Darragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal, Fianna Fail)
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194. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if financial assistance will be provided to Fingal County Council to tackle the rate of coastal erosion that is occurring at a location (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30661/18]

Paschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael)
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I am familiar with the problem of coastal erosion at Portrane and I have visited the area and have received a briefing from Fingal County Council(FCC). It is a matter for local authorities, in the first instance, to assess and address problems of coastal erosion in their areas.  The Office of Public Works (OPW) is engaging with FCC to assist it in finding the appropriate long term

solution to the problems at Portrane.

On 1 June 2018 a meeting took place between FCC and the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS), with OPW in attendance, to update all bodies on the current situation at Portrane and to examine the optimum way forward to deal with this serious problem.

I am advised that RPS, who are the engineering consultants engaged by FCC in this matter, have submitted to the local authority details of interim measures and proposals for their implementation. These proposals are being considered by the relevant agencies with a view to their earliest possible implementation.

In addition a potential permanent coastal protection option has been identified but further assessment of this is required. If a viable solution is identified the local authority may undertake works using their own resources or, if necessary, apply for funding to the OPW or other central Government Departments where appropriate.

I would acknowledge the work and contribution which the local community have made in highlighting and seeking solutions to the problem at Portrane.