication of responsibility for any effect on heating systems in local authority houses

I am not satisfied with this response.

Tax payers and rate payers expect very little from the local authority, and safe roads and water are the most important basic services. The water supply that is being rolled out across mid-Kildare is not acceptable and I think Council need to take the public’s concerns seriously, and if this means redirecting funds so be it.

I am also worried that the Council say they have no responsibility for any impact on their local authority tenants. I am already hearing from people in private homes who believe their heating systems have failed because of excessive lime build-up (not to mention the increased costs incurred because the lime reduces thermal efficiency). If we get another cold winter, are the Council seriously going to abdicate responsibility when old age tenants find their heating has failed?

This campaign isn’t over yet.

Motions

1. Councillor O’Donnell

That the committee notes with concern the issues being experienced by Kildare Town residents and businesses as a result of the new blended water supply; the committee requests that a report be prepared by the Council addressing the impact that this service is having and that this report have specific regard to the following:

(a)  The cost of providing an at source softening solution

(b)  Examples of any similar solutions implemented elsewhere in the country

(c)  An estimated cost for the installation and maintenance of water

softeners on affected local authority housing units

(d) An estimated cost for the replacement\repair of lime-affected central heating

systems in local authority units

(e)  Whether any analysis of the economic impact of this new source was carried out

by the Council.

Report: Areas north-west of Kildare town have recently being supplied from reservoir at Redhills.  This supply is a combination of Kildare wellfield water and the Ballymore Eustace regional supply.

As already stated the water from our wellfields is categorised as very hard – CaCO3 greater than 350 parts per million (ppm ).  This is not unusual in ground water sources throughout Ireland particularly when sourced from a limestone aquifer.
It should be noted that hardness levels are not a measured paramater in Drinking Water Regulations 2007 – no upper limit imposed.  However it is recognized that at very high levels it can cause an inconvenience to householders today.  Conscious of these facts Kildare County Council have decided to mix ( “blend”  ) the wellfield hard water with the regional soft water in the main reservoir at Redhills.

This results in water of hardness levels less than 250 ppm CaCO3. ie water of  “ moderately hard “  category.  Recent analysis have yielded Ca Co3 levels of (180 – 220 ) ppm CaCO3 in the blended water currently supplying Monasterevan,  Rathangan, Boston, South Kildare, Ellistown, Christanstown etc and recently parts of  Kildare town.

(a)  Provision of softening at source is very costly – Ref  Consultants Report  and is not recommended and funding is not available from DoEHLG.

(b)  Softening at source is not carried out anywhere in Ireland.  It should be noted that hardness levels in excess of 300 ppm exist in many rural locations.   Examples close to Kildare town include Athy ,  Portlaoise , Portarlington  Enfield  ( levels varying 280- 330 ) in drinking water supplied.

A similar regime, blending of two supply sources, is carried out in Fingal County Council  (Balbriggan) where ground water is mixed in reservoir with supply from their regional source.

(c)  Installation of Water Softeners is a decision for each individual household depending on their tolerance of this water type and effects of lime deposits upon boiling.  Kildare Co Council does not intend to install water softeners as the level of hardness does not warrant it and there  may be health implication  of using softeners for drinking water. It is my understanding  that maintenance of houses held on tenancy from the Council is a matter for the tenant.
Typical cost of installing a domestic softener unit is the region of  €300 + ongoing maintenance (salt etc ) costs.

(d)       Local Authority houses in this area all have separate heating system i.e. an enclosed water system.  Hence the level of limestone deposition is minimal and will mot cause problems.  Experience of other areas with higher hardness levels (e.g Athy  CaCO3 : 310 ppm) is that domestic heating systems are not affected by lime.

(e)       Kildare county is part of the Greater Dublin Region and is reliant (92%) on supply of water from neighbouring counties.  Development of Kildare Wellfield and the River Barrow supply will in the next three years ensure that up to 40% of Kildare water will be produced within the county.  Economic analysis cannot be carried out in isolation of the broader strategic issues of sourcing potable water supply across the Greater Dublin Region.  Report on Kildare Water Strategy circa 2005 dealt with all such matters – future needs, sources, economics etc.

At a local level Kildare County Council was conscious of the need that certain householders may have had for installation of water softeners and subsequent cost to society.  Hence a decision was made to blend two sources and supply water of moderate hardness levels to the public.

Issued by

_______________

J. McGowan

Senior Engineer

Water Services

The plan [...]]]> Kildare County Council yesterday (26/07/10) gave unanimous support to an amended traffic management plan (TMP) for Kildare Town. The plan, originally produced in 2008, generated significant public concern when it went on display, and area councillors Tony O’Donnell (FG) and Suzanne Doyle (FF) insisted on a set of amendments in order to reflect the issues raised by residents and businesses.

The plan had called for the virtual elimination of parking from the Market Square; the closing of the north-south road through the Square; removal of parking on St. Brigid’s Square; realignment of the junction at the weighbridge; a significant compulsory purchase of land at St. Brigid’s Park and Meadow Road; and various other junction and signal upgrades around the town.

Speaking afterwards, Cllr. O’Donnell explained his concerns and his reasons for proposing the amended plan.

“In 2008, I submitted a detailed analysis of the Traffic Management Plan. In it, I noted the following:

• in spite of specific reference to the train station in the terms of reference, this area had been omitted from the plan
• the changes to the Market Square would have a hugely negative impact on the viability of the town center and local business
• the level of compulsory purchase orders required rendered the plan impractical
• the removal of parking spaces outside the Parish Church was totally unreasonable and unworkable
• that the general improvements to footpaths and pedestrian crossing were welcome

“Having subsequently reviewed the other submissions, I know my concerns were not held in isolation and represented a broad sense of unease in the town.

“The report from KCC paid little heed to these concerns, and with the exception of reinstating the parking at the church, none of the other issues were dealt with.

“Cllr. Doyle and I became aware with little notice that the plan was being brought to a vote, and so we tried our best to get the community engaged on the outstanding issues.

“Thanks to a series of public meetings in the last week, we were able to recommend a series of amendments to the plan that ensure that Kildare Town is not adversely affected. In particular we have secured a guarantee that no works can begin without our agreement, and in particular with regard to the Market Square. We also secured agreement that a phase 2 TMP will be prepared with a fresh terms of reference including the strengthening of the Market Square area and improved access to the new school.

“These amendments allowed Cllr. Doyle and I to recommend the plan to our fellow members, and it is on this basis that we agreed to the plan.

“The agreed plan will now allow council officials to apply for funding for a variety of accessibility projects around the town including pedestrian crossings and footpath improvements.”

At yesterday’s full Council meeting, we approved an amended traffic management plan (TMP) for Kildare Town.

The plan was originally put on public display in the summer of 2008, and at the time I submitted a detailed response as part of the public consultation. My particular issues then were around the terms of reference, the effect on [...]]]>

At yesterday’s full Council meeting, we approved an amended traffic management plan (TMP) for Kildare Town.

The plan was originally put on public display in the summer of 2008, and at the time I submitted a detailed response as part of the public consultation. My particular issues then were around the terms of reference, the effect on the Market Square and the scale of compulsory purchases required to make it a reality; the final version of the plan didn’t resolve these.

I wasn’t alone in voicing my concerns, and the number of submissions from 2008 clearly show that the town had a lot of problems too.

In recent months, both my colleague Cllr. Suzanne Doyle and I have put down a series of questions to the Council requesting an update on the plan. The lack of action certainly lead me to feel that the plan was being long-fingered in response to the level of criticism it generated.

It was therefore to my great surprise when Cllr. Doyle and I were informed on July 15 that the Council intended to bring the plan to a vote at the July meeting. We were particularly concerned that the plan was virtually unamended in spite of the considerable public unease expressed in 2008.

The officials informed us that the plan needed to be agreed at this meeting in order to access a potential external funding source for works held by the Department of the Environment.

This left us with barely a week to report back to the community and to take a position on the plan. My own concerns from 2008 remained, particularly around the enormously damaging effect the plan could have on the businesses around the Market Square.

Suzanne and I decided to hold a public meeting for those who had made submissions in 2008, and anyone else in the community who wished to express an opinion. This meeting on Monday July 19, and a following one on Thursday July 22 clearly showed a continuing level of concern.

Thanks to this positive engagement with the community we were able to recommend the following amendments and safeguards to the proposed plan, namely:

• a Phase 2 TMP be drawn up with improved terms of reference particularly with regard to the train station, the new school and strengthening the Market Square
• no implementation of any part of the plan can be progressed without the approval of the area councillors, with particular regard to the Market Square
• reviews of the TMP be conducted in step with reviews of the County Development Plan
• completion of the link road through Rathbride Abbey be a matter of priority

The officials agreed to the amendments and on my proposal and Suzanne’s seconding, the amended plan was passed.

This means that the best interests of the town can be protected, and we can be held to account for that. It also means that the approved plan can be used to draw down money for improved pedestrian crossings, footpaths and accessibility works around the town.

Overall, I think it represents a good deal for everyone.

1. Can the engineer investigate the exit from Rathbride Abbey to the main road with particular regard to the site lines back towards the Curragh?

2. Can the engineer provide an update on the delivery of members’ discretionary fund projects?

3. Can the engineer investigate the site lines at the junction of the road from Great Connell to [...]]]> Questions

1. Can the engineer investigate the exit from Rathbride Abbey to the main road with particular regard to the site lines back towards the Curragh?

2. Can the engineer provide an update on the delivery of members’ discretionary fund projects?

3. Can the engineer investigate the site lines at the junction of the road from Great Connell to Athgarvan at Rosetown?

Motions
1. That this area committee notes with regret the abolition of the Kildare court district from September 30th; and further that the committee resolves to write to the Chief Justice as chair of the Courts Service Board requesting that a public consultation take place on the future use of Kildare’s historic courthouse.

2. That the committee notes with concern the issues being experienced by Kildare Town residents and businesses as a result of the new blended water supply; the committee requests that a report be prepared by the Council addressing the impact that this service is having and that this report have specific regard to the following:

• the cost of providing an at source softening solution
• examples of any similar solutions implemented elsewhere in the country
• an estimated cost for the installation and maintenance of water softeners on affected local authority housing units
• an estimated cost for the replacement\repair of lime-effected central heating systems in local authority units
• whether any analysis of the economic impact of this new source was carried out by the Council

3. That the engineer investigate the installation of sheep grids at Brownstown to prevent sheep making their way up the Suncroft Road.