About the second Transport Climate Change Sectoral Adaptation Plan (T-SAP II): Building a Climate-Resilient Transport System (summary of Chapter 1)
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From: Department of Transport
- Published on: 6 June 2025
- Last updated on: 6 June 2025
- Background to the plan
- Why we need this plan
- What’s changed since the first plan
- What the plan does
- How the plan was developed
Background to the plan
Climate change is already affecting our transport system, causing delays and damage. In recent years, Ireland has experienced record-breaking storms, floods and other extreme weather events which have damaged infrastructure, disrupted services and created new safety risks.
To prepare for the future, the Department of Transport has developed the second Transport Sectoral Adaptation Plan (T-SAP II). This plan sets out how Ireland’s transport system, including roads, active travel routes, heavy and light rail, buses, ports and airports, can become more resilient to climate change.
Why we need this plan
Extreme weather is becoming more common. In 2023, Ireland saw its warmest and wettest year on record. In early 2025, Storm Éowyn brought hurricane-force winds that caused widespread disruption. These events highlight the urgent need to adapt how we manage and invest in transport infrastructure.
The transport system supports our economy, connects communities and keeps daily life moving. As climate risks increase, we need a long-term plan to protect these essential services.
What’s changed since the first plan
The first transport adaptation plan was published in 2019. Since then:
- climate science and data have improved
- policy and legislation have evolved to prioritise climate resilience
- COVID-19 reshaped how we use transport, with more remote working and investment in active travel
- Ireland’s population has grown, placing greater demand on infrastructure
T-SAP II reflects these changes, with a stronger focus on implementation, updated risk assessments and clear adaptation actions.
What the plan does
T-SAP II outlines:
- the main climate risks facing transport in Ireland now and in the future
- how different parts of the transport network including roads, rail, ports and airports could be affected
- a set of 39 actions to make transport more climate-resilient, including sector-specific measures, nature-based solutions, changes to policy and funding, and improved coordination between agencies
It builds on national strategies like the National Adaptation Framework and the Climate Action Plan and supports Ireland’s broader goals for sustainability and climate readiness.
How the plan was developed
T-SAP II was created by the Department of Transport in partnership with transport entities, climate experts and other stakeholders involved with planning and delivery of transport services.
It’s based on the latest climate science, including climate projections from Met Éireann.
The plan uses a nationally agreed approach, including structured risk assessments to understand climate risks and co-develop actions.
It builds on Ireland’s first Transport Sectoral Adaptation Plan (2019) and has been updated to reflect current climate data, current transport trends, infrastructure challenges, and recent policy changes.