County Tipperary
Ireland
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About the region
County Tipperary, located in the heart of Ireland, is the sixth largest county by area in the country and includes five municipal districts. Tipperary has a natural beauty with a population of about 167,895 people [1] 60% of which live in rural areas. The fertile plain at the heart of Tipperary is suitable for significant agricultural output, which serves as the foundation of the region's economic activities.
 "Our farmers")
© County Tipperary
Main climate risks
Floods
Tipperary is highly vulnerable to river flooding, identified as a top hazard by the County Council in its Climate Change Risk Assessment 2023. Over the past 30 years, severe floods in 2000, 2015, 2016, 2020, and twice in 2022 have caused significant damage to infrastructure, transport routes, water quality, and biodiversity [2].
Heatwaves
Increasing weather variability has led to more frequent droughts, severely affecting farmers and the agricultural sector [3,4]. Droughts in Tipperary, often associated with heatwaves, also reduced water quality due to higher evaporation [5,6]. In September 2022, water usage reduction appeals highlighted the pressing nature of these conditions, with local authorities noting ongoing water quality challenges [7].
Windstorms
Windstorms in Tipperary occur at least once every 24 months and are among the most frequent climate hazards when combined with extreme precipitation [8]. Such storms damage infrastructure through strong winds and flying debris, and projections indicate an increase in extreme wind events, especially during winter [9].
Focus during Pathways2Resilience
“Strengthing regional capacity for transformative climate action focused on capacity building, education and outreach for a circular bioeconomy”Elaine Cullinan , P2R Programme manager
In general, the applicant is interested in supporting the realisation of the Tipperary County Council Climate Action Plan 2024 - 2029 (LACAP), particularly Action 100 which seeks to support the development of the Bio economy in Tipperary, viewed as paramount in its journey to transformative climate change resilience.
“The vision for the Tipperary LACAP is “Setting the Scene for Going Green” this represents the commitment of the County Council towards climate change resilience and its commitment and support for a circular bio economy between now and 2030.”Clare Lee, Climate Action Coordinator for Tipperary County Council
The Tipperary P2R project focus is on how the Bioeconomy can play a significant role in helping Tipperary build resilience to climate change by shifting the economy toward more sustainable, circular, and resource-efficient systems. i.e Sustainable Land Use and Agriculture Bio-based Alternatives, Rural Development and Community Resilience, Innovation and Policy Integration.
Also, through the support of the P2R project, Tipperary County Council can further boost engagement and mobilization of stakeholders, particularly in the areas of agriculture, landuse, and the bioeconomy, in supporting and participating in Tipperary County Council´s climate resilience vison.
Interesting highlights
County Tipperary has a natural capacity and strength capacity in terms of resources to support a vibrant bioeconomy.
Tipperary County Council has developed a Local Authority Climate Action Plan (LACAP) for the period 2024-2029, which outlines 100 actions to be implemented over the lifetime of the Plan. The LACAP touches upon all fundamental risks and areas of action in the region. For instance, the LACAP foresees a climate proofing programme for natural water resources to better manage flooding at the catchment level, facilitation of resilience, adaptation and emissions reduction by the diversification of the agricultural sectors and considers the incorporation of water sensitive urban design concepts.
The LACAP identifies a Decarbonising Zone – DZs (identified by the County Council in accordance with national guidelines. DZs are defined as areas where a range of potential climate change mitigation, adaptation and biodiversity measures are identified and are to be implemented in partnership with stakeholdersThe Tipperary DZ is centered around the National Bioeconomy Campus (read more at https://bioeconomyfoundation.com) and serves as a demonstration area for possible decarbonising and positive climate action at a local and community level.
 "Entrance to the National Bioeconomy Campus")
© County Tipperary
Regional Resilience Journey
Tipperary county has medium readiness for all three RRJ steps based on our regional analytical profile. Regarding Key Enabling Conditions (KEC), its highest capacities are in Capabilities and Skills, Governance, Engagement and Collaboration and Finances and Resources.
Key community systems priority areas
Water management
Ecosystems and nature-based solutions
Key enabling conditions priority areas
Governance, engagement and collaboration
Finances and resources
Behavioural change
References
[2] –
Ibidem
[5] –
Ibidem