asked the Minister for Local Government the proposals his Department have for the stabilisation of sand dunes by the planting of suitable grass or by some form of fertilisation.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Sand Dunes Stabilisation.
50.
Sand dunes may be in public or private ownership and any proposals of the type mentioned by the Deputy would normally be a matter for the owners, whether local authority or otherwise.
In the event of it being brought to the Minister's notice that certain local owners are not protecting their sand dunes against erosion can the Department of Local Government not intervene in some way?
No, but the local authority could. The Planning and Development Act gives power to local authorities to include objectives in their development plans for the preservation of views, features of natural beauty or interest and they have other powers. If they consider something should be put into their plans and make proposals to the Department these would be considered but I would have no right of initiative.
In the event of the Minister getting a local proposal of this nature would the Department have power to supplement the local authority contribution?
That would have to be considered on the merits if a proposal were made. A paper was published on formation, erosion and management, a detailed survey of Brittas Bay sand dunes, in 1973 and it included information on the measures required to rehabilitate the dunes. Wicklow County Council in conjunction with Dublin County Council and Dún Laoghaire Borough Corporation have purchased 80 acres of the sand dunes to ensure conservation and provide for their use as a public amenity and a contribution of £15,000 was made by the Department under amenity grants towards the purchase. This sort of thing can be done but the initiative must come from the local authority.