Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 16 April 2026
209. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation the way in which the European Union Cohesion Fund is being used to support coastal protection works in Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27715/26]
View answerIreland does not receive money from the EU Cohesion Fund because its gross national income (GNI) per capita exceeds 90% of the EU average, classifying it as a more developed economy.
However, Ireland is allocated over €1.4 billion in other EU Cohesion Policy funding (including the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), the European Social Fund+ (ESF+) and the EU Just Transition Fund (EUJTF)) for the 2021-2027 programming period.
In Ireland, coastal protection is primarily a matter for the local authority concerned in the first instance. Local authorities (county and city councils) are responsible for the management of issues associated with coastal change and erosion within their administrative areas. While local authorities lead on works, the Office of Public Works (OPW) holds responsibility for technical assessments, coordinating monitoring, and mapping areas at risk. The OPW also administers the Minor Flood Mitigation Works and Coastal Protection Scheme.
For the 2021 - 2027 period, while not allocated to coastal protection, Ireland's cohesion funding is allocated to support a range of environmental and climate objectives including Energy Efficiency and Retrofitting, Just Transition in the Midlands, Sustainable Urban and Regional Development, Marine Environment and Blue Economy, and Research and Innovation for Green Technology.
