“I have been advised that Minister McEntee was very impressed with the commitment shown by representatives of Youghal Greyhound Track, Youghal Chamber of Commerce and other people from Youghal with whom he met. As a result, it is hoped that funding of as much as €100,000 will be made available to improve the greyhound stadium”, said Deputy Stanton.

“Youghal Greyhound Track has been in operation for many years. It is the only greyhound track located in a seaside location in Ireland and is very important not only for the tourism industry in the town but also the Irish greyhound industry in general. I am sure that this amount of funding will enable much needed refurbishment and improvements to be carried out at the track. These enhancements will ensure the continued viability of the stadium and also serve as a boost for future growth.

“This award of €100,000 for Youghal Greyhound Track coupled with the €400,000 earmarked for development of Youghal Swimming Pool should greatly contribute to the development of public facilities in Youghal. Funding of this level is much needed in Youghal. More, however, still needs to be done to improve local infrastructure and services. I intend to continue to work with people in Youghal to identify further projects in the area which might attract Government grants and funding,” concluded Deputy Stanton

“I am pleased that a location has been found for a centre for young people in Midleton. This is an issue on which I have been working for many years and I feel it is a vital service for a town the size of Midleton which has four second level schools and thousands of young people living in the town and surrounding area. These teenagers will, in the near future, have a safe, comfortable place in which to meet friends and socialise.

“I would like to congratulate Cork County Council and Midleton Town Council for their hard work and initiative in securing such a service for local young people. I know that SECAD and the HSE have also had a large input into the provision of a youth centre. This centre, when up and running should also complement the work that Cloyne Diocesan Youth Service, through Midleton Youth Project, have been carrying out here for many years.

“For many years I have seen the huge social need for a youth café and youth centre in Midleton. There are successful youth cafés in most large towns across the country and I believe that such a facility in Midleton will also be a success. I hope that once the old fire station is acquired that work can begin quickly on getting the centre up and running.

“I am pleased to confirm this significant amount of funding for Cork County Council. The monies are being provided by the Office of Public Works (OPW)to carry out an important flood risk assessment study of the Carrigtwohill area”, said Deputy Stanton.

“Cork County Council submitted an application for funding to the OPW under the Minor Flood Works and Coastal Protection Scheme. This scheme is open to all Local Authorities to secure additional finance to carry out works to areas which may experience regular flooding problems which can, at times, cause extensive damage to people’s property, waste water systems and force road closures.

“I would like to congratulate Irish Rail for suspending the car parking charges over the festive period. I believe this move by Irish Rail will really encourage members of the public to use the train service over the coming weeks,” said Deputy Stanton.

“I have been in contact with Irish Rail on a number of occasions since the opening of the Cork to Midleton Railway seeking they examine the car parking charges at stations in Midleton, Carrigtwohill, Glounthaune and Little Island. As a regular user of this excellent service, I am always surprised at the very few cars in the car parks at these stations. I am concerned that the parking charges, while only €2 per day, are acting as a deterrent to people using the train.

“Last Christmas Irish Rail also offered a trial period of free parking. This must have been successful given its introduction again this year. As traffic congestion increases in the run up to Christmas, the free parking at train stations should be an additional incentive for people to travel to Midleton and Carrigtwohill for Christmas shopping and to use restaurants and other amenities as well as encouraging people working in the city to use the train service to travel to work.

“Since its opening, I understand that the Cork to Midleton train service has been operating quite successfully. I certainly find it a very efficient and economical service. I would ask that Irish Rail consider extending the free parking all year round to ensure the continued success of the route.