The minutes of the last meeting held on 29^th November 2023 were PROPOSED by Councillor Eoghan O’ Brien and seconded by Councillor Cathal Boland.

The minutes of the meetings of the 29^th November 2023, were AGREED

It was AGREED to take Item 4 on the Agenda ‘Report on the Plans, Proposals and Status of the OPW Pilot Coastal Monitoring Survey Programme’ submitted by Cllr David Healy and Item 05, ‘OPW Update - Pilot Coastal Monitoring Survey Programme’ submitted by Maire O’Brien with this Headed Item.  

David Fahey from the OPW gave a presentation on the completed/ongoing projects and pilot coastal monitoring survey programme which monitors, quantifies and identifies coastal change. Mr Fahey also provided information on the National Coastal Change Management Strategy which was published in October (linked below).

https://www.gov.ie/pdf/?file=https://assets.gov.ie/274791/3629d224-a11d-479d-94e0-6e0e435999f3.pdf

The presentation was NOTED

The motion, in the name of Councillor D. Healy, was proposed by Councillor D. Healy and seconded by Councillor E. O’ Brien.  

“That the Chief Executive present a detailed report on the plans, proposals and current status of the Office of Public Works Pilot Coastal Monitoring Survey Programme (https://www.floodinfo.ie/about_cmsp/) on the Fingal coast.”

Report:

The Council is continuing to work with the Office of Public Works (OPW) on the development of a standard for National Coastal Monitoring. The process for the development of this standardised approach is nearing completion. To this end, Rogerstown Outer Estuary has been included by the OPW as a pilot site for coastal monitoring in Ireland. When the coastal monitoring process is extended countrywide, the data for Fingal from this monitoring will be made available to FCC and their consultants and used to assist future decision making in relation to appropriate management of Coastal Change for the entirety of the coastline in Fingal. When the monitoring process is in place, the Council will review how best to use this information in the context of relevant Development Plan objectives and related policies. A presentation will be requested from the OPW to provide the relevant requested details.

The report was NOTED

This motion, in the name of M. O’ Brien, was proposed by M. O’Brien, PPN and seconded by Councillor E. O’Brien.

“That the Chief Executive liaise with the Office of Public Works regarding the Pilot Coastal Monitoring Survey Programme and present an update to the Committee.”

Report:

The Council is continuing to work closely with the Office of Public Works (OPW) on the development of a standard for National Coastal Monitoring. The process for the development of this standardised approach is nearing completion. To this end, Rogerstown Outer Estuary has been included by the OPW as a pilot site for coastal monitoring in Ireland. When the coastal monitoring process is extended countrywide, the data for Fingal from this monitoring will be made available to FCC and their consultants and used to assist future decision making in relation to appropriate management of Coastal Change for the entirety of the coastline in Fingal. When the monitoring process is in place, the Council will review how best to use this information in the context of relevant Development Plan objectives and related policies. A presentation will be requested from the OPW regarding the Coastal Monitoring Survey Project to provide the relevant details to the SPC.

The report was NOTED.

Rory O’Leary from the Maritime Area Regulatory Authority gave a presentation/introduction to the Members detailing their role to manage the occupation of the maritime area and to enforce the provisions of the new planning regime. 

The presentation was NOTED

This motion, in the name of Councillor P. Mulville, was proposed by Councillor P. Mulville and seconded by Councillor E. O’Brien.

“That the Chief Executive report on the current status regarding An Bord Pleanála planning application required to carry out the permanent coastal protection measures at Portrane and Rush, in locations at imminent risk of coastal erosion and flooding, to include when a decision on the initial Maritime Area Consent (MAC) will be due back from the Maritime Area Regulatory Authority (MARA and whether the temporary interim emergency “Seabee” units are due to be re-aligned again this year.”

Report:

The Council is awaiting the results of a Maritime Area Consent (MAC) from the Maritime Area Regulatory Authority (MARA).  This application has been made in the first instance in relation to the proposed coastal protection works planned at The Burrow, Portrane.   A Maritime Area Consent (MAC) provides a gateway into the planning system and confers a right on the applicant to occupy a part of the maritime area, conditional on securing other necessary approvals which in this case would involve Bord Pleanála approval of the planned works. If a MAC is approved the Council will proceed to apply for statutory planning approval for the planned coastal protection works. As the requirement for a MAC is relatively new, it is difficult to confidently predict how soon a result can be expected and how this process will impact the further timelines for the project.  As regards the interim coastal protection works at The Burrow, Portrane, it is planned to relocate the SeaBee units during the coming Summer months to optimise their effectiveness to slow the process of Coastal erosion at this location.

Kevin Halpenny read the report and a discussion followed with the members.   Kevin Halpenny confirmed that the MAC application was submitted in November 2023 and will now follow up on this.

The report was NOTED.