Councillor William Durkan

I: Clane-Maynooth MD: December 2025

Tag: local-government

  • 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: 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: 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.

  • 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.

  • Clane-Maynooth MD: July 24

    Motions & Questions Raised at the Clane-Maynooth Municipal District July 2024 Meeting:

    Motion – Councillor William Durkan
    That the council provides urgent footpath repairs in the case of Donore Cottages, due to safety and accessibility concerns raised by residents in the area.
    Report: There is no funding allocated in the 2024 budget to repair these footpaths. The Municipal District office will add this request to the list and should funding become available, works will be scheduled. Otherwise, this request can be considered as part of the 2025 works programme.


    Motion – Councillor William Durkan
    That the council provides signage at the gateway points of Johnstownbridge Village, in line with similar measures in other towns in the area.
    Report: The Johnstownbridge Village Renewal Masterplan has been developed and agreed in consultation with residential and commercial stakeholders in town/village, the elected members and the relevant departments within the Local Authority. Some projects will be delivered in the short term and others in the medium to longer term, taking into account funding availability, land ownership etc. The Masterplan is an important tool that will enable Kildare County Council and the community to apply for a range of funding schemes, including the Rural Regeneration Development Fund and the Town and Village funding where a greater priority is given to the funding of projects which are considered part of an overall village plan. Currently Strategic Projects and Public Realm do not have funding in place for the delivery of the village gateways projects. Projects will be delivered when funding becomes available through the various Town Renewal funding streams, Local Property Tax or in partnership with other Local Authority Departments to leverage available funding from other work programmes. It should be noted that the projects identified in the Masterplan are conceptual only and may be subject to appropriate planning consents and further consultation processes prior to detail design and construction stage.

    Question – Councillor William Durkan
    Can the council provide an update on when road works will be completed in the case of the L-5071 through Staplestown Village?
    Report: The Municipal District office is currently reviewing the budgets for resurfacing in 2024. A decision on the Staplestown Village works will be made in mid-July 2024.

    Question – Councillor William Durkan
    Can the council provide an update on when road works will be completed in the case of the L-5008 Road at Clogherinkoe?
    Report: The resurfacing of this road is currently awarded to a contractor and works should be completed within the next two months.