Yesterday's EPA report analysed more than 100 years of meteorological records. The following are the report's key findings.
Average annual temperature records show global warming in two periods 1910 to the mid-1940s and 1980 to 2004. However, the warming in Ireland in the latter period was nearly twice the rate of the global increase.
The number of "frost days" has decreased significantly in all regions, especially the midlands.
Almost all weather stations in Ireland recorded increases in average annual and seasonal temperatures.
Heatwaves are a cause of some concern because of their impact on human health, agriculture and water supply.
Four out of five of the wettest days on record occurred at Malin Head since 1990.
Rainfall is getting more intense in the west where significant increases have been recorded in the number of days where rainfall is at least 10mm.
There have been non-significant decreases in the intensity of rainfall in the east.
Ireland is warmer, with warmer nights and fewer cold days. The west, southwest and north are wetter.
In the south and east, water shortages are expected to impact on reservoirs and soil management.
Farmers in the southeast will have to consider irrigation, while flood plain management will become increasingly important.