Ireland must brace for further flood damage in 2024, says Eamon Ryan

Mr Ryan visited the town and said that a flood relief scheme is ready to go to planning and there is no reason not to plough ahead with the plan.

However, he said that the surrounding geography is likely to cause challenges due to six different flood relief zones around the town.

In an interview in recent days, Mr Ryan was asked if Ireland can expect further flooding damage in 2024. 

“Unfortunately, we can," he said. "What's happened to the world this year was not expected in terms of the average temperature increase going above 1.5 degrees.”  

He said that it is likely that Ireland is facing into a “difficult year” in 2024 and that there will be weather disruptions across the country.

Mr Ryan said that alongside cutting emissions, there needs to be a focus on climate adaptation to protect people against the effects of climate change. He cited the need, particularly, for nature-based solutions.

We do have to focus on adaptation and protecting ourselves against climate impact, not just trying to reduce emissions. 

"I do think there has been a game-changer in terms of understanding this.

“That it isn't just about culverting rivers and concrete embankments and so on. That it is about how you treat the river upstream and how you manage the source of the water and how you hold it back through grassland management, forestry management, peatland restoration, using natural floodplain areas. 

"I think the Office of Public Works are starting to understand that.”

The latest figures show that a total of €3.25m has been distributed to 164 businesses impacted by Storm Babet as hundreds more are continuing to be assessed.

While applications to the emergency relief scheme have since closed, three-quarters of all claims are coming from Cork due to the extensive damage seen in Midleton, Glanmire, and Carrigtwohill.