Austin Deasy
Question:94 Mr. Deasy asked the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources the future scheme, if any, being prepared in conjunction with Waterford County Council to protect the sand dune area of Tramore beach. [10858/99]
Written Answers. - Coastal Protection.
Austin Deasy
Question:95 Mr. Deasy asked the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources if he will provide funding to Waterford County Council for urgently needed coastal erosion remedial works at the Cunnigar to eliminate the danger of breaching in two areas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10859/99]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 94 and 95 together.
Under the operational programme for environmental services 1994-99 grant aid of some £200,000 was made available to Waterford County Council in 1996 and 1997 towards coast protection schemes at Cunnigar and Tramore costing £266,164.
I recently announced my Department's coast protection programme for 1999, under which financial assistance will be provided for 29 projects which will be carried out in conjunction with local authorities. In addition, 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. This year's programme involves expenditure of some £4.9 million to combat coastal erosion and represents a fivefold increase on the annual funding available in previous years.
Waterford County Council has not to date applied to my Department for further financial assistance towards implementation of other coast protection measures at Cunnigar or Tramore.