Laois council signs new Climate Action Charter
Cathaoirleach Barry Walsh and chief executive Michael Rainey signing the Climate Action Charter, with director of Services Pat Delaney, Suzanne Dempsey, and Anne Lennon. Photo: Denis Byrne
AN UPDATED Climate Action Charter for local authorities and national government has been signed by Laois Co Council, reaffirming its ‘commitment to addressing climate change and advancing sustainability’ at a local level.
The Charter was signed at County Hall by cathaoirleach Cllr Barry Walsh and chief executive Michael Rainey, in the presence of director of services Pat Delaney, climate action coordinator Suzanne Dempsey and climate action officer Anne Lennon.
The revised Charter reflects ‘a strengthened and unified approach’ between local and central government to tackle the challenges of climate change. Originally introduced in 2019, the Charter has been updated to reflect significant developments in climate policy, including the introduction of Local Authority Climate Action Plans and enhanced national targets.
It was co-created by the County and City Management Association and the Department of Climate, Energy and the Environment, with support from the Climate Action Regional Offices.
By signing the Charter, Laois Co Council is committing to working collaboratively with national government to deliver on climate action objectives. These include achieving a substantial reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030, improving energy efficiency, and working towards a climate neutral economy by 2050.
The Charter also reinforces the role of local authorities as leaders in driving climate action, supporting communities and embedding sustainability across all services and operations.
The commitments outlined in the Charter emphasise the importance of strong local leadership, evidence-based decision making and active engagement with communities, stakeholders and partners. They also highlight the need to integrate biodiversity protection, climate resilience and circular economy principles into all aspects of local governance and service delivery.
Laois Co Council said it would continue to deliver on its Climate Action Plan, focusing on reducing emissions, enhancing resilience to climate impacts and supporting communities and businesses in the transition to a low-carbon and sustainable future. The council will also continue to engage with regional and national partners, to ensure that climate action is effectively implemented and aligned with broader policy goals.
Ms Dempsey said the updated Charter marks ‘an important step forward’ for the local authority, reflecting the work already underway across the organisation and the strong commitment of staff to tackling climate change. It also strengthens how the council works with national government and partners, while continuing to embed climate action and sustainability across its services, operations and decision making.
She said: ‘The signing of the Charter represents an important step in strengthening collective action across all levels of government, ensuring that Laois Co Council remains at the forefront of climate leadership and continues to contribute to a more sustainable and resilient future.’
