Meeting Notes for MCC Meeting June 2021

June 28, 2021 by Maynooth Town 0 0

Maynooth Community Council

Meeting Notes 14^th June 2021

Guest speakers Sergeant Jack Swan, Garda Aidan McGuane and Garda Lenny Donlon addressed a number of issues raised by MCC Members:

Speeding and “Racers” on Rathcoffey, Straffan and Meadowbrook Roads – Speeding Campaign in Maynooth weekend of 18^th to 20^th June. Particular attention will be paid to the areas mentioned.
Theft of catalytic converters – Dealt with nationally and successful outcome to Garda searches however very valuable commodity so vigilance on part of car owners required.
Persons rummaging through skips on private driveways – Report any such behaviour to Gardaí.
Restricted opening hours of Maynooth Garda Station- Mostly a resource issue however Garda Patrol Car in Maynooth area 24/7. This will be lost if station opened on a more frequent basis.
Crime trends published on Maynooth only Garda FB page – Restrictions on media usage as all publicity is managed by Garda Head Office
One way system on Back Lane – Garda McGuane to investigate.

Contact details for Maynooth/Leixlip Garda Stations

Community Space:

Facilities Management Kildare CoCo advised that they are waiting on confirmation from Local Government Management Association on how and when the Community Space facility will reopen. Space will remain closed until notification received. KCC will keep us posted on developments.

Planning and Development Sub-Committee

A Slide Deck illustrating the various developments completed/planned for Maynooth was presented covering:

NTA July 2020 Stimulus Package – e.g. installation of bollards on Mill St. and Dublin Road
Other NTA funding for walking and cycling infrastructure on Meadowbrook, Kilcock and Celbridge Roads.
North South Corridor Phase 5
Harbour Field – Part 8 Public Consultation – date not yet confirmed.
MERR – Maynooth Eastern Relief Road
Town Centre Renewal – €1.91m allocation from Urban Regeneration and Development Fund.
Carton Avenue- Master Plan awaited.
Speed Limit Review – Public Consultation expected in August 2021.

Zero Waste Maynooth (ZWM) are back operating a clothes/books swap shop at the Rathcoffey Market on the first Saturday of the month and will be back in Community Space once conditions permit. Group will be running a number of online workshops later in the year on how to mend/reuse textiles and some special workshops in preparation for Christmas.
In order to reduce plastic waste, ZWM has a selection of reusable party kits available for hire for children’s parties.

Maynooth Cycling Campaign undertook a survey of Moyglare Road cycling facilities and outcome showed that 40% of pedestrians were using the road as the shared space, cycle and walking footpath, is totally inadequate and does not cater for the volume of cyclists and pedestrians heading to and from the Post Primary Schools and housing estates on route. This issue has to be addressed in the interests of health and safety of all road users in the area.

Councillor Updates:

Cllr. Hamilton updated on the speed limits review which is currently underway. Public Consultation scheduled for August and it is in everyone’s interest to have their say on this very important issue. On completion of the review KCC to install Jake’s Law 30km/h speed limit signs in estates that are taken-in-charge by KCC.
DZ update – The Department has not yet confirmed selected towns, however Maynooth’s selection as Kildare DZ town is not in question. CARO (Climate Action Regional Office) to attend Maynooth SEC meeting scheduled for July 5^th.
Cllr. Feeney advised that Kildare Gallery (based in Carton Demesne) has offered to donate a memorial piece of sculpture/art to Maynooth to mark our emergence from Covid-19 Pandemic.
Highlighted once again her ongoing campaign on the need for a Community Creche in Maynooth. There is a serious shortage of available spaces in the town and this is not being helped by developers who are not including the provision of a Creche facility in phase 1 of housing developments
Cllr. Durkan advised that permission for 1 Parklet applied for in Maynooth Main st. Detailed designs have to be submitted by the business and reviewed by the Planning Department. Permission for parklets is not permanent and will be reviewed.
Harbour Field – Covid has delayed the Part 8 Public Consultation but expected by the end of the summer. The provision of Interactive Information Boards will form part of this development.

Other updates

KCC to examine the possibility of providing covered bicycle parking facilities in KCC owned public car parks.
Proposal put to KCC to consider, in conjunction with St. Patrick’s College, the feasibility of establishing a camping/caravan amenity on the farmland to rear of the College. Would be added tourist attraction now that Greenway between Maynooth and Longford is fully operational.
Extra cleanups and bin emptying service, particularly in Harbour Field sanctioned by KCC. Seems to be working quite well.
Further Information requested by KCC on 2 significant planning applications – Glenveagh Homes Development on Parson Street and the Divine word student accomodation
Noise on the M4, KCC writing again to TII. Update due at the next MD meeting
The provision of water fountains is to be included in the public realm projects. While the actual water dispensers are inexpensive the plumbing costs can be quite costly.

MCC June 2021.