Brian O'Shea (Waterford, Labour)
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Question 344: To ask the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources his proposals to provide the necessary finance for urgently needed coastal protection work at Ballyvoile, Dungarvan, Co Waterford (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38560/06]

Noel Dempsey (Meath, 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.

In 2001 my Department provided funding of €31,484.01 to Waterford County Council towards a study of road protection works at Ballyvoile at a total cost of €41,978.67. In July 2002 the Department requested all coastal local authorities to submit proposals, in order of priority, for consideration in the context of the 2003-2006 National Coast Protection Programmes. Waterford County Council submitted proposals for Phase 1 cliff stabilisation works at Ballyvoile at an estimated cost of €1.1 million and was number two in the Council's order of priority. They also submitted a proposal for Phase 2 works at Ballyvoile at an estimated cost of €930,000 which was the Council's number seven priority. There was no Exchequer funding available for this project to date.

The question of providing Exchequer funding for works at Ballyvoile in future years will depend on the amount of funding available for coast protection works generally and overall national priorities. There is no Exchequer funding available for the protection of private property.