asked the Minister for Finance if, in view of the serious damage being done to Rosslare Strand by coast erosion, he will consider making available the necessary moneys from the National Development Fund to prevent further damage being done.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Coast Erosion.
asked the Minister for Finance if it is proposed to make funds available for the purpose of combating beach erosion from the National Development Fund and if he will make a general statement on the matter.
I propose, with the permission of the Ceann Comhairle, to take Questions Nos. 10 and 11 together.
I am not, at present, prepared to make funds available out of the National Development Fund towards the cost of works designed to combat coast erosion, as enabling legislation would be required before satisfactory arrangements could be made for their initiation, financing, maintenance, etc. Proposals for such legislation are in course of preparation.
Would the Minister state whether or not a circular was sent to the local authorities recently asking them to submit proposals to correct coastal erosion?
I am not familiar with the details of the terms of the Local Government circulars. The Deputy well knows, from his experience of local authorities for three and a half years, that this is an intricate matter.
I appreciate the problems in regard to coastal erosion. I think it is a fact—it is a fact—that, when the local authorities were asked to submit proposals for works to be financed from the National Development Fund, they were instructed they might also send proposals for schemes dealing with coastal erosion. It was specifically mentioned in this circular sent to local authorities.
My information is that the Wexford County Council had already submitted to some Department, whether the Minister's or the Department of Local Government, schemes dealing with erosion in North Wexford in the area of Courtown Harbour. That would indicate that it was suggested by someone to the local authority that these funds should be made available for dealing with erosion.
The funds are made available for the best possible projects to help along national production. As the Deputy is aware, coast erosion is, perhaps, destroying land of very small value and it would take a thousand times the value of the land to save it. This is a matter the Government is going into at the present time and proposals for legislation will be brought forward as soon as possible.
To deal with coastal erosion?
Yes, to deal with coastal erosion.
It is a very serious matter so far as Rosslare Strand is concerned as very valuable land and property are threatened by coastal erosion. I would ask the Minister to assure the House that the matter will be given very urgent and immediate consideration.
I think the circular from the Department of Local Government said that schemes to correct coastal erosion would be considered where the coastal erosion affected county council property.