Youghal’s reputation as ‘Ireland’s Finest Coastal Resort’ will be significantly enhanced with the completion of the first phase (395 metres) of the long-anticipated 2000mm-wide mobility-disabled access boardwalk running from Youghal Front Strand to Claycastle.  The route is set to be completed by the end of January 2012.  (The second phase of the development will see the completion of the link between Claycastle and Redbarn).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.

Financed by Failte Ireland (under the Tourism Capital Investment Programme 2007-2013) in partnership with Youghal Town Council, the boardwalk will promote and enhance Youghal’s considerable ecological resources in a sustainable manner. The completion of the walkway will benefit both domestic and international visitors to Youghal, but also local Youghal residents, providing a safe and well marked walk-way for recreational use.  The amenity will further enhance the resort’s three blue flag beaches.   It is expected that families of all ages (the key target market for the area) staying in the Quality Hotel & Self Catering Resort in Redbarn will be provided with direct pedestrian access to the town.

In 2008, The Youghal Socio-Economic Development Group (YSEDG) commissioned consultants to prepare a report on the feasibility of an eco-friendly walkway from Youghal Town Centre to Ballyvergan Marsh and onto Redbarn. A boardwalk was considered the most appropriate method of providing controlled access to the route, having a low impact on the environment which would be accessible, for the most of its length, to wheelchairs and push chairs.  In 2010 Failte Ireland indicated that the proposed project would comply with the terms of their capital funding and in turn the YSEDG undertook the successful fund development of the first phase of the project which is in the jurisdiction of Youghal Town Council.  Failte Ireland allocated 75% of the costs of the project, totalling €137,434 with Youghal Town Council financing the remainder. Commenting on the project, Fiona Buckley, Head of Operations South West stated: “Investing in our tourism offering is critical to ensuring we are able to compete with other holiday destinations across the globe – offering visitors to Ireland a memorable holiday experience, which includes high quality activities and attractions. As a national tourism development authority we are continually working to ensure we do just that and this development here is Youghal is a great example of what can be done and further adds to the great visitor experience that is already available in the South West.”

Following a public tender process, Byrne Plant Hire & Civil Engineering Contractors were awarded the contract for the project which got underway in October 2011. It is expected that following on from the completion of Phase I of the project (Youghal Town Centre to Claycastle) in January 2012 Phase II of the development of this walking route linking Claycastle with Redbarn would get underway. Failte Ireland has indicated their support in financing capital works for Phase II following the completion of Phase I subject to availability of funding.  Phase II of the project is under the remit of Cork County Council and is the most ecologically sensitive and challenging in terms of access. An ecological impact assessment and the appropriate assessment screening on this section of the proposed walkway are currently underway.

Speaking ahead of the opening of the boardwalk, Town Clerk Liam Ryan said: “The delivery of this Boardwalk shows the commitment of Youghal Town Council to improving the tourism infrastructure of the Town, and is a further step forward in maximising the potential of our natural tourism assets for the economic benefit of business in Youghal. We will be actively encouraging Cork County Council to complete Phase 2 of the Boardwalk Project linking Redbarn and the Quality Hotel to the town. These linkages will benefit substantially the Strand area of the Town and help to develop further sustainable tourism jobs for the Town.”

Crucially, the environmental impact of the walkway will be minimal with the boardwalk providing a ‘buffer zone’ to help combat soil erosion.  Always central to the development of the boardwalk were that Youghal’s considerable ecological resources would be promoted and enhanced in a sustainable manner having a particular regard for Ballyvergan Marsh. The route traverses a number of natural habitats, thereby offering opportunities for the identification of various species of birds and plants as well as highlighting the value of biodiversity and the ecological value of the marshlands. The completed walkway will aim to build on this natural resource and promote a greater awareness of the natural and cultural heritage of the area in particular among international visitors to the town.

The potential for the development of educational tourism is significant, as the route will offer the possibility of developing a number of themes including urban development, ecology, geology and coastal processes.

The completion of the first phase of the project comes in the wake of the announcement that Youghal has secured a number of escorted tour series for 2012 and 2013 from CIE Tours International. Investment in heritage and tourism infrastructure is finally beginning to reap rewards for Youghal as the town delivers on the needs of its two key tourism markets – the cultural/heritage tourism visitor and the domestic family market.  These visitors will in turn contribute to the boosting of Youghal’s economic fortunes in the years ahead.

Issued by: Youghal Town Council

Contact: tourism@youghal.ie tel: 024-81814

YOUGHAL was today officially announced as Cork’s Tidiest Town for 2011 in the Irish Business Against Litter League, in conjunction with the Department of the Environment.  The town achieved 7th place in the overall rankings out of 53 towns and cities surveyed, with its litter classification declared as ‘clean to European norms’.  The town also received a ‘Sustained Excellence Award’ for 5 years ‘litter free’.    Trim, Co. Meath was declared the country’s cleanest town.

An Taisce monitors all towns of population 6,000 and over independently, in accordance with international grading standards.   Commenting on the result for Youghal, a spokesperson for the organisation said: “An excellent result for Youghal, a seaside tourist town.  Many of the top ranking sites were not just clear of litter but very well presented and maintained, for example Lighthouse Hill, Front Strand, the Town Walls as well as St. Mary’s Collegiate Church .

The North Main Street of the town came in for particular praise with shop fronts cited as being “well presented, with bunting across the street adding a splash of colour.”  It was proclaimed to be “a well maintained street’ by the panel.

Other sites given particular mention in Youghal included the Lighthouse Road considered “ a superb stretch of road which has been very well presented and maintained – it was enhanced by attractive street lighting and the way in which it has been so well cared for and respected.  Also given particular mention was the Front Strand noted for being “another immaculate site in Youghal – the individual houses were very well maintained – and the whole stretch of road gives a very positive impression of Youghal.

“To mark the success of Youghal as one of the 9 towns receiving the ‘Sustained Excellence Award’ it will receive a number of birch trees for planting locally.  These are provided by the Irish Tree Centre, an IBAL member based in County Cork” said Dr. Cavanagh.

“The local authorities in award-winning towns such as Youghal have a strong rationale behind their sustained efforts in combating litter.  They recognise the returns that a litter free environment can bring to a town.  It clearly attracts tourism, but it also draws inward investment in the form of shoppers and also commuters and others opting to live in the surrounding area.  At a time when retailers are struggling and ghost estates are proliferating, the need to attract new inhabitants has never been greater.”

“Our environment continues to get cleaner despite a tightening of the public purse at local authority level, says Dr. Tom Cavanagh, Chairman IBAL.  “This indicates that the fight against litter is not about money.  It’s equally about a spirit of local pride and volunteerism among the local community, and we’re seeing a resurgence of this in the current climate”.  Concluded Dr. Cavanagh.

Issued by: Youghal Town Council

Further information contact: 024-92926 E: liam.ryan@corkcoco.ie

 

IBAL Anti Litter League Finale 2011 Results Table
Rankings     Town/City     Status
1     Trim     Clean to European Norms
2     Swords     Clean to European Norms
3     Killarney     Clean to European Norms
4     Cavan     Clean to European Norms
5     Dun Laoghaire     Clean to European Norms
6     Wexford     Clean to European Norms
7     Youghal     Clean to European Norms
8     Ballincollig     Clean to European Norms
9     Waterford City     Clean to European Norms
10     Fermoy     Clean to European Norms
11     Cobh     Clean to European Norms
=      Castlebar     Clean to European Norms
=     Bray     Clean to European Norms
14     Naas     Clean to European Norms
15     Dungarvan     Clean to European Norms
16     Ennis     Clean to European Norms
=     Ballina     Clean to European Norms
=     Nenagh     Clean to European Norms
19     Longford     Clean to European Norms
20     Kilkenny     Clean to European Norms
21     Tramore     Clean to European Norms
=     Sligo     Clean to European Norms
23     Drogheda     Clean to European Norms
=     Monaghan     Clean to European Norms
25     Tullamore     Clean to European Norms
26     Kildare     Clean to European Norms
27     Maynooth     Clean to European Norms
28     Clonmel     Clean to European Norms
29     Dundalk     Clean to European Norms
30     Tralee     Clean to European Norms
31     Galway City     Clean to European Norms
32     Roscommon     Clean to European Norms
=     Newcastlewest     Clean to European Norms
=     Mullingar     Clean to European Norms
=     Athlone     Clean to European Norms
36     Arklow     Clean to European Norms
37     Wicklow     Clean to European Norms
38     New Ross     Clean to European Norms
39     Cork City     Moderately Littered
40     Mallow     Moderately Littered
41     Navan     Moderately Littered
42     Gorey     Moderately Littered
43     Carlow     Moderately Littered
44     Limerick City     Moderately Littered
45     Dublin Airport Environs     Moderately Littered
46     Tuam     Moderately Littered
47     Tallaght     Moderately Littered
48     Portlaoise     Littered
49     Letterkenny     Littered
50     Dublin City     Littered
51     Tipperary Town     Littered
52     Knocknaheeny – Cork     Litter Blackspot
53     North Inner City Dublin     Litter Blackspot

IBAL Anti-Litter League 2011,

in conjunction with the Department of the Environment

Youghal:  7th out of 53 towns / cities surveyed.  Litter Classification – Clean to European Norms.

An excellent result for Youghal, a sea-side, tourist town.  Many of the top ranking sites were not just clear of litter but very well presented and maintained e.g. Lighthouse Road, Front Strand and Town Wall and St. Mary’s Church & Collegiate. Rincrew Roundabout and Waterford Approach Road were also top ranking sites.  There were no bad sites but three failed to make the top grade.

Rincrew Roundabout:  Grade A.  This was a very clean and fresh site – road surface / signage / markings were in good condition and grass, though high, was not littered.

Waterford Approach Road:  Grade A.  (Mill Road).  There was a virtual absence of litter this approach road.  An attractive ‘Youghal Information’ notice was set in colourful shrubbery.

Store Street / Brown Square area:  Grade B.  This was a mixed site – it comprised a mix of old warehouse style buildings, offices and many modern buildings – some aspects of the site were spotless but not all. As one approached the water there was dog fouling and alcohol related litter on Store Street.

Catherine Street:  Grade B.  Dog fouling was very prevalent along this street – despite Dog Fouling notices and facilities for same.  This is a real pity the presentation of the street has been enhanced by colourful flower boxes and bollards – a good deal more care is required on behalf of dog owners.

Seaview Place:  Grade A.  The individual houses in this residential area were well presented and maintained.  The public grass / shrubbery areas were in good order – overall, a top ranking site throughout.

GAA:  Grade B.  The GAA site was let down by the area immediately surrounding the clothes recycle bank – if this area and the base of the shrubbery were cleaned up it could easily be a top ranking site.

Town Wall and St. Mary’s Church & Collegiate:  Grade A.  A really wonderful amenity which has been well cared for and respected.

North Main Street:  Grade A.  Many of the shop fronts were well presented, some of the paving was in good order and the bunting across the street added a splash of colour – a clean and well maintained street.

Lighthouse Road:  Grade A.   A superb stretch of road which has been very well presented and maintained – it was enhanced by attractive street lighting and the way in which it has been so well cared for and respected.

Front Strand:  Grade A.  This was another immaculate site in Youghal – the individual houses were very well maintained and the whole stretch of road gives a very positive impression of Youghal.

 

 

Youghal Lighthouse Offered To Town Council – By Christy Parker

The transfer of Youghal Lighthouse into the care of Youghal Town Council was the subject of a presentation to December’s town council meeting by Tim Ryan, the Inspector of Local Aids to Navigation for the Commission of Irish Lights (CIL).

Mr Ryan began by explaining how the CIL, which dates back to 1665, remains tasked with responsibility for Irish lighthouses, north and south of the border, under the 1894 Merchant Shipping Act. The commission oversees general (outer harbour more or less) navigation across 80 lighthouses, 145 buoys, 488 beacons and several electronic aid mechanisms such as marine DGPS’s, along with 4,200 local (inner harbour) navigation aids, including sea farming.

Technological advances have now surpassed the need for many navigational aids, inclusive of lighthouses and every five years the CIL reviews its remit. Elaborating, Mr. Ryan explained that “there are two buoys south of Youghal to warn general shipping of the dangers from the Barr Rocks and the Blackball Ledge. The lighthouse in turn guides local shipping to the north or west of the dangers. Effectively, if need be, the lighthouse could be replaced by three more buoys.”

Under this criteria, a CIL review in 2010 deemed Youghal lighthouse an aid to local navigation only. Government funding, strictly audited, now only supports assistance to general navigation aids, so the commission wants to hand over the Youghal Lighthouse to the local authority. Similar arrangements continue to occur throughout the country, whereby the CIL will provide advice and assistance but will not advance monetary support.

On departing, the CIL would bequeath a large quantity of the 1,000 watt bulbs (two a year) required to flash warnings, but the remaining cost of maintaining the acquirement was estimated at about €5,000 a year. Cllr O’Connell, to general agreement, suggested that the structure could generate income towards this through tourism initiatives, as has occurred in, to similar circumstances elsewhere. She also wondered -half joking but fully serious- if the house could be handed over at a “knocked-down” price but the CIL representative pleaded that his organisation was as funds deficient as everyone else these days.

No house

Cllr Linehan-Foley reflected the widely-held sentiment that Youghal Lighthouse, in common with the Clock Gate and Town Walls is iconic to Youghal and has to be maintained. So far so good, but the discussion hit the rocks somewhat when Mr Ryan explained that the CIL is only parting with the lighthouse and its adjoining out houses. It will retain ownership of the nearby dwelling and garden that also occupy the compound. The reason for this is quite simply that this section –currently leased as a holiday home- has a market value, which the CIL is in the process of defining.

The CIL envisaged erecting a 2m high dividing fence between both aspects, while creating a separate entrance for the garden. Rejecting this notion, Cllr Liam Burke argued that, “It has been a complete site since Norman times. In fact the Norman’s brought over nuns from the Order of St. Ann in France to run the lighthouse. A dividing fence would tarnish its historical integrity and reduce its heritage value,” he argued as he asked that CIL consider providing the house as well.

Mr Ryan was not of a mind to give away houses however. He suggested two alternatives. “You could either buy it or, perhaps, lease it,” he urged. When light is thrown on the market value of the house and garden, he will inform the council.

 

Related Story: Click here to read ‘Ireland To Pay For Its Own Lighthouses’

 

Moby Dick on the horizon as Youghal plans new literary festival  -  By Christy Parker

YOUGHAL is set to pursue Moby Dick once again as the town’s Concerned Citizen’s group is poised to harpoon a literary festival to Herman Melville’s tale of the great white whale. The one-day festival will be launched on March 16th and is intended to target to American market in particular, with the bait of St. Patrick’s Day 24 hours later an added, cleverly laid lure for attention.

While generally recognised in this part of the world, Melville is extremely acclaimed in the US and anything pertaining to celebrate his name and fame is certain to attract American attention.

The festival hopes to include live webcast debates between American colleges and locals who played parts or extras in the opening scenes. Other ideas being developed include “readings, a photography exhibition and re-enactments,” according to PRO for the YCC, Ruth Vance. “But we are inviting other proposals from the public as well,” she adds.

The initiative comes fifty eight years after director John Huston and his entourage temporarily transformed the east Cork town into a the whaling centre of New Bedford on America’s eastern seaboard. Huston and stars such as Gregory Peck, Richard Basehart, Leo Genn and Ireland’s Noel Purcell dazzled locals while considerably boosting the local economy over three glorious months of glamour as they shot  the opening scenes of the much acclaimed film.  Youghal has long prided itself on its associations with Moby Dick but the link has remained undeveloped from a tourist perspective until now.

Olly Casey

Recently retired town councillor and mayor, Olly Casey, visited New Bedford, as guest of ex-pat association Sons of Saint Patrick.

As a 12 year-old, Mr. Casey witnessed the 1954 filming and his reminiscences regaled large gatherings over three days in which Paris-based Irish theatre company Gare St. Lazare Players Ireland, performed  a one-man adaption of the story. “I was struck by the people’s fascination for everything about Moby Dick,” says Olly. “They all wanted to come to Youghal and that interest indicates a major potential for our town’s tourism.”

Youghal Concerned Citizens, which was founded last February, adds the Moby Dick Literary Festival to its growing list of annual events, including Mackerel & Regatta and Halloween festivals and a Teddy Bears’ picnic. A Dickens-themed Christmas commences next week.

Inquiries etc., to Ruth Vance on 086-3252278 or Adrian Hyde (024) 91355; e mail: youghalcc@gmail.com.

This Thursday, December 1st 2011, come and enjoy a night of art, music and fun.

An exhibition of paintings by Martine will open in Gallery 126 at 6pm. The paintings will be on show from 6pm to 9pm. Attached above please find a selection of images from the show.

In “Ole Ole”, the tapas bar across the street from the gallery, the Byrds will entertain with a programme of music and song. “Ole Ole” will be open from 6pm.

Gallery 126 is located at North Main Street, Youghal, Co. Cork, Ireland.

Gallery 126 promotes the work of professional contemporary artists, local, national and international.

Work by Gallery artists is on permanent display. Throughout the year regular exhibitions of work by new artists are held.

Portraits
Gallery 126 also has a photography studio specialising in portraiture.

Framing
Full framing service available.

If you are interested in any of the above, please contact us for full details on 086 3862292

Gallery 126 is located at 126 North Main Street, Youghal, Co. Cork.

The gallery is on the right hand side 200 metres past the Clock Gate as you drive through.

Less than one hours drive from Cork and an hour from Waterford.

The paintings below are by the artist Martine

YOUGHAL SEWERAGE SCHEME  PROGRESS REPORT – By Christy Parker

Youghal Town Clerk Liam Ryan provided the November town council meeting with a progress report on the long-awaited Youghal Sewerage Scheme. There isn’t, in lay man terms, anything immensely significant to report, with the final assessment in the 11-point synopsis the most telling factor, ie “Subject to funding….”

The report runs as follows:

1.Finance:

The scheme is included in the Water Services Investment Programme 2010-12, with the marginal capital cost calculated as 32%. Should tenders be returned at the budget estimate of €18m, Cork County Council will be asked provide €5.76m.

2. Planning

Youghal Town Council has granted planning permission for the pumping stations and same is not required for the waste water treatment plant.

3. Land Acquisition:

Cork County Council has purchased the site for the Waste Water Treatment Plant, with agreement made regarding land for an access road to the plant. Contracts are presently being prepared.

4. Foreshore Licence:

Cork County Council has applied to the Dept. Of Environment, Community and Local Government for a

Foreshore Licence for the proposed main outfall.

5. Waste Water Discharge Licence:

Cork County Council has applied to the EPA for a Wastewater Discharge Licence, with additional information returned as sought.

6. Archaeology and Ecology:

There were no adverse findings following an Appropriate Assessment for the Waste Water Treatment Plant site and the discharge to the Blackwater. Archaeological monitoring of the Investigations contracts did not record anything of significance.

7. Investigations Contracts/Surveys:

All Investigation Contracts and Surveys required for the design have been completed, while a preconstruction condition survey will be procured to access the condition of building close to sewer routes.

8. Design:

Design is now complete, with elements of the scheme revised to provide cost savings.

9. Contract Documents:

Comments have been received from the Dept. of the Environment, Community and Local Government. Contract documents have been revised to incorporate design and comments returned.

10. Construction Procurement:

Pre-qualification of Contractor to Tender has commenced.

11. Construction:

Subject to funding and approvals, commencement is anticipated for mid-2012.

An Irish production of ‘Moby Dick’ has brought Youghal and a town in America into a sister-city programme. New Bedford, Massachusetts will be twinned with the East Cork town after a visit by the Gare St Lazare Players, who are currently touring the US.

At a reception in New Bedford, Mayor Scott Lang of New Bedford invited Youghal to become a sister city with his own. During a week of Moby Dick related events inspired by the Cork theatre company’s visit, former Lord Mayor of Youghal, Oliver Casey was the guest of honour as the two fishing-port communities shared their Moby Dick heritage.

Youghal served as the location for the Massachusetts whaling capital during John Huston’s 1954 filming of ‘Moby Dick’. Gare St Lazare chose to mark the link by premiering their stage production there in 2009.

Now, during a 10 city tour of the USA they have hailed their visit to New Bedford as a highlight. “The twinning of the two towns is a perfect legacy not only of our production but also of Imagine Ireland,” said actor Conor Lovett who performs in the show. “Imagine Ireland is a seed which will ultimately be judged by the fruit it bears.”

Gare St Lazare Players already premiered their newest work this year at the Kilkenny Arts Festival, written especially for the company by New York playwright Will Eno. The play, ‘Title and Deed’, will receive its US premiere at The Signature Theater on 42nd Street in May 2012.

“We are thrilled that a major American playwright has written a new work for an Irish company,” said director Judy Hegarty Lovett. “This and the New Bedford/Youghal connection are a great start to the legacy of Imagine Ireland.”

‘Moby Dick’ continues to tour this week in Boston and next week in New London, Connecticut and then on to Burlington and St Johnsbury, Vermont with Gare St Lazare having performed at more US venues in 2011 than any other Irish theatre company.

by Louise Cashell
corkindependent.com

BIM, the Irish fisheries board, is helping a company develop a new range of long life crab products.

Yawl Bay Seafoods Ltd, a family run seafood company based in Youghal, Co. Cork, has just launched its new range of crab products. Due to the innovative vacuum packaging developed with assistance from BIM, the distinctively delicate, sweet taste of Yawl Bay Seafood’s cooked crab is claimed to be as good after a fortnight as it is on the day it’s landed, making it a fantastically useful range for professional chefs and home cooks alike.

Yawl Bay Seafood’s new quality cooked crab products – 100g vacuum packed packages of crab toes and crabmeat – have been created by David Browne, the second generation of this family business, who has been working on the range for the past three years. David started trialling the new products 18 months ago, under the guidance of Dr Susan Steele and John Fagan at the Cork based Seafood Development Company.(SDC)

The SDC offers the facility to research, develop and pilot new products before companies commit to full commercialisation and capital investment costs. Dr. Susan Steele, BIM’s Seafood Innovation Coordinator explains how BIM assisted in the product development

She said: “We thoroughly enjoyed working with David on this unique product. This product appears simple but it took over nine months of constant trial and error to get it right so the development path was far from simple. The quality of the crab used in this product is second to none. Luxury products are not usually associated with a long shelf-life but this product has broken the mould. I have no doubt that David and his team will be inundated with orders from top restaurants and retailers as a result’

David Browne of Yawl Bay Seafood said: “For 25 years we have focused on producing premium quality seafood products, with our own smoked salmon being the backbone of our business. Six years ago we opened our factory outlet which serves only the freshest fish landed at local ports and now we have this exciting new range of cooked crab. We have had terrific support from Bord Iascaigh Mhara (BIM) and Enterprise Ireland, and with the added help from the South Cork Enterprise Board we have updated our premises to enable us to bring this product to market, creating one full-time and six part-time jobs.”

The Bus Stops Here! – US VISITORS TO YOUGHAL are set to dramatically increase in 2012 and 2013 following negotiations undertaken by Youghal Chamber of Tourism & Development, The Youghal Socio-Economic Development Group (YSEDG) with CIE Tours International.

A guided tour of Youghal’s Heritage Trail is set to form part of the company’s group tour itineraries in 2012 and a selection of tour series in 2013, using the Kerry to Waterford routes and vice versa. CIE Tours International is the largest tour operator in the US driving vacation business to Ireland.  Last year they handled 35,000 visitors to the island of Ireland.

In mid October, Senior Vice President of CIE Tours International, Dennis Savage, who is based in Morristown New Jersey paid a visit to Youghal on a US staff education trip and expressed a major interest in including ‘Youghal’s Heritage Trail’ on a number of routes to the region.   This was the culmination of a number of years of work undertaken by Youghal Chamber at various coach and tourism workshops selling Youghal’s tourism product offering.  Speaking about his visit and the prospect of including Youghal on their itineraries, Mr. Savage commented: “Youghal is a very photogenic town and adding a walking tour would ensure our coach tours routing from Kerry to Waterford would be compelled to slow-down, with a diversion from the local motorway and learn firsthand the local history.  I believe that walking tours enhance the coach tour experience and are an important ingredient in our continued market share growth.  I have noticed that too often historic towns are being bypassed by coach crews and in doing so an integral part of the real Ireland experience is being lost. For the Killarney/Cork/Waterford route, Youghal is the perfect mid morning or afternoon comfort or photo-stop.” Said Mr. Savage.

Following on from Mr. Savage’s familiarisation trip,  a delegation from Youghal Chamber of Tourism & Development (Eileen Quill) and The Youghal Socio-Economic Development Group (Aileen Murray) met with senior representatives from CIE Tours in Dublin to discuss the details of various package options.

Aileen Murray (YSEDG) pointed to the fact that Youghal was finally starting to be recognised for its efforts and investment in Heritage by some of the main tour operators.  “The fact that the major decision makers of CIE Tours are now including Youghal on their routes is testament to the years of investment through Youghal’s Heritage-Led Regeneration Strategy by Youghal Town Council – in the Town Walls, St.Mary’s Collegiate Church and heritage signage for example; together with the marketing efforts of The Youghal Chamber of Tourism & Development in attracting coach tour business over the years.   Once CIE Tours as the market leaders come on board, it is only a matter of time before other operators begin to take notice of Youghal too.” said Aileen.

Commenting on the opportunity, President of Youghal Chamber of Tourism and Development, Mary O’ Donnell said: “This is a great opportunity for Youghal and I am delighted with the positive outcome to last Thursdays meeting with Conor Wall and Senior representatives of CIE bus tours in Dublin.  We will work hard on completing the requirements requested to become a CIE Tour destination.

Mary went on to thank Sal Tivy-Vice President for researching contacts for the meeting with CIE Tours and also Eileen Quill – Chamber Director and Aileen Murray- YSEDG for attending the Dublin meeting and presenting our wonderful town and all it has to offer as a very attractive stop over and tourist destination.

“I welcome all prospects for potential tourism generation for our town and locality”, said Mary. “We are delighted to secure CIE tour excursions to Youghal for 2012 and being placed on a full programme for CIE tours for the 2013 season.  This will increase business and employment and bring a very welcome boost to our local economy.”

CIE Escorted Tours operate from March each year on a weekly basis through to November.  The Company is also considering various packages which the Chamber of Tourism & Development has compiled, including a number of tour and lunch options.

Issued by: Youghal Chamber of Tourism & Development &

Youghal Socio-Economic Development Group (YSEDG)

Contact:

Ø  Mary O’Donnell: (Pres. Youghal Chamber): T: 024-20200 E: mary@clearviewproperties.ie

Ø  Aileen Murray (YSEDG): T: 024-81814  E: tourism@youghal.ie

Aileen Murray,

Manager, Youghal Socio-Economic Development Group,

7-10 Enterprise Youghal,

Emmet Place,

Youghal,

Co. Cork.

Tel: 00 353 24 81814

E: tourism@youghal.ie

W: www.youghal.ie

F:www.facebook.com/youghal.ie

VETERAN PHOTOGRAPHER BOB ROCK and his family were delighted to present the cheque of 3,000 euros to Trocaire’s Famine Appeal last Thursday (3rd November 2011) at the offices of the Youghal Credit Union. This followed the recent  success of his photographic exhibition called ‘The Beauty of Youghal’. Bob was moved to organise the exhibition after seeing news footage of the starving families in Africa. “It is so tragic to see children and parents suffering like that,I felt compelled to do something to help those unfortunate people.”

At the presentation ceremony Bob thanked everyone in helping to raise such a sizeable sum of money for this worthy charity. He paid particular thanks to Barry Treacy and the staff of the Youghal Credit Union who have the important job of collecting the money. Janet Twomey, Munster Regional Development Officer for Trocaire said she was delighted to accept this magnificent donation towards Trocaire’s East Africa Famine Relief and said that Bob also raised awareness of the starving people who need our help so much.

WARNING: Viewer Discretion Is Advised

Such was the popularity of “The Beauty of Youghal” photographic exhibition in aid of Trocaire’s Famine Appeal at Youghal Credit Union that many of the high quality images hed to be reordered to satisify the demand for the beautiful landscape photographs of Youghal. Twenty of the exhibits sold out within two hours of the official opening!

Bob spent 50 years involved in photography, for 35 of which he recorded for posterity the happiest events in the lives of his community, including almost 2,000 weddings and “often for two generations of a family.”

Bob has exhibited in Dublin, London and Madrid, won silver and bronze medals from the “Photographic Society of Ireland,” was a finalist in the “Kodak Bride of the Year” and has six of his images in the “Best of Irish Professional Photography” archive. He retired from professional photography a decade ago, since when he has been documenting the Irish landscape. “I needed a break from faces” he jokes. Ironically the gaunt, suffering faces from distant Africa now prompt him to publicise his talents again.

Bob Rock’s work can also be viewed on www.bobrock.zenfolio.com

WARNING: Viewer Discretion Is Advised