Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 17 April 2018
296. Deputy Jan O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the OPW's plans to address coastal erosion in Laytown, Bettystown and Mornington, County Meath; if he will publish details on the impact of erosion of the coastline in east County Meath; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15726/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraWhile the Office of Public Works (OPW) does not have responsibility for coastal erosion policy or strategy, the OPW has undertaken a national assessment of coastal erosion (including erosion rates) under the Irish Coastal Protection Strategy Study (ICPSS) and the results of this study have been published on the OPW website. The relevant reports and associated predictive erosion hazard mapping (to 2050) may be viewed at https://www.opw.ie/en/flood-risk-management/floodanderosionmapping/icpss/
This Study has surveyed and assessed the coastal erosion risk along the entire national coastline and this information is available to all Local Authorities, including Meath County Council, to enable them to meet their responsibility to develop appropriate plans and strategies for the sustainable management of the coastline in their counties. These plans and strategies include the identification, prioritisation and, subject to the availability of resources, the implementation of works both of a structural and non-structural nature.
The Local Authorities may carry out coastal erosion works using their own resources. Where coastal erosion could give rise to a coastal flood risk, the OPW operates the Minor Flood Mitigation Works and Coastal Protection Scheme, under which applications for funding from local authorities are considered for measures costing up to €750,000 in each instance. In that context, funding for coastal erosion risk management studies may also be applied for under this scheme. Funding of up to 90% of the cost is available for projects which meet the eligibility criteria including a requirement that the proposed measures are cost beneficial.
The OPW has published guidelines for coastal erosion risk management measures and funding applications under the Minor Flood Mitigation Works and Coastal Protection Scheme, available on the OPW website at: https://www.opw.ie/en/media/Final%20Guidelines%20&%20Schedules%20A%20&%20B%2030-03-12.pdf
