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

Cork East Fine Gael TD, David Stanton has welcomed the Government’s decision to allocate €12,709 sports funding to Youghal Town Council. This funding is one of a number of location authority projects across the country which is being grant aided with the purpose of boosting participation in sport.

“I understand that the €12,709 allocated to Youghal Town Council, under this new targeted measure for local sports facilities, will go to Sli na Slainte Walking Route in Youghal. The funding allocation was announced by Minister of State for Tourism and Sport, Michael Ring who recently visited Youghal town at my request.

“Youghal Town Council has also very recently been allocated a large grant of €400,000 for the development of Youghal Leisure Centre. “I hope that this additional funding for Sli na Slainte Walking Route will provide a further boost to tourism and sport in Youghal.

 

The Youghal Slí na Sláinte is 2km in length (4km return) and starts at the Mall House on the Mall. To follow the route, walk along Strand Street, South Abbey and onto Lighthouse Road where you will pass the 1st Kilometre sign, just outside the lighthouse. Passing the lighthouse, notice stunning views over the River Blackwater and the beach and continue onto the Front Strand to the 2nd Kilometre marker at the end of the car park. Turn around at this point; back towards the Mall House to complete your 4km walk.

Slí na Sláinte stands for ‘path to health’. Developed by the Irish Heart Foundation, it’s the outgoing way to make walking far more enjoyable. Already, it’s capturing the attention of the young and old, not only in Ireland but in Europe and other parts of the world too! And no wonder, because it’s a fun, healthy way for the average adult to accumulate the recommended 30 minutes of physical activity on most, or preferably all days of the week. Marked by bright colourful signposts which are not numbered and are situated at 1 km intervals, you’ll find Slí na Sláinte walking routes all over Ireland. Simply follow the Km signs, set your pace to suit your enjoyment and you’ll quickly feel better and get fitter. You will also experience a great sense of achievement.

 

Cork East Fine Gael TD, David Stanton has contacted Iarnrod Eireann asking them to enter into discussions with local people in Youghal regarding future use of Youghal Railway station.

 

“The old railway station in Youghal has been lying idle for many decades now. The station is very well situated close to the beach area and is a great location for development of a tourist amenity. If it were developed for this purpose it would surely prove an added attraction for visitors to the Youghal area.

“I have written to Iarnrod Eireann to gauge their interest in developing the old station. I think the feasibility of developing the station as a tourist amenity such as an aquarium,a museum or a similar facility. I believe that this deserves serious consideration.

Deputy Stanton concluded by stressing the need to develop the full tourism potential of Youghal and that he believes every possible avenue to attract tourist to the area should be explored.

 

 

Click on image to enlarge

Cork East Fine Gael TD, David Stanton has, today,(Wed. 6th April 2011) written to Cork County Manager asking him to investigate putting in place toilet and shower facilities at Youghal Strand.

“Every year thousands of people travel to Youghal, in particular over the summer months, to enjoy Youghal Strand, yet there are no proper toilet or shower facilities available there. I think, in this day and age, it is vital that such facilities be made available. I am asking Cork County Council to examine putting such facilities in place as soon as possible.

Deputy Stanton went on to say how important the tourism industry is to the people in Youghal.

“With many industry closures in Youghal over the past few yours much effort has been put into developing local tourism. Youghal Strand is a wonderful natural amenity and I believe everything should be done to enhance its attraction to tourists. The River Blackwater estuary on the outskirts of Youghal also has great potential for further touristic development as does the historic town centre.

“I hope that Cork County Council will look upon my request favourably and examine the possibility of developing toilet and shower facilities along Youghal Strand.

CORK EAST FINE GAEL TD, DAVID STANTON secured a Dail debate regarding the severe shortage of second level school places in East Cork. Deputy Stanton secured a commitment from the Minister for Education, Ruairi Quinn TD that he would meet him to discuss how the shortages in school places can be addressed.

“The large population growth in the Midleton area in recent years had led to a huge demand in school places. Analyses I carried out in 2007 and 2010 shows that there were 1,500 extra pupils in local primary schools in just three years. Figures from the Department of Education show that as many as 64 new primary classrooms will be needed by 2015 and 77 new classrooms required by 2020. Both Midleton Educate Together and the Gaelscoil desperately need new premises.

“However, while it is clear that primary school enrolments are steadily increasing it is the post primary sector which is seriously under pressure to meet demand for places. Secondary schools in Midleton and Carrigtwohill are full, and schools in Fermoy and Cobh are also under pressure. Many of these schools have applied to the Department for extensions and improved facilities but these have not yet been approved.

“The Department of Education has estimated that almost 400 extra second level school places will be needed by 2015. Longer term estimates show that one new secondary school will be needed in Midleton, one if Carrigtwohill and one in Cobh by 2020. It is clear that in the long term Carrigtwohill needs a new co-educational school and I understand that the VEC are examining this option at the moment. Second level provision in Midleton is also an urgent issue and I hope that something can be done to address this.

“I am regularly contacted by parents who have children on waiting lists for secondary school and are very concerned. It was a recurring issue on the doorsteps during the general election campaign also. People are very worried. Minister Quinn described the shortage of second level places as a “serious crisis”. I hope to work with him to address this crisis and secure viable long-term solutions to second level schools places in the East Cork area.

Contact: David Stanton TD, 29 St Mary’s Road, Midleton, Co. Cork

YOUGHAL LANDFILL is set to remain open for several more years according to figures released by Cork County Council. A report to the January sitting of the county council’s Southern Committee, cite the Foxhole site as now processing an average of 500 tonnes of waste per week.

This is a massive decease from the weekly average of 4,000 tonnes in 2007. With a remaining capacity for 70,000 tons, the site would not close for almost six years at the current rate of intake. This completely contradicts forecasts circulated by the county council in recent years that full capacity and closure were imminent.

The report was requested by County Manager Martin Riordan after Cllr Barbara Murray raised the issue at January’s County Council meeting. The councillor says a further report on Volatile Orgaic Carbon (VOC) –dealing with leaking gas emmisions- is now also imminent from a study completed before Christmas.

CHANGES
In the wider context, the Southern Committee was informed that the reduced intake had incited a number of changes to the Youghal landfill since November 2010. These included non-delivery of waste on Saturdays, the working face reduced to eight metres by 20 metres, from the 25m by 25m allowed under license, plus an increased workforce.

The report proceeds that Cork County Council continuously monitors the landfill and deals with issues as they arise. It says the authority had carried out several projects, in agreement with the EPA, to improve the gas management system on the site. These were: Repair of a liner that had been damaged at well heads due to settlement; additional flaring capacity provided to increase the capacity from 2300cu m/hr to 3100 cu m/hr.;16 vertical gas wells in cell 9 -the last cell on the site- drilled to improve the gas extraction from the cell; additional litter netting provided.

ESCAPED GASES
Elaborating, the report says the 16 wells were drilled in November/December 2010 “and by its nature disturbed older waste and allowed the escape of some gases.” It seems unlikely that this explanation will soothe the ire of townspeople subjected to the obnoxious odours thus disturbed, while the fact that the county council did not inform them of this work at all may be viewed both as poor public relations and a considerable, if unsurprising, insult.

In any case, the town is informed that “each well was completed as quickly as possible to limit the period where gas could escape” and that additional spraying to control the odours was carried out during the work. The wells came into operation on December 17th “and the benefits of this works should now be evident,” the report decides.

CHARGES AT YOUGHAL LANDFILL / CIVIC AMENITY
Thereafter, a private firm was engaged to conduct the Volatile Organic Carbon (VOC) survey. Should this report identify any areas requiring further works, the situation will be “dealt with immediately,” the report assures. Meanwhile, “the gas management plant is continually monitored,” with staff alerted via text if a problem arises the better that they can “deal with these via their computers remotely or by going to site if required.” Interestingly, the coming week, says the report, should see Cork County Council invite tenders from private quarters interested in utilising the gas “for the generation of electricity or other use.”

Against the background of this information, it needs reminding that when the landfill eventually does close, Cork County Council will bear a statutory obligation to manage it thereafter, until all gases are flared off. This is expected to take up to 25 years. The report quotes the council as saying it will provide the required funding.

CHARGES AT YOUGHAL LANDFILL / CIVIC AMENITY
The same report updates landfill charges and notes that prior to July 2010 larger quantities of black bag waste, such as trailers, pickups, etc. were accepted at Youghal for landfilling and charged the appropriate rate by weight, of €165/tonne. In July the law required that all waste be “treated” (segregated) prior to landfilling, with the effect that black bag waste would only be accepted at the civic amenity site rate of €0.60/kilogram, as the report puts it, without conversion.

Outlining the changes in this area, the Southern Committee were informed as follows: The rates for black bag waste at Civic Amenity Sites in 2010 were the €3 entry fee plus:- Standard Black Bag €7; large Black Bag €14; 240l Wheelie Bin €21; €0.60 per kilogram. Following the 2011 budget the entry fee remains unchanged and the black bag charges revised as Standard Black Bag €4; Large Black Bag €8; 240l Wheelie Bin €12; €0.50 per kilogram.

CORK EAST FINE GAEL TD, DAVID STANTON has again been in contact with the HSE South regarding Youghal Health Centre. The Health Centre, currently located in Youghal town, is due to be relocated to another, more suitable, premises on the outskirts of the town.

“The building where Youghal Health Centre is located at the moment is not very accessible for people. Despite being in the town centre, to reach the centre visitors must climb a flight of stairs. This can be very awkward for people with small children and also some older people whose mobility might be restricted.

“For some time now, it has been planned to relocate the centre in a more convenient location. However, progress in relation to the move has been slow. The new location will bring improvements for both the hardworking staff, and its service users”, commented Deputy Stanton.

“I believe that it has also been proposed that the local South Doc facilities in Youghal could also be relocated to this new Health Centre premises. Cllr Barbara Murray has been steadily lobbying the HSE for this move to take place. I know she has received many complaints from patients seeking a facility with better conditions.

“I have been in contact with the HSE South for some time regarding the relocation of the health centre in the past and have now contacted them again seeking an update on plans for Youghal Health Centre. I am anxious that, if possible, the relocation go ahead without delay.

“Youghal Health Centre provides vital services and supports for the people of Youghal. A better equipped premises is crucial to the continued provision of these services and supports.

Posted on Monday, January 10th, 2011
Cork East Fine Gael TD, David Stanton has demanded that action be taken to deal with the noxious smells in Youghal. Both Cork County Council and the Environmental Protection Agency have been aware of the problems for quite some time but very little has been done to address the problem.

“I have received numerous complaints from residents in Youghal. They are very distressed at the noxious smells that seem to be emanating from the Foxhole area. I know that many complaints have been made to Cork County Council and the Environmental Protection Agency on this issue also. It is not good enough that residents of Youghal have to endure these foul odours, which some people have told me have led to them becoming physically sick.

“I have written to the Minister for the Environment and the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Environment asking both of them to take action in the event that the EPA and Cork County Council fail to do so.”

“I am aware that there are sensitivities around highlighting matters such as this especially as Youghal depends so much on tourism. However with a new tourism season due to begin shortly it is very important that this matter is dealt with now, once and for all, and that the emission of these odours from whatever source cease immediately.

“This matter has been ongoing for a number of years. Residents of Youghal deserve better.

See related story on YoughalOnline.com http://www.youghalonline.com/2009/02/20/furious-youghal-council-seek-personal-meeting-over-landfill-odours/