The Nook Bar, Youghal are broadcasting a live music event featuring “Celtic Invasion” on New Years Day 2011. This webcast will start at 5pm (GMT) approx. on YoughalOnline.com or alternatively at www.findthenook.ie – Proceeds to COPE Foundation.

Please support this event

Green Party Councillor Liam Burke delivered a comprehensive Municipal Heritage Policy Committee Report to the December Town Council meeting. Dealing with the period from July 2010, the update included the following:

Town Walls:

Works completed, with the aid of €200,000 grant aid from the Heritage Council/Irish Walled Towns, involved removal of vegetation, cleaning, repointing, strengthening and repair works to sections of the walls and tower nearest lower end of Sarsfield’s Terrace.

Click on related video:
Video Reporter: Shane Supple – Camera: Kieran McCarthy

Emmet Place:

The continuation of heritage footpaths from St. Mary’s College gates to the top of De Valera Street will commence in the New Year.

Architectural Appraisal of the Historic Quartet of Youghal Town:

Project completed and a draft will be presented to the town council early in 2011.

Clock Gate:

A Draft Conservation and Management Plan, funded by SECAD and prepared by Margaret Gowen, will come before the council for adoption in January. A Structural Report has been conducted and a Business Plan is being prepared.

Graveyard Wall:

It is expected that the collapsed section between St. Mary’s Collegiate Church and St. Mary’s College gardens will be repaired by early 2011.

Graveyard Trail of St. Mary’s Collegiate Church:

The project has been completed and this has facilitated guided tours of the graveyard, the first of which last Medieval Day, saw 150 people participate.

Linkage with Waterford Institute of Technology:

A partnership has been established with the Architectural Department of WIT, whose students are conducting projects in Youghal. Last September 150 students spent a number of days studying various aspects of the town. It is hoped to involve other third level institutions in 2011.

Medieval Day:

An outstanding success was recorded on the 2010 Medieval day, Sunday August 22nd. The estimated 8,000 attendance marked the highest of any participating town in Ireland. Local traders deserve praise and thanks for sponsoring raffle prizes as do the the hard-working voluntary committee, including Mayor Mary Linehan-Foley and Cllrs Barbara Murray and Eoin Coyne. Gratitude is expressed to all who participated, along with media outlets.

Projects in 2011:

Difficulty in accessing funding is expected but it is hoped that some money can be accessed for further work on the Town Walls. It is also hoped that an application for a Conservation and Management Plan for St. Mary’s Collegiate Church graveyard will succeed and that the year see completion of the proposed Historical Towns Atlas for Youghal.

Conclusion:

Cllr Burke extended thanks and a happy Christmas and New Year to all Heritage Committee members, to the mayor and Youghal town councillors, for funding provision and other assistance, to the town manager Patricia Power,   town clerk Liam Ryan, council staff, the Heritage Council of Ireland and the Irish Walled Towns Network for their continuing support financial and otherwise.

Click on image to see the recent work done on Youghal Town Walls

ERAS ECO, the Cork based waste treatment and recycling plant, has announced plans for a €10 million investment in new environmentally friendly technology at its site at Foxhole, Youghal. 10 new full-time jobs will be created once the new facilities are commissioned in addition to approximately 20 jobs during the construction and installation phase.

The key element will be a new green and renewable system for the safe and complete destruction of aqueous organic waste that has been developed by Cork based environmental company, Super Critical Fluids International (SCFI). This innovative system, known as AquaCritox®, has been extensively developed and tested in Ireland and Sweden over the past five years.

The system employs super critical water oxidation technology to provide 100% destruction of organic wet waste converting it into clean water. AquaCritox® does not generate any odours or harmful emissions or residues. This innovative process is carried out in water and generates steam that can be used to make renewable electricity or used elsewhere on the site.  The adoption of the AquaCritox® technology will allow Eras Eco to convert the waste streams safely and efficiently into renewable energy thus displacing imported energy.

The company additionally plans to further develop its green energy credentials with the construction of an above ground anaerobic digestion facility on the site to allow for enhanced treatment of bio-solids. The resultant production of methane gas will be used to produce electricity for use on site through a combined heat and power generator.

The upgraded facilities will utilise existing buildings and plant on the site. There will be no increase in the amount of waste permitted under existing permissions and no new entrance points to the site required.

Parsons Engineering’s Cork office will perform the design and manage the construction of the AquaCritox® plant which will be built in Cork by Rockwell Automation (formerly Proscon).

To facilitate the development, Eras Eco has applied for planning permission to allow for the upgrading of the existing Waste Recovery Facility to an Integrated Waste Management Facility.

Separately a review of the current Waste License will be applied for from the Environmental Protection Agency.

The planning application may be inspected or purchased at the offices of Cork County Council, County Hall, Carrigrohane Road, Cork during public opening hours,  9am – 4pm, Mondays to Fridays. Any submissions or observations may be made in writing over the five week period from the date of the planning application (23 December 2010).

About ERAS ECO
ERAS ECO is an innovative waste management company specialising in the treatment of waste water treatment plant sludges and materials recycling within a single facility. The specialised Sludge Drying Facility located in Foxhole, Youghal, Co Cork has a Waste License for 110,000 tonnes of various waste streams including the treatment of 30,000 tonnes per annum of  sludge from industrial and municipal waste water treatment plants. The plant operates to the highest environmental and legislative standards and provides a unique facility for its many Irish manufacturing customers.

About SCFI Group
SCFI Group is an Irish company that owns the patents and worldwide rights to the super critical water oxidation technology named AquaCritox®.  The AquaCritox® product is used in the destruction of wet organic waste.  The process has no hazardous or toxic emissions.  SCFI Group is actively commercialising this technology on a global basis as a green and sustainable alternative to incineration and other disposal methods.

RELATED STORIES:

http://www.youghalonline.com/2008/10/03/avr-comes-up-roses-as-smell-sticks-to-cork-county-council/

http://www.youghalonline.com/2008/09/14/youghal-council-wants-avr-monitored-again/

The parish of Ballymacoda and Ladysbridge are gearing up for a very exciting New Year!  For the first time ever Ladysbridge Hall will be home to a pantomime! With an all star cast of local talent threading the boards

Mother Goose promises to be bursting with laughs, jokes, singing, boo-ing, clapping and cheering. You will met Mother Goose (Clodagh Madden) her bratty daughters Venus and Serena (Laura Hyde and Orla O’ Riordan) her lovely daughter Jill (Sinead Harrington) her reliable son Chuck (David Bernard)  and that’s only half the family! The Goose family are really at a wits end to pay the mean Barron (Andy Jackson) and his Personal secretary (Valarie Mulhare)  the rent they owe but with a little magical help form the fairy (Bríd Aherne) all doesn’t seem so bad. However with characters in disguise, animals in the wrong panto and evil taking over, the happy ever after for Jill and  Jack (Shane Harrington) seems very far away. Produced and Directed by locals Andy Jackson and Kerri McCarthy Mother Goose is an egg-cellent family panto. Tickets at a recession bursting price of €10 for adults and €5 for children can be bought from O’Flynn’s Shop Ladysbridge, and Colmans Shop Ballymacoda. Pre- booking essential, tickets selling fast!

Up to 30 acts auditioned in The Hot Spot Youth Centre Youghal on Saturday the 18th of December for a chance to perform at The Y Factor Talent Show 2010 at the Walter Raleigh Hotel on Saturday January 8th
The show organised by Sacred Roots will hosted by Cry Fm’s Jane Holly Show along with some special guests.

12 Performers 6 under 14  & 6 over 15 were piked to strut they’re stuff on the night in front of three judges who will choose two winners from each category to receive the accolade of Y Factor winner 2010 plus a cash prize and studio time courtesy of Claycastle Recording studios Youghal.
Its gonna be a cracker so Don’t miss it !!!
The auditions and the show will be filmed and available on dvd in the new year.

Sacred Roots is a non-profit voluntary run project  encouraging and helping people realise they’re potential through the form of music.

CLICK ON IMAGE TO ENLARGE

Youghal Town Council has agreed to lease the main wing of St. Mary’s Collegiate College to Hatherton Ltd., T/A Enterprise Youghal, by way of maximising it’s assets to help meet its €261,7126 debt on the facility. The move was proposed by town clerk Liam Ryan last month and agreed by the town council at December’s meeting. It is anticipated the newly acquired space would ultimately operate as ‘own door’ office space in line with the northern wing of the site that currently accommodates such services.

Hatherton Ltd, already hold a 99 year lease on the northern wing of the college since 2007. Through the company, Enterprise Youghal restored the northern wing to the tune of €600,000 and it now houses several start-up businesses across 3,500 ft. of space. Additionally Enterprise Youghal has just completed restoration of the Coach House, for which it has also acquired a tenant. The annual lease rent payable to Youghal Town Council is €10,000, while Enterprise Youghal pays commercial rates on the property to Youghal Town Council.

Outlining his proposal, Mr. Ryan recalled that the town council purchased the uniquely historic property in 2002 for €751.270.80, inclusive of €42,609 Stamp Duty and €7,260 legal fees. The dtae the council has repaid €489,545.80 (yeah, I know…but the 80 cents clinched it!), leaving a balance of €261,726.  In the economic straitjacket that currently envelopes Ireland, Mr. Ryan perceived that the balance would be difficult to disperse and would seriously affect the council’s cash flow.

Reasoning

Meanwhile, the main wing is remains in the council’s ownership and is in need of being developed and put to use, explained Mr. Ryan. He outlined four avenues of potential funding that might normally have been accessible to the council to this purpose but that are frozen in the economic climate; i) general income streams; ii) development contributions ;iii) government loans and iv) an accumulation of funding bodies such as SECAD, Cork County Council, Enterprise Ireland, etc. Hence the proposal to lease the whole shebang  to Hatherton Ltd., T/A Enterprise Youghal.

The town clerk copper-fastened his case with five points of reference: a) Revise the annual rent to €15,000 (and thus clear the debt in 17 years); b) Enterprise Youghal to bear the maintenance costs; c) Enterprise Youghal is better placed to access funding for gradual restoration; d) he centre will create employment and generate economic activity through its gradual restoration and expansion, in tandem with paying commercial rates to the council arising from such; e) a clause in the lease would allow the entire property to revert to the council in its newly restored condition should the enterprise company ever fail.

Youghal Town Council will continue to operate and maintain the five acres of walled medieval garden as a public amenity, while the Adoration Chapel remains the property of the parish.

Cold reception for hot desks

In a related matter, the council meeting was informed that Entrprise Youghal has decided to abolish its eight ‘hot desks’ (in case youre wondering, it means sharing a desk/seat/workstation by more than one member of staff, whereby or workers do not have their own desks, but are allocated work space according to their needs, whilst keeping personal belongings in lockers or filing cabinets when not in the office.) The space will be used to extend the ‘own office’ system that is proving successful.

Prior to the meeting proper Town Manager Patricia Power informed the chamber  that under the Local Government Act 2001, the Joint Burial Board would be subsumed into the functions of Cork County Council. This move is expected to occur in 2011. The manager proceeded that due to the economic uncertainties, the Board’s projected income and expenditure figures for 2011 would mirror those of 2010. This meant that €112,029 burial would be spent, with a county council levy of €64,689 on Youghal Town Council, while Cork County Council would contribute €33 339 to fund the Boards deficit .

Prior to the meeting Town Clerk Liam Ryan said that over the next three months he would provide statistical analysis of Youghal under 1) Population, 2) Employment & Unemployment and 3) Other Issues. This would provide a clear picture of the town with a view to future planning. Part 1 of this process is synopsised elsewhere in this edition.

Film time

Also prior to agenda, comments were passed on the previous night’s screening of A Town Out Of Time, Michael Twomey and Kieran McCarthy’s sobering and contemplative commentary on Youghal’s gradual decline through the past decade. For whatever reasons, neither councillors nor council representative had responded to invitation by attending. On reflection, the members were now keen to see the film and it was agreed that an invitation be forwarded to the filmmakers to screen it in the chamber in January or February, though Cllr Barbara Murray favoured a second public viewing. It was also considered that, subject to the council’s perceptions, relevant agencies such as the IDA, etc., might also be invited to view it thereafter.

Congratulations:

Cllr Sandra McLellan congratulated the Inch Rovers ladies football team on winning the All Ireland Club championship. Cllr Murray echoed the sentiment and also extended it to Michael Twomey on what she understood was an “excellent” screening the night previous. She also praised Harmony for its recent production, Weenie. Cllr Sammy Revins paid tribute to Youghal United on their third round Intermediate Cup win. Cllr Eoin Coyne praised all those participating in theatrical productions over the Christmas period.

Town Foreman’s Report:

Cllr Liam Burke said the potholes in Nealon’s Quay car park and on Raheen Road needed repairing. He reminded the town engineer that road marking at the junction of St. Coran’s Road and Seafield Road, were urgently required. The engineer, Paul Murray, said he had discussed it with the road liner and anticipated that a yield sign would be painted on the road. On recommendation from Cllr Burke however, he would now consider erecting a pole sign to that effect in the area.

Cllr Coyne remarked how “shiny” the statue in Green Park now was but suggested that the nearby fountain either be also cleaned up or removed. The councillor drew attention to road signs around the town being “out of place.” He then referred to concerns by the residents of Ashe Street, DeValera Street and Emmet Place over the delayed implementation of the Traffic Management Plan, before being told it would be addressed later in the meeting.

Cllr Michael Beecher said the roads at Knockaverry needed attention, as do those at Summerdale Lawn, though the latter were in Cork County Council’s jurisdiction.

Mayor Mary Linehan Foley asked whether there was an Airtricity number to ring regarding two lights out of order at Quarryvale. She was told that the estate was the responsibility of the developer and not the town council, as he had not yet submitted the appropriate forms for the council to take the estate in hand. Cllr Murray asked why the council didn’t just draw down the bond. The town clerk observed that there was “an ongoing situation between the developer and Cork County Council” relating to a pumping station.

Cork County Council items:

Town engineer Paul Murray reported thus on matters raised at the previous month’s meeting: i)  extensive salting was done on the main roads and Cork Hill particularly, while resources deny treatment to minor roads; ii) potholes resulting from the weather would be dealt with by the town an county councils; iii) all bar one or two bins had been removed from Claycastle for the winter, to reduce illegal dumping; iv) the contractor charged with providing disability ‘knuckling’ on the footpaths at Grattan Street and New Catherine Street has returned to work following the cold weather; iv) filter 4 at Boola is back in service; v) the reservoir clean out is virtually complete.

Cllr Murray pointed out that a “beautifully tied folded mattress in a plastic bag” had been dumped at Claycastle. She said potholes at Ballyclamsey needed attention while there was subsidence near the pump house at Claycastle. The councillor proceeded that a 100 metre duct laid at Ballyvergan was causing flooding problems and the town engineer said he was seeking to claim the developer’s bond to have it rectified. Cllr Murray informed that there was no lighting at Seafield housing estate, along with a ducting in place at the path but without a standard for light.

Cllr Sammy Revins complimented the council staff, town and county for their “fantastic and courteous” efforts over the previous cold spell.

Pinch of salt

The town manager said salt stock levels were seriously depleted nationally and locally and that Cork County Council had expended as much in recent weeks as it had during the entire 2009. She said by the end of the spell, deployment had been -and would be- reduced from 5,000 tons per night to 1,000 tons. Salt demands were high across much of Europe and grit was being added 50/50 to extend the availability. Salt, Ms Power, explained, served to prevent snow from freezing, while sand/grit provided traction. However when the snow melted the grit itself could become a slippery hazard. Difficulties may arise in lieu of further icy conditions, though main routes would most likely be treated. The National Roads Authority (NRA) was now in charge of supplies.

Meanwhile, Cork County Council’s website (www.Corkcoco.ie) now had details of local depots where salt & grit could be obtained by locals, who in turn were not disallowed from dispersing it, thanks to the Attorney General’s ruling. She noted to that people had been “much more pro-active” in the community sense in face of the weather problems.

Cllr Michael Beecher asked whether the council’s old gas yard in Greencloyne would provide the storage depot and Mr. Murray said it would be either there or in Killeagh. There was strong objection to the prospect of people having to travel to Killeagh to acquire the material and it was insisted that supplies be divided if necessary at both locations.

Delay

Cllr Murray complained that there had been no notice posted that Youghal was frozen over until 11 am on the first day of the big freeze. She said the first indication that a senior engineer in Cork claimed to have had of Youghal being “a no-go area” was through radio reports of accidents, including some on Lighthouse Hill. Cllr Murray said the NRA’s high technology IceCast monitoring system merely focused on Dungarvan and Midleton, with Youghal merely considered a point in between.  Calling for a separate system for the Youghal region, she commented, adding that, “we might as well be in the depth of Goleen,” in terms of regard by the authorities. She had recommended, at Cork County Council level, that the NRA be notified and urged that it be repeated at Youghal Town Council’s offices.

Cllr Burke “fully supported” Cllr Murray’s views.  He then asked for an update on the functionality of the outflow pipe at Claycastle. He welcomed the engineer’s intention to attach a short extension to the pipe by way of further improving its performance. He was inquiring as to whether an offshore licence was necessary and if not, the work would be done in the coming weeks.

Cllr Burke proceeded to bring attention to “the usual list of broken footpaths” as he intones almost traditionally now month after month. Once again then, the paths at Tallow Street, South Main Street and the junction of Strand Street and South Abbey are broken. (The ponding at the entrance to the youth centre at Nagle House is forever prevalent too, though nobody mentioned it.) The councillor asked, again for the umpteenth time, that the absent ‘concealed entrance’ sign at Summerdale Lawn be replaced.

Cllr Coyne complained of potholes on the road leading from the junction of Dermot Hurley Estate and Cork Hill. Furthermore, he asked that double yellow lines be deployed at the Quality Hotel before the summer season.

Cllr Beecher asked that a repaired manhole at Raheen Road be further remedied as it had not been a successful operation. He repeated his regular outrage at “the odour from the dump” which he labelled “outrageous”, and added that were it a private company, as against Cork County Council running it, closure would have been ordered ages ago. He recommended that it be shut anyway and hoped that prosecutions ensue from the EPA’s current procurement of statements by those affected. “There’s never been so little going into it,” observed Cllr Murray, giving rise to the lingering consideration that perhaps the  odour rises from a different source.

Mayor’s Business:

Mayor Linehan Foley had been a little late arriving at the meeting and so now took the opportunity to congratulate Youghal Pitch and Putt Club on reaching 25 years of existence, adding that it “brings a lot of people into town.” She also commended the town clerk Liam Ryan, the council in general and  Clodagh Mahon of Youghal Heritage Committee, for saving Christmas s to speak.  She explained that unforeseen “issues” circumstances had threatened the pre-advertised arrival of Santa Clause at the switching on of the Christmas lights some weeks pervious. However Mr. Ryan had made the town hall available at short notice. With the further co-operation of local traders, Aquatrek , Eddie Irwin, the cast of Aladdin and others unnamed, the day was saved. Up to 1,000 people, including over 400 children who received selection boxes, passed through the building. Mulled wine and such seasonal toasts were also supplied of a frosty afternoon of free entertainment.

De Valera Street

The mayor said that an anticipated discussion on a local pontoon would not be discussed unto early in 2011 as the town clerk needed to discuss matters with some individuals. She then referred to the letter circulated to all councillors from the residents of De Valera Street. They stated that had been over two years complying with the town council on the issue of traffic management in their area “for the betterment of the town.” Due to increased traffic volumes safety continued to be compromised, by residents and non-residents, especially pedestrians. They wanted the recently designed traffic management plan adopted.

The mayor said it was always the council’s policy to adhere to the residents’ wishes. She asked whether the chamber now wanted to discuss it further or to put it to public consultation. Cllr Coyne said engineers were being well paid to design a plan that was not being implemented due to the views of non-professionals, such as people on the street who did not want to spend an extra five minutes travelling through the town. He knew there were other issues but believed the plan should be implemented no “on a trial basis at least.”

However it was decided that as there were structural works due to be conducted at Emmet Place, with consequential disruption, the issue would be addressed thereafter, probably around Easter. Cllr Burke’s suggestion that it be done so through a sub-committee was accepted.

Report on Claycastle Leisure Company Ltd., by Cllr Linehan Foley (Chair).

The mayor said a recent meeting consolidated the fact that Aura is doing very well. Some issues with local schools had been resolved, a great summer have been had and it was “all positive.” She extended congratulations to all involved at the centre and urged that the public support and avail of its facilities. Cllr Beecher reminded that the centre was the recipient of many awards, before the town clerk also reminded that Youghal Town Council established Claycastle Leisure Company, who subsequently recruited Aura to oversee the complex. “It currently employs 37 full and part-time workers, representing a sustainable source of employment and economic benefit to the town, effectively though the town council,” he concluded.

. Motion in the name of Cllr. Murray seconded by Cllr. Beecher:

“That this Council re-assess its Development Contribution Scheme in relation to Car Parking Contributions due to the change in economic climate generally”.

Cllr Murray argued that in the light of the harsh economic times it was time to reduce the contribution for car parking charges. She said other town councils were looking at doing so, with Tramore and Dunmore East heading towards €3,034, Midleton @ €1,866, Cobh @ €2,900 and Skibbereen now down 20% to €2,900. Youghal is set at €5,000. She said her motion would really affect change of use on the main street where, for example, a family home is converted to a shop. Amidst general support, the town clerk said he would consider the issue over Christmas and it would be discussed again thereafter.

Youghal’s wildlife (as against wild life lovers)will be happy to note that Sammy the seal is doing very well. The young female pup was rescued through the efforts of Mrs Michael Mangan and the coastguard services a m onth ago, having been found marooned and apparently abandoned near Redbarn beach. She was subsequently transported to Dingle by volunteers from the Kerry town’s seal sanctuary service. By Christy Parker Photo: Michael Hussey www.youghalonline.com

Seal attendant Sarah Martin says Sammy is progressing wonderfully, having progressed from kennel care through swim-learning personal bath, onto a larger, communal pool. “She shares the pool with another female pup and two males and is very happy,” says Sarah. By all accounts, Sammy is growing into a quiet, demure type of lady seal, reflective of her Youghal roots of course. “They each have their own personalities and Sammy is of the quiet sort,” Sarah informs. She is abetted by a daily diet of a dozen or so herrings or mackerel, which is presumably less representative of Youghal girls. “She weighs about 20 kg’s now and needs to double that before being released into the sea. It should take about another six weeks.

SEAL RESCUE INFORMATION

What to do if you find a seal on the beach…

1. DO NOT PUT THE SEAL BACK IN THE WATER!!!

Intuitively it feels like the right thing to do but there is a reason the seal is on land. If the seal is old and healthy enough, it will go back in the water on its own. If not, then putting it into the water may kill it.

If the seal you found is in Kerry or Cork, call the Dingle Wildlife and Seal Sanctuary 066 9151750. If the seal is in any other county in Ireland call the Irish Seal Sanctuary main office in Courtown, Wexford 053 942 4980

2. Please Give the Following Details:

- A contact name and number

- A detailed description of where the seal is located

- As many details about the size and condition of the seal as possible

3. While we work with you to decide whether this seal needs rescuing, you must:

- Observe from a distance.

- Create a safe zone around the seal ensuring no other people or loose dogs can interfere with it.

Not every seal pup found on a beach is in distress and in need of rescue.

Seals give birth to their pups on land and grey seals will stay on land for at least 3 weeks. Mothers may also leave their pups for short periods of time.

Watch out for tagged seals!

The Irish Seal Sanctuary would like anyone who sees a seal with an orange or yellow tag in one of its hind flippers to let them know. All the tags have a letter and number on them (A4), and a contact address on the underside.

After more than twenty years rehabilitating Irish seals and releasing them back into the wild the Seal Sanctuary would like to find out what becomes of these animals once released.

The tagging programme will allow many questions to be answered.

- Do these rescued seals live as long as their wild relatives?

- Are these hand-reared pups more likely to become “problem” seals?

- Are they the ones more likely to interact with people in our local harbours?

- Do they stay in the area where they are released? Or do they travel long distances.

This year the Irish Seal Sanctuary rescued a Grey Seal pup which had been tagged in Wales.

Tags are usually often only reported when the dead animal is found, but the tags the Seal Sanctuary is now using can be read from a distance. So if you do see a seal anywhere with a tag in a hind flipper please try to note:

1.The tag number,

2.Colour of the tag,

3.Which flipper the tag was in.

Common seals are tagged with a (yellow) tag, and grey seals with an (orange) tag. Any information about the condition of the seal would be a great help: was it looking and acting normally? Did it look sick? If dead, did it have any obvious injuries?

If you can get a digital photo of the seal it would be greatly appreciated.

Please forward any information to nicola_dutymanager@irishsealsanctuary.ie  or jwoodlock@eircom.net.

1. DO NOT PUT THE SEAL BACK IN THE WATER!!!

Intuitively it feels like the right thing to do but there is a reason the seal is on land. If the seal is old and healthy enough, it will go back in the water on its own. If not, then putting it into the water may kill it.

If the seal you found is in Kerry or Cork, call the Dingle Wildlife and Seal Sanctuary 066 9151750. If the seal is in any other county in Ireland call the Irish Seal Sanctuary main office in Courtown, Wexford 053 942 4980

2. Please Give the Following Details:

- A contact name and number

- A detailed description of where the seal is located

- As many details about the size and condition of the seal as possible

3. While we work with you to decide whether this seal needs rescuing, you must:

- Observe from a distance.

- Create a safe zone around the seal ensuring no other people or loose dogs can interfere with it.

Not every seal pup found on a beach is in distress and in need of rescue.

Seals give birth to their pups on land and grey seals will stay on land for at least 3 weeks. Mothers may also leave their pups for short periods of time.

SEAL RESCUE INFORMATION

What to do if you find a seal on the beach…

09/11/10

Sponsors of the Irish Seal Sanctuary

Other Important messageS from the Irish Seal Sanctuary

Dingle Wildlife & Seal Sanctuary, Emlagh, Dingle, Co Kerry
Tel.: +35366 9151750 Email: info@dinglesanctuary.com or join us on Facebook!

Christmas Day Swim In Youghal 2010

Click on image to enlarge: Pics: Kevin Power

A Christmas day swim at Garryvoe Beach in East Cork has become a tradition for many hardy men and women to raise funds for charity.  Ralph Gunn and his friends run into the waves across the bay from the small village of Ballycotton to help raise funds for Ballycotton RNLI lifeboat.  The event has become very popular for many people who turn out to cheer them on and 2010 was no different.

The sun shone warmly on the keen fundraisers, who took time to pose for photographs before noon.  The tide was receding when the clock struck 12 and the swimmers started their trek towards the waiting waves.  They were cheered on by supporters lining the seafront and watched from the sea by three RNLI lifeboat crewmembers in the Ballycotton lifeboat boarding boat.  When all the fundraising swimmers were safely ashore the lifeboat boarding boat returned to Ballycotton RNLI lifeboat station and lifeboat crewmembers, fundraising swimmers and supporters turned to celebrating Christmas with their families.

The weather this Christmas day was so pleasant some people took a stroll to make the most of the sunny day.  Four foreign nationals, visiting Ballycotton for the day, decided to explore the small island between Ballycotton pier and the lighthouse off shore.  However, not realising how quick the tide turns they quickly became stranded and had to wait until they caught someone’s attention on the shore.  At 16:00 the alarm was raised and the RNLI lifeboat pagers were activated.  Dinners and families were abandoned as lifeboat crewmembers gathered at the lifeboat station.  The boarding boat was again launched and with three lifeboat crewmembers aboard proceeded to safely recover the four unfortunate adventurers.

Satisfied the casualties were not suffering any ill effects of their adventure RNLI lifeboat crewmembers returned home to resume where they had left off a short while earlier.

Bláthnaid Lane Walsh
Press Officer
Ballycotton RNLI lifeboat station