Vol. 403 No. 9
17 Mr. G. O'Sullivan asked the Minister for the Marine if, in view of the widespread concern regarding coastal erosion, he will outline any action he proposes to take to counteract this serious situation; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
State funding for coast protection was transferred from the Office of Public Works to the Department of the Marine on 1 January 1990. I indicated to the House, in February of this year, that my Department's role would be to facilitate the implementation of permanent schemes, where warranted, to prevent progressive erosion by the sea and that primary responsibility for coast erosion would rest, as heretofore, with local authorities.
A number of locations have been identified where valuable property is threatened by erosion and in regard to one of these — Arklow North Beach — I am pleased to report that a scheme of works, estimated to cost £1.9 million, is being undertaken by Wicklow County Council with 50 per cent grant assistance from my Department.
In 1991, and subsequent years, I hope to continue with the progress made in 1990. Some preliminary survey and design work has been undertaken in connection with proposals for schemes at the Maharees, County Kerry, Bray, County Wicklow and Rosslare Strand, County Wexford.
Finally, the unauthorised removal of beach material is a significant contributory cause of coastal erosion at a number of locations. My Department are in line with commitments given in the Government's environment action programme, preparing proposals on legislation to allow for greater control over the removal of beach material.
