Views are being sought on the development of a new five-year Climate Action Plan for County Clare.

The major plan will be shaped by views from individuals, communities and organisations across the county.

When complete, the Climate Action Plan will position Clare as a national leader in climate action and strengthen the delivery of effective climate action at local and community levels.

The Climate Action and Low Carbon Development (Amendment) Bill 2020 published by government in October 2020, requires local authorities to develop five-year Climate Action Plans with mitigation and adaptation measures included. The plan will include actions which aim to reduce Clare County Council's own emissions by 51% by 2030 and create pathways towards enabling sectoral reductions in emissions across the county.

The plan will set out the key actions that will support Clare in its transition to a climate resilient, biodiversity rich, environmentally sustainable and climate neutral economy by 2050.

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Cathaoirleach of Clare County Council, Cllr Tony O'Brien, commented: "Clare County Council is seeking public engagement in the development of the Climate Action Plan to inform how best to tackle the challenges posed by the changing climate, while working to meet national targets for reductions in greenhouse gas emissions. It is envisioned that engagement with communities will provide feedback on how best to ensure that the environmental, social and economic benefits that come with climate action can be fully realised."

Pat Dowling, Chief Executive of Clare County Council, commented: "Climate change is increasingly understood to be the most critical, long-term global challenge of our time. Through our wide-ranging service provision across the county, Clare County Council is ideally positioned to work in this broad area. Through this plan, we aim to develop ambitious climate actions both within Clare County Council but also across the communities of County Clare. This Climate Action Plan will work towards achieving the sectoral reductions required over the coming decade."

Siobhán McNulty, Acting Director of Physical Development in Clare County Council, added: "Feedback will help the Council to identify actions that need to be taken to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, increase biodiversity and prepare and adapt for climate change in Clare in the coming years. These actions will be included in the first draft of the Climate Action Plan to be published later this year, when the statutory public consultation process will begin."

A number of consultation events will take place next month on the Climate Action Plan. For more information on the events or to fill out an online survey visit the Clare County Council website.