Details of the coastal protection programme, 2008, were announced last week by Minister of State John Browne.

More than €3 million has been allocated for the project, with Minister Browne stressing the need for protection from erosion.

"Ireland must continue to protect our coastline, sections of which are constantly under threat from erosion. Being an island community, our coastline is one of our most important natural resources and is of particular importance to our tourism industry. The coastal protection programme aims to construct works that slow or even halt erosion in places where the coastline is at its most vulnerable," said Minister Browne.

"The programme provides funding to a number of projects which are being managed by my Department's Engineering Division. The most significant of these is the Coastal Protection Strategy Study which will continue into phases 2 and 3 in 2008. On completion, this study will determine future priorities in the area and how best to allocate our resources to ensure the preservation of our coastline and achieve the best value for money for taxpayers." Other existing projects receiving funding include Geographic Information System (GIS) maintenance and development; tide gauges and wave buoys.

Minister Browne announced that funding of €900,000 has been already been allocated under the 2008 programme to emergency works at Inch beach, Co. Kerry. Other projects in Local Authority areas receiving funding include Ross in Co. Clare, Strandhill in Co. Sligo, Abbeyside, Dungarvan, in Co. Waterford, Clonakilty, Co. Cork and Casson Sound, Co. Donegal. In addition, coastal protection works will continue at St. Helens Bay and Curracloe in Co. Wexford.

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