Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent)
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224. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he will address a matter (details supplied) regarding coastal erosion; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19045/23]

Patrick O'Donovan (Limerick County, Fine Gael)
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Local coastal erosion issues are a matter, in the first instance, for each Local Authority to investigate and address. Where necessary, Local Authorities may put forward proposals to relevant central Government Departments, including the Office of Public Works (OPW), for funding of appropriate measures depending on the infrastructure or assets under threat.

Under the OPW Minor Flood Mitigation Works and Coastal Protection Scheme, applications are considered for projects that are estimated to cost not more than €750,000 in each instance. Funding of up to 90% of the cost is available for approved projects. Applications are assessed by the OPW having regard to the specific economic, social and environmental criteria of the scheme, including a cost benefit ratio and having regard to the availability of funding for flood risk management. Full details of this scheme are available: www.gov.ie/en/publication/0e3b3d-minor-flood-mitigation-works-and-coastal-protection-scheme/.

In 2018 the OPW approved funding to Kerry County Council of €150,000 to carry out a Coastal Erosion and Flood Risk Management Study in the location detailed by the Deputy. Kerry County Council have confirmed that this study is now complete and the report will shortly be forwarded by Kerry County Council to the OPW for review. The OPW will liaise with Kerry County Council on the findings of the report once received.