Work will begin in the New Year on a series of protective barriers to safeguard homes in the Pollathomas area of Co Mayo from further landslides, following the Government's announcement yesterday that €2 million has been sanctioned for such measures.
Mr Peter Hynes, director of services with Mayo County Council, last night said the money would be spent on protection measures against further landslides, including a kinetic barrier, ditches and berms.
Some material on Dooncarton Mountain had broken down since the major landslides in September, but there had been no dramatic geological movement, Mr Hynes indicated.
Last week, Mr Brian Wilson, chairman of the Dooncarton Residents' Committee, had complained about the Government's failure to commit itself to providing a safety barrier for homes endangered by further landslides.
Mr Wilson said Government Departments were "passing the buck" on who should provide the money, and should make a commitment to these protection works before the Dáil adjourned on December 18th.
Yesterday, Mr Wilson welcomed the €2 million that would be made available to Mayo County Council for further protection measures. He said it would give some encouragement to the five families who would be unable to return to their homes for Christmas.
While welcoming the announcement, the parish priest of Aughoose, Father Deaglán MacCongamhna, said yesterday it didn't change the fact that people in the landslide area felt "short-changed and ignored".
Of the Government's decision to release €2 million for protection works, he said: "There's been a bit of flag-waving about the announcement. I am not jumping up and down with delight. But anything that comes is very welcome."
Recently, the Irish Red Cross released €300,000 to 60 residents of the area who applied for aid on humanitarian grounds.