Vol. 482 No. 7
36 Mr. Timmins asked the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources the EU funds, if any, there are available to combat coastal erosion; and, if so, if he will seek such funds for specific areas in the south east which are seriously affected by such erosion, particularly in counties Wicklow, Wexford and Waterford. [16317/97]
42 Mr. O'Shea asked the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources if he will ensure that adequate funding both at EU and national levels is provided to address, on an ongoing basis, the mounting problem of coastal erosion in the south east region's two maritime counties of Waterford and Wexford; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19013/97]
43 Mr. Ferris asked the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources the plans, if any, he has for an overall national strategy to deal with coastal erosion particularly regarding the widespread damage, in the south east; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19015/97]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 36, 42 and 43 together.
The Government is fully committed to the development of effective protection programmes for areas of the coastline which are threatened by erosion.
Funding for coast protection schemes has improved considerably in the recent past, with some £5.1 million available under the Operational Programme for Environmental Services 1994-99. I recognise, however, that a significant programme of investment is needed in the years ahead to allow the problem of erosion to be tackled effectively. I am currently reviewing the issues involved and possible solutions, and the development of coast protection strategies and priorities will be a key element in the definition of overall policy on coastal zone management in Ireland.
Counties Waterford, Wexford and Wicklow have benefited considerably from the funding currently available for coast protection.
Support was provided in 1996 towards emergency works at Cunnigar and Tramore, County Waterford and studies of the erosion problem at these sites, and a scheme at Tramore which will cost £150,000 has now been approved.
Considerable funds have also been made available in County Wexford over the last few years. Funding for a £100,000 rock revetment at Courtown and a £75,000 scheme of rock armouring at Duncannon has been provided and a major scheme, costing some £1.5 million, has been completed at Rosslare Strand.
In the case of County Wicklow, a major beach nourishment scheme is planned at Bray and will cost in the region of £2.5 million. Aid was also made available to Wicklow County Council during 1996 to undertake a beach and dune management scheme at Brittas Bay.
The needs of these counties will continue to receive full consideration, in the context of overall coast protection priorities and in the light of available funding.
