Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 16 November 2021
92. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform his responsibilities with respect to addressing issues of coastal erosion in Portrane and Fingal, County Dublin; the steps he has taken to assist residents at this location whose homes are under threat of collapsing into the sea due to coastal erosion; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54214/21]
View answerThe Office of Public Works (OPW) prime responsibility in this area is the management of flood risk.The OPW does not have responsibility for the preparation of a national coastal erosion strategy. The OPW's prime responsibility in this area is the management of flood risk. However, the Government has established an Inter-Departmental Group on Managing Coastal Change to scope out an approach for the development of a national co-ordinated and integrated strategy to manage the projected impact of coastal change to our coastal communities. The Inter-Departmental Group is jointly chaired by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage and the OPW and will bring forward options and recommendations for the Government to consider.
Coastal protection and localised flooding issues are matters, in the first instance, for each local authority to investigate and address. To assist Local Authorities in managing the coastline for coastal erosion, the OPW has undertaken a national assessment of coastal erosion (including erosion rates) under the Irish Coastal Protection Strategy Study (ICPSS) and the results of this study have been published on the OPW website. This data assists Local Authorities to develop appropriate plans and strategies for the sustainable management of the coastline in their counties.
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 was approved under the OPW Minor Flood Mitigation Works and Coastal Protection Scheme for these works.
Fingal County Council commissioned a Coastal Flood and Erosion Risk Assessment Report for the Rogerstown Outer estuary and an Options Report for addressing Coastal Erosion and Flooding at Portrane and Rush. I am advised that the Council, in consultation with relevant state agencies, has procured the preparation of the Rogerstown Estuary Coastal Flooding and Erosion Management Plan to address coastal change in the estuary. The environmental assessments and site investigations necessary to progress a scheme in this area are being undertaken, including public consultation. The Council plans to submit these proposals to An Bord Pleanála for planning approval during 2022.
I visited the area myself recently and met officials from Fingal County Council and local representatives. 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 OPW or other Government Departments as appropriate.
