I move amendment No. 7:
Before subsection (5) to insert the following new subsection:
(5) (a) Where the Commissioners carry out maintenance or improvements at Rosslare Strand, subsections (3) and (4) of this section shall apply as if the maintenance or improvements were referred to in section 20 of this Act and the council of the county of Wexford were the promoting authority.
(b) In the foregoing paragraph— the reference to maintenance at Rosslare Strand shall be construed as a reference to maintenance in proper repair and effective condition of the coast protection works at Rosslare Strand in the county of Wexford which were commenced by the Commissioners in the year 1957;
the reference to improvements at Rosslare Strand shall be construed as a reference to any improvements to those works executed by the Commissioners which appear to them to be minor matters properly capable of being regarded as maintenance.
The House is aware that a scheme of coast protection was commenced at Rosslare Strand in 1957 and will probably be completed in 1964. The estimated cost of the scheme is £120,000. The works being carried out are of such a nature that, on completion, they will require very careful maintenance. It is intended to treat the scheme as if it had been carried out under this Bill. The Wexford County Council have contributed approximately 25 per cent of the estimated cost and, as I have stated, their contribution will be adjusted in accordance with the terms of the Bill. No specific statutory authority is required for this adjustment.
Statutory powers are required, however, in relation to maintenance, and the purpose of this amendment is to provide these powers. This section provides that a promoting authority will pay to the Commissioners: (1) half the costs and expenses incurred in connection with a scheme which does not proceed; (2) the full amount of the costs and expenses incurred on the maintenance of a completed scheme; and (3) the full amount of the costs and expenses incurred on works which become necessary in the event of abandonment. Provision is made for contribution by other local authorities towards the amounts payable under (1), (2) and (3) and by harbour authorities towards the amount payable under (2).