Submissions sought from public on Cork climate action plan

MEMBERS of the public are being invited to have their say on a strategy plan that will act as a blueprint for Cork County Council’s future polices to address climate risk issues.

Launched this week, the authority’s Climate Adaptation Strategy (2019-2024) is intended to be a ‘five-year roadmap’ that aims to identify key risks the county may encounter and ensure that measures addressing climate change are built into Cork County Council’s polices, functions and services.

The council is now inviting submission on the plan and accompanying reports, which are available to view at County Hall and local authority offices across the county, from the public by Monday, August 12.

Produced by the council’s Environment Directorate, the draft strategy has drawn on regional, national and international data and from local sources to establish an extreme weather event baseline - predicting the challenges and risks that climate change will pose for the county in the future.

Cork County Council chief executive Tim Lucey said local authorities were “at the front line” when it came to helping protect the environment.

“This document assesses our risks and vulnerabilities and is a result of extensive research and engagement with stakeholders. It will ultimately facilitate the council’s ongoing commitment to ensuring sustainability and climate resilience in a strategic and proactive manner,” he said.

“Cork County Council encourages members of the public to review the strategy and to submit relevant observations in writing.”

County Mayor, Cllr Christopher O’Sullivan also urged people to contribute their ideas to the draft plan before it is finalised.

“Climate change presents real challenges but we have an opportunity here to take a proactive approach to strategically implement appropriate climate adaptive actions and to actively protect biodiversity. Plans outlined in the draft to actively support native tree planting for instance are fundamental to promoting biodiversity,” said Cllr O’Sullivan.

This document is a significant step – we need to adapt to the changes that are already happening and take appropriate measures to protect our environment and our future,” he added.