Lismore Councillor Concerned Over Youghal Hazardous Waste Application.
By Christy Parker

LISMORE TOWN COUNCILLOR BERNARD LEDDY wants Waterford’s local authorities to oppose the planning permission granted to sludge drying plant Eras Eco Ltd to process hazardous waste in at Foxhole in Youghal. Cork County Council granted the permission to upgrade the plant to facilitate toxic waste treatment last June in a decision that was appealed to An Bord Pleanála by Youghal Chamber of Tourism and Commerce. That appeal is now currently on hold as the Bord investigates whether the original application should have been made under the Strategic Structure Development Act.  ERAS ECO Ltd is solely owned by Ormonde Organics, based at Killowen, Portlaw, Co. Waterford, Ireland.

Cllr Leddy told September’s Town Council meeting that the plant’s intended new technology  -AquaCritox- involving super critical water oxidation, was “absolutely cutting edge technology” of ‘Star Trek’ consideration. He said it might very well be the future of waste treatment with the added bonus of it being an Irish company’s development (Cork-based Super Critical Fluids International- SCFI). The location was the problem, however.

Rhine disaster

The councillor was unhappy with the company’s declared intention to store and treat hazardous waste in a site adjacent to the Blackwater and, by inference, with relevance to Co. Waterford. He cited arsenic, cyanide, hydrofluoric acid, sodium, potassium hydroxide, barium, ammonia, as the beginning of a lengthy list of chemicals the company hoped to treat (some of which are already being processed under its existing licence). “What amazes me is that Cork County Council could allow planning permission for processing this type of material at the mouth of one of the finest salmon rivers in Europe!,” he proceeded. “Because the potential for a major pollution in the river such as happened in the Rhine in 1986 will always be there.”

The councillor then said that the SCFI’s promotional material cites “50,000 people” as necessary to run a pilot scheme  for the treatment of human waste alone, while “Youghal’s population is about 6,500” and that “500,000 to 1½ million people” would be needed to make it commercially viable.  He wondered from where the material would come and by what means. “The Rhine disaster was an absolute accident,” he elaborated, “and if this is allowed to continue, then I believe this is another one waiting to happen.”

Cllr Leddy said County Waterford tourism alone, as pertaining to the Blackwater, merited local authorities in the region registering their concerns to Cork County Council. He then urged that local authorities in county register their interest. Cllr John Heneghan said he would like to know Youghal Town Council’s vies on the matter, while Cllr Leddy agreed to table a motion proper on the issue for October’s meeting.

Youghal Chamber of Tourism and Commerce is to appeal to An Bord Pleanala against Cork County Council’s decision to allow a sludge treatment plant Eras Eco to process hazardous waste. The company, based on a 3.5 acre site at Foxhole, recently acquired planning permission for ‘a €10m upgrade to the existing sludge drying process’ to enable it accept  hazardous wastes.

The planning permission also allows ‘for parking for vehicles/tankers/trailer during the sample testing period of hazardous waste contents prior to dispatching for treatment’ and ‘the erection/construction of above ground anaerobic digested tanks for the treatment of sludge and the production of methane gas, which will be utilised to produce electricity for use on site.’  The Integrated Waste Management Facility development will treat a maximum of 95,000 tonnes of waste annually, a reduction of 15,000 tonnes on the present allowance.

Chamber of Commerce director Michael Farrell claims the planning conditions will allow residue to bypass the council’s waste water treatment facility and “be distributed directly into the Blackwater.” He says “what will be transported into town” will jeopardise economic and tourism development. “We are trying to promote tourism and create employment and having this, especially adjacent to a business park, is certainly not conducive to thee aims.”

A spokesman for Eras Eco says the company “expected the appeal.” He says the Chamber “took a closed view and made it very clear they don’t want us in town,” during a failed negotiation attempt. Denying the expansion will impact negatively on Youghal, the spokesman says AquaCritox, an advanced oxidation technology, will provides 100% destruction of waste and convert it into clean water, without generating odours, or harmful emissions. Residues, he says, will be fed into the sewer system and then through a new council waste water treatment facility awaiting development.  The company will be amongst the first to employ the system, which was the subject of glowing tribute in an Irish Times report last February by Barry McCall.

Eras Eco currently employs six full-time and four part/time staff and claims the expanded operation will create ten more jobs along with a further 20 in construction. The plant commenced operations as AVR Environmental Solutions in 2006. It was acquired by Eras Eco in 2009 and has licence to process up to 110,000 tons of non-hazardous waste and industrial sludge from waste water treatment plants, says the company. Eras Eco is registered under Ormonde Organics, Portlaw.

Youghal Town and County Councillor Barbara Murray says the expansion will compromise Youghal’s image as “a family-orientated, holiday resort,” a standing augmented by three blue flag beaches. The town has suffered a decade of chronic job losses and the councillor sees dark irony in a seaside town “being expected to accept hazardous waste outside while we’re neither an industrial centre nor on the IDA’s radar. Why not treat the waste at source?,” she asks.

 

AN Bord Pleanala granted conditional permission for the change of use of a building from retail to restaurant with takeaway, in Youghal. By Paul Mooney – Dungarvan Observer (Out every Wednesday)

Conditional permission had been granted by Youghal Town Council on 3rd August, 2010, to Shirley Feeney c/o Spatial Planning Solutions, Studio 4, Crawford Business Park, Proby’s Quay, Cork, for change of use of existing premises at Annemount, Upper Strand, Killeagh Road, Youghal, from retail, to restaurant with ancillary take-away including permission for construction of a single story extension to rear and all ancillary works. (Ref. no. 58015).

However, the application was appealed to An Bord Pleanala on 23rd August, 2010, by John and Ann Fitzgerald, of Dún Mhuire, Upper Strand, Youghal, and Dermot and Ann Twomey, of Droumcarra, Upper Strand, Killeagh Road South, Youghal. (Bord ref. no. PL87.237402).

Both appellants live nearby to the premises in question.

In their appeal, the appellants argued that the proposed development is incompatible with the development plan policy on residential amenity and terms of the lease held on the site; the ground floor of the premises has not been used as a shop for 20 years; the application should have been considered in the context of the entire site, not just the area of ground floor, proposed for change of use.

The appellants also argued that the extension would be visually intrusive, generate noise and negatively impact on the residential amenity of the appellant’s property.

They also argued that the use of the a side lane to access the service area will introduce disturbance into the appellant’s property; the amenity value of the front garden space of the appellant living in ‘Droumcarra’ will be undermined by the proposed development; a seven year permission is impossible to enforce and the appellants should be protected by the residential zoning of the site; the proposed development conflicts with Youghal Development Plan, because the area is zoned ‘Restricted Residential’ (RO); sewerage and drainage are old and inadequate in the area and not designed for commercial loading; the site cannot accommodate parking requirements that will arise from the proposed development; visitors likely to block access to the CIE bus stop; no street furniture / tables or chairs should be allowed on the footpath outside the premises; advertising should not be fixed at first floor level; long opening times will disrupt residential amenity and encourage anti-social behaviour; the extractor fan on the eastern elevation will injure residential amenity.

The appellants concluded their objective points, adding that the garden to the rear of the premises comprises of the private amenity space for residential use on site, and its subdivision will seriously injure the amenity of future residents.

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The applicant responded to the appellants’ points, arguing that there is no explanation of what ‘restricted’ means in the development plan, in relation to the site being zoned ‘Restricted Residential’. The applicant argued that ‘other uses’ may be considered subject to not distracting from residential amenity. “A family orientated restaurant with appropriate opening hours would not detract from the zoning objective,” the applicant said. “The area includes a butchers shop, a church, recreational facilities and retail uses.” The applicant also argued that the proposed development will serve local needs with a menu more akin to a sandwich bar or pizza restaurant, rather than a fast-food take-away. The applicant also argued she was happy with the 10.00 p.m. closing time, so as not to attract post-public house business.

The applicant said the rear yard will be separated from Dún Mhuire by the intervention of a butchers shop and the restriction of noise levels to 50 dBA imposed by the planning authority can be achieved.

Other points the applicant argued in support of her application, included: residential part of premises has been refitted and rear garden will remain in residential use; the applicant was unable to finance a two year grant of permission, so a seven year grant of permission is more acceptable and provides a monitoring mechanism to ensure conditions are being complied with; there is free roadside parking in the area, except at the bus stops, with a public car park a short distance away; a contribution of €25,000 was imposed by the planning authority in respect of parking services; the proposal is modest and will not materially alter the loading in the public sewer system; the shop front will be retained as it exists and appropriate signage will be agreed with the planning authority.

After consideration at a meeting, An Bord Pleanala decided to grant permission with revised conditions for the proposed development on 22nd December, 2010.

” Having regard to the planning history of the site, the former use of the property as a retail premises, the existing shopfront and the mix of uses in the vicinity of site, it is considered that, subject to compliance with the conditions set out below, the proposed development would be in accordance with the objectives set out in the Youghal Town Development Plan 2009-2015, would not seriously injure the amenities of the area or of property in the vicinity and would, therefore, be in accordance with the proper planning and sustainable development of the area,” ruled the Bord.

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

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

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

Votes of Congratulations:

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

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

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

Town Foreman’s report:

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

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

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

Rats

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

County Council Items:

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

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

Bins, dogs and water

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

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

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

Outfall pipe debacle

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

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

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

Groynes

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

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

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

Mayor’s Business:

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

Heritage Island Marketing and Promotional Plan 2011:

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

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

Cork County Council Draft Beach Bye laws for Public Consultation:

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

Cork County Council -Corporate Plan 2010-2014:

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

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

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

Draft Anti-Social Behaviour Strategy:

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

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

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

The meeting was preceded by a brief presentation from Cork County Council Traffic Engineer Eileen Coleman on the Traffic Management Plan for Ashe Street, DeValera Street, Emmet Place and Church Street. Some Plan details are relayed elsewhere in this issue. The council will discuss the Plan at a special meeting in November.

The meeting proper commenced with each member welcoming Cllr Tommy O’Connell to the chamber. The Labour representative was co-opted to replace former councillor Donie Daly, who resigned, controversially, last July due to Tuesday morning work commitments and the council’s decisions not to revert to Monday night meetings.

Rising to his feet, Cllr O’Connell acknowledged the welcomes and declared his intention to work “positively and productively” for the townspeople in what he hoped would be “affable” circumstances. “But unfortunately,” he added ominously, “I can’t let the occasion go without saying why I am here.” He was there “because Cllr Donie Daly was forced to resign,” he explained, setting the tone for the five-minute period of tongue-biting restraint that was to follow.

Vendetta

Venting his displeasure at the manner of his predecessor’s departure, Cllr O’Connell labeled it “disgraceful, petty, bloody-minded and a gross aversion of local democracy. With the honourable exception of three members (meaning Cllrs Murray, Beecher and Revins),” he proceeded, “you took the voice of 380 people out of this chamber and I sincerely hope the people of Youghal will not forget it.” Composed and calculating, the councillor accused two (unspecified) members of bringing “a personal vendetta into the chamber” by way of persuading “other councilors to vote against Monday night meetings.”

Diverging somewhat, Cllr O’Connell recalled his own council resignation (to emigrate) 25 years previous and that, contrary to the accepted practice of co-opting a fellow party member, Fianna Fail had “grabbed” his seat, “undemocratically and, in my book, illegally.” It was a practice, he said, that had been rampantly endorsed by Fianna Fail nationwide, until a coalition government subsequently corrected it.

Concluding his address, Cllr O’Connell informed his audience that, “some of you may think you are democrats but with the honourable exception of three, I’m afraid you are not. You are petty, small-minded people that grabbed a seat,” he insisted. Nonetheless, he was willing to work “constructively and productively,” with the council for the betterment of the town, he volunteered.

Responses

That the chamber’s response was relatively mild probably reflected a residual war-weariness since the summer exchanges that had followed Cllr Daly’s departure. Mayor Mary Linehan Foley said she had “moved on” and that the council was “focused on the future and not on the past.” She argued that the council was “so democratic” it had convened “on numerous occasions” to vote on meeting times and that neither she nor her colleagues were responsible for one councillor’s absence from any meeting. The mayor said there were a lot of other voters to represent alongside Cllr Daly’s supporters and deemed it lucky the council had a Labour representative to that end, although party politics didn’t enter into council business, she claimed. “I feel aggrieved by your comments and I hope your feelings stay outside the chamber,” she concluded.

Cllr Eoin Coyne echoed the mayor’s views and said the occurrences of 25 years past were irrelevant. “It is completely off the wall to accuse us of being undemocratic,” he stated, as “a democratic vote was taken in the chamber.” He hoped there would be nine councilors working in unison from there on and he wouldn’t waste his time arguing.

Cllr Liam Burke was “saddened” by Cllr O’Connell’s sentiments and felt there was no room for “the adversarial, time-warped politics” of the past. “This chamber is characterised by a constructive and very positive approach to its business and towards improving the town,” he insisted. Cllr Burke then proposed the council proceed with the day’s agenda and the matter ended.

Road resurfacing

Following the town clerk’s report, there was some discussion on Cork County Council’s funding application to the Dept of the Environment for resurfacing work on the North and South Main Streets (R634). Town Manager Patricia Power said it was “critical” that the work be carried out prior to the main drainage scheme to give the town good main street surfaces to balance the inevitable deterioration of those in the areas to be disrupted by the scheme. The application is based on several factors, including tourism and business, she said.

The town clerk clarified to Cllr Michelle Hennessy that the application refers to resurfacing work commencing in early 2011 and running from Windmill Hill to Cork Hill at an approximate cost of €160,000. She was assured that disability spaces would be restored and Mr. Ryan suggested that any new proposals would be considered subject to compliance with road regulations. Similar circumstances applied to the back street in the wake of the main drainage scheme. Mr. Ryan said that scheme –now anticipated for early 2012 and costing approximately €28m- awaited 70% government funding. The tendering documents are presently awaiting approval from the Dept of Environment, he added.

Cllr Barbara Murray asked whether Youghal Town Council tenants could be accommodated (literally) if they wished to transfer to one of 142 social houses in a Killeagh/Ladysbridge scheme that is being promoted. Mr. Ryan replied that all possibilities would be considered individually in tandem with Cork County Council’s approval.

Regarding the resurfacing of the main streets, Cllr Murray asked whether the road would be raised level to the “deplorable” footpaths. The town clerk said everything depended on the level of funding and resources made available. Meanwhile it was important to acquire funding for 2011 because the volume of traffic, including diversions, through the town during the drainage scheme project would render it impossible to do footpath reconstruction in 2012.

Cllr Michael Beecher said previous experience suggested the resurfacing might be dug up again. Mr. Ryan said broadband installation had mostly caused this. He believed there would always be some road openings but they depended on the rate of developments, which were now, unfortunately, low. He explained that Cork Hill corner, alone of the main street, would eventually be dug up as part of the main drainage scheme. The town manager added that the county council would seek that utility companies such as eircom, ESB, etc conduct upcoming works prior to the scheme.

Cllr Murray then asked whether the town council could avid reliance on private companies by installing its own underground ducting on the main streets to contain and conceal utility wiring, in compliance with the town regenerating plan. The town clerk said most of the ducting would occur under footpaths but there were some areas of roadway where her proposal deserved consideration. Cllr Burke supported her idea, citing a report from the Tidy Town’s adjudicators also referring to the benefit of burying wires.

Votes of Congratulations:

Mayor Linehan Foley congratulated Aura Leisure Centre on recently winning a national award for Safety in the Service sector. She also congratulated Youghal Tidy Towns (and council workers) on Youghal winning their section in the Cork County Council Anti-Litter Challenge with 272 points. The mayor further paid tribute to the Youghal u-18 camogie team on winning the County final. It was agreed that all would join the list of achievers to be recognised at the new bi-annual awards ceremonies, the first of which will occur at Christmas.

Town Foreman’s Report:

Cllr Burke asked that CIE be informed that the protected structure that is their old railway signal box is in desperate disrepair. He asked the manager for an update on the Youghal Retail Strategy, which was later forthcoming (see elsewhere in this issue). Cllr Burke told town engineer Paul Murray that the road markings installed following surfacing at the junction of Kilcoran Rd and Seafield Rd were different to what had prevailed there previously, leading to confusion and near-accidents. Mr. Murray said the roads marking contractor had altered the layout as cars coming up from the hill and turning right didn’t have enough room on the island to stop and allow passage for a car coming down. He said it was being monitored but he would have more road markings installed to forewarn motorists coming down.

Illegal dumping

Cllr Coyne said weeds needed removing on the North Main Street footpaths. He noted that a lot of domestic waste was still being dumped and learned that the mobile CCTV cameras were due to return. Cllr Coyne asked that more pooper scooper bins be provided.

Cllr O’Connell condemned illegal dumping, which was “rampant” and often unseen in outlying areas. However he laid much of the cause on landfill charges in a time of recession. He didn’t know the ultimate answer but believed identifying culprits by rifling through their rubbish had limitations. He felt addressing the cause was preferable to prosecution, which could itself be costly. He wondered if free dumping might resolve the problem. The mayor hoped that court action in lieu of CCTV evidence would prove a strong deterrent and said that nowadays one had to pay for rubbish disposal. Recycling helped to reduce the costs but she was critical of the €3 entrance to the landfill’s ‘free’ recycling facility. Cllr Hennessy said car owners were largely responsible for illegal dumping and that if people could afford to run a car they could afford to pay for waste disposal. It was unfair on council workers and she strongly supported CCTV to counteract illegal bin and fly dumping.

Cllr Beecher supported Cllr Henenssy’s views and felt €3 was a reasonable fee. He observed that dumping in bins decreased when CCTV arrived but increased in the countryside and advocated higher fines. Cllr Coyne said there were some free recycling facilities, such as Tesco’s. Cllr Sandra McLennan said civic amenity sites cost “a fortune” to run and therefore charges were necessary and would probably increase following the next budget.

Installations, weeds, butts and flower boxes

Cllr Murray asked if Youghal Town Council ever considered replacing ‘pumped insulation’ in attics with ‘rolled out insulation’. She had thought the pumped version was more applicable to concrete blocks and it was inhibiting homeowners’ access to wiring, etc. The town clerk said the council normally employed rolled out insulation and that Cllr Murray was referring to one particular scheme whereby the architect’s department was involved in a package that entailed both installing insulation and upgrading heating systems.

Cllr Murray echoed Cllr Coyne’s sentiments on footpath weds and pooper bins. She then described an initiative in England called ‘Stub it Out’ whereby a tobacco company provided free, insulated (not pumped presumably!) pouches for the disposal of cigarette butts. She suggested the council write to the company requesting a supply. (It’s unclear whether the council might have to order several hundred fags simultaneously mind, but with Christmas coming, why not?!). The councillor also asked that a bin be provided outside Pobalscoil and was told it was a County Council issue.

Cllr Hennessy asked whether there had been any response to last month’s request to Cork County Council to clean up the dereliction style appearance of its North Main Street premises (close to two Chinese restaurants) that has been earmarked as the town library some day. The town engineer said the county council’s library department was soon to remedy it. “If not, maybe we could put a derelict site notice on it,” replied Cllr Hennessy.

Mayor Linehan Foley thanked the council workers for the eventual installation of flower boxes and bollards on the footpaths at Dr. Kennedy’s Place. She said that “lives had been saved” by the thus preventing vehicles from mounting the pavement. Cllr Sammy Revins said some people were far from happy and would have preferred widening the road.

Cllr McLellan said the boxes and bollards had unfortunately brought more parking at Fitzgerald’s Terrace, resulting in a resident who has long sought a yellow box, being locked into his home and consequently even missing medical appointments. “The yellow box is urgent and I’d like to see it before the next meeting!” she stressed. Mr. Ryan said there was a procedure to follow, including awaiting road liners, but that the traffic warden to visit the area meantime.

Cork County Council Items:

Town Engineer Paul Murray delivered the following information: work had been conducted at the rifle range on foot of a Dangerous Structure notice; road overlays at Ballyclamsey were imminent; a new valve had been fitted in the outfall pipe at the front strand and the situation would be monitored for some months; the Youghal reservoir was being cleaned out; work on replacing filter sand on Filter 4 at Boola waterworks was now due to commence.

Cllr Murray asked if an extension to the front strand outfall pipe remained part of the main drainage scheme as had been agreed. The engineer said if the valve didn’t work then an extension would be sought. She suspected the valve –like its predecessors- would fail and. given the time it took to process, she urged an application for an offshore license be made soon. The councillor asked that county council areas be included in the CCTV program against illegal dumping. She also wanted a raised and buckled metal grid on the footpath at the League of the Cross rectified and requested that a proposed footpath from Aura to Summerfield Cross be at least imposed as a plan pending funding becoming available.

More landfill odours

Cllr Beecher complained of a major pothole in Ballyclamsey. He then castigated “the odour from the landfill,” which was affecting both the town and nearby county Waterford. He was asthmatic and it had badly affected him as well as others and he felt a private company would have been fined long ago. He would be contacting the EPA. Cllr McLellan said it seemed to be “worse on Sundays.”

The town clerk replied that it was an issue for the county council, to whom he had already written and advocated it be raised at that level. The mayor observed that the council could not be 100% sure the landfill was responsible for the odours in the first place.

Cllr Sammy Revins asked that double yellow lines be provided at Mistletoe Grove when the liners return. He wanted a yellow box to be painted at the rear of Devon View, especially as people are affected by nearby school painting. Mr. Ryan said the appropriate time to do so would be following the main drainage scheme, wherein Strand Street would be one of the first sections treated. “Have you a date for that?  We’ve been waiting 14 years for the drainage scheme,” replied the councillor.

Footpath study

Cllr McLellan had received complaints about the difficulties facing wheelchair users traversing Youghal’s footpath She asked whether the engineer could conduct a survey prior to compiling a works program which could be conducted when and as funding became available. The engineer said plans were already drawn up for works on the back street footpaths shortly. “That’s good but there are lots of other footpaths and we need a program,” insisted Cllr McLellan. The town clerk felt that Youghal was “way down the list” when it came to Cork County Council funding and urged that the two county councillors and the mayor raise the issue at area road meetings so that a budget could be acquired to meet the priority listing. Cllr O’Connell supported Cllr McLellan’s initiative.

Cllr Burke asked that the junction of Strand Street/South Abbey footpaths which he had persistently raised (pardon the pun) be included in the back street project. “These are some of the worse pathways anywhere and are part of the main tourist walkways,” he advised.

Mayor’s Business:

This consisted of just one quote –from Munster Joinery, Ballyedesmond- being opened for a contract to conduct window and door replacements at premises in Windmill Hill. Three quotations had been sought and Cllr O’Connell suggested it was unusual that only one company had responded. “There are a number of window and door companies teetering on the brink,” informed the town clerk.

Report by Mayor Linehan Foley on the Tidy Towns Task Force:

The mayor said the Tidy Towns Committee Chairman Ned Brennan was unable to address the council on the day as had been arranged but would attend next month’s meeting, at which he would report on past present and future agenda.  Mr. Ryan noted that Youghal had won a bronze medal –for 4th place- in its national section in this year’s Tidy Towns competition, coming just eight pints behind the winner (Dungarvan).

Budget Sub Committee Meeting:

It was agreed to hold this meeting on Tuesday morning November 2nd and also to discuss traffic management that morning also.

Correspondence:

Following a letter from the National Women’s Council of Ireland, the council pledged unanimous support for the Justice for the Magdalene Campaign (JMC). In striving for an apology and redress for the abuse and injustice inflicted on them by religious orders the campaigners were recently denied a meeting by CORI (The Conference of Religious of Ireland). A similar response has been proffered by each of four religious orders implicated – the Good Shepherd Sisters, Our Lady of Charity, the Sisters of Mercy and the Sisters of Charity. Minister for Justice Dermot Ahern has also rejected appeals for justice though at least he’s unlikely to be a minister after the next election. The town council’s written support will be added to that of other local authorities for forwarding to the minister responsible for local government, John Gormley.

Any Other Business:

Cllr Murray asked for an update on the funding application to Failte Ireland regarding the co-boardwalk at the Claycastle. The town clerk said they would be notified after that body’s October board meeting. “We’ve done absolutely all we were asked to do,” he added. Cllr Murray asked that some pressure be placed on Cork County Council to conduct a site assessment on their section of the project, which is intended to link as far as Redbarn. There will be issues with coastal erosion, etc,” she explained.

Cllr Revins inquired as to the anticipated independent diving rocks report. It’s due, he was told.

An Bord Pleanala has upheld an appeal against planning permission for a major retail development at the former Murray Kitchen’s site in Mill Road, Youghal. The so-called ‘Dunne’s Stores’ proposal had received planning permission from Youghal Town Council, who rezoned the four-acre site, paving the way for a massive 9,500 sq metre retail, sports & leisure and  medical/health centre. The site’s capacity measures more than the combined existing retail space, Tescos included, in the town. By Christy Parker Photo: Michael Hussey (YoughalOnline.com)

Killarney-based Galvin Developments Ltd., who bought the site, had intimated that Dunne’s Stores would provide anchor tenancy on 6,000 sq metres with the remaining space occupied by up to twelve ancillary units. The application also provided for 250 parking spaces.

Objectors to the proposal were Finbarr & Anthony Russell, RGDATA, Ken Brookes and Diarmuid Keogh. The Bord upheld the objections on the grounds that, contrary to the 2009-15 Town Development Plan, it would ‘adversely affect the vitality and viability of the old town centre, its heritage character and its envisaged role as the primary commercial, retail, civic and symbolic centre of the town.’ Read more inside Read more