Reports that up to €100,000 is being made available to upgrade the stand at Youghal Greyhound Track have been welcomed by David Stanton, Fine Gael TD for Cork East.  While details of any funding are still to be finalised, I understand that Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Shane McEntee, decided to support funding for the track following his visit to Youghal last summer.

“I have been advised that Minister McEntee was very impressed with the commitment shown by representatives of Youghal Greyhound Track, Youghal Chamber of Commerce and other people from Youghal with whom he met.  As a result, it is hoped that funding of as much as €100,000 will be made available to improve the greyhound stadium”, said Deputy Stanton.

“Youghal Greyhound Track has been in operation for many years.  It is the only greyhound track located in a seaside location in Ireland and is very important not only for the tourism industry in the town but also the Irish greyhound industry in general.  I am sure that this amount of funding will enable much needed refurbishment and improvements to be carried out at the track.  These enhancements will ensure the continued viability of the stadium and also serve as a boost for future growth.

“This award of €100,000 for Youghal Greyhound Track coupled with the €400,000 earmarked for development of Youghal Swimming Pool should greatly contribute to the development of public facilities in Youghal.  Funding of this level is much needed in Youghal. More, however, still needs to be done to improve local infrastructure and services.  I intend to continue to work with people in Youghal to identify further projects in the area which might attract Government grants and funding,” concluded Deputy Stanton

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

Anti-Hazardous Waste Group Continue Campaign – By Christy Parker

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

West Waterford

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

Talking points

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

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

Waiting

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

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

David Stanton, Fine Gael TD for Cork East has welcomed the decision by Irish Distillers – Pernod Ricard to create a total of 280 jobs at Midleton Distillery.  These jobs will result from the decision to invest €100 million in expanding the production site in Midleton.

“I am very pleased that Midleton Distillery is going to benefit from such a large investment.  I understand that this will entail the creation of 30 new permanent jobs in the manufacturing plant in Midleton, and also another 30 at the bottling plant in Dublin.

“In addition to the 30 permanent posts, the planned expansion of the distillery will require 250 construction workers during the 18 month construction phase.  This amount of jobs will be a huge boost for Midleton and East Cork as a whole which, like most areas across the country, have seen a large increase in unemployment in the last couple of years.

“The success of the Jameson brand is a real good news story for Midleton where whiskey has been produced for over 185 years.  I understand that the investment is required to expand the plant as it is already operating at full capacity.  The expansion will allow Irish Distillers to continue to meet the ever increasing demand for Jameson worldwide.

“I imagine that the increase in production capacity and employment at the Midleton plant should also have a knock on effect in generating employment for other local business. Farmers, hauliers and other ancillary businesses should benefit as well as local tourism as the Jameson brand becomes known to an ever wider international market.

Fine Gael TD for Cork East, David Stanton has called for car parking charges at train stations on the Cork to Midleton line to be suspended.

“I have made contact with Irish Rail on a number of occasions in the past in relation to parking charges at local train stations on the Cork to Midleton train line. I believe that the charges may be affecting uptake of the train service. I have today written to Irish Rail requesting that they examine the possibility of suspending the car parking fee to see if this improves passenger numbers on this service.

“I know that Irish Rail carried out a free car parking promotion in the run up to Christmas last year and over the festive period. I have requested that they consider doing the same this year in the hope that more people in East Cork could be encouraged to use public transport.

“I have pointed out to Irish Rail that while the €2 daily parking fee is relatively low, the railway stations are the only places that charge for parking in Midleton, Carrigtwohill, Glounthaune and Little Island. I really believe that Irish Rail need to re-examine the car parking charges at stations on the Cork to Midleton line. While patronage of the train service is good it is evident that most service users do not use the large new purpose built car parks. While I acknowledge many train users walk or cycle to the stations, a lot of drivers using the train park outside the stations where parking is free.

“As traffic congestion increases in the run up to Christmas, I think that free parking will be a great incentive for people to use the train. It is a fast and reliable way for people to get to Cork city for work and for people from Cork to get to Midleton and other places in East Cork for shopping and leisure.

“Finally, in addition to free parking at Christmas, I have also asked that Irish Rail look at suspending the car park indefinitely to try to improve train and car park usage at stations. As a frequent user of this Midleton to Cork train if find it very efficient, reliable and economical and I am anxious that the success of this new route continues.
Posted on Monday, November 28th, 2011

Cork East Fine Gael TD, David Stanton has welcomed the decision of Phil Hogan TD, Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government to approve design proposals for Carrigtwohill’s Sewerage Scheme. The proposals, submitted by Cork County Council, are for the upgrading and expansion of the wastewater treatment plant in Carrigtwohill which is part of the sewerage scheme.

“I am pleased that Cork County Council is to be given the go ahead to prepare contract documents for these wastewater improvements in Carrigtwohill. Once these documents are prepared, the Council will be in a position to seek tenders from interested parties to carry out the work. It is an important step in providing a more modern sewerage infrastructure for Carrigtwohill allowing the wastewater system to cater for current and future residential and commercial needs.

“The works will form the first phase of the upgrading of the wastewater system to cater for a population of 45,000. I have been advised that the total contract for all phases of the works, which once completed will cater for 60,000 people. The Department of Environment, Community and Local Government has estimated that the total cost for all phases of the proposed works will be approximately €14 million”, said Deputy Stanton

“It should be noted also that the additional capacity of the wastewater treatment facilities should also contribute to further enterprise development in this area of East Cork by making Carrigtwohill and the surrounding areas even more attractive location for multinationals and other businesses. It should therefore, hopefully increase industry and employment in the area.

“I understand that Cork County Council have already carried out advance works on Carrigtwohill wastewater scheme which involved the provision of foul and storm sewers and two pumping stations. I hope that the Council will be in a position to continue its work soon once the tendering process has been concluded.

JUSTICE COMMITTEE AGREES TO CONSIDER ISSUE NEXT MONTH

FINE GAEL CORK EAST TD AND CHAIR OF THE OIREACHTAS JUSTICE COMMITTEE, DAVID STANTON, has today (Wednesday October 26th, 2011) said that it’s time for us to seriously consider altering our current summertime arrangements to benefit the economy and society. Deputy Stanton made his comments during a Topical Issues debate in the Dáil.

“For a number of years I have been raising the possibility of extending our summertime period which runs from the last weekend in March until the last weekend in October. Research in the UK and the US shows that such a move could have numerous benefits. They include a reduction in electricity consumption and carbon emissions, a fall in road deaths and a boost to tourism and leisure industries as people benefit from an hour extra of daylight in the evenings. It has also been suggested that an increase in daylight in the evening would lead to a reduction in obesity and crime levels.

“In the US, summertime was extended for four weeks in 2007, beginning in the second weekend of March and ending the first weekend in November. In 2008, the US Department of Energy published a report stating that the change had saved enough energy to power 100,000 homes for over a year or 1.3 trillion watt-hours per day, resulting in savings of $76 million. Since the change road collisions have also fallen.

“In the UK, the Daylight Saving Bill passed its second reading in the House of Commons in December 2010. Estimates there indicate that more daylight in the early evenings would deliver a boost to British tourism of an estimated £2.5bn per annum and up to 80,000 new jobs in leisure and tourism. This would provide a real boost to any economy in the current climate. A similar boost could be expected here if summertime was extended.

“I believe that, given the benefits, the time has come to re-examine our summertime arrangements. At a meeting of the Oireachtas Committee for Justice, Equality & Defence today, it was agreed that the Committee would consider the matter in November. Minister Shatter, during the Topical Issues debate also spoke in favour of this approach. The Committee could also seek views from the public and interested organisations and liaise with counterparts in the UK and other European Parliaments.”

“Ireland needs someone with experience as President. Gay Mitchell MEP was a TD for 26 years and an MEP for seven. I believe that he has the experience and the international contacts that we need to help bring jobs to this country.

“For too long, we have forgotten what we were good at and what we do well. Agriculture is the star of this economy at the moment and a major creator of jobs. A big part of his role as President would be to help open up new markets and develop existing ones, so that more people can find work in this vital area.

“Speaking at the national launch of his presidential campaign last week, Gay Mitchell described his proposals to lead the charge in promoting mental health, especially for young people. He wants to work with voluntary groups who do important work in the area of mental health. This generation is under great pressure, and we’ve seen too many people take their own lives. It’s time for us to tackle this in a meaningful way.

“I am asking all my supporters to vote for Gay Mitchell as I believe that he is the best person to be President of Ireland.”

A Lismore Town Councillor has added his voice to concerns over the planning permission granted to sludge drying plant Eras Eco Ltd’s plans to process hazardous waste at Foxhole in Youghal. Fianna Fail Cllr Bernard Leddy’s views emanate from a political and social founding but also from a professional perspective as he is a renowned pharmacist and former president of the Pharmaceutical Society of Ireland (PSI).

The councillor finds the plant’s intended new technology  -AquaCritox- involving super critical water oxidation, “absolutely cutting edge technology” and ‘of Star Trek’ type consideration.’ He believes said it might very well be the future of waste treatment with the added bonus of it being an Irish company’s development (Cork-based Super Critical Fluids International- SCFI). The location was the problem, however.

The councillor is perturbed by the company’s declared intention to store and treat hazardous waste on a site adjacent to the Blackwater and, by inference, with relevance for Co. Waterford. He is unhappy that arsenic, cyanide, hydrofluoric acid, sodium, potassium hydroxide, barium, ammonia, to name a few, features on a lengthy list of chemicals the company hoped to treat (some of which are already being processed under its existing licence). “What amazes me is that Cork County Council could allow planning permission for processing this type of material at the mouth of one of the finest salmon rivers in Europe!,” he proceeds.

Waterford

From a political perspective, he believes Waterford County Council should have been consulted regarding the planning application. “I know the company are not legally obliged to do so but given the potential effect on everyone in the Blackwater basin if anything goes wrong, then we have a vested interest,” he says. “Waterford relies immensely on Blackwater tourism as well as employment in the fishing industry, our nature conservation and of course most important of all, people’s health. Somewhat ironically, Eras Eco Ltd is solely owned by Ormonde Organics, based at Killowen, Portlaw, Co. Waterford.

The pharmacist, who works for the Mari Mina chain, is particularly concerned about the treatment of hydrofluoric acid. “To be honest, I cannot see how that particular element can be broken down without a catalyst, through any process. Maybe I’m wrong but it’s one of the most indestructible chemicals there is,” he states.

Berlin

Without intending to be a scaremonger, Cllr Leddy refers to a chemical spill Berlin in 1986, which a former college colleague of his was charged with remedying. “They guaranteed said it was safe, yet an accident happened. The river turned pink in a major environmental disaster. That kind of potential will always be there. Toxic waste should be treated at source.”

The councillor proceeds that “a lot of people living by the river are now taking serious interest in this issue, and adds that he will be urging local authorities in Co Waterford to make submissions to any licence or other application that arises.

The councillor notes that SCFI’s promotional material cites “50,000 people” as necessary to run a pilot scheme  for the treatment of human waste alone, while “Youghal’s population is about 6,500” and that “500,000 to 1½ million people” would be needed to make it commercially viable.  He wondered from where the material would come and by what means. “The Rhine disaster was an absolute accident,” he elaborated, “and if this is allowed to continue, then I believe this is another one waiting to happen, especially if they should ever opt to import waste by boat.”

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.