Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 13 May 2020
110. Deputy Frankie Feighan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the role the OPW plays in ensuring specific village infrastructure such as sewage infrastructure that is under threat from the damaging effects of coastal erosion is protected going forward; the way in which local communities can highlight such problems and concerns to the OPW; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3938/20]
View answer111. Deputy Frankie Feighan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the role the OPW and local authorities have in ensuring the protection of special areas of conservation as outlined by the European Commission such as sand dunes from the ruination caused from costal erosion; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3941/20]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 110 and 111 together.
Coastal erosion is a natural and ongoing process, which takes place around the entire coastline. Coastal erosion may threaten human life, infrastructure such as roads, and may undermine and cause damage to properties.
The Government has agreed to the establishment of an Inter-Departmental Group to scope out an approach for the development of an integrated, whole of Government coastal strategy, for managing our changing coast and to report back to Government within a period of 6 months with its initial findings and recommendations. The Inter-Departmental Group will be jointly chaired by the Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government and the Office of Public Works.
The Office of Public Works has no direct role in the protection of Special Areas of Conservation. The Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht has statutory responsibility under the 2011 Regulations to designate and advise on the protection of habitats and species identified for nature conservation, including Special Areas of Conservation and Special Protection Areas.
At a local level, Local Authorities lead on identifying works to protect the coast in their respective areas and, in areas identified as being at greatest risk of damage or loss of economic assets through coastal flooding, Local Authorities identify appropriate and sustainable measures to protect those assets. Where defence measures are economically justified and compatible with all required environmental and other statutory requirements, they can be implemented, subject to the availability of resources. Where necessary, Local Authorities may put forward proposals to relevant central Government Departments, including the OPW, for funding of appropriate measures, depending on the infrastructure or assets under threat.
