Question to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs:

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what assessment she has made of the level of recent damage to the Dawlish coastal defences; and what funding she has made available to strengthen those coastal defences as a result of such damage.

In the recent storms, part of the defence, known as a ‘geotube’ (a sand-filled sleeve of geotextile fabric) became exposed in front of the golf course. Minor works to reduce the risk of scour have now been completed. The work was funded from the Dawlish Warren Beach Management Scheme budget.

There is currently no requirement for major works. However, further works to adapt the site to become more sustainable to future storms will be needed in the future. The Environment Agency will continue to monitor the site closely and liaise with local stakeholders to respond and adapt to changes where possible.

Earlier this year the Government made £80 million available to Network Rail for enhancing the Dawlish coastal defences. These works will deliver a new sea wall which will offer greater flood protection for the community of Dawlish and the railway which serves the town.