National Climate Change Adaptation Framework
This Framework provides the policy context for a strategic national adaptation response to climate change in Ireland and is designed to evolve over time as planning and implementation progresses, and as further evidence becomes available. A two phase approach was proposed under the Framework.
The first phase is focused on building the knowledge base and developing capacity. The second phase involves the development of sectoral and local adaptation plans. Work on sectoral adaptation plans is on-going.
The EPA has been working on the development of guidelines for the integration of adaptation into local level planning. The key objectives of this phase of work are moving towards completion and it’s anticipated that a final set of guidelines will be available for publication in early 2015. It’s intended that these guidelines will be included in any updating of the statutory Planning Guidelines on Development Plans. Arising from this, as local authorities review their development plans in the normal cycle, the local development plan will also be the ‘de facto’ local adaptation plan.
Actions under the Framework are categorized into five areas: Research and Knowledge Base, Governance, Sectoral Plans, Local Plans, and Stakeholder Consultation.
