Alcatraz masterplan for Spike Island to be unveiled.

The green shoots of hope are beginning to push through all the doom and gloom I think with a few small positives happening.  Locally, Council has plans for a new scheme to attract tourists which will hopefully create jobs in the near future.  A  masterplan to redevelop SpikeIsland into an attraction comparable to Alcatrazwill be unveiled this week.In July 2010, SpikeIsland, located off the Corkcoast, was handed over to Cork County Council on behalf of the Department of Justice by then minister for social protection Éamon O Cuiv. Continue reading »

William Trevor/Elizabeth Bowen International Short Story Competition

WILLIAM TREVOR / ELIZABETH BOWEN INTERNATIONAL SHORT STORY COMPETITION

Date: 20th. January 2012 

                                    FIRST PRIZE:  3,000 EURO     (SPONSORED BY WILLIAM TREVOR)

         2nd prize: 500 Euro                    5 runners up prizes of 200 Euro each.

AS I am a native of Mitchelstown with many relatives living there I am most happy to promote this festival and competition.  So all you budding writers out there dont be afraid of the rejection slip after all an Aunt of mine used to say ‘once down no battle, twice ups the game’   Continue reading »

Good News for Rochestown & Frankfield Schools

Good news for a change, I’m delighted that the Minister announced funding for the Extension & refurbishment of Scoil Nioclais Primary School, Frankfield, Grange and Scoil Phadraig Naofa, Rochestown Phase !! Extension & refurbishment and that these projects will go to construction in 2012.  In addition, these and all the other projects will provide much needed jobs in the construction area. Continue reading »

Household Charge Bill

There seems to be some confusion in relation to the current proposed Household Charge Bill 2011 and Im not sure if it is going ahead as is or that there are some legal issues to be resolved.  Bearing in mind that some further clarity may be shed in relation to such a charge and some amendments may be mooted.    Most people want to pay their bills and there are comprehensive waivers in situ and  I dont like the fact that the fine for non payment is in the region of  between 1000 -2500, as this will frighten people when they are already put to the pin of their collar to pay their bills.  There is some provision to pay it in instalments but unfortunately but a fine of this nature seems very severe.  Please have a read of the detail set out below it is worth noting why this money is being collected… Continue reading »

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 »

Council achieves 99.4% compliance with drinking water supply standards.

Cork County Council today welcomed the publication by the EPA of its report on the Provision and Quality of Drinking Water in Ireland for the year 2010. The report indicates an overall rate of 99.4% compliance with drinking water standards serving a population of 307,473. In particular the Council welcomed the fact that the high compliance rate achieved in 2009 was sustained in 2010. The high level of compliance is due to improved operational management supported by the significant investment in treatment plants including upgrading of existing plant and controls. Further improvements require the continuation of targeted investment on specific schemes to meet increasing standards specified in the 2007 Regulations.

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!