Tom Fleming (Kerry South, Independent)
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312. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform further to Parliamentary Question 279 of 26 March 2013 and in view of the impact that coastal erosion is having on the environment and the serious problems faced here due to global warming, rising tides, storms and so on, if he will ensure that this important issue is given the priority it deserves and that adequate funding is put in place to address this major environmental problem; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2932/14]

Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour)
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I can assure the Deputy that the Government places great importance on the matter of coastal erosion. This natural and ongoing process needs to be considered in a holistic way as its impact can vary greatly in different locations and over time. It only becomes a problem when it threatens human life, infrastructure and properties. It differs significantly from coastal flooding, as assets are permanently lost. Dealing with problems of coastal erosion also requires a somewhat different approach to problems of flooding and must be addressed in a sensitive manner. Engineered interventions to “solve” an erosion problem must be considered carefully having regard to the natural processes in operation in any particular location and the economic viability of any measures that would be required to address the problem.

The Irish Coastal Protection Strategy Study (ICPSS) is a major examination to assess and identify the most significant areas of erosion risk for the entire national coastline. This major study is effectively complete and it will provide essential information required to inform policy in this area going forward particularly in relation to guiding decisions by planners on local coastal planning issues.

The management of problems of coastal protection in any particular area is first and foremost a matter for the relevant Local Authority. Local Authorities must assess the problem in the first instance and, if it is considered that specific measures and works are required, it is open to them to apply for funding to deal with coastal protection under the Office of Public Works' (OPW) Minor Flood Mitigation Works & Coastal Protection Scheme. Any application received will be assessed under the eligibility criteria, which include a requirement that any measures are cost beneficial, and having regard to the overall availability of funding.

The Office of Public Works wrote on 10th January, 2014 to City and County Managers in coastal areas indicating that it will accept applications under its Minor Flood Mitigation Works & Coastal Protection Scheme for funding to assist with repairs to built flood defences and coastal protection structures which have been damaged by the recent storms. This is a once-off measure to reinstate built coastal defences to their pre storm condition. The specific application form for this entitled Coastal Storm Damage Flooding Questionnaire 2014 is available on OPW's website www.opw.ie under Flood Risk Management. Any work for which funding is sought will be carried out by the Local Authorities.

It is also be open to Local Authorities to carry out flood mitigation and coastal protection works using their own resources.