89 Mr. Barrett asked the Minister for the Marine the progress, if any, in the implementation of the recommendations contained in the report prepared by the National Coastal Erosion Committee; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

The policy of the Department of the Marine is to facilitate the implementation of permanent coast protection schemes, where warranted, to prevent progressive erosion by the sea. To this end, a national programme of coastal protection works is being formulated and in this regard all maritime local authorities were invited during 1991, to submit a list of priorities for coastal protection projects which they feel would be warranted and feasible and for which they would be prepared to make funds available. On the basis of the submissions received the Department of the Marine is actively seeking funding for a comprehensive coast protection programme under the next round of Structural Funds allocations.