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Minister of State at the Department of the Environment, Heritage
and Local Government, Tony Killeen TD, said that the Government
is taking the necessary steps to ensure that coastal defences
are put in place around the country.
He added that coastal protection works are being undertaken
at various locations throughout Ireland in response to the
increasing threat posed by climate change. The Minister’s
comments followed the allocation - by the Department of Agriculture,
Fisheries and Food - of €3 million for important coastal
protection works around the country in 2008 (Click
Here). Ross in County Clare has received €180,000
- the third highest figure allocated nationally.
“It is estimated that coastal erosion causes a loss of land
area of between 160 and 300 hectares a year around the coast
of Ireland” - stated Minister Killeen. “Furthermore, climate
experts predict that our coastal defences are likely to be
severely battered in the next 50 years. Therefore, it is imperative
that we continue to undertake coastal protection works in
order to protect farmland, tourist amenities, natural habitats/ecology
and private property.
"I am delighted that the Government has allocated €180,000
for important works to be undertaken at Ross. Being an island
community, our coastline is one of our most important natural
resources and is of particular importance to our tourism industry”
- explained the Minister.
“Ross is a well-visited tourist location and one that is
particularly vulnerable to the increased threat posed by rising
sea levels. I am confident that the introduction of rock armour
and gambions will help protect it against the elements.”
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