I propose to take Questions Nos. 41, 42, 50, 61, 62, 73, 75, 78, 84, 87, 88, 97 and 100 together.
I fully share the concerns of Deputies about the coastal erosion problems at Quilty, County Clare. I visited Quilty last week to see at first hand the extent of the problem and I had a very useful open meeting with the concerned residents.
I confirm that we have received from Clare County Council a detailed report on the problems at Quilty, which was drawn up for the county council by consulting engineers. The report sets out a number of options for addressing the erosion problems. I have asked my Department's engineering division to assess the report and advise me on solutions as a matter of urgency.
While available funding for coastal protection works in 1998 is already fully committed, I am giving high priority to the funding needs for a costed programme of works at Quilty in the context of the 1999 coastal protection programme. I will be glad to keep Deputies fully appraised of developments.