The Plan is set to position County Clare as a national leader in climate action and strengthen the delivery of effective climate action at local and community levels, through place-based climate action. The Climate Action Plan also aims to align with the Government's national climate objective which seeks to achieve the transition to net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. Clare County Council aims to reduce greenhouse gases within its operations by 51 per cent by 2030.
The Climate Action Plan details how Clare County Council will integrate climate actions into daily services from 2024 to 2029. It outlines key steps to help County Clare become a resilient, biodiverse, sustainable, and carbon-neutral economy by 2050.
The plan's actions focus not only on how Clare County Council can improve its own operations and services but also on collaborating with other organisations and providing support to local communities and individuals. Additionally, it outlines measures to aid residents, communities, and businesses within the Kilkee and Loop Head Peninsula 'Decarbonising Zone' in adopting climate actions and benefitting climate action investments.
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The Climate Action Plan offers benefits beyond just cutting greenhouse gas emissions. Its execution will encourage investment in renewable energy, green infrastructure, and sustainable transportation, potentially generating new job prospects within the county, thereby promoting economic development and prosperity.
Formally approved unanimously by councillors on 12 February the plan also backs the Community Climate Action Programme (CCAP). This initiative provides community organisations with funding of up to 100% to support the implementation of local climate action projects, capped at a maximum value of €100,000.
Cathaoirleach of Clare County Council, Cllr Joe Cooney, said: "This plan will foster collaboration between the local authority and local communities, businesses, government departments and individuals to achieve climate action objectives. Delivery of the actions will also bring co-benefits in the form of improved wellbeing, quality of life, and new business and job opportunities."
Pat Dowling, Chief Executive of Clare County Council, said: "Clare County Council understands that we must lead by example. The target of a 51% reduction in Clare County Council’s own emissions and a 50% energy efficiency increase by 2030 represents significant challenges to this organisation, challenges we are prepared to meet."
Alan Farrell, Director of Physical Development in Clare County Council, stated: "The Climate Action Plan is not a standalone document, and its objectives and actions will be incorporated into future plans and policies of Clare County Council to ensure climate change is at the forefront of its service delivery."
Photo: Eamon Ward
