The Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, Josepha Madigan TD, is calling for public submissions on a draft climate change adaptation plan to address the impacts of climate change on built and archaeological heritage.
This sectoral plan complements a biodiversity climate change plan also prepared by the Department of Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht as part of its obligations to address the impacts of climate change on Ireland’s heritage.
The increased frequency of extreme weather events as well as the rise in sea-levels results in structural damage to monuments and historic buildings. They are also negatively impacted by hotter, drier summers and warmer, wetter winters. Coastal erosion undermines ancient structures and archaeological sites are at risk from exposure and erosion. Historic urban areas also face challenges due to flooding.
The Department’s two climate change adaptation plans are being prepared under the National Adaptation Framework (NAF). The plans aim to identify and assess the key risks and vulnerabilities of heritage to climate change and lead to the implementation of climate resilience actions to protect structures and sites. They will also enable specific adaptation considerations to be main streamed into all local, regional and national policy making forums and decision making bodies.
As part of the Government’s overall strategy, the climate change plan aims to safeguard this heritage for generations to come.
Minister Madigan welcomes views from the public on the draft plan which will help shape priorities and actions in adapting Ireland’s heritage and help to minimise the impact of climate change on the historic environment.
Where Can I Find Out More Information and Make A Submission?
Details on how you can make submissions are outlined HERE and the draft plan is available to download HERE.
When Is The Deadline For Submissions?
The deadline for submissions is the 14th of June 2019.
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