Climate Action Charter

Ireland’s local authorities have agreed a new Climate Action Charter that sets out how they will continue to take action on climate change over the coming years.

The updated Charter builds on the first Climate Action Charter signed in 2019. It reflects changes in climate policy since then, and it aligns local government action with national climate objectives.

What the new Climate Action Charter does

The Charter sets out a shared commitment to embed climate action across all local authority services and functions. It covers how local authorities plan services, manage resources, make planning decisions and work with communities.

Local Authority Climate Action Plans are confirmed as the main way that city and county councils will deliver on these commitments, with support from central government. Progress will be reported on each year to ensure transparency and accountability.

The Charter also reinforces the importance of evidence-based decision-making. Climate action will be guided by the best available data and science.

Clear targets and goals

Under the Charter, the local government sector commits to clear climate targets. These include:

· reducing local authority greenhouse gas emissions by 51% by 2030

· achieving net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050

· improving energy efficiency across local authority operations by 50% by 2030