Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 191: To ask the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources when he expects to address areas showing signs of coastal erosion; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14805/05]

Pat Gallagher (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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The Department's coast protection programme seeks to address the most urgent instances of erosion on the Irish coastline. Coastal erosion affects all coastal counties and is particularly prevalent on the softer coastline in the east and south east of the country.

A value for money report carried out for the Department in March 2002 highlighted the need for a more strategic focus in addressing the problem of coastal erosion in Ireland. The Department initiated a coastal protection strategy study in 2003. The study addresses the nature and extent of erosion at various locations and different types of coastline in Ireland and seeks to identify the most effective means, technically, financially and environmentally, in responding to particular instances and types of erosion. It is expected that when this study is completed a more targeted approach to programme delivery will enable a greater level of efficiency to be achieved.

Under the coast protection measure of the National Development Plan 2000-2006, €52.01 million is identified for expenditure. Expenditure under this measure up to the end of 2004 was €32.19 million. Funding of €2.88 million is allocated to the Department for coast protection in 2005. The coastal protection programme for 2005 is under consideration at present.

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 192: To ask the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the number of locations in respect of which coastal erosion has been noted; the extent to which he has specific plans in mind to address these issues in early date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14806/05]

Pat Gallagher (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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Responsibility for coast protection rests with the property owner whether it be a local authority or a private individual. In July 2002 my Department requested all coastal local authorities to submit proposals, in order of priority, for consideration in the context of the 2003-06 national coast protection programmes. In all, 195 proposals with an estimated total value of over €120 million were submitted.

In March of this year, the local authorities were requested to submit updated lists of priority proposals and these proposals are under consideration at present in connection with the 2005 national coast protection programme.

My Department has an Exchequer funding allocation of €2.80 million for the entire country for 2005. The question of providing funding in the post-2005 period will be considered in the context of the Exchequer funding available for coast protection works going forward and overall national priorities.