YOUGHAL TOWN COUNCIL MEETING JULY 2010 – By Christy Parker

In reference to legal action against defaulting ratepayers, Cllr Barbara Murray asked whether those being pursued are still in business. Town clerk Liam Ryan said they were still trading. Asked if were regular or just recent defaulters, he replied that, “they were never exemplary.”

Litter:

In regard to littering offences Cllr Murray said she endorsed the use of CCTV but asked whether such evidence clearly indicated that large bags conveying domestic rubbish were involved in cases where fines had been issued for dumping in street bins. Town Clerk Liam Ryan said fines had only been issued for offences that were “voluminous in nature” and none had been issued “where there was a grey area.”  Cllr Murray asked whether he would furnish the evidence to someone appealing a fine and Mr. Ryan said that would only be done as part of the legal process where there was a refusal to pay a fine. Cllr Murray said she knew of cases, whereby elderly people were unaware of having offended, such as a woman in the beach whom she had seen emptying the detritus of her car into a bin recently.

Town Manager Patricia Power intervened, saying the issue had been debated for many years and it was time to develop a “zero tolerance” approach to littering across “every strata of society.” She felt nobody had “lived in a cave” long enough to be unaware of the problems. She said there was a “robust” three-part, internal appeal system via the litter warden, the town clerk and herself, before court proceedings were considered. “We’ll never get any where with tit-for-tat evidence, of who saw this and who saw that,” she continued, concluding that the message must be unequivocally delivered that “Youghal people respect their town and that Youghal is a clean town.”

Cllr Michael Beecher said he had seen domestic rubbish being strewn by crows at Greens Quay and Dr. Kennedy’s Place that morning. He was “delighted” people were being caught on CCTV. Cllr Sammy Revins said people should realise there was a litter warden on duty and “fair play to him for getting what he was looking for.”

Cllr Sandra McLellan asked if resurfacing the remaining section of the Golf Links Road would receive priority in 2011. Mr Ryan said it was for the members to decide at next year’s budget but he hoped the weather wouldn’t dictate the priorities as happened in 2010.

Votes of Congratulations:

Mayor Linehan Foley congratulated “three young people (Golfers Patricia Ronayne, & Patrick Plante from Youghal and Gortroe’s basketball player Sandra Egan) who won two silver and a bronze medal respectively while representing Munster in the Special Olympics in Thomond Park, Limerick “They made us proud and deserve acknowledgment.” she said. Given the current reticence towards civic receptions, the councillor wondered if framed certificates could be presented to them at a reduced ceremony. Cllr Revins said presenting certs had formerly been a popular practice “but,” he added, “let’s give them a good reception too and never mind the begrudgers. They are children of our town.” Cllrs Hennessy and McLellan concurred.  Cllr Murray added that the award-winning Pobalscoil students invited to attend the 2010 Shanghai International Youth Science and Technology Expo, also deserved recognition. Cllr Beecher recalled a previous decision conduct a nomination system, succeeded by an annual awards night. Mayor Linehan Foley’s proposal for bi-annual awards ceremonies at Christmas and June was then well received and a sub committee is to be established to pursue that option.

Town Foreman’s Report:

Cllr Liam Burke complained of potholes on Raheen Road, Nealon’s Quay car park, Bawnmore and Ballyclamasy at junction with N25. He asked the town manager for an update on the implementation of a retail strategy for Youghal that was sanctioned in June 2009 and for which funding was provided. He said it was “extremely important” that it was incorporated into the town development plan with a view to a new retail centre application for Mill Road in which Dunne’s Stores would be anchor tenants.

Cllr Eoin Coyne said tourists had expressed disappointment with the bad state of the statue and fountain in Green Park, though they found the town “lovely.” He also cited concern over dumping at the bottom of Sarsfield’s Terrace and potholes at Bawnmore, bushes intruding onto the footpath at Golf Links Road and St. Coran’s Well.

Potholes

Cllr Revins said potholes were prevalent in Macurtainstown car park and that shrubbery at the exit of Kilcoran Park needed trimming as it was impeding motorists’ view. The first implement in the Greencloyne playground needed repair, he said The councillor sought information regarding satellite dishes on the front of buildings on the main street, especially in a heritage town. Visitors had remarked on it and he wondered if dishes in such locations required planning permission. The town clerk, to general surprise, said this was indeed the case. The town manager said she’d cite the legislation at the next meeting. Oh dear…

Cllr McLellan said she had been embarrassed amongst Americans at the ongoing foul state of the jail steps. Mr. Ryan said the greenery at the top end had been cut and further pruning was imminent. She said the car park on Raheen Road needed spraying and also asked if Springfield Industrial Estate was ready to be taken in charge by the council. A delegation had visited her on the issue and she said the estate was very well kept.

Arrows

Cllr Murray asked if the traffic arrows on the “appalling” surface on Nealon’s Quay carpark could be painted. She too had concerns over the Bawnmore potholes along with weeds on the paths around the GAA grounds at Magners Hill. She inquired if funding was available to complete works at Srathan na Sali. (SPELL?). The town clerk said the landscaping was finished, the speed ramp at the entrance would be installed in September, there was no provision made for a railing and trees in Phase 1 and no, he had not yet received funding from Cork County Council for any works.

Cllr Beecher remarked that the bright ‘golden’ hue painted onto the new business adjacent to the AIB was “a disgrace” and was told it was being dealt with. He concurred that the state of the jail steps was appalling and urged CCTV cameras be utilised to combat littering there. The councillor concluded with a request that the Front Strand toilets be painted.

Shrubs

Cllr Hennessy appealed for the Millennium Park ponds to be cleaned and some colourful shrubs to be planted. She also wanted the playground swept and the foliage on Mill Road roundabout to be pruned. She said the hedging on Golf Links Road was forcing walkers onto a busy thoroughfare and complained of rubbish being persistently dumped on a certain spot on Cork Hill. She added that an accident was imminent on Raheen Road as drivers were deviating to avoid potholes.

Mayor Linehan Foley sought news on a proposal to plant shrubs at Quain’s Terrace, where the residents would then tend to them. Cllr Coyne added that an unoccupied house on the terrace had overgrown foliage.

Embargos

At this point the town clerk asked whether there had been feedback from the councillors’ political parties regarding protests they had pledged to convey in protest at local government under-funding and the staff embargo. Suffice to say no good news –or any news- was forthcoming. Mr. Ryan said the council simply could not operate successfully as matters stand. “It’s emanating from the Department of Finance,” he informed before asking, “Are we a local authority or are we not?” Patently exasperated, he proceeded, “If we are, then we should be given the funding to perform the works within our adopted budget. This includes being able to hiring the individuals to perform the works contained within that budget.” Cllr Revins remarked that the issue of a white paper currently being studied by the government regarding the proposed abolition of town councils needed to be addressed too. Cllr Murray said the HSE presented similar under-funding and embargo issues, with Youghal hospital unable to replace staff.

Cork County Council Items:

Cllr Beecher said it was “time for action” over derelict sites, specifically Clancy’s, its adjacent garage and the Spinning Wheel. “Somebody must be responsible,” he demanded. He also circulated photos of the derelict conditions at the old CIE-owned railway station.

Cllr Murray decried that someone, campers probably, had strewn rubbish along side the butts (Claycastle), which was technically private property but also probably an established right of way. She asked if there was any update on a seven-day “dangerous order” notice issued to the owner of the rifle range building on June 21st. The councillor said the condition of valves on the outfall pipes were in the strand area was causing concern to the residents who feared flooding. Town engineer Paul Murray explained that the valve manufacturer and the consulting engineer had visited the site and issue was being dealt with. He agreed to supply Cllr Murray with a written report.

Cabins and footpaths

Cllr Murray also wondered whether a rubber flap or grid could be placed at the entrance to the council’s larger car park bins, to prevent crows etc from ransacking them as well as making it more difficult to dispose of domestic rubbish. Regarding CCTV she hoped that Cork County Council would duplicate Youghal’s anti-litter initiative. The engineer said he was awaiting an answer on that.  The councillor asked if the lifeguard cabins at Claycastle and Redbarn would be changed this year, given their windows face away from the beach. The engineer said they would retain them for the duration of 2010 and that they had been chosen due to their anti-vandal qualities, with shutters etc. The town manager said the lifeguards were outside the cabins usually but the issue would be reconsidered for 2011

Cllr Hennessy advised that the signs on the adjacent island were obstructing children’s –and even adults’- view of traffic at the Mill Road roundabout. She had personally experienced the situation.

Cllr Burke repeated “the usual list of broken footpaths’, aka Tallow Street, South Main Street, junction of Strand Street & South Abbey. He was told that some sections of these areas would be addressed shortly. Cllr Burke further stated that there was a missing strip of road surface at Island View and asked if there would be any works done on Moll Goggin’s Corner this year. :There is none planned, “ said Mr. Murray.

Bad roads and waivers

Cllr Coyne reminded the engineer that the road at Island View needed repair and was told it would occur by the end of the year as the workers were currently engaged in the countryside, looking after water treatment plant issues, bins and beaches. The councillor sought an update on recent complaints over alleged odours from the landfill site. The town clerk said he is awaiting a reply from the county council.

Cllr Revins said the road surface where Ballyvergan meets the man road was “crazy.” The engineer said he’d investigate.

Cllr McLellan said that a lot of elderly people were concerned at rumours that the civic amenity site would be closing and also that the county council were to abolish the waiver system. The town manager replied that she didn’t know about environment issues but was aware that discussions had taken place to make the site viable. Cllr Murray said that the county council was losing €1.9m per annum on waivers and that the Dept of Social welfare should be carrying the responsibility instead. Ms Power agreed and said a submission to that effect had previously been made to the government but with no satisfactory response. Cllr Murray noted that the amenity site’s landfill facility would be closing soon anyway and it was hoped that in due course -20 years or so- picturesque landscaping would ensue.

Cllr Linehan Foley asked whither the plans for the new Quarryvale landscaping, intended to prevent vehicles denying visibility to exiting motorists and was told they are now ready.

Mayor’s Business:

Mayor Linehan Foley said the local club’s reception for GAA President Christy Cooney had been cancelled (Waterford hurlers delaying the inevitable again!) and new arrangements would be forthcoming in time.

Report of the Heritage Municipal Policy Committee by Cllr Burke:

See elsewhere for report in which Cllr Burke outlines how Youghal has secured €200,000 funding from the Irish Walled Towns network for 2010. Youghal Town Council has also received €15,000 for a conservation plan for Myrtle Grove, €4,900 for architectural appraisals of the historic quarter and €2,700 for the graveyard trail at St. Mary’s Collegiate Church.

Other items in the report, include a business plan for the development of the Clock Gate, heritage footpaths, the annual Medieval Day in St. Mary’s College gardens, links with Waterford Institute of Technology and inclusion in the Irish Historic Towns Atlas. The atlas is a highly prestigious European publication, in which 25 other Irish towns are included. The history of the town, illustrated with maps and original texts, will form part of the presentation. The publication is distributed to academic institutions throughout Europe.

Cllr Burke said architect David Kelly raised most of the €30,000 local contribution needed, including €15, 000 from the Christian Brothers, €3,00 from Youghal Heritage Society and donations from private individuals. Youghal town council then agreed to pay the remaining €6,000 from the €25,000 it usually grants towards heritage in its annual budget. Mayor Linehan Foley said it was very important that Youghal was promoted in through this channel, which includes a digital ‘zoom-in’ map. It was agreed to send a formal letter of gratitude to Mr. Kelly for his voluntary efforts.