The rollout of €29 million in funding to support Local Authority Climate Action Plans is progressing, with climate action personnel from across Ireland convening in Wexford to discuss implementation and progress.

The Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications is distributing the multi-annual funding to all 31 local authorities over a five-year period, from November 2023 to December 2028, to facilitate the effective implementation of their climate action plans.

This funding has enabled each local authority to employ two dedicated climate action specialists – a Climate Action Coordinator and Officer – since 2022. These roles are crucial in managing climate action resources, overseeing mitigation and adaptation efforts, and promoting climate action awareness and readiness within their respective areas.

The Climate Action Regional Offices (CAROs) hosted a two-day event in Wexford on 2 and 3 April, bringing together climate action teams from all local authorities. The event served as a platform to celebrate the first year of action delivery, facilitate networking, showcase climate action projects in Wexford for knowledge sharing, and provide updates on nationwide progress.

Minister O'Brien expressed confidence in the funding's impact, stating: "I am pleased to continue the work carried out by this Department and will continue to work towards our commitment to local government that national government would support them with reaching the 2030 target of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 51%. As we enter the implementation stage of the local climate plans, providing funding will allow each local authority to push forward projects which will make a difference locally and advance the important climate work."

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He also emphasised the vital role of the Climate Action Officers and Coordinators, noting: "The Climate Action Officer and Coordinator are providing the specialist knowledge and support to deliver on the plans and to accelerate delivery. We look forward to seeing the results of these expanded climate teams across the country which will have a positive effect on emissions and will be key to Ireland reaching its national climate targets."

The Local Authority Climate Action Plans, mandated by the Climate Action and Low Carbon Development (Amendment) Act 2021, are designed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions at the local level. All 31 local authorities adopted their plans by early 2024.

The Department has already disbursed nearly €14 million to local authorities for these plans and provides additional funding through other climate programmes. The local plans are intended to strengthen the link between national and international climate policies and local action.

Frank Curran, Chief Executive of Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council and Chair of the CCMA Environment, Climate, & Circular Economy Committee, highlighted the importance of local authority involvement, stating: "Climate change affects everyone. Local authorities play a key role in advancing Ireland's climate policy at a local level. For the first time, each local authority now has its own Climate Action Plan, which identifies the impacts of climate change local authorities must prepare for to ensure we are able to continue to deliver vital services. They also look at how each local authority can lead the way in reducing its own carbon emissions."

He also thanked the Minister and the Department for their support, noting: "We thank the Minister and the Department for their support for this vital work; it's a great recognition of the shared vision within both central and local government to achieve our climate goals."