Local authorities have been preparing their local climate plans over the past year and all plans have now been adopted by the elected members. The launch is being organised by CARO, the Climate Action Regional Offices.
Finishing the local climate plans marks a significant achievement for the local government sector. Together, these plans outline nearly 4,000 actions to address climate concerns across all local areas. They list practical climate measures to be completed in each local authority area over the next five years.
To shape these plans, every local authority conducted a Climate Change Risk Assessment, identifying probable climate-related risks like increased rainfall or flooding. Additionally, they conducted a Baseline Emissions Inventory, which calculates the emissions within the local authority area and sets out emission by sector such as transport, the built environment and agriculture.
Each of the local authorities selected a part of their administrative area – a Decarbonising Zone – where they will pilot and test new actions and projects in collaboration with key stakeholders to help move towards a net zero carbon future.
The plans demonstrate the ambition, focus and commitment of each local authority to reduce carbon emissions and improve the quality of life for people living, working and studying in each county.
Minister Ryan said: "The climate is changing more quickly and unpredictably than scientists expected. We can see the impacts all around us – flooding, heatwaves, droughts. Local government has a key role to play in tackling climate change. They act as local leaders, champions and work closely with communities on the ground across a range of key areas, from housing to transport. They use their extensive knowledge of the natural and built environments in their areas to make a real difference.
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"The new local authority climate action plans will enhance local government’s ability to act. For the first time, all the climate related actions have been brought together into one document, serving as a focal point and the manual for each local authority and their climate journey. These plans will, over time, help us as a country to meet our national climate targets and will bring extra benefits such as making our air cleaner, our streets and public spaces quieter, and bringing more biodiversity and green spaces into where we live."
John McLaughlin, Chair of the County and City Management Association Climate Action, Transport, Circular Economy, and Networks Committee said: "Each local authority climate action plan was developed to respond to the unique challenges and opportunities of its area. The plans are based on research, consultation, and real understanding, and that is why they will have a significant impact in our cities and counties, and collectively for Ireland. Local authorities have been taking a lead on climate action for some time and now with 31 plans in place, we can build on this in a strategic, integrated and measurable way.
"I am delighted to see members of the climate teams from the 31 local authorities gathered in Clare today to collaborate and learn from each other. They will all play a vital role in driving the climate action plans forward, supporting across all local authority departments to help achieve our targets."
Over the past 12 months, local authorities have engaged with citizens, local businesses, public bodies and community organisations to inform their thinking around actions and priorities. Whilst working to national guidelines with set parameters as each plan is tailored to its local area. Local authorities have received funding from the Government over the past two years accumulating to almost €8 million and this set to continue over the coming years.
The climate action plans of local authorities will facilitate an integrated approach to addressing both greenhouse gas emission reduction and climate change adaptation. This will strengthen the alignment between national climate policy and the implementation of impactful local climate initiatives.
Local authorities will closely monitor their climate plans to ensure project progress and will develop detailed implementation plans for effective delivery. They will report key indicators to both the local government sector and the supporting department, the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications.
