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.

Sean Sherlock T.D., (Minister of State with responsibility for Research and Innovation) has said that plans to merge the Irish Research Council for Science, Engineering and Technology (IRCSET) with the Irish Research Council for the Humanities and Social Science (IRCHSS) into a consolidated single council under the Higher Education Authority will bring positive benefits to the Irish research community.  The merger of the two Councils was announced as part of the Government’s Public Service Reform Plan published today.

“IRCSET and IRCHSS both play fundamental roles in supporting researchers in the early stage of their careers, in fostering skills development and in encouraging independent exploratory research.  This role is essential to nurturing the talent we need for a vibrant research system and a creative, innovative and prospering economy and society.

“IRCHSS has played a unique part in creating opportunities for talented researchers across the humanities and social sciences disciplines.  The vital importance to Ireland of supporting research and human talent development across these disciplines will be given recognition and protection within the new Council arrangements.

“In bringing the two bodies together as a single Council under the Higher Education Authority, the Government is committed to strengthening the focus on early stage career opportunity and support for high quality research talent.  The new Council will deliver important efficiencies in the operational support for that work.  Bringing science and humanities disciplines together in this way will also offer potential for achieving enhanced inter-disciplinary synergies and opportunity.   Work will now commence on the detailed arrangements for giving effect to the merger.“

TARA O’CONNELL officially co-opted during minister’s visit to Youghal town council. – By Christy Parker

YOUGHAL TOWN COUNCIL formally accepted the co-option of Labour Town Councillor Tara O’Connell at a special meeting Monday morning (October 24th). The meeting coincided with the visit of Labour Minister of State at the Department of Jobs, Enterprise & Innovation and Department of Education & Skills, Sean Sherlock. The minister fielded several questions from councillors and town clerk on matters relevant to Youghal, including tourism and education initiatives, marina funding and employment strategies.

TARA O’CONNELL SUCCEEDS HER DAD ON YOUGHAL TOWN COUNCIL
By Christy Parker

TARA O’CONNELL has been selected to succeed her late father Tommy on Youghal Town Council. The co-option took place unopposed at a special meeting of the Youghal Labour Party in the Gate bar on Thursday night October 6th. Labour Party official George Cummins oversaw proceedings which were also attended by local branch Secretary Sean Rush, party members, the O’Connell family and friends. Mr Cummins extended his condolences to the O’Connell family on Tommy’s passing last month following a brief illness.

For Tara, 39 and the eldest of two girls in a family of four children, the occasion was one of pride laced with poignancy. “I was very proud to succeed my dad but very sad he wasn’t there to see it,” she recalls, “particularly as it was something he always wanted for me.” In the event a prepared speech she had scribed went unread. “I just felt too emotional when the moment came,” she says.

Early influence

Tara traces her interest in politics to an early age and her dad’s influence. “I remember canvassing with my father when I was about eight and loving the razzamatazz of it all,” she remembers. “I also had a teacher whose dad was a politician and that intrigued me also.

In time the issues and practice of politics formed a driving force in her life and she duly joined Sinn Féin as had her father before his transference to Labour. After many years in SF, including a stint as chairwoman, she again followed her dad’s footsteps, this time into the Labour party. “I felt their social policies better suited my own ideas on social issues,” she explains. Much of her time in Sinn Féin coincided with the conflict in Northern Ireland and she remains a Republican at heart. “I am delighted to see peace in the Six Counties,” she states, “but I very much support the goal of a united Ireland.”

Social issues

In latter times, as Chair of the Save Youghal Ambulance group, Tara has been to the forefront of the fight to retain an efficient ambulance service in the town. There are on-going negotiations proceeding on that issue, she says” but we hope to issue an update shortly.”

On a broad level, Tara strongly advocates fairness and equality and would trumpet the cause of the less well off, the disenfranchised and the marginalised. “I feel that people on the lower end of the economic scale –the ordinary workers and the unemployed- always take the brunt of things and the latest cutbacks once again exemplify that,” she states.

Her new role as town councillor, Tara “will be following up issues raised by father,” including his rent/rates reduction initiative and a feasibility study into restoring drift net salmon fishing on the Blackwater. “But I very much intend to make my own impact as well,” she insists.

Self help

A single mum of a teenager daughter, the new councillor sees Youghal’s future best served by self-sustainability. “Large industrial investment is not going to come here in the foreseeable future,” she believes, “so we must to rely on ourselves.  That’s why groups like the Youghal Concerns Citizens set such a great example. We have all got to work together to build a better future. I believe at this moment, tourism and heritage projects, along with promoting and assisting the establishment and development of small, individual businesses, offers our best options.”

Pragmatically, she realises that town councils have limited, ever-diminishing power. “That’s why I have always found it unfair that some people automatically blame the council when anything goes wrong. Sure they make mistakes like everyone else, but I think all the councillors have the good of the own at heart and try to do the best they can within the limits imposed on them.”

That may all change for better or worse very soon. In about seven weeks Environment Minister Phil Hogan is set to present to the cabinet his Local Government reform proposals. Things are almost sure to change and maybe change radically. “We’ll cross that bridge when we come to it,” says Tara. Meanwhile she intends to make every moment count on behalf of the town that her late father loved dearly and was staunchly proud to serve.

Labour General Election Candidate for Cork East Sean Sherlock TD talks to Declan Gibbons.

Click below and listen to Labour General Election Candidate for Cork East Sean Sherlock TD talk to Declan Gibbons on Youghal Local Radio CRY – Audio courtesy of CRY

Sean Sherlock TD – Biography

Constituency:
Cork East

Euro Electoral Region:
Ireland South

Electoral Status:
Sean is currently a sitting TD for Cork East .

Address:
Davis Lane
Mallow
Co. Cork

Tel:
Phone: 022 53523
Fax: 022 57761
087-7402057

Email:
sean.sherlock@oir.ie

Website:
http://seansherlock.ie

Political Career:

* Elected to the Dail, May 2007
* First Co-opted to Mallow Town Council and Cork County Council in September 2003.
* Elected to MTC and CCC June 2004.
* 2004 Mayor of Mallow Town Council.
*

Occupation:

* Full Time Public Representative

Memberships:

* Blackwater Kayaking Club
* Mallow Rugby Club
* County Cork VEC
* Mountaineering Club of Ireland

Other Interests:

* Former Assistant to Proinsias De Rossa MEP

Birth Details:

* 6/12/1972

Education:

* Patrician Academy Mallow
* College of Commerce, Cork
* UCG, BA Economic and Politics

Cork Labour County Councillor and forthcoming East Cork general election candidate John Mulvihill has labelled the party’s handling of a co-option dispute in Youghal “a disgrace.” The councillor’s comment arise from Labour’s ongoing failure to fill a town council seat vacated last August, including the annulment of a co-opted successor.

Veteran Labour member Tomas O’Conaill was co-opted by the local branch to replace former councillor Donie Daly and attended October’s town council meeting. However the party’s executive subsequently nullified the co-option, claiming it contravened both its own rules and the requirements of the Local Government Act 2001.

In a letter to Youghal Town Clerk Liam Ryan, Labour’s National Executive secretary, Ita McAuliffe castigated the official for accepting Mr. O’Connell’s co-option without his furnishing a Certificate of Political Affiliation from the party. Mr. Ryan has declined to comment on “a matter of internal party politics.”

Mr. O’Conaill agrees he did not have a certificate but argues that neither did Mr. Daly, nor was he asked to go before a selection panel. “I have a membership card and a letter from the executive confirming my membership, which was forwarded to Mr Ryan.”

He believes the dispute is “a smokescreen fuelled by people at senior level with a vested interest in discrediting the Youghal branch before an election.” Labour seems set to divide the Cork East constituency for the next general election, with Cllr Mulvihill and Sean Sherlock TD canvassing east and north of the constituency’s respectively.

Responding to Cllr Mulvihill’s criticism, a Labour party spokesman says “every member has to abide by the party’s rules, as updated at the 2009 Labour Party convention.”

Mr. O’Conaill further feels the dispute is undermining the credibility and image of the Labour party, while disenfranchising 380 votes polled by Cllr Daly. The party has not been represented at a council meeting since last April, when the council switched its monthly meetings from Monday nights to Tuesday mornings during a public sector work-to-rule. It later made the switch permanent, prompting Mr Daly, a financial consultant, to resign due to daytime work commitments. .

The party spokesman says the lengthy delay in co-opting a replacement has been exacerbated by the Donegal by-election but says “a selection panel process is in train,” to be chaired by Cork North Central TD Ciaran amidst expectations that the process will be completed in December.

Youghal’s Labour Councilor, Tommy O’Connell has claimed that Labour Party leader, Eamonn Gilmore is carrying out an investigation following a request from the General Secretary of the party to Youghal Town Clerk, Mr. Liam Ryan last week that Mr. O’Connell’s seat on the council be nullified.

The shock move follows Mr. O’Connell’s nomination and subsequent co-option onto the council seat in the aftermath of Cllr. Donie Daly’s resignation just over a month ago. Confusion reigns over last week’s bizarre event and continues to damage the public relations of the party branch in Youghal.

Further to the revelation that the General Secretary of the Labour Party asked for Mr. O’Connell to be removed, the party’s press office accused the Youghal Council of negligence in the co-opting process.

The news first broke on Tuesday morning when Mr. Ryan informed members at a special meeting to discuss budgets and traffic management that he had been in correspondence with the General Secretary of the Labour Party on Friday evening Oct. 29th. Mr. Ryan told shocked members that the Labour Party said they ‘were not happy with the selection process of Tommy O’Connell’ and that they requested the councilor’s nomination be ‘nullified’. The Town Clerk added that he was asked to reply to the Labour Party by 5pm Monday. Mr. Ryan then contacted Mr. O’Connell and advised him that it would ‘not be appropriate’ for him to come to Tuesday’s special meeting. Before any of the members could respond to the news the Town Clerk advised them that the matter was an ‘internal party issue that has nothing to do with us’.

By noon Tuesday The Labour Party Press Office claimed that the problem with Mr. O’Connell’s co-option lies with the Youghal Town Clerk. When asked why the Labour Party had contacted the council with their request, Mr. Tony Heffernan said. “The proper selection procedure wasn’t fulfilled under the law. All candidates are required to have a certificate of political affiliation. Mr. O’Connell doesn’t. I presume the Town Clerk is familiar with the law and would have checked the legal requirements. The Town Council wasn’t entitled to co-opt him.” Mr. Ryan responded that he would make ‘no comment on internal Labour Party procedures’.
On hearing the Labour Party Press Office claims on Tuesday afternoon Mr. O’Connell said the dispute over his legitimacy as a certified member of the party was a ‘smokescreen’. He also claimed that those with a ‘vested interest’ in discrediting the Youghal branch ‘will fail’. “I don’t have a certificate. However, I have a membership card and I have a letter from head office accepting my donation. That information was conveyed to the Town Clerk. This is a petty procedure in the extreme and is an internal issue. Someone at a senior level within the Labour Party has an ulterior motive. I believe it comes from potential candidates looking to destroy the Youghal branch before an election. We have contacted Eamonn Gilmore and he is investigating the matter. We won’t take this lying down,” he said.

On Saturday, the controversy continued to evolve with a special sitting of the Youghal branch at the Walter Raleigh Hotel. Labour election candidates for Cork East, John Mulvihill and Sean Sherlock were in attendance to ratify Mr. O’Connell’s nomination. How Labour Party headquarters receive the move is unknown but have stated that they want the seat filled ‘as quickly as possible’ though no timeframe was given nor has any name yet been identified for selection. The move by the Labour Party marks a new phase in what has been a tumultuous number of months for the Youghal branch.

Youghal Labour Party will hold a special meeting to formally ratify Tommy O’Connell as the replacement for former town councillor, Donie Daly, who resigned from the Council in September. The move comes after it emerged that Mr O’Connell had not received a formal Letter of Affiliation from Labour Party Headquarters. Pic: www.youghalonline.com

It has been decided that a selection convention to fill the vacancy created by Cllr Daly’s resignation is to be held within the next seven days. The convention will be chaired by Cork North Central Labour deputy, Ciaran Lynch and will be attended by the two Labour candidates for Cork East, Sean Sherlock TD and Cllr John Mulvihill and members of the Consituency Council have also been invited.

If, as expected, Mr O’Connell emerges from this selection convention as the replacement for former Cllr Daly, he is likely to formally take his seat on Youghal Town Council at its December meeting.

The meeting was preceded by a brief presentation from Cork County Council Traffic Engineer Eileen Coleman on the Traffic Management Plan for Ashe Street, DeValera Street, Emmet Place and Church Street. Some Plan details are relayed elsewhere in this issue. The council will discuss the Plan at a special meeting in November.

The meeting proper commenced with each member welcoming Cllr Tommy O’Connell to the chamber. The Labour representative was co-opted to replace former councillor Donie Daly, who resigned, controversially, last July due to Tuesday morning work commitments and the council’s decisions not to revert to Monday night meetings.

Rising to his feet, Cllr O’Connell acknowledged the welcomes and declared his intention to work “positively and productively” for the townspeople in what he hoped would be “affable” circumstances. “But unfortunately,” he added ominously, “I can’t let the occasion go without saying why I am here.” He was there “because Cllr Donie Daly was forced to resign,” he explained, setting the tone for the five-minute period of tongue-biting restraint that was to follow.

Vendetta

Venting his displeasure at the manner of his predecessor’s departure, Cllr O’Connell labeled it “disgraceful, petty, bloody-minded and a gross aversion of local democracy. With the honourable exception of three members (meaning Cllrs Murray, Beecher and Revins),” he proceeded, “you took the voice of 380 people out of this chamber and I sincerely hope the people of Youghal will not forget it.” Composed and calculating, the councillor accused two (unspecified) members of bringing “a personal vendetta into the chamber” by way of persuading “other councilors to vote against Monday night meetings.”

Diverging somewhat, Cllr O’Connell recalled his own council resignation (to emigrate) 25 years previous and that, contrary to the accepted practice of co-opting a fellow party member, Fianna Fail had “grabbed” his seat, “undemocratically and, in my book, illegally.” It was a practice, he said, that had been rampantly endorsed by Fianna Fail nationwide, until a coalition government subsequently corrected it.

Concluding his address, Cllr O’Connell informed his audience that, “some of you may think you are democrats but with the honourable exception of three, I’m afraid you are not. You are petty, small-minded people that grabbed a seat,” he insisted. Nonetheless, he was willing to work “constructively and productively,” with the council for the betterment of the town, he volunteered.

Responses

That the chamber’s response was relatively mild probably reflected a residual war-weariness since the summer exchanges that had followed Cllr Daly’s departure. Mayor Mary Linehan Foley said she had “moved on” and that the council was “focused on the future and not on the past.” She argued that the council was “so democratic” it had convened “on numerous occasions” to vote on meeting times and that neither she nor her colleagues were responsible for one councillor’s absence from any meeting. The mayor said there were a lot of other voters to represent alongside Cllr Daly’s supporters and deemed it lucky the council had a Labour representative to that end, although party politics didn’t enter into council business, she claimed. “I feel aggrieved by your comments and I hope your feelings stay outside the chamber,” she concluded.

Cllr Eoin Coyne echoed the mayor’s views and said the occurrences of 25 years past were irrelevant. “It is completely off the wall to accuse us of being undemocratic,” he stated, as “a democratic vote was taken in the chamber.” He hoped there would be nine councilors working in unison from there on and he wouldn’t waste his time arguing.

Cllr Liam Burke was “saddened” by Cllr O’Connell’s sentiments and felt there was no room for “the adversarial, time-warped politics” of the past. “This chamber is characterised by a constructive and very positive approach to its business and towards improving the town,” he insisted. Cllr Burke then proposed the council proceed with the day’s agenda and the matter ended.

Road resurfacing

Following the town clerk’s report, there was some discussion on Cork County Council’s funding application to the Dept of the Environment for resurfacing work on the North and South Main Streets (R634). Town Manager Patricia Power said it was “critical” that the work be carried out prior to the main drainage scheme to give the town good main street surfaces to balance the inevitable deterioration of those in the areas to be disrupted by the scheme. The application is based on several factors, including tourism and business, she said.

The town clerk clarified to Cllr Michelle Hennessy that the application refers to resurfacing work commencing in early 2011 and running from Windmill Hill to Cork Hill at an approximate cost of €160,000. She was assured that disability spaces would be restored and Mr. Ryan suggested that any new proposals would be considered subject to compliance with road regulations. Similar circumstances applied to the back street in the wake of the main drainage scheme. Mr. Ryan said that scheme –now anticipated for early 2012 and costing approximately €28m- awaited 70% government funding. The tendering documents are presently awaiting approval from the Dept of Environment, he added.

Cllr Barbara Murray asked whether Youghal Town Council tenants could be accommodated (literally) if they wished to transfer to one of 142 social houses in a Killeagh/Ladysbridge scheme that is being promoted. Mr. Ryan replied that all possibilities would be considered individually in tandem with Cork County Council’s approval.

Regarding the resurfacing of the main streets, Cllr Murray asked whether the road would be raised level to the “deplorable” footpaths. The town clerk said everything depended on the level of funding and resources made available. Meanwhile it was important to acquire funding for 2011 because the volume of traffic, including diversions, through the town during the drainage scheme project would render it impossible to do footpath reconstruction in 2012.

Cllr Michael Beecher said previous experience suggested the resurfacing might be dug up again. Mr. Ryan said broadband installation had mostly caused this. He believed there would always be some road openings but they depended on the rate of developments, which were now, unfortunately, low. He explained that Cork Hill corner, alone of the main street, would eventually be dug up as part of the main drainage scheme. The town manager added that the county council would seek that utility companies such as eircom, ESB, etc conduct upcoming works prior to the scheme.

Cllr Murray then asked whether the town council could avid reliance on private companies by installing its own underground ducting on the main streets to contain and conceal utility wiring, in compliance with the town regenerating plan. The town clerk said most of the ducting would occur under footpaths but there were some areas of roadway where her proposal deserved consideration. Cllr Burke supported her idea, citing a report from the Tidy Town’s adjudicators also referring to the benefit of burying wires.

Votes of Congratulations:

Mayor Linehan Foley congratulated Aura Leisure Centre on recently winning a national award for Safety in the Service sector. She also congratulated Youghal Tidy Towns (and council workers) on Youghal winning their section in the Cork County Council Anti-Litter Challenge with 272 points. The mayor further paid tribute to the Youghal u-18 camogie team on winning the County final. It was agreed that all would join the list of achievers to be recognised at the new bi-annual awards ceremonies, the first of which will occur at Christmas.

Town Foreman’s Report:

Cllr Burke asked that CIE be informed that the protected structure that is their old railway signal box is in desperate disrepair. He asked the manager for an update on the Youghal Retail Strategy, which was later forthcoming (see elsewhere in this issue). Cllr Burke told town engineer Paul Murray that the road markings installed following surfacing at the junction of Kilcoran Rd and Seafield Rd were different to what had prevailed there previously, leading to confusion and near-accidents. Mr. Murray said the roads marking contractor had altered the layout as cars coming up from the hill and turning right didn’t have enough room on the island to stop and allow passage for a car coming down. He said it was being monitored but he would have more road markings installed to forewarn motorists coming down.

Illegal dumping

Cllr Coyne said weeds needed removing on the North Main Street footpaths. He noted that a lot of domestic waste was still being dumped and learned that the mobile CCTV cameras were due to return. Cllr Coyne asked that more pooper scooper bins be provided.

Cllr O’Connell condemned illegal dumping, which was “rampant” and often unseen in outlying areas. However he laid much of the cause on landfill charges in a time of recession. He didn’t know the ultimate answer but believed identifying culprits by rifling through their rubbish had limitations. He felt addressing the cause was preferable to prosecution, which could itself be costly. He wondered if free dumping might resolve the problem. The mayor hoped that court action in lieu of CCTV evidence would prove a strong deterrent and said that nowadays one had to pay for rubbish disposal. Recycling helped to reduce the costs but she was critical of the €3 entrance to the landfill’s ‘free’ recycling facility. Cllr Hennessy said car owners were largely responsible for illegal dumping and that if people could afford to run a car they could afford to pay for waste disposal. It was unfair on council workers and she strongly supported CCTV to counteract illegal bin and fly dumping.

Cllr Beecher supported Cllr Henenssy’s views and felt €3 was a reasonable fee. He observed that dumping in bins decreased when CCTV arrived but increased in the countryside and advocated higher fines. Cllr Coyne said there were some free recycling facilities, such as Tesco’s. Cllr Sandra McLennan said civic amenity sites cost “a fortune” to run and therefore charges were necessary and would probably increase following the next budget.

Installations, weeds, butts and flower boxes

Cllr Murray asked if Youghal Town Council ever considered replacing ‘pumped insulation’ in attics with ‘rolled out insulation’. She had thought the pumped version was more applicable to concrete blocks and it was inhibiting homeowners’ access to wiring, etc. The town clerk said the council normally employed rolled out insulation and that Cllr Murray was referring to one particular scheme whereby the architect’s department was involved in a package that entailed both installing insulation and upgrading heating systems.

Cllr Murray echoed Cllr Coyne’s sentiments on footpath weds and pooper bins. She then described an initiative in England called ‘Stub it Out’ whereby a tobacco company provided free, insulated (not pumped presumably!) pouches for the disposal of cigarette butts. She suggested the council write to the company requesting a supply. (It’s unclear whether the council might have to order several hundred fags simultaneously mind, but with Christmas coming, why not?!). The councillor also asked that a bin be provided outside Pobalscoil and was told it was a County Council issue.

Cllr Hennessy asked whether there had been any response to last month’s request to Cork County Council to clean up the dereliction style appearance of its North Main Street premises (close to two Chinese restaurants) that has been earmarked as the town library some day. The town engineer said the county council’s library department was soon to remedy it. “If not, maybe we could put a derelict site notice on it,” replied Cllr Hennessy.

Mayor Linehan Foley thanked the council workers for the eventual installation of flower boxes and bollards on the footpaths at Dr. Kennedy’s Place. She said that “lives had been saved” by the thus preventing vehicles from mounting the pavement. Cllr Sammy Revins said some people were far from happy and would have preferred widening the road.

Cllr McLellan said the boxes and bollards had unfortunately brought more parking at Fitzgerald’s Terrace, resulting in a resident who has long sought a yellow box, being locked into his home and consequently even missing medical appointments. “The yellow box is urgent and I’d like to see it before the next meeting!” she stressed. Mr. Ryan said there was a procedure to follow, including awaiting road liners, but that the traffic warden to visit the area meantime.

Cork County Council Items:

Town Engineer Paul Murray delivered the following information: work had been conducted at the rifle range on foot of a Dangerous Structure notice; road overlays at Ballyclamsey were imminent; a new valve had been fitted in the outfall pipe at the front strand and the situation would be monitored for some months; the Youghal reservoir was being cleaned out; work on replacing filter sand on Filter 4 at Boola waterworks was now due to commence.

Cllr Murray asked if an extension to the front strand outfall pipe remained part of the main drainage scheme as had been agreed. The engineer said if the valve didn’t work then an extension would be sought. She suspected the valve –like its predecessors- would fail and. given the time it took to process, she urged an application for an offshore license be made soon. The councillor asked that county council areas be included in the CCTV program against illegal dumping. She also wanted a raised and buckled metal grid on the footpath at the League of the Cross rectified and requested that a proposed footpath from Aura to Summerfield Cross be at least imposed as a plan pending funding becoming available.

More landfill odours

Cllr Beecher complained of a major pothole in Ballyclamsey. He then castigated “the odour from the landfill,” which was affecting both the town and nearby county Waterford. He was asthmatic and it had badly affected him as well as others and he felt a private company would have been fined long ago. He would be contacting the EPA. Cllr McLellan said it seemed to be “worse on Sundays.”

The town clerk replied that it was an issue for the county council, to whom he had already written and advocated it be raised at that level. The mayor observed that the council could not be 100% sure the landfill was responsible for the odours in the first place.

Cllr Sammy Revins asked that double yellow lines be provided at Mistletoe Grove when the liners return. He wanted a yellow box to be painted at the rear of Devon View, especially as people are affected by nearby school painting. Mr. Ryan said the appropriate time to do so would be following the main drainage scheme, wherein Strand Street would be one of the first sections treated. “Have you a date for that?  We’ve been waiting 14 years for the drainage scheme,” replied the councillor.

Footpath study

Cllr McLellan had received complaints about the difficulties facing wheelchair users traversing Youghal’s footpath She asked whether the engineer could conduct a survey prior to compiling a works program which could be conducted when and as funding became available. The engineer said plans were already drawn up for works on the back street footpaths shortly. “That’s good but there are lots of other footpaths and we need a program,” insisted Cllr McLellan. The town clerk felt that Youghal was “way down the list” when it came to Cork County Council funding and urged that the two county councillors and the mayor raise the issue at area road meetings so that a budget could be acquired to meet the priority listing. Cllr O’Connell supported Cllr McLellan’s initiative.

Cllr Burke asked that the junction of Strand Street/South Abbey footpaths which he had persistently raised (pardon the pun) be included in the back street project. “These are some of the worse pathways anywhere and are part of the main tourist walkways,” he advised.

Mayor’s Business:

This consisted of just one quote –from Munster Joinery, Ballyedesmond- being opened for a contract to conduct window and door replacements at premises in Windmill Hill. Three quotations had been sought and Cllr O’Connell suggested it was unusual that only one company had responded. “There are a number of window and door companies teetering on the brink,” informed the town clerk.

Report by Mayor Linehan Foley on the Tidy Towns Task Force:

The mayor said the Tidy Towns Committee Chairman Ned Brennan was unable to address the council on the day as had been arranged but would attend next month’s meeting, at which he would report on past present and future agenda.  Mr. Ryan noted that Youghal had won a bronze medal –for 4th place- in its national section in this year’s Tidy Towns competition, coming just eight pints behind the winner (Dungarvan).

Budget Sub Committee Meeting:

It was agreed to hold this meeting on Tuesday morning November 2nd and also to discuss traffic management that morning also.

Correspondence:

Following a letter from the National Women’s Council of Ireland, the council pledged unanimous support for the Justice for the Magdalene Campaign (JMC). In striving for an apology and redress for the abuse and injustice inflicted on them by religious orders the campaigners were recently denied a meeting by CORI (The Conference of Religious of Ireland). A similar response has been proffered by each of four religious orders implicated – the Good Shepherd Sisters, Our Lady of Charity, the Sisters of Mercy and the Sisters of Charity. Minister for Justice Dermot Ahern has also rejected appeals for justice though at least he’s unlikely to be a minister after the next election. The town council’s written support will be added to that of other local authorities for forwarding to the minister responsible for local government, John Gormley.

Any Other Business:

Cllr Murray asked for an update on the funding application to Failte Ireland regarding the co-boardwalk at the Claycastle. The town clerk said they would be notified after that body’s October board meeting. “We’ve done absolutely all we were asked to do,” he added. Cllr Murray asked that some pressure be placed on Cork County Council to conduct a site assessment on their section of the project, which is intended to link as far as Redbarn. There will be issues with coastal erosion, etc,” she explained.

Cllr Revins inquired as to the anticipated independent diving rocks report. It’s due, he was told.