Kevin Moran (Longford-Westmeath, Independent) | Oireachtas source

In the first instance, it is the responsibility of each local authority to investigate and address local coastal protection. The minor flood mitigation works and coastal protection schemes were introduced by the OPW on an administrative, non-statutory basis in 2009. The purpose of the schemes is to provide funding to local authorities to undertake minor flood or coastal erosion mitigation works or studies to address localised flooding and coastal protection problems within their administrative areas.

Applications for funding from local authorities for measures or studies costing up to €750,000 can be made under this scheme. Funding of up to 90% of the total cost is available, subject to meeting specific economic, technical, social and environmental criteria.

The Government recognises the risks associated with climate change and that increases in sea levels and storm surges will result in more frequent coastal erosion. In response to these challenges, the recommendations outlined in the report of the interdepartmental group on national coastal change management strategy are being implemented. Among the key recommendations of the report is the assignment of the lead co-ordination role to the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, which is responsible for chairing an interdepartmental steering group on coastal change.

The OPW has been designated by the Government as the national lead co-ordinating body for the assessment of coastal change hazards and risks and the assessment of technical options and constraints. These assessments will build upon indicative assessment work previously undertaken by the OPW under the Irish coastal protection strategy study, and comprise a substantial, multi-annual programme of works to assess coastal risk nationally, and then in detail at higher risk locations as a basis for then determining potential viable works to manage this risk. This work will contribute to the work of the interdepartmental steering group on coastal change.

The OPW has commenced work programmes and projects to deliver on recommendations from the national coastal change management strategy report to develop the understanding of how our coast is evolving, identify areas prone to erosion, survey the coastline and coastal defences and assess coastal change hazards and risks.

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