Vol. 496 No. 1
46 Mr. Higgins (Mayo) asked the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources the locations for which he has received applications for coastal protection since he became Minister; the estimated cost of these works; the coastal protection measures, if any, carried out; and the locations and the costs involved. [21858/98]
49 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources the locations for which he has received applications for coastal protection since he became Minister; the estimated cost of these works; the coastal protection measures, if any, carried out; and the locations and the costs involved. [21861/98]
74 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources the locations for which he has received applications for coastal protection since he became Minister; the estimated cost of these works; the coastal protection measures, if any, carried out; and the locations and the costs involved. [21859/98]
99 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources the locations for which he has received applications for coastal protection since he became Minister; the estimated cost of these works; the coastal protection measures, if any, carried out; and the locations and the costs involved. [21860/98]
103 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources the locations for which he has received applications for coastal protection since he became Minister; the estimated cost of these works; the coastal protection measures, if any, carried out; and the locations and the costs involved. [21857/98]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 46, 49, 74, 99 and 103 together.
I have received a comprehensive array of proposals from local authorities for coastal protection works. These include projects submitted for consideration under the Coast Protection Measure of the Operational Programme for Environmental Services 1994-1999 and a considerable number of other projects submitted subsequently. It is estimated that the total cost of these works would be over £35 million.
Deputies will be aware that there was only £5 million available for coast protection under the operational programme in question. I am circulating in the Official Report a list of the schemes which have received grant aid under the programme and the total costs of the works involved.
The coastal erosion problem is undoubtedly significant. A study a number of years ago by the County and City Engineer's Association estimated some 1,500km of the coastline to be at risk with some 490km needing immediate attention. The problems however, likely to be exacerbated by the rise in sea levels associated with global warming, and expected increases in storm frequency and wave heights. It will be essential, therefore, to have an overall national strategy for addressing the problem, which will facilitate a clear and systematic identification and prioritisation of coast protection needs and the appropriate means of responding to specific instances of erosion. I intend to pursue the development of this strategy, in co-operation with other relevant Ministers, over the coming year. I will also be seeking in the next round of Structural Funds, a level of funding for coast protection commensurate with the serious problems which we face.
TABLE
Coast Protection Projects Grant-aided Under Operational for Environmental Services 1994-99
|
County |
Location |
£ Cost |
|
Louth |
Annagassan |
230,000 |
|
Meath |
Laytown |
200,000 |
|
Dublin |
The Burrow, Portrane |
30,000 |
|
Killiney |
230,000 |
|
|
Wicklow |
Bray |
932,000 |
|
Murrough |
160,000 |
|
|
Britas Bay |
50,000 |
|
|
Wexford |
Courtown |
105,000 |
|
Rosslare |
49,000 |
|
|
Duncannon |
75,000 |
|
|
Cullenstown |
4,000 |
|
|
Waterford |
Cunningar and Tramore |
300,000 |
|
Cork |
Ballycotton |
60,000 |
|
Rosscarbery |
38,000 |
|
|
Glandore |
163,000 |
|
|
Ardgroom |
51,000 |
|
|
Kerry |
Waterville |
200,000 |
|
Maherees |
147,000 |
|
|
Ballyduff |
40,000 |
|
|
Clare |
Rinevella |
133,000 |
|
Galway |
Tawin Island |
65,000 |
|
Gurteen |
75,000 |
|
|
Inishboffinn |
100,000 |
|
|
Mayo |
Bertra Beach |
139,000 |
|
Claggan Island |
15,000 |
|
|
Sligo |
Strandhill |
40,000 |
|
Enniscrone |
51,000 |
|
|
Donegal |
Inver |
10,000 |
|
Teelin |
80,000 |
