Jan O'Sullivan (Limerick City, Labour) | Oireachtas source

The Deputy stated earlier that he is primarily addressing this issue to the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine. I will convey his concerns to the Minister, Deputy Coveney.

By way of clarification, I am responsible for foreshore licence applications. There is a specific application for a foreshore licence to construct a flood defence system at Burrow Beach in Portrane. On the sand issue, while the sand would come from Baldoyle Bay it would be used at Burrow Beach Portrane, which is somewhat relevant. The mapping information requested is specifically to clarify whether a foreshore licence is required to undertake that specific work. While the Deputy may be speaking of a bigger area, the latter part of my reply is relevant in that regard.

I appreciate that this is a cross-departmental matter. I take on board the Deputy's request for a cross-departmental response on this matter. I realise it is a serious issue and that it has been raised on a number of occasions by Deputy Ryan. It is important this issue is addressed for residents. It is also important Fingal County Council responds to the queries raised by the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government in regard to mapping of the area. It is hoped that response will be received as soon as possible. We all want to ensure a response to this issue which is very worrying for residents in the area.

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