Impact of coastal erosion on Wexford beaches raised in the Dáil – ‘Courtown and Kilmichael are in serious danger'
'Up to 25 per cent of Ireland's coastline is facing the serious problem of coastal erosion and the proportion in counties Wicklow and Wexford is higher. The Taoiseach will be aware that I represent an area that stretches from Brittas Bay to Morriscastle. We have some of the finest beaches in the country, but many of them, most notably Courtown and Kilmichael, are in serious danger,' he explained.
"We need to look at addressing this from a climate point of view and at beach replenishment. There is the threat to adjoining lands and infrastructure, nesting areas and coastal biodiversity. We can learn from other countries such as the Netherlands.'
Beach replenishment is a common practice in the Netherlands, and involves adding sand to the beaches and the seabed to counteract erosion.
A popular method is the sand motor, which involves depositing a large amount of sand offshore, allowing natural forces like waves, wind, and currents to redistribute the sand over time.
'Of concern to me as well is that the Department of Climate, Energy and the Environment's own statistics show that, between 2017 and 2024, the number of homes at risk in our coastal areas grew from 1,445 to 2,279. I ask that this issue be a priority,' he added.
Taoiseach Micheál Martin agreed that the situation was an important issue, following on after his attendance at the UN Ocean Summit in France recently.
"Ireland is increasingly making a significant contribution to the international debate on the oceans. Regarding coastal erosion, I invite the Deputy to make a submission to the Minister for public expenditure.'
He highlighted the climate change crisis and how the erosion of coasts will have a domino affect on food production if not addressed promptly.
"Climate change is here and now; it is not something that is going to come in ten years' time. It is affecting flooding. It is eroding coastlines. It is putting homes in danger. It is affecting food production patterns and so on. I believe that, in the next national development plan, there has to be ring-fenced funding for the cost of climate change to enable us to adapt to protect,' he said.
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