Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 25 February 2026
37. Deputy William Aird asked the Minister for Transport the way in which his Department is preparing transport networks to maintain safety and reliability during extreme weather events, such as flooding or storms; the early-warning systems which are in place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15260/26]
View answerClimate change is already affecting how we travel. In recent years, Ireland has experienced record-breaking storms, floods and other extreme weather events which have damaged infrastructure, disrupted services and created new safety risks.
The Department of Transport, working with key stakeholders, has developed the second Transport Climate Change Sectoral Adaptation plan that aims to build long-term resilience of the transport sector to climate change and support adaptation efforts.
The draft plan proposes 40 priority actions to reduce disruption, safeguard infrastructure and keep Ireland’s transport system moving safely and efficiently. These actions include policy measures, technical and nature-based solutions, organisational changes, and actions related to adaptation financing.
An overarching objective of the Plan is to enable transport agencies and operators to act on organisational adaptation priorities and embed climate resilience into their asset management process.
All Transport operators and agencies have winter contingency weather plans in place, which are reviewed and updated each year, adjusting as required from the previous years’ experience. These plans are designed to ensure the safety of the travelling public and minimise disruption to public transport and supply chains.
The Department of Transport and its agencies also benefit from close liaison with DHLGH and Met Eireann to ensure information is shared in a timely and efficient way.
In terms or responding to severe weather events when they occur the Department of Housing, Local Government & Heritage are the Lead Government Department for responding to extreme weather events. The Department of Transport, through its dedicated emergency planning function, plays a critical support role when these events occur, coordinating information on response and impacts, including at National Emergency Coordination Group level.
