De Valera street to stay two-way as Youghal council finally adopts a traffic management proposal. – By Christy Parker

YOUGHAL TOWN COUNCIL will hope to have ended four years of uncertainty and discontent having adopted a resolution to the traffic management issues surrounding the Ashe Street-De Valera Street-Emmet Place-Church Street routes at a special meeting last Tuesday morning (November 29th).

The meeting, which was held ‘in committee’ (private) was attended by all nine councillors –Mayor Eoin Coyne (FF) and Cllrs Barbara Murray (FG), Michael Beecher (FG), Michelle Hennessy (SF), Eoin Flanagan (SF), Liam Burke (Greens), Sammy Revins (FF),Tara O’Connell (Lab) and Mary Linehan-Foley (FF) and lasted about 90 minutes.

The meeting considered two proposals according to Mayor Coyne. “The first proposal, by Liam Burke was to leave matters as they are, i.e. De Valera Street two-way, Ashe Street and Emmet Place two-way, Church Street downwards only but closed through the tourist season of June, July and August to facilitate the Heritage Trail and increased tourism,” he says.

A counter proposal, from Cllr Linehan-Foley, also argued for the status quo to be retained but with Church Street open throughout the year. “She felt the three-month closure would cause too much hassle and confusion” says he mayor.

The first vote saw Cllr Linehan-Foley’s proposal also supported by Cllrs Hennessy, Flanagan and Mayor Coyne. The proposal was defeated 5-4 with Cllrs Beecher, Murray, Burke, O’Connell and Revins opposing. Cllr Burke’s proposal was then adopted 5-4 with the councillors retaining their stance.

Lines and signs

The mayor explains that both proposals carried an amendment that double yellow lines will apply to both sides of De Valera Street and the residents consequently obliged to avail of the lane’s car park, where resident permit parking is in place. However, a set-down area is to be provided for the veterinary surgeon’s practice. The mayor adds that “elongated rumble strips in the less populated parts of Ashe Street and Emmet Place will also be installed to calm traffic.”

Furthermore, access to Ashe Street via Hayman’s Hill is to be limited to local traffic, with appropriate signage to this effect erected at the entrance to Hayman’s Hill and the junction of Windmill Hill/Ashe Street. Again Mayor Coyne hopes and believes that people will observe this restriction, while deciding it is up to drivers to obey the law traffic warden and gardaí to enforce it. He expects the signage to be erected within six weeks.

Self-calming

Meanwhile it was decided that traffic calming –whether rumble strips or chicanes- on De Valera was unnecessary.  Instead the council opted to lace faith in Cork County Council traffic engineer Eileen Coleman’s opinion that traffic would ‘be self-calming’ on the basis that drivers approaching each other in opposite direction would slow down. How drivers will react on a clear stretch of laneway when there is no approaching vehicle nearby will soon become evident! “People aren’t stupid. They know it’s a built up area,” trusts the mayor, with abounding faith in that portion of humanity that has been sitting behind wheels and causing regular carnage since the horse became expendable!

The agreed measures will see traffic flow on DeValera Street relived for most of the year but possibly increase dramatically during the peak summer season, unless the ‘locals only’ stipulation is observed, in which case the main street will bear the extra volume.

In the coming weeks residents of the affected areas will be formally notified of the council’s ruling. Undoubtedly some will be happy and some will be quite the opposite. To be fair, it’s easy to find weaknesses in any proposal, given Youghal’s infrastructure and the dearth of car parking space at the southern entrance to town.

Any new system cannot hope to please everyone and only time will tell if there is sufficient support and effect to see this adopted proposal and its various accessories survive to permanency. The mayor accepts that time will provide the test but adds that everything “is open to review and people can always make representations.” He assures, finally, that the council will be flexible and considerate wherever and whenever it is deemed necessary to be so. It took a long time to get there. Hopefully the journey is over.

YOUGHAL TOWN COUNCIL’S efforts to progress the Traffic Management Plan for Ashe Street, Church Street and DeValera Street will remain gridlocked for another month at least following some deliberations at June’s council meeting. It had been hoped to adopt an amended plan prior to putting it forwards to public consultation.

However, matters got off to a lethargic start when the members discovered that amendments they had proposed (following consultations with residents) to the original plan had all but been ignored by Cork County Council’s traffic engineer Eileen Coleman. Furthermore, with once councillor absent through illness and another in America with Team Youghal in the Race Across America, forming a democratic consensus would be compromised anyway.

The engineer had been asked to consider the following amendments to the Traffic Management Plan, including pedestrianising Church Street as per the Public Realm Plan and designing chicanes for operation of two-way traffic on DeValera Street (This would necessitate a vehicle travelling in one direction pulling in to facilitate another vehicle coming against it.). Every car would be removed from DeValera Street, with double yellow lines on both sides and, possibly, bollards installed. The amendments would also limit traffic by closing Hayman’s Hill to upward traffic and restricting delivery vehicles on Church Street, DeValera Street and Ashe Street to cars only.

 

Quiet day/busy day

Matters weren’t improved when the engineer revealed that her recent survey accessing traffic accessing Ashe Street via Hayman’s Hill and Windmill Hill, had transpired to be “one of the quietest days in Youghal.” in which a mere 16 cars had been counted (and so rendering that entire exercise practically pointless.) Therefore it remained difficult to subscribe to closing Hayman’s Hill to upward traffic. She did deduct however that the intersection of Hayman’s Hill/Ashe Street and Windmill Hill was “quite dangerous.”

By contrast, Mayor Linehan Foley observed that in recent days traffic had been tailing back to Bun Scoil, inducing many drivers to bypass the main street and cut across Ashe Street via Hayman’s Hill and Windmill Hill before exiting by DeValera Street or the currently re-opened Church Street..

Two-way restraint

Ms Coleman had also decided that installing chicanes on a two-way DeValera Street was unnecessary, believing that traffic would automatically self-regulate to slow speeds in order to avoid collisions. (This presumably works on the premise that there will always be at least one vehicle approaching another on the lane!) Chicanes would be necessary were De Valera Street one-way, she said. Meanwhile two-way traffic would necessitate removing parked cars from the lane.

Church Street

The focus then turned to Church Street, with Ms Coleman declaring that, long-term, it was envisaged that that route, with its heritage-style paving, etc., would be closed. Cllr Liam Burke sought clarification as to why the pedestrianisation of Church Street remained absent from the engineer’s proposals. She said it was perceived that it would accommodate local access only. “We need to define what we mean by ‘pedestrianisation’ and by ‘local access only,’” continued Cllr Burke. “Previously this meant a bollard at the bottom of the street, which was unsatisfactory. So we asked you to consider installing a bollard at the top of the street instead.” Ms Coleman said she had felt that residents of Church Street might park in the DeValera Street car park and walk to their own addresses. However, she would now consider Cllr Burke’s proposal as a further option. The bollard would be remotely controlled by those with off-street parking only, i.e. largely residents.

Pandemonium

Mayor Linehan-Foley however referred to a concert in the area a few days previous and said were it not for Church Street being open, “pandemonium” would have occurred. Cllr Burke said it was vital that a public consultation process be undertaken so that all relevant views and information could be accommodated prior to a final plan being adopted.  It was agreed that the engineer return in July with a clear, simplified set of proposals to be subsequently submitted for such public consultation.

The meeting was attended by Assistant Town Clerk Helen Mulcahy, Town Manager Patricia Power, Mayor Mary Linehan-Foley, Town Foreman Ger Lupton, Town Engineer Paul Murray and Cllrs Barbara Murray (FG), Michael Beecher (FG), Michelle Hennessy (SF) Liam Burke (Green Party) , Eoin Coyne (FF) and Sammy Revins (FF).

Congratulations:

Cllr Murray congratulated the management and staff of both Cork County and Youghal Town Councils successfully working towards ensuring that Youghal has a blue flag on each of its three beaches. She asked the town manager to indicate to An Taisce that all three beaches are designated as Youghal locations, although technically Claycastle and Redbarn come under Cork County Council’s jurisdiction.) She further noted that the blue flags were accompanied by Green Coast awards, for wider environmental excellence. Cllr Burke observed that “Youghal is the only town in Ireland with three blue flags.”

Cllr Beecher praised the town’s artistic, musical and sporting talent in general. By example, he cited the Youghal Soccer Club’s “world class” presentation recently when they entertained Bray Wanderers. He elaborated with reference to Ireland’s renowned culture of welcome with reference to the visits of Queen Elizabeth and President Obama’s (although they avoided Youghal this time, possibly because the visits preceded the arrival of the third blue flag.) “It was fantastic to see the great Irish welcome,” he said before concluding the kudos with a tribute to CRY and its recent cancer charity promotion.

Votes of Sympathy:

Cllr Coyne called for a minute’s silence for Dr, Garret Fitzgerald and Brian Lenihan, “two wonderful men and fantastic servants to our nation who will be greatly missed.” This was duly observed.

Town Foreman’s Report:

Cllr Burke said a pothole at the bottom of Windmill Hill “keeps reappearing.” He then claimed that there were 11 errors in the Irish wording of the parking bye-law sign in Nealon’s Quay (probably replicated in similar signs in other car parks). He said the worse mistake was “the Irish for Monday,” being spelt “’Luna’ instead of ‘Luan’”, meaning the law was effective “from the moon to Saturday!”

Cllr Beecher wanted a sign at Claycastle indicating nearby toilets to be directed in the appropriate direction, as it was pointing to a private house whose residents were being disturbed by visitors wishing to avail of the facility!

Cllr Coyne wanted a loose manhole at Kenny’s Lane resolved,  he reiterated the misspelling of Irish words on the bye-law signs and sought clarification on the bye-law regarding dogs leashed on the beach during June-August. He was told it was requisite from 11 am to 7 pm seven days a week. He also sought pruning for some bushes on the Golf Links Road.

Mayor Mary Linehan Foley requested that weeds in the Mall be removed. She also asked, on behalf of some residents, that a railing be installed on a piece of ground being traversed by mass goers in Raheen Park. Happily, the railings at the former South Abbey school at South Abbey were an ideal fit and she suggested they be transplanted forthwith.

Cork County Council Items:

Cllr Revins observed that there were 42 pages in the latest Cork County Council Beach Bye Laws (oh Gawddd!) and while many of the stipulations would not be very relevant to Youghal, recommended that the councillors familiarise themselves with the details. Cllr Murray noted that the “very controversial bye-laws” irked many people with horse interests in west Cork, while dog issues mostly pertain to Youghal. Cllr Revins sought clarification on “a drain company offloading into the Slob bank renovation works. He learned that the substance in question was “sand and gravel” from a front strand sluice and not the contents of the town’s sewers as had been feared. (It’s unclear why it wasn’t just deposited on the beach).

Cllr Murray complained of the “absolute eyesore” that is the would-be library premises (the former Collins’s bakery). The town engineer said he would take up the matter with the county council. The councillor suggested that corri board be used an efficient and economic method of constructing signage to identify public toilets at the beach. They would be prominently displayed and visible from a distance. Cllr Murray then asked that highly visible signage be posted advertising the beach bye-laws. She also drew attention to a broken manhole cover in Dysart (near Strand church).

Cllr Beecher advised that a new gully be installed at Hillview, as previous efforts were insufficient. He asked that the road surface between Tesco and the council yard be improved to which the engineer said there was a shortage of manpower but he’d see what could be done. Cllr Beecher asked about the Tallow Road and was told that the road surfacing tenders were now in.

Cllr Burke delivered “the usual list of broken footpaths” aka Tallow Street South Main Street and junction of South Abbey/Strand Street,

Cllr Coyne said a pothole on Hayman’s hill was ever present and worrying and Mr. Murray said he hoped it could be repaired, budget permitting, along with works on Raheen Road. The councillor said the road surface at Knockaverry also needed remedying and the engineers said it was hoped to tend to it in 2012.

 

Mayors Business:

Cllr Linehan-Foley, in her final meeting as mayor, paid further tribute to former the late Taoiseach Garret Fitzgerald and Brian Lenihan TD. She wished absent Labour Cllr Tommy O’Connell a “full and speedy recovery” from his recent illness, the sentiments being unanimously endorsed. She conveyed best wishes to Team Youghal on their fundraising cycle across America and remarked that it was a great advertisement for the town. On behalf of the Youghal Concerned Citizens Group, she asked if the town hall rear area could be made available for the launch of the Youghal Bay Fish Pie award on July 2nd. The assistant town clerk asked that they contact her office. The mayor noted that here were many events planned for Youghal over the coming months before praising local events she had recently attended, including the “outstanding” First Army Band in the Collegiate Church on behalf of the Keith Phelan fund, a sand sculpture competition in Pilmore and the Munster Matchplay championship at Youghal Pitch and Putt club. The Vintage Vehicles day, Chatterbox, Choral and Musical societies, CRY’s Radiothon, Youghal Soccer Club versus Bray and, again, the Blue Flags were all lauded. The mayor hoped (probably in vain) that the national media would provide as much coverage for the blue flag regained as it did last year when it was lost! Cllr Beecher echoed the mayor’s sentiments that “negativity” was being afforded too much prominence.

 

Youghal Clock Gate Tower Business Plan:

Assistant Town Clerk Helen Mulcahy Sought and was given agreement to lease the Clock Gate to the Youghal Socio-Economic Development Group (YSEDG) for 7-10 years at an allowable rent and so enable that body to seek funding towards developing the structure.

Traffic Management Plan Church Street. DeValera Street, Ashe Street & Emmet Place. (Presentation of Amended Draft Plan by Eileen Coleman, Traffic Engineer):

See elsewhere in this issue for report.

Report on Claycastle Leisure Company by Chairperson (Mayor Linehan-Foley):

Following a recent meeting of the company, the mayor said, all was going well at the centre. However it was hoped that one (unnamed) school in Youghal would avail of the facility rather than travelling to another centre as was its current practice. “We need all the schools using it to keep it open,” she stated, adding that when funding was being sought to construct the centre, all the schools had indicated a need for the facility. A previous letter to the school inquiring as to its apparent aversion to using Aura had not received a response and another is to be dispatched.

Meeting with Youghal Chamber re: Motion:

“In the interests of advancing new retail business within the Town Centre, where an existing outlet has been vacant for a period of two years or more that Youghal Town Council call on the Chamber of Commerce/Youghal Traders Association to initiate guidelines/policy among its members and possibly all landlords within Youghal that such properties as mentioned above would be made available at 50% of the current market rental value for start-up retail businesses for a period of two years”:

It was decided to seek this meeting after the council’s July meeting (July 12th) rather than following the AGM on Tuesday 21st June as proposed.

Any Other Business:

Cllr Murray drew attention to the availability of the town hall/Mall Arts Centre as a location for civil marriages. She believed very few people were unaware of this fact and congratulated the council for its foresight in registering it as such.

The saga surrounding the Traffic Management Plan for DeValera Street, Church Street and the interdependent route ways thereof is set to continue until July at least, following a recent Youghal Town Council sub-committee meeting. The meeting, reportedly held ‘in committee’ (no media), focused on several aspects surrounding the non-adopted Traffic Management Plan previously agreed for the area.

The plan’s architect, Cork County Council engineer Eileen Coleman, was present at the meeting. As Youghal mayor, Mary Linehan Foley explains , she joined in discussion on an agenda that included the following criteria: the Ashe Street-DeValera/Church Street ‘rat-run’;   opening of Church Street to vehicular traffic; opening Church Street to pedestrians on a section of Church Street;  two-way traffic on DeValera Street and one-way traffic on DeValera Street. Also discussed was, traffic calming; curtailing traffic at the junction of Ashe Street and Windmill Hill (Hayman’s Hill, i.e. at the Devonshire Arms Hotel); a one-way system on Hayman’s Hill; improving the quality of life of residents in the entire area and residents taking back ownership of the street by removing parked cars and limiting traffic.

Re-closing of Church Street amongst measures proposed…

The mayor says that “the members agreed after considerable debate to request that the traffic engineer amend the existing Traffic Management Plan to accommodate the following: pedestrianise Church Street as per the Public Realm Plan; design chicanes for operation of two-way traffic on DeValera Street (This would necessitate a vehicle traveling in one direction pulling in to facilitate another vehicle coming against it.). Every car would be removed from DeValera Street, with double yellow lines on both sides.  Bollards might also be installed. The amendments would also limit traffic by closing Hayman’s Hill to downward traffic only and restrict delivery vehicles on Church Street, DeValera Street and Ashe Street to cars.

The amendments reflect a response to town clerk Liam Ryan’s belief that upward access on Hayman’s Hill is a predominant contributor to the ‘rat run.’ (As against cars turning left onto Windmill Hill and then right into Ashe Street, which may yet transpire.) There exists a belief, explains the mayor, that “by the time drivers get to Windmill Hill, they are half way up the town anyway and will be less inclined to seek access to Ashe Street/DeValera Street.” Only time will tell on that one.

Amendments to be considered

Mayor Linehan- Foley stresses that the engineer “wants to look at these proposals in detail,” before deciding whether to amend the original plan. “So it’s not done and dusted by any means,” she adds. Should the amendment ensue, follow by the public consultation process, it is hoped that the business would conclude in July, the mayor proceeds. However, with any closure of Church Street in itself also requiring public consultation, there is potential for further delay and complication.

Meantime…

In addition to the present juxtaposition, it is prudent to remember that the residents of De Valera Street agreed to a two-way system with no parking on the lane in conjunction with residential parking on the new car park. However, that was prior to Church Street being closed, with the surge in downward traffic. Last week one resident of DeValera Street who has campaigned for a one-way system, agreed that traffic on the lane has been considerably reduced since Church Street was re-opened

YOUGHAL’S MAIN STREET, from Windmill Lane to Cork Hill, is to be resurfaced this year following Cork County Council’s acquisition of €300,000 from the Department of Environment on behalf of the town. Town Clerk Liam Ryan has thanked Town Manager Patricia Power and the engineers at Cork County Council for their successful submissions to the department for what he has described as “a considerable sum in these difficult times.” The work is expected to start in early autumn and be completed for Christmas.

In a further development, the town’s battered and bruised Mall Lane is to be resurfaced shortly, after the town council agreed to allocate funds for the work from a €195,000 grant provided by the Non-National Roads Authority. Of the sum total, €26,500 has been already spent on salting and emergency repairs during the very cold weather, €25, 000 on road patching works in January and €80,000 has been allocated for Quarry Road and Golf Links Road resurfacing.  The balance of €63,500 will provide €30,000 to resurface the Mall Lane to meet both pedestrian and vehicular traffic, along with meeting the monetary requirements for road markings and other signage if the council adopts the Ashe Street/Devalera Street area Traffic Development Plan. Any leftover money may be considered for re-surfacing the northern end of Allin’s Quay to the double slips.

Sunday 20th Feb. 2011 - Press statement from DeValera street residents

Sinn Fein Election Candidate Sandra McLellan has pledged her full support to the residents of De Valera Street and says she will be “supporting implementation of the plan in its current form for a trial period”.

The pledge comes in a letter which was hand-delivered to a meeting of the residents in De Valera this evening (Saturday 19th February, 2011).  The Letter is co-signed by Sinn Fein Councillor, Michelle Hennessy.

The letter comes on foot of an earlier interview on Community Radio Youghal in which the Sinn Fein Election Candidate stated that she believed the Plan “would be implemented”.

The Letter reminds the residents that the Draft Traffic Management Plan is “a matter for the Members of Youghal Town Council”, and that as Councillors, both McLellan and Hennessy have “always supported the residents in the past”.

The letter goes on to state that the Councillors “have a few issues with the Plan around the turning area at the Doctor’s Surgery and Windmill Lane but that is something that needs to be monitored during the trial period”.

“Our position with regard to supporting the residents of DeValera Street has not changed” the letter states.

McLellan confirms that the Mayor has requested that the issue be placed on the Agenda for next month, and goes on to state that “It is my belief that with the exception of one or two, most Councillors are in favour of implementing the Plan on a trial basis”.

De Valera street residents have welcomed Sandra McLellan’s letter of support issued to them this evening.  “This is both timely and important” says spokesperson Lanson Kelly.  “Sandra McLellan and Michelle Hennessy have come out as strong supporters of the residents in our struggle to make De Valera Street one-way and safe.  We very much appreciate this strong statement of support” he says.

Lanson Kelly went on to say “We would also like to acknowledge the long-standing support of our Mayor, Mary Linehan-Foley, and Councillor Eoin Coyne, who have shown that they care about our situation”.

In a separate development this evening, Councillor Tommy O’Connell has confirmed his support to the Residents in a phone conversation with them, stating that they have endured 3 years of hardship and deserve to have one way traffic on the street.

This means that Five of the Nine Councillors are now backing the Residents ahead of the March meeting.  Residents are awaiting a formal invitation to send a delegation to that meeting.

Youghal Town Council is to invite a delegation from DeValera Street to address their complaints regarding traffic issues on their street to March’s Town Council meeting.

However in a move certain to infuriate many, if not most, of the street’s residents, the council will subsequently consider the delegation’s views at the meeting,  before forming a subcommittee to consider the traffic management issues in the area on a broader base. Effectively this means further discussion and assessment on the traffic management plan accepted by the council as a unit last November but not adopted amidst individual reservations. The good news, arguably, is that the council says it will on the matter at April’s sitting.

At February’s town council meeting, Cllr Tommy ‘O’Connell advocated the councillors, as one, walking the traffic plan route the better to comprehend the issue from a pedestrian viewpoint prior to taking  a vote in March. He was told the councillors had already, to some extent done this.

Mayor Linehen Foley in turn said she had intended calling for a vote on the traffic plan but had been advised by town clerk Liam Ryan that she would instead have to table it as part of March’s agenda. She quickly stressed her intention to invite a delegation before calling for a vote at March’s meeting. This initiative seemed to have common acceptance.

More deliberation

However, Cllr Barbara Murray the asked if further deliberation was needed, in each councillor had expressed and retained difficulties with the plan. The discussion resumed afresh, as Cllr Murray elaborated that there was “bedlam” at the top of Emmet Place as motorists availing of doctors’ surgeries and other services came and went. “It’s the knock-on effect and it’s obvious that Eileen Coleman (traffic engineer), not having local knowledge, didn’t take all the scenarios into consideration when she formed the traffic plan,” said the councillor, adding, “I think we should take the delegation and tease it out afterwards in an informal setting before we make a final decision that works for everybody. It’s not just about DeValera Street; it’s about the whole area.”

Trial basis

Cllr Michelle Hennessy echoed Cllr Murray’s views, as did Cllr Sandra McLellan. So did Cllr Liam Burke who concurred that “a special subcommittee meeting” be held, at which the issues would be “teased out on an informal basis in an effort to find a final solution.” It was indicated that the informal sub-committee meeting be held over coffee after March’s council meeting proper.

Town engineer Paul Murray invited himself onto the subcommittee, to unanimous acceptance. There was also wide agreement for Mr Murray’s suggestion that whatever solution evolved, it would be adopted on trial basis of six months or so. The mayor called for volunteers for the sub-committee but it was decided that the entire chamber could form the committee, albeit it would not function officially as a council in the process. DeValera Street residents will be hoping that the tea and coffee discussions don’t take the biscuit as well.

Prior to the meeting proper Town Manager Patricia Power informed the chamber  that under the Local Government Act 2001, the Joint Burial Board would be subsumed into the functions of Cork County Council. This move is expected to occur in 2011. The manager proceeded that due to the economic uncertainties, the Board’s projected income and expenditure figures for 2011 would mirror those of 2010. This meant that €112,029 burial would be spent, with a county council levy of €64,689 on Youghal Town Council, while Cork County Council would contribute €33 339 to fund the Boards deficit .

Prior to the meeting Town Clerk Liam Ryan said that over the next three months he would provide statistical analysis of Youghal under 1) Population, 2) Employment & Unemployment and 3) Other Issues. This would provide a clear picture of the town with a view to future planning. Part 1 of this process is synopsised elsewhere in this edition.

Film time

Also prior to agenda, comments were passed on the previous night’s screening of A Town Out Of Time, Michael Twomey and Kieran McCarthy’s sobering and contemplative commentary on Youghal’s gradual decline through the past decade. For whatever reasons, neither councillors nor council representative had responded to invitation by attending. On reflection, the members were now keen to see the film and it was agreed that an invitation be forwarded to the filmmakers to screen it in the chamber in January or February, though Cllr Barbara Murray favoured a second public viewing. It was also considered that, subject to the council’s perceptions, relevant agencies such as the IDA, etc., might also be invited to view it thereafter.

Congratulations:

Cllr Sandra McLellan congratulated the Inch Rovers ladies football team on winning the All Ireland Club championship. Cllr Murray echoed the sentiment and also extended it to Michael Twomey on what she understood was an “excellent” screening the night previous. She also praised Harmony for its recent production, Weenie. Cllr Sammy Revins paid tribute to Youghal United on their third round Intermediate Cup win. Cllr Eoin Coyne praised all those participating in theatrical productions over the Christmas period.

Town Foreman’s Report:

Cllr Liam Burke said the potholes in Nealon’s Quay car park and on Raheen Road needed repairing. He reminded the town engineer that road marking at the junction of St. Coran’s Road and Seafield Road, were urgently required. The engineer, Paul Murray, said he had discussed it with the road liner and anticipated that a yield sign would be painted on the road. On recommendation from Cllr Burke however, he would now consider erecting a pole sign to that effect in the area.

Cllr Coyne remarked how “shiny” the statue in Green Park now was but suggested that the nearby fountain either be also cleaned up or removed. The councillor drew attention to road signs around the town being “out of place.” He then referred to concerns by the residents of Ashe Street, DeValera Street and Emmet Place over the delayed implementation of the Traffic Management Plan, before being told it would be addressed later in the meeting.

Cllr Michael Beecher said the roads at Knockaverry needed attention, as do those at Summerdale Lawn, though the latter were in Cork County Council’s jurisdiction.

Mayor Mary Linehan Foley asked whether there was an Airtricity number to ring regarding two lights out of order at Quarryvale. She was told that the estate was the responsibility of the developer and not the town council, as he had not yet submitted the appropriate forms for the council to take the estate in hand. Cllr Murray asked why the council didn’t just draw down the bond. The town clerk observed that there was “an ongoing situation between the developer and Cork County Council” relating to a pumping station.

Cork County Council items:

Town engineer Paul Murray reported thus on matters raised at the previous month’s meeting: i)  extensive salting was done on the main roads and Cork Hill particularly, while resources deny treatment to minor roads; ii) potholes resulting from the weather would be dealt with by the town an county councils; iii) all bar one or two bins had been removed from Claycastle for the winter, to reduce illegal dumping; iv) the contractor charged with providing disability ‘knuckling’ on the footpaths at Grattan Street and New Catherine Street has returned to work following the cold weather; iv) filter 4 at Boola is back in service; v) the reservoir clean out is virtually complete.

Cllr Murray pointed out that a “beautifully tied folded mattress in a plastic bag” had been dumped at Claycastle. She said potholes at Ballyclamsey needed attention while there was subsidence near the pump house at Claycastle. The councillor proceeded that a 100 metre duct laid at Ballyvergan was causing flooding problems and the town engineer said he was seeking to claim the developer’s bond to have it rectified. Cllr Murray informed that there was no lighting at Seafield housing estate, along with a ducting in place at the path but without a standard for light.

Cllr Sammy Revins complimented the council staff, town and county for their “fantastic and courteous” efforts over the previous cold spell.

Pinch of salt

The town manager said salt stock levels were seriously depleted nationally and locally and that Cork County Council had expended as much in recent weeks as it had during the entire 2009. She said by the end of the spell, deployment had been -and would be- reduced from 5,000 tons per night to 1,000 tons. Salt demands were high across much of Europe and grit was being added 50/50 to extend the availability. Salt, Ms Power, explained, served to prevent snow from freezing, while sand/grit provided traction. However when the snow melted the grit itself could become a slippery hazard. Difficulties may arise in lieu of further icy conditions, though main routes would most likely be treated. The National Roads Authority (NRA) was now in charge of supplies.

Meanwhile, Cork County Council’s website (www.Corkcoco.ie) now had details of local depots where salt & grit could be obtained by locals, who in turn were not disallowed from dispersing it, thanks to the Attorney General’s ruling. She noted to that people had been “much more pro-active” in the community sense in face of the weather problems.

Cllr Michael Beecher asked whether the council’s old gas yard in Greencloyne would provide the storage depot and Mr. Murray said it would be either there or in Killeagh. There was strong objection to the prospect of people having to travel to Killeagh to acquire the material and it was insisted that supplies be divided if necessary at both locations.

Delay

Cllr Murray complained that there had been no notice posted that Youghal was frozen over until 11 am on the first day of the big freeze. She said the first indication that a senior engineer in Cork claimed to have had of Youghal being “a no-go area” was through radio reports of accidents, including some on Lighthouse Hill. Cllr Murray said the NRA’s high technology IceCast monitoring system merely focused on Dungarvan and Midleton, with Youghal merely considered a point in between.  Calling for a separate system for the Youghal region, she commented, adding that, “we might as well be in the depth of Goleen,” in terms of regard by the authorities. She had recommended, at Cork County Council level, that the NRA be notified and urged that it be repeated at Youghal Town Council’s offices.

Cllr Burke “fully supported” Cllr Murray’s views.  He then asked for an update on the functionality of the outflow pipe at Claycastle. He welcomed the engineer’s intention to attach a short extension to the pipe by way of further improving its performance. He was inquiring as to whether an offshore licence was necessary and if not, the work would be done in the coming weeks.

Cllr Burke proceeded to bring attention to “the usual list of broken footpaths” as he intones almost traditionally now month after month. Once again then, the paths at Tallow Street, South Main Street and the junction of Strand Street and South Abbey are broken. (The ponding at the entrance to the youth centre at Nagle House is forever prevalent too, though nobody mentioned it.) The councillor asked, again for the umpteenth time, that the absent ‘concealed entrance’ sign at Summerdale Lawn be replaced.

Cllr Coyne complained of potholes on the road leading from the junction of Dermot Hurley Estate and Cork Hill. Furthermore, he asked that double yellow lines be deployed at the Quality Hotel before the summer season.

Cllr Beecher asked that a repaired manhole at Raheen Road be further remedied as it had not been a successful operation. He repeated his regular outrage at “the odour from the dump” which he labelled “outrageous”, and added that were it a private company, as against Cork County Council running it, closure would have been ordered ages ago. He recommended that it be shut anyway and hoped that prosecutions ensue from the EPA’s current procurement of statements by those affected. “There’s never been so little going into it,” observed Cllr Murray, giving rise to the lingering consideration that perhaps the  odour rises from a different source.

Mayor’s Business:

Mayor Linehan Foley had been a little late arriving at the meeting and so now took the opportunity to congratulate Youghal Pitch and Putt Club on reaching 25 years of existence, adding that it “brings a lot of people into town.” She also commended the town clerk Liam Ryan, the council in general and  Clodagh Mahon of Youghal Heritage Committee, for saving Christmas s to speak.  She explained that unforeseen “issues” circumstances had threatened the pre-advertised arrival of Santa Clause at the switching on of the Christmas lights some weeks pervious. However Mr. Ryan had made the town hall available at short notice. With the further co-operation of local traders, Aquatrek , Eddie Irwin, the cast of Aladdin and others unnamed, the day was saved. Up to 1,000 people, including over 400 children who received selection boxes, passed through the building. Mulled wine and such seasonal toasts were also supplied of a frosty afternoon of free entertainment.

De Valera Street

The mayor said that an anticipated discussion on a local pontoon would not be discussed unto early in 2011 as the town clerk needed to discuss matters with some individuals. She then referred to the letter circulated to all councillors from the residents of De Valera Street. They stated that had been over two years complying with the town council on the issue of traffic management in their area “for the betterment of the town.” Due to increased traffic volumes safety continued to be compromised, by residents and non-residents, especially pedestrians. They wanted the recently designed traffic management plan adopted.

The mayor said it was always the council’s policy to adhere to the residents’ wishes. She asked whether the chamber now wanted to discuss it further or to put it to public consultation. Cllr Coyne said engineers were being well paid to design a plan that was not being implemented due to the views of non-professionals, such as people on the street who did not want to spend an extra five minutes travelling through the town. He knew there were other issues but believed the plan should be implemented no “on a trial basis at least.”

However it was decided that as there were structural works due to be conducted at Emmet Place, with consequential disruption, the issue would be addressed thereafter, probably around Easter. Cllr Burke’s suggestion that it be done so through a sub-committee was accepted.

Report on Claycastle Leisure Company Ltd., by Cllr Linehan Foley (Chair).

The mayor said a recent meeting consolidated the fact that Aura is doing very well. Some issues with local schools had been resolved, a great summer have been had and it was “all positive.” She extended congratulations to all involved at the centre and urged that the public support and avail of its facilities. Cllr Beecher reminded that the centre was the recipient of many awards, before the town clerk also reminded that Youghal Town Council established Claycastle Leisure Company, who subsequently recruited Aura to oversee the complex. “It currently employs 37 full and part-time workers, representing a sustainable source of employment and economic benefit to the town, effectively though the town council,” he concluded.

. Motion in the name of Cllr. Murray seconded by Cllr. Beecher:

“That this Council re-assess its Development Contribution Scheme in relation to Car Parking Contributions due to the change in economic climate generally”.

Cllr Murray argued that in the light of the harsh economic times it was time to reduce the contribution for car parking charges. She said other town councils were looking at doing so, with Tramore and Dunmore East heading towards €3,034, Midleton @ €1,866, Cobh @ €2,900 and Skibbereen now down 20% to €2,900. Youghal is set at €5,000. She said her motion would really affect change of use on the main street where, for example, a family home is converted to a shop. Amidst general support, the town clerk said he would consider the issue over Christmas and it would be discussed again thereafter.

The prolonged procedure known as the Traffic Management Plan for Ashe Street, Church Street & De Valera Street moves a step closer when the Town Council discusses issue following the conclusion of the public consultation at a special meeting on November 2nd. Prior to October’s town council meeting Eileen Coleman, Traffic Management Engineer with Cork County Council updated the chamber on the Draft Proposals.

The engineer’s report first reiterated that the plan’s objective is “to improve amenity and safety on Ashe Street, Emmet Place, De Valera Street and Church Street, while maintaining access to services and residences.” Inherent in this, it intendeds to:  a) remove cut-through traffic, allowing access for residents and to services but reducing non-local traffic; b) preserve the road pavement at Church Street; c) enhance pedestrian environment in respect of tourism; d) ensure Church Street closure does no impact negatively on other areas; e) ensure a better quality of life for all local residents.
Since Church Street closed, De Valera Street has experienced extra traffic as drivers access the main street travelling eastwards (towards Waterford).
What is proposed:
The draft proposals are: i) Church Street local access only and no through traffic; ii) Ashe Street two-way;  iii) De Valera Street one-way from Main Street to Ashe Street. It is unclear whether this latter proposal may be a misrepresentation as it would entail traffic exiting De Valera Street car park having to turn left and detour through Windmill Hill to access South Main Street. It perhaps is intended that De Valera Street traffic is two way the 50 metres from the main street to the car park and one-way thereafter. On the other hand, the report does cite a potential disadvantage as being ‘a slight additional journey time for vehicles travelling eastwards.’

Gains:
Meanwhile the anticipated gains are: i) less through traffic for locals; ii) improved pedestrian environment due to less traffic; iii) enhanced environment in the historic core and associated preservation of road infrastructure; iv) removal of cut-through traffic.
In regards to funerals, it is being considered that adjustable bollards maybe installed on Church Street to allow corteges to access North Main Street via that route.
Submissions received:
The public consultation process elicited the following submissions: i) An Garda Siochana content, assuming adequate signage erected; ii) Cal Flavin: too much traffic using Windmill Hill and increased dual traffic on Ashe Street, along with increased traffic on North Main Street. Supports closing Chapel Lane and recommends exit from Priory Court be made safe;  iii) De Valera Street Residents Committee: Broadly welcomes but consultation with regard to possible traffic calming measures and a walkway on a trial basis at first; iv) David & Mae Clark, Quarry Road –also on behalf of their parents: believes a u-turn area be provided in the interests of safety. Foresees increased traffic eastwards on Ashe Street. Concerned about traffic conflict after church services. Recommends restricting Ashe Street  to one-way from Cross Lane to Windmill Hill; v) Caroline Newell, Coastguard Station: Object sot proposals. Disfavours removal of cut-through. Says traffic can access Ashe Street through three points but only exit from one. Concerned about Windmill Hill/South Main Street junction. Believes Ashe Street will be no go area at mass time and has concerns about the junction exiting Priory Court car park and accessing the doctor’s office; vi) Oliver JJ Broderick,Ashe Street welcomes the proposals but observes that cars using Church Street will have to turn to access Windmill Hill. Sees increased traffic using narrow sections of Ashe Street and difficulties for cars due to parking on Emmet Street. Proposes making Ashe Street one-way towards Windmill Hill.

Responding to the submissions:
The report proceeds that, 1) Access to the church during ceremonies would be met by limited car parking on Ashe Street and Emmet Place along with Priory Court car park. Also, locals may access the church from De Valera Street; 2) A turning point could be provided on Emmet Place; 3) Signage and road marking are proposed; 4) Windmill Hill has sufficient capacity to accommodate increased traffic  and is more appropriate than narrow Ashe Street. 4) There are proposed changes for accessing Priory Court car park. 5) Traffic calming measures are not presently proposed but the measures would result in reduced traffic which, being local, will not be concerned with getting from A to B as fast as possible. 6) Ashe Street will have three access and one exit points but one of the plan’s objectives is to remove the cut-through traffic, with motorists using the main street primarily.
Finally:
Next month’s special meeting will enable the councillors to discuss the draft proposals and make amendments if they so wish. The proposals will then be brought before the council’s November meeting proper a week later where a vote will be taken whether to adopt them as the finished Plan or otherwise.

deValera Street residents availed of the opportunity to air their views on the streets permit parking dilemma when they met with Town Clerk Liam Ryan at the council’s offices last Thursday. About a dozen residents attended the meeting, which was organised by Cllr Mary Linehan Foley. -By Christy Parker/Photo Michael Hussey (YoughalOnline.com)

Cllr Liam Burke also attended, though Mayor Olly Casey was absent. Cllrs Burke and Casey have argued vehemently for 17 designated spaces (out of 37) to be allocated to the residents when the new car park eventually opens, in lieu of their vehicles being removed from the street. The initiative was passed by the council but later deemed impractical and possibly illegal by legal opinion.

The meeting resulted in the residents proposing a compromise whereby they would forego designated spaces in return for permits that would allow them to avail of the car park indefinitely, spaces permitting, as well as retain their current option of parking on the laneway. The lane would become one-way (upwards) with, by consequence, traffic accessing the main street being routed down Church Lane.

Before being sanctioned, the proposals will need to meet the acceptance of the street’s other residents, the emergency services and, possibly, residents in Church Lane. The latter consideration may -or may not- provoke debate, given the street’s narrow dimensions and the Read more