Effects of global warming to hit Irish coastline

ANGLING and marine tourism in Ireland as well as some historical monuments could be significantly affected by the impact of climate change over coming decades, a new report has warned.

The study, which was jointly commissioned by the Heritage Council and Fáilte Ireland, shows that the heritage of the Irish coastline is at particular risk from the effects of global warming with its consequent impact on related tourism activities.

Some tourist attractions like Dunlough Castle on the Mizen peninsula in Co Cork, the fort of Dun Doocaher on the Aran Islands and the Dún an Óir monument on the Dingle peninsula are at risk because of coastal erosion. Rising sea levels could also threaten other historical buildings like Carrigahowley Castle on the shores of Clew Bay, Co Mayo.

Gently sloped beaches like Laytown, Co Meath; Curracloe and Courtown, Co Wexford and Ardmore and Tramore in Co Waterford, are under threat due to rising sea levels, as are golf links at Royal Dublin, Portmarnock, Rosslare and Ballybunion, as well as several coastal paths popular with walkers.

However, coastal gardens like those at Glengarriff, Co Cork, and Valentia Island, Co Kerry, which are vulnerable to climate change, could benefit from rising average temperatures.

It also predicts that inland waterways will be affected by changes in rainfall patterns, flooding, increased water pollution and more regular incidents of extreme weather.

“Climate change presents a significant and imminent threat to the heritage of our coasts and inland waterways, to the ways of life which co-exist with these environments and to our well being,” the report concluded.

It claimed any impact of climate change on the greenness of the Irish landscape greenness could also be harmful in terms of the perception of visitors about the country.

It warned that wetlands and estuaries could shrink significantly as a result of climate change, with the consequent loss of navigability on parts of some waterways.

The report predicts that higher average annual temperatures with wetter winters and drier summers, as well as higher sea levels, will occur over the next century with the most pronounced impact on coasts in the south and east.

Such changes in weather patterns could result in reduced water quality and levels which may have a profound impact on marine life and consequently on tourist pursuits like angling and other water-based activities. Salmon and eel-fishing could be at particular risk, it warned. Marine tourism in the Republic is valued at €566m.

The report noted that many plants, insects, bird and animal species were highly sensitive to changes in temperature and water availability, which could also increase pollution levels. Invasive non-natives species which flourish in warmer climates also pose a threat to native species.

The study claimed that increasing fluctuations in temperature and moisture are likely to speed up the decay of materials in many archaeological buildings on our coasts and inshore waters.