Grant aid of some £167,000 was provided to Louth County Council between 1996 and 1998 for protection works at Annagassan. Further assistance of up to £15,000 has been made available in the current year for design and evaluation studies in connection with a proposed extension of that scheme. Funding requirements for 2000, in respect of Annagassan and other locations, will be considered in the overall coast protection capital programme having regard to the funding available and national coast protection priorities.