Cork City Council has launched a public consultation on its Climate Action Plan 2024-2029.

The Draft Plan sets out how Cork City Council will reduce emissions from its own operations and buildings. However, due to this being a plan for Cork City, it requires actions that residents, businesses, community groups, and public sector institutions will have to take to achieve a climate neutral and resilient city.

According to the Cork City Council Climate Action Unit team, Cork will need to retrofit buildings, reduce the reliance on fossil fuels, protect the natural environment and adapt to the changing climate.

Some of this work has already begun with the greening of public spaces, the expansion of the cycling network and improvements in public transport networks.

Although there is a growing uptake in SEAI grants for renewable energy, a shift to electric vehicles and the award-winning community gardens, there is still work to be done.

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Lord Mayor of Cork, Councillor Kieran McCarthy, said: "Cork City is experiencing climate change. We need to plan and, crucially, to act now to make Cork one of the most sustainable, resilient and healthiest places in Europe. If we are to thrive as a city, we must all work together. Cork City's participation in the prestigious EU Mission on Climate-Neutral and Smart Cities encourages us to go even further, to accelerate our journey to 'net-zero' through innovative and bold action. I invite you to contribute to the Draft Plan by telling us what you think of it and suggesting ways to strengthen it even more."

Cork City Council Chief Executive, Ann Doherty, stated: "The Climate Action Plan will be an important milestone in our journey towards a sustainable future. Through a series of workshops during the summer, we listened to a diverse range of voices that have informed the Draft Plan. We know that people living and working in Cork are aware of the risks but are also aware of the health benefits of climate action. We now want to know what people think of the pathway we are suggesting for a safe and prosperous future for the city. This is important so that the transition to a sustainable future works for everyone."

Ireland's national target is to halve greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 and all local authorities are required to develop plans that outline how we can reach a 51 per cent reduction at a local level.

The Public Consultation on Cork's Climate Action Plan will close on 20 December.