The Climate Change Advisory Council (CCAC) has raised concerns about Ireland’s preparedness for severe weather after Storms Darragh and Éowyn. They emphasized that concrete actions need to be taken quickly to improve the country’s response to climate change.
In their recent report, “Annual Review on Preparing for Ireland’s Changing Climate,” the CCAC expressed disappointment over the delayed government review following Storm Éowyn. This review is supposed to gather important lessons from the storms, but it has not yet been published.
The council is pushing for several key measures before the next storm season. They want the government to establish ‘Emergency Response Hubs’ that provide essential support during service outages. They also propose a permanent Extreme Weather Assistance Scheme to help individuals, businesses, and communities cope with extreme weather events.
Local Authorities play a crucial role in climate adaptation and response, according to the CCAC. They are calling for consistent funding to strengthen these agencies, starting with Budget 2026. This funding would ensure Local Authorities can effectively plan for climate resilience.
The CCAC highlighted the importance of upcoming Sectoral Adaptation Plans. These plans should feature ambitious, well-funded actions with clear benchmarks for success. Improved monitoring is vital to ensure communities are better protected from climate impacts, especially concerning essential services like electricity and water supply.
Professor Peter Thorne, chair of the CCAC Adaptation Committee, stressed the increasing frequency and severity of extreme weather. He pointed out that these storms have shown how unprepared we are. “We need stronger political leadership and a unified government response to build a climate-resilient Ireland,” he stated.
Recent research from the National University of Ireland confirms these needs. The study shows that community engagement in local climate planning can significantly improve resilience. People who actively participate tend to be more aware of risks and better prepared for emergencies.
The CCAC also mentioned biodiversity’s key role in resilience. Ecosystems naturally help stabilize the environment and improve air and water quality, essential for health and agriculture. They recommend more support for biodiversity-friendly farming practices to encourage sustainable food production and discourage monocultures.
As communities grapple with climate challenges, coordination among local authorities is crucial. The CCAC suggests local biodiversity officers should work closely with climate teams to maximize resource use and promote initiatives benefiting both biodiversity and climate resilience.
In summary, the CCAC is calling for immediate, well-funded action to fortify Ireland’s defenses against climate change. By integrating environmental considerations into planning and community engagement, we can enhance our resilience to future storms. For more on adapting to climate change, you can check the latest insights from the Irish Government’s Climate Action website.
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