A series of new research reports has outlined climate maps and design weather files to help inform future construction projects across Ireland.

Developed by Met Éireann in a joint initiative with the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage's building standards team, the new reports utilise the driving rain index (an important climatological consideration when designing buildings) and maps extremes in temperature, soil temperature, snow loadings and rainfall frequencies. Climate data for use in building design consisting of past and future weather files for overheating risk assessment are also presented. The outputs of this analysis can be used in numerous ways to inform public policy and to future-proof investment, particularly relating to the built environment - such as the building of bridges, roadways and buildings.

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The work was completed in consultation with a steering group made up of representatives from the National Standards Authority of Ireland, Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland and members of the Department's Building Standards committee under Climate Action Plan 2021. The output of this research will be used to inform national standards and guidance documents relating to the built environment to ensure Irish buildings continue to be climate resilient over their full design life.

It forms an important action of the government's Climate Action Plan as well as the National Adaptation Framework.

Keith Lambkin, Head of the Climate Services Division at Met Éireann, said: "This joint initiative is a great example of the joined-up working and collaboration to get the best from the climate services that Met Éireann is uniquely equipped to coordinate for Ireland. Blending climate knowledge with sectoral specific expertise has allowed us to tailor climate insights to support Irish decision makers."

Mr Lambkin added: "Climate and weather impact our built environment in many ways. For example, planners can use the specialised temperature maps in this research to help improve the resilience of structures against factors such as possible future temperature extremes. As Ireland's climate changes, these new services will support climate change adaptation and will assist a variety of sectors, allowing planners and policy makers to make decisions now that will help protect against climate and weather risks in the future."