Tuesday, 19 August 2025

Now Open: Public Consultation on the Climate Change Sectoral Adaptation Plan for the Communications Sector 2025

Review the Public Consultation on the CCSAP for the Communications Sector 2025 As climate change accelerates, Ireland’s communications sector is increasingly vulnerable to extreme weather events. In early 2025, Storm Éowyn brought hurricane-force winds that disrupted services nationwide, exposing weaknesses in communications infrastructure. In response, the Department of Culture, Communications and Sport has published a […]

Review the Public Consultation on the CCSAP for the Communications Sector 2025

As climate change accelerates, Ireland’s communications sector is increasingly vulnerable to extreme weather events. In early 2025, Storm Éowyn brought hurricane-force winds that disrupted services nationwide, exposing weaknesses in communications infrastructure. In response, the Department of Culture, Communications and Sport has published a draft Climate Change Sectoral Adaptation Plan (SAP25) for the Communications Networks sector and is inviting public feedback.

What Is the SAP25?

The Climate Change Sectoral Adaptation Plan (SAP25) for Communications Networks outlines how Ireland can prepare and adapt communication infrastructure to the risks posed by climate change. This includes a cross-sectoral assessment of vulnerabilities and actions needed to ensure resilience across public and private communications systems.

The plan focuses on:

  • Assessing climate-related risks to communications infrastructure (e.g., storms, flooding, heatwaves)

  • Strengthening system resilience to minimize service disruptions

  • Addressing gaps in data and planning that hinder long-term adaptation

  • Ensuring vulnerable populations are not disproportionately impacted

Why This Matters

Reliable communication networks are critical to Ireland’s economy, public safety, and social connectivity. Events like Storm Éowyn show that without adaptation, essential services can be compromised. The SAP25 aims to ensure that Ireland’s communications sector remains reliable, inclusive, and climate-resilient.

Other climate related issues that can potentially affect the communications network include:

  • Extreme winds (such as Storm Éowyn)
  • Coastal Erosion
  • Flooding
  • Extreme Precipitation
  • Heatwaves

The current broad categories currently at a potential risk due to climate change and subject to initial screening includes:

  • Overhead lines
  • Underground cables
  • Street cabinets
  • Local exchanges
  • Core and edge network
  • Towers/monopoles
  • Small cell and rooftop infrastructure
  • Submarine data cables

These communication networks have been deemed at potential risk from climate change. For example an extreme heat of over 30C has been linked to severe degradation in electronic components.

Vision for the Sector

The Department’s vision is that Ireland’s communication networks will be adapted to support a vibrant society and economy in the face of climate change, ensuring long-term connectivity and service continuity.

We Want Your Feedback

The Department is inviting individuals, communities, businesses, and organisations across Ireland to help shape the final version of SAP25. Your views will help refine the approach to building climate resilience in this essential sector.

You’re Invited to Share Your Thoughts On:

  • How well the plan prepares communication networks for climate change

  • Which parts of the communications infrastructure are most at risk in your area

  • What supports or changes are needed to enable adaptation

  • How policies can protect vulnerable groups from adverse climate impacts

How to Submit Feedback

The consultation period opens Friday, 15 August 2025, and closes at 5:30pm on Friday, 12 September 2025.

You can submit your feedback:

By email: commssap25@ccs.gov.ie

By post:
Communication Networks Sectoral Adaptation Plan
Strategy Development and Business Management Unit
Department of Culture, Communications and Sport
Tom Johnson House, Haddington Road, Dublin D04 K7X4

Publishing of Responses

Submissions may be published on the Department’s website. All personal data will be removed before publication. If your submission contains sensitive or confidential information, please clearly indicate:

  • Personal information

  • Commercially sensitive material

  • Information you do not want released under FOI, AIE, or otherwise published

All such requests will be considered.

Conclusion

Climate change is already impacting how we live, work, and connect. By participating in this consultation, you can help ensure that Ireland’s communications networks are equipped to meet the challenges of an evolving climate. Together, we can build a more resilient, responsive, and inclusive future.

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