PROGRESS MADE AT SPEEDING PUBLIC MEETING

Further information/comment: Cllr. Cionnaith Ó Súilleabháin, 086-2202029

HOPEFUL OF PROGRESS AT CLONAKILTY SECOND PUBLIC MEETING ON RECKLESS DRIVING

The second public meeting on the issue of “reckless driving” in residential areas and approach roads in Clonakilty was held last Thursday evening with Superintendent Pat Maher and Sgt. Eamonn Brady of Clonakilty Gárda Station, Mayor Cllr. Anthony McDermott, the recently-elected Chairperson of Clonakilty Joint Policing Committee Cllr. Humphrey Deegan and over 20 concerned residents and businesspeople in attendance.

The meeting was a follow up of a similar one held two weeks previously and was once again organised by Cllr. Cionnaith Ó Súilleabháin, who welcomed everyone. He outlined some of the issues which were raised at the previous meeting, which were speeding in built-up areas and approach roads to the town; reckless late night activities by car owners in Deasy’s Car Park in particular, and the loud exhausts that cause much annoyance for many, particularly late at night. That meeting agreed to invite Garda representatives and all nine town councillors to the second one, and he conveyed apologies from Cllrs. John Loughnan and Anne Cullinane. (There was no communication from the other absent four town councillors).

The meeting opened to the floor with members of the audience raising a variety of issues of concern to themselves and the areas where they live. Superintendent Maher replied to all matters, advising that unless the Gardaí are made aware of the problem at the time they are happening, it can be difficult for the Gardaí to pursue them. He also pointed out in response to one person that if the Gardaí don’t respond immediately when something is reported, the likelihood is that they are dealing with an emergency. But he emphasised the need for residents to report issues and he assured them that “Clonakilty is a safe and peaceful town and is well policed”.

He backed up his statements with statistics relating to various traffic offences going back to 1995, which were lower than in many similar sized towns in the country. On the matter of loud exhausts on cars, Supt. Maher said that his information was that if they have passed the NCT then there is little that can be done. He did point out that the Clonakilty Gardaí do not have the equipment that could measure the loudness of exhausts, and therefore no case could be proven against anyone. He also assured people that reckless driving had been apprehended in Deasy’s car park in recent times.

Supt. Maher also said, “There will be no zero tolerance policing in Clonakilty”, as Gardaí would continue to deal with each issue using their own discretion, based on all circumstances. He pointed out that Clonakilty was a tourist town dependent on outsiders coming in to enjoy their break, and common sense had to prevail to ensure this continued.

It was raised at the meeting that the same issues are arising in the same places constantly, and it should be easy enough to apprehend culprits by proactive policing. The Gardaí were urged to monitor roads in built up areas, as opposed to roads and places where there was no danger for residents or pedestrians as they simply did no exist a lot of the time where speed traps are often located. It was also suggested that the Gardaí would do these random checks for short periods at different locations regularly. People were not expecting 24 hour surveillance.

It was also stated by a couple of people that when they report incidences to the Garda Station, they have never received any information back about the matters, and it was suggested that that two-way communication would ease many peoples perceived inaction on matters when they report them. The Superintendent and Sgt. Brady noted peoples concerns and pledged to try to address them in the time ahead.

Meanwhile, Cllr. Humphry Deegan, who was elected as the Chairperson of the Clonakilty Joint Policing Committee at the May council meeting held two days before, outlined to the public meeting how that forum would work. It would be a place for people’s problems to be aired and addressed as best possible.

Cllr. Ó Súilleabháin encouraged the public to attend its meetings (as observers) and to contact the chairperson with written issues they want to have put on the agendas. Mayor McDermott welcomed the public meeting, and urged more visibility of Gardaí, and hoped the JPC would mean a big positive difference.

The meeting concluded with everyone encouraged to report every incident that they feel is unlawful to the Garda Station on 023-8821570; the Gardaí pledging to deal with the issues raised and apply action where possible; better communication; and an encouragement to everyone to engage with the Joint Policing Committee when it becomes active.

Cllr. Ó Súilleabháin closed the meeting, thanking everyone for their contributions, and the attendance of the Gardaí and public representatives who turned up. As far as he was concerned, people now have the knowledge and the power to help themselves and the mechanism of the JPC to allay concerns if they are not happy with progress. He said he would not be organising any further public meetings about this issue, saying as a community with everyone working together in the one direction, many of the problems can by reduced if not totally eliminated.

SECOND PUBLIC MEETING ON RECKLESS DRIVING TONIGHT

Please feel free to forward to people in your area concerned about this issue, or publish on your publication, programme or website.

Thank you.

Further information/comment from organiser, Cionnaith Ó Súilleabháin 086-2202029.

SECOND PUBLIC MEETING ON RECKLESS DRIVING

A follow-up public meeting on the issue of “reckless driving” through residential areas and approach roads in Clonakilty takes place at 8.30pm this Thursday evening (6^th May) in O’ Donovan’s Hotel, Clonakilty.

Two weeks ago, a cross section of around 35 residents from many different areas of Clonakilty, attended a similar meeting on the same topic, but decided unanimously to call a second meeting to which a representative of the Gardaí and all Town Councillors would be formally invited to attend. On the previous occasion, the local Garda Superintendent (or a representative in his place), was also invited, but on the night, they didn’t attend. Many people at the last meeting on 22^nd April outlined specific issues that concern them, but it could be all summed up by the 50km/hour speed limits being constantly exceeded by all sorts of vehicles. There was also the related issue of nuisance caused to residents, particularly during hours of darkness by excessively loud exhausts on some vehicles.

Residents of some areas expressed a fear of walking or cycling roads in their areas, and they were seeking action from the Gardaí to enforce the speed limits and take action against offenders, as they feared a serious accident due to speeding would occur.

The meeting on this Thursday evening starts at 8.30pm in O' Donovan's Hotel and is open to all, with residents and business people directly affected by the issue of speeding in their areas, particularly welcome.

Further information 086-2202029.

Grant Assistance for using Irish on Shop Signs

There is potential for Small Businesses to draw down financial assistance if they use Irish in their materials, signage, etc.

Foras na Gaeilge has put up details on it's site, and the link below goes straight to information on signage.

http://www.irish.ie/ForasNaGaeilge/applicationform_listing.asp?toggle=yes&lang=en&id=15

At a recent meeting of Clonakilty Town Council a motion was unanimously supported on the need for Clonakilty businesses, (particularly new ones), to be more proactive in erecting good quality and if possible, bilingual signage. Cloich na Coillte was once the leader in this, thanks to the Town Council policy of 25 years ago, and people like Tomás Tuipéir, local signwriter and Gaelgóir.

Speaking in support of the motion at that meeting, Cllr. Cionnaith Ó Súilleabháin stated:

"Standards of our shopfronts and business signage have dropped dramatically in the last few years. This is a shame as we were once the leader of this initiative in the country. We in this council have a planning policy of traditional shopfronts made from traditional materials and using traditional, had painted signage, bilingual if possible. We have ample talented and experienced tradespeople who have the skills to carry out this work. Yet in recent years we have seen shabby and often plastic signs erected on business premises. This undoes the great pioneering work carried out in the 1980's and early 1990's when the planners of those times insisted on signage that met the criteria of our development plans. It drew national attention and complimented the tidy towns efforts and the related hanging baskets and window boxes which were tourist attractions in their own right. These policies made Clonakilty different and made us stand out proudly. We need to get back to implementing and enforcing this policy, and I would ask the council management to address the matter immediately"

The council management said they would be carrying out "an audit" of shopfronts in the following weeks, and also would be bringing out a booklet explaining the guidelines for signage and shopfronts in Clonakilty town, and would distribute this to all businesses. Cllr. Ó Súilleabháin said he believed this to be a costly and possibly ineffective method, and proposed the information be posted up on the Town Council section of www.clonakilty.ie which is the towns official website and anyone that wanted to would have immediate access to it there.

This is the link to the application form .........

http://www.irish.ie/ForasNaGaeilge/applicationform_listing.asp?toggle=yes&lang=en&id=15

FRUSTRATION AND ANGER AS GARDAÍ FAIL TO SHOW FOR PUBLIC MEETING

Further information and comment from Cllr. Cionnaith Ó Súilleabháin 086-2202029.

RECKLESS DRIVING IN CLONAKILTY BUT NO SHOW BY GARDAÍ!

Around 35 concerned and affected residents and businesspeople from all over Clonakilty attended last Thursdays public meeting at O’ Donovan’s Hotel, on the topic of “reckless driving” on the streets and roads of Clonakilty and surrounding areas.

However, there was huge disappointment and frustration, bordering on anger from some at the meeting that no representative from An Gárda Síochána was present to address peoples concerns.

Local Sinn Féin Town Councillor Cionnaith Ó Súilleabháin, who organised the meeting, welcomed everyone, in particular the Town Mayor, Cllr. Anthony McDermott. Cllr. Kevin O’ Regan, TC gave his apologies, as had around 10 other residents as well as people from Ardfield, who were unable to attend due to other commitments on the night.

In his introduction, he stated that he personally as a public representative, as well as the town council as a body, had been raising the matter of speeding through residential areas for a number of years. He stated that he himself had written to the Gardaí, raised it at full council meetings and directly with Garda representatives at meetings of the “Public Order” Sub Committee, but had never received correspondence back to his queries. He had got a motion passed calling on the Gardaí to monitor speeding on residential approach roads to the town but as far as he knew, there was never a response or follow up action.

He said that hardly a week goes by that a concerned resident from some area of Clonakilty doesn’t raise experiences they have of reckless driving in their areas, as well as the related issue of loud exhausts and danger and discomfort for decent law abiding people. It has gone to the stage that some people are afraid to walk or cycle on roads which have no footpaths. There have been several “small” accidents over the years, but a recent event which could have been extremely serious prompted him to call the public meeting to give the people of the town a platform to air their concerns. He had invited Supt. Pat Maher via a hand delivered letter to the Garda Station, and earlier on last Thursday a Garda had left a voice message indicating that “all going well” a representative of the superintendent would be at the meeting. However, none arrived or contacted the organiser since.

The meeting opened with people outlining areas where they experience daily reckless driving, where speed limits are exceeded and where there is concern for people living in those areas. Among those mentioned were: The Miles/Clogheen (past Clogheen Cottages), Fernhill Road, Convent Road, (in particular the Convent Road entry to the roundabout), Timoleague Road Gullane, Tubbereen Road, Tawnies Crescent, Western Road and Michael Collins Road, Park Road, and areas leading to and from the Community College. All town centre streets were also identified as areas where the excessive speeds and noise from exhausts are a concern for people living and working in those areas as well as shoppers. People living in Casement Park were critical of the activities of “boy racers” who spend hours in Deasy’s Car Park every weekend night speeding, revving loud exhausts and skidding until nearly morning. In many cases, people pointed out they had contacted the Garda Station sometimes on numerous occasions to complain about recurring issues, but they appear to get little positive reaction. Other people pointed out that it wasn’t just the “boy racers” that are the problem. Couriers, Delivery Trucks and Builders vans often towing loaded trailers, are also a menace for some people as they travel at dangerous speeds near houses and on narrow roads. One man who is a qualified Driving Instructor registered with the Road Safety Authiority, pointed out that in law, pedestrians have priority over motorists when on the road.

The meeting then asked the question, “What can we do?” and this led to debates about the council putting ramps and traffic calming measures in place, educating young drivers, etc. However, one man in particular was very forceful and received applause when he stated that "The Laws are being persistently broken and there is no one enforcing them". For him that was the fundamental point that the meeting should focus on, as he aired sharp criticism at the absence of any Garda rep at the meeting. “You don’t have to be Sherlock Holmes to solve some of these issues”, he said as he was applauded for his comments by others.

He proposed that a further meeting be organised for two weeks time, with a letter of invitation being issued again to the Superintendent, and an ultimatum that if the Gardaí wouldn’t attend that meeting, the group would write to the Gárda Commissioner. This proposal received broad support. It was further proposed that all the Town Councillors be formally invited also to the meeting of May 6^th. There were also some questions as to the delay in setting up the long-awaited Joint Policing Committee by the Town Council.

The Chair agreed to carry out the wishes of the meeting, but in the meantime, he said as individuals we can all do our part. He asked everyone present to enter in the telephone number of Clonakilty Garda Station (023-8821570) into their mobile phones. “Every time you see or hear something you believe to be wrong, ring that number immediately. It is pointless ringing me or talking about these things the day after”, he said. He further advised that people should keep a record of those calls – the time and date, nature of the report and the name of the officer it is reported to and what action if any resulted. He said that at a future meeting, people could report back on their experiences and people would see if things had improved. He also said if people were felt brave enough, they should make approaches to the offending drivers themselves or their parents/guardians if they are under 18.

Some people stated that perhaps the Gardaí have some valid reasons why they aren’t pursuing the problem of reckless driving and nuisance vehicles in Clonakilty. Cllr. Ó Súilleabháin was directed to write the letters to the Gardaí and Town Councillors inviting them to the next meeting on 6^th May at 8.30pm in O’ Donovan’s Hotel, but in the meantime, he reminded everyone of their own responsibilities to report every item of concern to those who are the only ones with the power to investigate, prevent and prosecute offenders- An Garda Síochána.

"CARD" (Clonakilty Against Reckless Driving) Public Meeting Thursday 22nd April 2010

Further information and comment from Cllr. Cionnaith Ó Súilleabháin 086-2202029.

PUBLIC MEETING ON RECKLESS DRIVING THIS THURSDAY EVENING

Clonakilty Sinn Féin Town Councillor, Cionnaith Ó Súilleabháin is encouraging all affected and concerned people to attend a public meeting on "Reckless Driving" in the Clonakilty area this Thursday night, 22nd April at 8.30pm in O’ Donovan’s Hotel.

He says he is calling the meeting to give residents an opportunity to come together to express their anger and frustration, following years of reckless driving through residential areas, and on country roads.

"Hardly a week goes by that people don't raise this issue with me. Last Sunday afternoon in broad daylight, a potentially serious and fatal crash occurred when a speeding "boy racer" ploughed into an ongoing car carrying a woman and two young children. Thankfully, they escaped with relatively minor injuries, but they, and a cyclist who had to dive for cover as the out of control car headed towards them, were deeply shocked. This latest incident has angered the community, and I encourage everyone concerned about this issue to turn their anger into action on Thursday evening, by attending this important meeting", he said.

Cllr. Ó Súilleabháin has written to the local Gárda Superintendent inviting him or another Garda representative to address the meeting.

Cllr. Ó Súilleabháin said:

"Some call this reckless driving “a phenomenon”, but for most it’s a scourge, plain inconsiderate and downright dangerous. Reckless driving on our roads, in particular the speeding and noise from the so called “boy racer” brigade, continues to terrify many decent law-abiding people who are afraid to walk or cycle roads without footpaths. And there are some law abiding drivers who also dread approaching certain corners and junctions, in case one of these lunatics comes around on the wrong side. Hardly a day goes by that this isn’t the topic of conversation in Clonakilty, as the loud exhausts can be heard day and night both in town and on country roads. The speed at which cars and other vehicles are being driven around the streets, approach roads to the town and in built-up areas where often there are young children at play, is a huge concern for may people in the community. This is classic anti-social and anti-community activity and people are demanding that it be stamped out.

The right to go for a leisurely walk with a baby in the buggy is now almost a life and death decision for some.

The disrespect shown by many drivers for fellow road users and residents is blatant, as they exceed speed limits with impunity, and no apparent fear of apprehension by the authorities. I stress that in many instances, some are themselves residents of areas where they live and are not "boy racers" at all.

The people of Clonakilty are fed up with this loutish, irresponsible behaviour, by this small minority who have no regard for their fellow citizens. To that end, I feel it's no longer good enough to complain about this issue. We must harness people power to face down this danger and call on the relevant authorities to implement and enforce the law vigorously.

Have your say, come to the public meeting on Thursday", he concluded.

BUSINESSES CAN PREVENT HEAD SHOP OPENING IN CLONAKILTY

Further information/comment from Cllr. Cionnaith Ó Súilleabháin 086-2202029

Ó SÚILLEABHÁIN APPEALS TO CLON BUSINESSES TO BE AWARE OF HEAD SHOP RENTALS

At the March meeting of Clonakilty Town Council, Sinn Féin's Cllr. Cionnaith Ó Súilleabháin, called on the local business community and letting agents to be aware of the possibility of a Head Shop manager from another town "who is actively seeking a vacant property to rent and operate as a Head Shop in Clonakilty"

In a notice of motion, Cllr. Ó Súilleabháin asked the council to adopt "a policy of opposition to the concept of Head Shop opening in Clonakilty town". He also requested the council management "to write to all local businesses, auctioneers and letting agents" in the town asking them to be aware of the enquires being made and not to let their premises out for such a purpose.

"We see on a daily basis the devastation for families and communities posed by Head Shops in other towns and cities. While the substances they are pedalling are legal, that does not mean that they aren't dangerous. We have heard stories in the media of young people consuming these items and the detrimental and disastrous affects that they have had on them. We have enough of illegal drug abuse in Clonakilty without making legal highs also available to compound the problems", he said. "As the elected Representatives of the people of Clonakilty, we have a duty to do all we can to prevent a Head Shop opening in our town".

However, council management pointed out that as Head Shops are technically legal businesses, it would be illegal to write such a letter.

Cllr. Ó Súilleabháin then called on businesses to use their own initiative to prevent a Head Shop opening in Clonakilty. He said over the years the vast majority of business people were civic and community minded people who looked at the greater good, and he hoped that despite the economic pressures and the amount of vacant commercial properties in the town, that they "would still do the right thing if approached by someone whose intention was to rent and operate a Head Shop. This message must go out to the owners of commercial premises and also auctioneers and letting agents who have clients in Clonakilty town", he concluded.

CRÍOCH

CLON JPC SHOULD MEET IMMEDIATELY

FRUSTRATED COUNCILLOR SAYS

"CLON JPC SHOULD MEET NOW"

Clonakilty Sinn Féin Town Councillor Cionnaith Ó Súilleabháin has called for the inaugural meeting of the Clonakilty Joint Policing Committee to take place before Easter, and has expressed his frustration at the apparent lack of interest and importance being shown in relation to it within the council. Cllr. Ó Súilleabháin stated that he placed a motion on the council agenda in August 2008 formally calling for the establishment of the JPC, which was adopted, but since then the whole matter has moved “slower than snail's pace” within the council.
“During the autumn of 2008 and most of 2009, I was calling at nearly every council meeting for the matter to be progressed. Eventually last November – 15 months after the JPC was first mooted, all parts of the jigsaw were completed and put in place. However, five months later, the Joint Policing Committee has yet to hold its first meeting!
The people of Clonakilty town are understandably concerned by the ongoing issues of anti-social behaviour, drug abuse, illegal public drinking, nuisance motorists and other anti-community activities that are happening, and are frustrated by the lack of any action or leadership being shown by their local council on issues that concern residents and businesses alike.
It’s time to stop the procrastinating and talking about the JPC. It’s high time it actually MET!
I am now calling for it’s first meeting to take place before Easter. If everyone involved works to make it successful, and takes their own responsibilities seriously, the JPC has the potential to stamp out a lot of the present unacceptable activities happening in our town, and will improve the lives of some people in certain areas affected by illegal activities.
The function of the committees as set out in legislation is:
“……to serve as a forum for consultations, discussions and recommendations on matters affecting the policing of the local authority’s administrative area, and in particular to – (a) keep under review - (i) the levels and patterns of crime, disorder and anti-social behaviour in that area (including the patterns and levels of misuse of alcohol and drugs), and (ii) the factors underlying and contributing to the levels of crime, disorder and anti-social behaviour in the area, (b) advise the local authority concerned and the Garda Síochána on how they might best perform their functions having regard to the need to do everything feasible to improve the safety and quality of life and to prevent crime, disorder and anti-social behaviour within the area…….”
Clearly, the JPC has potential to make things better, and importantly it has teeth and there is accountability involved.
JPC’s are already up and running for over a year in many other towns, and in many cases are working well. It’s time Clonakilty got it’s act together. Let’s get together and make it happen now”

CRÍOCH