Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Thursday, 18 May 1995

Vol. 453 No. 2

Written Answers. - Coastal Management.

Séamus Hughes

Ceist:

30 Mr. Hughes asked the Minister for the Marine the proposals, if any, that will be included in the development of a coastal zone management policy to combat coastal erosion to private property which is increasing at an alarming rate. [88238/95]

Séamus Hughes

Ceist:

47 Mr. Hughes asked the Minister for the Marine the proposals, if any, he has to combat coastal erosion to private property and particularly to a private property (details supplied) in County Mayo used for public purposes. [88230/95]

Minister for the Marine (Mr. Coveney)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 30 and 47 together.

Primary responsibility for coastal protection lies with the property owner, whether it be a private individual or a local authority.

I will of course facilitate, where warranted, anyone who wishes to implement an appropriate coast protection scheme by granting a foreshore licence. For the first time ever EU funding is being made available for coast protection works for which an economic benefit can be shown.

Some £5.1 million is being made available over the life of the Operational Programme for Environmental Services 1994-99. Although this represents a significant increase on funding levels in recent years — which was £100,000 for capital works — it is still a relatively small sum.

In order to draw up a list of national priorities the Department sought details from maritime local authorities of their top four priority protection proposals. The submissions received are being assessed by the Department and the projects to be undertaken between now and 1999 will be chosen from the proposals submitted. The bulk of funding available in 1995 has already been allocated and final decisions have yet to be made in relation to the remaining funds.

The primary objective of the Department's investment in coast protection works is the preservation of the State owned foreshore; local authority property; tourist amenities including the beach and dune system; and natural habitats-ecology. Private property is only protected as a consequence of protection works being undertaken in respect of the outlined objectives. Furthermore, protection works will only be undertaken if the cost of the protection works and subsequent maintenance is less than the cost of the property being protected and then, only if such works support rural development, tourism, environmental protection or other activities contributing to the economic potential of coastal regions.

As the present allocation is inadequate to meet our needs I will be reviewing over the coming year how to get additional funds for the purpose of coast protection. With regard to Coastal Zone Management policy the Government is beginning to examine the whole area with a view to formulating a national policy. To this end, a study is being commissioned jointly by the Departments of the Marine, Environment and the Office of Public Works. This study, which will be commissioned within the next few weeks, will make recommendations for coastal zone management policy for Ireland, taking account of the specific potential and problems of the coastal zone in Ireland, including issues arising from overlapping administration structures and boundaries.

The study will take approximately six months to complete. At that stage there will be full public consultation on the matter.