CARO Projects in support of Local Authorities

15 September 2020

CARO Projects in support of Local Authorities

of the Government of Ireland funded by the department of Communications, Climate Action and Environment and managed through Local Authorities.

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Climate ActionRegional OfficesLocal Government

The Climate Action Regional Offices have been working on a range of national, regional and local projects, which support specific actions within local authority Climate Change Action Plans/Climate Change Adaptation Strategies.

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Regional CARO Projects in support of Local Authorities

2 Roads Adaptation Guidance

Climate Action Regional Office

1 The identification of potential funding streams for climate related projectsCARO produced a document in May 2020 entitled ‘Funding Opportunities for Climate Action - Research, Project Development and Capital Funding’. The document summarises some of the key funding sources that are available, and are relevant to the implementation of Local Authority Climate Adaptation Strategies/Climate Change Action Plans. The funding information is also of use to community groups and other stakeholders, in accessing funding sources for the implementation of a range of climate action projects View the report HERE.

It is intended that this will be a living document as new funding sources become available and information will also be included on the new CARO website which is under development.

2 Roads Adaptation Guidance Regional and local roads have been identified in the Climate Adaptation Strategies as being one aspect of local authority critical infrastructure which is at a significant risk to climate change. To assist in addressing this risk, the CAROs have

developed a proposal for scoping and developing guidance notes for Climate Adaptation for Regional and Local Roads. Its aim is to:

● inform Roads staff of the importance of appropriate planning for climate change and implementation of climate adaptation procedures and

● develop a range of design, maintenance and rehabilitation strategies and approaches to adapt the Regional and Local road network for climate events and reduce the risk of damage and loss of function.

A working group has been established with representatives from DTTAS, the Roads Management Office, Cork Institute of Technology, CARO and senior personnel from Local Authority Roads Directorates. The project will be divided in two parts –

1. Phase 1 Scoping 2. Phase 2 Guidance Document Preparation & Delivery

It is envisaged that Phase 1 will be completed by Q4 2020 and Phase 2 commence in Q1 2021.

Relevant Local Authority actions include those dealing with increasing the resilience of roads infrastructure. This project also has relevance to LA actions relating to collaboration with other stakeholders and third level agencies.

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Regional CARO Projects in support of Local Authorities Climate Action Regional Office

3 Community engagement models Some examples of community engagement in which the CARO had involvement include: a. Climate Camps A pilot 3-day climate camp aimed at 11-14 year olds was ran in Kildare in July 2019 at the Irish National Stud & Japanese Gardens. It represented successful collaboration between local business, voluntary and community organisations, supported by the local authority and state organisations. It is hoped to run similar events at municipal district level in summer 2021 (subject to Covid restrictions) and a camp toolkit for elected members and staff will be developed in the interim.

b. SECsA number of local authorities are working collaboratively with CAROs, the SEAI and local community groups to establish Sustainable Energy Communities and to use these networks as a means to catalyse local climate action. This collaboration has led to the development of a method to smooth entry into the programme by removing obstacles to community involvement, such as procurement and provision of upfront funding.

c. MD level projects The CAROs, in collaboration with the AILG, have developed a multimedia presentation aimed at motivating elected members to undertake local climate action at municipal district level. The presentation acknowledges the key role of elected representatives, including their many responsibilities; it focuses on the obligations of the Climate Action Charter and how partnerships and knowledge of local communities can be leveraged to deliver local climate action. It references tangible examples of initiatives which could be undertaken at municipal district level, the development of which will be supported by the CAROs as required. The CAROs are also aiming to procure presentation skills training for staff delivering this multimedia presentation in advance of its rollout later this year.

d. LEADER projectsThe CAROs worked with the Rural Environment Pillar Coordinator of Kildare LEADER Partnership, to develop a tender for the preparation and delivery of a 10 week, 100% LEADER funded pilot community training programme, which was delivered in Autumn 2019. Participants for the pilot were recruited through the PPN network and the programme, which was free to participants, included 8 delivered modules and 2 field trips. Participants worked towards the development of a project in their local community through their learnings from the course. The pilot also included a project competition, which awarded €1,000 towards the best project developed throughout the 10 weeks. The tender developed has been made available to the Irish Local Development Network (ILDN), the umbrella group for local development companies nationwide and the CAROs continue to work with a number of local authorities to develop similar programmes for delivery and to promote the further rollout of this initiative. Similarly, Mayo County Council in partnership with a local development company and supported by Leader ran a series of community and climate action workshop around the county. Template documents have been made available to LAs to procure similar services.

e. Just Transition application The CAROs have sought funding under the Just Transition Fund to engage with each of the relevant communities through existing local authority networks, such as the PPN, Municipal Districts and Comhairle na nÓg, within each of the 8 Just Transition counties, aligned with the actions within adaptation strategies and the Climate Action Charter. This project, subject to a successful funding application, will work with the affected areas assisting them to:

● Embrace local climate action by positioning themselves as potential new economic centres, primed for enterprise and income growth

● Transition to low carbon, climate resilient communities

● Embrace new energy technologies

● Promote and enhance the natural environment.

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f. GAA The Local Authority sector led by the City and County Management Agency (CCMA), announced at the beginning of this year, a partnership with the GAA to develop a National Sustainable Club and Community Programme. The CAROs are working with the GAA, at a national level, to coordinate the development of this initiative. The partnership will include the development of a “Green Club Toolkit” which will aid GAA clubs to make a positive and potentially transformative change within their local communities across the following pillars:● Energy

● Water

● Waste

● Biodiversity

● Travel & transport

Pilot clubs for this initiative will be selected in Q3 2020 and local authorities will assist in their own administrative areas.

g. Age ActionThe CAROs recently met Age Action Ireland, to explore how the Age Friendly and Climate Change agendas can better support each other. Each Local Authority has an age Action programme manager to work in liaison with the members of Older People’s Councils. There is huge complementarity between the two agendas, both being focused on creating

sustainable communities and maintaining quality of life, especially for more vulnerable people, including ageing populations. Correspondence has been issued to all Age Action programme managers to engage with their LA climate action teams (where in place) and CAROS to explore the potential for joint actions for example on topics such as social housing retrofitting, tidy towns, fuel poverty and biodiversity

h. Comhlaire na nÓgComhairle na nÓg are child and youth councils in the 31 local authorities of the country, which give children and young people the opportunity to be involved in the development of local services and policies. Each LA has a Comhairle coordinator who acts as liaison with the youth council.

The CAROs have been working with some Comhairle na nÓgs by liaising with Comhairle coordinators, providing information and supports, advising on climate priorities and demonstrating how young people can become involved in climate action. This has included attendance and presentations at some monthly meetings and facilitating discussions on climate action. Climate action is a key focus for the Comhairles Executive during 2020 and CARO also participate in the Dáil na nÓg in November 2019 where the national executive met to agree the 2020 priorities.

3f GAA & CCMA Partnership

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i. Climate FestIn partnership with Mayo County Council, the Sisters of Mercy and the Eco-congregation, CARO provided key support to Climate Fest held GMIT Castlebar in September 2019. Climate Fest was a one-day event with talks, workshops, performances and conversation aimed at helping people to make simple changes to your day-to-day life that will help tackle the climate emergency. The programme contained eight engaging and informative workshops, influential and inspiring guest speakers and fun and engaging climate related performances. There was an opportunity to meet local environmental groups and business who are committed to reducing their impact on the planet.

Relevant LA actions include those relating to delivery of training to elected members and staff, collaboration with sectors identified in the NAF in the delivery of sectoral adaption actions, energy efficiency and public awareness.

4 Economic Opportunities The CAROs have commenced a project, with the CCMA Economic, Enterprise, Community & Culture committee, to establish the best approach and practical ways the local government sector can promote the opportunities arising from climate action, within the local enterprise function. This will be underpinned by research into relevant policy instruments and funding streams, at EU and national level. A number of strategic partners are involved, such as the Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, DCCAT, the Regional

Assemblies, the LEO network, Enterprise Ireland, Maynooth University School of Business and a number of Regional Enterprise Plan Programme Managers are also contributing to this project.

Relevant LA actions include those relating to encouraging and promote green technologies and working with relevant public agencies and stakeholders.

5 Forestry The CAROS are currently working to deliver a Guidance Document for establishment of Forestry on Local Authority owned lands in light of the Department of Agriculture, Food & Marine’s (DAFM) recently announced Woodland Creation on Public Lands Scheme (August 2020). The benefits of the project are multi-faced; carbon capture, environmental protection, amenity & health, biodiversity enhancement along with contributing to meeting UN Sustainable Development Goals and the actions set out in the LA’s Climate Adaptation Strategy. The aim is to prepare a step by step guidance on the relevant procedures in addition to providing a procurement template document for LAs. The CAROS have collaborated with DAFM and Teagasc in relation to this project and are currently setting up a working group to assist in its delivery. A number of pilot sites have been identified and it is envisaged that these will go forward to the procurement stage in Q4 2020.

Relevant LA actions include those that reference woodland/forestry creation, biodiversity enhancement & environmental protection.

3i Climate Fest

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6 Recording severe weather event impacts - WIRE AppThe CARO with the support of the Public Service Innovation Fund have developed a mobile App for Local Authority staff to capture the impacts of Weather Events with an associated Map Viewer and Data Dashboard to view and analyse the collected data. Climate Ireland were a strategic partner in developing the App. The App is called WIRE – Weather Impacts Register

The App will help deliver on a number of actions in the local authority climate action strategies including identifying areas at risk and capture the impacts of climate events. The resulting dataset captured by the App will inform climate risk and vulnerability assessments, identify areas of increasing risk and support an evidence-based approach to climate adaptation planning by local authorities. The system is now in the Beta Testing Phase of development and a number of sample users from Local Authorities are accessing the system.

Relevant LA actions would include those that reference collection and analysis of data on impacts of weather events in LAs, GIS, and mapping of vulnerable areas. The resulting datasets will also assist with actions related to Climate Change Risk Assessment.

7 Annual Progress Reporting on Adaptation Strategies The CAROs have provided reporting templates for all local authorities to report on implementation progress, both to local and national level governance structures and onwards to the Department of the Communications, Climate Action and Transport.

Relevant LA actions include those relating to the implementation and reporting of the actions contained in the Climate Change Adaptation Strategy.

8 Flood relief – impacts of climate change on higher order rainfall eventsThe CAROs have partnered with the Office of Public Works and the Maynooth University Geography Department, to explore the impacts of climate change on higher order rainfall events across specific Irish catchment types. The project aims to extend work completed on flooding impacts of climate change for Ireland and the development of design allowances for flood risk management. This project will help to inform design allowances for future flood alleviation schemes.

This partnership has Relevance to LA actions relating to collaboration with other public agencies and third level agencies on the effects of climate change.

6 Wire App Dashboard

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9 Tenants Handbook An update on climate action for inclusion in the Local Authority Tenants Handbook is currently being prepared by the CAROs and will be finalised in early 2021. The aim is to produce a guidance note for Local Authority tenants in order to increase awareness of extreme weather events and to provide climate resilience information in addition to outlining some energy saving measures.

Relevant LA actions include those relating to updating the Tenants Handbook and delivering awareness programmes to LA tenants in area of change action.

10 Energy Efficiency Guidance The CAROS are working to deliver a Building Energy Manual for Local Authorities. The purpose of this guide is to assist managers of Local Authority municipal buildings in optimising energy efficiency thereby saving energy and money in addition to reducing greenhouse gas emissions. A draft document has been completed and is currently under review with a date of finalisation in early 2021.

Relevant LA actions include those dealing with delivery of awareness programmes and upskilling staff in area of energy efficiency

11 Training /capacity building/knowledge hub (website) The Local Authority Climate Action Training Plan, developed by the CAROs was approved by the County & City Management Association in September 2019 and subsequently by the Association of Irish Local Government. This plan underpins the development of a range of training programmes for local authority staff and elected members, across the following pillars:

1. Climate Action Leadership – aimed at all elected members & senior staff

2. Climate Action Awareness Training – aimed at building capacity across climate action teams

3. General Awareness Building – online training for all indoor staff to raise awareness of climate action

4. Practical Climate Action – training for all outdoor staff to assist them to deliver practical climate action measures

5. Behavioural Change Training – to empower staff to promote positive change both internally and across the community

6. Specific and Targeted Training – training arising from specific knowledge gaps or individual policy / role requirements, such as spatial planning, community engagement, roads adaptation, age friendly projects, Comhairle na nÓg etc.

These programmes will piloted towards the end of 2020 and programmed for delivery, across the entire sector, from early 2021.

The CARO website is also under development and expected to go live in the coming months. The website will include a knowledge hub section with general information on climate change, a portfolio of case studies and signposting and links to climate action relevant information, resources and organisations.

Relevant LA actions include those relating to delivery of training and upskilling to elected members and staff on the impact of climate change.

12 Research ProjectsThe CAROs were not set up as a research funding offices however part of the remit is to engage and collaborate with 3rd level experts in Climate Action. Under the CARO Work Programme CARO are involved in a number of collaborative research projects funded by other organisations some of which we have part funded. Some of the projects the CARO are involved in include;

CROCODILE with CIT

Audacious partnerships with Dublin City University

UrbAdapt with Climate Ireland

Catchment Characterisation with Maynooth University

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role and ambition for the sector was issued to the CCMA Environment Climate Change and Emergency Planning Committee (ECCEP) in April 2020. It identified additional resources within each local authority and the CARO that would be required to meet this ambition and deliver on the Local Authority Climate Action Charter. The CCMA have indorsed the resources identified and a Working Group was established that includes representatives from the CARO, LGMA and the EPA to develop a Strategic Implementation Plan for Local Authority Climate Action. The Strategy document has been approved by the ECCEP and is currently at graphic design stage. A supporting funding submission to Government for the resources identified across the sector is being finalised and expected to be completed in September 2020.

The relevant actions within the adaptation strategies would include those that look for additional resources.

15 Carbon offsetting Carbon offsetting is a mechanism used by organisations to assess their carbon emissions for some activities (e.g. flights) and offset these emissions by investing in carbon friendly activities to offset these emissions (e.g. tree planting). CAROs are working with a sustainability consultant to prepare a short guidance document on Carbon offsetting for Local Authorities.

This report will be finalised in Q4 2020 for circulation to Local Authorities and on the CARO website

13 Electric Vehicle Charging

13 Electric Vehicle Charging The governments Climate Change Action Plan sets ambitious targets for the uptake of Electric Vehicles including targets for the Local Authority sector for the installation of public Electric vehicle charge points (EVCPs). Whilst many Local Authorities have started the transition of its vehicle fleet towards electric vehicles, very few have installed EVCPs for public use primarily due to the cost of installing and maintaining this infrastructure as well as other issues such as grid connection, metering etc. A new LA grant has recently been launched by SEAI for EVCPs. CARO is represented on the Dublin Regional Electric Vehicle Group, which is developing an EV Charge Point (EVCP) Strategy for the Dublin Region. Additionally, CARO are represented on the new CCMA EV Working group, which comprises, LAs, SEAI and DCCAE which will provide guidance to LAs on EV charging issues. A questionnaire has recently been issued by this group to all LAs to ascertain the activity by LAs on fleet transition and EVCPs. Learnings from this work will inform EVCP strategies for LAs.

14 Resources – Delivering Effective Climate ActionThe CAROs have carried out an analysis on the role the sector can play in leading and mobilising climate action in our communities and at a local level. A report detailing the

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16 Low Carbon Town / Decarbonising Zones Action 165 of the governments Climate Action requires that “Each local authority will identify and develop plans for one “Decarbonising Zone”. In the absence of any guidance on what defines a Decarbonising zone, CARO in conjunction with Codema produced a document in June 2020 entitled ‘Developing Decarbonising Zones in Ireland - Position Paper’. The Paper aimed to propose a definition of a Decarbonising Zone in the Irish context and to signpost and facilitate further discussion across a range of stakeholders. It considers the policy and legislative context, the importance of local energy planning, relevant case studies from Ireland and elsewhere, energy master planning and policy development, highlights thematic areas and data analysis, and draws a range of conclusions. View the document HERE.

17 Fleet management The CAROs are working with Donegal County Council, developing a case study to showcase the innovative work carried out by their Roads and Transport Section in improving the energy consumption efficiency of their fleet through efficient fleet management and enhanced driver behavior over the past number of years. This case study will demonstrate to local authorities the opportunities available to reduce energy consumption through minor behavioural changes and management procedures.

This project has particular relevance to LA actions relating to increased energy efficiency through awareness campaigns for LA staff through training and development of behavioral change.

18 National Flood Forecasting Warning System (NFFWS) As a response to flooding events in December 2015/January 2016, the Government approved the establishment of a new Flood Forecasting and Warning Service, as an operational unit within Met Eireann. Met Éireann is working with the Office of Public Works (OPW) to combine their expertise on forecasting and flooding to develop a national flood alerts service. For emergency responders, such as local authorities, the new service will provide a Daily Flood Guidance Statement, Flood Advisories and Flood Alerts. The CAROs were part of

6 Low Carbon / Decarbonising Zones

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the NFFWS Communications Working Group to develop effective communication of NFFWS operational products and information to key stakeholders and decision makers. One of the recommendations is the establishment of a Severe Weather and Flood Liaison Manager (SWFLM) within relevant organisations, such as local authorities. The main role of the SWFLM is to liaise with the NFFWS and to that flood and weather-related information is communicated within their organisation. The CAROs will continue to work with Met Eireann to help define the role and support local authorities with guidance and potential training needs.

This project would support adaptation actions relating to Emergency Response Planning.

19 Planning Workshops in partnership with Regional Assemblies The CAROs are working closely with each of the Regional Assemblies, to organise facilitated workshop events with planners across the regions, to explore climate action issues relevant to their area and integrate appropriate policies and objectives that seek to deliver upon the national transition objective. The workshop event for local authorities in the administrative area of the Eastern and Midland Regional Assembly was held in December 2019. Planning workshops were also held in the Dublin Metropolitan administrative areas. Collaboration is ongoing between the CAROs and the Regional Assemblies to organise information dissemination and workshop events with counties in the Southern and North West Regions in a manner that is helpful and supportive while respecting current health restrictions.

These workshops have particular relevance to actions relating to the delivery of training of LA staff and actions relating to embedding climate change into regional and national policy.

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20 Energy Bureau The ASBN CARO have progressed a case for an Energy Bureau in the region. The Strategic intent of the ASBN Energy Bureau is to support the Local Authorities in the region to meet their 2030 Energy Efficiency and Carbon Emission Targets and fulfil their exemplary role with respect to climate action. The Climate Action Plan 2019, published in July 2019, recognises the key role that the local authority sector can play in demonstrating public sector leadership at local and community level. To act as exemplars of best practice in taking climate action across all sectors and use their capacities to lead a wider transition the Plan sets a new target for the public sector of 50% energy efficiency and a 30% reduction in carbon emissions by 2030. In Years 1 & 2 the proposed Bureau would work closely with the local authorities to establish structures, energy management systems, investment strategies, energy action plans and deliver energy efficiency projects. As well as providing independent and technical advice it is the ambition of the proposal that the Bureau would deliver aggregated projects for the 5 local authorities and secure EU and national funding secured to support these initiatives.

Relevant LA action include those relating to energy efficiency, SEAI targets and the exemplar role of public bodies in energy efficiency.

21 Leisure Centre Feasibility Study A Feasibility Study has been carried out by the Tipperary Energy Agency on behalf of the CAROs to assess the potential measures that could be implemented at leisure centres in the Atlantic Seaboard North Region to improve energy efficiencies and to generate their own renewable energy locally. Also included in the brief was to explore the potential of excess renewable energy produced on the grid to be directed to the leisure centres. A number of options for energy efficiency and renewable energy projects has emerged and an EUCF application is being developed by the CAROs and associated local authorities to progress further.

Relevant LA actions include those relating to energy efficient and renewable energy projects in LA buildings.

20 Energy Bureau

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22 Climate Ireland Risk Identification and Assessment Tool: Phase 1 Data Inventory and Proposed Development Effective planning for adaptation to climate change must be underpinned by an understanding and assessment of the risks and vulnerabilities posed by ongoing and projected climate change. To support local authorities and sectors in performing risk and vulnerability assessments, Climate Ireland in collaboration with the CAROs are developing a Risk Identification and Assessment Tool. This tool is envisioned to be an online portal allowing users to access, view, and interrogate the pertinent spatial datasets and within a risk assessment framework. The tool will be developed over a number of phases with phase 1 expected to be completed in 2020. Local Authorities will be asked to assist and engage with the development process over the coming months.

Relevant LA actions include mapping and identification of vulnerable areas, collation of national and local climate spatial risk datasets and climate change risk assessments

23 CoClime The CoCliME project is part of ERA4CS and funded by EPA and other European agencies, with co-funding by the European Union. The Marine Institute is leading the project with a focus

on coastal ecosystem status indicators (e.g. harmful algal blooms) that can be influenced by climate change and have direct impacts on human health, economic prosperity and social wellbeing. The CAROs are working with the Marine Institute to draft an information booklet outlining the role of our oceans, how oceans are changing and how this may impact marine ecosystems and human society, and relevant research and datasets that are available to policy makers through the Institute.

This project has particular relevance to those actions in the Adaptation Strategies associated with awareness building and the identification of coastal infrastructure and communities at risk.

24 OPW Coastal Monitoring PilotThe Office of Public Works are undertaking a pilot coastal monitoring project at a number of sites including Portrane, Co. Dublin, Rosslare, Co. Wexford, Rosses Point, Co. Sligo , Lahinch, Co. Clare & Ballyheigue Village and dune system, Co. Kerry. The Pilot Coastal Monitoring Survey Programme commenced in early 2020 and comprises a variety of different survey techniques including bathymetric surveys, aerial photography and LiDAR.

The pilot is focused at a local scale as opposed to a national or regional scale. CARO are in communication with the OPW and will continue to update LAs on the project as outputs become available.

24 OPW Coastal Monitoring Pilot

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Climate Action

Local Government

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CARO Projects in support of Local Authorities

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