Vol. 463 No. 8
190 Miss Coughlan asked the Minister for the Marine if moneys will be provided as a matter of urgency for a coastal erosion problem at Casson Sound, St. John's Point, Dunkineely, County Donegal, whereby a person (details supplied) in County Donegal is in danger of losing her home into the sea. [7353/96]
Primary responsibility for coastal erosion lies with the property owner, whether that is a private individual or a local authority. The Department of the Marine's primary responsibility is the management of the coastal zone rather than specific sites.
A limited amount of funding under the operational programme for environmental services is available to my Department to assist in the undertaking of protection works. However, this funding will only be made available through local authorities for the protection of public property, including beach and dune systems. No funding is available for works designed solely to protect private property.
However, if the Deputy contacts me directly in relation to this particular case I am prepared to ask my Department's engineers to visit the location and advise on possible remedial works.
191 Miss Coughlan asked the Minister for the Marine the consideration, if any, he will give to making emergency funding available under the operational programme for environmental services to save the sand dunes at Inver Beach and Mountcharles Beach, County Donegal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7384/96]
My Department is aware of erosion difficulties arising at these locations. Our engineers advise that a significant cause of erosion of the dunes is over grazing by cattle. Should Donegal County Council feel it appropriate, in the context of protecting the dunes and reducing erosion, they should apply for appropriate prohibitory orders for these locations. Should such an application be received I will consider the matter further.
