BLACKWATER ESTUARY ACTION GROUP (BEAG)
Youghal says NO to Hazardous Waste Campaign Update

In early December 2011, An Bord Pleanála made known their decision that the planning application granted to Eras Eco Ltd., Foxhole, Youghal does not constitute a Strategic Infrastructure Development (SID).  Since that decision was made public, BEAG’s professional representatives have been analysing all the available documentation to establish the accuracy of information on which this decision and
the original planning application was based.

As a result, BEAG has identified discrepancies in the legislation and implementation process, facts which will be lodged with Youghal Town Council, Cork County Council, the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency), An Bord Pleanála and all other relevant statutory bodies before the end of January, along with 2,500 of the gathered signatures of protest.

BEAG continue to work tirelessly, meeting weekly.  The research, analysis and reporting by the group is ongoing.

On 12th January a group of residents invited BEAG to hold a public meeting at the Castlemartyr Resort Hotel at which the plans and traffic movements involved in this planning proposal were outlined.  This networking will also involve information meetings in Killeagh, Tallow and other outlying villages and towns.

BEAG’s case grows stronger as we amass information and broaden our communications network.

Stand with us and protect our town and it’s environment.

The decision date for the appeal to An Bord Pleanála is 23rd February 2012.

Youghal’s reputation as ‘Ireland’s Finest Coastal Resort’ will be significantly enhanced with the completion of the first phase (395 metres) of the long-anticipated 2000mm-wide mobility-disabled access boardwalk running from Youghal Front Strand to Claycastle.  The route is set to be completed by the end of January 2012.  (The second phase of the development will see the completion of the link between Claycastle and Redbarn).The boardwalk consists of hardwood timber deck supported on piled foundations, not requiring a railing, and once complete will span 1926 metres, eventually forming part of the National Coastal Walking Route.

Financed by Failte Ireland (under the Tourism Capital Investment Programme 2007-2013) in partnership with Youghal Town Council, the boardwalk will promote and enhance Youghal’s considerable ecological resources in a sustainable manner. The completion of the walkway will benefit both domestic and international visitors to Youghal, but also local Youghal residents, providing a safe and well marked walk-way for recreational use.  The amenity will further enhance the resort’s three blue flag beaches.   It is expected that families of all ages (the key target market for the area) staying in the Quality Hotel & Self Catering Resort in Redbarn will be provided with direct pedestrian access to the town.

In 2008, The Youghal Socio-Economic Development Group (YSEDG) commissioned consultants to prepare a report on the feasibility of an eco-friendly walkway from Youghal Town Centre to Ballyvergan Marsh and onto Redbarn. A boardwalk was considered the most appropriate method of providing controlled access to the route, having a low impact on the environment which would be accessible, for the most of its length, to wheelchairs and push chairs.  In 2010 Failte Ireland indicated that the proposed project would comply with the terms of their capital funding and in turn the YSEDG undertook the successful fund development of the first phase of the project which is in the jurisdiction of Youghal Town Council.  Failte Ireland allocated 75% of the costs of the project, totalling €137,434 with Youghal Town Council financing the remainder. Commenting on the project, Fiona Buckley, Head of Operations South West stated: “Investing in our tourism offering is critical to ensuring we are able to compete with other holiday destinations across the globe – offering visitors to Ireland a memorable holiday experience, which includes high quality activities and attractions. As a national tourism development authority we are continually working to ensure we do just that and this development here is Youghal is a great example of what can be done and further adds to the great visitor experience that is already available in the South West.”

Following a public tender process, Byrne Plant Hire & Civil Engineering Contractors were awarded the contract for the project which got underway in October 2011. It is expected that following on from the completion of Phase I of the project (Youghal Town Centre to Claycastle) in January 2012 Phase II of the development of this walking route linking Claycastle with Redbarn would get underway. Failte Ireland has indicated their support in financing capital works for Phase II following the completion of Phase I subject to availability of funding.  Phase II of the project is under the remit of Cork County Council and is the most ecologically sensitive and challenging in terms of access. An ecological impact assessment and the appropriate assessment screening on this section of the proposed walkway are currently underway.

Speaking ahead of the opening of the boardwalk, Town Clerk Liam Ryan said: “The delivery of this Boardwalk shows the commitment of Youghal Town Council to improving the tourism infrastructure of the Town, and is a further step forward in maximising the potential of our natural tourism assets for the economic benefit of business in Youghal. We will be actively encouraging Cork County Council to complete Phase 2 of the Boardwalk Project linking Redbarn and the Quality Hotel to the town. These linkages will benefit substantially the Strand area of the Town and help to develop further sustainable tourism jobs for the Town.”

Crucially, the environmental impact of the walkway will be minimal with the boardwalk providing a ‘buffer zone’ to help combat soil erosion.  Always central to the development of the boardwalk were that Youghal’s considerable ecological resources would be promoted and enhanced in a sustainable manner having a particular regard for Ballyvergan Marsh. The route traverses a number of natural habitats, thereby offering opportunities for the identification of various species of birds and plants as well as highlighting the value of biodiversity and the ecological value of the marshlands. The completed walkway will aim to build on this natural resource and promote a greater awareness of the natural and cultural heritage of the area in particular among international visitors to the town.

The potential for the development of educational tourism is significant, as the route will offer the possibility of developing a number of themes including urban development, ecology, geology and coastal processes.

The completion of the first phase of the project comes in the wake of the announcement that Youghal has secured a number of escorted tour series for 2012 and 2013 from CIE Tours International. Investment in heritage and tourism infrastructure is finally beginning to reap rewards for Youghal as the town delivers on the needs of its two key tourism markets – the cultural/heritage tourism visitor and the domestic family market.  These visitors will in turn contribute to the boosting of Youghal’s economic fortunes in the years ahead.

Issued by: Youghal Town Council

Contact: tourism@youghal.ie tel: 024-81814

YOUGHAL HOSPITAL FACING BED CLOSURES – Writes Christy Parker

YOUGHAL COMMUNITY HOSPITAL faces bed closures in the coming months due to a reduction in its 2012 budget and an embargo on staff recruitment. Three staff members who are due to retire next month will not be replaced, either permanently or through agency recruitment. This will bring to six the number of non-replaced staff retirements in the past twelve months, inevitability leading to a loss of beds as the roster becomes unsustainable.

The cut backs fall under the terms of the National Service Plan published yesterday, which entails a €750m reduction in funding for services nationally

As yet the number of likely bed closures is uncertain and the hospital was unable to comment. However Cllr Barbara Murray, who represents Cork County Council on the Primary and Community Care Committee of HSE South, says “there is talk of eight beds being closed, but nothing is set in stone as yet.” As bad as prospects now, further retirements or staff losses may well arise in the coming years or even months, placing yet further pressure on the care centre to maintain bed spaces.

The hospital currently employs 58 full and part-time staff working on ‘whole-time equivalent’ rotas. They manage 38 beds, comprising 30 continuing care, four respite, two convalescent and two hospice units. “There is a constant demand for beds and a waiting list for admittance,” according to. “Any bed closures or reduction in service will have a serious impact on the local community, for whom the hospital provides a crucial service.”

It is understood that a meeting between the HSE and hospital representatives failed to alter the HSE stance, while further meetings are likely. Cllr Murray says she also hopes to meet with Mr. Ger Reiney, the HSE’s Local Area Manager to discuss the situation in the coming weeks. Cllr Murray adds that up to three times as many beds may close in Midleton.

A spokesman for HSE South says it expects “an increase in the numbers of staff retiring due to a change in pension entitlements after February 2012. We are reviewing the impact on each community hospital of such retirements or departures. The HSE will be unable to continue to replace these staff using agency staff and has prepared a number of contingency plans designed to maintain safe staffing levels and to minimise the impact on patient services.” The spokesman concludes, “Regional Service Plan will follow and we should be able to issue figures and procedures by the end of the January

Related Article: HSE spent €1.43m to hold TB man

 

HSE to meet groups on ambulance changes
By JOE LEOGUE

Thursday December 15 2011

INNOVATION Minister Sean Sherlock has confirmed late Wednesday evening (as The Corkman was going to press) that the HSE is to meet local Dr Bertie Daly and members of a Youghal-based protest group to discuss proposed changes to the Cork ambulance service with a view to ‘working out, compromising and engaging with people on their proposals.’

“The view amongst doctors on the ground was that this was being presented as a done deal, as if their concerns are not being listened to.

“As a Minister, my view is that if there are changes it should be about bringing people with you, to work towards engagement with a progress reporting mechanism coming back to local representatives,” he said. CORK people have been called upon to volunteer to respond to heart attacks within eight minutes — so the Health Service Executive can reach its targets for responding to cardiac incidents.

At a press conference on changes to the ambulance service in Cork and Kerry last Monday, the National Ambulance Service confirmed that members of the public trained to use defibrillators are counted as ‘first responders’ under the Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) evaluation system.

 

Click Here to read more:

Related Video:

Cork East Fine Gael TD, David Stanton has welcomed the news that funding has been approved for Cork County Council to carry out a flood risk assessment study in Carrigtwohill. Cork County Council will be allocated €72,000 to carry out this work.

“I am pleased to confirm this significant amount of funding for Cork County Council. The monies are being provided by the Office of Public Works (OPW)to carry out an important flood risk assessment study of the Carrigtwohill area”, said Deputy Stanton.

“Cork County Council submitted an application for funding to the OPW under the Minor Flood Works and Coastal Protection Scheme. This scheme is open to all Local Authorities to secure additional finance to carry out works to areas which may experience regular flooding problems which can, at times, cause extensive damage to people’s property, waste water systems and force road closures.

Posted on Friday, December 9th, 2011

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

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

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

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

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

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

Lines and signs

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

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

Self-calming

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

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

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

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

Anti-Hazardous Waste Group Continue Campaign – By Christy Parker

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

West Waterford

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

Talking points

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

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

Waiting

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

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

Sinn Féin TD for Cork East, Sandra McLellan, has claimed the ambulance service in the HSE South area is at breaking point and that the planned reconfiguration of the service will drive it over the edge.

Speaking in response to leaked HSE memos Deputy McLellan said:

“Internal HSE memos revealed by the Corkman this week confirm that there were several instances when areas in Cork were left without adequate ambulance cover due to new work directives. The HSEs answer to this appears to be to ask ambulance crew to routinely cover on-call after already working a 16 hour day. This is completely outrageous and in direct contradiction to earlier instruction issued in May.”

“It beggars belief that the HSE would expect ambulance staff to be in any fit state to deliver appropriate care after such a long day. The role paramedics play in the pre-emergency care of patients is vital. I have said from the outset that the HSEs plan to reconfigure ambulance services is seriously flawed. I have called on the Government and the HSE to invest in the ambulance fleet and in ambulance personnel. The recruitment embargo continues to have a devastating effect on the service.”

“This series of internal communications highlights the fact that the service is at breaking point, with insufficient staff and an inappropriate skills mix to deliver the service in the new dispensation. That the HSE would even contemplate reconfiguring the service without addressing these deficiencies is life threatening.”

Related Video: Save Youghal Ambulance – Protest Walk 29 July 2011

YOUGHAL SEWERAGE SCHEME  PROGRESS REPORT – By Christy Parker

Youghal Town Clerk Liam Ryan provided the November town council meeting with a progress report on the long-awaited Youghal Sewerage Scheme. There isn’t, in lay man terms, anything immensely significant to report, with the final assessment in the 11-point synopsis the most telling factor, ie “Subject to funding….”

The report runs as follows:

1.Finance:

The scheme is included in the Water Services Investment Programme 2010-12, with the marginal capital cost calculated as 32%. Should tenders be returned at the budget estimate of €18m, Cork County Council will be asked provide €5.76m.

2. Planning

Youghal Town Council has granted planning permission for the pumping stations and same is not required for the waste water treatment plant.

3. Land Acquisition:

Cork County Council has purchased the site for the Waste Water Treatment Plant, with agreement made regarding land for an access road to the plant. Contracts are presently being prepared.

4. Foreshore Licence:

Cork County Council has applied to the Dept. Of Environment, Community and Local Government for a

Foreshore Licence for the proposed main outfall.

5. Waste Water Discharge Licence:

Cork County Council has applied to the EPA for a Wastewater Discharge Licence, with additional information returned as sought.

6. Archaeology and Ecology:

There were no adverse findings following an Appropriate Assessment for the Waste Water Treatment Plant site and the discharge to the Blackwater. Archaeological monitoring of the Investigations contracts did not record anything of significance.

7. Investigations Contracts/Surveys:

All Investigation Contracts and Surveys required for the design have been completed, while a preconstruction condition survey will be procured to access the condition of building close to sewer routes.

8. Design:

Design is now complete, with elements of the scheme revised to provide cost savings.

9. Contract Documents:

Comments have been received from the Dept. of the Environment, Community and Local Government. Contract documents have been revised to incorporate design and comments returned.

10. Construction Procurement:

Pre-qualification of Contractor to Tender has commenced.

11. Construction:

Subject to funding and approvals, commencement is anticipated for mid-2012.

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

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

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

Cllr O’Connell:

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

Deputy Sherlock:

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

Broadband and IDA:

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

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

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

Tourism -and waste water treatment:

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

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

Education:

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

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

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

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

Academic links:

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

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

Trains and boats:

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

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

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

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