Martin Conway (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Cuirim fáilte roimh an Aire Stáit go dtí an Teach. I am absolutely delighted the Minister of State, Deputy Moran, has come to the House to deal with this Commencement matter. The history of the issue goes back to 2014, when practically all of the west coast of Ireland was battered on 4 and 6 January and significant coastal damage was done by the Atlantic Ocean. The houses of many people were flooded and businesses were damaged. I am delighted to say much work has been done on coastal protection, certainly in County Clare, since this happened. A total of €5 million has already been spent on rock armour and essential coastal protection works in Lahinch. Another €2 million or €3 million is being spent as we speak and the contracts were signed last week. This is a significant investment in Lahinch. Other parts of County Clare have also had significant coastal protection works carried out. The international hotel in Doonbeg has made a planning application that is with An Bord Pleanála to invest millions of euro in rock armour.

I am concerned about a particular part of the coastline at Spanish Point. It is a particularly vulnerable area where rock armour and coastal protection works are not adequate. The residents have done a significant amount of work on the streetscape and amenities near the beach with regard to making it visibly attractive for people who live there all year round and, equally importantly, for the people who visit. There is concern about the ongoing delays in approval of the minor works programme necessary for the local authority to get on with the work that must be done to put in place the necessary coastal protections.

I am raising the issue in the hope the response from the Minister of State will allay these concerns and we might get a specific timeline on when the work will start and, equally importantly, when the work will be completed.