Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 29 September 2026
485. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the actions taken since January 2026 to implement the recommendation of the Joint Committee on Climate, Environment and Energy regarding enhanced planning and investment for coastal resilience measures; and if he will provide a progress update on each action. [68831/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department appreciates the work of the Joint Committee on Climate, Environment and Energy in highlighting the need for enhanced planning and investment for coastal resilience. Since January 2026, the Department has continued to advance relevant work through the wider whole-of-Government framework for coastal change management.
The Government recognises the significant risks that sea level rise, coastal erosion and flooding present to our coastlines in the context of climate change. Responding effectively to these challenges requires a coordinated, evidence-based and long-term approach.
Ireland’s approach to coastal change management is guided by the work of the Inter-Departmental Group on the National Coastal Change Management Strategy, which was established by Government to support informed decision-making on how best to manage the coastline in light of future risks and planning needs. In October 2023, the Group published a scoping report setting out 15 recommendations to inform the development of a National Coastal Change Management Strategy. These recommendations are structured across three overarching pillars:
enhancing governance and capacity building;
improving understanding of risk and identifying potential technical options; and
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 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 recommendations are being advanced on a phased basis under the three strategic pillars. This structured approach is intended to ensure that the foundations necessary for a robust National Coastal Change Management Strategy are put in place.
In relation to investment in individual coastal resilience measures, the identification, planning and implementation of site-specific coastal protection or flood mitigation works are, in the first instance, matters for the relevant local authority, having regard to technical, environmental and regulatory requirements. The Office of Public Works has lead responsibility at national level for flood risk management and works in partnership with local authorities in the delivery of flood relief schemes. It also operates the Minor Flood Mitigation Works and Coastal Protection Scheme, under which local authorities may seek funding support for eligible minor works or studies.
My Department will continue to coordinate progression of the recommendations and to support action across the relevant public bodies within the overall national climate adaptation and flood risk management framework.
