Darragh O'Brien (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister of State, Deputy Joe Costello, for taking this matter which is a very serious issue for residents of The Burrow, Portrane. I commend the residents of The Burrow and the residents' association there for all the work they have been doing. The Burrow is a community of approximately 80 people with in the region of 150 homes and 15 businesses. Coastal erosion, in particular over the past few months, has occurred at an alarming rate - effectively in the area between Pipers restaurant and the end of Healy's Lane.

I am aware officials from the OPW met the residents recently. Everyone knows there is an issue here but the problem is funding. There is only 15 m of dunes left between the beach and some of the homes. In two months, in some instances, well over 1 m has been lost. With the weather we are having, coastal erosion is taking place at a very worrying rate.

I am looking for the OPW to set aside emergency funding. It has been done before for flooding measures, including one in which I was involved last year in the Kinsealy-Melrose area and I thanked the Minister of State, Deputy Hayes, at the time for his assistance. Some measures can be taken now in advance of a report. Fingal County Council and the Department have said they need to carry out an expert report. That is fine but it could take six to eight months, which we do not have.

What I am requesting on behalf of the residents of The Burrow, Portrane, is that the Department releases emergency funding to stop coastal erosion as best as possible right now in advance of an expert report being done to look for a long-term solution. Time is of the essence, so I will be interested to hear the Minister of State's response. Again, I thank him for taking this important Adjournment matter.