Youghal Town Council Meeting November 2011 – By Christy Parker

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

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

 

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

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

Mall Lane

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

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

Votes of Congratulations:

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

Town Foreman’s Report:

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

Car parking

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

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

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

College gardens vulgarity

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

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

Christmas parking

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

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

Cork County Council Items:

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

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

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

Right of rail!

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

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

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

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

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

Mayor’s Business:

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

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

(to follow in later post)

(1.29)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Funding Applications:

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

Report on Youghal Main Drainage Scheme: Click here

 

Any Other Business:

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

YOUGHAL TOWN COUNCIL MEETING SEPTEMBER 2011
By Christy Parker

Present were Assistant Town Clerk Helen Mulcahy, Town Manager Patricia Power, Town Engineer Paul Murray, Town Foreman Ger Lupton, Mayor Cllr Eoin Coyne (FF), Cllrs Barbara Murray (FG), Michael Beecher (FG), Michelle Hennessy (SF), Eoin Flanagan (SF), Liam Burke (Green Party), Sammy Revins (FF) and Mary Linehan-Foley (FF)

Resignation of Tommy O’Connell

The meeting opened with a letter of resignation from Tommy O’Connell, which was read to the chamber by assistant the town clerk. Mr. O’Connell had returned to the council last February, after an absence of two decades, when he was co-opted by the Labour party to replace his party colleague Donie Daly. Never hesitant in expressing his feelings, the veteran politician’s presence in the chamber had invigorated proceedings on several occasions. Equally so, he had brought an insight born of experience and astute thinking to several issues. Unfortunately ill health had rendered his tenure short-term.

In his letter, Mr. O’Connell thanked the councillors for their courtesy and support throughout his term and their kind wishes towards him since his illness. He said it had been “an absolute honour and privilege to have had the opportunity to work for the people of Youghal again” and he had “enjoyed getting to know and work with the council members.” The letter thanked especially town clerk Liam Ryan, who had shown him “the utmost courtesy and respect” and who had “given generously of his time and advice” in assisting him.

Mr O’Connell’s letter proceeded, “I have always prided myself I taking very seriously the role of councillor and I hope that whoever succeeds me will also see it as great opportunity to have a part in making and keeping Youghal a great place.” In wishing the members “the very best in the future,” he reassured them: “Don’t worry, I won’t be back in another twenty years!”

The assistant town clerk, the town manager and the councillors in turn paid sincere tribute to Mr. O’Connell and wished him the very best in his retirement. Media representatives don’t get to speak at council meetings but similar sentiments would have echoed from that quarter. An interesting and humorous voice is now absent from proceedings.

Congratulations:

Cllr Linehan-Foley congratulated Team Youghal for “putting Youghal on the map” through their Race Around Ireland fundraising cycle and following on their previous Race Across America achievement. Cllr Murray paid tribute to Cork County Council’s engineering department on west Cork’s Mizen Head footbridge, which she called “an absolute wonder of engineering” and a potential award winner. Cllr Beecher congratulated Comhaltas Eochaille on their highly successful summer season and its overall work with young people. Mayor Coyne concurred and also praised rugby players Lee  McCarthy and Cillian Ansbro on representing Munster at under-18 level.  Youghal Concerned Citizens were lauded by Cllr Hennessy for their excellent contributions to the town during the summer. Cllr Flanagan congratulated the Youghal Pipe Band on their recent concert performances in the Collegiate Church. “A vote of congratulations in reverse,” explained Cllr Burke as he passed praised to Youghal Town Council on behalf of the Board of Management of Pobalscoil na Tríonoide for the Tidy Towns bronze medal award. The mayor returned with a tribute to Cllr Burke on his “belated Leaving Cert Honours” acquirement. Cllr Revins congratulated Youghal and Cork County local authorities and associated Fás workers on the Tidy Towns performances. He also congratulated Youghal Heritage committee for its Heritage Day celebration.

Town Foreman’s Report:

Cllr Revins wanted 25 kph speed limits installed and advertised an all estates amidst rising safety concern. He asked if property owners in the Strand –including banks-could be imposed upon to keep their premises and back gardens clean, referring specifically to a property “across from Clancy’s.” Cllr Burke raised the issue of pot holes at Nealon’s Quay. Cllr Linehan-Foley was concerned about the pavement slabs near the snooker hall area, due to which she said she had recently suffered “a nasty fall.” She feared for the elderly in the circumstances. Furthermore, tree stumps that remained from some tree felling (due to vandalism) in the same area were also a risk to pedestrians, especially at night, she added. The Nealon’s Quay potholes also concerned her.

A major pothole at Cherry Vale worried Cllr Beecher, as did a gully in Hill View, which he said needed urgent replacing. Cllr Hennessy asked when Springfield Court would be taken in council control. The acting town clerk said it would occur soon, the developer having departed and the council yet to complete a short snag list. Cllr Flanagan sought an update on the speed bumps and was told to refer to the town clerk.

Derelict sites

The mayor bemoaned the number of derelict building in Youghal, especially in the northern sphere and asked if the property owners could be approached. The town manager relied that every effort was being made to address the problem but that the Derelict Sites Act was a particularly difficult and complex piece of legislation. It required a structured approach involving detailed reports pertaining to different sub-sections it from the town engineer and town architect to name but two. “We have made significant progress in some cases,” she added and offered to implement further action wherever required. Cllr Murray, by way of lessening the undesirable effect a little, said that boardings could meantime be made less ugly by incorporating artwork on them. “Perhaps it could be done through a school or youth project,” she suggested.

Cllr Beecher asked if NAMA now owned the former Murray Kitchens on Mill Road and was told yes. He then wondered if NAMA should be asked to clear it up. Ms Power said in cases where there is still an asset on a site, it is easier get a liquidator to act on improving a derelict site but where the site itself is the only asset it was difficult. “We are basically in completely unchartered waters,” she elaborated. “The Minister for Finance is effectively the de facto owner when a company has become insolvent,” she added. The manager agreed with Cllr Murray’s perception that “a community approach can sometimes be more effective than a statutory approach,” especially when an owner is bankrupt.” Meanwhile she advocated moving early on a property before it became seriously depreciated and sought updates with a view to compiling a quarterly list.

Cllr Beecher then urged that action be taken on a derelict property in Friar Street that, he was then informed, was now owned by a bank. “There is a vermin problem there,” he advised (presumably referring to the derelict site). Cllr Revins believed the said building was “in danger of collapsing,” while Cllr Linehan- Foley described it as “pigeon heaven.” She said the situation was unfair on the nearby residents.

Main Street and library

Cllr Murray asked when the main street resurfacing would be starting. The town engineer said it would be starting on September 26th. Cllr Murray inquired as to ponding at Ballyvergan being resolved and asked whether the bond from the developer whose work preceded the ponding remained available. The engineer said he was pursuing it. Cllr Murray then asked when the former Collins’s bakery was to be painted and was told the work was imminent, with a contractor appointed. Cllr Linehan-Foley interjected that it was a shame it was idle, while the county council were paying rent for a property elsewhere. She asked for a relevant report for October’s meeting. Cllr Murray questioned whether the site –with its archaeological complications- was now a suitable site for a library anyway. Cllr Linehan-Foley asked why, if it was suitable before, it was no longer so. “We’ll be saying the same thing next year and the year after,” she lamented.

Cllr Revins said residents near St. Coran’s Well wanted a nearby site cleaned up and also asked that accumulating sand be removed from a bend at Claycastle. Cllr Linehan-Foley wants grids on the pavement near the Bank of Ireland repaired or replaced. The engineer said they would be replaced.

Cork County Council Items:

Cllr Beecher wanted the “Third World” old Cork road entrance to Youghal –at the bypass- properly maintained. “Ok, depending on funding,” replied the engineer. The councillor also wondered if a sign on an island near the Mill Road roundabout would be “lit up” as its design intended. He asked too that a sign be installed at Kilcoran Road as an ambulance lost direction there recently. He was told that the signage was imminent. Cllr Burke asked the engineer to look at a remaining section of an old toilet at the top of the Lighthouse Hill that was in danger of collapsing from its cliff face. He then listed “usual list of broken footpaths,” i.e. Tallow Street, South Main Street and the junction of Strand Street/South Abbey.

Diving rocks and weather:

The mayor sought an update on the diving rocks repairs. Mr. Murray said the works required step repairs and metal work at the location at a cost of €21,000. He would consult with town clerk on funding. Cllr Murray asked if an offer to conduct the work free of charge had been received. Ms Power said there had been an approach but it was not apt for “work of such a substantial nature.” She said there had been an insurance use also.

Mayor Coyne inquired if there was a contingency plan to ensure water supplies in severe winter weather. The town manager said each local authority had such a plan but that much of Youghal’s water problems last winter arose from frozen stopcocks. She advised people to check their appliances and also the lagging on unprotected pipes. The cork county council website had advice on the issue, she reminded. In response to an inquiry from Cllr Murray on salt reserves, the manager said there were supplies stored in Killeagh and Youghal, spreaders would be available, grit would also be stored, a list of depots and priority routes was being prepared and negotiations were on-going with various groups towards implementation. Cllr Murray advised it borne on mind that Cork Hill, Pobalscoil, etc., be given priority status.

Mayor’s Business:

The mayor said he had been in contact with ‘anti-toxic sludge’ group BEAG who, he said, wished to meet the councillors at October’s meeting. Ms. Mulchay said it would be “difficult” to do so while the planning process was still unfolding. Cllr Linehan-Foley asked her to “explain to the media and the public the facts” regarding Eras Eco’s application to process toxic waste. She recounted that Cork County Council had granted planning permission, which was being appealed to Bord Pleanala. Meanwhile this appeal was frozen while the Bord investigated whether the application had been made under the appropriate planning legislation.

That Eras Eco application

Cllr Hennessy –well all the councillors really- pleaded that it be explained why the town council could not hold sway on the controversial planning application. “We cannot comment or interfere with any ‘live planning application,’ confirmed the assistant town clerk simply. “We can’t touch them, or we’re finished!”, reiterated Cllr Linehan Foley. “And that needs to get out there to the public. It’s totally a Cork County Council issue.”

The mayor thanked various groups for the programme summer activities of which space prevent us repeating.

Projects Update: Mall Lane Streetscape Works & Town Walls: Ms. Mulcahy said the contracts had been awarded and work would commence within a fortnight.  The engineer said he would consider a recommendation from Cllr Revins that the Mall Lane project be conducted in tandem with the main street resurfacing project. The Eco Boardwalk: Construction costs exceeded funding and the engineers are attempting to resolve the issue based on material and construction.

Report by Cllr. Burke on Heritage MPC:

Report by Chairperson on Claycastle Leisure Company. Cllr Linehan–Foley said a lease had been signed with award-winning Aura to manage the centre until 2016. €400,000 government funding had been acquired to upgrade the centre, which will focus on reducing running costs, ‘green’ energy initiatives and disability-related services. Works will start very soon.

Youghal Socio Economic Development Group Report: Cllr Murray described how the YSEDG and YoughalkChamber of Commerce and Tourism had invited and subsequently chaperoned the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, Michael Ring around Youghal. The minister He had stressed the importance of having “shovel ready” projects which the town clerk had already prepared. “Consequently we got funding of €400,000 for the leisure centre plus another €12,500 for other projects,” she reported. “We lobbied him for ‘site specific’ marketing funding,” she added.

Cllr Murray recalled that Joyce Hosford was the successful applicant from 16 to manage the Mall Arts centre and had worked with Peter Kelly of Franc on the recent marriage to be aired on television in January. The group had met with the Head of Finance in Cork County Council to seek funding for the next three years. At present the YSEDG was chiefly concentrating on the Clock Gate funding project. It was wary of funding caps and would be working with other organisations on a strategic approach to this problem. She concluded with praise Youghal Enterprise Centre staff and congratulations on their recent €25,000 lottery win,

DeValera Street Agreement:
The meeting opened with Mayor Olly Casey outlining the agreement reached in the DeValera Street carp parking & allocated spaces saga. The Mayor said agreement had been reached between the Town manager, Town Clerk, DeValera Street residents and himself on the issue. He then unveiled the agreement: Report Christy Parker

1) Fifteen (22-37) of the 37 spaces available will be designated for all     residential permit holders (only) in the town, with no time restraints. Spaces will be signed and coded.

2) Spaces 1-22 will be for general public utility, with a 3-hour parking limit. Spaces will again be signed and coloured.

3) Parking on DeValera Street itself will be removed and the current two-way traffic system will persist, with traffic calming measures incorporated into the design and roll out of the Regenerative Programme for the area. Emergency access will thus be ensured. Read more