Publication

Coastal change management: a practical resource

This document, commissioned by the Climate Action Regional Offices (CARO) and funded by the Department of Climate, Energy and the Environment, provides a practical resource to support local authority staff in addressing coastal change management issues through evidence-based planning and response.

Last updated: February 2026

As climate change continues to reshape Ireland’s coastline, local authorities play a critical role in managing evolving risks to communities and infrastructure, balancing timely action with planning, environmental and regulatory considerations.

The document is designed as a hands-on resource for practitioners, offering a structured framework to support decision-making across the full lifecycle of coastal change management, from emergency response to longer-term planning and implementation. It outlines key roles and responsibilities across organisations, explains strategic management approaches and provides guidance on coastal protection measures, including nature-based solutions. Importantly, it also clarifies the processes for planning consent, environmental assessment and marine licensing, alongside available funding pathways.

Developed collaboratively with input from local authorities, government departments and agencies and with input from IHE Delft, the document brings together existing knowledge into a single, coherent resource. By providing clear processes and practical direction, it enables more consistent, informed and proactive responses – helping local authorities safeguard communities, infrastructure and natural coastal systems.