Back in July 2025 we received a call from RTE reporter Conor Hunt. This later progressed to a piece on coastal erosion which featured on RTE NEWS. You can find it here. https://www.rte.ie/news/environment/2025/0704/1521873-coastal-erosion/

In 2021, CCC participated in a geography student’s research from Maynooth College on the impacts of coastal erosion on our community, which was later published. The study even helped popularise the term “solastalgia.”

https://www.eolasmagazine.ie/valuing-place-is-critical-to-effective-climate-action/

Courtown Calls for National Action as Coastal Erosion Intensifies

Courtown is increasingly being highlighted as one of Ireland’s most vulnerable coastal communities, as renewed calls are made for the Government to introduce a national strategy to manage the impacts of climate change on the coastline.

Once known for its award-winning Blue Flag beach, Courtown’s sandy shoreline has been steadily eroding since the 1980s, following increasingly severe winter storms, beginning with Storm Charlie in 1986. In response, rock armour was installed along parts of the coastline to slow erosion and protect property. While this provided some defence, the beach itself continued to disappear.

It is estimated that 24 linear acres of Courtown’s coastline have been lost over the past 40 years, an area equivalent to around 18 soccer pitches. Large sections of the former beach are now dominated by rock armour, altering the character of the village and impacting tourism.

Evidence-based data gathered with the support of Courtown Community Council shows that erosion is ongoing. Courtown is currently losing 1–2 metres of its soft shoreline each year, with losses of up to 5 metres annually in isolated areas of the Natural Heritage Area north of the village. The data confirms that climate change-driven coastal erosion represents a real and growing emergency for the area.

The Government’s Report of the Inter-Departmental Group on National Coastal Change Management acknowledges that coastal change is inevitable and that not all coastlines can be protected indefinitely. It calls for a coordinated national framework, improved monitoring, long-term funding, and stronger engagement with affected communities.

Locally, there is increasing debate about the long-term effectiveness of rock armour, particularly in dune systems. Coastal experts have questioned whether hard engineering solutions are always appropriate where natural dunes can provide protection if allowed to adapt naturally. At nearby Kiltennell, significant dune erosion has continued despite the presence of rock armour.

For residents living close to the shoreline, the threat is immediate. Some homeowners have resorted to privately funding protective works as erosion continues to encroach on property, highlighting the urgency of clear national guidance and support.

Despite these challenges, Courtown Community Council remains hopeful about the village’s future. New walking trails have been developed and further regeneration plans are underway for Courtown and Riverchapel, however CCC stresses that long-term resilience will depend on a national coastal erosion strategy that balances protection of homes and infrastructure with sustainable, nature-based solutions.

Courtown’s experience reflects a wider national issue and underscores the need to move from reactive responses to planned, long-term coastal adaptation.

COASTAL SURVEYS

Every Autumn CCC participates in Coastwatch’s - All Ireland Survey. The data collected is sent to Coastwatch, Civil & Environmental Engineering at Trinity College Dublin, for further analysis. To learn more about Coastwatch All Ireland Surveys go to Coastwatch Europe - Environmental NGO - Ireland

COLLEGE RESEARCH

Recently, we were contacted by a 4th year geography student from Trininty College Dublin whos dissertation title is: To what exteent do local community and stakeholder perspectives contribute to understanding beach loss and evaluating the effectiveness of restoration works at Courtown’s North Beach and surrounding areas? 

Local community groups and stakeholders are asked to fill out this short survey:

Courtown: rejuvenation, coastal erosion and protection  – Fill in form

Thank you for your co-operation.