VOL. DIARMUID O’ NEILL REMEMBERED

DIARMUID O’ NEILL COMMEMORATION

PHOTO: Bandon SF Cllr. Rachel McCarthy delivered the oration at the Diarmuid O’ Neill Commemoration on Sunday. (Photo: CÓS)

The annual Vol. Diarmuid O’ Neill Commemoration was held at his grave in Timoleague Cemetery last Sunday, organised as usual by Clonakilty Sinn Fein Cumann. Diarmuid O’ Neill was an I.R.A. volunteer who was shot dead by London police on 23^rd September 1996 in a flat where he was staying with a number of other people. The killing was widely condemned by human rights organisations including Amnesty International as O’ Neill was unarmed and surrendering when the shots were fired into his body. He was also under surveillance for several months at the time. Every September, Republicans from West Cork and beyond attend a simple wreath-laying ceremony around the time of his anniversary. A short parade, fronted by a Piper and Republican colour party led the 100 people to Diarmuid O’ Neill’s grave.

Paul Hayes of Clonakilty SF welcomed everyone to the annual event, in particular Eoghan and Shane O’ Neill, and the SF elected reps present – recently elected Cllr. Rachel McCarthy, (Bandon) and Cllr. Noel Harrington (Kinsale) as well as Cllr. Donnchadha Ó Seaghdha, (An Sciobairín) agus Cllr. Cionnaith Ó Súilleabháin, (Cloich na Coillte). Wreath were laid by Ken Ahern representing the Republican Movement Cork, Cllr. Noel Harrington representing Bandon and Kinsale Sinn Féin Cumainn and Teddy McCarthy representing the Martin Doherty Sinn Féin Cumann Clonakilty. Following, a minute's silence, and a lament played by the piper, Cllr. Rachel McCarthy from Bandon delivered the oration. She recalled that in the 13 years since Diarmuid O’Neill was murdered, Ireland has changed dramatically. “We have witnessed economic boom – followed by economic bust. The Peace Process has opened the way to the achievement of a united Ireland. Sinn Féin has emerged as the third largest party in Ireland and we are the only party with elected representatives in every county. The methods by we pursue our goals may have changed, but the goal remains the same as that for which Diarmuid O’Neill laid down his life – “the reconquest of Ireland”, in the words of James Connolly. She quoted

the Easter Proclamation which declared “the right of the people of Ireland to the ownership of Ireland, and the unfettered control of Irish destinies”. It asserts the intention of the republic “to cherish all the children of the nation equally”. She said every other political party in this state pays lip-service to these ideals. But what is the reality?

She condemned the re-running of the Lisbon vote and the disrespect that the government has for it’s own electorate, as she called on people present to ensure to go out on Friday and vote No. “If passed, will give away many of the rights and freedoms which were fought and died for by those patriots like Diarmuid and others that we remember today. I urge you to vote No on Oct 2^nd and do whatever you can in the remaining few days before polling day to encourage friends and family to do likewise”. The Lisbon Treaty creates a European state that will sound the death-knell for Irish sovereignty and independence. It is being rail-roaded through by a combination of every political party with the exception of Sinn Féin, supported by big-business and a biased media. Meanwhile the Fianna Fail led government, having squandered the fruits of the boom, is making sure the old, the poor and the sick shoulder the burden of the bust. While billionaire bankers and developers get bailouts, the rest of us get cutbacks and Board Snip Nua. The Fianna Fail hospitality tent at the Galway Races may be gone, but they’re still dishing out the goodies to their builder and banker friends. How does this square with the promise of the Proclamation to “cherish all the children of the nation equally”? Fianna Fail’s “republicanism” is on a level with Bertie Ahern’s “socialism”. It is nothing more than a bad joke. But a government led by Fine Gael will pursue exactly the same failed policies. That is why Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams issued a call at this year’s Árd Fheis for parties of the left, trade unions and voluntary groups to join in an alliance for change that provide a real alternative to the tweedledum and tweedledee policies of Fianna Fail and Fine Gael. In the weeks and months ahead we have the opportunity to show that the legacy of Diarmuid O’Neill, of Tony Ahern and Dermot Crowley, of Kilmichael and Crossbarry, remains alive in West Cork. Never before has the economic and moral bankruptcy of the political establishment been plain. Our task is to show the Irish people there is a better way. We come here today to commemorate Diarmuid by marching to his grave – let us commemorate him tomorrow by continuing the fight for which he laid down his life”, she concluded.

The commemoration concluded with the piper leading the crowd in “Amhrán na bhFiann”

SUSTAINABLE CLON PRODUCES LOCAL MAP

SUSTAINABLE CLON PRODUCES LOCAL MAP

Sustainable Clonakilty has produced a detailed map of Clonakilty town, which is being distributed via “An Post” through every letterbox in the town this week. The map has been produced to publicise Sustainable Clonakilty’s “Clonergy 2020” project, which is aiming by 2020, to have reached the point where the amount of energy used in Clonakilty, is equal to the amount produced from local renewable resources.
The map is designed specifically for Clonakilty residents, not tourists and contains energy saving tips, useful website addresses as well as details on how you and your family can become involved in the Clonergy 2020 project. It lists the locations of every street, road and housing estate, as well as local amenities such as the Playground, Schools, Churches, Parks, etc. For new people and indeed long-term residents of the town, this is an ideal guide when you are wondering where exactly is ?? Given how the town has grown rapidly over the last 10 years, with new estates springing up (often with no name plaques) the map is a great asset.
It is recommended that people would keep it as a reference in their homes but also study the many points of advice on it about how you can reduce your energy bills. It also gives details about Sustainable Clonakilty’s work, and it’s contact details, with an invitation to people to get involved in it’s Clonergy 2020 project which aims to make Clonakilty an energy self-sufficient town by that year. The map was produced through Sustainable Clonakilty volunteer effort and Local Agenda 21 funding from Cork County Council, with practical advice from Clonakilty Town Council staff. The limited number of copies of the map can also be obtained from the Clonakilty library. For further information email: sustainableclon@gmail.com or phone Alison on 023 883 5241.

BASKETBALL COACH WANTED

SPECIAL OLYMPICS ACTIVITIES

For the second year running, a Rings Tournament has been organised as a fundraiser for Clonakilty Special Olympics Club funds. Organised by committee member and volunteer, Anthony McDermott, the official launch took place at The Brewery Bar last week.
Also this Sunday 27th, a number of young girls are participating in the Cork Women’s’ Mini Marathon, also in aid of the Clon SO Club. The girls are Lisa Hayes (the main organiser), Danielle Hayes, Elísha O' Donnell, Sinéad Hales, Kate McCarthy, Laura Connolly and Sandra Hayes. Everyone in the club wishes them the best of luck. Joan Stapleton also doing marathon and will be donating part of her proceeds to Clonakilty Special Olympics Club. Also raising funds for the club in the mini marathon is Joan Stapleton.
The club is actively looking for a basketball coach so that athletes can start up a second sport in the club. Training has had to be cancelled for the moment until a coach is found. If you or anyone you know is a trained coach, please contact the club manager on 086-8844087 asap.

I.R.A. VOLUNTEER TO BE COMMEMORATED IN WEST CORK NEXT SUNDAY

DIARMUID O’ NEILL COMMEMORATION

The annual Vol. Diarmuid O’ Neill Commemoration will be held at 12.00 noon sharp this Sunday (27th), at his grave in Timoleague Cemetery. As usual the event is organised by Clonakilty Sinn Féin Cumann, and the time is earlier this year to facilitate people who are travelling to the County Final in Cork. Diarmuid O’ Neill was an I.R.A. volunteer who was shot dead by London police on 23rd September 1996 in a flat where he was staying with a number of other people. The killing was widely condemned by human rights organisations including Amnesty International as O’ Neill was unarmed and surrendering when the shots were fired into his body. He was also under surveillance for several months at the time. Every September, Republicans from West Cork and beyond attend a simple wreath-laying ceremony around the time of his anniversary. Further information from 086-2202029, eolas@clonsf.com.

Amnesty report here: http://www.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amnesty.org%2Fen%2Flibrary%2Fasset%2FEUR45%2F014%2F2000%2Fen%2Ffd0df148-dfca-11dd-8e17-69926d493233%2Feur450142000en.pdf&h=0c659f8e3c85baea97fb49d1eb7676be

COMMUNITY COLLEGE PLC COURSE - ENROL NOW

COMPUTING COURSE - A FEW PLACES REMAIN

A few places still remain on the one year Business/Computing PLC Course at Clonakilty Community College. Over the last 40 years, this course has a great record of participants taking up employment locally and is especially suited to those wishing to learn new skills or update existing skills. This year the coure was under threat, and there were doubts that it would continue. Thankfully a determined campaign of resistence ensued with the Town Council passing a unanimous motion calling for it's retention. The fight paid off and enrolling is now taking place.
The course is ideally suited to those wishing to return to the workplace after a brief or long absence e.g. mothers hoping to return to the workplace or for those recently made redundant. Over the years I have recommended a number of people to do this course and they never again looked back. They all got full time jobs locally afterwards.
People on certain social welfare payments may retain their entitlements and may also be entitled to a Back to Education scheme which provides students with an allowance of €500 at the start of each academic year. The course includes a two-week work placement in the local area. Over the years, many students have been invited back to their work experience placement as full-time employees. The course is also suitable for Gap year students or for those students who did not get their preferred college place. Previous experience of business or computers is not required. The Business Studies/Computing course is a one-year course which runs daily from 9.30am-1.30 p.m. Upon successful completion, students receive a FETAC level 5 Business Studies Certificate and an ECDL (European Computer Driving Licence) Certificate. Both certificates are widely recognised by employers and higher education colleges in Ireland and abroad. If you would like to speak to someone about the course and find out what it entails please contact the school on 023/8833877 or 086/0563100.

MOTION FESTIVAL AT WEEKEND

MOTION FESTIVAL THIS WEEKEND

As we just come out of one festival weekend in Clonakilty, we are into another! The fifth “Motion Festival” will be held on Friday, Saturday and Sunday and is described as “A Celebration of The Spectacular”.
The well known and ever evolving Clonakilty Juggling Convention has over the past five years become one of Irelands’ premier Circus Festivals. It aims to nurture, develop and take Ireland’s Performance Arts and Skills to new levels by inviting internationally renowned artists to share their knowledge and perform. As the Festival pushes beyond the Juggling boundaries and ventures into all aspects of body/object manipulation arts, it has, in every sense, become the “Motion Festival”. This year promises to be a true Celebration of The Spectacular, featuring an International cast of Circus artists, performers and teachers, who will explore a myriad of Modern Circus Art Forms and Skills, ranging from Juggling, Acrobatics, and Aerial Performance to Theatre and the emerging Urban Arts, such as Break Dance and Beat Box.
One of the most important aspects of the Motion Festival is to continue fostering a well-rounded artistic local and Irish community, as well as planting the seeds for the next generation of performers, as these Art forms teach children great life skills, besides being great fun. A little taste of what’s in store for what promises to be one extravagant weekend of the Spectacular In Motion! Children’s Circus Skills Workshops, Free Public Fire Show with Performances from Europe’s Leading Fire Artists, Street Performances at several locations around Clonakilty, Public Gala Show with Europe’s Top Performing Artists and a Parade through Clonakilty leading to The Juggling Olympics where Jugglers compete in different games with amazing skill and silliness. The weekend kicks off at Emmet Square at 8.30pm on Friday evenings with the Fire Show. Most of the workshops are at the Community Hall on Saturday, with Street Performances between 1.00 and 4.00pm. Sunday 1.00pm will see the Juggling Parade through town culminating with the Juggling Olympics at 1.30pm at Emmet Square.
All details on their website www.clonakiltyconvention.com

ENTENTE FLORALE RESULTS IN CARDIFF AT WEEKEND

CARDIFF BOUND FOR ENTENTE RESULTS

Anyone who was in Clonakilty on 23rd July last cannot but remember the carnival atmosphere that prevailed as the Entente Florale judges went on their adjudication tour of the town. It was one of the many highlights of the damp summer, as the town put on its best to impress the adjudicators. This weekend, a delegation from the Tidy Towns committee is travelling to Cardiff (Wales), where representatives of all the entries will be gathered for the results. Clonakilty put in an enormous community effort for many months leading up to it’s judgement day in July, and are hopeful of doing well in the competition. However, regardless of results, the town was already a winner that day, in the way the community came together to showcase the best of our town. The delegation is wished good luck in Cardiff and hope that their results there will auger well for the footballers on Sunday.

MINISTER TO VISIT YOUTH CAFÉ ON THURSDAY

MINISTER TO VISIT YOUTH CAFÉ

Minister of State for Children and Youth Affairs, Barry Andrews, T.D. will be in Clonakilty this Thursday evening where he is due to meet with local young people and visit the premises on Michael Collins Road where the Youth Café is due to open in the near future. For several months now the dedicated committee have been busy trying to get the venue ready for opening, and have spent much time fundraising. Hopefully the minister may have some good news on that front when he calls on Thursday evening?

The Youth Café is something that is badly needed in the town as a venue for teenagers too young to be in bed early, and too young to be in licenced premises. For several years, the idea has been mooted, and while we in Clonakilty have done very well in providing community services for most age groups and backrounds, but for teenagers not interested in sports, there is little to do particularly in the evenings, weekends and during school holiday times.

I have always been vocal about vandalism, underage drinking, and behaviour that affects other people in society, and there is no justification or excuse for it. When these things happen, they are perpertrated by a small minority who do not represent the majority of decent young people. It is so importnat then to provide an outlet for the Youth, where they can expend their energies on positive things that benefit themselves and the wider community.
Youth Cafés are a major success everywhere they have been established. They are run by the Youth themselves, who as teenagers get a sense of responsibility that will stand them good for the rest of their lives.
Here in Clonakilty, the demand for a Youth Café has been made by the teenagers themselves. An active committee including Teenagers themselves, a few Parents and local Public Representitives was set up earlier this year, and have made great progress in the meantime. They hope to have a premises ready for opening shortly.
One of the main challenges is not surprisingly, lack of funding, and practical help when things need to be done. With the country in the state it's in, Government Funding will be very hard to come by.
We therefore have to make the Youth Café happen ourselves. To that end, the committee would welcome any donations, large or small. Earlier on this year, they encouraged people to set up a Direct Debit with a suggested sum of €10/month. This is the equivilant of just over two pints of beer, a very small investment in our youth.

SUSTAINABLE CLON BUSY OVER SUMMER

SUSTAINABLE CLON BUSY OVER SUMMER

Despite taking a break from pubic meetings, over the summer the various Sustainable Clonakilty subcommittees, or Special Interest Groups as they are now called, were active. The Local Food Group, was busy liaising with landowners, with the aim of encouraging the development of allotments, and in the future, community supported agriculture. Additionally they are monitoring the new community gardens they have helped establish in Clonakilty, in preparation for judging on October 10th.

The Energy Working Group whose members drive the Clonergy 2020 project worked on publicity for the project, presented in the form of a new town map, and kept the energy audit of town businesses and non residential premises running smoothly. They are now liaising with schools in the hope that pupils will be encouraged to work with their parents on checking the energy consumption of their own homes.

The Promotion and Special Events Committee supported the successful Sustainable Homes Fair on July 4th and on the 23rd prepared a display for the Entente Florale judging visit. The group is now planning the next public meeting of Sustainable Clonakilty on October 8th. As Sustainable Clonakilty approaches it's third birthday, this meeting will be an open forum to give current and prospective members a chance to voice their opinions on where we are now, and where we should be going.

We are very grateful to our solicitor John McCarthy of McCarthy & Co who has been most generous with his time to ensure Sustainable Clonakilty is now a Company limited by guarantee, and since June, also a registered charity. If you would like to contribute to the work of Sustainable Clonakilty, but have no time for regular committee work, perhaps you would like to assist us by being on a register of helpers. We need extra helpers at the various public events we hold.

Or maybe you have a special skill in an area like graphical arts, data analysis, accounting or information technology, that we could call on from time to time? Please email us at sustainableclon@gmail.com or phone Alison on 023 883 5241 to volunteer. www.sustainableclon.com

Cionnaith Ó Súilleabháin, P.R.O.

RURAL BUS PASSENGERS HAND IN PETITION TO T.D.

RURAL BUS PASSENGERS HAND IN PETITION TO T.D.

A delegation of concerned passengers and Board Members of West Cork Rural Transport met outside the constituency offices of Mr Christy O’ Sullivan, T.D. last Friday, which was National Rural Transport Awareness Day. They handed in petition letters and signatories supporting the retention of the Rural Transport Programme. The petitions called on the six Oireachtas members in West Cork to vote against the proposal if it comes up in the Dáil or Seanad. This is in response to the proposal in the “An Bórd Snip Nua” report which recommends ceasing funding for the programme which would effectively see it axed all over the country. In Clonakilty, the passengers from the four buses that come into Clonakilty every Friday held a mass meeting the previous week when it was agreed to organise the petitions, and deliver them to the local T.D.’s office. Those who were able to, assembled for last Friday’s event. Speaking at last Fridays, event David O’Brien Manager of West Cork Rural Transport stated “This proposal would have devastating consequences for a huge number of people not only in West Cork but throughout the entire country. The Rural Transport is recognised as being an important lifeline for many people living in Rural Isolated Areas who do not drive or may not have access to transport”. He continued to say that “It gives them the independence to visit the local towns once a week and also to meet with their neighbours weekly. For many this may be their only social outing for the week. Therefore the Social Value of the Programme is immeasurable”. Speaking in reply Mr. Christy O’Sullivan, T.D. said that he fully supported the retention of the Rural Transport Programme and agreed that it makes a huge impact on the lives of so many people living in Rural Areas.
Other public representatives present to lend their support for the retention of the Rural Transport Programme included Senator Michael McCarthy, County Councillors Cllr. John O’Sullivan, Cllr. Dermot Sheehan, Cllr. Christopher O’Sullivan and Cllr Jim Daly and Clonakilty Town Councillor John Loughnan. Also in support but unavoidably absent were Jim O’Keefe T.D., P.J. Sheehan, T.D., Senator Denis O’Donovan and Clonakilty Town Councillor Cionnaith Ó Súilleabháin.

CLON SINN FÉIN CUMANN MEETING REPORT

CLON SINN FÉIN CUMANN MEETING REPORT

Clonakilty Sinn Féin Cumann held it’s first meeting since the local elections last week and welcomed a new face. A discussion was held around the elections and the recent visit by the party’s Louth-based T.D., Arthur Morgan, and his Parliamentary Assistant Kathryn Reilly the previous week. It was felt that the trip to Clonakilty was a very productive one, with around 30 people attending the public meeting at which they were guest speakers on the NAMA and Lisbon Treaty 2 referendum. Cllr. Cionnaith O Súilleabháin gave a brief account of matters in the Council chamber, and other campaigns he has been involved in over recent months. Looking to the next few weeks, a number of items are pressing, including the promotion of the SF National Draw tickets locally. With the top prize of €20,000 and a total of 50 prizes, everyone felt the tickets at €15 represented good value and pledged to sell a few. €5.00 from each is retained by the cumann. There was a sense of disappointment that there isn’t more support among local supporters for the draw, but the cumann members present pledged to do their best over the coming few weeks. The annual Vol. Diarmuid O’ Neill Commemoration was fixed for Sunday 27^th Sept. at 12.00 noon at his grave in Timoleague Cemetery. Conscious that it is also the day of the county final in Cork, people are assured that the event will be over by 12.30pm in order to give people plenty time to travel to the match afterwards. The Treasurers report was a gloomy one, reflecting the state of the country!! With some outstanding election bills still to settle, it was felt that depending solely on the national draw tickets to bring in revenue wasn’t a good idea and a special fundraiser would have to be organised. This will be revealed over the coming few weeks. In the meantime, the party’s most pressing matter politically is the upcoming rerun of the Lisbon Treaty referendum on 2^nd October. Those present pledged to do their bit in whatever way they could to raise the profile of the SF call for a No vote. Posters will be erected and other campaigning depending on help and finance will be conducted.

SINGING CLUB REHEARSALS

The inaugural rehearsal for Clonakilty Singing Club’s forthcoming production of “Rock Nativity” which will be staged from 10^th to 13th December was held last Thursday night and was attended by around 25 people. It was a very enjoyable evening, full of challenges but fun too which is what the club has always been renowned for. Many of these were “veterans” of the club, but there was also a welcome for some new faces. Rehearsals continue every Thursday from 8.00 – 10.00pm at the “Allegro” Music shop in Spiller’s Lane (entrance from Credit Union car park side. The door is open for new people to get involved, particularly in the 25 – 35 years age group, especially men! The show will need a few more shepherds and wise men over the coming few weeks. With the Singing Club dormant for the last few years, its great to see the club being revived and getting the community singing together again, with young and old enjoying the lively musical numbers. The countdown is now on with less than 10 weeks of rehearsals involved, which would be a great way to spend the winter evenings over the coming two months.

Cionnaith Ó Súilleabháin, P.R.O.

"Óró Sé Do Bheatha Bhaile"

GUITAR RECORD

This year’s Clonakilty Guitar Festival on 17th to 20th September will see an attempt at breaking the World Record for Largest Ensemble Guitar Performance! This will take place on Saturday the 19th of September and will see over 2,000 people attempting to play the same song (“Óró Sé do Bheatha Bhaile”), at the same time. The call is out now to all guitarists and all two chord heroes to register online at www.clonguitarfest.com.

CLON SINN FÉIN WELCOME T.D.

CLON SINN FÉIN WELCOME T.D.

Clonakilty Sinn Féin Cumann last week (1st Sept. 2009) hosted the party’s Louth-based T.D., Arthur Morgan, who is the Sinn Féin Dáil Spokesperson on Finance; Enterprise, Trade and Employment; Social and Community Affairs; Employment and Workers' Rights and his Parliamentary Assistant Kathryn Reilly. On Tuesday, Deputy Morgan held meetings with the officials of the West Cork Fuchsia Brand at their headquarters at the Business and Technology Park. He came down in his capacity as Rapparteour of the Dáil All Party Committee on Enterprise and Employment to listen to how small, local entrepreneurs in the agri-food sector are doing in their businesses and to hear of they had any suggestions as to how the government could “incentivise” their industry to create employment. After the formal meetings, he met with a number of other local producers who outlined to him the stumbling blocks to their expansion. Later that evening, at a well attended public meeting, Mr. Morgan explained Sinn Féin’s opposition to the Government's National Asset Management Agency (N.A.M.A.) proposals. It is he said a “massive gamble that lets the huge speculators and corrupt bankers off the hook, while condemning at least one generation of Irish people to paying back for the sleaze that passed as normal business during the boom years”. Kathryn Reilly outlined Sinn Féin’s reasons why the party is advocating a No vote to Lisbon on 2^nd October. She said it is going to undermine Irish democracy by further centralising the E.U. Workers rights would be watered down and the militarisation of the E.U. would continue apace.

PASSENGERS DEFIANT AT RURAL BUS MEETING

PASSENGERS DEFIANT AT RURAL BUS MEETING

Over 60 pensioners from the rural outskirts of Clonakilty packed into O’ Donovan’s Hotel last Friday lunchtime where a meeting had been called in relation to the recent announcement that there could a threat to the future of the West Cork Rural Transport scheme. The recent publication of the McCarthy (“An Bórd Snip”) report saw among the many unpopular recommendations the scrapping of the rural transport scheme throughout the state. In Clonakilty, Rural Mini Buses ferry around 60 people from Ardfield, Reenascreena, Ballinascarthy and Ring directions each Friday to Clonakilty town where they do their shopping and other business. It’s popularity is unquestioned, and when the news broke a few weeks ago that the service may be under threat, it provoked widespread shock, worry and anger in the community.

Last Friday’s meeting was organised by local Town Councillor Cionnaith Ó Súilleabháin as a result of numerous representations made to him by concerned passengers over the last two weeks. In welcoming everyone he pointed out that no one in the room was a constituent of his, as they all live outside the urban boundary. He also stated for the record that he would not be contesting any elections in the future, so he had not organised the meeting for any political advantage, but in order to give a platform to people affected by the proposal to axe the Rural Bus service. He pointed out that the only people with the power to save the scheme were the politicians at National Level who may be asked to vote on the “Bórd Snip” report at some stage in the future. That is where the pressure needs to be exerted in the coming week and months he stressed. To that end, he had a motion passed unanimously at the previous Tuesday nights Town Council meeting, and had contacted the three T.D.’s and three Senators for West Cork inviting them to Friday’s meeting. Senator Michael McCarthy was the only one to turn up, but there were apologies from P.J. Sheehan, T.D., Christy O’ Sullivan, T.D., Jim O’ Keeffe, T.D. and Senator Denis O’ Donovan, all of whom had pledged their support for the continuation of the scheme.

At the outset of the meeting, many people spoke of the great service that the Rural Transport Scheme is and how it would adversely affect them personally if it is withdrawn. Some were quite emotional about it, emphasising that it is a lifeline for them as they have no means of transport themselves. As well as the practicality of getting from their homes to town each week, the buses journeys are also a great social occasion as it brings neighbours and friends together once a week.

Mr. David O’ Brien, who is the Manager of the West Cork Rural Transport Scheme addressed the meeting and spoke passionately about this latest kick in the teeth for rural Ireland. He asked people to ponder on how people living in cities would react if the buses that take them to work, shopping, etc. were withdrawn. He said there were suggestions that people in rural areas were willing to pay in order to have the service continue, but he asked: “How would pensioners with free bus passes in towns and cities react if they were suddenly told that they would have to pay, or their buses would be withdrawn by Bus Éireann?” He was adamant that rural dwellers, already isolated were entitled to the rural transport service, and that it must continue into the future as it has operated to date – providing efficient service to it’s users.

Senator Michael McCarthy echoed these sentiments and pledged to support the campaign both inside and outside Leinster House. He told the attentive audience to scrutinise what their elected representatives were saying on this issue, as he suggested that they may show support in public, but vote against it in the Dáil and Seanad afterwards. He urged everyone to keep the pressure on all Oireachtas members.

With everyone aware of the problem the meeting then asked what was the next step. David O’ Brien confirmed that this Friday 11^th is a national day of action against the proposal to cut the rural transport service. He said it is being used all over the country to talk about the positive aspects of the service and what it means to the users.

The meeting agreed that as well as doing their bit on the local media on Friday, the passengers would assemble at 1.00pm with the general public and politicians outside the constituency office of the local T.D. Christy o’ Sullivan, and hand him two petitions. One was to be signed by all passengers who use the service in the Clonakilty area, listing names, addresses and the distance people travel into town on the bus. The other petition is one which families, neighbours, friends and the general public can sign. Both petitions are addressed to all six Oireachtas members for West Cork who are named on the forms and are asked to vote against the proposal should it come before the Dáil and Seanad.

Volunteer passengers from each of the four Clon-bound buses took the petition forms to photocopy and distribute amongst their friends during the week and collect them for presentation to the T.D. on Friday at 1.00pm. There was no doubt but the pensioners were defiant and adamant leaving the meeting that they are prepared to fight this proposal all the way, and politicians better watch out over the coming months.

PUBLIC MEETING ON "SEA LETTUCE" PROBLEM IN CLONAKILTY BAY

PACKED PUBLIC MEETING ON SEA LETTUCE PROBLEM

by Cionnaith Ó Súilleabháin

Over 70 people attended last Thursdays (27th August 2009) open public meeting at O’ Donovan’s Hotel on the topic of the “Sea Lettuce” that has blighted Clonakilty and Ring bays and surrounding coastal areas again this summer. While the meeting was organised by people involved in pleasure fishing to focus attention on the impact the weed is having on that activity as well as commercial fishermen, there was a wide cross section of people in attendance.

All local politicians and council officials were invited and the list of those who turned up included local County Councillors John O’ Sullivan, Donal O’ Rourke and Christopher O’ Sullivan (Jim Daly was on holidays), and Town Councillors Anthony McDermott (Mayor), Kevin O’ Regan, John Loughnan, Humphrey Deegan, Ann Cullinane and Cionnaith Ó Súilleabháin, all of whom made contributions during the course of the evening.

The meeting opened with Declan O’ Driscoll, Secretary of Clonakilty Fishing Club chairing proceedings flanked by fellow officers Donie Collins and Pat Hegarty at the top table. In his opening address, Declan pointed out how this problem has got progressively worse with every passing year. His own research, investigations and observations as someone who uses Clonakilty Bay and Inchydoney regularly didn’t paint a pretty picture. While the sight of the weed on the beaches and seashore around the coast is appalling, the smell when it rots can be overbearing. Many referred to the recent incident in Brittany where a horse and its rider were overcome by the fumes from sea lettuce as they walked over it on a beach. The horse died as a result and the rider was hospitalised. Many beaches in that part of France are now closed off to the public on health and safety grounds. Speaker after speaker at the meting referred to the weed as highly toxic and poisonous. People with long years of experience of fishing in Clonakilty Bay waters stated that the bay was “dying”, with certain species no longer existing.

Boatmen from Ring told of regular incidences of their motors cutting out as the weed gets entangled in the mechanics of engines leading them to overheat. One man stated that lobsters are being pulled out of pots dead – the opinion being they are being poisoned by the weed. A farmer who had accepted a small quantity of sea lettuce that had been drawn off Inchydoney Beach a couple of months ago, said he would never again do so, due to the dangers involved from the fumes that emanated from it.

A local diver said that the weed permeates from the water surface to the seabed, highlighting the physical danger to swimmers and divers if they become entangled in it. “It’s only a matter of time before we have a serious incident”, he said.

There was a lot of criticism too of the practice of the County Council spending approximately €2,000/day removing the unsightly weed from Inchydoney beach, only to dump it into the tide where it is washed back again or invades other nearby areas. Likewise the practice of storing it in large heaps on the shoreline and then dumping it back into the sea when it is semi-decomposed was condemned. Pleasure Fishermen were particularly vocal on this point, as they felt it is a waste of time, money and resources, and is counterproductive as it only leads to further polluting of the water, and speeding up repopulation by the weed. However, a couple of people stated that the council’s hands were tied as they are not allowed in law to remove the problem from the strand! On a related note, a number of other speakers also highlighted the problem with Clonakilty sewerage plant and that it is contributing to the issue, with some claiming that raw waste can be regularly seen in the bay area. This lead to another discussion on the recent smells from the plant. In summary there were a lot of voices heard, including residents who are unable to open windows due to the stench, tourism interests who now see anglers packing up and leaving the area due to lack of species and the smell. And while we are all disappointed with summer 2009 weatherwise one contributor noted that if we had a natural summer of hot dry weather, it would be unbearable and possibly dangerous to visit or live near areas like Inchydoney and Clonakilty Bay, as the stench of the rotting weed would be “an even bigger health hazard”.

Cllr. John O’ Sullivan, M.C.C. pointed out that the problem exists in many areas, and in relation to Clonakilty, Courtmacsherry Bay, Coolmain, etc. are even more affected than Clonakilty. He said the problem is creeping westwards and a public meeting in Courtmacsherry some months ago agreed to bring in experts in the filed of marine and environmental science to try to get to the bottom of the problem. Sharing of this knowledge and recourses would be important going forward.

At the end of the meeting, it was agreed to form a representative committee to work on trying to get solutions, and to seek an urgent meeting with council officials. People felt that the 2009 season is now lost, but hope to try to work, to better manage and if possible curtail the sea lettuce problem in 2010. Most of all the meeting was adamant that the county council approach would have to be more consultative and common sense. The objective going forward is in the immediate timeframe to get the council to stop the practice of merely shoving the problem off the beach at Inchydoney and into the sea (which may have consequences for the Blue Flag status), and to investigate an alternative means of disposal, and more long term to genuinely tackle the causes of the growth (high nutrient levels in the water) and adopting new ways of doing things to get to the root causes. This is of course a long term objective of well in excess of five years.

The meeting elected the following committee: Chairperson – Declan O’ Driscoll, (Clonakilty Fishing Club), the sitting Mayor of Clonakilty (currently Cllr. Anthony McDermott, Cllr. Donal O’ Rourke, (Cork County Council), Eileen Shepherd, (Ring Resident and Sec. Ring Tidy Towns as well as administrator at Inchydoney Lodge and Spa), Craig Scott, (local pleasure fisherman), Kenneth Cashman, (local Commercial Fisherman and Diver) and Lola Googan, (regular user of Clonakilty and Ring Bay). This newly elected committee plans to meet in the near future to organise a delegation to the County Council. They also plan to hold regular open meetings to keep the concerned public informed of developments and progress.

KEEP THE RURAL BUSES - SCRAP THE MINISTERS CARS

For information/comment please ring Cionnaith Ó Súilleabháin on 086-2202029

KEEP THE RURAL BUSES - SCRAP THE MINISTERS CARS

Clonakilty Sinn Féin Town councillor Cionnaith Ó Súilleabháin has welcomed the unanimous support he received at this weeks council meeting which condemned the recommendation in the "An Bórd Snip" report to scrap the successful Rural Transport Programme. And today (Friday 4th), he has organised a joint meeting for drivers and passengers who use the Clonakilty based service for 1.00pm at O' Donovan's Hotel.
All over rural Ireland, weekly buses transport pensioners to their local towns for shopping and other services and drop them back at their own homes three hours later.
Cllr. Ó Súilleabháin said that as well as the practical aspect of the service, it also provides a great social dimension as neighbours and friends meet up on the bus, very often the only time they come into contact with each other during the week.
In most cases, the passengers are living alone and have no personal transport, so the service is essential for social interaction.
In Clonakilty buses arrive in the town centre each Friday from four different directions and cover a radius of up to 10 miles from the town. Approx. 60 pensioners avail of the weekly service, which all agree is highly valuable to them, but also efficient, effective and reliable. Now running for nearly two years in the area, Cllr. Ó Súilleabháin said it is one of the few positive things the government has done for rural dwellers, but it is scandalous now that there is a proposal to axe this service - affecting as usual the most vulnerable in our community.
As well as that, it reduces traffic congestion in town, and is environmentally-friendly, as otherwise many of these pensioners would be getting relatives and neighbours to bring them into town in private cars.
He said the buck would stop with the Oireachtas members who will vote on the McCarthy report at some stage, and the six for West Cork were called upon to reject this proposal when the time comes to vote on it.
Today (Friday 4th Sept.), Cllr. Ó Súilleabháin has called a meeting for all the Clonakilty bound passengers and their drivers, for 1.00pm at O' Donovan's Hotel, Clonakilty (when they will all be in town). The idea is to let the passengers and drivers have their say, but also lay plans for the national day of action next Friday 11th and how people want to express their worry and anger about the proposed cut in the service.
Concluding, Cllr. Ó Súilleabháin said: "If the Government are serious about excessive costs and wastage of money, then scrapping the Rural Buses and taking away a lifeline for the most vulnerable is the wrong way to go. Keep the buses and scrap the Ministerial cars. That would be a more effective and less destructive way to save on money"
The three T.D.'s and three Senators for West Cork are invited to come along to the half hour meeting to hear the impact the withdrawal of the service would have on people.


Text of motion passed at Clonakilty Town Council meeting 1st September 2009......
"That this council condemns the recommendation of An Bórd Snip to axe the Rural Transport Programme, which provides a very valuable, successful and efficient service to elderly people in rural areas each week, which sees them transported into local towns for shopping, and other activities. As well as the practical service this provides, it also provides a strong social dimension. Further, that this council writes to all our Oireachtas members of all parties in Cork South West, calling on them to ensure that this service is not axed, and to vote against any proposal that would spell the demise of this service. If passed this motion will be forwarded to the Western Committee of Cork County Council for inclusion on the agenda of their next meeting".