Brendan Ryan (Dublin North, Labour) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Ceann Comhairle for allowing me to speak on this most important matter in the House today. I have been pushing strongly to get this matter discussed and I welcome the opportunity given to me today.

The issue of coastal erosion in the Burrow, Portrane, in north Country Dublin, is not something new. The sea has threatened and eroded the area for decades, but it is the increased pace and severity of this erosion in recent times which makes this a critical and most topical of issues at this time. Two weeks ago 6 m to 7 m of sand dunes were washed away in one night. As a result of this, according to Fingal County Council, there are now only 17 m between some houses and the eroding sand dune edge.

The Burrow is an area of the Portrane peninsula composed of houses and businesses flanked by dunes and estuary foreshore. It is bounded by the Rogerstown Estuary to the north and west, to the east by the Burrow beach and to the south by the urban area of Portrane village. Many people have homes in the Burrow, with most in immediate proximity to the Burrow dunes and beach. It is these homes and some businesses which are in need of urgent help before they are swept away. It is getting that critical. I grew up close to the area affected and, having lived there for many years, have seen the erosion over time.

This is not a new issue, nor could it be as coastal erosion is a natural occurrence. However, this should not be an excuse for not addressing what are very real concerns for the many people who live in the Burrow and who are witnessing the tides coming closer and closer to their homes. The immediate situation needs to be addressed urgently and long-term preventative measures need to be found and implemented. I ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, along with the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, if funding can be urgently allocated and works carried out by the Office of Public Works and-or other relevant bodies to protect the citizens of the Burrow in Portrane.

The residents of this area have expressed their concerns for years but they feel they are being ignored. They also feel it will take a number of houses to be swept away before their concerns are taken seriously. Their concerns have obviously been heightened with the extreme erosion that took place in October coupled with the fact that high tides are forecast for November and December. I ask that immediate attention be given to the area of the coastline damaged two weeks ago and that all necessary repair works take place without delay.

I ask that this issue be addressed as a matter of great urgency and that long-term, realistic and sustainable measures be identified and implemented without delay.

I am aware that there may be concerns regarding the possible impact of work undertaken in one coastal location on adjacent locations. However, this cannot be used as a reason to conclude that nothing that can be done. The residents, businesses and public buildings in Portrane must not be left at risk of continued extreme erosion. All stakeholders, Government and local authorities, must approach this in an inclusive and holistic manner to ensure best outcomes for the residents of The Burrow in Portrane and recognise that the short and long term protection of their homes and businesses is at stake.

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