Councillor William Durkan

I: Clane-Maynooth MD: July 2025

Author: William Durkan

  • 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available for the proposed works as this is not a masonry arch bridge but a remanent of an older structure that has been replaced by a pipe culvert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

  • Clane-Maynooth MD: February 2025

    The below Motions and Questions were raised at the February 2025 meeting of the Clane-Maynooth Municipal District:

    Motion – Councillor William Durkan

    That the council identifies the most suitable design/location for a pedestrian crossing in Broadford Village to connect the car park with the school and church and provides a costing estimate for same.

    Report: The request has been added to a list of similar requests in the County and shall be examined when staff resources are available.

    Motion – Councillor William Durkan

    That the council conducts a review of ‘Nan Brennan’s’ Junction on the L1002 near Calfstown in order to improve road safety in the area.

    Report: Kildare County Council is currently progressing a junction improvement project that is looking at ten junctions across the county. This project focuses on locations of interest identified in the Collision Analysis for Regional Road Network work completed by the Department of Transport Support Office.

    This location is not identified in this collision analysis, nor has it been included in the low-cost safety improvement schemes that are to be delivered in 2025. Kildare County Council does not have the funding or resources to review junctions that fall outside of these criteria.

    Question – Councillor William Durkan

    Can the council outline an expected timeline for the completion of all stages of the ongoing speed limit review within the municipal district?

    Report: During 2024 Kildare County Council (KCC) undertook a public consultation process for the review of speed limits on rural local roads. This review arose from recent legislation (Road Traffic Act 2024) which provides for the phased lowering of default speed limits in Ireland.

    Question – Councillor William Durkan

    Can the council outline the number of potential ‘serviced site’ schemes that may be advanced within the municipal district over the coming years, and what conditions are needed to progress same.

    Report: The Serviced Sites Scheme for County Kildare which sets out the terms and conditions for compliance with the scheme is available on the Council website. Volume 2 of the Kildare County Development Plan 2023-2029 identifies all sites designated “Serviced Sites” across the county.

    The Council are currently running a serviced sites pilot scheme in Clogherinkoe, in the Clane – Maynooth Municipal District. Further pilots will be determined on completion on the current project in Clogherinkoe and subject to resources.

  • Full Council: January 2025

    The below Motions were raised at the January meeting of the Full Council:

    Councillors Tracey O Dwyer, William Durkan, Brendan Wyse, Evie Sammon, Peggy O Dwyer, Kevin Duffy, Fintan Brett, Paul Brooks, Lumi Panaite Fahey and Tim Durkan

    That Kildare County Council meets with the ESB for the purpose of agreeing a streamlined internal reporting, tracking and payment system to include an agreed turnaround timeline for repairs to public lighting.

    Report: The public lighting infrastructure consists of approximately 26,000 public lights. The maintenance of public lighting is contracted to Killaree Lighting Services who are required to address all faults within an agreed timescale. A significant portion of the public lighting infrastructure consists of direct fed lighting where there is no interface between the ESB infrastructure and the Local Authority infrastructure and in these cases the public lighting contractor requires the input of the ESB to repair. Kildare County Council are in communication with the ESB to resolve the ongoing delays in the repair of public lighting faults and will arrange to meet with the ESB again in this regard.

  • Clane-Maynooth MD: January 2025

    The below Motions and Questions were raised at the January 2025 meeting of the Clane-Maynooth Municipal District:

    Motion – Councillors Tim Durkan, William Durkan and Brendan Wyse

    That the members allocate €300,000 of LPT money to the area engineer to deliver safety improvement works outside all national schools within the Clane-Maynooth Municipal District to include pencil bollards, school zone road markings and warning lights.

    Report: The allocation of funding under LPT is a matter for the members to agree.

    *Subsequently Agreed and Accepted

    Motion – Councillor William Durkan

    That the council adds roads at Dunfeirth Crossroads, both westbound (L-1004) and southbound (L-5013), to the 2025 works programme regarding resurfacing and road markings.

    Report: This request will be considered as part of the road works programme for 2025.

    Question – Councillor William Durkan

    Can the council provide an update on the pending ESB connection to lights at Boherhole Cross, and expected completion date?

    Report: Due to storm Daragh, there has been an increase in the number of outages. ESB have advised us that they are still overwhelmed by the workload resulting from storm Daragh and are prioritising restoring power to homes. Unfortunately, we are unable to give an expected date as it out of the control of Kildare County Council and the Public Lighting Contractor. We will continue liaise with ESB to prioritise the work.

    Question – Councillor William Durkan

    Can the council confirm if it has any plans to develop amenities at Johnstown Bridge?

    Report: There are no immediate plans to develop amenities at Johnstown Bridge. It has been identified as a location to provide a playground in in the Kildare Play Strategy. This would require the identification of an appropriate site and funding to provide it.

  • Clane-Maynooth MD: November 2024

    The below Motions and Questions were raised at the November 2024 meeting of the Clane-Maynooth Municipal District:

    Motion – Councillor William Durkan

    That the council arrange a site visit with residents of Anne Street, Prosperous to consider faded road markings and the condition of footpaths in the estate.

    Report: The Municipal District Engineer will carry out an inspection of the road markings and footpaths in Anne Street and carry out any routine maintenance required

    Question – Councillor William Durkan

    Can the council confirm any plans to update the westbound bus stop at the Broadford Junction on the R148, following recent welcome improvements to the eastbound stop at this location?

    Report: Kildare County Council is awaiting the appointment of a new staff member to progress bus stop infrastructure improvement works. When this occurs, the team will review and examine the list of existing bus stops across the county and produce a priority list, broken down by Municipal District area.

    Question – Councillor William Durkan

    Can the council confirm any plans to review traffic management at the crossroads in Prosperous Town, with a view to improving public safety?

    Report: Improvements to this junction have been conditioned as part of the extension to the adjacent secondary school and will be completed prior to the occupation of the new school.

  • Full Council: October 2024

    The below Motions were raised at the October 2024 meeting of the Full Council:

    Councillor William Durkan

    That the council outlines the proportion of existing housing stock that is suitable for tenants with mobility/accessibility issues, how this relates to the proportion of those on Kildare County Council’s housing list that have documented mobility/accessibility concerns, and comment on suitable provision plans moving forward.

    Report: In terms of the proportion of existing Kildare County Council housing stock that is adapted for mobility issues, only figures from 2014 are available. Adaptations to Kildare County Council owned properties are carried out through the Disabled Persons Grant Scheme (DPG). Works eligible under the DPG scheme include bathroom adaptations, stairlifts, ramps and the provision of extensions for ground floor living. Below is the number of DPGs completed per year:

    YearDPG’s completed
    201414
    201514
    201631
    201746
    201843
    201956
    202021
    202128
    202248
    202368
    2024 to date42
    Total411

    The National Housing Strategy for Disabled People 2022-2027 sets out the framework for the delivery of housing for people with a disability through mainstream housing policy. This reflects Government policy that all public services should meet the needs of people with disabilities as an integral part of their function, i.e. mainstreaming of services to people with disabilities. An action of this Strategy required the establishment of Housing Disability Steering Groups and membership in Kildare has senior housing staff, senior staff from the HSE, representatives from local disability advocacy groups and people with lived experience. The Kildare Housing and Disability Strategy 2022-2027 has been prepared and agreed by the Housing Disability Steering Group in accordance with national policy and the vision is to facilitate access for disabled persons to the appropriate range of housing and related support services, delivered in an integrated and sustainable manner, which promotes equality of opportunity, individual choice and independent living.

    Kildare County Council’s County Development Plan 2023-2029 is committed to implementing the frameworks for the delivery of housing for disabled people as set out under the ‘National Housing Strategy for Disabled People 2022-2027’ and identifies actions to ensure all KCC new build housing stock is in compliance with Part M of the Building Regulations, that 10% of acquired housing stock meets the needs of those with a disability and 12% of Kildare County Council new builds are universally designed and to monitor the number of housing acquisitions and new builds and ensure that they meet the needs of those with a disability.

    In County Kildare there are currently 3,450* (excluding those in receipt of HAP/RAS) people assessed as needing social housing support. Of the total number, currently 342 applicants have been assessed based of disability needs. Analysis of these applications would further inform the requirements in terms of unit size, location, design and any other specific needs. The table below details the categories of identified need based on information provided at the time of receipt of the housing application. Applications from individuals residing in congregated settings have been discounted from the 342 as they are accounted for separately under Congregated Settings.

    CategoryTotal
    Physical88
    Sensory20
    Mental Health79
    Intellectual155
    Total342

    Table 1: Category of Identified Need

    Of the 342 identified above, 85 of these are council tenant transfer requests. In the event of a person’s accommodation becoming unsuitable due to disability, priority is given for transfer to a suitable property if available.

  • Clane-Maynooth MD: October 2024

    The below Motions and Questions were raised at the October 2024 meeting of the Clane-Maynooth Municipal District:

    Motion – Councillor William Durkan

    That the council provides a costing for the provision of pedestrian lights in Broadford Village to improve the safety of school and church users in the area.

    Report: This request has been added to list of similar type requests in the County and the location shall be assessed to determine what/if any measures are required when resources become available.

    Motion – Councillor William Durkan

    That the council provides a costing for the resurfacing of the L-70781 near Cock Bridge (off R409) and clarify the extent of the lane that is in the charge of Kildare County Council.

    Report: The cost to resurface this road would be estimated to be in the region of €70,000. This is an estimate and could not be confirmed until tenders would be received. The pavement management system shows 526 metres of the road as listed in charge; however, the Municipal District Engineer understands that the lane is in charge to the last bend.

    Question – Councillor William Durkan

    Can the council provide an update on the conduct of a speed limit review in the case of Kilshanroe Village, as discussed at the previous meeting?

    Report: A 2023 Speed Limit Review was completed by the Department of Transport. Based on a direction (RS01/2024) received from the Department of Transport the following default speed limits are to be implemented:

    • 30km/h (Urban Areas)
    • 60 km/h (Rural Local Roads)
    • 80km/h (National Secondary Roads)
    •  

    The default speed limits are to take effect on a staggered basis with provisional commencement dates as follows:

    • End of November 2024 for Rural Local Roads.
    • First part of 2025 for National Secondary Road and Urban Speed Limits

    Kilshanroe Village is located on a Regional Road (R402) and is not being examined as part of the current phase of works (rural local roads).

  • Clane-Maynooth MD: September 2024

    The below Motions and Questions were raised at the September 2024 meeting of the Clane-Maynooth Municipal District:

    Motion – Councillor William Durkan

    That the council provides a costing for additional traffic calming measures and school zone markings in the case of Kilshanroe Village, so that this may be considered in upcoming budget discussions.

    Report: There are no plans to carry out additional traffic calming measures in Kilshanroe Village. Extensive traffic calming measures were carried out as part of the upgrading of the R403. The cost of providing school zone markings outside the school in Kilshanroe would be in the region of €10,000.

    Motion – Councillor William Durkan

    That the council conducts urgent maintenance and clearance in the case of the Ard Carraig to Woodview footpath in Clogharinkoe Village.

    Report: An inspection of this site will be carried out to ascertain the works required and maintenance and clearance works will be carried out

    Question – Councillor William Durkan

    Can the council outline if additional road markings, to include centre meridian line, are planned in the case of the recently resurfaced Johnstownbridge to Dunfeirth road, and when they may be completed?

    Report: Following on from the summer works programme, a list of road markings required are awaiting actioning by Kildare County Council’s appointed road marking contractor. It is anticipated that these will be completed in the coming weeks. This will include a centre line along this road.

    Question – Councillor William Durkan

    Can the council clarify the party responsible for maintenance of Derrycrib Lane, Donadea so that it can be appropriately considered for maintenance funding?

    Report: Kildare County Council can confirm that this lane is not in charge of Kildare County Council. The ownership of the lane would be registered with land registry. Kildare County Council cannot advise who the owners of the lane are.