Malcolm Byrne (Wicklow-Wexford, Fianna Fail)

This is something to raise with the Department in order for local authorities to be prepared.

I want to move to one other issue that has not been touched on. I represent the Wicklow-Wexford constituency. Coastal erosion is a very significant problem. With Storm Éowyn the University of Galway estimated that the power of the surge was up to 2.5 m above the normal predicted total water level. I am sure that Mr. Ó Domhnaill can talk about the impact on coastal communities. The Rosslare rail line is a poor enough service as it is at the moment but if we are dealing with tidal surges, it may disappear. We have seen really serious problems with coastal erosion in places such as Brittas Bay, Courtown, and Kilpatrick on the Wicklow-Wexford border. Perhaps this is more an issue for the Department than for local authorities, and Mr. Ó Domhnaill wants to comment on it. What is the level of preparedness we have if we continue to have these adverse weather events?