The meeting was preceded by a presentation from Ned Brennan, chairman of Youghal Tidy Towns Committee. Mr Brennan thanked the town council for its ongoing support and averred to the committee’s achievements over the past year and its aspirations and plans for the future.  See elsewhere in this issue for a synopsis of his report.

Cllr Barbara Murray made some critical observations regarding the executive of Cork County Council’s contribution towards certain aspects of town tidiness, aka approach roads, grass cutting, etc. She asked how the county council could in its wisdom deploy two extra workers to the landfill at a time when its tonnage was at an all-time low, while the entrances to the town were dilapidating through lack of manpower. Having listened attentively, Town Manager Patricia Power said she would sit in on a meeting to be arranged early next spring between Youghal Tidy Towns committee and the Cork County Council’s area office, whereby specific requirements of the committee could be aired.

The town manager believed that the county council was making steady progress in resolving the problem of derelict sites, although the seemingly imminent liquidation of the proprietors of the former Murray’s Kitchen site posed a difficult challenge regarding that particular eyesore.

Votes of Congratulations:

Cllr Sandra McLellan congratulated Pa O’Shea on winning a silver medal at the World Military Boxing Championships recently. She asked that he be included in the councils’ bi-annual awards night ceremony.

Cllr Murray paid tribute to playwright and theatre director Sean O’Neill and the Youghal Theatre Company for the highly successful production of Playboy of the Western World at the Walter Raleigh Hotel. “It was absolutely superb, the set was fantastic and it was extremely well attended, “she observed. Cllr Murray also congratulated the town clerk and the staff of the town and county councils on the operation of a Youghal flood plan. Initiated through a local group in Catherine Street, the plan was given its first outing during a recent storm warning that ultimately failed to live up to its billing. “It was something of a dry run,” noted Cllr Murray with unintended irony, “but it worked very well. The lines of communication were excellent, text messages went out as planned and everyone knew what was happening regarding sandbags and other matters.”

Mayor Mary Linehan Foley offered belated congratulations to the Team Youghal cyclists on their successful ‘Race Around Ireland’ fund raising on behalf of the Emer Casey Fund last September. She said a larger exploit involving an American excursion was in the pipeline. The mayor also congratulated artist Pauline Neville for her recent, successful exhibition in the Mall Arts Centre. She extended plaudits to Michael Hackett on the launch of his book ‘Sars,’ adding that he was keeping the history of Youghal alive for many people, especially younger generations, who would otherwise be unaware of the rich content. The mayor also echoed Cllr Murray’s sentiments regarding council staff and the storm plan.

Town Foreman’s report:

Cllr Liam Burke said light no. 133 at North Main Street was out. He asked if the engineer had seen the road markings at the junction of Seafield Road and Kilcoran Road, where great danger persisted. The councillor said the path leading to Ardan na Mara was very slippery due to algae and finished by asking whether the diving rocks report was yet available, to which there was no response.

Cllr Eoin Coyne drew attention to illegal dumping on the Jail Steps, noting it was not the first time it had been mentioned in the chamber. He asked if the mobile CCTV was back in town, to which the town clerk said he wasn’t going to comment as it could impede detections. The councillor also repeated a request from September that a tree at the graveyard be trimmed.

Cllr Sammy Revins said the newly surfaced road at Raheen Park had “gone green” and slippery with moss and was particularly dangerous for elderly people.

Rats

Cllr McLellan described illegal dumping at the Jail Steps as “really serious,” and claimed “hundreds and hundreds” of rubbish bags had been dumped illegally over a lengthy period. She said rat infestation was now prevalent, and three rodents had been seen simultaneously on the steps recently. “You shouldn’t see that on a tourist walkway,” she pleaded.

Cllr Murray asked if the bin at the greyhound track –which had been burned out- was to be replaced. She drew attention to a ‘dangerous bend’ sign at the tennis court that was green and badly needed washing and also warned that the wind had turned a number of signs to face the wrong way, including one at Nealon’s Quay.

Cllr Michael Beecher suggested a CCTV camera be placed permanently at the Jail Steps to counter illegal dumping. He asked that graffiti be cleared from a number of buildings and said dog fouling was a persistent problem, especially at weekends when the litter/dog warden was off duty. He requested that the owners of a property be asked in writing to remove ivy that was intruding into the adjacent graveyard.

Cllr Michelle Hennessy said “Fr. O’Neill is completely green” in reference to a statue in the ’98 Memorial Park, (appropriately known as Green Park.) Other statues were in a similar state at the location, while bars in the bandstand needed replacing. The councillor said the new car park byelaws had been implemented since November 1st but people remained unaware of them. She was told that the relevant signage had to be erected before they could be implemented.

Mayor Linehan Foley repeated that the ‘dangerous bend’ sign needed cleaning and a sign at Tides/McCurtainstown was facing the wrong way.

Town engineer Paul Murray’s report arising from October’s meeting:

Town engineer Paul Murray said road repairs had taken place at Ballyclamsey, the road liners were due in town and would address the problem at Seafield Rd. A contractor had been appointed to complete footpath works at the intersection of New Catherine Street and Grattan Street. Approximately 1,000 sandbags had been provided to the public prior to the previous weekend’s flood alert, with county council staff working late Friday and early Saturday morning. Bags were delivered when elderly people rang requesting them. He said Cork County Council wished to point out that the propriety flood barrier, which is placed across a doorway, is the best option. The Youghal water reservoir is currently being cleaned out, using underwater robotic cleaning system, he proceeded, while work was ongoing at replacing filter sand at Boola waterworks. The road contractor was expected to fix a hole at Raheen Road. Mr. Murray then said that it may have appeared from October’s meeting that access to private land at the front strand was problematic. “We have set up a communication system with the landowner to gain access to the main sewer when required and this is working satisfactorily,” explained.

County Council Items:

Cllr Revins said “lethal” potholes near Copperally needed filling, while “a mighty crater” was evident at Summerdale Lawn.

Cllr McLellan asked that the town engineer “touch base” with councillors when the road liners come to town as they each had their own issues. Mr Murray advised submitting a written list to him.

Bins, dogs and water

Cllr Murray asked that a ‘stop’  or ‘yield’ sign be erected temporarily at the Seafield junction until the road liners arrived. She had met someone who had very narrowly avoided an accident and it would be “a fright to God” if one occurred in the interim. The engineer agreed to install a few bollards. Cllr Murray advocated removing the bins at Claycastle car park (due to misuse and abuse) and wanted the poop bins emptied twice weekly on behalf of dog owners. She wondered if Cork County Council might employ the same CCTV operator as was serving the town council and was informed it was being considered. Cllr Murray said the heather at the Bretton Road roundabout needed trimming before asking if anything could be done to alleviate ponding near Claycastle caravan park. “There is no footpath and people have to go on the road but with excessive rainfall the water meets in the middle. I know it’s a difficult problem, with the levels and the drains filling up quickly on either side,” she explained.

Cllr Beecher said a low grate at Cock and Bull fills with leaves etc, causing flooding in heavy rain and he sought a better system. The engineer said it was on his list. In a humorous aside, the mayor asked whether the address Cock and Bull was named after Cllr Beecher, prompting Cllr Revins to inquire as to which one he represented. When the laughter had subsided and Cllr Beecher’s complexion had returned to normal, the councillor proceeded with his political objectives, insisting that he wanted “action not just answers” in regard to the ongoing foul odours emanating from the landfill vicinity.

Cllr Hennessy asked when the footpath at Raheen Road would be completed. The town clerk said it would have to be re-tendered as the contractor was emigrating. The councillor requested a solution to severe ponding at the entrance to Springfield Court.

Outfall pipe debacle

Cllr Burke had a notion that the new valve recently installed at the front strand outfall pipe was proving inadequate as he had seen a JCB working there to remove blockage. He was correct. The town engineer revealed he was meeting a senior colleague from Cork County Council that very afternoon to discuss the issue.

Cue a mini-debate in which the lengthy saga of Cork County Council’s struggles with various valves and stop-gap measures across several years. “How much is it costing?” asked Cllr Beecher in vain. “There was supposed to be a report on that,” reminded Cllr Murray, without response. “Surely the time has come for County Hall to admit that the only solution, as recommended some time ago, is to extend the outfall,” demanded Cllr Burke. Mr. Murray conceded that the county council senior executive engineer was now of the same opinion.

Town Manager Patricia Power said the county council had been trying to having to apply for a foreshore licence and that the most recent failed valve initiative had worked in many other situations. Extension would now be seriously considered. Cllr Murray wondered if the extension was not part of the plan for the town’s main drainage scheme and she also advised that the council workers on the ground who knew and dealt with the issue be consulted. The town engineer said this was normal practice.

Groynes

Cllr Murray then cited concerns that the extension would prevent the surplus water from being fully emitted due to its proximity to incoming tides. Furthermore, a lack of adequate groynes was causing a strong movement of sands and one or two groynes would have to be installed to prevent this. The council said it would await a report from the engineer at December’s meeting. “These stop gap solutions are a huge waste of public money,” concluded Cllr Burke accurately, in what might be termed parting kick in the groyne to Cork County Council.

Cllr Coyne wondered if it was pointless to ask whither the broken footpaths at Dr Kennedy’s Place, given that Cllr Burke had been raising the issue since he (Cllr Coyne) was a schoolboy (which was not too long ago in fairness). He had seen an elderly person trip there recently. “It will be included in a survey he is conducting,” Cllr McLellan interceded.

Mayor Linehan Foley warned that some of the groynes in the strand were sharp “like teeth and deadly dangerous” and she asked that the engineer have a look at them.

Mayor’s Business:

The mayor said she was going to be away for a week and would delegate her duties to her deputy Cllr Eoin Coyne. She also referred to a ‘Race Across America’ project being planned for next summer by Team Youghal cyclists on behalf of the Emer Casey Foundation. Further and detailed information was contained in brochure distributed to the members. The mayor said the group’s increasing profile was “putting Youghal on the map” and urged the council to offer whatever financial or other support that could be apportioned. There was general consensus that what could be done in testing times would be done.  “Some of them are not spring chickens and this is a stamina test so fair play to them,” observed the mayor admiringly.

Heritage Island Marketing and Promotional Plan 2011:

Town Clerk Liam Ryan explained that Youghal’s membership of Heritage Island meant the town would be promoted through the following channels: Inclusion in Ireland Visitor Attractions Guide, inclusion in the Group Organisers Manual, promotion via web and email strategy, inclusion in Heritage Island online booking engine, promotion at 20 tourism and lifestyle shows, Heritage Island iPhone app  & mobile marketing, inclusion in Heritage Island Social & Media channels and party to Heritage Island’s tourism partners, seminars, media and familiarisation trips.

In a secondary report, Mr. Ryan revealed that two grant applications had been made to the Heritage Council for (a) St. Mary’s Collegiate Church Graveyard Trail –Final Phase and (b) Conservation and Management Plan for St. Mary’s Graveyard, Youghal:

Cork County Council Draft Beach Bye laws for Public Consultation:

The town clerk explained that this document erroneously includes Youghal’s front strand in its jurisdiction whereas Youghal Town Council has its own beach bye-law legislation. The new laws will be applicable to Claycastle, Redbarn and Pilmore however. Submissions are being accepted up to December 10th next at the Secretary of the Coastal Management Committee at Cork County Council.

Cork County Council -Corporate Plan 2010-2014:

Of note in reference to this item is the inclusion of the government’s impending white paper to abolish town councils. Cllr Revins said that such a move would be challenged on the ground being anti-EU policy. “It flies in the face of democracy,” observed the town clerk. “As a Fianna Fail councillor I think it’s time this government stepped back and let someone else run the country. It’s a disgrace what they are doing and I’m sick of them,” commented Cllr Revins unexpectedly.

Notice of Proposed Amendments to the Draft Waterford County Development Plan 2011-2017:

Copies of this document are available at Youghal Town Council’s offices.

Draft Anti-Social Behaviour Strategy:

There was widespread welcome for the county council produced document, which focuses strongly on anti-social behaviour in accordance with Section 35 of the Housing Act 2009. Cllr McLellan said it was badly needed and helped define whether an issue was a council or a Garda matter, etc. She said it was “good that all complaints will be investigated.” The mayor stressed that people should be aware that complaints or concerns put in writing are regarded and treated confidentially by the recipients. The town clerk advised that while the policy is very welcome, the reality was that the number working hours available to the council on any given week a year ago had been reduced by 28% from 315 to 231. Consequently, issues would be investigated as ‘priority’ or ‘non-priority’ complaints.

Commencement of Taking in Charge Procedure for Gort Aoibhinn, Youghal, including Public Road Motion Procedure:

Mr. Ryan said Youghal Town Council’s February 8th meeting would consider and decide whether to designate a cul-de-sac in this area to be public road. A map indicating the area was available at the town council’s offices. Objections and submission on the road being designated public should be lodged in writing at the council offices before Jan 20th 2011.