Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 5 October 2023
226. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform if a matter will be investigated (details supplied); if a proposal of work to remedy the problem be put in place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43250/23]
View answerThe OPW is aware of erosion of the dune habitat at Derrynane. Whilst there is evidence of erosion at the site, there is also evidence of accretion. It is also important to have regard to the longer-term coastal evolution in the area. An analysis of mapping and imagery indicates that the current extent of the sand dune habitat at Derrynane greatly exceeds that of 1840 and 1915. The area, which is currently subject to erosion, exists as a result of natural accretion that has occurred since 1915 at the earliest. Historic mapping also indicates that the course of the Coomnahorna River has followed a similar course alongside the dunes and grasslands throughout much of the known history of the site.
This is all evidence that the dunes and grasslands at Derrynane are a dynamic system, the size and shape of which is intrinsically linked to a natural cycle of accretion and erosion.
As you may be aware, the dune habitat at Derrynane is located entirely within both the Kenmare River SAC and the Iveragh Peninsula SPA. The OPW is actively monitoring Derrynane and has commissioned and undertaken a number specialist ecological surveys and studies to obtain the evidence needed to support any action deemed appropriate with regard to the site. These surveys and studies are in addition to having consideration of the National Coastal Monitoring Surveys commissioned by NPWS to fulfil their EU obligations.
The area currently experiencing erosion includes both of the dune habitats listed as Qualifying Interests for the Kenmare SAC, along with another Qualifying Interest, Atlantic Salt Meadows. The target for the sand dune habitats at Derrynane is that "there should be no decline or change in the distribution of the sand dune habitats, unless it is the result of natural processes, including erosion, accretion and succession". The document also states that "Sand dunes are highly complex, dynamic systems, where the habitats occur in a complex and constantly evolving and changing mosaic. They function as systems in terms of geomorphology and hydrology and maintaining the favourable conservation condition of the habitats present depends on allowing these processes to continue unhindered".
Given the conservation objectives of the Kenmare River SAC, there are currently no plans to undertake remedial action that may interfere with the natural cycle of erosion and accretion that is currently evident at Derrynane. This does not preclude remedial action from taking place in the future. The OPW will continue to actively monitor the site.
A Dune Grassland and Heathland Habitat survey is being carried out at the site and is due for completion later this year. In recognition of the importance that both OPW and the local community place on access to the sand dune habitats at Derrynane, the OPW is working in partnership with NUI Galway on a science-based and participative approach to monitoring and management of the sand dunes. When the associated coastal monitoring project report and the Dune Grassland and Heathland Habitat Survey are complete, the OPW will review the material and engage with the local community.
