Cork County Council has launched its first Climate Action Plan (2024-2029) which aims to support the shift towards a low carbon and climate resilient county.

The plan includes steps to help the local government cut its carbon emissions by 51 per cent by 2030, meeting national goals. It also explains how the Council will work with communities and government agencies to promote effective climate action.

Key goals in the Climate Action Plan include actions and projects to protect, restore and improve biodiversity across the county and support the transition to a low carbon transport system. This includes the promotion of active travel and the delivery of new greenway infrastructure such as the Midleton to Youghal Greenway.

A key feature of the Climate Action Plan is setting up Macroom as Cork County Council's first Decarbonisation Zone. This zone will serve as a vital testing ground for initiatives addressing climate change mitigation, adaptation, biodiversity, and community-led climate action projects.

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The Plan also supports the delivery of the Community Climate Action Programme (CCAP), which provides eligible community organisations with up to 100 per cent funding to deliver local climate action projects (to a maximum value of €100,000) and is currently open for applications until 6 March 2024.

After a period of public consultation, the Plan was unanimously formally adopted by elected Council members on 12 February 2024.

Mayor of the County of Cork, Cllr. Frank O'Flynn said,

"I am honoured as Mayor to officially launch Cork County Council’s Climate Action Plan 2024-2029. This is a hugely important plan that will play a key role in supporting the Council in delivering climate action at a local level across our many prosperous and vibrant communities. I would also like to acknowledge the significant number of submissions we received from the citizens of Cork County during public consultation and thank the public for helping us to develop an aspirational and progressive plan which I am confident will serve the people of Cork County well during its lifetime."

Chief Executive of Cork County Council, Valerie O'Sullivan stated:

"The formal adoption and publication of the Cork County Council Climate Action Plan 2024-2029 marks a significant milestone for the Council and emphasises our ongoing commitment to meeting national climate targets. The publication of this first ever Climate Action Plan for the Council is an important moment for the local authority sector, as we strive to continue to address the challenges and opportunities presented by climate change."