Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 16 January 2014
110. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the protective and rehabilitative works he intends to carry out on beaches that were damaged during recent storms; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2055/14]
View answerThe investigation and addressing of coastal protection and erosion problems are matters for the local authority concerned in the first instance.
The Office of Public Works wrote on 10 January, 2014 to City and County Managers in coastal counties indicating it will accept applications under its Minor Flood Mitigation Works & Coastal Protection Scheme for repairs to built flood defences and coastal protection structures which have been damaged by the storms. This is a once-off measure to reinstate built coastal defences to their pre storm condition. The specific application form for this is entitled Coastal Storm Flooding Damage Questionnaire 2014 and is available on OPW's website www.opw.ie under Flood Risk Management. The work for which funding is sought will be carried out by the Local Authorities.
OPW funding is not available for repairs of other damaged infrastructure or facilities such as roads, promenades, boardwalks, piers, car parks, etc. Local authorities should apply separately to other relevant Government Departments and State Bodies in this regard.
