Vol. 551 No. 2
39 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources his further plans to make resources available to alleviate the effects of coastal erosion in the Youghal area; the reports which have been commissioned to date on the matter; the cost of each such report; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9958/02]
Youghal Town Council has submitted a proposal for funding for a major coast protection scheme at Youghal on a phased basis. The total cost of the multi-annual project is estimated at €4.9 million and would involve strengthening the sea wall and the phased construction of a series of groynes. Youghal Town Council received funding support in 2001 towards the preparation of tender and planning documents. I am advised that consultants have prepared the necessary tender documentation on behalf of Youghal Town Council and that planning and statutory permissions are being progressed. Funding for the project in the current year is being considered in the context of the funding available under the coast protection programme 2002.
Cork County Council advise that four reports have been commissioned to date on the coastal erosion problem at Youghal. These reports were prepared in 1995, 1998, 2000 and 2001 by consulting engineers on behalf of the council. My Department provided funding of €26,665 – £21,000 – to Cork County Council towards the cost of the 2000 report. All other costs in regard to the reports were incurred by the local authority.
