Five-year Climate Action Plan for Offaly launched
Offaly County Council has published a Climate Action Plan 2024-2029 with strategic targets that launches Offaly as a national leader in climate action and serves as an exemplar of climate change mitigation and climate change adaptation practices which are transferrable and measurable in the Council’s delivery of its frontline services.
The plan, adopted by Offaly County Council elected members, aligns with the Government’s National Climate Objective and the Climate Action and Low Carbon Development (Amendment) Act 2021 which frames Ireland’s legally binding climate ambition to deliver a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions. Offaly County Council is required to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions by 51% by 2030 and increase its energy efficiency by 50%. To date Offaly County Council has already begun a range of measures and initiatives to assist in achieving this statutory target.
The plan, which will see Offaly transition to a climate resilient, biodiversity rich, environmentally sustainable and climate neutral economy, includes 118 climate actions have been developed for Offaly County Councils Climate Action Plan under six main themes: Governance and Leadership; Built Environment; Transport; Natural Environment and Green Infrastructure; Community Resilience and Transition; Sustainability and Resource Management
Anna Marie Delaney, Chief Executive of Offaly County Council confirms: “The actions of the Plan identify how we can transform our own operations and services, as well as providing unique opportunities to partner with national and regional stakeholders, local communities, and individuals. Offaly County Council is committed to support investment in renewable energy, green infrastructure, and sustainable transportation as we recognise this benefits current and future generations, creating new employment opportunities as well as providing opportunities and a just transition to ensure economic growth for our county.”
Cathaoirleach Cllr Eddie Fitzpatrick was joined by Minister Pippa Hackett to officially launch Offaly County Council’s Climate Action plan along with council management and staff. Cathaoirleach Fitzpatrick confirmed: “The Community Climate Action Programme (CCAP) scheme provides community organisations with up to 100% funding to help deliver local climate action projects, up to a maximum value of €100,000 and I would encourage groups to learn more about this – full details can be found on offaly.ie”
Minister Hackett noted “I welcome this ambitious Climate Action Plan from Offaly County Council, and I want to pay tribute to the huge commitment and work from the Council’s Climate team to deliver this important action plan. We simply cannot underestimate what is needed to address the climate challenges that face us all, and Offaly’s Climate Action plan is leading the way, and will require collaboration and focus across our county - from council management and staff, county councillors and state agencies, to anyone in a leadership role in the community from churches to sports clubs, tidy towns committees and local enterprises. And I look forward to supporting it in any way I can,” added Minister Hackett.
Pictured that the launch of Offaly County Council’s Climate Action Plan in Lloyd Park, Tullamore were Cathaoirleach Cllr Eddie Fitzpatrick, Minister Pippa Hackett, Cllr Declan Harvey, Cllr Tony McCormack and Cllr Mark Hackett with Anna Marie Delaney, Chief Executive and Tom Shanahan, Director of Services and Offaly County Council’s Climate Action Team.