Patrick O'Donovan (Limerick County, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Without getting in to the specifics of this issue, Deputies will have heard me say often that the single biggest threat to this country is from the sea. Coastal communities are living in the terrifying situation that we have witnessed in the past number of years where the Atlantic and the south seas unleash unbelievable, horrific amounts of energy on to communities. The damage it causes and the costs associated with that damage are getting worse. We know that. Some parts of the country with sandy soils are especially vulnerable, whereas other areas are well protected with strong rock. The Office of Public Works has the fund available. I do not know the specifics of the case the Deputy is raising, but we would certainly consider any application that is made under that scheme for the protection of properties on coasts. This House and local authorities will have to answer some very difficult questions in the not-too-distant future about the sustainment and management of our coastal communities into the future.

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