17th January, 2002
Notice Board

CORK CHAMBER OF COMMERCE NEWS

Events
The Chamber has concluded the 6th successive year of monthly “Breakfast Briefings”. Over that time members have been addressed by a wide range of nationally known personalities from both the private and public sector.
The 2002 series kicks off on Wednesday, 23 January with Joe Gavin, Cork City Manager, who will address attendees on a range of exciting developments taking place in, and planned for the city.
To book your place please contact Helen at tel 4509044 or email Helen@corkchamber.ie.

Waste Management is your Problem Now
The disposal of waste material from all commercial activities regardless of size has now assumed critical importance since 1st January. Acceptance of waste in the Cork City Council's landfill site will be at 25% of the volume accepted in mid-2001. Time has run out on the implementation of the 1996 Pollution Control Act and all businesses must now comply with the new regulations, i.e industry (large and small), offices, restaurants, pubs, hoteliers, retailers etc.
In keeping with its' stated policy to raise awareness of proper waste management in the city, the Chamber of Commerce is holding an afternoon seminar at Maryborough House Hotel on 31 January to brief businesses on the issues and solutions for putting a recycling policy in place.
Speakers include Denis O'Mahony, Director of Services Environment, Cork City Council, Kieran Mullins, Environment Manager of Ipodec Ireland Ltd, Niamh Hunt, Environmental Manager of Janseen Pharmaceutical Ltd and Liam O'Connor, head of Environmental Team at Musgrave Supervalue-Centre.
Registration fee is €20 for members and €30 for non-members. To book please contact Helen Walsh at the Chamber offices.

e-Business Training
Upcoming training at Chambers of Commerce in the South West include: Internet Security, Internet legals, Search Engine Optimisation, Web Maintenance and Updating, Internet marketing and how to use the web to attract tourists.
For further information please contact Renate Murphy at tel 4509044 or renate@corkchamber.ie

CORK SUB AQUA CLUB

Discover Scuba Diving with the Cork Sub-Aqua Club at
Nemo Rangers Hurling and Football and Douglas Pool on
Thursday 31st January at 7.30pm. Bring your own swim
kit / scuba equipment provided for more onformation
contact Brendan @ 087 9312958

The History of Douglas by Con FoleyPart 72 - THE ROADS OF DOUGLAS

The Survey of 1811 shows the two main roads to Douglas as we know them; the front (north) road is Maryborough and Carrigaline, with a branch to Passage at the foot of Maryborough Hill, and the back (south) road through Evergreen to Donnybrook, and which forked left at Scart Cross to Carrigaline. The western leg of that fork swung back at one point through Ballinvuskig and Cooney's Lane to meet the Grange Road east of Old Grange House. From the point at Ballinvuskig this leg proceeded further west and swung back in the same way through Belvedere and Mt. Boyle to join the Poulduve (Pouladuff) Road.
This Survey of 1811 while showing the location of Castle Treasure or Castletrygge, makes no mention of the Old Donnybrook Road but this road is clearly indicated in the Map of 1841, which was graphed on a scale eight times larger than the 1811 map. This must have been the road taken by Crofton Croker and his friend, an account of which is given in his description of an effort to locate the "hidden gold" at Castle Treasure on 14th May 1814.
This road, little more than the width of a cart for most of the way, came from Ravensdale, swung over to the iron gate just past the Rectory entrance, up through Ardarrig, down through the entrance of Delaney's (now Scriven's) farm. It then turned at right angles, past the front of the farm house, then at right angles again for the length of the field at the rear of the house, at right angles then again and roughly parallel to the present Carr's Hill Road to the top of O'Leary's farm. This part of the road is sealed off where the lane just past Cashman's house meets it. This lane was one entrance (or exit) from the road. Proceeding upland once more, the trail can he picked up shortly - a short, narrow, overgrown lane that curves into the site of Castle Treasure.
Here are the remains of old farm outhouses, the stonework which is very old, and could very well be part of the stones that littered the place when Crofton Croker saw it. From the site of the castle, the old road swung in a gentle right hand curve to meet the lane that starts almost opposite Lehane's house. This curved part is now gone.
The remains of this old Donnybrook Road at the Ravensdale end can still he seen, if one looks over the low part of the wall opposite the Rectory gate. It is very much overgrown at this point but still visible.
I have walked the greater part of this old road (mainly in the interest of historical accuracy!) and generally it is quite passable if muddy and overgrown. It is at its widest at a point just beyond Delaney's (now Scriven's) farm.
The Carr's Hill Road takes its name from the Carr family that held land near the top of the hill. Though this road was built in 1844 (the date is inscribed in the gable end of the old Garda Barracks), it is still known locally as "the New Road."
Almost at the top of this hill and on its western side is a long narrow road, which is remarkable for its straightness. This road is known as the "Board of Works," and is said to have been part of the early famine relief work.

DON'T LET STRESS GET YOU DOWN

Ours is a world of explosive change, the breeding ground for uncertainty, insecurity and anxiety. While some believe that stress is necessary to reach peak performance, there are many more for whom stress is the cause of debilitating illness. When the body is not at ease, dis-ease occurs.

Danger Signs
Indecisiveness, poor concentration, feeling low or numb, constant tiredness, frequent headaches, backache, loss of confidence and sense of humour, irritability, poor sleep, tension and tearfulness, increased smoking and drinking, increased or loss of appetite, poor work performance or abstinence.
The Ultimate Way to Relax
It is widely accepted that one of the best ways to control or get rid of stress is to be able to truly relax.
It is also widely accepted that the fastest way to achieve an efficient level of relaxation is hypnosis (if someone can have surgery under hypnosis the argument speaks for itself).
Hypnosis id being used increasingly as an adjunct to orthodox medicine where it is proving for doctors and dentists a valuable alternative to drugs for anaesthesia, to accelerate the healing process, to relieve stress and to help control pain.

So What is Hypnosis ?
Hypnosis is a state of relaxation and concentration at one with a state of heightened awareness induced by suggestion.
When a person is in hypnosis four basic things happen
They achieve a deep level; of relaxation
Their ability to remember things of the past is greatly enhanced
Their acceptance of beneficial and positive suggestion is increased
Sense of hearing and smell are more acute, hence the person in hypnosis hears what is going on at all times and is aware.
It is a very pleasurable and relaxing experience. Once you have experienced the hypnotic process and listened to the tape that the therapist supplies you will find that reaching the same state with just the power of your own mind will become very easy.
Hypnosis can be complemented by other healing therapies especially Reiki ( Rei = Universal, Ki = Energy)
Reiki is a hands on healing therapy that brings about inner relaxation in a physical emotional and spiritual level.
Marian Shiel. ((Dip Hypno / Psychotherapy & Reiki Master Reflexology) 4342362

MOTORING MOMENTS ...

The most colourful badge in motoring is undoubtedly Alfa Romeo. The letters A.L.F.A. stand for society “ Anonima Lombarda Fabbrica Automobile”. The Lombardy Car Manufacturing Co.
In 1918 Nicola Romeo gained control of the Co. and the name became Alfa-Romeo with a hyphen on the badge though it is not used in the script. The red cross on white background was carried by a local regiment in the 1st Crusade 1096 and is since used by the city of Milan and the devious Viscionti family. The green undulating serpent with gold crown on azure (blue) background and swallowing a man whole represents the helpless of the individual against the might of the long connected Visconti and the crown speaks for itself. A small streak at each side replaces a rope figure of 8 decoration of earlier badges and the whole was encircled by silver laurel leaves, a la Céaser. Not content with all this a lot of Alfa’s carry a Quadrefoglio or four-leaf clover - an international sign for good luck.
Dan Dempsey's 24 hour rescue & Recovery,
Kinsale 086-8217777

KNOW YOUR RIGHTS

Question I bought a jacket that was reduced in the January sales. I discovered a problem with the lining and I am wondering if I have any rights since the jacket was reduced in the sales?
Answer You have the same consumer rights when you buy goods in a sale as you would normally have i.e. they must be of merchantable quality, fit for their purpose and as described. Even if a retailer displays a notice refusing to exchange or refund you still have rights under consumer law. Your rights are governed by the Sale of Goods and Supply of Services Act 1980.
You should return the jacket as soon as possible to the retailer as your rights are against the retailer (not the manufacturer). Leave the jacket lining as it is because tampering or attempting to repair it may affect your claim. Make sure you have your receipt or some other proof of purchase.
In some cases a shop may offer a credit note. You do not have to accept a credit note. Indeed, taking this option means that you cannot later demand a refund.
In general consumers have a wide range of rights in relation to goods and services purchased, but the extent of the rights can vary depending on the sales contract.
Further information is available from:
· The Office of the Director of Consumer Affairs, Norwich Union House, 89-90 South Mall, Cork, Tel 021 4274099, LoCall: 1890220229,
· The European Consumer Centre, I 3A Upper O'Connell Street, Dublin I Tel: Ol 8090600
and from Cobh Citizens Information Centre, The Parish Centre, Roches Row, Tel 4814422.

A TOUCHING STORY FOR AFTER CHRISTMAS

On Christmas Eve, I was rushing around trying to get some last minute shopping done. I was stressed out and not thinking very fondly of the Christmas season right then. It was dark, cold, and wet. In the car park as I was loading my car up with gifts that I had felt obligated to buy. I noticed that I was missing a receipt that I might need later. So mumbling under my breath, I retraced my steps to the shopping centre entrance.
As I was searching the wet pavement for the lost receipt, I heard quiet sobbing. The crying was coming from a poorly dressed boy of about 12 years old. He was short and thin. He had no coat. He was just wearing a ragged flannel shirt to protect him from the cold night's chill. Oddly enough, he was holding a hundred pound note in his hand. Thinking that he had probably got lost from his parents, I asked him what was wrong. He told me his sad story. He said that he came from a large family. He had three brothers and four sisters. His father had died when he was Nine years old. His mother was poorly educated and worked two full time jobs. She made very little to support her large family. Nevertheless, she had managed to skimp and save two hundred pounds to buy her children Christmas presents. The young boy had been dropped off, by his mother, on the way to her second job. He was to use the money to buy presents for all his siblings and save just enough to take the bus home. He had not even entered the mall, when an older boy grabbed one of the hundred pound notes and disappeared into the night.
"Why didn't you scream for help?" I asked. The boy said, "I did."
"And nobody came to help you?" I wondered. The boy stared at the pavement and sadly shook his head. "How loud did you scream?" I inquired. The soft-spoken boy looked up and meekly whispered, "Help me!" I realised that absolutely no one could have heard that poor boy cry for help. So I grabbed his other hundred and ran to my car.

THE ONLY HOME I KNEW

Part 2

There were no showers. When you washed you washed in cold water from a tap. There was a communal bath, which was just a big pit. Thirty or forty of us went in at a time and washed ourselves. When we came out another group went in, into the same water it didn't matter about diseases. We were then inspected, hands, nails, teeth everything. As for hot water, there was no such thing.

Then there was the time we were all lined up for the Bishop. The priest, a right hard man, and I mean that in every sense of the word, lined us up and asked, "If the Bishop comes along what do you say?" Well all I ever saw were Priests, Brothers and Nuns, so when he asked me I told him I didn't know what a Bishop was. He hammered the hell out of me. I never got to see the Bishop and it was years after that, before I learned what a Bishop was.
There was another young lad from Stillorgan; we'll call him Joe. He was built like Mike Tyson and was learning boxing. The trainer taught Joe everything he knew. So one day when one of the Brothers picked on Joe he got the surprise of his life 'cause Joe beat him to a pulp and then ran away.
We were all taught different trades. Some learned farming, others tailoring or carpentry or how to be a waiter. I learned shoemaking. A lot went on to join the Army. But it was my voice got me into the army. I was a boy Soprano so they gave me music lessons. Then I was sent to the School of Music at Portobello Barracks in Dublin. It was my first time being out in the world, the first time ever having money in my hand. My first time wearing long pants. They gave me a stripped brown suit and socks; I had made my own shoes. But no underwear, we had no under wear in Upton. We didn't even get toilet paper, just newspaper. So there I was out in the world, almost sixteen years old and I didn't even know who I was. But I had a uniform and a pair of boots.
The following July we got three weeks leave. I had no place to go, so I came back down here to Upton. As far as they were concerned I was still part of the school and they treated me as such. Very few ever came back as there was always a guilt complex about the place. I can never remember a happy time here; it was a glorified concentration camp. What gets me is that a lot of well known Cork City people used to come here regularly, did any of them see or hear what was going on? One man used to come every week and take a car load of boys out for the day and bring them back in the evening. Did he know what was going on? Did the entertainers who came here know anything? Did parents who had children here know anything? And if they did why didn't somebody say something? We knew if we opened our mouths nobody would believe us and on top of that we'd get a hiding. Imagine saying to somebody that you were sexually abused by a priest, back in the 'fifties nobody would have believed such things were possible. Today is different, but I still don't go to church and I've no respect for Priests or Brothers. I'll talk to them, but when I see a collar that's it! End of story, Period!
I never found out who my own family was. One day in Dublin, I went along to the 'Queen Of Angels' where I was born, a Nun answered the door and I told her I was trying to find out about my mother. "You don't want to know" she said, and slammed the door in my face. I didn't bother anymore after that. I know my mother was from Galway. I don't know who my father was and I don't know where I got the name I have, but it haunts me.
I remember our summer holidays. We spent a month in Garrettstown every year. A local farmer drove the truck that was used for moving farm manure. We spent two or three days trying to clean it out, they put a canvas cover over it and we were all packed in like sheep, there was no such thing as sitting down, we had to stand all the way and it was the same coming back. Our clothes and bedding were sent ahead of us. Garrettstown House had a roof on it in those days but there were no beds, so we slept on the floor. The cooking was done in a hollow outside near the wooded area close to the house and we had to eat outside regardless of the weather. There were no toilets, one had to go out into the woods and there were two holes in the ground. That was the toilet. We were told when we could go for a swim, and we had to go whether we wanted to go or not. We were marched down the road, about two hundred and fifty of us in two columns, to the strand near what used to be Coakley's Hotel. Anyone stepping out of line would be corrected, but they'd be for it when we got back. We had no swimming trunks so we stripped off and went into the water naked. When we came out, there were no towels, so we just put our clothes back on regardless of how wet we were. If we didn't, we'd get a beating. And that was how we spent our summer holidays.
There were one or two success stories; occasionally I hear a familiar name on the radio. One individual who was sent to a farm, (and that was the worst because you could be put sleeping with the pigs), anyway, this lad got it rough for a while but then he was brought into the family, and when they died they left him the farm. Today he's a successful farmer. But those stories are few and far between.
We were always suffering, one way or another. There was one teacher who used to beat us with the window pole and he always had a cigarette in his mouth. Every time I see someone with a cigarette I 'm reminded of him. Then there were the rubbish bins. When the priests were finished their meals and the leftovers were thrown in the bins, we used to scavenge them and God help anyone who was caught. Another source of food was the farmyard. We would sneak into the shed where they kept the potatoes and eat them raw. They used to mince up mangles for the cattle and we'd eat them as well. It's not a pleasant memory, cruel conditions, savage beatings, sexual abuse, leftover food, raw potatoes and mangles, - but it's a fact!
Why do I keep coming back? Well these are my roots; this is where I was reared. This is the only home I knew.

This interview took place two years ago in part 3 we bring you the latest interview.

LETTER TO BATT O'KEEFFE, TD

Dear Batt,

I am writing to you with reference to your correspondence of 31st October 2001. In that letter, you referred to the 'Airport Motel1, which I assume to be the premises known as Cork Airport Hotel, Kinsale Road.

I can confirm that the Office of Public Works have purchased the hotel for the purpose of building an accommodation centre for asylum seekers The centre currently provides accommodation for 86 asylum seekers When the construction of the centre has been completed it will accommodate up to 350 residents. The policy of the Reception & Integration Agency in relation to occupancy at these centres is to build up numbers gradually and to liase closely with local statutory service providers, local schools and community support groups. Completion of the centre is likely to be in Spring 2002. The existing 68 residents have been recently relocated into two of the new accommodation blocks at the centre in the first phase of the new development Further increases in the centre population will be phased in after the completion of the centre.

With every good wish. Yours sincerely,
John O’Donoghue T.D.
Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform

THANK YOU FROM THE DOUGLAS

& DISTRICT LIONS CLUB

The President and members of the Douglas & District Lions Club wish to thank sincerely the following for making heir “Christmas Food Appeal” collections a great success again this year, which enabled the Club to provide 200 substantial Food Hampers to needy families.
The managers of both Shopping Centre’s and of Tesco’s and Dunnes Stores.
The many ‘Volunteer Collectors’ who assisted the lions members over four days of collections and last but not least:
The general public who contributed so generously.
Many thanks to all
Liam Moloney. Secretary

THE WAKE

The road is as long as ever, our sky is heavy and dark,
Thank God we are all together, I wish the dog wouldn’t bark.
Sure, lately the days are flying, put an auld log on the fire,
For God’s sake Mother stop crying! the flames won’t get any higher.
And where was Danny at Christmas? funny he never came home,
Maybe he just doesn’t like us, suppose he likes being alone.
Close the back will you Jenny, not good to sit in a draft.
Pull up a chair uncle Denny, remember the way Minnie laughed?
Minnie! God love her, we’ll miss her, for hers was a heart of gold,
There is her watch on the dresser, you know she wasn’t that old.
Always a shoulder to cry on, had a good word for us all,
One you could always rely on, never a worry at all.
God will reward her in Heaven; hers was a wonderful way,
All she could give, she has given, remember she taught me to pray.
She never had time for money, didn’t think much of TV
She’d laugh when a thing was funny, no matter how sad she’d be.
Aunt Minnie always so cheery, Minnie the lass with a song,
Thank God her life wasn’t dreary, bless her, she helped us along.
Paddy there’s no need for cryin’, you’ll only upset everyone
We know it’s hard and it’s tryin’; now our dear Minnie has gone
Mother put on the auld kettle, time to be making the tea
The drops at the side of the settle, but hold off on that for me.
Thank God we are all together, sharing our loss and our sorrow
Sure the road is as long as ever, but God is good for tomorrow.

Ronnie McGinn

EUROPIA!

Here I am sitting happy and content, I never thought I would see the day when I would hold these little fellows in my hands, no I'm not being rude, as you've probably guessed I'm talking about my Euro's or should I say Euro.
As a German lady interviewed on T.V. said, they feel a little like monopoly money, but what the heck, I now feel an important and vital part of the greater European populace.
I suddenly feel immensely cultured and so mature in my Europeanism (if there is such a word). I feel the blood of Wagner, of Bizet, of Van Gogh and Picasso coursing through my veins. The "Euro" has made me a true "European" From the heights of the Matterhorn to the lowlands of Holland, from Galway in the West to Athens in the East, our small Irish Nation is part of 300 million European citizens who are united by this new and exciting common currency, We have stolen a march on our nearest neighbours and clearly as Europeans we are ahead of them. The U.K. according to recently taken polls remain sceptical about this marvellous new currency, well all I can say is that its their loss, and hopefully they' 11 come around once the rest of Europe is fully conversant with our Euro friend. For our part, we are now truly part of the greater European experience and its a measure of our greater and relatively new financial maturity that we are indeed considered to be such and integral part of this new "Euro" super currency, which is destined only to compete with the U.S. dollar in terms of world importance.
I woke on "Euro" day (sorry New Years day) like a boy with a new toy, but who had to go out and collect it. I was excited (as I am with anything new, ask my wife) but in this particular case exceptionally so.
So I woke the family up early and suggested a nice family walk. "Dad are you off your game or what" came back the delicate reply. "Where to?” I explain 'lust a short walk to the A.T.M. machine to draw some Euros out of the hole in the wall, and Oh Yes" says I thinking on my feet" I thought we might rent a video (there's nothing much on T.V. today)." As I am sure you have guessed I didn't want to get a video out at all, but I know that my teenagers love to rent videos almost as much as they love to forget to return them, and leave vast amounts of overdue monies for me to pay.
Anyway my wife wanted some exercise, my 18 year old retains some of his boyishness, but not as much as his Father and I think would admit to a slight enthusiasm, but nowhere near my obsessive desire to get my hands on this new currency. My 15 year old daughter however was not even slightly tempted by the idea of a walk in the cold air to get some Euros despite my disappointment that she would miss history being made. I couldn't even entice her with the offer of some Euros when we got there (something I still don't understand!) Well, when I suggested that we take the camera with us and take some photos of Dad withdrawing his first Euro notes, well that really confirmed her worst fears and she stayed firmly fixed on the sofa in front of the T.V. with full and complete control of the remote, while the rest of the family headed out on our Euro expedition.
Our first exciting stop was the A.T.M. at our Bank where we withdrew these mysterious new banknotes. My only disappointment was that when I asked for 100 Euros, I got two 50 Euro notes and I was really hoping for a variety of notes to fondle. We proceeded as I had promised to the video shop, but I was too embarrassed to use my new 50 Euro note, so I changed my Irish fiver and got my change back in Euro all very smoothly. We then proceeded to our local pub, where we got ourselves a New Years drink. Still embarrassed about my 50 Euro note I offered the barman that or an Irish tenner, but he was very pleased and excited to accept my 50 Euro note (a man ÅÈ_ _after my own heart) holding it up for display to all and sundry in the Lounge Bar with the exclamation "Look my first 50!" Well that was my initial experience of the Euro, and as time has gone on I've been pleasantly surprised at how well this changeover has gone, and our" Euroization" will soon be complete. All of my Irish cash has now gone (apart from the usual coins for souvenirs), and my wallet and my Bank Account are now completely Euro friendly.
Don't get me wrong, I will miss our old familiar faces on our notes (particularly that of Joyce looking up at me from his ten pound note) and the traditional coins and symbols, but I suppose its the price we pay for being European, and as we further embrace this greater Europe, there can only be more of the same.
There have been a few hiccups in the Euros introduction, but generally it's gone well. My main problem has been the shock factor as' we look at prices that seem a lot more expensive, we instinctively react and recoil. This comes from me a man who had a little (or was it a bit more than that) contretemps with a mademoiselle in a patisserie in Paris when she tried to charge me £40 for 4 croissants. I asked her to put them back until it suddenly dawned on me that the price was in Francs and I had to divide it by 8 to arrive at my Irish amount. Full of apologies (and with my tail between my legs) I grabbed my delicious croissants, paid my 40 Francs and hurriedly left the shop. I've had one or two of these little moments with the Euro, but nothing too serious.
The Euro does, at the moment still feel a little bit like 'holiday money', but we will soon grow accustomed to its face. Call me a Europhile, no its not an insult, but I think this is a great step forward, as a nation we are stepping away from some of our parochial approach to life and are a full and equal partner at the forefront of this Modern Europe, a Europe which is forging ahead despite its setbacks.
So here I sit listening to Domingo, reading Le Monde, eating my Apple Strudel and drinking my cappuccino and I know (beyond a shadow of a doubt) that truly I am the epitome of 'New Euro Man'. Sitting here with my Euros in my pocket I could be anywhere in Europe and go anywhere in Europe with ease. The Euros are my ticket to greater European experience, and boy I am going to take it.I feel that Rome, Paris, Brussels, Athens, to mention just a few, have just come a little closer and I'm so pleased we decided to participate. I have my Euros in my hand and nothing can stop me now just watch me go.

CHOOSE YOUR SUMMER HOLIDAY WITH CARE

“If you are thinking of booking your summer holiday now, to make the most of the early bargains on offer, you should take the time to read the holiday brochure thoroughly and study the small print carefully to make sure that the holiday you choose is the right one for you” said a spokesperson from the Citizens Information Call Centre
We regularly receive a number of calls from people who are very distressed when they have changed their mind about a particular holiday, only to be told by the operator that they will have to forfeit their deposit or, worse still, that they are still liable for the full cost of the holiday even if they no longer want to go on it!
Under the terms of the Package Holidays and Travel Act consumers receive a considerable amount of protection against the possibility of buying a sub-standard holiday but this does not include the right to change your mind at the last minute with no fear of financial penalty!
The Act states that you must be given accurate and easily understandable information on most aspects of a holiday. This information must include price, transport details, accommodation details, whether meals and other items are included, details of any deposits required and when the balance must be paid, any passport, visa and health requirements together with details of a contact person at your chosen destination. You must also be given details of any insurance requirements and have the option of taking out your own insurance if you prefer.
Regardless of when you make the booking you must be given a copy of the contract containing these details which must also include any special requirements agreed between you and the tour operator/travel agent, together with details of a complaints procedure. It is up to you to make sure that the terms of the contract match your requirements!
As long as you are sure that you really are buying the holiday that is right for you and that it will still seem as attractive in sunny July as it does now in darkest January, then the Package Holidays Act is there to protect you in the unlikely event of anything going wrong.
If your holiday is significantly altered by the operator, for example, in terms of price or accommodation offered; or cancelled altogether, then you have the right to either a replacement or a refund. If something seriously goes wrong during the holiday, the organiser must make suitable alternative arrangements, at no extra cost to you, for the continuation of the holiday and must compensate you for the difference in that which was originally described and what was actually provided. In addition, all travel agents must be licensed and bonded so that in the event of their going out of business you will be refunded any money that you have paid and repatriated if necessary.
If, however the worst happens, and you do change your mind before you go, or find, for some reason beyond your control that you are unable to get away after all, then so long as you give reasonable notice you can transfer the booking to another person, but you should be aware that you may still be liable for payment for the holiday if the other person does not pay up!
If you want to know any more about the Package Holidays and Travel Act or if you have any other questions about consumer issues or any other aspect of your personal rights and entitlements you can contact the Citizens Information Call Centre at any time between 9.30am and 6.30 PM from Monday to Friday on lo-call (at local call costs) on 1890777121 The service is free and totally confidential.

WINTER DRIVING

The first rule for safe driving in winter is to keep your car in good order. You should have checked the antifreeze in the cooling system already this winter, if not, it could be too late. Your car's handbook should show the exact amount required.
A de-icer in the windscreen washer fluid is helpful on frosty mornings and a plastic scraper is a good way to clear a frosted window. Never use boiling water on the windscreen.
You can defrost locks that have frozen using a spray but a cigarette lighter probably does a good job. Don't use warm or hot water because it just freezes over again.
The car battery gets a lot of use in the winter. Check it regularly and keep it topped up with distilled water if necessary.

Tiredness
In the dark mornings and evenings of mid-winter it is easy to nod off at the wheel. To share long journeys with another driver, particularly if you feel tired. Take a flask of coffee, tea or soup with you on a long journey. Don't drive after a heavy meal and remember how sleepy you can get if you have a glass of wine with your meal. The safest policy is never drink and drive.

Bad Conditions
In winter road hazards are exaggerated. A light mist, for instance, can reduce visibility considerably. Put on you sidelights on a dark day. Even the low early morning sun can reduce your visibility so you must always exercise caution. In poor driving conditions slow down. Allow extra time for each journey you make and, if it is particularly bad, avoid driving at all.
Always signal before you manoeuvre, never tailgate and don't speed.
Keep an eye out for dark shiny patches (black ice) on the road, particularly in shaded areas.
In icy conditions drive slowly but keep in as high gear as possible and steer delicately.
Check tyres for pressure and tread.
In snow or slush take your time driving around bends.
In heavy rain, fog and snow showers, use dipped headlights.
Switch on your fog light in very heavy fog.
Avoid driving in floodwater, but if you have to, test your brakes when you emerge.
To avoid aquaplaning reduce your speed in wet weather, particularly after a dry spell. Aquaplaning is when a film of water becomes trapped between the road and the tyre so the car is not in full contact with the surface.

CLLR. DEIRDRE FORDE WRITES ...

Montpellier Road Residents have been on to me and I have asked Council to assist the residents in the area with their concerns. Last year we had great co-operation and I have no reason to believe this year will be any different. It was also brought to my attention that the gap in the footpath on Carrs Hill leading to Church has not yet been attended to. This is extremely dangerous and I have again contact Council about it. Planning matters and planning applications are always in the news and I want to let your readers know
that the Council's Planning Department will be moved to a new location. The new address is Cork County Council Planning Department, Model Business Park, Model Farm Road, Cork. Phone Nos. 021 4867006 Fax:021 4867007; e-mail planning @ corkcoco.ie. The office is located at the junction of Rossa Avenue and Model Farm Road. I'm off now to take down the tree etc. I hope you all had a lovely time and lets let keep our fingers crossed for good weather to ease us into spring. Talk to you soon.... Deirdre

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