The Treacy family celebrated 109 years in business with family, friends and customers at the big birthday party last week. Congratulations to the all the Treacy family. Have You found The Nook!. Photo: Michael Hussey YoughalOnline.com

This pub in Youghal has been in the same family since 1901, when it was bought by Michael Treacy, a local farmer. Previously, the pub had been in the ownership of the O’Mahony family, but it is not known how long it had been in operation. The pub is in the oldest part of Youghal, with Walter Raleigh’s house, which dates from the Elizabethan plantations of the 1560’s, to the rear of it, and thus this pub may have been in operation for several centuries.

When it was bought in 1901, it was a one-roomed bar-cum-grocery, but the Treacy’s extended it by buying four adjoining cottages and converting the former homes into drinking quarters.

In the 1940’s, Michael’s son Joe Treacy became licensee. As the business expanded, the farm was sold. Joe and his wife Maureen continued with the grocery and expanded the bar to include a singing lounge and dance floor. The singing and dancing continues today. The grocery is gone, and is now an off-licence with an eclectic range of beers and spirits and wines. It also has its own deli counter supplying homemade food to go, or to eat in the bar.
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Joe’s son Michael Treacy is the current licensee and he is extremely proud of the pub and the central role it plays in the social life of Youghal. Treacy’s is involved in sponsoring lots of local clubs.

As the bar has extended, the décor has been kept in harmony with the pitch-pine of the original premises. Throughout the bar, the walls are covered with photographs of Youghal in times gone by. When the Treacy’s were celebrating their centenary as licensed traders in 2001, all drinks were sold at a penny a pint or a glass.

Over the years, drinking habits have changed, says Michael, with very few customers now asking for the traditional order of “a large whiskey and a pint”. He says:”As well as drinking less whiskey, people now drink later in the evening. There was a time when I used to have a customer who would come in when we opened in the morning and he would order six whiskeys with a raw egg placed in each of them!”

We have recently uploaded some of our historic photographs which can be seen throughout the bar. http://www.findthenook.ie/

Congratulations to John Doyle who celebrated his 80th birthday with family and friends in J.D.’s Bar last friday night (19th Feb. 2010). Happy Birthday John from all your friends here in Youghal. Photo: Michael Hussey YoughalOnlline.com

J.D’s Bar, located on the Main Street in Youghal hosts a different band every night of the weekend. Local duo Marin and Jason are a must see for anyone visiting the area. Music usually begins at around 9.30pm.
J’D's also boasts a big screen for all those major sporting events and a pool table for anyone interested in a quick round and a pint.
Click on image to enlarge

‘Claycastle Leisure Company’, the Management Company behind Youghal’s Aura Leisure Centre took top honours as the ‘Best Recreational Facility’ at this year’s Zurich LAMA Awards (Local Authority Members Association Awards), held in the Burlington Hotel, Dublin on Saturday January 30th. Now in their 4th year, these awards recognise the very best of Ireland’s talent in local projects of Construction, Engineering and Infrastructure. Photo: John Hennessy

Councillor Barbara Murray who nominated the Centre was thrilled with the award saying: “This is a major achievement for Youghal to secure such a prestigious award, in such a competitive category.  This wonderful facility has now been given national recognition and Youghal Town Council should be given due credit for its part in the development of such a facility.”  A key factor in securing the award was the installation of a ‘Biomass Fuelled Heating System’ into the Leisure Centre. This heating system uses Wood Chip which will be locally sourced and is Environmentally Friendly.

Set up on the 12th August 2003 by Youghal Town Council, the Company set out to oversee the development of a Swimming Pool and Leisure Complex for the Town.  The aim of the project was to provide a state of the art facility that would serve the local community and provide a quality tourism product for visitors.  The Leisure Centre boasts three pools and a fun slide plus state of the art leisure and gym facilities.  Funding for the project was initially sourced from Youghal Town Council, Cork County Council and the Department of Arts Sports and Tourism.

In September 2006 Claycastle Leisure Company Ltd signed a management contract with Aura Sport and Leisure Management Ltd, to operate the facility, with Tracy Kenneally, Operations Manager for the Youghal Centre at the helm.  The facility has now been operational for 3 years and is major asset to the town, and instead of people exiting the town for such facilities, it is now attracting inward visitors.

The recently formed Youghal branch of the Labour Party has expressed its strong opposition to the proposal by the Youghal Town Council to introduce charges at car parks in the town. The branch, which includes local Cllr. Dony Daly, also stated their support for the closing of Mall Lane to traffic. By Michael Twomey | Photo: Michael Hussey YoughalOnline.Com

Both issues have divided public opinion since they first came to the fore prior to the local elections back in 2004. Branch Chairman, Tommy O’ Connell said the party has viable options that could resolve both issues.

On paid parking Mr. O’ Connell said. “We are totally against paid parking in public parks. However, we do believe there should be a limit on the amount of time that people should be allowed to park there. You have some people who park their cars and leave them for the entire day. A time limit would prevent that from happening,” he said. Asked if it was legitimate for the Council to try and raise funds through paid parking in a time of recession, Mr. O’ Connell responded that, in this instance, the end does not justify the means. “We understand the current situation and all councils are trying to raise extra finance. Youghal has lost most of its industry and our only hope now is turn to tourism and heritage. We believe that if the parks have a charge on them it will not encourage tourism. A promise was made by the Town Council when paid parking was first brought in not to charge public parks,” he said. He also cited Midleton’s continuing policy not to charge for parking in their jurisdiction stating that the council there manage to raise revenue ‘by other means’. He added, “Financing local government should be a national issue.”

On the issue of closing the Mall Lane to traffic, Mr. O’ Connell offered two alternative routes that he said not only would resolve the debate but are also ‘safer’ options. “The Mall Lane is just not suitable for traffic. It’s a popular route for families using the Mall strand. As a pedestrian route it’s dangerous for elderly people. The Labour Party propose opening either Water Lane or O’ Rahilly Street as routes for traffic to come back onto the main street. Both these street have footpaths which Mall Lane doesn’t and that makes them safer options,” he said. He added that opening one of these lanes to up traffic flow would also negate the fears of residents on Strand Street who have long campaigned for footpaths and have legitimate worries about increased traffic should Mall Lane close.

Previous similar proposals for these two lanes have met with opposition from some voices within the Council chamber on the grounds that neither are suitable as routes to the main street due to a lack of clear vision to the left of oncoming vehicles.  The debate in the meantime is set to rumble on inside and outside the Council chamber.

Youghal Utd U-14s 5 – Ballinhassig U-14s 2

Youghal Utd picked up a valuable 3 points with their second win in as many weeks over Ballinhassig. Following their 5-1 demolition of the Cork side in the cup, Youghal again showed what might have been this season if they could have fielded a full strength side throughout the campaign, which was blighted by one of the worst winters in decades.

Ballinhassig came to Ardrath Park with retribution on their minds and a stronger line up than the team that were dumped out of the cup. Their intent was clear from the opening exchanges; to get the ball as quickly as they could to their only potent threat – No. 9, Mary McGuane. Youghal, without striker Jess Lawton, who scored a hat-trick in the previous fixture, looked shot shy in the opening ten minutes and paid the price for a lack of penetration.

Ballinhassig drew first blood and the goal was as much due to Youghal’s inability to clear as it was to the visitors’ persistence. With the ball loose on the 18 yard line, Youghal’s defence failed to deal with the pressure and a sliced clearance fell to McGuane who still had work to do.

The tall forward advanced into the area only to be bravely thwarted by keeper, Jessica Swayne who was unfortunate to see her body block deflect the ball into the six-yard box where McGuane used all her physical presence to bundle the ball over the line. The goal was a wake up call for the home side and the response was immediate and graceful in its execution.

Receiving the ball from the kick off from Molly Schofield, Rachel Galvin shimmied her way through a bewildered defence deftly rounding three players and the goalkeeper to draw the sides level. This was followed by a series a fine interplays from Youghal who were now in the ascendancy. A one-two between Holly Twomey and Rachel Galvin almost paid dividends while a delicious lob from Ellen Benaim looked goal bound before sailing wide of the upright.

Kamilla Piecuch meanwhile was playing the game of her season with a brilliant display at left back to repel Ballinhassig advances typified by a last ditch crunching tackle in the area when it looked like Youghal were set to go a goal behind.

As in the cup game the sides finished the half 1-1. The second-half began as the first and again a failure to get the ball out of the area cost the home side. McGuane was the beneficary when she was played in to the right side of the Youghal area to slot home her second. 2-1 Ballinhassig. However, the visitors could not hold the lead and sucombed to a fantastic display by Youghal in the final 25 minutes.

Youghal continued to pass and probe. The game hinged on Nora Walsh’s advancement into midfield. Nora’s presence and growing influence was too much for the tiring opposition. After a powerful run that saw her advance deep into the Ballinhassig area she cut a hard low ball across the area where Holly Twomey’s touch was deflected by a defender and the ensuing scramble forced the ball over the line – 2-2. Ellen Benaim, Molly Schofield and Nora Walsh were now dominating the middle of the pitch and, in particular, Ellen’s supply to Holly Twomey and Rachel Galvin was causing havoc.

Rachel broke Ballinhassig hearts 5 minutes later with a beautiful strike from the edge of the area to put Youghal in front for the first time. Nora Walsh then made it 4-2 with a equally stunning strike that left the keeper rooted to the spot. Rachel Galvin then scored the pick of her three goals. The No. 7 took the ball from Holly and avoided a number of challenges. Just when it looked like she had lost her chance she lifted the ball over the keeper, her shot grazing the underneath of the bar and caressing the net.

At 5-2 Youghal were playing beautiful football and the move of the game should have resulted in a goal. Rachel Galvin took the ball wide before cutting it back to Holly Twomey. Holly’s control allowed her turn and roll the ball into the path of Nora Walsh who carried it into the area. Nora went for power only to see her effort rise over the bar. Holly Twomey came agonisingly close twice after following great combination play with Rachel Galvin.

There were some outstanding performances but, in truth, everyone played to a high level. With two league fixtures remaining the girls could finish in the top three of four but playing like this an exciting cup run could be on the cards.

Team: Jessica Swayne, Sarah Roche (Gemma O’ Brien 60mins), Katie Manning (C), Nora Walsh, Kamilla Piecuch, Emma Varney (Marie-Louise Keane 35mins), Molly Schofield, Ellen Benaim, Claire Keniry (Aoife Landers 35mins), Holly Twomey and Rachel Galvin.

Next match: Ardrath Park Youghal Utd  V  Innishvilla Saturday 27th.

Youghal U-14s Soccer Report -( Saturday Jan. 30th 2010)
Jess Lawton Hat-trick Sends U-14s Into next Round Of Cup

Youghal Utd 5 – Ballinhassig 1

The Youghal U-14 Girls Soccer team qualified for the next round of the Evening Echo Cup with a terrific victory over Ballinhassig at Ardrath Park on Saturday. The opening period saw little action but it was clear that the home side were gaining the upper hand. A stubborn Ballinhassig defence was finally breached when a great through ball from Claire Keniry was well controlled by Holly Twomey.The number 9 outstripped her marker and cooly dispatched a low shot beyond the keeper. Holly and Jess Lawton then combined brilliantly with a quick one two only minutes later only for the ref’s whistle to call offside. Holly Twomey again caused problems on the right wing, cutting in to beat two players to set up her strike partner, Jess Lawton. The number 10 struck first time but her effort skewed wide. Youghal tried to cease the opportunity to go further ahead but wasted chance after chance. Molly Schofield and Rachel Galvin were in total control of midfield. Molly should have been awarded a penalty when she was upended in the area but the ref waved Youghal appeals away. Jess Lawton, Rachel Galvin and Holly Twomey all had chances to make it 2-0 but failed to find the net. Fortune then fell to a battling Ballinhassig when a difficult ball was handled in the area and the visitors were awarded a penalty. With the scores now level, and half-time only minutes away, it looked like Youghal were going to pay for not taking their chances. All fears of a long frustrating second-half were blown away by an outstanding strike from Jess Lawton from the edge of the box. Her shot curled away from the keeper clipping the post on the way in. At 2-1 Ballinhassig began to fade. Anything they had to offer was repelled competently by this season’s most consistant performer, katie Manning. The equally outsanding Molly Schofield chased every ball and was relentless in support of the strikers. Jess Lawton made it 3-1 with another solo effort that saw her pick the ball up and run at the heart of the defence. Just as it looked like she had run out of steam, she drove the ball low and hard into the bottom left corner. The game was beyond Ballinhassig and Youghal were now playing their best football of the season. This was evident when Rachel Galvin made it 4-1. This goal was the best move of the match. It began with a lovely pass from Emma Varney to Molly Schofield on the right, Molly’s infield pass found Holly Twomey whose immediate back heel found Rachel Galvin on the right edge of the area. Rachel skipped two challenges to glide into the area and finish with great aplomb. Jess Lawton grabbed her third and Youghal’s fifth 6 minutes later when Aoife Lander’s pass set the forward up in space on the left edge of the area. Jess struck a high looping effort over the despairing keeper to cap a superb display. This performance was a long time coming from the U-14s and the task now is to keep up the standard in the next round where they will play either Kinsale or Killardnadrish. On this form they can beat anyone and it was a joy to watch but Ballinhassig, who come back to Youghal in two weeks for a league encounter, will be looking to avenge this 5-1 drubbing. All starting 11 players and 3 subs were excellent but the outstanding performers were Molly Schofield, Jess Lawton, Rachel Galvin, Captain, Katie Manning and Holly Twomey.

All councillors attended February’s meeting, with the exception of Cllr Liam Burke who was absent on a serious family related matter.

The meeting was preceded by a presentation on the Youghal Community Drug Based programme, by), Gordon Kingsley and Eric Trihy, Development Worker for the Southern Regional Drugs Task Force (SRDTF) Youghal Community Drugs worker, respectively. See elsewhere in this issue for report. By Christy Parker

The meeting proper commenced with the Town Clerk’s Report, following which Cllr Donie Daly asked whether the reduction in council staff from 20 to 13 could be reversed should finances be rejuvenated. The town clerk said this was not possible under the current government-enforced embargo. He added that Youghal now has less council staff now than it had in 1984, when the town was 60% smaller.

Protest meetings

Cllr Mary Linehan Foley said she was “appalled” by the sad state of the council’s finances. She referred to the rejection of the Indian Point (the Galvin Developments/‘Dunne’s Stores’ enterprise) development on appeal to An Bord Pleanala and said this brought a rates loss of €150,000 p.a. A similar process (appeal by other retailers) had seen the Bord refuse a proposed development at Artesyn. “Now we see from the town clerk’s report that our rents are subsidising the rates,” she observed tersely.

The councillor said and her colleagues were “trying our best for Youghal and always have done”  and noted the town clerk’s view that both developments would have contributed significantly towards deterring consumers from shopping elsewhere. She did not begrudge recent protests against proposed parking charges –which she opposed- “but where were the public meetings and protesters when Galvin’s were turned down?!| she asked. “There is something radically wrong with our town,” she proceeded, “when two to three hundred people will protest about parking charges but not one single person asked for a public meeting when Dunne’s was refused entry to our town!”

By now in full verbal flight, the councillor said people were shopping outside Youghal “because there is nothing to entice them to stay here!” It “has nothing to do with car park charges,” she insisted angrily, nor was it the fault of the council’s, the town clerk or the town manager, all of whom were, being “blamed for businesses hitting rock bottom.” She said Youghal’s businesses had improved from neither the boom years nor the re-opening of the Mall Lane, “so we can’t be blamed if it shuts.” Repeating that rents were now subsidising rates, she concluded that, ”we do help the retailers.”

Petitions and vested interests

Cllr Donie Daly agreed with Cllr Linehan Foley’s “impassioned” comments. He then criticised anti-paid parking petitions in the town. He said people were being “accosted” without being properly informed. He had met two people “who didn’t know what they were being asked to sign for.”  The councillor also noted that, “there was no petition when the developments were stopped or when 50c was put on prescriptions.” He said the council was “operating from other people’s agendas” and had “lost the PR battle that vested interests are putting forward for whatever reason.”

In deference to his absence at the Chamber of Commerce-arranged meeting in the Walter Raleigh he said he was given two days notice and within 15 minutes had replied he couldn’t make it. He believed the apologies of he and his fellow councillors were deemed “a big joke” by the attendance, in a situation where the only councillor to attend was Cllr Barbara Murray.

Joan of Arc

Cllr Daly then launched a vociferous attack on Cllr Murray’s for “doing her Joan of Arc act, inciting the masses to rise up against their oppressors” at the said meeting! Unsurprisingly, Cllr Murray robustly refuted the allegation (if not perhaps the comparison), insisting she went to the Walter Raleigh in good faith. She asked that he withdraw the remark.

Instead, Cllr Daily reached for the stake and matches as it were, informing Cllr Murray that from what he “had heard” and from what he had “read in the Youghal News (or interpreted perhaps), she had been practically inciting the people to riot.” (This came as no less a surprise to the report’s writer, it has to be said!)

Amidst a dearth of support for Cllr Daly’s view, Cllr Murray vehemently insisted that she had been totally unaware as to what councillors- if any- would attend, other than she knew Cllrs McLellan and Hennessy would be absent. She said she was “bloody well scared” as to how matters might transpire when she realised she was the sole council representative. “I certainly didn’t want to incite anyone and I stated quite clearly that it was just a draft document,” she stated.

Contrary to fuelling rebellion, Cllr Murray said she had informed one woman accustomed to prolonged parking, that she believed nobody should have free car parking in every car park all day. “I spelt it out as I saw it and nothing else,” she stated. Furthermore, she had “never at any stage considered not going to the meeting. You took third hand information. I was there. You weren’t. That’s it!” she concluded.

Provoked

Following a long silence of about five seconds, Cllr Michael Beecher said he believed the Chamber of Commerce had “provoked people” prior to the “emergency” meeting. He felt the meeting “should never have been held” and that the Chamber “should have approached us” instead.

Cllr Beecher said he and his colleagues had met with the Chamber in the aftermath and he had informed them that the plans are only a draft proposal and that the councillors were always approachable. He had also told them that it was unfair to treat the councillors like that when both sides “are working for the good of the town.” He hoped people would include new proposals as well as criticisms in their submissions, which was the appropriate way forwards.

Cllr Sammy Revins said he had met other business people beyond the Chamber of Commerce subsequently. That said, he didn’t think the council had to consult with anyone in the circumstances. Rather, normal process had produced a draft document for public submissions. Nothing whatsoever had been decided or adopted. He was glad the Walter Raleigh meeting had occurred because “now people realise that they have to write in” as part of the normal procedure. “If people want to meet the council, they can do so through the Mayor,” he advised. Personally, he was available to meet anyone by prior arrangement via his doorstep or telephone and “not through Facebook or anything else.” That concluded –for awhile anyway- the debate on matters arising from the Car Parks and Traffic Draft Bye-laws and its incendiary aftermath.

Congratulations:

Cllr Revins congratulated author John Stack, from Kilcoran Park, on the launch of his second book (of a trilogy), Captains of Rome’ following his initial ‘Ships of Rome.

Cllr Beecher paid tribute to David Callaghan and Youghal rugby club for the player representing Ireland U-21’s. He described it as “a proud moment for Youghal and its rugby club.” He understood there were “more local lads in line for trials with Munster.”

Cllr Murray congratulated Youghal Leisure Centre (Aura) and by association Youghal Town Council on the centre winning a Zurich-Lama award for Best Recreational Facility, for which herself had nominated them. The annual awards showcase the best projects and companies in communities across Ireland and the councillor also congratulated Youghal District Nursing Home for being short-listed for an award in Excellence at the same ceremony.

Town Foreman’s Report:

Cllr Michelle Hennessy called for a disabled parking space outside Cumann na Daoine. She said the town’s Disability Group were delighted with the number of spaces in town but wondered the space at Egan’s funeral home could be re-allocated to Cumann na Daoine as the funeral parlour had re-located. The councillor also requested that a pedestrian crossing be installed at the top of Cork Hill, with a traffic survey conducted if necessary. At the other end of Cork Hill, she drew attention to “that pothole” which was “nearly across the road!”

Dumping

Cllr Murray said rubbish was being dumped on the Spa hill and that repairs to potholes on the way to Summerfield had missed a few to the left, near Paul Morrisson’s, (Ballyclamsey) Cllr Revins concurred, adding that “one car had been badly damaged there.”

Cllr Linehan Foley said residents at Bayview were suffering from incessant rubbish dumping. One resident was collecting it “and paying the €3 landfill charge in disposing of it. However he also had names and photographs and they would be passed to the town hall. The councillor described the pothole at the end of Cork Hill as “a crater.” She asked if the road repairs at Magner’s Hill would be extended to Colaiste Eoin. The town clerk said it was stopping at St. Raphael’s gates, with further progress dependant on funds.

Darkness and demolition

Cllr Daly said non-functioning public lights had plunged Kenny’s Lane into darkness for the past two weeks. Drivers in Nealon’s Quay were also in the dark, metaphorically speaking, due to lack of road markings. Rats were rummaging at the bottom of Windmill Hill backing onto the Spinning Wheel. Finally, he sought information on dereliction notices regarding “Clancy’s and all the others.” Such information was not forthcoming at the meeting but the town clerk said he would provide him with an update in a private forum. One can only wonder….

Cllr Beecher drew attention to carrier bags of rubbish being dumped inside the fencing at Dermot Hurley estate. “These people have to be caught!” he insisted. The councillor asked that the paths in the graveyard be repaired and likewise a deep pothole at Allen’s Quay.

Cllr Eoin Coyne said there was a 1½ ft gap between the footpath and roadway at Island View (beyond St.Coran’s Well) and wondered was it an issue for the developer or otherwise.

Cllr Revins said the graveyard was inadvertently left open two weeks ago and a “free for all of underage drinking” and more had ensued.

No heating

Mayor Sandra McLellan complained that a disabled resident in the Alms Houses had had no heating for two weeks and asked that the matter be immediately addressed. It had been reported to the town hall “on at least five occasion,” she said.

Cork County Council Items:

Cllr Murray requested that the dog poop bins and the solitary bin of general (human) rubbish be emptied. Also, rubbish on the embankment had been there since last November and had increased to include “a nappy and an underpants!” She said beach debris was prevalent, including unopened packages of nappies that obviously fell from containers, as well as numerous butter cartons. Cllr Revins said one man had picked up 72 cartons that day. Town engineer Paul Murray agreed to investigate.

Fee or free?

Cllr Linehan Foley asked whether there was any news from County Hall on a Motion she had had adopted requesting the €3 charge to the landfill site be abolished. There wasn’t. “It’s a disgrace, when we were always told recycling would be fee,” she maintained. The councillor asked if anyone had endeavoured to contact the owner of the derelict rifle range, given it was a lovely walk and summer was impending. She learned that nothing had been evolving there either. She repeated her request.

Cllr Daly said he believed “the dump” was to close in January. Town Manager Patricia Power said understood it would do so “sometime this year,” with Bottle Hill to open in the same timeframe. Regarding the €3 fee, she proceeded that “recycling costs an awful lot of money.” Amenity sites are to help people manage their waste but it originates from households and a fee is one way to encourage people to reduce the waste they produce. Cllr Linehan Foley responded a previous manager had once said that waste disposal would be charged to discourage its accumulation but that “recycling would always be free.”

Cllr Linehan Foley then said that contrary to legal conditions, an individual had been charged to dump an electrical appliance. Others were being charged also, she claimed and asked that the rule of free electrical disposable be displayed clearly and prominently at the site. The individual in question had retained the receipt and with the town manager’s compliance the councillor would advise them to seek a refund in writing from the County Council.

No road repair collaboration

Cllr Daly complained that the worse part of his daily travelling was the potholes Youghal between Youghal and Fermoy. It fluctuated between good road/bad road at various intervals and he wondered was there was any collaboration between Cork and Waterford county councils, who maintain it. It emerged that there isn’t.

Cllr Murray meantime said she had travelled the route recently and observed that many potholes seemed to be filled without the added pressure of ‘a whacker’ to make them compact. The town engineer said he would conduct inquiries. The town manager elaborated that the winter weather had caused “unprecedented damage” that merited road reconstruction in some instances, for which funding wasn’t available. Primary roads were being prioritised meantime.

Cllr Revins asked that Strand Street be adequate road marked, “as a matter of urgency,” especially near the school, where the box was “washed away.”

Cllr Hennessy referred back to the €3 landfill fee and asked how it could be removed given that the government had now decided to increase waste charges, and add VAT onto top of it. “That’s an EC directive,” interrupted Cllr Revins (FF).

“Unfortunately I can’t represent the whole country,” informed Cllr Linehan Foley.

Cllr Hennessy expressed approval at the Cork Hill resurfacing and reminded that the car parking spaces be lined on the sides when the re-lining was being done.

Cllr Beecher wondered why plastic material was not being accepted for recycling at the amenity site. The town manager Patricia Power explained that only certain grades of plastics were being recycled. Recycling plastic generally depended on a market being available for the product and at present there were limitations in this sphere. “Even yoghurt cartons and similar light plastics?” asked Cllr Beecher. “Cork County Council has no contract for those kind of plastics,” cut in Cllr Revins. Ms Power said she’d inquire further on the issue.

Cllr Beecher said tar on a resurfaced road at Store Street was causing ‘a slope’ resulting in flooding, with a threat to adjacent property. He again called for “good submissions” from people on the parking be-laws, rather than arguing about it.

Mayor McLellan thanked Youghal Town Council for the recent road resurfacing works. Cllr Revins wished the public recognised that because “they are fast to knock us.” The mayor asked that the long awaited Fair Trade signs be erected at either end of town. As regards the introduction of new VAT charges, she asked if this would go onto the cost of on-street (if not other!) car parking. The town clerk said there was no private car park operator in Youghal so it would not apply.

Cllr Murray spoke of an evolving consensus that paid parking be encouraged in planning applications for edge of town developments in an initiative known as ‘Smarter Travel’ to civil servants. This would have applied, hypothetically to such developments as Indian Point (Dunne’s again!) and was intended to create a ‘level playing field’ with in-town parking programmes. Unfortunately, VAT being applicable on the private car parks would mean pressure to apply it on the council parking spaces also and so she’d advise against adopting it. Mr. Ryan sighed and reflected that, “there is awful tendency in this country to make things as complicated as we can.” He said issues of local government, including funding, had not been addressed since the State was formed, while its administration was amongst the most complicated in the world.

Mayor’s Business:

The mayor said she had received a petition from a delegation against the pedestrianisation of the Mall Lane and that she was bringing it to the manager’s attention. She reflected briefly on the recent Midleton and District Garda Benevolent Fund dinner and that her attendance marked the first time a Youghal mayor had been invited. She hoped the trend would continue.

Taking in Charge Procedure of Meadow Valley, Ballyclamsey, Youghal Harbour Glimpse and Raheen Road:

This was proposed by Cllr Revins and seconded by Cllr Linehan Foley and marks the “start of the public consultation process” as Mr. Ryan observed.

Allocation of Budget Funding to Resident Associations and Sporting Groups:

Cllr Linehan Foley said it was great that Youghal Town Council was still able to execute this service. She asked if a donation could be provided –say €200- for Haven, the Youghal group shortly going to Haiti on relief work. The own clerk said there was a contingency fund of €2,000 available but that an application for funding needed to be made in writing and then considered by the council. Cllr Revins said Chernobyl Youghal, which he and his wife had recently joined, had made a similar application.

Motion in the name of Motion in the name of Cllr. Daly seconded by Cllr. Linehan Foley: “That Youghal Town Council proceed with the pedestrianisation of Mall Lane, once the viability of alternative access onto the Main Street has been reviewed by the County Traffic Management Engineer.

Cllr Daly requested that as Cllr Burke was absent the motion be deferred to the March meeting. Cllr Hennessy said that another councillor could be absent the following night and she believed it should proceed. A vote was taken to defer the motion and was carried by 6-2, with Cllrs Hennessy and Coyne against.

Any Other Business:

Cllr Murray asked that, as the council had unanimously agreed to resurface the Mall Lane (as distinct from deciding whether to re-close it or not), when would it commence? Mr Ryan said that a different substance, suitable for both pedestrian and vehicular traffic- needed to be deployed and the council was seeking a price on “the same surface as used on Church Street and Emmet Place.” The present brickwork would have to be removed, he added. Cllr Linehan Foley asked if Church Street was now permanently closed. “Church Street hasn’t come before the Council, “replied the town clerk. “It is due to arise at the March meeting.” Oh dear.

Prior to discussing the Draft Traffic and Car Park Bye-Laws, the public meeting convened by the Chamber of Commerce at the Walter Raleigh hotel considered the re-closure of the Mall Lane. The issue is pending a motion to be raised at a forthcoming Town Council meeting in the wake of a previous motion at January’s meeting to have the lane resurfaced.
By Christy Parker | Photo: Michael Hussey YoughalOnline.com

The large gathering at the Walter Raleigh consisted primarily of retailers and service providers and appeared unanimously opposed to re-closing the lane.

Introducing the item, Chamber of Commerce President Eddie Irwin recalled that when the lane was last closed, prior to being re-opened in 2004, local retailers lost “up to 20% of business,” with heavy traffic and delays seriously impacting on trade.

Chamber Director Michael Farrell concurred, saying N25 traffic from the Waterford side declined to circumnavigate to the main street via Strand Street. He said another 20% loss of turnover on the main street would lead to at least 50 retail jobs from a workforce of 800 to 1,000. “We’re in disbelief that the council would even dream of returning to this issue,” he stated. “They spent €¼m re-aligning the kerbs and erecting steel bollards and now they raising the safety aspect again.”

Mr. Farrell described safety concerns as “a joke,” saying Strand Street residents “don’t have steel bollards outside their doors,” while traffic would traverse that area three times faster than it would he Mall Lane. He believed a few councillors “have a bee in their bonnet” about the matter and were being “disrespectful” towards retailers and employees on the main street.

Background

It was noted that most local councillors were absent from the meeting, with some having extended apologies for their absence (see report on Car Park bye-laws discussion), but the sole councillor who did honour the invitation, Barbara Murray, provided background information. She recalled that she was an active member of the Chamber in 2004 during the original debate on the Mall Lane. “It got quite nasty and became an impediment towards working in the council chamber afterwards. I’d hate to go down that road again,” she said.

Regarding the current resurrection, she said she had tabled a motion at the January Town Council meeting to have the laneway resurfaced to meet the demands of vehicular traffic. The original surface consists of brick laid on sand and had been intended to meet the requirements of pedestrian traffic only, as was the envisaged situation when tenders were invited. Subsequent a contract was awarded and then executed, despite the incoming 2004 council’s decision to open the lane to vehicles after all.

The councillor said that decision was taken on the understanding that the surface would be later revisited. “I didn’t think it would take this long so I tabled a motion, with the support of my Sinn Fein colleagues and Cllr Michael Beecher that we would use a section of the Non-national Road Grant to resurface it with a cement base. It would cost under €10,000,” she informed. “That was the extent of the motion, but an amendment was then proposed to close the lane as well.” Cllr Murray’s motion was subsequently defeated 5-4, meaning the amended motion must now be tabled formally and voted upon in turn at a forthcoming meeting. [Those who supported Cllr. Murray’s motion without the amendment were Cllrs McLellan (Mayor), Murray, Beecher and Hennessy, while those opposed were Cllrs. Daly, Burke, Coyne, Revins and Linehan Foley.]

Cllr Murray elaborated that there are only two access points to the main street for east-bound traffic, they being Brown Street and the Mall Lane. Allowing traffic also to travel up the ESB lane (Rahilly Street) would, like Brown Street, preclude the south of the town, while the closure of the Mall Lane would necessitate a longer journey through the narrow route of Strand Street that would discourage drivers from returning to the town centre. ‘The schools and the gardai don’t want it,” she insisted. Addressing the issue further, she believed “health and safety is gone bananas in this country” but believed it may be possible to render the lane “more pedestrian friendly if need be.”

Mr. Farrell rejoined that west Waterford shoppers would simply avoid Youghal and its traffic queues entirely, hence affecting trade at the northern end of the town equally.

Public opinion

The first voice from the floor expressed relief that it was only a draft proposal, having assumed the decision had already been taken. He declined ever to bring his own van up Mall Lane in respect of its residents (the lane’s that is!) but nonetheless believed it should remain open for lighter traffic in the interests of retailers. Cllr Murray observed that height restrictors could be installed and that further initiatives would be welcomed as public submissions.

It was asked whether any structural analysis was conducted prior to the soft resurfacing. Cllr Murray explained that, funding having been acquired and to avoid recommencing the tendering process, it was decided to proceed with the sand-based surface, with a view to resurfacing more appropriately shortly afterwards. “The resurfacing will be done but the issue now is keeping it open,” she reminded.

How green?

The next voice argued that, having been reared in Strand Street, he had “never got a belt of a car” but that the section appropriate to Myles Clancy’s “is actually narrower than Mall Lane.” He said it was “horrifying” to consider bringing extra traffic on such a route that also serves a school. He then questioned the credibility of “a Green party councillor who wants the lane closed” but who would thus advocate increased traffic passing a school and emitting increased fuel emissions. He, “or his headquarters, should be approached and asked how green are they,” he concluded.

A lady resident of Strand Street delivered a wider perspective. She said she used the Mall Lane regularly from “sheer habit” and found the surface presently dangerous and drivers guilty of inadequate regard. She noted “a fortune” had been spent on resurfacing Mall Lane and Church Street in deference to heritage promotion, while many roads and footpaths remained in dilapidated and dilapidating condition. “They were immaculate when the Tour de France came here 13 years ago,” she recalled “and we were promised the back street would be done. It hasn’t happened.”

Water Lane

An innovative initiative followed a suggestion that traffic be ushered up Water Lane instead. Cllr Murray said the idea was once considered but was termed redundant as there was inadequate vision coming from the left. “There’s technology there, or perhaps mirrors?” replied the proposer, further arguing that it’s a waste of time as a ‘down’ lane as it only leads drivers back the way they have come anyway. Then a further contributor suggested a yield sign on the main road, which would give the traffic ascending Water Lane the right of way instead. “Its an option,” considered Cllr Murray and, it seemed, most other present also.

The controversy surrounding Youghal Town Council’s draft proposals to introduce new parking bye-laws moved to the Walter Raleigh hotel on Monday (January 18th 2010) when about 200 traders and service providers held a protest meeting against the plans. In a separate discussion, the meeting also considered the renewed proposals to close the Mall Lane.
By Christy Parker | Photo: Michael Hussey – youghalonline.com
The event was organised by the Youghal Chamber of Commerce and hosted by a top table that included Eddie Irwin (President), John Flavin (Vice President), Diarmuid Keogh (Secretary, Seamus Curran (Director), Michael Farrell (Director) and Eileen Quill (Director)

The attendance was further displeased that only Town and County Councillor Barbara Murray (FG) accepted the invitation to attend. “Its funny how they all had something else to do tonight,” remarked one woman, dryly. Apologies were acknowledged from Cllrs Sandra McLellan (Mayor), Hennessy, Revins, Linehan Foley, Coyne and Daly. It is understood Cllrs McLellan and Hennessy were attending a funeral.

The proposed car park charges dominated proceedings. The angry attendance claimed the imposition of a 50c fee for the first three hours, plus 50c ph thereafter, across all car parks, including both beaches would cost jobs. There was similar dismissal for the alternative €5 weekly permit for all car parks, while an increase on street parking charges from 80c to €1 and a €20 per day fee on builders vehicles was further criticised.

Town Clerk Liam Ryan says the new laws are designed to help traffic flow and free up car park spaces, resulting in increased revenue for businesses. He has stressed that they are “only draft proposals.” They are currently open for public submissions, having been agreed by a 5-2 council majority on which Cllrs. McLellan, Beecher, Hennessy, Daly and Coyne voted in favour and Cllrs Revins and Linehan Foley opposed, with Cllrs Murray and Burke not present.

Space shortages

Introducing the discussion, Mr. Farrell said a Chamber of Commerce funded survey had revealed a current shortfall of 465 car spaces in Youghal. To that effect, the business community concurred with the council’s view that traffic flow and car parks spaces need to be improved upon. It also agrees that the problem is exacerbated bith by residential parking on the main street and employees using car parks throughout the day.

However, the Chamber and its affiliates do not believe that “ludicrous,” paid parking schemes are the solution. That road, so to speak, leads to “a 20% reduction in turnover” and perhaps hundreds of job losses, Mr. Farrell claimed.

While fees are levied in Dungarvan’s council car parks, it is their absence in Midleton from which Youghal traders draw comparison, fearing the car park charges will send consumers up the N25. Furthermore, it is argued, the Strand would lose out to such as Ardmore and Garryvoe.

By way of combating this apocalypse, Mr Farrell’s opening address urged all present –and beyond- not merely to make written submissions to the council but also to “make your thoughts known to” each and every councillor. It was a message he repeated throughout. He also complained that traders were not consulted prior to the draft proposal being devised and that Chamber submissions on previous occasion seemed to go unread. Not a man to shy from self-expression, he added, “Sometimes it’s like having a bunch of imbeciles running our town.”

Caustic

Hell hath no fury like a retailer enraged and the input from the floor was no less caustic against the council. A summary of the views expressed would include the following:

* ‘I’ve opened a business and taken two people off the dole. We’ve lost al our factories and must remarket ourselves but paid parking will be a final nail in the coffin instead.’

* ‘Its disgraceful that the 1-2pm free parking is not advertised properly.’

* ‘For 27 years I’ve worked and shopped in Youghal. Why should I pay more? €5 a week is €250 a year and no doubt it will increase in time. Its disgusting.’

* ‘The town is on its knees but the councillors seemed resigned to paid car parks. We protested before this time we should march on the streets.’

* ‘People will turn off at Castlemartyr for Garryvoe if we have beach car park charges. We should gather outside the town hall for the next council meeting.’

* ‘We must fight for free car parks with no limitations. The council says its short of money but they got a windfall since last October from the ‘second home’ taxes.’

* ‘We won’t pay it. That’s the answer. End of story’

* ‘Seems the council don’t want to speculate before it accumulates.’

* ‘I have to walk to the car park after work. Its dark and I don’t feel safe.’

* ‘If the councillors had businesses on the main street would they feel the same?! My parents come to visit from out of town. Are they expected to pay for that now?’

* ‘Employees keep the town going and are entitled to free car parks.’

* ‘Is disgraceful. I will approach every councillor.’

* ‘These days, how can council employees have so many jeeps and SUV’s?’

* ‘The anticipated maintenance fees for car parks for this year is €150,000, or €3,000 per week. Yet there’s no signs or lining. Where’s it all going?’

* ‘What value for money are we going to get? Ardmore beach has toilets and a playground. Our children have to go to the toilet in the water! If there was a toilet in the strand they could make money.’

* ‘Cobh rescinded paid car parks. Midleton has so far avoided it.’

* ‘Getting bang for your buck is very important. We aren’t getting that. Am people who need a van for their work supposed to park it away from their businesses?’

* ‘The council have an obligation to make these proposal documents easily available. Yet they want €3 for a copy in the town hall. It should be on the internet.’

* ‘The public are very aware and have asked to sign our petition.’

(There was a brief diversion when the discussion veered, no less angrily, onto the alleged €181,000 per year sent on provision and maintenance of automatic toilets and associated issues. Tree cutting, faulty and unfinished footpaths also got a short airing.)

Balance books

The flurries were largely fielded by Mr. Farrell or Cllr Murray. Adding to his introductory observations Mr Farrell rejected any suggestion of a ‘happy medium.’ He denoted Assistant County Manager and Youghal Town Manager Patricia Power as a major instigator of the initiative and said she “doesn’t know how to rationalise her business like we do.” The director warned that retailers were “not going to close shops” so the council could balance its books. “If they can’t do it themselves they should get out and let someone else do it.”

He referred to alternative revenue raising suggestions, as circulated to the attendance by the Chamber of Commerce. These included increased rental from the Youghal landfill to match “a six fold increase in intake”; compensation from Cork Co. Council for its “failure to manage” landfill odours; a “balanced income/expenditure arrangement from Cork County Council regarding road maintenance; value for money toilets (manned as against automatic), savings on council vehicles and curtailment of “civic parties and wasteful junkets.”

For all the invective and criticism however, Mr. Farrell said the business community wanted consultation and a mutually agreed strategy, whence paid car parks would be unthinkable but time restrictions quite possible. Meantime, he repeated, “This is about your livelihood and your families. It’s too important to rely on submissions alone. We need to sway a couple of councillors. Find them and approach them.”

Hackneys, builders, trailers, etc…

Cllr Murray, for her part, stressed the importance of written submissions by way of tangible evidence to the town clerk. “I’ve often lobbied on issues and the town clerk has simply informed me that he has had no submissions on the matter. You must put it in writing,” she warned.

She dwelt briefly on other contentious aspects of the proposals, such as hackney drivers having just five minutes at their South and North Main Street set down points, no more than 30 minutes in public car parks and being subject to the same parking restrictions as other drivers, beyond that, even when parked in their designated spaces.

The councillor also drew attention to the €20 per day charge on builders’ vehicles, skips, etc, the designated space at Nealon’s Quay for trailers and the insistence that drivers who depart a disc parking after the maximum permitted time must wait one hour before using another disc parking area. All of these matters were liable for debate and reconsideration “but we must remember everything is only part of draft proposals,” she reassured.

Alternatives

On the main, paid car parks issue, Cllr Murray displayed lateral thinking in forwarding some alterations and counter-proposals. She suggested that some ‘fringe area’ car parks, such as Catherine Street or Priory Court, be set aside for free long-term parking. This would facilitate the town employees, etc, who by necessity are away from their cars al day, as well as the park ‘n’ ride drivers who consume car park spaces while bussing it to Cork for various reasons. The idea was well accepted.

She proceeded that the ‘prime’ car parks, such as Dolphin’s Square and Nealon’s Quay perhaps, under a barrier system, might provide free parking for the first three hours and 50c per hour thereafter. This would lean kindly towards anyone fearful of an early morning ticket after leaving their car in town overnight. The system would eliminate the need for a traffic warden to police the car parks, as the charge would be paid to exit the car park. Cllr Murray believed it would thus be preferable to free parking under a time limit system, which would need to be policed and entail having to move one’s car to avoid a ticket. She did not support car park charges at either beach, or McCurtainstown.

These incentives were considered, at the very least, a worthy starting point on what may be long march towards common ground. The last word (for now) was left to Chamber President Eddie Irwin who advised the departing audience, “The best parking system is one where you don’t have to fine anybody.”

* East Cork’s three TD’s, Ahern, Sherlock and Stanton (alphabetical order ok?!) were engaged in parliamentary business out of town and apologised for their unavoidable absence. The Chamber of Commerce has arranged to meet with Deputy Sherlock in the coming week and similar meetings with his Dail colleagues are being considered.

Youghal Town Council arrived at the proposed new Draft Road Traffic & Car Park Bye Laws 2010 via a 90-minute journey at a specially convened meeting on Monday January 18th. Before the councillors were draft proposals regarding alterations to the parking bye laws, as compiled by the town council executive. By Christy Parker

These included a 50c per hour car park charge with the first two or three hours free and a €10 weekly permit allowing indefinite parking in any car park. Other bye-laws alterations to be considered, involved reviewed fees for construction vehicles and doctors’ parking permits.

The issue was driven by commercial expediency, with general acceptance that the council desperately needs increased revenue and that traffic flow on the town’s main street and car parks is lamentably slow, with a detrimental effect on trading The councillors present were Cllrs McLellan (mayor), Beecher, Hennessy, Daly, Coyne, Revins and Linehan Foley.

The town clerk clarified that the meeting would discuss and vote on the proposals before they went for public consultation over six weeks. The submissions would subsequently return to the council to be adopted or otherwise.

Tentative start

The opening exchanges were tentative. Cllr Sammy Revins quickly emphasised he was on record as vowing never to vote for paid parking and would be maintaining this position. He conceded though that he might review his position if paid parking was introduced in Midleton.

Cllr Mary Linehan Foley said her position remained that paid street parking should be balanced by free car parks, especially in these recessionary times and to dissuade shoppers from travelling out of town. She said Youghal people were shopping in Midleton and Dungarvan due to such attractions as Heaton’s and Dunnes while their own town doesn’t have comparable attractions to justify paid car parks.  The councillor also noted that business employees were using much of the available car parks spaces in Youghal. “But if you removed paid street parking, they’d park there instead. We can’t win,” she added.

Cllr Michael Beecher said he recognised the revenue concerns but was ‘shocked” that paid parking was being considered. Nonetheless he believed something -other than paid parking- should be done to free up car park spaces, especially regarding cars parked while the occupants took the bus to shop in Cork.

Cllr Michelle Hennessy also rejected metre’d car parks but favoured increasing the on street parking charges from 80c to €1. Her colleagues agreed that this was an affordable increase and that the rate was more conveniently deposited than 80c. The councillor supported a €10 weekly car park permit but Cllr Revins said that initiative demanded a car park payment system operating in the first place.

Amidst comparisons with Midleton, Dungarvan and Fermoy, Mr. Ryan said there are paid street and car park system in both Dungarvan and Fermoy and the figures indicated car park revenue to be higher than street parking revenue by ratios of 2:1 and 3:respectively.

Statistical persuasion

The town clerk provided statistics to suggest that every car parked in a “properly managed” town centre car space generated an average of €25 for the local economy, or €50,000 annually. A turnover of 6-10 spaces per day, he argued, could increase the turnover to €120,000 per space per annum. Furthermore, on national figures, each car parking space costs €15,000 to construct. The fundamental purpose of paid parking, he proceeded, was “to increase traffic and business turnover, with the revenue invested in town centre projects.”

Mr. Ryan contested that turnover of the 440 spaces currently available was being compromised for three reasons: 1) Resident parking permits being extended to the main streets; 2) parking in car parks prior to taking the bus; 3) people clogging up car parks all day.

Cllr Linehan Foley remarked, with some scepticism, that some €40 per annum Resident Permits allowed business owners to park on the street indefinitely, while the council were now discussing charging their customers to use car parks. Cllr Revins counteracted that very few business owners held resident permits. Cllr Hennessy replied that many business people live in adjoining laneways, etc and have little alternative.

As the myriad of sub-texts unfolded, the discussion meandered into the custom of hackney drivers parking far beyond the five-minute ‘set down’ time legally allocated to their bays. However, this was deemed a garda issue and the matter itself was parked, so to speak.

Cllr Dave Daly asked whether a 15 or 30 minute ‘grace’ period, similar to that operated in Dungarvan, might have a beneficial bearing on trade, but the town clerk said such a system is almost impossible to monitor and “takes considerably from revenue.” It was subsequently noted that most drivers seem unaware of Youghal’s free on street parking from 1-2pm, despite it being displayed on machines.

Half way there

Half way through the session it was generally agreed that the street parking increase to €1 was acceptable, with the 20c minimum charge to be retained, subject to review. Cllr Linehan Foley was reluctant but eventually concurred.

There was a general consensus by now also that car park fees were both necessary and acceptable and discussion turned towards what formula would be deployed. It was felt that 50c per hour was a moderate proposal although Mayor McLellan suggested three hour limit be imposed, regardless. Cllr Hennessy said this was impractical in the case of employees, who needed to park all day. Cllr Revins mooted a four-hour limit, which would dovetail either side of the lunchtime break.

Amidst renewed uncertainty, Cllr Hennessy tentatively suggested consulting the Chamber of Commerce regarding parking permits for staff. Cllr Revins countered that the meeting was intended to establish a draft proposal for public consideration and “the chamber can write in their submissions” in due course.

50c and free hours

Cllr Hennessy returned to the 50c per hour issue but suggested the first three hours be free. Cllr Linehan Foley said this would be difficult to monitor. The town clerk proposed the ticket machines be activated on entry to the car park, with the result that the first 50c would effectively cover up to three hours, with a 50c charge for every subsequent hour. Cllr Beecher preferred an initial four hours for 50c. Cllr Coyne meanwhile and somewhat belatedly, expressed hesitancy over any fee, describing it as a “disincentive.”

Cllr Linehan Foley said it would “take more than 50c an hour to bring people into Youghal” before again decrying the predominant use of the car parks by employees. “The chamber should be involved in asking their staff to free up our car parks,” she insisted. Cllr Beecher still wanted 50c for the first four hours and Cllr Revins said this would be pointless as it would make the €10 per week permit economically pointless.  “Make that €5 a week then,” surmised Cllr Beecher.

Cllr Daly advocated 50c for the first three hours with a €10 per week permit.

Help the retailers….help themselves

The meeting then accepted Mayor McLellan’s recommendation of a short break to consider the options. The town clerk first reminded them that the ultimate purpose was “maximum turnover of spaces to facilitate the retail sector.” He quickly pointed out that the 2009 budget provision for rental income was €1.36m, with the actual sum gathered being only €1m. With €185,000 allowable for spread losses the deficit was €180,000. “The inability to park your car is definitely affecting Youghal businesses,” he concluded.

Cllr Linehan Foley concurred with these sentiments but warned that, “The people we are trying to help (town traders) are the sone that will hit us.” The town clerk stipulated that the council’s sole role was to accommodate a free flow of traffic, resulting in a greater turnover of car parking spaces. Thereafter it was up to the retailers to provide the merchandise of quality and variety to meet consumers’ requirements and maintain business. He said the new laws would be monitored and once the amount of income became evident it could be decided where best to invest it in town centre projects.

Finer points

Following a brief sojourn, the members again turned their attention to fine-tuning the proposals. Cllr Hennessy questioned whether resident parking permit holders would still be allowed to park on the main street as well as avail of the car parks. Mayor McLellan speculated that they should be allowed park wherever they choose. However, the town clerk again decried long term on-street parking as detrimental to trade and stipulated that permit holders be allowed park on their own street, as indicated on their permits, as well as enjoy free spaces in the car parks. This was accepted.

By now the meeting had a clearer, more unified vision and it was finally proposed that all car parks would provide the first two hours free, with each subsequent hour costing 50c (as the picket must be purchased on entering the cap park, this effectively means 50c for the first three hours). To make it more economically attractive, the weekly permit would cost half the originally proposal at €5 and would be usable in all and any car park. Tickets in all cases would be purchasable from car park metre machines.

Finally….

The voting commenced. The first aspect to be formally decided was that of a 50c charge, with the first two hours free and 50c per hour thereafter, and provision of a €5 for weekly permit. It was carried by a 5-2 majority, with Cllrs. McLellan, Beecher, Coyne, Daly and Henenssy in favour and Cllrs Revins and Linehan Foley against.

The proposal on the change of use for Resident Permits to allow free parking on one stipulated street plus any car park was passed unanimously without a vote. It was also unanimously decided, without a vote, to allow the free daily parking from 1-2pm to remain, pending public submissions. A proposal to allow doctor’s to park anywhere in Youghal for their €40 annual Doctors Permit, subject to being ‘on call’, was unanimously agreed, again without a formal vote. The final issue, again unanimously passed without vote, was a €20 daily charge for contractors’ vehicles and utilities, such as skips, etc.

Cork Opera House and Stage Centre present
The Good Sisters By Michel Tremblay
Based on the Martin Bowman and Bill Findlay Scottish translation of the play.
Directed by Marion Wyatt and the creative team that brought us The Sunbeam Girls

Cork audiences were delighted at seeing their friends, sisters, neighbours and themselves during workshop performances of The Good Sisters in the Half Moon Theatre in 2008.

Now there will be more opportunities to laugh and cry with the ladies of the Northside, when this hilarious and heart breaking dramatic comedy moves to the main stage for its official Irish premiere.

It’s 1965, and a local lady has won a million Green Shield stamps – the equivalent of striking it rich in the Lotto.   From that mixed blessing comes wild and raucous action and an homage to that greatest of working class passions: bingo!

Stage Centre has assembled a talented cast of fifteen Cork women, the majority of whom were The Sunbeam Girls, to portray some really desperate housewives who share stories – most funny, some outrageous and others simply sad – and with that the night comes to an explosive end.

“the laughter quota is very high…lapped up with hoots and hollers” – Evening Echo