asked the Minister for Finance when work will commence on coastal protection work at Kilcummin, Ballina, County Mayo.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Mayo Coast Protection.
47.
Mr. Kenny
Mayo County Council have requested the Commissioners of Public Works to undertake a preliminary examination under the Coast Protection Act, 1963, with a view to preparation of a coast protection scheme for Kilcummin, County Mayo. Having regard to the priority of other proposals received for protection schemes and to engineering staff commitments it is likely to take a considerable time before an examination can be made. Until this has been done, I cannot say when any works which may be required can commence.
Would the Parliamentary Secretary indicate what "considerable time" means in this instance? Would the Parliamentary Secretary state if this means six-months or a year?
Mr. Kenny
I cannot indicate definitely what period of time will elapse because it is a very complicated procedure to get any kind of scheme before the Commissioners of Public Works. It was implied that this particular work was before the Commissioners of Public Works for examination but that is not so. When the proposal was placed before the Commissioners of Public Works it did not fully comply with the statutory conditions, which are very complex and complicated. That is the reason why this particular proposal has not been considered up to this. From experience I can say that a very long period can elapse between the proposal being examined, considered and sanctioned, and work commencing.