Climate Action News | November

Welcome to Climate Action News, November 2023

In this edition: Climate Action Plan progress, solar panels for schools, the communities working on climate, and how to acquire new green skills.

Also, upcoming events, useful resources and links to live consultations

CAP23 Q3 Progress Report

This month’s Quarter 3 Progress Report of the 2023 Climate Action Plan puts the overall implementation rate for the plan at 67%.

The quarter saw significant achievements in the delivery of the Forest Strategy, and developments in renewable energy, but the findings indicate the rate of policy implementation must accelerate if we are to meet our climate targets.

In total, 42 actions were scheduled for delivery and reporting in Q3. 12 of the Q3 actions were completed on time, resulting in a delivery rate for the quarter of 29%.

Visit gov.ie/climateaction for more.

Solar Panels for Schools

Schools are getting solar panels under a new programme being funded from the Government’s Climate Action Fund.

The scheme will assist schools to reduce energy costs and their carbon footprint, while assisting the sector to meet 2030 and 2050 Climate Action Plan targets.

The solar PV panels will be connected to the electricity grid, so schools can generate income by powering other homes and businesses with clean energy when schools are closed at weekends and during school holidays

Get the details here.

Agriculture and Climate Change Conference

An Agriculture and Climate Change conference in November drew together 500 delegates from the agri-food, research and academic sectors with representatives from government departments, agencies, and civil society.

Held as part of Science Week 2023, the conference had a particular emphasis on the publicly funded research and international collaborations underpinning greenhouse gas mitigation from the agricultural sector.

Latest scientific developments on methane and nitrous oxide were provided by a range of national and international speakers. You can download their presentations.

Click here.

Developments in Energy

Ireland’s Strategy for Energy Security was published this month, setting out a strategy for a more secure, sustainable, and affordable energy system.

Minister Eamon Ryan and French Energy Minister Agnès Pannier-Runacher met in Dublin to mark the commencement of construction work on the Celtic Interconnector project and to sign a Joint Declaration of Intent on Energy Transition Cooperation.

Also this month, the Government published an indicative roadmap towards the next offshore wind auction more on that here.

ESB Networks Installs 1.5 Million Smart Meters

The National Smart Metering Programme is on target to complete the installation of over two million smart meters in homes, farms and businesses by 2025.

ESB Networks recently confirmed it has reached a significant milestone, with the installation of 1.5 million smart meters.

Smart meters enable customers to use their electricity more efficiently and reduce consumption.

For more, visit the ESB website.

Enterprise Ireland Sustainability Supports

Enterprise Ireland is encouraging businesses to take-up a range of supports available to assist them on their sustainability journey.

Their new ‘Sustainability Starts With a Plan’ campaign is highlighting the positives embarking on a sustainability journey can bring to every Irish business such as retaining talent, winning new customers and being prepared for the opportunities of the new low-carbon economy.

For more, click here.

Centre for Electric Vehicle Skills

A national centre for electric vehicle skills is to be developed at Longford-Westmeath ETB.

The centre will train people to repair and maintain not only electric cars, but also electric bikes, scooters, trucks, buses, vans and heavy goods vehicles.

More information here.

Noticeboard

Conferences:

Building Better Business hits Dublin

Business people are invited to the last in the present series of the free Building Better Business events on how to navigate your green journey and boost performance through digital transformation.

Speaking at the event will be Ministers Simon Coveney and Neale Richmond, as well as local business leaders and industry experts.

Join from 9am or just drop in to listen to a panel discussion, find out about Government supports, or network with like-minded businesses.

Register for The Convention Centre, Dublin on Thursday, 7 December on Eventbrite

Consultations

A public consultation on proposed amendments to the Access to Information on the Environment Regulations is open until Monday 18 December.

Participate here.

Longford County Council’s Draft Climate Action Plan 2024-2029 is available for review.

This plan is open for public consultation until December 29.

You can have your say by making your submission to [email protected]

Funding

Inland Fisheries Ireland’s nationwide €1m Habitats & Conservation Fund 2024 has opened.

The deadline to submit expressions of interest is Dec 15.

The second tranche of the Agri-Climate Rural Environment Scheme (ACRES) has opened.

ACRES advisors can, on behalf of their clients, formally submit applications? until Wednesday, 13th December, for both ACRES General and ACRES Co-operation.

All the information you need is available on gov.ie.

The Organic Farming Scheme remains open to new applicants until 8th December.

The Scheme is an agri-environment measure under the Department of Agricultures CAP Strategic Plan.

Check out the payments calculator here.

Resources

Check out the ConnectEd resource material from Teagasc.

The Agriculture and Food Development Authority initiative has been designed to provide businesses and professionals working with the agri-food sector structured access to Teagasc research, education, knowledge resources and online tools.

Looking further afield, you can sign up for news from OECD Environment.

Subscribe at this link

Schools working on Sustainability Policy Statement might find the Department of Education’s new Sustainability Toolkit for schools useful.

The kit includes an audit tool, guidelines and a policy statement template.

Schools are encouraged to publish their statement on their websites.

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You can also sign up for the Department’s quarterly ESD Newsletter, and read past issues here.

First Community Climate Action Showcase

Ireland's first Community Climate Action Showcase was held in Dublin Castle recently.

The event highlighted the contribution of the community and voluntary sector in tackling climate change.

Read more here.