Vol. 502 No. 5
11 Mr. Bell asked the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources if his attention has been drawn to the very serious coastal erosion at Annagassan, County Louth; the plans, if any, he has to deal with the matter in conjunction with Louth County Council; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7720/99]
Grant aid of some £167,000 was provided between 1996 and 1998 to Louth County Council for coast protection works at Annagassan. Following the completion of this scheme last year, Louth County Council has signalled that their assessment that an extension of the coastal protection scheme to the north of the area is required.
I recently announced, under the 1999 coast protection programme, further financial assistance of up to £15,000 to the county council to undertake design and evaluation work for the proposed additional coastal protection scheme at Annagassan. The future funding needs for a costed programme of protection at Annagassan will be fully considered in light of this assessment.
Expenditure under the 1999 coastal protection programme will be almost £5 million. The represents a fivefold increase in the annual funding available in previous years. This very significant increase in Exchequer support for coast protection schemes underlines my commitment and that of the Government to tackling the serious threat of coastal erosion. I am determined to ensure that our coastline is protected and preserved in its own right and in the interests of those who live and work in coastal areas. In addition to 29 projects being grant aided this year, I have also committed funding to develop a geographical information system, GIS, and for coastal and aerial survey work. The data generated from this essential survey work will critically inform future coastal protection programmes.
