Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, Shane Ross, T. D. has today published, for consultation, a draft framework to develop a Climate Change Adaptation approach for the transport sector in Ireland.
Climate Change Adaptation refers to how we plan for the negative effects of climate change and take suitable action to prevent or minimise damage it causes.
This draft transport adaptation plan is being prepared as part of the National Climate Change Adaptation Framework (NCCAF), developed by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in line with EU guidelines, as well as the provisions of the Climate Action and Low Carbon Development Act 2015. Its objective is to identify options for transport infrastructure and services that will help to build resilience against the impacts of climate change. It is focussed on assessing our vulnerability to key climate variables and their likely impacts on our transport system and covers the five transport sectors of road, rail, aviation, ports and bus services.
Minister Ross said: “Recent experiences of extreme weather events have demonstrated some of the vulnerabilities of our transport infrastructure and services. It is vital that we seek to future-proof the efficient functioning of our transport system so that we can continue to accrue the many benefits of transport to the Irish economy.”
“This initial, high-level plan, will help us to build capacity within our structures and organisations to better understand the implications of climate change for Ireland and how it may impact on transport infrastructure and services at a national, regional and local level.”
“I am very pleased to note that this framework highlights some of the very important climate adaptation work already being undertaken in support of transport infrastructure and services by local authorities, airports, ports, agencies such as TII and the public transport companies.”
DTTAS has determined that a Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) and Appropriate Assessment (AA) will not be required, at this time, as the specific contents of the draft adaptation plan for the transport sector will not, of themselves, have a significant effect on the environment or the Natura 2000 sites.
The draft framework and its associated environmental screening documents are available for download http://www.dttas.ie/public-transport/english/adaptation-plan or to view at the Department’s Leeson Lane offices. The consultation process provides interested parties with an opportunity to contribute before the framework is published early next year. Submissions should be sent toadaptationplan@dttas.ie by February 9th 2017.