Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 11 December 2025
76. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation the action which will be taken to address the impact coastal erosion is having on the historic St Naul’s Monastery and Graveyard in the Inver area of County Donegal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [70827/25]
View answerCoastal erosion and localised flooding issues are a matter, in the first instance, for each local authority to investigate and address.
In 2009, the Office of Public Works introduced the Minor Flood Mitigation Works and Coastal Protection Scheme. The purpose of the scheme is to provide 90% funding to local authorities to undertake studies, minor flood or coastal erosion mitigation works within their administrative areas.
This Minor Works Scheme generally applies where a solution can be readily identified and achieved in a short time frame. Applications under the scheme are assessed by the OPW having regard to the specific economic, technical, social and environmental criteria set for this scheme. To be approved for funding under this scheme, the benefits from the works must exceed their associated costs.
To date, nationally, the OPW has approved over €70m for over 900 unique local flood relief and coastal projects that are providing benefits to some 8,000 properties.
Since 2009, the OPW has approved some €2.4 million funding to Donegal County Council (DCC) for some 45 projects. As part of these, €112,500 has been approved for coastal erosion works in Inver through four separate applications by Donegal County Council. Most recently €45,000 was approved in April to construct rock amour along a line of existing gabions.
In October 2016 the OPW approved €13,500 to DCC for the Installation of 60m rock armour along the Eany Water River bank to protect the old graveyard and ecclesiastical remains. On receipt of a further application in October 2018 the OPW advised DCC in April 2019 that as the application was for works that exceeded a length of 75 metres then a coastal application requesting funding for an appropriate Coastal Erosion and Risk Management Study could be submitted. No further application was submitted for works at St Nauls Monastery and Graveyard.
The Council has also been advised that as the graveyard and ecclesiastical remains are listed as a National Monument they may also consider contacting the National Monuments Service in relation to this matter.
