Youghal Town Council Meeting October 2009
Report: Christy Parker    Email: news@youghalonline.com

Congratulations:
Cllr Eoin Coyne congratulated Youghal Under-16 “hurlers” (he meant footballers shurly!) for demolishing their Killeagh counterparts by 3-11 to 0-4 in the east Cork Juvenile football final. Cllr. Donie Daly paid tribute to the Youghal Cycling Club –and by inference all local participants- who partook in the recent inaugural All Ireland Cycle event on behalf of the Emer Casey Foundation. Cllr Sammy Revins congratulated Youghal Golf Club on winning the Munster Championship having, he said, omitted to mention it at the previous meeting. He realised they had subsequently lost in the All Ireland finals. Mayor Sandra McLellan gave credit to Youghal Celebrates History group for the recent weekend conference that, she said, was very well attended. Cllr Michelle Hennessy congratulated Cllr Coyne on his 21st birthday last Friday.

Town Foreman’s Report:

Cllr Barbara Murray asked if some bollards had been removed from New Catherine Street and also wondered where the sign for the street had gone. She also asked that the arrows on Nealon’s Quay car park be painted, even if the car spaces are not to be re-outlined.

Cllr Michael Beecher asked that paving and the gutter near the CYMS be repaired. He condemned dog fouling especially at early morning and evening time. He criticised unsociable behaviour by humans at Keane Park and North Abbey before concluding that people were being intimidated while paying respects to their loved ones by others climbing the walls to gain entrance out of hours.

Cllr Hennessy spoke of a serious problem with rats at Chestnut Drive. She called on council to out down poison, particularly at the front entrance where the problem was most manifest. The councillor said the public light was gone on the Green for the third time and residents were keen to have it fixed before Halloween.

Cllr Daly acknowledged the council staff for combating graffiti, which, he said, was springing up overnight. He also thanked them for a job well done on the Mill Road roundabout. He too condemned anti-social behaviour in the graveyard and observed that businesses were concerned about property as the annual degenerate Halloween ‘celebrations’ approached.

Cllr Liam Burke reminded that the diving board needed to be brought in. He also noted that the Clock Gate clock is “giving out false information” by chiming out of sync with the real time.

Cllr Coyne said drivers at Belmont Terrace on the Upper Strand cannot view the road clearly on exiting their drives and asked that a mirror be installed on the opposite pole to assist them.

Cllr Revins said Toymasters would like the bollards outside their premises to be converted to ‘drop bollards’ to facilitate Christmas deliveries. He said presently delivery trucks were parking at the rear of the property and delivering by the Mall Lane.

Cllr Mary Linehan Foley thanked the council, on behalf of residents for the racked off area at Dr Kennedy’s Place but added that a small bit of kerbing needed to be completed. She asked that a sign be erected or even a notice painted on a wall to alert people to the free parking at Catherine Street as many strangers don’t realise it. Signs were needed at the town’s entrances advising of the free hour street parking at lunchtime, along with free car parking. Town Clerk Liam Ryan said, ominously, that an upcoming meeting on paid parking review might alter that situation!

Cork County Council Items:

Town County Councillor Barbara Murray said she had raised the issue of public lighting at Foxhole at the recent Midleton Area Roads. Describing the area as a “particularly black spot,” she asked Town Engineer Paul Murray to assist in making the issue a priority with the ESB, especially as a new undertakers was due to commence business there, heralding a lot of activity.

Cllr Beecher said there was a dip in the road “the width of two lorry wheels” at the top of Sarsfield’s Terrace. He drew the Town Engineer’s attention to flooding at Quarry Road and reminded him that it is prevalent throughout the road, not just as section of it. Mr. Murray said there was “no funding available” to repair it. Cllr Beecher continued that hedging on the Inch Road beyond Kilnatoora was intruding onto the road and, with school buses traversing the area, needed rectifying.

Cllr Hennessy pointed out that the entrance to Copperally from Quarry Road needed reflectors to alert people in the dark that there is an entrance.

Quarryvale

Cllr Daly asked what consequence was it for Youghal that the NRA had taken control of some secondary roads. The Town Clerk said there is an ongoing debate regarding this issue and as soon as he receives clarification on the proposed allocation of grants to the NRA’s secondary roads section, he would inform him. Cllr Daly asked, tersely, for an update on the proposed work to render safe the exits onto the main road at Quarryvale, where drivers have their vision obstructed by illegally parked vehicles, whose drivers in turn usually access Crowley’s shop.

The Town engineer said he is “doing a land search” on who owns the property on the north side of the area and when he had that finished he’d do likewise regarding the south side. He would talk to the owners and make proposals then. He said he would “expedite” it as fast as he could, though funding, as always, may be an issue.

Cllr Burke said the twinning signs at either end of the town needed cleaning. He yet again inquired as to the missing concealed entrance sign for Summerdale Lawn. He drew attention to manhole work being done at the greyhound track that is carries neither warning sign nor reflectors on the rail surrounding it. The councillor asked for information on Redbarn’s Blue Flag potential having been on probation this past summer. The Town Manager, Patricia Power said she expected news from An Taisce in late October and remained “hopeful.” Cllr Burke concluded with a request –often made- for an update on progress for a new Youghal library.

Cllr Revins asked if the County Council intended making the New Line safer for children, citing it as “very dangerous” and needing footpaths,

Landfill charges

Cllr Linehan Foley referred to the “dip” at the top of Sardfield’s terrace as “more of a crater.” She recalled a Motion she had unanimously approved by the Council last May pertaining to objecting to the County Council’s €3 entrance fee to the landfill. She wondered had it ever been debated, or even considered in County Hall. The councillor said the charge was totally unfair, especially given that recycling was introduced and aired as “supposedly free.” She added that illegal dumping has increased since its introduction as hard-pressed householders struggle to pay it. The councillor urged that the issue be re-addressed to the County Council. Cllr Murray interceded that the matter of entrance fee to landfills was “hugely debated” at County Hall but objections were dismissed on the basis that funds were needed to run landfills and to install new facilities such as Bottle hill.

The Town Manager said that re-cycling was just another waste disposal method but not necessarily a free one. Cllr Linehan Foley begged to differ, saying the information intimated at the time contradicted that view.

Cllr Foley also alluded to people claiming to have been charged to dispose of electrical items at the site, contrary to advertised policy. The chamber roundly condemned this alleged practice and it is to be investigated.

Cllr Revins sought an update on the often-mentioned, much-desired and long- awaited Youghal Main Drainage Scheme. The Town Manager said the County Engineer is keen to address the Council –perhaps in December- on the issue and that it is a priority on his ‘assessment of needs’ list for submission to Cork County Council. The Town Clerk reminded that government funding would remain a crucial obstacle to be cleared nonetheless. Cllr Revins (FF) decided it would be FG problem in that case!

Mayor’s Business:

Mayor McLellan confirmed that the civic reception to honour the 50th anniversary of the Kathleen Keniry School of Dancing would occur on November 14th. (Contrary to misinterpretation, Ms Keniry is not retiring). A similar reception for local lad made GAA President, Christy Cooney, will take place on November 19th.

The Mayor said she and Cllr Beecher had attended a Fair Trade conference in Ballymun recently and arising from that, it is being mooted to hold a future Fair Trade conference in Youghal. ‘Conferences mean bodies in beds”, noted a delighted Cllr Murray, averting to tourism.  Mayor McLellan paid tribute to drugs co-ordinators Eric Trihy and Gordon Kinsley for their efforts expounded in the recent drugs awareness week. She said the two wished to liaise with the council and, as councillors can’t always easily attend public meetings, she has invited them to make a short presentation at a future council meeting.

Report by Cllr. Linehan Foley on the Tidy Towns Task Force.

Cllr Linehan’s detailed Adjudication Report on the Tidy Town’s Competition 2009 will be conveyed in a later edition. The report however sparked a strong rebuke from Cllr Beecher on owners of ‘derelict sites’ and question as to ‘what is being done about them?’ Town Clerk Liam Ryan said he had provided a list of potential derelict sites and was waiting for the Town Architect’s report before proceeding further. Cllr Beecher said he believed people bought properties and then just left them for want of finances and alleged that some owners “don’t give a hoot” about their properties.

Mr. Ryan claimed the number of such sites had declined considerably in recent years before outlining a two-pronged tactic designed to eradicate them. The council’s painting scheme was a grant-aided carried that showed people what to do and that had uplifted a lot of degenerating facades. A stick, by way of the Derelict Sites Act was also being employed to pull property owners into line. While the carrot was showing very positive effect, the stick was a “cumbersome” piece of legislation, as the Town Manager Patricia Power described it.  She said the County Council was becoming more systematic in employing it and would continue to seek court proceedings but that prevention of descent into dereliction (that be the carrot) was preferable. “Some properties only need a good power hosing,” said Cllr Murray.

Cllr Beecher said the residents were doing up their premises but others had come into town, bought property and let them degenerate. Cllr Daly cited Clancy’s as an example of extraordinary eyesore at the entrance to town. Mr Ryan said one could never eradicate all such sites and that the recession added the problem. He promised Cllr Beecher a copy of the legal definition of a derelict site “and that will change your mind.” Clancy’s it emerged would be merely “borderline” by legal definition. (Nobody questioned as to the likely status of the Moll Goggin’s apartment complex next door to it unfortunately!)

In conclusion, Mr Ryan surmised that a 3% levy on the owner of a derelict site means nothing if the banks have control of it and the owner is unable to pay. “And its only collectable after the property is sold,” observed the Town Manager.

Draft Policy Document of the Provision and Content on Pre-Tenancy Courses:

A report on this issue will follow in a future edition. Meanwhile Town Clerk Liam Ryan explained that the courses would explain what is involved for both council and tenants regarding maintenance, management and responsibilities pertaining to properties. Issues such as anti-social behaviour, waste management, rent payment, property purchasing, etc would also be addressed. He believed that Youghal enjoyed the best council estate standards in the county and associated this with RAPID, conscientious tenants and residents associations, whom it “was a privilege to work with.” He said people are actively working with the council and praised commitment to estate care “beyond their front door and into the common green areas.”

Cllr Daly welcomed the courses but asked that the public be informed as to the method of procedure and selection when local authority houses are being allocated. It was agreed that such information would be submitted to the Youghal News in due course.

Draft Bye Laws on the Prohibition of the Consumption of Intoxicating Liquor in Streets and Public Places Within the Urban District of Youghal.

Cllr Revins opened the discussion by suggesting that should this Draft legislation be accepted on the night, then Cork County Council would be invited to extend its remit to the Slob Bank and Claycastle. The chamber subsequently accepted the Draft document and it will now be subject to public submissions for six weeks. It will then be returned to the council and formally adopted with or without amendment. Cork County Council can then be asked to invoke it, said the Town Clerk.

The bye-law is effectively intended to counteract underage drinking and anti-social behaviour reflective of on-street alcohol abuse. It states that a person cannot consume intoxicating liquor on any street or public place or be in possession of any opened container of intoxicating liquor in such places, except in certain circumstances, such as specific patrons seated tables outside a licensed public house or restaurant, etc.

A fixed fine of €30 will be imposed for contravening the bye-law. Subsequent failure to pay this fine within 21 days will lead to court proceedings with a penalty not exceeding €650 on conviction. Appropriate signage will be erected. The Town Clerk explained that the council would supply fine books to the gardai who issue the fines. Subsequent revenue would be forwarded to the council.

While the bye-law was broadly welcomed, there was some discussion as to its application. Cllr Burke sought and was granted, to have the term “seashore” inserted within the definition of a public place. This, he said, would enforce the legislation from Gael Scoil corner to Green Park.

Cans and decanters

Cllr Murray wanted clarification that the law would not be enforced against people, perhaps even tourists, enjoying a “glass of wine during a picnic on the beach.” Cllr Linehan Foley reacted vociferously to this argument, stridently insisting that the law should apply equally to the “wine and caviar” set and the “God-help-us poor shagger with a can of cider sitting alongside me.” The point, considerably illustrated, proved as difficult to dislodge, as would presumably the man with the cider. Cllr Murray sought to paint of scene of idyllic middle-class responsibility in scenic circumstance, while Cllr Linehan Foley continued to expound on the potential discrimination against the common or garden imbiber (albeit legally) swallowing two cans of cider in the open air lounge of the Green Park! She even feared distinction being made between not just location but beverage, with the “poshy-poshy” wine pourer enjoying greater tolerance than the beer can connoisseur.

Cllr Hennessy raised the nightmare prospect of on-street drinking being illegal during a street festival such as Youghal enjoyed in recent times past. A silence not dissimilar to that which settles when a garda raids a pub at 2.30am (or so I’m told), followed. “Its up to the discretion of the enforcing authority,” decided the Town Clerk, though perhaps not from experience. The upcoming submissions may prove interesting, as someone remarked.

Motion in the name of Cllr. McLellan seconded by Cllr. Hennessy, “That Youghal Town Council calls on Cork County Council to provide public toilets with wheelchair accessible facilities in the Strand Area in Youghal”:

Mayor McLellan said it was an issue that was repeatedly being raised. She said she had received various complaints from residents and visitors and that it was unacceptable in modern times not to have a wheelchair accessible toilet. While the Motion was supported it was accepted, as the Town Manager explained, that it would not be affordable for some time at least. She would nonetheless have it estimated anyway.

Cllr Murray said if a modern, wheelchair access facility was installed vandalism would remain a problem, as it has done with the present, albeit inadequate facility. She advocated a caretaker be employed at least during peak season. There followed some lengthy comparisons between Youghal’s version and the excellent facilities –and profits- enjoyed on the Continent under the caretaking system. “You get two sheets for 50 cents,” recalled Cllr Linehan Foley. This diverted to a discussion on paid access to beach facilities generally, including car parks as, is he case in Lahinch according to the Town Clerk. Mr. Ryan argued that paid access to beach facilities –or even beaches themselves- was the best route to an advanced, desirable, treasured beach resource. “That’s the challenge and that’s where leadership is required,” he surmised. His argument was generally not to the taste of the chamber.

Eventually the Town Manager suggested approaching the Aura leisure centre by way of asking for their goodwill and compliance towards allowing wheelchair access to their toilet facilities, as an interim measure. It was agreed to investigate this possibility.

Correspondence:

The council agreed to support a Motion passed by Clonmel Town Council calling for the Social Welfare Christmas bonus not to be withdrawn. Pity the Green Party didn’t think of it last weekend.

A suggestion from Mr Gordon Goode that a nameplate be erected for Kilcoran Road was accepted. “And we’re going to set up a residents’ association,” added Cllr Linehan Foley.

Any Other Business:

The council supported Cllr. Burke’s suggestion that it write to Church of Ireland Reverend Michael Thompson whose retirement as Rector of the Youghal Union of Parishes is imminent after little over year in situ. “We should thank him for his services to his community, his membership of the Heritage committee and his part in promotion Youghal as a Heritage town,” said the councillor.

In a departing note, Cllr Daly asked that for future meetings, his colleagues refrain from conducting “full blown conversations” while the Town Clerk, the Mayor or the Town Manager are addressing the chamber. I don’t mind them whispering but its very off-putting and its very rude,” he observed. Drawing a line between talk and debate, he described holding loud conversations while an official or councillor is endeavouring to explain something as “rude and ignorant.” Cllr Murray said she had “no problem with his suggestion” and the point was broadly understood.

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Report on Hatherton Ltd., T/A Enterprise Youghal by Cllr. McLellan.

Mayor McLellan said a set of audited accounts to year end Feb 28th were presented to the board.

Refurbishment of coach/outhouses:

Planning permission has been received for the above works, with the estimated costs at €130,000. The work will be undertaken in two stages –the Coach House section first (€50,000). Pobal has grant-aided by €22,250. Cork County Council has given Enterprise Youghal €20,000, with no reservations so that too will go towards Phase 1.

Enterprise Client Report:

Enterprise Youghal is currently 80% full, with just three hot desks available. It was requested and approved that the small meeting room be converted to a private office.

AOB:

It was suggested that Enterprise Youghal write to the Garda and HSE informing them about the facilities available in the boardroom.

Report on Rapid Matters by Cllr. Revins.

Activities Report:

Additional Projects approved for payment:

Foroige/Youghal Youth Cafe     € 9,999.00

Hatherton T/A Enterprise Youghal:   €22,250.00

SECAD (Employment Links Worker):   €38,500.00

Cumann na Daoine (Physical Leader training):  €  2,750.00

Cumann na Daoine (IT equipment):   €  8,000.00

€81,499.00

Playground: Opened and completed and awaiting CCTV installation.

Funding Announcements: Community Support Budget €9,200 received last year but €4,600 this year.

Homework Club: Chestnut Drive and Woodland Grove: Started Monday Sept 14th 2009. Estimated running cost for one year is €10,000 (Credit Union/FAS/HSE/RAPID/St.Vincent de Paul) Funding obtained to date: €6,691.25

Residents Network:

Insurance: Has been obtained for events and grass cutting.

FAS: CE worker started in Dermot Hurley Estate and Chestnut Drive.

Estates: Dermot Hurley, Blackwater Heights, Woodland Grove (planting), Chestnut Drive (planting)

Youghal Residents Network Summer Scheme: Children aged 4 to 12. Forty children attended three days (Perks, Aura and disco at Cumann na Daoine.)

Teenagers: Three were sponsored to attend Aqua Trek for one week.

Teenager Girls: Eight were sponsored to attend beauty course at Quality Hotel.

Planning Drugs and Drink Awareness for Parents is being planned with a focus on Youghal, in coming months.

Summer Activities Brochure sent to all primary schools

Education Strategic Theme: Meeting of Education and Training Strategic Theme took place last month.

Community Strategic Theme: MHA Security Consultants to be asked to obtain pre-tender estimates for town CCTV system.

Employment and Training Strategic Theme:

Led by FAS; sub group formed and Youghal action Template submitted to FAS for approval. 17 weeks training and work experience for 50 people aged 18-25.