We live in a town of about 8500 people. After 6 months here, i don’t think it’s unfair to call it sleepy. Paddy’s Day is a big deal, and Ironman weekend brought out the crowds, but you could still find a seat at most restaurants, and the streets were quiet by 1 am.
If there’s any major controversy in Youghal, it’s the grumbling from some quarters about the new greenway going in over the old railroad. there are plenty of people who think reworking the railroad and bringing Youghal into Cork City’s commuter orbit (it’s roughly 30 miles away) makes more sense than a bike/ped greenway to Midleton. But the greenway’s been approved and funded and work has already started, so it’s unlikely that the train is going to happen any time soon. And it will have to find a new route anyway.
Second issue that i’ve seen has been dog poop. Ireland in general is probably 30 years behind the US in acculturating dog owners to pick up after their dogs, especially on urban sidewalks, but also on the several hiking trails around town and along the beaches. There are signs in strategic areas warning dog owners that they face a fine up to €300 for not picking up after their dog. But in the entirety of County Cork, which stretches about 100 miles to the west and is home to over half a million people, only 3 fines were levied in all of 2021. I’ve met our representative on the Cork County Council (who is an independent and quite visible around town during many social events) and shared a few thoughts on the issue. She seemed to like one of my ideas, so we’ll see if things change up next year or not.
Which makes this “protest truck” all the more interesting.
From what i gather, the coffee shop off to the right of the frame has been putting a few tables and chairs out in the street, and taking a couple of parking spaces in the process. I’m pretty sure they close at 4 pm. The only time i’ve seen musicians there was during Ironman, where a guitar/clarinet duo set up a few meters beyond where the two people are sitting in the frame.
The truck owner seems particularly riled by this, though. And i’m on tenterhooks waiting to see just what is going to happen over the coming weeks.
Stay tuned!
Cork Spring 