Gardai Seeking Help With Halloween Investigations – By Christy Parker

YOUGHAL GARDAI are seeking help with their investigations into a number of anti-social incidences that occurred in the town on Halloween night and over the half-term school break. Community Garda Peter Queally says tow of the more serious incidents involved the smashing of rear windows in a taxi and a CIE bus.

On Halloween night (Monday October 31st), an egg-throwing episode developed to the point that the rear window of a tax was smashed. The incident occurred at about 10.10 pm in the Bawnmore area. “This caused a lot of distress and we are seeking witnesses or information on this incident,” says Garda Queally.

On Thursday 27th November, at approximately 7.30 pm, a stone shattered the rear window of a Bus Eireann vehicle. The missile was hurled in the vicinity of Barry’s Lane, while the window actually caved inwards on reaching the other end of town.

The garda says the local deployment of six gardai across three squad cars dealt with a continuous series of anti-social incident on Halloween night.  Several individuals had been arrested and the juvenile Liaison officer would be addressing the situation with them and their parents or guardians.

ASBO’s:

Elaborating, Garda Queally remarks that an outbreak of similar behaviour patterns last year had resulted in ASBOs being issued to good effect. “We are keen to tackle this latest trend very quickly and in similar fashion if need be,” he says. “So we would like the traders or anyone else in the town to inform of us of any incidents and to provide us were possible, with descriptions of alleged culprits.” The garda stresses that “there is no such thing as a call that wastes our time. We welcome every call no matter how trivial it may seem and we have the resources to process them.” He adds, “It’s important that we issue ASBO’s now, where necessary, as their three-month timespan would prohibit the recipients from visiting certain areas over Christmas.”

The garda is less than complimentary towards outlets that sold large volumes of eggs to young miscreants over Halloween “Did they think they were dealing with up-and-coming chefs?!” he asks caustically.

Several incidents of underage drinking were also detected over the mid-term break. “The worse offenders here are those who supply the alcohol,” observes the garda. “There are certain areas and times when this crime now arises and we will remain focused on it.”

Burglaries:

In other incidents, last Wednesday night (Nov 2nd), the Lagile area –just outside Killeagh on the Youghal side- two houses were burgled and articles were also taken from an unlocked car. Gardaí are seeking information or witnesses to the incidences which occurred between 5 and 6 pm.

Several drug arrests occurred in Youghal in the past week also. “There were four Section 3’s (own use) and one Section 15 (dealing) detected,” concludes Garda Queally.

COMMUNITY ALERT NOTICE: November’s Community Alert meeting takes place in the Red Store at 11 am. The meeting will be addressed by Muintir na Tííre development officer Diarmuid  Cronin, while a youth drug officer and a local Care and Repair representative will also speak to the gathering. Questions from the floor will be welcomed. Free refreshment will also be provided.

GARDAÍ  SEEK INFORMATION ON BURNT OUT VAN AND ADVISE ON HALLOWEEN AND NEW DRINK DRIVING LIMITS. – By Christy Parker

Youghal gardai are seeking information on an incident in which a van was stolen and subsequently destroyed in the town on 15th October during the early hours of morning. The grey Peugot 206, registration number 06 C 8843 was stolen from the Kennilworth area overnight. It was later discovered burned out in the Magner’s Hill area.  Contact Youghal garda station on (024) 92200.

Garda Ronan Swan also reports that two daytime burglaries occurred in the district in recent times. Some small items were stolen from a vehicle in Ballymacoda on 18th Oct at about 4 pm. Meanwhile a house was burgled during the day in the Knockane area of Castlemartyr in which a credit union book was taken.

However the garda warns that October and November are prime times for burglaries and asks householders to ensure that their premises are secured and security alarms activated when leaving their home.

Halloween

With the shadow of Halloween again about to fall, Garda Swann warns that possession of fireworks without a licence in Ireland is a criminal offence. More urgently he advises that “a lot of people are out to make a quick buck and so knock up improvised fireworks with gun powder and other lethal materials in them. Short fuses can suddenly detonate them and I’ve seen hands blown to smithereens,” he recalls.

The garda also reminds that fireworks can cause immense distress to animals and ask for consideration to be given in that area too. Bonfires represent further potential dangers and the garda says throwing items such as aerosol cans onto burning piles is likely to cause explosions which can be lethal. “Bonfires can blaze out of control anyway and damage property and endanger lives,” he adds.  Finally on the Halloween theme, he urges parents to ensure that their children wear some form of visible clothing if out trick-or-treating, due to the ability of motorists and other road users being seriously compromised by the combination of dark evenings and dark clothing.

New drink/driving limits

Garda Swann says new drink/driving limits will be introduced in Ireland from next weekend. Under the legislation, driers will be divided into two categories; a) regular drivers and b) specified drivers, which will include learners, those with full licence for less than two years and those driving taxi, lorries, buses, etc.

The new limits are set out on the following website: www.citizensinformation.ie/en/travel_and_recreation/motoring_1/driving_offences/drink_driving_offences_in_ireland.html. They read as follows:

Blood: An offence of driving or attempting to drive a mechanically propelled vehicle in a public place while there is present in your body a quantity of alcohol such that, within 3 hours after so driving or attempting to drive, the concentration of alcohol in your blood exceeds a concentration of:
- 50 milligrammes of alcohol per 100 millilitres of blood for experience drivers
- 20 milligrammes of alcohol per 100 millilitres of blood for other drivers

Urine: An offence of driving or attempting to drive a mechanically propelled vehicle in a public place while there is present in your body a quantity of alcohol such that, within 3 hours after so driving or attempting to drive, the concentration of alcohol in your urine exceeds a concentration of:
- 67 milligrammes of alcohol per 100 millilitres of urine for experienced drivers
- 27 milligrammes of alcohol per 100 millilitres of urine for other drivers

Breath:

An offence of driving or attempting to drive a mechanically propelled vehicle in a public place while there is present in your body a quantity of alcohol such that, within 3 hours after so driving or attempting to drive, the concentration of alcohol in your breath exceeds a concentration of:
- 22 microgrammes of alcohol per 100 millilitres of breath for an experience driver
- 9 microgrammes of alcohol per 100 millilitres of breath for other drivers.

The garda surmises that “the days of having a pint after work before driving home are now well gone and the new limits really allow for no leeway at all. He adds that increased mandatory check points will operate throughout the bank holiday.

This year’s Community Alert AGM will be held in the Cumann na Daoine premises, Catherine Street, Youghal, on Wednesday October 5th at 7.45 pm. All are welcome.

GARDAI CONCERNED OVER SCHOOL RUN CONGESTION  – By Christy Parker  

YOUGHAL GARDAI want parents and other drivers to park carefully when dropping off and collecting children at Gaelscoil Choráin and to be extra mindful of the requirements of residents and other drivers in the area. Community Garda Peter Queally says there have been “a number of complaints” arising from congestion on the street since the school re-opened, especially in the mornings. We can see both sides of the problem and we realise the difficulties,” says the garda. “We will be talking to the school and maybe the school could liaise with parents. It’s a geographical thing and it’s further complicated with other parents accessing Bunscoil through Strand Street”

Crimes

Meanwhile entry into derelict buildings is deemed trespassing, breaking and entry and/or burglary and perpetrators will be pursued as such, according to the garda.  Garda Queally was speaking after a man was arrested on suspicion of just such an infringement. “Sometimes these incidents also lead to criminal damage,” he proceeds, “People need to be aware that we follow up reports of such incidences and indeed we put a lot of time into investigating them.”

Garda Queally expresses concern at the number of derelict sites in the Youghal area. “As well as being eyesores, they present an ongoing problem for us,” he says.” We would be concerned that a they could be prone to someone setting light to wooden structures, which could cause immense damage to neighbouring properties as well. We’d ask owners to secure their premises.”

Garda Queally also referred to the increasingly common occurrence of ‘drive-off’ theft from petrol stations. “It’s not the cleverest of crimes,” he advised. “Almost every garage in the county has CCTV now and we practically always have a successful investigation as a result.”

Elsewhere on the crime front, the garda warns householders to be on the alert for bogus callers. Last week two foreign nationals were arrested having called to houses on false pretences of collecting for charity.  “They showed ID but not permits for collecting money,” says the garda. One of the me was subsequently repatriated to Poland on foot of a EU arrest warrant while the other was sent to Monaghan where he was being sought by gardai.

Alarms

The Waterford native referred also to community matters and had good news for those awaiting socially monitored alarms. “After several months delay, the latest applications have been sanctioned and we have received funding to buy and install about 30 alarms.” He said. “We expect the installers from Wexford to start work in a couple of weeks. It’s been a long wait because the rules changed and our hands were tied.”

Garda Queally said forms for the next round of applications were now available from the garda. That process would take several months also be he added that for people urgently requiring the appliances, the option remained to purchase them privately, at a cost of about €250. The gardai would provide information on how this could be done.

We must learn lessons from the UK riots

Cork East Fine Gael TD and Chairman of the Oireachtas Committee on Justice, Defence and Equality, David Stanton, has called on the Government to instruct all State bodies and semi-state companies to take account of the need for corporate social responsibility.

“The glaring spotlight of the world’s media was focussed on the London riots last week, and the shocking events have sparked a crucial debate on moral, social and civic responsibility. We should, at the very least, aim to learn from these events. I believe the Government can take the lead here by underlining the need for State bodies to take a progressive and benevolent approach to corporate social responsibility.

“I am calling on the Government to instruct State agencies, semi-state companies, Government departments and local authorities to take a strong stance when it comes to this issue. These bodies should be encouraged to incorporate a sense of civic duty within their operations.

“This could have practical and positive benefits for local youth and sporting organisations. There are surely many instances where property and lands under partial or total State ownership are vacant and could be used by these community groups.

“We have seen the impact of societal breakdown in the UK. Youth organisations at community level play a very important part in providing activities and outlets for young people. While this cannot prevent every problem or provide every solution it certainly can be very important for social cohesion and personal development.

“Many companies within the private sector have already taken the lead on this issue, and there’s no reason why State bodies should not have clearly defined policies aimed at promoting social inclusion.

“I would like to see the Government develop a proactive policy in this regard and instruct all State bodies to take cognisance of this need. Such bodies should highlight in their annual reports to Ministers the steps being taken to improve their corporate social responsibility.”

Following the successful Vee Challenge 2010 the Youghal Cycling Club were delighted to repeat the same 130km and 90 km route in aid of the Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind. Cyclists from various cycling clubs were present to support the event and took part in as outriders for part of the journey. The cyclists set off from the Youghal GAA centre at 10am, Sunday 7th August, behind the lead car and were escorted through the town under the supervision of Sgt. Orla Coughlan and Garda Eoin Hodnett in the Yougal garda car who marshalled the major junctions en route. The Youghal Cycling Club are very active in the local community and last October organised a charity fundraiser cycle from Youghal to Castlemartyr  in aid of the local Keith Phelan Appeal as well as other charities.

THE VEE CHALLENGE

130km Route

Taking in the ascent of the Vee from Lismore and descending into Clogheen before climbing the Vee again up through the wood’s,then heading for the food stop on the road to Cappoquin.Refueled the route will pass by the Blackwater taking in the beautiful Dromana drive before heading for the coast and the final sting in the tail offering fantastic views of Youghal town.
A route suitable for the regular cyclist with a good standard of fitness.A challenging route with several climbs offering some fantastic scenery along the way.

THE VEE ASCENT

90km Route

This route covers most of the the roads that the Vee Challenge incorporates with participants climbing the Vee as far as Glenaknockaun before turning back for the R669 and the welcome foodstop along this gentle descent into the town of Cappoquin.
This route is ideal for those looking for a moderate challenge with the scenic climb of the Vee, along with the beautiful Dromana drive part of the route.A reasonable level of fitness would be required to enjoy your day in the saddle and the fantastic scenery that the area offers.

Youghal town has a proud tradition of cycling with a club in existence for most of the past 50 years. Over the years all disciplines of cycling have been particapted in by members from grass track racing in the early years to competitive road racing.A very successful underage section that challenged for national titles was in existence back in the early 1990s.

The current club which was formed in 2006 is focused on the leisure/sportive side of cycling taking part in the ever increasing number of events that form part of Cycling Irelands leisure calendar. Members also compete in Cycling Ireland’s Road race Calendar with strong performances in these events.The club takes full advantage of the spectacular roads and scenery that East Cork and West Waterford have to offer.

Club membership has grown strongly in the past number of years and actively growing with both male and female members participating in a wide range of cycling challenge events both at home and abroad.The club has hosted many leisure tours over the years with clubs travelling from around the country to participate on challenging and scenic routes.

Highlights for the club have been particpation in the following events:

SEAN KELLY TOUR OF WATERFORD

WICKLOW 200

RING OF KERRY

MIDLETON TOUR DE CURE

REBEL TOUR

ETAPE DU TOUR

MALIN TO MIZEN CHALLENGE

WEST CORK 200

TOUR OF FLANDERS SPORTIVE

RACE AROUND IRELAND

AN POST REBEL TOUR

CONNOR PASS CHALLENGE

MOUNT LEINSTER CHALLENGE

THE AIM  OF THE CLUB IS TO GET PEOPLE ON THEIR BIKES TO PURSUE A

HEALTHY ACTIVITY AND TO  ENJOY THE COMPANY

OF OTHERS WHILE

CYCLING THE GREAT OUTDOORS

Club training spins take place year round,
for details follow the links on this site.

For more information you can contact the club @

mailto:youghalcyclingclub@gmail.com

MONTHLY MEETING

The club hold a monthly meeting on the first Wednesday of the month, in the hall of the Holy family church(next to Gaa club) @ 8.00pm.
Everybody welcome.

WE LOOK FORWARD TO MEETING YOU ON THE ROAD

Click on image to enlarge

 

A Cork County Councillor, who tabled a motion this week to have a ban on smoking in playgrounds put into new bylaws, has called for the document to be finished in September.

Cllr Deirdre Forde (FG) tabled a motion to ban smoking in all playgrounds in County Cork, to discourage adults from forcing children to passive smoke and to help prevent children taking up the habit later in life.

She told the Cork Independent that she had been left with respiratory problems having been raised around smoking, as her family owned a public house.

“I was around people that smoked all the time, and most of my family smoked,” she said.

“This is why I suffer with asthma now.”

The Council is drafting bylaws written up for playgrounds, which could also include a ban on children over 12 years of age using playground equipment designed for younger children.

The Councillor had been contacted by Ash Ireland, an anti-smoking lobby group, who asked her to take the issue up in the chamber.

“The spirit of it was accepted but yes, there are concerns about how it would be policed,” the Fine Gael councillor told the Cork Independent.

“Smokers are pleading that they are under siege. But smoking is a health problem that the Government is tasked with dealing with and I would be in favour of placing the issue of passive smoking in any children’s rights before the Dáil.

“We must look at this behaviour and the habit of smoking around children. Not only is it dangerous for them, as it is a well-known fact that children exposed to passive smoking suffer more chest infections, but we must avoid passing on this learned behaviour. We don’t want children growing up and smoking themselves,” she said.

A similar prohibition exists at the children’s playground in Doneraile Park, which is managed by the Office of Public Works.

“If people are addicts, that is their decision. Children cannot make a decision to avoid passive smoking, so we must make it for them.”

She added that a smoking ban in playgrounds would also deal with the issue of dumping cigarette butts. “They are everywhere you look in playgrounds. It’s disgusting.”

Council officials and Gardaí will be enforcing the bylaws and allowed to remove people in breach of bylaws, while Gardaí would be permitted to use recording devices if required.

The bylaws will also prohibit cycling, skateboarding and ball playing, with fines ranging from €75 to €1,904.60 for District Court appearances.

The local authority is also looking at the possibility of installing CCTV cameras in playgrounds to monitor anti-social behaviour.

The draft bylaw document is due to be returned to Cork County Council, however, Cllr Forde is calling on it to be finalised in September.

“The sooner we can finalise it, the better. People were horrified too when they heard about the smoking ban and now look at the lovely environment that we have. People will adhere to this too,” said Cllr Forde.

Opinion:

Christine Allen agrees with the move, while Peter Tobin argues that freedom of choice is paramount.

Source: www.corkindependent.com

 

 

The public meeting, at the Red Store, began with brief reflection on the successful Gold Label Youghal Bay Fish Pie competition and the Teddy Bears Picnic the previous weekend. Special recognition was afforded to Norman McDonald, Paula Tutty, Cliff Winser and Frank Murphy for their hard work. Congratulations were extended to Team Youghal for their fundraising cycle across America for the Emer Casey Foundation. Chairman Jim Flanagan said a week previous, in the Consulate General’s office in New York, the foundation had been established as a registered charity in the USA.

Norman McDonald thanked a plethora of contributors to the previous weekend’s events. While there are too many to mention, it is worth noting that fisherman Kevin Murphy had remained awake following his return from Greece to moor a boat for promotional photographs for the fish pie contest at 7 pm.

In an innovative turn, eight year-old Orla Curtain read a brief tribute to the Teddy Bears Picnic, recounting to much applause her experience and her appreciation of the event.

Treasurer’s Report:

Secretary Adrian Hyde said expenditure on insurance ad been €265, outlay related to the fish pie venture was €312.00 and outgoings on the Teddy Bears Picnic had been just €30.05. Various donations had left a closing balance of €134.91. Chairman Jim Flanagan said the group was “not about funding,” though it may be a requirement and “donations are always welcome.”

Proposed Future Events:

A Halloween Festival:

The idea is to develop a unique, family fun occasion with the accent on promoting Youghal’s history.  Associated ideas include traders donning appropriate and provided costumes, window displays, characters in fancy dress and a ‘headless’ horseman to ride spontaneously and unannounced through the town. Volunteer carpenters were being sought to make replica stocks and suchlike for display at the Market Square. Pubs would be encouraged to host Halloween themed events. There would be Youghal tours featuring characters and events from Youghal’s past, such as Cromwell, alleged 17th century witch Florence Newton, Clock Gate hangings etc. It was hoped a sub-committee would soon evolve to er, execute some if not all of these ideas.

Diving Rocks/49 steps:

Mr. Hyde said carpenter Jerry Dennehy was awaiting permission and materials to conduct approved renovations to see the area re-opened. A submission to that effect had been made to the town council. Most of the work centred on warning and advisory signage along with railings and repairs to several steps. It was hoped that the both town and county councils would respond positively to enable the work to commence this month.

Themed Christmas:

This was mooted by Ann Marie Power who envisaged rejuvenating trade and atmosphere with an old fashioned “Charles Dickens” type Christmas. Relevant dress wear would be provided to traders and windows adorned appropriately, much carol singing would ensue amidst lanterns and costumed characters. Special ‘Shopping  in Youghal’ shopping bags would be produced to promote trade. It was reported that traders had already reacted positively to the novel concept and also that advances had been made in sourcing costumes. There was a belief that the event would entice locals to shop locally, spark media interest and attract visitors. It was decided to circulate the idea in writing amongst local businesses.

Current Campaigns

Dog Litter:

In the absence of chief motivator Suzanne Cotter, the secretary spoke on the issue. He said information leaflets from Cork County Council’s veterinary department were being distributed and posters were being circulated to businesses. Dog litter bags were being made available in several retail outlets.  The town council were going to erect relevant signage across the town and strand, including notice of potential fines. Mr Hyde reiterated that dog litter and tourism just do not mix well!

Community Bus –Volunteer Needed:

Tony Phelan of the community bus group addressed the room. He said the service runs Thursdays and Fridays from 10 am to 5 pm, conveying the elderly, disabled and other vulnerable citizens to and from their doorstep and town centre. Although free, a voluntary donation –usually amounting to €2- is generally contributed. The service had commenced in 2010 with a SECAD grant of €4,500 and a contracted bus. This bus had now been replaced by the group’s own vehicle, which had been donated free from a senior citizens group in Knocknaheeny. The HSE helped with servicing costs and FAS provided a driver for 9½ hours. So popular was the service that it was now hoped to expand it.

To this effect, the group required either sponsorship or -more likely- voluntary help, most immediately a driver companion to assist with small chores such as carrying shopping, etc . Additionally, an extra driver (with C1 licence) was needed because it would cost €12 to pay a replacement for an unwell or unavailable driver.

Any Other Business:

Items raised included a request for voluntary stewards to assist the Queen of the Sea festival; a ‘clean up your area’ weekend before the end of August; removal of the weeds from the Mall (since conducted).

Feargal Quinn:

There was some discourse on Youghal’s application for the RTE television series on town regeneration, which apparently was first instigated by members of the YCC. For details on this initiative see the Youghal Town Council report elsewhere in this issue.

No to toxic sludge:

Local artist and business woman Eileen McGoldrick spoke, with emotion and dismay on the plans of Eros Eco to accept hazardous/toxic waste at its plant in Foxhole. She said it was “sad that we are sitting here feeling positive and trading ideas to promote Youghal as a family resort rich in history and heritage,” while Cork County Council intended to send such waste to the town. “I feel really, really angry about it,” she reminded. “It’s appalling.”  She urged a strong fight against the proposal and to assist objectors such as the Chamber of Commerce and Tourism in any way possible, including signing petitions and other protests. “We owe it to our children,” she concluded. It was agreed to circulate the petition to willing business outlets and to consult the Chamber for an update on their course of resistance. It was also agreed to typify resistance with a counter proposal that toxic waste be “treated at source” and not transported to Youghal.

Tour Buses:

Norman McDonald said that since he and Cliff Winser had begun greeting tourist buses at the Market Square, some operators had increased their stopover times from 30 minutes to three hours. “Sometimes you meet an area manager instead of a courier and that’s when a big change can occur,” he informed, adding that many tourists “are delighted to be met personally and told about the town.” The ultimate objective was to “foster good relationships” with companies and encourage them to include Youghal prominently in next season’s itinerary, as well as to instill in visitors a wish to return to the town. He said one company –Trafalgar- was proving difficult to persuade to stay longer in the town but efforts would continue. They were also hoping to entice a portion of the 3,000 passengers who would be embarking on coach tours from a cruise liner visiting Cobh on July 24th to come to Youghal. The man knows no boundaries….

Taxis –oh dear!

Nearer to home –but not near enough- Youghal’s pay-per-head taxi service was reportedly infuriating some tourists based outside town, particularly at the Quality Hotel. A speaker from the floor said a group of visitors from Fermanagh relaxing in the Nook had criticised the ‘per head’ fares levied from the hotel to the town and back.

There was general acceptance that the situation evoked repeated complaints. While accepting that it was not the YCC’s role or intention to dictate to private enterprises, it remained inescapable that there was widespread concern amongst tourists and tourist interests at the costs and system being operated.

It was clarified that while PSV offices in Cork oversaw the operations of Youghal taxis, it could not interfere in fare arrangements. It was also stated that while Youghal taxi representatives had privately made known their displeasure following a previous airing of concerns, at the same they declined an invitation to present their argument at a public meeting and indeed, seemed unwilling to negotiate or discuss the issue with anyone at all.

In the absence of a metered taxi service it is difficult to see how fares allegedly of up to €10 per person one way to travel three miles, will cease to co-exist with the €17 euros return to Cork on Bus Eireann! One man in attendance said he would attempt propose to the Quality Hotel and Youghal tourism an initiative that might offer an alternative means of transport.  “It’s a longshot though,” he admitted.

The next public meeting of Youghal Concerned Citizens is on Thursday, 4th August at 7 pm upstairs in the Red Store.

YOUGHAL fire service were called to the scene of a gorse fire near the diving rocks area at Youghal Lighthouse last Wednesday July 13th. One fire tender attended the scene and managed to quickly extinguish the blaze. Nobody was injured in the fire which was brought quickly under control by the Youghal fire brigade. It is not yet known how the fire began.

The entrance to the diving rocks has been closed to the public since May 2010. The Town Manager ordered the closure of the popular bathing area adjacent to the Youghal lighthouse following a safety audit report from the Irish Water Safety Association. Youghal Town Council commission a new health and safety audit on the town’s diving rocks, following the closure of the popular bathing area on health and safety grounds.

Youghal council supports call for 50% rents and rates reductions to boost enterprise.
By Christy Parker

Youghal Town Council’s May meeting unanimously supported a motion calling for a 50% reduction in retail rents for new businesses across a two-year time span, in return for an equivalent rates reduction by the council. The motion was tabled by Cllr Tommy O’Connell.

Cllr O’Connell said he had recently investigated complaints from two developers that high rates were causing economic stagnation. “I found that the rates they were paying weekly were derisory and wouldn’t amount to a decent night out!,” he stated. It is understood that the rates figures in question were €18 and €30.

The councillor said he’d “be the first to condemn the council if I thought rates were the problem. But they are not.  Its exorbitant rents that are killing the town centre, where about eight people own 90% of the property on the main street. This needs to go out strongly from this chamber.”

Cllr O’Connell cited a businessman who claimed he had to close up after his landlord declined to reduce his rent by €100, from €400 per week. The property remains empty, he said. “This landlord must have ignored the old maxim that ‘half a loaf is better than no loaf at all,’” he observed. “These landlords can see the town centre dying before their eyes. I ask them to show decency and civic pride and give new businesses breathing space, instead of holding a dog-in-the-manger attitude. I’m sure a lot of people with ideas would start a business and hopefully build it up over two years.”

 

Cllr Liam Burke, who seconded the motion, said anecdotal stories of high rents in Youghal had long circulated. “I was amazed recently to read that €55,000 annual rent was being sought by the owners of Merrick’s. It’s hard to envisage that in these times.”

Youghal town clerk Liam Ryan welcomed Cllr O’Connell’s initiative. He said the scheme “is not effectively about could rates levies or valuation. Bills would be issued as previously but the manager has discretion at year end to strike off rates based on hardship grounds and on individual cases.  That’s how it could be done.”

Mr Ryan said empty properties were not generating any rates or income to Youghal Town Council and were a drain on it. “This integrated scheme would generate income for both the landlord and the local authority,” he urged. “A vacant property would be occupied and a better retail landscape would emerge on the main streets. But it does require the Chamber of Commerce and the retail sector to come on board and grasp the opportunity in conjunction with the town council.”

Town Manager Patricia Power believed “Youghal Town Council has been very supportive of landlords and there has been no commercial rates increase over past three years. We also provided the painting initiative. The council cannot carry the blame unfairly. And I fully support Cllr O’Connell’s idea.”

Cllr Sammy Revins believed it was time the council was seen to welcome new businesses to town. He said he recently heard that Cork City Council had provided a new retailer with two years rate free on condition that three jobs were created. He advocated a public meeting be convened to expose the reality of the issues involved.

Cllr Barbara Murray said that it was not the council’s remit to dictate to any group as what they can or cannot do, “but we can certainly urge them to have a bit of civic pride,” she agreed. Broadening the issue somewhat, she noted that Minister for Local Government Phil Hogan had intimated dealing with such issues as inheritance of rate defaults and also giving local authorities more flexibility in implementing wavering schemes, etc.” Councils don’t have enough flexibility at present,” she stated. “Cork County Council finds that those with difficulties are those paying up to €3,000 per year, while the big businesses, such as ESB, Telecom, Tescos, etc., have no problem.”

It was agreed to forward the proposal to Youghal Chamber of Commerce and to non-aligned retailers for consideration. Pending the response, the council may convene a public forum to discuss the issue transparently.

Newly elected chairwoman of Youghal Chamber of Commerce, Mary O’Donnell, said she that she had not yet studied the proposal, it “sounds interesting.” She said she would be raising it with her members.

Help And Hope Provided At Elder Abuse And Home Insulation Conference – By Christy Parker

Organisers of a conference that addressed the issues of both Elder Abuse and Home Insulation have described the event as “very satisfactory,” according to its chairman, Michael Beecher. Approximately 70 people assembled at Cumann na Daoine on May 11th, where experts in both fields, along with Garda representatives, offered information and advice.

The conference was organised by Community Alert in conjunction with Muintir na Tire and was chaired by Mr Beecher, who is also Chairman of Youghal & District Community Alert and a FG town councillor.

 

Elder Abuse

The issues relating to elder abuse were wide-ranging and comprehensive, including: what is elder abuse; different types of abuse; financial abuse; negelect; physical abuse; sexual abuse’ psychological/emotional abuse’ who might abuse an older person; why might abuse them; how the HSE can and cannot help; guidance and legislation; mental capacity; what can someone experiencing abuse do to stop it; making the first step; different types of support; if you witness or suspect abuse; reporting abuse; the need for Garda vetting.

In a subsequent commentary, Muintir na Tire Southern Region development officer, Diarmuid Cronin says the conference –one of a series across the region- reflected the growing awareness of the plight of older people in Irish society. These are people, he reminds, who “endure great hardship for various reasons,” many of whom live lives of “despair and suffering through deliberate abuse.”

Volunteers from Community Alert and other community organisations are often confronted with such cases, he proceeds, “and are confounded as to how to resolve them.”  He speaks of such initiatives as “urging retired men to attend GAA games or becoming involved in local history projects” as often proving very beneficial but believes that attending conferences amongst others who face similar problems is “invaluable.”

Household Insulation

The second part of the conference turned its attention to Household Insulation. This issue and its relevance to the elderly came sharply into focus over very cold winter spells in recent years. The Community Alert –run National Helpline responded to many calls for help and staff quickly noticed that was a surprising dearth of knowledge amongst its callers regarding what statutory grants and benefits they were entitled to acquire to help keep their homes affordably warm. Such schemes include Fuel Allowance, the Household Benefits Package and several other energy-saving initiatives such as roof and attic insulation, with a slant on benign economics.

Mr, Morris O’Brien, a spokesman from the national Warmer Homes scheme and who works with Cork city’s Northside Community Enterprise, addressed the gathering. He spoke about the lack of insulation in many homes and the cost of maintaining even a minimum amount of warmth, says Mr. Cronin. Availing of the term ‘fuel poverty,’ Mr O’Brien said it had “a major impact” on the lives of those it touched, in terms of “finances, comfort, health and quality of the home.” Generally speaking, he elaborated, “low income householders are unable to afford the capital investment to improve the energy quality of their homes.”

Mr O’Brien said the structural deficiency in this low income section of the housing stock does not benefit sufficiently from income support and fuel allowances, while he labelled fuel poverty “a phenomenon experienced in private and social housing alike.” Offering hope, his talk referred to the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI), whose Housing Programme was established to help implement a national action plan to address systematically the problem of fuel poverty.

Low house temperatures during winter months can precede many ailments, including respiratory and circulations problems. In Mr Cronin’s words, Mr. O’Brien demonstrated, through his presentation that “for every euro invested in tackling heat loss due to poor insulation, savings compensate in in less health expenditure as well as lower expenditure on imported energy bills.

Community Alert

In his summary, Mr Cronin pays tribute to the Community Alert concept and the many dedicated volunteers who help to implement it. Since its founding –by Youghal man Mossy Lynch- 25 years ago,  the movement has spread from its Churchtown South (near Cloyne) origins to every corner of the country.  The fulcrum of Community Alert has always been ‘safeguarding,’ which is defined as ‘an individual’s fundamental right to be safe.’ In this respect, attests Mr Cronin, “the safety of older people has always been paramount for Community Alert groups. These conferences are but the latest initiatives towards that principal.”

It is hoped to conduct another conference in Youghal in the autumn of this year. “This will further enable concerned individuals and voluntary organisations to liaise with similar counterparts and develop their network of contacts towards providing assistance to some of the most vulnerable in our society.”

Beneficial websites: http://www.seai.ie; http://external-wall-insulation.ie/index.html

http://www.hse.ie/eng/services/Find_a_Service/Older_People_Services/Elder_Abuse/

Youghal Community Alert group: Chairman Michael Beecher : 087-2349472; PRO Sgt. John Sharkey &   Community Garda Peter Queally contactable at Youghal Garda station (024) 92200.

The next Youghal & District Community Alert meeting is on Tuesday June 7th in the Walter Raleigh Hotel at 7.45 pm.