Vol. 427 No. 7
98 Mr. Byrne asked the Minister for the Marine his views on whether the higher grants from sources other than the local authority for harbour and coastal erosion work west of Helvick, County Waterford, discriminates against the south-east and east coasts.
The Department of the Marine provides grant-aid towards the cost of certain harbour development works at local authority owned harbours and towards certain coast protection schemes. The level of grant-aid, in accordance with long established practice, depends on geographic location. A 50 per cent grant-aid level is available in respect of projects on the East and South East coasts and a 75 per cent level is available in respect of the South West and West coasts.
I believe that the local authorities should continue to make a significant local contribution to the cost of such works. However, I do appreciate that in the present financial circumstances many local authorities have difficulties funding such works at the present contribution rate. This is especially so in the areas where the lower level of grant-aid is available. I am therefore reviewing the situation in consultation with the various maritime local authorities and the Ministers for the Environment and Finance. This review will include the matter raised by the Deputy.
