Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 28 May 2026
73. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation to allocate funding to tackle costal erosion and flooding in Rossbeigh and Cromane Lower, County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40340/26]
View answerLocal coastal erosion and flooding issues are a matter, in the first instance, for each local authority to investigate and address. The OPW is working closely with Kerry County Council (KCC) to implement a number of initiatives to deal with the issues of coastal protection in the county.
Minor Works Scheme
The Minor Flood Mitigation Works and Coastal Protection Scheme was introduced by the Office of Public Works (OPW) in 2009. The purpose of the scheme is to provide 90% funding to local authorities to undertake minor flood mitigation works or studies to address localised flooding or coastal erosion problems. The scheme generally applies where a solution can be readily identified and achieved in a short time frame. The funding available for each scheme has been increased from €750,000 to €2 million. I announced the details of the revised criteria for the Minor Works Scheme on May 25th. As part of my announcement I also announced details of a once off funding to local authorities towards the removal of river conveyance blockages.
Since 2009, OPW has approved some 40 projects and €4.2m to KCC under the Minor Works Schemes. Some €2.9m of this approved funding relates to coastal erosion protection works or studies.
Rossbeigh
KCC confirmed that significant repairs of the coastal defences at Rossbeigh Beach were undertaken in 2014. They engaged consultants Malachy Walsh and Partners (MWP) to carry out a summary report on Rossbeigh.
Based on a design by MWP, KCC submitted an application for funding under the Minor Works Scheme for the construction of a rock revetment at Rossbeigh. Funding of €450,000 was approved by the OPW for these works. These works were confirmed completed in 2019.
Cromane
KCC identified 12 houses at serious risk of flooding at Cromane. In 2012 the OPW approved €100,000 funding to KCC under the Minor Works Scheme to raise and widen the existing embankment there protecting 300 metres of coastline.
Current Status
KCC has confirmed details from a Full Kerry County Council meeting held on 18th May 2026 in respect of Rossbeigh and Cromane, that “Kerry County Council expected an application for minor works to be sent to the OPW next month (June 2026), with a detailed design by September 2026.”
Once applications have been received by the OPW for Rossbeigh and Cromane, they will be considered for approval.
