Cian O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay North, Social Democrats)
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306. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, and Local Government if he will provide more funding to local authorities to maintain beaches and coastal communities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41469/21]

Darragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal, Fianna Fail)
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The maintenance of beaches and coastal communities is achieved by a range of programmes provided by local authorities, as well as across Government. As the Minister responsible for marine environmental policy maintaining our beaches and coast is a key priority for me.

In addition to providing core local government funding, my Department funds and supports the "Clean Coasts" range of programmes and the "Blue Flag Awards" operated by An Taisce in which local authorities and communities are engaged in managing and protecting local beaches and the coastal environment.

Clean Coasts currently has 1,540 groups with approximately 30,000 volunteers including individuals, local communities, schools, residents associations, sports clubs, universities, youth groups, tourist attractions, and businesses. 

My Department continues to keep these programmes under review.