Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 9 April 2025
24. Deputy Eoin Hayes asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the current plans for climate resilience for Dublin’s coastline, in particular, in the context of rising sea levels affecting Dublin city centre and Dublin Bay communities of Ringsend, Sandymount, Merrion, and Blackrock; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17850/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe impacts of Storms Darragh and Éowyn along with other climate change impacts, including rising sea levels, have illustrated the importance of the need for greater prioritisation of climate adaptation.
In June 2024, the Government approved and published a new National Adaptation Framework (NAF). The NAF highlights climate impacts such as heavy rainfall, flooding, storm damage, and rising sea levels, emphasising the urgent need for adaptation. The NAF outlines the national strategy for adapting to climate change with a whole of government approach.
Under the NAF, 13 Adaptation Sectors under 7 Departments must develop new Sectoral Adaptation Plans (SAPs) in line with sectoral guidelines published by my Department.
The Guidance requires these SAPs to consider cross-cutting issues including coastal change. Officials from my Department are working with the sectoral planning teams and collaborating with the Environmental Protection Agency and the Climate Change Advisory Council to progress this work. All SAPs must be completed to seek Government approval by 30 September 2025. Completed SAPs should clearly set out the adaptation priorities for key sectors including an assessment of resources required to implement SAP actions.
Local authorities are, generally, responsible for the management of matters associated with coastal change and erosion in their respective administrative areas and are also required to develop and implement Climate Action Plans (LACAPs). 31 LACAPs were launched on 11 April, 2024, following approval by members.
My colleague, the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, published the National Coastal Change Management Strategy Report in October 2023 and is currently progressing that Report’s recommendations through an interdepartmental steering group. My Department attends and supports this steering group through the work of Geological Survey Ireland on their Coastal Change Assessment Project, the outputs of which are informing the implementation work of OPW.
