Speaking yesterday following a protest in Cork against the budget Cllr Michelle Hennessey (SF) said “In February the people of Ireland voted for a change in way this country was run. After the release of this budget there is no doubt but this government is following the same path of austerity and inequality as the last. The decision to cut the fuel allowance by €120 is scandalous and will cost lives. This cut will hit older people and those with disabilities worst. This follows cuts of up to 25% to fuel allowance and the household benefits package imposed by the Government in September. And it comes at a time when fuel prices are increasing sharply.

By cutting Back-to-School Allowance, Child Benefit, payments for lone parents on CE , reducing the age cap to seven for One Parent Family Allowance, cutting the part-time jobseekers’ payments, increasing the tenants’ contribution to rent allowance and by cutting CE supports, the minister is taking food out of the mouths of the poorest in society.

The cuts are primarily on the neediest in society. There is still protection for the higher paid in the country. The promise of fairness and equality did not last long with the newly elected. It is particularly disappointing that the labour party are standing over and implementing these savage cuts. A family on social welfare is being asked to contribute more than a family with over 150000 euro coming into the household. We are calling on people to contact your local TDs and voice your concern at these cuts.”

Cllr Eoin Flanagan (SF)Youghal town Cllr speaking at a meeting of East Cork Ogra Sinn Fein highlighted the cuts to the education budget which will directly affect the younger generation. “This government has chosen to directly target the education sector with sweeping cuts which fly in the face of the idea of free education in this country. By increasing the registration fees in third level by 250 euro the labour party have broken a clear promise made just weeks before the election in what was now a cynical attempt to get votes. Couple this with the reduction in maintenance grants, access to third level education is again becoming an institution for the richer in society.

The reduction in guidance counsellors in second level education is also going to have a detrimental effect on the education of children. This cut will take away a vital service which helped students through their education.

The reduction in the funding to schools to cover the day to day running costs will also increase the pressure on parents to make further contributions to help keep their schools running; all this while the highest earners in the country remain unaffected. Enda Kenny can justify an increase of 35000 euro in the wages of one of his cronies while with the other hand makes these reductions to the hardest pressed in society.

Sharon McKeon from Bandon was honoured at the 2011 Ireland Involved Awards Ceremony, which took place in Dublin Castle on Monday 5th December. Sharon received her Award for her volunteer work with Cork Special Olympics Club.

The Ireland Involved Awards is an awards scheme that celebrates the outstanding volunteers, whose time and energy make a positive difference to people, communities and organisations around the country.  Thirty outstanding individuals were shortlisted from ten categories and Sharon received her award for her volunteer work in the area of Sport and Recreation.

Sharon has been a swimming coach Cork Special Olympics Club since its inception back in 1993. She is head instructor to 36 athletes with a range of disabilities.  She was nominated for the award by a group of 20 parents whose children are members of Cork Special Olympics Swimming Club. They nominated her for her tireless dedication and enthusiasm towards the club but most importantly for the life changing difference she has made to the lives of so many people with an intellectual disability.

Thirty volunteers from all over Ireland were shortlisted for the awards ceremony, which was attended by President Michael D. Higgins and Sharon was presented with her award by the Rose of Tralee, Tara Talbot.

Speaking about Sharon’s award, Matt English CEO Special Olympics Ireland said “We are absolutely delighted for Sharon and would like to take this opportunity to congratulate her. Like so many of our volunteers Sharon is a wonderful ambassador for Special Olympics and a champion for people with intellectual disabilities. It is wonderful to see her honoured in this way”.

THE PEOPLE OF GORTAROO AND YOUGHAL remain shocked and grief-stricken today following a tragedy that has claimed the life of one of the most wonderful persons ever to grace either community. Mary Smiddy died when smoke infiltrated her home following a malfunction by electrical appliances at her home in Beanfield between Thursday and Friday night last.

Mary, 41, was a nurse at St. Raphael’s Hospital, where the natural dedication, warmth and friendliness brought smiles and respect in equal measure. Those in the wider community will recall a personality in which attributes of admiration were found in abundance. She was kindness personified, denied nobody her time, patience or understanding when in need and brought unmatchable empathy in times of joy and celebration. For those fortunate to have known her in this brief and fickle life, she was forever welcoming, endlessly encouraging and so often generous beyond reason. And through all events and circumstances, Mary Smiddy was blessed -and blessed others- with a sense of humour that would draw light from the darkest corner.

Having ‘thrown on the kettle,’  hers was priceless company, creating memories that nurtured one’s life long after the last cup was drained and the final biscuit devoured. Tragically and almost unbelievably, there will be no more pouring of tea or time or talk in her cottage that looked across the lawn, while Bonny and Jody, the adorable felines on which she lavished the love and care that defined her, went about their amusing businesses. All our worlds are much lesser places for the absence of Mary Smiddy, but very much richer for having had her amongst us. May she rest in the peace and joy she truly deserves.

De Valera street to stay two-way as Youghal council finally adopts a traffic management proposal. – By Christy Parker

YOUGHAL TOWN COUNCIL will hope to have ended four years of uncertainty and discontent having adopted a resolution to the traffic management issues surrounding the Ashe Street-De Valera Street-Emmet Place-Church Street routes at a special meeting last Tuesday morning (November 29th).

The meeting, which was held ‘in committee’ (private) was attended by all nine councillors –Mayor Eoin Coyne (FF) and Cllrs Barbara Murray (FG), Michael Beecher (FG), Michelle Hennessy (SF), Eoin Flanagan (SF), Liam Burke (Greens), Sammy Revins (FF),Tara O’Connell (Lab) and Mary Linehan-Foley (FF) and lasted about 90 minutes.

The meeting considered two proposals according to Mayor Coyne. “The first proposal, by Liam Burke was to leave matters as they are, i.e. De Valera Street two-way, Ashe Street and Emmet Place two-way, Church Street downwards only but closed through the tourist season of June, July and August to facilitate the Heritage Trail and increased tourism,” he says.

A counter proposal, from Cllr Linehan-Foley, also argued for the status quo to be retained but with Church Street open throughout the year. “She felt the three-month closure would cause too much hassle and confusion” says he mayor.

The first vote saw Cllr Linehan-Foley’s proposal also supported by Cllrs Hennessy, Flanagan and Mayor Coyne. The proposal was defeated 5-4 with Cllrs Beecher, Murray, Burke, O’Connell and Revins opposing. Cllr Burke’s proposal was then adopted 5-4 with the councillors retaining their stance.

Lines and signs

The mayor explains that both proposals carried an amendment that double yellow lines will apply to both sides of De Valera Street and the residents consequently obliged to avail of the lane’s car park, where resident permit parking is in place. However, a set-down area is to be provided for the veterinary surgeon’s practice. The mayor adds that “elongated rumble strips in the less populated parts of Ashe Street and Emmet Place will also be installed to calm traffic.”

Furthermore, access to Ashe Street via Hayman’s Hill is to be limited to local traffic, with appropriate signage to this effect erected at the entrance to Hayman’s Hill and the junction of Windmill Hill/Ashe Street. Again Mayor Coyne hopes and believes that people will observe this restriction, while deciding it is up to drivers to obey the law traffic warden and gardaí to enforce it. He expects the signage to be erected within six weeks.

Self-calming

Meanwhile it was decided that traffic calming –whether rumble strips or chicanes- on De Valera was unnecessary.  Instead the council opted to lace faith in Cork County Council traffic engineer Eileen Coleman’s opinion that traffic would ‘be self-calming’ on the basis that drivers approaching each other in opposite direction would slow down. How drivers will react on a clear stretch of laneway when there is no approaching vehicle nearby will soon become evident! “People aren’t stupid. They know it’s a built up area,” trusts the mayor, with abounding faith in that portion of humanity that has been sitting behind wheels and causing regular carnage since the horse became expendable!

The agreed measures will see traffic flow on DeValera Street relived for most of the year but possibly increase dramatically during the peak summer season, unless the ‘locals only’ stipulation is observed, in which case the main street will bear the extra volume.

In the coming weeks residents of the affected areas will be formally notified of the council’s ruling. Undoubtedly some will be happy and some will be quite the opposite. To be fair, it’s easy to find weaknesses in any proposal, given Youghal’s infrastructure and the dearth of car parking space at the southern entrance to town.

Any new system cannot hope to please everyone and only time will tell if there is sufficient support and effect to see this adopted proposal and its various accessories survive to permanency. The mayor accepts that time will provide the test but adds that everything “is open to review and people can always make representations.” He assures, finally, that the council will be flexible and considerate wherever and whenever it is deemed necessary to be so. It took a long time to get there. Hopefully the journey is over.

Youghal invited to celebrate return of restored church organ – By Christy Parker

YOUGHAL METHODIST CHURCH is inviting the wider to community to join ‘Come Celebrate and Sing,’ an evening of carols and recitals celebrating the restoration of their church organ. The night, will take place in Methodist Church, Friar Street on Wednesday December 14th.

The organ in question is a two-manual (keyboard) Megahy pneumatic instrument, constructed by the legendary Cork organ builders of the same name, over 100 years ago. Its façade carries 75 pipes with very many more behind it. For half its life it would have been operated by hand pump before an electric motor was installed.

However the years took their toll and earlier this year the melodious monument fell into some disrepair. As the Megahy firm no longer trades, the Church recruited organ builders Kenneth Jones & Associates of Kilcoole in Co. Wicklow to conduct repairs. “The work took about three months to complete in Wicklow and we are extremely happy to see the organ restored to its splendid, original form,” says Gordon Good, who carries the title of Property Steward for the Youghal church.

The restoration cost ran into tens of thousands of euros and was met by private benefactors. It is regarded as money well spent.  There is pride and admiration in Gordon’s voice when he quotes the restorers’ summary that describes the organ as “almost all pipe work of spotted metal, which is superb for organ pipe construction and gives finest quality and tone.” That description alone transcends religious relevance and casts the organ into the realms of valuable Youghal heritage.

The upcoming ‘welcome home’ celebration will bring the talents of Ian Sexton to the keyboard in a cross-denomination exercise. Ian is the Organist & Master of The Clerks Choral of Youghal’s Collegiate Church of Saint Mary the Virgin. He also tutors at the Department of Music, UCC and director of a mixed voice chamber choir dedicated to repertoire before 1750.

On a night on which some readings may also be shared, the attendance will further have an opportunity to donate to the Youghal St, Vincent de Paul Society as they leave the church. “We hope the townspeople in general will come and share what will be a joyful night, just eleven days before Christmas,” invites Gordon.

Come Celebrate and Sing is at the Methodist Church, Friar Street on Wednesday December 14th ,f commencing at 8 pm.

Anti-Hazardous Waste Group Continue Campaign – By Christy Parker

THE BLACKWATER ESTUARY ACTION GROUP (BEAG) continued their campaign against sludge treatment plant Eras Eco Ltd’s plans to process hazardous waste with two public gatherings last week. On Thursday November 24th, over 100 people attended an information night at the Walter Raleigh hotel. This was followed on-site demonstration at the gates of the Foxhole plant on Saturday 26th, which attracted a similar number. These events follow on a demonstration at Youghal town hall prior to November’s town council meeting.

West Waterford

Those attending the Walter Raleigh meeting were addressed by four speakers who delivered information compiled through extensive research by BEAG, assisted by contributory professional sources, over recent months. BEAG vice-chair Aoife Hennessy spoke on planning issues while committee member Pierse Hennessy commented on hazardous waste and the EPA planning process. That west Waterford is becoming increasingly represented in the campaign was reflected by the presence of Ava Farringdon, Tallow Road, who discoursed on site ownership and also by input from boat yard owner Bruce Bell of the Ferry Point who spoke about the Blackwater and about chemical-related accidents that have occurred in similar landscapes across the world in recent times.

Talking points

BEAG chairman Eanna Dowling says “several stand out points emerge from the presentations, including  i) the proposed upgrade would see Europe’s largest – and the world’s third largest- Super Critical Water Oxidisation plant treating hazardous  waste located in Youghal; ii) An Bord Pleanala are currently considering whether or not correct planning process was followed in Eras Eco’s successful application to Cork County Council to upgrade the facility; iii) Landowners’ Youghal Town Council’s refusal  to release a copy of the site lease to BEAG, citing commercial sensitivities and the absence of third party (Eras Eco Ltd.’s) consent; iv) agreement that NOBODY has the right to pollute or place at risk of polluting the protected  entity that is the Blackwater, on which nature, tourism and recreational activity is highly dependent.”

Saturday’s demonstration before the locked gates of the Eras Eco plant was determined, vociferous and peaceful, according to the Mr Downing. “We were very pleased with the attendance and the nature of the protest,” he adds. “No community in the world would want this happening on their doorstep and we will continue to do what we can to prevent it happening here.”

Waiting

Presently Bord Pleanála is considering whether the upgrade application to Cork County Council should have been made under ‘Strategic Structure Development’ criteria as against the parameters of regular planning. Should the Bord deem the application to have been invalid, Eras Eco Ltd will need to re-apply, this time to Bord Pleanála, alongside a process of public consultation and submissions. Should the Bord endorse the application, then its attention will turn to the appeal against the permission that was lodged by Youghal Chamber of Commerce and Tourism. The Bord’s direction may be announced at any time, but the expectancy is post-Christmas. “We will consider our options very carefully once that decision is made,” concludes Mr. Dowling.

Meanwhile BEAG will hold a fundraising art sale at the Rivergate Mall on Thursday December 15th. Further information on BEAG campaign from Eanna Dowling on 086-3315096; or BEAG line 089- 4210294.

COMMUNITY ALERT MEETING HEARS GIVEN SAFETY IN THE HOME ADVICE. – By Christy Parker

Christy Parker concludes his review of November’s Youghal and District Community Alert meeting.

Amongst the speakers at November’s Youghal and District Community Alert meeting, which convened as a morning session at the Nook bar, was Diarmuid Cronin, Southern Garda Region, (Counties Kerry Cork), Development Officer.

Mr. Cronin delivered a brief but highly informative talk on the nature and need for Community Alert in communities, with particular emphasis on safety amongst the elderly. “Community Alert goes back 25 years and is an east Cork/Churchtown South development (co-founded by Youghal strand resident Moss Lynch),” he began. “It is a partnership between An Garda, local communities and Munitir na Tíre and is sanctioned by the Department of Justice.”

The speaker said there are about 200 groups active in the region, each with its own distinctive character, depending on the number and general profile of its membership. “There is a huge diversity and every organisation is a reflection on of the members’ ambitions and interests,” he explained. “My role is simply to assist in whatever way needed,” he added.

Most vulnerable

Mr. Cronin proceeded that “one of hardest tasks for any Community Alert group is researching and defining who is vulnerable and what makes them so. From my experience, I think those most vulnerable are those who have withdrawn into themselves and so live with very few friends or perhaps no friends at all. This is far more common than you can ever imagine,” he observed, warning that “there are many people in your community now who do not have a network of people around them and so have nobody contacting them on a reasonably regular basis. If something goes wrong, such as a fall an accident, nobody knows.”

Underlining the point, the official described an incidence in east Cork in recent months whereby an elderly woman had spent 15 days on the floor of her kitchen before being discovered. “She had been an active, out-and-about sort of person but didn’t have close friends or neighbours. We can’t imagine the horror of what she endured during that time,” he said.

Personal alarms

Such terrible occurrences have contributed to the awareness and installation of hundreds of thousands of centrally monitored personal alarm systems throughout Ireland, the meeting heard. The appliances are free of charge, other than a small yearly maintenance fee. Application forms are available from the garda station (or from Community Garda Peter Queally in Youghal) and installation is performed through Community Alert personnel.

The alarms system enables the wearer to press a panic button on a wristband or pendant, which quickly brings a response from someone in the monitoring station. Mr Cronin outlined how the user’s personal and medical details are instantly activated on a screen in the monitoring station, when the button is pressed, alongside a series of numbers (family, friends, local gardaí, etc.) to contact for assistance. “If they cannot hear the wearer or if the situation demands it, they immediately summon help,” he said.

The speaker stressed strongly the importance of those acquiring such availing of the service to wear or carry the ‘panic button’ apparatus at all times and “not hang it off the dressier Sacred Heart picture where it will be useless if needed.”

The official also reassured that accidental activation of the button was part and parcel of the system and “in no way inconvenienced the monitoring station personal at all. In fact they are quite glad to find that the button is working perfectly and will usually advise people to test it out regularly to reassure themselves. They get up to 70,000 such accidental alerts per year,” he added.

About 100 such alarms systems have been installed in Youghal in the past two years, both for people living alone and with partners or family. The only stipulation is that the applicant must be 65 years of age or over.

Responding to the floor, Mr. Croinin illustrated further the vital role played by socially monitored alarms in protecting the elderly. “Three Christmases ago a man in Kerry was burning rubbish on a bonfire when he fell into it,” he commenced. “He pressed the button and the alarm alerted the monitors. He pressed it repeatedly for five minutes and every time someone in the station responded, meaning he had three different people actively summoning help form three different sources for him. They knew it was very serious and so three individuals and the local gardaí dashed to his aid. He was very seriously burned, spent months in hospital but is hale and hearty now and still tending his garden. The device saved him.”

Fires

The recollection diverted the focus to fire risk in general. Mr. Cronin said Community Alert programmes had seen the death rate through fire in Cork fall from the highest in Ireland to the lowest in six years. The statistic behind the decrease is that 90% of people who die in fires die unnecessarily, he revealed.

Amongst various information sheets on personal and home security that were available through Mr. Cronin, the following offers timely advice pertaining particularly to stove fires in the season of cheer and home fires burning: i) Children are particularly susceptible to serious burns from a stove so place a safeguard round the apparatus; ii) never use lighter fuel, diesel or kerosene to light a fire; iii) clean your chimney a least once yearly and inspect it monthly for soot or creosote accumulation; iv) be absolutely certain that your stove is properly vented; v) clean the stove or fireplace frequently; vi)  Use ash or oak firewood preferably as they burn hottest and for longer; vii) keep firewood covered, off the ground and not touching any building as air circulation dries it better.

In the event of sustaining burns, it is advisable to: i) cool the area immediately by soaking it in cold water; ii) avoid using ice as it can further damage the skin; iii) never use creams or oils in the immediate aftermath but instead apply a hydro gel type dressing or a smooth, cool damp cloth; iv) do not pop burn blisters as that leaves the area prone to infection; v) if a burn is serious go straight to a hospital; vi) do not try to remove clothing stuck to the skin by a burn as this may peel off skin or tissue; vii) if burned around the eyes or mouth or have trouble opening them remain still as possible and await medical help; viii) if possible elevate the burned area so that it is higher than your heart, but if the neck is burned lies prone until medical assistance arrives.

Home Safety Check List

The attendance was also provided with a Safety Checklist to reduce the risk of fall in the home. Amongst the recommendations are:

All rooms: i)No loose carpeting or rugs with non-slip backing; ii) dispose of mat edges that can cause trips; iii) remove furniture from traffic areas; iv) tape wires to walls; v) ensure all lights are working.

Stairs and Inclines: i) remove items from steps; ii) ensure room for easy movement at top and bottom of stairs; iii) no loose carpeting or upturned edges; iv) handrails securely attached and at appropriate height; v) proper lighting and switches at either end of stairs; v) handrail on inner wall along with bannister.

Bathroom:  i) Properly mounted grab bars near tub, shower and toilet; ii) non-slip surfaces in tub and shower; iii) nightlights in rooms; iv) non-slip maths ad rugs; shower/tub bench or seat.

Bedroom: i) Bedside table with non-tip lamp and room for eye glasses; ii) clear access between bedroom and bathroom; iii) comfortable sturdy chair to aid dressing; iv) emergency Bulkhead light in case of electricity cut outs.

Kitchen: i) Items reachable without a stool; ii) sturdy high stool for use during food preparation; iii) flooring free of cracks or upturned edges.

Individual: i) Socially monitored alarm working ok and familiar with use; ii) someone to check on individual daily; iii) schedule annual medical check-up; iv) discuss medications with physician to determine effects on balance; v) establish light exercise routine.

The next Community Alert meeting is on Tuesday December 6th in Cumann na Daoine at 7.45 pm.

Dickens’s Discount Days – Find fantastic bargains in Youghal next Thursday 8th and every Thursday ‘till Christmas. Enjoy Dickens’s storytelling for children at North Main Street. 11:30-12:30 on the 8th.

Santa – “A time for giving..” This year, Santa is taking presents from children to help those in need. Children are asked to bring their unused toys and letters to Santa at 70 North Main Street (Formerly Poppy’s). Don’t forget your camera! Sat10th + 17th 3-4.30 Mickey and Minnie Mouse will also pay a visit.

Carol Singing – The joyful sounds of over 10 choirs and carol singers will fill the streets of Youghal

Enjoy tasters of mulled wine and traditional Christmas food 8th December, 11am at Post office and 3-4:30pm at Rivergate Mall on Saturdays from 10th December,

Alvin & the Chipmunks – Join Alvin and the Chipmunks for some fantastic fun at the Red Store. on Sunday 11th

Art galleries will host wine receptions and music will fill the air every Thursday till Christmas.

Santa Claus is in a bit of a pickle this year.  He didn’t take up the scrappage scheme and now realises his sleigh has seen better days.  It is going to need considerable work done in order to pass its NCT in January.  At this late stage in the year he can’t bring it into the workshop or it won’t be ready for Christmas and he can’t disappoint the children.  He will have to draw up a contingency plan.

As Ireland is surrounded by water there is the possibility that Santa’s sleigh could run into difficulties at sea.  His sleigh can land anywhere but how would he get ashore if he had to ditch it at sea.  He knows the RNLI lifeboats are on call 24 / 7 and has been talking to members of the crew at Ballycotton in East Cork.

Santa usually takes the reindeers for a run a week before Christmas to get them ready for Christmas Eve.  He has arranged to do an exercise with Ballycotton RNLI lifeboat on Saturday, 17 December, at 12 noon.  The lifeboat crew will rescue him and bring him ashore at Ballycotton pier so he knows what to expect in case of such an event occurring.

Santa Claus is inviting children to come down to meet him at noon on Saturday, 17 December on Ballycotton pier.   He would like to hear what they want for Christmas and in return is looking for some ideas on what he should do in case his sleigh breaks down and he needs help.  His time will be short in Ballycotton as his sleigh will only stay afloat for a couple of hours.

The volunteers at Ballycotton RNLI lifeboat station have told Santa they will be ready to answer his call (or anyone else’s for that matter) if the need arises.  Santa hopes he will meet plenty of children before he has to return to his sleigh so, children, don’t disappoint him.