Vol. 554 No. 5
99 Ms McManus asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if his attention has been drawn to the call made at the Local Authorities Members Association Conference in Tralee in April 2002 for a national action plan to combat coastal erosion; the steps being taken to combat coastal erosion; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17048/02]
I am aware that at the Local Authorities Members Association Conference in Tralee in April a call was made for the establishment of a national action plan to combat coastal erosion. There are growing concerns about coastal erosion and other changes to the coast as a result of climate change and other factors and there are calls for appropriate new national strategies.
I would like to explain that primary responsibility for coastal protection works rest with the property owner, be that a private individual or a local authority. However, substantial Exchequer funding has been made available for public safety, heritage and public infrastructure protection measures. Some €18.9 million has been provided by the Exchequer in the past five years and €4 million of Exchequer funds has been allocated for priority coastal protection works in 2002, the balance of 25% to be funded by the local authorities in question in accordance with standing arrangements.
Recently my Department wrote to all coastal local authorities requesting proposals in order of priority for consideration in the period 2003-06. The programme of works for the period 2003-06 will depend on the Exchequer funding allocated for these years and overall national priorities. Priority will be given to projects that protect public safety, public property or infrastructure; protect areas of socio-economic, tourism or recreational importance; support the economic development or increase the economic potential of coastal regions; provide essential protection for areas or features of environmental or heritage significance; and avert the need for costly remedial works at a later stage.
To inform a long-term strategy in relation to coastal erosion so as to take account of climate change and other adverse factors affecting key areas of the coast, my Department is now commencing a comprehensive coastal protection strategy study. The study will review the national coastline and its vulnerability to erosion or other change and the nature of the hinterland in social, economic and environmental terms. This will provide a firm basis for establishing national policies and coast protection priorities for a number of years ahead.
Why is it necessary to carry out a study of the kind described since such a study was carried out in the context of the preparation of the coastal zone management scheme? In relation to the moneys provided for in the national development plan for coastal protection, which was about £45 million, as then expressed, how much of that remains to be allocated in the next two years?
Regarding coastal zone management, we are embarking upon this survey to ascertain a broad strategy in relation to coastal protection. In relation to funding under the NDP, I do not have the figure for the 2003-06 period with me but I will indicate it to the Deputy after the conclusion of questions.
Is it the Minister's intention, given the call made at the LAMA conference, to bring forward a national coastal protection plan?
Yes. It depends on the outcome of the survey but I think it is important, given that a lot of coastal erosion relates to particular areas and not all local authorities are affected, that we have a broad view in relation to what areas are worst affected. As we unfortunately saw in recent times, it can happen in areas that perhaps have not had flooding for many a long year. From that point of view, it is high time we looked again at the overall strategy around the coast, and that is why we have asked local authorities to indicate their priorities because they know the coastline probably better than most.
In relation to the moneys which have already been allocated for coastal protection works, which I understand require some matching funding by local authorities or by property owners in a few cases, can the Minister tell the House what the take-up has been? What proportion of the moneys allocated has already been taken up by the local authorities concerned?
In relation to the take-up, if there are moneys that have not been allocated we would obviously then move on to additional projects that had not been indicated in the first tranche. The arrangement is that there is matching funding of 25% from the local authority. In 2001 there was an unprecedented level of spending –€7.7 million – which is larger than any previous year. In the past five years, somewhere in the region of €19 million has been made available.
Proposals to date for 2003 are estimated to cost €28 million. This is not to say this sum will be available, given that €7.7 million was made available in 2001. It is also necessary to prioritise.
Written Answers follow Adjournment Debate.
