Youghal's 'People Power' plan aims to fulfil the town's potential
Youghal Lighthouse appears to float on a sea of blue. Pictures: Chani Anderson
Youghal, forever struggling to reclaim the level of commercial and social vibrancy in which it basked in the 1970s and early 1980s, has taken the early but determined steps towards steering its own destiny.
Last month, almost 200 townspeople crammed into the town’s Mall Arts Centre where the newly formed Youghal Town Centre First Stakeholder committee held its first public meeting.
Importantly, representatives of over 40 businesses, clubs and community organisations were amongst them, with unity of purpose being absolutely fundamental towards Youghal’s future ambitions and prospects of success.
It is fair to say that the town could look better and that footfall on the main street wouldn’t presently sell too many shoes! Housing is on a low par and hotel bed spaces need to increase.
Notably, however, the new group began by stipulating that the future starts now and legacy negatives or finger-pointing were not part of any plan. Those with alternative inclinations were advised to focus on working towards a better future instead.
This approach set a mood of positivity that not only persisted but increased, as the hour-long meeting raised spirits and boosted optimism.
The Town Centre First programme is funded through central government but administered by the local authority and Youghal is thus far at the point of preparing a case for inclusion on it.
The hosts, presenting as an interim steering group, used a PowerPoint presentation to explain the Town Centre First process.
Spokesperson Patrick Heaphy outlined it as helping communities “to implement plans to rejuvenate their towns”, while noting that it recognises “each Irish town is unique with its own challenges and opportunities”. In doing so, it allows communities “to use their skills and experience to shape their town’s vision”.
A highly detailed survey was distributed on the night which would collect information towards forming a detailed profile of the town, its people, its needs and its future direction.
This information will assist in signing up appropriate volunteers to a series of six “pillars”, each of which representing a different aspect of the town. They were expected to be:
- Business & Tourism;
- Arts, Culture, Heritage;
- Social & Community;
- Transport & Infrastructure;
- Environment, and
- Housing.
It was emphasised that some pillars might change to an alternative focus in accordance with community input.
With the entire process overseen by a regeneration officer appointed by Cork County Council, the information will be assessed by a representative from each pillar, collectively known as a Town Team. They will forward their appraisals to the steering committee, who will then use the information to construct a more definite picture of what Youghal requires.
A subsequent survey will ‘stock take’ the town’s existing assets, whether structural, personal, service providing, etc. Examples would include the clock tower, boardwalk and Raleigh Quarter heritage sector.
Cork County Council are likely to appoint consultants, who may contribute expert knowledge in areas such as traffic, flood risk, housing, etc. Finally, the steering committee will fashion a town plan and present it to Cork County Council for approval and, hopefully, acceptance onto the Town Centre First programme.
Co-instigator and retired operations manager with the stakeholder group, John Cahill, says the Town Centre First model was favoured because “there are some big project ideas out there but there is no point in pursuing them unless there is funding available”.
He and his interim committee colleagues believe that major funding is more easily acquired through a cross-community approach, rather than any amalgamation of individually pursued applications seeking smaller grants.
A semi-retired businessman and a native of Clare, Mr Cahill’s faith in Youghal is palpable. “Its a fabulous place, with stunning scenery and wonderful people, who do great things. We just need to pull everything together now as one and hopefully realise the town’s great potential”, he affirms.
The presentation was exceedingly well received as the public not just believed in what they were being told but, more importantly, in those telling them. The message that it was ultimately the townspeople’s plan was clearly transmitted and well accepted. Many, energised by the constructive argument also commented favourably on the absence of rancour.
The pillars are expected to be crucial in the advancement of Youghal’s goals, with each of the six sectors dependent on strong representation allied to commitment and cooperation.
Nine days after the meeting, the Department of Rural and Community Development announced that applications were now being accepted for funding under the Town and Village Renewal scheme. Aimed at communities with sub-10,000 populations, the scheme incorporates the Town Centre First process in seeking to facilitate economic and social regeneration and is administered through the local authority.
Cork County Council immediately sought submissions for inclusion amongst the small number of schemes it will forward in its funding applications. The final date for submission is May 14th. Youghal’s fingers are crossed.
