Clare County Council is inviting public submissions on a new strategy that will aim to halve the county’s emissions by the end of the decade.
The local authority’s climate action plan for 2024 – 2029 is hoping to drive job creation through investment in renewable technology.
The plan sets out key actions that will support the county in its transition to becoming an environmentally sustainable and net zero economy by 2050.
Although the targets for the end of the decade are arguably just as ambitious with plans to reduce emissions by 50% , while increasing energy output at the same rate.
An analysis of the county shows that Clare produced 1,965 kilo tonnes of greenhouse emissions in 2018, with 42% of this amount stemming from agriculture, 20% from transport and 16% from residential activity.
The strategy will aim to achieve its goals through measures such as reducing speed limits to 30 km/h in more urban areas, retro-fitting all homes in the social housing stock and enhancing the delivery of public transport and active travel projects.
The Kilkee – Loop Head area has been selected as the Dercabonisation Zone for the county which will essentially see the area become a test bed for pilot initiatives.
Among the plans mooted is the development of a suitably designed Wastewater Treatment Plant in Kilkee, energy efficient upgrades to Kilkee Waterworld and the advancement of the West Clare Greenway.
Clare County Council will be inviting public submissions via the online ‘Have Your Say’ survey until November 23rd 2023.
