A SERIES of newly erected 7 metre ‘maritime themed’ banners on the main Cork to Youghal approach road have been widely welcomed by both locals and visitors to the seaside town. The banners are the latest in a series of marketing initiatives to be rolled out as Youghal continues its re-branding process.

Project managed by The Youghal Socio-Economic Development Group, the banners seek to create impact, and inject colour and vibrancy on the long approach road to the town. Speaking about the project, Town Clerk, Liam Ryan pointed towards the impact the banners set out to achieve. “Youghal Town Council is delighted to finally see the roll-out of these maritime themed banners on the main approach road from Cork into Youghal. Our aim is that Youghal should be recognized as a heritage town of national significance, which also fully exploits and maximizes its unique natural assets. Projects such as this only further enhance our town, and improve the public’s perception of the town.

The Town Clerk continued by commending the partnership approach which led to the roll out of the poles and banners. “This project would not have been possible without the funding, assistance and co-operation of a number of bodies including, Youghal Town Council, Youghal Tidy Towns Committee, South & East Cork Area Development (SECAD), and Cork County Council. In the current climate, this type of approach will only reap rewards for Youghal as the town continues to attract more domestic and overseas visitors” said Mr. Ryan.

The project consists of eight 7 metre cast iron double-sided poles with banners attached. The banners consist of heavy polyester material. Cork based graphic designers ‘Generate Studio’ were commissioned to develop designs taking the themes for which Youghal has become synonymous with as it’s starting point. Youghal’s unique heritage including it’s 13th century town walls, famous characters including Sir Walter Raleigh, it’s fresh seafood, and the miles of beach were the basis for the designs. Added to these themes were banners signifying two of Youghal’s most successful attractions, Perks Entertainment Centre and Aura Youghal Leisure Centre.

The maritime themed banners come at a time when Youghal was once again rewarded for it’s efforts in the mid-year results in the Irish Business Against Litter Award being rated among the top 18 towns in the country as being “cleaner than European norms’ in the detailed report on the town.

Similar signage and banners have previously been erected by Youghal Town Council on the main by-pass approach road to Youghal and adjacent to Youghal Town Council Offices in the town centre.

Seven Co Cork beaches have been deemed safe for bathing a week after ”No Swim” advisory notices were issued due to high levels of E coli.
Cork County Council had issued the warnings on Friday last after heavy rainfall caused the levels of E coli at the beaches to breach EU mandatory permitted values.
However, the council said subsequent tests had shown the levels of E coli had ‘significantly decreased’, while samples taken on Wednesday at all beaches indicated ”further water quality improvement”.
As a result the council, with the agreement of the HSE, has removed its recommendation not to swim at Youghal, Claycastle, Redbarn, Coolmain, Garretstown, Oysterhaven and Garryvoe beaches. Redbarn, Garryvoe and Garretstown all have Blue Flags, which can now be flown again.

Cork County Council Media Release

Bathing Water Quality – results issued Friday 24th August

The levels of E coli have significantly decreased and current results from samples taken on Wednesday 22nd August indicate further water quality improvement. Following agreement with the HSE, the Advisory No Swimming Notices are being taken down at all the beaches. Results are available on www.bathingwater.ie
* Youghal front Strand 109 Sufficient
* Claycastle 52 good
* Redbarn 161 Sufficient
* Garryvoe 20 Good
* Oysterhaven 75 Good
* Coolmaine 97 Good
* Garrettstown <10 Good

Following the withdrawal of the advisory notices, the Blue Flags for Redbarn, Garryvoe and Garretstown can be hoisted again as advised by An Taisce.

Safety on the Beach

F.L.A.G.S.
To stay safe at the beach, always remember F.L.A.G.S.

F – Find the red and yellow flags and swim between them.
Always swim where there is a lifeguard on patrol, and stay inside the area marked by the red and yellow flags. Never swim where a sign says not to, or when the red flag is flying.

L – Look at the safety signs.
Always read and obey the safety signs – they will help you to avoid potential dangers on the beach, and to identify the safest areas for swimming.

A – Ask a lifeguard for advice.
If in doubt, it’s always best to play it safe and ask the experts.

G – Get a friend to swim with you.
Make sure there are other people around, because you never know when help might be needed.

S – Stick your hand in the air and shout for help if you get into difficulty.

If you see someone else in difficulty:
ALWAYS tell a LIFEGUARD
Or if you can’t see one
CALL 999 / 112
& ask for the COASTGUARD

 

 

THE YOUGHAL BRANCH of the Fine Gael party held a celebratory reception for their colleague Barbara Murray, the newly elected Mayor of County Cork. The special evening to commemorate the occasion was held at The Walter Raleigh Hotel on Monday 16th July 2012.

Glowing tributes were heaped upon Barbara, who is only the second woman to acquire the chain of office as the county’s first citizen. As she was surrounded by family, friends and dignitaries including David Stanton TD., a special commemorative engraved crystal gift was presented to Barbara as a memento of the occasion. Robert Sweetnam, Chairman of the Youghal branch of the Fine Gael Party said ” It’s a wonderful achievement. It will be great for the town and the whole county, Barbara is a tireless worker. We are delighted.”

Article below from the Mayors Office Cork County Council

Mayor of the County of Cork Cllr Barbara Murray

Cllr Barbara Murray was elected Mayor of the County of Cork for the year 2012-13. Eight years into her political life, Youghal Town and Cork County Councillor Barbara Murray is settling into her role as the county’s first citizen. As well as being only the second woman to acquire the chain, the new mayor bridges a gap of over 60 years as the first Youghal representative to take the office since the late Cllr. William J Broderick.

In a brief acceptance the new mayor described her election as a huge honour and the pinnacle of her electoral career.  She thanked her party colleagues for allowing her the opportunity to put herself forward for the role and in particular her proposer, party Chairman and fellow constituent, Cllr Michael Hegarty and her seconder, party secretary, Cllr Pa O’Driscoll. Others to whom she paid tribute were the Independent camp, headed by Cllr. Noel Collins, Youghal and Cork County Council colleague Cllr. Michelle Hennessy of Sinn Fein and Labour Party councillors. She commended outgoing mayor, Cllr. Tim Lombard (FG) for his “tremendous work” and hoped that her tenure would “be somewhere as successful” as that of her predecessor.

Cllr Murray said that the support of her family has “always been unwavering” since and including her days as President of Youghal’s Chamber of Commerce and through various election campaigns.”  She proceeded that “those who know me well will I’m sure concur that I am totally committed to my work as a Councillor.  I am a full-time Councillor, and therefore in a position to give 100% commitment to the office of Mayor.  I am extremely fortunate that my family are at the stage that allows me to do this.

The new mayor then outlined priorities as mayor. “We all know that local authorities are traditionally perceived as being associated with the collection of rates, social housing, water, sewage, dealing with roads etc,” she began. “While all are essential functions, one of my priorities as your newly elected County Mayor is to promote County Cork in the areas of tourism and enterprise.” “Tourism is one of Cork’s finest assets and a key driver of economic growth in the region. The Mayor described Cork County Council as “hugely progressive” in having already taken significant steps in investing in tourism product offerings such as Mallow Castle, Spike Island, Fort Meagher Camden and Mizen Foot Bridge. Cllr. Murray believes these amenities, together with investment in walkways such as the West Cork Rail line and (subject to Failte Ireland match funding) Phase II of Youghal’s eco boardwalk,” would significantly improve the tourism experience for visitors and provide local enhancement for residents to enjoy. The County Council has also launched very imaginative plans for our Regional Park in Ballincollig.

Embrace technology

The Mayor encouraged the council to embrace technology and to integrate it into tourism. As a recent convert to ‘web apps,’ she sees the potential in that technology  and hopes the County Manager supports her initiative to introduce a visitor ‘app’ on tourism in Cork County. It has been suggested to her, she confided, that it be labelled an ‘ABC’ App – All Bout Cork. It would be highly economic and “tie in perfectly with the work of our new tourism development unit who are presently working on a tourism website,” she urged.

Investment and enterprise

Cllr. Murray’s speech then commented on the establishment of the Economic Development Section at County Hall, which she described as a highly successful and most innovative initiative that works in tandem with the Leader Companies and Enterprise Boards in the region.  Its brief has delivered for a wide range of companies and start-ups in the County, she continued who otherwise may not receive funding. She sees it as an area of development that is at an early stage and open to further exploration.

Regarding investment and enterprise, the Mayor believes it “imperative” that the current strong relationship between the IDA and Cork County Council be maintained and nurtured by way of assisting and encouraging multinational investment. Cllr. Murray offered a good example of this partnership working by recalling a recent meeting between the Midleton area members and Sangart, an American Bio Pharma Company looking to locate in Ireland. “They (the American Group) were truly amazed that so many doors were opened to assist them in preparing to locate to Carrigtohill,” she said. The mayor further referred to the Science Park at Curraheen, a Cork County Council initiative of 100 hectares divided into six precincts, as a further collaboration whereby Cork County Council is “working with various partners to create new businesses and jobs.”

New sources of funding

Money is forever a problem these times and Cllr. Murray believes that Cork County Council must look to reinvent in response to the present difficult economic climate. “For all enterprise to succeed, be it private or public, new funding sources have to be found,” she surmised while “existing sources of funding have to be maximized to the limit.” We also need to look at broadening our existing partnerships with the Enterprise Boards, and work even closer with the Business Community through the various Chambers of Commerce,” she observed.

Cllr. Murray referred to “the success of ‘Cork Meet,’ a one-day forum initiative through which Cork and Dublin businesses can look beyond traditional promotional activities and make direct contact with potential Irish clients. “It is also my belief that our Council should continue to support  the various food fairs that Cork County Council have led through previous mayors,” enthused the  mayor, referring specifically to Cllr. Tim Lombard “bringing 16 food companies to Amsterdam with another food fair shortly to be held in France.”

In summary, Cllr Murray said “the few areas that I have covered is but a snapshot of some of the activities that Cork County Council have initiated. As a local authority we have huge areas of responsibility and in turn we as councillors also have a huge workload. We are responsible for the longest road network, second longest coastline and a population of 399,216.  Like previous mayors, I will continue to promote the work of Cork County Council and will strive to raise the profile of this local authority to the level that it rightfully deserves.”

The Mayor can be contacted by email at  mayor@corkcoco.ie or telephone 021 4285457.

‘Magic Movie Week’ as young Cork filmmakers shoot for Cobh Film Festival premiere. The 2012 First Cut! Summer “Make a Film in a Week” took place last week from Monday June 25 to Friday2; 10am to 5pm.The venue was, as in previous years, in the Town Council Building and nearby Evangelical Church, Midleton.

This year a group of 21 young aspiring filmmakers, aged from12-19 spend their time behind, and in front of digital cameras and hovering over computers loaded with editing software. The result two great short films, hands on experience in all aspects of filmmaking and, as one participant said “amazing fun and met lots of new people”.

As in previous years Cork Film Centre provided professional training and equipment throughout the week. The emphasis is on hands-on filmmaking. “The demand for places on this course is very high with young people booking their places in early April… they jump at this opportunity to build on their skills, work in teams and make amazing short films” First Cut! Coordinator Mary Mc Grath said, “It is an amazing opportunity for any young person from the Cork Harbour area who is really keen on filmmaking”.

Through the First Draft Short Story/ Script Competition which was run by First Cut! earlier this year two winning entries were chosen. The Cat Prince from Ellie Menton and Zomcom by Cian Johnston provided the stories which were then adapted by Max Le Cain, Cork Film Centre.

Both films will be premiered at this year’s First Cut! Youth Film Festival in Cobh. This vibrant annual film festival takes place over the first weekend in October and sets out to support the next generation of local, national and even international filmmakers by showcasing newly created short films.

The Festival offers an opportunity to young filmmakers to showcase their work on the big screen in Cinemobile in Cobh 5/6 October.

We are inviting young people under the age of 21 to enter their short films for the 2012 Festival. This year First Cut! is looking for short films of any genre; drama, documentary, comedy, animation, music video, sci fi / horror, artistic/experimental, made by local, national and international young filmmakers under 21.

Submission Deadline: September 14th. No Entry Fee! Send your film on a DVD, highest quality possible please! Post Entries to: First Cut! Youth Film Festival, c/o Cork Film Centre, Civic Trust House, Pope’s Quay, Cork

Preparations for the First Cut! Pop-Up Youth Film Festival 2012 in October are well underway. Young filmmakers will also have opportunities over a number of days to learn from and engage with professional filmmakers through panel discussions, Q&A sessions and hands -on workshops.We are currently putting together the festival programme.

Following the success of the previous two years plans to expand the festival are underway with the introduction of some exciting new elements as well as building on the previous highlights. Look out for an exciting new Music Video element which First Cut!  will be announcing very shortly. Anyone with interest in participating can contact firstcutfilm@gmail.com.

A big thank you to SECAD, Cork County Council and the Arts Council for their on-going support to First Cut!

THE 4TH ANNUAL FIRST CUT! YOUTH FILM FESTIVAL

The 4th Annual First Cut! Youth Film Festival will take place in October 2012 in Cobh, Co Cork. This vibrant annual film festival takes place over the first weekend in October and sets out to support the next generation of local, national and even international filmmakers by showcasing newly created short films.

The secret location of the First Cut! Pop Up Youth Film Festival 2012 was revealed in June.  Cobh, a town which has been without a cinema for nearly 30 years, is a perfect location!

First Cut! will bring Cinemobile the magnificent 100 seater state of the art mobile cinema to Cobh, Co Cork.The Festival offers an opportunity to young filmmakers to showcase their work on the big screen in Cinemobile in Cobh 5/6 October.

Our objective is simple- to showcase the best work by young Irish film makers and to present this alongside work by other international young makers.

We are inviting young people under the age of 21 to enter their short films for the 2012 Festival. This year First Cut! is looking for short films of any genre; drama, documentary, comedy, animation, music video, sci fi / horror, artistic/experimental, made by local, national and international young filmmakers under 21.

First Cut! Youth Film Festival receives support from the Arts Office of Cork County Council, SECAD and the Arts Council.  The Festival has now expanded to include screenings, workshops, performances and opportunities to learn from and engage with professional filmmakers.

Panel discussions, Q&A sessions and hands -on workshops will take place in a variety of unusual and interesting locations throughout the town over a period of days.

More Information: contact Mary Mc Grath 0868139019/ e mail firstcutfilm@gmail.com

cfcfirstcut.blogspot.com

Mary Mc Grath

First Cut! Youth Film Festival

firstcutfilm@gmail.com

0353868139019

cfcfirstcut.blogspot.com

http://www.facebook.com/pages/First-CutYouth-Film-ProjectFestival/127337763985353

The First Cut! Youth Film Festival working in association with Cork Film Centre is funded by The Arts Council and the Arts Office of Cork County Council.

Sorcha Cooney, Assistant Chief Fire Officer, Cork County Council presented the long service awards to Youghal Fire Brigade Personnel at the Youghal Fire Station on Tuesday 3rd July 2012. Youghal Fire Brigade had 3 members receiving awards for 30 years service, 3 members receiving awards for 20 years service and 1 member receiving the award for 10 years service.

Youghal Fire Brigade has a proud tradition of Service to the people of Youghal and its environs. We are dedicated to providing a multi skilled approach not alone to the areas of fire fighting, but also to rescue and fire safety engineering. We are available for emergency response to the Community 24 hours a day seven days a week. Hopefully you will never need us, but if you call us we will be there.

High quality photographic prints are available from the photographer John Hennessy www.jhennessy.net contact this email:  john@jhennessy.net

Click on the video below to watch the Youghal Fire Brigade demonstration at the Youghal Queen of the Sea 2011 uploaded by youtuber David Farell

‘Yew Wood Venues’ – Youghal’s Premier Venues launched the newly formed ‘Youghal Cine Club’, in The Mall Arts Centre, Youghal on Thursday 28th June 2012 at 7.30 pm with a screening of Oscar winning film, ‘The Artist’ to a packed house.  The establishment of Youghal Cine Club was funded by The Arts Office of Cork County Council and will form part of ‘Access Cine Club’ which is the resource organisation for regional cultural cinema in Ireland.

Officially launching the club, Mayor of Youghal, Cllr Michelle Hennessy, welcomed the initiative which continues a long tradition of interest in cinema in Youghal, and which truly brought a traditional cinematic feel to the unique venue.  “Youghal is synonymous with the making of the internationally successful film Moby Dick, making the Youghal Cine Club a fitting initiative within the local community.” Said the Mayor.  Special guest on the night was Michael Roche, who worked for 74 years in the Regal Cinema which finally closed its doors in August of 2010.  Adding to the overall experience on the night was the newly purchased High Definition data projection dvd system and screen, also supported by Cork County Council.

Events Manager for ‘Yew Wood Venues’, Clodagh Mahon spoke at the launch about how the club would be rolled out: “In a nutshell, this cine-club, and the choice of films screened will be driven by its members, which is what makes cine-clubs so special.  It is our intention to ideally run films every fortnight.  We hope to make this an all-inclusive club, for members of all ages, possibly also running a Saturday morning screening for kids, and to also come up with a series of films to suit and appeal to our teenagers.

It is intended that after each screening the members would intend to have a group discussion on the film shown on the night, and agree on a series of films for the season ahead.  Clodagh went on to explain what fees would be incurred: “Membership to the club will be free, with entrance to the films at €5 each.  As we become more established, we will look at running ‘themed nights’ – eg: ‘Italian movie night’ with pizza and chianti!, said Clodagh.

Membership is limited and is through registration only.   To become a member, contact Yew Wood Venues, Enterprise Youghal on: 024-81823, email themallartscentre@gmail.com  or log onto the facebook page www.facebook.com/youghalcineclub.

Click on image to see more photos of the launch of the new Youghal Cine Club

Contact: Clodagh Mahon – Events Manager

E: themallartscentre@gmail.com

T: 024-81823 M: 083-3606507

W: www.themallartscentre.com

YOUGHAL’s COUNCILLOR BARBARA MURRAY has been elected as County Cork’s First Citizen. The Fine Gael Councillor – who’s also a member of Youghal Town Council – was elected Chair of Ireland’s largest local authority at the AGM of Cork County Council this morning, Friday 22nd June 2012. Cllr Murray is only the second ever female County Mayor of Cork. Labour’s Paula Desmond held the office a decade ago.

Fine Gael is by far the largest party on Cork County Council, with 22 of the 48 seats, so Cllr Murray’s election was almost assured. Cllr Murray received the chain of office from her party colleague, outgoing County Mayor, Tim Lombard.

Cllr Murray said recently that she is “at the right stage of my life to do the job and to give it my all. My children are all grown up so I have the time that the job requires”. Best of luck to the new County Mayor for her year in office. Best of luck to Barbara in her new role.

CORK EAST FINE GAEL TD, DAVID STANTON has welcomed the news that €18 million is to be allocated for a wastewater treatment plant in Youghal.  The funding announcement was made by Minister for the Environment Heritage and Local Government, Phil Hogan TD, during a visit to Cork East Constituency today.

“I know that Minister Hogan recently met with representatives from Youghal Town and Cork County Councils.  At this meeting they discussed the urgent need to allocate funding to proceed with the long awaited wastewater treatment plant in Youghal.

“Youghal is in dire need of a wastewater treatment plant as the current situation, whereby untreated waste is being pumped directly into the sea is just not acceptable”, said Deputy Stanton.  “Funding of €18 million will now allow for construction of a modern and efficient wastewater treatment facility in Youghal which will mean an end to this.

“Tourism is now the main industry in Youghal now, and as much effort as possible must be made to ensure that this sector is developed.  In addition to the Blackwater Estuary which is an excellent asset for watersports, Youghal also has a number of great beaches around the town. It is important that the quality and cleanliness of the beach and estuary are maintained. The new wastewater treatment plant will ensure that water quality in the sea and estuary in the area remains of a high standard.

“I made a very strong case to Minister Hogan regarding a wastewater treatment plant for Youghal.  I am pleased that this much needed funding has now been approved and the project can now proceed.

 

RELATED VIDEO CLICK HERE: Dutch inventor cleans up water treatment

22/05 15:22 CET

YOUGHAL TOWN COUNCILLOR BARBARA MURRAY is tipped to become only the second ever female County  Mayor of Cork. Cllr Murray is the only Fine Gael candidate in Cork County Council to officially declare an interest in the role. And as the largest party on the 48-seat county council, Fine Gael will almost certainly retain the mayoralty that it has held every year since 2003.

Unless another Fine Gael councillor declares an interest before this Friday’s deadline for seeking the nomination, Cllr Murray will almost certainly take over the chain of office from current County Mayor, Tim Lombard.
There are 22 Fine Gael councillors, 12 Fianna Fáil, seven Labour, one Sinn Féin and six Independents on the council.
Fianna Fáil would need to form an unlikely alliance with Labour — the Government coalition partner of Fine Gael — to have any chance of upsetting the balance of power. Cllr Murray said: “I have put my name forward for the position. I believe I am at the right stage of my life to do the job and to give it my all. My children are all grown up so I have the time that the job requires.

Monday, May 07, 2012

Info: www.eveningecho.ie

 

LIGHTS ACTION SOUND! It was all action during Easter for 60 young filmmakers who took part in a 2 day adventure into filmmaking.  First Cut! Youth Film Project provided Young Filmmakers’ Workshops in 5 communities in the Cork Harbour area of the county. These free workshops took place in Youghal, Midleton, Glanmire, Ballincollig and Cobh.

Places were limited to 12 in each centre and there was no charge to participants thanks to funding from The Arts Office of Cork County Council and South and East Cork Area Development Ltd, (SECAD). Thanks to everyone for the positive feedback.. “An amazing adventure with excellent teachers”, “a golden opportunity” and “such a good, intense & exciting experience”

During the two days young people learnt about the world of film and build basic to advanced level skills under the guidance of working professionals from Cork Film Centre. These budding young filmmakers from across Cork will gather together for aGala screening of their work at Cork County Hall on Friday April 27th.

This exciting showcase event for young filmmakers is an integral part of the First Cut! Film Project and will be hosted again by Cork County Council in the Vertigo Suite in County Hall.

In all over 20 short films will be premiered, including The Fun House, from Midleton, and Nightmare on Bishops Street, from Cobh. Awards & certificates will be presented and some films will be selected for screening at the First Cut! Youth Film Festival which takes place in October.

Since 2006 First Cut! Youth Film Project has comprised of a rolling programme of workshops, summer schools and film screening events jointly funded by SECAD and Cork County Council Arts Office. Cork Film Centre provides professional training, up to the minute equipment, and on-going support to First Cut! emerging young filmmakers. If you would like to hear more find us on facebook   First Cut!Youth Film Project & Festival

Mary Mc Grath, Co Coordinator
First Cut! Film Project
firstcutfilm@gmail.com
0353868139019

 

www.firstcutfilmfestival.com

http://www.facebook.com/pages/First-CutYouth-Film-Project-Festival/127337763985353

First Cut! Youth Film Project working in association
with Cork Film Centre is funded by The Arts Office of Cork County Council
and South and East Cork Area Development Ltd, (SECAD).The First Cut! Film Festival receives financial assistance from the Arts Council.