Council Archives

Heritage Centre in Jigginstown Castle, Industrial sites at Newhall, Consultant Fees

Tue 22 Apr 2003

(a) “That Naas Town Council requests the Department of the Office of the Board of Works to set up a Heritage Centre in Jigginstown Castle.

The motion was proposed by Cllr Conway and seconded by Cllr Moore. In proposing the motion Cllr Conway referred to the works which were presently being undertaken at Jigginstown Castle. He stated that the lower portion of the castle was in very good condition and he was seeking the support of the Council to request the Office of the Board of works to develop a Heritage Centre. Following a short discussion on the motion, the motion was agreed by the Council.

(b) “That the industrial sites at Newhall be advertised and the criteria for allocation be established.”

The motion was proposed by Cllr Conway and seconded by Cllr Callaghan. In response to the motion the Town Clerk indicated it was already agreed that the availability of all industrial sites would be advertised and that expressions of interest would be invited. In proposing the motion Cllr Conway stated that these lands will become accessible after the access road has been built by Aldi. He stated that council wished to facilitate small industries in establishing businesses and the Council should now proceed with the matter. Cllr Conway stated that the Council would need to establish criteria for the allocation of the sites. A discussion then took place on the motion during which Members expressed their support for the motion. The motion was agreed.

Submitted by Cllr Conway

(c) “That the County and Town Manager should be allowed to bargain for the best value Consultant Fees.”

The motion was proposed by Cllr Conway and seconded by Cllr Bracken. In response to the motion the Town Clerk stated that approved scales of fees had been set by the Department of the Environment and Local Government for the employment of consultants on public works contracts. However the Council did negotiate reductions in relation to these fees and had secured some reduction of fee on the Caragh Road Housing Development. The report indicated that the Council would always attempt to obtain a fee less than that on the approved scale. In proposing the motion Cllr Conway said that consultant fees on the Caragh Road are very high and that this is having an adverse impact on the cost of the houses. He stated that in the future the fees should be negotiated by the Town Manager and the Town Clerk. Following a short discussion on the motion, the motion was approved by the Council.