#CoastalNotes - The new Foreshore Bill is set to "radically change" Ireland's relationship with our coast, according to Coastwatch Ireland co-ordinator Karin Dubsky.

As The Irish Times reports, Dubsky was speaking at the launch of the 2014 Coastwatch Survey, welcoming the new bill that will see responsibilities for coastal management transferred to local authorities.

Previously, the Foreshore and Dumping at Sea (Amendment) Bill 2009 had transferred all foreshore licensing functions not associated with aquaculture and sea fishing from the then Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food to the erstwhile Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government.

Dubsky said the new legislation would give ordinary citizens a chance to shape Ireland's coastal policy via public audits such as the annual month-long Coastwatch Survey.

The Irish Times has more on the story HERE.