Minister of State at the Department of Tourism & Sport, Michael Ring, TD made the most of his official trip to Youghal on Tuesday 26th July with a well earned ‘paddle’ in Claycastle Beach, one of the resort towns three blue flag beaches.  The trip formed part of a visit to some of East Cork’s major tourism sites and attractions.

Hosted by Youghal Chamber of Tourism & Development and The Youghal Socio-Economic Group (YSEDG), the Minister spent almost 3 hours in the town having been introduced to its natural and built heritage by local East Cork Deputy, David Stanton along with Cork County and Town Cllr Barbara Murray.

Following the beach trip, the delegation (which included Head of Failte Ireland in the region, Fiona Buckley) took in a tour of Youghal’s historic quarter including the 13th century Town Walls, St. Mary’s Collegiate Church and College Gardens.

A formal meeting conducted in Youghal’s Enterprise Centre followed, with the delegation raising a number of pressing issues pertinent to the Minister’s portfolio.  These included funding of ‘fit-out’ costs of the iconic Clockgate building.  Town Clerk Liam Ryan explained to the Minister that the Town Council had undertaken a feasibility study, conservation plan and produced a business plan on the building.  Funding for the exterior and conservation works was anticipated to be sourced from South & East Cork Area Development.  The Town Clerk went on to explain that funding would now also be required to complete phase two of Youghal’s eco-boardwalk running from Claycastle to Redbarn, with phase one due for completion by December 2011.

The topic which drew most interest and discussion however, was the request by the group for a ‘Youghal-specific’ marketing fund to allow The Youghal Socio-Economic Development Group to roll-out a number of its key marketing initiatives.  The delegation emphasised that despite the town’s best efforts to develop and invest in its tourism product; its signage, streetscapes and exploit every positive development in the town, a negative public perception still existed about the town.  Other issues to be raised with the Minister included the provision of beach facilities, the development of the Greyhound Track and the urgent repair of the roof in St. Mary’s Collegiate Church.  The Minister committed to assist Youghal through any means available to him, citing his home town of Westport as being in a similar position to Youghal a number of years ago.

“Tourism is the number one priority for this Government and I am determined that rural tourist destinations will be promoted and developed as part of my brief” said the Minister.  The Minister went on to pay particular praise to the Town Council for its leadership and foresight in it’s investment in heritage tourism amenities.

“I don’t think I have ever met a group of people with such commitment, determination and passion about their town as I have here in Youghal; I am completely blown away by the town’s stunning beauty and it’s attractiveness to the visitor, both domestically and internationally”, said the Minister.

The visit concluded with a presentation by the Town Council Mayor, Eoin Coyne, to the Minister to officially mark his visit to Youghal.

Youghal Chamber of Commerce and Tourism is to conduct a survey of all vacant commercial properties in the town with a view to re-letting properties at 50% rent reduction for two years to first time businesses. In return, the town council will apply an equivocal rates reduction to the properties, via a waiver initiative depending on the town manager’s discretion.

The move, aimed at kick-starting commerce, arises from a motion tabled by Labour Councillor Tommy O’Connell last April. Cllr O’Connell’s proposal relates to properties vacant for two years or more.

The Chamber and Youghal Town Council discussed the issue at a special meeting following July’s town council sitting.  Chamber President Mary O’Donnell says the discussions were “very positive,” with both sides determined to co-operate on initiatives to improve the town’s fortunes.

The meeting saw the Chamber undertake to conduct a two-tier survey to gauge how many large and small properties lie idle. “We can’t impose on owners but we will inform them of the initiative and consider their responses,” says Ms O’Donnell. She concedes that some properties may be in the hands of financial institutions an in such instances “may complicate matters a little.”

Town clerk Liam Ryan will convey the data to the Cork Enterprise Board and seek suggestions on how to set about occupying the properties given the proposed arrangements. A second Chamber/Council meeting is scheduled for September.

Sinn Féin’s spokesperson on Arts, Heritage, Tourism and Sport, Sandra McLellan, has congratulated Ireland’s latest golfing Major winner, Darren Clarke, on his victory in the British Open at Royal St. George’s.

Speaking today Deputy McLellan said:

“Darren’s victory continues the extraordinary story of Irish golf over the last number of months. The fact that he started the week at odds of 150/1 makes his victory even more impressive. He is a fantastic inspiration, particularly those of us over 40. To win his first British Open at the age of 42, and after 20 attempts, shows his continued dedication, commitment and quality. He is one of the most popular golfers amongst fans, who have supported him through some very difficult personal challenges. They will be delighted with this result.”

Referring to Minister Varadkar’s comments on Sunday’s Marian Finucane
Show she said:

“It was disappointing to hear the Minister with responsibility for sport and tourism to sound so unenthusiastic. While not everyone is a fan of every sport it is important that the Minister recognises the contribution that golf has made and continues to make to the Irish sporting landscape, and the potential it has to contribute to our economic recovery. I am glad the decision-makers in Tourism Ireland have a different perspective. Their ‘Golfing Ireland’ marketing campaign is well timed. They may need to re-edit their advertisements to include Darren Clarke now though!”

Marine leisure strategy for South Cork coastline
By Leo McMahon

A MARINE Leisure Infrastructure Strategy (2010-2020) for around 500 kilometres of South Cork coastline stretching from Timoleague to Youghal was officially launched by Cllr Kevin Murphy at County Hall recently.

It complements a similar strategy for West Cork covering 700km from the Kerry border to Courtmacsherry which was completed in 2008 and is aimed at ensuring development of coastal inlets, bays, beaches and harbours in a coherent and sustainable manner by making the best use of existing and planned infrastructure and to create a quality brand for coastal tourism and leisure in Ireland’s largest county.

‘This publication contains an Action Plan with inputs from over 100 stakeholder organisations and a steering group with representatives from the county council, Kinsale, Cork and Youghal Town Councils, the Ports of Kinsale, Cork and Youghal, Failte Ireland, the Coast and Marine Resources Centre attached to UCC, South and East Cork Area Development (SECAD), West Cork Development Partnership and Inland Fisheries Ireland’, said Cllr Murphy, who is also a member of Kinsale Harbour Commissioners.

The motive behind both West and South Cork strategies, he pointed out, was to ‘use resources, reassess their value and tap into the potential of marine infrastructure to develop sustainable products, services and jobs and also encourage investment along the coast’.

County manager Martin Riordan said the Cork coastline was a unique asset and because its nature and uses had changed over the years, it was necessary to revisit it, build on the product and ensure its potential was maximised.

Complimenting the compilers of the 158 page report, he said Cork had for the first time, a detailed inventory of infrastructure and service providers. ‘We now need to maintain momentum behind this work because this strategy will engage and encourage many agencies to promote development and initiatives.

‘Tourism is one of the key sectors with potential for growth. We have the infrastructure we need to see how we can brand, package and market the unique product and services we have but it is important that we all understand and appreciate what we have along our coastline if we are to showcase it to visitors. Let’s build on the great potential identified in this strategy’, Mr Riordan added.

The strategy comprises an overview highlighting the importance of marine tourism and recreation etc, methodology, an action plan and proposals for its implementation. There are also several appendices including an audit of all coastal facilities in Kinsale Harbour, Crosshaven, Ringaskiddy, Monkstown and Passage West, Cork city, Cobh and other parts of Cork Harbour; from Timoleague to Harbour View and Coolmain, Garrettstown and Old Head, Oysterhaven, Nohoval, Roberts Cove to Myrtleville and along the coast of East Cork via Inch, Ballycotton and Knockadoon to Youghal. There are also sections on the riparian infrastructure of Inniscarra.

Fifty-two short and long-term actions are detailed in the strategy. A key proposal is to create a coastal brand or quality mark for the entire Cork coastline with a central information website.

Short-term priorities include the upgrading of parking and the slipway in Sandycove near Kinsale, develop a commercial tourism pick up/drop off point for angling and commercial tourism at Adams Quay, Kinsale; develop a boat park and slipway near Archdeacon Duggan Bridge, Kinsale; further develop water sports at Garrettstown and Oysterhaven, identify locations for public moorings in Cork Harbour and Oysterhaven, identify four key water access points in Cork Harbour, develop a pontoon or marina and public moorings in Youghal, install uniform water trail and bird watching signage, further develop Spike Island and Fort Camden for heritage tourism, develop a new access with trailer parking at Fountainstown, support the use of Dooneen Pier near the Old Head for angling and tour boats and improve water quality.

Encouraging non traditional users of the sea to engage in marine activities and promote the development of curricula for school children using existing adventure centre facilities are other proposals of which there are many in the strategy highlighting the many opportunities for the county.

Among those who attended the launch were Denis Healy, Port of Cork; Kinsale Harbour Master, Captain Phil Devitt, county councillors and various stakeholders.

Copies of the Marine Leisure Infrastructure Strategy are available from administrative officer Rose Carroll, Cork County Council, Corporate Affairs, Floor 14, County Hall, Cork, who had a major input into the project. It can also be viewed on the website www.corkcoco.ie

Source: www.southernstar.ie

BY LEO McMAHON Saturday July 16th, 2011

‘Queen Of The Sea’  Set To Be Youghal’s Best Festival Yet. – By Christy Parker

YOUGHAL’S 2011 QUEEN OF THE SEA FESTIVAL was officially launched in the town hall reception area recently. Details unveiled at the launch revealed a highly impressive effort to bring to the town a festival in the total meaning of the term, with a multitude of diverse attractions in waiting. The weather…the blessed weather is all that’s needed. .

Organisers, business people, politicians and –mercifully- the more eye-catching presence of 35 young female representatives of various local businesses, attired summer fare, gathered for the launch. The occasion was smiled upon by blue skies, enriched by a solo harpist and complimented by wonderful food. The omens are good!

Following some time for social interaction, the 50 plus attendance turned their attention to the podium, from where Queen of the Sea Chairwoman Sally Tivy-Perks and  Youghal Mayor Eoin Coyne delivered words of faith, hope and encouragement, as did Sinn Fein TD Sandra McLellan and Eileen Harney, liaison officer with the RNLI, one of two organisations –along with Childline- being supported by the festival.

Mayor Coyne, in his first official engagement since his elevation to the chain, expressed himself said the festival, which enjoyed great success in its inaugural year of 2010, was already “fast becoming the pinnacle of the summer festival season” in Youghal. The mayor gave credit to “the Youghal Chamber of Commerce and Tourism, Youghal Town Council, the YSEDG and the organising committee” for bringing the festival to fruition. He wished the queens the very best of luck and wished “locals and tourists alike,” much enjoyment over the festive weekend. Enthusiastic applause followed the conclusion of his maiden mayoral speech.

Fundraising

The chairwoman then thanked further sponsors, including 96FM and SECAD before handing the microphone to Ms Harney. The officer explained that the lifeboat service’s survival is immensely reliant on the support of local communities. “We receive a tiny amount of government funding,” she revealed before explaining that the RNLI needs €3m annually to stay afloat, so to speak, almost all of which comes from voluntary contributions. She said had “the best job in the world” working for an organisation of whom 97% of its members (1,600), “are fundraisers.” In considering itself effectively “a family organisation,” she said the RNLI would ensure that those attending the family festival would be afforded a warm welcome, including harbour tours.

Three festivals in one

The Queen of the Sea Contest bears much resemblance to that of the world-famous Rose of Tralee in that it is a contest for young ladies, from whom the winner is chosen according to her hopes, dreams & ambitions and her attitude toward social responsibility.

Sally Tivy-Perks then gave a summary of the programme of events –expanded from last year- that the festival intends to deliver. Effectively, she said it was three festivals in one, comprising the Queen of the Sea Contest, a Youghal Food Festival and a ‘Myrtle Groove’ Music Festival.

Music…

The festivities commence with the Myrtle Groove gig on Nealon’s Quay at 3 pm on Friday July 15th, wherein various live bands will entertain throughout the day. The ‘groove’ will persist throughout the weekend in what marks a serious upgrade in Youghal’s provision of musical entertainment. Along with local artistes, Cork’s 96FM Gig Rig will play live from the Market Square, KILA will perform on Nealon’s and there will be music and dance of a traditional genre also. A ‘Mardi Gras’ Parade featuring the queens will traverse the town at 7 pm that night.

Food…

The Youghal Food Festival will be officially opened by the Celebrity TV Chef, Rachel Allen. There will be a farmers’ market, cooking demonstrations, teaching and tasting events. Throughout the three days, there will be breakfast, brunch, lunch and snacks available all made from local produce with lots of choice. Festival menus will be available in local restaurants in the evenings.

Come and watch TV celebrity chef Rachel Allen cut the ribbon for the official opening the food festival and wander through the many food and craft stalls where you can treat yourself to a taste of the finest local produce to be found in the area, Visit Corks 96FM GIG RIG playing live from Market Square, or let the kids join in the fun, and enter the crab catching or the sand castle building competition, join the circus workshop, enter your dog in the Dog Show or join one of the other many fun activities planned for you during the festival.

Girls….

Enjoy the crowning of the Queen of the Sea followed by acclaimed band KILA live on stage, and enjoy lots of free music all through the weekend on the Myrtle groove Gig Rig. Saturday’s fare includes the Food Festival, which will be launched –if not lunched!- by TC chef Rachel Allen. A multitude of other attractions, including water races and busking, will run throughout the day. The 2011 Queen of the Sea will be crowned at 6.30 on Saturday night, followed by a Queens Banquet at the Mall Arts centre.

…And fun

Sunday’s many attractions include family races in the Green Park (Spud and spoon, fastest daddy, hairy legs, wheel barrow, three legged, wife-carrying, etc), alongside a dog show and various other entertainments such as wife-ccbucking bronco, obstacle course, face painting, circus workshop and so on and on….

Full details/programme being circulated and available from Youghal Tourist Office; tele: 024-20170 Green Park. Also, visit  www.youghal.ie

YCC And Town Council To Tackle Dog Litter Problem. – By Christy Parker 

YOUGHAL CONCERNED CITIZENS have reached consensus with Youghal Town Council on a range of measures to combat dog-litter in the town. “A town that is marketing itself as a family friendly tourist destination has to get the basics right and cannot accept that many of our tourist spots should be blighted by dog fouling,” says YCC secretary Adrian Hyde.

In a cost-effective exercise, the YCC volunteers will leaflet the town and supply posters to businesses in the Youghal. The council has agreed to supply relevant signage, on an on-going basis. “Our main concern is with changing the public’s attitude to dog fouling and offering them the means to both report and clean-up dog litter,” says Mr Hyde.

In more comprehensive format, the proposed measures run as follows:

i) Distribution of information leaflets from Cork Veterinary Department.

ii) distribution of posters to businesses in Youghal;

iii) distribution of Dog Litter bags: Youghal Town Council already provides dog litter bags free of charge from the town hall but these will now be made available from the following locations: Zanzibar Ice Cream Parlour (Front Strand), XS shop (Green Park), Read & Write, Cree’s Card Shop, Flavin’s sweet shop, Supervalue and Galvin’s Costcutters. YCC will monitor bag usage from these locations and if bags will consider alternative locations if not being used. The group estimates that 500 bags are required for an initial stock. “While we are estimating 150 bags per month, we would have a better estimate after the first month,” says Mr. Hyde, adding  that “a YCC volunteer will visit each premises on a monthly basis (or on demand) to monitor the situation and to provide an estimate to the council for future quantities .

iv) Dog Litter Signs: 25 signs, supplied by the town council. Wil be displayed at the displayed across the following locations: strand promenade, Lighthouse Hill, Green Park, Devonshire grotto, Mall beach, Catherine Street, Breton Road , Tallow Street, Main Street and Friar Street. The surplus may be erected on housing estates at the wishes of the relevant Resident’s Association.

v) Media campaign: YCC will launch a local media campaign to highlight the issue, with the message that dog litter will no longer be tolerated. Along with informing citizens of the danger and anti-social aspect of dog litter, the dog warden number will be provided to report stray dogs.

It is hoped to initiate the campaign on Monday next, July 11th. The Youghal Concerned Citizens’ next public meeting is on Thursday July 7th at 7 pm, in the Red Store.

 

At his first official function since his election, Eoin Coyne – Mayor of Youghal launched the 2011 Youghal Queen of the Sea Festival at the Mall Arts Centre, Youghal on Thursday 23rd June 2011. The festival will take place in Ireland’s finest coastal resort on the weekend of July 15th – 17th 2011.

Eoin said “I am delighted to be asked to officially launch the 2011 Queen of the Sea competition in its second year. It is fast becoming the pinnacle of the Summer festival season here in Youghal. Great credit is due to the Youghal Chamber of Commerce and Tourism, Youghal Town Council, the YSEDG and the organising committee for all the work that has gone on in the background in getting this off the ground. It is a chance for Youghal to showcase itself as one of the most beautiful tourist destinations in the country. I would like to wish all the Queens the very best of luck in the Queen of the Sea competition as they showcase the many talents that the young people of our Town have to offer. Above all else, I hope that everyone, locals and tourists alike, thoroughly enjoy themselves over the Family Fun Festival”.

A wide range of events has been planned, with all participating events free of charge. The Festival will have three main themes or elements – the Queen of the Sea Contest, Youghal Food Festival and the Myrtle Groove Music Festival.

Stephen Ryan of Fota Widlife Park stated “As Chairman of the Failte Ireland Family Fun Hub in East Cork and West Waterford I am delighted that the Queen of The Sea Festival is on this July as it is one of the biggest events on the calendar for the hub and this year is going to be bigger and better than ever with a great focus on family entertainment which will bring plenty of visitors to the area.”

The second annual Queen of the Sea Contest is a traditional competition which has a very similar theme to that of the world-famous Rose of Tralee Competition. It is a contest for young ladies and the winner is chosen according to her hopes, dreams & ambitions and also her attitude toward social responsibility. Contestants are judged by personality not appearance. Each contestant is sponsored by a local business. It was an extremely popular event last year. Local businesswoman, Eileen Quill commented that “The Youghal Queen of the Sea Festival gives a tremendous boost to the local economy in particular the hospitality and food service enterprises, and is a great tourism amenity”.

The Youghal Food Festival will be officially opened by the Celebrity TV Chef, Rachel Allen. There will be a Farmers’ Market; Chefs will hold cooking demonstrations, teaching sessions and tasting events. Throughout the three days, there will be breakfast, brunch, lunch and snacks available all made from local produce with lots of choice. Festival menus will be available in local restaurants in the evenings. There will be lots of variety, and high quality foods on offer – from vegetarian to BBQ. The chefs will give tips on healthy eating, alongside sharing their personal favourites. A ‘Granny’s Favourite Recipe’ competition will take place.

Chairperson of the Festival Committee, Sal Tivy enthused “The Queen of the Sea Festival is unique this year in the sense that we have three festivals rolled into one – a First for Munster!”

Throughout the three days, there will be a full music programme in the form of Myrtle Groove. Live music is very much a part of the town’s culture and heritage. The people of Youghal are known for their love of music, and they celebrate it with craic agus ceol – music and good times. For three days, the sounds of free performances will be heard throughout Youghal. There will be opportunities giving the younger, local artists their chance to perform. Visit Cork’s 96FM Gig Rig playing live from Market Square. And this year, critically acclaimed band KILA will perform live on the Main Stage at Youghal’s Quay area. Alongside these live performances, there will also be music and dance workshops. And of course, the Ceilis, feiles and fleadhs which have been celebrated in Youghal for centuries, with song, dance and storytelling in the old Irish traditions. Music and entertainment will be provided by a multitude of local talented musicians.

QUEEN OF THE SEA FESTIVAL, YOUGHAL JULY 15TH – 17TH

FREE FAMILY ENTERTAINMENT – COME AND JOIN IN THE FUN !!!!!!!

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.

 

GARDAI IN YOUGHAL are poised to “come down heavily” on so called ‘boy racers’- the June meeting of The Youghal and District Community Alert group heard. Community Garda Peter Queally made the observation while elaborating on the presence in town of a traffic corp. section. “They are here for the summer and are monitoring the situation regarding by racers,” he said. “They have the noise level detectors.” The garda said Garda headquarters in Fermoy were also very aware of the situation in Claycastle car park and “is keen to target the issue.” He added that some court appearances were imminent and more were likely. Drivers under 18 would be subject to the Juvenile Liaison System.

The meeting began with reference to the Youghal Concerned Citizens Group which was meeting simultaneously in the Red Store. Mr Beecher noted that that growingly successful group would heretofore be meeting on twice monthly on Thursdays and urged people to attend.

Crime stats

Garda Queally then delivered the statistics on reported crime since the previous month’s meeting. There had been three burglaries, for two of which a man had been arrested. A file was being prepared for the DPP. The third burglary occurred on Thursday May 26th between 10 pm and 1.30 am Friday in a house on the Quarry Road. Jewellery had been taken and gardai were keen for information, on (024) 92200.

Nine incidents of criminal damage had been recorded. These included another infringement, on May 30th, at Perks, where several such incidents had occurred recently. The culprits had been attempting a break-in but had fled empty handed.

There was one incident of drink-driving, on June 2nd. Drug detections involved four cases of possession plus two with intent to supply. There were only three recorded public order offences, despite two bank holidays.

Two robberies had occurred, including an incident where three men forced the manager of the Red Store to unlock the premises at knifepoint before escaping with a four-figure figure sum of money. That crime remains under investigation and anyone with information is again invited tome forward, anonymously if preferred. The second robbery –against a person- occurred in the front strand and an arrest had been made, with a court appearance likely to follow. There as one shop theft, at Lidl on May 4th.

Garda Queally said there had also been one alleged rape reported. He did not divulge details or any further information on the matter other than to say that a man had been arrested and questioned and that a file was being prepared for the DPP. He understood that such an alleged incident could cause particular unrest in the community but reassured that there was no cause for alarm.

In general the reported crime overview was thus:

Burglaries (3): BallyGlavin  (May 14th); Clifton terrace (May 15th); QuarryRoad (May 26th).

Criminal Damage (9): @ North Main Street (May 5th); Blackwater Heights (2) –May 9th and May 23rd); Cliftonville (May 15th); Yew Wood (May 21st;); O’Brien’s Place (May 29th); Spa Hill (May 29th); Perks (May 30th); Burgess Cross May 10th ).

Drink-Driving (1): detected @ Greencloyne.

Drugs –possession (4): Kenny’s Lane (May 6th); Chestinut Drive (May 12th); Killeagh Road (May 18th); Green Park (May 23rd).

Drugs –intent to supply (2): The Rise (May 6th): Ard Na Mara (May 18th).

Public Order (3): Blackwater Heights (May 23rd); Lighthouse Hill (May 30th); The Mall (June 3rd).

Robbery (2):  Red Store (May 16th); Front Strand (May 30th).

Theft from Shop (1): Lidl (May 4th).

Conference reflection

There was some discussion on the recent conferences night, hosted by Muintir na Tire, at Cuman na Daoine and which dealt with elderly abuse and home insulation. Mr Beecher said the occasion had been a considerable success and that another such event would likely occur in September or October. He said the increasing evidence of elderly abuse –whether physical, sexual, finance, psychological, emotional or discriminatory- was very alarming. “Their rights are being provoked,” he stated. Garda Queally said he had received a call on a case of suspected elder abuse within a fortnight of the meeting.  The chairman also noted that legally, an elderly person can refuse to enter a nursing home, adding that he recognised that very many nursing homes provided excellent care.

Regarding the Warm Home Scheme, the chairman said it was eye-opening to discover that there were grant schemes available of which many people were aware. It emerged from the floor, through Cllr Michelle Hennessy, that insulation grants were available in some instances for people on fuel allowance and renting privately, regardless of age.

Garda Queally was asked whether gardai can issue fines for dog litter. He replied that it was a matter for the litter warden. Michael Beecher said the issue had largely been resolved in Dun Chorainn with the assistance of the town hall, signage and information leaflets that outlined the serious health risks, particularly to children. He said a lot of loose dogs from outside an area exacerbate the problem. Garda Queally said A Mr. Dave Scully of Killeagh was the dog warden for the area on (024) 95106.

Drinking and worms

A lady from the floor recalled two unsavoury incidents at the front strand. First, she witnessed a dog ‘leaving his message’ in the water adjacent to some children. Then she noted a group of girls, one of whom was in charge of baby in a pram, boisterous and drinking on the promenade. The bottles were left, broken, in their wake. The garda said it was illegal to drink in public and that gardai would respond appropriately if called.  Mr. Beecher said he would like to see dogs banned form the beach entirely on health grounds. “The worm in dog dirt live for years!” he explained aid. As things stand, dogs on the beach must be on a leash between the hours of 11 am to 7 pm?? through June to the end of August.  Another voice from the floor said he saw a small child pick up “hard” dog litter on afternoon! “He could have taken a bite out of it!” he warned, to a collective shudder. Mr Beecher said covert CCTV was due in town to help counteract the scourge.

Never wasting time

It was also observed from the floor that some of the public knew nothing about community alert, some knew but didn’t want to be involved, others felt it was pointless reporting issues to the gardai, while yet more were simply afraid to do so for fear of reprisals.  The speakers stressed that the community must always be alert to potential injustice or criminality in its midst and trust the gardai to respond to such threats when they become manifest. He urged that people not merely read or inquire about Community Alert meetings but also to attend some meetings. He added that he had recently alerted gardai to an incident in the strand arena, the response had been instantaneous and the culprit subsequently arrested.  Garda Queally availed of the diversion to reassure that “no matter how trivial a suspicion may appear, it is best reported and would never be regarded of trivial concern by gardai.

It was recorded that there are concerns amongst residents in South Abbey regarding some anti-social behaviour by some members leaving Nagle House the youth centre. It was relayed that a very small group of about three were the main players and efforts were being made to curtail it.

Flag Day:

It was noted that weekend 9/10th of July was available and it was agreed that it was ideal for this year’s collection.  A summer break will ensue meanwhile and the next Community Alert meeting will take place on Tuesday September 6th.

The proceeds of the recent CRY 104fm/Youghal Cancer Support Group Radiothon were distributed on Thursday night, 23rd June, at a small function in Bertie’s Bar. The Radiothon ran for 50 hours from 10am on Friday 27th May to midday on Sunday 29th May, with CRY broadcasting constantly throughout and street collections manned by volunteers from the Youghal Cancer Support Group and CRY.

The public and local businesses responded brilliantly and the event  – which was a joint fundraiser for both organisations – raised  a total of €2,912.92. Youghal’s new Mayor, Councillor Eoin Coyne officiated at the function, which was attended by, CRY Board member, Barty Murphy, station staff and volunteers along with Youghal Cancer Support Group Chairperson, Therese O’Connell, together with Pauline Scully, Diane Irwin and Susan Kenefick, all of Youghal Cancer Support Group.

Chairperson, Therese O’Connell accepted a cheque for €1,500 on behalf of  Youghal Cancer Support Group from CRY Station Manager, Declan Gibbons. Therese thanked all involved in organising the event, CRY presenters, volunteers from both organisations and, most importantly, all who supported the Radiothon in any way.

Declan Gibbons accepted a cheque for €1,412 on behalf of CRY, representing the station’s share of the proceeds. He paid tribute to CRY Community Development Officer, Darragh Parker – whose brainchild the Radiothon was – for his tireless effort and organisation, which ensured that the event was such a success.

He thanked Noel Mackey and The FitzPatrick family for the use of the premises in 138 North Main Street; Luigi From the Rendezvous Restaurant who kept the presenters well fed throughout the Marathon; Scotts, Cunninghams Butchers , Absolute Flowers , Team Bailey ,Super Valu , Flavins Grocery shop, Permanent TSB and  Team M mens Salon for spot prizes and Donations.

Declan also thanked The Broadcasting Authority of Ireland for their permission to broadcast around the clock, without which the Radiothon could not have taken place. He thanked the Gardai for granting the station a permit to collect in public places, all the volunteers from the Youghal Cancer Support Group and CRY presenters and volunteers.

Most of all, he thanked everyone who gave so generously during the 27th, 28th and 29th of May.