Coastal erosion in Wexford and Wicklow
Deputy Ó Súilleabháin described severe coastal erosion damaging walks and coastline in north Wexford and south Wicklow. The Minister said Government work is under way on coastal erosion support, led from the Taoiseach’s office and the Cabinet committee, and promised to ask the relevant Minister to follow up.
We are out of time, but I propose to take the two remaining speakers offering. They will have 30 seconds each.
Comment on this
What is the Government planning to do about the devastation of the coastline in north Wexford and south Wicklow? I am talking about Cahore, Glascarrig, Courtown, Castletown, Arklow and right up to Brittas Bay. There are few people in Dublin who do not have fond memories of Courtown. The beautiful and historic Courtown Woods have lost an area equivalent to 18 football pitches over the past few decades. The Kiltennel walking trail is being swept away and the Arklow walking trail all the way up to Brittas is being devastated. These coastal walks are very important for health and well-being. They are being absolutely devastated. What measures is the Government taking?
Comment on this
I appreciate the Deputy raising this. I know the devastation that has been caused all across the south east, both to community infrastructure and to many people's homes. Significant work is ongoing across Government, led by the Taoiseach's office and the Cabinet committee on coastal erosion, to provide better support for areas affected by coastal erosion. We are working with the OPW. The Deputy will have seen the recent announcement in respect of Donabate. We want to make more interventions to support community infrastructure and address the damage that has been done. I will ask the Minister of State, Deputy Moran, to respond to the Deputy directly.