My Department is aware of flooding and wave overtopping risks that can arise in coastal areas and notes that Dublin City Council (DCC) has recently implemented precautionary coastal closures in Clontarf in the interests of public safety.
Ireland’s approach to coastal change is informed by the recommendations of the Inter-Departmental Group on National Coastal Change Management Strategy, which was established by Government to provide a strategic framework for managing Ireland’s coastline in the context of increasing and evolving risk. In October 2023, the Group published a report setting out 15 recommendations across three overarching strategic pillars:
Enhancing governance and capacity building
Improving understanding of risk and identifying potential technical options
Developing management responses to coastal change
Progression of this work is being advanced through an inter-departmental steering group chaired by my Department
In relation to coastal works more generally, the consideration, planning and implementation of any site-specific coastal protection or flood mitigation measures are, in the first instance, matters for the relevant local authority, in this case DCC, having regard to technical, environmental and regulatory requirements.
The Office of Public Works (OPW) has lead responsibility at national level for flood risk management and works in partnership with local authorities in the delivery of flood relief schemes. The OPW also operates a number of support mechanisms, including the Minor Flood Mitigation Works and Coastal Protection Scheme, under which local authorities may seek funding support for eligible minor works or studies.
Any proposals brought forward by DCC in respect of coastal flooding or wave overtopping in any coastal area, including Clontarf Baths, are considered through the relevant OPW funding and appraisal processes. My Department will continue to support appropriate engagement between the relevant public bodies within the overall national policy framework.
