DUBLIN – Ireland’s Climate Change Advisory Council (CCAC) has issued a “damning assessment” of the government’s new proposals to protect the state against extreme weather. In a formal letter sent just before Christmas 2025, the watchdog described the Sectoral Adaptation Plans (SAPs) as “extremely disappointing” and severely lacking in detail.
Key Criticisms:
- Lack of Accountability: The Council noted a critical absence of clear lines of responsibility, making it unclear who is in charge of delivering specific safety measures.
- Funding Gaps: The plans reportedly lack specific budget allocations and costings for the actions proposed.
- Generic Goals: The CCAC argued that the visions for resilience remain “generic,” with no tangible targets to measure success.
- Coastal Vulnerability: Particular concern was raised regarding the protection of homes in coastal areas as sea levels rise.
This criticism comes nearly a year after Storm Éowyn (January 2024/2025) caused over €300 million in insured damages and exposed massive failures in Ireland’s power and water infrastructure. The Council warned that without “tangible actions,” the suffering of vulnerable communities will only increase as climate-related disasters mount.
