Protecting coastal infrastructure in the face of increasing climate related pressures: A cost-benefit analysis of maintaining a tidal kayaking feature in Ireland

Abstract

Climate change, the rising of sea levels and extreme weather conditions that can result in exceptional high tides and storm surges are threatening vulnerable coastal infrastructure. In this study, we investigate the recreational value of a tidal kayaking feature situated on the west coast of Ireland that is threatened in such a manner. A lock gate and sea wall, that separate the open sea from a natural sea lagoon, forms a standing wave at this kayaking site. The structure, built in the 1800s is currently in need of urgent maintenance works and the lagoon also needs dredging. By means of a travel cost model, the study derives the recreational use value of the site while a cost-benefit analysis estimates the net present value of carrying out repair works at the feature. We estimated that the consumer surplus is approximately €49,000 per year and the recreational benefits are more than three times the costs of restoring the site. The paper argues that cost-benefit analysis will be particularly important to justify funding the protection of small-scale coastal infrastructure where the benefit values to society are mainly non-market.