Malcolm Noonan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Green Party) | Oireachtas source

The scoping report on national coastal change management was approved by Government on 26 October last year. The strategy set out in this scoping report involves an integrated whole-of-government approach, with actions across many sectors. My Department will play a key role in co-ordinating and driving this essential work programme. The OPW has been designated as the national lead co-ordinating body for the assessment of coastal change hazards and risks and an assessment of technical options, including nature-based solutions and constraints. These assessments will build upon indicative assessment work previously undertaken by the OPW under the Irish coastal protection strategy study and comprise a substantial, multi-annual programme of work to assess coastal risk.

I agree with the Deputy that this is vital work and it is urgent on a strategic level to carry it out. She is correct that we are beyond protecting 200 m or so of coastline now, so we need this piece of work to be brought forward, for recommendations to be made and then funding put in place to carry out a much more strategic approach to dealing with coastal erosion. Sea level rise is with us and unfortunately climate change is going to continue to drive this problem for coastal communities around Ireland. I welcome the Deputy raising it this afternoon, but she should note also that the Government is working diligently to try to address the issue and ensure we can take a much more strategic approach, with the support of local authorities and all other agencies.

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