Ned O'Keeffe (Cork East, Fianna Fail)
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Question 378: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will approve funding in respect of an application (details supplied). [43438/06]

Dick Roche (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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Since 1980, my Department has given considerable financial assistance towards remedial works undertaken by Cobh Town Council to strengthen areas susceptible to landslides. The assistance takes the form of 100% grants, subject to prior approval of the remedial works by my Department. Since 1980, grants of over €4 million have been paid to Cobh Town Council.

As there has been an ongoing programme of works over almost a quarter of a century, periodic review is important. It is now desirable to quantify the number of projects left to be completed, the estimated completion date and the potential final cost.

Cork County Council will take the lead in this review. A draft brief for the engagement of a specialist advisor in connection with the review has been endorsed by my Department, subject to some adjustments. Cork County Council has also been advised that, if they are of the opinion that immediate remedial works are essential in the interest of public safety, my Department is prepared to consider a proposal from them.

Cork County Council is also free to commit its own resources to meet such works as the council considers necessary. In this regard, I have announced increased Local Government Fund allocations of almost €948 million in general purpose grants to all local authorities, including Cork County Council and Cobh Town Council. Cork County Council will receive €54.8 million from the Fund next year (an increase of over 6%) while Cobh Town Council will receive over €1.3 million (up nearly 8% on its 2006 allocation).