Vol. 463 No. 8
198 Mr. Bell asked the Minister for the Marine the plans, if any, he has to sanction a scheme to combat coastal erosion which has reached crisis level at Annagessan, County Louth; if he will respond favourably to the plans submitted to his Department by Louth County Council; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that some dwellings in the area are now in serious danger; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7568/96]
Under the Operational Programme for Environmental Services 1994-99 some £5.1 million is being made available to help address the serious erosion problem around our coast. All coastal local authorities have submitted details of their protection priorities. Indeed, only recently Louth County Council submitted proposals specifically defined and prioritised for consideration by my Department. These proposals will be considered along with the proposals from the other local authorities.
The total cost of all the proposals submitted by the various local authorities far exceeds the funding available. Therefore, it will not be possible to undertake all the proposals submitted.
The bulk of the moneys available for protection works in 1996 has been committed. The possible undertaking of any other works will be considered when it is clear what residue remains after placing contracts for 1996.
I would, however, like to point out that the protection of private property including dwellings is a matter for the private property owner.
