Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 7 November 2023
143. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will provide an update on the development of a National Adaptation Framework; the timeline for completion and publication of the Framework; whether it will incorporate just transition and environmental justice principles; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47435/23]
View answerObservations show that Ireland’s climate is changing in terms of increases in average temperature, changes in precipitation patterns, and weather extremes. Climate change is expected to have diverse and wide-ranging impacts on Ireland’s environment, society, and economic development, including on the built environment, managed and natural ecosystems, water resources, agriculture and food security, human health, and coastal zones. Ireland will need to adapt to these impacts, notably including flood risk, over time. My Department leads and coordinates national climate adaptation policy, primarily through the development and implementation of the National Adaptation Framework (NAF).
The current NAF, developed under the Climate Action and Low Carbon Development Act 2015 (as amended) addresses these risks. The NAF outlines a whole of government and society approach to climate adaptation in Ireland to improve the enabling environment for adaptation through ongoing engagement with key sectors, along with civil society, the private sector, and the research community. The key objectives of the NAF are implemented through activities – at sectoral, regional and local levels. Departments and Agencies are responsible for implementing adaptation measures, in sectors, including flood risk, under their remit.
Following a statutory review by my Department in 2022, a new NAF is currently in development and a first draft, which will incorporate just transition principles, alongside other issues raised during the review process, is expected to be completed by end 2023. A public consultation will be held in early 2024 following which the new NAF will be submitted for Government approval.
