asked the Minister for Finance if he is aware that a recent storm did extensive damage to the roadway, foreshore and protection barriers on the White Strand, between Lispatrick and Garrylucas (Old Head), and that the damage caused includes not only the destruction of the roadway and much valuable grazing land, but threatens to completely cut off the Old Head area from the mainland; whether, as the repair of the damage caused and the erection of the necessary protective works are likely to be of an extent and cost above the ordinary resources of the Cork County Council, the Minister will ask one of his engineering inspectors, a specialist in marine works, to consult with the Cork county surveyor and local residents, and have a report and plans and estimate prepared, with a view to having a substantial grant made from the Exchequer for the carrying through of the necessary protective works.
Written Answers. - Storm Damage at Old Head (Cork).
No representations have been made to me regarding the damage referred to in the Deputy's question. So far as damage may have been occasioned to private property by storm, repair is primarily a matter for the owner of the property. As regards damage to public works, the carrying out of repairs is a matter for the responsible local authority, and while in appropriate cases the grant of some measure of financial assistance as a contribution towards the cost of repairs might be considered, I am not aware of the grounds upon which it is assumed that the repair of the damage and the erection of the necessary protective works to which the Deputy refers are likely to be beyond the ordinary resources of the Cork County Council, and before considering the necessity for arranging for an engineering inspector to visit the area, I would require to be furnished with a report in detail by the local county surveyor of the damage, accompanied by estimates of the cost of repair, etc.