South Down MP Margaret Ritchie (SDLP) has called on the UK Government and the NI Executive to tackle coastal erosion as a matter of urgency to protect residents, businesses and the natural landscape.
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South Down MP MArgaret Ritchie has called for government intervention to mitigate coastal erosion.[/caption]
Speaking in a Westminster Hall debate, Ms Ritchie said: “Rising sea levels, storms and tidal surges as a result of climate change are leading to coastal flooding and particularly accentuating coastal erosion in Northern Ireland. This is having a major impact on our natural landscape and our local infrastructure, not least for a number of constituents in South Down.
“Over the past number of years we have had sea defences undermined, sewerage infrastructure exposed and coastal paths almost totally eroded. Government agencies have focused their efforts on erosion in areas close to roads but the problem extends far beyond that. We are experiencing very serious and irreversible environmental damage along our coastline, which, as well as the long-term impact, is also having an immediate effect on residents and businesses.
“Flood defence spending is failing to keep apace of climate change and spending is at least £500 million below what is needed. It is also suggested that sea defences are known to interrupt longshore drift leading to beach starvation and increased rates of erosion.”
Ms Ritchie added: “There is absolutely no recognition that building sea defences can protect and safeguard a natural asset for economic development and tourism purposes. We must invest in advanced defences against flooding and erosion or face even more irreversible damage to our natural landscape.
“:We are lacking any sort of co-ordinated joined up thinking between scientists, coastal management agencies and government or even joined up thinking within government to address how we protect the environment whilst helping residents and ensuring our local economies do not suffer.”
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