Sea defences are defences employed against tidal floods and land erosion suffered due to sea incursion. Inhabited areas and areas with valuable structures or cultural heritage sites have priority when it comes to the construction of sea defences.
Sea defences are planned in accordance with the transport plan, specified in its chapter on maritime planning. To facilitate sea defence preparation, the IRCA collaborates with the municipality in question, landowners and other parties to the case.
Work on sea defences is expected to continue in accordance with the current transport plan. The work is carried out in co-operation with municipalities, or landowners which carry at least 1/8th of the cost. When allocating funds, a prioritisation model which takes into account sea-induced erosion and the value of the eroding area in use. The need for sea-defence construction is expected to increase due to rising sea levels caused by global climate change and tectonic movements. Furthermore, many sea defences are worse for wear and in need of renovation or reinforcement.
The Treasury pays for up to 7/8ths of the cost of preparation and construction of sea defences. Landowners and municipalities that benefit from protective measures on their land must pay at least 1/8th. The cost is divided between affected landowners, with respect to the size of each respective plot of land and coast in need of defence.
Funds for sea defences due to flood risk, or land erosion caused by sea incursion, are available through applications. Inhabited areas and areas with structures or cultural heritage sites have priority when it comes to the construction of sea defences. It should be pointed out that Article 5 of Act No. 28/1997, on sea defences, stipulates that the area, as well as the structures, shall have been processed in accordance with planning law. All suggestions or wishes expressed by affected municipalities w.r.t. places where structures or other things of value are in danger due to tidal floods or land erosion, will be evaluated, assessment of construction and cost carried out, and projects placed in order of priority.