Vol. 1 Issue 24 - July 1st, 2021 NEXT EDITION JULY 15TH 2021 email: [email protected] East Cork News & Advertiser Thursday July 1st, 2021 MOTORHOME CLUB RESPONDS 200K For The RNLI Month Of May TO COUNCIL CRITICISM By Christy Parker added that Phoenix Motorhome Ireland "fully supports prosecution of those who A motorhome organisation based in east contravene litter and road legislation" Cork has written with concern to local which he considers to be the action of councillors and Cork County Council offi- individual, non-affiliated motorhome own- cials, in response to sentiments aired at ers. June's east Cork municipal district meet- ing. The letter criticised any attempt to deny camper vans access to parking areas that Amongst other issues the letter, signed were actually "part of the road" under The by Phoenix Motorhome Ireland secretary Roads Act 1993, to which motorhomes Colin McCarthy, advises the council had a right to access. It found it "incum- against the local authority erecting barri- bent on councils and councillors to seek ers denying camper van access to a ways of providing appropriate parking Ballycroneen beach, near Carrigtwohill. areas" to facilitate motorhome, such as For the RNLI May Day appeal, the Brooks France, Dubai, USA & Ireland. Tonight, practised in Cobh by a "win-win arrange- Clan Worldwide came together to raise (Thursday 17 June) Donal & Phil Brooks The move follows a motion tabled by ment" of 30-bay pay parking areas. funds, with three members agreeing to handed over a cheque & cash totalling Chairman Cllr Michael Hegarty calling for walk a minimum of 200Km each in May. €825 to their Grandsons Erik & Thomas "goal post barriers and appropriate sig- Mr McCarthy continued that, "while not They exceeded their target and money who are both volunteer crew on Youghal nage" to be erected at the beach "to deter yet tested in court", erecting height barri- came in from distant lands including Lifeboat. camper vans". Cllr Hegarty was con- ers to public car parks "may very well be cerned that motorhomes had become "a illegal in that they arbitrarily deny access major problem" at the beach amidst to not only motorhomes but other heigh alleged parking spaces being taken over, vehicles, for example, SUV's and MPV's, Bunscoil Mhuire Graduation wastewater being disposed into a local which may be carrying items on their roof stream and fires being lit. bars/racks to public areas to which they are legally entitled access". The motion came as Ireland experiences a huge increase in motorhome tourism He proceeded that the Department of this summer, particularly due to Covid-19 Transport Tourism & Sport recognises restrictions on foreign travel and also due sign restricting parking by vehicle height to more disposable income amongst the and believed that "creating a de facto population. The archetype motorhome restriction by using a height barrier" owner is a retired professional, tours up instead "is surely a fraught exercise". to eight weeks a year and has been esti- mated to spends an average of €80 per Safety risk day. The secretary informed the message recipients that those who travel in June's meeting heard Cllrs Danielle motorhomes responsibly "should not be Twomey say she had been "inundated" the subject of disparaging comment" due with complaints by camper vans who, she to the conduct of others. He said such claimed, had also gathered in lockdown, comments "can and has resulted in "which they shouldn't have". Cllr Susan attacks on our vehicles by those who McCarthy said she had visited seek justification for loutish behaviour Ballycroneen and had been "shocked" at and intimidation". the number of camper vans in the area. The letter concluded that, having attained Council officials Seán O'Callaghan and " a good record for positive contributions Helen Mulcahy acknowledged there were to various councils" seeking to provide matters associated with the sector that parking areas for motorhomes, it would needed to be addressed. Ms Mulcahy did "be delighted to voluntarily share our not see a barrier as logistically practical experience with yourselves". or necessarily desirable, while Mr O'Callaghan advocated increased sig- In response, Cllr Hegarty says the letter nage as the better option. "makes some interesting points". He did not address the issue Ballycroneen Wrong road specifically but said he would be "encour- Mr McCarthy's letter began that the trans- aging greater flexibility" within the Cork gressions identified "should be dealt with County Development Plan to "allow for under existing anti-pollution and road traf- motorhome overnight parking facilities in fic legislation" adding that Ballycroneen appropriate locations", he explained, had struggled with chronic congestion "where proper parking stands, water and even with no motorhomes present. It disposal of waste facilities are available". East Cork News & Advertiser Upcoming Publication Dates July 15th, July 29th, Aug 12th email:[email protected] email: [email protected] East Cork News & Advertiser Thursday July 1st, 2021 email: [email protected] East Cork News & Advertiser Thursday July 1st, 2021 Cork County Council Announce Public Realm Enhancement Plan for Cobh An exciting new urban design to enhance events in the town. Hand in hand with buildings Johanna Murphy, President of Cobh and the public realm of Cobh's town centre Project ACT this public realm enhance- Harbour Chamber, commented has been drawn up by Cork County ment plan will help revitalise Cobh and Brian O'Flynn, Head of Ireland's Ancient "The Chamber is delighted to be involved Council, with a people-centred approach will be a massive boost to economic East, noted that in this exciting and ambitious project. This that promises to make Cobh a more regeneration in the area and will benefit "Cobh is a key tourism destination within public realm enhancement will benefit attractive town in which to live, work and the cultural and socio-economic develop- Ireland's Ancient East and Fáilte Ireland both businesses and the community for visit. ment of Cobh." has supported Cork County Council in generations to come. This urban regener- their application under the Urban ation strategy, attracting people to live in Mayor of the County of Cork Cllr Mary The plan comprises a wide range of pub- Regeneration Development Fund to fur- the town centre, will help with the issue of Linehan Foley commented, lic realm enhancements including: ther enhance the visitor experience of the vacancy and dereliction. Cobh and "This transformational plan aims to create - Tree-lined traffic tables facilitating safe town. The improvements to the public Harbour Chamber have been working a people friendly town centre, enhancing crossing for pedestrians realm proposed in this plan will not only closely with Cork County Council and we the cultural heritage of this historic town, - Greening of car parking and more help to attract more visitors to Cobh, but thank them for their efforts and support." while encouraging active and healthy accessible footpaths in the heart of Cobh also will encourage them to stay for Further information on Cobh Public lifestyles. It's a holistic plan that places - Redesign of the town plaza with outdoor longer and explore all that the area has to Realm Enhancement Plan will be avail- Cobh's local economy at its core. It will dining offer." able on www.corkcoco.ie improve safety and the natural environ- - Lighting masterplan to enhance the ment with an urban greening strategy townscape, save energy, respect natural using integrated sustainable urban habitat and promote a safe and thriving drainage and planting to enhance biodi- night economy versity. More accessible routes and - Soft landscaping, rain gardens, urban improved wayfinding throughout the town trees and an innovative street furniture will make for a more inclusive space for strategy both the local community and visitors. It's - Reconfiguration of the town park, its a very exciting project for Cobh." connection with the Irish Navy and recon- nection with the heritage promenade Chief Executive of Cork County Council, A new Top of the Hill streetscape which Tim Lucey added, will attract footfall and maximise safe "With the Cobh Public Realm Plan, Cork walking routes to schools and drop off County Council aims to revitalise the his- areas toric town core through high quality place- - A new sense of neighbourhood through- making, improved pedestrian connectivi- out the higher town core for residents ty, offering the local community and visi- including new accessible terraces to tors a place to gather, socialise and host frame the view of Cobh's most iconic Cobh Public Realm Enhancement Plan Midleton St Proposed Day reduced Cobh Public Realm Enhancement Plan Kennedy Park Night reduced Cobh Public Realm Enhancement Plan East Beach Day email: [email protected] East Cork News & Advertiser Thursday July 1st, 2021 SECAD Ability Programme The SECAD Ability programme was set up 3 years ago for people with disabilities to gain skills towards employment. Like heroes, the stu- dents continued working online throughout the lockdown and our students are now ready to gain the experiences of work placements. We are reaching out to the East Cork business community to talk to you about how bringing people with disabilities into your business bene- fits our community and your busi- ness. Ursula MacKenzie, Employability Limerick team leader, said at Ireland’s Disability Confidence Ability students in their new outdoor classroom gaining certification in manual handling Project “People with disabilities make up 11% of Ireland’s population Cork area are to join the hotel team and The Fota Group have also sup- She said “Everyone deserves a fair and have a spending power of €3.3 during the summer. “This is a won- ported the ABILITY team throughout chance. I completely understand the billion, yet 63% of people with a dis- derful example of how employers in the past number of years, and this is nervousness associated with ability are unemployed.