Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 18 May 2021
198. Deputy Alan Farrell asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the measures being taken to ensure existing infrastructure is being adapted so as to be climate resilient; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25693/21]
View answerThe Government has a comprehensive policy response in place to ensure that Ireland can respond effectively to the locked-in effects of Climate Change. As required in the Climate Action and Low Carbon Development Act 2015, the cornerstone of this policy is the National Adaptation Framework (NAF) which my Department published in January 2018. The NAF establishes the context which ensures that Departments, key sectors, and Local Authorities can assess the risks and vulnerabilities of climate change, and effectively implement climate resilience actions. The NAF identified critical infrastructure as one of 4 key thematic areas for action. In October 2019, following Government approval, Departments with responsibility for 12 priority sectors published sectoral adaptation plans. Plans related to critical infrastructure have been prepared covering Transport Infrastructure, Electricity and Gas Networks, and Communications Networks. Other infrastructure relevant plans prepared under other thematic areas in the NAF include Flood Risk Management and Water Services Infrastructure. The Plans are available at: https://www.gov.ie/en/collection/51df3-sectoral-adaptation-planning/
At the same time, each of the 31 Local Authorities also published Local Adaptation Strategies which are now at implementation stage.
My Department collaborates with other Departments, State Agencies, Climate Action Regional Offices and Local Authorities on Climate Adaptation policy through regular meetings of the National Adaptation Steering Committee (NASC). Implementation of sectoral plans and local strategies is monitored via the NASC.
