Councillor William Durkan

I: Clane-Maynooth MD: December 2025

Author: William Durkan

  • Clane-Maynooth MD: December 2025

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  • Full Council: November 2025

    The following was raised for discussion at the November meeting of Kildare County Council, held on 24/11/2025.

    An Comhairleoir – Councillor William Durkan
    That the council outlines how many streetlamps are under Kildare County Council management, how many have been replaced with modern LED lamps to date, and what plan does the council have to replace the remaining lamps.


    Report:     Kildare County Council currently manages 24,129 public lights. To date, 20,019 of these have been installed or retrofitted with energy-efficient LED lanterns, leaving 4,110 lights with older high-energy lanterns.
    The Council is currently undertaking a Public Lighting Energy Efficiency Project (PLEEP), which involves the survey, design and retrofitting all old high energy lanterns with energy efficient LED lanterns, under its control.
    The Council will continue to retrofit old high energy lanterns with energy efficient LED lanterns under the PLEEP and through our public lighting maintenance contract.

  • Clane-Maynooth MD: November 2025

    The below motions and questions were raised at the November 2025 meeting of the Clane-Maynooth Municipal District.

    Motion – Councillor William Durkan
    That the council inspects the low volume of speed signage in the Drehid and Gilltown areas, with the aim of improving coverage beyond what is currently there, or recommended by the design manual, to improve public safety.

    Report: The existing speed signage in this area is in compliance with the requirements of the Traffic Signs Manual. Prior to the reduction in the speed limits nationally on local roads, the same amount of signage was in place to advise drivers of the speed limit. It is not deemed necessary to install additional speed signage in rural areas.

    Motion – Councillor William Durkan
    That the council investigates the condition of footpaths in Anne Street, Prosperous and outlines any options to facilitate repair works.

    Report: The Municipal District Engineer will inspect the footpath in Anne Street and advise the members of the estimated cost of repairs to consider, ahead of the LPT allocations for 2026.

    Question – Councillor William Durkan
    Can the council provide an update on the schedule for implementation for ‘Jake’s Law’ speed reductions and the subsequent review of urban speed limits within the municipal district?

    Report: The submission period for the Proposed 30 KPH Speed Limit in Residential Housing Estates Taken in Charge (Jake’s Law) process closes on the 4 November 2025. Following this, a report will be prepared and presented to the elected members. It is then a matter for Full Council to approve or reject the proposed changes to the speed limit by-laws. It is expected that this process can be completed by the end of 2025. A commencement date in 2026 will then need to be agreed so that the ordering and implementation of the appropriate poles and signage along with any other statutory consultations can take place. A review of urban speed limits will commence following the conclusion of the vote by the elected members of the above Jake’s Law process.

    Question – Councillor William Durkan
    Can the council provide an update on the Safe Routes to School assessment in the case of Prosperous National School?

    Report: An Tasice/Green Schools has shared an Outline Delivery Plan for Scoil an Linbh Íosa, Prosperous as part of the Safe Routes to School Programme. This Outline Delivery Plan contains supporting and sorting documentation from the parent survey and audits carried out for the school. The Sustainable Transport Section is examining this outline delivery plan and will be arranging a meeting with the principals in the first instance and then progressing a design for consultation to be shared with elected members at that time.

  • Clane-Maynooth MD: October 2025

    Motion – Councillor William Durkan
    That the council conducts a traffic survey in Johnstown Bridge to identify means of improving traffic management, in the context of new housing developments in the town.
    Report: A traffic study can be completed as requested.

    Question – Councillor William Durkan
    Can the council confirm any plans to expand the winter salting routes in the Broadford Village area?
    Report: The objective of the Kildare County Council’s Winter Maintenance Plan is to keep all principal roads in the county open to traffic, free from ice and safe to travel on. Kildare County Council treat our National Secondary, Regional and Local Roads. National Primary and Motorway routes are dealt with by contractors on behalf Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII).
    The Kildare County Council Winter Maintenance Plan and map of routes are prepared annually and updated on our website.
    Kildare County Council currently operate 10 routes within its Winter Maintenance Programme, treating approximately 705km of the Local, Regional and National Secondary Road Network in the county.

    This equates to the treatment of approximately 26.5 % of Kildare’s road infrastructure. Including all Motorway and National Primary roads treated by TII,
    30.3% of all Public Roads within County Kildare are treated. This is higher than neighbouring counties, who treat between 24-26 % of their road network.
    This requires a significant input of resources, including 24 drivers, vehicles, equipment, technical and administrative staff and operates at a considerable cost.
    Kildare County Council’s salting trucks on all routes are running at capacity at present, precluding the Council from adding new roads to the current salting routes without removing the service from another area of the county.
    Please note that at times of severe weather conditions, Kildare County Council staff, during the working day, may give priority to other roads and junctions outside of our standard routes that need treatment. This may include snow clearing and salting on additional roads at critical locations. Therefore, due to resource limitations, it is not possible to facilitate this request for further routes to be added to the current Winter Maintenance Plan.

    Question – Councillor William Durkan
    Can the council confirm any plans to improve the bus stop at Carbury Mushrooms to include improved bus stop cover?
    Report: This bus stop has been included on the list for improvement under the Kildare Bus Stop Enhancement Programme (BSEP) funded by the National Transport Authority (NTA).
    Kildare County Council is awaiting details from the NTA’s supplier for the new bus shelter designs and specifications. When received, Kildare County Council will then be in a position to progress the BSEP to include the installation of new bus shelters throughout County Kildare.

    Motion – Councillor William Durkan
    That the council provides an update on the Mobile Library Service within the municipal district and identifies any required supports to maintain and improve the service.
    Report: The Library Service has a new driver recently appointed for the Mobile Library Service. After a break of 7 months the service is now back in operation since Tuesday 30 September beginning with the Kill route. The service in the Clane Maynooth Municipal District will be back on the Prosperous route commencing on Tuesday 14 October. This good news story has been shared with primary schools and mobile library users on all routes and announced through the Kildare Library Service social media.
    Further good news is that the procurement for a new mobile library vehicle funded by a capital grant from the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht (DRCDG) with match funding from Kildare County Council has been completed.

    There is a lead time of approximately 14 months from order to delivery of a bespoke designed mobile library vehicle. This new mobile library will be fuelled by Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO), include solar panels, will be fully accessible, have access to Wi-Fi and digital technology. On delivery of this new vehicle the Library Service plans to explore options to extend the service and use the mobile library for expanded outreach to communities in Kildare and as a Library Service promotional tool at events and festivals. The elected members will be kept informed when the new vehicle arrives in late Quarter 4 2026.

  • Full Council: September 2025

    Motion: Councillors Brendan Wyse, Daragh Fitzpatrick, William Durkan, Evie Sammon, Ivan Keatley, Fintan Brett, Donna Phelan, Carmel Kelly, Paul Ward, Angela Feeney, Paula Mulroe, Pádraig McEvoy, Mark Leigh, Aoife Breslin, Bill Clear and Ger Dunne:

    That the council updates the elected members with reports, draft designs, works completed and required resources to improve safety on the 10 junctions identified in Phase 1 of the Junction Improvement Programme, which commenced in April 2022. These junctions being Dag Weld’s Cross, Prosperous Village, Allenwood Cross, Firmount Cross, Cloncurry Cross, Bert’s Cross, Perry Street Cross, Watchhouse Cross, Thompson’s Cross and Allen Cross.

    REPORT:

    Allenwood: Design of signals complete, finalising tender and drawings for consenting phase. Next steps: Complete consenting phase and move to construction.

    Prosperous: New school development conditioned to upgrade junction crossing.

    Dag Welds: Phase 1 complete, finalising tender and drawings for consenting phase. Phase 2 which entails the introduction of a stagger will require land acquisition and a Part 8 process due to the extent of the scheme. Next Steps: Complete consenting phase and move to construction for Phase 1. Begin engagement with the relevant landowners to discuss land acquisition to allow Phase 2 to progress.

    Cloncurry: Project Team to review options report received. Scheme to be developed thereafter however the other junctions (Allenwood, Dag Welds and Watchhouse) will be prioritised.

    Firmount: Project Team to review options report received. Scheme to be developed thereafter however the other junctions (Allenwood, Dag Welds and Watchhouse) will be prioritised.

  • Clane-Maynooth MD: September 2025

    Motion – Councillor William Durkan
    That the council provides additional signage and road markings at the single-lane bridge on the L-1004 between Hortland Solar Farm and Knockanally to improve public safety.

    Report: The Municipal District Engineer will inspect this location and install additional signs and lines as required.

    Motion – Councillor William Durkan
    That the council provides additional traffic calming measures, to include additional signage and road markings, on the R-407 between Mainham Cemetery and Clongowes Wood College, Clane.

    Report: The Municipal District Engineer will arrange for a speed survey to be carried out at this location. The result of this survey will guide any proposal for traffic calming at this location.

    Question – Councillor William Durkan
    Can the council provide an update on works to provide a bus stop upgrade on the R148 adjacent to Broadford Village, and indicate an expected completion date?


    Report: The Section 38 public consultation process has been completed. Kildare County Council is awaiting confirmation from the National Transport Authority (NTA) about when they will be in a position to provide bus shelters for the various locations across the county. The shelters are not expected to be available until 2026.

    Question – Councillor William Durkan
    Can the council provide an update on the progress of Clane Library?


    Report: An update on the progress of Clane Library will be provided at the meeting.

  • Full Council: July 2025

    The below motion was raised at the July meeting of the Full Council on 28/07/2025.

    Motion: Councillors Peggy O’Dwyer, William Durkan and Brendan Wyse


    That the council writes to the Department of Climate, Energy and the Environment for a policy on the disposal of large nitrous oxide canisters.


    Report: The matter has been discussed at the Environment Strategic Policy Committee, and it might be helpful to provide some background to the issue.


    The safe disposal of potentially dangerous nitrous oxide canisters has in recent years become a major issue for the recycling and waste management industry.

    The gas is sold legally for medical, industrial and commercial purposes, and is easily obtained online. Revenue has the power to seize canisters of the gas where officers believe they are intended for illicit purposes.


    Kildare County Council has no facilities to store and dispose of these canisters, nor are they accepted by locally based waste collection operators for health and safety reasons.


    Due to the physical nature of the canister, it is difficult to ascertain if the product is empty or full. Whilst an empty canister is widely recyclable, if gas remains in the container, it may explode if crushed – it cannot be processed through standard recycling facilities.


    This issue of disposal is not unique to Kildare and is rather a national issue that requires addressing at a nationwide level.

    I would therefore be pleased to support the request to formally write to the Department as outlined in the notice of motion.

    Notes: Members agreed to write to the department, with an update on the reply to issue at a later date.

  • Clane-Maynooth MD: July 2025

    The following motions and questions were raised at the Clane-Maynooth Municipal District meeting held on 04th July 2025.

    Motion – Councillors Tim Durkan and William Durkan
    That Kildare County Council makes school wardens available on the Celbridge Road, Maynooth as a matter of urgency given a recent accident.


    Report: A School Warden is employed part time by the Local Authority, and operates under Section 96 of the 1961 Road Traffic Act (as amended). A warden can stop and hold traffic to allow school children cross the road safely, in the vicinity of a primary school. As the role of a school warden is to assist children to cross the road at school opening and closing times, it is not a permanent full-time provision. Therefore, Kildare County Council does not provide them at locations where there is an existing and functioning signalised crossing.


    The accident referred to in the motion did not occur at the signalised crossing, which is considered to be the most appropriate facility to control traffic and provide a designated crossing point for children, guardians and local residents.

    Motion – Councillor William Durkan
    That the council provides a costing and identifies suitable funding streams for works to include the reinstatement and repointing of the parapet structure at Merrymann Bridge, Derrinturn.

    Report: There is no funding available for the proposed works as this is not a masonry arch bridge but a remanent of an older structure that has been replaced by a pipe culvert

    Question – Councillor William Durkan
    Can the council outline plans to improve safety at Firmount Cross, Prosperous Road, Clane?

    Report: This junction is included in the Junction Improvement Project and an options report has been received. This will be reviewed and a plan for improvements developed, however there are no resources available at present to progress this work stream as the junctions at Allenwood and Dag Welds are being prioritised.

    Question – Councillor William Durkan
    Can the council outline what plans will be in place following completion of the Capdoo Link Road, Clane to assess overall traffic management within the town and expected timeline for same?

    Report: There are no plans to carry out any assessments following the completion of the Capdoo Link Road.

  • Clane-Maynooth MD: June 2025

    Please see below the motions and questions raised at the 06th June meeting of the Clane-Maynooth Municipal District.

    Motion – Councillor William Durkan
    That the council improves the junction of the L-10091 with L-1009 adjacent to Donadea Forest Park, to include road markings and improved sight lines.

    Report: The Municipal District Engineer has requested that the road markings at this location be renewed by the appointed line marking contractor. The existing adjoining property boundaries do not allow for the sightline to be improved without land take

    Motion – Councillor William Durkan
    That the council installs a columbarium wall in Mainham Cemetery, Clane in order to suitably cater for future local need.


    Report: With the members’ agreement, and subject to available capital funding, the council will include provision of a Columbarium Wall in Mainham Cemetery in its works programme for 2025/2026.

    Question Councillor William Durkan
    Can the council investigate the communications board in Prosperous Playground with a view to fixing the broken QR code link?


    Report: The QR code issue will be investigated and fixed.

    Question –Councillor William Durkan
    Can the Council provide an overview of the volume of social housing stock provided by Kildare County Council in the Clane-Maynooth Municipal District in the 2020 -2025 period, and outline projections for future supply?

    Report: There have been 659 units provided in the Clane Maynooth MD since 01/01/2020.
    290 units were provided through Part V, Turnkey, Direct Sales and Capital Projects.
    369 units were provided through Leasing and Approved Housing Body Programmes.
    The current projections are 106 further units to deliver by year end 2026.

  • Full Council: May 2025

    The following was raised for discussion at the May meeting of the Full Kildare County Council on Monday 26/05/2025

    Motion: Councillors Fintan Brett, Paul Ward, Brendan Wyse, Tim Durkan, Daragh Fitzpatrick, William Durkan and Kevin Duffy


    That the council commits to bi-monthly in person meetings to address and work through Unauthorised Developments with members.


    Report: The Executive notes the request from the elected members for a commitment to a bi-monthly in person meeting to address and work through unauthorised developments in the County.

    In this regard the growing concerns of the members relating to a significant increase in alleged unauthorised developments throughout the County are shared by the Executive who have initiated a number of processes and procedural improvements with the aim of addressing these concerns, including the development of new IT systems, triaging enforcement cases as received and careful allocation of complaints by matching the complexity and severity of the case in question with the experience and expertise of enforcement team. Indeed, we have also recently supplemented the Planning Enforcement Team in Kildare County Council which now totals 9 full-time staff.


    For context, the Planning Enforcement Section carries out its enforcement functions in accordance with the provisions of Part VIII of The Planning and Development Act 2000 as amended. Such provisions are an Executive function of the Local Authority with Schedule 15 section 151 setting out details in regard to the functions to be carried out by a Managers Order including ‘a decision to take legal proceedings’.

    The timeframes involved in the enforcement process are set out as follows:

    In addition to the above, the members will be aware that Alleged Offenders are provided with 6 months to remedy the unauthorised situation after which recurse to the courts is sought as soon as practicably possible.


    Notwithstanding the above referenced improvements, an additional objective of the Planning Enforcement Team is to establish a multi-disciplinary approach, with relevant state agencies, where a shared and collective aim will be to address specific cases of alleged unauthorised development and serial offenders. Such an approach is in the early stages of development with initial engagements providing a positive basis for dealing with specific cases currently in the system.
    Following on from the above, recent process improvements and measures are also being currently assessed for their potential to inform and supplement the level of information provided to the members through the monthly CE Reports. Such information and statistics may include details in regard to New Consultations/Cases, the number of cases closed, enforcement notices served, warning letters served, and cases referred to solicitors for review and legal proceedings.

    Noting the above and the significant workload of the Planning Team, the members will recall the Planning Functions Briefing for full council that was held in early 2025 whichoutlined the processes and procedures involved in all aspects of the planning function including enforcement process as well as a number of case examples and timelines.


    This initial briefing was a resounding success and as such, and in light of this motion, the Planning Department are agreeable to engage with the members through a further briefing. It should be noted however that while specifics relating to alleged unauthorised development files cannot be discussed, updates in regard to the status of active cases from a broad perspective can be provided.

    Note: Based on discussions in relation to this motion, it is expected that the executive will meet with Councillors in the coming month(s) to further discuss approaches to this topic.

  • Clane-Maynooth MD: May 2025

    The following questions and motions were raised at the Clane -Maynooth Municipal District meeting on Friday May 2nd 2025.

    Motion – Councillor William Durkan
    That the council provides a costing for upgrade works in the case of Clane Playground and provides an update on any progress to secure funding for such works.
    Report: A costing for the upgrade of Clane Playground will be prepared. Any funding required will have to be considered for the 2026 budget.

    Motion – Councillor William Durkan
    That the council inspects the condition of all signage in Clane Town with a view to cleaning and improving overall presentation.
    Report: Municipal District office will arrange to clean the signs in Clane Town.

    Question – Councillor William Durkan
    Can the council outline plans to improve pedestrian access from the Boreen Road to Straffan Town Centre, in line with the 2024 Straffan Village Renewal Masterplan?

    Report: There is no funding available to advance the Straffan Village Renewal Master Plan.

    Note: Following discussion on this topic, and related topics brought by other members, KCC agreed to visit the site for inspection.

    Question – Councillor William Durkan
    Can the council provide an update on the current number of vacant properties under Kildare County Council ownership within the Clane LEA and what actions are being taken to address same?
    Report: The monthly vacant house report provides info on the number of vacant properties by Municipal District. As of 28 April 2025, there are currently 36 units of Kildare County Council housing stock within the Clane Maynooth Municipal District that are currently vacant. This represents approximately 0.5 % of our total housing stock.

    The breakdown is as follows:

    Carbury 1
    Clane 10
    Coill Dubh 2
    Derrinturn 2
    Kilcock 4
    Kilmeague 3
    Maynooth 3
    Prosperous 5
    Rathcoffey 1
    Robertstown 4
    Straffan 1


    Of these 36 properties, 26 are currently assigned to Clerks of Works for scheduling of repairs required to bring them back into the stock available for allocation.
    These are at various stages of delivery (inspection/scheduling/procurement/construction etc.)

    This leaves the remaining 10 that will be assigned to our Clerks of Works for scheduling as the works are completed on the other units.

  • Clane Maynooth MD: April 2025

    Please find below the list of motions and questions raised for discussion at the Clane-Maynooth Municipal District on April 4th 2025.

    Motion – Councillor William Durkan
    That the council installs additional accessible parking bays at Timahoe National School (x2) and Prosperous National School (x1).

    Report: The Municipal District Engineer will assess this request at each school and subject to funding being available, the request can be progress through the required process.

    Note: Further discussion on this topic during the meeting was very positive for both cases. In particular, Timahoe National School was already inspected and no issues to delivery identified. While some further planning was needed in the case of Prosperous, no significant issues were expected.

    Motion – Councillor William Durkan
    That the council inspects Clonuff Lane, Broadford (L10021), to review the road condition and consider inclusion on the 2025 Works Programme.

    Report: This road will be assessed and if works are required, they will be included in the Road Works Programme 2025, subject to funding being available.

    Question – Councillor William Durkan
    Can the council provide an update on when a timeline for individual school zone marking works within the municipal district will be available?

    Report: The members allocated LPT funding to these works at a special meeting in March. The Municipal District Office is currently preparing to engage with the Road Markings Contractor to carry out the required markings at each school. It is anticipated that these markings will be carried out during May and June, but the works are weather dependant.

    Question – Councillor William Durkan
    Can the council provide an update on the identification and prioritisation of planned bus stop improvement works within the municipal district?

    Report: There are over 500 existing bus stop locations in County Kildare. Kildare County Council is working with the National Transport Authority (NTA) to review and prioritise improvements to bus stop infrastructure. When this review is complete, a list of potential bus shelters and other improvements for locations will be prepared and appropriate public consultation undertaken. The provision of stop poles and associated timetable information at existing bus stops on local link routes are being prioritised to link rural communities to more urban areas.

  • Full Council: March 2025

    The following motion was raised at the March Full Council meeting on 31.03.25.

    Motion: Councillor William Durkan

    That the council extends the eligible works under the Housing Aid for Older People Grant to include the provision of external security lighting.

    Report: The Housing Aid for Older People Grant Scheme is available to assist older

    people living in poor housing conditions to have necessary repairs or improvements

    carried out to their homes, it provides financial assistance to households to carry out essential repairs.

    On receipt of this motion, the Housing Department contacted the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage to enquire if security lighting can be funded, they advised that security lighting is not eligible for funding.

    Issued by: A/Director of Services, Housing and Regeneration

    Notes: Further discussions highlighted the potential to pursue alternative funding streams at the MD level for localised targeted schemes.

  • Clane-Maynooth MD: March 2025

    Please find below the list of motions and questions raised for discussion at the Clane-Maynooth Municipal District on March 7th 2025.

    Motion – Councillor William Durkan
    That the council contacts Waterways Ireland to improve Greenway access, to allow parking provision and enhanced sight lines, at Kilmore Bridge on the L1003.

    Report: With the members agreement, Kildare County Council will make contact with Waterways Ireland

    Note: Agreed by members

    Motion – Councillor William Durkan
    That the council conducts a stencilling campaign to raise awareness of dog fouling issues at Nancy’s Lane in Clane, in conjunction with additional signage.

    Report: The council will facilitate provision of stencilling at the location in Clane as requested in the Notice of Motion. Signage has also been provided to the councillor and local residents.

    Question – Councillor William Durkan
    Can the council outline an expected timeline for the installation of chevron signs on the R401 near Carrick Hill?

    Report: These chevrons will be installed in the next 4 weeks.

    Question – Councillor William Durkan
    Can the council provide an update of any actions taken to advance a solution to wastewater issues in Mooretown Drive, Rathcoffey?
    Report:     Uisce Eireann have been contacted via the dedicated email address in relation to this issue. As soon as correspondence is received members will be notified.

  • Full Council: February 2025

    Councillors Brendan Wyse, Lumi Panaite Fahey, William Durkan, Peggy O’Dwyer, Tracey O’Dwyer and Ivan Keatley


    Motion: That the council prepares a plan of action, with target timelines for completion, to work in conjunction with the NTA and Local Link to install bus stops with timetables at all bus stop locations for all daily Local Link routes in the county.


    Report: The Council has received notification of funding of €500,000 for 2025 from the National Transport Authority for a bus stop enhancement programme. The council has held an initial meeting with the NTA and are awaiting details of the programme and in particular the recoupment process for claims, including expenditure from previous bus stop/shelter programmes. The council welcomes the streamlining of interaction and the clear line of communication with a nominated member of staff from the NTA. Regular progress meetings are scheduled with council staff so that agreement can be reached on a programme of works for 2025 and future years.


    In parallel, the council currently holds regular update meetings with the TFI Local Link Kildare South Dublin Manager. Staff are working closely with this Transport Coordination Unit to develop a framework within which the provision of bus stop infrastructure can be most effectively delivered across the county. To that end, the proposed Route 888 is being used to test a new process and consultation which has improved the levels of coordination and cooperation between TFI Local Link and the Council.


    Once work has been completed on this working procedure and clarity received from the NTA on procurement processes, then an update and timescale for a rolling programme of implementation works can be developed and shared with members.


    Issued by: Ms C Barrett, A/Director of Services, Transport, Mobility and Open Spaces