Vol. 533 No. 1
52 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources if, further to Parliamentary Question No. 8 of 23 November 2000, he will indicate when he will make decisions to make funding available to enable coastal erosion remedial works to be carried out in the east Cork region, especially in Youghal and Ballycotton; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8137/01]
Youghal has been identified as the principal coastal protection priority in the east Cork region by Cork County Council. A report entitled, Youghal Coastal Defences, Further Studies, compiled by Posford Duvivier on behalf of Cork County Council has been examined in detail by officials in my Department. This report highlights options available relating to coast protection and maintenance of beach levels at Youghal. The report concludes, that the strengthening of the seawall and the provision of groyne solutions at Youghal should be given further consideration. The total cost of such a project is estimated to be in the region of £3.7 million.
The most urgent requirement at Youghal is the strengthening of the seawall. The design element of this project will cost in the region of £60,000. Funding of the design element is under consideration. Cork County Council submitted a proposal for funding of £400,000 to repair the existing seawall at Ballycotton. This proposal will be considered in the context of future coast protection programmes and the funding available for such works. I will continue to keep the coastal protection needs of east Cork in mind in the context of future coast protection funding decisions.
