This Supplementary Estimate is required for the purpose of making a grant towards the cost of carrying out a survey and experimental works at Rosslare Strand.
I indicated to the House recently that the question of reintroducing the Coast Protection Bill would have to be considered by the Government but that I could not anticipate what the Government's decision might be. The position in regard to Rosslare Strand, however, appeared to the Government to be so urgent that it was decided that it should be dealt with exceptionally. It has been a matter of anxiety to the local people concerned for a number of years.
Arrangements were recently made for a joint preliminary examination at Rosslare by the Wexford county engineer and engineers from the Office of Public Works. They have now recommended the following immediate measures which are, of course, exploratory and experimental. First, a survey including float tests, to determine the currents and extent of littoral drift; secondly, the erection of a small number of experimental groynes at test positions along the beach; and thirdly, some direct protection works along the portion of coast where the threat of erosion is most serious and also in other places where such works would yield useful information.
The estimated expenditure during the current financial year on the survey and the works is £9,000. The Wexford County Council have agreed to pay one-third of the actual cost involved up to a maximum local contribution of £3,000 in the current year. The remainder of the cost will be met from this sub-head.