COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

South Dublin County Council Crest

MEETING OF SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

Monday, November 11, 2019

QUESTION NO. 13

QUESTION: Councillor C. O'Connor

To ask the Chief Executive to give assurances that special attention is being given to the widespread concern of many in our County regarding the challenge of Climate Change; will he update members on recent decisions he has taken in respect of the Council's policy and will he make a statement.

REPLY:

Update on Climate Change Action Plan and Implementation

South Dublin County Council Climate Change Action Plan was presented to the Mayor and Elected Members in the September Meeting. The plan presents 130 actions to be progressed throughout its life, in order to fulfil our global obligations and commitments accepted under the Covenant of Mayors and the Paris Agreement.

The 4 key targets of the CCAP are;

The 6 key areas under which the action plan will be implemented are;

The associated implementation plan outlines the action teams with oversight over each area and prescribes the frequency at which meetings are to be held. The implementation plan also defines the reporting mechanisms to the Climate Action Steering Group.

Progress

The first round of Action Team meetings are complete and the second round are in progress. Actions are currently being monitored and tracked and updates will issue to council and the public.

Energy and Buildings

Of the 27 actions detailed under Energy and Buildings, a number of key actions are critical to SDCC realising its efficiency improvement and emission reduction targets on schedule. CoDEMA, the energy management agency, has identified that public lighting in South Dublin accounts for 48% of energy use. SDCC has recently committed an additional €500,000 to accelerate the upgrading of sodium public lighting to more efficient LED systems.

In additional to upgrading public lighting, SDCC has approved the upgrading of lighting in the municipal buildings to LEDs. Phase 1 of the programme has been completed with 10% of the 2,600 lights having been replaced.

The Tallaght District Heating Scheme is currently progressing as well. 

Transport

SDCC Climate Change Action Plan identifies 21 actions under transport aimed at reducing carbon emissions and promoting sustainable transport options to members of the public and to staff. Measures include the development of cycleways and greenways to encourage active travel modes in favour of car use.

5 Electric Vehicles have been piloted in the councils operational fleet and the fleet is under review to identify vehicles that transition to EV.

Ongoing improvements to village centres and public realms aim to enhance the green infrastructure and provide sustainable transport linkages.

Flood Resilience

22 Actions have been identified for Flood Resilience in the CCAP. Key actions include

The following Flood Alleviation Schemes are at various stages of progression;

Nature Based Solutions

33 actions under Nature Based Solutions have been outlined in the CCAP. Funding has been made available to develop additional pollination areas within the County. Currently 90 Hectares of wildflower meadows are managed by SDCC.

SDCC have introduced a number of green roofs on buildings including Avonbeg Community Centre and Round Tower Visitor Centre. Additional green roofs are planned.

A 5 year programme to deliver natural playspaces across the county is underway.

Tree planting and management plan is in place, to provide 1,500 additional trees per annum.

Resource Management

Several of the 27 actions detailed under Resource Management represent recurring items that should be detailed and monitored under the Climate Change Action Plan. Significant progress has already been made in terms of waste management in SDCC offices and public realm, however further efforts are required to ensure that SDCC is seen as a leader in the movement against waste and in particular, single use plastics.

SDCC is currently introducing and commissioning water fountains for public use in strategic locations as a measure to help eliminate single use plastic bottles. Funding has been provided to install 9 units across the County, with scope to provide additional units in 2020.

Citizen Engagement

SDCC has been engaging actively with members of the public on the issues relating to climate change. Our key actions taken to date include;