Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 17 November 2020
120. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he has met with Fingal County Council to address the issue of coastal erosion in Portrane, County Dublin; if funding has been provided to prevent further erosion in view of commitments to tackle the climate emergency; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36590/20]
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 OPW, 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 €1m 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.
The OPW 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 in preparation was discussed. This consultation process ended on the 16th October 2020 and full details are available on www.fingal.ie
I understand Fingal County Council is set to carry out emergency works in Portrane including protection works at Quay Road and the relocation of Seabees at Burrow beach. The works are required following serious coastal erosion caused by storm force winds and strong tidal surges during the summer and the recent removal and relocation of the seabees.
Engineering experts have recommended an extension of the existing rock armour defence by approximately 50 metres along Quay Road to protect the area through the winter of 2020/21.
An examination of services and ground conditions around the toilets will be carried out as soon as the rock armour works are completed to establish if any additional protective works are required in that location. Following the completion of rock armour, the demolition and removal of the existing toilets is planned. Temporary public toilets are expected to be installed during November.
In addition, Fingal County Council plans to relocate 100 seabees which were recently moved without authorisation causing damage to the dune system at Beach Lane. Following review by expert engineers the Council intends to replace these Seabees to their optimal position in the sea defence system to continue to reduce and delay coastal erosion.
The remedial works outlined above are to be undertaken under provisions of the Roads Act and will take approximately three weeks.
