Vol. 193 No. 5
asked the Minister for Finance if he is aware of the extremely dangerous position obtaining at Strandhill, County Sligo because of coastal erosion; and if he has any immediate proposals to safeguard private property now being endangered owing to this erosion.
22.
asked the Minister for Finance if coast erosion at Quay Street, Moville, and Lisfannon, Fahan, County Donegal is listed for consideration in connection with any proposals which may be introduced to deal with coast erosion generally.
I propose with the permission of the Ceann Comhairle to answer Questions Nos. 21 and 22 together.
These cases have been noted for consideration in the event of measures being taken to deal with coast erosion generally. As I indicated in reply to questions a fortnight ago, the introduction of legislation regarding the general question of coast protection works is under consideration.
I, along with other Deputies, was called to Strandhill last Sunday evening. The position is very serious there and it is important that the Department should move without delay. For the past year, erosion has made inroads of over ten yards, undermining houses and buildings. The position is very dangerous.
Could the Parliamentary Secretary say how long this proposed legislation has been under consideration?
A Coast Erosion Bill was before the Dáil but it lapsed when the previous Dáil was dissolved. Since then, the various facets——
Could we not reintroduce it and get on with the job?
It is under very active consideration.
For five years.
Why did you not do it?
We introduced it.
It was blocked—and "blocked" is the operative word—by the Tánaiste's party, led by Deputy Corry.
