Today, I rise to speak about the plight of families living in Ballyhealy in south Wexford, an area that has been devastated by coastal erosion. The Wexford coasts are currently eroding at a rate of about 1 m to 3 m a year but unfortunately, in Ballyhealy at the moment, it is eroding at about 5 m to 6 m a year. You can imagine the devastation and fear that is causing for families living in that area. About 200 m upstream, there is Seaview, an area that has been protected to the tune of €657,000 by the OPW, where 14 families live. Those works are expected to stop the coastal erosion there.

Unfortunately, in Ballyhealy at the moment, there is no opportunity yet for the Fortune family and their potato business there to get protection. Working with the local councillor, Councillor Frank Staples, I have previously raised this case with both Wexford County Council and the OPW. There really is a direct need now for action in this area before it is too late and that business employing 12 people and their two homes are washed away by the sea. I implore the Minister of State with responsibility for the OPW to take another look at this project, make much needed funding available and work with Wexford County Council to ensure this issue in Ballyhealy can be addressed once and for all.