Public consultation on the second Transport Climate Change Sectoral Adaptation Plan (T-SAP II)

Climate change is already affecting our transport system, causing delays, journey cancellations and infrastructure damage. From flooding and storms to rising sea levels, extreme weather is disrupting journeys, damaging infrastructure, and putting pressure on how we plan, build, and maintain our transport systems.

To respond to these challenges, the Department of Transport, in collaboration with key stakeholders, has developed the second Transport Climate Change Sectoral Adaptation Plan (T-SAP II). This draft plan outlines how Ireland’s transport system can adapt to future climate risks and build long-term resilience across roads, rail, ports, airports, public transport and active travel.

Now, we want to hear from you.

This is the first public consultation on the transport adaptation plan in over five years. That makes this a rare and important opportunity to influence how Ireland plans for climate resilience. While aspects of transport adaptation are also addressed through the annual Climate Action Plan (CAP), this consultation focuses specifically on adaptation planning for transport.

It forms part of the process of updating the original 2019 Transport Sectoral Adaptation Plan (T-SAP I), in line with Ireland’s new National Adaptation Framework (NAF) and updated Sectoral Adaptation Planning Guidelines.

We want your input to help shape the final version of the second Transport Sectoral Adaptation Plan (T-SAP II). We’re inviting feedback from individuals, communities, businesses and organisations across Ireland. In particular, we're keen to hear your views on:

• whether the plan helps prepare our transport system for climate change
• which parts of transport are most at risk and how your area is already being affected
• what support or changes are needed to put climate adaptation into action
• how we can make sure these changes are fair and work for everyone

By sharing your feedback, you can help shape how Ireland prepares for climate impacts and ensure our transport system remains safe, reliable, and inclusive for all.

T-SAP II focuses on climate adaptation. It is a strategic document designed to help Ireland’s transport system build long-term resilience.

Climate mitigation versus Adaptation - what’s the difference?

Mitigation means tackling the causes of climate change (for example: cutting emissions or switching to low carbon transport).

Adaptation means responding to climate impacts that are already happening or are projected to happen in the future (for example: preparing for floods, storms, heatwaves, sea-level rise and other climate-related impacts).

Why climate adaptation matters

Adaptation is an ongoing process, not a one-off fix.

Climate resilience means protecting today’s infrastructure from climate while preparing for the challenges of tomorrow.

The plan sets out 39 priority actions to reduce service disruption, safeguard transport infrastructure and keep Ireland moving safely and efficiently.

It equips transport agencies, operators, and communities with the tools, knowledge, and support needed to plan, invest and adapt.

Read the draft T-SAP II

More about the NAF and Guidelines

Before taking the survey, we invite you to read the short chapter summaries below. Each one matches a chapter of the plan and highlights the key points we’re seeking your views on.

You can explore:

• why climate adaptation matters for transport
• what’s changed since the first plan in 2019
• what climate science says about Ireland’s future climate
• how climate risks for the Irish transport sector have been identified and prioritised
• what actions are proposed
• how progress will be tracked and delivered

If you would prefer to download the questionnaire and return it by post (to the address listed below), please use the links below.

Please note that there are two versions available — one for individuals and one for organisations:

• T-SAP II Consultation: Feedback form for individuals
• T-SAP II Consultation: Feedback form for organisations

Consultation timeline

• Survey open: Friday 6 June – Friday 4 July 2025
• Summary report published: August 2025
• Final plan released: September 2025

Helpful links

• read the draft T-SAP II
• plain English summary in English
• plain English summary in Irish
• your questions answered about the consultation
• more about the National Adaptation Framework
• online survey
• questionnaire for individuals
• questionnaire for organisations

You can also send your feedback by post or email:

The public consultation will run from Friday 6 June – Friday 4 July 2025. Submissions or observations received outside of the public consultation period cannot be considered.

We are committed to engaging with stakeholders in a clear, open, and transparent manner. Any person or organisation can make a submission in relation to this consultation. All responses will be considered before the final version of the Transport Climate Change Sectoral Adaptation Plan (T-SAP II) is published.

Your response to this consultation is subject to:

• the Freedom of Information Act 2014 (FOI)
• the Access to Information on the Environment Regulations 2007–2018 (AIE)
• the Data Protection Act 2018 and the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR)

Who is collecting your data

The Department of Transport (DoT) is the Data Controller for this consultation. AECOM is administering the consultation on behalf of the department and acts as the Data Processor under instruction from DoT.

How your data will be used

All responses will be stored securely and used only for the purposes of analysing feedback and shaping the final T-SAP II. You are not required to provide personal information unless you wish to. Any personal data received will be anonymised or redacted before analysis or publication.

Publishing of responses

We may publish submissions received on our website. If we do, any personal data will be removed before publication.

Please indicate any sensitive information

When responding, clearly indicate if any part of your submission includes:

• personal information
• commercially sensitive or confidential information that you would not wish to be disclosed under FOI, AIE, or otherwise published. We will consider all such requests

Read our Data Privacy Notice

We would like to draw your attention to our Data Privacy Notice which explains:

• how and when we collect personal data
• why we do so
• how we treat this information
• your rights in relation to the collection of personal information
• how you can exercise those rights

To view the consultation click the button below.