Climate Adaptation

As climate change increasingly affects weather patterns and rising sea levels, the risk of flooding in Ireland has become a critical concern in relation to impacts on communities, infrastructure, the economy, and ecosystems. While it is necessary to try to mitigate the causes of climate change, Ireland should also prepare to adapt to Climate Change.

The National Adaptation Framework (NAF) emphasises the importance of proactive strategies in managing climate risks. It states, "Adaptation must be an integral part of national planning to minimise the impacts of climate change and build resilience". This underscores the necessity of creating structured approaches to mitigate flooding risks, now and into the future, particularly as extreme weather events become more frequent and severe.

The OPW has duly prepared a third Climate Change Sectoral Adaptation Plan for Flood Risk Management, in line with the requirements of the NAF and the Climate Action and Low Carbon Development Act, 2021. The Sectoral Adaptation Plan, available here, was widely consulted upon and approved by Government in November 2025.

This Climate Change Sectoral Adaptation Plan sets out the actions needed to adapt flood risk management practices for effective and efficient future outcomes and is shaped by an overarching vision and long-term goal, which is to:

Enhance resilience against flood risk and reduce impacts of flooding now and into the future, by integrating climate adaptation strategies and measures that reduce vulnerability, protect communities, and promote sustainable flood risk management.

To deliver this goal for adaptation in flood risk management, the following adaptation objectives have been identified:

1. Enhancing our knowledge and understanding of the potential impacts and future risks of climate change for flooding and flood risk management through research and assessments.
2. Strengthen capacity and awareness of the impacts of climate change, relating to flooding and flood risk management, within the OPW and across wider stakeholder groups including public bodies, professional sectors and the general public
3. Embed climate change adaptation into flood risk management practices undertaken by the OPW and other sectors
4. Increase the awareness and suitable application of Nature-based Solutions for Catchment Management to improve climate resilience

To learn more about OPW’s approach to Climate Change and flooding, visit Climate Change Sectoral Adaptation Plan