– Composting policy; waste incineration; winter readiness; retrofitting; solid fuel regulations; green procurement and zebra crossings amongst seven strategic amendments unanimously adopted by Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council –
Green Party Councillors this evening introduced and passed seven strategic amendments to the Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown Local Climate Action Plan. The amendments which were passed unanimously by the Council added a composting policy as well as improvements to: incineration of waste; winter readiness; retrofitting; solid fuel regulations; green procurement and zebra crossings.
On adopting the Local Climate Action Plan, Green Party councillor for Glencullen-Sandyford, Oisín O’Connor today said: “Our council’s new Climate Action Plan is a big step in the right direction setting us on a path to reduce our emissions by half by 2030.
“We felt it needed some improvements so my Green Party colleagues and I proposed seven substantial changes to the draft plan which were adopted by the council. We’ve now stitched a number of initiatives into the plan including developing a composting strategy, reducing waste sent to incineration, helping homeowners with advice on retrofits, zebra crossings and green procurement.
“I’m particularly glad that our proposal to put a long-term focus on winter readiness, given the scientific evidence announced last week that our winters will get harsher in Ireland with the diversion of the Gulf Stream due to a rapidly changing climate.”
Welcoming the adoption the Local Climate Action Plan, Green Party councillor for Dún Laoghaire, Tom Kivlehan today said: “This evening we have completed one of the most important pieces of work that this Council has undertaken over its five-year term.
“The unanimous adoption of the Local Climate Action Plan is a significant step towards a greener, cleaner future. It is the roadmap for this local authority and for the incoming council after the local elections in June.
“On behalf of the Green group I wish to commend and thank the Council executive and the Climate Change Team for leading this process and for delivering a climate action plan that will make serious inroads in our collective goal to reduce emissions and protect our environment.”
The following seven amendments were proposed by the Green Party and were passed unanimously by the full Council. All 7 amendments were co-proposed by Councillors Eva Dowling, Oisín O’Connor, Daniel Dunne, Lauren Tuite, Kate Ruddock, Tom Kivlehan
Amendment 1
Amend Action R12 of the Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown Local Climate Action Plan 2024-2029 as follows:
- to add “with a view to reducing the quantity of this waste sent for incineration” to the Action text so it reads “Monitor municipal solid waste generated annually in corporate dlr buildings with a view to reducing the quantity of this waste sent for incineration”
- To add “Tonnes of solid municipal waste incinerated annually” to the Tracking Measures text so it reads “Tonnes of solid municipal waste collected annually, Tonnes of solid municipal waste incinerated annually”
Amendment 2:
Amend Action R6 of the Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown Local Climate Action Plan 2024-2029 as follows:
- To add “and develop a composting strategy for organic waste collected by/generated by the Council” to the Action text so it reads “Continue to accept garden waste at Ballyogan Recycling Park, in accordance with environmental management and protection related conditions contained in the waste licence for this facility and develop a composting strategy for organic waste collected by/generated by the Council”
- To add “Composting strategy developed” to the Tracking Measures
- To add “2025 (Composting Strategy)” to the Timeline
Amendment 3:
Amend Action T19 of the Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown Local Climate Action Plan 2024-2029 as follows:
- To add “and respond appropriately in line with the latest available guidance, practices and industry standards to any longer-term weather predictions advised by Met Eireann and the Vaisala road condition forecast system” to the Action text so that it reads “Implement alternative treatments for winter maintenance operations and respond appropriately in line with the latest available guidance, practices and industry standards to any longer-term weather predictions advised by Met Eireann and the Vaisala road condition forecast system.”
Amendment 4:
Add new action to Energy & Buildings Section of the Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown Local Climate Action Plan 2024-2029 as follows:
- Action Text: “To work with partners in the Climate Action Regional Office, CODEMA and others to develop a plan to reduce scope 3 emissions over the lifetime of the Plan.”
- Tracking Measure: “Scope 3 Reduction Plan developed”
- Timeline: “2029”
- Timeline: “2024 and annually thereafter”
- Adaptation/Mitigation: “Mitigation”
- Council Role: “Full accountability”
- Lead Department: “Infrastructure and Climate Change Department”
- Partners Identified: “CARO/CODEMA/Neighbouring Local Authorities, other Agencies”
Amendment 5:
Add new action to Energy & Buildings Section of the Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown Local Climate Action Plan 2024-2029 as follows:
- Action Text: “Promote and encourage retrofitting of housing and multi-unit developments while sharing Council knowledge and best practices, with an emphasis on reaching households at risk of fuel poverty”
- Tracking Measure: “Number of engagement events per year”
- Timeline: “2024 and annually thereafter”
- Adaptation/Mitigation: “Both”
- Council Role: “Influence/Coordinate and Facilitate”
- Lead Department “Architects”
- Partners Identified “Multi departmental, Approved Housing Bodies, Tenants’ organisations, Owner Management Companies and Private Landlords”
Amendment 6:
Add new action to Energy & Buildings Section of the Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown Local Climate Action Plan 2024-2029 as follows:
- Action Text: “Ensure compliance with Solid Fuel Regulations through inspection of and monitoring of solid fuel suppliers.”
- Tracking Measure: “Number of inspections per year as per RMCEI Plan”
- Timeline: “2024 and annually thereafter”
- Adaptation/Mitigation: “Mitigation”
- Council Role: “Full Accountability”
- Lead Department: “Infrastructure and Climate Change Department”
Amendment 7
Amend Action T17 of the Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown Local Climate Action Plan 2024-2029 as follows:
– to add “and zebra crossings” to the Action text so it reads “Expand the number of controlled crossings and zebra crossings“
· to add “new controlled crossings and new zebra crossings” to Tracking Measures