Debate contribution: Coastal Forum: Update
Debate contribution by Mr Andrew Muir on .
- MLA
- Mr Andrew Muir
- Party at the time
- Alliance Party
- Date
- 20 October 2026
- Type
- Debate contribution
- Business
- Oral Answers to Questions
- Heading
- Coastal Forum: Update
- Assembly identifier
- Official Report component 5798667
Read the official Assembly record
Text
Under the existing policy and legislative framework, my Department is not responsible for providing support to communities affected by coastal erosion. While it is recognised that the Bateman formula is no longer fit for purpose, support cannot be provided by any Department until the introduction of a new policy and legislative framework with a legal mechanism for the provision of such support. Under the Bateman formula of 1967 — long before I was born — Departments protect their own assets and take responsibility for dealing with the impacts and potential impacts of coastal erosion, as those impinge on statutory responsibilities. Where private individuals or organisations are affected by coastal erosion, responsibility and liability rest with the owner of the property concerned. I hope that that outline is useful, and I am happy to meet the group and have the Department correspond with and update it on the issues.
148 words. Text as published by the Northern Ireland Assembly.
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