Ireland must take urgent action within the next five years to address significant climate-related risks to its critical infrastructure, according to a major new assessment by the Environmental Protection Agency that warns of potential catastrophic impacts by century’s end.
The National Climate Change Risk Assessment identifies 115 climate risks facing the country, with 43 classified as significant threats requiring immediate attention. The report warns of substantial risks to energy distribution, communications networks, transport systems, and buildings from extreme weather events that are becoming increasingly frequent and severe.
Recent storms have already demonstrated Ireland’s vulnerability to climate impacts. Storm Éowyn in February caused unprecedented power and communications outages across the country, while Storm Darragh also highlighted the cascading effects when critical infrastructure fails.
“Recent events, such as Storms Darragh and Eowyn, demonstrated how damage to critical infrastructure such as energy, water supply, transport and communications networks in turn give rise to impacts on human health, biodiversity and the financial system,” said EPA Director General Laura Burke.
The assessment identifies extreme wind as posing significant risks to communications and energy distribution infrastructure, while coastal erosion and flooding threaten buildings and transport networks. Ireland’s extensive coastline is already experiencing erosion and flooding impacts, with sea level rise projected to increase coastal flood exposure.
Climate projections show Ireland will become warmer across all seasons, with more frequent heatwaves expected. The country will also become wetter overall, but with increased seasonality meaning wetter winters and drier summers, leading to more frequent droughts during spring and summer months.
While average wind speeds may decrease slightly, northern Europe could experience fewer but more intense windstorms, though these projections remain uncertain.
The EPA warns that by the end of the century, certain sectors could face catastrophic impacts if adequate preparation and adaptation measures are not implemented.
Among the significant risks requiring priority investigation over the next five years are threats to the built environment and human health from both flooding and extreme heat events. The cascading nature of these risks means disruption in one sector can trigger impacts across multiple areas of society and the economy.
However, the assessment also identifies potential opportunities from climate change. Warmer temperatures could extend the season for outdoor activities, boosting tourism revenue, while increased rainfall might enhance hydropower generation. Marine species diversity could increase in warmer seas, and agriculture might benefit from longer growing seasons and improved livestock nutrition.
The report emphasizes that Ireland faces climate risks not just from domestic weather changes but from global climate impacts affecting international supply chains. The country’s heavy reliance on imports for vegetables, fruits, grains, fertilizers, and animal feed makes it vulnerable to disruptions caused by extreme weather events abroad.
Climate-related disruptions to global supply chains could lead to food shortages, increased prices, and food insecurity, particularly affecting vulnerable households. The assessment also highlights risks from climate-induced migration patterns and economic instability in other regions.
Burke emphasized that addressing these interconnected risks requires an integrated approach. “Addressing these risks in an integrated and consistent way is key to achieving our national climate resilience objective,” she said.
The assessment is designed to provide government, businesses, and communities with the information needed to build resilience against future climate impacts. The risks span all sectors of Irish society, from energy and transport to water security, public health, food systems, and natural ecosystems.
The report serves as a foundation for developing comprehensive adaptation strategies to protect Ireland’s infrastructure, economy, and population from the mounting challenges of climate change.