The Climate Action Regional Offices (CAROs) were established in 2018 to support local government to respond and adapt to climate change. There are four CAROs which provide for a coordinated approach on climate action across the local government system. They coordinate national and local climate policy and work to ensure there is a more joined-up approach to responding to the climate crisis at a regional level.
The CAROs are a support organisation for Local Authorities and operate as a shared service across the local government sector. Each office works closely with Local Authorities in their region to guide and inform them as they lead transformative change and measurable climate action in areas such as transport, biodiversity and preventing coastal erosion.
The CAROs also provide support to local government to develop and deliver their Local Authority climate action plans (LA CAPs). The LA CAPs will see each Local Authority actively translating national climate policy to local circumstances, with the prioritisation and acceleration of evidence-based measures. This will assist in the delivery of our climate goals at local and community levels.
In September of this year, I was pleased to announce €12 million in funding for the CAROs for the period 2023 to 2029, to continue their work in supporting local government to coordinate and deliver climate actions, and in particular to develop their statutory Local Authority Climate Action Plans.
The Dublin Metropolitan Region CARO will receive €2.97 million of this funding over the next six years to coordinate the delivery of climate action across Dublin City Council, Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council, Fingal County Council, and South Dublin County Council.
I have not made specific representations to the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage or Dublin City and Dún Laoghaire Rathdown County Councils in respect of coastal and marine sustainability and environmental health concerns pertaining to activity in Dublin Bay. The CARO Annual Work Programme for 2024 is currently being developed between my Department and the County and City Management Association.
