asked the Minister for Finance what steps he proposes to take to deal with the problem of coast erosion.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Coast Erosion.
12.
No decision has yet been taken regarding measures to deal with the problem generally but exploratory work is in progress at Rosslare Strand.
Are we to understand from the Minister's reply that, because his own constituency has had some exploratory work carried out, the question of general coast erosion round the country is to be shelved indefinitely?
No, the matter is still under consideration but I took the view that the measures introduced by my colleagues opposite would not be effective. I also took the view, I must say, that to get an estimate from any sort of reputable person for a matter like that at Rosslare it would be an estimate on a conservative basis and therefore very costly and I thought exploratory work would be much more efficient.
Rosslare is still an experiment?
Yes.
Does the Minister not recall that various Deputies of his Party, when they were on this side of the House, expressed the view vehemently that the matter was one of the greatest possible urgency for parts of the country other than Wexford? I particularly remember Deputy Corry being somewhat abusive on that subject, contrary to his usual form.
I can understand Deputies from any Party holding that view. It is a very important matter and, of course, it is a very difficult matter.
In other words, now that the Minister is in power he is not bothering about it.
Could the Minister say when he will have any information as to whether the experiment at Rosslare has been successful or otherwise?
No, I have not been able to get a firm answer on that question.