NI coastline ‘neglected and poorly managed’

Northern Ireland’s coastline is being neglected and poorly managed, a top coastal expert warned today.

Professor Andrew Cooper, Head of the Coastal Research Centre at the University of Ulster, has called for suitable structures to be put in place that will integrate the protection of the coastline here, and improve the way it is looked after.

“There is no strategic, co-ordinated view of how the coast of Northern Ireland should be managed, as there is in England and Wales for example,” said Professor Cooper.

“Our coastline is poorly protected at present - it is prone to erosion and neglect. The limited work that is being carried out is divided up between the different sectors so the whole picture is never seen.

“Local authorities do not have the statutory basis for action, nor do they have government policy to guide them in coastal management. We urgently need some type of strategic shoreline management plan as has been established in other parts of the British Isles.”

Professor Cooper was speaking at the launch of a new European project on Integrated Coastal Zone Management (ICZM).

He said the Centre for Coastal Research would be carrying out research, identifying good and bad practice and running practical workshops for officials involved in coastal zone management.

“Through this project, we hope to make a solid contribution to the goal of developing integrated coastal zone management in Northern Ireland,” Professor Cooper added.

(MB/SP)