Tony Killeen
Question:973 Mr. Killeen asked the Minister for the Marine if he will introduce a grant scheme to enable local authorities, individuals and others to undertake works to combat sea erosion or to reconstruct sea walls. [15329/96]
Written Answers. - Coastal Erosion.
Responsibility for coastal protection lies with the property owner whether that be a local authority or private individual. My Department's role is to assist in the management of the coastal zone rather than specific sites.
That being said, limited funding of approximately £1 million per annum is available under the Operational Programme for Environmental Services, 1994 to 1999 to assist local authorities to undertake priority protection works. Funding under this programme is available for the protection of public properties. Aid allocations are made annually following assessment of the priority proposals submitted by the coastal local authorities. Funding is not available for the protection of private property unless a compelling case can be made, such as the property contains some unique flora or fauna or national historical monument within the property.
John Browne
Question:974 Mr. Browne (Wexford) asked the Minister for the Marine his views on whether during his recent visit to County Wexford to view the problems of coastal erosion there that one of the worst areas was at Ballyconnigar, Blackwater, County Wexford; and whether he will instruct Wexford County Council to make part of the recent £100,000 allocation available to deal with the problem at Ballyconnigar. [15361/96]
A provision of £100,000 was made available to Wexford County Council under the 1996 coast protection programme. The members of the council examined the competing demands for use of this money and decided to spend all of it in Courtown.