The meeting was preceded by a presentation from Ned Brennan, chairman of Youghal Tidy Towns Committee. Mr Brennan thanked the town council for its ongoing support and averred to the committee’s achievements over the past year and its aspirations and plans for the future.  See elsewhere in this issue for a synopsis of his report.

Cllr Barbara Murray made some critical observations regarding the executive of Cork County Council’s contribution towards certain aspects of town tidiness, aka approach roads, grass cutting, etc. She asked how the county council could in its wisdom deploy two extra workers to the landfill at a time when its tonnage was at an all-time low, while the entrances to the town were dilapidating through lack of manpower. Having listened attentively, Town Manager Patricia Power said she would sit in on a meeting to be arranged early next spring between Youghal Tidy Towns committee and the Cork County Council’s area office, whereby specific requirements of the committee could be aired.

The town manager believed that the county council was making steady progress in resolving the problem of derelict sites, although the seemingly imminent liquidation of the proprietors of the former Murray’s Kitchen site posed a difficult challenge regarding that particular eyesore.

Votes of Congratulations:

Cllr Sandra McLellan congratulated Pa O’Shea on winning a silver medal at the World Military Boxing Championships recently. She asked that he be included in the councils’ bi-annual awards night ceremony.

Cllr Murray paid tribute to playwright and theatre director Sean O’Neill and the Youghal Theatre Company for the highly successful production of Playboy of the Western World at the Walter Raleigh Hotel. “It was absolutely superb, the set was fantastic and it was extremely well attended, “she observed. Cllr Murray also congratulated the town clerk and the staff of the town and county councils on the operation of a Youghal flood plan. Initiated through a local group in Catherine Street, the plan was given its first outing during a recent storm warning that ultimately failed to live up to its billing. “It was something of a dry run,” noted Cllr Murray with unintended irony, “but it worked very well. The lines of communication were excellent, text messages went out as planned and everyone knew what was happening regarding sandbags and other matters.”

Mayor Mary Linehan Foley offered belated congratulations to the Team Youghal cyclists on their successful ‘Race Around Ireland’ fund raising on behalf of the Emer Casey Fund last September. She said a larger exploit involving an American excursion was in the pipeline. The mayor also congratulated artist Pauline Neville for her recent, successful exhibition in the Mall Arts Centre. She extended plaudits to Michael Hackett on the launch of his book ‘Sars,’ adding that he was keeping the history of Youghal alive for many people, especially younger generations, who would otherwise be unaware of the rich content. The mayor also echoed Cllr Murray’s sentiments regarding council staff and the storm plan.

Town Foreman’s report:

Cllr Liam Burke said light no. 133 at North Main Street was out. He asked if the engineer had seen the road markings at the junction of Seafield Road and Kilcoran Road, where great danger persisted. The councillor said the path leading to Ardan na Mara was very slippery due to algae and finished by asking whether the diving rocks report was yet available, to which there was no response.

Cllr Eoin Coyne drew attention to illegal dumping on the Jail Steps, noting it was not the first time it had been mentioned in the chamber. He asked if the mobile CCTV was back in town, to which the town clerk said he wasn’t going to comment as it could impede detections. The councillor also repeated a request from September that a tree at the graveyard be trimmed.

Cllr Sammy Revins said the newly surfaced road at Raheen Park had “gone green” and slippery with moss and was particularly dangerous for elderly people.

Rats

Cllr McLellan described illegal dumping at the Jail Steps as “really serious,” and claimed “hundreds and hundreds” of rubbish bags had been dumped illegally over a lengthy period. She said rat infestation was now prevalent, and three rodents had been seen simultaneously on the steps recently. “You shouldn’t see that on a tourist walkway,” she pleaded.

Cllr Murray asked if the bin at the greyhound track –which had been burned out- was to be replaced. She drew attention to a ‘dangerous bend’ sign at the tennis court that was green and badly needed washing and also warned that the wind had turned a number of signs to face the wrong way, including one at Nealon’s Quay.

Cllr Michael Beecher suggested a CCTV camera be placed permanently at the Jail Steps to counter illegal dumping. He asked that graffiti be cleared from a number of buildings and said dog fouling was a persistent problem, especially at weekends when the litter/dog warden was off duty. He requested that the owners of a property be asked in writing to remove ivy that was intruding into the adjacent graveyard.

Cllr Michelle Hennessy said “Fr. O’Neill is completely green” in reference to a statue in the ’98 Memorial Park, (appropriately known as Green Park.) Other statues were in a similar state at the location, while bars in the bandstand needed replacing. The councillor said the new car park byelaws had been implemented since November 1st but people remained unaware of them. She was told that the relevant signage had to be erected before they could be implemented.

Mayor Linehan Foley repeated that the ‘dangerous bend’ sign needed cleaning and a sign at Tides/McCurtainstown was facing the wrong way.

Town engineer Paul Murray’s report arising from October’s meeting:

Town engineer Paul Murray said road repairs had taken place at Ballyclamsey, the road liners were due in town and would address the problem at Seafield Rd. A contractor had been appointed to complete footpath works at the intersection of New Catherine Street and Grattan Street. Approximately 1,000 sandbags had been provided to the public prior to the previous weekend’s flood alert, with county council staff working late Friday and early Saturday morning. Bags were delivered when elderly people rang requesting them. He said Cork County Council wished to point out that the propriety flood barrier, which is placed across a doorway, is the best option. The Youghal water reservoir is currently being cleaned out, using underwater robotic cleaning system, he proceeded, while work was ongoing at replacing filter sand at Boola waterworks. The road contractor was expected to fix a hole at Raheen Road. Mr. Murray then said that it may have appeared from October’s meeting that access to private land at the front strand was problematic. “We have set up a communication system with the landowner to gain access to the main sewer when required and this is working satisfactorily,” explained.

County Council Items:

Cllr Revins said “lethal” potholes near Copperally needed filling, while “a mighty crater” was evident at Summerdale Lawn.

Cllr McLellan asked that the town engineer “touch base” with councillors when the road liners come to town as they each had their own issues. Mr Murray advised submitting a written list to him.

Bins, dogs and water

Cllr Murray asked that a ‘stop’  or ‘yield’ sign be erected temporarily at the Seafield junction until the road liners arrived. She had met someone who had very narrowly avoided an accident and it would be “a fright to God” if one occurred in the interim. The engineer agreed to install a few bollards. Cllr Murray advocated removing the bins at Claycastle car park (due to misuse and abuse) and wanted the poop bins emptied twice weekly on behalf of dog owners. She wondered if Cork County Council might employ the same CCTV operator as was serving the town council and was informed it was being considered. Cllr Murray said the heather at the Bretton Road roundabout needed trimming before asking if anything could be done to alleviate ponding near Claycastle caravan park. “There is no footpath and people have to go on the road but with excessive rainfall the water meets in the middle. I know it’s a difficult problem, with the levels and the drains filling up quickly on either side,” she explained.

Cllr Beecher said a low grate at Cock and Bull fills with leaves etc, causing flooding in heavy rain and he sought a better system. The engineer said it was on his list. In a humorous aside, the mayor asked whether the address Cock and Bull was named after Cllr Beecher, prompting Cllr Revins to inquire as to which one he represented. When the laughter had subsided and Cllr Beecher’s complexion had returned to normal, the councillor proceeded with his political objectives, insisting that he wanted “action not just answers” in regard to the ongoing foul odours emanating from the landfill vicinity.

Cllr Hennessy asked when the footpath at Raheen Road would be completed. The town clerk said it would have to be re-tendered as the contractor was emigrating. The councillor requested a solution to severe ponding at the entrance to Springfield Court.

Outfall pipe debacle

Cllr Burke had a notion that the new valve recently installed at the front strand outfall pipe was proving inadequate as he had seen a JCB working there to remove blockage. He was correct. The town engineer revealed he was meeting a senior colleague from Cork County Council that very afternoon to discuss the issue.

Cue a mini-debate in which the lengthy saga of Cork County Council’s struggles with various valves and stop-gap measures across several years. “How much is it costing?” asked Cllr Beecher in vain. “There was supposed to be a report on that,” reminded Cllr Murray, without response. “Surely the time has come for County Hall to admit that the only solution, as recommended some time ago, is to extend the outfall,” demanded Cllr Burke. Mr. Murray conceded that the county council senior executive engineer was now of the same opinion.

Town Manager Patricia Power said the county council had been trying to having to apply for a foreshore licence and that the most recent failed valve initiative had worked in many other situations. Extension would now be seriously considered. Cllr Murray wondered if the extension was not part of the plan for the town’s main drainage scheme and she also advised that the council workers on the ground who knew and dealt with the issue be consulted. The town engineer said this was normal practice.

Groynes

Cllr Murray then cited concerns that the extension would prevent the surplus water from being fully emitted due to its proximity to incoming tides. Furthermore, a lack of adequate groynes was causing a strong movement of sands and one or two groynes would have to be installed to prevent this. The council said it would await a report from the engineer at December’s meeting. “These stop gap solutions are a huge waste of public money,” concluded Cllr Burke accurately, in what might be termed parting kick in the groyne to Cork County Council.

Cllr Coyne wondered if it was pointless to ask whither the broken footpaths at Dr Kennedy’s Place, given that Cllr Burke had been raising the issue since he (Cllr Coyne) was a schoolboy (which was not too long ago in fairness). He had seen an elderly person trip there recently. “It will be included in a survey he is conducting,” Cllr McLellan interceded.

Mayor Linehan Foley warned that some of the groynes in the strand were sharp “like teeth and deadly dangerous” and she asked that the engineer have a look at them.

Mayor’s Business:

The mayor said she was going to be away for a week and would delegate her duties to her deputy Cllr Eoin Coyne. She also referred to a ‘Race Across America’ project being planned for next summer by Team Youghal cyclists on behalf of the Emer Casey Foundation. Further and detailed information was contained in brochure distributed to the members. The mayor said the group’s increasing profile was “putting Youghal on the map” and urged the council to offer whatever financial or other support that could be apportioned. There was general consensus that what could be done in testing times would be done.  “Some of them are not spring chickens and this is a stamina test so fair play to them,” observed the mayor admiringly.

Heritage Island Marketing and Promotional Plan 2011:

Town Clerk Liam Ryan explained that Youghal’s membership of Heritage Island meant the town would be promoted through the following channels: Inclusion in Ireland Visitor Attractions Guide, inclusion in the Group Organisers Manual, promotion via web and email strategy, inclusion in Heritage Island online booking engine, promotion at 20 tourism and lifestyle shows, Heritage Island iPhone app  & mobile marketing, inclusion in Heritage Island Social & Media channels and party to Heritage Island’s tourism partners, seminars, media and familiarisation trips.

In a secondary report, Mr. Ryan revealed that two grant applications had been made to the Heritage Council for (a) St. Mary’s Collegiate Church Graveyard Trail –Final Phase and (b) Conservation and Management Plan for St. Mary’s Graveyard, Youghal:

Cork County Council Draft Beach Bye laws for Public Consultation:

The town clerk explained that this document erroneously includes Youghal’s front strand in its jurisdiction whereas Youghal Town Council has its own beach bye-law legislation. The new laws will be applicable to Claycastle, Redbarn and Pilmore however. Submissions are being accepted up to December 10th next at the Secretary of the Coastal Management Committee at Cork County Council.

Cork County Council -Corporate Plan 2010-2014:

Of note in reference to this item is the inclusion of the government’s impending white paper to abolish town councils. Cllr Revins said that such a move would be challenged on the ground being anti-EU policy. “It flies in the face of democracy,” observed the town clerk. “As a Fianna Fail councillor I think it’s time this government stepped back and let someone else run the country. It’s a disgrace what they are doing and I’m sick of them,” commented Cllr Revins unexpectedly.

Notice of Proposed Amendments to the Draft Waterford County Development Plan 2011-2017:

Copies of this document are available at Youghal Town Council’s offices.

Draft Anti-Social Behaviour Strategy:

There was widespread welcome for the county council produced document, which focuses strongly on anti-social behaviour in accordance with Section 35 of the Housing Act 2009. Cllr McLellan said it was badly needed and helped define whether an issue was a council or a Garda matter, etc. She said it was “good that all complaints will be investigated.” The mayor stressed that people should be aware that complaints or concerns put in writing are regarded and treated confidentially by the recipients. The town clerk advised that while the policy is very welcome, the reality was that the number working hours available to the council on any given week a year ago had been reduced by 28% from 315 to 231. Consequently, issues would be investigated as ‘priority’ or ‘non-priority’ complaints.

Commencement of Taking in Charge Procedure for Gort Aoibhinn, Youghal, including Public Road Motion Procedure:

Mr. Ryan said Youghal Town Council’s February 8th meeting would consider and decide whether to designate a cul-de-sac in this area to be public road. A map indicating the area was available at the town council’s offices. Objections and submission on the road being designated public should be lodged in writing at the council offices before Jan 20th 2011.

There was a diminished top table at November’s Community Alert meeting in the Walter Raleigh hotel, with secretary Kaye Curtin unavoidably absent and chairman Michael Beecher down the corridor treading the boards in The Playboy of the Western World.  It was left to treasurer Pa Forrest and, particularly, PRO Sgt John Sharkey to officiate.

The attendance was smaller than normal also. This, as much as anything else, probably reflected a general tranquillity in the community and a noticeably pacific Halloween. By comparison, two years, ago a Halloween-from-hell had sparked the resurgence of the Community Alert forum.

Finances

The treasurer revealed that the group had acquired public liability insurance at a rate of €150 for the next twelve months. “That leaves us with a balance of €905.o8,” he said. The policy covers any activity undertaken on behalf of the group through attending meetings, flag days, assisting with alarm installations, etc…

Sergeant Sharkey proceeded that payment for all 40+ alarms thus far installed had concluded, with just the paperwork formality of “tidying up the applications against the money” for official, government purposes. “There is a new system in place now and they will then send us out the paperwork to comply with that for future installations,” he added. There are currently 23 new applications in place for the next spate of alarms, with the general acceptance rate of 15 alarms per application expected to persist. The sergeant observed that the alarms and the peace of mind they provide “are the most tangible thing available through the community alert at present.”

Continuing his report, the sergeant said October’s Drugs Awareness week had run successfully, with 3, 500 Dial To Stop Drug Dealing leaflets being delivered to the community, along with posters erected throughout the district.

Statistics

The statistics for reported crime since the October 5th meeting were as follows:

Drugs:

31 street searches and five private premises search under warrant. These resulted in five persons being detected in possession for personal use at Strand Palace apartments, Copper Alley Road, O’Brien’s Place, Templemichael and North Main Street and one person found in possession with possible intent to supply.

ASBOs:

One issued to a young man in relation to activities on Main Street and around a school. issued with

Assaults:

Two minor assaults involving individuals known to each other at Cnoc Aobhinn and Park Mountain.

Burglaries:

There were five burglaries in past month at, Summerfield, Friar Street, Harbour View, Seaview and Youghal Bay Yew Wood.

Criminal Damage:

Eleven case reported, three of which had been detected. The areas involved included O’Brien’s Terrace, Golf Links Road, Hilltop Hotel, Seafield, O’Reilly’s Terrace, Ballymacoda, Rivergate Mall and Brooks Super Valu. Sergeant Sharkey said the incidents largely amounted to such damage as wing mirrors, windows broken, graffiti and electric sockets vandalised.

Thefts:

Two incidents, involving a pharmacy in Youghal and a wire badger trap in Glendine.

Liquor Licensing:

Underage drinking reports have mercifully subsided at present, while one public house facing prosecution for late drinking.

Public Order Offences:

There were six such offences reported since the previous meeting, occurring at Claycastle car park, Cork Hill (2), Strand Street, North Main Street (2) and Chapel Lane. Sergeant Sharkey reported that the Halloween weekend had passed without reports of any serious incident. There had been one young girl arrested for a public order offence, which was not Halloween related, and likewise one window broken on the main street.

Concern

The sergeant expressed concern at the sudden increase in burglary activity, which was currently the main crime concern in the town. He cautioned that extra care should be taken in the circumstances. He urged householder to ensure their homes were securely locked at all times and likewise property such as cars. With modern cars increasingly difficult to start without keys, he advised that thieves now tend to break into houses to locate car keys which consequently should be stored in a secure place.

Proceeding, the garda said many burglaries occur during the day, whereby criminals will call to a house to gauge a presence or otherwise. “If you answer the door they may ask for directions or ask if you have a dog for sale or if you had an ad in the paper recently, or whatever,” he explained.

Dud notes, bogus callers:

The garda repeated previous warnings that adept, organised individuals or gangs are targeting shops whereby they proceed to confuse the staff with complicated procedures stemming from requests to convert €50 notes into smaller denominations. Bogus callers to homes falsely claim to represent social workers, gardai or service providers remain prevalent in the region.

Generally speaking…

In a general discussion, it was remarked that Youghal was relatively unique in the region for having a Community Alert group. A member from the floor said he had received favourable comments from the wider public on its presence and it assistance towards the community, while Sergeant Sharkey reminded all that the meetings include a forum by which the public can air issues, grievances or otherwise, they may wish to convey to the gardai.

The next community alert meeting will take place in the Walter Raleigh on Tuesday December 7th at 8.45 pm.

Prior to November’s town council meeting,  Youghal Tidy Towns chairman Ned Brennan made a brief presentation to the chamber. He began by explaining where Youghal stood in a national and regional context. For the first time ever the town finished a bronze-medalled fourth in Category E (population 5,000-10,000) with 279 points, behind Dungarvan( 287), Trim (286) and Dalkey (281). Mr. Brennan reasoned that Youghal could close the gap on the three leaders by virtue that its showing a greater rate of improvement than they are showing. This momentum was reflected in a two mark improvement in 2006/7, by 10 marks in 2007/8, five marks in 2008/9 and by seven marks in 2009/10. “Third place in 2010/11 is achievable,” he proclaimed.

Regionally, within the South Cork division, Youghal’s 279 marks also held fourth place this year, behind Kinsale (297),Macroom (287) and Ballincollig (283). Again improvement to third place at least to third place was achievable here, he said.

Other 2009/10 achievements included winning the Co. Cork County Council Litter League B1 Category. “It’s significant that there were only 18 national medals awarded in the Cork/Kerry region and only five bronze awards,” he explained, adding that, “at last we’re starting to get into the medal winning areas. ”

Tidy plans

The past may be tidy but the chairman was keen to focus on a future littered, so to speak, with aspiration. He pinpointed six areas of prominence:

Approach Roads:

“We have prioritised for the coming year the approach roads to the town,” he stated.  He proceeded that eastern side from the Rhincrew roundabout to Greencloyne has issues that need addressing such as dead trees, truck-mangled grass verges, footpaths at Foxhole and general grass cutting requirements.

On the western approach, he said the flower beds at Kilcoran Place on the Killeagh Road would be cleared this month and new shrubs installed. He hoped the flower beds near the new boat on the left on the approach to Summerfield would be extended, with a three large flower boxes installed to engineer a stronger visual impact. Grass cutting, he proceeded, was the biggest challenge in that area and he hoped the town and county councils could assist with that aspect. .

Dereliction:

Derelict sites, unsurprisingly, came in for unavoidable mention. If they couldn’t or wouldn’t be abolished in some way, perhaps their effect could be hidden, with painted or embellished adorned hoardings of some sort erected to make the areas more eye-pleasing.  Perhaps the owners of the Mill Road site might be prevailed upon to do this, he suggested, displaying an optimism that only the holder of a bronze medal, at least, could apply to a firm heading into liquidation.

Equally optimistic, he wondered whether the CIE site at McCurtainstown could be similarly treated, although it would emerge later that the State body has promised to clean up the place in the coming months. The view of the old Hilltop hotel reflected graffiti, he said, while “derelict buildings on the quayside also need attention,” if not a downright tidal wave!

Landscaping:

The committee hope to hang more baskets than previous on the Lighthouse Hill, with plans for extra flower beds also.

Wildlife and Natural Amenities:

Mr. Brennan said the committee was working with another voluntary group to promote this agenda through the distribution of information pamphlets. Sign boards, such as those used to inform on local marine life some years ago, were also being considered.

Waste Minimisation:

The chairman said they were working and progressing with schools towards attaining a green flag award.

Tidiness:

The word itself reflected ambitions to eradicate dog fouling, conduct kerbside weeding, and promote signage cleaning. He again hoped that the town council and other associated bodies such as tenants associations could contribute towards improvement in these areas.

Cllr Barbara Murray said the imminent liquidation of Galvin Brothers, proprietors of the Mill Road site, compromised efforts to combat dereliction at the site. However, she added, the Hilltop graffiti and associated issues were being addressed by the owners. She felt the town clerk was doing “very well in regards to town issues” but that the county council had a long ways to go to catch up. “The county areas are the ones that always need the most attention,” she attested, before advocating “more cooperation between the county council and the tidy towns committee, with the county council pulling their weight and working more closely in coordinating with the town council and the committee.”

Cllr Murray wondered how Cork County Council could deploy two extra workers to the landfill at a time when tonnage at that site was at an all-time low and town’s approach roads were dilapidated.  Yet they are “screaming out for more workmen,” she said incredulously.

Addressing the town manager Patricia Power, the councillor asked whether she could initiate a move to re-deploy workers to tend to the periphery areas of Youghal and indeed other towns if need be. Ms Power began that “each area has its own budget…” but Cllr Murray interceded that the budget was there, but the workforce was not. One worker in Youghal had been deceased and not replaced due to the recruitment embargo, while an opportunity to replace him through deployment had been lost.

The town manager then suggested that a spring meeting be arranged between the tidy towns committee and Cork County Council, which she would attend. She believed if specific areas were to be targeted and “a confluence of effort,” applied, then ways might be found to bring significant improvement.

Pat Shortt played to a full  house last Friday night, November 26th at The Mall Arts Centre in Youghal.

On the last night of his recent tour “The Hall”, Pat played to a full and happy house ! Set in the community hall of a small rural town, The Hall features an array of madcap characters brought to life in Pat Shortt’s inimitable style. With the headlining act missing, Drama Group chairman, local shopkeeper and would-be comedian, Mossie Whelan enters the spotlight, with a bottle of wine to give him courage. Just when it looks like the night will be a complete disaster, all is saved by the arrival of singing sensation, Dixie Walsh. Fresh from a tour of the entire diocese on the back of his hit single The Jumbo Breakfast Roll, the ever popular Dixie gets the crowd going with his follow up hit single, Where Did My Money Go? A great night’s entertainment was had by all, young and old,  in Youghal at The Mall Arts Centre.

Santa visits boys and girls around the world in many different ways, but on Saturday 4th December at 2.00pm this year in Youghal, Co. Cork, Father Christmas is set to arrive on water with the help of local sailing school, Aquatrek, to the Quay-side to kick-start the seaside town’s annual Christmas festive season celebrations.

Santa’s horse and carriage will stand in his wait before taking him and the lucky winner of the school’s colouring competition to The Mall Arts Centre for an afternoon of free fun, which is open to the public.

Kids of all ages will enjoy the festivities from 2.15- 4.30 pm with a ‘free Santa visit’ and photograph, face-painting, mingling with the cast of Aladdin, while also being in with a chance to win a family pass to see the show!  Making a special appearance in Youghal this year will be ‘Tricky Trevor’ with ‘Scamp’ the puppet dog.  The afternoon will also see Trevor perform some amazing balloon wizardry!

Mums and Dads are catered for as they sip over warmed mulled wine and tuck into mince pies to the sounds of the Youth Choir and the nationally acclaimed Youghal Choir throughout the afternoon.

At 4.30 pm join Santa as he leads Youghal’s very own Pipe Band on their march to Market Square for the official turning on of Youghal’s Christmas Lights.

Speaking about the event, organiser Clodagh Mahon thanked all those who assisted in making the event possible.  “With so much doom and gloom about, we wanted to ensure that this day was extra special for the families of Youghal.  The many sponsors of the event allowed us to undertake an entirely free event, really demonstrating the community Christmas spirit in the town.  We are expecting a large turn-out which will only add to the atmosphere on the day.”

For more details log onto: www.youghal.ie or Facebook page: ‘whatsonyoughal’.

Issued by: Youghal Socio-Economic Development Group

Further details on event E: clodaghmahon@hotmail.com or T: 087-9346440

The sounds, sights and smells of Christmas will be in the Youghal air on Sunday December 5th as “The Spirit of Christmas” traditional and authentic Christmas market takes place in Greenbarn in Youghal Co. Cork.

Organised by the Family Fun Festival group, locals and visitors to Youghal can experience festive cheer on their doorsteps in the all weather venue in Greenbarn, just outside Youghal with this traditional Market
A huge variety of artisan craft and food produce will be on sale and displayed on the day with scrumptious gourmet sausages, delicious pate’s, hand crafted elegant jewellery, tempting local jams and buns, Festive flowers, quality savoury,
home baking, handmade Christmas cards, unusual craft gifts, mulled wine, mouthwatering hot chocolate, fudge and chutney, charming paintings, precious glassware, organic cheeses, and if that isn’t enough there will be Carol singing, face painting, balloons and of course Santa.
“It is going to be a spectacular day for the entire family.  The spirit of Christmas will be something special and we hope that everyone comes along and supports this event.  There will be great value on offer in all the stalls and this is a rare opportunity to get quality, handmade and authentic Christmas gifts for the whole family,” commented Sal Tivy Chairperson of the Family Fun Festival committee.

Entry is free to the Christmas market and a major raffle will take place proceeds of which will go toward the funding of the 2011 Family Fun Festival which takes place from 12th – 15th July 2011. Organisers of the Spirit of Christmas promise a great festive atmosphere on the day.

There will also be Christmas wish tree where people can hang a star on the tree and make a special Christmas wish all proceeds of the wish tree will go directly to childline.

Structure built without planning permission – By Christy Parker

Waterford County Council has informed St. Declan’s National School Ardmore that it must submit a retention application for its new astro turf facility. The local authority has given notice requesting that the Board of Management “regulate this unauthorised development by either submitting a retention application or removing” it. The notice seeks a response “without delay.” The board has acknowledged receipt of the notice and a further indication of its intentions is anticipated.

The new pitch, its surrounding 12 ft fencing and six floodlight pylons was erected without planning permission being sought or granted. While constructed on school property, it replaces what was, traditionally, open ground and a communal play area. Twenty six trees were also felled in the process.  Should the retention be granted, a fee will be charged for its usage..

Local opinion seems to be divided on the issue, with some criticising the tree felling, the removal of the ‘free’ playing area and the general visual and environmental impact, all without a public meeting by way of consultation, let alone a planning application and the statutory public consultation process. Others, however, are said to be welcoming the facility, especially in lieu of organised sport pursuits.

The Board of Management were to discuss the matter on Tuesday night, Nov 30th and a spokesman declined to offer much comment prior to that. However he advised that the board had “called to people’s homes” prior to the construction and informed them in detail of the planned works. He claims that then and since, the facility has been greatly welcomed, with one or two exceptions.

Planning Enforcement Officer for Waterford County Council, Ella Whelan said the County Council do not intend fining or censuring the school for the contravention of planning regulations but that “all the issues will be dealt with in the course of the retention application and the subsequent of public consultation.” She added that an environment study on the lighting effect would “probably be needed” in tandem with the application. She didn’t know whether the pitch can be used while the retention application was being processed.