STATEMENT BY CLLR. Tara O’Connell
Labour Party Cllr for Youghal
Friday, 8th February 2013

LABOUR’S WORK PAYS OFF AS IRELAND PAYS LESS WITH DEBT DEAL
The Labour Party Cllr for Youghal, Cllr Tara O’Connell, has welcomed the deal made on Ireland’s debt, which was secured yesterday. The deal sees an end to the promissory notes and reduces our debt burden.
“Labour has been working hard since we came into Government to undo the disastrous promissory notes deal that the previous Fianna Fáil led Government entered the Irish State into. That deal was a short term overdraft with a huge interest rate. The deal made this week however, gets rid of the promissory notes altogether, meaning a cash flow benefit of €20 billion over the next 20 years and a reduced deficit of €1 billion per annum. The remains of Anglo Irish Bank and Irish Nationwide have also been liquidated.
“Labour promised that we would help right the wrong done to Irish taxpayers in 2008 when we were foisted with the debt of the odious Anglo-Irish Bank, even though Labour alone opposed the bank guarantee. This deal will now ease the burden on our taxpayers, increase the confidence of investors, assist in getting rid of the Troika in 2013, and help us to generate jobs and return to growth.
“While we all know that the damage done by the previous government cannot be undone in one day, this debt deal is a very significant step, putting Ireland in a fairer and more sustainable financial position, accelerating our path back to economic recovery.
“In 18 months Labour has led the Irish State from a position of crisis and uncertainty onto the road to recovery, and I would like to commend the Tánaiste and all his colleagues on their efforts in getting this deal for Ireland.”
For more information contact Cllr Tara O’Connell at 0858877423

 

THE FIRST PHASE of a mobility-disabled access boardwalk running from Youghal Front Strand to Claycastle, (395 metres) delivered in partnership with Youghal Town Council and Failte Ireland was officially opened by Minister of State at the Department of Tourism & Sport on Tuesday 24th July 2012.  The boardwalk consists of hardwood timber deck supported on piled foundations, not requiring a railing, and once complete will span 1926 metres, eventually forming part of the National Coastal Walking Route.  The Minister also took the opportunity to officially ‘turn on’ the new 75kw wind turbine at Youghal Aura Leisure Centre.

Speaking at the launch, Minister Ring paid tribute to the vision of Youghal Town Council and its determination to undertake and complete such projects. “When I was here this time last year, I was hugely impressed with not only Youghal’s tourism offering, but the will and determination of the Council and the local community to see this town grow and succeed.  It is wonderful to see plans that were presented to me followed through and executed in full.  With over 180,000 people working  nationally in tourism, this sector is hugely significant in terms of growth in the economy and Youghal is certainly setting about playing its part in getting this country working again”, said the Minister.  The second phase of the development would see the completion of the link between Claycastle and Redbarn to the Quality Hotel and Self Catering Apartments.  The Minister agreed to review the submission to Failte Ireland, agreeing that the project would be of huge benefit to the local economy if completed in full.

Mayor of Youghal, Cllr Michelle Hennessy suggested it shouldn’t be underestimated just what the boardwalk had done for the people of Youghal.  “Not only has it become a major tourist attraction, but it has become a major social gathering for the people of the area, and has brought a new life and vibrancy to this area of the town.  The quality of the boardwalk is evident; – it consists of 395 metres of hardwood timber deck and again is wheelchair accessible.  The Mayor emphasised how important the delivery of Phase Two of the project, saying: “This will have a huge economic impact on the town once complete. The delivery of this Boardwalk shows the commitment of Youghal Town Council to improving the tourism infrastructure of the Town, in partnership with Failte Ireland and is a further step forward in maximising the potential of our natural tourism assets for the economic benefit of business in Youghal” said the Mayor.

In advance of the official opening of the Eco-Boardwalk, the Minister also commended Youghal Town Council in their efforts in securing a €400,000 grant under the Improved Energy and Enhanced Disabled Grant Scheme for Youghal Aura Leisure Centre.  The upgrade works have enabled huge energy savings – including up to a 40% saving in electricity to the Centre from the installation of a 75kw wind turbine.  Currently employing 39 staff, the grant has also facilitated an extension to the existing facility for the disabled, with the addition of a new changing area, a major upgrade of the turnstile system and automatic doors to changing areas.  All of the works completed at the centre serve to enhance the centre’s reputation as both a community resource and first class tourism facility.  Referring to Youghal’s Aura Leisure Centre, the Minister commented:

“This is a hugely substantial amount of money to be granted in this current economic climate and it can only have a positive effect on employment in the town, helping to sustain jobs and hopefully create new ones too.” Said the Minister.

THE FIRST PHASE of a mobility-disabled access boardwalk running from Youghal Front Strand to Claycastle, (395M) delivered in partnership with Youghal Town Council and Failte Ireland was officially opened by Minister of State at the Department of Tourism & Sport on Tuesday 24th July 2012.  The boardwalk consists of hardwood timber deck supported on piled foundations, not requiring a railing, and once complete will span 1926 metres, eventually forming part of the National Coastal Walking Route.  The Minister also took the opportunity to officially ‘turn on’ the new 75kw wind turbine at Youghal Aura Leisure Centre.

Speaking at the launch, Minister Ring paid tribute to the vision of Youghal Town Council and its determination to undertake and complete such projects. “When I was here this time last year, I was hugely impressed with not only Youghal’s tourism offering, but the will and determination of the Council and the local community to see this town grow and succeed.  It is wonderful to see plans that were presented to me followed through and executed in full.  With over 180,000 people working  nationally in tourism, this sector is hugely significant in terms of growth in the economy and Youghal is certainly setting about playing its part in getting this country working again”, said the Minister.  The second phase of the development would see the completion of the link between Claycastle and Redbarn to the Quality Hotel and Self Catering Apartments.  The Minister agreed to review the submission to Failte Ireland, agreeing that the project would be of huge benefit to the local economy if completed in full.

Mayor of Youghal, Cllr Michelle Hennessy suggested it shouldn’t be underestimated just what the boardwalk had done for the people of Youghal.  “Not only has it become a major tourist attraction, but it has become a major social gathering for the people of the area, and has brought a new life and vibrancy to this area of the town.  The quality of the boardwalk is evident; – it consists of 395 metres of hardwood timber deck and again is wheelchair accessible.  The Mayor emphasised how important the delivery of Phase Two of the project, saying: “This will have a huge economic impact on the town once complete. The delivery of this Boardwalk shows the commitment of Youghal Town Council to improving the tourism infrastructure of the Town, in partnership with Failte Ireland and is a further step forward in maximising the potential of our natural tourism assets for the economic benefit of business in Youghal” said the Mayor.

In advance of the official opening of the Eco-Boardwalk, the Minister also commended Youghal Town Council in their efforts in securing a €400,000 grant under the Improved Energy and Enhanced Disabled Grant Scheme for Youghal Aura Leisure Centre.  The upgrade works have enabled huge energy savings – including up to a 40% saving in electricity to the Centre from the installation of a 75kw wind turbine.  Currently employing 39 staff, the grant has also facilitated an extension to the existing facility for the disabled, with the addition of a new changing area, a major upgrade of the turnstile system and automatic doors to changing areas.  All of the works completed at the centre serve to enhance the centre’s reputation as both a community resource and first class tourism facility.  Referring to Youghal’s Aura Leisure Centre, the Minister commented:

“This is a hugely substantial amount of money to be granted in this current economic climate and it can only have a positive effect on employment in the town, helping to sustain jobs and hopefully create new ones too.” Said the Minister.

Click here to enlarge image

THE LABOUR PARTY CLLR FOR YOUGHAL, CLLR TARA O’CONNELL has welcomed the progress being made this week in the Dáil on the Microenterprise Loan Fund Bill. The legislation has been put forward to assist microenterprises that are viable but have been refused funding from their bank.

“There are many microenterprises the length and breadth of the country that are successful and viable but need money to grow their business. Many of these businesses do not fill the conventional criteria the banks require in order to lend to them and the Microenterprise Loan Fund has been created to help these exact people.

“A microenterprise is a business employing 10 or less people and they are the very businesses we see in our town and villages and that are a part of our communities. Without the support they need, many of these businesses will not survive so this fund is to be welcomed.

“The fund will lend over €90 million to 5,500 microenterprises, creating 7,700 jobs over a ten year period and the loan facility will be operational later in the year. Start-ups, existing businesses and sole traders will be eligible to apply to the fund and loans of up to €25,000 will be provided.

“Labour in Government promised to follow a growth agenda and to create jobs and while this loan fund may be a small step it is nonetheless a significant one. We will continue to work hard to support our indigenous businesses and I welcome the fact that this legislation is making steady progress through the Dáil ahead of its implementation later in the year.”

STATEMENT BY Tara O’Connell Labour Party Cllr for Youghal July 14th 2012

For more information contact Cllr Tara O’Connell at 0858877423

www.labour.ie/Tara O’Connell

 

Labour MEP for Munster, Phil Prendergast, was in Youghal last Saturday with Cllr Tara O’ Connell, where the two canvassed locals for a Yes vote in the forthcoming referendum campaign.

Speaking from Youghal, Ms. Prendergast said “I believe this Treaty is very important for the town of Youghal and I think everybody should give it serious consideration before deciding which way to vote on Thursday.

This Treaty is the most important treaty we have ever been asked to vote on, and I believe a Yes vote will help protect our families, businesses and communities into the future.

There has been a lot of unrelated issues brought into this campaign by the No side, such as the bank guarantee signed by the previous government, but this is not a referendum on that decision, it is a referendum  which decides the amount a government can borrow at any one time, and I think it is important that people realise this.

I hope everyone reads the booklet sent out by the Referendum Commission, if people do this, I think we’ll have a positive result on Thursday”

Phil was also invited to speak on CRY when passing the radiothon office, which to was delighted to accept. She said Youghal was such a beautiful place to live and again called for a yes vote. She also praised the fantastic work of Cllr Tara O’Connell and committee of Save Youghal Ambulance in securing their ambulance service.

THE LABOUR PARTY CLLR FOR YOUGHAL, CLLR. TARA O’CONNELL has said that a Yes vote in the upcoming Stability Treaty referendum on May 31st is vital if we want to stabilise our economy and increase investor confidence in Ireland.

“We all want Ireland to recover from the current economic crisis but the only way to ensure that this happens is by creating a stable eurozone and creating economic growth. By voting Yes to the Stability Treaty we are creating certainty and boosting investor confidence in Ireland.

“A No vote will only create uncertainty and will not allow us allow us access to funding in the future, should we need it. Such an outcome is unthinkable and a complete leap into the dark. We cannot gamble with Ireland’s future in such a way.

“While we realise that this Treaty is not the only solution to our economic woes, it is nonetheless an important step on our road to recovery. It will put in place good housekeeping rules that will ensure that the financial mismanagement that we saw in the past cannot happen again.

“The Irish people are faced with an important decision on May 31st and I am advocating that they vote Yes as I believe it is the only way we can bring about certainty and secure Ireland’s economic recovery.”

A portion of the wall at the Lighthouse Hill, Youghal, collapsed and fell onto the rocks today ( Wednesday 9th May 2012). Within minutes Gardai and council officials arrived at the scene and temporarily secured the area with Harris fencing and warning cones. The incident happened at about 2pm close to Moll Goggin’s corner. The pavement is the main pedestrian route both to and from the strand area, it is also part of the popular Sli na Slainte walking route and a regular run for joggers.

Speaking on Youghal local radio CRY 104fm Youghal Town Clerk Liam Ryan said, “The Gardai notified the town hall and then we arrived on scene straight away, we assessed the situation and started to close off the area using cones and Harris fencing, now the county council are here and they have taken over. It’s now in their ball park. It’s a regional road so it’s their responsibility. I am just very happy that nobody got injured that is the most important thing.  Walls can be rebuilt and footpaths can be rebuilt as long as nobody got injured.  Now it’s an opportunity for the Cork County Council to obtain the necessary funding to do a proper structural job on the wall and the roadway”

Also speaking to CRY 104fm, Youghal town and Cork County Councillor Barbara Murray, who was also promptly at the dangerous scene said, “It is, I must admit it, is a huge height. Standing at the gaping hole in the wall its pretty frightening as it is quite a height up anybody passing would feel quite vulnerable.  They will fence it off but this is something I brought to the attention of the council over 2 years ago as a result of that, a company called JOBA did a structural report on the condition of the area and at that time said there was no immediate danger but obviously this has changed, things have deteriorated substantially since then and its going to put us in a situation that now rather than looking for funding for an ordinary job its now emergency funding, it has to be done” Click here for previous report which was highlighted on Youghalonline by Barbara Murray

Sean Sherlock TD Minister of State, Department of Enterprise, Jobs & Innovation and Department of Education & Skills with responsibility for Research & Innovation who was in town at a schools presentation ceremony along with his colleague local councillor Tara O’Connell also arrived to access the dangerous wall collapse. Another local Councillor Mary Linehan Foley who was also at the scene had prophetically warned “Its getting worse” two years ago. Click here for more on this story previously highlighted on Youghalonline.

The young woman in the red dress stood in front of the crowd in the main hall of the Mall Arts Centre ( Saturday 7th April 2012) – dwarfed by the height of the stage and the larger than life poster explaining the reason for the event.  It’s hard to believe that the tiny 5” foot figure once carried 23-stone on her petite frame, and harder still to imagine the same woman lost 12 stone in a little over a year, and went from being hardly able to walk, to trekking across Carrauntoohill and the Reeks in Kerry, to the icy peaks of Mount Everest herself, the highest mountain in the world.

Youghal’s first citizen, Mayor Eoin Coyne welcomed the gathered crowd to the venue and welcomed  broadcaster and author Teena Gates to Youghal;  thanking colourful local Councillor Michael Beecher for arranging the event, which was a book signing and film show depicting Teena’s story of her amazing journey ‘from 23 stone to me’.

Teena’s ‘Everest Experience’ which had its debut screening in Youghal and is now going on tour around the country, involves a slide-show charting her journey from the hills of Kerry and Wicklow to the foothills of the Himalaya in Nepal. The presentation includes film footage of the extreme adventure undertaken by a group of celebrities from the world of The Arts, TV and Radio – to Everest Base Camp and Beyond, for the Cork based, HOPE Foundation, which works to protect street children in Kolkata (Calcutta), India.   Teena, the Head of News at 98FM Radio in Dublin and a patron of the Hope Foundation was one of the more unlikely members of the expedition led by the Killarney based adventurer Pat Falvey, given that she was 23 stone before she started training.   After a medical emergency that highlighted the danger of being morbidly obese, Teena joined Weight Watchers’ and began an adventure that would bring her back to health and fitness.  Her journey brought her beyond the initial challenge of losing weight to an incredible awakening that would change her life and lifestyle and bring benefits to many charities as she put her newly restored body to good work, in learning to hike, and run, and bike and kayak and many activities which she would previously only have dreamed of attempting.

Mayor Coyne paid tribute to Teena’s achievement, as ‘an inspiration to everyone and a message of positivity’ in these times’.  There was great support from Youghal Town Council, with organiser Councillor Michael Beecher (FG ), Labour Councillor Tara O’Connell,  and County & Town Councillors Barbara Murray (FG) and Michelle Hennessy (SF) warm in their congratulations on the book and the show.  Local Sinn Fein TD Sandra McLennan ; was among the first to have her personal copy of Teena’s book signed, exchanging comments about the extreme experiences that the Everest/HOPE Team endured and the bonds that were formed  in the icy wildness of the Himalaya in Nepal.

“I still can’t believe that my life has changed so dramatically” Teena told the assembled crowd, adding “I feel incredibly privileged to have been able to change my life and restore my health, and to see the beautiful mountains and people and culture of Nepal, that so few will have the benefit of seeing first hand”.  The HOPE team travelled to Base Camp Mount Everest, and a smaller group went deeper into Nepal to climb a mountain called Kalapathar and cross a glacier to climb a mountain in the Everest range called Island Peak, at an incredible height of 20,305ft.  Teena was among that final group who made it to the summit: “It was the most difficult and most extraordinary feat I have ever attempted or achieved” said Teena.  “In the film, you can see grown men cry, and I too was incredibly moved by the experience.  But it goes to prove that no task is too big for the human spirit, if we break down the challenge into manageable sections.”

Looking out across the beautiful wind-tossed bay as sunlight poured through the glass foyer of the Mall Arts Centre, Teena mused: “I certainly had no doubt about what to call the book.  It was my mantra for living, while I was so heavy and in so much pain at 23 stone, it was what I told myself as I tried to lose weight, and as I tried to get my muscles to work to climb my first hill.  It’s what I tell myself now when times are tough, and it’s a good code for anyone, no matter what the challenge – diet, exercise, life or business.  Just calm down, think it through, and put ‘one foot in front of the other’.”

Dickens’s Discount Days – Find fantastic bargains in Youghal this Thursday 22nd December 2011.

The meeting was attended by Town Manager Patricia Power, Town Clerk Liam Ryan, Deputy Town Clerk Helen Mulcahy, Town Engineer Paul Murray, Town Foreman Ger Lupton, Mayor Eoin Coyne (FF) and Cllrs Barbara Murray (FG), Michael Beecher (FG), Michelle Hennessy (SF), Eoin Flanagan (SF), Liam Burke (GP) Tara O’Connell (Lab), Sammy Revins (FF) and Mary Linehan-Foley (FF).

The meeting was permeated by complaints from Cllr Michael Beecher who found the fan heater system adjacent to which he was sitting aggravating towards his throat and his asthmatic condition. As the councillor’s coughing and hoarseness increased, he turned off the heating. This rapidly decreased the room temperature much to the discomfort of his chamber colleagues, particularly Cllr Michelle Hennessy, who sits alongside Cllr Beecher but who was suffering flu symptoms. In a co-operative effort unprecedented in Irish politics, the Fine Gael and the Sinn Féin representatives even swapped seats in a bid to assist each other. Sadly it proved great in gesture but short in success as eventually Cllr Beecher, hoarse, terse and half way through his third packet of Strepsils, made a heartfelt plea that the system be replaced by “proper storage heaters.” It remains to be seen whether this demand on democracy will be met.

The meeting began with what would transpire to be a lengthy diversion into matters of the departed, following confirmation that Youghal Town Council would heretofore operate the Joint Burial Board in conjunction with Cork County Council. The town manager turned the sod on the debate as she revealed that the burial budget for 2012 included €40,000 towards upgrading the cemetery lodge and €20,000 towards the provision of a future graveyard. Additionally the budget provides, for the first time, for two ‘cremation garden’ plots @ €300 per plot, thought these plots would “not be available as advanced sales.” Ms Power said Youghal Town Council would contribute €64,765 towards the Burial Board’s expenditure for 2012, while Cork County Council would pay €33,000 for the same purpose. The town clerk then explained the debt in terms of anticipated expenditure being €114,029 and income €16,000, leaving a deficit of €98,029.

Plots of room…

Mr Ryan then outlined a €100 increase in grave prices for 2012, meaning a single grave would cost €700, a double plot €1,400 and a triple size plot €2,100. Cllr  Revins remarked that there was no cost reduction in acquiring double or triple plots but the town clerk explained that here was “no sense in incentivising” such plots given the limited space in the cemetery. Elaborating, he said three, six and nine people can be interred in the respective plots but that presently up to 90% of plots were not full, because people over-estimated usage when buying them. Children of deceased, for example, through various circumstances such as marriage, etc., were buried elsewhere when their earthly time ran out. “So you get one person in double plots and two in triple plots,” proceeded Mr Ryan, before noting with unintended irony that “the life cycle of the graveyard,” was being shortened due to such over expectation. Meanwhile, he added, a grave can be re-utilised 20 to 25 years after being filled.

The matter refused to die as Cllr Hennessy objected to the price increases on the basis that the living were already suffering enough economic hardship without death adding to their debts. Both Mr. Ryan and the town manager tried to bury her concerns by arguing that Youghal was an extremely economic place, in which to be buried, compared to the rest of the county as documented in the auditor’s report (costs have increased 100% in Dublin). Additionally, the burial costs were only about 10% of an overall funeral expense and the money helped towards the graveyard’s perpetual maintenance, so to speak and not just the burial. Responding to a query from Cllr Linehan-Foley, the assistant town clerk said there were government grants of up to 90% available to people in difficult circumstances towards burials. Cllr Beecher, rather hoarsely, said the Credit Union would also help to bury one, though not in those precise words.

Still the issue wouldn’t lie down, as it emerged that should the cost increases not be applied, the proposed work on the lodge would be compromised. Ultimately only Cllr Flanagan supported Cllr Hennessy’s counter-motion against the renewed costing and the increases were approved 5-2 in a vote.

Grave concerns

No sooner had the clay settled on that issue than Cllr Revins unearthed a fresh graveyard gripe. He wanted burial bye-law changed to allow families of the bereaved to install level-ground kerbs around grass graves pending agreement with the town council to care and maintain such plots. He said people had expressed such requests to him. Cllr Linehan-Foley supported the call, arguing that people who owned plots had the right to this privatised, individualistic pursuance.

Cllr Murray wasn’t too supportive, feeling graveyard maintenance should primarily be undertaken by the graveyard caretaker. Mr. Ryan concurred, as he pointed out that the section of the graveyard effectively in question –namely N,P,Q and R-, was deliberately designed as a lawned area and was being maintained to a high standard. Between re-openings and, sometimes, inevitable neglect, the task of maintenance would become very difficult if the bye-law was amended for any kerbing The town manager –being a Cork County Council official- voiced health and safety concerns in the land of the non-living. “You haven’t listened! It’s about ground-level kerbs!” rebuked Cllr Revins in vain, as Ms Power recalled an incident whereby an unfortunate man recently lost an eye through a piece of flying kerb whilst strimming in a graveyard. She offered to provide a report on the why lawn only graves were preferable. Eventually Cllr Burke laid the debate to rest –subject to future resurrection- when his suggestion that a subcommittee of the Joint Burial Board discuss it following the manager’s report. “I hope it doesn’t go on for two years like DeValera Street did,” remarked Cllr Revins, no doubt in fear of Hell. Meanwhile anyone with opinions on lawn or kerbing in the graveyard is asked to convey them to councillors.

Lighthouse

The meeting was then received a presentation from Tim Ryan,  of the Commission of Irish Lights, on the proposed transfer of the lighthouse to the care of Youghal Town Council. CLICK HERE for more on this article

Votes of Congratulations:

Cllr Linehan-Foley congratulated teenage athlete Fergal Curtin on his 27 All Ireland medals amassed to date, with the previous weekend’s county championships the latest addition. The councillor also paid tribute to young boxer Adam Curley who recently won his first bout in an Irish shirt. She extended recognition to parents of all young athletes and achievers for their supportive efforts. An award night to honour formally these successes is anticipated for next February. The councillor further congratulated Clodagh Mahon, Catherine Desmond and the heritage committee on the town hall Santa and the Collegiate Church craft fair initiatives recently.

Cllr Murray congratulated the Youghal Concerned Citizens for their year of events, including the on-going Dickins’s Christmas celebrations that were bringing a more festive atmosphere to the streets. She conveyed best wishes also to Chris O’Brien of the Imperial Hotel on the launch of his new food product (pies and chowders) product. Likewise, she acknowledged David Browne of Youghal Bay Seafood on the development of his new, pasteurised crab meat product. Finally, she congratulated all involved with the crib installation at Barry’s Lane.

Mayor Coyne paid tribute to Pobalscoil na Tríonóide teacher Tracy Kennedy on being appointed the first female PRO of Cork County GAA Board. He recognised the re-launch of the Walter Raleigh also and urged that locals support the enterprise. The mayor then congratulated the Youghal Junior B Football team –of which he was a member- on their recent East Cork title.

Votes of Sympathy:

These sentiments on behalf of the council are generally conveyed in private but exception was made when Cllr O’Connell expressed her condolences to the family and friends of the late Mary Smiddy who died in such tragic circumstances following an electrical malfunction in her home in Gortaroo recently.

Cllr Beecher complained once again of the heating system in the chamber and some sympathy was forthcoming there also.

Town Foreman’s Report:

Cllr Burke sought remedy for potholes at Nealon’s Quay and also a wall between the Strand Church and Tennis Court, as previously mentioned.

Dominic Collins potholes

Cllr Linehan-Foley drew attention to “craters” at the rear of the Fair Field/Dominic Collins’s Place. She knew there was a resurfacing/lighting plan for the area but wanted the potholes filled meantime. Likewise the footpath in that area needed levelling. The mayor echoed the sentiment, adding concern over poor lighting in the area.

Cllr Beecher complained similarly about the Dominic Collins’s area. He asked if double yellow lies could be installed there too to deter parking on the footpath, given that such vehicles were causing considerable problems for some residents who have visual impairment. The councillor then said a section of road surface at Dolphin’s Square was crumbling. He sought information on any reaction to vile anti-social behaviour at the College Gardens/Adoration Chapel and learned that increased lighting was being installed there.

Parklands criminality

Cllr Beecher briefly pre-empted Cllr O’Connell in drawing attention to rampant vandalism at an unoccupied section of an estate at Parklands and hoped the town council could assist with a remedy.

Cllr O’Connell then described how young people have been persistently destroying eight properties in at the lower end of Parkland. This has included destruction of fixtures and fittings and even arson, which was spreading fear amongst the nearby occupied houses. Some perpetrators had had the nerve –or stupidity- of scrawling their names on the wall and -in one case at least- advertising their criminality on Facebook. Names had been supplied to the gardaí. Meanwhile the councillor had contacted the developer, who had expressed a willingness to consult with the council towards bringing the houses into occupancy.

Cllr Murray suggested that “technically” it’s not a council problem and the developer was responsible for security. She asked whether he had contacted voluntary housing agencies and was told that this had been done to no apparent avail. Lighting, said Cllr O’Connell, was insufficient to support security cameras.

The town clerk said the issue was specifically a matter for the developer. He understood also that there was agreement in place to have some houses in the purchased but they remained unfinished, thus raising other issues. Mr. Ryan explained that the council had taken the maximum allowed in terms of social housing in the estate and it was not an option to acquire any more, partly because it would “create the wrong social mix” and partly because the government, wouldn’t fund any further purchases. The mayor’s suggestion that the issue be raised at the Joint Policing Committee in January was accepted, as the increasingly hoarse Cllr Beecher again pleaded that storage heaters be installed.

Cllr Flanagan asked that a pothole at the top of Windmill Hill be filled and a faded road ‘Stop’ sign be repainted at the exit to Gort Aobhinn to Cork Hill. Cllr Murray referred to ponding at Blackwater Heights.

Public lighting

Cllr Hennessy complained that a lot of public lights were now not working in the town’s estates. Cnoc Aobhinn was particularly bad and it was a dark and dangerous situation. She asked how people could complain and to whom, given they were not council-managed estates. Cllr Murray said there were similar problems at Srathaán na Salí and elsewhere and nobody seemed to harbour responsibility, whether architect or lighting departments. As Cllr Hennessy reiterated that the developer was apparently un-contactable, it emerged that a low-call number to report for malfunctioning lighting was posted on poles. The number was given as 1850-372772.  Office hours are 8.30-5.30 Mon to Fri; also online reports to www.airtricity.com However, as Cllr Murray reflected, complaints previously submitted have brought poor responses.

Cllr O’Connell sought an update on plans to prevent parking and thus alleviate blind spots at the exit from estates across from Crowley’s garage, as raised some time back by former Cllr Donie Daly. The town clerk said an overall plan to redefine the town entrance from the Rhincrew to Greencloyne roundabouts would be incorporate the entrances this would be presented to the council’s February meeting. Cllr O’Connell also echoed concerns over the potholes and footpaths at Dominic Collin’s Place. The councillor concluded with a plea that parking on double yellow lines at the Parish Church was prevalent and needed to be addressed.

The mayor was concerned about ponding at O’Gallagher’s Mews and also opposite the entrance to Lidl.

County Council Items:

Cllr Linehan-Foley asked if disabled parking bays could be repainted on the main street and at Cuman na Daoine following the road resurfacing. She wanted potholes at the Knockaverry higher road repaired also. The town clerk said the area needed total resurfacing and suggested that councillors prioritise it for next February’s non-national road grant funding. Cllr Beecher wanted a sign for Kilcoran Road erected as previously requested.

Parking, shredding, ponding and fishing

Cllr Hennessy complained that an extra car parking space provided on North Main Street was too close to the bottom of Cork Hill and so forcing vehicles to stop in the yellow box when turning right. The councillor protested that there was no provision for disposing of shredded paper at the landfill site, due to the small bin apertures. The engineer said it was a matter for the county council’s Environment Department and should be raised at the county council meeting. Cllr Beecher recalled that operatives had opened the back of a container on his behalf in similar circumstances. Cllr Hennessy asked that ponding problems of some seven years standing –or perhaps swimming- be addressed at Clonpriest, as an adjacent local, who is visually impaired cannot now leave his house.

Cllr Murray asked that signage urging fishermen to remove all discarded fishing lines, hooks etc., from the Slob Bank due to the danger to dogs and children and others also using the public facility. She further requested that the Claycastle car park be cleared of rubbish and bins, especially in lieu of Christmas, visitors, swimmers etc.

Cllr Flanagan also drew attention to the need for disability bays to be re-painted but the town engineer said it was unlikely to occur before Christmas. Unimpressed, Cllr Hennessy stressed that disabled people badly needed these spaces.

Planning Applications:

Following all submissions and considerations planning permission has been granted for the Day Care centre on the grounds of the Community Hospital, Cork Hill.

Reports:

End of year reports in lieu of the Heritage Municipal Policy Committee (Cllr Burke), HathertonLtd., T/A Enterprise Youghal (Cllr Hennessy and Claycastle Leisure Co., Ltd (Cllr Linehan-Foley) were each deferred to “the new Year.”

Unresolved Motions:

Cllr Murray drew attention to the unsightly hoardings at the two closed off viewing balconies near Moll Goggin’s Corner be replaced with a wall, in the interests of visual presentation. Cllr Linehan-Foley however insisted that the viewing balconies should not be abandoned as such. The engineer said he would refer it to the Senior Engineer and report back.

Correspondence:

An application for funding assistance –€500 allocated- from the Youghal Concerned Citizens group sparked concern that there was some duplication in projects between the YCC and the Chamber of Commerce (annual council grant of €10,000). “They (the YCC) mention special interest handbooks, a DVD and training ambassadors,” said Cllr Linehan-Foley. “I thought that’s what we give the Chamber money for.” The mayor felt both groups should “cooperate and communicate” in addressing the issue and accepted Cllr Linehan-Foley’s suggestion that he write to both bodies with that suggestion. Cllr Murray concurred, recollecting that Bord Fáilte was set to undertake an ambassador training programme with the Chamber. “There’s no point in duplication,” she said.

Weather warnings and precautions

As Cllr Beecher gasped for survival, the town manager strongly urged that councillors and the general public become familiar with the county council’s revised guidelines on weather and matter associated with freezing and flooding conditions, as experienced in recent years. Information available on the county council’s website deals with all aspects of weather-related consequences, from self, neighbour and property protection to safe practices, insurance requirements and weather warnings. Relevant contact assistance numbers are also provided. Additionally, information can be downloaded in brochure format and such brochures are also available from councillors and in most public service outlets such as town hall, library, etc. See www.corkco.co.ie

Finally, the town clerk noted that there had as yet been no requests from residents associations as to the location of salt and grit reserves, in tandem with the provision for the dispersion of these reserves by such residents if need be. Youghal Town Council is on (024) 92926. The last meeting of 2011 concluded with Cllr Beecher first to leave the room.