The Cobh landslide programme involves the provision of financial assistance by my Department to Cobh UDC to undertake remedial works to strengthen areas susceptible to landslips. The criterion for assistance is that works undertaken must be necessary in order to avert danger to the public and, to date, approximately £1.8 million has been expended under the programme on remedial and preventative works at different locations.
On a number of occasions, Cobh UDC has sought funding under the programme for the reinstatement of a private vehicular access to Fort Villas. While some remedial work is required in the area to avert danger to the public, the reinstatement of the vehicular access does not meet the criterion for financial assistance under the programme. Contract documents from the UDC for works involving the stabilisation of an existing masonry wall at Fort Villas are currently awaited in my Department.