Damien English (Meath, Fine Gael)
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Question 123: To ask the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the amount of money allocated for coastal protection works in County Meath for each of the years 2002, 2003, 2004 and to date in 2005; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32145/05]

Pat Gallagher (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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Responsibility for coastal protection rests with the property owner whether it be a local authority or a private individual. The Department has received various reviews, reports and studies from Meath County Council with regard to coast protection works in County Meath. These are being reviewed in conjunction with the coastal protection strategy study which was initiated by the Department in 2002 to review coastal protection generally, examine policy options and set out a basis for effective decision making in regard to resource allocation. This study is currently in progress. In 2004 the Department provided funding of €30,000 to Meath County Council towards a feasibility study for beach restoration at Laytown-Bettystown. There was no Exchequer funding available in 2002, 2003 or 2005 for coastal protection works in County Meath. However, the scope for funding coastal protection works will be kept under review by the Department in the context of funding available for coastal protection in future years and overall national priorities.