Coastal protection and localised flooding issues are matters, in the first instance, for each local authority to investigate and address. To assist Local Authorities in managing the coastline for coastal erosion, the Office of Public Works (OPW) has undertaken a national assessment of coastal erosion (including erosion rates) under the Irish Coastal Protection Strategy Study (ICPSS) and the results of this study have been published on the OPW website. This data enables Local Authorities to develop appropriate plans and strategies for the sustainable management of the coastline in their counties.
The Minor Flood Mitigation Works and Coastal Protection Scheme was introduced by OPW in 2009. The purpose of the scheme is to provide funding to Local Authorities to undertake minor flood mitigation works or studies to address localised flooding and coastal protection problems within their administrative areas. The scheme generally applies where a solution can be readily identified and achieved in a short time frame.
Under the scheme, applications are considered for projects that are estimated to cost not more than €750,000 in each instance. Funding of up to 90% of the cost is available for approved projects. Applications are assessed by the OPW having regard to the specific economic, technical social and environmental criteria of the scheme, including a cost benefit ratio.
Since 2009, the OPW has approved funding under the Minor Flood Mitigation Works and Coastal Protection Scheme of approximately €1.9 million to County Louth for some 20 projects, which includes funding of approx. €1 million for coastal studies/projects in County Louth. Details of the minor works schemes in County Louth are available here: https://www.floodinfo.ie/minor-works/?la=17
The Government recognises the clear challenge posed by rising sea levels for the country as a whole and for coastal communities in particular. The Government established an Inter-Departmental Group on Managing Coastal Change Strategy to scope out an approach for the development of a national co-ordinated and integrated strategy to manage the projected impact of coastal change to our coastal communities. The Report of the Group, which was published in October 2023, sets out 15 recommendations centred on developing responses to coastal change and developing a comprehensive whole of Government approach to the development of policy response to the challenge of coastal change.
Amongst the key recommendations is the assignment of the lead role to the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage to promote a joined-up, whole of government response to coastal change by all relevant Departments / Agencies having regard to their existing policy remits and to chair a new Inter-Departmental Steering Group on Coastal Change. The OPW has been designated as the national lead coordinating body for the assessment of coastal change hazards and risks and the assessment of technical options and constraints. These assessments will comprise a substantial, multi-annual programme of work to assess coastal change risk nationally, and then in detail at higher risk locations as a basis for then determining potential viable works to manage the risk. This work will contribute to the work of the Inter-Departmental Steering Group on Coastal Change.
