A new Foreshore Bill, about to go before the Oireachtas, will “radically change coastal responsibilities” and give ordinary citizens a chance to participate for the first time in planning for the sea shore, according to Coastwatch Ireland.
Launching the 27th annual survey of the coastline by “citizen scientists”, Coastwatch co-ordinator Karin Dubsky said this year’s audit would provide much-needed data that could be mapped and made available to the public.
“Our coasts are one of our most valuable and beautiful natural resources,” she told a launch event in Carlingford, Co Louth. “But between climate change, the impacts of our resource use and pollution, too many sites are under threat.”