A project of renewal - Town ready to fight the good fight

Youghal, like scores of medium-sized towns across Ireland and thousands across Europe or in America’s rust belt, was once almost a self-contained, self-sustaining community. It nestled between the sea and rich farmland and enjoyed the life-enriching bounty of both.

The ancient East Cork town was alive with local businesses or manufacturing. Intervention from the outer world came primarily from a State that supported health services, education, policing and welfare needs. Tourists, local or international, were welcomed each summer. Though this support was essential, it would have counted for nothing without Youghal’s idea of itself, without its strong sense of community, common purpose and self-worth. Like most towns in its situation, it largely stood or fell by its own efforts.

Today, the town is struggling. It is a shadow of its former, bustling self. The town centre is pockmarked with shuttered retail premises. As many as 40 buildings that once housed business are vacant and closed, and some are falling into dereliction. Two secondary schools have been amalgamated. Large retail centres were built on the fringes sucking the life-blood from its centre. Industry, especially textile industries, left with a cumulative loss of 2,500 jobs in a town of 8,000 souls. That figure is not so much a body blow but something pretty close to a death sentence.