Fergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael)
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194. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform his plans, following his recent visit to the area, for the urgent coastal works needed at Laytown and Bettystown; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46514/18]

Kevin Moran (Longford-Westmeath, Independent)
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I visited this area recently and am aware of the issues in this location, as well as the excellent work that has been undertaken by Meath County Council in Laytown. I am advised that, in the first instance, the management of problems of coastal protection in the area indicated remains a matter for Meath County Council.

Following the severe storms of Winter 2013/2014, the Government allocated funding for clean-up, repair and restoration works in relation to public infrastructure that was damaged in the period 13 December 2013 to 6 January 2014. Funding for repair of damaged coastal protection and flood defence infrastructure was made available to the local authorities via the Office of Public Works (OPW) based on programmes of works submitted by the local authorities. Total funding of €126,792 was allocated by the OPW to Meath County Council for the repair of damaged coastal protection infrastructure. The Council has confirmed that the works at Laytown, including the replacement of gabions/rock armour revetment sea defence systems were carried out using this funding. This, however, was a once off allocation and no further funding is available under this stream.

Meath County Council can apply for funding under the Office of Public Works’ (OPW) Minor Flood Mitigation Works and Coastal Protection Scheme, under which applications for funding from Local Authorities are considered for measures costing not more than €750,000 in each instance. Funding of up to 90% of the cost is available for projects that meet the eligibility criteria, including a requirement that the proposed measures are cost beneficial.