Stephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

135. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he will report on the progress of funding for coastal defence works for Arklow; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50044/17]

Kevin Moran (Longford-Westmeath, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The identification and assessment of problems of coastal erosion are matters for Local Authorities in the first instance. Local Authorities may carry out works to address such problems using their own resources or, if necessary, may apply for funding under the Office of Public Works (OPW) Minor Flood Mitigation Works and Coastal Protection Scheme.

I am advised that a revised application was submitted by Wicklow County Council (WCC) in April 2017 for funding under the Minor Works Scheme to undertake a project at North Beach, Arklow.

In August 2017, the OPW replied to WCC on its application and advised the Council that the application could not be approved because the works proposed related to maintenance works on an existing structure which works are not eligible for funding and because the proposal did not meet the cost benefit criteria of the scheme. The Council was also advised that, given the scale and complexity of the problem, it may be more appropriate for them to seek funding for a detailed coastal erosion and flood risk management study to better understand the coastal processes involved in the wider region and to inform any further applications for funding for works.

An application for funding for such study has not been received to date.

The OPW will continue to work constructively with WCC on this matter and to provide advice and assistance to the Council as required in relation to the advancement of the study.