Dinny McGinley
Question:53 Mr. McGinley asked the Minister for the Marine the total financial allocation made available nationally towards coastal erosion; and the amount allocated to Donegal County Council.
Written Answers. - Donegal Coastal Protection.
Since 1 January 1990 my Department has assumed responsibility for State funding of coast protection. However, as heretofore, primary responsibility rests with the relevant local authorities. A sum of £1.1 million has been allocated to the Department of the Marine for coast protection this year. The bulk of this sum is earmarked for an emergency protection scheme at Arklow, Co. Wicklow.
Following the severe damage to marine infrastructure caused by the storms of last winter, my Department was allocated a further £3 million, from the exceptional storm damage fund, to assist local authorities with remedial works. Donegal County Council's applications to my Department for grant assistance from this fund have recently been received. These are being assessed at present and the amount of the grant to be paid will be finalised shortly.