A major new all-island research report highlights the need for stronger cross-border collaboration to build resilience to flooding, wildfires and other climate-related emergencies across the island of Ireland.
The Build Back Better report calls for a more coordinated all-island approach to emergency planning, climate adaptation and disaster recovery, recognising that climate challenges do not stop at borders.
Commissioned under the Shared Island Research Programme, the research was undertaken by the International Centre for Local and Regional Development (ICLRD) in partnership with Monaghan County Council and the Cross Border Emergency Management Group.
The report sets out practical recommendations to help strengthen communities, improve preparedness and support long-term recovery from climate-related emergencies.
Launching the report Cathaoirleach of Monaghan County Council, Councillor Aidan Campbell, said: "I am proud to support the launch of this important all-island research.
"The challenges posed by climate change, severe weather events and major emergencies require a collective response that extends beyond administrative and jurisdictional boundaries."
Dermot Brannigan, Chief Fire Officer, Monaghan County Council, said: "As emergency management professionals, we know that resilience is built through partnership.
"The strong relationships that exist across the island between local authorities, emergency services and communities provide an excellent foundation.
"This report shows how we can build on those relationships to better prepare for the challenges ahead."
Drawing on experiences from major flood events in the North-West and Eastern Corridor of the island, alongside emerging wildfire challenges, the report identifies growing examples of community resilience, improved inter-agency cooperation and innovative local responses
However, researchers found ongoing challenges around communication, coordination, funding, maintenance of flood mitigation measures, wildfire preparedness and post-incident recovery supports.
The report sets out 20 recommendations aimed at governments, public agencies, local authorities and emergency services, including:
- C0loser integration of emergency planning, disaster risk reduction and climate adaptation across the island.
- Strengthening legislative frameworks for flood and wildfire management.
- Providing dedicated long-term funding for flood protection and resilience measures.
- Embedding flood and wildfire risk management into planning policy and landscape management.
- Clarifying responsibility for post-incident psychological supports.
- Developing policies for managed relocation and recovery where communities remain at significant future risk.
