Written answers

Wednesday, 22 January 2025

Department of Public Expenditure and Reform

Coastal Erosion

Photo of Michael CahillMichael Cahill (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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377. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the plans in place to invest in coastal erosion works at Rossbeigh Beach, Glenbeigh, County Kerry, where massive erosion continues to take place; if the OPW will assist with efforts to put a marram grass programme in place to help save the dunes at Rossbeigh for future generations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46645/24]

Photo of Michael CahillMichael Cahill (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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385. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform to provide funding to carry out emergency coastal protection works to the sea wall adjacent to the Lower Road, Valentia Island, County Kerry before it is washed away; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1132/25]

Photo of Kieran O'DonnellKieran O'Donnell (Limerick City, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 377 and 385 together.

Local coastal erosion issues are a matter, in the first instance, for each local authority to investigate and address.

The Minor Flood Mitigation Works and Coastal Protection Scheme was introduced by OPW in 2009. The purpose of the scheme is to provide funding to local authorities to undertake minor flood mitigation works or studies to address localised flooding or coastal ersoion problems within their administrative areas. The scheme generally applies where a solution can be readily identified and achieved in a short time frame.

Applications are considered for projects that are estimated to cost not more than €750,000 in each instance. Funding of up to 90% of the cost is available for approved projects. Applications are assessed by the OPW having regard to the specific economic, technical social and environmental criteria of the scheme, including a cost benefit ratio.

Since 2009, OPW has approved funding under the Minor Flood Mitigation Works and Coastal Protection Scheme for some 19 projects in Kerry relating to coastal works and studies amounting to approx. €2,809,574. Funding of €450,000 was approved for the construction of a rock revetment in 2018 at Rossbeigh. This rock armour protects dune habitat, the access road, and the playground. It is a matter for Kerry County Council to consider whether it wishes to make further applications under the Scheme in relation to Rossbeigh or Valentia Island.

The Government recognises the risks associated with climate change and that increases in sea levels and storm surges will result in increased frequency of coastal erosion. In response to these challenges, the recommendations outlined in the Report of the Interdepartmental Group on National Coastal Change Management Strategy are being implemented. Amongst the key recommendations of Report is the assignment of the lead coordination role to the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, which is responsible for chairing an Interdepartmental Steering Group on Coastal Change Management.

The OPW has been designated by Government as the national lead coordinating body for the assessment of coastal change hazards and risks and the assessment of technical options and constraints. These assessments will build upon indicative assessment work previously undertaken by the OPW under the Irish Coastal Protection Strategy Study, and comprise a substantial, multi-annual programme of work to assess coastal risk nationally, and then in detail at higher risk locations as a basis for then determining potential viable works to manage this risk. This work will contribute to the work of the Interdepartmental Steering Group on Coastal Change Management.

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