Climate Adaptation Strategy for Regional and Local Roads Document

Minister for Transport Eamon Ryan is today launching the publication of the “Climate Adaptation Strategy for Regional and Local Roads” Document and Technical Guidance Annexes, which sets out how vital roads across Ireland can be protected and reinforced proactively to withstand the impact of climate change.

The regional and local road network in Ireland consists of approximately 96,000 kms of roads ranging in type from minor roads serving a small number of isolated dwellings in rural settings, to busy inter-urban routes connecting large provincial towns. In total, the network carries almost 55% of all road traffic nationally and it therefore serves critical social and economic functions for citizens and the economy.

More extreme weather conditions like high or low temperatures or flash flooding can have a damaging impact on our roads. Growing evidence over recent years has shown an increase in flooding, slope stability, damage to bridges or melting bitumen on our roads, for example.

In 2019, the Climate Action Regional Office (CARO), in conjunction with and funded by the Department of Transport, initiated a project to provide guidance to the Local Authority sector on how to improve the climate resilience of the Regional and Local Roads network. The project forms part of Action 297 of the Climate Action Plan 2021.

Minister Ryan said:

“Our regional and local road network, operated and managed by Local Authorities, provides crucial social and economic functions for both urban and rural communities. However, the assets which make up this network vary greatly in terms of their type, age, and condition. This makes them susceptible to the impacts of climate change and requires a proactive approach to ensure they are protected to withstand them. This Strategy is about doing that proactively so that our regional and local roads continue to be safe and so that we can help shield ourselves, in as far as possible, against major damage and disruption.”

The strategy document provides Local Authorities with a series of measures to ensure that roads are protected from expected climate change into the future.

In summary, these include:

identifying and mapping areas most susceptible to climate-related impacts
identifying and mapping Critical Infrastructure Routes (Lifeline Roads) in each Local Authority area
updating existing asset management guidance for drainage, pavement and bridges for climate adaptation
developing new asset management guidance for road networks geotechnical assets
enhancing the Asset Management software system for climate adaptation implementation including the integration of the successful Climate Adaptation Works Prioritisation Methodology
implement a monitoring and review process to ensure the effectiveness of climate adaptation actions

The Climate Adaptation Strategy for Regional and Local Roads Document is a foundational document and guidance will continue to be developed in order to assist the Local Authority Sector in protecting Regional and Local roads against climate change into the future.