Brian O'Shea (Waterford, Labour)
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Question 1019: To ask the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the reason the amount to be spent on the coastal protection sub-programme under the National Development Plan 2007 to 2013 is substantially less than the amount provided under the previous NDP; the further reason no provision has been made to assist coastal counties, with low commercial rate bases that have serious coastal erosion problems and have difficulty meeting 25% local contribution; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2680/07]

John Browne (Wexford, Fianna Fail)
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The National Coastal Protection Strategy Study (NCPSS) was initiated by this department in 2003 and moves coastal protection planning from a year to year to a more long-term strategic basis. Underlying this study is the recognition that coastal erosion and flooding cannot be eliminated but must be managed going forward in an economically, environmentally and technically sustainable way. The study is nearing completion and its findings will be examined in detail at which stage any resource limitations will be addressed. Responsibility for coastal protection lies with the individual property owner whether it is a Local Authority or private individual. All requests for funding from Local Authorities are considered on a case by case basis and subject to Exchequer funding requirements. Where funding is provided to the Local Authorities they are required to contribute 25% of the total cost.