Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 9 April 2024
345. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform if funding will be allocated to help with coastal erosion in a location (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14312/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraLocal coastal erosion issues are a matter, in the first instance, for each Local Authority to investigate and address. Where necessary, Local Authorities may put forward proposals to relevant central Government Departments, including the Office of Public Works (OPW), for funding of appropriate measures depending on the infrastructure or assets under threat.
In 2018 the OPW approved funding of €150,000 to Kerry County Council under the OPW Minor Flood Mitigation Works and Coastal Protection Scheme to carry out a coastal erosion and flood risk management study for Tralee Bay in 2018. The study area included the location detailed by the Deputy.
Kerry County Council submitted a draft report of the study to the OPW for comment in May 2023. The OPW subsequently reverted to Kerry County Council with comments on the report in June 2023. On foot of the OPW comments additional information was submitted by Kerry County Council in March 2024. This additional information is currently under review by the OPW.
It is open to Kerry County Council to submit a further application for funding under the Minor Flood Mitigation Works and Coastal Protection scheme for the area concerned if necessary. If such an application is received, the OPW will assess the application having regard to the specific economic, social and environmental criteria of the scheme, including a cost benefit ratio and the availability of funding for flood risk management.
