Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 26 February 2014
35. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he will provide funding for repair work to coastal shore paths to address damage caused by recent storms; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9435/14]
View answer39. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the funding he has put in place to deal with coastal erosion in County Donegal and nationally following the recent storms; if he has provided funding for repair of coastal shore paths; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9434/14]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 35 and 39 together.
Last week the Government announced the allocation of a sum of up to €70 million for a programme of repair and remediation works arising from the recent severe weather. Of this sum, up to €20 million may be provided for restoring coastal protection infrastructure. This figure derives from estimates provided by the local authorities to the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government and I understand that, within this total €20 million figure, the estimate provided by Donegal County Council was €662,000. However the actual amount of funding to be provided to Donegal County Council for repair of damaged coastal protection infrastructure will not be finalised until the applications for funding from the Council have been fully assessed.
It is a matter for Donegal County Council in the first instance to investigate and address coastal protection issues generally in the county, including remedial works required on foot of damage from the recent storms.
The Office of Public Works wrote on 10 January, 2014 to the Donegal County Managers indicating that it will accept applications under its Minor Flood Mitigation Works & Coastal Protection Scheme for funding to assist with repairs to built flood defences and coastal protection structures in the County which have been damaged by the recent storms. This is a once-off measure to reinstate built coastal defences to their pre storm condition. The specific application form for this entitled Coastal Storm Damage Flooding Questionnaire 2014 is again available on www.opw.ie under Flood Risk Management. Any 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 at coastal locations such as roads, promenades, boardwalks, piers, car parks, coastal paths, etc. Local authorities should apply separately to other relevant Government Departments and State Bodies in this regard.
It is also open to Local Authorities to carry out flood mitigation and coast protection works using their own resources.
