Need for national coastal management strategy

Over 90% of the population of the island of Ireland resides within 15kms of the coastline. This coastline, depending on the measuring technique employed, is between 1,500km and 9,750km in length.

The landscape of this land/sea interface is rich in diversity − from rugged cliff lines and limestone rock plateaus − to isolated pebble or sandy beaches and rolling pastureland.

Around the coast, unbroken visibility that can stretch for miles without interruption from industrial development and ‘relatively’ little urbanisation provides an experience that is almost unique throughout Europe.

Yet its citizens, and more ashamedly its administrators, display little or no real understanding in what should be considered a national, natural treasure. This ‘coastal zone’ can be loosely described as an area from the inner coastal defences out to 15kms.

Integrated Coastal Zone Management has its roots in the early 1970s as an initiative to prompt countries in the developed world to take an interest in the quality and management of their coastal environments. In theory, it provides policy direction in a multi-sectoral approach, taking into account stakeholder economic, social and environmental issues.

In practice, in Ireland however, it does not. It is sectoral and complex, and has a strong land/sea divide. Responsibility for its implementation is spread over numerous departments and as many local authorities, none of which is actively ‘leading the charge’.

Yes indeed, there are many individuals and groups actively and passionately involved with ICZM. Nonetheless, it is the lack of a national strategy that is clearly absent. Instead of truly embracing this unique and finite resource, management of ICZM is left in the ‘in tray’ on the desks of Ireland’s administrators.

Only a few short weeks ago, coastline vulnerability was graphically displayed in the aftermath of the Asian Tsunami disaster. Words are inadequate to describe the loss of life and of communities. In an instant, coastlines were altered forever.

Located as we are in a fairly benign weather region, Ireland is relatively safe from such natural disasters. We are, however, very exposed to potential pollution disasters from vessels that pass within 200 miles of our coastline as they transport almost 90% of Europe’s bulk cargo imports.

We can protect against these dangers, and we must. Protection of our coastline would have been a matter of course once man had perfected the technology, if the marine and things maritime were simply been a way of life.

Gillian Mills