Council to play part in halving carbon emissions by the end of the decade

Cavan County Council’s Climate Action Plan 2024-29 was adopted by members of the local authority at the February monthly meeting. The approval came after an overview of the plan was presented by Bronagh Keating. She told those gathered that the plan was developed as part of the implementation of national guidelines regarding a 51% reduction in carbon emissions by 2030.

The local document is a five-year plan and the sectors in Co Cavan with the largest emissions include commercial & industrial; transport; and agriculture.

“Flooding, drought and heatwaves are likely to increase and we will all have to deal with that,” warned Ms Keating.

She outlined how a number of actions with “outward and inward” focus are being explored as part of a concerted effort to halve emissions and meet the target.

“We are supporting the upgrade of vacant, derelict properties and the upgrading of the greenway as part of all of that,” Ms Keating gave by way of example.

Meanwhile, the meeting heard that the local authority is developing a native tree strategy and is committed to promoting and implementing a community fund.

“We are currently engaging with schools and An Taisce to provide more green flags, and we intend to develop a climate tool kit for businesses,” continued Ms Keating.

“Most people accept the reality of climate change and that we have to deal with it. We are obligated to do the right thing. All of us have to do our bit.”

Acting Chief Executive Eoin Doyle acknowledged the “challenges” that lie ahead for the council as it endeavours to implement the plan.

“We have an excellent local authority team and it is something that we intend to do going forward,” he committed.

What's in the plan?

Cavan County Council says its commitment to a just transition will ensure that no one is left behind in a more sustainable future. The Climate Action Plan represents the collective aspirations, wisdom, and determination of the whole community and signals the local authority’s commitment to address climate change and the environmental, social and economic challenges.

The plan also:

- Helps communities living in Cavan to understand and effectively respond to climate change impacts.

- Supports the county in transitioning to a climate neutral local economy where activities don’t have a negative impact on climate.

- Ensures Cavan makes a meaningful contribution towards national and global climate action targets under the Paris Agreement and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

- Positions the county to stay competitive and attractive to live, work and visit during the transition to climate neutrality.

- Demonstrates leadership through influence, coordination facilitation, raising awareness, advocacy and cultivating necessary partnerships.

- Supports the Cavan Town Decarbonising Zone (DZ) as a test bed for a range of climate mitigation, adaptation and biodiversity measures.

See Climate Action Plan at www.cavancoco.ie