Review of Coastal Defence Strategy

Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council (dlr) has completed a review of its Coastal Defence Strategy*. The review confirms that the overall findings of the original strategy remain broadly valid, while updating key information to reflect works carried out, additional data, and evolving coastal conditions. 

The original strategy set out to: 

• Identify coastal defences, habitats, natural features, landscape, and amenity considerations 
• Assess risks to people, property, and the natural environment from coastal erosion, cliff instability, and wave action 
• Determine appropriate options and policies for each discrete stretch of coastline that are technically, environmentally, and economically sound 
• Recommend the extent and type of future coastal defences 
• Provide a prioritised programme of works 

The current review was undertaken to ensure the continued accuracy and relevance of the original strategy. Specifically, it aimed to: 

• Update the information forming the basis of the original strategy to establish if the  findings remain broadly accurate 
• Refresh the prioritised programme of works, taking into account projects completed and changes that have occurred since the first review. 

Since the original study, a number of major and minor coastal defence projects have been completed, alongside ongoing monitoring of key sites. These projects include  

• Seapoint Beach access phase 1& 2 
• Kavanaghs Water access 
• Sandymount Avenue East rock armour and masonry repair  
• Forty Foot water access 
• Coliemore Harbour rock anchors  
• Corbawn Lane Beach access 
• Quinns Road Beach access 
• Woodbrook Historical Landfill 

The current review assessed potential changes at these locations arising from factors such as completed works, additional data collection, and updated erosion rates.  

In comparing the two studies: 

• The overall conclusions are broadly aligned, with some reclassification of risk levels at specific sites 
• No new sites, works, or interventions have been introduced 
• A limited number of areas requiring short-term coastal protection were identified—most of which have already been addressed or are currently in progress as of Q2 2026 
• Other areas will continue to be monitored for erosion, cliff failures, and damage from wave action on existing defences 

The 2025 review is informed by a range of updated data sources and policy inputs, including: 

• National Coastal Extreme Water Level Estimation Points (from The Irish Coastal Wave and Water Level Modelling Study ICWWS 2018 – Phase 1) 
• Developments in Government and national coastal change policy 
• Data gathered since the 2010 strategy 
• Walkover studies conducted in 2022 and 2025, along with records of works completed since 2010 
• Approaches adopted by other local authorities and counties