Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 15 June 2004
568 Dr. Cowley asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when the necessary funding will be provided to the people of the Dooncarton landslide area, County Mayo, in order that barriers can be erected immediately; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17761/04]
View answerI refer to the reply to Questions Nos. 800, 801 and 833 of 27 April 2004 which outlined funding provided to Mayo County Council for necessary restoration and protection work following the Dooncarton landslide.
An implementation working group has been set up by Mayo County Council with representatives from my Department, the Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs; the Office of Public Works and Mayo County Council. The group is chaired by the director of services for Mayo west region, Mayo County Council, and has met on two occasions, 22 April 2004 and 26 May 2004. This group is reviewing all aspects of protection and restoration works in Dooncarton which is scheduled to meet again at the end of June.
Mayo County Council has informed my Department that a full review of the current status of the hillside is being carried out, including an assessment of the protection works, ditches and berms which have already been reinstated or constructed by the county council and the Office of Public Works. Based on this review the detailed design of fencing will be carried out and the issue of further resources required, if any, will be addressed. Mayo County Council is holding regular liaison meetings with the Dooncarton landslide committee and there has being excellent co-operation on the ground between the local committee and staff of Mayo County Council and the Office of Public Works. Reinstatement and protection works are proceeding in consultation with the committee with expenditure of just over €1 million to date. Restoration work for the graveyard including replacement and refurbishment of headstones is also about to commence with funding provided by Mayo County Council and the Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs.
