The study on coastal zone management in Ireland was commissioned in August 1995 by the Ministers for the Environment, Marine and Arts, Culture and the Gaeltacht. Considerable progress has been made to date in relation to reviewing available data on the coastal zone, legislative and administrative aspects and international developments. In addition, a comprehensive programme of consultation with Government Departments and State agencies, local authorities and other organisations, bodies and individuals with an interest in the management of the coastal zone has taken place. The consultants are due to report at the end of March 1996.