Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 8 October 2020
124. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if recent meetings have taken place with officials from the relevant Departments and stakeholders in respect of the coastal erosion problem at Portrane, County Dublin; if so, the decisions which were taken; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29381/20]
View answerI am advised, in respect of coastal erosion at the Burrow, Portrane, County Dublin, that 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. Where necessary, Local Authorities may put forward proposals to relevant central Government Departments, including the Office of Public Works, for funding of appropriate measures depending on the infrastructure or assets under threat.
In 2018, in response to serious coastal erosion problems at The Burrow, Portrane, Fingal County Council implemented temporary interim emergency measures to protect properties at risk. Funding of €456,464 was approved under the OPW Minor Flood Mitigation Works and Coastal Protection Scheme for these works. A further extension to these interim emergency measures along the Burrow, Portrane is now being progressed, in two phases, with total additional funding of nearly EUR1m to be provided by the OPW under the Minor Flood Mitigation Works and Coastal Protection Scheme.
Consultants appointed by Fingal County Council have prepared a draft plan to address significant and medium- to long-term coastal change in the Portrane Peninsula/ Rogerstown Outer Estuary area. Fingal County Council has advised that due to the ecological sensitivity of the site and the complexity of the issues involved, it is likely that the assessment of this plan, which will include extensive public consultation, environmental assessment and the relevant consent processes, will take over a year to complete.
My Office continues to co-operate and assist Fingal County Council in every way and if a viable option is identified, the Council may submit a further application for funding to the Office of Public Works or other Government Departments as appropriate. A meeting last took place on 12th June 2020 between the Office of Public Works and Fingal County Council where the public consultation process which is currently ongoing was discussed. This consultation process ends on the 16th October 2020 and full details are available on www.fingal.ie
