Climate action funding for 31 local authorities

€29 million in funding is being allocated to Ireland’s 31 local authorities to support the delivery of each of their Climate Action Plans.

Darragh O’Brien, Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications continues announced the 5-year scheme, which will support the employment of two specialist climate staff – a Climate Action Coordinator and Officer – in each local authority.

The announcement was made at the second annual meeting of the Climate Action Regional Offices (CAROs) this week.

Held in County Wexford, the event celebrated the first year of delivering actions in the local plans

Each local authority was required to develop a Local Authority Climate Action Plan in the Climate Action and Low Carbon Development (Amendment) Act 2021 over three phases: establish the evidence base; develop; and implement.

The local plans are designed to lead to a reduction of greenhouse gas emissions in each local authority area.

The Department has paid almost €14 million to all local authorities for the local authority climate action plans to date.

Minister O’Brien said, “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 Minister’s Department also funds upskilling and capacity building in the local government sector through the Local Authority Climate Action Training Programme, with a commitment of €1.792 million over 2024-2027.