East Cork Fine Gael TD, David Stanton in welcoming the announcement by Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government, Phil Hogan TD of a further €1.5m for the Cobh Landslide Project, hopes that this matter will finally be concluded. The 2013 allocation of €1.5 million bring the total funding for the project to just over €10 million in the past three years.
“Cobh has had a history of landslides which pose an ongoing threat to public safety and property. Considerable financial assistance has been provided by the Government for remedial works undertaken by Cobh Town Council and Cork County Council. As one walks around town the evidence of the work is now quite visible. Not only have the works helped to stabilise the landslide problem but it has also improved the visual impact of some of the areas where it has been carried out”.
The funding will aid the completion of a programme of works which, based on a detailed engineering report, identified 37 slopes and walls which are most at risk of landslides. Deputy Stanton highlighted that the most important thing now is that the work be completed without delay and that threats to life and property be removed.
“Thanks to the fantastic work being carried out by Cobh Tidy Towns and Cobh Tourism as well as Cobh Chamber and the Local Authorities, Cobh town, is being rejuvenated. With the opening of Spike Island and plans for the remediation of Haulbowline things are looking brighter for Cobh then they have done in many years. We in government will continue to work to support and encourage further improvements and initiatives in Cobh so that the town and Great Island can achieve its full potential.
Note for editors: Annual Funding Allocations to Cobh Landslide Project
2011 – 2,806,000.00
2012 – 5,724,536.24
2013 – 1,500,000.00