Clare Daly (Dublin Fingal, Independent)
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35. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the intervention which will be made to prevent further coastal damage at Portrane and to develop a long term plan to ensure the safety of the homes in the area that are currently in danger due to damage to the dunes further to the recent visit by the Minister of State with responsibility for the Office of Public Works to the Burrow, Portrane; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11308/18]

Kevin Moran (Longford-Westmeath, Independent)
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As you are aware I visited Portrane on 26 January of this year and met with Fingal County Council officials, including the Chief Executive, local representatives and members of the community to discuss this matter.

I fully appreciate the serious concerns of the local people and I and the OPW are working with the Council to assist it in finding a proper long term solution to the problems at Portrane.

However in relation to coastal protection/erosion generally, it is a matter for local authorities to identify and prioritise the issues along their coastlines. It is the responsibility of Fingal County Council to assess the local erosion problems in Portrane and to develop and implement a management plan to address the erosion issues there.

On 16 March 2018, my officials met with Fingal County Council where this issue was discussed. The OPW will co-operate with and assist Fingal County Council and if a viable solution is identified the local authority may undertake works using their own resources or, if necessary, apply for funding to my Office under the OPW Minor Flood Mitigation Works and Coastal Protection Scheme.