Concern has been expressed around the costs associated with reducing carbon emissions in Clare.
Members of Clare County Council’s Physical Development Strategic Development Committee have been told this week that the local authority could face repercussions if it fails to meet its 2030 climate targets.
Along with all other public sector organisations nationwide, Clare County Council is required to cut its carbon output by 51% before 2030.
In a presentation to members of Clare County Council’s Physical Development SPC this week, the local authority has revealed that electricity accounts for 50% of its annual energy output.
Transport is responsible for 32%, while thermal heating uses the remaining 18%.
Asked what the repercussions of failing to fulfil its obligations would be, Senior Executive Engineer with Clare County Council’s Climate Action, Environment and Water Services Department, Conor McDonagh, has claimed there would be “huge reputational damage” as well as potential fines.
He’s expressed confidence however that a plan is in place.
To improve its performance in respect of environmental obligations, the local authority says it intends to replace all of its lights with LEDs as part of the Public Lighting Energy Efficiency Project.
It says its vehicles will excusively use sustainable fuels and will adhere to a vehicle usage policy, while all buildings will be retrofitted.
Chairperson of the Physical Development SPC, Whitegate Fine Gael Councillor Pat Burke, says significant funding will be required to get the local authority where it needs to be.
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