4.12.6 Key issues: Climate Change

In regard to GHG emissions, Ireland has one of the highest per capita emissions in the EU. A

report from the EPA in June 2021 estimates that Ireland has exceeded its compliance

obligations over the 2013-2020 period. To achieve compliance, Ireland will need to either use

credits and/ or purchase surplus annual emission allocations from other member states.

Prepared for: Transport Infrastructure Ireland AECOM

SEA of the National Cycle Network Plan SEA Environmental Report (Updated)

The actions necessary for Ireland to deliver on its 2030 climate targets are listed in the Climate

Action Plan 2021.

The following key issues related to climate change have been identified through the baseline

review:

Transportation is a key contributor to greenhouse gas emissions in Ireland.

Modal shift from the private car to sustainable transport modes (including active travel)

will be a key means of reducing Ireland’s carbon emissions and reaching the

Government’s goal of an 80% reduction in carbon emissions by 2050.

Climate change has the potential to increase the severity of heavy rainfall events and

lead to more frequent and damaging storms. Wetter winters and an increase in extreme

weather events have the potential to increase the number of flood events and their

severity.

There is a need to increase the resilience of the transport network in response to the

likely effects of climate change.