| Abstract |
This project assessed the preparedness of Irish homes for increasingly severe and unpredictable weather. Ireland’s architectural history reflects climate adaptation—from Bronze Age crannógs built to withstand flooding, to post-1839 homes constructed in hollows, and traditional designs featuring small windows and multiple fireplaces for heat retention.
Secondary data was sourced from the CSO, Climate Ireland, Radio Kerry, and Met Éireann, alongside expert input from Mark Bourke, architect and lecturer at MTU Kerry. This data helped analyze recent climate trends in wind, rainfall, and temperature.
Two surveys were conducted to evaluate household impacts from Storm Eowyn. The first, distributed in February, captured immediate responses. A second, broader survey in June reached over five times more participants. Both gathered data on power outages, property damage, and household resilience.
Analysis focused on the second survey due to its larger sample size. Using Excel and SPSS, results showed that over 50% of respondents lost electricity for at least one day, with many experiencing outages of three days or more. Regional differences were noted, with Tralee among the least affected areas in Kerry.
The findings highlight a pressing need for proactive climate resilience strategies in housing and infrastructure. As extreme weather becomes more frequent, integrating historical awareness with modern planning is essential to protect Irish communities.
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