Cork County Council launches first-ever Climate Action Plan

Plan to reduce direct carbon emissions by 51% by 2030

Wed, 28 Feb, 2024 - 20:00

Steven Heaney

Cork County Council has launched its first-ever Climate Action Plan which aims to support the local authority in helping to reduce direct carbon emissions by 51% by the year 2030.

Among the initiatives included within the plan are the delivery of new greenway infrastructure between Midleton and Youghal, and the designation of Macroom as the county's first 'Decarbonisation Zone'(DZ).

In using Macroom as a DZ, the council says it will be exploring "the co-benefits of climate actions, and examine a range of local measures in areas such as, decarbonisation, green infrastructure and active travel, developing green areas and afforestation raising citizen awareness and behavioural change."

The council says the town will also act “as a key pilot zone and testbed for climate change mitigation, adaptation and biodiversity measures, as well as community-led climate action projects.”

More generally, the council says the plan outlines actions and projects to “protect, restore and enhance biodiversity across the county and support the transition to a low carbon transport system” and how the Council will work with communities and national and State agencies to "advocate for positive and meaningful climate action”.

The plan, which was unanimously formally adopted by councillors on Monday, February 12, 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.

Cllr. Frank O'Flynn, Mayor of the County of Cork at the launch.

Speaking at the official launch of the plan on Wednesday, Mayor of the County of Cork, Cllr Frank O’Flynn called it "hugely important" and said it would play "a key role in supporting the council in delivering climate action at a local level across our many prosperous and vibrant communities."

Chief executive of Cork County Council, Valerie O’Sullivan, said the plan represented “a significant milestone” for the Council.

“The publication of this first ever Climate Action Plan for the Council is an important moment for the local authority sector, as we strive to continue to address the challenges and opportunities presented by climate change,” she said.

Details of the plan are available at www.corkcoco.ie.

More than a third of Irish people believe natural occurrences contribute to climate change