Council hits back at claims East Meath civic building at ‘direct risk’ from coastal erosion
Meath County Council has moved to reject what it described as “inaccurate claims” that the East Meath Civic Building and library are at “direct risk” of coastal erosion.
The local authority said the facility has “not been identified as being at risk”, following a statement made by a Meath councillor.
At the February meeting of the Laytown–Bettystown Municipal District, councillors were briefed by officials from the council’s Environment and Climate Action Department on the Mornington Bettystown Flood Relief Scheme and the ongoing Meath Coastal Flood and Erosion Risk Management (CFERM) study.
During the meeting, members raised specific queries regarding the East Meath Civic Centre, which the council said were “fully addressed”.
However, speaking afterwards, Sinn Féin councillor Maria White said it had been “confirmed” that the building was at risk from erosion.
“This building is supposed to serve our community for many years ahead; however, the entire building is now in jeopardy due to coastal erosion and the lack of preparation, resources or funding to combat coastal erosion,” she said at the time.
The council said that while parts of the wider coastline have been identified as areas where erosion risk may be elevated, the civic building itself is not included.
“The East Meath Civic Building is not identified as being at risk from coastal erosion,” the council said in a statement.
“The presentation delivered at the MD meeting included slides highlighting certain locations along the Meath coastline where elevated coastal erosion risk has been identified and where intervention measures may be required.
“While some properties in the wider vicinity of the Civic Building/Library were identified for assessment, the CFERM study does not identify the Civic Building itself as being at risk, nor does it recommend erosion protection measures for this structure.
“Any suggestion that the building is at ‘direct risk’ is not supported by the study or any information presented to elected members.”
The centre, which opened in February last year, is a four-storey, 950 sq m beachfront building providing a range of services for the East Meath community.
These include adult and children’s libraries, a sensory room, a study and exhibition space, a lifeguard station, beach management facilities, a beach wheelchair service and accessible changing rooms.
The council also said the building was “specifically designed” to withstand flooding, incorporating flood-resilient materials at ground-floor level and engineering measures to ensure its suitability for a coastal location.
In 2024, the local authority initiated a full CFERM assessment of the “entire Meath coastline”.
The study, being carried out by specialist engineers, is expected to identify areas requiring intervention, review existing defences and recommend future works.
The council added it is working closely with the Office of Public Works and will continue that collaboration once the final report is completed.
Cllr White has been contacted for further comment.