THERE will be no intervention to the coastal erosion between Glen Wyllin and Balleira in Kirk Michael unless it is in the "national interest" to do so.

That's according to the Minister for Environment, Food and Agriculture Phil Gawne MHK who says government's policy is "managed retreat".

He was responding to questions posed by Michael MHK Alf Cannan in the House of Keys this morning.

Mr Cannan wanted to know what the policy was in respect of the coastal erosion, when the matter was last reviewed and what the current annual estimated rate of erosion in the area is.

Mr Gawne said a report conducted in 2000 had shown that two properties in the area, including the Clearwater Trout Farm, were predicted to be lost to coastal erosion in the next 50 years.

He added that there were no staff with coastal management expertise in the department but said officers were reviewing the issue.

He said: "Officers in the environment directorate are currently reviewing this and reporting back to me in early 2012.

"Aerial photos also demonstrate a one metre per year, approximately, removal of coastline in the Clearwater Trout Farm area."

Mr Cannan highlighted that there were a number of properties in the area which he said were "increasingly under threat" and said some people were finding it difficult to secure funding on their homes or to sell them.

He argued that it was in the national interest to act on this but Mr Gawne disagreed and said: "What is the national interest? Clearly there is a local interest and it is perhaps for Mr Cannan to demonstrate that the local interest is a national interest."

Mr Cannan said he thought it would be a good idea to ask local residents and commissioners to highlight their concerns and put forward ideas on how to manage the erosion.

He explained: "I believe we should be taking some action to slow it down as it is an increasing danger to a substantial number of residents."

However Mr Gawne said there would be "little point" in public consultation at this time because of the government policy of managed retreat.

He added: "That's not doing nothing – that's managed retreat."

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Picture by Bill Dale