COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

MEETING OF SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

Monday, December 12, 2016

QUESTION NO.19

QUESTION: Councillor C. O'Connor

To ask the Chief Executive to update the Council on his plans to further respond to the challenge of Climate Change and will he present a report in the matter.

REPLY:

The Climate Action and Low Carbon Development Act provides a statutory basis for the national objective of transition to a low carbon, climate resilient and environmentally sustainable economy by the year 2050.  Among the key provisions of the Bill are the preparation and adoption of successive 5-yearly National Mitigation Plans which will specify the policy measures to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in Ireland; and successive 5-yearly National Adaptation Frameworks which will specify the national strategy for the application of adaptation measures in different sectors and by local authorities to adapt to the effects of climate change in Ireland.

At the September meeting of the Environment SPC a presentation was delivered by Dr. Gerry Wardell on the Draft Climate Change Strategy for the Dublin region. The presentation outlined the 7 focus areas identified as having the greatest potential to help move towards a zero carbon society and adapt to the effects of climate change. The focus areas are Citizen Engagement, Planning, Energy, Transport, Water, Waste and Ecosystems & Biodiversity, and sets out how together and individually the action plans will develop.

The Draft strategy went on non-statutory public consultation on 26th September 2016. A number of submissions were received as part of the consultation process and the strategy is currently being reviewed to take account of the submissions. The revised Strategy will be considered at the next Environment SPC and then on to the Council for noting.

Adaptation works currently being progressed include Ballycullen Flood Alleviation Scheme and the Poddle Flood Alleviation Scheme.