Vol. 398 No. 8
18 Mr. Barry asked the Minister for the Marine if, in view of the extensive damage to seaside resorts in the Cross-haven area of County Cork as a result of the storms earlier this year, he will make a special grant available to Cork County Council for repairs before the summer tourist season commences.
80 Mr. Barry asked the Minister for the Marine if he will ensure that a portion of the £1.5 million allocation, made by his Department for repairs to coastal areas damaged by storm, to Cork County Council, will be used in the Crosshaven-Fountainstown area of County Cork.
I intend answering questions Nos. 18 and 80 together.
The Department of the Marine have been allocated £3 million, from the exceptional storm damage fund of £8 million, for its share of the cost of restoration works at commercial harbours, local authority piers and harbours and for other marine damage resulting from recent storms. These funds will be allocated in the form of grant assistance to local authorities, who will be responsible for any remedial works.
The cost of repairing storm damage to the Cork coastline has been estimated by my Department's engineers to be £1.5 million. The amount of grant to be paid to Cork County Council will be settled when the council's response to my Department's request for applications for grant assistance is received. Initial consideration of what funds are to be allocated for repairs along the coast in the Crosshaven and Fountainstown areas is a matter for Cork County Council.
Is the Minister not in a position to specifically tell the House what amount of money is available from his Department for grant aid to the Cross-haven area in County Cork?
Fair play to the Deputy on making a case. I did indicate what my marine engineering division assessed the damage to be and I have written to Cork County Council. When we get a reply we will be in a position to indicate what specific amount of money will be available.
Would the Minister agree that the difference between the estimate submitted by Cork County Council and the estimate of his Department is very substantial — a difference of £0.75 million — and the council have to seek an overdraft of £.25 million? Would he also agree that there has been considerable delay in having this assessment done with a view to having work carried out on, for instance, Ballycotton Pier?
There was no delay whatsoever with regard to assessment. My Department's engineers, in co-operation with the engineers of local authorities, made a very quick and thorough assessment right around the coast. The results of that assessment were available to the Cabinet subcommittee which was making the decision on the grant aid. I note the Deputy got in his shot for Ballycotton and I appreciate that very much. The facts are as I stated in my reply. I am awaiting correspondence from Cork County Council.
Can the Minister tell the House what allocations he proposes to make from the £3 million available to his Department? In view of the fact that his engineers have made a very thorough and accurate assessment, are his Department in a position to give a priority list of where the allocations of money will be made?
This question refers specifically to certain resorts in County Cork. I will not allow any extension of that question.
The Minister extended it in his reply.
Arising out of the Minister's most recent reply when he referred to the survey done by his Department, can he give us an indication of the estimate for storm damage on the Sligo coastline?
I cannot allow that question.
The Minister is anxious and willing to reply.
Could the Minister send it to me by way of communication afterwards?
Certainly.
Maybe he could do the same for me.
