The legendary Lambert Puppet Theatre is coming to the Mall Arts Centre on 20th November 2011

THE LAMBERT PUPPET THEATRE is now widely recognised as the Premier Touring Puppet Theatre Company in Ireland and also internationally renowned for its many fine productions in Theatres throughout Ireland, UK and Europe.

From its earliest beginning the Lambert family has been involved with RTE, working on the hugely popular series Wanderly Wagon featuring the Late Eugene Lambert and Judge.

Paula Lambert was the ‘Bosco’ voice on TV for seventeen years and indeed

BOSCO is still a firm favourite with the younger children and will make a nostalgic appearance in the opening part of the Show.

This is a beautifully produced show with large puppets, colourful sets and exquisite lighting and is suitable for an age group up to ten years of age.

The show will take place in the Mall Arts Centre, Youghal on Sunday 20th November 2011  at 2.30pm. Tickets are 10 euro. To reserve tickets, please contact Joyce on 083-3606507 or themallartscentre@gmail.com

 

The Mall Arts Centre/St. Mary’s Collegiate Church
Part of Youghal Socio Economic Development Group
7-10 Emmet Place, Youghal, Co. Cork
Tel: 083 360 6507

VETERAN PHOTOGRAPHER BOB ROCK and his family were delighted to present the cheque of 3,000 euros to Trocaire’s Famine Appeal last Thursday (3rd November 2011) at the offices of the Youghal Credit Union. This followed the recent  success of his photographic exhibition called ‘The Beauty of Youghal’. Bob was moved to organise the exhibition after seeing news footage of the starving families in Africa. “It is so tragic to see children and parents suffering like that,I felt compelled to do something to help those unfortunate people.”

At the presentation ceremony Bob thanked everyone in helping to raise such a sizeable sum of money for this worthy charity. He paid particular thanks to Barry Treacy and the staff of the Youghal Credit Union who have the important job of collecting the money. Janet Twomey, Munster Regional Development Officer for Trocaire said she was delighted to accept this magnificent donation towards Trocaire’s East Africa Famine Relief and said that Bob also raised awareness of the starving people who need our help so much.

WARNING: Viewer Discretion Is Advised

Such was the popularity of “The Beauty of Youghal” photographic exhibition in aid of Trocaire’s Famine Appeal at Youghal Credit Union that many of the high quality images hed to be reordered to satisify the demand for the beautiful landscape photographs of Youghal. Twenty of the exhibits sold out within two hours of the official opening!

Bob spent 50 years involved in photography, for 35 of which he recorded for posterity the happiest events in the lives of his community, including almost 2,000 weddings and “often for two generations of a family.”

Bob has exhibited in Dublin, London and Madrid, won silver and bronze medals from the “Photographic Society of Ireland,” was a finalist in the “Kodak Bride of the Year” and has six of his images in the “Best of Irish Professional Photography” archive. He retired from professional photography a decade ago, since when he has been documenting the Irish landscape. “I needed a break from faces” he jokes. Ironically the gaunt, suffering faces from distant Africa now prompt him to publicise his talents again.

Bob Rock’s work can also be viewed on www.bobrock.zenfolio.com

WARNING: Viewer Discretion Is Advised

Do you want to gain skills in Community Media , radio programme production and Interviewing and Research Skills.

Then a Fetac Level 4 in Community Radio may be what your looking for, This 21 hour course aims to give learners grounding in both the ethos of Community radio and in the practical skills . By the end of the course learners will understand the basic principles of Community Radio, Understand the basics of Interviewing and Research. Be Capable of recording an interview safely. Be able to define libel and other key legal concepts

This course is a Nationally accredited course leading to a FETAC Level 4 in Community Radio (Component Certificate) on the National Framework of Qualifications.

The course begins on Monday the 16th of January 2012 7-10pm and runs for 7 Mondays  finishing  on Monday 27th February 2012. This covers 21 Class contact hours including supported assessment .

Venue is Cumann Na Daoine, 4 Catherine Street, Youghal Co Cork.

For more information call CRY104fm on 024 91199/92288 or email programmes @youghalradio.com

Dickensian Christmas and concerns over traffic warden, Mall lane and tourist office discussed.
By Christy Parker

Due to renovation works within, the latest meeting of the Youghal Concerned Citizens group was held in the chilly courtyard, patio, fridge, call it what you will, of the Red Store on Thursday November 3rd. In the absence of Jim Flanagan, Kay Curtin chaired the meeting, with Secretary Adrian Hyde and Treasurer/PRO Ruth Vance also in attendance.

Money:

The treasurer reported €1,272 in the credit union, with outstanding bills of €307, while approximately €1,084 had been raised on Halloween night. Expenditure for the Halloween festival was approximately €1,000.

Thanks:

It was agreed that the festival had been a success and well supported by the townspeople. The secretary welcomed the co-operation with various other local organisations throughout the festival. “Co-operation like that is central to what we have tried to promote from the first day,” he said, “and hopefully it will continue through more projects in the aim to make Youghal a better and more prosperous place in which to live.” Mr. Hyde then recited a lengthy list of names, all of whom were accredited with actively supporting and participating in various and meaningful ways the Halloween Festival and which I am not going to repeat here as I want to get to bed before next Friday at least!

Dickens Theme Christmas:

Barely has the lid closed on the Halloween coffin than the group is addressing the challenge of Christmas. It is hoped to promote a festive season to reflect somewhat a Charles Dickens-type story -what one might call an old-fashioned Christmas, even if the snow may not turn up- starting from December 8th, the traditional commencement date for the season.

Ideas on how to promote this concept are being sought, while some initiatives have already been accepted. These include window adornments and effects, as was embraced by many traders in the Halloween version. The traders themselves may also adopt some yuletide costumes as shall street volunteers.

Local music and singing groups are being contacted with a view particularly, to providing street carol singing. Storytelling (Charles Dickens) is planned for the library on three Saturdays in December. It is hoped to get children involved in a broader sense, possibly through the schools. It was stressed that nothing has been confirmed and meetings were in the offing. Mr Hyde reminded that the Christmas project would again reflect the YCC’s ethos of promoting Youghal through food, family and history/heritage marketing concepts.

Committee member Lil Dann said that an initiative alongside the St., Vincent de Paul, would see a vacant property being opened for one day, a Santa Clause installed and children invited to give him toys and presents that they didn’t want. These would then be passed on to children who would value them. This would give the children a ‘sense of giving.’

Any Other Business:

The secretary delivered a summary from a recent meeting between the group and town clerk Liam Ryan at which the council official updated them of on-going developments in the town. These included:

Wind turbine at Aura Leisure Centre: Public submissions are still being taken on this project. Some of those present expressed reservation s to the size and scale of the proposed turbine, particularly from a visual impact perspective. The argument in favour seemed to be that it would reduce running costs in powering heating and lighting at the centre.

The visit of Labour Deputy Sean Sherlock to Youghal:

Contractors appointed for remedial work on the Town Walls at top of Jail Steps at a cost of €46,500.

Contractors appointed to undertake first (Youghal Town Council) section of front strand boardwalk, costing €277,000, of which Fáilte Ireland is providing 75%.

Contractors appointed to conduct roof repairs at St. Mary’s Collegiate Church.

Contractors undertaking re-paving of Mall Lane: Considerable discontent was expressed amongst the attendance that the lane seems set to remain closed until the end of January. The perception is that this is due to a break in funding provision between November and January. There were reports of motorists/shoppers already bypassing the town centre and proceeding towards the strand rather than circumnavigate the grotto area. It did not habour well for Christmas. Amidst calls for Water Lane to be temporarily (at least) open to traffic, Cllr Tara O’Connell offered to contact the town hall the next morning with regard to raising the issue as soon as possible at council level. It was also agreed to contact Mayor Eoin Coyne on the matter. Secretary Adrian Hyde wondered whether it was possible for the council to acquire a loan on foot of the impending funding in January. Nobody knew.

The Litter/Traffic Warden:

The irritation from the Mall Lane closure was closely matched by the “havoc” allegedly being caused by the (un-named) traffic warden presently on duty. “He is plastering tickets on cars. He just won’t give people two seconds to go into a chemist’s,” pleaded one complainant. “It’s outrageous.” It was reported that the town clerk had agreed to meet some concerned traders on the issue on a date that was unknown. Again, fears were expressed as to the consequences for the local economy in the lead-up to Christmas.

Playground Check-ups: A survey had been conducted and wear-and-tear repairs would cost €3,000.

Marketing Group Report:

Treasure and PRO Ruth Vance said ‘Youghal ambassador’ training classes would commence for three weeks from Tuesday January 17th. These ‘trainees’ comprise volunteers –of which there 20 so far- who will greet tour buses and perform other tourism-related  function next season. Amongst those tutoring the personnel on what Youghal has to offer will be Dan Noonan, Kieron Groeger, Margaret Gowen and a Fáilte Ireland representative.  Shopkeepers and staff were amongst volunteers thus far interested while it was hoped that many more will also come forward.

Tour buses 2012:

The PRO said the YCC had been consulting with tour companies and traders as to what they required and could provide, respectively, for the 2012 summer. They had met with Port of Cork representatives but at the same meeting the Youghal Chamber of Commerce had proposed a package, “So we have out ours on hold for a while,” she explained, “and we may liaise with them in due course.” She proceeded that the Port’s tour proposals envisaged a 90 minute stopover in Youghal, with longer stays a possibility if music or similar cultural experiences are provided. Two areas of particular tourist demand had been identified; i) heritage and historical tours and ii) ‘niche’ interests such as craft works, angling, bird watching etc.  A handbook to this end was being produced in both cases. Meanwhile Norman McDonald and Willie O’Mahoney were working on a short promotional Youghal DVD for tour companies etc.

Tourist office:

The discussion then centred to the tourist office. It was claimed that tourists have, on many occasions, expressed disquiet at the dearth of English-fluent counter staff with local knowledge on the counter.  “It’s nothing personal against the girls there but they need a local alongside them,” said one voice. There was a story recalled of two Australians who allegedly found “no interest” in the tourist office when they sought information on tracing their roots. Fortunately a local had brought them into the library by way of assistance but their earlier experience had greatly disappointed.

It was voiced that many student or retired locals would be delighted to lend voluntary assistance alongside the foreign staff at the tourist office. After some discussion it was agreed to communicate the concerns to the Youghal Chamber with the diplomatic understanding that nobody was trying to tell that organisation what to do. “We’re all working towards improving Youghal and we have a duty to inform them of what tourists tell us,” surmised one speaker from the floor.

Ms Vance informed that the YSEDG was updating the youghal.ie website and was eager to acquire old photos of Youghal for same. “They need to be postcard (800mm by 300mm,”said the PRO.

The meeting concluded with congratulations to Cllr Tara O’Connell on her co-opting to the town council. She promised her commitment towards assisting the group in times ahead.

In what could be the longest closure of one of the shortest roads around, the Mall Lane in Youghal will be shut to vehicular traffic from October 26th, 2011 to January 31st, 2012.

As one of only two roads permitting traffic to access Youghal’s Main Street from the town’s back street, this 96 day closure is seen by some as an unusual and disruptive state of affairs.

This photograph was taken at 2.15pm last Friday and, according to the photographer, there were no workers on site, nor the name of the contractor displayed.

The Mall Lane has a history when it comes to road closures – with one Youghal resident of more than 30 years believing it to be ‘cursed when it comes to traffic’.

Residents,  in years gone by, have requested that the lane be pedestrianised, and this is not the first time the street has had to be resurfaced in recent times.

However Mall Lane – which is once more suffering from subsidence – may go down in history for one thing alone: a 96 day closure – a long stretch of time for such a small stretch of road.

Story and photograph: Courtesy of the East Cork Journal

A LEADING priest has launched a broadside against the Catholic Church hierarchy, saying they are sticking their heads in the sand over a number of crucial issues, such as women priests.

Fr Joe McGuane, who is based in Youghal, Co Cork, warned that if the current church regime continued, Mass attendances in Ireland would soon be reduced to small groups of old women.

His comments came as relations between the church and the Government sank to a historic low after Tanaiste Eamon Gilmore confirmed the forthcoming shutdown of Ireland’s embassy in the Vatican.

The financial problems facing the church could leave some clerics “filling supermarket shelves at night or on the dole if they have bad backs,” the priest said.

In a hard-hitting assessment of the crisis that now faces the church, he warned: “The Papal Nuncio knows as much about the abuse-rocked Diocese of Cloyne as a cow knows about a holiday.”

Fr McGuane said that some Dublin parishes now had greater populations than some west of Ireland dioceses.

He said the Eucharistic Congress, to be held in Dublin next summer, was “designed as a distraction”, with interest in it — on a scale of one to a 100 — ranking as minus three.

He added: “Priests will have to drag themselves along to — I suppose — the Phoenix Park or Croke Park for a ridiculous jamboree, and dragoon as many parishioners as possible along with them.”

Fr McGuane told the Irish Independent that he took no pleasure in his assessment of the problems facing the church — but warned that those problems could only be overcome with honesty, courage and transparency.

He said a crucial issue now facing the church was the role of women.

“We are the only profession that excludes women; the only one who insists that it (the vocation) is for life.

“Unless we have married women, we will soon have tiny numbers.

“But then they will only be catering for a few, so I suppose there is no need to panic. Furthermore, there will be income only for a few.

Leadership

“Is it any wonder we are in the mess we are in? Seventeen years after the late Brendan Smyth was convicted of child sexual abuse, not alone are we still at square one but we have actually gone backwards.

“This is because of our dearth of leadership,” he said. “Our prelates are, by and large, incapable of initiative and innovation. They are almost entirely bereft of ideas. They have no idea what to do.”

The Diocese of Cloyne did not respond to Fr McGuane’s comments last night.

Fr McGuane — who is chaplain at the St Raphael’s Centre — insisted that the church’s problems started at the top.

“There have been proposals that all bishops appointed before Diarmuid Martin should resign. This would be useless while the present system of appointments is in place. Clones would replace them,” he said.

“They, in turn, would appoint similar clones to all positions and their characteristic would be blind knee-jerk unconditional obedience, no matter how stupid the instruction.”

- Ralph Riegel

Irish Independent

www.independent.ie

Gardai Seeking Help With Halloween Investigations – By Christy Parker

YOUGHAL GARDAI are seeking help with their investigations into a number of anti-social incidences that occurred in the town on Halloween night and over the half-term school break. Community Garda Peter Queally says tow of the more serious incidents involved the smashing of rear windows in a taxi and a CIE bus.

On Halloween night (Monday October 31st), an egg-throwing episode developed to the point that the rear window of a tax was smashed. The incident occurred at about 10.10 pm in the Bawnmore area. “This caused a lot of distress and we are seeking witnesses or information on this incident,” says Garda Queally.

On Thursday 27th November, at approximately 7.30 pm, a stone shattered the rear window of a Bus Eireann vehicle. The missile was hurled in the vicinity of Barry’s Lane, while the window actually caved inwards on reaching the other end of town.

The garda says the local deployment of six gardai across three squad cars dealt with a continuous series of anti-social incident on Halloween night.  Several individuals had been arrested and the juvenile Liaison officer would be addressing the situation with them and their parents or guardians.

ASBO’s:

Elaborating, Garda Queally remarks that an outbreak of similar behaviour patterns last year had resulted in ASBOs being issued to good effect. “We are keen to tackle this latest trend very quickly and in similar fashion if need be,” he says. “So we would like the traders or anyone else in the town to inform of us of any incidents and to provide us were possible, with descriptions of alleged culprits.” The garda stresses that “there is no such thing as a call that wastes our time. We welcome every call no matter how trivial it may seem and we have the resources to process them.” He adds, “It’s important that we issue ASBO’s now, where necessary, as their three-month timespan would prohibit the recipients from visiting certain areas over Christmas.”

The garda is less than complimentary towards outlets that sold large volumes of eggs to young miscreants over Halloween “Did they think they were dealing with up-and-coming chefs?!” he asks caustically.

Several incidents of underage drinking were also detected over the mid-term break. “The worse offenders here are those who supply the alcohol,” observes the garda. “There are certain areas and times when this crime now arises and we will remain focused on it.”

Burglaries:

In other incidents, last Wednesday night (Nov 2nd), the Lagile area –just outside Killeagh on the Youghal side- two houses were burgled and articles were also taken from an unlocked car. Gardaí are seeking information or witnesses to the incidences which occurred between 5 and 6 pm.

Several drug arrests occurred in Youghal in the past week also. “There were four Section 3’s (own use) and one Section 15 (dealing) detected,” concludes Garda Queally.

COMMUNITY ALERT NOTICE: November’s Community Alert meeting takes place in the Red Store at 11 am. The meeting will be addressed by Muintir na Tííre development officer Diarmuid  Cronin, while a youth drug officer and a local Care and Repair representative will also speak to the gathering. Questions from the floor will be welcomed. Free refreshment will also be provided.

Labour TD Sean Sherlock attends special meeting of Youghal Town Council. – By Christy Parker

CORK EAST LABOUR TD SEAN SHERLOCK discussed a range of local issues during a specially convened meeting with Youghal Town Council on Monday October 24th. Deputy Sherlock is Minister of State, Department of Enterprise, Jobs & Innovation and Department of Education & Skills with responsibility for Research & Innovation.

Due to various circumstances, just four councillors attended the 10 am assembly, they being Cllrs Mary Linehan-Foley, Eoin Flanagan, Liam Burke and Tara O’Connell. Town Clerk Liam Ryan and assistant town clerk Helen Mulcahy, were also present.

Cllr O’Connell:

The occasion marked the first attendance and formal co-option of Tara O’Connell, who was succeeding her late father Tommy in the chamber. All present in turn offered words of welcome and encouragement to the new member. For her part the councillor thanked the council executive and staff for its support during the occasion of her father’s passing. She also expressed gratitude to the council for providing a guard of honour at her late father’s funeral. She looked forward greatly to doing her best in the chamber “for the town, for my family and for my dad.”

Deputy Sherlock:

Deputy Sherlock then explained that he was liaising with all town councils in his constituency, while reassuring that he would do all within his capability to advance Youghal’s interests. He drew comparisons with his native Mallow in terms of both areas being RAPID towns “lacking in inward investment.” He added that he would be meeting IDA Chief Executive Barry O’Leary later that week to discuss the issue of investment in such towns, particularly given Mr. O’Leary’s recent statement that investment was primarily focused in the larger urban areas. “We need to know why this is,” he observed.

Broadband and IDA:

The deputy stressed the importance of infrastructure, including broadband, being upgraded to meet and attract investment. Asked by Mayor Eoin Coyne if there was a national strategy towards such broadband infrastructure, Deputy Sherlock said there was a proposal through Cork Chamber of Commerce to develop a transatlantic cable link through a consortium. It was being proposed that the State would meet part of the cost. The venture would have widespread communications and economic benefits, he noted, to the entire southern region.

In terms of industrial initiatives, the deputy felt that small units – employing 10-20 maximum- was now the realistic aspiration. He believed that towns like Youghal were best suited to acquiring such models as start-up companies aka the Rubicon Centre in CIT.

Town Clerk Liam Ryan said the IDA’s apparent policy of focusing on larger urban areas was “very concerning” regarding school leavers and college graduates who could not see a future in Youghal beyond the struggling retail sector. He inquired whether there was any advance from the IDA on the Amgen site and was told that “it seems to be off the agenda.”

Tourism -and waste water treatment:

Deputy Sherlock said he envisaged tourism as a lynchpin in Youghal’s development and viewed it as being open to practical, day to day assistance from central government under local strategy initiatives as against being part of the national economic strategy. Mr. Ryan said Youghal had benefited somewhat under the economic strategy but that RAPID statistics showed persistent underlying problems regarding education, unemployment, etc.

The town clerk argued that the provision of a secondary treatment and waste water plant as crucial to Youghal’s tourism development, especially given its reliance on blue flag status. He said the present situation offered no guarantee that the three flags in residence will remain. The deputy promised to investigate the status of the project within the Department of the Environment.

Education:

Deputy Sherlock said education was fundamental to improving job prospects and asked whither Youghal’s status on night classes, courses etc.  Mr Ryan said the uptake on such classes in Youghal was unfortunately quite small and presented a challenge. In the course of some discussion, it was agreed that Midleton, with its immense variety and quality of courses, was attracting Youghal people to the detriment of local provision. The visitor agreed to seek out ideas on improving the balance through talks with the VEC and SECAD. Cllr Burke said the town needed a dedicated adult education officer, which the visitor noted.

The town clerk asked if it was possible to increase the number of Fás course deployed in the town from the current total of three, which incorporates about 45 workers. He said most Fás workers were engaged in sports and heritage projects, while an envisaged course in stonemasonry seemed to have been shelved. The deputy asked whether there had been any engagement by Youghal Town Council with Rubicon technological advances centre at CIT on heritage matters. “The Enterprise Centre has,” said Mr. Ryan, adding that, while the centre is doing quite well, remained interested in acquiring spin-off benefits from Rubicon as part of its expansion plans, which also included arts and crafts.

Mr. Ryan further reminded that the town was particularly dependent on the town council’s involvement in job creation and tourism, etc. and that the proposed restructuring or diminishment of local government could seriously jeopardise that. He cited Aura, the Enterprise centre and heritage projects by example. “The county council could not provide the same level of service,” he advised. Cllr Burke echoed the sentiments. “Duly noted,” was the measure of the deputy’s reply.

Deputy Sherlock then said that the Rubicon is working on mp3 wireless technological to augment the Mallow heritage trail. He proposed that he accommodate contact between Youghal Town Council and Rubicon by way of investigating the potential for Youghal in that field.

Academic links:

Mayor Coyne again asked for an update as to any national strategy to enhance rural areas for enterprise investment. Deputy Sherlock again stressed that increasing the level of education attainment in Rapid towns particularly, was the first step necessary. He also suggested that a certain degree of emigration/travel was inherent in the Irish post-graduate practice as an island nation. That aside, he repeated his view that smaller units of 10-20 employees –as against large factories- was the likely blueprint for the future in such towns. “The Small Business Advisory Group is currently trying to make it more attractive for those within the SMEs to employ more people, through easier regulation, etc,” he added. “We want to make Youghal attractive to investors. Higher education attainment and proper facilities and infrastructure can do that. If a town can develop an academic it helps that town a lot, such as Youghal and maybe CIT, for example.”

Supporting that theme, Cllr Linehan Foley recalled that WIT students had made an immense impression a year previous when charged with a project to create investment and development opportunities for Nealon’s Quay. (One wonders where those inventive and inspired ideas now rest.). Deputy Sherlock said he would endeavour to establish some academic links forthwith, bearing in mind also that the town has the extra advantage of strong interaction with west Waterford.

Trains and boats:

Cllr Burke advocated re-opening the Youghal-Midleton-Cork rail link, arguing that various reports had insisted that only then could Youghal reach its full potential. He said Cobh and Midleton operate rail services to Cork and Youghal could do likewise. “CIE has indicated support, providing the State funded it,” he observed. Duly noted.

Mr Ryan wondered if the deputy could investigate whither stands the funding strategy for marinas, while emphasising that Youghal was strategically placed for such a development and was considered thus within the South Cork Maritime Strategy. Deputy Sherlock sought information on applications for foreshore licences that had already been mooted. Mr. Ryan said there seemed to be a lack of funding schemes now available and a developer had not proceeded with applications for previous schemes. He proceeded that it remains a town council priority to provide a marina and that a number of sites had been identified. He needed an update on funding possibilities, he said before outlining the immense economic potential for the local and national economies by the installation of such a facility.

The deputy didn’t see the railway line being re-opened in the near future due to economic circumstances. Regarding the marina he knew there “were certain issues” surrounding the issue of foreshore licences but would now “raise the issue” with the relevant minister.

Cllr Burke also asked whether funding could be accessed to ensure remedial work on the sea wall on Youghal promenade. “It has been pinpointed as a top priority within Cork County Council,” added the town clerk, adding that a funding application had been forwarded to the Dept of Environment. “About a third of it has been completed and the tender stage has been reached or the second third,” he added. Duly noted by Deputy Sherlock, the meeting then concluded.

Hazardous Waste Campaign Update
Click here to visit Blackwater Estuary Action Group (BEAG) on Facebook

BEAG will hold an information night/public meeting at the Walter Raleigh Hotel at 8.00pm on Thursday 24th November.  Please show your support by attending and let your voice be heard.

Blackwater Estuary Action Group (BEAG), was formed by a group of  people from the East Cork West Waterford region, concerned about the health, environmental and economical implications of the proposed treatment of 30,000 tonnes(p.a.) of hazardous waste, on a site beside the Blackwater River, at Foxhole Youghal.

BEAG aims to fight this proposal and, with support from the surrounding communities, say “NO” to the transportation, treatment and storage of hazardous waste on this site.

CONCERNS:

The Blackwater Estuary is a Special Protected Area under EU Law.

Youghal has been designated a “family friendly tourism and heritage destination” not  a location for the treatment of 95,000 tonnes of waste p.a. – 30,000 of which to be HAZARDOUS!
Why was the community not consulted?
Public Safety – what, if any, emergency procedures will be put in place in the event of fire, explosion or spillage?
Are there training provisions for spills into the Blackwater?
Hazardous Waste should be treated at source, not transported through our towns and villages.

BEAG have been tirelessly researching the planning and technology proposed for this site. We have been in contact with various councillors and departmental bodies requesting information and their assistance. We want our local Town Council to stand with us and unite in our fight.

An Bord Pleanála is currently investigating whether the original planning application, by Eras Eco, should have being sought through a Strategic Infrastructure Application. If this is to be the case the planning application will have to be resubmitted, thereby offering each and every one in the community the opportunity to object to the treatment of hazardous waste coming to the Blackwater area. If not, we still have a chance as Youghal Chamber of Commerce and Tourism lodged an appeal against the original planning application. Eras Eco will also need to apply for a license from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to process hazardous waste.  BEAG hope to have an update by the end of November and we will continue to inform the public. BEAG continue to seek your support in preventing this happening in this beautiful location.

BEAG has held two very successful fundraising events and wish to thank you for your support in making them so. We have an upcoming fundraiser on the 17th November at the Quality Hotel where a table quiz will be held.

BEAG meet on a Tuesday night.  If you have any concerns or would like to help in any way please contact us on….089-4210294.  You can also check us out on www.beag2011.com or our Facebook page Blackwater Estuary Action Group.

BEAG will hold an information night/public meeting at the Walter Raleigh Hotel at 8.00pm on Thursday 24th November.  Please show your support by attending and let your voice be heard.

 

A HUGE well done to the cast and crew of Brideview Drama’s very successful musical, ‘Gypsies, Tramps & Thieves’, which finished last Saturday at Tallow Community Centre. Over the four nights, the hall was very full, and audiences really appreciated the fine singing, dancing, laughs and action.

With many a new face in the cast, congratulations must go to all who starred: Jennifer Daly, Dick O’Mahony, Jade Maguire, Gearóid Byrne, Paul Martin, Margaret Cullinane, Emma Cullen, Michelle Hanna, Emma Murphy, Celia Cullinane, Lorna Cullen, Jack Aherne (who also directed), Amy Feeney, Martina Cullinane, Emily Aherne (who devised and co-wrote the show with Jack), Aisling Murphy, Michael O’Hanrahan and Tomás Roche.

Below in the orchestra pit, the musicians played a blinder: thanks to Mairead Cullinane on Piano (musical director), Anne Trimble (who choreographed everything), Andrew Malcolm (Lead Guitar), John Quill (Bass Guitar) and Alan Crotty (Drums).

The set was built and decorated by Pat Aherne, with lights by Matthew Kavanagh, sound by Dirk Baumann, stage management by Muriel Cullen & Helen Aherne, and costumes & makeup by Melissa Murphy and the cast.

Front of house, raffle and refreshments were, as always, a great credit to the help of many people around town (especially the younger folk who came to support their friends on stage): gratitudes to Carmel McDonnell, Kitty McDonnell, Paddy & Margaret Geary, Sinead Roche, Laura Bumster, Alisha O’Brien, Leanne Pratt, Rhona Geary, Aiobhe O’Brien, Vanessa Hyde and John Roche (Emcee’s), Frances and Sean Tobin, Judy Burton (for the excellent road-signage) and Liam Roche.

No show goes on without the freely given support of sponsors, so appreciations to Margaret Organ, Waterford County Council Arts Officer for main funding, and everyone who gave great raffle prizes (often more than one): Kearney’s Restaurant, McGrath’s Pharmacy, Daybreak Supermarket, The Latch Restaurant, Cunningham’s Hardware, Mandarin Oriental Takeaway, Kay Murphy Florist, Forde’s Spar Supermarket, Shanghai House Takeaway, Keniry’s Bar and Centra Supermarket, Marian Forbes of Tallowvision and Irene’s Hair Salon, Brideview Bar Tallowbridge and Judy Burton Antiques. Thanks also to Christine Corcoran and Paddy and Margaret Geary for individual prizes.

Also, not to be forgotten is the sterling work of the Community Centre hall committee, as the new renovations have been universally hailed as a great success, for comfort, warmth! and atmosphere.

There’ll be more musicals in the future. Brideview Drama is always doing some sort of show, so if you know any spare teens just dying to tread the boards and have a great time rehearsing and performing (or if you want to get involved), please call 087 958 2314, email brideviewdrama@gmail.com or message our page on Facebook.

The Club’s next show is a Christmas comedy in early December called ‘Nil By Mouth’, a very funny piece about getting in and out of hospital as quick as you can! Written by John Chapman and directed by John Roche, it will be a laugh from start to finish (Tallow Community Centre; December 8, 9, 15 and 17).

Lastly, best of luck to George Peet of the Club who is currently touring his 1-Act play, The Poppy & The Shamrock, around the country’s 1-Act Drama Competitions. If you’d like to see it (a history play set during the War of Independence), come along to Aghern Church (near Conna) on Saturday November 25, 8pm start. Also, members Irene Kelleher and Jan O’Sullivan are starring in a play called ‘Fishtail’ at the Cork Arts Theatre, Wednesday and Friday, November 16 and 18. The play is part of the Cork New Writer’s Week (much of which was, coincidentally, adjudicated by another club member, Vanessa Hyde).