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Adrigole Pier plan loses out as Dept says ‘no' to funding

April 12th, 2016 11:55 AM

By Kieran O'Mahony

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Plans for the installation of a leisure pontoon at Adrigole Pier have been put on the backburner yet again, because the Department of Agriculture, Food & Marine (DAFM) has refused funding for the project.  

PLANS for the installation of a leisure pontoon at Adrigole Pier have been put on the backburner yet again, because the Department of Agriculture, Food & Marine (DAFM) has refused funding for the project.

At a recent meeting of the Western Committee in Clonakilty, councillors were told that despite applying for funding for the third year in a row, the Coastal Management and Flood Projects (CMFP) that oversees coastal plans, was refused funding.

Cllr Paul Hayes (SF) welcomed the positives of the Coastal Management Report, which was presented by county engineer David Keane, but he said he was disappointed with the lack of funding for Adrigole Pier Pontoon.

‘It’s a continual battle with the Department to roll over funding until the next year,’ said Cllr Hayes.

Cllr Rachel McCarthy (SF) said that a lot of money was going into Cork Harbour as opposed to the Western Division.

‘We need to shout louder today for projects in our area. There is no slipway in Garrettstown, for example, and rescue crews have no place to launch any rescues,’ said Cllr McCarthy.

Cllr Alan Coleman (Ind) also said he had concerns about where the majority of funding was going.

‘My big concern is that over 60% of funding has gone into Cork Harbour, rather than coming to West Cork. This is a dangerous drift that I have noticed and we as a coastal and fishing community should be making a political point,’ said Cllr Coleman.

Cllr Noel O’Donovan (FG) welcomed the inclusion of the Lehenagh slipway near Clonakilty, which will be completed this year.

Cllr Christopher O’Sullivan (FF) also welcomed the funding for Barry’s Cove and Ring Harbour, but said that other projects should be included.

‘Access for pedestrians to Ballinglanna Beach should be included and there is also the problem of coastal erosion at Red Strand, where a cliff is being eroded and coming close to the public road,’ said Cllr O’Sullivan.

Cllr Kevin Murphy (FG) pointed out that White Strand at Garrettstown near Kinsale has hardly an inch of sand since the gatons were taken away.

‘There was a plan of action to restore the sand dunes there but nothing has happened and we need to replenish and refurbish one of the most important beaches in the region,’ said Cllr Murphy.

Cllr James O’Donovan (FG) welcomed the funding for Point Road in Crosshaven, where residents have expressed huge concerns about road and cliff issues, as well as funding for Fort Camden.

‘The works in Fort Camden in Crosshaven will include the installation of a pontoon and the pier needs to be upgraded to make it safe,’ said David Keane.

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