Manus Boyle (Fine Gael)

I thank the Minister of State for coming to answer this Commencement matter. When I was canvassing in 2024, I came across houseowners in the village of Inver in County Donegal, which is badly affected by coastal erosion. Since then, I have been working hard on it with the homeowners. A few days after Bridge Street in Killybegs flooded - the Minister of State might have seen it on the television as it went national - the Minister of State, Deputy O'Donnell, visited Killybegs and, at my request, he also went to Inver village to see first-hand what was happening there with coastal erosion. On that day, the Minister of State met Donegal County Council engineers, homeowners and the OPW on the site.

I am asking about the minor flood mitigation works and coastal protection scheme and particularly the delays in Inver, County Donegal. Despite an allocation of €45,000 in April 2025, no work has started. It was proposed to install rock armour along the face to help to keep the pressure off the gabion baskets, which have been there for more than 40 years. They have done a great job, but need to be reinforced. Given the urgency of the situation for homeowners, I am seeking clarification from the Minister of State about the reason for the delay. What steps is the Department taking to ensure the timely delivery of this project? This is a matter of urgency and concern for the people in the houses when a storm is forecast. When I was there, there were waves going 5 m over the thing and there are children in one of the houses. The work needs to start as soon as possible. Every week we delay, there is more erosion. I hope the Minister of State has brought some good news about when the work will start and finish.