Ms Clare McGrath:

The OPW works with local authorities, who have particular responsibilities under the legislation, for coastal protection. We are minded to provide support and advice as well as funding to enable the local authorities to deal with coastal protection. Unlike flooding, coastal erosion is a natural phenomenon that must be addressed, in doing so, priority must be given to where there are homes. In fairness, I think that is what local authorities are doing.

The physical work in doing all flood protection work is technically very challenging. When dealing with coastal erosion, other factors are at play because it is a natural phenomenon and one must be careful of what one does further up and down from the site of the works.

We are mindful that the local authority would be working to find solutions but it does require complete and detailed surveys and analysis to inform the decision. It is then a question of how quickly it can be expedited. We would be supporting the local authorities by assuring them that funding is ringfenced for the work. I appreciate that is of little comfort to people in homes.