b'5.5ConsequencesThe impacts from climate hazards identified aboveEnvironmental and NaturalMinor2 experienced within the county, have varying and Capitaldegradation of thefar reaching consequences for the delivery of servicesnatural environment but identifiedearly and possibly reversible.and functions both during and in the aftermath of However, the range of impactsextreme weather events and as a result of periods of reduces the ability of the localclimate variability. These consequences have seenauthority to protect and conservewidespread services disruption whereby all serviceshabitats.and operations closed/ceased, for example, during Storm Ophelia, in 2017 and during and after StormEconomic Developmentdisruption Minor2 Emma in 2018.For other events such as heavy or to communities, businessandprolonged rainfall events, or heatwave events, local economies leading to reducedindividual services and operations are put underinterest in settlement in more increased pressure, i.e. Emergency Response, Areavulnerable areas and this then having Offices, Roads Sections etc. a long term economic cost to the area.The level of disruption to Kildare County Council hasHealth and Wellbeingincreased risk Minor2been assessed at a very high level against broad to public safety in terms of both categories set out in the Adaptation Strategy increased risk to injury and health Guidelines of consequences level i.e. consequences, for example, from deficient water quality.Consequence LevelCatastrophic5Major4 5.6Flood Risk ManagementModerate3Minor2Negligible 1 Climate Change is expected to increase flood risk. It could lead to more frequent flooding and increase The consequences identified for Kildare County the depth and extent of flooding. Due to the uncertainty Council are categorised in Table 5.4 below: surrounding the potential effects of climate change a Consequences for Kildare CategoryLevelprecautionary approach is always advised withCounty Councilrespect to landuse planning and development,Service Delivery & Business Moderate 3 building flood alleviation measures and ensuringContinuity: - stretching thelonger term resilience of critical infrastructure.resources of the local authority andIt is important to consider that the increase in theits ability to respond to emergencies,frequency and / or severity of flood events may impact provide services to customers and meet deadlines. Need forthe delivery of services of the council and inresources increased to dealparticular may necessitate more frequent and re-with aftermath of extreme events source intensive emergency responses.and periods of climate variability. The OPW led extensive research and development of Critical infrastructureblocking Minor2the Catchment Flood Risk Assessment and Manage-and damage to roads and damage ment (CFRAM) Studies for the country in the lastto Local Authority owned buildings, decade. The aim of these studies was to assess flood social housing stock and other risk, through the identification of flood hazard areas structures (including heritage and the associated impacts of flooding. The flood structures). Increasing costs of hazard areas have been identified as being potentially maintenance and repair.at risk from significant flooding, including areas that have experienced significant flooding in the past. 43'