Funding to protect Cork roads from climate-change damage cut despite rainfall increase

The Climate Change Adaptation and Resilience grant was reduced from €2,191,800 in 2023 to €2,119,000 this year, a decrease of 3.2%

Funding for drainage works to prevent roads being undermined by rain and ice dropped by 10%. Picture: Andy Gibson

Parts of West Cork recorded up to 18in more rainfall in the last nine months compared with previous averages. However, the Government has cut funding for Cork County Council to protect its roads from the damage brought by the changing climate.

The average annual rainfall at Cork Airport rose in the past year to 1,527mm, or just over 60in, which is 12in more than normal.