Liners Join The Ranks Of Youghal Coach Visits – By Christy Parker  

YOUGHAL’S dalliance with coach tourism embraced a new level this month when five buses ferried passengers to town from the cruise liner Crown Princess. A welcoming party organised by Youghal Concerned Citizens group pushed out the boat, so to speak, to greet the 500 arrivals from Cobh harbour on a sunny afternoon. “We had Irish dancing courtesy of  Blackwater School of Dancing and Luigi’s restaurant in Barry’s Lane provided complimentary snacks,” says YCC representative Norman McDonald. By all accounts the visitors were highly impressed by the welcome as they undertook a two-hour sojourn about town.

The cruise coaches arrived courtesy of Cork-based Cronin’s Travel and marked the culmination of months of hard work and persistent lobbying by Norman, assisted by Cliff Winser and the YCC. “It was essential to make a strong impression as it was something of a trial run by that particular coach company,” says Norman. “But we would hope to provide similar receptions regularly enough next summer as we try to get Youghal established as a destination for liner coaches.”

Before and since the Crown Princess party, other cruises have to a lesser degree, also dispatched their charges to Youghal. “We had two German and one British party last week,” Norman proceeds. “The Germans were particularly delighted to receive summaries of Youghal’s attractions in their language.”

Timed visits

The stopover time for cruise buses operates on a three-tier system. “There are photo-calls, two-hour and four-hour stays,” Norman elaborates. “We’re now getting more photo-calls, with several companies visiting for the first time and some of those are upgrading us to two-hour calls. We are not yet included in the four-hour schedules, which are the biggest ones obviously, because tourists will buy meals, do more shopping, visit more sites and so on with more time to spare. But we are getting there.”

The four-hour calls are also crucial as they can govern the other two schedules. “If a four-hour visit goes awry, then obviously the coach driver may jettison or reduce the passengers’ later visits to elsewhere under the two remaining criteria,” says Norman.

More tea, driver?

These turning wheels of tourism also rotate round the axle of general bus tours, often en route from Rosslare towards Blarney and Kerry. Since the bypass arrived, many have chosen to ignore the town entirely, while those that do follow the town centre sign at the Rhincrew roundabout often merely pause to pee.

Quietly and largely unheralded, Norman and Cliff have spent long hours and days urging drivers and couriers to consider the charms of the locale before departing from the Market Square rapidly. Diplomacy at ground level can mean transporting cups of tea or coffee to weary coach drivers or couriers. “It really is hard work,” Norman sighs. “You can be waiting around for ages and then maybe get instantly dismissed by some drivers. On the other hand, many of them really appreciate our efforts, especially if they have to stay in the bus with elderly passengers for example. We just have to keep trying every day. Then sometimes we get to meet a company director. That’s when we have a chance for real change because they dictate their coaches’ schedules. We chat to them explain our intentions and maybe we will see the efforts of this year reflected in next year’s traffic.”

Town walls…then walk

Norman views Cronin’s, Insight and Cosmos as tour operators now particularly partial to Youghal. “The next plan is to persuade some of them to arrive up at the town walls, which are a huge attraction,” he says. “Then they can walk down to Emmet Place either via the college gardens, or St. Mary’s Church, down Church Street and through the main street back to the coaches at Nealon’s Quay. Cosmos seem interested in this and they could have two or three buses a day here, whereas some companies are just one a month.”

Some revolutions quietly unfold and there is no apparent clamour on the streets to greet the impending new scheme of things. “The vast majority of restaurants are fantastic and most of the businesses are taking note as well,” Norman considers. “But probably there are a few enterprises that don’t yet see the overall picture, which is to promote every aspect of tourism we have. It can call for a change of mind-set, no doubt. Blarney for example, does it all as second nature by now. So does Kinsale. It’s part of their rhythm. The bottom line is that Youghal has as much, if not more, to offer and if we work together as a broad community, we can do it justice to everyone’s benefit. But if we can promote the tourist end of it- the restaurants, hotels, b&b’s etc, it may lift the rest up with it.”

Nealon’s unfortunate Quay

Nealon’s Quay remains central to the project and one wonders if, the location, with its potholes, uneven surface, faded road markings and cramped parking facilities –not to mention minimalist toilet facilities- offers the stuff of which dreams are nurtured. Norman maintains a diplomatic silence but relents that the public toilets are proving to be a considerable hindrance to progress. “They just don’t always work,” he says before agreeing that in any case they are quite limited in what they provide. After many, many hours of greeting tourists, he knows a bit about their requirements and on theirs and Youghal’s behalf he would welcome a decent sized convenience, manned and maintained by a paid worker. “I don’t think it would operate at a loss,” he adds.

Norman and company began their coach tour seduction in early summer, arising from an idea proposed at the newly-formed YCC months after tour companies had decided the season’s schedules. As the season nears closure, the hope is that the impression made in 2011 will impact on their 2012 programmes. “Either way we cannot rest on our laurels. We will have had more time to prepare though and with hopefully more helpers and maybe appropriate dress and a co-ordinated approach, we can build on this year’s work,” concludes Norman.

PAST, PRESENT AND PLANNED FUTURE OF YOUGHAL SLUDGE TREATMENT PLANT.
By Christy Parker

Youghal Waste Disposal & Recycling Ltd acquired a 35-year lease on the 3.5 acre site at Foxhole from landowners Youghal Town Council, before subletting it to AVR Environmental Solutions Ltd in 2002. AVR was a joint venture operated by AVR-Safeway in Fermoy and SWS Natural Resources in Bandon. According to documents researched by Cllr Barbara Murray, Youghal Town Council sought legal advice amidst suggestions that the acquisition reflected ‘change of use.’ The advice given was that the argument would not hold water, (no pun intended!) “Furthermore,” says Cllr Murray, “if individual councillors were to take action that halted the project, they could be open to personal litigation. This arises from case law whereby councillors ‘are not entitled to disregard technical advice from the executive and where there must be technical advice in support their resolution in circumstances where the executives’ advice is to the contrary.’

Eras Eco Ltd acquired the plant in 2006 and commenced its operations in August 2007. Eras Eco Ltd consists of a Sludge Drying and Waste Recovery/Transfer Facility, with licence to manage a maximum 70,000 tons p.a. of commercial and industrial non-hazardous waste, up to 30,000 tons p.a. of non-hazardous sewerage sludge and industrial sludge from water treatment plants and a maximum of 10,000 tons p.a. of landfill leachate. According to the company, up to 500 tons of sludge for drying and 200 tons of already dried sludge can “typically be expected to be held” on site during operations. The company is solely owned by Ormonde Organics, whose headquarters reside in Portlaw, Co. Waterford.

Future plan

The planned upgrade would see the installation of an AquaCritox sewage and sludge treatment system, developed by Cork-based Super Critical Fluids International (SCFI). An aerobic digester, capable of processing 20,000 tons of suitable sludge would also be incorporated. US industrial Rockwell has teamed with SCFI to market the system. Claims that it may surpass and replace incineration landfill systems, bringing immense social and financial cost savings in waste treatment, while producing more energy than it uses, means a very keen interest is undoubtedly being maintained by government in Ireland and beyond.

According to SCFI, operating manager David Kerr, AquaCritox is ‘an odourless, full destruction rather than reduction-based technology. ’He describes it as using ‘super critical water oxidation to destroy organic waste without generating hazardous emissions,’ adding that, ‘it generates renewable energy and recovers by-products, such as phosphorus and carbon dioxide, for resale, while destroying 99.99% of wet organic wastes in an economical, sustainable process.’

The technology purports to treat waste with water temperatures in excess of 374oc and pressurised to 221 bar. ‘This moves water into a super critical condition,’ explains Mr Kerr, ‘where it is neither a liquid nor a gas, but a homogenous dense fluid. The water becomes a universal solvent for gases and organic compounds and by adding an oxygen supply, a very rapid and complete oxidation reaction takes place. This generates thermal energy while also converting all organic materials in sewage sludge into carbon dioxide, nitrogen and clean water. The nitrogen can be released into the atmosphere and the carbon dioxide may be sold on for industrial applications or dry ice production. Our solution is fast, safe and environmentally friendly, producing more energy than it actually uses and the rapid reaction also means that our plants are small in actual size,’ he concludes.

Commercial order

Interestingly, a report posted only last week on www.environmental.com reads that Eras Eco Ltd. “has placed the first commercial order of SCFI’s AquaCritox® technology, which provides a unique process for the sustainable destruction of organic wet waste. The system will be installed at the Eras Eco plant in Foxhole, Youghal in December 2011, and forms part of a €10m (£8.5m) investment to improve the environmental credentials of the site.”

Youghal Cycling Club To Fundraise For Little Zoe’s Cancer Treatment. – By Christy Parker

YOUGHAL CYCLING CLUB is to undertake a 165km fundraising ride on behalf of an 18 month old little girl with a rare cancer condition. Half twin Zoe Lehane Lavarde, from Mallow, suffers from  Atypicalteratoid/Rhabdoid Tumour AT/RT, an aggressive form of the disease. Her mum Orlaith is a first cousin of Tony Walsh, Tinnock, Youghal, who has organised the cycling event.

Zoe is currently in America, where she is receiving specialist treatment at the Burzynski centre in Houston, Texas.  She, her mum, dad Alex and twin brother Leo travelled to Houston last July, to provide Zoe with a much improved chance of survival.

Zoe’s condition was diagnosed earlier this year when her family noticed she was quieter than normal and also losing balance a little. She soon became very ill and was rushed to CUH. Doctors removed a tumour from her brain but the cancer remained.  The cancer form arises in either in the cerebellum (lower, back part of brain that controls balance) or cerebral cortex and often spreads through the central nervous system. Highly malignant, it is usually diagnosed in childhood.

Orlaith and Alex were told that Zoe’s conventional treatment in Ireland would involve strong chemotherapy and just a 10-30% chance of success. The family began researching options and discovered the pioneering Burzynski centre. They travelled to the city last July for a first assessment, after which Zoe was deemed suitable for treatment. “The doctors are pleased with the progress so far but there is still a long and uncertain road ahead,” says Tony.

As always in the US, the medical treatment, which may take up to 18 months, is extremely expensive and, alongside accommodation costs, could reach up to €700,000. The family hope that, eventually, Zoe may be able to continue her treatment in Holland if her condition improves to a stage where it would be viable to re-locate.

Website

The family have established a website www.mysisterzoe.com in Leo’s name where details of Zoe’s brave battle and the various fundraising events are posted. “The people of Mallow and indeed many other places have been extremely generous and supportive,” Tony says, “I want to thank most sincerely Ger Flanagan of the Youghal News and Youghal Cycling Club for their interest and their help in the campaign,” he adds.

Tony will be amongst about 20 cyclists expected to participate in September’s event. The journey will leave the Market Square at 9 am and visit Tallow, Fermoy, Mallow, Blarney, Ballincollig, Bishopstown, Cork city and Midleton before returning to Youghal.  Donations can be made through sponsorship cards, collection boxes on the day or through the following Ulster Bank account: A/c no: 10880255; sort code: 986070 International Details:IBAN:IE47ULSB98607010880255; IBAN BIC: ULSBIE2D

Visit: www.mysisterzoe.com

The www.thebutterflycompany.ie are holding a fundraiser for Youghal Cancer Support Group on Friday 16th September 2011 at the Walter Raleigh Hotel in Youghal. The Butterfly Company will perform their wonderful production “DECADES” to help raise funds and awareness for the charity.

Watch the Youghal Cancer Support Group Facebook for more information on the forthcoming event in the Walter Raleigh Hotel. Click her to visit www.thebutterflycompany.ie

Chatterbox Dance Studio – Back for our new term!!!

Now in our 8th year, our enrolment night is on September 5th, Bru na Si, Blackwater Heights, Youghal from 7 – 8.30pm for students from 5-18 years old

Very competitive term fees – Easy Payment option available upon request – Special half price discount for sibling.

Junior students will now have some singing as part of their class.
Older students will take part in Flashmob in Cork City.
All students take part in Christmas performance in aid of St Vincent De Paul, Youghal and end of year gala performance in May.

Chatterbox modern dance studio will resume classes on Sept 14&15th.

Teachers: Ruth Hayes & Lisa Meany

BACK BY POPULAR DEMAND!! ADULTS AEROBICS CLASS (with a dance vibe!)

Contact 086 3907483 email rosh@esatclear.ie.

Chatterbox Dance Studio Returns

It’s that time of year again, when the school bags have been bought, lunch boxes to the ready and school uniforms fitting just right! It also means that Chatterbox Dance Studio is back for their brand new term. Now starting their 8th year, Chatterbox Dance Studio has become a regular in Youghal for young people to come to class and have fun while learning to move and build confidence.

With classes situated in Bru na Si, Blackwater Heights, Chatterbox has always maintained the ethos of helping young people express themselves through the medium of dance in a fun and friendly environment. Indeed over the past few years, the dancers have been staples of the Youghal stage with their colourful and energetic dance extravaganzas.  With each new term, Chatterbox Dance Studio strives to create new experiences for their students. Whether it’s their Christmas display, dance competitions or cabarets.  This year Chatterbox has been invited to lead a flashmob in Cork City as part of the launch of a new charity OvaCare, the Ovarian Cancer Community.

“Giving back to the community is always something that we try and do with the students as a group. The students have fun doing it and also instils a sense of responsibility in them,” Ruth Hayes, Creative Director.

It’s not just the young people who can attend class! Last year Chatterbox launched an aerobics class for adults. These classes were done with an emphasis on high energy and a dance vibe to them. These classes are back by popular demand.

Chatterbox will have an enrolment night on Monday Sept 5 in Bru na Si. From 7pm-8.30pm. Please come on the night to ensure a place in the class.

For further details about Chatterbox, please contact 0863907483 or rosh@esastclear.ie facebook page – Chatterbox dance studio

The Re-opening of Youghal’s Iconic Clockgate Tower
 - The Story So Far - 

Ask any visitor to Youghal what image springs to mind when they think about Youghal…the miles of blue flag beach maybe? Our 13th century town walls? Could it even be Perkie Bear? One thing for sure is that Youghal’s Clock Gate will most certainly feature in the minds of any visitor as THE iconic image of Youghal. In other words, the Clock Gate IS Youghal.  For over a decade, Youghal Town Council has invested heavily in heritage, through its Heritage-Led Regeneration Strategy, 2005 – 2012.   With foresight and courage, a number of key initiatives have seen Youghal become a ‘blue-print’ in how to re-develop a heritage town.  New streetscapes, heritage signage, restoration works to our national treasure, St. Mary’s Collegiate Church and Gardens has seen Youghal develop into a ‘must-see’ location for the heritage tourism visitor.  Until now we’ve been missing one key piece of the jigsaw, It’s been a long and arduous journey, but Youghal is now well the way to the re-opening of our magnificent Clockgate.  We are set for a well needed boost to the local economy, but also a restoration in local pride! Let us tell you about the journey….

History:

Youghal’s Clock Gate occupies the former site of Trinity Castle, one of the five principle gates of the late 14th /15th century town.  The large, commanding structure of Trinity Castle was the dividing gate between the Maintown and the Basetown.  By the mid 16th Century the Corporation decided to lease out the castle for private use. In 1563 the merchant Melchior Bluet leased the building, possibly as a residence.     This was replaced in 1620 with a more modern building which included an imposing, distinctive Clock, and the building was to become known as the Clockgate Tower.

The Clock’s function was not only to tell the time of day but to issue warnings, announce events, but peculiarly to broadcast the death of children. Over time the clock became a symbol of the society and shared community of Youghal.  By the mid to late 18th century, Trinity Castle was in a dilapidated condition, and in 1773 the Corporation decided to knock down the building (saving the clock and bell) and replace it with one that had sufficient room for a gaol and gaoler’s house.  The present monument was erected in 1777 and designed by local architect William Meade, who also designed The Mall House, which is now the town’s Civic Offices.  By 1836, the Government ordered the gaol to be closed down until a new one was built. The human stories of the building have endured throughout the years; from the displays of hangings and quartering, to the more sombre and less well known, such as the fatal accident of the young Michael Sullivan, a gas fitter who died in 1891 while cleaning the lamp on the Clock Gate. The Town Commissioners were not deemed liable for the accident but as a compromise and in sympathy they agreed to pay the family £5 for their loss and the position of gas fitter passed to Michael’s father, William Sullivan.

Charles O’Brien and Charles Gallagher, two members of the United Irishmen were also hanged from the windows of the north side of the gate. The case of Florence Newton is remarkable in that she was the only resident to have been convicted of being a witch! Unfortunately the records of the Corporation for this period are lost and with them the full extent of her story.

In more recent times the building has facilitated a public archive and museum (1970 – 1993) and more unusually, a residential home (1927 – 1959).

The First Step to Re-Opening……The Feasibility Study

In 2008, following a request by Youghal Town Council’s Heritage Municipal Committee to The Irish Walled Towns Network, The Heritage Council of Ireland commissioned the professional services of KPMG to produce a feasibility study on the restoration and potential uses of the Clock Gate.  The report was completed in November 2008 after desktop research and public consultation meetings with the local residents of Youghal.  Following on from consultations with key stakeholders, a list of seven potential uses for the Clock Gate was identified.  This was refined by taking into account the various objectives and constraints of the project. The short list of options was then evaluated to determine both the monetary and the non-monetary costs and benefits associated with each.  These were identified to meet the needs and objectives of the project and are outlined as follows:
Option     Description:
Option One:     Status Quo (leave building as is)
Option Two:     Multi-Use: heritage interpretive centre, display of local produce, re-creation of historic jail and virtual observation deck
Option Three:     Commercial Space Only
Option Four:     Use as storage/archive facility

All options were subjected to analysis on the estimated costs and benefits over a period of 25 years in line with Department of Finance guidelines, with non-monetary benefits also taken into account.  KMPG in concluding their feasibility study established that Option 2, the refurbishment of the Clock Gate to include multi-uses was the preferred option.

In 2009 following a full review of the study and its recommendations, members of Youghal Town Council adopted the KPMG report adding its desire to open public access to the Tower’s roof as a visual observation deck, as opposed to a virtual deck.

The Business Plan:

It was now time for The Youghal Socio-Economic Development Group (YSEDG) to take up the mantle.  Being the strategic policy group for the town, Youghal Town Council requested the YSEDG set up a steering committee to oversee the project. This team would develop a business plan, based on the preferred option from the feasibility study.  Members of the team included representatives from the YSEDG, Elected Council Representatives on Youghal’s Heritage Municipal Committee, Youghal Town Clerk, South & East Cork Area Development, South Cork Enterprise Board, Failte Ireland, The Department of Arts, Heritage & Gaeltact, Youghal Chamber of Tourism & Development and David Kelly Partnership.  All members of the project team gave of their time on a voluntary basis.   South Cork Enterprise Board financed Consultants; Coombes Corporate Finance, to undertake the business plan.  The plan detailed the work and costings of the restoration required, along with the ongoing maintenance costs on the preferred option.  It then evaluated the possible revenue generating options available.  At a high level in economic terms the business plan estimated that the re-opening of the Clockgate would contribute up to €400,000 annually to the local economy, through greater visitor numbers and by encouraging visitors to stay in the town centre for a longer period of time.

The Conservation Plan:

As the business plan was developing it became evident that a conservation plan would be required as the building is a National Monument.  Margaret Gowen & Co. Ltd was commissioned to  carry out a conservation plan for the building.  The plan was funded by SECAD, The YSEDG and Youghal Town Council.  The Conservation Plan sets out what actions need to be taken prior to any proposed future development works, and also identifies the structural and heritage-related constraints to be addressed in the strategic development and financial planning framework for the building.

Adoptions, Leases & Funding:

Once the Conservation Report was completed the Business Plan could then be finalised.

On 11th January 2011 the Conservation Plan was adopted by Youghal Town Council, which in turn allowed for the Business Plan to be completed at the end of March 2011.  By this stage Youghal Town Council in conjunction with The Youghal Socio Economic Development Group had completed all of the preliminary essential requirements; a feasibility study, conservation plan and business plan on the Clockgate to enable funding applications to be made to various relevant Government bodies.

In June 2011, Elected Members of the Town Council agreed to lease the Clockgate to the Youghal Socio-Economic Development Group for a period of 7-10 years, in order for the group to access funding for (i) essential renovation and conservation works estimated at €197,405 (ii) fit-out costs, estimated to cost €110,000.  The business plan concluded that the most likely sources of funding for the renovation work was a combination of a grant from South & East Cork Area Development (SECAD) with match funding from Youghal Town Council and Cork County Council.

In August 2011 The YSEDG appointed David Kelly Partnership to seek competitive tenders from suitably qualified contractors, and appoint relevant specialists to the project.  It is anticipated that tenders will be reviewed by late October 2011, at which time an application to SECAD can then be made for part-funding. An application has also been made to SECAD under the Tús Community Work Placement Initiative for a number of personnel to work in the building once it has been re-opened.  This will provide quality working opportunities for people who are unemployed.

Vision:

So what will the building look and feel like?  We plan not just to entertain customers to The Clockgate, but to engage with them!  Take a sneak preview of the plans!!

First Floor – Interpretive Heritage Centre

This will include some display cabinets, information displays, literature displays and perhaps some wax models.  This may also include an interactive information module where visitors could learn more about historical and heritage features in Youghal and the wider Cork area.

Second Floor – Display of Crafts and Wares

This area will be designed in association with South Cork Enterprise Board and The Craft Council of Ireland.  It is intended that these parties will work together and provide the funding for this floor.  This fit-out may include various display units as well as some interactive modules showing the various crafts prepared in the county, the history behind the crafts, etc.

Third Floor – recreation of the original Tower as a Jail

This floor will include various reconfigurations of the jail and the various characters that once ‘stayed’ in the jail.  It will also include various display units and a visual interactive module for more detailed information, etc.

Fourth Floor – Virtual Observation Deck

This final floor will include the virtual observation deck using the “camera obscura” concept. This will require specific technical equipment that will need to be reconfigured specifically for the Clock Gate.

Roof & actual observation deck

This will house a rooftop telescope.

Exciting Times Ahead!

Youghal finally has a reason to be positive and look ahead with a great sense of anticipation to the re-opening of the Clockgate.  While this has been a long and often tedious process, both Youghal Town Council and The Youghal Socio-Economic Development Group are deeply committed and determined to seeing this project through to its conclusion.  2012 will surely see Youghal’s iconic Clockgate building re-open and become a ‘must-see’ tourist attraction in the region.

The project team are currently meeting with interpretive exhibition and experience planners to refine a set of designs for the building.  The YSEDG has secured an agreement ‘in-principle’ for 50% of the fit-out costs of the project Failte Ireland.

Article compiled by: Aileen Murray, Manager Youghal Socio-Economic Development Group

Clockgate Steering Committee: Catherine Desmond – Archaeologist National Monuments Service, Dept Arts, Heritage & Gaeltacht, Liam Ryan – Town Clerk Youghal Town Council, Josephine O’Driscoll – Fáilte Ireland, Patrick Morrissey – Youghal Chamber of Tourism & Development, Cllr Liam Burke Youghal -Heritage Committee, Aileen Murray – YSEDG, Sean O’Sullivan – South Cork Enterprise Board,

John Kelly – David Kelly Partnership, Elga Ryan – South & East Cork Area Development

WHILE HERITAGE WEEK was celebrated around the country between 20th – 28th August 2011, Youghal proudly showcased its heritage where several heritage style events were held. A colourful Medieval Market Place erected in the College Gardens as part of the annual  festival brought to life the towns medieval history. Locals and visitors alike donned fancy dress costumes where Knights, Kings and Queens mixed with middle ages men and women in suitable costume. Medieval warriors doing historical re-enactments in battle wielding ferocious looking weapons There was lots of fun for all during National Heritage Week.

Meanwhile down at the waterfront by the Ferryslip the launch took place of the new yawl boat ( modeled on the old style salmon fishing boat by the Buttimer family). The boat named ‘Eochaill’ (Irish for Youghal) proudly sailed on the river Blackwater  showcasing Youghal’s tradition with fishing and maritime history. Another event was the inaugural Mackerel Food Festival organised by the newly formed pro-active Youghlal Concerned Citizens Group which incorporated a fancy dress reunion swim again taking place at the waterfront.

CLICK ON THE VIDEO ABOVE to watch a snapshot of Youghal’s links to its Maritime Heritage and appreciate the work of  local potter Tony Breslin who crafted this beautiful work displaying the seacoast towns links to the sea. The mural can be seen on the southeastery facing wall at Green Park – 1798 memorial park.   The short videoclip was made by local Kieran McCarthy.

THE SECOND ANNUAL PINK RIBBON MEMORIAL WALK took place on Sunday the 28th August 2011. The walkers met at the Market Square in the centre of town before travelling a circut of the town, behind the Youghal Cancer Support Group banner carried by committee members. Approaching Green Park they were met by lone piper Emma McCarthy from the Youghal Pipe Band, who played a lament as the walkers assembled at the band stand for a short prayer service with Canon Tom Browne PP and Rev. Patrick Hewitt.

A prayer for cancer victims was then read:
What Cancer cannot do.

Cancer is so limited………………….
It cannot cripple LOVE. It cannot shatter HOPE.
It cannot corrode FAITH. It cannot destroy PEACE.
It cannot kill FRIENDSHIP.
It suppress MEMORIES.
It cannot silence COURAGE. It cannot invade the SOUL.
I cannot conquer the SPIRIT.
It cannot steal ETERNAL LIFE.

After the service the walkers,wearing pink ribbons and pink t-shirts set off pink balloons into the sky to remember and express moral support for those with cancer.

The Youghal Cancer Support Group would like to thank to everyone who took part in the pink ribbon walk, you support is always welcome and appreciated!

*Fresh form their sell out tour The Butterfly Company will be performing a fundraiser for the Youghal Cancer Support Group in the Walter Raleigh Hotel on the 16th of Sep 2011 at 8pm, more details to follow shortly!*

THE GROUP opposing plans to allow Eras Eco Ltd to process hazardous waste will now operate under the collective title of the Blackwater Estuary Action Group (BEAG). The group’s executive includes Michelle Hennessy and Aoife Hennessy as committee officers and Éanna Dowling as PRO.

In its first official press release the group reiterates its resistance to the proposed plans. Under the banner headline, ‘Protect the Blackwater Estuary from Hazardous Waste,’ the release refers to traffic movements and, potential noxious odours and emissions to water as possible sources of “anxiety to all communities throughout the region.” BEAG perceives a threat to the local economy if hazardous waste is imported to Youghal and also expresses concerns over the company’s operational record to date, stating that limit exceedances “are regular, consistent and unacceptable.”

Citing self-regulation as “no regulation,” BEAG claims “Eras Eco Ltd has failed to inform the local community of operations at the plant and have failed to pro-actively engage local stakeholders in the planning process.” The group accuses the company of being bad “corporate neighbours” in choosing “not to host public meetings to present their annual reports and not alerting locals to breaches of their EPA licence.” It says the company is also presenting “experimental technology as well established and proven.”

The press release stresses that BEAG ‘will do everything in our power to protect ourselves, our children and our environment. We hope this will foster a more considered understanding of our deep and enduring need for a healthy environment, clean water and fresh air.’ It concludes with notice that a public meeting will be held at Youghal GAA club on Wednesday August 31st, 7.30pm. Inquiries: Éanna Dowling, 089- 4210294.

THE EAST CORK TOURIST TOWN OF YOUGHAL was today languishing in the glory of being named Cork’s Tidiest Town for 2011 in the Irish Business Against Litter League, in conjunction with the Department of the Environment.  The town achieved 6th place in the overall rankings out of 53 towns and cities surveyed.  Killarney, Co. Kerry was declared the country’s cleanest town.

Speaking about the result, Town Clerk Liam Ryan said: “This is a wonderful result for Youghal, and is in line with our marketing strategy for the town.  We have now achieved ‘litter free status’ for six years in a row and this is something that Youghal people can be extremely positive and proud about.  I would encourage the people of the town to become ‘individual ambassadors’ for their town, and who knows, maybe this time next year we will be challenging Killarney for the overall title”.

An Taisce monitors all towns of population 6,000 and over independently, in accordance with international grading standards.   Commenting on the result for Youghal, a spokesperson for the organisation said: “This is the best ever result for Youghal, overall winner 2011 is in sight.  Nine out of ten sites surveyed got the top litter grade.  The Cork Approach and Front Strand Approach were both in excellent condition and the Beach was a particularly well presented environment.”    The survey commended all involved in maintaining the beach environment with the spokesperson saying “it is no easy task to keep a beach environment so well maintained”.

Earlier this year, Youghal was awarded three blue flags for its high water quality and  environmental management standards on its beaches – the only town in Ireland to so.

Set up in 1996, Irish Business Against Litter is an alliance of companies sharing a belief that continued economic prosperity – notably in the areas of tourism, food and direct foreign investment is contingent on a clean, litter-free environment.

Further information contact: 024-92926 E: liam.ryan@corkcoco.ie

IBAL Anti Litter League 1st Round Results 2011
Ranking     Towns / Cities     Status
1     Killarney     Clean to European Norms
2     Trim     Clean to European Norms
3     Cavan     Clean to European Norms
4     Swords     Clean to European Norms
5     Monaghan     Clean to European Norms
6     Youghal     Clean to European Norms
7     Wexford     Clean to European Norms
8     Ballincollig     Clean to European Norms
9     Dun Laoghaire     Clean to European Norms
10     Tramore     Clean to European Norms
11     Castlebar     Clean to European Norms
12     Waterford City     Clean to European Norms
13     Galway City     Clean to European Norms
14     Kilkenny     Clean to European Norms
15     Bray     Clean to European Norms
Ennis     Clean to European Norms
17     Ballina     Clean to European Norms
18     Cobh     Clean to European Norms
19     Naas     Clean to European Norms
20     Longford     Clean to European Norms
Dungarvan     Clean to European Norms
22     Nenagh     Clean to European Norms
23     Drogheda     Clean to European Norms
Fermoy     Clean to European Norms
Sligo     Clean to European Norms
26     NewcastleWest     Clean to European Norms
27     Tuam     Clean to European Norms
28     Roscommon     Clean to European Norms
29     Navan     Clean to European Norms
30     Tullamore     Clean to European Norms
31     Arklow     Clean to European Norms
32     Kildare     Clean to European Norms
33     Dundalk     Clean to European Norms
34     Tralee     Clean to European Norms
35     Mullingar     Clean to European Norms
36     Gorey     Clean to European Norms
37     Cork City     Clean to European Norms
38     Letterkenny     Moderately Littered
Maynooth     Moderately Littered
Athlone     Moderately Littered
41     Carlow     Moderately Littered
42     Tallaght     Moderately Littered
43     Limerick City     Moderately Littered
44     Portlaoise     Moderately Littered
Mallow     Moderately Littered
New Ross     Moderately Littered
47     Clonmel     Littered
48     Wicklow     Littered
49     Tipperary     Littered
50     Dublin Airport Environs     Littered
51     Dublin City     Litter Blackspot
52     Knocknaheeney     Litter Blackspot
53     North Inner City Dublin     Litter Blackspot