Cork County Council is inviting submissions from the public on the newly published Draft Strategy for Climate Adaptation 2019-2024. The document is a five year road map which aims to identify key climate change risks for the county and to ensure climate adaptation actions and considerations are mainstreamed into policy making and all functions, operations and services of the local authority.
The Draft Strategy was launched at Full Council on Monday last in County Hall and is now open for public consultation. It is available for inspection and submissions are welcomed during the 4 week consultation period from July 15th until August 12th.
Chief Executive of Cork County Council, Tim Lucey, welcomed the move saying “Local Authorities are at the front line when it comes to climate adaptation. 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. Cork County Council encourages members of the public to review the strategy and to submit relevant observations in writing.”
Mayor of the County of Cork Cllr Christopher O’Sullivan emphasised the importance of the strategy saying “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. 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. It is important that people take the time to review and contribute to the strategy as it will have long lasting impacts for everyone.”
Government Departments/Agencies are required to prepare Adaptation Plans under the National Adaptation Framework, which sets out the potential implications of climate change for Ireland and specifies the national strategy for the development of adaptation measures.
Produced by the Environment Directorate of Cork County Council 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.
The Draft Strategy along with the accompanying Strategic Environmental Assessment Screening Report and the Appropriate Assessment Screening Report are available for inspection at Cork County Council Offices in County Hall, Mallow, Clonakilty, Skibbereen, Inniscarra and at all Municipal District Offices and libraries. The strategy can also be accessed on the council website www.corkcoco.ie
Submissions and observations may be made in writing until 5pm on Monday August 12th to Climate Adaptation Strategy, Director of Service, Environment/Climate Action/ Broadband & Emergency Services, Cork County Council, Inniscarra or by email to climatereadycork@corkcoco.ie
