Written answers

Wednesday, 13 May 2020

Department of Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht

Special Areas of Conservation Management

Photo of Frank FeighanFrank Feighan (Sligo-Leitrim, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

1329. To ask the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the measures in place to ensure that special areas of conservation which are being damaged by costal erosion are protected and secured by local authorities; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4716/20]

Photo of Josepha MadiganJosepha Madigan (Dublin Rathdown, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

My Department recognises that increased incidences and severity of storms has resulted in changes along the coastline, including in areas that have been designated as NATURA 2000 sites.

It is important to recognise that coastlines undergo a constant cycle of erosion and accretion as part of natural processes. Shorelines absorb and attenuate the energy entering the coastal zone, thereby acting as natural coastal defences. Material that is eroded from one section of the coast accumulates in another, such that the contours of the coastline are constantly in a state of change. Coastal habitats and species protected by special areas of conservation are adapted to survive and depend upon these unstable conditions.

Because coastal habitats and species are dependent on natural erosion and accretion, they can be damaged either directly or indirectly when coastal protection structures are put in place. Furthermore, interference with natural, dynamic coastal processes (by trying to slow down or stop them) can sometimes invite further instability and increased rates of damage to land and property in the area concerned. The construction of physical barriers such as sea defences can interrupt longshore drift, leading to beach starvation and increased rates of erosion in adjacent areas. Therefore, care must be taken to consider fully the effects of any response to erosional events.

Implementation of coastal defences through engineering is not part of my Department’s remit. Natural erosion rates can be increased by human impacts such as climate change and recreation, and these factors should be taken into account when considering an appropriate response. My Department will continue to provide advice to local authorities in this matter as appropriate.

Comments

No comments

Log in or join to post a public comment.