Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 23 April 2024
76. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform the progress made to date with the survey of coastal erosion damage on Inishbofin Island; when a decision will be made on funding necessary works there, including the reinstatement of Roisin Pier (east end); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17768/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Office of Public Works (OPW) approved funding of €90,000 in 2015 under its Minor Flood Mitigation Works and Coastal Protection Scheme to Galway County Council in respect of a Coastal Erosion and Flood Risk Management study for Inishbofin Island as a whole, including the issues of concern at the East End Pier.
A comprehensive study was required to assess coastal erosion and flood risk on Inishbofin Island to examine the current processes effecting the coastline and to advise on appropriate measures to address these issues.
Galway County Council has since commissioned and completed the Coastal Erosion and Flood Risk Management study, and a draft final report is under review by the Council in consultation with the OPW. This study examined three individual areas of interest on Inishbofin Island, which included Cloonamore Bay where the East End pier is situated, Southern Shore and North Beach.
The main objective of the study is to develop a sustainable plan to best manage the risks to human health and life, the environment, cultural heritage and economic activity posed by coastal erosion and flooding. This study will also assess the feasibility of the potential coastal management measures.
It is envisaged that the report will be agreed and finalised in the coming months, and it will form the basis for subsequent applications for future works.
Funding for these works by Galway County Council is available under the OPW's Minor Flood Mitigation Works and Coastal Protection Scheme. The Scheme's eligibility criteria, including a requirement that any measures are cost beneficial, are published on the OPW website.
The Government recognises the clear challenge posed by coastal erosion and established an Inter-Departmental Group on Managing Coastal Change Strategy to scope out an approach for the development of a national co-ordinated and integrated strategy to manage the projected impact of coastal change to our coastal communities. The Report of the Group, which was published in October 2023, sets out 15 recommendations centred on developing responses to coastal change and developing a comprehensive whole of Government approach to the development of policy response to the challenge of coastal change.
