Darragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal, Fianna Fail)
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195. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the progress in the preparation of a national coastal erosion strategy or plan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30662/18]

Paschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael)
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The Office of Public Works (OPW) does not have responsibility for the preparation of a national coastal erosion strategy or plan. The OPW's prime responsibility in this area is the management of flood risk.

To assist Local Authorities, meet their statutory obligations in relation to coastal erosion, the OPW has undertaken a national assessment of coastal erosion (including erosion rates) under the Irish Coastal Protection Strategy Study (ICPSS) and the results of this study have been published on the OPW website. This Study enables Local Authorities to meet their responsibility to develop appropriate plans and strategies for the sustainable management of the coastline in their counties.

The Local Authorities may carry out coastal erosion works using their own resources. Where coastal erosion could give rise to a coastal flood risk, the OPW operates the Minor Flood Mitigation Works and Coastal Protection Scheme, under which applications for funding from Local Authorities are considered for measures costing up to €750,000 in each instance. In that context, funding for coastal erosion risk management studies may also be applied for under this scheme. 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.

The OPW guidelines for coastal erosion risk management measures and funding applications under the Minor Flood Mitigation Works and Coastal Protection Scheme, are available on the OPW website www.opw.ie