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The article describes a study which examined dune geometry, wind velocity and lee-side airflow patterns. It discusses the impact of these factors along with sediment dynamics to morphodynamic evolution. It puts emphasis on long-term sediment drift budgets caused by process-scale airflow patterns. Lee-side airflow patterns are also examined at Magilligan Strand, Ireland utilizing ultrasonic anemometers and wind rose diagrams. It discusses the effects of varying dune size on wind flow.

Abstract: The equilibrium planform concept (EPC) for bayed beaches has achieved wide currency in coastal morphodynamics. The north coast of Ireland comprises a series of discrete headland-embayment beaches within which waves and currents recycle a finite sediment volume. It is therefore an ideal setting in which to explore the applicability of the concept. Application of the approach to 9 embayment beaches on the north coast of Ireland provides some insights into the application of the concept. The planform of some beaches does correspond to that predicted while others do not. Those whose measured planform does not correspond to the predicted planform can be interpreted through, (a) difficulty in identifying the wave diffraction point, (b) disequilibrium on the beach (sediment scarcity or excess), (c) geological control of beach morphology. The subjectivity in selecting the diffraction point renders alternative explanations difficult and reduces the utility of the approach on natural shorelines, where significant irregularities render identification of such points difficult. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

This paper describes a new method for assessing aeolian fetch distances in beach/dune systems. The remote-sensing technique has advantages over currently used proxy measures of fetch distance, such as those based on tide gauges and beach profiles. The method uses a digital camera, global positioning system surveying, and a geographical information system software package to produce a rectified image of the beach surface. From this, direct measurements of the wet–dry beach boundary can be combined with wind direction measurements to determine fetch distance. The method offers an improvement on current approaches to sediment transport estimates: a 28-day study on Magilligan Strand, Northern Ireland, showed that the commonly used high water mark approach overestimated fetch distance by 30% compared with the technique reported here. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Estuaries on the north-west coast of Ireland exhibit varying scales of morphological change, both temporally and spatially. Morphological changes in the west Donegal estuaries over the last 200 years (historical/meso-scale) determined from maps and aerial photographs provide a regional assessment of coastal evolution over this medium-term scale. A conceptual model of estuarine morphodynamics is presented. This is supported by estimations of sediment budgets associated with channel migration and dune erosion within the inlet regions, which occur in rock-bounded discrete coastal cells. Significant shifts in morphology, particularly inlet configuration and dune character, appear to have occurred at specific times or during certain decadal periods within the last 200 years. Potential forcing mechanisms, such as the occurrence of high-energy events or changing wind and wave climate associated with changes in the North Atlantic Oscillation are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In Ireland, coastal zone management has proceeded largely in an ad hoc manner and is based on sectoral legislation covering issues such as fishing, water quality, coastal protection, etc. Within this framework there exists a plethora of national and local institutions whose responsibility is divided between the marine and terrestrial sub-zones of the coastal zone. This paper presents results from a survey of local government approaches in 16 coastal local authorities to 2 aspects of coastal zone management, viz. coastal protection and application of the national legislation contained in the Foreshore Acts. The approaches of three local authorities are highlighted to illustrate that management, while based on the same legislative and administrative framework, varies considerably between local authorities. While changes in the administrative structure of local government are on-going it is important that the current problems of legal ambiguity and administrative uncertainty are clarified in order to provide a more consistent approach to coastal protection in Ireland. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The nearshore zone of County Wexford, south-east Ireland, is characterised by a series of coast-parallel north-south trending linear sandbanks with intervening channels. These sandbanks are up to 30metres in elevation, and individual banks are up to 15km long and 3km wide. They appear to be temporally persistent and were noted on medieval charts. Several theories exist regarding the processes responsible for the formation and maintenance of these sandbanks. This study documents historical patterns and rates of bathymetric and morphological change on the sandbanks at a meso-timescale (decades to centuries), identifying possible sources, sinks and transport corridors for sediment from 1840 onwards. The results indicate progressive northward extension and steepening of the landward margin of the sandbanks over a 135 year period. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The success of any coastal zone management policy is dependent on, among other things, effective legislation and its enforcement. This article examines some possible legal constraints on the implementation of an integrated coastal zone management policy in Ireland. An introduction to the existing legal framework is provided, and the inconsistencies and ambiguities related, in particular, to jurisdiction and area of responsibility are highlighted. In particular the effect of land ownership and property rights on coastal zone management are examined with reference to two popular resort beaches in County Donegal, Ireland. While a revision of the relevant legislation is desirable, it is probably unrealistic; however, powers are available to the various institutions involved in coastal management that are currently unused. These are reviewed and their potential to improve coastal zone management is discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Coastal sand dunes on the western seaboard of Ireland display a range of diverse morphologies that has largely developed after initial emplacement. Modification of the initial dune structure through natural and human processes has led to a complex and chaotic geomorphology within the dunes. Aerial photography and morphological mapping shows that a number of features exist that have not previously been recorded in the literature. The dune features recorded indicate that dune systems continue to evolve in a temporally erratic way once initial emplacement has taken place. Small pockets within the dunefield become disturbed then revegetate and stabilise. With each period of activity the height and angular nature of the dune forms decrease. Surface geomorphology potentially reflects various stages in an evolutionary pathway that ultimately results in a machair (sandy dune plain) topography. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

O' Connor, M., Cooper, J. A. G., and Jackson, D. W. T., 2007. Morphological behaviour of headland-embayment and inlet-associated beaches, northwest Ireland. Journal of Coastal Research, SI 50 (Proceedings of the 9th International Coastal Symposium), 626 – 630. Gold Coast, Australia, ISSN 0749.0208 Both static and dynamic environmental conditions contribute to the behaviour of coastal sedimentary systems. Sand beaches on the bedrock-framed northwest coast of Ireland exist in two distinct planform settings that offer the opportunity to examine their varying behaviour. Beaches in this region are either located in coastal re-entrants between rocky headlands and backed by vegetated sand dunes or adjacent to the inlets of large sandy estuaries that are themselves located in bedrock valleys. They all have a finite sediment volume due to the deeply embayed coastal morphology and lack of contemporary sediment input. The behaviour of these types of systems over the past 170 years is recorded in historical maps, air photographs and morphological measurements. Preliminary results show that the beaches of inlet-associated systems involve complex exchanges between beach, dunes and tidal delta while headland-embayment beaches cycle sediment between beach and dunes. The inlet-associated beaches are typically more dynamic than the headland-associated beaches, although both are subject to the same range of wave forcing. Inlet-associated beaches appear to show cyclicity in their behaviour that alternates between rapid erosion and accretion at horizontal scales of decametres and timescales of decades. Headland-embayment beaches show relative stability or slow progressive erosion. High magnitude storms, long term patterns of 'storminess' and morphological feedback all offer potential explanations for the behaviour identified. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Blowouts are common landforms found within coastal dunes. Their dynamics are primarily driven by aeolian transport caused by surface wind stress, though patterns of deflation and deposition within blowouts are poorly understood as near surface wind flow is complex. Three‐dimensional wind flows around blowouts have yet to be properly quantified, especially within zones of separation, re-attachment and acceleration. This has been largely due to inadequate measurement of airflow and a lack of suitable airflow models. With this in mind, we present results from a study that has quantified alongshore and oblique onshore wind flow dynamics over a bowl blowout on the Belmullet Peninsula, Ireland. Using ultrasonic three-dimensional anemometry (measuring at 50Hz) and three-dimensional computational fluid dynamic (CFD) modelling, we measure and model for the first time in 3D a detailed picture of the heterogeneity of wind flow over this type of terrain. During alongshore wind conditions, wind speeds within the deflation basin were retarded by 50% compared to the foredune zone and flow separation restricted to a small zone in lee of the windward rim. Wind was directed into the deflation basin through a gap in a western erosional wall, termed the blowout throat. In oblique onshore wind, airflow orientated with the blowout throat remained unchanged in direction and slowed by only 30% compared to wind speed on the foredune. In lee of the erosional wall adjacent to the blowout throat, small zones of flow separation occurred close to the erosional wall. In both cases, the highest variation in wind speed and direction occurred in zones of separation and attachment whilst flow increased in steadiness with height over the erosional walls. The results illustrate that wind is manipulated according to localised topography within the bowl blowout itself. Resulting zones of potential sediment transport (erosion and deposition) are spatially complex and alter with wind direction. The presence of a blowout throat has a significant influence on airflow patterns within a deflation basin. Modelled (CFD) and measured anemometer data demonstrated excellent comparisons for wind direction and speed, allowing much greater spatial measurement resolution than physical instrumentation. Simulated turbulence did not correlate well with measured data, highlighting the requirement for high frequency, three-dimensional anemometry in areas of complex flow. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Very large boulders (mega-clasts) are found on some coasts. The size and position of the boulders has been used to suggest that contemporary marine processes, acting within their normal spatial and energy range, are unlikely to have moved them. Explanations for the presence of such boulders include transport by infrequent very high-energy marine processes (storms or tsunamis), mass movement from backing cliffs, transport by ice, or exhumation from glacial deposits. This paper advances an alternative explanation which does not involve transport by any of the marine or glacial processes, or gravity. It is proposed that, in a very specific geological and topographic setting, large boulders are exhumed in situ by storm waves acting on heavily weathered jointed basalts. Eventually wave action liberates residual blocks from the deeply weathered matrix. These liberated boulders will be mobile only if they lie within wave competence, and the larger ones will remain as stationary residuals. The same in situ weathering processes, followed by removal of the friable matrix material debris by wave action, also progressively round the boulders. Consequently, despite their appearance of being transport-rounded, the larger boulders have not transported at all. In specific locations, the assumption that the presence, and rounding, of such large clasts in the shore zone can be attributed to marine transport can lead to erroneous interpretations of very high-energy storm wave (or tsunami) activity. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Experiments carried out at Magilligan Strand on the north coast of Ireland suggest that topographic steering of offshore winds is an important facet of the aeolian sediment transport system at this location. A five-day study (18–22 June 2005) investigated the pattern of airflow over the foredune while simultaneously collecting data on sediment flux. A simple instrument setup was used to characterise the airflow: a sonic anemometer was placed at the dune crest, with another on the mid-beach. Horizontal traps, electronic and integrating, measured sediment flux on the supra-tidal beach. Results show that offshore wind flow deviated from its original direction in the lee of the dune (seaward of foredune). The change in direction was not a simple steering of flow to a singular new direction, but rather flow separation resulting in turbulent multidirectional flow — including reversal. Traps located at the foot of the dune scarp recorded sediment transport during events forced by offshore winds. Data from sediment traps, wind and observational evidence have been used to argue that sedimentation was occurring in this zone. When budgeting for sediment movement within beach–dune systems it is important to take into account the effect of secondary airflow patterns during offshore winds and their role in constructive processes of foredune formation, particularly in post-storm recovery. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Background: Current literature reports a gap between development of effective interventions to promote physical activity and the systematic uptake into real-world settings. Factors relating to implementation and scale-up of physical activity interventions have been examined, however the perspectives of multiple stakeholders from different domains are not well researched. The purpose of this study was to examine the perceived factors related to physical activity intervention implementation and scale-up in different domains from different stakeholders on the island of Ireland., Methods: Practitioners, researchers, funders and policy makers in Ireland were invited to take part in a semi-structured interview exploring factors related to the implementation and scale-up of eleven different physical activity interventions. A thematic analysis was conducted to identify factors related to the implementation and scale-up of the included interventions. The data collection and analysis were guided by the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research., Results: Thirty-eight participants took part in the interviews which identified factors related to 1) intervention planning and practical considerations; 2) organisational structures, staffing and resources related to delivery; 3) reflection, evaluation and updating of the intervention; and 4) practical consideration related to scale-up. Furthermore, participants referred to the ongoing commitment, engagement, and support needed throughout the implementation process., Conclusions: Future research and practice needs to consider how different factors are experienced at different implementation stages and by the different stakeholder groups involved. The findings highlight multiple inter-related factors that influence the implementation and scale-up of physical activity interventions, but also identifies many strategies that can be utilised to aid future successes., (© 2023. The Author(s).)

Physical activity (PA) promotion is a complex challenge, with the Global Action Plan on Physical Activity (GAPPA) endorsing a systems approach and recommending countries assess existing areas of progress which can be strengthened. This paper reports a process facilitating a systems approach for identifying current good practice and gaps for promoting PA in Ireland. Elements of participatory action research were enabled through 3 stages: (1) aligning examples of actions from Irish policy documents (n = 3) to the GAPPA, (2) workshop with stakeholders across multiple sectors, and (3) review of outputs. Data collected through the workshop were analyzed using a deductive thematic analysis guided by the GAPPA. The policy context in Ireland aligns closely to the GAPPA with the creation of Active Systems the most common strategic objective across policy documents. Forty participants (50% male) took part in the systems approach workshop, which after revision resulted in 80 examples of good practice and 121 actions for greater impact. A pragmatic and replicable process facilitating a systems approach was adopted and showed current Irish policy and practices align with the GAPPA "good practices." The process provides existing areas of progress which can be strengthened, as well as the policy opportunities and practice gaps.

Study Objective: The aim of the study was to investigate an association previously reported in a retrospective study between the A phenotype and social classes I and II., Design: The study was a prospective survey using a cohort of blood donors., Setting: Participants were donors at a regional blood bank in southern Ireland servicing a population of approximately 380,000., Participants: Of 2442 donors considered for inclusion in the study, 21 refused to participate, 33 provided insufficient information, and 184 were excluded because they were not wholly of Irish extraction, leaving a total of 2204 subjects, 64% of whom were male., Measurement and Results: Occupation, age and birth place were obtained from a short questionnaire given to all potential donors during the study period. Social class was defined according to the United Kingdom Registrar General's criteria. No association between the ABO phenotype and social class could be found, either on the whole sample, or on currently employed persons, or on separate analysis of the sexes., Conclusions: The balance of current evidence is against a variation in ABO distribution by social class designation.