Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 8 May 1997

Vol. 479 No. 1

Written Answers. - Coastal Erosion.

Hugh Byrne

Question:

98 Mr. H. Byrne asked the Minister for the Marine if his attention has been drawn to the necessity of coastal erosion protection works at Cullenstown, County Wexford; if his attention has further been drawn to the two separate locations of major concern on Cullenstown beach; if his attention has further been drawn to the fact that funding for the problem on the eastern side has been diverted to the ball alley area because of technical difficulties with the eastern side; whether immediate funding of £100,000 will be made available for the eastern area when these difficulties are overcome; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12317/97]

Minister for the Marine (Mr. Barrett)

I have an application under the Foreshore Acts for consent to coastal protection works at the mouth of the Cull in Cullenstown, County Wexford, since August 1995. As I indicated on the Adjournment of this House on 6 March this year, I am not in a position to decide on the application pending a resolution of the wildlife issues involved between Wexford County Council and the National Parks and Wildlife Service.

I am anxious to see this problem resolved as soon as possible and have communicated this to both the council and NPWS. Officials of my Department continue to be available to assist both bodies to a mutually satisfactory proposal which can then be considered under the Foreshore Acts. A decision on funding at that time would take account of overall priorities and the availability of moneys under the coastal protection measure of the environmental services operational programme.