To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs what steps his Department is taking to adapt to the impacts of climate change and prepare and protect communities from its adverse effects.

My Department, on behalf of the Northern Ireland Executive, co-ordinates the development of the Northern Ireland Climate Change Adaptation Programme (NICCAP) and input to the UK Climate Change Risk Assessment (CCRA). The Programme is developed on a 5 year cycle in response to the risks identified in the preceding CCRA. The development of both are legal requirements under the UK Climate Change Act 2008.

In response to an independent assessment by the CCC the UK Government will publish the third CCRA in early 2022. This most recent assessment will be used to inform the development of the next 5 year NICCAP covering the period 2024-2029.

To support the delivery of the NICCAP, my Department co-ordinates a cross Departmental Adaptation Working Group and also provides funding to Northern Ireland Environment Link (NIEL), to deliver the Climate NI contract of which a deliverable includes providing support and guidance to Councils on adaptation planning.

In relation to specific risks posed by climate change to communities, as identified in the CCC’s Independent Assessment, each Executive Department will be responsible for implementing actions relating to risks within their remit. For example, the Department for Infrastructure (DfI) is the Department responsible for risk of flooding through DfI Rivers and would be responsible for associated risks.

My Department will however be continuing its work with DfI and other members of the Coastal Forum in relation to the risks posed by sea level rise and coastal erosion. The Northern Ireland coastal LiDAR survey, which has been commissioned by my Department, will provide much needed data and baseline evidence for Executive Departments and councils to develop policies and plans which build resilience to the impacts of climate change on our coastal areas.