Léim ar aghaidh chuig an bpríomhábhar
Gnáthamharc

Environmental Policy

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 10 March 2021

Wednesday, 10 March 2021

Ceisteanna (91)

Catherine Connolly

Ceist:

91. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the engagement he has had to date with the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage with regard to supporting and promoting efforts at the local government level on climate action, particularly in relation to County Galway; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1598/21]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Under the Climate Action Plan 2019, a Climate Action Charter for Local Authorities was agreed between my Department and the Local Authorities. The Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government were consulted as part of this process.

The goal of the Charter is to ensure that every Local Authority embeds decarbonisation, sustainable development and climate resilience into every aspect of the work they do.  The Charter acknowledges the need to take collective action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and address the impacts of climate change, while also committing Local Authorities to being advocates for climate action.

Under the Charter, Local Authorities will measure the carbon impact of activities and implement measures to reduce carbon emissions in line with national objectives, including a 50% improvement in energy efficiency by 2030. In 2018 my Department entered into a five year financial commitment of €10 million to establish four Climate Action Regional Offices (CAROs).  Mayo County Council is the lead authority for the Atlantic Seaboard North region, which includes both Local Authorities in County Galway, along with those in counties Donegal, Sligo, and Mayo.

My Department engages with all four CAROs on a regular basis, in particular through participation in the National Local Authority Climate Action Steering Group.Under the National Adaptation Framework each Local Authority has developed a Local Adaptation Strategy. These strategies are now being implemented, and each CARO is working with the Local Authorities in its region to both facilitate and monitor implementation of the local climate adaptation actions within the strategies. 

The Climate Action Bill further strengthens the role of Local Authorities in climate action. It sets out legislative requirements for each Local Authority to produce its own Climate Action Plan (covering both mitigation and adaptation) within eighteen months of the enactment of the Bill, and then subsequently at least once every five years. These plans will have to be consistent with national climate plans and strategies, and Local Authorities will have to liaise with each other in the preparation of these plans

To build the necessary capacity, my Department is also funding and engaging with the CAROs in relation to the implementation of a new Local Authority climate action training programme. This programme will increase knowledge of climate change and the need for action among all Local Authority staff, and will facilitate both climate mitigation and adaptation at local level

A further €65 million has been provided for retrofitting the social housing stock this year  through the Vote of the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage. It is estimated that this funding will result in 2,400 retrofits to B2 or cost optimal equivalent though the final number is dependent on the initial condition and dwelling type

Barr
Roinn