Active travel routes key to Cork County Council  Climate Action Plan

THE promotion of active travel and the development of routes, such as the Midleton to Youghal greenway, are among the key measures being promoted in the draft Cork County Council Climate Action plan, which has just been adopted by the local authority.

Councillors voted unanimously for the plan, following a lengthy period of consultation on the document, which was first put in the public domain last May.

The overall aim of the plan is to reduce the authority’s carbon emissions by 51% across the county before 2030 — in line with national emissions targets.

It also outlines how the local authority will work with communities, along with national and State agencies, to advocate for positive and meaningful climate action.

Highlight

A highlight of the plan is the establishment of Macroom as Cork County Council’s first decarbonisation zone.

This is a pilot scheme that sets the town and its environs up as a testbed for climate change mitigation, adaptation, and biodiversity measures, as well as community-led climate action projects.

As part of the Community Climate Action Programme, community organisations can apply for up to 100% of the cost of local climate action projects — up to the value of €100,000.

This scheme is open to community groups until March 6.

The development of greenways and active travel is seen as key as the council bids to protect, restore, and enhance biodiversity across the county.

It will also support the transition to a low-carbon public transport system.

Mayor of the County of Cork, councillor Frank O’Flynn, said there had been a “significant” number of submissions during the consultation period.

“This is a hugely important plan that will play a key role in supporting the council in delivering climate action at a local level across our many prosperous and vibrant communities."

The interim CEO of Cork County Council, Valerie O’Sullivan, said the adoption and publication of the plan marked “a significant milestone” for the council.