Darragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal, Fianna Fail)
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126. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if the necessary financial assistance will be provided to Fingal County Council to tackle the alarming rate of coastal erosion that is occurring at the Burrow, Portrane, County Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8578/20]

Kevin Moran (Longford-Westmeath, Independent)
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I am advised, in respect of coastal erosion at the Burrow, Portrane, County Dublin, that Fingal County Council is leading on this issue, as it is a matter for Local Authorities in the first instance to assess and address problems of coastal erosion in their areas.  Where necessary, Local Authorities may put forward proposals to relevant central Government Departments, including the OPW, for funding of appropriate measures depending on the infrastructure or assets under threat. 

In 2018, in response to serious coastal erosion problems at The Burrow, Portrane, Fingal County Council implemented temporary interim emergency measures to protect properties at risk.  Funding of €456,464 was approved under the OPW Minor Flood Mitigation Works and Coastal Protection Scheme for these works.  A further extension to these interim emergency measures along the Burrow, Portrane is now being progressed, in two phases, with total additional funding of nearly EUR 1m to be provided by the OPW under the Minor Flood Mitigation Works and Coastal Protection Scheme.

Consultants appointed by Fingal County Council have prepared a draft plan to address significant and medium- to long-term coastal change in the Portrane Peninsula/ Rogerstown Outer Estuary area. Fingal County Council has advised that due to the ecological sensitivity of the site and the complexity of the issues involved, it is likely that the assessment of this plan, which will include extensive public consultation, environmental assessment and the relevant consent processes, will take over a year to complete.

My Office continues to co-operate and assist Fingal County Council in every way and if a viable option is identified, the Council may submit a further application for funding to the OPW or other Government Departments as appropriate.

Darragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal, Fianna Fail)
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127. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the progress in the preparation of a national coastal erosion strategy and plan in view of the gravity of the situation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8579/20]

Kevin Moran (Longford-Westmeath, Independent)
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The Government has agreed to the establishment of an Inter-Departmental Group to scope out an approach for the development of an integrated, whole of Government coastal strategy, for managing our changing coast and to report back to Government within a period of 6 months with its initial findings and recommendations.  The Inter-Departmental Group will be jointly chaired by the Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government and the Office of Public Works.