Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 7 Mar 1996

Vol. 462 No. 7

Written Answers. - Coastal Erosion Schemes.

Séamus Hughes

Question:

124 Mr. Hughes asked the Minister for the Marine the response, if any, from local authorities, particularly the marine counties along the western seaboard, regarding their views on the viability of restoring community employment schemes to undertake some immediate works which would halt further coastal erosion; whether his Department will supplement the meagre material and machinery grant available under community employment schemes; and if he will have arrangements made to offer marine engineer advice on the most suitable structures or methods to be employed. [5380/96]

Minister for the Marine (Mr. Barrett)

My Department is currently contacting the various coastal local authorities in relation to the serious and ongoing erosion problem around our coast. Given the limited funding available to my Department to assist with the undertaking of coastal protection works, I have requested that the local authorities be asked to consider how local communities or community employment schemes could be mobilised to help address the problem. I am conscious of the fact that in many instances protection works are capital intensive and require the use of heavy plant and machinery. However, there are circumstances where labour intensive works, such as dune management and planting, are required and these may lend themselves to community employment schemes. In addition, the question of local voluntary supply of raw materials, such as rock or embankment material, should also be examined. Indeed, I am aware of one particular proposal, Tawin Island, Co. Galway, where should funding become available a joint Council-Community scheme would be organised as local farmers have indicated their willingness to assist and make the necessary local materials available.

Should opportunities for such joint schemes be identified by local authorities, the Department of the Marine will, subject to engineering staff resources, continue to provide marine engineering advice to the local authorities.