Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Wednesday, 25 Oct 1995

Vol. 457 No. 5

Written Answers. - Coastal Erosion.

Ned O'Keeffe

Ceist:

105 Mr. N. O'Keeffe asked the Minister for the Marine if his attention has been drawn to the serious problem of coastal erosion at Ballycotton, County Cork, where portions of land have been broken by high tides undermining a private property which could topple into the sea this year if severe storms and high tides are present; if his attention has been further drawn to the fact that this situation is reaching disastrous proportions; and if he will have an inspection carried out immediately and have funding made available to carry out the necessary work to prevent any further damage. [15736/95]

Minister for Defence (Mr. Barrett)

Cork County Council, along with other coastal local authorities, have identified and advised the Department of the Marine of a number of priority locations requiring coastal protection works. Ballycotton is among the locations identified. The proposals submitted by the council are being considered for grant aid over the remaining years of the Operational Programme for Environmental Services 1994-99.

I must draw the Deputy's attention to the fact that funding will not be made available in respect of projects designed solely to protect private property. Protection of such property is a matter for the property owner. Grant aid will only be made available in respect of works designed to protect public property and infrastructure and only where a positive cost benefit can be shown.