Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 25 January 2022
251. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform when the new sea wall will be built at Magheraroarty, Gortahork, County Donegal to protect the beach from further erosion; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2911/22]
View answerCoastal 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 enables Local Authorities to develop appropriate plans and strategies for the sustainable management of the coastline in their counties.
The Local Authorities may carry out coastal protection works using their own resources. If necessary, they may also put forward proposals to the relevant Government Departments for funding of appropriate measures.
The OPW operates the Minor Flood Mitigation Works and Coastal Protection Scheme since 2009, under which applications for funding from local authorities for small-localised works are considered for measures costing up to €750,000 in each instance. Funding for coastal risk management studies may also be applied for under this scheme. Funding of up to 90% of the cost is available for projects that meet the eligibility criteria including a requirement that the proposed measures are cost beneficial. It is a matter for each local authority to ensure that all the necessary environmental, statutory and regulatory approvals are in place prior to any works being undertaken.
The OPW guidelines for funding applications under the Minor Flood Mitigation Works and Coastal Protection Scheme are available on the OPW website at www.gov.ie/opw
While the OPW has no application in respect of a sea wall at this location., in 2018, Donegal County Council was approved funding of €76,500 under this scheme to carry out a Coastal Erosion Risk Management Study at Magheraroarty known as the Ballyness Bay Coastal Flooding and Erosion Risk Management Study. Works on the study are ongoing, The completed study will inform the appropriate measures necessary to address the coastal erosion risk into the future and identify any measures necessary to protect the identified community/business assets at risk.
