Update: Coastal erosion in the Portrane and Burrow Peninsula areas

I very much welcome the update from the Office of Public Works regarding the continued collaboration with Fingal County Council to address coastal erosion in the Portrane and Burrow Peninsula areas, which I have been working on for the last number of years. The commitment of €1.65 million for interim works, studies, and emergency measures demonstrates meaningful progress in protecting our coastline and supporting affected communities in our area. 

The forthcoming submission of a coastal protection scheme for the Burrow Peninsula to An Coimisiún Pleanála is an especially positive step, and it is encouraging to see sustained engagement between national and local authorities on this urgent issue.

I also welcome the work of the interdepartmental steering group on coastal change in advancing the recommendations of the National Coastal Change Management Strategy, approved by Government in October 2023. Ensuring that Special Areas of Conservation are appropriately managed under the National Parks and Wildlife Service is essential to balancing environmental protection with the needs of coastal communities.

This a constructive, coordinated approach to tackling coastal erosion, thanks for all the local community involvement and engagement. I look forward to further progress in the weeks and months ahead and I will keep you informed.