26/06/2024 - Donegal County Council Adopts Climate Action Plan

Donegal County Council’s Climate Action Plan 2024 – 2029 was adopted by the Elected Members at a Special meeting of the Council on 21^st February 2024.

The Plan sets out how Donegal County Council will take climate action by improving energy efficiency, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and embedding climate resilience across the organisation. It also addresses how the Council will adopt a broader leadership role in the county by supporting local communities, businesses and other stakeholders to take climate action. 

Welcoming the plan, Cathaoirleach Cllr Martin Harley said;

“This plan is an important document for Donegal and ensures we are taking the necessary steps to address the adverse effects of climate change and biodiversity loss both now, and for future generations.  There is no doubt we are already seeing the effects of climate change and the nature of it is constantly evolving.  We look forward to working with all stakeholders in delivering the actions of this five-year plan and beyond”.

Under the Climate Action and Low Carbon Development Act 2021, all local authorities are required to prepare a Climate Action Plan.  The Plan, which contains 139 actions across six themes, was adopted following public and stakeholder consultation, gathering of scientific data, collaboration with the Climate Action Regional Office and deliberations by the Elected Representatives and Staff of Donegal County Council over the past 12 months. 

The Plan’s vision is that Donegal will be climate resilient, biodiversity rich, environmentally sustainable and carbon neutral by the end of 2050.

Some of the key actions planned or currently ongoing are:

• €699,000 for community grants in 2024 through the Community Climate Action Fund
• Continued work with the OPW to deliver Flood Relief Schemes in County Donegal
• Conversion of Donegal’s public lighting system to energy efficient LED lights while having regard for biodiversity impacts
• Retrofitting of local authority buildings to improve energy efficiency and reduce emissions
• Establishment of two Decarbonising Zones in Carndonagh and An Fálcarrach/Gort an Choirce as test beds for climate action projects.

Director of Service, Michael Mc Garvey thanked the public, stakeholders, staff and Elected Members for their contributions to the development of this Plan over the last year and said  “We are committed to its implementation supported by our Climate Action Team here in Donegal County Council”.

The adopted plan will be published in the coming weeks and available to view on www.donegalcoco.ie.