Youghal Town Council will proceed with its plans to develop a retail strategy for the town despite Cork County Council’s “concerns” it could distort its own retail strategy for the area. Town Manager Patricia Power told October’s town council meeting that she intends to seek tenders from the private sector with a view to conducting a retail study of the town, regardless of the county council’s reservations..

In a prelude to explaining her decision, the manager recalled that in June 2009 Youghal Town Council had adopted a motion to develop a retail strategy for Youghal which would be incorporated into its Town Development Plan 2009-15. Part of this strategy would include a major shopping complex on the old Mill Road site (commonly known as ‘Apache Point’ or ‘Murray Kitchens). The motion also agreed “actively to encourage developers” to construct such a major retail complex on the site, which the town council has re-zoned for such purpose. (That derelict site is owned by a Kerry-based group and there are currently no apparent plans to develop it.)

Consequently, the council’s 2010 budget provided €10,000 towards funding a consultancy study to help develop this overall strategy for the town, with a commitment to provide another €10,000 in the 2011 budget.

Letter

In a letter to Town Manager Patricia Power, the county council explained that it intended its broader-based Cork Strategic Retail Study (2008) to be adopted by all town councils and included in subsequent development plans and policies. Under this scheme Youghal is one of six ‘ring towns’ in the county, earmarked for an additional 5,590 sq. metres (approx.) of convenience shopping floor space and 19,200 sq. metres (approx.) of comparison shopping floor space between 2007 and 2020.

The county council’s study decrees that Youghal, as of 2007, had 3,865 sq. metres (net) of convenience floor space available for development, along with 5,185 sq metres (net) for comparison retail. The study concluded that Youghal “should improve its town centre retail function by increasing the range and quantum of retail floor space particularly in the area of new comparison and retail warehouse development.”

The letter expresses reservation that Youghal’s own retail strategy might compromise the county council’s agreed retail strategy for the combined area and discourages it accordingly. It advises –long windingly- that should the town manager and town clerk decide to proceed with the preparation of the Youghal Retail Strategy, it should “take into account and is consistent with the objectives contained within the Cork Retail Strategy Study.” It further demands that prior to adopting any new retail strategy, Youghal Town Council should submit it to the Policy Planning Unit at County Hall.”

The town manager told October’s meeting that she will press ahead and seek tenders for a consultancy study and thus advancing two motions adopted by the town council. She said she expects to have received them with four weeks.

Cork County Council has begun paving the way, quite literally, for the anticipated commencement of Youghal’s Main Drainage Scheme.  The long awaited project, which now has an anticipated starting date of spring 2012, will see the town’s back streets from the Bretton Road, to Strand Street and towards the Lighthouse Hill undergo considerable disruption for several weeks. This will lead to considerable traffic diversion onto the town’s North and South Main streets (R634) which are in presently in poor condition to cope with such increased volume.

Consequently, the county council has applied to the Department of the Environment for funding towards a €160,000 road resurfacing project. The work will run from Windmill Hill in South Main Street to Cork Hill at the exit from North Main Street at a point where it will meet part of the drainage scheme. Youghal Town Cllr Liam Ryan told October’s town council meeting that it is hoped the resurfacing would commence in early 2011.

Town Manager Patricia Power said it was very important to seek –and acquire- the funding now so that the work could be carried out prior to the main drainage scheme by way of giving the town good main street surfaces to balance the inevitable deterioration of those in the areas to be disrupted by the scheme. The application has been supported by documentation from Youghal Town Council outlining the importance of good quality road surface and infrastructure with regard to tourism, business, industrial development and Youghal as a vital route way in the greater south Munster area.

Meanwhile the meeting heard that tenders for the main drainage scheme are awaiting approval from the Department of the Environment. The project will comprise a state of the art wastewater treatment plant and an upgraded sewerage network, at a cost of €28m, Cork County Council’s 30% contribution to the cost has already been secured while the remaining 70% from the Department of the Environment is awaited.  The project has already been delayed by a year due to department’s failure to meet its provision but, perhaps buoyed by the sort of optimism Ireland presently needs, the town council remains focused on a spring 2010 starting date.

Youghal Gardai are keen that householders to ensure that their properties are secure following a spate of burglaries in the area in recent times. Garda spokesman Ronan Swann advises homeowners to check that alarms are set and working properly when leaving the house for extended periods of time. It is wise to check that windows and doors are locked and sensory lights and such devices are also in good working order, the garda says, adding that leaving lights on when a house is vacated can further deter intruders. This applies to properties above ground level also as burglars “will get in if they want to get in,” he warns. He also asks that people check their property from the exterior as if one is a burglar and also to inform the gardai if  noticing any suspicious behaviour in the locality.

Mid-term break:

The garda asks parents to be aware of their children/teenagers’ whereabouts during the mid-term break, especially in the later part of the night. Youghal has some anti-social behaviour problems at present and even when one’s offspring normally acts responsibly, peer pressure can sometimes incite uncharacteristic behaviour, says the garda.

Fireworks:

This time of year is synonymous with fireworks and Garda Swann advises that the celebratory devices can be highly dangerous with a history of maiming and even killing people, especially when used incorrectly. Additionally, many fireworks are counterfeits and not legitimately made, adding greatly to their danger. Besides that, it is illegal to possess, sell or ignite them without a permit, the garda stresses. Youghal gardai welcome any information about the illegal possession or use of fireworks, and one “need not leave their name or address or phone number” when providing such information,” adds Garda Swann.

Halloween:

With Halloween hovering close by, the garda further advises parents to ensure children intent on trick or treating are accompanied by a responsible adult. He asks that children be advised to use footpaths and, regardless that black is the seasonally prime colour, be visible to motorists and others at all times.

Missing dog:

Youghal people are asked to keep a look out for Hamish, a five year-old, white west highland terrier missing from the Prospectus Farm area. He is un-collared but is chipped. Information to (024) 25987.

Youghal’s recessionary woes continue as further business face closures and trade reductions in the coming weeks.  Bookmakers Sean Graham’s on the North Main Street will close on November 7th with the loss of five jobs. Additionally, the Walter Raleigh hotel will reduce trade to weekends through November, though will continue to host functions and similar events.

Sean Graham’s has already shed five of its eleven outlets in the Republic over the past 18 months. The Northern Ireland based company opened in Youghal in 2003 and its departure leaves just two betting shops operating in the town. General Manager Chris Deery says “factory closures in Youghal have detrimentally affected our client base but shifting patterns in the industry in the Republic have also contributed to the closure.”

Taxes

On-street betting outlets are facing unprecedented and evolving changes. These include increased internet betting, which is siphoning off street custom. Britain-based bookies such as Graham’s pay a profit tax on internet income to their government, while their Irish equivalents do not. Irish bookmakers warn that current government proposals to introduce taxation to the sector, will see firms join international competitors offshore, trailing considerable job losses in Ireland in their wake.

Added to this are betting exchanges where punters can effectively become bookmakers themselves by betting against each other online. Furthermore, the arrival of Turf TV race broadcasting across 32 race courses has meant that betting shops must now subscribe to a second live race commentary system, alongside the original SIS, which covers the remaining courses.

The manager also argues that restrictions on evening opening during winter is detrimental to business in Ireland as is the failure of the government to allow fixed odds terminals (‘slot machines’) which, he claims, “saved the industry in Britain during the last recession.”

Amidst all this, continues says Mr Deery, a possible 2% levy on winning bets being mooted as a budget move has diminished trade confidence. “Ireland has a direct 1% levy on turnover which bookmakers absorb rather than pass on to customers,” he explains. “But betting turnover in Ireland has fallen by €570 million euros –or 15%- in the last 12 months and the government proposal would bring further devastating job losses because the cost will have to be borne by bookies. Only the larger chains could hope to survive.” He says “the Irish Bookmakers Association has submitted a paper to the Finance Minister for an alternative tax and licence regime that it clams will save and create jobs.”

Regrets

Back in Youghal, Mr Deery says the company did “not take the decision to close lightly” and had tried to fend off the inevitable for some time. He extends the company’s “deepest regrets” to staff and customers. “Unfortunately Youghal’s relatively isolated location makes it virtually impossible to redeploy staff elsewhere in the business,” he elaborates, adding, “We tried o interest a similar concern in the area but they were not into acquiring the shop in the current climate.”

Hotel

Meanwhile seasonal factors have led to Youghal’s Walter Raleigh hotel opting to cease midweek trading midweek from November 1st to December 16th “There just isn’t enough demand for rooms,” says a hotel spokesman. The hotel’s function rooms will honour commitments towards conferences and meetings and will also take advance bookings by phone during the closure.

Feileacain (Stillbirth and Neonatal Death Association of Ireland)
Feileacain was founded by a group of bereaved parents who came together to offer hope and support to other parents who unfortunately would need our help. Feileacain Stillbirth and Neonatal Death Association of Ireland (SANDAI), are a newly formed not for profit organisation (Charitable Status pending). We hope to provide assistance & support to anyone affected by the loss of a baby and also promote research. We are currently supplying some of the maternity hospitals with memory boxes for parents and these include such items as hand knitted blankets, disposal camera, finger printing kit, teddy bears and information. We will also be providing a Befriender Service, Phone support and Group meetings to those who may need it. We have links to Sands UK and the International Stillbirth Alliance. We can currently be found on Facebook at the following link http://www.facebook.com/pages/Feileacain-Stillbirth-and-Neonatal-Death-Association-of-Ireland/114951088552179 and our web-site www.feileacain.ie is under construction and is been officially launched on 29th October.

My name is Brian Roche and myself and my wife Liz are involved in the setting up off this charity. I’m from Youghal and Liz from Ballymacoda. Our story was recently featured both in The East Cork Journal and The Evening Echo. I was just wondering would it may be possible to place an interview on your web site as the more the news gets out there about the charity the more aware people will be and hence help more parents that unfortunetly would need our help. The loss of your baby is still such a taboo subject and many people try to ignore and not talk about it. Charities out there get so much press coverage for the living but we’re the other side of the coin and have lost ours.

As said our Official launch is on the 29th October in the Birch Suite at the Rochestown Park Hotel and is been launched by Minister of Forign Affairs, Mr Micheal Martin. You are more then welcome to attend.

My contact number is  024 98026 and at home everyday after 3pm should you require additional information.

Many Thanks

Brian

A great night had by all who “walked the line” to the Mall Arts Centre. John Schmid was in top class form as he sang his way into the hearts of all those in the audience! Practically everyone joined in the chorus of “Ring of Fire” and in between songs, John gave insights into Johnny Cash’s life and background to his songs.

John’s latest album was recorded at the Cash Cabin and John told us that there is a vault that contains enough material to keep a recording studio busy for the next 10 years! However, the evening belonged to Keith Phelan (the main beneficiary of the concert) and John got to meet Keith (and his parents) before the concert started! Conversations, craic and laughter flowed on in the foyer of the MAC after the event and signs are if John returns to Youghal in 2012, people will be delighted to come and hear him again! Till the next time, we “walk the line”.

A request for information and assistance

My sister and I will be traveling from New Jersey, USA to Ireland from November 3-10. We will be staying at the La Petite Auberge November 5, and 6.  We are attempting to trace back our family in Ireland.   Lila at La Petite Auberge suggested I could use this e-mail address to initiate my search.

The information we have gathered so far -from obituaries and other sources is that my great great grandmother was Mary French Allen. She was born in 1811, in Shanbally, Parish of Grange, near Youghal, Co Waterford.  She was the daughter of Phillip French and Gretia Fitzgerald French.  They were Roman Catholic – Parish of Ardmore in the Church of Ardmore. She married John Allen,  born 1810, who was of the Church of Ireland. He was a shoemaker.  Their first child – Grace Allen was baptized on May 22, 1840 in the Roman Catholic Parish of Ardmore by Priest J. O’Meara. They sailed for Canada in 1843.

My quest is to discover the family of John Allen, and locate the town he was born in, which  must be somewhere close to Ardmore/Youghal area.   I was hoping you could be of assistance in guiding me towards resources in the Youghal area that could help me in this quest.    Any help or advice or direction you could possibly give my sister and I would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you so much for your time and attention
Cyndy  Bernotas
cyndyb@verizon.net

A charity cycle organised by the Youghal Cycling Club, from Youghal to Castlemartyr and back was held on Sunday October the 17th in aid of local boy Keith Phelan from Raheen Park,whose family have launched a campaign to raise funds to send their 11 year old son, Keith, who suffers from Cerebral Palsy, for an operation in Germany, in the hope that it will improve their son’s quality of life. Photo: www.youghalonline.com Email: news@youghalonline.com

The Phelans are attempting to raise enough money to bring Keith to the XCell-Center Dusseldorf, Germany where they believe he could benefit from stem cell treatment. Following inquiries to the centre they were informed that Keith had a number of options: surgical or lumber puncture (where cells are withdrawn from the hip bone marrow, good cells are retained in the lab where they regenerate and are reinserted by lumber puncture). It takes five days to complete the procedure.

An account for the fund has been set up through the Allied Irish Bank and the family is already busy planning ways to make the campaign successful.

To donate to the fund: Sort Code: 93-43-05, Acc. No.: 05841087. To contact to assist in fundraising or organise events, contact: 024-20843.

A beautiful bright October morning greeted the 60 or so cyclists who met at Barry’s Lane and the main man himself Keith got proceedings underway with a photoshoot before waving the cyclists off on the outward journey to Castlemarty.

A foodstop was made at “The Village Greengrocer ” in Castlemarty with the Walsh family pulling out all the stops by offering the cyclists some of the finest homemade apple pie and scones that East Cork has to offer.

The Club and the Phelan family would like to extend their thanks to clubman John Walsh and his family for opening their premises on a Sunday morning and accommodating the charity cycle with their fantastic hospitality.

Refulled and a tad heavier the group took off for the homeward journey back to Youghal with the wind at their backs.There to greet the cyclists was Keith and his family and with a couple of photos for the local media,three rousing cheers were given for young Keith.

Click Here to visit the Youghal Cycling Club Website.

More photos from charity cycle on the clubs Facebook page http://www.facebook.com/pages/Youghal-Cycling-Club/243784613767?v=photos#!/album.php?aid=239838&id=243784613767&page=3.

Community Radio Youghal has just anounced its brand new Autumn / Winter Schedule and there is an exciting new line up of programmes along with some new faces and voices on CRY104fm’s  live  schedule.

Esteemed Journalist and Poet Christy Parker joins the “Youghal at 5” Team bringing you the latest news and current affairs of the day every monday from 5 to 6.30pm.

Shirley Donovan brings her unique blend of chat and great music to “The Youghal Ready For This”  Programme on Tuesdays and Wednesdays from12pm to 2pm.

Rhona Coughlan hosts a brand new show “Rolling in the Years” every tuesday from 4pm to 5pm,

Local Sailor and Boatbuilder Noel Muckley hosts a brand new chat/current affairs and music programme on Wednesdays 4.30 to 5 called a “Rendevous with Noel” while those two rogues Jack and Simon move along with their excellent show “Super Sounds of The 70′s and 80′s” to Friday nights 9 to 10.

Wednesdays nights continue to place a strong emphasis on Youth with Ciara Hayes and Amy Crowley finding a new permanent slot for their teen show Lazy Diasy from 6.30 to 7.00pm while Tuathla Lucey counts down the Charts at 7.00pm. Evan Heaphy continues with his American Country show at 8pm and Just Shuffle continue to entertain their band of followers at 9.00pm.

Linda O Regan has a brand new evening show on Thursday nights  at 9.00pm and regular listeners to the Saturday morning show with Mick Sheehan will be delighted to hear that they have an extra half hour in bed during those winter mornings  as the show moves to 7.30 to 9.30 on Saturday mornings but they may not want to stay under the covers knowing that Mick’s understudy James Howes will be live and unleashed from 7.00am.  This of course means Take the Floor with John Cunnigham moves to 9.30am while the ever popular  Rural Report hosted by  Noel Cronin moves to 10.30am .

The long awaited charity Head And Wax Shave incorporating a fantastic raffle in aid of The Laura Lynn Foundation took place at Berties Bar, North Main St. Youghal, last Friday night 15th Oct. 2010. Photo: Michael Hussey www.youghalonline.com Email: news@youghalonline.com

The fun started at 9pm. Family and friends came along to support the Youghal Super Valu staff who organised and volunteered for this great cause. Emma and Micheala Bailey from ‘Team Bailey’ Hair Salon did the head shave and Norma Stone and Vicki O’Sullivan, from ‘Tone and Tan’ did the wax service, to the delight of all who attended (except for those who participated in the excruciating painful event of course). Well done to all involved, lots of money was raised on the night and the cheque presentation will follow shortly.

- If you would like to feature your upcoming event or fundraiser in the “Gigs and Events Calendar” on YoughalOnline.com email details to news@youghalonline.com

Click on image to start slideshow of the charity event at Bertie’s Bar. Photo: Michael Hussey www.youghalonline.com