Irish couple's 200-year-old home at risk from rising seas

In Ballyhealy Ireland‚ Willie and Lal Pierce are facing a race against time to protect their family home from the advancing sea. The couples cottage (a traditional white-walled structure) has stood for two centuries‚ but its future is now uncertain

Roughly 30 years ago‚ photos showed two fields between the house and a golden beach; today waves crash against rocks just yards from their garden wall. Willie has been piling up stones to hold back the tide‚ but he fears its a losing battle. “If I cant do it this year it will be gone‚“ he said – his words tinged with desperation

The local council has informed the couple that they cannot assist in saving the house. Despite not living there full-time the Pierces and their relatives have used the property for holidays until recently. Lal reminisces about reading by large sand dunes near the house shortly after their marriage: those dunes have since disappeared

Professor Conor Murphy of Maynooth University‚ who has studied nearby coastal areas‚ notes a significant increase in erosion rates over recent decades. “Unpicking this is complex but climate change is likely to be playing a role‚ and in various ways‚“ he explained. Research from the universitys climate center shows sea levels in the area have risen 8 inches since the 1800s

This rise in sea level exacerbates storm surges‚ accelerating erosion in vulnerable areas like Wexford County – known for its soft sediment coastline. The rapid changes have left the couple shocked and worried. As Lal puts it‚ “Weʼd be worried about it all the time“

The Pierces story highlights the personal impact of coastal erosion: a phenomenon that while natural‚ appears to be intensifying due to climate change. Their struggle to save a piece of family history underscores the broader challenges faced by coastal communities worldwide