Fingal meets its energy efficiency target for 2020 as first Climate Change Action Plan Progress Report published

The report presented to councillors showed that in 2020, the implementation of the Plan is well underway, the Council achieved its targets of a 33% improvement in energy efficiency a year ahead of schedule and became certified in an ISO 50001 compliant energy management system.

The CCAP was first published in September 2019 and outlined 133 actions in total across five themes. These actions are broad-ranging, have a rolling duration across a five-year timeline and are generally greater than one year in life-span.

One of the four targets set out in the Action Plan was the improvement of energy efficiency of the Council of 33% by December 2020 which was achieved a year ahead of schedule. The Energy Management Team’s Energy Review for 2019, in collaboration with Codema, Dublin’s Energy Agency, saw the Council’s energy efficiency improve by 34.5%, effectively exceeding the 33% target for 2020. This improvement amounts to an absolute saving of 12.4 GWh of primary energy or 4,578 tonnes of CO2.

The Energy Management Team also developed an ISO 50001 certified energy management system, which enables improved oversight of energy accounts on a monthly basis. This ensures oversight on every account and will support continuous improvement.

The Mayor of Fingal, Cllr. David Healy commented about the first Annual Report: “The Regional approach taken in drafting the Climate Change Action Plans across the 4 Dublin Local Authorities and the collaborative implementation approach led by the Dublin Climate Action Regional Office and Codema is working. We are embarking on the challenging and rewarding process of transitioning a climate-neutral and resilient region."

"I would like to thank the Council officials for the 'can-do' attitude which is reflected in the good progress in Fingal in the first year of the plan. I look forward to working with fellow Councillors, Council officials and civil society representatives on the further implementation of the plan in coming years, particularly through the Climate Action, Biodiversity and Environment Strategic Policy Committee.”

70% of public lighting has now been converted to LED and on course for completion in 2021. The transitioning of Fingal County Council’s vehicle fleet to an electric one is at 15% with 34 fully electric road vehicles in operation and 15 more on order for early 2021.

Seven parks received green flags as sustainable green spaces in 2020. The acreage of wildflower meadows in parks, open spaces and road margins are increasing steadily. A Biodiversity Action Plan is being drafted which will deliver a climate change resilient ecological network throughout the county and Climate & Environmental Awareness Programmes are ongoing with both staff and public.

AnnMarie Farrelly, Chief Executive of Fingal County Council, said: “We have made great progress in this first year of our Climate Change Action Plan, nevertheless we have much more to do.”

“The Council will continue to work with CARO, Codema, all Dublin local authorities and the Department of Communication, Climate Action & Environment to tackle the challenges presented by climate change and to lead in taking action against climate change.”

Dave Storey, Director of Environment, Climate Action and Active Travel for Fingal County Council said: “The Progress Report demonstrates the commitment the Council has shown in the first year through the ongoing implementation of the Climate Change Action Plan, and of supporting plans, and through the development of the new Environment Climate Action and Active Travel Department. This will ensure active travel initiatives are streamlined with the resources to deliver.”

The continued implementation of the Action Plan, in collaboration with the CARO, Codema and other stakeholders, supported by Government policy, can contribute to setting a pathway to ensure a climate-resilient region by 2030, and assist in laying the foundations for a carbon-neutral society.

The CCAP and the First Annual Progress Report can be viewed at https://www.fingal.ie/climate-change-action-plan-2019-2024