asked the Minister for Finance if he is aware of the growing coast erosion problems along the County Louth coast; and if he will ensure that adequate finance will be provided to tackle the worsening difficulty.

Under the Coast Protection Act, 1963, the Commissioners of Public Works may undertake examinations of coast erosion problems and execute coast protection schemes only in response to specific proposals made by local authorities, in accordance with the provisions of the Act. As no proposal made by Louth County Council has yet progressed to the stage where works could commence, the question of funding does not arise.

Have new coast protection works been started this year?

Have the Minister's Department made any application to Europe for a grant for coast protection work here?

No new capital scheme has started this year and as yet no new application under the Regional Development Fund has been made specifically for coast protection.