Coastal Erosion

Part of Oral Answers to Questions — Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs – in the Northern Ireland Assembly at 2:45 pm on 3 October 2016.

Alert me about debates like this

Photo of Michelle McIlveen Michelle McIlveen DUP 2:45, 3 October 2016

I am acutely aware of the devastating effects that coastal erosion can have on people’s lives. It is one of the reasons why I established a coastal forum when I was the Minister for Regional Development. I could see that we needed to deal with coastal management in a more strategic way, particularly in relation to coastal erosion. Now that I am the Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs, my responsibilities have, of course, changed. My Department is responsible for marine licensing and nature conservation protection, but I am still very keen to be involved. I have met Chris Hazzard, Minister for Infrastructure, and we have agreed to co-chair meetings of the forum. The forum has already identified the key issues that need to be tackled. These include the completion of a robust scientific evidence base on coastal processes in Northern Ireland and allocation of the coastal erosion risk management function. I am confident that the forum will help to deliver on those issues.

I should say that coastal erosion is a natural process, so it is going to continue. The challenge that we face is to find the best way of managing coastal change, both erosion and flooding. It is about having a clear vision of how we want Northern Ireland’s coastline to be shaped, now and into the future. I assure Members that I will continue to play my part wherever possible.