Clare TD Michael McNamara has urged the Minister for State with responsibility for the Office of Public Works to make a decision to grant the Minor Coastal Protection Works for Doonbeg, Ballynacally and Kildysart immediately.
“I am delighted to learn from the minister during his visit to west Clare today that he is aware that the cost benefit analysis for the Atlantic Minor Coastal Protection Works has been received by the Office of Public Works.
He also expects to have the cost benefit analysis for the Shannon estuary on his desk this week,” said Deputy McNamara.
“I would now urge the minister to make a decision on these applications as soon as possible. There is no point in funding being granted for these works late in November when we are already in the middle of winter. Realistically work has to be completed on these two sites by September.
Time is of the essence here. Already the communities around Doonbeg, Ballynacally and Kildysart, along with the IFA have shown huge resilience and determination in the face of ongoing bureaucracy to get the applications this far,” said the Deputy who paid particular tribute to the local IFA.
“I note from the extensive meetings I have had with the IFA locally and Clare County Council of the huge amount of work they have done to date. It is now time for the OPW to show their support for these west Clare communities and local farmers and grant these applications,” he added.
“The farming communities along the Shannon Estuary and the west coast of Clare have endured great financial and physical hardship since the high tides and storms of 2013 and 2014. The uncertainty for the future of their farms and incomes cannot continue for another winter, especially when two minor coastal protection works, estimated at €500,000 each, could solve the issue,” the Clare TD said.