Allihies sinkhole road closure
Deputy Murphy O’Mahony pressed for a timeframe to reopen the road closed by a sinkhole in Allihies, citing disruption for families and school travel. The Minister of State said the old mine site was under investigation, engineering surveys were underway, and no completion date was available.
In mid-October, a sinkhole occurred in Allihies in beautiful west Cork, and since then the road has been closed. While safety is paramount, it is having a detrimental effect on local people. We have six families whose refuse has not been collected since it happened and five families who, instead of being able to walk a quarter of a mile to school, now have to take a round trip of six miles in a car. When does the Tánaiste reckon the sinkhole will be filled in because it is going on for too long?
Comment on this
I will take that question. An incident did happen in west Cork which is being investigated by the Department. It is an old mine.
Comment on this
Engineering surveys are being carried out on it at the moment. It is a question of making sure that whatever engineering is done on it will mean it will not happen again. Cork County Council is also involved.
Comment on this
Does the Minister of State have a timeframe for the work?
Comment on this
No, I do not have a timeframe but I will come back to the Deputy on that.