Coastal Change Information Tool

Ulster University were commissioned in September 2023 to produce a Coastal Change Information Tool that explained observed shoreline change dynamics for the entire Northern Ireland coastline.

This tool has created 142 individual data points. Each information point contains the following detail:

• A written description of the historic patterns of shoreline change observed, drawing on the findings from the Northern Ireland Historical Shoreline Analysis project.
• An interpretation of the reasons for the long-term changes observed. This was be made in light of both local information and the expertise of coastal geomorphologists within Ulster University. This also incorporated findings from the geological dataset supplied by the GSNI (if appropriate).
• Identification of features of particular importance to shoreline dynamics (e.g. particular sand reserves, coastal engineering works). An explanation of how anthropogenic activity has impacted the shoreline was also provided for applicable areas.
• A statement of possible future shoreline behaviour.

The Coastal Change Information Tool makes use of the findings from the Northern Ireland Historical Shoreline Analysis Project, along with the additional coastal datasets collected by DAERA to contextualise how the Northern Ireland coastline is changing. This tool has created a digital asset that will be useful for coastal decision-making regarding, for example, planning decisions, infrastructure planning, and coastal adaptation. It also identifies sites that have been historically susceptible to coastal change and as such will help inform climate change adaptation, ensuring more sustainable coastal management.
Publisher name: OpenDataNI
Last updated: 2026-02-05T04:04:36Z