Today marked a significant milestone in Meath County Council’s commitment to climate action as Cathaoirleach Cllr. Tommy Reilly and Minister for the Environment, Climate, and Communications Eamon Ryan TD officially launched Meath County Council’s Climate Action Plan 2024 – 2029.
The plan outlines ambitious strategies aimed at building a climate resilient, biodiverse rich, environmentally sustainable, and climate neutral economy. These strategies will support healthy lifestyles and economic growth in County Meath.
Cathaoirleach of Meath County Council Cllr. Tommy Reilly said, “The Meath County Council Climate Action plan outlines our collective commitment to taking bold and transformative actions to address climate change and ensure a sustainable future for generations to come. The plan involves engaging and inspiring our citizens, businesses, and partners to take an active role in climate action. We know that addressing climate change is a shared responsibility, and we can all make a difference by changing how we live, work, and play.”
Central to Meath County Council’s Climate Action Plan is the concept of decarbonising zones with nine towns identified. These designated zones will serve as focal points for targeted measures to reduce carbon emissions, improve energy efficiency, and enhance environmental sustainability. Furthermore, they will provide opportunities for sharing experiences and learnings between communities.
Welcoming the launch of the plan, Chief Executive of Meath County Council Kieran Kehoe said, “This plan showcases Meath County Council's steadfast commitment to creating a better place to live, work, do business, and visit. As an organisation, we believe in leading by example, and we are prepared to meet the significant challenges that come with reducing our emissions by 51% and increasing our energy efficiency by 50% by 2030.”
Minister Eamon Ryan TD added, “Change requires local engagement, local community involvement, local community support, and leadership, which is why this Climate Action Plan in Meath is important. What everyone’s involvement has done to date has given this plan its grass root strength. I have had the great privilege of visiting every single county and every Local Authority, with great efforts being made in making this shift; it belongs to every political party, we cannot afford not to make this change, and it has to belong to everyone, and that is quite evident in Co. Meath today.”
Members of Meath County Council adopted the Meath County Council Climate Action Plan 2024 – 2029 on Monday, January 29, pursuant to Section 16 of the Climate Action and Low Carbon Development (Amendment) Act 2021.
Meath County Council has advanced a pathway for proactive climate action with this Climate Action Plan 2024 – 2029 launch. The plan requires a collective effort from local communities, businesses, government departments, and individuals to achieve success. The shared aim of a climate-resilient and climate-neutral County will be achieved through commitment and collaboration in the delivery of local climate actions.
Members of the public can stay informed on the progress of County Meath’s Climate Action Plan, climate action information, and initiatives by visiting the climate action section of www.meath.ie.