Local government has a key role to play in implementing adaptation and mitigation measures to meet Ireland’s national climate targets. Local authorities are well-placed to respond to climate change and build momentum as the most direct connection that citizens and local communities have with government.
Local authorities have a statutory requirement to prepare Local Authority Climate Action Plans (LA CAPs). These plans are due to be adopted in Q1 2024. The LA CAPs are an opportunity to further embed climate mitigation and adaptation at the local level and enhance local authorities’ ability to lead, coordinate and become agents of change in response to the ongoing climate crisis.
I have recognised and responded to the need for additional capacity within local authorities to support the delivery of LA CAPs. My Department authorised funding in 2022 to support the Local Authority Climate Action Plan process, including for the recruitment of specialist staff in each local authority to form the nucleus of climate action teams – a Climate Action Coordinator and Climate Action Officer.
In 2022, a total of €3.2 million was paid to the sector to begin the implementation of Phase 1 of the LA CAPs. By January 2024, I understand that 30 local authorities had hired a Climate Action Coordinator and 27 local authorities had hired a Climate Action Officer. A total of €4.7 million was paid out to the sector in 2023 for Phase 2 to develop the Local Authority Climate Action Plans.
My Department is currently preparing the Service Level Agreement for Phase 3 of the LA CAPs - implementation, which will cover the five year period 2024 - 2028. Recruitment, contract types and workforce planning for the supported climate posts are the responsibility of each local authority.
