I agree with the Deputy that coastal erosion is an important matter and note his comments on addressing as a priority the impact of coastal erosion on the environment in an EU wide context during Ireland's EU Presidency.
I would say at the outset that coastal erosion is a natural and ongoing process and it only becomes a problem when it threatens human life, infrastructure and properties. It differs significantly from coastal flooding, as assets are permanently lost. Dealing with problems of coastal erosion also requires a somewhat different approach to problems of flooding and must be addressed in a sensitive manner.
The management of problems of coastal erosion in any particular area is first and foremost a matter for the relevant local authority. The local authority must assess the problem in the first instance and, if it considers that specific measures and works are required, it can submit an application to the OPW for funding to implement those measures under the OPW's Minor Coastal Works Scheme. This Scheme is one of the principal means through which the OPW, in conjunction with the local authorities, is tackling the problems of coastal erosion.
Applications for funding under the Minor Works Scheme are assessed by the OPW to ensure that the works proposed are viable and are based on a robust technical analysis and assessment of the problems. To be eligible for funding the proposals must also be shown to be cost beneficial and have a sound economic justification. OPW requires that proposals and funding applications for structural measures to prevent or mitigate erosion should be done in conjunction with an appropriate coastal erosion risk management study, which fully investigates, substantiates and demonstrates the merits of the measures being proposed.
Significant work has been carried out under the Irish Coastal Protection Strategy Study (ICPSS) which is a major examination being undertaken by the consultancy group RPS to assess and identify the most significant areas of erosion risk for the entire national coastline. This major study is virtually complete and it will provide invaluable and essential information required to inform policy in this area.
The ICPSS is mapping the entire national coastline and the erosion hazard maps produced and published under the study will be available to local planners to inform and guide decisions on local coastal planning issues. This is very important element in the overall management framework to deal with problems of coastal erosion as it is vitally important that the correct decisions are made to avoid future risk associated with inappropriate developments in coastal areas.
