Kerry’s bill for storm damage could top a whopping €30m

The cost of repairs for storm damage and long-term coast protection work in Kerry could be up to €30m, a county council meeting heard yesterday.

Engineers have estimated the bill at €20m, including €3.5m for remedial work and €16.5m for coastal defences.

However, given the unprecedented scale of the damage, exacerbated by Storm Darwin, the final bill could be as high as €30m, according to Independent Cllr Michael Cahill, who comes from one of the worst-hit areas, Rossbeigh.

At the weekend there was further damage in Rossbeigh, with high seas creating a gaping hole in the rear wall of a takeaway food outlet-cum-launderette at the entrance to the blue-flag beach.

The meeting was told the national directorate for fire and emergency management was providing €2.7m for repairs to necessary infrastructure and €280,000 to meet costs already incurred by the council.

The council has made three submissions for funding to the Office of Public Works (OPW), the first relating to the protection of public infrastructure.

The council is also making a once-off submission for the protection of private properties in a limited number of areas, as well as seeking funding for works at Fenit Island which was badly damaged by the storms.

Roads and transport services director Charlie O’Sullivan said funding from central government was critical as the council did not have the money to deal with the problem.

There had been “enormous damage’’ to Kerry’s road network, he pointed out.

The urgency of getting necessary work done to facilities such as beaches and piers prior to the tourist season was also highlighted.

Cllr Cahill said confusion was being caused because three, or four, different state agencies were involved.

“I’m very concerned about this national plan. I don’t believe there is a national plan. All of the responsibility should be entrusted to one department and one minister,’’ he said. “Not nearly enough money is being provided. The national allocation is €70m, but the total cost in Kerry alone could be €30m.’’

The council has made three submissions for funding to the Office of Public Works (OPW), the first relating to the protection of public infrastructure.

A once-off submission is also being made for the protection of private properties in a limited number of areas, as well as funding for works at Fenit Island which was badly damaged.