Climate change threat: Cork City Council agree 'living document' to make us more resilient

A ‘living document’ that will act as a template for battling climate change in Cork has been agreed by City Hall.

The document outlines seven key principles the council will focus on to adapt to climate change.

These include efforts to increase the resilience of roads and transport infrastructure of council-owned buildings, depots, and housing; integration of climate action into land-use planning; better management of drainage, water, and floods; protection of natural and cultural assets; and working with communities, sectors, and agencies in relation to adaption planning.

Green Party councillor Dan Boyle said the plan will only bear fruit if action is taken.

“This is a document we should be placing as great an importance on as the City Development Plan. It is a template... to adapt and evolve. We can take a great deal of pride in the document.”

Fine Gael’s Des Cahill described the document as a “road map” for climate mitigation, but Solidarity councillor Fiona Ryan raised concerns about funding and how the plan tallies with Government priorities on climate change.

“The main problem is the mitigating measures are coordinated with the Government’s climate action plan,” said Ms Ryan.

The Greens’ Lorna Bogue said the plan is a “work in progress and a living document”.

“We need to see the resourcing in place for it, but that is a central Government question. I would like to see a specific section which is related to the needs of the Travelling community, those in direct provision, the homeless, and the deaf community — particularly when it comes to large storms.”

The plan was adopted after a vote with 28 councillors voting for, and one (Ms Ryan) voting against.

The document states: “These adaptation actions are Cork City Council’s template for the future development of climate change resilience, improving our understanding of climate disruption and allowing us to respond appropriately. Cork City Council will build on past and current climate change mitigation actions and progress and enhance early-stage adaptation measures.

“This draft climate change adaptation strategy will assist in the development of future city development and Local Area Plans.

“It is proposed to set up appropriate oversight structures involving the elected representatives of Cork City Council, the Council’s management team and project teams to implement specific initiatives as appropriate.”