Coghlan calls on OPW to take action on coastal erosion at Rossbeigh

Fine Gael Kerry Senator and Seanad Chief Whip, Paul Coghlan, has called on the OPW to take necessary action to slow the alarming scale of coastal erosion at Rossbeigh in Kerry, and to salvage what is left of the dunes. Senator Coghlan made his call during an Adjournment Debate in the Seanad this week.

“I am very concerned at the scale of coastal erosion at Rossbeigh, which has been severely exacerbated by the recent storms. I believe urgent action is needed to salvage what is left of the dunes, and I raised the issue with the Minister with Responsibility for the OPW, Brian Hayes TD, in the Seanad this week.

“The OPW has asked Local Authorities to submit applications for the repair of damage to flood defences and coastal protection measures to their pre-storm condition. I believe it is very important that this funding is applied to Rossbeigh, and the OPW has committed to consider applications as soon as possible.

“In response to my request, Minister Hayes stated that the scale of erosion at Rossbeigh needs to be looked at in a holistic measure, as coastal erosion is a natural and on-going process. However, Minister Hayes also gave me a commitment that the OPW will give due consideration to any application received from the Local Authority.

“Separately, the OPW is also conducting a series of Catchment Flood Relief Assessment and Management (CFRAM) studies under the EU Floods Directive, which is assessing the risk of coastal flooding in low-lying areas. The Irish Coastal Protection Strategy Study (ICPSS) is almost complete, and will provide invaluable information on what the best course of action is for locations like Rossbeigh.

“I am urging Kerry County Council to make its submission to the OPW without delay, which I hope will result in positive action being taken to address the erosion at Rossbeigh.”

ENDS