Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 24 Jun 1993

Vol. 432 No. 8

Written Answers. - National Coastal Erosion Committee Report.

Seán Barrett

Question:

89 Mr. Barrett asked the Minister for the Marine the progress, if any, in the implementation of the recommendations contained in the report prepared by the National Coastal Erosion Committee; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Minister of State at the Department of the Marine (Mr. G. O'Sullivan)

The policy of the Department of the Marine is to facilitate the implementation of permanent coast protection schemes, where warranted, to prevent progressive erosion by the sea. To this end, a national programme of coastal protection works is being formulated and in this regard all maritime local authorities were invited during 1991, to submit a list of priorities for coastal protection projects which they feel would be warranted and feasible and for which they would be prepared to make funds available. On the basis of the submissions received the Department of the Marine is actively seeking funding for a comprehensive coast protection programme under the next round of Structural Funds allocations.

The Department of the Marine has given careful consideration to the report of the National Coastal Erosion Committee and recognises that the entire coastal area represents an asset which must be protected and managed. As I indicated at the Irish Planning Institute's Annual Conference which was held recently in Cork, the Department of the Marine is reviewing its approach to coastal protection and embracing the concepts of coastal zone management which gives a more comprehensive overview rather than looking solely at individual projects. This approach will require closer co-operation between the Department of the Marine and coastal local authorities in regard to the planning and management of all aspects of the coastal zone.