6.5 Monitor and Evaluate Implementation

Monitoring and evaluating the implementation of actions is critical to ensure the long-term success of climate adaptation actions. It is essential in (a) tracking the performance of activities within the lifetime of this strategy, (b) determining whether planned outcomes from adaptation actions have been achieved and (c) determining whether new adaptation actions should be undertaken, or existing ones modified.

This means that adaptation actions will be informed by latest climate change data and projections. As a result, monitoring, and evaluation can help improve the efficiency and effectiveness of adaptation efforts within the Local Authority. Part of the monitoring will also involve documenting climate events themselves, which will inform future adaptation and mitigation policies.

The Atlantic Seaboard South Climate Action Regional Office (ASBS CARO) together with the other 3 CARO Offices will continue to assist and provide guidance where possible in the practical implementation of the actions of this strategy. Cork County Council will continue the positive relationship, collaborate and engage with the ASBS CARO as is necessary throughout the lifetime of this strategy. In addition, there will be continuous engagement between Cork County Council and the Southern Regional Assembly to integrate climate action considerations into landuse planning policy.

The climate adaptation team will use results from the monitoring and evaluating program to:

• Revisit vulnerability and risk assessments conducted as part of adaptation actions
• Make changes where appropriate based on monitoring results and feedback from Local Authority staff
• Update Climate Adaptation Strategy where the need arises
• Include new climate science and recent extreme climatic hazards/events
• Factor in changes to exposure to climate risks and/or adaptive capacity and
• Evaluate the success or outcome of completed actions. This means that adaptation actions will be informed by latest climate change data and projections. As a result, monitoring, and evaluation can help improve the efficiency and effectiveness of adaptation efforts within the Local Authority. Part of the monitoring will also involve documenting climate events themselves, which will inform future adaptation and mitigation policies.

6.6 Report on Progress

The Climate Adaptation Team will develop and agree appropriate timeframes and mechanisms to report on the progress of the implementation of the actions to Local Authority Management, relevant Strategic Policy Committees and to Council as appropriate. Reporting on progress i.e. Climate Adaptation Progress Report should be prepared as agreed, for input by the Management Team and Strategic Policy Committees and review by the Elected Members. The progress report should provide for, inter alia:

The progress report should provide for, inter alia:

• Progress achieved on actions to that point (including key indicators as established)
• Extent to which actions have built new relationships with key stakeholders, agencies, communities and identified new or emerging opportunities
• Identification of funding streams used
• Encouraged positive community engagement
• Reports on the outcomes of efforts to change behaviour