David Stanton (Cork East, Fine Gael)
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Question 470: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he has received any requests for funding from Cobh Town Council or Cork County Council to prevent or alleviate landslides in Cobh or to repair damaged caused by landslides in the area; if so, will he provide details of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36514/10]

John Gormley (Dublin South East, Green Party)
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My Department has received a request from Cobh Town Council seeking funding for proposed slope stabilisation works in Cobh. Since the early 1980s my Department has provided significant financial assistance to Cobh Town Council for stabilisation works, the most recent funding being circa €1m in 2008/2009 with total funding of circa €5m having been provided.

In an effort to ensure the best use of resources and to gain a long-term expert view of the required stabilisation works an independent expert report was commissioned jointly by Cork County Council and Cobh Town Council, at my Department's request. The Councils appointed Malachy Walsh & Partners Consulting Engineers to assess the retaining structures in Cobh and to recommend remediation proposals, prioritising those works with greatest urgency attaching.

My Department has initiated meetings with representatives from both Councils to discuss the situation on the ground and in particular to agree an expedited schedule for the most urgently required works as outlined in the independent report.

I expect that consideration of the most recent funding request will be concluded by my Department shortly and the outcome will be communicated to the Councils without delay.