Youghal Town Cllr. Mary Linehan Foley delivered a synopsis of the Adjudication Report from 2009 Tidy Towns Competition (Cork South) to the October meeting of Youghal Town Council.
Report: Christy Parker  Email: news@youghalonline.com

The report’s comments seemed surprisingly positive, given the dog turds, fag butts, beer cans, abandoned plastic bags, Moll Goggin’s corner apartment block, etc., that one encounters on an average stroll through the jurisdiction. Possibly, the adjudicators like to emphasise the positive by way of encouragement, in the manner of an art teacher telling a student he has ‘a good eye for colour’ while disregarding the squashed pizza effect on the canvas. (Crosshaven got similar commentary and finished 36 points below us.)

In any case, Youghal’s 272 marks from 400 beat Midleton’s paltry244. The report is too lengthy to repeat in full but the adjudication report contained the following pats on the head:

Overall Development Approach:

Local people very well informed of plans and activities and contact with schools on six different contexts very worthwhile.

The Built Environment:

New enterprises were found to be blending well with traditional businesses, Katrina in the visitor centre was “very helpful” and the heritage trail was very impressive. The Visitor Centre and Youghal Town Council Offices were “beautiful” and the Market Square “supreme,” with the cut-stone monument to Danny “Duis” McCarthy much admired. Gaelscoil Chorain, its railings and piers, were much appreciated, as were the town’s churches and major historical structures. The report notes busy, attractive shops “with no sign of the recession” (!) at the end of June. On a detrimental note, the compiler felt “some suitable protective structures” could be installed at Buttimer’s and Harvey’s Quays “to avoid people accidentally falling into the docks.” So the Tidy Town’s adjudicators committee would recommend the 800 year-old quayside be fenced off?!!

Landscaping:

Memorial (Green) Park was lauded, with high praise for the “magnificent” and “exciting” Youghal Tidy Town’s Committee booklet. Wildflowers growing out of stone walls were considered excellent.”

Wildife and Natural Amenities:

Sadly, much appreciation here, with the scenic splendour and tranquil ambience of the Slob Bank described as “a rough road surface not that suited to walking” and bedecked with “lots of vegetation and all kinds of briars.” It was recommended it be chemically treated. That’ll go down well with the underage drinkers!!

Litter Control:

Litter was deemed “well controlled, with only isolated bits” on the road to the recycling centre, near the Strand Church, around the docks, plus a few more places! Bizarrely, the reporter noted that, “some of this may have come from passing motorists” and “doubts if much of it was discarded by locals.” The town centre was deemed “almost litter free” and “was being tidied up by a gentleman.”

Waste Minimisation:

The compiler was “surprised” to find “a mattress and lots of other items, some in plastic bags, dumped at the rear of the old Youghal Carpets building.” A local man said this was prevalent in other areas too, particularly since the €3 entrance fee to the (‘free’) recycling centre was introduced. The centre itself was described as “busy” with the depot and landfill “clean and orderly.” It was noted that the schools’ waste minimisation initiative programme had been completed but that it was unclear whether this was in connection to a relevant ‘green flag’ educational programme.

Tidiness:

The town was considered “orderly and tidy, especially in the town centre,” with weed-free, well-swept kerbs. It was recommended that rear of Youghal Carpets be boarded up and that the Tidy Towns Committee attend to “the walk starting at the dump,” i.e. the Slob Bank, if under it’s control.

Residential Areas:

The name signs were praised, especially the stone sign for Dr. Kennedy’s Place. The estates were considered to be generally well kept, with some attractive to excellent landscaping. Likewise the traditional town houses were largely “well presented” with “attractive colour schemes, beautiful hanging baskets, window boxes and tubs of flowers.” Sever private hoses, it was noted, had “brilliant displays of flowers, shrubs, trees and hedging,” all of which “bolster the public flora to show to town at its best.” Mention was made of “a bungalow at the back of St. Mary’s Collegiate, across from a small car park, that has exceptional landscaping to the front where the house nestles peacefully on the side of a hill.”

Roads, Streets and Back Areas:

The roads were generally “in good condition,” with road signs “clean and distinct.”  Youghal was found to have “great footpaths that lead out long distances from the town centre, with many people walking on a sunny day.” (Sure sign of recession at last?!). The roadside verges at the town entrances were “well maintained” and helped extend “a welcoming feeling at the glorious landscaping at the roundabouts” and thereafter.

General Impression:

The writer said, “it was a pleasure to visit Youghal,” after a ten year absence. He had found “great improvements” towards its current “high standard” and was impressed with ‘the way the back areas have been developed.” He thanked all for the Tidy Town’s Committee for its efforts and presentation. That’ll teach you, Midleton!