Most Irish people cynical about Government will to protect Ireland's coasts, survey finds

Almost 1,300 people who took part in the first Ocean Literacy Survey, organised by environmental coalition Fair Seas, cited political apathy as the main barrier to protecting Ireland's coasts. Picture: Denis Minihane

The desire to protect Ireland's coastal life is almost unanimous among Irish people, but 75% are cynical about the political will to do so, according to a major survey.

Almost 1,300 people who took part in the first Ocean Literacy Survey, organised by environmental coalition Fair Seas, cited political apathy as the main barrier to protecting Ireland's coasts, followed by marine litter and plastic pollution, overfishing, climate change, and destruction of habitats.