While we do not normally associate Ireland with heatwaves, new research has shown that seven such heatwaves have occurred in this country over 30 years, causing death and illness in some cases.

The study by the Envoronmental Protection Agency (EPA) found that there were that there were seven heatwaves over the past 30 years and these were associated with approximately 294 more than expected deaths.

The majority of these deaths - 241- occurred in rural areas, with 53 happening in urban areas, specifically Dublin, Cork, Drogheda, Arklow, Dundalk, Galway, Limerick and Waterford.

A heatwave is defined as a number of days where the maximum daily temperature is above 25°C.

Professor Pat Goodman, who led the research, said the heatwaves studied resulted in increased deaths, illnesses and hospitalisations.

"The research indicates that the changing climate will increase Ireland's vulnerability to more severe heat episodes and this factor, combined with the ageing of the population, may result in significantly more heat-related deaths and health impacts in the future."

Prof Goodman added that as we face the challenges of global warming and climate change, we need to identify what groups of the population are most at risk, and who needs to take precautionary measures to protect themselves from the heat.

"Our study recommends putting in place the capacity to relay timely warning messages in the case of future heatwaves and improving the energy efficiency of the housing stock so as to limit the adverse impacts of heatwaves.

The report, 'Extreme Temperatures and Mortality in Ireland', can be found on the EPA website