Michael Smith
Ceist:80 Mr. M. Smith asked the Minister for the Marine the plans, if any, he has to combat coastal erosion in 1996; and the resources that will be provided in respect of this problem. [2230/96]
Written Answers. - Coastal Erosion.
As I indicated to this House in answer to Question No. 627 on 23 January 1996, final decisions have yet to be made on the programme of protection works to be undertaken by the Department of the Marine this year.
I would like, however, to advise the House of the emerging position for 1996. There is a commitment from 1995 to complete works in respect of Killiney, County Dublin and Ardgroom, County Cork. These works involve, in the case of Killiney, the stabilisation of the cliff and the consequent protection of the roadway and rail line; the works at Ardgroom are aimed at protecting the roadway at Pallas Pier, which is used by the local aquaculture industry. The total cost of these works to the Marine vote in 1996 is likely to be in the region of £107,000. The Vote provision is £760,000 which translates into a total expenditure of over £1 million, given a 25 per cent contribution from non-Exchequer sources.
A major programme of works at Bray, County Wicklow, is due to commence this year, to be completed over 2 or 3 years. The overall cost of the project, which involves securing the promenade and a section of the harbour wall, will be about £2.3 million.
Whether other minor works can be engaged in this year, in addition to those planned for Killiney, Ardgroom and Bray, will depend on the final cost of these projects, particularly the programme of works at Bray.