The local government sector has a critical role to play under the Government's Climate Action Plan 2021, which sets ambitious and binding targets for all public sector bodies to reach by 2030 and identifies local authorities as key enablers of change. The sector has established a national service known as CARO that works to identify best practice in Climate Action, research additional measures that should be taken, develop guidance for all Local Authorities, and has implemented a training programme for the 30,000 elected representatives and staff of Local Authorities. Cork County Council leads the Atlantic Seaboard South CARO which is preparing guidance on Climate Action for Roads, Coastal Erosion, Local Authority housing tenants and the establishment of Woodlands as Carbon Sinks.

The Council has signed a Climate Action Charter with central government committing to achieving national targets in respect of our own activities and those of Cork communities and businesses. Through our County Development Planning system, we plan for the sustainable development of our county. Cork County Council has also prepared Biodiversity plans for many Cork towns and has adopted ambitious measures for Biodiversity enhancement in the public realm.

As a Council, we also act as an agent for the OPW for flood relief. Four major flood protection schemes are now in operation, 6 are in development and 9 more are included in the OPW 10 year capital programme.

We also work on behalf of Irish Water and the Transport Infrastructure Ireland to build new and enhanced infrastructure designed to cope with future Climate Change driven requirements.