Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 15 January 2014
676. Deputy Maureen O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the role his Department will take regarding the severe storm damage caused to island communities, for example, Cape Clear, County Cork; if his Department will provide assistance for the recovery of areas damaged; if he will address the ongoing transport issues such as access to and from the island; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1456/14]
View answerMy Department is responsible for the upkeep and maintenance of North Harbour at Cape Clear in accordance with the 1902 ex-congested Districts Board piers, lights and Beacons Act.
My engineers have made a preliminary assessment of the damage to “Duffy’s Pier” and the overall North Harbour area on Cape Clear as a result of the recent severe weather.
Additionally my Department is currently engaged in a harbour improvement project on the island. This project includes the construction of a new slip, stabilisation and upgrade of the pier known as the “Bull nose”, and the provision of a storm gate between the two harbour piers.
It is envisaged that the work on “Bull Nose” will continue as planned and that any additional repair work on “Duffy’s Pier” will be considered as part of the National response to the storm damage.
The other issues raised will be considered within the context of a co-ordinated response by relevant Government Departments, Agencies and Local Authorities to the impacts of the recent storms.
