The Department's coast protection programme seeks to address the most urgent instances of erosion on the Irish coastline. Coastal erosion affects all coastal counties and is particularly prevalent on the softer coastline in the east and south east of the country.
A value for money report carried out for the Department in March 2002 highlighted the need for a more strategic focus in addressing the problem of coastal erosion in Ireland. The Department initiated a coastal protection strategy study in 2003. The study addresses the nature and extent of erosion at various locations and different types of coastline in Ireland and seeks to identify the most effective means, technically, financially and environmentally, in responding to particular instances and types of erosion. It is expected that when this study is completed a more targeted approach to programme delivery will enable a greater level of efficiency to be achieved.
Under the coast protection measure of the National Development Plan 2000-2006, €52.01 million is identified for expenditure. Expenditure under this measure up to the end of 2004 was €32.19 million. Funding of €2.88 million is allocated to the Department for coast protection in 2005. The coastal protection programme for 2005 is under consideration at present.