Cian O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay North, Social Democrats)
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502.To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the progress his Department, the OPW, and other State agencies have made in providing emergency temporary protection for properties and public roads that his department officials recognise are at significant risk from severe coastal erosion at Portrane beach, north County Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33174/24]

Paschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael)
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Coastal protection and localised flooding issues are matters, in the first instance, for each local authority to investigate and address.

To assist Local Authorities in managing the coastline for coastal erosion, the Office of Public Works (OPW) has undertaken a national assessment of coastal erosion (including erosion rates) under the Irish Coastal Protection Strategy Study (ICPSS). This data enables Local Authorities to develop appropriate plans and strategies for the sustainable management of the coastline in their counties.

In addition to this, the OPW provides support to local authorities through the Minor Flood Mitigation Works and Coastal Protection Scheme, which has been in operation since 2009. The scheme provides funding to local authorities to undertake minor flood mitigation works or studies to address localised flooding and coastal protection problems within their administrative areas. Applications for funding from local authorities for measures, or studies, costing up to €750,000 can be made under this scheme. Funding of up to 90% of the total cost is available, subject to meeting specific economic, technical, social, and environmental criteria.

Following the publication of the report of the Interdepartmental Group on Coastal Change Management, the Government established a steering group to act on the recommendations of the report. This group will also develop an evidence-based coastal change management strategy facilitating key decisions to be taken to address and manage the impacts of coastal change over the short, medium and longer term. The group is chaired by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, who have lead policy responsibility for this area. My Department and the Office of Public Works are represented on the steering group and are providing input to the work programme as appropriate.