A GOVERNMENT minister visited Northside residents last week to hear their concerns regarding the impact of coastal erosion on their local beach.
Minister of State for the Office of Public Works (OPW) and Flood Relief, Seán Canney, met with local TDs, councillors, residents and property owners at Burrow Beach, Portrane.
For some time, residents and traders have been expressing fears regarding the threat facing homes and business by the rapid coastal erosion of the popular beach.
Minister Canny said he was delighted to visit Portrane to see at first hand the impact that coastal erosion is having on this area.
“On a broad level, my office has surveyed and assessed the coastal erosion risk along the entire national coastline and this information has been published and is available to all local authorities,” he said.
“This study enables local authorities to develop appropriate plans and strategies for the sustainable management of the coastline in their counties, including the identification, prioritisation and, subject to the availability of resources, the implementation of coastal protection works both of a structural and non-structural nature.”
Minister Canney said his office operates the minor flood mitigation works and coastal protection scheme under which applications for funding from local authorities to undertake localised works are considered.
“Funding for coastal erosion risk management studies may also be applied for,” he said.
“Funding of up to 90 per cent of the cost is available for projects which meet the eligibility criteria, including a requirement that the proposed measures are cost beneficial.” Under this scheme funding of €57,800 was provided in 2012 to Fingal County Council to carry out a Coastal Erosion Risk Management Study of Portrane to Rush which included Burrow Beach.
In addition, following the severe storms of Winter 2013/2014 total funding of €200,000 was provided by the OPW to the council for repair works to damaged coastal protection infrastructure which included projects at Burrow Beach.
Minister Canney said his office supports intervention management options that are economically justified on cost benefit grounds and are environmentally sound.
“I know Fingal County Council is working hard to identify viable solutions to the erosion problem at Portrane and I look forward to receiving proposals from the council in due course,” he added.
In a statement, a spokesperson for Fingal County Council told Northside People: “No properties are at immediate risk of coastal erosion or coastal flooding at the moment and the council will continue to monitor the situation.
“The council will also undertake a more detailed coastal flooding study of the Burrow to establish any potential future flooding risks.”
Local councillor Paul Mulville (Ind), who met with Minister Canny, said: “There is serious concern and fear amongst local residents and traders in Portrane regarding the threat facing homes and business by the rapid coastal erosion, and as I have said before, our own house is amongst the ones at risk.
“I support the work being done on the council’s coastal liaison group and on a national level through the City and County Managers’ Association and the Local Government Management Agency.”
Cllr Mulville said he also welcomed the news that another study will be carried out to look at flood defences and coastal erosion prevention.
“However in the interim, which we await the results of all these further studies and reports, the council must take action and provide immediate emergency measures, extend the existing boulders put in place at Seaview and strengthen and extend the existing old sea wall,” he added.
“The emergency reinforcement of existing coastal protection works is allowable under the terms of the EU directives, and related national legislation, and funding for emergency works has been provided in our budget. We need to see action on the ground now.”
