All of Ireland's 34 local authorities have committed to progress meaningful climate action across the state through a new Charter.

The Councils have signed a Charter with Environment Minister Richard Bruton and Minister of State Sean Canney.

This commitment coincides with the actions set out in the Climate Action Plan published earlier this year, which looks to ensure the nation meets its 2030 climate commitments, putting Ireland on a trajectory to be net-zero emissions by 2050. The Charter is a key action in the Plan and will ensure every local authority embeds decarbonisation, sustainable development and climate resilience into every aspect of the work they do.

Under the Charter, all local authorities will:

• Put in place a process for carbon proofing major decisions, programmes and projects on a systematic basis, including investments in transport and energy infrastructure

• Deliver a 50% improvement in energy efficiency by 2030

• Ensure all suppliers provide information on their carbon footprint and steps they plan to reduce its impact

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• Build local citizen engagement, particularly with young people

• Partner & collaborate on climate action initiatives with local community groups, local enterprise and local schools and higher level institutions

• Monitor, evaluate and report annually on the implementation of activities under the Charter.

Minister Bruton said: "Local Authorities are uniquely placed to drive forward effective climate action at both the regional and local level. Given their pivotal role across the key sectors of planning, housing, transport and waste and their close relationship with the community, they have a crucial role in implementing the step change that is needed and influencing many more to address this challenge.

"Last year's emissions figures show that we do not have time to waste. We must drive forward the actions in the Climate Action Plan. Only through consistent, sustained action, can we deliver the step change that is needed."

Welcoming the adoption of the Charter, Michael Walsh, Chair of the County and City Management Association (CCMA) and Chief Executive of Waterford City and County Council, added: "Local authorities have huge ambitions for what we can achieve in the area of climate action. We are already making significant progress; councils around the country are cutting the carbon footprint of our internal operations, making our housing stock more energy efficient, prioritising climate considerations in development planning and actively engaging our communities on climate issues. With support from central government we can do even more and provide the on-the-ground leadership needed to make Ireland a global leader in climate action. The Local Authority Climate Action Charter is the blueprint for future progress in creating an Ireland that is sustainable for future generations, and councils around the country are ready to take the lead in this vital work."

(CM/JG)