I propose to take Questions Nos. 575 and 576 together.
The position is as set out in to Parliamentary Questions No. 333 of 15 September 2020 and No. 143 of 13 October 2020 referenced by Deputy O’Callaghan. Given that this is a strategic scoping exercise and having regard to the early stage of the work of the Steering and Working Groups, I am not in a position to comment on, nor do I wish to pre-empt, the approach that will be taken to progressing this important project.
In terms of residents living in areas that are specifically impacted by coastal erosion, this is a local matter under the operational jurisdiction of the Minister of State with responsibility for the Office of Public Works (OPW). In that regard, I would like to draw the Deputy’s attention to Parliamentary Question No. 124 of 8 October 2020 and the answer provided by my colleague, Minister of State Patrick O’Donovan, where Minister O’Donovan detailed measures being undertaken by the OPW, in conjunction with Fingal County Council, to address the immediate issues caused by coastal erosion at Portrane, County Dublin. For the Deputy’s information, I understand that Fingal County Council are, this week, undertaking certain coastal erosion protection works at Quay Road, Portrane.
More generally, coming from a constituency affected by coastal erosion and having visited the areas mentioned in the Question, I am very aware of the potential impacts and urgency of the situation faced by residents of coastal areas, and I look forward to working with the Group and progressing its findings through Government.
