Much of the problem with the Cork coastline is that the homework has not been done. I examined Youghal which Deputy Stanton mentioned and we commissioned a coastal protection programme last year in respect of a study of the protection needs of Youghal and paid £40,000 for it. We still await the results of that study which are not available yet. Other locations mentioned were found not to have the urgency and priority of other areas around the coastline which were chosen. Consequently, we were not in a position to provide west Cork with an allocation of money on this occasion.
We will be happy to re-examine the Rosscarbery situation and I have told the local community there, following the strong representations which I received from Youghal, that we would be interested and anxious. The west Cork Deputies' colleague, the Minister, Deputy Walsh, who brought me to Rosscarbery, was anxious that we examine the situation there with a view to doing something. I will be glad to visit Sheep's Head and other places with Deputy Sheehan when I am next in west Cork.
Written Answers follow Adjournment Debate