Climate Action Plan

Climate change has become one of the most pressing global public policy challenges facing  governments today. International organisations, national and local governments are increasingly  compelled to take ambitious action through mitigation (decreasing emissions that cause climate change) and adaptation (enhancing resilience to climate change impacts and risks).

Ireland’s Climate Action and Low Carbon Development (Amendment) Act (2021) requires local authorities to prepare a Local Authority Climate Action Plan (LACAP) to meet national emission reductions targets and develop resilience to the impacts of climate change.

On the 24th February 2023 the Minister instructed local authorities to prepare climate action plans and under the legislation the authorities must adopt a plan within 12 months. The LACAP must include both adaption and mitigation measures.

Cork County Council adopted our Climate Action Plan 2024-2029 on Monday 12th February 2024. 

The Cork County Council Climate Action Plan 2024-2029 is aligned with the Government’s national climate objectives and targets, which seek to transition to a climate resilient, biodiversity rich, environmentally sustainable and climate neutral economy by 2050. The Climate Action and Low Carbon Development (Amendment) Act 2021 frames Ireland’s legally binding climate ambition to deliver a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 51% by 2030.

Cork County Council will use its Climate Action Plan (CAP) in planning how it will reduce greenhouse gas emissions from across its own assets and infrastructure, whilst also taking on a broader role to influence, facilitate and co-ordinate the climate actions of communities and other stakeholders and what it will do to advocate for climate action in County Cork.