Ireland has launched its first Tourism Sectoral Adaptation Plan for 2025–2030, reflecting the government’s commitment to helping communities, ecosystems, and businesses respond to rising climate risks. The plan was developed in response to recent extreme weather events, which have highlighted the urgent need for stronger climate resilience across the country. As tourism remains a vital contributor to the economy, the initiative aims to safeguard the sector’s long-term sustainability while maintaining Ireland’s appeal to visitors and supporting local communities through employment and economic activity.
The plan outlines how climate change is expected to affect tourism in the years ahead and identifies both challenges and emerging opportunities. It places strong emphasis on understanding climate-related impacts, raising awareness within tourism-dependent communities, and building resilience across the sector. Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment Peter Burke emphasized that preparing for climate impacts is essential to ensure that tourism continues to grow and adapt in a changing environment.
At the core of the plan are three goals: improving understanding of climate impacts on tourism, strengthening awareness and preparedness across the sector, and reducing the consequences of the most significant climate-related risks. These goals guide a set of actions that will be implemented and overseen by the Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment and national tourism agencies. The plan aligns with the National Adaptation Framework, which guides Ireland’s broader transition toward a climate-resilient and environmentally sustainable economy by 2050.
The release of the plan follows growing evidence of climate impacts in Ireland, including severe damage from storms such as Bert, Darragh, Éowyn, and Amy. Research from Met Éireann shows that climate change is driving more intense storms, shifting rainfall patterns, and increasing both dry spells and heavy rainfall events. These trends are expected to continue, posing risks to Ireland’s population, infrastructure, economy, and natural environment.
In response, the government is increasing investment in adaptation measures to protect communities and maintain economic competitiveness. Climate resilience is seen as essential not only for long-term sustainability but also for ensuring that the tourism sector can withstand and recover from future shocks. National strategies such as the Climate Act and the National Adaptation Framework mandate the development of Sectoral Adaptation Plans (SAPs), which outline actions needed to address climate risks and strengthen resilience across key sectors.
Ireland’s Tourism Sectoral Adaptation Plan is designed to deliver targeted responses over the coming years while setting out long-term objectives to ensure that the tourism sector remains strong, competitive, and climate-resilient.
