OFFALY COUNTY COUNCIL OFFALY CLIMATE CHANGE ADAPTATION STRATEGY 2019 2024
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OFFALY COUNTY COUNCIL OFFALY CLIMATE CHANGE ADAPTATION STRATEGY 2019 - 2024
Offaly Climate Change Adaptation Strategy
CONTENTS
Introduction 1
Chapter 1 Climate Change, Policy and Adaptation 3
Chapter 2 Regional and Local Context 13
Chapter 3 Adaptation Baseline Assessment 18
Chapter 4 Climate Risk Identification 27
Chapter 5 Adaptation Goals, Objectives and Actions 31
Chapter 6: Implementation Monitoring and Evaluation 52
Appendix 1 Public Consultation, Stakeholder Engagement & Communication Plan
Appendix 2 Climate Events 1976 - 2018
Appendix 3 Consequences of Climate Hazards
DOCUMENT CONTROL
Revision Status Report By Reviewed Approved Date
Draft for Consultation with Jean Ryan Eoin O’ Ceilleachair Anna Marie Delaney
1 28th May 2019
Environmental Authorities A/SE A/DOS CE
Draft for Public Jean Ryan Eoin O’ Ceilleachair Anna Marie Delaney
2 26th June 2019
Consultation A/SE A/DOS CE
Draft accompanying the
Jean Ryan Eoin O’ Ceilleachair Anna Marie Delaney th
3 Chief Executive’s Report 9 August 2019
A/SE A/DOS CE
on Public Consultation
Adopted by Offaly County Jean Ryan Eoin O’ Ceilleachair Anna Marie Delaney 16th September
4
Council A/SE A/DOS CE 2019
Offaly Climate Change Adaptation Strategy
INTRODUCTION
The Earth’s Climate is changing. While natural fluctuations in climate are considered normal, emerging research
and observational records from across the world show rates of change that are far greater than those experienced
in recent history. Global temperatures have risen and are projected to rise further bringing changes in weather
patterns, rising sea levels and increased frequency and intensity of extreme weather. Ireland’s climate is changing
in line with global patterns and these changes are bringing significant and wide ranging economic, environmental
and social impacts.
Climate change is now recognised as a global challenge with policy responses required in terms of both mitigating
the causes of climate change and in adapting to the now inevitable consequences of our changing climate. Action
at local level is vitally important to help reduce the risks and impacts of climate change across communities.
This Offaly Climate Change Adaptation Strategy is the start of the process of adaptation planning in Offaly County
Council and is the first step in increasing knowledge and understanding of our changing climate, growing resilience,
and enabling effective responses to the threats posed by climate change.
Climate change mitigation, to restrict new emissions of Green House Gases and enhance plants, soils and oceans
to remove carbon from the atmosphere, is a critical priority if a rise in global mean surface temperature is to be
avoided. With change a certainty over the coming century, climate change adaptation is also becoming an urgent
policy priority. Adaptation involves taking steps to adjust human and natural systems in response to existing or
anticipated climatic change, in order both to avoid unwanted impacts and to take advantage of new opportunities
that may arise. Scientific research into the impacts of climate change for Ireland has been under way for some time,
and a broad understanding of the probable temporal and spatial distribution of changes in temperature,
precipitation, sea levels and flood risk is now beginning to coalesce.
Adaptation, along with mitigation, is an essential part of addressing the challenges and opportunities associated
with climate change.
Mitigation refers to our efforts to limit the man-made causes of climate change.
Adaptation involves taking action so that we can be more resilient to our current climate, less susceptible to the
impacts of future climate change and in a position to take advantage of opportunities.
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Offaly Climate Change Adaptation Strategy
Action at local and regional levels is vitally important to help reduce the risks and impacts of climate change across
our communities.
The development of Climate Change Adaptation Strategies by Local Authorities is a step in increasing knowledge
and understanding of our changing climate and to enable effective responses to the threats posed by climate
change.
This Offaly Climate Change Adaptation Strategy forms part of the National Adaptation Framework (NAF) which was
given statutory authority by the provisions of the Climate Action and Low Carbon Development Act 2015.
As the level of government closest to local communities and enterprise and as first responders in many
emergencies, we here in Offaly County Council are uniquely placed to effect real positive change with respect to
delivery of the national transition objective to low carbon and a climate resilience future.
The Offaly Climate Change Adaptation Strategy takes on the role as the primary instrument at local level to:
ensure a proper comprehension of the key risks and vulnerabilities of climate change;
bring forward the implementation of climate resilient actions in a planned and proactive manner;
ensure that climate adaptation considerations are mainstreamed into all plans and policies and integrated
into all operations and functions of Offaly Local Authority
This adaptation strategy serves Offaly County Council in its two capacities namely:
As a business organisation or entity with an obligation towards customer service, a focus on effectiveness in
business, improving efficiencies and maintaining staff welfare;
In the delivery of services and functions across the administrative and geographical area of County Offaly
In accordance with the provisions of the Climate Action and Low Carbon Development Act 2015 this adaptation
strategy is required to be adopted by members of Offaly County Council before the 30th September 2019.
2
Offaly Climate Change Adaptation Strategy
CHAPTER 1 CLIMATE CHANGE, POLICY AND ADAPTATION
The Challenge of Climate Change
Climate is described as the average weather over a period of time. Climate Change is a significant change in weather
patterns such as rainfall, temperature, wind, which continue over an extended period of time, decades or longer.
The Earth’s climate is constantly changing. Climatic fluctuations are known to occur from natural causes including
the Earth’s orbit and tilt, volcanic eruptions, variations in solar energy and other phenomena such as the El Nino
effect1. However, in more recent times, there are growing concerns that natural fluctuations in climate are being
overtaken by rapid human-related activities which are negatively influencing climate variability and giving rise to
serious implications for the rate of global warming.
Scientific evidence for warming of the climate system is unequivocal. According to the Intergovernmental Panel on
Climate Change (IPCC)2 warming of the climate system is attributable to human activities as a consequence of
greenhouse gas emissions3 from:
Burning of fossil fuels such as oil, gas, peat, and coal resulting in carbon dioxide emissions;
Agricultural activities that lead to methane and nitrous oxide emissions;
Emissions from changes in land use such as urbanization, deforestation, reforestation and desertification;
Emission from these activities are proven to impact the atmosphere by trapping the suns radiation and
reflecting back to the earth giving rise to global warming. The term greenhouse effect has been coined to
describe this occurrence.
The effects of global warming are observed through reductions in snow and ice in polar regions, increase in global
mean surface temperatures, rise in sea levels and changes in some climate extremes, weather events. Scientists
state these changes are occurring rapidly, are considerable, and will have consequences for this and future
generations. Some impacts of global warming such as sea level rise and coastal flooding are already locked in and
unavoidable. The full impacts of current warming have not yet been seen, since ice sheets and oceans take many
decades to fully react to higher temperatures.
Climate change is one of the most pressing global policy challenges facing governments needing immediate
commitment to action.
1
El Nino is a climate cycle in the Pacific Ocean with a global impact on weather patterns.
2 The IPCC was created in 1988. One of its key objectives is to provide governments at all levels with scientific information that they can use to develop
climate policies. IPCC reports are a key input into international climate change negotiations.
3 Greenhouse Gases include: water vapour, carbon dioxide (CO2), methane CH4), nitrous oxide (N20) and industrial gasses: Hydrofuorocarbons HFCs),
Perfluorocarbons (PFCs), Sulphur Hexaflouride (SF6), and Nitrogen Triflourise (NF3). Carbon Dioxide emissions in the atmosphere are the main greenhouse
gas caused by human activity
3
Offaly Climate Change Adaptation Strategy
The challenge for Ireland
There is evidence that Irelands climate is changing in line with global trends of climate change. Over the last few
decades our climate has warmed, sea-levels have risen, rainfall patterns have changed and we have been impacted
by frequent, intense and more extreme weather events. Temperatures have increased by 0.8oC since 1900 and sea
level rises of about 3.5cm per decade have been observed since 1990. Climate change has diverse and wide ranging
impacts on Ireland’s economic and natural resources including:
More intense storms and rainfall events giving rise to disruption to society;
Increased river and coastal flooding;
Water shortages in summer;
Increased risk of new pests and diseases;
Adverse impacts on water quality;
Changes in the distribution and phenology of plant and animal species on land and in the oceans;
Increase in Forest Fires;
Biodiversity and Natural Heritage loss / pattern disruption.
The impacts of climate change are felt more acutely at the local level. Nationally, climate projections for the next
century indicate that the climate trends observed over the last century will continue and intensify over the coming
decades.
Increase in average temperatures across all seasons;
Heat waves are expected to occur more frequently;
Significant reductions are expected in average levels of spring and summer rainfall with a substantial increase
in the frequency of heavy precipitation events in Winter and Autumn;
Decrease in wind speed and an increase in extreme wind speeds;
The number of very intense storms is projected to increase over the North Atlantic region;
Sea levels will continue to rise for all coastal areas. The south of Ireland will likely feel the impacts of these
rises first;
Sea surface temperatures are projected to continue warming for the coming decade.
This Offaly Local Authority Adaptation Strategy is set against the background of increasing risks associated with
climate change and seeks to reduce and manage these risks at local level through a combination of mitigation and
adaptation responses.
4
Offaly Climate Change Adaptation Strategy
All Local Authorities including Offaly County Council provide a wide range of services, many of which are already
and will increasingly be affected by climate change. It is most likely that we will continue to play a critical role in
responding to the impacts of extreme weather events and other impacts that are likely to emerge over the coming
decades.
What is Climate Adaptation?
Climate Adaptation can be best described as planning proactively to take action and make adjustments to minimise
or avoid the existing and anticipated impacts from climate change. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change
(IPCC), in 2014, defined climate adaptation as:
The process of adjustment to actual or expected climate and its effects. In human systems, adaptation seeks to
moderate or avoid harm or exploit beneficial opportunities. In some natural systems, human intervention may
facilitate adjustment to expected climate and its effects.
Climate adaptation aims to build climate resilient communities, to protect people, ecosystems, businesses,
infrastructure and buildings from the negative impacts of climate change. As a Local Authority we play a pivotal role
in planning for, and responding to, emergency situations. We are best placed to react faster and more effectively
to local climate events given our close relationship with communities and extensive knowledge of the local natural
and built environment. This is demonstrated by our prompt and unrelenting emergency responses to varying and
more frequent extreme weather events.
Our climate is changing and we as Offaly County Council need to ensure that we adapt to climate change. It is crucial
that climate change adaptation is mainstreamed into our decision making processes and implemented proactively
in the performance of our duties. In addition, the benefits and opportunities that may arise as a result of climate
change must be capitalised upon in respect of cost savings and new ways to foster environmental sustainability.
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Offaly Climate Change Adaptation Strategy
Adaptation and Mitigation
Mitigation
Seeks to
prevent
Climate
Change
Climate
Action
Adaptation
Seeks to
respond to
the impacts
of climate
change
This Offaly Local Authority climate change adaptation strategy forms part of Ireland’s national strategy for climate
adaptation as set out in the National Adaptation Framework (NAF) which was given legislative backing from the
Climate Act.
It is tasked with mainstreaming climate change adaptation over time into all functions, operations and services of
Offaly Local Authority. It seeks to inform or climate proof existing plans and policies produced and implemented by
Offaly Local Authority. This ensures a considered, consistent and coherent approach for facing head on the
challenges of a changing climate and for building resilience within Offaly Local Authority organisation itself as well
as across all communities.
Adaptation refers to efforts to manage the risks and impacts associated with existing or anticipated change.
While there is strong emphasis on Local Authorities to develop and implement adaptation measures and actions,
mitigation measures are also crucial considerations.
Mitigation refers to the efforts to reduce the emission of greenhouse gases and reduce the severity of future
climate change impacts.
There are positive interactions between adaptation and mitigation measures. Employing both adaptation and
mitigation measures represents a robust climate action response in addressing the challenges associated with
climate change at local level. The actions set out in Chapter 5 of this strategy reflect both adaptation and mitigation
measures as a considered, relevant and integrated approach to combating the effects of climate change in County
Offaly.
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Offaly Climate Change Adaptation Strategy
Adaptation Policy Context
This Offaly Local Authority Adaptation Strategy is set within a policy framework at International, European and
National level.
International Context
The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) is an international environmental treaty
adopted in May 1992. The frameworks objective is “to stabilize greenhouse gas concentrations in the atmosphere
at a level that would prevent dangerous anthropogenic interference with the climate system.” The framework set
non-binding limits on greenhouse gas emissions and contained no enforcement mechanisms. However, the
framework outlined how specific international treaties may negotiate further action towards its key objective. The
Paris Agreement 2015 is a protocol set within the context of the UNFCC (ratified by Ireland on 4th November 2016)
and it is aimed at:
limiting global warming to less than 20C above pre-industrial level and pursue efforts to limit the temperature
increase to 1.5C;
Increasing the ability to impact of climate change and foster climate resilience
The agreement states the need for Parties to formulate and implement National Adaption Plans.
In 2015, Countries adopted the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and 17 Sustainable Development Goals
(SDGs). The SDGs are a blueprint to achieve a better and more sustainable future. They address global challenges
related to poverty, inequality, climate, environmental degradation, prosperity, and peace and justice. The Goals
interconnect and are interdependent. Goal No. 13 addresses Climate Action with an objective to: Take urgent
action to combat climate change and its impacts by regulating emissions and promoting developments in renewable
energy. This Goal recognizes Climate Change as a global challenge that does not respect national borders and
requires solutions that need to be coordinated at the international level to help developing countries move toward
a low-carbon economy.
EU Context
The 2013 EU Strategy on Adaptation to Climate Change encouraged all Member states to adopt comprehensive
adaptation strategies. It sought for better informed decision making through the identification and addressing of
gaps in knowledge about adaptation. The European Climate Adaptation Platform, Climate-ADAPT, was developed
as a resource mechanism to help users access and share information on adaptation.
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Offaly Climate Change Adaptation Strategy
The Global Covenant of Mayors for Climate and Energy is a voluntary, bottom up, approach for cities and local
governments to combat Climate Change and move towards a low emission, resilient society. The Global Covenant
of Mayors for Climate and Energy brought the Compact of Mayors and the EU Covenant of Mayors under one
international body in January 2017 incorporating over 9,000 cities and local governments.
National Context
The 2012 National Climate Change Adaptation Framework (NCCAF) was Ireland’s first step in developing a national
policy on adaptation actions to combat the impacts of climate change. The National Policy Position on Climate
Action and Low Carbon Development 2014 restated the policy position of the NCCAF, 2012. Greenhouse gas
mitigation and adaption to the impacts of climate change were to be addressed in parallel national plans under an
evolving climate policy to 2050.
The Climate Action and Low Carbon Development Act 2015 was a landmark national milestone in the evolution of
climate change policy in Ireland. It provides the statutory basis for the national transition objective laid out in the
National Policy Position (as per above). It also gave statutory authority to the National Mitigation Plan (2017) (NMP)
and the National Adaptation Framework (2018) (NAF). This Local Adaptation Strategy forms part of the National
Adaptation Framework.
The Local Authority Adaptation Strategy Development Guidelines 2018, DCCAE, provides the framework for Local
Authorities to develop their own Climate Action Adaptation Strategy. In developing this adaptation strategy Offaly
County Council has been consistent with these guidelines.
The Government Climate Action Plan 2019 - To Tackle Climate Breakdown was published on Monday 17th June
2019. The plan sets out 183 individual actions over 12 sectors and charts an ambitious course towards
decarbonisation. It acknowledges the failure to meet emissions targets to 2020, failure to address efforts to
decarbonise particularly during the period of the economic downturn and failure in breaking the link between
emissions and economic growth. In light of this, the ambition is clearly set out to deliver a step-change in emission
performance over the coming decade to meet 2030 targets and to set a trajectory to meet 2050 objectives. There
is strong commitment under new governance arrangements to update the plan annually, to track performance of
targets and revise or update the actions as necessary. To drive the successful and practical implementation of
Climate Action towards achieving 2030 and 2050 targets, the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and
Environment will bring forward a legislative framework through a new Climate Action Act.
8Offaly Climate Change Adaptation Strategy
Within the 12 Sectors described in the Plan, the Public Sector is identified as having a significant role in Leading by
Example to not only just reduce their own emissions but to inspire climate action across communities and society.
Local Government in particular is recognized for its pivotal role in stimulating climate action at community level.
The Plan speaks also to the role of the Climate Action Regional Offices (CARO) in assisting local authorities in building
capacity to engage effectively with climate change. There are a range of actions that are specific to and/or relate
to local authorities as well as the CAROs.
Local authorities will be required to undertake an annual programme with measurable impact particularly with
actions to focus on, inter alia;
Reducing
emissions by
30% and
Improve
energy
efficiency of
local authority buildings by 50% under the guidance of a new Public Sector
Decarbonisation Strategy;
Setting a target to demonstrate leadership in the adoption of low emission transport options;
Developing and implementing a Climate Action charter;
Public buildings (all) to reach BER ‘B’ Rating;
Building capacity through upskilling and knowledge dissemination;
Supporting and delivering projects that include strong ambition on climate action through funding
resources from Project Ireland 2040;
Developing robust community engagement on climate action by linking to existing and new networks and
clustering initiatives using the National Dialogue on Climate Action and local authority structures;
Working with communities to expand Sustainable Energy Communities;
Continue to implement Adaptation Planning with emphasis on building Climate Resilience and delivering
the objectives of the National Adaptation Framework.
On Climate Change Adaptation, the Plan is very strong on the need to address the current and future risks posed by
a changing climate…Adaptation is both urgent and essential to successfully transition to a climate resilient economy
9Offaly Climate Change Adaptation Strategy
and society by 205 (chapter 16). It cites examples of extreme weather events to explain that the cost of inaction to
the effects of climate change are simply too significant to discount.
It is acknowledged that much of the focus for the local authority sector to date, has been on Adaptation Planning.
Local authorities are now prescribed to widen their scope and act as a catalyst for much wider change. Since 2018
Climate Action Regional Offices (CAROs) have been co-ordinating the Local Authority response to Climate Change.
The structures deployed have proved highly effective and can be utilised to direct local authority actions within the
Climate Action Plan. The CAROs will lead a step up in climate action within local authorities to pursue mitigation
measures to reduce emissions, activate meaningful citizen engagement, encourage community leadership and
capacity building using the National Dialogue on Climate Action linking in with existing and new local authority
structures.
The Climate Action Plan is notably focused on mitigation measures to achieve emission targets to 2030. However,
there is full commitment to provide clear leadership in promoting Adaptation. Recognising that Climate Change is
a hugely complex issue that requires a range of responses from every sector in society all measures collectively
represent a coherent approach to dealing with the challenges ahead.
Local Authorities, through the process of Adaptation Planning are gaining a clear understanding of the risks
presented by climate change and the current levels of vulnerability to such risks. Actions identified in the adaptation
strategies are aimed at building climate resilience and integrating adaptation into effective local level decision
making. Building on this work, local authorities will undoubtedly need to expand their role to take on actions and
measures from the Climate Action Plan to respond to and meet obligations set out. It is important that the Offaly
Climate Change Adaptation Strategy recognizes the purpose of the Climate Action Plan and the role intended for
Local Authorities to meet targets and contribute to the national climate ambition.
The Eastern & Midland CARO is one of four Regional Climate Action Offices set up in 2018 in response to Action 8
of the 2018 National Adaptation Framework (NAF) – Planning for a Climate Resilient Ireland.
The four CAROs have been established to drive climate action at both regional and local levels. In recognition of the
significant obligation to develop and implement climate action measures, the four regional offices are mandated
to co-ordinate engagement across the varying levels of government and help build on experience and expertise
that exists in the area of climate change and climate action.
The composition of the four Climate Action Regions has been determined by the geographical and topographical
characteristics, vulnerabilities and shared climate risks experienced across Offaly Local Authority areas. The climatic
10Offaly Climate Change Adaptation Strategy
risks associated with the Eastern and Midlands Climate Action Region include Fluvial Flooding, Pluvial Flooding,
Groundwater Flooding and Coastal Flooding.
Environmental Assessment
Consultation process of draft strategy and environmental screening reports to be undertaken with Environmental
Authorities SEA process to be undertaken in accordance with the provisions of the European Communities
(Environmental Assessment of Certain Plans and Programmes) Regulations 2004 (SI 435 of 2004 as amended by SI
435 of 2011).
Under the European Communities (Environmental Assessment of Certain Plans and Programmes) Regulations 2004
(SI 435 of 2004 as amended by SI 435 of 2011), all plans which are likely to have a significant effect on
the environment must undergo screening to determine whether a Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) is
required. “Screening” is the process for making a determination as to whether a particular plan, would be likely to
have significant environmental effects, and would thus warrant SEA. This strategy has been screened for SEA and it
is determined that full SEA is not required. The screening report accompanies this strategy.
Screening of this draft strategy has been undertaken in accordance with the requirements of Article 6(3) of the EU
Habitats Directive (directive 92/43/EEC) to determine if the Climate Change Adaptation Strategy is likely to
significantly affect Natura 2000 sites (i.e. Special Areas of Conservation (SAC) and Special Protection Areas (SPA))
within or surrounding the Strategy area. It is determined that stage 2 Natura Impact Report is not required. The
draft screening report accompanies this Strategy.
11Offaly Climate Change Adaptation Strategy
This adaptation strategy is set within the context of a national framework for adaptation planning which is
prescribed in the Climate Action and Low Carbon Development Act 2015 and elaborated upon in the National
Adaptation Framework.
National Adaptation Planning Climate Services,
Technical Support & Advisory
Climate Change Advisory Council
Climate Action and Low Carbon
Development Act 2015 Climate Ireland
Met Éireann
National Adaptation Framework
Research agencies and 3rd Level
Institutions
Citizens Assembly, National
Local Authority Dialogue
Sectoral
Adaptation
Adaptation Plans
Strategies Climate Action Regional Offices
This adaptation strategy commits to aligning with national commitments on climate change adaptation. It must be
noted that the process of making 12 sectoral adaptation strategies (identified in the NAF) is running concurrently
with the making of Local Authority strategies. Once published, however, any relevant recommendations or actions
will be incorporated into this strategy. For both the preparation of this strategy and the implementation of actions,
opportunities will be advanced to align with and collaborate with adjoining Local Authorities.
12Offaly Climate Change Adaptation Strategy
CHAPTER 2 REGIONAL AND LOCAL CONTEXT
Offaly County Council in Context
Offaly County Council is located within the Eastern and Midlands Climate Action Region (CARO) and is one of 17
Local Authorities in the region. The four CARO regions and constituent Local Authorities are illustrated on the map
below:
Climate Action Region Local Authority function Lead Authority
area
Midlands and Eastern Carlow, Cavan, Kildare, Kildare County Council
Kilkenny, Laois, Leitrim,
Longford, Louth, Meath,
Monaghan, Offaly,
Roscommon, Tipperary,
Waterford, Westmeath,
Wexford, Wicklow
Atlantic Seaboard North Donegal, Sligo, Mayo, Mayo County Council
Galway City & County
Atlantic Seaboard South Clare, Limerick, Kerry, Cork Cork County Council
City & County.
Dublin Metropolitan South Dublin, Fingal, Dun- Dublin City Council
Laoghaire-Rathdown, Dublin
City
Profile of Eastern and Midland Climate Action Region
With 17 Offaly Local Authority areas, the Eastern and Midland region is
the largest of the four Climate Action Regions in Ireland. The region,
exclusive of the Dublin Metropolitan Area, occupies the eastern and
central aspects of the country. The Region borders Northern Ireland to
the north with counties Louth, Cavan, Monaghan and Leitrim. The River
Shannon flanks the western aspect bounding along its course, counties
Leitrim, Roscommon, Longford, Westmeath, Offaly and Tipperary. The
Irish Sea bounds the region to the east. Counties Louth, Wicklow,
Wexford and Waterford are located to the east and south east of the
region all with extensive coastlines along the Irish Sea.
The region with its extensive pattern of settlement areas and rural
areas and has a population of almost 1.8 million people
13Offaly Climate Change Adaptation Strategy
accounting for 37.7% of the total population of the state4 and at 32,542 sq.km occupies 46.3% of the area of the
state5. The region plays a significant role economically to the country hosting a range of sectors inclusive of
multinationals, public service, private and small-medium enterprises. Agriculture remains the prevailing sectoral
landuse in the region.
There is a rich variety of landscapes and topographies across the region. A mostly flat low lying landscape sweeps
through the midland counties. Significant areas of raised bogs occupy this central location in the country as well as
the Curragh Plains extending towards the Curragh Plains in County Kildare. The Drumlin Belt across the northern
aspect of the region, the Wicklow Mountains, Galtee Mountains and Slieve Bloom Mountains offer variation and
punctuation in the landscape of the region.
21 prominent Rivers rise and flow (with tributaries) through the Region. The most prominent of these include the
River Shannon, River Barrow, River Suir, River Nore, River Liffey and River Boyne. Counties Louth, Wicklow, Wexford
and Waterford occupy coastal locations to the east and south east of this region while County Leitrim extends to
occupy a distance of 4.6km along the western coast of the country.
The region offers an extensive and crucially important network of critical infrastructure. The road network in the
region typically radiates from the metropolitan Dublin Region. The Rail Network is significant with the Dublin-Cork,
Dublin-Limerick, Dublin-Waterford and Dublin-Galway/Mayo lines. Rosslare Europort in Wexford is a gateway to
Wales and greater Europe through France. Electricity and communications infrastructure is widespread throughout
the region.
The Ireland’s Ancient East proposition best represents the vast array of tourism products on offer in the region as
a cultural and tourist destination.
Profile of Offaly Climate Action Region
County Offaly occupies a prominent position in the Midlands of Ireland. It is situated approximately half-way
between Dublin and Galway and between Belfast and Cork. In ancient times, the Eiscir Riada passing through the
county formed an important route for east-west traffic to Clonmacnoise and westwards. In Victorian times, the
River Shannon and the Grand Canal connected Dublin with the West and South-West. Modern traffic is facilitated
by the Dublin-Galway railway line and national roads such as the M6, M7, N52, N62 and N80.
4
Total population of E&M Region is 1,796, 923 persons. The state population is 4,761,865 persons (CSO, 2016).
5
Total area of state is 70,282 sq.km
14Offaly Climate Change Adaptation Strategy
Offaly is a land-locked county which is bounded by Counties Westmeath, Meath, Kildare, Laois, Tipperary, Galway
and Roscommon. The Rivers Shannon and Little Brosna form the boundary in the West while the Rivers Boyne and
Barrow do so in stretches of the East. The area of the county comprises 199,981 ha and it extends approximately
70km in width and 60km in depth. The topography of the county is generally flat and undulating except for the
Slieve Bloom Mountains in the South-West. Peatlands are found extensively around the county and these extend
to approximately 32,400ha in area.
The population of County Offaly was recorded as 77,961 persons in the 2016 Census. This was an increase of 1.7%
on the 2011 Census figure. The population residing in urban areas amounts to 47% of the total population and that
in villages and rural areas to 53%.
Twelve prominent rivers rise and flow (with tributaries) through County Offaly. The largest of these include the
River Shannon, River Barrow, River Boyne, River Brosna, River Little Brosna and River Camcor. There are three small
lakes in the county, namely, Lough Boora, Pallas Lake and Fin Lough. The Grand Canal extends from Edenderry in
the East to Shannon Harbour in the West, a distance of approximately 65 km.
15Offaly Climate Change Adaptation Strategy
Offaly Core Adaptation Team
In July 2016 the DECLG requested each Local Authority to establish an Adaption Team and notify the DECLG of the
Team Leader. The core team met regularly to progress the Local Authority Adaptation Strategy. The guidelines
specifically state that a representative from each section across the organization should be involved. Interested
staff representing all sections contributed to the development of the strategy through a series of workshops.
Key Dates
28th March 2017 Offaly Climate Change Adaptation Stagey Process commenced
15th May 2017 Core Team Meeting
8th June 2017 Core Team Meeting
26th September 2017 Presentation to OCC Management Team
27th September 2017 Core Team Workshop
23rd October 2017 Presentation to Elected Members at Council Meeting
8th November 2017 Core Team Workshop
21st November 2017 Interdepartmental Workshop
26th June 2018 Core Team Workshop
12th September 2018 CARO Workshop Athlone
26th September 2019 CARO Regional Steering Group Meeting
10th December 2018 Core Team Workshop Developing Strategies
17th December 2018 Offaly, Westmeath, Laois & Longford Working Group
4th February 2019 CARO Workshop Athlone
14th February 2019 CARO Regional Steering Group Meeting
19th March 2019 CARO SEA/AA Consultants Meeting
9th April 2019 Draft Strategy issued to CARO SEA/AA Consultants
25th April 2019 CARO Regional Steering Group Meeting
14th May 2019 Draft Environmental Assessment Screening Report
31st May 2019 Draft Appropriate Assessment Screening Report
28th May 2019 Consultation with SEA Environmental Authorities (4 weeks)
26th June 2019 Public Consultation and circulation to Elected Members (4 weeks)
26th July 2019 End of Public Consultation
9th August 2019 CE Report on submissions & Final SEA/AA Screening
16th September 2019 Present to Elected Members for Adoption
16Offaly Climate Change Adaptation Strategy
Stakeholder Engagement and Communication Plan
Offaly County Council developed a Stakeholder Engagement and Communication Plan in September 2017.
Stakeholder participation in the development of Local Authority Adaptation Strategies is stipulated in the National
Climate Change Adaptation Framework (NCCAF 2013) in order to:
Promote the integration of a range of knowledge and values in adaptation;
Build a constituency of support behind the adaptation process via embedding it in local interests and
concerns;
Ensure adaptation processes at the local scale are aligned with similar processes underway in neighbouring
authorities and relevant sectors
The Local Authority Adaptation Strategy Development Guidelines (DCCAE, 2018) endorse the need for stakeholder
engagement. The guidelines suggest in particular that Local Authorities develop a Stakeholder Engagement and
Communication Plan to identify the audience and the most appropriate means of communication.
Offaly’s Stakeholder Engagement and Communication Plan was actively implemented by way of a formal pre-draft
consultation stage that was formally opened by members of Offaly County Council at their October meeting (23rd
October 2017). A six-week process of pre-draft consultation took place from Monday 23rd October 2017 to Friday
8th December 2017.
The public consultation on the Draft Offaly Climate Change Adaptation Strategy will commence on 26th June for
four weeks.
The Public Consultation, Stakeholder Engagement and Communication Plan is available in Appendix 1.
17Offaly Climate Change Adaptation Strategy
CHAPTER 3 ADAPTATION BASELINE ASSESSMENT
A workshop was held in September 2017 for the team to work through step 2 of the Local Authority Adaptation
Strategy Development Guideline. The aim of the workshop was to:
Identify the impacts of current weather extremes and recent climatic trends
Estimate costs of current weather extremes and climatic trends
Map roles, responsibilities and affected stakeholders in relation to identified impacts
Identify existing policies and measures linked to the management of identified impacts
Assess lifetime and efficacy (including threshold values) of current policies and measures
Climate Events (Data from Met Éireann Website)
The Offaly Climate Change Adaptation team identified the impacts of current weather extremes and recent climatic
trends in Offaly and identified the 10 most important Major Weather Events in last 30 years using data from Met
Éireann Website. The table in Appendix 2 has been compiled from the Met Éireann website with a 45-year time
span. A timeline visually highlighting all major weather events between 1974 to present day in Ireland is provided.
Extreme Events Identified in Offaly Climatic Trends Identified in Offaly
Low-flow events High winds Increased Heavy Rainfall
Heavy precipitation days (> 10
Cold snap/freezing Storm intensity increase
mm of rainfall)
Rising Temperatures (decrease in cold days
Fluvial flood (1/10 year event) Snow events
& nights) (increase in warm days and nights)
Fluvial flood (1/1000 year event) Absolute drought (> 15 days of <
Drier Summers / Wetter Winters
0.2 mm of rainfall)
Pluvial flooding Heat wave (> 5 days at > 25°C) Sea level Rise
Longer Growing Season (Phenology)
The Major Weather Events Impacting Offaly in last 30 years can be categorised into 7 events:
Wind Frost Heat
Rain Snow Drought
Flooding
18Offaly Climate Change Adaptation Strategy
Most important Major Weather Events Impacting Offaly in last 30 years (Ref Met Eireann
2018 November Storm Diana
2018 September Storm Ali
2018 June - July Heat wave & Drought Risk
2018 February Storm Emma
2018 January Storm Eleanor
2017 October Storm Ophelia
2017 Q1 – Q2 Drought Risk
2016 January Storm Desmond / Ava / Frank Flooding
2015 December Storm Desmond / Ava / Frank Flooding
2014 February Storm Darwin
2013 July Heatwave
2010 Nov/Dec Severe Cold Spell
2009/10 Winter Coldest winter for almost 50 years
2009 November Severe flooding in many parts of the country;
2008 Summer Heavy rain and flooding
2006 Summer Warmest summer since record breaking year of 1995
1998 December Hurricane force winds over north and northwest
1997 December Windstorm
1995 Summer Warmest Summer on record
1991 January Windstorm
1990 February Storms and heavy rain
1988 February Storm Force winds over Ireland
1987 January Heavy Snowfall
1986 August Storm - Hurricane Charley
1985 July Widespread thunderstorms
1982 January Heavy snowfall in eastern areas
Esimated Costs: Extreme event result in unexpected costs to the Local Authority both directly in responding to
the event and the cleanup and aftermath and indirectly in impacts to services and infrastructure. The direct
costs to Offaly County Council during Storm Emma in February 2018 and Storm Ophelia October 2017 were
captured throughout the event and in the aftermath and amounted to €282,912 and €226,160 respectively.
19Offaly Climate Change Adaptation Strategy
Working across the various departments the Offaly Climate Adaptation Team characterised to what extent each
event or trend resulted in service disruption and additional costs that were incurred as a result. Further analysis is
included in Appendix 3.
Service Areas
Major Emergency Birr Municipal District Environment Management Team
Fire Service Tullamore Municipal District Roads Corporate Services
Health & Safety Edenderry Municipal District Housing Human Resources
Library Services Local Community Development Heritage Information Systems
Planning Water Services Arts Finance
Impact Assessment
Consequence Level Description
Widespread service failure with services unable to cope with wide-scale impacts.
Catastrophic 5 Irrecoverable environmental damage. Large numbers of serious injuries or loss of
life
Services seen to be in danger of failing completely with severe/widespread decline
Major 4 in service provision and quality of life. Severe loss of environmental amenity.
Isolated instances of serious injuries
Service provision under severe pressure. Appreciable decline in service provision
Moderate 3 at community level. Isolated but significant instances of environmental damage
that could be reversed. Small number of injuries.
Minor 2 Isolated but noticeable examples of service decline. Minor environmental damage
Negligible 1 Appearance of threat but no actual impact on service provision
20Offaly Climate Change Adaptation Strategy
Extreme Event: Wind
Major Events
16th October 2017 Storm Ophelia 5th January 1991 Windstorm
12th February 2014 Storm Darwin 9th February 1988 Storm Force winds over Ireland
December 1997 Windstorm August 1986 Hurricane Charley
26th December 1998 Hurricane force winds over north and northwest24th
Services Impacted
Major
Services seen to be in danger of failing completely with severe/widespread decline in service provision and
quality of life. Severe loss of environmental amenity. Isolated instances of serious injuries
Roads Fallen trees resulting in road closures and dangerous conditions
Water Services Damage to electricity supply resulting in disruption to water supplies
Damage to electricity supply resulting in disruption IT functions; Staff
Information Systems engaged in communication with public throughout the event and in the
aftermath
Fire Service Fallen trees resulting in road closures and dangerous conditions
Tullamore / Birr / Edenderry MD Mobilising and managing staff and dealing with issues as above
Moderate
Service provision under severe pressure. Appreciable decline in service provision at community level. Isolated
but significant instances of environmental damage that could be reversed. Small number of injuries
Damage to electricity supply resulting in disruption to wastewater
Environment
treatment and imapct on receiving waters
Managing and recoupment of costs incurred for cleanup and repair after
Finance
the event
Damage and deterioration of housing stock; Review and assessment of
Housing
OCC houses in the aftermath of the event
Review and assessment of protected structures in the aftermath of the
Heritage
event; Damage to cultural and heritage assets
Risk to staff welfare; Management of staff time and attendence during the
Human Resources
event
Staff engaged in the emergency response during and in the aftermath of
Health & Safety
the event; Review of proceedures after the event.
21Offaly Climate Change Adaptation Strategy
Minor
Isolated but noticeable examples of service decline. Minor environmental damage
Corporate Services
Library Services
Electricity supply affcted; Services closed during event and distrupted in
Local Community Development
immediate aftermath
Planning
Arts
Beneficial
Services or functions within the policy area improved during the event or in its immediate aftermath
During extreme events in particular Storm Opheilia the major emergency
team is engaged and the major emergency plan activated; It is an opportunity
to see the major emergency plan in operation and learn from the event,
Major Emergency / Health & Safety
identify issues and improve the plan; Following the event there was an
oppurtunity to review health and safety preceedures in the plant and
equipment used, staff training required and contractors available.
22Offaly Climate Change Adaptation Strategy
Extreme Event: Flooding
Major Events
January 2016 Storm Desmond / Ava / Frank Flooding Summer 2008 Heavy rain and flooding
December 2015 Storm Desmond / Ava / Frank Flooding February 1990 Storms and heavy rain
November 2009 Severe flooding in many parts of the Country 25th – 26th July 1985 Widespread thunderstorms
Services Impacted
Major
Services seen to be in danger of failing completely with severe/widespread decline in service provision and
quality of life. Severe loss of environmental amenity. Isolated instances of serious injuries
Flooding of Roads, traffic management and safety during event, repair to
Roads damaged roads during event; Increased levels of flooding resulting in road
surface degradation; faster rate of deterioration
Flooding of water and wastewater plants and pumping stations resulting in
Water Services disruption to supply; Capacity impacts on combined sewer networks;
Increased frequency of combined sewer overflows
Emergency response during the event; increased pressure on emergency
Fire Service
response and recovery operations
Pollution incidents due to flooded sewers and pumping stations and un treated
Environment
effulent to watercourses; exceedance of existing flood defences
Tullamore / Birr / Edenderry MD Mobilising and managing staff and dealing with issues as above
Negative impacts on local communities; insurance impacts; consequence to
Local Community Development
local & regional economics; deterioration of community infrastructure
Moderate
Service provision under severe pressure. Appreciable decline in service provision at community level. Isolated but
significant instances of environmental damage that could be reversed. Small number of injuries.
Managing and recoupment of costs incurred for cleanup and repair after the
Finance
event
Staff engaged in the emergency response during and in the aftermath of the
Health & Safety
event; review of proceedures and after the event.
Review and assessment of OCC houses in the aftermath of the event; damage
Housing
and loos of property
Review and assessment of protected structures in the aftermath of the event;
Heritage
damage to cultural and heritage assets
Staff engaged in communication with public throughout the event and in the
Information Systems
aftermath
Tourism Impacts on recreation amenities and tourism activities
23Offaly Climate Change Adaptation Strategy
Minor
Isolated but noticeable examples of service decline. Minor environmental damage
Corporate Services Disruption to normal services
Human Resources Management of staff time and attendence during the event
Negative impacts on local communities; insurance impacts; consequence to
Local Community Development
local & regional economics
Arts Potential for damage to assets
Planning Changes in floodplains
Beneficial
Services or functions within the policy area improved during the event or in its immediate aftermath
During extreme events the major emergency team is engaged and the major
Major Emergency emergency plan activated; Each event provides training and expereince in
major emergency planning and action;
Information available to direct flood maps, planning and future County
Planning
Development Plans
24Offaly Climate Change Adaptation Strategy
Extreme Event: Frost & Snow
Major Events
February 2018 Extreme Snow
November & December 2010 Severe Cold Spell January 1987 Heavy Snowfall
December 2009 & January 2010 Coldest winter for 50 years January 1982 Heavy snowfall in eastern areas
Services Impacted
Major
Services seen to be in danger of failing completely with severe/widespread decline in service provision and
quality of life. Severe loss of environmental amenity. Isolated instances of serious injuries
Roads Road safety; requirement to grit / salt roads; damage to roads
Water Services Frozen water services during extreme events distruption to supply
Emergency response during the event; increased pressure on emergency
Fire Service
response and recovery operations
Environment Impact on wastewater treatment and watercourses
Housing Increased need for heat;
Tullamore / Birr / Edenderry MD Mobilising and managing staff and dealing with issues as above
Disruption to services; buildings closed; management of the prolonged
Corporate Services
event
Health & Safety Risk to staff welfare during response;
Moderate
Service provision under severe pressure. Appreciable decline in service provision at community level. Isolated
but significant instances of environmental damage that could be reversed. Small number of injuries.
Managing and recoupment of costs incurred for cleanup and repair after
Finance
the event
Risk to staff welfare; Management of staff time and attendence during the
Human Resources
event
Library Services Serices closed for the duration of the event
Negative impacts on local communities; insurance impacts; consequence
Local Community Development
to local & regional economics;
Planning Distrubtion ot service; inability to meet statutory deadlines
Beneficial
Services or functions within the policy area IMPROVED during the event or in its immediate aftermath
During extreme events the major emergency team is engaged and the
Major Emergency major emergency plan activated; Each event provides training and
expereince in major emergency planning and action;
Significance and impact of such events leads to focus and direction for
Planning
next planning cycle
25Offaly Climate Change Adaptation Strategy
Extreme Event: Heat & Drought
Major Events
June – July 2018 Heatwave & Drought Risk July 2013 Heatwave
Q1 – Q2 2017 Drought Risk Summer 1995 Warmest Summer on record
Summer 2006 Warmest summer since record breaking year of 1995
Services Impacted
Major
CORE services or functions within the policy area were SUBSTANTIALLY disrupted during the event or in its
immediate aftermath
Changes in rates of deterioration; following harsh winter the sustained
Roads period of drought resulted in deterioration of roads in peat areas; Impact on
construction projects
Reduced availability of water supply sources during low rainfall and drought
events; uncertainty of water availability; increase in water demand and
hose pipe ban
Water Services
Interruption to wastewater treatment anaerobic process; reduction in
receiving water assimilative capacities
Fire Services Increase risk and severity of fires
Moderate
CORE services or functions within the policy area were PARTIALLY or INTERMITTENTLY disrupted during the
event or in its immediate aftermath
Need for mechanical ventilation systems and cooling systems – Heatwave
Housing
events
Environment Increased potential for water contamination; changes in availability of
groundwater; quality of water diminished; changes in species distribution
and phenology of river systems
Minor
Core services or functions within the policy area were largely unaffected, but NON-ESSENTIAL or ANCILLARY
services or functions were SEVERELY disrupted during the event or in its immediate aftermath
Reduced water for swimming pools, irrigation of open spaces, parks etc -
Local Community Development
drought conditions.
Beneficial
Services or functions within the policy area IMPROVED during the event or in its immediate aftermath
Tourism Short to medium term benefit to Tourism with warmer weather
26Offaly Climate Change Adaptation Strategy
CHAPTER 4 CLIMATE RISK IDENTIFICATION
A workshop was held in November 2017 for the team to work through Step 3 of the Local Authority Adaptation
Strategy Development Guideline; The aim of the workshop was to:
Identify future climate risks
Set objectives in relation to managing future climate risks
Task: Future Climate Risk Assessment
1. The climatic variables posing a sufficiently significant risk in Offaly to warrant further assessment were
identified.
The Major Weather Events Impacting Offaly in last 30 years can be categorised into 7 events:
Wind Rain Frost Drought
Flooding Snow Heat
2. Identification of the climate risks that are likely to be of significance in the future begin with those risks that
are significant in the present
3. Standard risk assessments use a relatively simple equation: Consequence × Probability = Future Risk
Consequence: the estimated future level of service disruption caused by the climatic variable in question,
giving an impact consequence
Probability: the level of confidence attributable to projections of change in the climatic variable
4. The climate risk matrix can be used to guide decision-making with respect to which climatic risks should be
identified as being of particular significance for adaptation planning;
27Offaly Climate Change Adaptation Strategy
Climate Risk Matrix
Probability
Low Low / Med Medium Med / High High
Consequence
1 2 3 4 5
Negligible 1 1 1 1 1 2
Minor 2 1 1 2 2 3
Moderate 3 2 2 3 3 4
Major 4 3 3 4 4 5
Critical 5 4 4 5 5 5
Future Risk Prioritiese risk
Prioritisation
Must not be accepted as part of routine (unadapted) operational procedures; urgent attention
5 Critical at the most senior level required; adaptation measures that function to diminish risk must be
proposed and acted on immediately
May be accepted as a part of routine operations only where adaptation measures have been
identified and are immediately feasible, monitoring/early warning of the risk is routine and the
4 Major
nature of risk is well understood; senior management must be informed of the status and
evolution of the risk over time
May remain part of routine operations, but a schedule for future adaptation should be in place,
3 Moderate with a thorough investigation of any lead time and/or required precedent steps prior to
adaptation measures becoming feasible having been conducted
Likely to remain part of routine operations; should be assigned a monitoring and observation
2 Minor protocol; existing controls are sufficient and no further action will be required unless significant
change occurs
No further action will be required in the short term unless significant change occurs in the
1 Negligible
climate variable or receiving environment in question
The impacts of climate change for Ireland which are expected to increase over the coming decades will include:
Rising temperatures for all seasons – particularly in the summer and winter;
Water shortages in the summer;
Changes in the timing and spatial distributions of precipitation – for example, winters will be wetter and
the summers will be drier;
More intense rainfall and storm events;
Increased likelihood and magnitude of river and coastal flooding;
Adverse impacts on water quality;
Sea level rise;
Changes in the distribution and ecological lifecycle events of plant and animal species on land and in the
oceans.
28Offaly Climate Change Adaptation Strategy
Climate Impact Projections: 30 Year Overview Dervided from Published Projection Data
Ref: LA Adaptation Stragety Development Guidline
Event Summary Confidence
Observed wind speed over Ireland has not changed
Models predict a slight significantly in recent times, but it is anticipated that the
distribution of wind will alter slightly in future, with winters
increase in wind energy in
Minor marginally windier and summers marginally less so; Though
Wind winter of between 0 and 8%,
Increase the average windspeed is anticipated to change in only a
with a minor decrease in minor way over the coming decades, the frequency of
summer of 4–14%; extreme wind storms is expected to increase due to
alterations in the origin and track of tropical cyclones;
An Irish Reference Network of hydrometric stations has been
Projected increases in established to assess signals of climate change in Irish
hydrology; This network has detected an increasing trend in
Moderate winter rainfall will likely
Flooding high river flows since 2000; Projections of future flows are
Increase increase the risk of fluvial beset by uncertainties at the catchment scale, but a broad
flooding signal of wetter winters and drier summers is evident across a
number of independent studies;
Increasing seasonality in Heavy precipitation days (in which more than 20mm of rain
rainfall distribution is likely falls) are likely to increase in frequency in winter; By the 2050s
an increase in the number of heavy precipitation days of
Strong to result in an a >20%
Rain around 20% above the level of 1981–2000 is projected under
Increase increase in the number of both low–medium and high emissions scenarios; This may
very Extreme Rainfall wet have serious consequences for flood risk in sensitive
days; catchments;
Increasing average air By mid-century, minimum temperatures during winter are
Frost / Moderate temperatures may act to projected to increase by ~2ºC in the south-east and ~2;9ºC in
Snow Decrease decrease the duration and the north; This change will result in fewer frost days and
intensity of cold snaps milder night-time temperatures;
There have been seven periods of insignificant rainfall in
Ireland in the past 40 years; Of these, the events of 1976 and
Increased seasonality in 1995 were the most severe, averaging 52 and 40 days in
duration respectively across Irish rainfall stations; An
Strong precipitation is very likely to
Drought approximate 20% decrease in summer precipitation receipts
Increase result in more severe dry in many areas is strongly indicated under a high emissions
spells in summer scenario; This decrease is likely to result in progressively
longer periods without significant rainfall, posing potentially
severe challenges to water-sensitive sectors and regions;
Seven significant heatwaves (defined as 5+ days @ >25ºC)
Increasing average air have been recorded in Ireland over the past 30 years, resulting
in approximately 300 excess deaths; By mid-century, a
Strong temperatures are likely to
Heat projected increase in summer maximum daily temperature of
Increase increase the duration and approximately 2ºC will likely intensify heatwaves, with
intensity of heatwaves maximum temperatures increasing and heatwave duration
lengthening;
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