By Dan Walsh
Close to 150 people attended the recent Climate Action sessions held in County Hall, Wexford, providing useful information and possible actions that they could implement, as part of their individual, community, or business contribution towards positive climate action.
Experts from business, government bodies and voluntary groups relayed their knowledge on Climate Action across a variety of topics, including transport, agriculture and energy.
Cathaoirleach of Wexford County Council, Cllr George Lawlor, remarked that “County Wexford is not immune to the challenges posed by climate change. As the global climate continues to change, Wexford faces several significant impacts that require immediate attention and proactive measures.”
Cllr Lawlor outlined some of the key challenges facing County Wexford from climate change that include rising sea levels and coastal erosion. “The impact of mitigation measures on our hugely important Agri sector must also be assessed. It is important that we all play a key and fair role in our efforts to curb the impact of climate change on our county,” Cllr Lawlor added.
Carolyne Godkin, Director of Services with Wexford County Council noted; “The Climate Action Event is part of a programme of education and awareness the Council is undertaking as part of the development of the new Climate Action Plan. The speakers who attended from a variety of organisations demonstrate the knowledge and expertise that we already possess within our county to make a positive impact in this space.”
Frank Burke, Climate Action Co-ordinator thanked all those who contributed to the organising of the event from within Wexford County Council and gave special mention to the twenty speakers, stating; “The presentations were inciteful and inspiring and illustrates what can be done, when you adopt a “can do” attitude!” concluded Mr Burke.
Wexford County Council is required to identify and implement a range of actions under a new Climate Action Plan to help meet targets of a 51% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 and the longer-term goal of a climate neutral by no later than 2050.
Speakers at the event included representatives from SEAI, Enniscorthy Allotments, Solar Farms, 100 Million Trees Project, ENViTE Edible Towns Network, Wexford County Council, Teagasc, Wexford Bus, Local Link, Active Travel, Southeast Energy Agency, Enniscorthy Sustainable Energy Communities and the Local Enterprise Office.
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