Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 14 May 2019
511. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government if consideration will be given to establishing a high-level interdepartmental task force working with local authorities to drive strategic policy on coastal erosion and flooding with a view to putting a national policy framework in place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20867/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Office of Public Works (OPW) is the lead State body for the coordination and implementation of Government policy on the management of flood risk in Ireland. The OPW is also the national authority for the implementation of the EU Directive 2007/60/EC on the assessment and management of flood risks. This role includes responsibility for defences and protection against coastal erosion.
I understand that the OPW has been asked to carry out an exercise to analyse and assess the nature and extent of the coastal erosion and flooding problem, to identify public bodies with relevant roles and responsibilities, and to make recommendations to Government on the structural arrangements required to address the issue at a strategic level.
I expect that my Department will be one of many public authorities included in the consultations required to carry out this exercise.
