Recent News
Newbridge
On wishing the new Board of Newbridge Town Hall well at last week’s Municipal District, I requested feedback on the timeline’s progress for the Town Hall project, and on the submissions received for use.
The Council reported back that owing “to the level of inclement weather in recent weeks, a decision was made to repoint the external stonework to the Town Hall to prevent the risk of water ingress. This work is likely to take all of January and part of February”.
We can expect such issues with an old building. As I understand it, the Management Board, as formed, have had an initial meeting to review the progress on the works and consider approach in how the refurbished building might be made available for public use. This may also involve reviewing operational arrangements at other similar buildings in neighbouring counties.
Key to any decisions by the board, of a set of guidelines will be put in place on agreed usage whilst at the same time having available a Project Administrator who can manage the financial and occupation/use.
To date, 12 expressions of interest have been received and have been circulated to management board for consideration. The new management board of the Town Hall includes Mr Niall Bradley (Chair), Ms Mary Lonergan, Ms Paula Keegan, Mr Andrew Cross and Dr Adrian Mc Goldrick, all of whom deserve our thanks and gratitude for taking on the task as volunteers.
Athy
Darkness into Light
Darkness Into Light will take place for the first time in Athy on May 7th this year.
Truly an inspirational and inclusive event, under the umbrella of Pieta House, to remember the many loved ones lost to suicide.
Celebrate Life. Join us this year – online registrations will open in early March on dil.pieta.ie for what promises to be another morning to remember in over 100 venues across Ireland and internationally.
Athy
The Southern Distributor Road is our Number One priority and to ensure the delivery of same. For over 40 years, this issue has been on KCC’s planning table, with route proposals debated back and forth.
Along with Cllr Miley, I will be supporting Route C which will ensure the continuation of existing clubs Athy GFC, Athy Town AFC and Athy RFC which provide valuable sporting amenities. At the same time, the new road will provide a viable route for the much needed, and long awaited, distributor road for Athy. The economic benefit of this to Athy will be enormous from a social and economic point of view, along with job creation.
Athy
Official Opening of new Playground and Skate Park
It was an honour and my pleasure as Mayor of Kildare last year, to perform the official opening of the new playground and Skate Park at the People’s Park. These facilities provide a wonderful amenity to young children and youth in the area, and were funded by Kildare County Council, former Athy Town Council and Department of Children & Youth Affairs.
As Mayor of Kildare, Cllr Fiona O’Loughlin officially opens the new playground and Skate Park in Athy, joined by Kildare County Council Officials, Deputies Sean O’Fearghail and Martin Heydon and members of KCC.
Photos: Tony Keane
Kildare Town
PROPOSED TRAFFIC CALMING MEASURES – SECTION 38 OF THE ROAD TRAFFIC ACT 1994
- Kildare County Council, Roads, Transportation and Public Safety Department (Level 4),
Kildare County Council, Áras Chill Dara, Devoy Park, Naas, Co. Kildare - Kildare Library, Kildare Town Centre, Claregate Street, Kildare Town and is also be available to view here.
Newbridge
The refurbishment of the Town Hall has been a priority of mine, and indeed all who served on the Newbridge Town Commission and Council. I highlighted this as my main priority on becoming Mayor of the County and was delighted to sign the contract authorising the works.
The new management board of the Town Hall are
Mr. Niall Bradley (Chair)
Ms. Mary Lonergan
Ms. Paula Keegan
Mr. Andrew Cross
Dr. Adrian Mc Goldrick who deserve all our thanks and gratitude for taking on the task as volunteers.
The Board has commenced its work in considering submissions coming forward and examine how this building can be brought into optimum use for the community and town of Newbridge.
To help it in its deliberations, the board has identified the importance of letting the public see the building. It envisages inviting the people of Newbridge to experience the building in its restored state and hopefully inspire visitors and community groups to imagine a range of activities that could establish Newbridge Town Hall as an attractive destination and an event centre for the town and region. It believes that such an event should be carefully planned for optimum effect suggesting early in 2016.
Due to a delay in delivery of stone internal wall cladding and the need to repoint the stonework on the west gable wall, which recently showed dampness due to exceptionally heavy wind-driven rain the revised contract completion is now 26th January 2016. Key to any decisions by the board will be putting in place of a set of guidelines on agreed usage and at same time having available a project administrator who can manage the financial and occupation/use. To date 10 expressions of interest have been received and have been circulated to management board for consideration.
Rathangan
With the rebuild of the boys Primary School, it is important from a health and safety view that the road behind the school is dealt with. The Roads Design Department will meet with the Building Control Section to deal with this issue in early 2016.
Ballykelly Cross: Lowering of the speed limit at this busy junction has been included in the upcoming speed review.
Cul-de-sac at Lullymore: Lowering of the speed limit here has been included in the upcoming speed review.
Traffic Calming Measures roads either side of Ellistown GFC and onsite crèche.
A road marking scheme to highlight activities in the area to approaching motorists has been installed and completed.
Parking spaces for parents picking up/dropping off children at Lackagh school
The area engineer has met with the school to assess the situation and identify possible improvements. Once these options are considered, the office will be in a position to identify the affected landowners. Discussions will take place with residents’ subject to confirmation that funding is available to undertake the works in 2016. It should be noted that the Municipal District Office is considering this area for funding from the Department of Transport 2016 – 2018 Road Works Programme. Confirmation of funding availability will be made in early in 2016.
Official Opening of the Ryarc Centre, Rathangan
