Paul Coghlan (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the Minister of State, Deputy Brian Hayes, to the House, and I know his concern about these matters as I have heard him speaking about the €45 million fund that is available. He has stated that much more funding must be allocated. I know the efforts that he and his Department are making to obtain further funds from Europe with regard to the disaster that struck in recent times, particularly in view of the fact that two storms occurred in quick succession and did major damage everywhere. Although I am concerned about the effects everywhere, this matter relates to Rossbeigh, which was a fantastic expanse of sand dunes. I spoke today to my colleague Senator Tom Sheahan, who was born and grew up in Glenbeigh, a neighbouring village, and he told me there were 375 acres of sand dunes there not long ago and that is now down to approximately 100 acres. As the Minister of State probably knows, the gap between the dunes has extended to approximately a kilometre.

The concern must be for the back lands where the sea has invaded. I do not have the townland names off by heart but there are low-lying houses in the area, along with a unique 18-hole golf course, and I presume they are under threat. People are resident in the area and they face such a threat. What has happened to the beautiful beach is a disaster and I do not know what can be done. I look forward to hearing the Minister of State's response, as that is why I tabled this matter.