3.4 Sustainability

3.3 Climate Adaptation & Resilience

The road network, and the people who rely on it, are vulnerable to a range of possible climate change effects.

Ireland’s climate is changing, and the indications are that further and more profound changes are likely. Major recent weather events in Ireland include Storm Ophelia (2017), which caused major power outages, lifted roofs and coastal flooding; Storm Emma (2018), which brought sub-zero temperatures and heavy snow showers that caused disruption and closure of transport systems including roadblocks; as well as heatwaves and drought (2018).

The road network, and the people who rely on it, are vulnerable to a range of possible climate change effects, including strong winds, landslides, changing rainfall patterns and extreme weather events leading to flooding and variable temperatures. In the longer-term sea level rising may also pose a threat. These may cause a range of debilitating impacts on the National Roads network, ranging from reduced performance- such as slower journey times, lower visibility and poor driving conditions; to damaged infrastructure and heightened user risk, causing disruption or closure of sections of the National Roads network. Closure of important transport links bring risks to people and businesses, especially in areas of low resilience where National Roads provide sole transport infrastructure for people and goods and in essence function as regional lifelines.

Adaptation to the impacts of climate change requires action to both manage the risks and to prepare mitigation and resilience plans to reduce vulnerabilities. Climate change mitigation has become an essential component of long term, strategic economic planning. An integrated approach involving stakeholders is essential. TII must prepare strategies for various climatic events that will impact the National Roads network.

Figure from page 25

3.4 Sustainability

Striking the appropriate balance between investment in transport and sustainability impacts requires a continued effort.

Sustainable development is “development that meets the needs of the present without comprising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs” (Brundtland Commission).

Transport infrastructure can bring about social and economic benefits, such as enhanced mobility, access to markets and social participation. However, the development and management of transport infrastructure must avoid, reduce and mitigate adverse environmental impacts, such as harmful emissions from transport (GHGs, air quality and noise impacts), and direct and indirect impacts to biodiversity and/or habitats as well as to neighbouring properties and communities

adjoining the National Roads network. Striking an appropriate balance, between maximizing the benefits arising from investment in transport infrastructure and reducing potential negative environmental, social and/or economic impacts, requires continued effort as the asset changes and adapts to new futures.

This might mean that some projects may be more expensive up front but will likely have more benefits over the long-term particularly regarding emissions and social impacts.

TII Sustainability Implementation Plan

Through TII’s Sustainability Implementation Plan a roadmap has been developed to apply the sustainability principles in developing and operating the National Roads network. We recognise that ‘sustainability’ is complex and far reaching but we are committed to integrating it into everything we do.

TIIs sustainability statement and implementation plan, lay out six core principles and two overarching principles. The six principles are set out below, these broadly align with the UN Sustainable Development Goals and have been developed to reflect TII’s organisational ambitions.

Table 3.1 TII Sustainability Principles

Provide effective, efficient, and equitable mobility

Enable safe and resilient networks and services:

Collaborate for a holistic approach

Deliver end-to-end improvements

Transition to net zero

Create total value for society

TII recognises that to truly deliver on sustainability it requires all of society to get involved, and as such the six principles are tied together with two overarching principles: »Leadership, Collaboration and Partnership; and »Working together and enabling people

These overarching principles ensure connectivity across the six core principles and are supported in NR2040 commitments.