Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 1 March 2022
162. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications when guidance on decarbonising zones will be issued to local authorities following them identifying suitable locations in 2021; and his views on the support that will be provided to ensure these initiatives prove successful; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11116/22]
View answerThe Climate Action Plan 2019 mandated that each Local Authority was required to develop proposals to establish a ‘Decarbonizing Zone’ within its functional area. These zones will provide for a range of climate measures to address local low carbon energy, greenhouse gas emissions and climate adaptation needs. 29 out of the 31 Local Authorities have now submitted plans for Decarbonisation Zones. The Climate Action and Low Carbon Development Act 2021 was commenced on the 23 July 2021. Section 16 of the Act requires each Local Authority to prepare a climate action plan, specifying the mitigation and the adaptation measures to be adopted by the Local Authority. Local Authorities will have 12 months to complete their individual plans once requested by the Minister, with the request to be made within 18 months of the coming into operation of the Act.
The Climate Action Plan 2021 mandates that the guidelines for the implementation of Decarbonising Zones are to be incorporated into the statutory guidelines for Local Authority Climate Action Plans.My Department is currently working closely with the Climate Action Regional Offices, Local Authorities, and the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland to finalise a set of statutory guidelines detailing the approach Local Authorities are to take in the development and implementation of these Local Authority Climate Action Plans.
