asked the Minister for Finance if he is aware of the serious coastal erosion problem facing the people of Inver, County Donegal; and if he will indicate the proposals that are in train to alleviate the situation.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - County Donegal Coast Erosion.
15.
Mr. Kenny
The Commissioners of Public Works have received no proposal under the Coast Protection Act, 1963 concerning coastal erosion threatening the village of Inver. Under the Act it would be a matter for Donegal County Council to investigate and consider such a proposal in the first instance. The commissioners have, however, received a proposal from Donegal County Council for coast protection works affecting an area at Kilmacreddan a few miles west of Inver village. Because of more urgent commitments, in County Donegal and elsewhere, I cannot say when this proposal will be reached.
First of all, might I say that, since putting down this question some weeks ago, I have had the courtesy of a letter from the Parliamentary Secretary on this matter. Arising now from this reply, is it not so that a deputation from Donegal County Council attended on his Department or on himself in very recent times——
Mr. Kenny
That is correct.
——and would that effort on their part not be taken as the initiation of a rather urgent proposal to relieve this dangerous situation at Inver?
Mr. Kenny
The deputation consisted of members of Bundoran Urban Council and Donegal County Council. We had a general discussion about coast erosion in Donegal but the only projects they were really interested in were the recent fall at Bundoran and another project at Lisfannon in north Donegal. The other case was not mentioned except in passing. There were many representations by the former Deputy, Mr. Delap, about Inver but there is no firm proposal from Donegal County Council for any coast erosion proposal at Inver. There is one for Kilmacreddan.
Regardless of whether Donegal County Council are aware of the urgency of this matter, there are 20 dwellings in imminent danger from erosion. Will the Parliamentary Secretary consider this matter sympathetically?
Is it not the position that the Office of Public Works cannot consider the scheme at Inver until the county council put the scheme on their priority list? The scheme at Kilmacreddan is a different one and is about three miles further along the coast. Could it not be suggested to the county council to put the scheme on their priority list immediately because it is a case of life or death for the residents?
Mr. Kenny
The first responsibility lies with the county council. They must send a request that this place be examined. It is a formality that must be complied with before the Office of Public Works can do anything.
Will the Parliamentary Secretary assure us that he will act with all haste?
Mr. Kenny
The priority list is laid down by the county council.
Would the Parliamentary Secretary consider redrafting the Coast Protection Act, 1963?
Mr. Kenny
It is a very good suggestion but I would point out that there are so many applications for coast protection work that we cannot cope with all of them.