The Government recognises the importance of progressing a coordinated, long-term approach to managing coastal change in Ireland. The Report of the Inter-Departmental Group on National Coastal Change Management Strategy, published on 26 October 2023, sets out 15 recommendations designed to inform the development of an integrated, whole-of-Government approach to coastal change management.
The 2023 publication is a scoping report which establishes the strategic framework and identifies priority actions required to underpin a National Coastal Change Management Strategy. The recommendations are structured across three overarching pillars:
1. Enhancing governance and capacity building;
2. Improving understanding of risk and identifying potential technical options; and
3. Developing management responses to coastal change.
Following publication of the Report, the Government approved the establishment of an inter-departmental Steering Group, chaired by my Department, to coordinate progression of the recommendations. The Steering Group brings together relevant Government Departments and State bodies with responsibilities relating to climate adaptation, flood risk management, planning, environmental protection and local government. It has met on six occasions since its establishment, most recently earlier this year, and will meet again shortly.
To support this work, a number of dedicated working groups have been established to advance specific thematic areas. These include working groups on Planning, Legislation, Nature-Based Solutions, and Training and Skills. Additionally, the Office of Public Works (OPW) chairs a working group focused specifically on actions under Pillar 2 relating to risk assessment and technical options. These groups meet between Steering Group sessions and report directly to it, enabling detailed consideration of priority actions while maintaining overall strategic oversight.
Progress to date includes strengthening governance arrangements, enhancing the national evidence base on coastal erosion and flood risk, progressing technical and scenario analysis, and examining relevant policy and regulatory frameworks. The OPW continues to lead nationally on flood risk management and works in partnership with local authorities in the delivery of flood relief and coastal protection measures, including through established funding mechanisms such as the Minor Flood Mitigation Works and Coastal Protection Scheme.
The recommendations of the 2023 scoping report are being advanced on a phased basis under the three strategic pillars. This structured approach will ensure that the foundations necessary for a robust National Coastal Change Management Strategy are put in place.
My Department will continue to support coordinated action across the relevant public bodies within the overall national climate adaptation and flood risk management framework.
