9:03 PM 30th Nov. 2011
Ballycotton RNLI lifeboat was launched this evening, Wednesday, 30 November, at 2040 hours to an Irish registered fishing vessel taking water approx. 20 miles south east of Ballycotton.  The Waterford based Coastguard helicopter, Rescue 117, was also launched and is en route to the fishing vessel.  Ballycotton RNLI lifeboat is expected to be with the casualty at approx. 2130 hours.  Weather conditions are rough with winds blowing Force 8 in the area.  When on scene attempts will be made to place a salvage pump aboard the fishing vessel to help manage the water intake and the fishing vessel will be taken under tow. More to follow later….

Wed, Nov 30th, 2011 at 11:17 PM - Latest : The alarm was raised this evening, 30 November, by an Irish registered fishing vessel taking in water approx. 20 miles south east of Ballycotton.  Ballycotton RNLI lifeboat and the Waterford based Coastguard helicopter, Rescue 117, were requested to launch to lend assistance.

With winds blowing up to Force 8 in Ballycotton the RNLI lifeboat, Austin Lidbury, with its volunteer crew, slipped her moorings at 2045 hours and headed towards the fishing vessel’s reported position.  The four man crew of the fishing vessel were keeping the water intake under control with buckets and steamed their fishing boat towards the oncoming lifeboat.  Conditions in the area were poor, with high winds, rough seas and squally showers.  At 2140 hours the Ballycotton RNLI lifeboat arrived on scene with Rescue 117 arriving shortly thereafter.

The emergency services stood by the fishing vessel while it headed towards Ballycotton harbour under its own power.  Rescue 117 returned to base having updated themselves on the situation and the Ballycotton RNLI lifeboat escorted the fishing vessel for the remainder of the journey.  The fishing vessel arrived in Ballycotton at 2300 hours and an RNLI salvage pump was placed aboard to extract the excess water.  The four man crew offered their thanks to the emergency services for the assistance given.

ST. RAPHAEL’S DRAMA GROUP will present their award winning play ‘An Angel Fell from the Sky’ in St. Mary’s Collegiate Church, Youghal, on Thursday Dec 8th 2011 at 7.15pm. Show duration – 15mins.
Dress warm and enjoy a glass of warm punch. You’ll be moved to tears and leave in great Christmas spirits. The drama group put in a cracking performance! Admission – Free.

As St. Raphael’s said to be the angel of ‘happy meetings’ the play ‘An Angel Fell from the Sky’ tells the story of an angel who one day falls from the sky. The angel goes on a journey of happy meetings that lead to his own journey home.

Overall winners of the Irish Performing Arts Festival 2011

St. Raphael’s Drama Group won the 2011 Irish Performing Arts Festival Drama section. Their play entitled ‘ An Angel Fell from the Sky’  was a ‘clear winner’ said judge Catherine Mahon Buckley who admitted she had been moved to tears by the incredible performances, visual beauty and simplicity of the piece.The competition which took place over two days in the Firkin Crane Theatre, Cork involved seventeen groups from around the country.The play involved both live performance and shadow puppets brilliantly provided by St. Raphael’s Windy Lane Puppet Group.
The multi talented group’s short film When They Least Expect It was screened in the Mall Arts Centre Youghal and Camden Palace Cork.

 

St. Mary’s Collegiate Church, Youghal

St. Mary’s Collegiate Church, Youghal, is proving to be a popular location for such events as seen recently with the successful screening of the silent movie Phantom of the Opera – pictured below.

This Thursday, December 1st 2011, come and enjoy a night of art, music and fun.

An exhibition of paintings by Martine will open in Gallery 126 at 6pm. The paintings will be on show from 6pm to 9pm. Attached above please find a selection of images from the show.

In “Ole Ole”, the tapas bar across the street from the gallery, the Byrds will entertain with a programme of music and song. “Ole Ole” will be open from 6pm.

Gallery 126 is located at North Main Street, Youghal, Co. Cork, Ireland.

Gallery 126 promotes the work of professional contemporary artists, local, national and international.

Work by Gallery artists is on permanent display. Throughout the year regular exhibitions of work by new artists are held.

Portraits
Gallery 126 also has a photography studio specialising in portraiture.

Framing
Full framing service available.

If you are interested in any of the above, please contact us for full details on 086 3862292

Gallery 126 is located at 126 North Main Street, Youghal, Co. Cork.

The gallery is on the right hand side 200 metres past the Clock Gate as you drive through.

Less than one hours drive from Cork and an hour from Waterford.

The paintings below are by the artist Martine

“A night at the Copacabana can bring all kinds of excitement: wise guys on each side of the room making sure the big bosses are happy. Cigarettes sparking flames and smoking hot dames with jewels the size of Everest on their fingers. Those kept ladies can’t stop what our narrator already knows. In a devoted plea to the handsome crooner on stage, nothing’s gonna stop our girl now.”

Music / lyrics: David Schreurs / Vincent Degiorgio. Produced by David Schreurs / Jan van Wieringen for Grandmono Productions.

Director: Maikel van der Laken
DOP: Jacco van Ree
Producer: William Griffioen
Production Company: Will, www.wearewill.nl
Animation & post-production: PLANET X FX (Dennis Kleyn) www.planetx.nl
Visual design & typography: Bureau.Donald | VetteLetters (Donald Roos) www.vetteletters.nl

(c) Grandmono Records 2010

Fine Gael TD for Cork East, David Stanton has called for car parking charges at train stations on the Cork to Midleton line to be suspended.

“I have made contact with Irish Rail on a number of occasions in the past in relation to parking charges at local train stations on the Cork to Midleton train line. I believe that the charges may be affecting uptake of the train service. I have today written to Irish Rail requesting that they examine the possibility of suspending the car parking fee to see if this improves passenger numbers on this service.

“I know that Irish Rail carried out a free car parking promotion in the run up to Christmas last year and over the festive period. I have requested that they consider doing the same this year in the hope that more people in East Cork could be encouraged to use public transport.

“I have pointed out to Irish Rail that while the €2 daily parking fee is relatively low, the railway stations are the only places that charge for parking in Midleton, Carrigtwohill, Glounthaune and Little Island. I really believe that Irish Rail need to re-examine the car parking charges at stations on the Cork to Midleton line. While patronage of the train service is good it is evident that most service users do not use the large new purpose built car parks. While I acknowledge many train users walk or cycle to the stations, a lot of drivers using the train park outside the stations where parking is free.

“As traffic congestion increases in the run up to Christmas, I think that free parking will be a great incentive for people to use the train. It is a fast and reliable way for people to get to Cork city for work and for people from Cork to get to Midleton and other places in East Cork for shopping and leisure.

“Finally, in addition to free parking at Christmas, I have also asked that Irish Rail look at suspending the car park indefinitely to try to improve train and car park usage at stations. As a frequent user of this Midleton to Cork train if find it very efficient, reliable and economical and I am anxious that the success of this new route continues.
Posted on Monday, November 28th, 2011

A successful Wedding Fair organised by The Old Imperial Hotel, Youghal, took place at the GAA centre on Sunday November 27th 2011. Experts displayed their products to suit all your wedding needs.

The Old Imperial Hotel Youghal is located in the town centre. It’s a family run Hotel with quality hotel rooms, offering Bed & Breakfast accommodation in Youghal The Hotel has a choice of 2 Bars and a contemporary restaurant know as the Coachouse, private secure car park to the rear and a private dining room upstairs. The Coachouse Restaurant serves modern Irish innovative cuisine in tastefully furnished, comfortable, relaxed surroundings. The Old Imperial Hotel has a perfect Youghal town centre location with shopping and entertainment on our door step. The Hotel can arrange boarding kennels for your pets and arrange to have their pet picked up. Youghal is a great location for touring County Cork Waterford, Tipperary and Limerick, Cheap Car Hire at Cork Airport with GPS is avaialble for touring.

Click on images below to see some of the stands at the event – Photos by McGoldrick Art & Photography

SANTA visits boys and girls around the world in many different ways, but on Saturday 3rd 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.  Events are set to kick-start the seaside town’s annual Christmas festive season celebrations. Organised by Youghal Town Council’s Heritage Committee, a ‘free’ Santa visit for all the children in Youghal will follow from 2.15 – 4.30 pm in the Mall Arts Centre.

Santa’s horse, and his ‘one horse open sleigh’ will collect Santa following his arrival from Youghal Bay to Nealon’s Quay.  Accompanying Santa will be the lucky winner of the Youghal Primary School’s colouring competition to The Mall Arts Centre where an afternoon of free fun will ensue.  Kids of all ages will enjoy the festivities from with a ‘free Santa visit’, face-painting, and Barty’s disco will only add to the festive atmosphere!

At 4.30 pm Santa will lead Youghal’s very own Pipe Band on their march to Market Square for the official turning on of Youghal’s Christmas Lights which has been organised by Youghal Chamber of Tourism and Development.

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 for Youghal Heritage Committee

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

A HAND-MADE replica of the trusted lighthouse that has stood guard over an Irish seaside town for centuries now sits in a Terrace front yard.

Jim Allen, who is lovingly re-creating a waist-high version of his County Cork home town of Youghal (from memory), has just completed the final touches on his latest creation.

It’s a white, 14-foot lighthouse tower complete with a revolving beam of light – a 40-watt light bulb that actually works.

“That’s solid stucco,” he says proudly, placing his hand against the firm tower wall.

A painter and plasterer by trade, he may have found his life’s true calling in his retirement – as the creator and self-styled Mayor of Tiny Town.

For the past year or so, he’s been making picture perfect replicas of Youghal’s landmark buildings, one by one, and setting them up in his front yard.

Each is a work of art. They’re solidly constructed, too.

The best part is, admirers are welcome to take a closer look. Jim, who can be found at work outside in his garage most days, will gladly give visitors a tour.

The attention to detail is impressive. A little pile of fire wood is neatly stacked behind one home. Itty-bitty shoes peek out from behind real glass windows at the cobbler’s.

“I used to bring in my football boots,” recalls Jim, whose clothes are spotted with white paint and plaster flecks and has sky blue eyes that match the collar of his work shirt. “The owner would give me his life story and all I wanted was new studs on my boots.”

He starts each replica with a sturdy wooden frame, building the walls from plaster and nailing wooden shingles to the roofs to keep the rain out. Some buildings are inlaid with real stones, adding to the illusion.

The small yard at 5134 Agar Ave. is a genuine tourist attraction.

Admirers come in all sizes (although some question the inclusion of the town’s pub and betting office).

One woman brought Jim a porcelain tile bearing an Irish blessing. It’s now inlaid underneath the roof line of one of the little Council Houses he’s built.

Naturally, Terrace, B.C.’s version of Youghal (pronounced Yawl) is a hit with the neighbourhood kids.

“The kids that come around here, it’s unbelievable, they’re in their glory.”

If Barbie got married, shed insist on having her wedding at St. Mary’s Church, a gothic wonder with a tall spire.

Jim’s planning to build a replica of Youghal’s Anglican Church. Inexplicably, it’s also called St. Mary’s.

Many of the finest homes in Youghal, like that of former mayor Sir Walter Raleigh (who is said to have introduced tobacco to Europe), were at one time owned and inhabited by the British.

Ireland, which is a booming high-tech centre these days, has had a tumultuous past, having endured invasions by the Danes in the 9th century, followed by the Normans in the 12th.

During the Irish potato famine in the mid-1800s, millions fled the Emerald Isle in ships bound for the New World. Many sailed past the busy port of Youghal.

“This light,” he says, referring to the lighthouse, “was probably the last they ever saw of Ireland.”

A lighthouse has kept watch over Youghal since the 12th Century, when the Normans built a 30-foot-high tower in the same location as the present one, town historian Mike Hacket writes.

Its warning lights fires lit in the window during wet weather and on the roof when it was dry were removed in the mid-1500s.

That’s because pirates used to light fires on rocky shores hoping to lure ships to disaster. For 300 years the tower was dark.

The Allens welcomed more than 1,000 visitors this summer. Many signed an autograph book Jim keeps behind Plexiglas in a stand by the front gate.

He plans to put out a collection box for the Canadian Cancer Society next summer.

His next project is Youghal’s distinctive clock tower, an elaborate brick structure with rows of windows and a wide arch.

That, and the lighthouse, will be displayed in the back yard, stresses Jim, who ran into a bit of trouble two summers ago when someone complained to city hall about the height of his miniatures.

Were they lawn ornaments or structures under the zoning bylaw?

Structures would have to be moved. But, after several agonizing weeks, he was simply told to build a fence along his driveway, screening the view from next door.

Jim Allen’s tiny town could have ended up in a yard in Australia instead.

He and his wife, Josephine, an Irish girl from a nearby town he married at 21 in England, decided they would emigrate.

They wrote to the Canadian and Australian consulates, vowing to honour whichever reply came first.

It was Canada. The Allens have lived in Terrace for 48 years, raising six children.

You have to wonder, looking at the miniature town in their front yard, do they miss Ireland?

“No,” Jim and Josephine chime in unison. “We’re Canadians right down to the core.”

The couple has gone back to Ireland just four times in the past half a century.

They enjoy visiting family, but before long they’re anxious to return.

“Especially Terrace,” smiles Jim. “It’s Gods country, here. When the sun shines on the snowy mountains, it looks just like pink ice cream”

The mayor of Tiny Town
Originally posted on June 15, 2007 – Courtesy of: http://deasil.wordpress.com/2007/06/15/the-mayor-of-tiny-town/

 

The article below appeared on the www.terracedaily.ca on 22nd May 2007

QUEEN MARY LAUNCHED AT TINY TOWN
By Merv Ritchie

Those that have followed these pages will be well aware of the build up to the launch of the Queen Mary at Youghal, County Cork, Ireland, Terrace. This past weekend was a spectacular display of Irish hospitality.

Complete with pipers hailing in the grand display, hundreds gathered to witness this event. Jim and Josephine Allen were witnessed kicking up their heels and dancing to the entertainment provided by musicians who came from all around to play for the Allens.

The occasion was especially significant for Betty Bell who was in Great Britain to watch the original launch of the real Queen Mary from her Grandmothers home across from Clyde Bank when she was 8 years old. In 1955 she travelled on the Queen Mary from South Hampton to New York.

“There was a clock tower in Clyde Bank too”, claimed Betty, “Grandma used to get us to run down to see what time it was.”

Jim took the time to thank all those who gathered and paid a special tribute to his daughter, Bernadette, who he stated came and worked from dawn until dusk every day for the previous week, gardening around all the features of his creation making the opening that much more beautiful.

Tiny Town, as it is locally referred to, can be viewed all year at 5134 Agar Avenue in Terrace.

REPORTING · 22nd May 2007

THE YOUGHAL RNLI LIFEBOAT was launched on Sunday 27th November at 4.40pm, to a report of a 5 meter Bayliner suffering engine failure off Youghal Bridge. The Youghal Lifeboat Patricia Jennings under the helm of John Griffin Jnr with crew members Liam Keogh and Joe Moore arrived on scene and towed the vessel and its occupants to the Ferry point where they then handed over to the Youghal Coast guard.  The weather was calm and flat.

Youghal Town Council Meeting November 2011 – By Christy Parker

The meeting was attended by Town Manager Patricia Power, Town Clerk Liam Ryan, Deputy Town Clerk Helen Mulcahy, Town Engineer Paul Murray, Town Foreman Ger Lupton, Mayor Eoin Coyne (FF) and Cllrs Barbara Murray (FG), Michael Beecher (FG), Michelle Hennessy (SF), Eoin Flanagan (SF), Liam Burke (GP) Tara O’Connell (Lab), Sammy Revins (FF) and Mary Linehan-Foley (FF).

Previous to the meeting, former councillor Olly Casey made a brief presentation on his recent venture to New Bedford, Massachusetts as a special guest of Paris-based Irish theatre company Gare St. Lazare Players Ireland. Mr. Casey outlined in some detail the potential for Youghal’s tourism industry that has arisen from his visit.

 

Mr. Ryan provided a late addition to his report on foot of an e-mail received that morning from Liam Mannix, Project Manager of the Irish Walled Towns Network. The message congratulated Youghal on its advancing development of heritage tourism but warned that funding from the Heritage Council was now under threat following rumours to disband that organisation. The writer asked that the town council make known its concerns to Minister of State for Tourism Sean Sherlock (tele: 022-57761; 087-7402057) and local TDs.

The message advised that overseas visitors to Ireland had increased by 6% last summer while a 2010 Fáilte Ireland Visitor Attitudes Survey revealed that respondents were satisfied as follows: Beautiful Scenery, 96%; Unspoilt Environment 90%; Nature, wildlife, flora 88% and Interesting history and culture, 87%.

Mall Lane

Following the town clerk’s report, Cllr Hennessy welcomed the decision to reopen the Mall Lane temporarily for Christmas. She said all the councillors had been “bombarded” with representations to that effect. The town manager fully endorsed the Mall Lane project, saying it would have been “absolutely unthinkable that we would send money back for this project. You don’t refuse money when it’s available.”  She said extra signage indicating the town centre would be erected shortly.

Cllr Murray was equally delighted and thanked the town clerk for supporting the business and community, elaborating that Mr. Ryan was a major driver in accessing funding of €1.6m towards works in the town that would improve its attractions and potential across several facets. She felt people were under pressure and “afraid” when they voiced concerns that were sometimes unduly critical. Cllr Linehan-Foley was less enraptured by the solution considering it added €2,000 to the job’s cost, whilst there remained a list of unfulfilled objectives due to lack of resources.

Votes of Congratulations:

Cllr Linehan Foley congratulated Youghal camogie’s minor team on winning the County Minor Final when they defeated Ballinora on November 6th. Cllr Flanagan paid tribute the Youghal Concerned Citizens for their “wonderful” Halloween festival over three days. Cllr Beecher endorsed his sentiments and also thanked Joyce Hosford for organising the recent Phantom of the Opera production at  the Collegiate Church. Cllr Burke praised Olly Casey for his ambassadorial role in New Bedford.

Town Foreman’s Report:

Cllr Burke complained of potholes at Island View, Ballyclamssey and between Windmill Hill and St. Raphael’s. Cllr Murray echoed Cllr Burke’s pothole concerns and asked whether anything could be done to re-surface “drastic” Nealon’s Quay.

Car parking

Cllr Linehan-Foley asked for clarification on paid parking on the main street amidst rumours of much ticketing and wide discontent. Mr. Ryan explained that the permanent traffic warden was on extended sick leave due to injury. In his absence parking violations had deteriorated considerably, with some traders and/or employees even parking outside their own premises to the detriment of consumers. The general public were complaining so the council deployed a traffic warden for two weeks to reassert bye law authority. In that period “and contrary to the rumour mill,” only a dozen tickets had been issued, comprising three for illegally parking in a disability space, three for parking in a loading bay, four for parking on double lines, one for non-display of road tax and one for parking in a bus bay.

The town manager applied “internationally accepted” statistics to the argument, equating a loss of revenue measuring €25 per space, multiplied by ten take-ups per day in a well-managed parking system. “Youghal has plenty of free parking off-street,” she added. “We can have chaos or support trade with a happy medium.” Cllr O’Connell said she some traders favoured supplementing parking, leading Mr. Ryan to recall a project whereby the traders would refund the charge to people who spent a certain sum, but which remained inactive.

Cllr Murray asked how the three-hour car par system was working and was told it was working fine until Cllr Revins interceded that “the Fair Field has moved to the strand.” He explained that motorists who previously parked in town and took the bus to Cork now parked at the strand, footpaths included, and underwent their Bus Éireann experience from there. He wanted the McCurtainstown car park patched up to encourage parking within rather than approximate to the strand bus stop outside his business premises. He believed three hour street parking in the area might encourage such usage.

College gardens vulgarity

Cllr Beecher alluded to “disgusting” anti-social behaviour, including gross indecency by children who were “dropping their trousers” by way of intimidating visitors to the Adoration Chapel in Emmet’s Place. Additionally, acts of vandalism against property in the gardens was occurring and the caretaker was been verbally abused. The gardaí were investigating but he asked if CCTV could be installed at the location.

The town clerk said some of individuals involved had been identified and their names given to gardaí. “They are 14 to 15 year-olds and we must wonder whether parents know where their children are and what they are doing,” he commented. Mr. Ryan added that should the offences continue names would be highlighted at council meetings and published. Cllr Murray urged that the issue be raised in schools, Foróige and other youth centres. It will also to be discussed at next month’s Joint Policing Committee meeting.

Christmas parking

Cllr Hennessy wanted leaves cleared from the Jail Steps and also illegally dumped rubbish from that and other areas. She requested the return of CCTV and Mr. Ryan replied that remote CCTV is continuing to operate. He said most people, when caught, pay the fine and avoid publicity. The councillor also wanted a ‘town centre’ sign returned to the grotto area. Cllr Flanagan asked for more dog litter signs on the Lighthouse Hill and wondered if there would be some free street parking over Christmas.

The town clerk said street parking was dictated by the bye-laws and was contributing to an annual budget that was extremely difficult to maintain. Its removal would have economic repercussions. Reflecting the general consensus that the council should display ‘goodwill’ towards shoppers in the festive season, Cllr Murray argued that street parking “was never intended to be a revenue generating operation” but had evolved that way. Following further discussion, it was agreed that the bye-laws could not be changed in the time available but the unspoken sentiment was that the Christmas spirit may well prevail across the two days prior to December 25th.

Cork County Council Items:

Cllr Linehan-Foley asked that double yellow lines be restored adjacent to the wheelchair ramp near Cuman na Daoine. She highlighted that potholes in Strand Street were causing homes –and nerves -to vibrate when heavy vehicles trundle past. The councillor then sought an update on the diving rocks restoration and sought the truth against rumours that the council had prevented an individual from undertaking the work.

The town clerk said the contractor would be on site at the diving rocks after the winter and the area re-opened for Easter. Regarding the voluntary offer, he said he individual concerned did not meet the required criteria regarding health and safety compliance.

Cllr Murray sought information ponding at Radhac na Mara. The town engineer said the county council were taking the estate in charge, had drawn down a bond of €150,000 and the ponding would be included in works. The councillor asked when bins would be removed from Claycastle as they were being misused and also sand in the gullies. The engineer explained that the county council was suffering from severe labour restrictions. A road budget increase of €600,000 (to €1.6m) for the east Cork area meant that the town workers were on the highways and byways and when such rural tasks were completed, hopefully before Christmas, they would address such matters in town.

Right of rail!

Cllr Murray questioned whether Íarnród Éireann had followed due process when fencing off an area at the rear of Tides, by which a pathway used for 50 years had been closed, along with access to sluice drainage. The town clerk explained that, as he understood it, the move followed a personal liability claim against the company. He said there is no such thing as a right of way over a rail line and so Íarnród Éireann was fully entitled to close the access. Regarding the sluice, an agreement existed between all parties to allow access by the local authority when required. Mr Ryan also observed that the town council had persistently been asking the company to clean up and secure their grounds in the strand area and this was now occurring.

Cllr Hennessy raised the matter of ponding at Springfield Court “for a third year.” She wanted a parking space removed on the left had side of Cork Hill near the pipe band hall as cars parked there diminishing room for upward traffic meeting downward vehicles. Cllr Hennessy’s other road concerns included a raised surface near Cost Cutters, potholes at Blackwater Heights and the entrance to Dun Chorán and dips that lend themselves to ponding in Clonpriest and Ballymadog. She thanked him for the “dream” surface at Raheen Road before the engineer agreed to tend to her requests.

Cllr Flanagan asked that disabled parking bays be restored on the newly-surfaced main street. Cllr Burke asked if the engineer had inspected “the old toilet wall at the top of the Lighthouse Hill. (He hadn’t but he would.) The councillor wondered if the outfall at the front strand is working properly (It is) and he then relayed “the usual list of broken footpaths, i.e. Tallow Street, South Main Street and the junction of South Abbey/Strand Street.”

Mayor Coyne wanted a yellow box installed at the entrance to the old monastery apartment complex in Strand Street. The town clerk said it was an enforcement matter as there was a yellow line there but Cllr Linehan Foley said it was being ignored and gardaí could not police it daily.

[ CLICK HERE for Mayor of Youghal Eoin Coyne's open invitation to all clubs and organisations address ]

Mayor’s Business:

Mayor Coyne said he had been approached by “one or two people” regarding Youghal launching a ‘Gathering’ initiative throughout 2013 in reflection of Minister for Tourism Leo Varadkar’s proposal to entice Ireland’s emigrants to return as tourists. The mayor said he would shortly be inviting every group and organisation in Youghal to a meeting to discuss ways of organising and co-ordinating events to develop the local strand of a strategy that is being marketed as being potentially worth almost €400m to the Irish economy. “I’m sure there will be grants available,” he added, before advocating strong co-operation between all involved -what Il Gaffer Trapattoni would label one of ‘the leetle details’ no doubt.

Report by Cllr Linehan-Foley on the Tidy Towns Task Force:

(to follow in later post)

(1.29)

Traffic Management Plan for Ashe Street, De Valera Street, Emmet Place and Church Street:

The council agreed to hold a special, ‘in committee’ (private) meeting on this issue on Tuesday November 29th at 10 am.

Report on Works Carried out to Part Section M of Town Walls: (to follow in later post)

Submission for Tourism Funding from Youghal Chamber of Commerce & Development:

The Chamber had submitted two letters to the council that between them brought some turbulence upon the waters of proceedings. The first letter sought an increase in grant aid to €25,000 from the 2010 figure of €10,000. The second letter sought a 15% decrease in the Commercial Rate for 2012. The town clerk said such a decrease “would cost Youghal Council €212,817” and wondered should it have been addressed to Santa Claus instead! Complaining of Youghal languishing amongst “the dearest rates and lowest rents,” that letter also contrived to link a request by three councillors for an 18% increase in the Commercial rate (which did not transpire) in 2009 with the subsequent departure of Tytex who, apparently, had sought a decrease. The tone of the testimony did not go down too well, needless to say.

Cllr Linehan-Foley was first to respond. “Are they saying that we shifted Tytex out of Youghal!” she asked incredulously. She then recalled the late Cllr Tommy O’Connell giving a full and informed report on rents on the main street, which reflect an alternative perspective. The Chamber, she said, did not dispute his figures and subsequently agreed, in a meeting with the council, that both bodies should and would work together to improve Youghal. “Now we get this,” fumed Cllr Linehan-Foley. “We’ve already agreed to spend €2,000 extra to re-open the Mall Lane to help businesses. I’m disgusted with this letter and I’d like the Chamber to come back in here and tell us what they really have under their skin!”

Mr Ryan pointed out that business areas outside the town boundary would pay a Commercial rate of €74.74 to Cork County Council but that Youghal Town Council charges €65.31, resulting in a 12.6% subsidy from the town council.

Cllr Murray agreed that Tytex reference was “a bit below the belt” before directing attention towards the town’s ‘superloos,’ with which the Chamber’s correspondence also expressed dissatisfaction. She recommended their contract not be renewed and, while not seeking the abolition of public toilets, especially with dozens of extra tour buses imminent, she advocated a search for “better alternatives” than present existed. Mr Ryan observed that it “offered an opportunity” for a business initiative, such as would be grasped in other tourist centres

Cllr Linehan-Foley and her colleagues were not enamoured by other aspects of the Chamber’s missiles – sorry, missals- either, including its expenditure details, (repayments to Credit Union and €5,000 to YSEDG, etc) and the dearth of information on other grant sources and contributions by its own members.  A meeting is to be sought with the Chamber but it all doesn’t augur well for the 2013 Gathering project!

Funding Applications:

The most recent additions to the list includes:  Queen of the Sea Festival, Youghal Methodist Church Pipe Organ, Youghal Pigeon Club, Youghal United AFC, CRY, Youghal Musical Society, Youghal Choral Society, Youghal Men’s Social Club. Applications are now closed.

Report on Youghal Main Drainage Scheme: Click here

 

Any Other Business:

The town manager informed the meeting that the government’s new winter preparation site, www.winterready.ie contains extensive advice and information on how to cope with weather conditions such as experienced in 2010 and 2011 (and which, now we are more prepared, probably won’t return of course!) Indeed the site is a salt mine of information, with links to various other relevant agencies too. Cork County Council she added had also fashioned its site (www.corkcoco.ie) to advise on a freeze and furthermore, information leaflets will shortly be distributed through many public outlets. Twitter and such social networking sites will also carry updates and advice on such issues as salt and grit locations, neighbour and neighbourhood alerts etc…