New Book by Douglas Citizen = Billy McCarthy= Barnetstown to Ballinglanna

I was recently at the launch of a lovely book written by Billy McCarthy, originally from the South Parish but living in Douglas for 40 years.  The book contains lovely verse and short stories by Billy, his son and granddaughter Ciara Murphy.  I was particularly taken with one ‘Rash Resolutions’  about giving up the cigs!!! Continue reading »

Eurozone Deal

Im sure there are a lot of people like myself who are keeping one eye as to whats happening in Europe and trying to make sense of it and the other eye on local and national issues and problems.  Many people whom I meet at various functions and in the street tell me they are extremely worried for the future.  Bearing that in mind I believe it is so important now more than ever that the Government take strategic  correct measured decisions for our Country. Continue reading »

INFORMATION ON PROPOSALS RE DEIS SCHOOLS

There were a number of schemes designed to tackle educational disadvantage in place prior to the introduction of the DEIS scheme in 2005. A decision has been taken to phase out the legacy posts that were left in schools from these older schemes.· The Minister is aware that some communities will be particularly impacted by these changes.

Continue reading »

CCC Winter Weather Advice for Roadusers and Householders.

Contact Numbers

Roads Dept         Office Hours (South)            021-4276891

Roads Dept         Office Hours (North)            022-21123

Roads Dept         Office Hours (West)              028-21299

Roads Dept          Outside Office Hours           021-4971411

Water Services    Office Hours                           021 4285353

Water Services    Outside Office Hours           1850 211 839

More after the break Continue reading »

Cork County Council Flooding Emergency Guide

Simple steps to prepare for flooding:

• Make sure you have the correct insurance cover.
• Find out how to turn off your gas, electricity and water supplies.
• Keep a list of useful numbers (including your insurance, telephone and policy number).
• Make an emergency kit.
• Think about the need of children, babies, elderly and the disabled at home – and ensure they know what to do in an emergency.
• Prepare a Flood Action Plan.
• Listen out for severe weather warnings on radio and TV.
• Move pets, vehicles, valuables and other sentimental items and important documents to safety.
• Prepare your supply of sandbags.
• The council may supply sandbags, but otherwise you can purchase them from a builders provider. In an emergency create your own with pillowcase or carrier bags filled with sand or soil.
• Prepare food that you can eat without cooking, clean bottled water, warm clothes.
• Charge your mobile phone.
• Alert vulnerable neighbours.
• Switch off gas, electricity and water at the mains.
• Ensure sandbags or flood boards and airbrick covers are in place.
• Plug sinks/baths or low level shower trays and weigh them down to prevent backflow.
• Store smaller electrical appliances and furniture as high as possible.
• Do as much as you can in daylight. It will be much harder at night, particularly if the electricity fails.
• In the case of flash flooding, evacuate basement flats immediately and seek higher ground.
• Have a torch Torch ready.
• Batteries (not rechargeable)
• Mobile phone, portable radio (wind-up preferable)
• First aid kit with essential prescription medication/repeat prescription form
• Bottled water (check use-by date)
• Non-perishable food items (including energy or cereal bars)
• Blankets, warm clothes
• Wash kit and essential toiletries (toilet paper, wet wipes etc.)
• Children’s essentials (milk, baby food, sterilised bottles and spoons, nappies, wipes, nappy bags, clothing, comforter, teddy or favourite toy)
• Camera to record damage for insurance purposes
• Emergency cash

Additional items for flood kit:

• Wellington boots, Waterproof clothing, Rubber gloves
• Listen to advice given on local radio.
• Avoid electric shocks – Keep extension cables out of water and wear rubber boots.
• Avoid enclosed areas which may not be ventilated and where hazardous fumes may build up (e.g. garages and basements).
• Avoid contact with floodwater – it may be contaminated with sewage.
• Do not let children play in flood water.
• Wash cuts and grazes and cover with a waterproof plaster.
• Avoid walking though floodwater – six inches of fast-flowing water can knock you over.
• Manhole covers may have come off and here may be other hazards you can’t see.
• Don’t walk along riverbanks or cross river bridges if avoidable – they may collapse in extreme situations.

Call 112 or 999 if life is at risk.

• Avoid travel but if you must, drive slowly and cautiously. You may know your local roads very well but a flood can alter the landscape dramatically and turn a quiet road into a potential hazard.
• Don’t drive through water if you can’t tell how deep it is. Around two feet of water is all it takes to float many cars.
• Aqua-planning is much more likely in flood conditions.
• Drive considerately: remember your bow-wave could flood nearby homes.
• Don’t drive down closed roads.
• 80% of flood-related deaths occur inside a vehicle. If your car stalls in the water, do not attempt to recover it – leave it and move yourself to safe ground.
• Let someone know your travel plans.

At Home – On the road: Staying safe in a flood emergency

Cork County Council

Comhairle Contae Chorcaí

For further information, check out our website www.corkcoco.ie

If you have to evacuate Emergency services will tell you if you have to evacuate. Follow their instructions carefully. Remain calm and leave as quickly as possible.

• Get your family and pets together.
• Check if neighbours need help.
• Make sure fires are out and appliances are turned off.
• Do not return home unless you are told by authorities that it is safe to do so.
• Take your emergency kit, including prescription medicines.
• Shut all windows and lock doors.

Emergency contact details:

You may find it useful to complete these contact numbers

• Emergency Service (if life is at risk) 112 or 999
• Roads Dept – South Cork (office hours) 021 4276891
• Roads Dept – North Cork (office hours) 022 21123
• Roads Dept – West Cork (office hours) 028 21299
• Roads emergency (out of hours) 021 4971411
• Water Services (office hours) 021 4285353
• Water Services emergency (out of hours) 1850 211 839
• Bord Gáis Networks Emergency Number 1850 20 50 50
• ESB Networks Emergency Number 1850 372 999
• Your local Garda Station*
• Your Doctor*
• Your insurance Emergency Helpline*
• Your insurance policy number*

Tune into local radio stations: 96FM, 103FM, Cork’s Red FM

Cork County Council

Comhairle Contae Chorcaí

For further information, check out our website www.corkcoco.ie

Water Services Amendment Bill 2011

This Newletter was sent to me as there seems to be a lot of interest and discussion in this area concerning the Bills impact for the future.
Im putting it up for discussion as Im not expert and am trying to inform myself as much as possible. Many of you might like to log on and join in the discussion.

Topics covered:

1. Water Services Amendment Bill 2011
2. Zero Willow Discharge systems
3. August BioPro Wastewater Treatment System

You can check out the latest effort here.

http://bit.ly/tJ9GXj

Please do add your comments to any of the articles that interest you and Thx for reading!

SEVERE WEATHER UPDATE – CORK COUNTY COUNCIL

Following the severe weather conditions experienced in Cork in the winters of 2009/2010   and after representations from councillors,  Cork County Council will endeavour to keep the public well informed and prepared  in the event of similar conditions during Winter 2011.

The Council have produced three leaflets;

• Flooding Emergency Guide
• Winter Weather Advice for Road Users and Householders

• Prepare Your Home for Winter

These leaflets will be available in all Public Offices, Town Council Offices, Libraries and Engineers Offices. The Council have also added a new Severe Weather section to the Cork County Council Website at www.corkcoco.ie .  This site includes comprehensive advice for the public in Severe Weather conditions and also includes a list of Emergency Contact numbers.

The Council will also use Twitter to keep the public abreast of all latest news regarding Severe Weather which can also be accessed from the Cork County Council homepage.
We hope you find the enclosed helpful and encourage you to log onto our website for more detailed advice

FINGER POST ROUNDABOUT DOUGLAS

Over the years the Fingerpost Roundabout in Douglas has been the subject of comment in relation to which ‘ lane’ motorists  are supposed to be in when exiting at each of the exits, the council are currently upgrading the surface and I have asked that the Roundabout itself is tidied up and a bit of colour is put into it.  In addition, the Engineer has informed me that it is not proposed to mark two lanes on the roundabout due to the urban nature of the roundabout and to the high number of access and entry points on the roundabout. I suppose people will just have to familiarise themselves with the rules of the roundabout!!!

Regards,

Cork Swansea Ferry

Now thats what I call a Community Guard!!

Received this email from our local community guard.  Great interaction, practical advice and hopefully a good weekend was had by all.  ps Im not sure how to increase the text size but will seek advice a.s.a.p.  !!

Dear all,

With Halloween ahead of us this weekend I just wanted to send out a brief email to make sure everybody stays vigilant around the Douglas area as we expect it to be busy.

If you see anything out of the ordinary or have large groups hanging around in your area please contact us. Do not approach anyone suspicious yourself!!!!! Call us on (021)4857670 or 999 in an emergency. Remember the Douglas patrol car is working 24 hours a day so we are available at all times. However remember that as its going to be a busy weekend and we will have to answer calls in order of priority, but be assured all calls will be answered.

Also a quick reminder to keep your homes and cars secure. Make sure all windows and doors are locked in the house and the alarm is on if you have one. Also make sure you do not leave valuables in your car and try and park it in a well lit area.

Enjoy the jazz if you get there,

Kind regards