Erosion prevention in need of funding

WARNINGS of further serious damage by coastal erosion in Kerry were given yesterday, unless major funding is provided to deal with the problem.

A multi-million euro package is needed to tackle the problem, which is resulting in the loss of farmland, damage to sand dunes, golf links, beaches and roads, according to engineering experts.

Kerry County Council is preparing a list of schemes for which funding will be required from the Dept of the Marine, in 2007.

Rossbeigh and Inch, both popular beach areas, will be on the list.

However, Rossbeigh-based Fianna Fáil Cllr Michael Cahill said far too little funding was being provided in recent years.

“Considerable damage has been caused by erosion in Rossbeigh. A cul-de-sac, cliff road has been moved on two occasions and will have to be moved again,” he said.

Coast protection schemes have been completed at Inch, Ballinskelligs, Ballinrannig, Killelan, Kilshannig, Kilfenora and Dromatoor, in recent years.

Funding of €500,000 has just been provided for a continuation of protection work at Ballyheigue, on Kerry Head.

A further €300,000 has been allocated by the Dept of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs for Fenit Island.

Meanwhile, Mr Michael Cahill said the use of excavated material from Cromane should help provide further protection.

“We haven’t been getting a fraction of the money we need to address this problem, but it will have to become a priority,” he said.

Major golf clubs in Kerry, including Ballybunion, Tralee and Waterville, have invested in protecting their facilities from erosion.