7th April, 2026
The Battle of Erosion – What’s Happening to Our Coastlines
In this broadcast by RTE, Bill Kelly of Kelly’s Hotel, Rosslare; Neil Byrne of Mammy Johnstons Ice Cream, Strandhill; Tricia Bradley of Fanad Coastal Group; and Dr Kevin Lynch, Expert in Coastal Geomorphology, Geography Dept, University of Galway discuss the state of Irish coastlines. You can listen on the player above or on RTE here.
Coastal erosion in Ireland is becoming an increasingly serious problem, driven by stronger storms, rising sea levels, and human activity.
Bill Kelly explains that in Rosslare, erosion has been worsened by past development, particularly the port, and that while beaches naturally erode in winter and recover somewhat in summer, recent storms have made the situation far worse. He expresses concern about major delays to a planned coastal protection project and warns that homes, tourism, and local amenities are now at risk.
Similarly, Neil Byrne describes severe erosion in Strandhill, where significant amounts of coastline are being lost each year, threatening critical infrastructure such as walkways, sewage systems, and the local economy, which depends heavily on tourism. He points out that authorities face a difficult choice between defending the coastline or relocating communities.
Trisha Bradley outlines a more preventative, community-led approach in Fanad, where efforts focus on protecting sand dunes through education, planting vegetation, and managing tourism to reduce damage.
Dr Kevin Lynch reinforces that coastal erosion is a nationwide issue caused by both natural processes and increased human pressure on coastal areas. He asserts that while hard engineering solutions may be necessary in some locations, they are often temporary and can shift the problem elsewhere. Instead, he advocates for a balanced, long-term approach that prioritises protecting natural coastal systems like dunes and allowing space for the coastline to change naturally.
Overall, the discussion emphasises the growing urgency of coastal erosion and the need for more sustainable and forward-thinking solutions.
