I propose to take Questions Nos. 176 and 177 together.
I visited this area recently and am aware of the excellent work that has been undertaken by Meath County Council in Laytown.
Following the severe storms of Winter 2013/2014, the Government allocated funding for clean-up, repair and restoration works in relation to public infrastructure that was damaged in the period 13 December 2013 to 6 January 2014. Funding for the repair of damaged coastal protection and flood defence infrastructure was made available to the Local Authorities via the Office of Public Works (OPW), based on programmes of works submitted by the local authorities.
Total funding of €126,792 was allocated by the OPW to Meath County Council for the repair of damaged coastal protection infrastructure. The Council has confirmed that the works at Laytown, including the replacement of sea defence systems (gabions/rock armour revetment) were carried out using this funding. This was a once-off allocation, and no further funding is available under this stream. The OPW was therefore not in a position to approve an application for further funding in this regard received earlier this year from Meath County Council.
As the works at Laytown were carried out by Meath County Council, details on the full cost of those works should be sought directly from the Local Authority.