Climate Adaptation Taskforce

We have all seen the frequency and intensity of storms in Ireland increase over the past few years. We have experienced flooding; power, water and communications outages; and disruption to our homes, lives and businesses as a result. Attribution studies have shown that climate change is adding to the strength of these extreme weather events. Adapting to this new reality and building long-term resilience to the impacts of climate change is critical to safeguard our ecosystems, communities and businesses.

There are measures and plans in place to increase Ireland’s resilience to these events into the future, not just for the types of storms we have witnessed, but also for the projected increase in the frequency of drought periods, rising sea levels and warmer average temperatures. These include a National Adaptation Framework, Sectoral Adaptation Plans for key sectors and infrastructure, and Local Authority Climate Action Plans. Sectoral coordination on adaptation takes place via the National Adaptation Steering Committee (NASC) which is chaired by DCEE.

As an enhancement to the existing structures, the Climate Adaptation Taskforce (CAT) was approved by Minister O’Brien in October 2025. With senior level representation from key Departments, the Environmental Protection Agency, and Met Éireann, this CAT has been convened to increase senior level governance for climate change adaptation. The focus will be on cross-cutting issues that affect a range of sectors including adaptation funding, resources, nature-based solutions and also on transboundary risks – i.e. impacts of climate change that occur outside of Ireland but have knock-on effects in Ireland - for example, in the form of disruption to supply chains or energy supply. Issues unresolved at the NASC can now escalate to the CAT, which provides a channel to Government through which best adaptation practice, strategy, and evidence-based advice can be communicated.

Enhanced governance mechanisms will allow for increased resilience to the impacts of climate change and help safeguard our ecosystems, communities and businesses.