Coastal homes in some towns in the capital are under threat from coastal erosion, according to a Dublin TD.
Fianna Fáil TD for Dublin-Fingal, Darragh O’Brien, has criticised the government for 'failing to recognise the realities' of coastal erosion as homes in Portrane and Rush amongst others in North County Dublin are under threat.
Coastal erosion is the name given to the removal of land from the coast by wave action, tidal currents and/or the activities of man, typically causing a retreat inland from the coast.
The erosion, also known as coastal decay, is also caused by more frequent storms and rising water levels and O'Brien believes it is putting homes at risk.
He said of the the threat: “The government have been completely hands-off when it comes to tackling this problem. In my own constituency we have already lost one home to coastal erosion. It is only a matter of time before we lose more.
“I have raised this urgent problem with the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform and sought an update as to where the multi-department National Coastal Erosion Strategy and Plan is at. His response will leave no coastal home owner with comfort.
“As far as I can see there is no plan or strategy. It appears the government are throwing small sums of money and firefighting the problem as local authorities report issues with coastal erosion.
“Our climate is changing rapidly. Storms and freak weather patterns are becoming the norm. This has a detrimental effect on our coast and homes on the coast. We need a national plan and the government should prioritise the coastal erosion plan with their other climate action ambitions,” concluded Deputy O’Brien.
