Parts of Cork are 15C hotter than others during heatwave, research shows

New research has shown that some parts of Cork reach up to 15C hotter than others during a heatwave, prompting fresh calls for the development of heat-health action plans.

The call comes from the Climate and Health Alliance, which includes the Irish Heart Foundation, the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, and the Irish Cancer Society.

The research, conducted across several areas of Cork, found a significant gap in temperatures recorded in commercial and industrial areas, resulting in a difference of up to 15C when compared to cooler parts of the city.

The Climate and Health Alliance has warned that Irish cities are not prepared for the health dangers posed by rising temperatures.

Christie Godsmark of UCC’s School of Public Health said “cities are literal hot spots”.

“Extreme heat puts strain on health services and infrastructure and can have devastating physical and mental health consequences,” said Ms Godsmark. 

She said the recent heatwave was a reminder that extreme heat is now a local issue, and it requires an urgent response.

The Climate and Health Alliance is calling on Cork City Council to begin drawing up heat-health action plans as summers continue to get warmer year-on-year.

“Every city council should commit to developing a plan to protect the health of all residents,” said Dr Godsmark.

The call comes following a Dáil discussion where Taoiseach Micheál Martin said we “have to be very vigilant” as recent events such as the fire at Camden Fort Meagher are examples of the threat posed by extreme heat. “We need to invest more in adaptation because climate change is here,” said Mr Martin.

“It is happening. It is having real-life impacts as we speak.”