Second family had narrow escape at same caravan park

ANOTHER child almost drowned in the pond which claimed the life of Glen McNamara Twomey, it emerged yesterday.

The inquest into Glen’s death heard how another child was pulled from the water at Seafield Caravan Park in 2001.

The inquest also heard that following this close call, a planning application by the caravan park’s owners to fill in the pond was refused by both Youghal Town Council and An Bord Pleanála.

Caravan park owner Dan Dorian told the inquest that the pond was excavated in the 1980s as an ornamental feature.

But it is protected under the town’s development plan as a special amenity area.

Mr Dorian said after the 2001 incident, his health and safety experts recommended that the pond be filled in on the grounds of public safety.

Mr Dorian applied in 2002 to Youghal Town Council for permission to do this but was refused.

He appealed that decision to An Bord Pleanála but it upheld the council’s decision.

Although the caravan park is closed, the pond remains unprotected today, he said.

Up to 400 children holiday in the park at peak season, he said.

Cork city coroner Dr Myra Cullinane, who told the inquest that she believes the pond should be filled in, said that she plans to bring her recommendation to the attention of the relevant authorities.

Youghal Town Council is currently reviewing the protected status of the pond and a decision is expected soon.