Cork city pays out €7m in compensation for footpath falls

ALMOST 500 public liability claims have been taken against Cork City Council since 2010 relating to injuries suffered by members of the public who have fallen on footpaths in the city.

Payouts have totalled €7.226 million in the period 2010-2017, with this figure likely to rise as compensation payments for 2017 are settled.

City Hall has also paid out more than €4.65 million in compensation to road users who have made claims against the local authority since 2014.

Some 687 claims have been made by motorists relating to damage caused by road conditions, including potholes, cracks and subsidence.

In all, €4,650,235 has been paid out - an average of more than €6,700 per claim.

Figures in relation to trips and falls, requested by Sinn Féin councillor Henry Cremin, show that some 491 claims have been taken against the local authority over the period 2010-2017, including a high of 78 in 2016.

The report noted that 65 claims were taken in 2017 but noted that payouts have totalled just €2,000 to date, indicating that numerous cases have yet to be settled.

Mr Cremin described the figures as 'concerning.'

He called for those working in public spaces in the city to be held accountable for the condition of footpaths where they have been working.

"In recent years, there have been quite a lot of footpath works carried out by utility companies," he said.

"I would like to ensure that Cork City Council isn't being caught to pay out in situations where channels have been dug out by private companies, for example."

A spokesperson for Cork City Council assured Mr Cremin that City Hall only pays out in cases where it has been proven to be at fault in court. In cases where injuries relate to works done by utility companies, the respective companies are liable for payments.