Forum

Lecale Conservation Association

The Lecale Beaches Restoration project is Northern Ireland’s oldest environmental organisation. It started 10 years ago to demonstrate ‘best practice’ for beach operators to copy across NI. They have had six major dune restoration projects, and a series of minor ones. They work with NGO True Harvest Seeds to grow a variety of plants for dune restoration.

Last year, Lecale coordinated with Council’s Biodiversity Officer and Stormont Department of Environment to implement Ireland’s largest beach restoration at Tyrella. The project secured volunteers from five local community groups for planting, organised funding of £55,000 and commissioned a biodiversity report to vet proposals. Lecale also coordinated with NGO True Harvest Seeds to grow 12,000 plants.

Contact:

Lecale Conservation Association – Lecale Conservation is the leading environmental group in County Down

[email protected]
Charity No. 108658

Wicklow County Council

Wicklow County Council (WCC) owns the dune ecosystems at Brittas Bay, which forms part of the Buckroney-Brittas Dunes and Fen Special Area of Conservation (SAC). A draft Conservation Management Plan has been done. WCC has implemented interventions on habitat degradation, including manual removal of sea buckthorn. WCC also established trial mowing and conservation grazing plots.

The Council has been promoting a place-based identity for Brittas Bay. This included the installation of interpretive signage that celebrate the site’s dune ecology and the role of responsible recreation. The “Behind the Beach” biodiversity awareness programme provides guided walks, family events, and citizen science activities. These actions are complemented by a Coastal Erosion Risk Management Study (2022–2024).

Galway Atlantaquaria

Galway Atlantaquaria is a Clean Coasts experience organiser that facilitates monthly activities on Grattan Beach, Salthill. Since the development of the Sand Fences project we have created some dune experiences and talks, as well as a three year photo study of the dunes progress.

Grattan Sand Fences: A Longitudinal Citizen Science Study 2023-2025

Grattan Sand Fences: A Longitudinal Citizen Science Study 2023-2025

Accelerating Change Together (ACT)

ACT is an award-winning social enterprise, established in 2021, addressing Ireland’s climate crisis. Their multidisciplinary team provide nature-based solutions for coastal erosion and dune protection, supporting the delivery of training “Beaches & Dunes for Climate Adaptation Course” and developing community-led stewardship plans such as “Bertra 2050”.

Last year, ACT designed the “Beaches & Dunes for Climate Adaptation Training Course”, which was delivered to 111 participants across five coastal communities. This project empowered communities with practical skills and knowledge in nature-based solutions for coastal erosion, fostering a foundation for broader national dune protection initiatives. Read more here.

Atlantic Seaboard North Climate Action Regional Office (CARO ASBN)

The Atlantic Seaboard North Climate Action Regional Office (CARO ASBN) is a key entity in coordinating and implementing local government responses to climate change in the northwest region of Ireland. They play a crucial role in bringing together diverse stakeholders and driving forward regional climate action plans, emphasising adaptation strategies and community resilience.

Bertra Connected

Bertra Connected is a group of concerned people working to protect the future of Bertra’s Beach and Dunes in County Mayo. Members include local communities, Mayo County Council, National Parks and Wildlife Service, University of Galway, Clean Coasts, and Leave No Trace. Bertra is under severe pressure from climate change and over-use for recreation.

In 2025 Bertra Connected, working with Mayo County Council, and with the approval of the landowners and National Parks and Wildlife, have implemented a temporary closure of the sand dunes. Rope fencing and new signage has been erected by volunteers to deter walkers and pets from accessing the delicate sand dunes at Bertra.

Clean Coasts

Clean Coasts is a national programme coordinated by An Taisce: The National Trust For Ireland, with regional officers and volunteer groups located all around Ireland. The programme works with communities to help protect and care for Ireland’s waterways, coastline, seas, ocean and marine life. With over 2000 volunteer groups, Clean Coasts create tangible improvements to Ireland’s coastal environment.

In 2024, Clean Coasts staff and community groups completed thirteen dune restoration projects around Ireland to combat coastal erosion and human impact. Since 2006, Clean Coasts has facilitated over fifty dune restoration projects, promoted dune conservation practices, and collaborated on informative campaigns such as #ProtectOurDunes and World Sand Dune Day.

Cork County Council

Department of Geography, University of Galway

Dr. Kevin Lynch and Dr. Eugene Farrell are two coastal scientists with sand dune expertise from University of Galway’s Department of Geography. Along with their students (PhD, MSc, BSc, and BA programmes, including Continuing Professional Development) the Department’s research employs state of the art technologies in understanding dune processes and functioning. The Department’s research graduates are finding employment in environmental consulting, local government and further research projects.

In 2024, the Department of Geography had four PhD and four MSc students working on dune and Nature-Based Solutions studies, it contributed to a dune training programme in the North West region, it celebrated funding successes with the National Parks and Wildlife Service and the Office of Public Works, released five publications, and was invited to speak at numerous public talks, workshops and site visits with local communities across the North West Region, Clare, Dublin, Meath, and Kerry, including the IPI conference and the EC-EIB panel.

Donegal County Council

A range of services across the Donegal County Council support coastal communities to reduce coastal erosion and protect their coasts ecosystem services.

In 2024, Donegal County Council supported the Beaches & Dunes for Community Climate Adaptation Training with two coastal communities in Co. Donegal.  The training emphasises the vital role of sand dune ecosystems in coastal protection and habitat preservation.  The Council also promoted the ‘Protect Our Dunes’ Campaign on its Social Media Platforms.

Fáilte Ireland

Fáilte Ireland is the National Tourism Development Authority, with the responsibility to sustainably develop the tourism sector in Ireland. Their Environment Team recognise that the protection and responsible promotion of Ireland’s natural environment, including its coastline, is key to ensuring this success.

In 2024 Fáilte Ireland produced visitor management assessments for the Machaire Beo / Life on Machair project sites. They also carried out environmental monitoring at coastal sites popular for tourism, and sponsored and supported Clean Coasts. They worked with their marketing team to instil responsible promotion and behaviour at coastal sites including dunes.

Fanad Coastal Group

Fanad Coastal Group was established in 2018 by volunteers, who are working together with landowners and authorities to restore the Fanad coastal environment in north Donegal. The groups aim is to strengthen their natural defences, to increase awareness of the fragility and importance of dunes, and to develop sustainable access.

In 2024, Fanad Coastal Group hosted two dune workshops lead by Leave No Trace and Dr. Kevin Lynch. During these workshops they established two pilot areas on Ballyhiernan Bay, where sand was trapped and grass was planted. A five year plan was developed to include the other Fanad dunes. Local schools have actively engaged with delivery.

Galway City Council

Kerry County Council

Under the remit of the Flooding, Coastal & Marine Unit, Kerry County Council are involved in coastal protection, biodiversity enhancement and championing coastal communities.

During 2024, they strengthened connections and communications with community groups such as the Maharees Conservation Association, in order to explore how to enhance their work and to help set up similar conservation associations at other strategic dune locations in County Kerry.

Leave No Trace Ireland

Leave No Trace Ireland is a non-profit organisation dedicated to promoting and inspiring responsible outdoor practices. With a focus on education and advocacy, the organisation works towards preserving natural landscapes and minimizing human impact on the environment.

Their commitment to environmental stewardship makes them an ideal leader for this project.

LIFE on Machair (Machaire Beo)

LIFE on Machair is a six year EU funded project running from 2022 to 2028. The project works with farmers, landowners and local communities to protect and restore Ireland’s network of Machair and Fixed Dune systems and associated breeding wader and pollinator communities.

In 2024/2025, LIFE on Machair has delivered Beaches and Dunes Training to over 300 individuals, and has undertaken restoration measures, in conjunction with landowners, at all nine of the project sites. The impact of this has been very positive, and well received locally.

Mayo, Sligo and Leitrim Education and Training Board (MSLETB)

The Mayo, Sligo and Leitrim Education and Training Board (MSLETB) offers a range of educational services and training programs in the Mayo, Sligo, and Leitrim areas. Their involvement ensures that the project’s training and educational components are accessible, comprehensive, and tailored to the needs of local communities. Their expertise in adult education and community development is invaluable in fostering community engagement and skill development.

Mayo County Council

NPWS Coastal Ecology Team

National Parks & Wildlife Service (NPWS) is the National Government Body that has the remit to monitor coastal habitats across Ireland. The coastal team in NPWS report to the European Union on the status of our Special Areas of Conservation in Ireland. The team provide advice and guidance to our regional staff, biodiversity officers and community groups across the Island of Ireland. We also undertake project work, as part of our role.

The Article 17 reports are due in July 2025 on the current status of our dune habitats in Ireland. The Life Insular European Project is on target in meeting its deliverables for sites in Ireland. Our team has provided advice and guidance across the country on various biodiversity projects and conservation measures, and other funded projects on coastal habitats.

Seafield Conservation Network

Seafield Conservation Network is a voluntary group dedicated to protecting the sand dunes of Seafield, West Clare. They raise awareness of dune erosion through online media, install protective fencing, and actively address issues such as illegal parking, wildfires, and camping, while carrying out essential dune conservation and management activities.

In 2024, the group launched their first Biodiversity Action Plan, took part in dune conservation training, and installed pilot chestnut fencing within the Special Area of Conservation (SAC). The group reduced illegal activity through direct engagement and brought their work online with the launch of Seafield Conservation Forum.