The November meeting was preceded by two presentations. The first was a power point presentation by Seam McLaughlin, Senior Architect with Cork County Council on the Historic Core Painting Scheme. The scheme has seen many businesses and private houses avail of the approximate 50% discount initiative to have their premises painted in colours chosen from within the scheme.
Report: Christy Parker Photo: Michael Hussey Email: news@youghalonline.com

Mr. McLaughlin displayed ‘before and ‘after’ shots of the participating properties byway of illustrating the success and effect of the scheme. In some cases the changes were stark and profound and in others subtler, with the original colours often retained but redistributed. The overall goal of a blending effect was maintained in every instance however.

There were 25 applicants for the scheme, which thus far pertained North of the Clock Gate only. The cost to the Town Council has been €15,500. This is expected reach about €37,000 in due course, with the total coast, inclusive of property owner’s contributions an estimated €60,000. “All this money has been allocated to local painters, thus helping to enhance the local economy,” observed Mr. McLaughlin.

Premises in line for imminent makeovers include the library and Merrick’s. Cllr Barbara Murray said that Merrick’s lease-owner Lil Danne was interested in attaining further details and wondered whether she would be consulted in advance. Town Clerk Liam Ryan said that matter had been allocated to the Chamber of Commerce. He added that work would commence as soon as the weather allowed. Cllr Murray was also informed that Read and Write had opted out of the scheme, regrettably, in the architect’s opinion.

The councillors provided bright hues too, in their positive assessments of the scheme. Cllr Liam Burke said the streetscape was “more vibrant and more attractive” and provided “a more pleasant shopping environment.” He said people in South Main Street wished to join next year. Mr. Ryan said the next council budget may have an influence in that but he didn’t see why not. Town Manager Patricia Power observed that people had conducted repairs and maintenance on their properties prior to the painting, adding furthermore to its worth. Mayor Sandra McLellan said other local authorities had been inquiring about the scheme at the recent Local Authority Awards ceremony in Dublin (at which Youghal was declared the best Town Council in Ireland, in case anyone remains unaware.)

De Valera Street

The second presentation was by Eileen Coleman, Traffic Management Engineer, Cork County Council, on a proposal for improving traffic management on Church Street, DeValera Street, Emmet Place and Ashe Street. It needs remembering that this proposal is considered only the first step in a longer process and merely offers an option to consider, with other proposals to follow.

The engineer’s draft proposal suggested Church Street remains closed, with one-way system operating from Chruch Street, past Emmet Place, through Ashe Street to Windmill Hill. Traffic on DeValera Street would travel upwards only, with Church Lane remaining open in similar direction as it presently is.

It failed to impress. Cllr Barbara Murray expressed concerns that traffic would have first to visit one end of town in order to reach the other end. In the case of funerals, for example, traffic would have to travel west through Ashe Street, down Windmill Hill and then traverse two main streets, with diabolical effect on traffic, to get to the graveyard in the eastern end. The same practice would affect shoppers from the area trying to drive to a supermarket or playground on the eastern end of town. “We’d be creating several large problems to resolve a smaller one,” she proclaimed.

Cllr Murray advocated leaving the traffic system as it is, with the installation of safety and speed reducing applications, such as bollards at doorsteps perhaps, for DeValera Street residents. “There is already a courtesy aspect between drivers that works well on the lane’s two-way system,” she noted.

Cllr Michael Beecher concurred, adding that the two-way system between Emmet Church Street and Windmill Hill was traditional and effective. It also accommodated the turning manoeuvres of delivery vehicles, such as his own coal lorry, at certain parts. He believed an up-going lorry would not be able to ‘swing’ up DeValera Street due to parked cars on both sides of the main street. Turning to go down would also be very difficult due to parked cars and high footpaths at the top end. He also felt that a one-way system on DeValera Street, would result in dangerous speeding, whereas there has never been an accident as it presently operates.

Cllr Michelle Hennessy also echoed Cllr Murray’s views and believed the proposed one-way system on Ashe Street was going in the wrong direction. She recalled an agreement made Chapel Lane residents four years ago, that the lane would be closed once the works at Church Street were finished and said it should be honoured. She would advocate traffic going down Church Street and up DeValera Street, with a one-way form Windmill Hill across Ashe Street.

Cllr Donie Daly agreed that a one-way system on Ashe Street needed to operate towards east towards Emmet Place. He preferred DeValera Street running downwards one-way, offering a sole access to the main street from the general upper area.

Cllr Liam Burke was concerned that the proposal would add immensely to traffic at the bottom of Windmill Hill, which would merge with that using the route from the Strand and beyond. He reasoned that if that traffic could no longer turn left into Ashe Street, there would be serious logjams, with emergency vehicles trying to access the hill from the main street being seriously compromised.

By the time the issue reached Cllr Eoin Coyne, practically all the fallacies had been addressed. He generally echo the consensus, while advocating a two-way system on DeValera Street to dissuade speeding.

Mayor McLellan stringently repeated Cllr Hennessy’s commitment to the Chapel Lane residents, exemplifying their previously addressed concerns. She had concerns about deliveries, particularly lorries trying to turn at South Cross Road near the Devonshire Arms hotel. She too feared speeding issues would emerge with a one-way system on DeValera Street.

The Town Clerk then addressed the chamber, reminding members that traffic needed to run upwards on De Valera Street to facilitate access for emergency vehicles. He stressed that the Public Realm Plan, as adopted as policy by the Council, accepted in turn the Heritage Regeneration Strategy. This meant taking as many vehicles off the main street as possible. Consequently, he said, delivery vehicles should be scaled down to eliminate structural damage to new paving that will, in time, cost hundreds of thousands of euro to deploy. “Those streets were not built for the type of juggernaut vehicles currently using them,” he insisted. “Its for the betterment of the town to get the policy right, regardless of the pain,” he elaborated. He believed the town’s constituents would support the ethos of “respecting the streets” in line with the overall heritage policy that would deliver a better quality of life on every street, such as was being experienced on Church Street now.

There followed some interchanges between Mr Ryan and Cllr Beecher, with the councillor denying that large delivery trucks represented a hazard to heritage and that in any case, downsizing a delivery lorry wasn’t a cheap option. As for speed concerns, Mr. Ryan said here were “ways to design these initiatives to slow traffic down, such as chicanes,” when the time came.

Town Manager Patricia Power concluded the discussion in consideration that any alteration in one laneway had “a ripple affect” on others. She had serious concerns regarding one-way systems, believing that “the best traffic calmer of all is a two-way system.” She repeated that it was just a starter proposal and that she, the Town Engineer, the Town Clerk and the Senior Engineer would revisit the issue next week. It was agreed that Ms Coleman would return with another proposal in a month or so.

CONGRATULATIONS

The meeting proper proceeded with the round of congratulations. Cllr Beecher congratulated the Gardai and the community in general on a trouble-free Halloween. “It was fabulous to see children in costumes and their parents with no hassle,” he said.

Mayor Sandra McLellan congratulated Youghal GAA for “the wonderful function they held in their own club last Saturday night.” She said it was “like entering the poshest ballroom” with every hired artefact helping to illustrate what can be achieved with hard work and dedication. She further acknowledged the club for providing a valuable community service, with the hall being “used for many sporting and social occasions by the whole community.”

TOWN FOREMAN’S REPORT

Cllr Daly said the wooden entrance sign at Seafield Estate needed, literally, a concrete replacement due to vandalism. He wanted better lighting at Green’s Quay car park. He asked how work was progressing at the treacherous Quarryvale entrance/exits where parked vehicles continue to place lives at risk by obstructing the view for emerging motorists. Town Engineer Paul Murray said the Land Section at Cork Co. Council had “drawn a blank on it” but would be having “one last go” and a report would be forthcoming at the next meeting.

Cllr Burke asked for an update on Strathain na Sali before mentioning a subsided road section at the top of Sarsfield’s Terrace. He sought action on the unfinished footpath at Claycastle and asked for update on the courthouse restoration. Mr. Murray said the ESB were now attending to work that needed to be done prior to the completion of the Claycastle footpath. He had also issued instructions regarding the road at Sarsfield’s Terrace.

Cllr Coyne said that residents on Ashe Street feared an ESB pole was about to fall. Overhanging trees from a private property at Sweetfield were posing a threat to traffic and overhanging tress on the Golf Links Road at Carlton Village were restricting lights.

ESB coming or going?

Cllr Murray asked whither the anticipated report from the consultants who had recently inspected the closed off viewing area at Moll Goggin’s Corner. She said several contracts had been allocated to the ESB and asked if there was any way of finding out when they were going to start work at Foxhole, where a new business –an undertakers- was poised to commence. She expressed frustration that the ESB, amongst others, seemed to leave people in the dark as regards the commencement of work. once they had acquired their contracts. “Aren’t we entitled to a dictate the order of work? It’s our prerogative. We’re paying for it!” she insisted. “Nobody seems to know when the ESB are coming or when they are going,” she continued before also questioning the practice of such institutions sometimes subcontracting their work entirely. She asked that a list and intended procedure schedule be sought. Cllr Murray then referred to a bulging wall in danger of collapse at Ashe Street.

Cllr Beecher concurred with the wall problem and asked if a few cones placed around “are suppose to save people?!” He repeated Cllr Coyne’s worries about overhanging trees. The councillor said ivy was growing on footpaths on the Golf Links Road and Meadow Valley, causing pedestrians to step onto the road. The gully trap at the top of Sarsfield’s Terrace was an ongoing concern and the dip near St. Raphael’s was dangerous, Cllr Beecher also referred to disturbances occurring in the graveyard and asked that two trees within be trimmed back as they were housing unwelcome behaviour.

CORK COUNTY COUNCIL ITEMS

Cllr Burke asked “what day of the week and what hours?” is the office of Cork County Council in Youghal manned. He reported that he was met by an answering machine on two days last week when trying to deal with an urgent problem on behalf of a constituent. “A person expects a member of the council to be able to make contact with a human voice when reporting a serious problem,” he stated.

Mr. Murray said the office was manned from 9 to 5 Monday to Friday, “unless the only person in the office has to go away,” in which case she diverts the phones to County Hall, who in turn contacts engineers. If the person in the office is already on the phone, he explained to an unimpressed Cllr Burke, the answer machine automatically kicks in. “Not acceptable,” replied Cllr Burke, who was adamant that “a living human person” should meet an inquiry, regardless of what technological route led to their ears. He wondered if the practice “could be amended.”

Town Manager Patricia Power felt the best solution would be that the voice mail would be checked very regularly so that a call would be returned quickly. (Thus insinuating that this obvious procedure isn’t normal practice!). Cllr Murray interceded that Youghal and Cork County Council operate side by side, literally, in the one corridor but there was inefficient sharing of service, especially with only one person behind the County Council desk. Ms. Power said there were ongoing efforts to improve the working practices between both authorities in such circumstances. Cllr Burke reiterated his belief that a human being should answer inquiries. The Town Manager said –in person- that she would look into the matter. Mr. Murray informed that his mobile number was ‘always available” and he would pass it on.

Bouncy Castle:

Cllr Coyne said the Dermot Hurley sign at the spa hill seemed to be obstructing drivers’ view to their left. He predicted an accident and was informed that the sign was to be moved. He also criticised the ongoing flooding at Nagle House, which has brought repeated reference for almost a year, to no effect. Cllr Coyne reminded that the building has been painted and is also in the vicinity of the school. He asked that the road at Cork Hill be given priority for 2010 as travelling it now resembled “a   bouncy castle” experience.

Cllr Hennessy said the road surface at the back of Parklands opposite Dermot Hurley Estate was very bad. The Town Engineer said he had contacted the County Council’s Estate Department to pursue the contractor who had installed the footpath as he had not tarmac’d the road as he was supposed to have done.

Cllr Murray drew attention to water again pouring down the Atlantic steps and the engineer said he’d investigate.

Mayor McLellan asked –pleaded even- that the road surface near the church on Magner’s Hill be repaired. She recalled two visitors to her home nearby recently who had encountered severe potholes and almost lost control of their vehicles. The first driver had blown two tyres but his main concern was that he “could have killed or injured someone as a result.”  The second driver, two days later, had managed to retain his tyres but he also feared the possible consequences of a car without control. She said ¾ of the road had been resurfaced and wondered why not the remainder.

Mr Murray said he would live to resurface the entire road if the money was available. The Town Clerk said the Urban Road Grant for 2008 was €289,000. For 2009 it was €170,000 and it will be less again next year. “When that happens, things like this happens,” he said. “Local authorities need money to do the work. Cllr Beecher asked that the area in the vicinity of the church be repaired at least. The Town Clerk replied that the Road Grant would come before the members who can prioritise the work to be done next time round.

MAYOR’S BUSINESS

The mayor read a letter from Tytex Ireland management expressing “great regret” at the ceasing of production by 2011. It said the current product range was being phased out in favour of a new range which is couldn’t produce in Ireland due to labour costs. The management wished to acknowledge all employees who had made considerable changes to help keep the plant open until now. It also thanked local businesses and community support.

The mayor also read a letter from An Garda Siochana advising of the need to establish a Joint Policing Committee in accordance with the legislation. The council was asked to contact Midleton Superintendent Flor Horan n regard to same.

Out!:

Mayor McLellan then asked the press to vacate the room as she wished that the next issue be discussed “in committee.” The three representatives of the Fourth Estate were consigned to the gloomy corridor outside the chamber, where fortunately some cold, leftover fodder from the earlier celebration/congratulatory ceremony for the ‘Best Town Council’ award, lay unattended on a tray. After about 15 minutes the shivering media were allowed re-enter the chamber. No briefing as to what had occurred was subsequently delivered or promised and it may remain forever unknown to the wider world what took place. Happily, there were no obvious bloodstains on the carpet or walls.

DRAFT YOUGHAL (CONTROL OF SKIPS ON PUBCLIC ROADS) BYE LAWS 2010

This Draft document was passed and will go on public display for public submissions prior to being returned to the Council for adoption or otherwise.

DRAFT ROAD TRAFFIC & CAR PARK BYE LAWS 2010

On Cllr Burke’s recommendation, it was decided to postpone discussion on this document to a later date.

MOTION IN THE NAME OF CLLR BURKE, SECONDED BY CLLR REVINS (absent on the night): That this Council investigates the possibility of installing a harbour-orientated webcam a suitable location on the waterfront, this webcam to be available live on the youghal.ie website:

Cllr Burke said live round-the clock streaming already persisted in many towns, including Claremorris, Belfast, Killarney, Tralee, Dunmore East, Athlone, Dun Laoighre, and Lahinch, to name a few. He asked what better way to advertise Youghal globally than with a live webcam mounted at the mouth of the harbour –‘possibly at the rear of the council offices and aimed at the Ferry Point’- portraying the various river activities thereon. It would be even more advantageous when the proposed marina came to fruition, he believed. The obvious tourism and investment attractions would coincide with benefit to distant exiles eager to view their hometown from the comfort of their foreign living rooms. It would also enhance the website itself, he concluded.

Widely supported the only questions asked related to financial outlay. Cllr Burke could not satisfy that request but the Town Clerk is to check it out. The notion of one’s auntie in Australia seeing one blowing one’s nose, live, on a chilly July morning in Youghal harbour edges ever closer

CORRESPONDENCE

Cllr Coyne said the Youghal Disability Awareness Action Group had highlighted several issues including the need for a handrail on Cork Hill similar to one on Windmill Hill. Mayor McLellan said €50,000 was about to be spent on disability projects n the town, including several zebra crossings. The council’s Disability Awareness Group representative. Michelle Hennessy was liaising woth Town Engineer Paul Murray ion implementing these measures.

Cllr Murray said a Castlemartyr woman whose husband is in a wheelchair had said Youghal was easy to negotiate and a pleasure to visit compared to other towns. Cllr Hennessy disagreed however, saying she had two parents in wheelchairs and her experiences were different.

Cllr Beecher asked what happened to an expected report on traffic lights at Cork Hill. The Town Clerk said that traffic lights at the location were not viable as traffic flow is complicated by a specific entrance as well as the public roadways. He asked if a pedestrian crossing could be St Francis Court but the debate diverted to a traffic count having been conducted at Costcutters in which the area didn’t meet the requirement for a crossing. Another count was imminent now that the schools are reopened.

Cllr Hennessy then revealed that the vicinity of Aherne’s is prioritised for a zebra crossing. Each crossing would cost about €2,500 and the rest would go on other disability requirements. The news arrived, ironically, on the day when Labour TD for Cork East, Sean Sherlock met with the Youghal Disability Awareness Group.