No prior warning was given to the Government by UCC and Cork Institute of Technology about their decision to withdraw funding and staffing from an award-winning start-up business hub in which the Naval Service was a joint partner.

The Irish Naval Service has declined to comment directly on the decision to wind down an award-winning marine research facility in which it was a joint partner.

Entrepreneurs and business owners in the marine research sector have sharply criticised the decision of UCC and Cork Institute of Technology to withdraw funding and staffing from the Irish Maritime and Energy Research Cluster in Ringaskiddy.

A partnership between two third-level colleges and the Irish Naval Service to promote commercial maritime research has been mothballed for “not being fit for purpose”.

Thousands of householders will have to abandon coastal communities as sea levels rise, with Irish scientists now working on a “managed retreat” rather than a chaotic stream of climate refugees fleeing inland.

Our vineyards could be producing vintage wines but we won’t be able to grow a spud. Sean O’Riordan talks to climate change experts about the difficulties facing future generations