Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 18 October 2018
116. Deputy Alan Farrell asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the status of actions his Department will take to tackle coastal erosion in Portrane; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42852/18]
View answerI am very familiar with the situation at Portrane and I have visited the area. Fingal County Council is leading on this issue, as it is a matter for local authorities in the first instance to assess and address problems of coastal erosion in their areas.
In response to serious coastal erosion problems at The Burrow, Portrane, Fingal County Council is implementing interim emergency measures to protect properties at risk. The council has engaged contractors to install three lines of “SeaBee” units, filled with stone, which will be placed along a 270-metre stretch. The five-tonne reinforced concrete blocks are approximately 1.4 metres high and 1.7 metres wide, and will be placed about 15 metres from the face of the sand dunes. The “SeaBees” are designed to reduce the force of waves impacting the coastline during stormy conditions. Installation will be carried out during October and November
Funding of €456,464 has been approved under the OPW Minor Flood Mitigation Works and Coastal Protection Scheme for the temporary interim emergency measures.
Fingal County Council has also identified a potential permanent coastal protection option and assessment of this option is ongoing.
