Clare Fine Gael TD, Joe Carey, has suggested old car tyres should be used in port, coastal and river areas, to help prevent flooding and erosion.

Deputy Carey added that the move could help to prevent the sort of damage caused by the recent storms in coastal areas around the country.

Mr Carey said: "Old tyres are commonly used in coastal areas in other countries such as Australia, the United States and Israel, and I am calling on the Government to consider a pilot project in Ireland. I have met with Minister of State at the OPW, Brian Hayes TD, to discuss how to take the proposal forward.

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"The recent impact of severe weather on our coastal areas has left the country facing a significant bill for rebuilding works. Clearly our weather patterns are changing and we need now more than ever to take preventative measures to secure our coastline and tidal river areas.

"It is not financially viable for Government to be acting after the event and facing massive reconstruction costs. Therefore, I believe we must look at everything which might help mitigate against future storm and river damage.

"As a result of an EU directive in 2003, car tyres must be disposed of in a particular sustainable way. Often this can be very costly. Using old tyres in port, river and coastal areas, as a line of defence against the rising tide or sea levels, has happened for years in many countries, and there are well-documented studies showing that they are an effective defence against tidal surges.

"Each year, expensive materials are used to help protect our coasts and riverbed areas, and these require significant maintenance. We must look at new ways to protect our coasts in a cost effective and sustainable way."

(CD/JP)