A significant milestone in Clare County Council’s commitment to climate action has been achieved as Cathaoirleach Cllr Joe Cooney and Chief Executive Pat Dowling officially launched Clare County Council’s Climate Action Plan 2024-2029.
The Climate Action Plan aims 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.
Clare County Council aims to reduce greenhouse gases within its operations by 51% by 2030. Additionally, the ambitions of the Climate Action Plan are aligned to the Government’s national climate objective which seeks to achieve the transition to net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.
The Climate Action Plan sets out how, for the period 2024-2029, Clare County Council will continue to build on and incorporate climate actions, including climate change mitigation and climate change adaptation, in day-to-day service delivery.
The plan sets out key actions that will support County Clare in its transition to becoming a climate resilient, biodiversity rich, environmentally sustainable and climate neutral economy by 2050.
The actions of the plan not only look at how Clare County Council can transform its own operations and services, but also addresses what other organisations the Council can partner with and what supports it can give to local communities and individuals.
In addition, the Climate Action Plan sets out actions to support residents, communities and businesses in the Kilkee and Loop Head Peninsula ‘Decarbonising Zone’ in implementing climate actions and benefiting from climate action investment.
The potential benefits of the Climate Action Plan extend far beyond reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The implementation of this plan will support investment in renewable energy, green infrastructure and sustainable transportation and can create new employment opportunities within the county, fostering economic growth and prosperity.
The plan, which was unanimously formally adopted by councillors on Monday, 12th February, also supports the delivery of its Community Climate Action Programme (CCAP), a scheme which provides community organisations with up to 100% funding to help deliver local climate action products, up to a maximum value of €100,000.
Cathaoirleach of Clare County Council, Cllr Joe Cooney, commented, “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.”
Welcoming the launch of the plan, Pat Dowling, Chief Executive of Clare County Council, stated, “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, said, “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.”
Members of the public can stay informed on the progress of County Clare’s Climate Action Plan, climate action information, and initiatives by visiting the climate action section of the Council’s website at www.clarecoco.ie/services/climate.