Will necessary financil assistance be provided to Fingal County Council to tackle costal erosion at The Burrow, Portrane, County Dublin

QUESTION

  To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if 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.

REPLY

I fully appreciate the serious concerns of the local people in relation to the problem of erosion at Portrane. I have visited the area and seen the problem at first hand.  While addressing the problem is a matter for Fingal County Council (FCC), the Office of Public Works  (OPW)  is working with the Council to assist it in finding a proper long term solution to the problems at Portrane.

The key objective is for FCC and its engineering advisers, following a full assessment of the situation,  to develop and implement an effective management plan to address the erosion issues at Portrane.

On 16th March 2018, my officials met with FCC where this issue was discussed.  Following this meeting the Council with its engineering advisers is working to finalise its assessment with a view preparing a management plan which will include workable near term measures to address the problem and a sustainable long term solution.  

Any viable solution identified may be undertaken by the local authority using its own resources or, if necessary, through funding under the OPW Minor Flood Mitigation Works and Coastal Protection Scheme on application by FCC.