Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 5 December 2018
162. Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the position regarding a minor works application (details supplied) in County Clare; when funding will be awarded; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51084/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am advised by my Department that it is a matter for Local Authorities, in the first instance, to assess and address problems of coastal erosion in their areas. Where necessary, Local Authorities may put forward proposals to relevant central Government Departments, including the OPW, for funding of appropriate measures depending on the infrastructure or assets under threat.
In this regard, the OPW Minor Flood Mitigation Works & Coastal Protection Scheme provides funding to Local Authorities to undertake minor flood mitigation or coastal protection works or studies, costing less than €0.75 million each, to address localised flooding and coastal protection problems within their administrative areas.
In 2015, Clare County Council received funding of €65,000 from the OPW, under this scheme, for a coastal erosion & risk management study for Quilty to Miltown Malbay, which produced recommendations for works at Spanish Point, Co Clare.
In September of this year, Clare County Council made an application to the OPW for funding for the provision of rock armour to protect against cliff erosion caused by waves and tides at Spanish Point. This application is currently under consideration by staff at the Office of Public Works, and a decision will be reached as soon as is possible within the available resources.
