Coastal Protection

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 12 February 2013

Tuesday, 12 February 2013

Questions (330)

Tom Fleming

Question:

330. Deputy Tom Fleming asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if funding will be made available to carry out emergency coastal protection works in an area (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7078/13]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform (Deputy Brian Hayes)

The Office of Public Works is not aware of coastal erosion issues at this location. Investigation of this matter is the responsibility of Kerry County Council in the first instance.

It is open to the Council to apply for funding under the Minor Flood Mitigation Works and Coastal Protection Scheme. Any application received will be assessed under the revised eligibility criteria for coastal protection measures introduced by the OPW in 2012, which include a requirement that any measures are cost beneficial, and having regard to the overall availability of funding. Application forms and related guidelines are available on the OPW website.

The Office of Public Works has to date approved funding of €891,000 to Kerry County Council under the Minor Flood Mitigation Works & Coastal Protection Scheme.