In relation to Section 14.4 Climate Change Adaptation and Mitigation
“Galway County Council is committed to making the transition to becoming a low carbon and climate resilient County, promoting the economic, social and environmental benefits of low carbon development, with an emphasis on the reduction in energy demand and greenhouse gas emissions. This includes a combination of effective mitigation and adaptation responses to climate change as can be seen in the tables 14.1 and 14.2 “
In these tables it lists climate mitigation measures which align strategically with the goals of the Ballinasloe SEC. However the descriptive wording of the text describes the role of Galway CoCo as one of “support and promote”. Who are Galway CoCo supporting? Exactly how will they provide this support? What financial budgets are in place to provide this support? What promotion will be carried out? In what timeframe will all this support be provided? Timelines referenced in the draft document include 2030 and 2050 mostly. However the CDP is 2022-2028. Clear timeline focus must be addressed by Galway CoCo.
In relation to 14.3 Strategic Context
“prepared in the context of International, National and Regional Plans, Policies and Guidelines:”
This is all very well and good, however it will be a time-critical missed opportunity if specific projects and plans are not identified locally to address climate mitigation measures.
SEC’s are empowered citizens and communities at the centre of our sustainable energy transition and are best placed to drive these measures. We would like to see a specific commitment from Galway CoCo to collaborate with the SECs.
While each individual SEC will have their own unique projects, there will be a huge crossover of similar plans and projects which could be addressed as a network.
As part of this Draft County Development Plan we would urge Galway CoCo to consider signing up to a “Local hinterland Climate Action Charter” with member SEC’s to deliver local adaption strategies and measures. We believe this will produce tangible results for both Galway CoCo and member SEC’s
We believe collaboration with Galway CoCO and our SEC would lay very solid foundations for the future but without it the Draft County Development will merely remain a narrative body of work.
We urge you to consider our submission and we can commit to working tirelessly with Galway CoCo to fulfill our ambitions of becoming a sustainable community and county.
Kind regards
Anita Killeen.
Leader Ballinasloe Town Team.