My Department welcomes the recently published working paper prepared by the University of Galway and MKO on behalf of the Climate Change Advisory Council. The issues identified are broadly aligned with matters being examined under the 2023 Inter-Departmental Group Report and its recommendations.
The Government recognises the need for a coordinated, long-term approach to managing coastal change in Ireland, including coastal erosion and coastal flood risk. The Report of the Inter-Departmental Group on National Coastal Change Management Strategy, published on 26 October 2023, sets out 15 recommendations to inform the development of an integrated, whole-of-Government approach to coastal change management.
The 2023 Report provides the current Government roadmap for responding to coastal change in a structured, planned and evidence-based way. 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 2023 Report, a Steering Group chaired by my Department was established to oversee implementation. 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. In addition, the Office of Public Works chairs a working group focused on actions relating to coastal risk assessment and technical options.
Progress to date has focused on putting in place the governance structures and evidence base required to inform future policy decisions. This includes strengthening interdepartmental coordination, progressing work on coastal risk assessment and technical analysis, examining planning and legislative frameworks, and considering approaches to community communication and consultation.
The University of Galway working paper highlights the increasing risks associated with coastal erosion and proposes a roadmap for a Coastal Change Adaptation Framework, addressing areas such as risk data, planning guidance, governance, funding, technical capacity and community engagement. The Department welcomes the insights of this working paper, and notes that the issues raised within are being considered as part of the ongoing implementation of the 2023 Report and the development of a National Coastal Change Management Strategy.
Recommendation 15 of the 2023 Report relates to the development of managed retreat options, including the measures and mechanisms that may be required to support communities and/or individual homes and properties at risk from coastal change, where such an approach is deemed necessary. This work raises complex social, legal, financial, planning and community issues and will require detailed consideration before any policy position can be adopted.
My Department will continue to work closely with the Steering Group, the OPW, local authorities and other relevant stakeholders to progress this important work within the broader national climate adaptation and resilience framework.
