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Climate Change Policy

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 18 May 2021

Tuesday, 18 May 2021

Ceisteanna (222)

Holly Cairns

Ceist:

222. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the details of his engagement to date with the Minister for Rural and Community Development regarding supporting and promoting climate action in community and rural development programmes and funding streams; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26535/21]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The Programme for Government recognises that the transformation to a low-carbon, digital economy, requires the mobilisation of every element of Irish society, and will require fundamental changes in how we live our lives. My Department is currently consulting In relation to the forthcoming Climate Action Plan under the National Dialogue on Climate Action (NDCA). As part of this process, my Department established an Interdepartmental Group, with representation from the Department of Rural and Community Development, to design the consultation.   One of the cornerstones of this consultation is a series of climate conversations facilitated by the Public Participation Networks (PPNs) across 16 Local Authority areas.   In addition, there is a citizen focused on-line consultation which remains open until May 18, to everyone over the age of 16, which can be accessed at: https://www.gov.ie/en/consultation/5bd95-climate-conversation-climate-action-plan-2021/

My Department is also collaborating with the Department of Rural and Community Development on the development of an enduring citizen engagement model which will motivate changes in behaviour, and create structures at local, regional and national levels to support the generation of ideas and their translation into appropriate cost-effective actions.

My Department is also currently developing proposals to provide further support from the Climate Action Fund through a community climate action programme and is engaging with the Department of Rural and Community Development on the design of the programme, which will also be informed  by feedback received through the climate consultation referred to above,  in particular, the conversations that took place at local level through the PPNs.

The analysis on the feedback from these conversations will help further shape the community programme and the enduring model for citizen engagement in terms of identifying where financial support is required, where capacity building is needed, and the types of projects and initiatives that are being considered at local level.  Information on the types of projects that may be supported, who may apply for this support, and the application process, will be published on my Department’s website when the programme is launched shortly.

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