Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 22 Mar 2000

Vol. 516 No. 4

Written Answers. - Coastal Protection.

Trevor Sargent

Question:

29 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources his response, if any, to the concerns raised by Portmarnock Community Association (details supplied) that the £200,000 conservation plan for the dune system at Velvet Strand, Portmarnock, County Dublin, is focused on hard engineering measures in view of the reference in the 1996 report, Towards a Marine Policy for Ireland, to sea walls being less used rather than beach nourishment and planned retreat. [4907/00]

Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources (Mr. Fahey)

The Velvet Strand at Portmarnock is within the jurisdiction of Fingal County Council. Accordingly, it is a matter for the county council in the first instance to consider what conservation works might be required at that location. Any request made by the local authority for funding for coast protection works, or any application for a licence under the Foreshore Acts, 1933 to 1998, if required by virtue of the location of the proposed works, will be fully assessed by my Department by reference to all relevant technical and other criteria.

I can confirm that a submission has been received from the association referred to by the Deputy and this will be considered fully in the context of any proposals in respect of the Velvet Strand submitted in due course by Fingal County Council.