Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 20 March 2013
286. Deputy Arthur Spring asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the strategy the Office of Public Works has developed to combat the coastal erosion to Rossbeigh Beach, County Kerry; the funding available to carry out this strategy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13930/13]
View answerThe investigation and addressing of problems of coastal erosion is a matter for Kerry County Council in the first instance. Following a review in 2011, the Office of Public Works published in early 2012 a revised funding application form together with detailed guidelines for coastal erosion projects under the Minor Flood Mitigation Works and Coastal Protection Scheme. The OPW notified Kerry County Council of the need to resubmit any relevant applications under the new criteria. No revised application in relation to Rossbeigh Beach has been received by the OPW to date.
It remains open to the Council to re-apply for funding under the Minor Works Scheme. Any application received will be assessed under the revised eligibility criteria, which include a requirement that any measures are cost beneficial, and having regard to the overall availability of funding. The application form and related guidelines are available on the OPW website. OPW has to date approved funding of €891,000 to Kerry County Council under the Minor Works Scheme.
