David Stanton, Fine Gael TD for Cork East has welcomed the approval of €158,741.03 for the refurbishment of the Clock Gate Tower in Youghal. The funding, sanctioned by the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government, will go directly from South and East Coast Area Development (SECAD) to Youghal Socio-Economic Development Group who will oversee the works.

“I am pleased that Minister Hogan has given sanction to SECAD to allocate almost €159,000 for the renovation and conservation of Youghal Clock Gate Tower. I understand that this funding will become available as soon as it has received formal approval from the board of SECAD”, said Deputy Stanton.

The funding is being provided under the Village Renewal and Development measure of the European Union’s Rural Development Programme 2007-2013.

“This funding will cover phase 1 of the refurbishment of the Clock Gate Tower which is Youghal’s iconic historic monument in the centre of the town. The Tower currently stands vacant and this is a huge loss to Youghal town and its tourism product. Phase 1 of the planned works will ensure the building can be restored to its original character and phase 2 will involve improvements to the inside ensuring can be reopened to the public and preserved for future generations.

Deputy Stanton had been working very closely with Mayor of Cork County, Cllr Barbara Murray to ensure the project received funding. Cllr Barbara Murray, a member of both Cork County and Youghal Town Council and Youghal Socio-Economic Group has also welcomed the funding allocation.

“Members of Youghal Socio-Economic Group worked very hard on this funding application and I know I can speak for all of them when I say that this project will be a huge asset to Youghal. Youghal Town Council have already committed €50,000 to the project and I have been assured by Cork County Manager that Cork County Council will also fund the project”, said Cllr Murray.

It is envisaged that the Youghal Clock Gate Tower will be open in 2014.

A funding allocation of €45,000 to repair Allin Quay in Youghal has been welcomed by David Stanton, Fine Gael TD for Cork East. The money is being made available as part of additional funding for harbours announced by Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Simon Coveney TD, this afternoon.

“I am very pleased that €45,000 has been allocated to carry out works to Allin Quay. This allocation covers 75% of the total project cost which will replace the double slipway on the quay. While this is not a very large project, the repaired quay will allow for improved accessibility to the water from Youghal town”, said Deputy Stanton.

Deputy Stanton noted that the work of officials from Local Authorities played a major part in securing the funding from the Department of the Marine. particular Youghal Town Council, in particular, ensured the project remained “shovel ready” by keeping tenders and costings up to date.

He also praised the work of Youghal Town Councillor and Mayor of County Cork Barbara Murray with whom he has worked in tandem in pushing the project.

“As a member of Cork County Council’s Coastal Management Committee, Cllr Murray has continued to support this very worthwhile project. She worked with Youghal Town Council, Cork County Council and also met with Minister Coveney. She was very eager to ensure that this project went ahead as it will prove an asset to marine tourism in Youghal.

“I am very pleased that the Allin Quay refurbishment will now go ahead. I understand from Minister Coveney that the funding will be drawn down before the end of this year so would hope that the project will begin as soon as possible”, concluded Deputy Stanton

Related video below shows the construction of the ‘New’ Jetty at the quay near the ferryslip, Youghal back in the ’70′s etc.  Uploaded by youtuber 22rochey

THE FIRST PHASE of a mobility-disabled access boardwalk running from Youghal Front Strand to Claycastle, (395 metres) delivered in partnership with Youghal Town Council and Failte Ireland was officially opened by Minister of State at the Department of Tourism & Sport on Tuesday 24th July 2012.  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.  The Minister also took the opportunity to officially ‘turn on’ the new 75kw wind turbine at Youghal Aura Leisure Centre.

Speaking at the launch, Minister Ring paid tribute to the vision of Youghal Town Council and its determination to undertake and complete such projects. “When I was here this time last year, I was hugely impressed with not only Youghal’s tourism offering, but the will and determination of the Council and the local community to see this town grow and succeed.  It is wonderful to see plans that were presented to me followed through and executed in full.  With over 180,000 people working  nationally in tourism, this sector is hugely significant in terms of growth in the economy and Youghal is certainly setting about playing its part in getting this country working again”, said the Minister.  The second phase of the development would see the completion of the link between Claycastle and Redbarn to the Quality Hotel and Self Catering Apartments.  The Minister agreed to review the submission to Failte Ireland, agreeing that the project would be of huge benefit to the local economy if completed in full.

Mayor of Youghal, Cllr Michelle Hennessy suggested it shouldn’t be underestimated just what the boardwalk had done for the people of Youghal.  “Not only has it become a major tourist attraction, but it has become a major social gathering for the people of the area, and has brought a new life and vibrancy to this area of the town.  The quality of the boardwalk is evident; – it consists of 395 metres of hardwood timber deck and again is wheelchair accessible.  The Mayor emphasised how important the delivery of Phase Two of the project, saying: “This will have a huge economic impact on the town once complete. The delivery of this Boardwalk shows the commitment of Youghal Town Council to improving the tourism infrastructure of the Town, in partnership with Failte Ireland and is a further step forward in maximising the potential of our natural tourism assets for the economic benefit of business in Youghal” said the Mayor.

In advance of the official opening of the Eco-Boardwalk, the Minister also commended Youghal Town Council in their efforts in securing a €400,000 grant under the Improved Energy and Enhanced Disabled Grant Scheme for Youghal Aura Leisure Centre.  The upgrade works have enabled huge energy savings – including up to a 40% saving in electricity to the Centre from the installation of a 75kw wind turbine.  Currently employing 39 staff, the grant has also facilitated an extension to the existing facility for the disabled, with the addition of a new changing area, a major upgrade of the turnstile system and automatic doors to changing areas.  All of the works completed at the centre serve to enhance the centre’s reputation as both a community resource and first class tourism facility.  Referring to Youghal’s Aura Leisure Centre, the Minister commented:

“This is a hugely substantial amount of money to be granted in this current economic climate and it can only have a positive effect on employment in the town, helping to sustain jobs and hopefully create new ones too.” Said the Minister.

THE FIRST PHASE of a mobility-disabled access boardwalk running from Youghal Front Strand to Claycastle, (395M) delivered in partnership with Youghal Town Council and Failte Ireland was officially opened by Minister of State at the Department of Tourism & Sport on Tuesday 24th July 2012.  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.  The Minister also took the opportunity to officially ‘turn on’ the new 75kw wind turbine at Youghal Aura Leisure Centre.

Speaking at the launch, Minister Ring paid tribute to the vision of Youghal Town Council and its determination to undertake and complete such projects. “When I was here this time last year, I was hugely impressed with not only Youghal’s tourism offering, but the will and determination of the Council and the local community to see this town grow and succeed.  It is wonderful to see plans that were presented to me followed through and executed in full.  With over 180,000 people working  nationally in tourism, this sector is hugely significant in terms of growth in the economy and Youghal is certainly setting about playing its part in getting this country working again”, said the Minister.  The second phase of the development would see the completion of the link between Claycastle and Redbarn to the Quality Hotel and Self Catering Apartments.  The Minister agreed to review the submission to Failte Ireland, agreeing that the project would be of huge benefit to the local economy if completed in full.

Mayor of Youghal, Cllr Michelle Hennessy suggested it shouldn’t be underestimated just what the boardwalk had done for the people of Youghal.  “Not only has it become a major tourist attraction, but it has become a major social gathering for the people of the area, and has brought a new life and vibrancy to this area of the town.  The quality of the boardwalk is evident; – it consists of 395 metres of hardwood timber deck and again is wheelchair accessible.  The Mayor emphasised how important the delivery of Phase Two of the project, saying: “This will have a huge economic impact on the town once complete. The delivery of this Boardwalk shows the commitment of Youghal Town Council to improving the tourism infrastructure of the Town, in partnership with Failte Ireland and is a further step forward in maximising the potential of our natural tourism assets for the economic benefit of business in Youghal” said the Mayor.

In advance of the official opening of the Eco-Boardwalk, the Minister also commended Youghal Town Council in their efforts in securing a €400,000 grant under the Improved Energy and Enhanced Disabled Grant Scheme for Youghal Aura Leisure Centre.  The upgrade works have enabled huge energy savings – including up to a 40% saving in electricity to the Centre from the installation of a 75kw wind turbine.  Currently employing 39 staff, the grant has also facilitated an extension to the existing facility for the disabled, with the addition of a new changing area, a major upgrade of the turnstile system and automatic doors to changing areas.  All of the works completed at the centre serve to enhance the centre’s reputation as both a community resource and first class tourism facility.  Referring to Youghal’s Aura Leisure Centre, the Minister commented:

“This is a hugely substantial amount of money to be granted in this current economic climate and it can only have a positive effect on employment in the town, helping to sustain jobs and hopefully create new ones too.” Said the Minister.

Click here to enlarge image

David Stanton, Fine Gael TD for Cork East advises that the Oireachtas Justice Committee, of which he is Chairperson, is seeking submissions from the public on the Cash for Gold report which was recently published by the Department of Justice. The report is available on the Department of Justice website at: http://www.justice.ie/en/JELR/Pages/PB12000175

“Over the past number of years there has been a significant increase in the number of cash for gold outlets across the country. Concern has been expressed from members of the public about a possible link between the proliferation of these outlets and a rise in burglaries of gold items”, said Deputy Stanton.

“While the Department of Justice Report found that there is no apparent “major crime” involvement in the issue, it did state that there are grounds for considering the introduction of some controls on the purchase of gold jewellery and other precious metals at cash for gold outlets. It also notes that existing criminal law does not adequately address this and suggests that current regulations for pawnbrokers could be adapted for the regulation of the cash for gold industry.

“The Justice Committee is now asking people and any interested groups to submit their views on the report’s recommendations to the Clerk to the Justice Committee by email to mailto: justiceanddefence@oir.ie The closing date for receipt of submissions is Friday, 31st August 2012 at 5pm. Once the deadline is passed the Justice Committee will consider all the submissions received. Following this the Committee may decide to invite a number of contributors to public hearings

“I would hope to get a good response and I look forward to reading the submissions”, concluded David Stanton TD

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.

GREAT STUFF CATERERS IMOKILLY SINGLE STAGE RALLY – 28TH JULY 2012

THE LAUNCH of the Great Stuff Caterers Imokilly Single Stage Rally was a huge success a great crowd turned up at the event and there was a great display of cars outside what will be the Rally HQ the Midleton Park Hotel.

The rally Committee was on hand and the pressure is now on with a little over a month before the event. There was a photo call outside for members of the local media who turned out in force for the launch.

Special guests on the night included the current National Forest Rally Champion Owen Murphy, our event sponsor Bryan Allen from Great Stuff Caterers and the CEO of Motor Sport Ireland Alex Sinclair, local TD David Stanton and Jim Ronayne from the Chamber of Commerce.

All stressed that they were delighted that the Imokilly Motor Club were bringing rallying to the area and that Midleton was in for a huge boom in business for the weekend. All speakers stressed that safety was paramount and that the Imokilly Motor Club have a wide range of procedures in place to keep the event safe, road safety was also a topic of conversation and the Motor Sport Ireland Initiative to keep the race in its place was very much to the fore.

Finally the Clerk of the Course Derek Power said he was delighted to see such a turn out on the night he thanked the special guests for being at the launch, his committee for their trojan work in getting the event up and running , he said without sponsors like Great Stuff the event would not take place and thanked the other motor clubs in the area for all their help as on the day of the event  the 28th of July a huge amount of volunteers from the various neighbouring clubs will be needed to run the rally.

Further details from www.imokillymotorclub.com or follow us on facebook.

Following the recent collapse of a section of wall at Moll Goggins Corner in Youghal, Cork East Fine Gael TD, David Stanton has contacted the Office of Public Works (OPW) seeking funding for emergency repair works.

“I have written to Minister Brian Hayes who has responsibility for the OPW to make him aware of the urgent need for funding to repair this section of wall.  This is a very serious issue.  I am aware that Cork County Council have applied to the OPW for financing for essential remedial works and I was anxious to express my support for their application.

“This is a very serious issue and while temporary safety measures have been put in place a long term solution is required.  I am hopeful for positive response from the OPW to Cork County Council’s application with funding being made available soon.

The announcement of a €200 million investment by Irish Distillers Pernod Ricard in facilities in East Cork has been warmly welcomed by Fine Gael TD for Cork East, David Stanton. €100 million is to be spent on developing and expanding facilities at the plant in Midleton with a further €100 million being spent in Dungourney.

“Such a large investment by Irish Distillers is a big vote of confidence in East Cork. I was very pleased to attend the official launch of the expansion project by An Taoiseach, Enda Kenny, TD, at Irish Distillers plant in Midleton last Friday.

“It is expected that the €200 million expansion will create approximately 250 construction jobs. I understand that once the new distilling facility is operational at the plant in Midleton, Irish Distillers expect to employ an additional 30 full time staff there.

“Jameson Whiskey is a great Irish success story. Sales are doing extraordinarily well worldwide and I believe it is now the fastest growing whiskey in the USA. The new developments in East Cork will allow Irish Distillers to continue to meet demand for their products both here and abroad.”

Posted on Monday, May 28th, 2012

Cllr Tara O’ Connell (chairperson of Save Youghal Ambulance Committee) has reported from Fermoy that she has got a firm commitment from the Health Service Executive Ambulance Service that Youghal and East Cork Ambulance’s “HAVE BEEN SAVED!” Tara has reported that we have come out of this Campaign in a better situation than we had first anticipated or could have hoped for!! Full details to follow, but it just goes to show that people power works !! This is fantastic news for the people of Youghal, Tara said that Clr Beecher ( Committee Member) who accompanied Tara to the meeting is also delighted with the news . We would to thank all to all who supported us along the way!

Save Youghal Ambulance Facebook Page Reads ( 25th May 2012 – 11am):

Hi All, To say that I am over the moon is an understatement!! Yes Our Ambulance is saved and it is permanently!!! Over the next few weeks we will have 2 Ambulances and a first response car on duty 24/7, an extra ambulance will be available to help with any teething problems that might arise with the adjustment to new working hours as on call is now a thing of the past Ambulance crew will be will be as shift work from now on , which will improve the response times and eliminate fatigue issues.

During this initial period the new system will be closely monitored to work out any issues that may arise. After this time We will have 2 Ambulances and the first response car ON A PERMANENT BASIS. I asked that this be clarified as I was to say the least in shock, it was confirmed!! At no stage will the east Cork area have less then 2 Ambulances and the car!! In fact things are better then we hoped for as Youghal has been designated as the central hub of operations for strategic deployment in East Cork. 3 extra paramedics are also being allocated to the area More improvements are to follow such as GPS systems and intermediary care vehicles.

I would like to thank every who supported us throughout the campaign, people power works!!!! A big thank to each member of the Committee who put so much time and effort in to this very important issue. To all our Public Representatives, David Stanton, Sandra Mclellan Barbara Murray and to Sean Sherlock who had to listen to my constant nagging, and who arranged all the meeting between the Committee and the HSE a very grateful thank you to all!! To all those who doubted us and told us we were fighting a losing battle, count yourselves luck that we didn’t listen!! This is fantastic news for Youghal and I am so happy to have been part of it.

To our fantastic Ambulance Crew, keep up the good work we are all very Grateful and proud of the work you do! If anyone has any further questions about the new service do not hesitate to contact me!!!! Hugh Sigh of relief !!! Tara O’Connell Chairperson of the SAVED Youghal Ambulance Committee!

Sandra McLellan TD said: “Great news, Siptu have confirmed with my office that we are to keep our Ambulance service. Youghal will have one ambulance and one car 24/7 . There will also be an extra ambulance for a couple
of weeks to cover shortfall. However this will all be reviewed in a months time.” –  Mon, May 21, 2012

See below just some of the photo and video coverage of the Save Youghal Ambulance campaign on Youghalonline.com

Video: Thanks to Kieran McCarthy | Shane Supple