Council's Climate Action Plan launched

A Mayo fire officer has warned of the new challenges posed by climate change.

Assistant Mayo fire chief, John Nestor said the impact of climate change has posed fresh problems for the service in the county.

Mr Nestor was speaking at the launch of Mayo County Council’s five-year climate action plan at Crossmolina fire station.

He said flooding has become more prevalent pointing to major incidents in Crossmolina, Ballina, Westport, and Belmullet.

He said the increasing occurrence of storms can create serious issues and damage. “Unfortunately during the last Red Storm alert we had an RTC in the middle of that," said Mr Nestor.

Mr Nestor said the fire service in Mayo has undergone training and procured new equipment in an effort to cope with the challenges thrown up by climate change.

“We do see changes,” said Mr Nestor.

Cathaoirleach of Mayo County Council, Cllr Michael Loftus launched the council’s ambitious Climate Action Plan.

“The aims is to create a sustainable future for the people of Mayo,” said Cllr Loftus.

It sets out how Mayo County Council will be responsible for enhancing climate resilientce, increasing energy efficiency, and reducing greenhouse gas emissions, across its own assets, infrastructure and services.

The plan aims to establish a Decarbonisation Zone (DZ) to act as a test bed for a range of climate mitigation, adaptation, and biodiversity measures. Mulranny has been selected for this project.

“This plan isn’t just a document or a noble aspiration it is the building of the future vision of the county,” said Chief Executive of Mayo County Council, Kevin Kelly.

“The reality of climate change is something we must face up to as individuals, a community, and ourselves in Mayo County Council, as a local authority."