Background
Ireland’s beaches and dunes are under pressure from climate change and growing public use. Earlier projects including the Beaches and Dunes Climate Adaptation Training Project (2024) and the Protect Our Dunes Campaign (2021–ongoing) showed strong community interest but also highlighted gaps. Groups were working separately, resources were not shared, and there was no organised place for guidance or collaboration. This created a clear need for a coordinated, national forum to bring people together, share good practice and support sustainable dune management.
Solution
In 2025, the National Beaches and Dunes Forum was formally established to strengthen awareness, improve coordination and support restoration efforts.
Key actions included:
-
Improving the Dunes.ie website to become a central hub for dune science, guidance and practical tools.
-
Hosting the National Dune Gathering, connecting existing and new members.
-
Expanding membership to include communities, Local Authorities, academics and state agencies.
-
Establishing three working groups on:
Benefits of Solution
By the end of 2025, the Forum had established an accessible and coordinated approach to dune management. Key outcomes included:
-
Creating a national platform that brings stakeholders together to support joint action.
-
Developing a Forum Committee, supported by clear Terms of Reference (TOR), to drive work on dune care, restoration and consistent practice.
-
Building a peer network to share knowledge, tools and practical experience.
-
Supporting member led initiatives through shared learning and peer support.