Sinn Féin Councillor Michelle Hennessy has called on the government to act now to rectify what has become a crisis for many third level students and their families. Following the admission today that just over 3000 students have received their grants out of near 65000 applications the Youghal based councillor has called on the resources to be put in place immediately to clear the backlog.

Speaking today (Tue, Nov 13, 2012 ) she said;
“The situation is becoming unbearable for some students and families that have contacted our office and dropping out of full time education is the only option.There is frustration with the students that the process is slow and riddled with errors.It is very likely that as a result of the current debacle many students will still not know the outcome of their applications before Christmas.This is unacceptable.”

She added
“The new SUSI on-line system was introduced and sold by the minister as a way of making the process faster and more efficient it has proven to be the opposite.There is without doubt serious flaws in the system that need to addressed straight away.I am calling on the government to put resources into the system now so students can continue their studies and in time contribute to the recovery of our economy and not join the statistics of emigration.”

 

 

Speaking at the launch of Sinn Féin’s YES for Children’s Rights in the Constitution campaign, the party’s spokesperson on children, Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin TD advised that Sinn Féin elected representatives and party activists will engage proactively in promoting a Yes vote across all constituencies.

Deputy Ó Caoláin said:
“Sinn Féin is calling on the electorate to vote YES for children’s rights in the referendum on Saturday 10 November.

“Placing children’s rights in the Constitution has been a Sinn Féin demand over many years. We believe that the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child should be the minimum standard for children’s rights in any legal system and we continue to press for its incorporation into Irish domestic law.

“While the formula of words now proposed falls far short of our policy objectives on children’s rights and of the agreed wording presented by the Oireachtas Joint Committee on the Constitutional Amendment on Children, published in February 2010, it is nevertheless an important and worthwhile proposal deserving of our support.

o It affirms for the first time in the Constitution that children have rights.
o It establishes that the best interests of the child are paramount in all matters concerning the child.
o It states that the view of the child must be heard in all judicial cases concerning the child’s care, adoption, guardianship, custody and access.
o It ensures that the State will have both the duty and the power to intervene on behalf of all children at risk, regardless of their parents’ marital status.
o It will, for the first time, allow for the adoption of any child regardless of the marital status of their birth parents, affording them full integration into a loving, supporting, family relationship.

“This proposed amendment, if adopted, will not achieve its stated intent if Government fails to adequately resource the essential support services for children and for families. We continually press the appropriate Ministers on the importance of increased provision for child protection, including additional child dedicated social workers.

“While this is not the amendment we in Sinn Féin would have liked to present, this Government crafted wording is still worthy of our support and of the electorate’s endorsement.

“We in Sinn Féin see it as a beginning, a basis on which to build.

“Accordingly, over the next two weeks, our elected representatives and party activists will be distributing leaflets, erecting posters and engaging with voters across all 43 constituencies
urging a YES vote on 10 November.

“Votáil tá ar an 10ú do mhí na Samhna chun chinntiú go mbeidh paistí an náisiún á chaomhnú go cothrom.”

October 25, 2012

Info: http://www.sinnfein.ie/contents/24830

Mayor of Cork County and Youghal Town Councillor Barbara Murray highlights sustainable transport during European Mobility Week which runs from the 16th – 22nd September 2012.

Cork County Mayor Barbara Murray drove the new Nissan electric car from Cork to Youghal to highlight European mobility week and to encourage people to engage in sustainable transportation. The County Mayor stopped off at Castlemartyr and Youghal at the electric car charging points,  it is hoped to roll out additional charging points in conjunction with the ESB in order to promote the use of electric cars as a sustainable form of transport.

Joe Hennon, Environment spokesperson for the EU Commission said that the long-term plan from this initiative is to remove more cars from the streets: ”35% of people in Copenhagen cycle to work and their target is to increase that to 50%, public transport is a big part of it and there are a lot of cities where they have very comprehensive either bus, rail or tram networks or a combinations of all of those, the basic idea is to take cars off the street so you have less congestion and less air pollution”

 

 

Pat Reilly interview withYoughal’s newest town council member Aaron O Sullivan on Saturday 15 Sept 2012. This interview comes from ‘This Week’, the weekly current affairs programme, which airs every Saturday from 3 – 5 pm on CRY104FM. Tune in online at www.youghalradio.com

Click on the play button below to listen

Pat Reilly – Aaron O Sullivan – 15 Sept by Community Radio Youghal on Mixcloud

Aaron O’Sullivan, a 26-year-old barrister, replaces neighbour and friend Eoin Coyne, 23, who resigned from politics in May following a term as one of Ireland’s youngest-ever mayors. He joined Fianna Fáil while studying physics at University of Limerick, and studied law at Griffith College, Cork. He was called to the bar in 2009 following a year at King’s Inns, Dublin.

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.

‘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.

Sinn Fein Councillor Michelle Hennessy was elected Mayor of Youghal this week at the AGM of Youghal Town Council ( Tuesday 19th June 2012). The newly elected Mayor takes over as the Town’s First Citizen from Fianna Fail’s Eoin Coyne who also stepped down as a member of Youghal Town Council at the AGM.

Mayor Hennessy has been a member of Youghal Town Council since 2007. The new Mayor’s fellow party councillor, Eoin Flanagan takes up the role as deputy Mayor. Best of luck to both of them in their new roles.

EOIN COYNE was first elected to Youghal Town Council in June 2009. He was appointed mayor of Youghal Town Council on June 21st 2011 and was one of the youngest mayors ever to hold the post in the country. [Click here to read this]

During his three years in office the twenty-three year-old Fianna Fáil councillor was active both inside and outside the chamber. As mayor he walked the walk with the campaigners in the marches to save Youghal ambulance. He wrote a letter expressing his concerns to to the Minister for Health, Dr. James Reilly concerning the scrapping of the Youghal Ambulance service. [Click here to read this]

At the time he said he wanted the decision reversed and only recently this proved to be the case and the ambulance was to stay in town. [More here]

He was a member of the Youghal Municipal Heritage Committee; Council representative board member to Community Radio Youghal [More Here] and council rep to Youghal Community Alert Group. He campaigned and lobbied for the re-opening of Youghal Garda Station on a 24 hour basis until the people of Youghal get what they deserve. He used his position as best he could to tackle the ongoing problem of young people leaving the country. He was active also in improving facilities in the town for young and old.

He was also on the board of the South and East Cork Area Development (SECAD) and helped deliver a number of major programmes along with a range of other smaller schemes to town.

As mayor he was particulary pleased in engaging with the Youghal Chamber of Tourism and Commerce at the council chamber to jointly promote the economic and social development of the community. He brought together the local business representatives and council to promote the town in order to make it a better place in which to live, work and do business.

Last November as mayor, Eoin extended an open invitation to all clubs, associations, voluntary organisations and interested members of the public within the town of Youghal to the information meeting in relation to Ireland’s 2013 tourism initiative titled “The Gathering”. [Click here to read this]

Eoin has an interest in the Arts and was delighted to be asked as first citizen to open the new art gallery ‘Gallery Frida’ on South Main Street. [Click here to read this] He was also delighted to host a civic reception along with his fellow councillors for the All Ireland  Pitch and Putt Champion Anthony O’ Loughlin at the Mall Arts Centre. [Click here to read this]

During his election campaign it was his plan to put Youghal on the map for it to become a premier tourist spot in Ireland. He felt Youghal should work harder than ever to reach the top of the Tidy Towns tables and last year Youghal was officially recognised as the tidiest town in County Cork. [Click here to read this]

- Youghalonline would like to thank Eoin for the courtesy, hospitality and assistance he showed at the events covered on this website during his time as councillor and would like to wish Eoin every success in the future. -

Below is the statement as read at the Youghal Town Council monthly meeting held on the 12/6/12.

Councillors,

The following is a letter that I delivered by hand to the Town Clerk, Liam Ryan this morning.

Liam, a chara,

“I wish to formally inform you of my decision to resign my seat as a member of Youghal Town Council, effective immediately after the Councils AGM on Tuesday, June 19th next.

I wish to put on record that my decision is based solely on personal reasons and is in no way a refection on Youghal Town Council policies, practices or decisions. Nor is it based on the relationship I share with the Council executive, council staff or its elected members.

I wish to thank Town Manager, Patricia Power, yourself and your competent staff for the courtesy and respect that you have shown me over the past three years and I wish you every success in your endeavors as you develop our town for the betterment of all its citizens.

Uachtarán Fhainna Fáil, Micheal Martin, has assured me that the co-option for the vacant seat will take place in the very near future so that the people of Youghal will be fully represented by a very able replacement.

On a personal note, I cannot thank you enough for all the help and advise you have given me, both personally and professionally.”

Is mise, le meas,

As stated already, I have decided to resign from my position as a councillor after much thought and consideration over the past couple of months.

Following meetings and conversations with the Town Clerk and Uachtaran Fhainna Fáil Micheal Martin, I can safely say that I am happy with the decision I have made.

May I say that this is a decision that I have not made lightly. My reasons behind it are numerous.

Mainly, I feel that I no longer have the appetite to serve on Youghal Town Council. For me to continue in my capacity as an elected representative without my full commitment to the role would be disingenuous of me, to the entire council and to the people who voted for me.

I wish to thank my party colleagues and friends; Cllrs. Revins and Linehan-Foley for all the encouragement and support you have shown me throughout my time on the council.

To all of my colleagues on the council, both past and present, I thank you for the respect you have shown me and the co-operation we have shared throughout my term.

Again, I thank the town manager Patricia Power and the entire council staff for the courtesy they have shown me whenever there was anything I needed or requested.

I would like to thank all those who voted for me in the local elections in 2009 and to my family and friends whose support has been unwavered no matter what decisions I have made.

Once again, I wish to thank Town Clerk Liam Ryan for the Trojan work that he carries out on a daily basis to ensure Youghal Town Council leads in progressing this wonderful town in order for us to reach our full potential.

To finish, may I say that I have had the best experience of my life while representing the people of this wonderful town. It was the greatest honour that will ever be bestowed on me to serve as first citizen of the town for the past 12 months. Can I say that the respect shown to me and the office of mayor was extremely humbling, from every group and individual that I have met in my capacity as mayor.

At the age of 23, I feel that there are things that I want to achieve in my life that unfortunately are impossible for me to carry out while tied down to such a demanding position.

I wish Youghal Town Council every success in the future and I have no doubt that we are in very safe hands.

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