Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 13 April 2017
29. Deputy Alan Farrell asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform his plans to address the issue of coastal erosion at the Burrow, Portrane; the detail of his Department's engagement with the local authority to resolve this matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18347/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe management of problems of coastal protection in the area indicated is a matter for Fingal County Council in the first instance. The Council must assess the problem and, if it is considered that specific measures and works are required, it is open to the Council to apply for funding under the Office of Public Works' (OPW) Minor Flood Mitigation Works & Coastal Protection Scheme. Any application received will be assessed under the eligibility criteria, which include a requirement that any measures are cost beneficial, and having regard to the overall availability of funding.
Fingal County Council applied for and was approved funding of €57,800 under this scheme in 2012 to carry out a Coastal Erosion Risk Management Study of Portrane to Rush. The funding was drawn down in 2013 following completion of the study.
Following the severe storms of Winter 2013/2014 and on foot of submissions made by the local authority, total funding of €200,000 was provided by the OPW to Fingal County Council under the Government decision S180/20/10/1272 of 11 February 2014 to allocate funding for the repair of damaged coastal protection infrastructure. Part of this funding was for a dunes repair project at Burrow beach, Portrane. This project was not proceeded with by Fingal County Council at the time and the Council indicated that this would form part of a separate application under the Minor Works scheme.
I visited Portrane on 21 February 2017 to view myself the effects of coastal erosion in the area. I met with local Deputies, local representatives, residents and property owners and I was impressed by the level of engagement locally and with the Council officials in exploring options to address the problem. I know that Fingal County Council is working hard to identify an appropriate and sustainable solution to the problem at Portrane in advance of submitting an application to the OPW for funding to carry out works.
I have been advised that my Office is not in receipt of any application from Fingal County Council currently under the Minor Flood Mitigation Works and Coastal Protection Scheme for dune protection works at Portrane. My Office remains available to work in partnership with Fingal County Council to provide any assistance possible to alleviate the effects of coastal erosion at this location.
