COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL
MEETING OF ENVIRONMENT, PUBLIC REALM AND CLIMATE CHANGE SPC
Wednesday, May 27, 2020
HEADED ITEM NO. 2
Resource Management
HEADED ITEM: M. McAdam
Presentation on the Climate Change Action Plan. Theme: Resource Management
REPLY:
Introduction
South Dublin County Council’s Climate Action Plan 2019-2024 was adopted at the September Council meeting in 2019. The accompanying implementation plan described the method by which the 130 actions would be progressed and monitored over the plan’s 5-year term. In January 2020, the 2020 Implementation Plan was circulated highlighting 45 key actions to be progressed in 2020.
A schedule of Action Team Meetings was prepared outlining proposed dates for regular meetings under the 6 Action Areas for the first 6 months of 2020. It was proposed to hold 5 meetings for each of the following teams.
- Energy & Buildings
- Transport
- Flood Resilience
- Nature Based Solutions
- Resource Management
- Citizen Engagement
To date 4 meetings have been held on each of the first 5 Action Teams. Meetings on Citizen Engagement have not progressed as proposed due to onset of Covid-19. It is proposed to hold additional Citizen Engagement meetings over MS teams in May and June 2020, to ensure that adequate progress is being made. These meetings will be facilitated by the newly appointed Climate Change and Environmental Awareness Officer, Fionnghuala Ryan.
Resource Management - Action progressing in 2020
Action R.19 – Examine the potential of Arthurstown Landfill for development of green energy uses.
The site has been identified as a potential renewable energy site to be developed as either wind farm or solar. SDCC commissioned a report on feasibility, Wind energy was more economically favourable at the time, however, there would be planning concerns. Also, PV technology has improved on efficiency of panels and storage. Planned site visit for March was delayed due to Covid-19.
Action R.20 – Implement water conservation campaigns in civic buildings.
Under consideration by the Architects Department and Building Maintenance, a lot of water conservation measures have been carried out in County Hall. Currently designing a trial project on low flush toilets.
Action R.21 – Identify pilot locations for water access points (Single-use plastic elimination)
SDCC installed 9 Water stations in 2019 with funding support from the Climate Innovation Fund. An additional 8 units have been proposed for 2020. Stations provide real-time info on use through a web-based dashboard. Current figures show 16,500 litres have been dispensed equating to 33,000 500ml plastic bottles, 728kg of plastic.
Action R.24 – Research feasibility of rainwater harvesting in Council Buildings.
Rainwater harvesting at County Hall is currently not a viable proposal, however, the design of green and blue roof systems at SDCC owned buildings is under consideration.
Action R.25 – Promote recycling and the circular economy to householders through a range of workshops, talks and programmes.
This action will now be progressed through Citizen Engagement.
Action R.26 – Explore collaborations with stakeholders such as Refill.ie to reduce single use items.
Ongoing collaborations with local enterprises and stakeholders. SDCC will run a pilot scheme with No Butts campaign. Discussions initiated with Precious Plastics. Ongoing discussions with Refill.ie.