Chapter 10
Vision
Deliver a green society and circular economy adaptable to new technologies, a home and place of employment for people and industries striving towards reducing their carbon footprint.
Introduction
The ‘Climate Action Plan 2019 - To Tackle Climate Breakdown’ represents the Government’s all of society approach, aimed at enabling Ireland to meet its EU targets to reduce carbon emissions by 30 per cent between 2021 and 2030, and lay the foundations for achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2050. Within that context South Dublin County Council through its strategic County Development Plan seeks to exceed those targets or meet them earlier, creating reliable, robust and efficient energy systems which enable growth across all sectors, and which supports the future development of the County. In line with the LGMAs Delivering on Climate Action 2030, the Council will continue to make every effort to increase energy efficiency and unlock renewable energy potential in the County.
Changes to our climate resulting from the warming effect of greenhouse gas are issues of significance to the global environment. The use of carbon-based fossil fuels is responsible for over half of all greenhouse gas emissions globally. European and national energy policy prioritises measures to support climate change resilience through reduced energy consumption and increasing the proportion of energy consumed from alternative, non-polluting, low carbon and renewable energy sources across sectors (eg. wind, solar, hydro, geothermal). A key driving force behind this County Development Plan is responding to the climate change issues facing our society today. Climate action measures underpin every aspect of the Plan. This is demonstrated through the compact growth approach and linked settlement and sustainable movement strategies which have been integrated into the Plan. It is also evident in the priority given to Green Infrastructure and placemaking in delivering all elements of the plan at a county and local level creating quality places to live and work.
