Week 10 Extreme Weather

Ireland's Extreme Weather: Rain and Flooding

 For Ireland, I will focus on the country's most common form of extreme weather: heavy rainfall and flooding. Ireland's amazing, green landscapes come with a trade-off: heavy rain and frequent flooding. The North Atlantic Ocean influences Ireland's weather, providing frequent rain throughout the year, mostly on the west coast and in river valleys. With climate change increasing the intensity and frequency of storms and events of prolonged rain, flooding, like in the image below, won't be gone anytime soon. Large-scale flooding of major rivers, like the River Shannon, occurs regularly depending on heavy rainfall events. Cities like Dublin, Cork, and Limerick are frequently experiencing flooded areas in residential sections because of inadequate storm drainage systems. Flooding in coastal areas, notably along western and southern coasts, can occur when storm surges occur at high tide.


The effects of this flooding are widespread and expensive. This high frequency of flooding incidents has made insurance coverage for residents in these hotspots highly expensive and has also rendered some properties uninsurable. Flooding is equally devastating to the agricultural industry. Waterlogged farmland leads to crop loss, soil erosion, and hazards to livestock that increase the already present financial stress on farmers. Repeated damage to critical infrastructure, such as roads, bridges, and railways, is another casualty that results in very costly repairs and disruptions in transport that affect businesses and communities.





To mitigate the damaging effects of these floods, Ireland is continuing to invest in a strategy of investments in flood defense infrastructure, including barriers and overflow channels, particularly in high-risk areas such as the Shannon River Basin. Urban areas could benefit from Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems (SUDS). SUDS could be in place for better stormwater management in urban areas by utilizing permeable pavements, green roofs, and rain gardens. Natural floodplains and wetlands could also be restored to allow these areas to behave like sponges and absorb excessive rainfall. This would be an environmentally friendly form of flood defense.


Other recommendations include improved flood forecasting and community preparedness programs in order to give residents extra time to take protective actions before a flood occurs. While a complete avoidance of flooding is impossible, investment by Ireland in proactive solutions such as these will help the country adapt to its extreme weather. They can reduce the vulnerability of its people, economy, and natural landscapes to the growing dangers posed by heavy rainfall and flooding.


Sources: 

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