Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 12 February 2026
71. Deputy James O'Connor asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation if he will report on initiatives being taken to address coastal erosion in Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11099/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraLocal coastal erosion and flooding issues are a matter, in the first instance, for each local authority to investigate and address. Funding may be made available to Local Authorities for coastal erosion works or studies through the Minor Works Scheme. The OPW are currently funding nine local authority staff in Cork County Council (CCC) to manage the delivery of flood relief schemes.
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 recently been increased from €750,000 to €2 million. Further details on this are due to be announced soon.
Since 2009, OPW has approved some 57 projects and some €7.4 million to CCC under the Minor Works Schemes. The table below denotes funding relating to coastal erosion works or studies approved under the Minor Works Scheme for Cork.
|
Scheme |
Approved |
Project Details |
Funding € |
|
Cape Clear Island South Harbour |
20/12/2024 |
Carry out remedial works required to existing Sea Wall. |
189,000 |
|
Pilmore Cottages, Youghal |
02/06/2023 |
Coastal Erosion Risk Management Study. |
135,000 |
|
Bayview B&B, Glandore |
29/04/2022 |
Stabilize the cliff face. |
225,353 |
|
Finure-Guileen Cliff |
10/07/2024 |
Detailed design and construction stage for cliff stabilisation works. |
495,000 |
|
Roches Point Sea Wall |
23/09/2022 |
Detailed Design & Construction of a Toe Wall to stabilize existing sea wall. |
78,099 |
|
Youghal Front Beach |
06/09/2010 |
Refurbish Sea Wall. |
18,000 |
|
Total |
|
|
1,140,452
|
Coastal Erosion Study Youghal to Ring
Funding of €135,000 was approved in June 2023 to carry out a Coastal Erosion Risk Management Study. The study area includes the shoreline adjacent to PiImore Cottages, and extends from Youghal to Ring on the county Cork coastline.
This Study will inform CCC and is being carried out prior to any subsequent funding application for structural measures to manage coastal erosion risk.
As the area is designated a Special Protection Area (SPA) and Special Area of Conservation (SAC), an Appropriate Assessment screening will be required.
The Minor Works Scheme is a demand led scheme, based on applications received from the Local Authority. Funding allocated is based on the cost submitted by the local authorities for consideration.
Coastal Change Management.
The Government recognises the risks associated with climate change and that increases in sea levels and storm surges will result in increased frequency of coastal erosion. In response to these challenges, the recommendations outlined in the Report of the Interdepartmental Group on National Coastal Change Management Strategy are being implemented. Amongst the key recommendations of the Report is the assignment of the lead coordination role to the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, which is responsible for chairing an Interdepartmental Steering Group on Coastal Change Management.
The OPW has been designated by Government as the national lead coordinating body for the assessment of coastal change hazards and risks and the assessment of technical options and constraints. These assessments will build upon indicative assessment work previously undertaken by the OPW under the Irish Coastal Protection Strategy Study, and comprise a substantial, multi-annual programme of work to assess coastal risk nationally, and then in detail at higher risk locations as a basis for then determining potential viable works to manage this risk. This work will contribute to the work of the Interdepartmental Steering Group on Coastal Change Management.
The OPW is currently carrying out a Pilot Coastal Monitoring Survey Programme to undertake regular surveys in selected coastal locations to increase understanding of coastal change in these areas. The coastline at Youghal, is one of the areas included in this pilot programme and surveying activities at Youghal commenced in 2022.
Question No. 72 answered with Question No. 53.
