Joanna Tuffy (Dublin Mid West, Labour)
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Question 184: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the steps that have been taken by her Department to advise the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government and local authorities on impacts and sensitivity of erosion and flood risks in relation to planning and development as required by the flood strategy review group report. [2927/08]

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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One of the requirements of the Flood Strategy Review Group Report, was that the Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources advise the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government and the Office of Public Works on 'impacts and sensitivity of erosion and coastal flood risk in relation to planning and development', as well as providing assistance in the development of guidelines and standards.

This has been done primarily through the participation of the Department's Engineering Division in the "Preparation of Guidance on the Consideration of Flood Risk in Planning and Development Management Project" which is led by the Office of Public Works. This project commenced in early 2007 and is scheduled for completion in August 2008.

This project will result in the issue of guidance to the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government and Local Authorities on how to best manage future development in Flood and Erosion risk areas.

It should be noted that in line with a recent Government decision, responsibility for Coastal Protection and Coastal Flooding will become the responsibility of the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government. Arrangements are currently in train to effect the transfer.

Joanna Tuffy (Dublin Mid West, Labour)
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Question 185: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the steps that have been taken by her Department to develop a national coastal protection strategy; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2928/08]

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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In 2002, the Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources (DCMNR) began a review of coastal protection requirements with a view to adopting a more long-term strategic, structured approach to the issues involved.

The National Coastal Protection Strategy Studies in pilot areas have been completed and studies are being extended into new areas. In the pilot area information was assembled on the current and historic position of the coastline, the nature of the coast, its vulnerability to erosion and flooding and the nature of the hinterland in terms of economic, heritage and environmental assets. The information was collated on a geographic information system (GIS).

Following completion of the pilot studies the surge modelling and identification of areas at risk was extended to the North East and South coast of Ireland. Land use restrictions, if any, resulting from these studies are a matter for the relevant planning authority. This Department has advised the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government and the OPW since early 2007 on impacts and sensitivity of erosion and coastal flood risk in relation to planning and development, including the provision of assistance as required in the development of guidelines and standards.

Over the last four years, 2004-2007, DCMNR has spent in excess of €10.2 million to deal with the risks of coastal flooding and erosion throughout Ireland.

In line with a recent Government decision, responsibility for Coastal Protection and Coastal Flooding will become the responsibility of the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government. Arrangements are currently in train to effect the transfer.