Erosion management in Inch beach, South West Ireland

Abstract

This paper describes the influences on operational management of erosion at Inch beach, Co. Kerry on the south west coast of Ireland with specific reference to the CONSCIENCE Frame of Reference for erosion management and the key concepts defined under the EUROSION project. It provides an insight of the wave climate and quantifies contemporary erosion patterns through a combination of field analysis and modelling. An attempt is made to assess the response of the coastline to storms with varied return periods and to place current change in an historical context. The reasons for the lack of application of these key concepts are explored in combination with the applicability of the Frame of Reference to the management of Inch Strand. This paper describes the outcomes of attempting to apply this Frame of Reference at Inch Strand and the affect that national coastal policy, or lack thereof, has on the utilisation of internationally recognised erosion management concepts by local stakeholders with responsibility for eroding coastlines. The paper is of significance not only to an Irish audience, but also the wider international community who may face similar challenges in managing their coastal resources.