asked the Minister for Finance if he is aware of the fact that considerable coastal erosion has occurred at Donabate, County Dublin, during the past five years; further, that no protection from erosion other than 14 feet of sand bank is afforded between the Brook, Portrane and Rogerstown; and, if so, whether he will take such steps as are necessary to prevent further erosion in this area.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Donabate Coast Erosion.
I am not aware of the matters mentioned in the Deputy's question, but in any event there is at present no statutory authority to enable the State to embark on coastal protection works.
asked the Minister for Finance whether he has examined the correspondence between the association representing the interests of farmers whose lands were flooded between Athlone and Banagher during August, and the Electricity Supply Board; whether he is aware that court proceedings have taken place to test the responsibility of the Electricity Supply Board for such flooding; whether he will take steps either to relieve doubts in the minds of the parties concerned or to provide State compensation or to direct the Shannon River authority to take some remedial action, or to deepen the Shannon channel from Athlone to Banagher at the earliest possible moment.
The operations of the Electricity Supply Board are governed by statute and are not subject to review by me. The reply to the last part of the question is in the negative.
Will the Minister say whether he has any further information for the deputation which he received some time ago as to what steps the Board of Works intend to take for the purpose of doing something for the people mentioned in this locality?
That is a separate question.
He will take no steps. Did he not say that?