Clare Daly (Dublin Fingal, Independent)
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22. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the steps being taken to prevent further coastal damage at Portrane in the immediate term and the development of a long-term plan to ensure the safety of the homes in the area that are in danger due to damage to the dunes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28675/18]

Paschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael)
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I am very familiar with the situation at Portrane and I have visited the area and have been briefed by Fingal County Council on the problem.  Fingal County Council is leading on this issue as it lies within its functional area and it is a matter for local authorities in the first instance to assess and address problems of coastal erosion in their areas.  I fully appreciate the serious concerns of the local people and I and the Office of Public Works (OPW) are working with the Council to assist it in finding a proper long term solution to the problems at Portrane.

On 1 June 2018 a meeting took place between Fingal County Council and the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) with OPW in attendance to update all bodies on the current situation at Portrane and to jointly examine the optimum way forward to deal with this serious problem.  Due to the complexity of the issues and the health and safety risks involved, priority is being given to the identification of feasible interim measures to address these risks in the short term.  I am advised that RPS, who are the engineering consultants engaged by Fingal County Council in this matter, have just last week submitted to the Council details of such interim measures and proposals for their implementation. These proposals are being considered by the relevant agencies with a view to their earliest possible implementation where feasible.

In addition a potential permanent coastal protection option has been identified and this is currently being further assessed.

The OPW is committed to working closely with Fingal County Council to assist the Council in finding and implementing feasible measures to address the problem at Portrane in the immediate term and to develop and put in place a long term, sustainable solution to the issue of coastal erosion at Portrane. 

I would acknowledge the work and contribution which the local community have made in highlighting and seeking solutions to the problem at Portrane.  Fingal County Council will continue to work with the local community and will keep it updated on progress to address its concerns.