The total expenditure to date on the cliff stabilisation at Dunmore East fishery harbour centre, which incorporates the expenditure related to Shanooan, Dock Road and Island Lane, amounted to €749,980.04 for the period 2000 to 2002, inclusive.
Consultants engaged by my Department considered that planning permission was not necessary for the works at Shanooan. This view was subsequently confirmed in discussion with Waterford County Council. Following concerns raised locally and further meetings with county council officials it was decided to lodge a planning application in respect of the works.
In 2000 consultants were engaged to advise on the necessary cliff stabilisation requirements on the cliffs at Dock Road-Island Lane. My Department lodged a planning application in respect of these works with Waterford County Council in May 2001 after consultation with council officials. The county council requested my Department to provide environmental impact assessments, having particular regard to the preservation of the Kittiwake colony at the Dock Road site. My Department engaged a specialist to advise on the issue. This requirement and various other issues delayed the notification by the council of its intention to grant permission until 19 August 2002.
An appeal against planning permission was lodged with An Bord Pleanála by local interested parties. A decision was not expected from it until the end of 2002. As works can only be undertaken on these cliffs at the Dock Road site during the months of September to November, inclusive, due to the nesting habits of the Kittiwakes, this in effect prevented works proceeding until late 2003 at the earliest. Accordingly, it was decided to withdraw the planning application and avail of the opportunity to review the proposals and re-engage with local interested parties and council officials about their specific concerns before submitting a new planning application.
A range of geological assessments were carried out on behalf of my Department. It would be glad to make those assessments available to the Deputy if requested.
