Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 23 June 2026
416. Deputy Roderic O'Gorman asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage his Department’s plans to counter coastal erosion, dealing with the potential of coastal erosion on housing and infrastructure; and the contingency plans being put in place to relocate people from unsafe coastal areas in view of increasing climate change impacts; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46953/26]
View answerThe Government recognises the need for a coordinated, long-term approach to managing coastal change in Ireland, including coastal erosion and coastal flood risk, and is aware of the ongoing and evolving risks these pose to housing, infrastructure, public safety and coastal communities more generally.
Ireland’s approach to coastal change continues to be informed by the Report of the Inter-Departmental Group on National Coastal Change Management Strategy, published on 26 October 2023, which sets out an initial, evidence-based framework for managing coastal change over the short, medium and long term.
The Report sets out 15 recommendations to inform the development of an integrated, whole-of-Government approach to coastal change management. These recommendations are structured around three pillars:
governance and capacity building;
improved understanding of risk and technical options; and
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 and to ensure a coordinated, whole-of-Government response. The Steering Group includes representatives from relevant Government Departments and State bodies with responsibilities relating to climate adaptation, flood risk management, planning, environmental protection and local government. A number of working groups have also been established to advance specific thematic areas, including Planning, Legislation, Nature-Based Solutions, and Training and Skills.
Progress to date has focused on putting in place the governance structures and evidence base necessary to inform future policy decisions. This includes strengthening interdepartmental coordination, progressing work on coastal risk assessment and technical analysis, examining relevant policy and legislative frameworks, and considering how best to communicate and consult with communities that may be affected by coastal change.
The Office of Public Works continues to lead at national level on coastal hazard and risk assessment, including mapping and monitoring of coastal flood and erosion risk, and on the assessment of technical options and constraints. It also works in partnership with local authorities on the planning and delivery of flood risk management and coastal protection measures. Local authorities remain responsible, in the first instance, for the consideration, planning and implementation of any site-specific coastal protection or flood mitigation measures, having regard to technical, environmental and statutory requirements, and may seek support through OPW funding schemes such as the Minor Flood Mitigation Works and Coastal Protection Scheme.
Recommendation 15 of the Report relates to the development of managed retreat options. It provides that consideration should be given to the measures and mechanisms that may be required to support a managed retreat option for communities, homes and properties at risk from coastal change, where such an approach is deemed necessary. It also recognises the importance of adequate lead-in time, communication and consultation with affected communities, and alignment with local planning policy.
Managed retreat, including any potential relocation supports, is one of a number of possible long-term responses to coastal change. It raises complex social, legal, financial, planning and community issues and would require detailed consideration before any policy position or scheme could be developed.
While work is ongoing to examine the matters identified in Recommendation 15, no decision has yet been reached on the viability of managed retreat as an option in Ireland, or on the introduction of a scheme to support relocation for those living in homes located close to areas at risk of coastal erosion.
My Department will continue to work closely with the Steering Group, the Office of Public Works, local authorities and other relevant stakeholders to progress this important work within the broader national climate adaptation and resilience framework.
