Vol. 410 No. 1
15 Proinsias De Rossa asked the Minister for the Marine if his attention has been drawn to the fact that three new programmes on coastal protection and developments are under consideration by the European Community dealing with the areas of environmental protection, aid for capital investment other than infrastructure, and a strategy for coastal zones policy; if he has made any submissions regarding these programmes; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
16 Proinsias De Rossa asked the Minister for the Marine if any overall survey has been undertaken of the extent of coastal eroision of western coastal area caused by the storms during the winter; if so, if he will give details; the efforts which have been made to secure economic development funding for coastal protection measures in the European Community Support Framework for Ireland given that this is the only substantial means of obtaining EC assistance from the structural funds; the reason no specific provisions to this effect are included in the Community Support Framework for Ireland; and if he will make a stattement on the matter.
(Limerick West): I propose to answer Questions Nos. 15 and 16 together.
In relation to coastal erosion during this winter my Department have been in touch with the maritime local authorities. The resources available to me in 1991 are to be deployed to coast protection schemes in Rosslare, Maharees and Strandhill.
For future planning purposes, my Department have been in touch with the maritime local authorities to identify priorities for coast protection works towards which they would be prepared to make financial contributions.
The Community Support Framework for Ireland has been settled for the period 1989-93. While this programme does not include provisions for supporting coast protection works, I am fully aware of EC proposals for environmental programmes which could include such assistance. In conjunction with the Department of the Environment, my Department are supporting the inclusion of coast protection measures that could benefit Ireland in the NORSPA and LIFE proposals for Council regulations. In addition, both Departments are contributing to the consideration of Commission proposals in connection with a strategy for a comprehensive coastal zone policy.
Will the Minister confirm that EC money is available for coastal protection but that this country has not received any of that money and cannot get it because the Government did not include coastal protection in the Community Support Framework which they sent to Brussels? Can the Minister explain why there was such a serious omission, having regard to the serious damage caused to our coastline and the cost to the taxpayer of repairing that damage?
(Limerick West): The Community Support Framework for Ireland has been settled for 1989-93. While the programme does not include provisions for supporting coastal protection works, I am fully aware of EC proposals for environmental programmes which could include such systems. Officials of my Department are having talks in Brussels with Commission officials to see if it is possible to secure funds for coastal protection.
If the officials get a positive response, will local interest groups be made aware? Will the fact that there are disparities in funding depending on the geographical area be taken into consideration? Coastal erosion along the east coast is more serious than elsewhere.
(Limerick West): There is a discrepancy with regard to grant allocations between the east coast and other areas. Local interests will of course be made aware of grants. These would mainly be local authorities since they are involved in coastal protection works within the area of their jurisdiction, in conjunction with my Department.
Since the Minister did not answer my earlier question directly, will he make an honest admission that this county is losing out on millions of pounds of EC money because of the Government's failure to include coastal protection in the Community Support Framework? Can he simply state that this country has got no money from EC funds for coastal protection?
(Limerick West): I have already answered that question.
The answer is "no".
(Limerick West): I will not repeat myself. Any admissions I make are honest.
