Brendan Ryan (Dublin North, Labour) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister of State for her reply. Unfortunately, however, she has no responsibility in relation to this matter. Also, the latter part of the Minister of State's reply relates to Baldoyle rather than Portrane or Rush. I would ask that it be revised.

The Minister of State also indicated in her reply that primary responsibility for this matter rests with Fingal County Council, which I understand. This matter comes within the remit of a number of Departments. I am interested in hearing the response of the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine in the context of its responsibility in this area.

I appreciate that coastal erosion can be a complex issue and that when dealing with a naturally occurring phenomenon we can be presented with many challenges. I also appreciate the difficulties that all Departments, including the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government, face when allocating funds. However, I strongly suggest that not addressing this issue immediately will result in further costs in the future. This is an issue that is not going to go away. As I stated, erosion is a natural occurrence and will continue if not addressed. As was demonstrated in October, it can become more aggressive without any notice.

The works previously undertaken to safeguard the sand dunes on this coastline were done in good faith and with the best intentions but they were not long term solutions. A comprehensive and possibly cross-departmental approach is required to provide the best possible protection for this area of coastline. We need to ensure that all possible solutions are given consideration and that a long term solution is put in place.

The people of Portrane are not just concerned, they are worried and extremely anxious. They are witnessing the ongoing erosion of their coastline and can visibly see the dangers that they face. They cannot solve this problem themselves and need the help of the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government and Fingal County Council to do so. We cannot wait until homes disappear into the sea before addressing this issue.

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