asked the Minister for Finance whether any scheme is contemplated or under consideration in his Department for the prevention of coast erosion in Skerries, County Dublin.
18.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - County Dublin Coast Erosion.
17.
asked the Minister for Finance if he is aware of the grave danger to life and property caused by extensive coast erosion at Skerries, County Dublin; and what steps are proposed to deal with it.
I propose, with your permission, a Cheann Comhairle, to take Questions Nos. 17 and 18 together.
The Dublin County Council submitted to the Commissioners of Public Works a proposal under the Coast Protection Act, 1963 for a scheme at the North Strand, Skerries. The statutory preliminary examination was made and a report furnished to the county council. The council indicated that they wished a scheme to proceed but in the present financial circumstances consideration of the proposal has had to be deferred. The case will be considered as soon as circumstances permit.
Is the Parliamentary Secretary aware of the rate of erosion which is taking place in this area? Is he further aware that if remedial measures are postponed any longer, it will be a very much more expensive scheme? Again I ask, if the local authority concerned is able to provide the £6,000 from their own resources, will a deferred grant be made later on?
I am aware of the urgent need for coast erosion works here as well as in many other places around the coast.
Ach níl aon airgead ann.
Is the Parliamentary Secretary aware that in this case coast erosion has created a definite threat to the children playing on the North Strand in Skerries because there exist there portions of the old protective walls which are in danger of falling on them? Would he kindly come and look at this himself, along with representatives of the area, and see the urgency of the situation?
I am aware of the situation.
If the Parliamentary Secretary is aware of the urgency and if the county engineer is all the time stressing that this is really an important job, will he not agree to consider a development grant for this purpose?
I have already replied to the Deputy's question.
No reply, obviously.
Before we finally leave it would the Parliamentary Secretary accept my very civil invitation to come to Skerries and see this? If he does, I am sure he will be filled with the same desire to do something as is evident here in the House on the part of the Deputy representing the area.
As you say yourself, Sir, I will communicate with the Deputy.