The minutes of the meeting held on 30th of November 2022, were agreed. The minutes were proposed by Cllr Eoghan O Brien and seconded by Cllr Boland.

A presentation was given by Maire O Brien on Portmarnock beach Sand Dunes, which was well received, and all questions answered. Councillor David Healy asked that the presentation be forwarded to the members.

A presentation was given by Deborah Coleman and Martin Sweeney from SEE Electricity on the renewable energy from windfarms with particular attention to Setanta Windfarm Balbriggan, which was well received, and Councillor David Healy asked that the presentation be forwarded on to him.

 “That the Chief Executive conducts and analysis on the impact of Coastal Erosion on the coastline from Balbriggan to Howth to facilitate an understanding of where remedial works are required before significant, irreparable damage occurs.” 

Response

Since 2020 Fingal County Council has engaged with the Office of Public Works on the development of a National Coastal Monitoring Survey Programme.  This is with a view to developing a best practice approach to coastal monitoring and ultimately appropriate responses to coastal change. Six pilot locations for this programme have been identified strategically located around the Irish Coastline including the Rogerstown Outer Estuary.    The pilot programme is ongoing, and the data currently being assembled and/or considered for inclusion in the programme include: 

Bathymetric Surveys, from the high-water mark (HWM) to 20m below mean sea level.

Aerial photography surveys are being to be carried out annually and following significant storm events. The surveys will extend from the approximate low water mark (LWM) to a minimum of 200m landward of the HWM.

LiDAR surveys of Portrane are being carried out extending from the LWM to a minimum of 200m landward of the HWM.

Topographic Surveys and the installation of more wave buoys and tidal gauges. 

Terrestrial Laser Scanning.

When the analysis of this pilot programme is available, it is planned to extend monitoring to the entire coastline and to commission survey work in line with the approved methodologies.  

Source: Kevin Halpenny, Senior Parks & Landscape Officer

Motion Accepted

Proposed Councillor Karen Power

Seconded Councillor Eoghan O Brien

Action Share an Update from the OPW that Kevin Halpenny has with the members.

 “That this Committee, learning from positive experience on beaches in Fingal and elsewhere, develops a policy for the management of beaches and dunes aimed at protecting them from erosion, and encouraging the growth of dunes and beaches as coastal protection for developed areas of Fingal, particularly in the context of rising sea levels.” 

Response:

There are currently no plans for the Council to develop a policy for the management of Beaches and Dunes in Fingal.  A policy of this nature may be more appropriate to the Development Plan process.  It may however be worth considering the preparation of “best practice guidance” for works relating to the ongoing maintenance carried out or supported by the Council to aid the protection of beaches and sand dune systems in Fingal.

Source: Kevin Halpenny, Senior Parks & Landscape Officer

Proposed Councillor Healy

Seconded Councillor Paul Mulville

Action It was agreed more clarity and research is needed around this item before a policy is developed and that management would come back to the members with an update at the next Marine and Coastal SPC.

“That the Chief Executive confirms that the demand required to use all the additional electrical power generated from the planned offshore wind turbines farms currently exists within the State.”

Response:

The Commission for Regulation of Utilities is Ireland’s independent energy and water regulator.  The CRU’s role in energy is to maintain security of supply, ensure efficient network delivery and promote competition and innovation in the generation and supply of electricity and supply of natural gas.  As part of this role, the CRU jointly regulates the all-island wholesale Single Electricity Market with its counterpart in Northern Ireland, the Utility Regulator.

If the Motion is passed the terms therein will be forwarded to the Commission for Regulation of Utilities and when a reply is received the members will be informed. 

Proposed Councillor Brian Dennehy

Seconded Councillor Eoghan O Brien

Report Agreed

“That the Chief Executive, given the recent making of the new County Development Plan, outlines her best estimate as to when the process can commence to put in place Special Amenity Area Orders (SAAO) for Rogerstown, Malahide and Baldoyle Estuaries given the urgent need for Special Amenity Area Orders designations as vital to aid the conservation of these European sites and the habitats, flora and fauna that they have been designated to protect, given the Climate and Biodiversity Emergency declared by Dáil Éireann in May 2019, and the recent pressing recommendations of the Citizens’ Assembly on Biodiversity Loss in November 2022.”

Response:

It is anticipated that significant survey work will be commissioned at these designated sites over the coming two to three years in line with the provisions of the Fingal Biodiversity Action Plan and specifically the ongoing management of these areas.  It is further expected that this data will as appropriate be directly relevant and necessary to the proposed SAAO process.

Source: Kevin Halpenny, Senior Parks & Landscape Officer/ Matthew McAleese

Proposed Councillor Paul Mulville

Seconded Councillor David Healy

Report Noted

Action It was requested that the new Harbourmaster for the North County is invited to the next Marine and Coastal SPC by the members and that this invitation be extended to the Howth Harbourmaster at a later date.