Written answers

Tuesday, 19 June 2018

Department of Public Expenditure and Reform

Coastal Erosion

Photo of Tony McLoughlinTony McLoughlin (Sligo-Leitrim, Fine Gael)
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176. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if the OPW will investigate the continuing coastal erosion at Rosses Point, County Sligo, and facilitate works to stop the damage being caused to this beach; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26626/18]

Photo of Kevin  MoranKevin Moran (Longford-Westmeath, Independent)
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It is a matter in the first instance, for each local authority to identify, investigate and address priority areas of their coastlines considered to be under significant threat from erosion. It is open to Sligo County Council to undertake coastal erosion remedial works using its own resources. If necessary, it may also put forward proposals to the relevant central Government Departments for funding of appropriate measures depending on the infrastructure or assets under threat. The Office of Public Works (OPW) operates the Minor Flood Mitigation Works and Coastal Protection Scheme, under which applications from local authorities are considered for measures costing not more than €750,000 in each instance. Funding of up to 90% of the cost is available for projects which meet the eligibility criteria including a requirement that the proposed measures are cost beneficial. Full details are available on the OPW's website at: .

Sligo County Council applied for and was approved funding of €40,500 and €57,055 under this scheme in 2009 and 2015 respectively to carry out Coastal Erosion Risk Management Studies of Rosses Point,Co. Sligo. All funding was drawn down following completion of the studies.

Sligo County Council has written to the OPW recently in relation to possible protection works or studies at a number of coastal locations including Rosses Point. The OPW will be responding to the Council indicating that it will need to prioritise the proposed works and, if appropriate, to submit specific applications for funding under the Minor Works scheme in relation to each one demonstrating that they meet the eligibility criteria of the scheme. OPW staff are available to discuss the proposed works with the Council. There are currently no applications on hand under the Minor Works scheme for works at Rosses Point.

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