Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 28 April 2016
30. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the status of a case (details supplied) where land is being eroded by the sea; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8712/16]
View answerIt is a matter in the first instance, for each local authority to identify, investigate and address priority areas of their coastlines considered to be under significant threat from erosion. It is open to Kerry County Council to undertake coastal erosion remedial works using its own resources. If necessary, it may also put forward proposals to the relevant central Government Departments for funding of appropriate measures depending on the infrastructure or assets under threat. The Office of Public Works (OPW) operates the Minor Flood Mitigation Works and Coastal Protection Scheme, under which applications from local authorities are considered for measures costing not more than €500,000 in each instance. Funding for coastal erosion risk management studies may also be applied for under this scheme. Funding of up to 90% of the cost is available for projects which meet the eligibility criteria including a requirement that the proposed measures are cost beneficial.
Full details are available on the OPW's website at: http://www.opw.ie/en/floodriskmanagement/operations/minorfloodworkscoastalprotectionscheme/.
No application has been received to date by the OPW for the location referred to in this question. I believe the earlier works at this location referred to by the Deputy were carried out by Kerry County Council.
