Up to 1,020 Mayo properties at risk of coastal flooding by 2050
A RENEWED spotlight has been turned on the threat facing a number of coastal communities in Mayo exposed to rising seas.
Recent scientific analysis on the impact of climate change and greenhouse gas emissions have reiterated alarming claims that areas of Ireland will be underwater in 30 years time unless drastic action is taken to curb the dangers.
Large parts of Erris, Achill and the west Mayo coast are at risk of being below the high tide line by 2050, according to the research carried out by Climate Central, a non-profit science organisation based in New Jersey, USA.
This prediction is further supported by recent research by Gamma Local Intelligence (GLI) which has evaluated risk for local authorities and insurance compoanies using advanced modelling and mapping.
Spatial data scientist with GLI, Richard Cantwell, said the impact of global warming on people's daily lives will become more tangible and extreme in the years to come, especially on properties near coastlines.
The GLI study revealed that 832 residential properties, along with 188 commercial buildings, in Mayo are expected to be impacted by extreme coastal water levels caused by climate change.
Long coastal stretches north and south of Louisburgh are under threat while a significant parcel of land in Carrowholly, Westport, is projected to be below the tideline in 2050.
Many islands in Clew Bay are at risk while Bertra Beach is under threat.
Lands in the vicinity of Mulranny have been cited along with the Achill districts of Dugort, Keel, Dooagh, The Valley, Dooniver and Tonragee as well as coastal parts of Ballycroy.
Locations in Erris including areas around Doohoma and Geesala are deemed vulnerable as are Carrowteigue, Rossport, Barnatra and Cornboy.
Areas near Ballycastle, Lacken and Killala have also been identified.
Mayo County Council has been monitoring the situation closely for some time and is taking action seeking to alleviate the effects of climate change and coastal erosion, its climate adaptation strategy setting out goals and objective to build the county's resilience to further threat of rising seas.
The matter is expected to be debated at the September meeting of the authority.