Provision of coastal erosion protection measures at Portrane, County Dublin

​To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the status of the provision of coastal erosion protection measures at Portrane, County Dublin; the funding he has allocated for this project; the expected commencement date of work on same; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

                                                                                           - Darragh O'Brien TD

  
REPLY.
The management of problems of coastal protection in the area indicated is a matter for Fingal County Council in the first instance.  The Council must assess the problem and, if it is considered that specific measures and works are required, it is open to the Council to apply for funding under the Office of Public Works' (OPW) Minor Flood Mitigation Works & Coastal Protection Scheme.  Any application received will be assessed under the eligibility criteria, which include a requirement that any measures are cost beneficial, and having regard to the overall availability of funding.  Where funding is provided to a local authority under the Minor Works scheme, it is a matter for the local authority to progress and oversee the completion of the works. The OPW does not become involved in the implementation of the works.

I have been advised that my Office is not in receipt of any application currently under the Minor Flood Mitigation Works and Coastal Protection Scheme for Portrane. 

I am aware however, that Fingal County Council is currently progressing the procurement of a study to provide solutions to the Coastal flooding at this location. OPW will liaise with FCC as appropriate in this regard.