The meeting opened with each member welcoming SF Councillor Eoin Flanagan on the occasion of his first attendance since his co-option to replace Deputy Sandra McLellan.

Diving rocks

Following the town clerk’s update on the diving rocks issue, Cllr Barbara Murray asked whether approximate costings for remedial work had been obtained. If not, what was the timescale for doing so and what was the council’s position regarding funding? She said there a voluntary group was willing to undertake the task if the materials were provided, with insurance etc., to be clarified. Town engineer Paul Murray said he would undertake a costs estimate within a week, while Town Clerk Liam Ryan advised that the group should submit their proposal in writing as a starting point.

Cllr Murray said the project would centre on providing railings and perhaps galvanising steps. This assertion seemed to galvanise town manager Patricia Power moreso, as she paddled into cautionary mode. She warned of “fairly substantial works to be done” and stressed “it would be absolutely reckless” to allow the area to re-open “without the public covered.”  Cllr Murray wasn’t for going under however, resurfacing with the reply that an independently conducted survey had been “very concise and very clear on what needed to be done.” The councillor reflected on the natural amenities of the Aran Islands (where it seems railings are structures found in churches) and suggested a “common sense rather than an over cautiously” direction be pursued.

Mayor Mary Linehan Foley waded in, insisting that people entered the 40ft “at their own risk” and signage would inform them of this. “We can’t be going over the top about something that has been used for over 100 years,” she argued. Ms Power replied that unlike other perilous locations, where warning signage greeted people who plan an excursion, the ‘ 40ft’ often represented “a spontaneous” visit; strangers would be unaware of tidal conditions and seasonal variations. “There is no diving board off season and anyone with half a brain will know if there is water enough to dive!” replied the mayor.

 

Regrettable

Cllr Eoin Coyne however insisted that the diving board could never return, as its presence suggested an invitation to dive and left the council open to insurance claims. Cllr Sammy Revins said bathers just want to bathe and are not interested in diving. Cllr Liam Burke, the only person in the room who regularly availing of the area, conceded that “the modern day health & safety and insurance issues” were unavoidable, regrettable though it was to lose 160 years of diving board history. He said the vast majority of people, including tourists, just wanted to access the area easily and safely. He welcomed the voluntary group’s proposition and urged that they contact the town clerk asap.

Congratulations:

The mayor congratulated Green Barn on their newly-opened paving centre. Cllr Revins acknowledge Sheila O’Sullivan who participated in a team that won an All-Ireland indoor bowling competition in Killarney. Cllr Tommy O’Connell, to loud applause, congratulated town clerk Liam Ryan on attaining “the grand age of 50 yesterday.” Cllr Michael Beecher praised the Fermoy Boxing Club for the international boxing event, Katie Taylor included, in the Walter Raleigh. He further congratulated the 120-member Cork Youth Orchestra whose local performance had been “the best performance I’ve ever seen.”

 

Town Foreman’s Report:

Cllr Burke said the condition of a section of Raheen Road was terrible and could totally deteriorate in a bad winter; pot holes near St, Raphael’s also needed urgent attention. Cllr O’Connell concurred regarding Raheen Road, recommending it be prioritised and temporarily treated meantime; the car park at Nealon’s Quay also had numerous pot holes that required filling. Cllr Murray’s list of grievances included the directional signs  around town for various organisations needed cleaning, straightening and in some cases removing where businesses no longer existed or had not paid their licensing fee. Cllr Beecher was concerned about a pot hole at bottom of Quarry Road and about damaged warning signs at the Greencloyne roundabout. Cllr Coyne said the grass needed cutting at Cnoc Aoibhinn. Cllr Hennessy complained that shrubs needed trimming on the Mill Road roundabout and a disabled car parking space was badly needed at the entrance to Cumann na Daoine. She asked that a handrail be installed at the Front Strand steps and similarly at the Enterprise centre front steps where a sign indicating disability access in the area was also required.

Car parks

Cllr Hennessy then sparked a prolonged discussion when she advised that people aren’t fully au fait with the new car park bye-laws, particularly regarding which car parks hold a three-hour limit and which allow unlimited parking. “People working in the town don’t have enough spaces to park,” she proceeded adding that “people are quite willing to pay, perhaps €5 per week” but can’t do so. The town clerk said a €5 weekly permit was a draft proposal the councillors had decided not to adopt. In terms of re-instating it, or of making any modifications, the entire parking bye law concept would have to be revisited. The members should discuss it, decide what they want and bring their proposed amendments to the chamber. .

The town manager then warned that over-zealous provision of parking permits for business people could force out the customers of those business. “It’s vital that a proper balance is acquired,” she urged, while Mr. Ryan reiterated that “the bye-laws were designed to maximise turnover of spaces, to the town’s benefit.”

Cllr Coyne suggested that the choice of Catherine Street and Priory Court as the two long-term car parks might be reconsidered in favour of a larger area.  Ms Power reminded him that every space represented €45-€50 to the economy each time it was used. Mr. said there were currently 450 car parking spaces available in the town centre, 100 of which are long-term, a balance the town manager described as “about as far as you can go while protecting the retail industry.”  Cllr Revins interjected that the parking limits had succeeded in the Fair Field, with Cork-bound bus commuters now parking in the strand instead.

Advance thinking

Cllr Murray mused that, were the town centre to return to prosperity, the requirement for parking spaces would be crucial. She suggested the council should therefore consider acquiring a site such as the derelict Spinning Wheel, particularly during the present ‘buyer’s market.’ Mr Ryan said the council still hadn’t paid for the DeValera Street car park and until it had done so, other options could not be considered. The priority remained to maximise the spaces currently available.

Meanwhile Cllr Hennessy was assured that resident and disabled permit holders can park in any car park indefinitely. She asked also whether a wall at the exit of Priory Court onto Emmet Place could be sloped to facilitate visibility. Mr Ryan said that proposal was itself be “best parked” until the Traffic management Plan for the area was finalised. Driving on, Cllr Hennessy asked that public lights at a new housing estate at Seafield be turned on and inquired when grants for window and door projects at Seaview would be available.

Cllr O’Connell said there were a lot of lights blown around town. He believed the ESB sub-contracts such repairs and wondered if the council could go directly to the sub-contractor to avoid lengthy delays.

County CounciI Items:

Town engineer Paul Murray delivered the following update arising from Aprils’ meeting: Road surfacing had been completed at Golf Links and Quarry roads. Bins at Claycastle would be installed prior to the June weekend and emptied twice weekly. He had contacted Bus Eireann regarding parking on Lighthouse Hill and was awaiting further communication. A pavement grill at the Bank of Ireland was being repaired, road repairs near Claycastle and Tesco’s would be conducted within a fortnight and potholes throughout the town would be addressed shortly.

Cllr Sammy Revins asked that a pavement grill near Cunningham’s butchers also be repaired, a slanting wall on the Copperalley road be remedied and deep road cuttings be remedied at two points on the Killeagh Road and also at Summerdale Lawn and Ballyclamsey.

Cllr Burke drew attention –as always- to “the usual broken footpaths, i.e. Tallow Street, South Main Street and the junction of South Abbey/ Strand Street; also, he sought news on the concealed entrance sign for Summerdale Lawn and advised there were very bad potholes at Summerfield.

Cllr Coyne sought an update on the road surface at Hayman’s Hill. The town engineer said he would address it should there be surplus funds available from other works, though Cllr Coyne agreed with the town clerk that surplus finding should first be prioritised for Mall Lane and thereafter Raheen Road. The councillor also asked that tactiles be installed at the Watson’s Corner footpath.

Cllr Hennessy said cars were being damaged by potholes at Summerdale Lawn and asked that double lines be drawn opposite new ‘South Abbey’ School on Golf Links Road. She also remarked that the new signs for ‘Gortaroo’ seemed to be misspelt and residents were not pleased but was informed that it was actually correct and reflected the use of ‘old Irish’.

Cllr Beecher asked when the Cork section of the Tallow Road would be repaired. Mr Murray said preliminary procedures were presently in progress and the job was about to go to tender.

Cllr Murray said the gullies near Aura needed clearing of sand, sought to have sand cleared from the walkways onto the beach and wanted assurance that a concrete gulley would be installed at Raheen Road. She said “a serious situation” had arisen and was infringing on neighbours at the old Collins’s bakery site.

Cllr Beecher complained that dogs as big as “calves”, (e.g. dobberman’s,  alsatians and rottweillers),  were “roaming loose” on the beach, unleashed and un-muzzled. Cllr Murray totally refuted the claims and noted that she had never seen him walking the beach. Cllr Beecher said he could see them from his lorry. Cllr Murray explained that the leash by-law only applies from June to August and as a daily dog walker on the beach herself, she never sees dogs unattended. She then cautioned that discarded fish hooks were a problem facing dogs, with regular injuries incurred in the Slob and Strand areas.

Mayor Linehan Foley said road markings were badly needed at the Kilcoran Road junction where space to facilitate two cars was scarce. The town engineer said he would have yield signage installed.

Mayor’s Business:

The mayor layered strong praised on exam projects undertaken and exhibited by architect students from WIT recently. The project centred on  innovative ideas for developments on Nealon’s Quay.She said the initiatives included the development of a rowing academy and a unique birthing centre. She added her congratulations to all involved with the recent boxing night in the Walter Raleigh, describing Katie Taylor as immensely genuine and pleasant. Mayor Linehan-Foley reported that the boxer declined a civic reception as she never entertained such fuss prior to a fight but was delighted to receive a Waterford crystal gift from the council. She said TD’s Stanton, Sherlock and Barry had thanked the council in writing for their recent votes of congratulations, which apparently were relatively unique.

Tenders:

Tenders were opened both for door and window replacements and attic insulation at nos. 1, 2, 4, 5 and 6 Priory Court, though no further details were divulged.

Derelict Sites Report:

The town clerk provided the following update in response to a request for same from Cllr Coyne at April’s meeting:

Youghal Shipping and Storage (works implemented; no further action required; Clancy’s Bar (Works implemented by Bank –listed for sale; monitor); CBS (renovated, now SA school; no further action); Merrick’s (property repainted; no further action); CIE, Front Strand (Agreed works to commence shortly; monitor); Seafield Factory (planning application awaited re Aldi; monitor); Spinning Wheel (notices fixed on site, ownership not determined; process ongoing); Martina Flavin 4/5 Sth Main Street (On Derelict Sites Register; levy valuation for January 2010); Dunroc, 1 Emmet Place (notices served ad agreement with solicitor for work to be implemented over six months; works commenced); Farrell’s Store, Catherine St (notices served & no response; to be placed on Derelict Sites Register); Farrell’s Yard, Nth Mai St. (notices served & no response; to be placed on Derelict Sites Register); Carnegie Library (Cleaned and repainted; no further action); Indian Point (notices served, response awaited; awaiting response).

Cllr Beecher said he hoped CIE would renovate rather than remove the station house on their site. Cllr Coyne asked what was the likely outcome regarding the Spinning Wheel to which the town clerk said he understood it may be changing hands, with a view to future development.  The mayor expressed concerns regarding Merrick’s roof. Cllr Revins mooted strong action on the long-derelict Martina Flavin’s property but Mr. Ryan said a levy was the only legal option the council had. This amounted to 3% of its market per annum.

Nominee of Director of Hatherton Ltd., T/A Enterprise Youghal:

Appointments as Director of Claycastle Ltd: Michael Beecher

Taking in Charge of Copperally Close (Cul de Sac) including declaration of Public Road: Agreed.

Cllr O’Connell asked for an update on Springmount, Cork Hill, being taken in charge and was told that the Estates Manager almost has her report finalised.

Draft Development Contributions Scheme 2011:

The town clerk said he had been asked to review the scheme through an adopted motion and also in light of the economic climate. He   circulated a Draft copy of the new  Scheme, in which the main points are as follows: ‘The charges were calculated bydividing the planned expenditure on the provision of services over 20 years by the amount that is projected to happen during that period. The services are water, sewerage, including storm water drainage, roads and facilities for recreation and amenity. Only that part of the Capital Expenditure which will benefit new development is used in the calculation of the amounts to be met by the charge son new development. Expenditure on National Roads was excluded from the calculations.  The principal sources of data are the Cork Area Strategic Plan and the Youghal Town Development Plan. The scheme wil apply retrospectively to al grants of permission, granted under previous contribution schemes where it is clearly visible that no development has yet taken place, where the permission remains valid and where construction commences in 2011.

Development Contributions for Dwellings: Water: €2,000; Sewerage: €2,000; Roads: €1,800; Amenity: €4,000. Total = €9.800.

Development Contributions for Non-Residential Developments (Charge per 100sq m floor area): Water: €2.143; Sewerage: €2,143; Roads: €4,286; Amenity: €2,000. Total = €10,572 (a reduction from about €18,000 in previous scheme.)

Additionally, cap parking spaces will be charged on a space deficiency basis, commencing with €2,500 from 10/5/11. Public lighting will be charged on a light deficiency or upgrade basis thus: 1. New light provision €2,500 per light; 2. Upgrade of light €1,250 per light from 10/5/11.

Reductions of 100% applicable to: Provision of facility by organisations which are considered exempt from planning fees in Part 12 of the Planning and Development Regulations;  voluntary organisations/voluntary co-operative housing bodies as outlined in Part 12 of the Planning & Development Regulations, 2—1 in the provision of social housing only; Extensions to private dwellings except where new services are availed of; Protected structures except where new services are availed of; Social Housing Units.

Motions in the name of Cllr. O’ Conaill seconded by Cllr. Burke:

1. “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”.

2. “That based upon such a policy being initiated as per 1) above that the Town Manager would facilitate (subject to proper certification) a 50% strike off of commercial rates on such participating properties for a similar period of two years”.

 

Any Other Business:

Cllr O’Connell said he recently met some bus tourists who were “very irate that the tourist office was closed on a Saturday. They had wanted to purchase literature pertaining to Youghal’s history. His inquiries appeared to show that the office was closed also on Wednesdays. “What hours are they open?”, he asked. Cllr Murray said that as far as she knew the tourist office closed midweek at 3 pm. Neither she nor anyone else was familiar with the official opening times however. The town clerk said he would seek the answer from the Chamber of Commerce.

Mayor Linehan-Foley asked that the town clerk clarify the exact situation pertaining to the plans and expectations for a new marina, in view of some public misinterpretations. Mr Ryan said that two weeks previously an advertisement had been placed in the Irish Examiner advertising that county council land at the Slob was for sale or lease for a development which would include a marina. He added that Cllr Murray had been “working tirelessly” on it for several years and thus the county council had agreed to advertise the lands as described. As it stands, there was no wan opportunity for interested parties to submit plans for such a development. No such submission had as yet been received.

Cork County Council has begun paving the way, quite literally, for the anticipated commencement of Youghal’s Main Drainage Scheme.  The long awaited project, which now has an anticipated starting date of spring 2012, will see the town’s back streets from the Bretton Road, to Strand Street and towards the Lighthouse Hill undergo considerable disruption for several weeks. This will lead to considerable traffic diversion onto the town’s North and South Main streets (R634) which are in presently in poor condition to cope with such increased volume.

Consequently, the county council has applied to the Department of the Environment for funding towards a €160,000 road resurfacing project. The work will run from Windmill Hill in South Main Street to Cork Hill at the exit from North Main Street at a point where it will meet part of the drainage scheme. Youghal Town Cllr Liam Ryan told October’s town council meeting that it is hoped the resurfacing would commence in early 2011.

Town Manager Patricia Power said it was very important to seek –and acquire- the funding now so that the work could be carried out prior to the main drainage scheme by way of giving the town good main street surfaces to balance the inevitable deterioration of those in the areas to be disrupted by the scheme. The application has been supported by documentation from Youghal Town Council outlining the importance of good quality road surface and infrastructure with regard to tourism, business, industrial development and Youghal as a vital route way in the greater south Munster area.

Meanwhile the meeting heard that tenders for the main drainage scheme are awaiting approval from the Department of the Environment. The project will comprise a state of the art wastewater treatment plant and an upgraded sewerage network, at a cost of €28m, Cork County Council’s 30% contribution to the cost has already been secured while the remaining 70% from the Department of the Environment is awaited.  The project has already been delayed by a year due to department’s failure to meet its provision but, perhaps buoyed by the sort of optimism Ireland presently needs, the town council remains focused on a spring 2010 starting date.

Julie Treacy, daughter of Michael and Carmel, has lived for most of her life in Carlton Place on Lighthouse Hill, Youghal overlooking the famous Diving Rocks where Julie and her family swam whenever the weather was suitable, and where they spent many happy days.
Photo: Michael Hussey www.youghalonline.com Email: news@youghalonline.com

One of Julie’s dreams was to have her wedding photographs taken on these famous steps and around the diving rocks and when, some weeks ago, the entrance was closed by Youghal Town Council due to safety reasons, Julie and her then fiancée, Brian Buckley, were very disappointed. Julie, being Julie, was not deterred by this action and promised herself that, however she would manage it, she WOULD have her wedding photographs taken there.

On Saturday last, (August 14th 2010) Julie Treacy became Mrs Brian Buckley in a wonderful ceremony attended by a very large gathering of family and friends. Immediately after the wedding ceremony, and while the guests were partaking of refreshments at the family business, The Nook Bar, Julie and Brian, together with her bridesmaid sister, Ann and the wedding photographer, arrived at the Diving Rock.

Looking absolutely beautiful in her long wedding dress and veil, smiling happily and holding firmly on to Brian’s hand, Julie reached over the Lighthouse wall, pulled up a small ladder (which had been secreted there previously), placed it outside the wall and proceeded, with the help of her brand new husband, to climb the ladder to reach her Diving Rocks. No mountains to climb, no seas to cross, just a few steps in the right direction fulfilled, for Julie Treacy, Mrs Brian Buckley, one of her heart’s desires.
May they both always fulfil their dreams

God knows Youghal needs a lift at the moment but as far as Councillor Mary Linehan-Foley is concerned, the crack is a bit too mighty in one particular area of the town. The Fianna Fail representative was referring to breaks in the pavement when she referred to “the crack on the Lighthouse Hill” at May’s Town Council meeting –and she wasn’t laughing. “Its getting worse,” she warned.

A perusal of the area, which lies adjacent to the overhanging viewing area on the town side of the lighthouse, indeed shows a vertical fissure about four metres long. Not much room for a party, admittedly, but not a spot on which one might want to jump up and down anyway. Town engineer Paul Murray cast a professional eye over the area following the councillor’s warning and has decided that it ‘doesn’t seem to represent a structural fault.’

Nonetheless, there are those who will be aware that two viewing areas on the Moll Goggin’s side of the lighthouse are currently fenced off due to structural concerns. In one instance Cllr Barbara Murray last year drew attention to apparent cracks on the sea wall beneath one structure. Perhaps more relevantly, as Cllr Linehan Foley remarked to the council, half the Lighthouse Hill itself collapsed on one otherwise calm Sunday morning about 40 years ago. Might be as well to be ready to ‘let oneself go’ just in case the crack does take off on the hill one of these days. Youghal isn’t on the rocks……yet!

The ‘Diving Rock’ on Lighthouse Hill, traditionally a male only bastion, is well known to the people of Youghal. For hundreds of years it has, and continues to be used by many of the local residents on a regular, all year round basis.
Photo: Michael Hussey www.youghalonline.com Email: news@youghalonline.com

Forty nine steps lead from the Lighthouse Hill, just beside the Lighthouse, down to the rocky area below where nature has formed a natural pool between two rocks which measures about 20 metres wide. This pool is filled by the tide from a natural opening in the rocks, and the safety of this pool would appear to be beyond question. For those more experienced and stronger swimmers, the choice exists to either stay within the confines of the pool or to venture further out into the ocean.

On May 28th last, the people of Youghal were horrified to witness the erection of ugly, hardboard ‘doors’ which completely close off entry to the Atlantic ocean from anywhere on the Lighthouse Hill. Some time ago, the viewing area furthest up Lighthouse Hill was closed off for health and safety reasons. Now, the remaining two entries are also boarded up, denying any access of any description to the natural rocky area and tiny beach below. This action at any time of the year would appear to be damning, but coming at the start of the summer season makes it all the more unbelievable.

The East Cork Journal spoke with Liam Ryan, Town Clerk, Youghal Town Council who explained the situation. “ In November of 2009,” he said “ the Safety Section of Cork County Council, when reviewing the area, requested a Report from the Irish Water Safety on the ‘Diving Rock’ area.

The report was received by Youghal Town Council last week and included, among others, the following;

*The diving board area is 3 metres above the rocks at low tide, which is insufficient for the safety of swimmers. The board is almost at water level at high tide

*The incoming tide, if surging, could trap swimmers under the cat walk areas which link rock to rock.

*The access steps are of different heights and are in a poor state of repair.

*the pathway to the diving area would be hard to manoeuvre with a stretcher or any other emergency piece of equipment

The recommendation received by Youghal Town Council from Irish Water Safety is that ‘the diving area is very unsafe and access to the area should be closed off from the public’.

Mr Ryan confirmed that, on review of the Report, the Town Council hade no alternative but to close the area, restricting entry completely. Refusal to close the area would cause the Council to be wholly negligent in the event of an accident. He also stated that the area must remain closed off to the public until these issues have been addressed. How long this could take is anybody’s guess.

Michael Treacy, proprietor of The Nook Bar and Restaurant, lives on Lighthouse Hill and he told the East Cork Journal that he and his family have been using the Diving Rock all their lives. “There can be no denying that the presence of rocks on any beach can present danger, he said, but people have been using this Diving Rock for more than a hundred years and in all that time, not even one accident has been reported. The dangers of entering water for swimming or fishing purposes presents danger no matter where you are, and one must always be aware of this.” Michael went on to say that you could say danger exists on the five mile beach where the breakers are like spears, and in Greenhole where there is a huge drop of 6’ to 8’ which also presents danger. Are they going to close down the beach and Greenhole next? Michael asks.

Johnny Fitzgibbons, another Youghal resident and businessman, told the East Cork Journal that this area has been used for as long as he can remember. He, himself, has always liked the idea of using it and cannot understand how somebody, somewhere can decide – after one hundred years of accident free use- that it is a danger and must be closed and boarded off. “Why now?” Johnny asks. “And why so suddenly, without prior notice or announcement to the people?” “This is not right”, he said.

The entire area of Lighthouse Hill has come under scrutiny and criticism in recent months, and there is no doubt that work needs to be done to make it safer and more user friendly. Does this necessitate the complete closure of entry to one of Youghal’s much loved and frequently used areas which, up to Friday last, was used on a daily basis by people from all different areas in the town? What makes the surging sea more dangerous now than it was last year or the year before? Who, among those frequent users, are not aware of dangers that exist everywhere – not just in this tiny, private, exclusive swimming ‘hole’ that has meant so much to so many for a long, long time. And who, or how, can solve the problematic areas of surging tides and water height?

In fact, who in Youghal can turn the tide? – Photos www.youghalonline.com