Vol. 417 No. 3
59 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for the Marine if he will outline the action taken by his Department in 1991 to address the problem of coastal erosion; if he will further outline the locations which are to have work carried out in 1992, and if he will give details of the estimated costs of these works.
Primary responsibility for coast protection rests with maritime local authorities, some of which have undertaken protection work themselves. Owners of private property have, of course, a role in protecting their own interests. The policy of my Department is to facilitate the implementation of permanent schemes, where warranted, to prevent progressive erosion by the sea. To this end my Department during 1991 requested each maritime local authority to submit priorities for coast protection works. My Department are also exploring all possibilities for securing EC funding under a number of environmental programmes.
