There will be an inevitable rise in sea level. Fortunately, ice melts slowly, so that the rise in sea level by 2100 could be around 0.3 meters. While investment to prevent river flooding is going to be expensive, its long-term benefits will also be significant. Since then, the OPW has been given a co-ordinating role for preventing coastal flooding. To protect Dublin and its port could require a more substantial and expensive solution which could take decades to construct.

Source: The Irish Times February 23, 2026 15:30 UTC