Press release
Minister Ryan launches Public Consultation on National (Climate) Adaptation Framework
From Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications
Published on
Last updated on
From Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications
Published on
Last updated on
Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications, Eamon Ryan, today (19 January) launched a public consultation on the National Adaptation Framework under the Climate Action and Low Carbon Development Act 2015-2021.
The consultation opens on Friday 19 January, and will remain open until 19 February. The aim of this consultation is to gather feedback from relevant stakeholders and members of the public on the draft National Adaptation Framework.
Climate adaptation is the process of adjustment to actual or expected climate change and its effects. It is not a one-time emergency response, but a series of proactive measures that are taken over time to build the resilience of our economy and society to the impacts of climate change. Adaptation ultimately seeks to minimise the costs of climate change impacts and maximise any opportunities that may arise.
Although the importance of adaptation is increasingly recognised at global, EU and national levels, multiple reports highlight a general lack of preparedness across the globe.
In accordance with the provisions of the Climate Action and Low Carbon Development Acts 2015-2021, the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications published a National Adaptation Framework (NAF) in 2018. A review of the existing National Adaptation Framework took place in 2022, incorporating feedback from key sectoral, departmental and agency stakeholders and the public. The review recommended the drafting of a new National Adaptation Framework.
A revised draft of the National Adaptation Framework will be prepared following this public consultation and submitted to the government seeking approval in 2024.
Announcing the opening of the consultation, Minister Ryan said:
"Climate change results in impacts that affect all of society and it’s an imperative that we address the risks and ensure that we have a fit-for-purpose strategic policy in place to ensure that Irish infrastructure, society and communities are resilient to these impacts.
"This will require a whole-of-government and society effort. This consultation provides an opportunity for citizens to assist in the development of the new National Adaptation Framework and to help us to address this significant issue."
For further information, please go to the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications website.
The current National Adaptation Framework was published in 2018. It outlines a whole-of-government and society approach to climate adaptation in Ireland, taking a sectoral approach which aims to improve the enabling environment for adaptation through ongoing engagement with the key sectors and local government, along with civil society, the private sector, and the research community.
In line with international best practice, adaptation actions are undertaken through Sectoral Adaptation Plans (SAPs) assigned to the line Ministers responsible for priority adaptation policy areas. Importantly in the Irish context, this includes the Flood Risk Management SAP under the remit of the Office of Public Works (OPW). Six government departments are currently leading in the implementation of the nine Sectoral Adaptation Plans (SAPs) covering 12 key Sectors. The SAPs were developed and published under the NAF in 2019. These SAPs are:
The SAPs describe and assess the extent of the risks presented by climate change to the sector, and present contingency plans to address these risks and ensure climate resilience of the sector. The new draft NAF will add tourism to the key sectors and scope the potential for a SAP for planning policy and the built environment.