Coastal Flood Risks Prompt Call for Stronger Sea Defences

Progressive Party MP Halla Hrund Logadóttir has called for greater investment in Iceland’s coastal defences, warning that rising seas threaten homes and infrastructure in towns around the country.

Speaking to Bylgjan in an interview reported by Vísir on Sunday, October 11, she named Vík í Mýrdal, Suðurnesjabær, Akranes and Akureyri as places where the risk is already a concern. She criticised declining allocations for sea defences in the transport plan.

Coastal Protection Debate Covers Homes, Towns and the Ring Road

• Halla Hrund Logadóttir is calling for stronger coastal defences around Iceland.
• The approved transport plan lists declining annual allocations for sea defences through 2030.
• Met Office research calls for detailed local assessments, particularly where wave effects may be underestimated.

Funding and Coastal Infrastructure

The approved 2026–2040 transport plan lists ISK 181 million for sea defences in 2026, falling to ISK 144 million in 2030, at 2026 budget prices. Vísir cited the same figures in its report. The ministry says Parliament approved the transport plan on June 12.

The debate follows earlier calls for investment after coastal storm damage, covered in Iceland Review’s report on the need for stronger sea defences.

Vík’s Road Connection Is Part of the Concern

In a December 2025 statement, Mýrdalshreppur municipality said coastal flooding and erosion threatened Route 1 east of Vík. The municipality argued for cooperation with the state to protect buildings and the nationally important road.

That makes coastal protection relevant to residents and to visitors travelling along the south coast. Iceland Review’s guide to driving in Iceland covers planning car and camper-van trips.

Flood Maps Need Local Detail

The Met Office’s December 2025 coastal-flooding study maps potential inundation under present and future conditions. It cautions that the maps are an overview, rather than a precise local assessment. Wave effects are not included and could lead to underestimation at exposed locations such as Vík; more detailed assessments are needed.

The funding debate concerns long-term protection. It does not establish that any road is currently closed or that a new flood warning has been issued.

Sources: Vísir’s October 11 interview report; approved transport plan, funding tables; Met Office coastal-flooding study; Mýrdalshreppur statement, December 21, 2025.

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